Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Mang Ryo savored the cold night air for a moment, as if tasting it, and only after a long pause did he speak.

“Poison Valley.”

Chu Hyo’s eyebrows contorted. It was shocking news he had never considered.

“Is… is that true?”

“I couldn’t believe it at first either.”

Mang Ryo spoke as slowly as possible, with a sincere tone.

“Do you remember when I tried to hand over Shadow Bureau’s business to you?”

“Yes.”

“I received a reply from the Martial Arts Alliance about that matter. They said the business rights of Shadow Bureau had already been transferred to Poison Valley at their request. The same goes for Stone Forest Gang’s business rights.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes widened. His hands were trembling involuntarily.

“Then our Sajin…!”

“The limping one’s martial arts were sloppy. He was just a third-rate thug. But for such a person to possess poison potent enough to kill your nephew…”

“It was because he was Poison Valley’s man.”

“Sajin must have suffered greatly…”

“Ah, ahhh…!”

Mang Ryo bowed his head deeply.

“This is my fault. Because of my haste, your nephew met with misfortune. If only I hadn’t brought Shadow Bureau’s business to you…!”

“Brother! Please don’t say such things!”

Chu Hyo was holding a wine cup in his hand but had nowhere to put it down. He threw the cup still containing wine at a pavilion pillar, shattering it.

Crash!

“The one who killed my child wasn’t you, but Poison Valley. I, Chu Hyo, may be foolish, but I’m not so stupid that I can’t distinguish that much!”

A fire ignited in Chu Hyo’s eyes. The anger he had forgotten due to emptiness was rekindled.

Indeed, it had seemed strange that the great poison sects were being annihilated one after another. Even sects affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance.

He couldn’t imagine there was such a bold force in Yunnan.

Except for Poison Valley.

It was also certainly suspicious that Poison Valley had not actively searched for the culprit and remained silent.

Because it was their doing!

Mang Ryo said, “The various rights and business profits held by the Five Great Poison Sects are enormous. If they monopolize those rights, Poison Valley will no longer remain just a regional sect in the frontier.”

Chu Hyo gritted his teeth.

Grrrr!

As if matching his rhythm, Mang Ryo spoke while grinding his teeth.

“The dream of Wei Zong, Valley Master of Poison Valley, to advance into the Central Plains will come true.”

Chu Hyo sprang to his feet. His anger toward Poison Valley had risen to the top of his head, making his eyes bloodshot.

Having drawn his internal energy to the limit, his hair stood on end, and the alcohol in his system was expelled through sweat. The sweat reeked strongly of alcohol.

“I won’t let Poison Valley get away with this. Even if I have to mobilize all of Five Birds Sect!”

But Mang Ryo reproached him.

“The opponent is Poison Valley. Do you intend to rush in without any preparation and die like a dog?”

Chu Hyo wailed.

“Even so, how can I live under the same sky for even a moment with those who killed my child!”

“Tonight, Iron Umbrella Sect was erased by Poison Valley’s hand. I just came from there!”

Flinch!

Chu Hyo closed his mouth.

Five Birds Sect is not stronger than Iron Umbrella Sect. As Mang Ryo said, going to Poison Valley would only result in dying like a dog.

If Poison Valley’s power could erase Iron Umbrella Sect in a single night, Five Birds Sect would be no match at all.

Poison Valley’s strength is more powerful than any other poison sect.

“Urgh…”

Though anger welled up, Chu Hyo beat his chest in frustration at his inability to do anything.

“Brother! It’s too unfair! Too unjust!”

“Calm down. There is a way.”

“But how? Isn’t Poison Valley acting so brazenly because the Martial Arts Alliance is turning a blind eye to some extent?”

“Poison Valley will try to pin everything on the limping one to wrap things up. I don’t know who in the Martial Arts Alliance is involved, but if we secure the limping one before Poison Valley does, the Martial Arts Alliance will have no justification to intervene.”

“If Poison Valley uses force…”

Mang Ryo silently grabbed both sides of the serving table.

Crunch!

The sturdy wooden table holding the wine bottle, cups, plates of side dishes, and brass bowls instantly crumpled.

Crack, crunch!

The table legs broke, porcelain dishes shattered, and brass bowls crumpled. Yet amazingly, not a single piece fell to the ground.

Mang Ryo had compressed it all tightly.

He hadn’t pressed it against the floor but simply held it in the air and crushed it! Wood, not metal!

It was truly a formidable display of internal energy.

Chu Hyo knew Mang Ryo’s martial arts were high, but not to this extent.

Crunch, crunch.

When it was completely crumpled like a ball, Mang Ryo threw it into the pond.

Splash!

Ripples spread across the water’s surface.

“B-Brother.”

Chu Hyo stared at Mang Ryo with his mouth open.

“If Valley Master Wei Zong tries to intervene, I’ll handle him. I can also block pressure from the Martial Arts Alliance to some extent. But I can’t do it alone. That’s why I need you.”

“Then…!”

Mang Ryo grabbed Chu Hyo’s shoulders and said,

“You must gather the remaining strength of Yunnan’s righteous factions. For the justice of Yunnan. That’s what you must do!”

There are many small righteous factions in Yunnan. Small and medium-sized sects that haven’t been able to stand out due to the influence of the poison sects.

Mang Ryo was suggesting they persuade these sects to stand against Poison Valley.

“We don’t have much time. Wei Zong will likely try to unite all small and medium poison sects at this poison sect assembly and make himself the king of Yunnan.”

Chu Hyo now knew what he had to do.

Mang Ryo looked straight into Chu Hyo’s eyes with an expression full of righteousness and said,

“You and I must restore the justice that Yunnan has lost!”

Emotions surged in Chu Hyo’s chest as well.

“I will dedicate my life to accomplish this. Without fail!”

Mang Ryo embraced Chu Hyo tightly.

“I promise you. I will place the heads of Wei Zong and that limping b*st*rd on your nephew’s memorial altar. And I will offer three cups of wine to comfort the souls of your nephew, his wife, and your grandson.”

Mang Ryo whispered softly in Chu Hyo’s ear,

“I guarantee it. He will now face hell.”

Chu Hyo was slightly concerned about why Mang Ryo had said “he” instead of “they,” but thinking it wasn’t significant, he let it pass.

Chu Hyo couldn’t see it, but Mang Ryo was smiling with great satisfaction.

* * *

Iron Umbrella Sect had been reduced to ashes.

It happened just three days after the sect leader had left to attend Poison Valley’s assembly.

Even the sect leader of Iron Umbrella Sect was found dead in a pool of blood on his way to Poison Valley.

With this, the Five Great Poison Sects that Yunnan had boasted of were gone, and only Poison Valley remained.

Yunnan was in turmoil.

This disaster had occurred right before the poison sects’ general assembly.

Poison Valley declared a state of emergency and urged all small and medium poison sects in Yunnan to attend the assembly if possible.

Of course, this was almost coercive.

Even small poison sects that had not participated in the assembly before were now attending, so the number of participating sects increased more than expected.

The schedule for the assembly was also pushed back slightly, set for fifteen days later.

* * *

While others’ attention was focused on the destruction of Iron Umbrella Sect, Chu Hyo of Five Birds Sect moved quickly.

He went around visiting small and medium righteous factions in Yunnan that had little influence, persuading them to join forces.

“Join hands to oppose Poison Valley? Are you in your right mind?”

Mi Yeomgong, the master of Blue Cloud Sword Sect, questioned Chu Hyo. Blue Cloud Sword Sect was a sword sect located in Jade Stream, Yunnan. The founding master of Blue Cloud Sword Sect had received sword training from a famous family in the Central Plains and established the sect in Yunnan a hundred years ago.

Like most righteous factions in Yunnan, it was a small sword sect with only about twenty disciples. They had never even considered opposing the poison sects that had dominated Yunnan.

But Chu Hyo did not back down.

“How long do you intend to endure? Have you forgotten what the poison sects have done in Yunnan all this time?”

“But…”

Chu Hyo cried out,

“My son is dead!”

Mi Yeomgong closed his eyes with a pained expression. He already knew that Chu Hyo’s only son had died and that his daughter-in-law, who was pregnant with his grandson, had hanged herself.

“Because I stood by and ignored their atrocities, thinking it wasn’t my business! Because I thought I would be fine if I looked the other way!”

“Your son’s situation… I’m truly sorry. But to attack Poison Valley with just our strength…”

“Three of the Great Poison Sects are gone. If not now, when will we have another chance? If we join forces, we can do it.”

Mi Yeomgong wasn’t unaware of the poison sects’ tyranny. Until now, they had lived without saying a word, suppressed by the poison sects’ authority. But as Chu Hyo said, all the major poison sects, including Shadow Bureau, had been destroyed!

“Hmm.”

Mi Yeomgong pondered for a long time.

Bu Yong, the master of Rising Dragon Sect with fifteen disciples, also received a visit from Chu Hyo.

“Poison Valley now holds all the businesses of the former Five Great Poison Sects. If we deal with Poison Valley, all the enormous rights and interests of the Five Great Poison Sects will be ours.”

“I’ve heard that Poison Valley is managing Shadow Bureau’s assets. Now that Iron Umbrella Sect has been destroyed, its assets will also fall into Poison Valley’s hands.”

“That’s right.”

“But can we really do it?”

“We can. But we must move before the assembly ends. It will be meaningless if all the remaining poison sects are absorbed by Poison Valley.”

“Even so, Poison Valley is…”

Seeing Bu Yong hesitate, Chu Hyo played his trump card.

“Master Bu, I will give up Five Birds Sect’s share and offer you more.”

“My, my, you’re making me look strange. Do you think I’m hesitating because of material gain?”

“Of course not. We’ve known each other for over ten years. I’m offering to share more as a token of my gratitude.”

“Hmm, if that’s your intention…”

Bu Yong subtly accepted Chu Hyo’s proposal. The wealth that the former Five Great Poison Sects had possessed was too tempting to pass up.

Chu Hyo, who had lost his son, was persistent and desperate in his persuasion.

“With the loss of Shadow Bureau and Iron Umbrella Sect, the poison sects are like a tiger with broken teeth. Now is the perfect opportunity to end Poison Valley’s evil deeds.”

Mo Rabgo of Yisim Sect replied with a troubled expression,

“Poison Valley is a sect affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. How will we handle the aftermath if we act rashly against them?”

“That’s why I need your strength, Master. You were a disciple of the Kunlun Sect. If you help us, won’t the Kunlun Sect stand with us?”

“Well, when I was at Kunlun, my fourth uncle did favor me. I heard he’s now at the Qinghai branch of the Martial Arts Alliance…”

“We also have someone to protect us. Even a word from your fourth uncle would be a great help.”

Finally, Mo Rabgo agreed.

“Hmm. Very well. For the sake of my relationship with your father, I cannot stay out of this matter. And it’s time to put an end to their evil deeds.”

Chu Hyo continued to persuade the masters of righteous factions.

“My son was poisoned and died in agony by their hands. You know that our Five Birds Sect is affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. Yet they didn’t hesitate to harm my son. If Poison Valley completely takes over Yunnan, who knows what will happen. Your sect will be no exception.”

Sometimes he used threats.

“My son is dead! What greater justification is there? If your child had been harmed by them, I would never have stood by. I would have helped you with my life at stake. Please help me too, Master!”

Sometimes he appealed to emotions.

“Is there any justice left in Yunnan? Since the poison sects took over, our Yunnan has become a lawless land ruled by bandits. It’s time to reclaim Yunnan with our own strength.”

Sometimes he appealed to the greater good.

Of course, the most influential factor was the rights and interests that Poison Valley was monopolizing. The enormous wealth that the Five Great Poison Sects had accumulated over decades was now concentrated in one place, which was enough to draw envy from many.

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Mang Ryo savored the cold night air for a moment, as if tasting it, and only after a long pause did he speak.

“Poison Valley.”

Chu Hyo’s eyebrows contorted. It was shocking news he had never considered.

“Is… is that true?”

“I couldn’t believe it at first either.”

Mang Ryo spoke as slowly as possible, with a sincere tone.

“Do you remember when I tried to hand over Shadow Bureau’s business to you?”

“Yes.”

“I received a reply from the Martial Arts Alliance about that matter. They said the business rights of Shadow Bureau had already been transferred to Poison Valley at their request. The same goes for Stone Forest Gang’s business rights.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes widened. His hands were trembling involuntarily.

“Then our Sajin…!”

“The limping one’s martial arts were sloppy. He was just a third-rate thug. But for such a person to possess poison potent enough to kill your nephew…”

“It was because he was Poison Valley’s man.”

“Sajin must have suffered greatly…”

“Ah, ahhh…!”

Mang Ryo bowed his head deeply.

“This is my fault. Because of my haste, your nephew met with misfortune. If only I hadn’t brought Shadow Bureau’s business to you…!”

“Brother! Please don’t say such things!”

Chu Hyo was holding a wine cup in his hand but had nowhere to put it down. He threw the cup still containing wine at a pavilion pillar, shattering it.

Crash!

“The one who killed my child wasn’t you, but Poison Valley. I, Chu Hyo, may be foolish, but I’m not so stupid that I can’t distinguish that much!”

A fire ignited in Chu Hyo’s eyes. The anger he had forgotten due to emptiness was rekindled.

Indeed, it had seemed strange that the great poison sects were being annihilated one after another. Even sects affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance.

He couldn’t imagine there was such a bold force in Yunnan.

Except for Poison Valley.

It was also certainly suspicious that Poison Valley had not actively searched for the culprit and remained silent.

Because it was their doing!

Mang Ryo said, “The various rights and business profits held by the Five Great Poison Sects are enormous. If they monopolize those rights, Poison Valley will no longer remain just a regional sect in the frontier.”

Chu Hyo gritted his teeth.

Grrrr!

As if matching his rhythm, Mang Ryo spoke while grinding his teeth.

“The dream of Wei Zong, Valley Master of Poison Valley, to advance into the Central Plains will come true.”

Chu Hyo sprang to his feet. His anger toward Poison Valley had risen to the top of his head, making his eyes bloodshot.

Having drawn his internal energy to the limit, his hair stood on end, and the alcohol in his system was expelled through sweat. The sweat reeked strongly of alcohol.

“I won’t let Poison Valley get away with this. Even if I have to mobilize all of Five Birds Sect!”

But Mang Ryo reproached him.

“The opponent is Poison Valley. Do you intend to rush in without any preparation and die like a dog?”

Chu Hyo wailed.

“Even so, how can I live under the same sky for even a moment with those who killed my child!”

“Tonight, Iron Umbrella Sect was erased by Poison Valley’s hand. I just came from there!”

Flinch!

Chu Hyo closed his mouth.

Five Birds Sect is not stronger than Iron Umbrella Sect. As Mang Ryo said, going to Poison Valley would only result in dying like a dog.

If Poison Valley’s power could erase Iron Umbrella Sect in a single night, Five Birds Sect would be no match at all.

Poison Valley’s strength is more powerful than any other poison sect.

“Urgh…”

Though anger welled up, Chu Hyo beat his chest in frustration at his inability to do anything.

“Brother! It’s too unfair! Too unjust!”

“Calm down. There is a way.”

“But how? Isn’t Poison Valley acting so brazenly because the Martial Arts Alliance is turning a blind eye to some extent?”

“Poison Valley will try to pin everything on the limping one to wrap things up. I don’t know who in the Martial Arts Alliance is involved, but if we secure the limping one before Poison Valley does, the Martial Arts Alliance will have no justification to intervene.”

“If Poison Valley uses force…”

Mang Ryo silently grabbed both sides of the serving table.

Crunch!

The sturdy wooden table holding the wine bottle, cups, plates of side dishes, and brass bowls instantly crumpled.

Crack, crunch!

The table legs broke, porcelain dishes shattered, and brass bowls crumpled. Yet amazingly, not a single piece fell to the ground.

Mang Ryo had compressed it all tightly.

He hadn’t pressed it against the floor but simply held it in the air and crushed it! Wood, not metal!

It was truly a formidable display of internal energy.

Chu Hyo knew Mang Ryo’s martial arts were high, but not to this extent.

Crunch, crunch.

When it was completely crumpled like a ball, Mang Ryo threw it into the pond.

Splash!

Ripples spread across the water’s surface.

“B-Brother.”

Chu Hyo stared at Mang Ryo with his mouth open.

“If Valley Master Wei Zong tries to intervene, I’ll handle him. I can also block pressure from the Martial Arts Alliance to some extent. But I can’t do it alone. That’s why I need you.”

“Then…!”

Mang Ryo grabbed Chu Hyo’s shoulders and said,

“You must gather the remaining strength of Yunnan’s righteous factions. For the justice of Yunnan. That’s what you must do!”

There are many small righteous factions in Yunnan. Small and medium-sized sects that haven’t been able to stand out due to the influence of the poison sects.

Mang Ryo was suggesting they persuade these sects to stand against Poison Valley.

“We don’t have much time. Wei Zong will likely try to unite all small and medium poison sects at this poison sect assembly and make himself the king of Yunnan.”

Chu Hyo now knew what he had to do.

Mang Ryo looked straight into Chu Hyo’s eyes with an expression full of righteousness and said,

“You and I must restore the justice that Yunnan has lost!”

Emotions surged in Chu Hyo’s chest as well.

“I will dedicate my life to accomplish this. Without fail!”

Mang Ryo embraced Chu Hyo tightly.

“I promise you. I will place the heads of Wei Zong and that limping b*st*rd on your nephew’s memorial altar. And I will offer three cups of wine to comfort the souls of your nephew, his wife, and your grandson.”

Mang Ryo whispered softly in Chu Hyo’s ear,

“I guarantee it. He will now face hell.”

Chu Hyo was slightly concerned about why Mang Ryo had said “he” instead of “they,” but thinking it wasn’t significant, he let it pass.

Chu Hyo couldn’t see it, but Mang Ryo was smiling with great satisfaction.

* * *

Iron Umbrella Sect had been reduced to ashes.

It happened just three days after the sect leader had left to attend Poison Valley’s assembly.

Even the sect leader of Iron Umbrella Sect was found dead in a pool of blood on his way to Poison Valley.

With this, the Five Great Poison Sects that Yunnan had boasted of were gone, and only Poison Valley remained.

Yunnan was in turmoil.

This disaster had occurred right before the poison sects’ general assembly.

Poison Valley declared a state of emergency and urged all small and medium poison sects in Yunnan to attend the assembly if possible.

Of course, this was almost coercive.

Even small poison sects that had not participated in the assembly before were now attending, so the number of participating sects increased more than expected.

The schedule for the assembly was also pushed back slightly, set for fifteen days later.

* * *

While others’ attention was focused on the destruction of Iron Umbrella Sect, Chu Hyo of Five Birds Sect moved quickly.

He went around visiting small and medium righteous factions in Yunnan that had little influence, persuading them to join forces.

“Join hands to oppose Poison Valley? Are you in your right mind?”

Mi Yeomgong, the master of Blue Cloud Sword Sect, questioned Chu Hyo. Blue Cloud Sword Sect was a sword sect located in Jade Stream, Yunnan. The founding master of Blue Cloud Sword Sect had received sword training from a famous family in the Central Plains and established the sect in Yunnan a hundred years ago.

Like most righteous factions in Yunnan, it was a small sword sect with only about twenty disciples. They had never even considered opposing the poison sects that had dominated Yunnan.

But Chu Hyo did not back down.

“How long do you intend to endure? Have you forgotten what the poison sects have done in Yunnan all this time?”

“But…”

Chu Hyo cried out,

“My son is dead!”

Mi Yeomgong closed his eyes with a pained expression. He already knew that Chu Hyo’s only son had died and that his daughter-in-law, who was pregnant with his grandson, had hanged herself.

“Because I stood by and ignored their atrocities, thinking it wasn’t my business! Because I thought I would be fine if I looked the other way!”

“Your son’s situation… I’m truly sorry. But to attack Poison Valley with just our strength…”

“Three of the Great Poison Sects are gone. If not now, when will we have another chance? If we join forces, we can do it.”

Mi Yeomgong wasn’t unaware of the poison sects’ tyranny. Until now, they had lived without saying a word, suppressed by the poison sects’ authority. But as Chu Hyo said, all the major poison sects, including Shadow Bureau, had been destroyed!

“Hmm.”

Mi Yeomgong pondered for a long time.

Bu Yong, the master of Rising Dragon Sect with fifteen disciples, also received a visit from Chu Hyo.

“Poison Valley now holds all the businesses of the former Five Great Poison Sects. If we deal with Poison Valley, all the enormous rights and interests of the Five Great Poison Sects will be ours.”

“I’ve heard that Poison Valley is managing Shadow Bureau’s assets. Now that Iron Umbrella Sect has been destroyed, its assets will also fall into Poison Valley’s hands.”

“That’s right.”

“But can we really do it?”

“We can. But we must move before the assembly ends. It will be meaningless if all the remaining poison sects are absorbed by Poison Valley.”

“Even so, Poison Valley is…”

Seeing Bu Yong hesitate, Chu Hyo played his trump card.

“Master Bu, I will give up Five Birds Sect’s share and offer you more.”

“My, my, you’re making me look strange. Do you think I’m hesitating because of material gain?”

“Of course not. We’ve known each other for over ten years. I’m offering to share more as a token of my gratitude.”

“Hmm, if that’s your intention…”

Bu Yong subtly accepted Chu Hyo’s proposal. The wealth that the former Five Great Poison Sects had possessed was too tempting to pass up.

Chu Hyo, who had lost his son, was persistent and desperate in his persuasion.

“With the loss of Shadow Bureau and Iron Umbrella Sect, the poison sects are like a tiger with broken teeth. Now is the perfect opportunity to end Poison Valley’s evil deeds.”

Mo Rabgo of Yisim Sect replied with a troubled expression,

“Poison Valley is a sect affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. How will we handle the aftermath if we act rashly against them?”

“That’s why I need your strength, Master. You were a disciple of the Kunlun Sect. If you help us, won’t the Kunlun Sect stand with us?”

“Well, when I was at Kunlun, my fourth uncle did favor me. I heard he’s now at the Qinghai branch of the Martial Arts Alliance…”

“We also have someone to protect us. Even a word from your fourth uncle would be a great help.”

Finally, Mo Rabgo agreed.

“Hmm. Very well. For the sake of my relationship with your father, I cannot stay out of this matter. And it’s time to put an end to their evil deeds.”

Chu Hyo continued to persuade the masters of righteous factions.

“My son was poisoned and died in agony by their hands. You know that our Five Birds Sect is affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. Yet they didn’t hesitate to harm my son. If Poison Valley completely takes over Yunnan, who knows what will happen. Your sect will be no exception.”

Sometimes he used threats.

“My son is dead! What greater justification is there? If your child had been harmed by them, I would never have stood by. I would have helped you with my life at stake. Please help me too, Master!”

Sometimes he appealed to emotions.

“Is there any justice left in Yunnan? Since the poison sects took over, our Yunnan has become a lawless land ruled by bandits. It’s time to reclaim Yunnan with our own strength.”

Sometimes he appealed to the greater good.

Of course, the most influential factor was the rights and interests that Poison Valley was monopolizing. The enormous wealth that the Five Great Poison Sects had accumulated over decades was now concentrated in one place, which was enough to draw envy from many.

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