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Chapter 4: Taking Up the Post (1)
Seven days later, at a manor near Munseong in Zhejiang Province:
Lim Chung, Branch Master of the Murim Alliance Munseong Branch, let out a deep sigh as he looked at the bodies lined up side by side in the courtyard.
What kind of lunatic did this!
There were thirteen bodies in total, an entire family wiped out in a single night. Though it often seemed as if blood rained continuously across the Jianghu, that was far from the reality. Incidents like this were exceptionally rare. Unless two parties were sworn, mortal enemies, martial artists generally spared defenseless family members and servants who knew no martial arts.
The victim was Yang Chu and his family. Yang Chu was widely renowned as a great hero not only here in Munseong, but across Zhejiang Province as a whole, yet his entire household had met with disaster overnight.
Branch Master.
Just then, Squad Leader Beon Saeng, who had been out gathering information nearby, walked over. He had an approachable impression with pleasant, smiling eyes.
The total personnel of the Munseong Branch numbered nine people, including general hands and the woman who cooked meals. Among them, the number of martial artists, including Lim Chung himself…was just six.
One Branch Master, one Squad Leader, and four rank-and-file martial artists. It was the smallest among all the Murim Alliance branches, functioning more like a communications liaison post than a true branch.
No one saw the culprit.
Lim Chung had expected as much. Anyone capable of killing Yang Chu must have been a formidable master, and such an expert would hardly leave behind a trail for ordinary folk to spot.
No one heard anything either?
Even if they did, would anyone dare step forward?
Fair point. For now, send the bodies to Physician Hwang.
Yes, sir.
Physician Hwang was the sole physician in Munseong, and whenever a murder occurred, he performed the post-mortem examinations.
Ah, and Branch Master.
Beon Saeng glanced around discreetly before lowering his voice.
Hall Master Wang said he will be waiting for you tonight at the White Blossom Pavilion.
At the mention of Hall Master Wang, Lim Chung’s brow furrowed automatically.
Why?
He didn’t state his business.
Lim Chung asked in a curt, cold tone, “Look here, Squad Leader Beon. Are you a martial artist belonging to the Murim Alliance, or do you belong to the Myth Sect?”
What do you mean by that, sir?
I am the Branch Master of the Murim Alliance. If the other party won’t even state their business, you just go ahead and set up an appointment?
I apologize, sir.
Beon Saeng bowed his head deeply.
Hall Master Wang was Wang Gon, a martial artist of the Myth Sect.
The Myth Sect was a newly risen faction that had grown at a frightening speed following the end of the war, establishing itself as the dominant force in Zhejiang Province. Rumors abounded regarding their mysterious rise to power.
Some said an established faction from another region had changed its name and expanded into Zhejiang; others claimed a wealthy merchant had founded it, or that a reclusive master had emerged from isolation to build it… Countless rumors swirled.
Regardless, the Myth Sect had expanded at an alarming pace, to the point where no one in Zhejiang Province could afford to ignore them now.
The Myth Sect had dispatched four Hall Masters to the north, south, east, and west of Zhejiang Province. Wang Gon, mentioned by Beon Saeng, was the Southern Hall Master who oversaw the southern region of Zhejiang, including Munseong.
Here in Munseong, no one dared cross Wang Gon’s authority. Rumors even circulated that the previous Branch Master had been dismissed simply because he had offended Wang Gon’s temper.
Common sense would dictate that such a thing should be impossible, but Munseong was far too remote from headquarters for common sense to apply.
Damn it!
Lim Chung, who had been assigned here last year, had disliked Wang Gon from the start.
Wang Gon’s gaze, his demeanor, and every casual remark he dropped were laced with subtle contempt. He made no effort to hide his overbearing attitude, implying he could easily replace a backwater Branch Master whenever he pleased.
Then again, Lim Chung wasn’t sent directly from headquarters, but was merely a wandering Branch Master who had drifted across the Central Plains. Why would Wang Gon find someone like him intimidating?
Tell him I don’t have time.
He insisted it’s an important matter and that he must see you, Beon Saeng added in a subdued voice. “Why not just meet with him?”
Lim Chung almost blew his top, but held back. If even he felt intimidated by their overbearing pressure, how much worse must it be for Beon Saeng, who acted as the middleman?
Where did he say to meet?
He reserved a private room at the White Blossom Pavilion.
Lim Chung grimaced.
That bastard. If he wants to see me, he should come to the branch office himself. Does he think wine and women solve everything?
Even if he was merely a Branch Master in a backwater town like Munseong, he was still an officially appointed Branch Master of the Murim Alliance. The fact that a mere Hall Master of a local faction commanded him to come and go rubbed him entirely the wrong way.
He wanted nothing more than to put the man in his place, but reality dictated that he had to lie low.
Suppressing his boiling anger, Lim Chung shifted the subject.
By the way, a newcomer is arriving tomorrow.
Oh! How many years has it been?
Treat the precious newcomer gently. Do you think he came here because he wanted to? He was probably driven out here because someone disliked him. Must he suffer bullying in a backwater like this too?
I’ll treat him as gently as a maiden. Ah, things are about to get a bit easier.
Beon Saeng grinned broadly. To that, another piece of good news was added.
Come with me to the White Blossom Pavilion tonight.
Me too? That’s great! I’ll serve you well!
At the thought of seeing pretty courtesans, Beon Saeng’s expression lit up with joy. On his meager monthly stipend, drinking a single cup of wine at the White Blossom Pavilion was a rare luxury.
Thank you, Branch Master!
I’ll head back first. Wrap up here and follow me inside.
Yes, sir.
Beon Saeng was the one who handled almost all the practical affairs of the branch. He was an indispensable asset to both Lim Chung and the office, so Lim Chung had to manage him with care and encouragement. A branch without Beon Saeng was something he didn’t even want to imagine.
—
That night, Lim Chung and Beon Saeng entered a private room at the White Blossom Pavilion.
It has been a while, Branch Master Lim.
Hall Master Wang, have you been well?
The man waiting for them was Wang Gon, the Southern Hall Master of the Myth Sect.
Seated beside him was a sharp-featured martial artist named Black Hand. Known as Wang Gon’s right-hand man, his martial skill was rumored to surpass even that of Wang Gon himself.
Said to possess the power of a Unit Captain or higher in the Murim Alliance, Black Hand took exceptional pride as a martial artist. Paradoxically, however, he was the type who would execute any task on Wang Gon’s orders, even those a true martial artist ought never to do.
Instead of a proper greeting, Black Hand merely gave Lim Chung a brief nod. He derived his sense of pride from such arrogance.
Wang Gon, on the other hand, clasped both hands together warmly to welcome Lim Chung.
I apologize for bothering a man as busy as you with official duties.
Not at all. It is my pleasure to see you, Hall Master. Call on me anytime.
Though the words were entirely hollow, Lim Chung was no novice to wear his displeasure on his sleeve.
Now then, I hear they have fine wine tonight, so let us drink to our hearts’ content.
Sounds wonderful.
The four of them laughed and made merry with the courtesans, emptying several bottles of wine. Despite being over fifty years old, Wang Gon boasted a drinking capacity that rivaled any young man.
Lim Chung tried his best to stay sober while drinking.
*There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.*
An entertainment like this meant there was a favor to be asked.
Lim Chung genuinely disliked Wang Gon. While manageable when sober, once Wang Gon got drunk, his cheap habit of subtly belittling others would surface, pushing Lim Chung’s revulsion to its absolute limit.
Still, what choice did he have? If he wanted to keep his post even in this remote branch, the more unpleasant he felt, the louder he had to laugh.
Hahaha. As expected, Hall Master, you are truly impressive.
Isn’t all this possible because you help me so well in every way, Branch Master Lim?
I am merely grateful for your kind words.
Even amidst the laughter, Lim Chung pretended not to notice Black Hand, who was eyeing him with a sneer. He had heard numerous rumors about the man, assault, extortion, and even murder. There were plenty of matters that warranted dragging him in for an investigation.
If I had my way, I’d beat the pulp out of that bastard first.
Lim Chung drained his cup.
The life I wanted wasn’t like this.
He had wanted to live a life upholding righteousness and justice, bowing to no one. That was why he had become a martial artist.
Yet somewhere along the way, he had surrendered before a concept called ‘reality’.
A guy like me… was just this kind of person all along.
If righteousness and justice were things anyone could easily uphold, would they even be called righteousness and justice?
Sinking into self-loathing, he emptied another cup. Tonight, the wine tasted exceptionally bitter.
—
Only after making merry for a good while did Wang Gon clear the room for a private conversation. Sending Beon Saeng, Black Hand, and the courtesans to the adjacent room, he finally revealed the reason for tonight’s meeting.
The reason I requested to see you today, Branch Master, is to share one piece of news.
Please, go ahead.
Our sect plans to initiate a small project here in Munseong.
Oh! Congratulations!
It is nothing grand, so no need for congratulations.
May I ask what sort of venture it is?
We intend to construct an Iron Forge.
An Iron Forge?
It was entirely unexpected, causing Lim Chung to look surprised.
Wang Gon offered no further details.
As you know, starting a new business inevitably brings about various rumors and idle gossip, does it not?
If it ended with mere gossip, that would be a blessing. Countless disturbances would arise, and judging by the Myth Sect’s past conduct, victims would inevitably pile up. Lim Chung felt a deep sense of dismay.
So should any unpleasant noise reach your ears, Branch Master, I asked to see you today simply to request that you pay it no mind and let it pass.
Seeing how Wang Gon was laying the groundwork in advance, Lim Chung had a premonition that what they were planning was far more than simply building an Iron Forge.
Though deeply uneasy, Lim Chung forced a smile and said, “I understand completely what you mean.”
Having you around truly gives me peace of mind, Branch Master Lim. Now, in light of that…
Wang Gon discreetly pushed forward a small box he had prepared.
What is this?
I heard your son is learning martial arts. Have him consume this.
Lim Chung opened the box. Upon seeing what was inside, his eyes widened in shock.
This is…?
Indeed. It is a Hundred-Year Polygonum.
Lim Chung’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
It was a precious spiritual herb capable of granting a martial artist anywhere from five to ten years worth of internal energy upon consumption.
I cannot accept something so valuable.
You are right. It is a truly precious herb. But precisely because it is so precious, I am offering it specially to you, Branch Master Lim.
Lim Chung’s mind wavered. That Hundred-Year Polygonum would indeed be an immense help to his son.
*Still, I must not accept it.*
It was a blatant bribe. This was an issue on an entirely different level from accepting a free drink at a brothel.
The Wang Gon he knew was someone who loathed taking a loss. Give a Hundred-Year Polygonum, and he would bleed a person dry for a thousand years.
My son lacks talent, so he is not worthy to receive such a precious gift.
Lim Chung smiled and pushed the box containing the herb back toward him.
Please do not dismiss my goodwill…
Haha, I shall accept only your kind thought, Hall Master.
The box was pushed back in front of Wang Gon once more.
In that instant, Lim Chung felt Wang Gon’s gaze turn cold. His undisguised disappointment and annoyance were more than mere pressure, it was a threat.
Even so, I can’t!
Lim Chung knew. The moment he accepted a bribe, he would be dancing in the palm of that man’s hand forever. Misstep the first button, and the only final buttonhole left would be his own grave.
That is not a spiritual herb; it is a poisonous herb.
—
The next day, at the Murim Alliance Munseong Branch,
Lim Chung sat staring down at a bowl of herbal medicine Beon Saeng had brought him for his hangover.
Is something troubling you? Beon Saeng asked.
Lim Chung shook his head. “No.”
And yet your face is full of worry.
It was, of course, because of Wang Gon.
Should I have just taken the Polygonum after all?
He had refused the herb to the very end. Having turned down a bribe, he ought to feel clean and relieved, but a lingering discomfort clung to him. Recalling Wang Gon’s displeased expression made his heart tighten.
Say, Beon…
Yes, sir?
Lim Chung considered asking if Beon Saeng had accepted anything on the side, but decided against it. It wasn’t something to ask a subordinate carelessly. Instead, he asked something else.
Did you hear anything from Black Hand yesterday?
About what, sir?
Word is the Myth Sect is building a new Iron Forge.
Ah, yes. They say it’s going to be several times larger than existing iron forges.
Several times?
They bragged that in terms of scale alone, it’ll be the largest in the Central Plains. Those bastards, just how much money are they trying to rake in? But why do you ask?
It’s nothing.
After drinking the herbal medicine, Lim Chung pressed his fingers firmly against the bridge of his nose.
The annihilation of Yang Chu’s family, the Myth Sect’s new venture, and the bribe…a cascade of head-aching troubles had hit him all at once.
And to top it off, one more new development was added to the pile.
The door opened, and a man walked inside. Carrying a leather travel pouch over his shoulder, the man was none other than Baek Socheon.
He walked over slowly, handed his reassignment order to Lim Chung, and spoke.
I am Baek Socheon, the new arrival.
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