The Battle Room
Mu-jin and his group, having left the headquarters of the Red Tiger Group, arrived near Dongran County in Guangxi Province after several days of travel.
Upon arrival, Mu-jin and his group were wearing outfits that one would not associate with Shaolin or the Tang Clan.
This was understandable. Guangxi Province was the territory of the unorthodox sects, and both Mu-jin and the others were wanted with bounties placed on their heads by the Demonic Alliance.
Their activities in Guangxi Province had nearly led to a great war between the orthodox and unorthodox factions, and now the orthodox faction was splintered.
However, their disguise was not solely due to these reasons. Dao Yuetian was currently an undercover agent in the unorthodox sects, and any contact with him required utmost caution.
To conceal their identities, Mu-jin and his group not only changed their clothes but also disguised their faces with masks and makeup, a feat made possible by Tang So-mi.
“If it’s about disguises, leave it to . I sotis go on excursions in male attire.”
When they arrived near Guangxi Province, Tang So-mi stepped forward at Mu-jin’s ntion of needing disguises. Although Mu-jin could never understand why she enjoyed cross-dressing, he decided to overlook it, thinking it was just her quirk.
After transforming their appearances completely, Mu-jin headed towards the manor in Dongran County with a signboard reading [Battle Room].
This was the stronghold newly established by Dao Yuetian in Guangxi Province.
“You’re soone I haven’t seen before. Identify yourself.”
The guard at the entrance of the Battle Room, a rough-looking man, glared at Mu-jin.
‘Hmm. Looks like he’s gathered so subordinates during this ti.’
Dao Yuetian had headed to Guangxi Province about four months ago, so it was expected that he should have at least taken control of a small county by now. Anything less would not befit the title of a protagonist.
Mu-jin lowered his head and replied in a frightened tone, “I… I am Jin Pyeong from the Manwol Sangdan. I have co with a letter from the Sangdan Master.”
Manwol Sangdan was a fake but also a real rchant group. Dao Yuetian and Baek Ga-hwan had created it as an interdiary base for exchanging information with the Cheonryu Sangdan without being detected by the unorthodox forces or Shinchun.
Several other rchant groups were also involved in complex transactions to cover their tracks, but Mu-jin only rembered the Manwol Sangdan since it directly dealt with the Battle Room.
“Manwol Sangdan, you say? Wait here.”
The guard ordered Mu-jin to wait and called soone from inside. Another rough-looking man, as fierce as the first, appeared.
“We need to check for weapons just in case.”
The newcor lightly searched Mu-jin, who, being a martial artist with no intention to attack, carried no weapons.
“Follow .”
After the search, the man led the way, and Mu-jin nodded in approval.
‘Looks like they’re doing well.’
In the unorthodox sects’ territory, even the subordinates in the Battle Room were martial artists from the unorthodox sects. These n, while unorthodox, maintained a certain level of etiquette and discipline.
Mu-jin was led to what seed to be a guest room.
“I will fetch the Chief, please wait here.”
“Thank you.”
Mu-jin bowed his head for the act and entered the room awkwardly. He waited for a mont until the door opened, and a familiar face walked in.
“Greetings. I am Baek Ga-hwan, Chief of the Battle Room. You ntioned you are from the Manwol Sangdan?”
Seeing Baek Ga-hwan after a long ti, Mu-jin smiled faintly and responded, “I am Jin Pyeong from the Manwol Sangdan.”
– It’s been a while, Young Master Baek. It’s , Mu-jin.
Despite revealing his identity through a whisper, Baek Ga-hwan showed no signs of surprise and responded with a light smile, “Nice to et you. I apologize, but could you provide proof that you are from the Manwol Sangdan?”
Though potentially an offensive question, it was understandable for soone working undercover. The real issue was that revealing his face could expose his identity on the way back.
After contemplating how to prove himself, Mu-jin decided to send another whisper.
– Revealing my face might risk exposure. I’ll prove myself in another way.
Mu-jin rolled up his sleeves and pants, revealing his iron-like muscles. His golden energy, which was his trademark, began to flow over his muscles.
“Indeed, you are from the Manwol Sangdan.”
Baek Ga-hwan finally smiled brightly and welcod Mu-jin.
“It seems this matter might be too difficult for to handle alone. Fetch the Master!”
At Baek Ga-hwan’s call, a loud reply ca from the entrance, and soon, Dao Yuetian entered the room.
“Nice to et you. I am Dao Yuetian, Master of the Battle Room.”
“I am Jin Pyeong from the Manwol Sangdan.”
Right after the formal greetings, Dao Yuetian closed the door, and Baek Ga-hwan drew the character (Mu-jin) on the table with his finger.
“!!!”
Dao Yuetian, who was now looking at Mu-jin with a surprised face, whispered, “What brings you here, Master Mu-jin?”
Mu-jin briefly explained what had happened in Southern Barbaria, omitting the part about targeting Ou-yang Pae from the start.
He ntioned gathering information on Shinchun from Huashan and Jeomchang, which led him to Southern Barbaria, where he captured a leader of Shinchun.
He also shared so valuable information about Shinchun and concluded with, “We found various herbs and poisonous plants in the territory of the Five Poison Sect, including the Cat’s Eye Herb, which can be sold at a high price in the Central Plains.”
“Hmm. Dealing with Jeomchang Sect will be difficult, but if you plan to sell the herbs through Guangxi Province, we can assist you in transporting them to Shaolin.”
Mu-jin’s quick explanation made Baek Ga-hwan understand his intention imdiately.
“Exactly. The interdiary profits will greatly benefit the Battle Room’s operations. Additionally, the Cat’s Eye Herb, known for its effectiveness, can enhance Dao Yuetian’s internal energy.”
Mu-jin’s words caused Dao Yuetian and Baek Ga-hwan to exchange glances and smile lightly.
“Well, I thought we had achieved so results, but compared to Master Mu-jin, it’s nothing.”
“Indeed.”
Mu-jin smiled contentedly at the amicable interaction between the two and then asked,
“Speaking of which, we need to open up the trade route from Naman to Guizhou. How far has your territory expanded?”
“To the north, it reaches Namdan-hyeon, and to the south, it extends to Pama-hyeon, as well as to Haji-hyeon and Jeonlim-hyeon on both sides,” Baek Ga-hwan replied.
Mu-jin was astonished by this information.
“In just four months?” he exclaid.
“Thanks to Mu-jin Seonbae-nim’s advice. Especially, maintaining a good relationship with Hao-mun was a significant help.”
They attributed their achievents to Mu-jin’s guidance.
Indeed, consistent valuable information from Hao-mun had made it easier to attack the existing martial sects in each district.
The successful establishnt of a good relationship with Hao-mun was also due to Mu-jin’s advice.
From the beginning, when Dao Yuetian and Baek Ga-hwan settled in Dongran-hyeon, they protected lower-class workers like courtesans and waiters, even if they weren’t mbers of Hao-mun.
This reputation gradually spread, and the branch leader of Hao-mun’s Dongran-hyeon soon approached them, leading to the formation of an alliance.
This alliance was sothing Mu-jin could advise on because Dao Yuetian and Baek Ga-hwan had ford an alliance with Hao-mun in the second part of the novel.
However, the recomndation of Hao-mun wasn’t simply because of their presence in the novel’s second part.
‘Hao-mun, though part of the unorthodox faction, is relatively decent.’
This didn’t an they refrained from cris. They committed various offenses like pickpocketing and overcharging drunken custors at brothels, but these were survival cris.
In territories like Guangxi Province, where law enforcent was almost nonexistent, the lower classes had to find ways to survive on their own.
Among them were children and frail won who couldn’t find proper jobs, often resorting to being waiters or courtesans.
Hao-mun was an organization created to protect such people.
So might argue that survival cris are still cris.
‘At least compared to those of So-cheongmun or the cannibal inn, they are nobles…’
Mu-jin thought it foolish to advocate idealism in an area with such low security.
“While I did suggest contacting Hao-mun, it was the two of you who succeeded in the field.”
“Thank you for saying so. Hahaha.”
Their spirits lifted by Mu-jin’s praise, the two laughed brightly.
“With that much territory secured, it won’t be difficult to establish a trade route with Naman.”
“Yes. However, given our expanded territory, it’s ti to consider contacting ‘that place’.”
At Dao Yuetian’s words, Mu-jin’s expression turned serious, knowing where he was referring to.
The outco of negotiations with that place could determine the future of Tushinbang.
Still, it would be ridiculous for Mu-jin to interfere after entrusting the task to them.
“I believe you two can succeed.”
“We will try, even if it costs us our lives,” Dao Yuetian replied earnestly.
Mu-jin lightened the mood with a faint smile.
“Do you an to leave everything to Baek Ga-hwan Gongja if you lose your life, Dao Yuetian Shiju-nim?”
“Hahaha. That’s harsh, Brother Yuetian.”
“Ahem. I didn’t an it that way.”
After so light-hearted conversation, they wrapped up the eting.
“Here’s a rough map to Odugmun in Naman. Complete this task and visit Gyu Yangpae of the Jeokho Group with my na to start the trade.”
Mu-jin handed them a letter supposedly from the leader of Manwol Sangdan.
After a brief farewell, Mu-jin left Tushinbang.
Having delivered all the information and the letter, Mu-jin planned to leave Dongran-hyeon today to avoid the risk of being tailed.
But feeling a bit nostalgic, Mu-jin glanced back at the manor while leaving Tushinbang.
‘If it’s Dao Yuetian and Baek Ga-hwan, they’ll manage.’
Trusting them, Mu-jin resud walking.
* * *
Shortly after Mu-jin departed, another visitor arrived at Tushinbang.
The visitor handed Baek Ga-hwan and Dao Yuetian a letter from the branch leader of Hao-mun’s Dongran-hyeon.
After reading the letter, Baek Ga-hwan spoke to Dao Yuetian.
“The Nine Dragons Chamber has agreed to the eting, Brother.”
Dao Yuetian nodded lightly in response, but Baek Ga-hwan noticed the tension in his brother.
He couldn’t miss the fact that Dao Yuetian gripped the Cheonseom-do at his side tighter.
The Nine Dragons Chamber, with whom they had scheduled the eting, was a faction in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Province, and one of the seven pillars of the Demonic Alliance.
Most notably, the leader of that place was one of the Seven Kings, known as the Ghost Spear or the Spear King.
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