Chapter 515

Chapter 515

I, Baek Li-jung, respectfully inform the comrades of jianghu.

I am well aware that everyone faces difficulties from large and small conflicts both inside and outside.

However, as the saying goes since ancient times, heroes arise in chaotic times and righteous warriors emerge, heroes are born in turbulent worlds and true warriors rise in murky times when chivalry has fallen.

Now, when all under heaven is in chaos, is the time to establish our will, the time to prevent unrighteous things from stirring and gaining a foothold in jianghu.

Therefore, I propose to host a martial arts tournament for three days, welcoming the many heroes and outstanding figures to the Baek Li Family’s main estate in Huguang on a certain day of a certain month.

The content I propose is as follows.

One. Each sect receiving an invitation shall select one supreme master.

Two. The masters selected from each sect shall compete in skill at the Baek Li Estate.

Three. The final champion shall possess the qualifications of martial alliance leader as the number one under heaven in both name and reality.

Four. The martial alliance leader has the duty to organize the Martial Arts Grand Alliance according to the martial arts tournament rankings.

Five. The newly established Martial Arts Grand Alliance shall take over all operations of the former Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Six. The Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families shall each send one observer for fair judging, and these shall be promoted to the Elder Council of the next Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Seven. Sending selected personnel from each sect shall be considered agreement with the contents of this invitation.

Eight. Sects unable to participate due to unavoidable circumstances must explain their reasons through messenger, and failure to explain shall result in deprivation of membership qualifications in the future Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Baek Li-jung’s invitation arrived at the Tang Family as well.

The format was an invitation, but the content was close to a proclamation.

The invitation contained content oppressive enough to furrow brows, and even the Tang Family, Namgung Family, Zhuge Family and others were excluded from the positions of the existing Eight Great Families.

“In other words, he means to create a new order.”

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“Forcing participation and threatening exclusion from Martial Arts Grand Alliance membership means he’s threatening to consider you enemies if you don’t come.”

One Tang Family elder said.

“What if, contrary to Unbreakable Heavenly Sword’s expectations, people don’t gather at the Baek Li Estate? Won’t Unbreakable Heavenly Sword’s threats become useless?”

Another shook his head.

“That won’t happen. Already half the sects have joined the Righteous Alliance. And if the newly created Martial Arts Grand Alliance takes over the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s operations, they won’t be able to not participate even for the profits.”

Baek Li-jung even forced the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families to send people through the invitation. If they don’t send people, they can’t enter the Elder Council. The Elder Council is a position where they can advise closest to the martial alliance leader and make various decisions that can influence jianghu. Being excluded from the Elder Council means not only being unable to exert influence on the next Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s events, but also being excluded from the new Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s business rights.

The Martial Arts Grand Alliance handles enormous operations and interests that encompass all of jianghu. If one secures a good position and obtains a useful operation, they could raise a sect impoverished by internal strife and fighting in one moment.

Especially since it’s specified that positions in the organization arise according to martial arts tournament rankings, anyone could reasonably aim for high status.

“They separately call the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families to save their face, and have the remaining sects determine hierarchy among themselves.”

“In fact, the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families receive preferential treatment just by participating.”

Listening to the Tang Family elders’ words, Baek Oh-sa said while seriously contemplating.

“Then shouldn’t we from the Poison Cliques also send people?”

They looked at each other.

If they don’t participate, they become enemies. They must take a complete opposing stance against the Martial Arts Grand Alliance. Once the Martial Arts Grand Alliance is organized later, they might embark on subjugating the Tang Family Great Estate for early force expansion.

The Tang Family elders said.

“How about at least explaining through messenger why we cannot participate to buy time?”

“If we unnecessarily send people to explain and get rejected, that would be even more unseemly.”

Debate erupted over whether to send people or not.

Frustrated, Tap Tak-yeon urged Jin Ja-gang.

“Listen, Asura King. Since it’s come to this anyway, how about you personally win the martial arts tournament and become martial alliance leader? You’ve beaten Unbreakable Heavenly Sword several times.”

Jin Ja-gang laughed.

“No no, don’t laugh and think about it. Then everything gets solved. The Hungry Ghost King, Unbreakable Heavenly Sword, the Martial Arts Grand Alliance, all at once. Surprisingly reasonable, right?”

It was more feasible than expected. Jin Ja-gang’s martial arts, having reached the Nine Light Dikes of Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunders Toad Art, was truly celestial. He caught even the Vajra Indestructible Body Beom-bon and the Bright Demon God, so how many stronger than Jin Ja-gang could remain?

However, anxious opinions came from various places.

“Most of those gathered will be the Righteous Alliance following Unbreakable Heavenly Sword, so even if Poison Dragon wins, will they acknowledge him as alliance leader?”

“The problem isn’t becoming alliance leader but ultimately having to operate the huge organization called the Martial Arts Grand Alliance. Unbreakable Heavenly Sword has already completed all preparations and only needs to sit in the alliance leader’s seat, but Poison Dragon would have to build the organization from scratch.”

“Moreover, according to Poison Dragon’s words, Unbreakable Heavenly Sword has already reached the Transcendent Demon Realm. With the Transcendent Demon Realm, he could practically match the Great Buddha. It’s burdensome for Poison Dragon to handle Unbreakable Heavenly Sword and multiple masters alone in enemy territory.”

“If we unnecessarily lose Poison Dragon, will you take responsibility?”

“Even if it goes well and he becomes martial alliance leader, we don’t have money to take over and distribute existing operations. It’s practically the same as becoming alliance leader empty-handed, so would there even be followers?”

Scolded, Tap Tak-yeon snorted.

“Hmph. Then what does Unbreakable Heavenly Sword trust to act like that? His martial arts with the Transcendent Demon Realm aside, was the Baek Li Family that wealthy?”

Suddenly Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Ha-ran. Their gazes met. Tang Ha-ran realized what Jin Ja-gang was about to say.

And others soon realized it too.

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“Wait. This martial arts tournament is being led by the Baek Li Family. Even if sent only to prominent sects, it would easily exceed a thousand people. Not ordinary martial artists but each sect’s supreme masters, so if they don’t treat them accordingly, they won’t save face.”

No-gwan agreed.

“That’s right. That alone would require considerable funds, yet the Baek Li Family already poured large amounts into rebuilding and refurbishing the Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s headquarters. The invitation also mentions taking over the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s operations.”

The Tang Family elders concurred.

“Costs for all kinds of items occur during the takeover process. Even after taking over, management costs are needed for a while. Since operations span the entire Central Plains, enormous costs will be involved.”

“The Righteous Alliance already collected considerable money during the Righteous Dharma Walk. They can’t collect money from sects again, or backlash would be extreme.”

“Right. With just the amount collected then, it’s impossible not only to cover rebuilding costs but also to manage the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s numerous businesses.”

“The Baek Li Family, even generously speaking, is at the level of just escaping being a small-to-medium sect. With that size, they can’t finance all necessary funds.”

“That means…”

Funds flowed into the Baek Li Family from somewhere!

Tang Ha-ran immediately summoned people.

“We must investigate right away. If that much capital moved, there must have been traces.”

* * *

As expected, trading company money moved. Through trading companies, money enough to move a small nation flowed to the Baek Li Family. Such a large amount moved that it couldn’t escape the Tang Family’s notice.

The Baek Li Family used the financed funds to rebuild the Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s headquarters and took over a considerable number of existing operations. There, the distribution network of trading companies spreading like spider webs throughout the Central Plains greatly contributed.

Even if someone suppresses Baek Li-jung and becomes martial alliance leader, they can no longer be free from the Baek Li Family’s influence.

Baek Oh-sa tilted his head as if not understanding while looking at the bamboo slip with information.

“However, I can’t understand at all the contents of this contract secretly obtained from the battlefield? They lent money but the annual interest is only one percent? With a three-year grace period at that? Isn’t this practically free?”

Loan sharks charge six or seven percent interest, and generally two or three percent is normal. Even considering it’s such a large sum, one percent was the lowest rate.

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“The Hungry Ghost King placed an enormous gamble on Baek Li-jung.”

If it fails, trading companies would suffer damage enough to shake them, yet it was difficult to understand why they’d take such risks.

Jin Ja-gang quietly shook his head.

“It’s not a gamble.”

Everyone participating in the meeting looked at Jin Ja-gang.

Jin Ja-gang said.

“The Hungry Ghost King moved trading companies without caring that the flow of funds would be discovered. This means the most important matter to the Hungry Ghost King, something prepared for a long time, is bearing fruit through Baek Li-jung. Perhaps this was the Hungry Ghost King’s final plan.”

Tap Tak-yeon raised a question.

“Why?”

Others felt the same as Tap Tak-yeon.

“Rather than tying up costs that might not be recovered in one place, using those costs elsewhere could bring greater profit. In other words, the more they finance Baek Li-jung, the more trading companies lose.”

“Why would the Hungry Ghost King and trading companies do such a thing while suffering enormous losses?”

“Just because the Martial Arts Grand Alliance is newly established doesn’t particularly benefit them.”

Jin Ja-gang answered.

“To know that, it seems we have no choice but to meet the Hungry Ghost King.”

The Poison Cliques and Tang Family elders flinched.

“Surely… going to the Hungry Ghost King means…”

Everyone opposed.

“It’s not too late to send people to Crescent Moon Spring and Dunhuang to assess the situation first.”

“We can’t send you alone to that place, Poison Dragon.”

Jin Ja-gang thought briefly then answered.

“When we tracked the flow of funds, they probably already knew we were pursuing them.”

“However…”

Jin Ja-gang cut off the others’ words and said.

“I’ll go to the Baek Li Estate.”

“The Baek Li Estate!”

Dunhuang was a dragon’s pool and tiger’s den, but the Baek Li Estate was the same. Most there would harbor hostility toward Jin Ja-gang!

Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Ha-ran.

Tang Ha-ran also looked at Jin Ja-gang for a long while.

Finally she nodded in permission.

“There’s one month remaining until the martial arts tournament. You’ll have to hurry.”

The Tang Family elders shouted in surprise.

“Acting Family Head!”

However, Tang Ha-ran’s will was firm.

“Be careful and come back.”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang came out after finishing preparations.

Namgung Rak, Bian Bu and So-so, and An Ryeong who heard the news were waiting.

“I hear you’re going to become martial alliance leader?”

To Namgung Rak’s words, Jin Ja-gang answered.

“I’m not interested in being martial alliance leader.”

“Hmm. Even if you’re not interested, others are different. There will be quite a commotion.”

“I’d be grateful if they do. But aren’t you returning?”

“Even without pushing, I’ll go when the time comes like the Sword Empress.”

Jin Ja-gang asked Bian Bu.

“Is Fairy Maiden not coming?”

“Well, there are others’ eyes. While you’re doing so well, if rumors spread that you associate with the Unorthodox Faction, that wouldn’t look good either. However, she’ll return whenever needed.”

“I’ll thank you in advance.”

“Does the number one under heaven need to thank others?”

Jin Ja-gang smiled.

An Ryeong, who looked like she could barely walk with splints on all her limbs, looked at Jin Ja-gang.

“It must be hard, why did you come out?”

An Ryeong was injured enough that she’d never be able to use one arm again. But she forcibly pretended to be cheerful and said with a smile.

“I heard you’re going to die, so I wanted to thank you before that.”

“If it’s such thanks, I’ll receive them after I return.”

Jin Ja-gang also greeted So-so.

“So-so, I’ll be back.”

So-so nodded.

Jin Ja-gang left the Tang Family Great Estate with a slightly limping gait.

Yeong-hwi followed behind him like a shadow.

Watching Jin Ja-gang’s retreating figure, An Ryeong muttered very quietly.

“Liar. He doesn’t look like he’s going to Huguang Province.”

As the Tang Family Great Estate grew distant, Jin Ja-gang gradually stopped limping. Then he soon had a normal gait and began walking like an ordinary person.

☕ Support on Ko-Fi

I, Baek Li-jung, respectfully inform the comrades of jianghu.

I am well aware that everyone faces difficulties from large and small conflicts both inside and outside.

However, as the saying goes since ancient times, heroes arise in chaotic times and righteous warriors emerge, heroes are born in turbulent worlds and true warriors rise in murky times when chivalry has fallen.

Now, when all under heaven is in chaos, is the time to establish our will, the time to prevent unrighteous things from stirring and gaining a foothold in jianghu.

Therefore, I propose to host a martial arts tournament for three days, welcoming the many heroes and outstanding figures to the Baek Li Family’s main estate in Huguang on a certain day of a certain month.

The content I propose is as follows.

One. Each sect receiving an invitation shall select one supreme master.

Two. The masters selected from each sect shall compete in skill at the Baek Li Estate.

Three. The final champion shall possess the qualifications of martial alliance leader as the number one under heaven in both name and reality.

Four. The martial alliance leader has the duty to organize the Martial Arts Grand Alliance according to the martial arts tournament rankings.

Five. The newly established Martial Arts Grand Alliance shall take over all operations of the former Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Six. The Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families shall each send one observer for fair judging, and these shall be promoted to the Elder Council of the next Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Seven. Sending selected personnel from each sect shall be considered agreement with the contents of this invitation.

Eight. Sects unable to participate due to unavoidable circumstances must explain their reasons through messenger, and failure to explain shall result in deprivation of membership qualifications in the future Martial Arts Grand Alliance.

Baek Li-jung’s invitation arrived at the Tang Family as well.

The format was an invitation, but the content was close to a proclamation.

The invitation contained content oppressive enough to furrow brows, and even the Tang Family, Namgung Family, Zhuge Family and others were excluded from the positions of the existing Eight Great Families.

“In other words, he means to create a new order.”

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“Forcing participation and threatening exclusion from Martial Arts Grand Alliance membership means he’s threatening to consider you enemies if you don’t come.”

One Tang Family elder said.

“What if, contrary to Unbreakable Heavenly Sword’s expectations, people don’t gather at the Baek Li Estate? Won’t Unbreakable Heavenly Sword’s threats become useless?”

Another shook his head.

“That won’t happen. Already half the sects have joined the Righteous Alliance. And if the newly created Martial Arts Grand Alliance takes over the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s operations, they won’t be able to not participate even for the profits.”

Baek Li-jung even forced the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families to send people through the invitation. If they don’t send people, they can’t enter the Elder Council. The Elder Council is a position where they can advise closest to the martial alliance leader and make various decisions that can influence jianghu. Being excluded from the Elder Council means not only being unable to exert influence on the next Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s events, but also being excluded from the new Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s business rights.

The Martial Arts Grand Alliance handles enormous operations and interests that encompass all of jianghu. If one secures a good position and obtains a useful operation, they could raise a sect impoverished by internal strife and fighting in one moment.

Especially since it’s specified that positions in the organization arise according to martial arts tournament rankings, anyone could reasonably aim for high status.

“They separately call the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families to save their face, and have the remaining sects determine hierarchy among themselves.”

“In fact, the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families receive preferential treatment just by participating.”

Listening to the Tang Family elders’ words, Baek Oh-sa said while seriously contemplating.

“Then shouldn’t we from the Poison Cliques also send people?”

They looked at each other.

If they don’t participate, they become enemies. They must take a complete opposing stance against the Martial Arts Grand Alliance. Once the Martial Arts Grand Alliance is organized later, they might embark on subjugating the Tang Family Great Estate for early force expansion.

The Tang Family elders said.

“How about at least explaining through messenger why we cannot participate to buy time?”

“If we unnecessarily send people to explain and get rejected, that would be even more unseemly.”

Debate erupted over whether to send people or not.

Frustrated, Tap Tak-yeon urged Jin Ja-gang.

“Listen, Asura King. Since it’s come to this anyway, how about you personally win the martial arts tournament and become martial alliance leader? You’ve beaten Unbreakable Heavenly Sword several times.”

Jin Ja-gang laughed.

“No no, don’t laugh and think about it. Then everything gets solved. The Hungry Ghost King, Unbreakable Heavenly Sword, the Martial Arts Grand Alliance, all at once. Surprisingly reasonable, right?”

It was more feasible than expected. Jin Ja-gang’s martial arts, having reached the Nine Light Dikes of Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunders Toad Art, was truly celestial. He caught even the Vajra Indestructible Body Beom-bon and the Bright Demon God, so how many stronger than Jin Ja-gang could remain?

However, anxious opinions came from various places.

“Most of those gathered will be the Righteous Alliance following Unbreakable Heavenly Sword, so even if Poison Dragon wins, will they acknowledge him as alliance leader?”

“The problem isn’t becoming alliance leader but ultimately having to operate the huge organization called the Martial Arts Grand Alliance. Unbreakable Heavenly Sword has already completed all preparations and only needs to sit in the alliance leader’s seat, but Poison Dragon would have to build the organization from scratch.”

“Moreover, according to Poison Dragon’s words, Unbreakable Heavenly Sword has already reached the Transcendent Demon Realm. With the Transcendent Demon Realm, he could practically match the Great Buddha. It’s burdensome for Poison Dragon to handle Unbreakable Heavenly Sword and multiple masters alone in enemy territory.”

“If we unnecessarily lose Poison Dragon, will you take responsibility?”

“Even if it goes well and he becomes martial alliance leader, we don’t have money to take over and distribute existing operations. It’s practically the same as becoming alliance leader empty-handed, so would there even be followers?”

Scolded, Tap Tak-yeon snorted.

“Hmph. Then what does Unbreakable Heavenly Sword trust to act like that? His martial arts with the Transcendent Demon Realm aside, was the Baek Li Family that wealthy?”

Suddenly Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Ha-ran. Their gazes met. Tang Ha-ran realized what Jin Ja-gang was about to say.

And others soon realized it too.

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“Wait. This martial arts tournament is being led by the Baek Li Family. Even if sent only to prominent sects, it would easily exceed a thousand people. Not ordinary martial artists but each sect’s supreme masters, so if they don’t treat them accordingly, they won’t save face.”

No-gwan agreed.

“That’s right. That alone would require considerable funds, yet the Baek Li Family already poured large amounts into rebuilding and refurbishing the Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s headquarters. The invitation also mentions taking over the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s operations.”

The Tang Family elders concurred.

“Costs for all kinds of items occur during the takeover process. Even after taking over, management costs are needed for a while. Since operations span the entire Central Plains, enormous costs will be involved.”

“The Righteous Alliance already collected considerable money during the Righteous Dharma Walk. They can’t collect money from sects again, or backlash would be extreme.”

“Right. With just the amount collected then, it’s impossible not only to cover rebuilding costs but also to manage the old Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s numerous businesses.”

“The Baek Li Family, even generously speaking, is at the level of just escaping being a small-to-medium sect. With that size, they can’t finance all necessary funds.”

“That means…”

Funds flowed into the Baek Li Family from somewhere!

Tang Ha-ran immediately summoned people.

“We must investigate right away. If that much capital moved, there must have been traces.”

* * *

As expected, trading company money moved. Through trading companies, money enough to move a small nation flowed to the Baek Li Family. Such a large amount moved that it couldn’t escape the Tang Family’s notice.

The Baek Li Family used the financed funds to rebuild the Martial Arts Grand Alliance’s headquarters and took over a considerable number of existing operations. There, the distribution network of trading companies spreading like spider webs throughout the Central Plains greatly contributed.

Even if someone suppresses Baek Li-jung and becomes martial alliance leader, they can no longer be free from the Baek Li Family’s influence.

Baek Oh-sa tilted his head as if not understanding while looking at the bamboo slip with information.

“However, I can’t understand at all the contents of this contract secretly obtained from the battlefield? They lent money but the annual interest is only one percent? With a three-year grace period at that? Isn’t this practically free?”

Loan sharks charge six or seven percent interest, and generally two or three percent is normal. Even considering it’s such a large sum, one percent was the lowest rate.

Yuk Ha-seon said.

“The Hungry Ghost King placed an enormous gamble on Baek Li-jung.”

If it fails, trading companies would suffer damage enough to shake them, yet it was difficult to understand why they’d take such risks.

Jin Ja-gang quietly shook his head.

“It’s not a gamble.”

Everyone participating in the meeting looked at Jin Ja-gang.

Jin Ja-gang said.

“The Hungry Ghost King moved trading companies without caring that the flow of funds would be discovered. This means the most important matter to the Hungry Ghost King, something prepared for a long time, is bearing fruit through Baek Li-jung. Perhaps this was the Hungry Ghost King’s final plan.”

Tap Tak-yeon raised a question.

“Why?”

Others felt the same as Tap Tak-yeon.

“Rather than tying up costs that might not be recovered in one place, using those costs elsewhere could bring greater profit. In other words, the more they finance Baek Li-jung, the more trading companies lose.”

“Why would the Hungry Ghost King and trading companies do such a thing while suffering enormous losses?”

“Just because the Martial Arts Grand Alliance is newly established doesn’t particularly benefit them.”

Jin Ja-gang answered.

“To know that, it seems we have no choice but to meet the Hungry Ghost King.”

The Poison Cliques and Tang Family elders flinched.

“Surely… going to the Hungry Ghost King means…”

Everyone opposed.

“It’s not too late to send people to Crescent Moon Spring and Dunhuang to assess the situation first.”

“We can’t send you alone to that place, Poison Dragon.”

Jin Ja-gang thought briefly then answered.

“When we tracked the flow of funds, they probably already knew we were pursuing them.”

“However…”

Jin Ja-gang cut off the others’ words and said.

“I’ll go to the Baek Li Estate.”

“The Baek Li Estate!”

Dunhuang was a dragon’s pool and tiger’s den, but the Baek Li Estate was the same. Most there would harbor hostility toward Jin Ja-gang!

Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Ha-ran.

Tang Ha-ran also looked at Jin Ja-gang for a long while.

Finally she nodded in permission.

“There’s one month remaining until the martial arts tournament. You’ll have to hurry.”

The Tang Family elders shouted in surprise.

“Acting Family Head!”

However, Tang Ha-ran’s will was firm.

“Be careful and come back.”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang came out after finishing preparations.

Namgung Rak, Bian Bu and So-so, and An Ryeong who heard the news were waiting.

“I hear you’re going to become martial alliance leader?”

To Namgung Rak’s words, Jin Ja-gang answered.

“I’m not interested in being martial alliance leader.”

“Hmm. Even if you’re not interested, others are different. There will be quite a commotion.”

“I’d be grateful if they do. But aren’t you returning?”

“Even without pushing, I’ll go when the time comes like the Sword Empress.”

Jin Ja-gang asked Bian Bu.

“Is Fairy Maiden not coming?”

“Well, there are others’ eyes. While you’re doing so well, if rumors spread that you associate with the Unorthodox Faction, that wouldn’t look good either. However, she’ll return whenever needed.”

“I’ll thank you in advance.”

“Does the number one under heaven need to thank others?”

Jin Ja-gang smiled.

An Ryeong, who looked like she could barely walk with splints on all her limbs, looked at Jin Ja-gang.

“It must be hard, why did you come out?”

An Ryeong was injured enough that she’d never be able to use one arm again. But she forcibly pretended to be cheerful and said with a smile.

“I heard you’re going to die, so I wanted to thank you before that.”

“If it’s such thanks, I’ll receive them after I return.”

Jin Ja-gang also greeted So-so.

“So-so, I’ll be back.”

So-so nodded.

Jin Ja-gang left the Tang Family Great Estate with a slightly limping gait.

Yeong-hwi followed behind him like a shadow.

Watching Jin Ja-gang’s retreating figure, An Ryeong muttered very quietly.

“Liar. He doesn’t look like he’s going to Huguang Province.”

As the Tang Family Great Estate grew distant, Jin Ja-gang gradually stopped limping. Then he soon had a normal gait and began walking like an ordinary person.

☕ Support on Ko-Fi

☕ Support on Ko-Fi

☕ Support on Ko-Fi