Chapter 80 : Chapter 80

Chapter 80. Comfortable? Fun? Huh? (2)

Han Cheong-un and Cha Mugyeom took stances again.

Neither stamina nor internal energy remained much.

Neither was in an intact state.

Considering various circumstances, probably the next exchange will be the last clash.

‘One of the two, or…….’

‘Both will die.’

Foolish people who do not lower their sword tips knowing that are martial artists.

Those who live on the blade.

Those who cannot promise tomorrow.

If they hated accepting this, they should have held a hoe instead of a weapon.

"……."

"……."

Suffocating confrontation situation.

Two people concentrating all their nerves in mortal combat deciding life and death. However…….

"Mm?"

"……!"

Simultaneously, both gazes turned to one side.

The battlefield they had turned their backs on.

That place changed.

The presence of battle where Qi and Qi clash completely disappeared. Surely, the war didn't end?

‘No, can’t be.’

It wasn't a scale of battle that would end in such a short period.

Both sides’ forces were almost equal, so it is impossible for the battle to end suddenly like this. Then…….

‘Some variable arose.’

Han Cheong-un, having concluded, lowered his spear.

"What are you doing?"

To Cha Mugyeom asking with a frown, Han Cheong-un said.

"Let’s postpone the match to next time."

"What did you say?"

"A more urgent matter arose."

And Han Cheong-un turned his back on Cha Mugyeom without hesitation and ran.

Competitive spirit as a martial artist and victory or defeat of the battlefield.

If it were Cha Mugyeom, he would have prioritized the former without hesitation, but Han Cheong-un was not so.

He ran without hesitation to check the variable that arose in the battlefield. Cha Mugyeom made a dumbfounded expression upon seeing Han Cheong-un’s back.

"Leaving the spot after building the atmosphere up to here?"

He was angry and dumbfounded.

He wanted to chase Han Cheong-un’s back right now and see the end. However…….

"Tsk……."

He couldn't do that either.

He looked at his hand.

His hand trembling because strength didn't enter even though he tried to clench his fist tight.

Cha Mugyeom sighed despondently and said.

"I survived a close call."

Han Cheong-un and Cha Mugyeom’s second duel.

The result was a draw.

* * *

Turning time back a little…….

When Han Cheong-un’s ultimate technique exploded on Cha Mugyeom.

A change occurred in the battlefield too. That is immediately…….

"Everyone stop!"

Someone shouting with a ringing voice.

Just looking at the internal energy carried in the voice, one could know he was not an ordinary figure.

When people looked at the place where the voice came from, there were…….

"Declaring in the name of the Murim Alliance, everyone here stop fighting immediately!"

There were people appearing confidently holding the flag of the Murim Alliance.

The moment they saw those appearing waving the flag with the character Two, the Evil Way flinched.

"Two Swords Squad?"

"If it is the Two Swords Squad, surely the Elite Sword Squad?"

"Seems the damned horse-noses came."

Ten swords symbolizing the Murim Alliance’s military power.

Ten Swords Squad.

However, even the same Ten Swords Squad, the top three, One, Two, Three Swords Squads, have a different level.

It is long to explain, but simply abbreviated, from the Four Swords Squad to the Ten Swords Squad, it is closer to a kind of political position given to first-class disciples of the Jianghu or legitimate grandsons of the Five Great Families.

That is why a moron like Namgung Sang could also be inaugurated as the Captain of the Seven Swords Squad.

Although individual quality is not reliable at all, still, since he is a son of the Namgung Clan and considering the Namgung Clan’s position and honor, they had to give him a seat, so they entrusted a seat to him.

Although he ruined it grandly.

Anyway, when a new captain is inaugurated in the Ten Swords Squad like that, he decides the name of his squad, selects squad members, and performs missions given by the Murim Alliance.

Therefore, the Seven Swords Squad led by Namgung Sang was named Blue Sky Squad, and he selected people and commanded them.

Saying it once again, he ruined it big time.

If Han Cheong-un wasn't there, they would have been annihilated in less than a year after formation.

Namgung Sang’s case is a bit extreme, but other Ten Swords Squads were also similar.

Even within the Murim Alliance, it was closer to a position for the direct lines of families who will shoulder the future of the prestigious Righteous Sects and head disciples mentioned as the next Sect Leaders to build experience and fame.

However, the top three squads are different.

One Swords Squad, Two Swords Squad, Three Swords Squad.

It is not an exaggeration to say this is the true military power of the Murim Alliance.

First, the captain of the squad is undertaken by the Sect Leader or Clan Head of each sect, or experts possessing skill and fame accompanying that.

And each squad member is also made by gathering Elder levels of each sect, mixed with a few first-class disciples with outstanding skills.

In other words, gathering only the strongest people even within the Righteous Murim.

Those are the top One, Two, Three Swords Squads.

That the Murim Alliance moved these three squads was tantamount to revealing the intention to intervene by viewing the situation seriously that much.

"Tsk, those guys with heavy asses moved well."

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake clicked his tongue.

The Myriad Poisons Body he dreams of is in front of his eyes.

The feeling of wanting to snatch her right now is like a chimney. But the resistance of the Myriad Poisons Body was tough, and on top of that, the Tang Clan Head also went crazy and scattered hidden weapons, so he wasn't finding an answer easily.

But the Murim Alliance’s Two Swords Squad here…….

‘This isn't good…….’

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake frowning.

A voice carrying magnificent internal energy rang in his ears.

"This Taoist is called Hyeon Won of Wudang."

Just hearing the voice let him know the level of internal energy possessed was unusual.

And he spoke toward everyone on the battlefield.

"Ordering in the name of the Murim Alliance, stop fighting immediately right now and listen to the arbitration proposal this Taoist brought."

Then Taoist Qingcheng ran and said.

"Arbitration proposal? Did the Murim Alliance not come as our reinforcements?"

To the appearance of Taoist Qingcheng whose martial uniform draped on his body was torn messily from dealing with the Red Blood Saber Ghost, True Master Cheongheo bowed politely and said.

"Long time no see. Sect Leader, it is the first time since seeing you at the Alliance Main Branch about three years ago."

At those words, Taoist Qingcheng opened his eyes wide and said.

"Now is not the time to reminisce. Please answer my question."

Then True Master Cheongheo sighed small and said.

"It is as I said. We came to stop this meaningless war in the name of the Murim Alliance."

"Since when did the Murim Alliance ignore the same Righteous Way and take the side of the Evil Way bastards?!"

To Taoist Qingcheng shouting in rage, True Master Cheongheo said.

"We are not taking sides. We are just trying to arbitrate."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"Then would you be satisfied continuing meaningless fighting like this? Hasn't Qingcheng bled enough already?"

"What kind of……."

"Becoming a Taoist, how can you try to walk the path of domination without prioritizing harmony?"

"……."

Taoist Qingcheng clenched his teeth.

Harmony with Evil Way bastards?

Looking at his thoughts, there were one or two things he wanted to say, but as a figure of the same Taoism, justification was insufficient to deny True Master Cheongheo’s words head-on.

True Master Cheongheo, who shut Taoist Qingcheng’s mouth like that, asked the same question to the other two who approached before long.

"I hope Emei and the Tang Clan also prioritize my words for now."

Then Abbess Hyeonwol argued sharply.

"Do you think you can suppress the entire Sichuan Murim with the name of Wudang?"

"Right now, I came to this spot not as the Sect Leader of Wudang, but as an Elder of the Murim Alliance and the Captain of the Two Swords Squad."

"……."

It was a silent pressure saying do not argue anymore considering the authority of the Murim Alliance.

‘Anyway, this raccoon-like old fogey…….’

Abbess Hyeonwol hated this man a long time ago.

That is, from a very long time ago.

She hated that the man was eloquent, and while acting dignified on the outside, he took what was important tenaciously.

Eventually, if one wakes up and looks, he was a man who surely executed what he wanted.

‘He doesn't fit with me.’

Eventually, Abbess Hyeonwol turned her back as if she didn't want to see him, and the Tang Clan Head sighed and stepped back one step for now.

It seemed meaningless for him to be stubborn alone. First, conversation came first.

True Master Cheongheo, who seized the initiative like that, moved his steps toward the Evil Way nonchalantly alone.

His steps walking were full of confidence and nonchalant as if there was nothing to hinder him. Arriving at the destination like that, he…….

"Long time no see. Sect Leader Chang."

It was in front of Myriad Poisons Demon Snake Chang Hae.

"Indeed. Has it been roughly ten years?"

"It would have been more than that."

These two seemed to be acquaintances. However…….

"The person next to you is a first meeting. But looking at the appearance, it seems to be Hero Yang Baek, the Red Blood Saber Ghost, the Sect Leader of the Blood Hand Gate. Is that correct?"

"……That is correct."

The Red Blood Saber Ghost nodded obediently.

Then True Master Cheongheo gathered his hands politely, bowed, and said.

"I am called True Master Cheongheo, serving as the Sect Leader of Wudang, Elder of the Murim Alliance, Chairman of the Sword Way Association, and Captain of the Two Swords Squad."

"You do many things. Do you have multiple bodies?"

"Hohoho. As a person ages, unnecessary titles like this increased. Shamefully."

"……."

The Red Blood Saber Ghost narrowed his eyes and gazed at True Master Cheongheo.

What kind of human does True Master Cheongheo appear to be in his eyes observing people?

Receiving the blatant wariness of the two, True Master Cheongheo continued his words nonchalantly.

"I heard the Palace Head of the Ghost Gate Palace is also present? Can I not see him?"

"That bastard isn't here."

"Died. Or alive."

True Master Cheongheo flinched but soon nodded and said.

"Then may I consider the two of you as the persons in charge of the Evil Way Murim and unravel the talk?"

"Do so?"

"……."

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake answered, and the Red Blood Saber Ghost remained silent.

But accepting that silence as affirmation, True Master Cheongheo continued his words.

"First, the Murim Alliance expresses regret regarding this situation where the Righteous Way and Evil Way clashed unexpectedly in the Sichuan Murim."

Obviously lip service.

And words to deceive people.

The real main subject would be the words coming after this.

"So the Murim Alliance sent this Taoist and ordered to end this meaningless war and bring peace to Sichuan."

"So? Are you telling us to withdraw?"

"That is so. However, as the responsibility lies on our side, we can give appropriate compensation if you want."

Then Taoist Qingcheng, who was listening from behind, shouted in rage.

"Responsibility lies on our side? What bullshit is that?"

Although it was unconventional and rude words to speak between Sect Leaders of the Nine Sects, Taoist Qingcheng was desperate.

Because he guessed what the meaning of the word 'responsibility' True Master Cheongheo is speaking of right now is.

And sure enough?

"From what I heard, I heard the start of this war was caused by Qingcheng’s preemptive attack."

"That is……."

"Since it came to this, good. Let’s clarify the authenticity of that first and move on. Did Qingcheng really provoke the Evil Way first?"

"Provoke? Who puts such a nonsensical frame on us?"

"Then did you attack first?"

"……."

Taoist Qingcheng clenched his teeth.

Qingcheng’s mistake he committed blinded by vain desire for fame caught his ankle once again like this.

He couldn't bear to deny it, and the Myriad Poisons Demon Snake smiled as if he caught a good case and said.

"He did. That horse-nose bastard attacked us first. I can swear this to the heavens."

"Huuu……. I hoped it wasn't, but indeed it was so."

True Master Cheongheo looked at the sky as if deeply regretful and sighed deeply.

And said.

"Infinite Life Buddha. Infinite Life Buddha……. How on earth should we handle this matter?"

Deeply regrettable that things became like this.

True Master Cheongheo revealing that meaning clearly.

But the hidden inner meaning of those words was that he would acknowledge this and move on.

And True Master Cheongheo let out a long sigh and said.

"Just as spilled water cannot be contained, what is past cannot be helped."

And True Master Cheongheo looked around everyone and continued his words in a solemn tone.

"Please let us make wise decisions regarding the future to come rather than being buried in the past."

Extremely correct arguments, so words ambiguous to reply to.

True Master Cheongheo suppressed Taoist Qingcheng before anyone knew and seized the initiative again. And started negotiation alone with the Evil Way.

"I know our side must concede. Then what must we concede for you all to understand?"

"Concede……."

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake realized reflexively.

This is an opportunity.

Depending on how he utilizes this opportunity, whether he can reap practical benefits in this war or not will be decided.

‘Red Blood Saber Ghost or Iron Blood Fist King are dim about these matters. Then I can seize the initiative and proceed with the work.’

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake raised the corners of his mouth and said.

"Well, if that side saves face first, we also have no intention of fighting to the end."

The tone became slightly polite.

Then True Master Cheongheo smiled pleasantly and said.

"Indeed, a wise decision."

And the Red Blood Saber Ghost continued.

"We will move on with half of Sichuan."

"Based on Mount Emei, we will take the west as our domain."

The moment those words were heard, the Sichuan Murim turned upside down.

"Listening to you, you speak bullshit."

Although it was a slightly excessive remark for the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect to say, it was that sincere. And…….

"Half of Sichuan? Do you think we will accept such madness?"

"Rather step out. True Master Cheongheo. We will see the end among ourselves!"

Qingcheng and the Tang Clan also resisted fiercely.

Then True Master Cheongheo spoke as if troubled.

"I wonder if it isn't a slightly excessive demand. Are you not saying to hand over the entire western region of the Sichuan Murim?"

"We must receive at least that much. Since we aren't monopolizing but have to share."

"Even so, it is excessive. I want a part I can arbitrate realistically."

"Hmm……. Then……."

Actually, if he had to say, there was exactly one thing he wanted to demand.

Myriad Poisons Body.

Even now, the Myriad Poisons Demon Snake is desperately restraining his eyes from going to Dang Seoyeon.

If only she weren't the daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan, he would have demanded boldly, but the Tang Clan is not one to yield blood ties as an object of negotiation.

‘No. No. Isn't it a daughter, not a son? Then rather in a different way…….’

The Myriad Poisons Demon Snake rolled his brain and said.

"We will create a branch of our Poison Hand Gate in Chengdu. And how about forming a marriage for future friendship?"

"Marriage? Between whom and whom?"

"I will accept the daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan as my wife. If we do so, won't there be no fighting in the future……?"

"Where is this snake-like bastard speaking bullshit?!"

The Tang Clan Head’s eyes rolled back.

Him immediately pulling out throwing knives intending to fight again and…….

"To dare covet a married woman. This Evil Way bastard is truly shameless beyond measure!"

Dang Seoyeon was also pissed off.

But she isn't a married woman.