[Chapter 83]
In the ever-turbulent world of Jianghu, where peace is a stranger, an event of colossal magnitude had unfolded, a rarity even in such chaotic times.
Martial Outlaw.
These four characters, chilling to the spine, do not discriminate between the righteous path and the evil path, nor do they spare those beyond the martial world.
In a realm rife with murderers and madmen, to be branded a Martial Outlaw by the provisional Martial Alliance is a fate seldom seen. In nearly a century, less than ten have borne this mark.
Such a brand is not given lightly.
Yet, astonishingly, this generation's Martial Outlaw was not a single individual but an entire clan.
The Nine Province Clan.
Three hundred years ago, alongside the Four Great Martial Emperors, this noble house rooted itself in the Central Plains after quelling the Blood Sect Rebellion, standing unchallenged for nearly two centuries, a bastion of martial prowess.
For such a house to be marked as a Martial Outlaw was unprecedented in the annals of martial history.
Of course, being branded did not mean the death of all its warriors.
The mark of a Martial Outlaw seals the movement of an entire force. Only after apprehension and verification of the facts, if deemed justifiable, does the mark solidify.
It is not a decree lightly invoked. Given its extraordinary nature, it is not stamped without due cause.
However, it is announced throughout the martial world to prevent the suspects from fleeing.
It is an oppressive command, yet considering that even notorious killers avoid such a fate, it signifies the gravity of the clan's transgressions.
Jianghu held its breath.
The matter was significant enough to convene a temporary Martial Alliance. The fall of a noble house, once the pinnacle of the martial world, was an event that captured the attention of all.
At the Nine Province Clan's main house in Huchang, He'nan.
An innumerable host of warriors had gathered, and among them were no ordinary faces.
Monks in Daoist robes, Taoists, and warriors clad in exquisite martial attire filled the ranks, their numbers nearing five hundred.
With such a force encircling the clan's grounds, the extent of those within was known only to the insiders.
Moyong Jun entered the clan's domain with a composed demeanor.
The warriors guarding the inner courtyard bowed their heads.
"Greetings to our Clan Leader!"
"Hmm, you're working hard."
Moyong Jun, receiving their salutations with ease, passed through the outer courtyard into the inner sanctum.
He visited a building within the inner courtyard, where a subtle medicinal fragrance lingered.
Sss… Sss…
There, an elderly man lay breathing shallowly, his body swathed in bandages, deep wounds marring even his neck and face, still flushed with the hues of fresh injury.
This man was none other than Ming Chen.
Moyong Jun clicked his tongue.
"He's been dealt a terrible hand."
He had heard the rough outline of events.
Ming Chen, en route to the Yan family in Jiangsu Province, was intercepted by Yeon Hojeong and Chang'eungdae. A clash ensued, and by ill-fate, Ming Chen was left in this state.
"Hah! A new divine skill? To be ambushed while cultivating a new martial art, what rotten luck, wouldn't you say?"
Moyong Jun turned his head.
There sat a middle-aged man on a square chair, Ming Usan, who had been holding his breath since Moyong Jun's arrival.
Moyong Jun spoke with a smile.
"You've all gone too far. To unearth the ancestral martial arts, you've killed so many workers. The number reaches nearly eight hundred, does it not?"
"…"
"How could you commit such heinous acts? Was keeping that secret so vital?"
Ming Usan bit his lip.
Indeed, the most potent blow Moyong Jun delivered at the grand assembly was the clan's massacre of innocent laborers.
Even the righteous martial world might turn a blind eye to minor flaws or corruption. Especially if it concerns the Nine Sects or the Seven Great Families.
But harming civilians is another matter.
The treaty of non-aggression between the government and the martial world, Gwanrim Sangho Bulchim, has been in place for centuries. Yet occasionally, the government intervenes in martial affairs.
Especially when civilians are harmed.
A martial artist killed innocent commoners? That cannot be ignored.
In name, they are martial artists, but the farmers and commoners are subjects of the empire, possessions of the Emperor. The government must intervene, even if only for show.
And the martial world dislikes government meddling in its affairs.
Thus, it is a sensitive issue. Had it been hushed up, perhaps it would be different, but once publicly debated, becoming a Martial Outlaw was not so strange.
"Tsk tsk. Had it been me, I would have sheltered you under my wing. A proper livelihood for life."
"…"
"Surveillance is easy, and they're handy for menial tasks. Yet, you chose not to shelter them but to slaughter them all."
"…"
"And to top it off, the martial arts you've cultivated in the name of ancestral techniques are demonic arts?"
Ming Usan's eyes wavered for a moment.
"This is… not a demonic art."
"Ha! Does it only count as demonic if it reeks of evil energy?"
"…"
"It's a martial art that consumes the mind. That much has been well proven by the clan leader lying here, and the elders who fled."
"…"
"There are still a few we haven't caught. It seems it will take some time."
Moyong Jun sat casually on the bed.
"Whether direct or collateral, we're all family, aren't we? Those who fled will be executed without question if caught. But if they surrender, at least they won't die."
Ming Usan's eyes deepened.
"At least ten years in brain prison. And they'll seal your energy center, no doubt."
"Better than death. Better than living a life trembling in fear."
"…"
"Didn't you foresee even this outcome when you buried the workers?"
Ming Usan silently bit his lip.
Moyong Jun's eyes suddenly turned cold.
"I have a proposal."
"…?"
"You must be aware that the great heir of the clan disappeared while in secluded cultivation."
Ming Usan's eyes shook.
Moyong Jun smiled. It was a minor reaction, but a satisfying one.
"You know where the scoundrel has fled."
"…"
"Let's not make this too hard. Tell me where he's run off to, and I'll reduce the sentences for you and your daughter."
Ming Usan's complexion changed drastically.
"My daughter will be imprisoned in the brain prison too?"
"Did you think otherwise?"
Moyong Jun shook his head.
"Even if it was an order from above, she practiced demonic arts. Moreover, that child attempted to kill the great heir of the Yan family."
"That, that is…!"
"You know, don't you? How significant the child of Yeon Hojeong is."
Moyong Jun grinned.
"The best young warrior who boldly faced the hypocrites tainted with evil. The young tiger of Kangdong who stood alone against a massive organization to protect his family."
"…"
"His martial prowess and bravery are so outstanding that he's been called the reincarnation of the Little Conqueror, Sun Ce. And his intelligence is so remarkable that they say he's like the reborn Lu Xun."
Moyong Jun nodded.
"Impressive, isn't it? Martial arts, intelligence, boldness, execution. There's nothing ordinary about him. I've never seen such a talented individual."
"…"
"Do you understand? Right now, that child of Yeon Hojeong is a hot-blooded hero in the eyes of the martial world. In a way, he alone has brought down the clan."
Ming Usan's lips split, blood trickling from the bitten flesh.
"In other words, public opinion will demand the harshest punishment for those who tried to kill Yeon Hojeong, regardless of the reason. Do you think your daughter can escape the wrath of an enraged public?"
"I, I…"
"Think carefully. As the host of the grand assembly, I can certainly influence the sentences of two people. If you handle this well, it might end with just the sealing of the energy center. You might not even need to be imprisoned."
Ming Usan looked at Ming Chen.
Ming Chen was still unconscious. Even if he were to regain consciousness, he wouldn't live long. The physician said his lifespan had been drastically reduced.
Ming Usan lowered his head.
Moyong Jun, who had been quietly observing Ming Usan, stood up.
"In three days, all the warriors of the clan will be transferred to the Martial Alliance."
"…!!"
"A temporary alliance leader will also be chosen. Though, that's not important."
Moyong Jun patted Ming Usan's shoulder.
"I'll be at a nearby tavern for the next three days. If you change your mind, come find me anytime."
He knew the heart had already been swayed.
Then it's best to slip away. The value of information lies in coming forward voluntarily to talk.
Of course, by then, today's promises will have lost their meaning.
"Rest easy."
Moyong Jun stepped out of the building and looked up at the sky.
"Phew, it's a bit hot, but the sky is clear. A fine day indeed. Hahaha!"
* * *
Thud!
"Gurgle."
Gadeuksang collapsed on the spot, a burp-like groan escaping his lips.
"Won't you greet properly?"
"Kuhuk! Ah, why suddenly this again!"
Crack!
"Aaack!"
Gadeuksang clutched his shin, hopping up and down in pain.
The old man tsk-tsked in disapproval.
"I thought I taught you well enough to beg like a pro, but here you are, swept up in such a grand mess?"
"A grand mess? Why is this a grand mess? It's a splendid deed!"
"This brat?"
"…"
"If you talk back one more time, know that you'll be beaten to dust on a rainy day. Got it?"
Gadeuksang shrank his neck.
His master was a man of his word, and he seemed to be in a particularly foul mood.
Groveling was the best strategy at times like these. Gadeuksang grinned foolishly.
"Hehe, just saying."
"Sigh, to think I raised such a brainless fool to be my only successor. My ancestors must be weeping in their graves."
"…But why is this a mess?"
"You blockhead. Almost everyone knows you're involved in this incident. What will people think of you when you become the clan leader?"
"…A beggar who keeps his word?"
"Damn you, you madman! Do you have any idea how many snakes there are among the righteous martial artists? Do you think they'd want to deal with a troublesome guy like you?"
Gadeuksang's face crumpled.
"So what should I do? You've heard what the noble house did. Should I just let that go? Is that what a member of the Open Path should do?"
Gadeuksang's voice was slightly raised.
Even past the age of twenty, he was hot-blooded. He would rather die at his master's hands than stand for what was wrong.
The old man snorted.
"Couldn't you have helped without making it known?"
"…Pardon?"
"You should have hidden yourself thoroughly, you louse!"
"Ah…"
"Ah? Bah! You're getting dumber by the day. Who filled your lungs with hot air? Was it that Yeon Hojeong fellow?"
"Pardon?"
"Did Yeon Hojeong fill your lungs with air?"
Gadeuksang rolled his eyes for a moment, then nodded coolly.
"Yes, Master."
"Hmph! Anyway, that guy is no ordinary fellow. Is he still around here?"
"Yes. He's not just broken, he's shattered."
The old man pointed with his chin towards the path.
"Let's see this tiger with the notorious face. Lead the way."
"Hehe, yes!"
"Hey, but why is his nickname 'Storm Knight'?"
"I don't know."
"Now he's a tiger? After a lion comes a tiger?"
"That's what I said."
"Is he from the cat family?"
"He does seem to change his mind a lot."
"You don't like him, do you? You're more like a dog."
"…"
"Let's go."
"Woof woof."