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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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Large-scale conscription is underway.
Rumors of the approaching Shiki have become widespread, and government troops bustling about are constantly seen in the streets. Moreover, the number of commoners heading off to forced labor was also overflowing.
Amidst all this, unfamiliar martial artists appeared in the streets. The moment I saw them, I knew.
They were masters from outside.
News of an army’s arrival spreads quickly. However, martial artists don’t operate on the same scale as an army, so news about them tends to spread slower. As such, their identities were unknown.
Just what faction were they from?
The Martial arts Alliance’s combat unit? Or perhaps the Geumuiwi or Dongchang in disguise? Whatever the case, caution was key.
So, I tried to pass by inconspicuously, but…
“Hmm? Wait, young master? Hold on a moment.”
Someone called out to me.
What? Why me?
I saw a man with a neat appearance, wearing a hero’s robe. His clothes, his weapon… he looked like a well-to-do, righteous martial artist.
“What is it?”
He wasn’t planning on picking a fight, was he?
I knew one thing for sure: these newly arrived masters were stronger than me. They were on a different level from those black path scum. I couldn’t afford to get into a fight.
“That sword. Isn’t that the Sky Thunder Sword? The renowned sword of the Namgung Clan.”
He was interested in my sword.
“Ah, yes. It’s a sword I received from the Namgung Clan.”
“As I thought! Rumor has it that it’s a sword given as a token of gratitude by the Namgung Clan!”
“That is correct.”
“As a martial artist from Anhui Province, you must have had many opportunities to assist the Namgung Clan.”
“Hehehe, that’s right. Obtaining this sword was the greatest fortune of my life. But… who are you?”
He spoke to me so amiably that I responded, but I still didn’t know who he was.
“Ah! I apologize for the late introduction! I am Gongson Tan!”
“Gongson Tan! Could you be from the Gongson Clan?!”
I knew of the Gongson Clan. Everyone knows the surname because Gongson Chan from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms was so polite.
So, I feigned surprise, and Mr. Gongson Tan smiled with satisfaction.
“Indeed. I have a personal interest in the Namgung Clan’s swords… so I couldn’t help but address you after seeing your sword.”
I nodded in response.
“I am Kim Geun-hyeop. I received this Sky Thunder Sword for assisting the Namgung Clan.”
“Oh…! I’m curious about what kind of work you did, could you tell me?”
As we spoke, I tried to subtly sense Gongson Tan’s energy. As expected of a master, he was powerful. Was he stronger than Serin? I couldn’t tell.
But in times like these, it wasn’t wise to have lengthy conversations with outside masters.
“Unfortunately, it’s a matter that requires confidentiality. Besides, I’m busy with the Shiki situation, so I don’t think I have the time.”
“Hmm… That’s a shame. Actually, I’m also here because of the Shiki situation.”
“Oh, is that so? It’s reassuring to have a martial artist from the Gongson Clan lending a hand.”
“It’s not just me. The Martial Arts Alliance’s combat unit has also arrived, young master.”
“The Martial Arts Alliance’s combat unit?!”
I cried out in surprise, and Gongson Tan grinned.
“I didn’t intend to surprise you. I’m a warrior from the Maengho Unit, a Martial Arts Alliance combat unit.”
“The Maengho Unit! My goodness!”
“It’s a unit composed of Late-Stage Qi Masters. There are many other prominent martial artists besides me. With them here, this situation will be resolved easily.”
“Wow, to think I’d see the Martial Arts Alliance’s Maengho Unit in my lifetime! Amazing!”
This wasn’t an exaggeration, I was truly surprised!
The combat unit had already arrived!
That being said, I didn’t think the situation would end easily just because a Martial Arts Alliance combat unit, composed of Late-Stage Qi Masters, had arrived.
The Four Heavenly Maidens were witches that even Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was wary of. The Emperor was at the Transcendent Realm, and the Grand General was at the Earthly Realm, and even they were cautious. There was no way a mere combat unit from the Martial Arts Alliance could do anything.
“Anyway… let’s talk again if we have the chance. I’ll be staying here.”
“Alright, Master Gongson Tan.”
“Master? Hehe, you must be from around here, young master.”
“That’s right.”
“Ah, then perhaps…”
Did he have something to ask?
“Have you seen the Jade Flower Sword?”
“The Jade Flower Sword from the Martial World Flowers?”
Why was this guy asking about Serin?
Gongson Tan nodded.
“Since you’re from around here, you must have seen her. I heard she’s been active recently. Has her beauty changed at all, or anything like that?”
This was a little suspicious.
Did he know Serin?
“Well… I’m not sure. Do you know her?”
“Uh, hmm. Not exactly…”
It seemed they weren’t acquainted.
I’ll ask Serin about this later.
“Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Master Gongson Tan. We might see each other on the battlefield soon. I’ll take my leave now.”
“It was nice meeting you too.”
I ended the conversation with Gongson Tan and walked briskly.
I needed to share this information.
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Back at the Nachalbang, I relayed the news of the Maengho Unit’s arrival. Galbijong was shocked.
“Oh my! The Maengho Unit!”
“Why? Do you know them?”
“Of course! They’re shady and dangerous!”
This guy’s at it again.
“Keuk keuk, he always overreacts.”
“I thought the same.”
Honestly, Galbijong’s sensibilities were too different from ours. The only men I truly connected with were Mr. Song and Jaemison.
“What’s so shady about them?”
“In our unorthodox Martial Arts, the Martial Arts Alliance’s Maengho Unit is…!”
“Righteous.”
“Ah. I’m talking about when I was in the Black Finance Clan. The Maengho Unit can be considered a unit composed of Late-Stage Qi Masters from the righteous sects.”
In other words, it was a unit made up of promising talents from various sects and clans. While that’s what they called it, truly promising individuals weren’t sent outside their territories.
However, those sent outside couldn’t be lacking in skill, so they usually dispatched those ranked second or third among Late-Stage Qi Masters. Those who were reasonably skilled.
“As befitting Late-Stage Qi Masters, they are very impulsive and eager to make a name for themselves. They also tend to want to show off their skills. So, they often raid small and medium-sized unorthodox sects to satisfy their greed. I’ve heard a lot about the Maengho Unit’s notoriety.”
“What?”
They sounded better than I thought? A group of guys who impulsively beat up black path thugs to enhance their reputation. This is what the Martial World should be.
“They sound like good guys.”
“Good guys?!”
“Hehehe, Galbijong. We’re a righteous sect now. They’re getting rid of our competitors for us, how are they not good guys?”
“What…!”
Galbijong’s eyes widened as if he had realized something.
His eyes were shining too brightly.
“I-I see! To Screaming Demon, even the Martial Arts Alliance’s Maengho Unit is just a tool…! I understand!”
“No.”
Stop with the nonsense.
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The unit dispatched by the Martial Arts Alliance arrived.
Upon hearing the news, Namgung Serin searched her memory, trying to recall the faces of the Maengho Unit members.
‘Hmm… There aren’t any martial artists who particularly stand out in my memory.’
Namgung Serin was a skilled martial artist, ranking among the top Late-Stage Qi Masters. Combined with her overwhelming beauty, numerous Late-Stage Qi Masters had approached her, hoping to build a rapport.
The Maengho Unit members were no exception. In fact, some had gone beyond simply approaching her and had ardently courted her, but she hadn’t been interested and couldn’t quite recall who they were.
In any case.
Namgung Serin was confident that the Maengho Unit members were generally less skilled than her.
‘However, since they are frequently dispatched to various places, they do have a broader perspective than I do. I must acknowledge what should be acknowledged.’
As such, their reputation was higher.
The Jade Flower Sword title was famous more for its history in the Martial World than for its wielder, and her prowess was known only around Anhui Province. However, the Maengho Unit was recognized almost everywhere in the Central Plains.
‘Good.’
Having reached that conclusion, Namgung Serin had a good idea.
‘This is a good opportunity to spread Geun-hyeop’s name throughout the righteous sect. Geun-hyeop needs a reputation as well. Since the Maengho Unit is here, it seems like a good opportunity.’
The plan was as follows.
She, as a well-known figure, would take Geun-hyeop around and introduce him to key figures in the righteous factions. That alone would significantly raise Geun-hyeop’s profile within the righteous sect.
Such a reputation would be a great asset later on.
‘Heheh, this is what being a supportive wife is all about. As the first wife, I must do my best to help my husband succeed.’
She would also take this opportunity to solidify her position as the first wife. She was the first wife, and Wei Ha-yeong was the second wife. Geun-hyeop said they were both first wives, but having two first wives was absurd.
‘These things must be earned. Besides, what is Wei Ha-yeong doing? Such an opportunity has presented itself, yet she isn’t thinking about raising her husband’s reputation. As expected, the true first wife is Namgung Serin.’
Wei Ha-yeong was currently holed up in her room, apparently practicing some kind of Taoist magic. She was no match for Serin.
A good wife should always be thinking of ways to support her husband.
Namgung Serin had won in that regard.
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“Hey! Here you go!”
“What’s this?”
Ha-yeong handed me a pile of something that looked like talismans.
“Open it!”
“Huh?”
The moment I opened it, I realized.
It was clothing.
“Is this some kind of talisman-made clothing?”
“Yep. It’s like clothes made from anti-demon talismans. Wear it underneath. You’ll be fighting monsters from now on, so you need to be prepared, right? Wearing this will protect you from strange energies.”
Wow!
“What…! You, you! So, you were holed up in your room all this time to make this for me?!”
“Chuckle, you figured it out now? It’s a gift from my heart.”
“Ha-yeong!”
Swoosh!
I immediately pulled Ha-yeong into a hug and lifted her up!
“Ah, ah! Hey… M-My chest! I can’t breathe.”
Kyaaaak! I can’t hold back!
“Eek…! When did you…?”
Serin muttered something under her breath.
