A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

**Chapter 28**

Arriving at the Kangbin Pavilion after asking for directions, Muhwang was astonished by its enormous scale.

“Is this really a tavern this huge?”

The Kangbin Pavilion was three times larger than the Hapbin Pavilion in Anhui.

It was situated in a more populous area than Hapbi, and the flow of people was different due to the waterway of Poyang Lake.

Its size was equivalent to combining about ten inns, so calling it the Great Hall (Dajian) would not be an exaggeration.

However, unlike Muhwang, Dan Baekwoo was surprised by something else.

“Is that all made of glass?”

The transparent objects surrounded by lights, shimmering in a myriad of colors.

Those dazzlingly beautiful things were undoubtedly glass from the Persian Kingdom.

Glass, which was even more expensive than gold of the same weight.

Yet, such glass was embedded everywhere on the exterior of the Great Hall, its value beyond imagination.

The multicolored magical radiance reflecting off the glass was so mesmerizing that it could captivate the soul.

“Hehe, truly an astonishing place. Now I really want to meet this Zohui person.”

Even just looking at the exterior of the hall, one could sense the remarkable skills of its designer. Clearly, this was not the work of an ordinary person.

As Muhwang climbed the stairs to the entrance of the Kangbin Pavilion with a curious expression,

“Old man, you can’t enter.”

“Huh?”

A muscular, large man appeared, twitching his muscles.

“It says on the notice here. Only those born in the Jianwen era or earlier can enter.”

The Jianwen era was roughly from thirty to thirty-five years ago.

What kind of tavern would only allow people in their twenties to enter?

With a deep frown, Dan Baekwoo stepped forward.

“How dare you! This person is…”

“No, no, no. I don’t want to argue with an old man. Please go somewhere else.”

“Is this person?”

The large man, Jang Il-ryong, shook his head in exhaustion.

The Kangbin Pavilion had a completely different atmosphere from the Hapbin Pavilion.

There were so many people that the frequency of disputes over entry was at least five times greater. Moreover, most of them were sailors, with rough tempers. The atmosphere typical of the underworld also contributed.

Just earlier, they had sent a group of ruffians from the Paweol Gang home after turning them into minced meat.

Jang Il-ryong gestured toward a nearby tavern.

“See that? Old folks like you should go there.”

“….”

To issue a guest ban to an old man like that!

This was something unimaginable back in Shanxi.

At that moment, Muhwang raised his hand and gave a warm smile.

“Young man. I really want to taste a cold drink. Is that possible?”

Seeing Muhwang’s face, Jang Il-ryong’s expression changed drastically.

A martial artist’s eyes are different from those of ordinary people.

The old man’s eyes, filled with deep wisdom.

For a brief moment, it felt as if they were being sucked into an endless abyss.

Jang Il-ryong instinctively felt that this old man was an extraordinary master.

Jang Il-ryong clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with tension.

“The cold drink is also available at that tavern.”

At that moment, a strange glint appeared in Muhwang’s eyes.

He had detected the presence of an external force, familiar to his Taeguk Martial Spirit.

“True Martial Reversal Punch? What is your connection with the Cheol Ungpa?”

“Huh?”

Jang Il-ryong’s face froze, his cultivation energy rising in preparation, though he still felt awkward.

Just by sensing his aura, the old man could recognize his martial arts?

Moreover, he didn’t even use formal titles when referring to his master.

That meant this old man was from the same generation as his master, or even a senior.

In any case, he had recognized his martial arts despite it not being formalized.

This was no ordinary expert.

Jang Il-ryong became even more serious.

“Do you have a connection to Daesan?”

Daesan referred to the mountain where the leader of the Green Forest, King Nokrim, resided.

“Are you a disciple of Dao?”

Dao, used to address a sect’s disciple in a friendly manner.

Inwardly, Jang Il-ryong was filled with anger.

How dare he speak so boldly? He knew well how much the Murim Alliance oppressed the Green Forest!

Muhwang smiled even more gently, his eyes glistening without a word.

“If you feel uncomfortable, there’s no need to reveal anything. There’s nothing to be wary of.”

In that moment, an old memory resurfaced in Jang Il-ryong’s mind.

– *Craaack!* I should have plucked every hair from that dwarf Taoist’s beard!

Cheol Ungpa, his master, often cursed a Taoist who would speak badly when drunk.

Jang Il-ryong examined the old man’s small stature and long beard and muttered in a daze.

“…Muhwang?”

At that moment, the chief inspector, Dan Baekwoo, grabbed the sword at his waist with cold eyes.

“How dare you speak recklessly about the Green Forest.”

Dan Baekwoo, who seemed ready to kill at any moment, made Jang Il-ryong tense up even more. He could tell at a glance that Dan Baekwoo was much stronger than him.

These people were from the orthodox sect’s top-tier.

“What is your purpose for coming here?”

Dan Baekwoo’s eyes glinted.

“Why would I reveal the actions of the alliance to someone from the Green Forest? Guide me to the head of the guest meeting.”

“He’s not from the Green Forest.”

“What?”

Jang Il-ryong proudly lifted his robe, revealing the martial attire underneath.

Engraved on his chest were the words *”Changcheon (Azure Sky)”*.

“I am Jang Il-ryong, a martial artist from the Great Southern Palace’s Namgung family! I serve the leader!”

“Lower your voice!”

Ignoring the warning, Jang Il-ryong confidently walked forward, stepping like a true hero.

His destination was the Zoga Guesthouse.

Muhwang, amused, followed behind him.

“A martial artist trained by the Green Forest King, eh? An interesting young man,” Muhwang commented.

However, as they entered the guesthouse, an odd thing happened—there were no customers inside.

At that moment, a rough voice could be heard from the upper floor.

“Hah! Why is this my fault?”

“Why isn’t anyone thinking? The port is blocked, so where do you think the goods will go? They’re all going to the postal office! You should have set up a branch of Zoga in Yangcheonpo!”

“Is that really such a mistake? I just opened it as Zohwi’s assistant suggested! Look at the map here!”

“No! The situation changed, so you should have adapted! Do you know how much I lost opening a branch in Yeogang-hyeon? Sixty gold coins thrown away in a month!”

“Sixty gold coins?”

Muhwang observed that the young men arguing on this floor were undoubtedly the young masters of the Namgung and the Zhuge families.

However, their conversation sounded as if they were veteran merchants of several decades.

How had the king of Anhui and the legendary strategist Zhuge fallen to this level?

“Heh heh heh! How much did you expect from a fool who’s only ever swung a sword? Of course he’s angry,” a young man with a goat’s beard and a giant chain-sickle strapped to his back sneered, shaking out his legs as he leaned against the wall.

*Clang!*

“Who’s this brat?”

As Namgung Jangho slapped the back of his head, Yeom Sangrok grabbed his chain-sickle, growling in return.

“What? What did I say wrong? What can you do besides swing a sword?”

Namgung Jangho spat on the ground.

“And what’s with your sickle? Planning to farm?”

Dan Baekwoo, who had been watching this scene with a blank expression, couldn’t believe it.

The once dignified and courteous Namgung family’s young master, who had amazed him with his refined manners at the Lesser Dragon Great Banquet, was now arguing like this!

At that moment—

*Clink!*

Zhuge Un dropped his teacup and looked toward the first floor.

“Ch-Cho, Cho-ui-nim…?”

Cho-ui, or Inspector General Dan Baekwoo, held the highest authority in the Murim Alliance’s Inspection Department and was a power player within the alliance, known for his meticulous handling of matters.

What was most mysterious about him was that nothing was known about him—his martial arts, his past, or anything else—except for his name: Dan Baekwoo.

This was true even for Zhuge Un.

Aside from knowing that Dan Baekwoo was the head of the Inspection Department, Zhuge Un had very little information on him. Their only interaction had been a few brief encounters.

Given how secretive Dan Baekwoo was, there was little anyone outside of the alliance could say about him.

And now, this secretive figure was standing in front of them.

Dan Baekwoo’s presence could only mean one thing—he had come with an important mission. He had to have brought a significant decree with him to the Zoga guesthouse.

But before that, Zhuge Un found it hard to face Dan Baekwoo, who had once resigned without even fulfilling all his orders, merely sending a letter to announce his departure.

Zhuge Un hurried down the stairs, bowing in respect to Dan Baekwoo.

“Cho-ui-nim, it’s an honor to meet you.”

Dan Baekwoo nodded with a half-opened eye.

“You’ve left the alliance, yet your appearance is still radiant.”

“No, not at all.”

Although Zhuge Un wanted to ask about the circumstances, Dan Baekwoo immediately got to the point.

“I’ve heard that Zohwi is absent. In that case, who is currently representing the Zoga guesthouse?”

Zhuge Un had temporarily taken on the role of acting leader after Zohwi decided to go on a journey to Sichuan.

“I’m temporarily assuming the position.”

“You?”

Dan Baekwoo seemed momentarily surprised but then smiled gently.

“This will make things easier. May I sit?”

“Ah! My apologies!”

Just then, Muhwang approached and immediately took a seat. He raised his cup and smiled contentedly.

“Bring me a bottle of Hanbingju (cold wine).”

“Yes? Oh! Of course,” Zhuge Un hurriedly got up, walking toward the kitchen.

However, as he turned, the impression of the old man’s distinctive appearance, from earlier, suddenly came to his mind.

*’A short figure, three characters, and a beautiful beard?*

He had never seen him before, but his unique presence was something Zhuge Un had heard about.

*Could it be…?’*

Goosebumps rose along the spine of Jegal Un, as if an earthquake had struck, his pupils shaking uncontrollably. Slowly, he turned his head to look at the old man again.

“C-Commander?”

Bam-rip, who was below, smiled contently, revealing his lips, and Mu-hwang’s silence confirmed his recognition.

“Jeogal Un of the West Heavenly Divine Mechanism Family! I salute the martial world’s heavens!”

Jeagal Un, kneeling on one knee, held the golden phoenix thread with both hands and bowed in an exemplary display of the etiquette of the righteous family.

Though Jeagal Un was trembling slightly, it was crucial not to be fooled by his fragile and meek appearance.

The old man before him, though appearing frail, was a giant of this era, holding the life-and-death power of 800,000 martial world warriors in his hands. He was the Emperor of the Martial World who ruled the vast lands north of the Yangtze River, the Number One Sword of Wudang, and the top of the Seven Martial Sages.

Legends and words to describe him were endless—he was the pinnacle of martial heroes, admired and respected by all in the martial world.

Just his existence alone was enough to ensure that the Black Heaven Alliance and the Evil Heaven Society could never dream of conquering the lands north of the Yangtze.

“Nangong Jangho of the Eastern Heaven Imperial Family! I salute the martial world’s heavens!”

Gone was the rough demeanor from earlier, as Nangong Jangho, alongside Jeagal Un, presented a flawless display of etiquette. However, his face was now one of discomfort.

As he looked at Jangho’s uncomfortable expression, Mu-hwang chuckled.

“Ha ha, the little boy has grown into such a dignified young man. So, you won the tournament at the Small Dragon Great Feast, didn’t you?”

“It was just by chance!”

“The methods to achieve success are not limited to martial arts. Luck is also a skill in the martial world, so don’t be so humble.”

“….”

Just then, the sound of footsteps from the entrance of the guesthouse was heard, and a soft breeze stirred the air. Nangong Jangho and Jeagal Un immediately stood up.

A group of figures appeared through the curtain—it was none other than the two kings and their subordinates from the Black Heaven Alliance.

Nangong Jangho glared at them with a grim expression as he turned to Mu-hwang, his face now tense.

“Hm?”

Despite Mu-hwang’s previous imposing presence, there was no aura around him now, as if he had blended into the surroundings of the guesthouse.

Soon, the king of the Black Heaven Alliance, Ma Gyeomwang, stood before Jeagal Un with a scowl on his face.

“Ha! Wasn’t this promise supposed to be kept?”

The experts of the Black Heaven Alliance were too focused on the dispute to even care about Mu-hwang’s group.

“What promise? I’m sure the cancellation notice was sent on time, wasn’t it?” Jeagal Un responded bluntly.

“Not the cancellation! I’m talking about the ten Celestial Cloud Teas I ordered. Why haven’t they arrived yet?!”

Jeagal Un smiled wryly.

“Oh, that? Celestial Cloud Tea isn’t something you can just pop out like rice cakes. Have a little patience and wait another month.”

“A month? A month, you say!”

Ma Gyeomwang snorted angrily.

“You bastards! Last time you told me to wait a month, and now you’re saying the same thing again! Don’t think I don’t see through your schemes to tame the Black Heaven Alliance!”

“Really, you’re so impatient. Celestial Cloud Tea takes three months to produce. What do you expect, when we don’t have stock?”

Ma Gyeomwang scoffed.

“Ha! I already investigated! Four teapots to the Wei Hwa Battlefields, six to the Daegang Provincial Governor’s Office, and two to Oja Hyangru! Didn’t you deliver twelve Celestial Cloud Teas in just the past three days to various places? Are you saying you’ve underestimated the Black Heaven Alliance? Go ahead and deny it!”

“Ha…”

Jeagal Un sighed and shook his head.

“No, those places ordered before you did.”

Ma Gyeomwang’s fury reached its peak.

“Are you saying the Daegang Provincial Governor’s office is more important than the Black Heaven Alliance? Why are you treating us like this?”

“No, I’m just saying, why bring up the Black Heaven Alliance’s influence? We follow our company’s policy of sequential shipments!”

“You’re speaking to me like this now?”

Nangong Jangho was getting frustrated as well.

“So what if I spoke bluntly? If you want respect, show some proper manners first.”

“You—!”

Suddenly, Jang Il-ryong whistled, digging into his ear.

“Old men, like walking corpses, what do you want so much?”

“C-Corpse?”

With a tremble, Ma Gyeomwang, enraged, clenched his fists.

“You bastards! You think you can threaten us like this? I’ll make sure you regret this!”

Jang Il-ryong chuckled.

“You’ve spent your whole life using your sickle to strike at others’ foreheads, and now you’re talking about human lives?”

Laughter echoed through the guesthouse, and Ma Gyeomwang looked around frantically.

“Who’s laughing? Who is it?!”

A person with their hand over their mouth, trying desperately to suppress their laughter, was none other than his disciple, Yeom Sang-rok.

Ma Gyeomwang, pulling out his chain sickle, bared his teeth.

“You’ve truly lost your mind hanging around with these fools! Alright! You’ll regret this—!”

“P-Please, don’t come closer.”

Before Ma Gyeomwang could react, Yeom Sang-rok pulled out a bundle of contracts from his robes and made a motion as if throwing them out the window.

“Are you sure you want to destroy the next cancellation? You know how hard it is to make new contracts, right?”

“Wow, that’s ruthless,” Jang Il-ryong murmured. He didn’t like his master, but even he wasn’t that extreme.

The situation was getting tense, and the underlying power dynamics between the groups were clear. The Black Heaven Alliance was trying to force their way through, but Jeagal Un’s calm handling of the situation showed that he wasn’t going to back down easily.

As the conflict escalated, the lines between allies and enemies were starting to blur.

Black Cheonryeon could no longer live without Hanbingju, Heukcheongsu, Yukgyeobyeonpo, and cold tea.

Most of Cheonryeon’s warriors were having their lunch with Yukgyeobyeonpo, and the Iron Fist King was spending his days drinking with his subordinates over Hanbingju. Even Cheonryeon herself would demand Heukcheongsu at the slightest headache.

The taste, the culinary paradise, was something she readily admitted.

Black Cheonryeon had practically become subordinate to the food from the Joga Daesanghoe, as she was now controlled by food. The organization, which divided the evil forces, was now ruled by food.

Like a starving puppy, Cheonryeon’s fate now depended on the amount of food provided by the Joga Daesanghoe.

At that moment, Jeong Geol-woon let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“We didn’t give the operation rights of Joga Seongshimdang to end up like this. We entrusted it to you so that it could run properly, didn’t we? How could you let Cheonryeon consume everything?”

Even though Cheonryeon had received the rights to manage Seongshimdang, she had not earned a single coin from it.

If this continued, Seongshimdang would just be another place that supplied food to Cheonryeon.

Up until now, the Joga Seongshimdang had become no different from a restaurant under Cheonryeon’s control.

Then, the Silent Killer King, who had not said a word until now, spoke in his characteristic sharp voice.

“Do you think that person didn’t anticipate the current situation?”

His eyes turned sharp as he referred to “that person,” who was surely Jo Hwi.

“He’s truly a frightening individual. He anticipated everything and left this for Cheonryeon.”

“What’s this?”

The Silent Killer King handed over a letter to Ma Gyeomwang.

With a curious gaze, Ma Gyeomwang unfolded the letter, his face slowly twisting with discomfort.

“They’re asking us to send part of the supply to Cheonryeon, and in exchange, to withdraw half of the gang’s forces?”

Withdraw half of Cheonryeon’s forces?

This wasn’t just about cutting their manpower and resources by half.

Most of Cheonryeon’s high-level warriors were deeply involved in the affairs of the Western territories.

If the managers of their businesses withdrew all at once, Cheonryeon wouldn’t function properly.

And the fact that the Silent Killer King had brought this letter from Cheonryeon to this place—what did it mean?

An ominous premonition. Ma Gyeomwang cautiously spoke.

“Could it be that Cheonryeon is moving according to that person’s intentions?”

The Silent Killer King said nothing in response, but he answered Jeong Geol-woon instead.

“Let’s withdraw half of the gang’s forces. But there’s a condition.”

“What?!”

Ma Gyeomwang screamed in shock and began to rage.

Withdraw half of the gang’s forces, moving according to that bastard’s sinister plan?

This was madness.

“Why should we do what they want? Is it really Cheonryeon’s order?”

“…Foolish man.”

The Silent Killer King found Ma Gyeomwang’s outburst pathetic.

“Are you really unaware of the situation here? You think just getting angry is the answer?”

The Silent Killer King’s voice became cold and sharp as he turned to Jeong Geol-woon.

“Jo Gadaesanghoe has already encroached on more than 60% of the Western market. Haven’t you noticed how Cheonryeon’s business is failing? Inns, taverns, merchant groups—everything is on the verge of collapse!”

“What?”

“Everyone! The money! It’s all flowing into the Joga Daesanghoe! Cheonryeon’s warriors? Most of them are just eating up resources with no purpose!”

The idea that they were losing resources to Jo Gadaesanghoe was infuriating.

Even more so, the fact that Cheonryeon had already lost over 60% of the market share in less than three months was absurd.

And that wasn’t even the worst part. The demand for the products Jo Gadaesanghoe was producing was exploding, meaning this 60% was just the beginning. They would be expanding rapidly.

At this rate, Cheonryeon might have no choice but to scale back its forces first.

“Damn them! I’ll wipe them all out—!”

Ma Gyeomwang’s shout suddenly stopped as he realized something.

Every group that had ever dared to invade Cheonryeon’s territory had been destroyed.

Even the mighty Green Forest group had been annihilated after only a small intrusion into Cheonryeon’s trade routes.

So, why was Jo Gadaesanghoe—nothing more than a group of puny thugs—so frightening?

Suddenly, Ma Gyeomwang glanced at his disciple.

That damn disciple was holding the contract they needed to break next month.

“What’s this about?”

Jeong Geol-woon asked the Silent Killer King.

The Silent Killer King’s gaze grew even more intense.

“They want to completely dissolve the ‘unspoken poison’ and send Muyeongwang to participate in the operation of Joga Daesanghoe.”

Jeong Geol-woon could barely contain his laughter.

The so-called “unspoken poison” was actually a tonic that Jo Hwi regularly consumed, known as the “Vitality True Pill.” It was a highly expensive elixir, usually reserved for high-ranking officials.

Jo Hwi had insisted on maintaining the same pill to avoid arousing suspicion from Cheonryeon, fearing that any changes might make her suspicious.

It was already a significant financial burden on Joga Daesanghoe to keep up with these regular orders.

Running the association wasn’t easy, and it would be best to wrap things up as soon as possible.

However, the longer they let Cheonryeon get hooked, the more advantageous it would be.

“We can’t. Since Jo Hwi is currently away, I can’t guarantee a complete dissolution of the poison. And as for sending Muyeongwang to participate in the operations? He’ll surely bring endless trouble. We can’t accept that.”

“Then there’s no need to withdraw half of the forces.”

“Wait, just a moment.”

When Jo Hwi had promised to send a portion of the supply to Cheonryeon and agreed to withdraw half of Cheonryeon’s forces, it must have been part of a well-thought-out plan.

But why hadn’t he informed Jeong Geol-woon in advance?

Jeong Geol-woon nodded, his mind racing.

“Alright. Let’s meet this Muyeongwang. Even if we don’t fully accept the terms, we should at least meet him, considering he’ll be involved in the operations.”

“Good.”

The Silent Killer King agreed without hesitation, and Jeong Geol-woon realized too late that the true purpose of the negotiation was always to get Joga Daesanghoe involved in their operations.

“Tomorrow, I’ll bring Muyeongwang to meet you.”

Without further delay, the Silent Killer King turned and left the inn.

Reluctantly, Jeong Geol-woon accepted that he had just agreed to give up the supply and allow their participation in the operations.

“Damn it! They’ll all die horribly by my hands!”

Ma Gyeomwang cursed as he stormed off, leaving Zhang Yilong to laugh in a bitter and sly manner.

“Pah, those old fools won’t even dare to speak in front of Jo Hwi, but here they are, acting tough.”

At that moment, Mu Huang, who had been quietly observing everything, called to the inspector Dan Baek-woo.

“Dan, bring the mandate we prepared.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

Dan Baek-woo respectfully handed over the letter sealed with the Muimeng’s official stamp.

“Mmm…”

The letter began by grandly detailing the history and purpose of the Martial Alliance, along with the achievements of past Martial Lords, praising their great victories and the Martial Alliance’s contributions.

Finally, it concluded by offering the prestigious honor of joining the Martial Alliance, stating that even the Joga Daesanghoe would be granted the privilege of participating.

The letter was beautifully written, exuding grandeur.

However, the true message was hidden beneath the flowery language: “Join the Martial Alliance and start paying regular tribute.”

The letter was quickly consumed by Mu Huang’s Three Mystical Flames, burning in an instant.

“Master!”

Dan Baek-woo looked horrified as the letter was destroyed.

Mu Huang’s action was a clear signal that the offer to join the Martial Alliance was now retracted.

“Yes! My Lord!”

A bitter smile lingered at the corners of Mu Huang’s mouth.

“Which of the soldiers of our esteemed military department could have made the decision to pull half of Heukcheonryeon’s forces from the west? Has anyone proposed such a strategy before?”

Mu Huang, who was continuously stroking his long beard, smiled meaningfully.

“Or, perhaps, what if we reduce Heukcheonryeon’s influence in the western market and diminish their profits, ultimately weakening the forces of the evil sect?”

“My Lord, but the decree…”

Mu Huang stood up and cast a deep gaze at Jeongal Un.

“However, even though they are our enemies, poisoning them and binding them with a contract is not something we should do as a prestigious faction. We must adhere to the righteous path. A true man’s honor must remain intact. How could we do such a thing?”

“But that’s not—”

Before Jeongal Un could explain, Namgung Jangho bowed deeply and humbly.

“I have acted shamefully in the name of our faction. Please, My Lord, forgive my actions.”

Namgung Jangho, still bowing, shot a sharp glance at Jeongal Un, causing him to hastily bow as well.

“I-I’m sorry.”

With the excellent etiquette and sincere apology from the junior leaders, Mu Huang finally smiled with satisfaction.

“Resolve the matter as soon as possible.”

As if remembering something, Jeongal Un hurriedly dashed to the kitchen.

“Please, wait a moment!”

After a brief clamor in the kitchen, Jeongal Un and Jeom Soi returned, holding a large glass bottle made of jade-like glass on a tray.

“Oh?”

A bottle made of glass! The luxury was immediately apparent.

“Is this the Hanbingju (Cold Liquor)?”

Jeongal Un shook his head with pride and placed the glass bottle down.

“It’s called Seolhwa Shinju (Snow Flower Divine Liquor). It’s an extremely high-quality Hanbingju brewed only once a year by our Joga Brewery, and only about a hundred bottles are produced.”

“Oh!”

Mu Huang hurriedly sat down, sniffing the air.

“Not only is Hanbingju famous, but this is a specially selected one from all that exists? Heh!”

Mu Huang, despite being an enlightened practitioner, was quite the wine connoisseur. Jeongal Un had heard of this reputation.

Pong!

As Jeongal Un and Jeom Soi uncorked the Seolhwa Shinju, a clear and delicate fragrance quickly spread throughout the room.

“Ssshhh!”

The rich, refreshing scent almost made Mu Huang lose his senses.

The liquor was poured, and its color was beautiful, almost mesmerizing.

“Here, try some.”

“Quickly! Let me have a taste!”

Mu Huang took the cup, bringing it to his nose, circling it once, then suddenly yelled in delight.

“By heavens, such a fragrance! This liquor truly brings one to the state of a drunken immortal!”

Gulp, gulp.

Finally, the liquor coursed down his throat. The unique fragrance and sweet flavor overwhelmed his taste buds, and as it reached his stomach, the warmth and smoothness wrapped around his insides.

‘Hoo!’

The burn from the alcohol was brief, but the sensation of warmth that spread through his stomach was strangely comforting and mysterious.

The aftertaste was even more exquisite, a sharp, lingering taste that bloomed in his mouth once more.

Finally, a refreshing and cooling sensation spread throughout his body, as if every corner of him was reinvigorated.

“Hoo? Hooohhh?”

Mu Huang was so overwhelmed by the taste that he struggled to speak.

Seeing his reaction, even the curious Dan Baekwoo was handed a cup of the liquor.

“Ssshhh!”

Dan Baekwoo’s reaction was just as intense as Mu Huang’s.

How could such a drink exist in this world?

But then, they were handed Heukcheongsu (Black Clear Water), one of Joga Brewery’s pride.

“This drink is the best to neutralize the bitterness of the liquor,” said Jeongal Un.

“Heukcheongsu?”

“Just drink it all down.”

“Ho, I see.”

Mu Huang looked at the Heukcheongsu with great curiosity, then swiftly downed the entire glass.

“Guuuuurp!”

Such refreshment!

It felt as if the old, greasy food in his stomach was instantly cleared out in one gulp, as if a wave of coolness had swept through him!

His heart raced with the sensation.

“Guuuuurp!”

Dan Baekwoo, too, stared wide-eyed at the Heukcheongsu in his cup, completely astonished.

Is this really a drink made by humans?

“Hehehehe!”

It had been so long since something as simple as food or drink had brought such joy.

Suddenly, Mu Huang gazed at Jeongal Un with eyes full of desire.

“Send this liquor and the black clear water to the alliance as well.”

“Huh?”

Without any signs of negotiation, Mu Huang stood up from his seat.

“From now on, the alliance will no longer pressure the Choga Daesanghui. However, the liquor must be sent to the alliance.”

“Ah, no, my lord.”

No, Mu Huang?

Shaanxi was far away, why send it all the way there…?

“Hah! Are you saying that you will send this fine liquor to the Heukcheonryeon but not to the alliance?”

“……”

Mu Huang scolded the still-stunned Jeongalun and Namgung Jangho sternly.

“Alliance command!”

What is martial power?

Cho Hwi had never really thought deeply about such a question.

It was merely the vague desire for strength.

Anyone, whether human or man, yearns for and dreams of this common desire.

For Cho Hwi, martial arts was just that—nothing more than a desire.

In modern society, power comes from wealth, authority, fame, recognition, or even looks and eloquence.

However, in that world, martial power was not so effective.

That was because all unofficial violence was considered illegal.

In modern times, fighting is violence, and violence is limited by strong legal systems.

The only system where martial arts (武) is permitted is sports.

It takes the cruel violence inherent in humans, suppresses it with rules and systems, and leaves only public enthusiasm.

That was the martial arts Cho Hwi had experienced throughout his life.

Thus, for Cho Hwi, martial arts was merely one of many tools to achieve success.

Since he had never once reflected on his attitude toward martial arts, the realization was nothing short of shocking.

The old swordsman’s assertion that there were fewer than ten martial experts who surpassed him in the martial world had been overturned just the day before.

As a swordsman, this was the first time Cho Hwi had truly seen his own abilities in action.

Though they both underwent the same sword training, Cho Hwi felt that he was at an advantage over the swordsman.

The swordsman did not know modern mathematics.

The mathematical and physical information given by the “Sword of Heaven” could be interpreted in much more concrete terms by Cho Hwi.

However, just yesterday, the swordsman had firmly asserted that the Sword of Heaven was holding him back.

Cho Hwi couldn’t help but agree with that diagnosis.

The movements of the swordsman, who had avoided the dangers of the “Sky Demon,” were inefficient from a physics perspective.

Cho Hwi, on the other hand, couldn’t understand why the swordsman moved the way he did when there were so many more efficient ways.

But the result?

None of the predictions were correct.

The swordsman’s seemingly pointless moves…

They took the lead, seized the space, and ultimately neutralized the danger.

It felt like a strange phenomenon, akin to a computer with the capacity for billions of calculations per second, yet incapable of understanding human emotions.

A sight that could never be understood from Cho Hwi’s modern perspective.

A miraculous movement that defies all description.

At that moment, Cho Hwi deeply felt something.

What he gained from the sword training was not martial arts (武), but technique (技術).

To wield martial arts through will is to have martial soul, and that is the absolute, right?

Just three days ago, Cho Hwi didn’t believe that the “Heavenly Sword” powers or “Void Powers” were anything but willpower and martial soul.

Recognizing and twisting space mathematically, holding it through waves.

Was that really martial soul?

The swordsman had asked him:

“What is martial arts to you?”

Unable to answer, Cho Hwi had turned the question back.

“What about you, Master? What is martial arts?”

The swordsman answered without hesitation.

“It is the solitude of standing alone in the world and the heart that has long yearned for it. It is the path that I have desired and my spirit, honed and worn by hardships.”

The path of the solitary mind and spirit.

Before being a swordsman, the swordsman was first a human, and he spoke clearly about his identity.

If the strength of self-awareness could be quantified, how strong was the swordsman’s self-awareness?

Could anyone possess such certainty about a value?

The swordsman, having read Cho Hwi’s troubled thoughts, immediately pointed him toward the right path.

“You must choose now.”

As soon as Cho Hwi heard the word “choose,” he was hit by a clear shock of realization, as if some aspect of himself had been pierced.

“Am I a martial artist or a modern man?”

Until now, Cho Hwi had always been both Cho Hwi and Cho Younghun.

That was the wall blocking his martial soul.

To make this choice?

Not being able to easily answer such a question meant that he wasn’t a true warrior who had settled his heart.

Boom!

Cho Hwi’s swordlight shot into the air.

Was the path to ultimate martial power so simple and narrow?

“No.”

Don’t insist.

The path to the pinnacle of martial arts isn’t that simple and narrow.

The dazzling swordlight bloomed in all directions.

Solitude of the mind?

I don’t want to live in the cold isolation of a mind like the master’s.

What’s the point of achieving infinity alone if there’s no one to share it with?

Wham!

The swordlight filled the air and turned into countless stars.

The desire to hone and achieve, you say?

I have that too.

Life.

The will to live.

Repentance.

Regret from past lives.

Progress.

The desire to move forward.

Crash!

Cho Hwi’s sword, filled with his heart, was different from the “Heavenly Sword” he had wielded in the past.

The swordlight that scattered in the air seemed freer, like the beams of light were flowing in all directions with will and intent.

At that moment, Cho Hwi withdrew his sword and looked up at the air.

Within his tightly clenched fist was a mysterious power that felt different from before.

“Hah, is that your choice?”

The swordsman seemed to recognize Cho Hwi’s decision.

Though Cho Hwi could not deny being Cho Younghun and a martial artist, the current will was his decision.

The swordsman cheerfully accepted his choice.

“Excellent.”

A warrior’s first task is to solidify his heart.

Now, Cho Hwi had earned the right to inscribe true martial power on his body.

“Do you know why I called the sword I attained in the Sword of Heaven the ‘Heavenly Sword’?”

The Heavenly Sword.

Cho Hwi tilted his head.

“Because it’s super powerful?”

The swordsman chuckled, then continued.

“Hah, the essence of sword intent…”

Thus, the swordsman focused on turning his disciple into a true martial artist, a true swordsman.

***

“The head of the family has awakened.”

Cho Hwi nodded silently while drinking tea with Dang In-sang in the Star Chamber.

“I’m relieved.”

Commander Dang Hak-seo immediately stood up.

“You are the first outsider to visit the Dark King’s Hall. Shall we go?”

After hesitating for a moment while taking the path, Dang Hak-seo looked at Dang In-sang.

“Lord Poison Ancestor is also in the Dark King’s Hall.”

“Mm…”

The only person officially called Poison Ancestor in Dangata was the former family head, Tang Yi, who was over a hundred years old.

The problem was that he had stepped down from his position and washed his hands in the golden basin.

When a martial artist washes his hands in a golden basin, it means they retire and wash away all past grievances.

Such a retired martial artist cannot participate in martial affairs.

So, for him to visit the Dark King’s Hall meant he wanted to see someone.

‘Father…’

The person who had ordered the complete destruction of Dang In-sang’s martial abilities with a cold gaze.

He was the cold-hearted man who, while playing tricks, never stopped his brother from donning the Absolute Poison Dragon Armor.

The man who had ignored all of Dang In-sang’s explanations.

Now, why did he want to meet?

“I won’t go.”

“I think you already know, but he wishes to meet you.”

Dang In-sang shook his head coldly.

“As an outsider, I can’t carelessly go to the Dark King’s Hall. I will stay here.”

“Mm…”

Had Dang Hak-seo anticipated this response?

The commander took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Dang In-sang.

“It’s Lord Poison Ancestor’s letter.”

Dang In-sang stared at the letter with complex emotions.

Cho Hwi stood up.

Dang In-sang needed some time alone.

“Let’s go.”

Dang Hak-seo nodded silently and led the way.

Cho Hwi followed him, taking in the view of Dangata.

At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary village.

Women were sorting herbs and checking pests.

Children were holding bundles of poisonous insects, laughing as they played.

The chimneys here and there were cozy, with smoke rising.

Without the Black Hawks, Dangata seemed like any other village.

But once past the Dark King’s Hall, the atmosphere shifted.

Screech.

Crash!

When the door to the Dark King’s Hall closed, an endless darkness spread out.

It was a place where not a single ray of light could enter—a perfect darkness. Truly, it was the dwelling place of the Dark King.

At that moment, Chohwi sensed a heavy killing intent in his aura.

He could feel the presence of poisonous hawks hiding all around the Dark King’s Hall.

It was an impenetrable guard.

If they had recognized him as an enemy, countless poisonous needles and darts would have been unleashed at once.

Chohwi actually felt that the defense of the Four Great Families, particularly the defense of the Sichen Tang family, was much more formidable than the infamous Black Heaven Alliance, known as the Black Heaven Legion.

“This way.”

Without causing a disturbance, Tanghakse pressed a convex mechanism hidden in the wall, which was almost unnoticeable, and the massive wall began to disassemble.

Koo koo koo koo koo.

The great wall opened up, revealing the Dark King’s Great Hall.

From afar, a dozen poisonous dragons decorated the high temple ceiling, with dozens of guards arranged on both sides of the Tang family lord and the elite of the family.

Chohwi scanned their faces.

There were many experts there, rivals to the Eight Kings of the Black Heaven Legion.

The atmosphere, the pressure, was perhaps even more overwhelming than that of the Nangong clan.

Indeed, the influence of a family that had stood alone for four centuries, facing the descendants of the Heavenly Demon.

Chohwi felt that their fame in the martial world was actually underestimated.

Krrrrr…

Boom!

When the heavy iron doors to the Dark King’s Hall closed, Chohwi let out a bitter smile and spoke.

“Isn’t this level of defense a bit excessive?”

Hearing this, Tang Sa, the head of the Koryong Tang family, glinted with a penetrating look.

“You are the supreme expert who single-handedly subdued the Dark King. If we didn’t have this kind of defense, it would be an insult to you.”

“You still regard me as an enemy?”

Tang Sa smirked.

“Anyone outside the Tang family is an enemy. That’s how we’ve lived.”

Such arrogance, such cruelty.

To consider everyone outside their family as an enemy.

Then again, that was the source of the power behind the Tang family name.

“…So, is there a deeper meaning behind your words about confronting the Heavenly Demon Castle?”

Tang Muhuo’s voice sounded weary.

Leaning against the pillar, pretending to be calm, he had used up his innate energy and had yet to fully recover.

“Why do you keep trying to interpret my words? There is no hidden meaning. I simply intend to partner with you in exchange for trading iron ore from the Choga Merchant Guild. That is my will.”

Tang Muhuo stiffened his face.

If those words were sincere, they would be truly welcome.

There was no need to dwell on the position of “Bongong” in the Nangong family, as the young man standing before them was an absolute martial genius unmatched by anyone in the Tang family, something he had personally witnessed.

However, in exchange for the benefits he gained, the Tang family’s side had to give up too much.

“Isn’t it a disadvantage for you?”

From the Tang family’s perspective, it was a simple matter of changing trading partners.

Of course, it would provoke the authorities, but even that had been promised to be resolved by the Choga Merchant Guild.

The full support of an absolute martial artist like Chohwi was not something that could be compared to any other benefit.

“I’m not sure.”

Chohwi tilted his head in thought.

Exercising the exclusive rights to the iron ore produced by the Sichen Tang family.

Diversifying the supplier of raw ore was directly linked to the survival of the Choga Merchant Guild.

Since their interests did not clash, it was odd if such a deal didn’t happen.

“If there is no hidden agenda, then I will accept the deal.”

“No, there’s one more thing we need to clarify.”

“You’re referring to the Heavenly Ice Ridge?”

“You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

At that moment, the heavy iron door began to open again.

Koo koo koo koo koo.

One of the poisonous hawks emerged from the darkness.

“Urgent news!”

Tang Muhuo’s eyes shifted immediately.

“Urgent news?”

The poisonous hawk glanced at Chohwi, and Tang Muhuo spoke again.

“He is not an outsider of the Tang family. Quickly, speak.”

The hawk swallowed before speaking.

“The Heavenly Demon Castle’s Sichen branch has raised the Heavenly Demon Sacred Soul Flag.”

Tang Muhuo leapt up from the pillar.

“The Heavenly Demon Sacred Soul Flag?”

In the long history of the martial world, the Heavenly Demon Sacred Soul Flag could only mean one thing.

“…Does this mean the Heavenly Demon has returned?”