A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

5 × 0 = 0.

Would the people of Zhongyuan ever be able to understand this concept?

Zegegal Won’s face froze in shock as he looked bewildered.

“How can the number five be multiplied by ‘Kong’ (emptiness)?”

In Zegegal Won’s perception, there were five sticks floating in the empty space.

It was simply seen as a scene, not something he could approach mathematically.

Jo Hwi responded casually.

“Have you never thought that ‘Kong’ (emptiness) can also be a number?”

“…What did you say?”

‘Kong’ as a number?

What kind of strange logic is this?

“Numbers are based on existence. How can an empty void be a number?”

“…”

Of course. Sigh.

For a modern person who has grown up with this concept, 0 is obviously a number. But to people from Zhongyuan, the concept of zero would likely still sound metaphysical.

“No, that’s not it. Forget it.”

“No, wait a minute! Please explain! How can the number five be multiplied by ‘Kong’ (emptiness)?”

Jo Hwi responded nonchalantly.

“It cannot be multiplied, so it’s ‘Kong’ (emptiness).”

“Eh? What does that mean…?”

Zegegal Won looked stunned.

The sticks could be measured as numbers, but the empty air could not be measured as a number.

Since they cannot be multiplied, the sticks naturally remain.

“Since ‘Kong’ (emptiness) cannot be multiplied by a number, the number five obviously remains! What kind of absurd logic is this?”

Jo Hwi muttered under his breath.

“Sigh… blockhead…”

“Block… what did you say?”

“No, nothing.”

At that moment, when the great genius of the Zegegal family, the foremost prodigy of the later generations, had instantly become a blockhead, the voice of Namgung Jangho, filled with mockery, could be heard.

“If you cannot explain with your own knowledge, then disregarding the intelligence of everyone else is the true nature of those arrogant Zegegal folks. Genius Zegegal? Haha!”

No… you?

Just a moment ago, the person who was exuding the righteous energy of the righteous sect suddenly?

Jo Hwi, who still didn’t know much about the relationship between the Namgung and Zegegal families, was taken aback.

“There’s a certain group of madmen who think that only swords matter, while belittling all other disciplines.”

Namgung Jangho snorted.

“I’d rather bite my tongue and die than live as a foolish scholar full of useless tricks. A lifetime dedicated to the sword, that’s the true path of a seeker.”

“Sigh… that’s why people call you the ‘Unwitting Sword Master.’ I don’t want my brain to turn into muscle.”

“What did you say? I couldn’t hear it. Are you writing with a brush?”

“Ah! How childish! Please stop!”

At the sharp voice of Namgung Soso, Namgung Jangho and Zegegal Won, as if on cue, turned their faces away from each other.

“Haha! Where there’s Namgung Soso and Zegegal Won, of course, the Great Painting Master can’t be left out! Brother! May I sit down too?”

Hwa Seomyeong slyly tried to sit down, but his gaze was, of course, fixed solely on Namgung Soso.

At that moment, Jo Hwi’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘…Who is this?’

It was definitely him.

Though from a distance, Jo Hwi had seen him clearly when he had gone with his father to the Hwa family swordsmanship seminar.

This was the same bastard who had tricked his father into parting with 2,000 nyang of his hard-earned money in exchange for a promise to bridge the gap for an official position in Seojusa.

Not only his father but many others had suffered from this scoundrel’s actions.

Stealing money from commoners was just a part of his daily routine.

The rumors Jo Hwi had heard about this person while in Hefei were scandalous.

Of course, Hwa Seomyeong didn’t recognize Jo Hwi.

It wasn’t unusual for him to forget the faces of guests who came seeking favors from the family, but Jo Hwi had only briefly seen him from a distance.

Jo Hwi decided to greet him.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Jo Hwi from the Jo Family Trading Post.”

Although it had been some time since the name “Jo Family Trading Post” was changed to “Anhui Trading Post,” Jo Hwi purposely used the old name.

“Oh, really?”

Hwa Seomyeong gave him a quick nod and immediately turned his smile toward Namgung Soso.

Had he not seen the “Changcheon Sword Emblem” on Jo Hwi, he would have shown disrespect right away.

“…Ha…”

It was certain.

Even though he had stolen 2,000 nyang from Jo Hwi’s family, in Hwa Seomyeong’s memory, the Jo Family Trading Post no longer existed.

“I still can’t forget the performance of the little lady I heard last year during the Mid-Autumn Festival! When can I hear her play again?”

Namgung Soso, upon hearing Hwa Seomyeong’s words, brightened as though she had remembered something and turned to Jo Hwi with a warm smile.

“Ah! I didn’t properly thank you last time due to the circumstances. I’m sorry. I really appreciated your teachings.”

Before Jo Hwi could respond, Namgung Soso stood up and elegantly performed a respectful bow, like a graceful crane.

Jo Hwi, surprised, immediately stood up and returned the bow.

“You’re being too formal. Please, rise.”

Namgung Jangho watched them with curiosity.

“Did you also discuss martial arts and swords with the young heroes?”

Namgung Soso looked at her older brother with disdain.

“Is there nothing in your head except martial arts?”

“…Then what have you learned?”

Namgung Soso’s eyes became dreamy.

“It was a completely different realm of music, something like a melody from another world.”

“Music? Melody?”

Namgung Jangho furrowed his brow deeply.

This time, Zegegal Won expressed curiosity.

“You… Do you have an interest in music as well?”

It was truly astonishing that even the great Namgung Jangho’s pride was being shattered by this unlearned accomplishment.

The master of the mountain techniques, revered even by the likes of Zegegal Won, was now talking about music?

“I’m just a simple merchant running a small trading post. I’m embarrassed by the excessive attention.”

And his main occupation is a merchant?

What in the world is going on with this person?

Could it be possible for one individual to achieve such success in so many different fields? At such a young age?

Even the genius himself could not do such a thing. There was truly a great hidden talent in Hefei.

Then, Zegegal Won took out a fan decorated with a phoenix design from his robe.

It was an extravagant fan, entirely adorned with gold.

“This is the Phoenix Golden Fan of my family. I would like to invite you as a guest of our house. Whenever it is convenient for you, come and show this, and you will be treated as you treat me.”

Namgung Jangho frowned.

There was no system in Zegegal’s family like the Changcheon Sword Emblem that would give guests objects representing the family’s prestige and honor.

Yet the Phoenix Golden Fan had a similar effect.

To possess the Phoenix Golden Fan meant that you were a close friend of the Zegegal family.

This brat was now trying to make advances toward the owner of the Changcheon Sword Emblem.

“…Are you serious?”

Zegegal Won calmly met Namgung Jangho’s fierce gaze.

“Why? Why should that be a problem?”

Namgung Jangho’s gaze deepened further.

“Jo Hwi is the owner of the sword emblem. He’s not an outsider to our family. Your scheming won’t work on him.”

“Well, is there a rule that says a warrior from another faction cannot be invited as a guest? What kind of law is that? Even now, martial factions are exchanging with one another. Why does my pure intention to invite someone as a guest become a scheme?”

“And yet, this brat?”

Namgung Jangho jumped up, as if ready to draw his sword.

The followers of the Namgung family rushed to his side.

“Please, hold on!”

“Master, you mustn’t!”

Doesn’t anyone realize who should be holding back, logically?

It’s a frustrating situation, but there are far too many people in Anhui who can twist this place with just a stroke of a brush.

Those damn people have seized all the important positions in the Wulin League.

That’s what makes it even worse.

Why does the Wulin League have no real warriors and is instead full of politicians and scheming, slimy minds?

After quietly observing, Jo Hwi finally spoke.

“I appreciate the offer, but I cannot accept it.”

Jo Hwi’s business stage is Anhui, after all.

In this land of Anhui, no merchant can survive while offending the Namgung family.

Namgung Jangho is already in such a state, so there’s no need for Jo Hwi to force himself to build any relationships with the Zegegal family.

Of course, the Zegegal family is a great house among the Five Great Houses.

But what Jo Hwi needed was not wisdom, but martial power. Wisdom was something modern people could manage just fine with their own experience.

Moreover, the esteemed elder Man Sangjo of Hanlim University was also involved here.

“…It’s a pity.”

A deep sense of regret appeared on Zegegal Won’s face.

He bit his lip tightly, looking almost like a woman. With his manner and build, one could believe he was a woman in men’s clothing.

Namgung Jangho, who had been watching with a refreshed face, as if the ten-year-old burden had been lifted, suddenly stood up and respectfully cupped his hands to Jo Hwi.

“Due to the commotion caused by these fools, the mood has been ruined. I’ll delay the offering of wine for another time.”

After giving his greeting, Namgung Jangho stood up, scanned the followers of the Namgung family, and then spoke.

“If you’ve eaten enough, let’s get going.”

He briefly glanced at Zegegal Won, then turned to leave.

Although reluctant, he had no choice due to his family’s order.

“Follow me if you wish.”

Zegegal Won, now lumped together with the so-called ‘fool’ by this situation, frowned for a moment before following Namgung Jangho.

“Brother! Let’s go together!”

Suddenly, Jo Hwi turned his gaze to Namgung Soso.

“Do you have some urgent business?”

The response came from Zegegal Won.

“We will participate in the Xiao Long Grand Banquet held at Mount Hua in a month.”

“The Xiao Long Grand Banquet?”

Jo Hwi had heard of it through rumors.

It was a grand festival for the elites of the martial world, held once every three years.

The biggest events were the martial arts demonstrations and the martial arts competition, but there were also exchanges in other areas such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and music, among others.

Except for the martial arts competition, there were no strict formalities.

If you had a talent, you could compete or engage in discussions and evaluations.

The greatest hope for martial artists attending was to acquire a new title through the Xiao Long Grand Banquet.

The titles of “Little Sword Master” and “Little Zegegal” were earned during the last banquet three years ago.

“Wait… Mount Hua?”

Suddenly, a thought struck Jo Hwi’s mind.

Mount Hua is in Shaanxi province.

The location of the Sword Tomb, as the elder Sword Master had mentioned, is at the border between Shaanxi and Gansu, near Ganquan. Mount Hua is very close by.

Jo Hwi’s mind clicked.

“Would it be possible for me to accompany you? Since I’m a sudden guest, I’ll cover the extra costs.”

Jo Hwi had no knowledge of the Shaanxi and Gansu areas, and was hesitant about the journey to the Sword Tomb.

But traveling with them would be a different story.

The elite followers of the great martial houses.

There would be no better companions for this journey.

And he wanted to see Mount Hua.

The Nine Great Sects.

Their symbolism was completely different from the Five Great Houses.

The Five Great Houses were actively involved in secular matters, pursuing profit or expanding their influence, so they felt more familiar.

The Nine Great Sects were different.

Although they too needed money to maintain their sects, they weren’t completely removed from the secular world.

However, they did not operate inns or post stations openly. Their main temples depended on alms, and they never openly engaged with secular matters.

Shaolin, Wudang, Mount Hua, and others…

They were monks and Taoists, valuing the teachings of non-attachment and non-action as their highest principles.

Thus, it was very rare for an ordinary commoner to see one of the Nine Great Sect’s masters.

This made them feel legendary.

The Dharma Master of Shaolin, Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang, Feng Yangjin of Mount Hua, and others.

The legendary figures who left their mark on martial history were mostly from the Nine Great Sects.

Moreover, Mount Hua was considered the most supreme of the time.

With such a request, Namgung Soso and Zegegal Won both beamed with delight.

“If you’re traveling with us, we welcome you warmly!”

“Hoho! Don’t worry about the travel expenses!”

The Sword Tomb.

Jo Hwi’s heart began to race.

***

Inside the rattling carriage.

Unlike Namgung Jangho, who was meditating quietly with his eyes closed, or Zegegal Won, who was absorbed in reading a book, Hwa Seomyeong’s mouth was constantly chattering.

“Really, it’s not something I like to boast about, but our Hwa Family Sword Sect’s business is truly vast. It’s probably beyond what you can imagine.”

A proud expression. A smug smile.

Yet, he kept glancing at Namgung Soso, clearly aware of his affection for her.

“I see. I’m also aware of the famous Minghua Auction House in Hefei.”

The Minghua Auction House was one of the largest businesses controlled by the Hwa Family Sword Sect.

Jo Hwi was already aware of that much.

Hwa Seomyeong became even more smug.

“Hah hah! Is it just the Minghua Auction House? We also have the Gaeyang Post House, Baekyi Guest House, Cheonyang General Store, and several small inns as well.”

Jo Hwi feigned surprise.

“Impressive! Isn’t Gaeyang Post House one of the best in Anhui? And I’ve heard that Baekyi Guest House offers a breathtaking view from its rooftop, with a constant stream of visitors!”

“Hah hah hah! You know well! Your knowledge is quite extraordinary!”

Hwa Seomyeong’s face beamed with satisfaction.

At first, he didn’t like the attention he was getting from the prestigious martial families’ younger generation, especially when it seemed like Namgung Soso was getting too close to him.

But as the conversation continued, he began to think that Jo Hwi wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

“I’m sure that small inn you mentioned must be a remarkable place, too…”

Hwa Seomyeong’s smile grew even wider.

“Hah hah! Why are you being shy? To put it plainly, inns like Hongnyeo Inn or Mansu Inn are quite something…”

With enough flattery, Hwa Seomyeong started to spill all the details.

Jo Hwi mentally checked off all the businesses of the Hwa Family Sword Sect as he listened, but Hwa Seomyeong didn’t notice the cold, unreadable expression on Jo Hwi’s face as he continued boasting.

Just then, the window frame connected to the coachman’s seat opened with a creak.

“Master, we have a problem.”

Namgung Jangho slowly opened his eyes.

“What’s the matter?”

“There’s a banner ahead.”

“…What?”

The banners of the Namgung and Zegegal families were displayed at the front carriage, but now someone had raised their own flag to challenge them?

Would bandits be foolish enough to pull such a reckless stunt?

“What area is this?”

“It’s Daeho Stronghold.”

“Daeho Stronghold?”

Daeho Stronghold was one of the weakest factions among the 72 outlaw strongholds.

Even if the Namgung family sent a single unit, they could wipe them out. Had these fools really gone mad?

Namgung Jangho tightly gripped his sword, the Azure Sky Sword, placed at the corner of the carriage, and flung the door open without hesitation.

“These bastards must be drunk on daytime liquor!”

A fierce energy emanated from Namgung Jangho.

As he prepared to charge toward the mountain ridge ahead, Zegegal Won, still in the carriage, clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk, look at that. Just jumping into action without thinking! People are supposed to have brains for a reason, aren’t they?”

“What?”

“No, think about it. Could Daeho Stronghold be made up of nothing but idiots? They’re people too, and they must value their lives. Don’t you understand what it means that they raised a banner even after seeing our family flags?”

Jo Hwi nodded, as if agreeing.

“Whether it’s strategy or strength, it means they have something worth trying.”

“That’s right. The Jianghu isn’t a place to take lightly. Isn’t that right, Master Anhui?”

This guy?

Why does he keep treating him like one of those muscle-brained guys from Hebei?

“There are always those scholars in the Wulin League who analyze everything before doing anything, which is why the Black Taoist faction thrives so much. Damn ink-sucking fools.”

“…Hmph… Shouldn’t we take a closer look at that flag?”

Finally noticing the flag fluttering on the ridge, Namgung Jangho narrowed his eyes.

“…A bear?”

The flag clearly depicted a red bear.

Something felt off.

Wasn’t the symbol of Daeho Stronghold a tiger, as their name suggested?

“There’s only one place in the Green Forest that uses a red bear as its symbol,” Zegegal Won said, noticing the discrepancy.

Even though Namgung Jangho was the head of a prestigious family, he didn’t know everything about the various factions and their insignia.

And he had little interest in the Black Taoist faction, which was another reason he didn’t recognize the symbol.

“The Red Bear Flag is the emblem of the famous Green Forest King, Cheol Ungpa. This means either the Green Forest King is here, or at the very least, one of his disciples or personal guards is present.”

“…Cheol Ungpa?”

Namgung Jangho’s face tightened.

Although not as renowned as the Seven Black Swords, Cheol Ungpa was nearly at that level.

A man who had risen from humble beginnings, Cheol Ungpa had achieved legendary status, becoming the Green Forest King with his own strength.

He was the only one among the martial artists of the sects whom Namgung Jangho could not ignore.

“Ah, this is quite unfortunate. If we had gone straight to battle, we would’ve been in real trouble.”

Suddenly, a group of figures in red robes appeared, charging down the mountainside like a whirlwind.

It was an overwhelming and terrifying sight, like a storm of blood.

The power they radiated was so intense that even the normally unshaken Namgung Jangho flinched.

The Red Bear Gale Force.

A direct force of the Green Forest King, known for its monstrous strength, each of its squads comparable to the entire strength of an ordinary sect.

Why were such monsters in this quiet territory of Daeho Stronghold? What were they here for?

But a prestigious family’s name was no small thing, after all.

With clenched lips, Namgung Jangho finally commanded with great resolve.

“Namgung! Open the war! Initiate the battle to the death!”

“Chung!”

“Chung!”

An Unbelievable Display of Momentum!

The forceful momentum that could hardly be believed to come from the so-called “post-generation masters”!

It was the arrival of the famed Namgung family, renowned for their expertise in large-scale battle tactics. However, the famous “Divine Mechanist” Zhuge family was no slouch either.

“Allow the use of the formation stones and the array pillars. All technique soldiers, retreat to the rear and set up the Taelmi Formation.”

At Zhuge Yun’s command, the Zhuge family’s post-generation masters quickly retrieved colorful stones and wooden branches inscribed with charms from their packs, swiftly retreating to the rear.

Zhuge Yun glanced at Namgung Jangho.

“If you judge the chances are slim, retreat into the formation immediately. The entrance will be revealed to you. Though I know you’re not the type to heed a call for retreat, at least leading them should minimize casualties, which is your responsibility.”

Namgung Jangho’s pride was wounded, but the situation was indeed serious.

He nodded gravely.

“…Understood.”

Watching the scene unfold, Cho Hui was inwardly astonished.

“…This is truly magnificent.”

In modern times, it’s rare to experience something like “momentum” firsthand.

He’s only read about it in books before, but seeing it now, it’s no joke.

Humans wrapped in blood-red cloaks, their muscular bodies moving like they were charging downhill on a steep slope. The sight was so unreal, it felt as if they were almost defying the laws of physics.

They were barely human anymore, their movements more akin to those of wild beasts than men.

It was like witnessing a flawless CG sequence in real life.

But on the other side, what about this?

The Namgung family’s swordsmen, their eyes gleaming fiercely, stood with their swords raised.

The momentum of the post-generation masters, who were of similar age to Cho Hui, was terrifying.

But the craziest were the Zhuge family.

They pulled out stones and strange twigs with strange markings, and just like that, their back ranks vanished into a blur.

Soon after, they began casting the formation law, and the area within a 500-meter radius was engulfed in a thick, opaque mist.

A thick fog that made it impossible to see even an inch ahead.

Amazing. Is this the advanced form of the Sa-sangmi Formation? What’s even more remarkable is that rather than one or two skilled mages setting up a formation, dozens of them are collaborating. This means that all of them thoroughly understand the Taelmi Formation. The “Technique Soldiers”… they’ve made another leap forward. Truly, the descendants of Kongming (Zhuge Liang).

The deep admiration from the elder, observing the legendary Zhuge family at work.

The major flaw of formations is the long installation time. Yet, the Zhuge family had overcome their biggest weakness.

Cho Hui now understood why Namgung Jangho, despite his superior martial skills, had refrained from engaging with Zhuge Yun directly.

He had instinctively realized how powerful the Zhuge family’s technique soldiers were in group battles.

“Great Namgung! Charge!”

With Namgung Jangho’s command, a man leapt from the ranks of the Red Bear Wind Assault Group and bellowed a rough voice.

Wait!

Whoosh!

Boom!

In one leap, the man was suddenly right in front of Namgung Jangho.

Cho Hui couldn’t help but feel a tremor in his legs, his admiration bubbling up.

“Wow…”

The people of the Central Plains weren’t particularly tall by modern standards, but this massive figure before them was different.

With thick, arched eyebrows like those of Arnold Schwarzenegger and muscles bulging from every angle, the man was holding a gigantic spear with ease, looking like a divine warrior from the heavens.

“Let’s talk this out!”

Everyone, including Cho Hui, stared in disbelief at the man who had appeared with weapons in hand and a blood-red cloak fluttering, as if to kill.

Namgung Jangho gripped his sword tighter, his face tense.

“…Are you the Iron Bear (Cheol Ung-Pae)?”

“What… what did you say?”

The muscular man snorted.

The fierce expression on his face caused Namgung Jangho to take a step back.

“Shit! What’s with that? How old do you think I am? Am I that old for you to speak to me like that?! Do your eyes work just for decoration?”

Watching from the side, Hua Seomyeong cautiously asked.

“Perhaps your age…?”

The muscular man quickly turned to face Hua Seomyeong.

“I’m seventeen!”

That answer left Cho Hui and everyone else stunned.

Seventeen? With that face?

It could easily be mistaken for someone in their forties.

Even modern people have seen their share of “old looks,” but this was far beyond that.

This was a blatant lie!

“Haha! You’re kidding, right? If you’re testing us…”

“Shit! You’re pissing me off! Why does everyone treat me like an old man?! I’m seventeen! I’m a boy! Why won’t you believe me?!”

He probably hasn’t even seen a mirror his whole life.

If he had washed his face, he might have caught a glimpse of himself in the water.

“Oh? Do bandits not wash?”

“This is ridiculous… you have to make some sense if you want us to believe you. Stop talking nonsense and reveal your identity.”

At Namgung Jangho’s provocation, the muscular man flared up even more.

“Aaaaaah! I’m losing it! Gang Daeju! Are you not going to help me? Why are you just standing there like a wooden post?!”

At that, the leader of the Red Bear Wind Assault Group, Gang Manho, stepped forward from the formation.

“If you are…”

The pressure of the title “Leader of the Red Wind Guerrilla Army” made Namgung Jangho and the other warriors tense.

“Show proper respect. This is Zhang Yilong, the top disciple of the Green Forest King, a righteous young hero.”

Zhang Yilong’s muscles bulged as he responded.

“I told you, I’m not a disciple! Stop saying that! I’ve only ever gotten beaten by that old man! No, wait, let me just tell these guys my age, okay?”

“Since you’ve accepted the Red Blood Core, you are undoubtedly the disciple of the King. Please, control yourself. And about the Young King’s age…”

The Leader of the Red Wind Guerrilla Army, Gang Manho, tried to stifle his laughter.

“Are you laughing?”

Zhang Yilong glared at Gang Manho, but he only cleared his throat.

“Cough. The Young King’s age… well, it’s big! Uhh… seventeen.”

“Did you hear that? Do you believe it? Did you hear it right?”

Zhang Yilong turned to the others with an excited look, scanning their faces.

“How… cute!”

Zhou Hui turned his head toward Namgung Sosol, stunned.

“Is that really her type?”

Zhang Yilong spat out in frustration.

“Dammit! They’re acting like ignorant bandits! Charging in first, then suddenly talking about peace? Are they messing with me?”

From beyond the mist, Zhegalun, emerging from the formation, had a clearly irritated expression.

“Do you know how much it costs to create just one formation stone? Damn it! So you’re really the King’s disciple?”

Zhang Yilong flexed his chest muscles and answered.

“I told you! I’m not a disciple!”

Zhegalun’s half-closed eyes now shifted toward Gang Manho.

“Let’s hear why you’re doing this nonsense. There must have been some intent to attack. Are you planning to raid us now, like you always do?”

For a moment, Gang Manho’s eyes glinted fiercely, but the response was unexpectedly calm.

“Don’t you know how foolish it would be to clash with righteous warriors in this region?”

Zhegalun was taken aback by the answer.

“Are you telling me that you know, yet you’re still doing this? You know the Martial Alliance’s Hunan branch is just twenty miles away, right?”

“…”

The north of the Yangtze River was controlled by the Martial Alliance.

For the Red Wind Guerrilla Army, one of the primary forces of the Green Forest, to appear in this area was already an incredibly dangerous action.

“We are only carrying out the King’s command. There is no other reason.”

“The King’s command? What command?”

A sigh escaped from Gang Manho.

“Ugh… The Young King’s protection. That is our mission.”

Zhang Yilong’s defiant voice echoed once more.

“Gang Manho didn’t do anything wrong! I just started charging down the mountain, and they all rushed to follow me!”

Zhou Hui couldn’t help but laugh at his absurd words.

“What is this muscle-head talking about?”

Even a three-year-old would know how dangerous it is to recklessly charge into a situation!

“Then we’ll have to talk to you, Zhang Yilong, the disciple of the Green Forest King.”

“I’m not a disciple! I’m just Zhang Yilong!”

Suddenly, Zhegalun looked at Gang Manho with sympathetic eyes, as if thanking him for understanding his struggles. Gang Manho quietly nodded, closing his eyes.

“Fine… Zhang Yilong, even if you’re immature, you need to take responsibility for threatening us by charging in like that.”

Zhegalun’s eyes were now as cold as the North Star.

“Had you been even a little late, both sides could have been injured or killed. Do you think this is some sort of joke?”

Zhang Yilong flinched slightly at the sharpness in his tone.

“Well… I just… wanted to test things out! Would you think I could just casually talk to people like you, some so-called disciples of great schools?”

Zhang Yilong slammed his long spear into the ground with a thud.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t have immediately pulled out your swords if I hadn’t acted first? You righteous types are always eager to show off your fame, oppressing mountain villages and the like, aren’t you?”

Namgung Jangho, still holding his sword but with a twisted grin on his face, responded harshly.

“Martial men, not caring whether they rob civilians or women, only caring about their own egos. This is why you are rogue forces. Naturally, people like you will be targeted for extermination.”

At Namgung Jangho’s scornful words, the Red Wind Guerrilla Army responded instantly.

*Clang!*

Their weapons were drawn in an instant, and an immense pressure of intent to fight enveloped the area.

“Alright, come at me! I’ll show the rogue forces of the Black Path hell today! Emperor’s Breakthrough!”

As Namgung Jangho prepared his stance, Zhegalun showed no signs of blocking him.

He, too, was a member of a prestigious family, and his stance on the Green Forest was no different from Namgung Jangho’s.

Zhou Hui quickly stepped forward to intervene.

“Let’s wait a bit. It seems like they want to talk, so let’s hear them out.”

“There’s nothing to hear!”

Zhang Yilong mocked Namgung Jangho.

“This is what happens when you judge people too quickly. Hey, Namgung, do you know what the Green Forest’s laws are? Only the martial world and merchant guilds can challenge the Green Forest’s sword. The laws established by the Mountain Emperor have been in place for over two hundred years.”

Even Zhegalun, who was well-versed in the ways of the martial world, had never heard of this before.

The Deputy Leader beside Gang Manho, Jin Sobak, also sneered.

“Do you think the righteous path cares about the Green Forest’s laws? They don’t teach their juniors that. The Green Forest is easy to target. For righteous warriors, it’s the perfect motivation to consider them enemies. You can’t just teach your disciples to fight demons right away, can you?”

Namgung Jangho’s aura intensified.

“Shut your mouth! Aren’t merchants civilians? You haven’t changed your corrupt ways!”

Zhang Yilong’s muscles bulged again.

“Wow, you’re really something. Just because you have some money, you think you can rob everyone and put up flags everywhere, acting like you’re a righteous person? Tell me, Namgung, do you think you could even stick a needle into the trading districts of your own city?”

Zhegalun responded.

“Securing something through legitimate means and your robbery are completely different at their core.”

“Robbing people is bad? Fine. Let me ask you something. A wealthy merchant opens a huge inn in the city, attracting tons of gold. The first to claim it, who do you think will get it?”

“…”

“Let’s assume your methods are different from the chaotic, rogue factions, but aren’t you subtly flaunting your power, forcing others to rely on you? If they don’t submit, you back them into a corner by supporting competing businesses or even using the authorities to apply pressure… isn’t that how you’ve achieved everything?”

“……”

“The owner of that inn isn’t a commoner, right? According to your logic, you should have simply supported the business and stepped aside. Why leech off the common people?”

“What! Leech?”

“Well, that’s how it is. You’ve called us the most vile (Complete evil) people, haven’t you? We only target the powerful merchant groups or those connected to the martial factions. But you… for your benefit… no, you’d call it ‘honor,’ right? I’ve seen you fighting wars with other sects.”

This was the pointed remark from Zhang Yilong.

“To me, there’s no difference between us, armed bandits who take by force and those of you who fight amongst yourselves for profit. If you’re part of the Nine Sects, that’s one thing, but hearing this from your so-called ‘Five Great Families’ is another!”

Zhou Hui clicked his tongue in amazement.

Usually, someone of such a massive build wouldn’t be articulate, but this muscle-bound fool had remarkable rhetoric. The eloquence was so impressive that even the usually composed Zhegai Yun was left speechless.

That reasoning of his is strikingly similar to the “Human Nature Treatise” (Human-centered Journey) by Liu Tongshuo.

The immense inertia of human evil concealed within human nature. These intense debates had once been expounded upon by Liu Tongshuo, a great scholar of the Former Han period.

Man Sangzhao recalled those fierce debates, and it left him reflecting.

Zhou Hui had no idea what this “Human Nature Treatise” was, but he couldn’t understand why Zhegai Yun couldn’t refute the argument of this muscle-bound fool.

Eventually, unable to stand it any longer, Zhou Hui spoke up.

“There’s a huge flaw in your argument.”

“A flaw? What flaw?”

“First, that so-called ‘laws’ of yours don’t possess any absolute authority.”

Zhang Yilong’s gaze turned strange.

“Absolute authority?”

“You keep talking about the laws that have existed for two hundred years, but do you remember that just seven years ago, during a great famine, the government’s food aid for the commoners was looted by bandits?”

“……”

“In the region of Fengtai in Anhui, in the Gaowu Mountains, we called those bandits ‘Gaowu Tribe.’ They ruthlessly beat down and killed the commoners who were clinging to the precious food rations. My father was one of the victims.”

Zhou Hui’s voice was gradually rising with emotion.

“I’ve investigated this matter, and the leader of the Gaowu Tribe, Yang Tianhu, was clearly a member of the Green Forest’s Seven Heroes! Does this mean that your Green Forest laws apply to every mountain bandit?”

Even Zhou Hui’s elder brother, Zhou Xie, wasn’t the only one who remembered this incident. Zhou Hui had been investigating the matter about that disaster seven years ago, even during his busy time.

“If such things are commonplace in a mere district, imagine what would happen throughout the entire central plains. If a law by one power is that flawed, can we still call it a law?”

The massive flaw in the Green Forest’s Seven Heroes had been exposed. Its vast size made it difficult to manage, and this critical weakness was what Zhou Hui was pointing out.

“Even now, somewhere, the name of the Green Forest may still be used to oppress the powerless. Your claim that we’re the same is now shattered. The righteous sects don’t remember your changed laws? Of course not! Why should they, when there are those who haven’t changed?”

“N-no… that’s…”

Zhang Yilong had no chance to counter before Zhou Hui continued.

“Second, the difference in how we take advantage of others. Yes, it may look similar. Your sects may use their strength to secure territory and take control of businesses. But…”

Zhou Hui’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“Do you have the virtue of caring for the wronged? Or the chivalry to share in the suffering and disaster of the commoners?”

Another sharp reprimand.

“Have you ever seen the eyes of the common people in Anhui when they speak of the Nangong family? Do you see envy, fear, or terror? No. What you see is respect from years of service, admiration for the justice and righteousness they uphold. Was that feeling forced upon them?”

Zhang Yilong, who had been listening, suddenly glanced at Nangong Zhangho. Nangong Zhangho, in turn, proudly sheathed his sword and puffed his chest out.

“It’s not that the Nangong family is free from arrogance or that all of its members dedicate themselves purely to chivalry. But they’ve spent years helping the wronged and overcoming disaster with the impoverished. That’s something you’ll never have. That’s the true path of righteousness and chivalry!”

Those who block a good valley with swords and extort taxes—what kind of nonsense philosophy is that? Let me kill them.

Suddenly, Zhang Yilong’s grim eyes focused on the Grand Master.

“Now I understand why I avoided paying respects. I never wanted to be a bandit.”

“S-Sir Wang!”

Suddenly, Zhang Yilong ripped off his shirt.

Thud!

“Huh! No, the Green Blood Armor!”

Zhang Yilong casually tossed the green-colored Heavenly Silk (Tian Can Yi) onto the ground and spoke again.

“I didn’t know this outfit had such a grand meaning. I just wore it because the old man gave it to me, and it seemed durable.”

A stubbornly clenched mouth.

A confident look in his eyes.

Without looking back, Zhang Yilong began to walk away.

“Go tell the old man. I’m leaving the bandit group.”

“S-Sir Wang!”

“S-Sir Wang!”

Thus, Zhang Yilong walked toward the Nangong family’s rear headquarters.

“How does one become a martial artist of the Nangong family?”

This muscle-bound fool.

Look at how he’s changing his tune.

The members of the Jade Storm were all making expressions of disbelief, looking at Zhang Yilong.

Throwing away the Green Blood Armor, which could be considered one of the Three Treasures of the Green Forest, as if it were trash!

Heavenly Silk (Silk from the silkworm).

It was a rare treasure that couldn’t even be found in a common market.

Made entirely from this Heavenly Silk, just wearing it made one impervious to swords and arrows.

Furthermore, according to legend, the Green Blood Armor had been soaked in the blood of a Dragon-Claw Beast, which enhanced its mystical properties. Wearing it not only provided protection but also increased the wearer’s inner strength, making it a priceless treasure.

Wearing the Green Blood Armor meant being at the pinnacle of the Green Forest, essentially symbolizing authority. This was why Zhang Yilong was known as the “Little King.”

He was destined to lead a hundred thousand Green Forest warriors.

But to abandon the Green Forest and join the Nangong family?

To casually discard the Green Blood Armor like a rag? It was clear that Zhang Yilong had no idea of the power and influence he was throwing away.

However, the Nangong family was even more stunned.

Nangong Zhangho gritted his teeth and sheathed his sword.

“A bandit wants to join the Nangong family? That’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard in a long time.”

Zhang Yilong glanced back at the stunned Jade Storm members and spoke again.

“You saw it, right? I’m not a bandit anymore.”

Zhou Hui chuckled.

With that size and those muscles?

You’re definitely a bandit.

Nangong Zhangho adjusted his clothes and spoke with a cold gleam in his eyes.

“If that’s all you wanted to say, then go your own way.”

“Want to join the Nangong family?”

Nangong Zhangho suddenly drew his sword, his eyes flashing with sharp intent.

“Is this brat serious?”

At that moment, Zhang Yilong’s attitude completely changed.

He suddenly bowed politely.

“I, Zhang Mo, formally wish to join your noble family as a martial artist.”

Once again, Nangong Zhangho’s face contorted with anger.

As one who claimed to be from the righteous faction, he could not simply reject someone who had come with proper etiquette.

“The Green Forest is a heretical path. Our family does not accept those from such rogue factions.”

“But I told you, I’ve left the bandit group.”

“Fate is a celestial law, a bond between master and disciple. You cannot sever it unilaterally.”

Finally, unable to hold back, Zhang Yilong exploded.

“Dammit! Why can’t you understand anything? The righteous factions love their propriety and respect, right? I didn’t even pay my respects, didn’t I? Can a master-disciple bond exist without respect?”

But Nangong Zhangho was still resolute.

“Bring me a letter signed by the Green Forest King, proving you’ve truly left the bandit group. If that’s the case, I’ll consider it. Otherwise, bring me a letter of recommendation from the direct descendants of the Nangong family.”

Just as his words ended, a mysterious voice was heard.

“I’ll write the recommendation letter.”

Nangong Zhangho whipped his head around in surprise.

“S-S-Soso! What is this madness?”

Riiip!

Zhang Yilong’s right pants leg was ripped off roughly.

Nangong Soso, her face turning red, quickly covered her face with her hands.

Zhang Yilong swiftly approached her and handed her a piece of cloth.

“Heh heh! Write it quickly before that guy changes his mind! Got a brush? No? Then just tear a finger and use it to write!”

What an ignorant bandit.

How can he speak so nonchalantly about cutting a woman’s finger?

Zhou Hui quickly took out some charcoal and handed it to Nangong Soso, while Nangong Zhangho’s rough voice echoed again.

“Zhou Hui, young hero!”

Look at the confidence of this muscle-bound fool.

He looks like he might bite your sister’s finger off!

Scratch scratch scratch.

Before long, Nangong Soso had signed the letter and handed it to Nangong Zhangho.

“Sigh…”

With a deep sigh, Nangong Zhangho suddenly looked up at the sky.

Why is the sky so annoyingly blue today?

The air is so clear, and the weather so pleasant…

Nangong Zhangho clenched his teeth.

“…I’ll make sure you rot as a low-ranking warrior for the rest of your life.”

“I don’t care. As long as I’m not a bandit.”

Rubbing his aching forehead, Nangong Zhangho turned around and ordered.

“Let’s leave quickly!”

“Charge!”

“Charge!”

For a while, Grand Master Kang Manho stared blankly at the retreating figures of the Jade Storm members.

One of his subordinates cautiously approached him.

“Grand Master, are we really going to end up in trouble?”

Already, Kang Manho was shivering with dread, wondering how he was going to report this.

The Big King, who throws punches and kicks at the slightest provocation, had been sent to protect him, but now he had just helped a bandit leave the group. There were no words to explain this.

“So, should we fight those young ones right here? If they fire a signal flare, we’ll have to fight the Tianlong Vanguard from the Martial World Alliance’s Henan branch.”

The deputy master, Jin Sobaek, was equally worried.

“What should we do? I’m so scared.”

Kang Manho gritted his teeth.

“Just get the Green Blood Armor. Change clothes and follow. Who’s left to guard the rear?”