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#522
Taejonbirok Volume 21, Episode 22
Chapter 117: The Lazy Begins (2)
“Hmm.”
Zheng Yiming, the branch manager of the Zhejiang branch of the Political Alliance, was troubled.
‘The Baekgeomseong’s movements are unusual… … .’
The character for "川" (river) was engraved between his eyebrows.
The surveillance of Baekgeomseong is largely left to the open. However, that doesn't mean the branch is idle. Openness may miss some things, so they can't take their eyes off the surveillance.
The Zhejiang branch is the closest branch of the Jeongmu Alliance to Baekgeomseong.
Normally, the Zhejiang branch, with its nearby Baekgeomseong, would have nothing to do. There was no need to be particularly vigilant, and even the mediation work between the surrounding sects was handled by Baekgeomseong.
As a result, the Zhejiang branch was one of the smallest branches among the branches of the Political Alliance.
Of course, just because the surroundings are controlled doesn't mean that all branches are small.
For example, the Hanam branch of the Jeongmu Alliance, surrounded by powerful sects like Shaolin, was actually one of the largest. Managing these large sects and mediating their interests was a significant undertaking.
However, Zhejiang is essentially a land ruled by the White Sword Clan. There are no other sects in Zhejiang capable of opposing the White Sword Clan. Therefore, the influence of the Jeongwu Alliance was bound to diminish.
Thanks to that, I was having quite a few free days… … .
'At least add more manpower.'
Everything changed after the Volcanic Crisis. The Baekgeomseong's movements became so unusual that we had to squeeze out our limited manpower to keep watch.
The headquarters didn't seem to have high expectations for them, but what kind of position is that for a leader? If he doesn't demonstrate his abilities because there are no expectations, he'll never escape this lowly position.
So this time he must prove his abilities.
Detective Shin Ki-su is a man who doesn't overlook even the smallest details. If he were to contribute to this case, his abilities would undoubtedly be re-evaluated.
That's what it means to work under a great boss…
In an instant, Jeong Yi-myeong's expression changed.
'what?'
Jeong Yi-myeong's body shot towards the window. As he flung it open, thick fog filled his eyes. However, his trained eyes pierced the fog obscuring his vision and focused on the main gate.
Phew!
The main gate, made of solid sandalwood, shatters into pieces. Then, a swarm of white-robed warriors rushes in.
“What are you guys doing!”
His body moved before his mind. When he came to, Jeong Yi-myeong's body had already leaped out the window.
visor!
As soon as he landed on the ground, Jeong I-myeong drew his sword.
Emergency bells rang out from all directions. Inside the palace, warriors rushed out.
“Baekgeomseong?”
Jeong Yi-myeong's face distorted.
“What the hell is this! Baekgeomseong is destroying the main gate of this branch!”
“There’s no need to act so flustered.”
The warriors split left and right, and one person slowly walked out.
“……Won-gyu (袁圭)? The leader of the Baek-gwi group?”
"Still, since you're the head of the Jeongmu Alliance branch, you recognize my face. Well, I was really upset that the gatekeepers treated me like a third-rate warrior."
Jeong Yi-myeong's hand gripped the sword with strength.
'Self-made sword, Won-gyu.'
He is one of the swordsmen representing Baekgeomseong.
The Baekgeomseong Baekguidan (百鬼團) he led was renowned for its collection of the city's finest swordsmen. Aren't those from Baekgeomseong the ones who achieved the most victories in past wars?
The White Ghosts have just broken through the branch door and barged in.
A branch of the Jeongmu Alliance, not the Demonic Cult.
“What the heck…….”
"Let's put aside the useless chatter, Branch Manager. You know that no one comes here with good intentions anyway."
It was a remark mixed with laughter.
“Don’t you know this shame!”
Jeong Yi-myeong's beard trembled.
“Are you saying you don’t even know what you’re doing?”
“I know very well.”
The Baekguidanju shrugged.
“And who are these people who don’t know shame?”
“What?”
"Don't show your anger. You're the ones who should be condemned, not us."
Jeong I-myeong couldn't understand what Won-gyu was saying.
Why should the Jeongmu Alliance be condemned?
Jeong I-myeong's face turned gloomy as he glanced behind him.
'It's impossible.'
Resistance was nearly impossible. If the Baekgeomseong had properly assembled its forces, the Zhejiang branch would have been unable to resist. After all, the Zhejiang branch hadn't arrived here by force.
'What should I do?'
Jeong I-myeong was confused.
I knew Baekgeomseong was acting suspiciously. But I never imagined he would choose to attack so suddenly.
“Do you think you can handle the aftermath?”
"Tsk tsk. Branch Manager, don't waste your time. After all, you and I are just taking orders. It's not us who do the thinking, it's our superiors. Isn't that right?"
“…….”
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"Burning time won't make a difference. Even if I run away from here, nothing will change. Soon, the entire Central Plains will be engulfed in chaos."
“You know that and you still do this!”
Jeong Yi-myeong's eyes were bloodshot.
"Even knowing this! Knowing how many people would die from that call, you still do this! Is that the will of the Baekgeomseong?"
Jeong I-myeong raised his sword and aimed it at Won-gyu.
“I don’t know what Baekgeomseong is thinking when he does this, but I hope you realize that your actions are against both agreement and morality.”
"discussion?"
Won-gyu's lips curled upward. With a clear sneer on his face, he spoke mockingly.
“Are you the ones who are uttering those brilliant suggestions? Of all people, you?”
“…….”
“You're talking like you know everything. You don't even know who these people are, having forgotten both morality and agreement… You're talking like you know everything, but you don't.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know.”
Won-gyu waved his hand violently.
"What difference would it make if I told you? Knowing the truth is the right of the worthy. You don't deserve to know the truth, atone, and die. Just die. Die with unanswered doubts. That is the only punishment I will inflict on you."
Won-gyu spoke as if he was cursing.
“What are you doing! Sweep them all away!”
"insect!"
Baekguidan.
White-haired demons, clad in white, rushed forward, swords drawn.
“Stop it!”
Along with Jeong I-myeong's shouts, the Jeongmu Alliance's warriors drew their weapons and rushed to meet the Baekguidan.
But the result was too one-sided.
“Kuaaaah!”
“Ah!”
“These guys!”
Jeong I-myeong's face hardened as he watched the political alliance members being swept away in an instant.
‘So fleeting… … .’
My teeth are grinding.
I feel like all the blood in my body is rushing to my head.
'I should have been a little more sensitive.'
I thought Baekgeomseong could rise up in rebellion. But it didn't feel real. Even with the sharp blade of an enemy approaching my neck, I couldn't escape the dreamlike feeling of floating underwater.
Even if I didn't know about the Demonic Cult, I had a foolish belief that I could somehow resolve the Baekgeomseong issue.
why?
“I believed you were my ally!”
Won-gyu burst into laughter at Jeong I-myeong's words.
"That's an interesting point. Allies… Listen, Branch Manager. Do you think there's such a thing as allies in this world? Everyone's an enemy, everyone."
"Even so, we must understand the situation. Do you think it's right to strike the Jeongmu Alliance in this situation where the Demonic Cult is in full swing? History will not forgive you!"
“History… yeah, history is good.”
Slurp.
Won-gyu's sword was slowly pulled out of its scabbard.
“Do you know what that damn history is?”
One step.
Won-gyu, with his sword drawn, slowly approached Jeong I-myeong.
"History, you see, isn't about conveying facts. It's about those who usurped the world writing whatever they want."
Every step I take, my life trembles.
'Was it really like this?'
Jeong Yi-myeong couldn't help but be astonished.
Magnetic sword Won-gyu.
You can't help but know his name. If you don't understand the reputation of the Baekguidanju, you're not qualified to be the head of the Zhejiang branch of the Jeongwu Alliance.
However, no matter how renowned Won-gyu's reputation may be, he is merely one of the countless swordsmen of Baekgeomseong. There are probably over twenty others in Baekgeomseong who are considered more skilled than him.
That Won-gyu was now making Jeong Yi-myeong unable to move with just his momentum.
Was the skill of the magnetic sword Won-gyu underestimated, or did the people underestimate the abilities of the Baekgeomseong?
Jeong I-myeong hoped that it would be the former.
If, as is known, there are many people stronger than Won-gyu in Baekgeomseong, Jeongmu Alliance will never be able to easily stop Baekgeomseong.
Blood forms rivers, and corpses pile up mountains.
The horrible sight seemed to be already in sight.
'Where is the world going?'
Jeong I-myeong gripped his sword tightly.
“Eww!”
The screams from behind continued without ceasing.
An unspeakable sorrow welled up in his chest. A life lived on the edge. He had thought this day might come someday. But the death he envisioned was something more dramatic, something with a just cause.
It wasn't this kind of pointless death.
“I will die here today.”
“You know very well.”
“But your end will not be so good either.”
“Huh?”
Jeong I-myeong looked at Won-gyu carefully and said.
"The Jeongmu Alliance is the Gangho, and the Gangho is the Jeongmu Alliance. You know how much power the Gangho hides…"
Crunch.
Jeong Yi-myeong's words could not be continued.
Jaseonggeom Won-gyu cut off Jeong I-myeong's head without listening to his words any longer.
Boom!
Won-gyu's head, wide-eyed, fell to the floor. He clicked his tongue as he looked at the fallen head.
“Don’t keep talking nonsense.”
They knew best that Kangho was strong, and that the Jeongmu Alliance was even stronger. That's why they held their breath until now. Otherwise, they would have beheaded those hypocrites decades ago.
“No time to waste. Kill them all!”
"yes!"
“Don’t chase after someone who runs away!”
“But, Master Danju, if you do that, they will……”
“Leave it alone.”
"yes!"
Won-gyu smiled meaningfully as he watched those running over the wall.
"Let them go and tell them. Now they must know. The long, long peace is over. Their lives of hypocrisy are over."
The halls of the Jeongmu Alliance began to burn with a deafening scream.
Won-gyu watched the scene and slowly put his sword back into its sheath.
“It’s spicier than I thought.”
It was heartbreaking to see the political alliance unable to even properly resist.
Are you saying that you wasted all this time just because of these things?
I know it's just a branch, but I thought it would be a little more satisfying.
"It can't keep being this gloomy. Now, what's going to happen, Detective Shin Gi-su?"
The sun was setting behind Won-gyu, who was looking at the burning pavilion.
As if the bright day had ended, darkness slowly crept into the world.