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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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The next day.
A summons from the government arrived.
Accordingly, the righteous martial artists in this district gathered. Not everyone, but those with a certain level of authority within their organizations.
“…”
Wow, were there this many righteous martial artists in this area?
Listening to the introductions, I learned of numerous sects with names like Ildanggeommun, Dogeuppa, Munjibang, and Hyeondae-pyoguk. They were different from the vulgar and shady black path thugs, even in their first impressions.
Everyone looked neat and tidy, their clothes immaculate. A complete contrast to the dirty, ugly, and frivolous appearance of the black path thugs.
However, what caught my attention were the Martial Arts Alliance’s Maengho Unit warriors and the man in luxurious gold clothing standing next to the magistrate.
That must be a Geumuiwi agent.
Just by looking at him, I could tell he was a powerful master. A formidable aura emanated from him. Was this what an imperial warrior was like?
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes.”
The magistrate in his official robes answered the Geumuiwi agent.
The magistrate was a high-ranking official, but he seemed like nothing in front of the Geumuiwi.
“Then let’s begin.”
The Geumuiwi agent said, looking at us.
“You don’t need to know about me. This uniform speaks for itself.”
An arrogant tone.
“From this moment forward, I will be commanding you. Disobey my orders, and you will be charged with treason. Understood?”
“…”
Many martial artists seemed displeased, but they couldn’t defy the Geumuiwi… He was here on the Emperor’s orders.
In this Ming Dynasty, no one except the Bull Demon King could defy Emperor Hongwu.
“Well, there’s no need to be too nervous. Even though you’re righteous sects, it’s unlikely that your ragtag groups will play a decisive role.”
Wait, what did this guy just say?
“I plan to give you mostly supplementary tasks. However, Maengho Unit, I have some expectations for you. Aren’t you the promising Late-Stage Qi Masters of the Martial Arts Alliance? Some of you might even become Geumuiwi agents.”
“Oh…!”
Some of the Maengho Unit members’ eyes lit up at those words.
Becoming a Geumuiwi agent was like reaching the pinnacle of a martial artist’s career. It was a prestigious position, comparable to becoming the head of a sect or clan.
It was understandable that they were tempted.
“Obey. Understand?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
The Maengho Unit members replied loudly.
“Good. Then I’ll issue orders through the Maengho Unit from now on.”
The Geumuiwi agent, speaking in an incredibly condescending tone, then addressed us, the members of the smaller sects.
“From now on, the Maengho Unit is your superior. I will issue orders through them, so follow them carefully. Understood?”
“Understood.”
“Yes.”
I also nodded and replied that I understood.
This Geumuiwi bastard… wasn’t he having it too easy?
Not only was he using the Martial Arts Alliance’s dispatched combat unit as his pawns, but he was also trying to control us, the righteous martial artists, with a snap of his fingers.
Of course, we couldn’t argue.
In Anhui Province, even the Namgung Clan, who held as much power as a two-headed tiger with wings, was nothing more than a kind-hearted neighborhood fool compared to the imperial family.
Ultimately, even martial artists had to obey the government.
The imperial family acknowledged the Martial Artists because they were obedient and useful. If the martial artists didn’t exterminate monsters, didn’t pay taxes, and didn’t listen to the government, would there be any reason to keep them around?
If the Emperor so desired, the Great Ming Empire army would raze the martial world to the ground, just as the Yuan cavalry had trampled the Han people.
The Emperor of the Great Ming Empire was certainly capable of that. He himself was a Transcendent Realm master. If he simply selected a few of the generals fighting the demonic hordes in the north and sent them down here, the Martial Arts World would surely be devastated.
Serin had said so, so it must be true.
“You are aware that the wicked witches, the Four Heavenly Maidens, is behind this, correct? One district has already fallen. You will cooperate with the government and stop the Shiki army.”
The Geumuiwi agent explained the mission, still in his condescending and high-handed tone. He didn’t seem to intend to share detailed information; he was being vague, but the bottom line was simply to obey.
With that, the Geumuiwi agent’s instructions ended, and the order to disperse was given.
“That Geumuiwi agent is so arrogant…”
“Who does he think he is?”
“And we have to follow the orders of those young brats?”
The righteous martial artists vented their frustrations, rightfully complaining behind his back. Honestly, I wanted to join in, but I wasn’t close enough to them.
It seemed the righteous martial artists in this district all knew each other. They were like colleagues in the same industry who had known each other for a long time.
I was essentially a rootless newcomer who had recently taken over the interests previously held by the black path factions, so I had no connections.
How frustrating.
I should go meet my guys.
“Ah, wait! Everyone, hold on!”
Just as we were about to disperse, a voice stopped us. It was one of the Maengho Unit warriors. All eyes were on him.
“What is it?”
“I have something to say about this matter! Everyone, gather around!”
“What is it you want to say?”
The Maengho Unit warrior requested a discussion, but the looks from the righteous martial artists weren’t friendly.
Just because some guy from the Geumuiwi said something, these young brats had become their superiors.
If the hierarchy could be rearranged just because some high-and-mighty person from who-knows-where snapped their fingers a couple of times, there would be no rebellions or insubordination in this world. Authority without legitimacy is meaningless. The righteous martial artists viewed the Maengho Unit with such eyes.
“About the chain of command! If we’re going to resolve this situation, shouldn’t we cooperate more closely?”
“We don’t have time. It’s best to gather quickly.”
“We’ll wrap things up neatly, so don’t be so difficult.”
But as expected of talented individuals, the Maengho Unit warriors, sensing the atmosphere, flocked together and began to exert their pressure.
“Hmm.”
The righteous martial artists, with relatively less influence, exchanged glances. What should I do here? Just blend in with the crowd and observe the situation.
However, the Maengho Unit warriors had effectively become our superiors. They could potentially deploy Nachalbang’s unit to a dangerous battlefield simply because they didn’t like us.
I had to consider that and appease them… Wow, now that I’m the leader, I even have to think about these political matters. I’m amazed by my own growth.
“Alright… let’s talk.”
It was the head of the Hyeondae-pyoguk who answered. Judging by the fact that he answered on everyone’s behalf, he must be a prominent martial artist. I should remember this.
Anyway, I was about to follow the crowd when…
“Geun-hyeop, are you finished?”
Serin came to meet me from over there.
“Yeah, Serin. I’m done, but it looks like I have to do something else.”
“Yes, that’s-”
Just as Serin was about to answer.
“Gasp!”
“The Jade Flower Sword!”
“Oh, it’s the Jade Flower Sword!”
“A Martial Arts Flower figure!”
The attention of everyone present was immediately drawn to us.
Ah, right. This was Serin’s fame.
“Whoa!”
The Maengho Unit warriors, composed of young Late-Stage Qi Masters, were particularly surprised. Their jaws dropped, and their eyes bulged out like characters in an American cartoon.
My shoulders puffed up with pride at the sight of my woman, Serin, so beautiful and renowned, but I had a feeling this much attention wouldn’t be beneficial.
I was about to say something when…
Click.
Suddenly, Serin snuggled up next to me and linked arms.
“Huh? Serin?”
“This is our chance. To introduce Geun-hyeop to the righteous Martial artists.”
“Ah.”
Now that I think about it, she mentioned that before. Since I was a newcomer to the righteous faction, I needed to be introduced and make my face known.
But now?
I felt like this wasn’t the best timing…
“W-What is the meaning of this?!”
“What’s going on?!”
“Wh-Whoa!”
As expected, the Maengho Unit warriors went into a frenzy.
Of course… a Martial arts flower was like an idol in this world. The Maengho Unit’s shocked reaction to Serin just now proved that. Any young martial artist would naturally admire a beautiful female warrior known as a Martial arts flower.
But for such an idol-like figure, the Jade Flower Sword, to suddenly link arms with a man?
It was like a nuclear bomb had gone off.
“J-Jade Flower Sword! Excuse me, but what is the meaning of…!”
“Hmm?”
Regardless, Serin’s expression remained her usual impassive one. Seeing her like this, I naturally straightened my shoulders.
I needed to maintain a dignified composure here.
It was only fitting for the partner of a Martial arts flower.
“What do you mean?”
“N-No, it’s not that, but that man!”
A Maengho Unit warrior stammered, pointing at me.
“What is your relationship with the Jade Flower Sword…?”
“What is this? This is absurd. Why are you suddenly interrogating me? What right do you have?”
“Ah! I apologize! I didn’t mean it like that!”
Serin’s tone was sharp.
Gulp.
Seeing this, the Maengho Unit warriors couldn’t hide their unease and looked at us with trembling eyes.
“Ah, right. You’re from the Maengho Unit. It’s been a while.”
“U-Um… It’s good to see you. Then, who is the gentleman beside you…?”
A Maengho Unit warrior asked nervously.
“This gentleman,”
Serin replied.
“is my beloved, Geun-hyeop.”
The word “beloved.”
“Whaaaaaat?!”
“Whoa!”
“Aaaaaaaaagh!”
The Maengho Unit warriors screamed.
I think we drew a little too much attention.
“Is it true that the Jade Flower Sword has appeared?!”
As I was thinking this, a loud voice came from nearby.
Wait, wasn’t that Mr. Gongson Tan?
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