Chapter 234 – When the Wind Blows, the Era Moves (3)

Swoosh!

The cleaver sliced through the bright red meat. White bones appeared between the neatly cut pieces of flesh.

Thud! Thud!

With a light twist, the cleaver wedged between the flesh and bones, easily separating them.

"Hmm hmm!"

Bang Jin-bo hummed a tune as he moved the cleaver.

Swish! Swoosh!

Each time the cleaver passed through the meat, a sharp sound echoed in the air.

The cleaver moved exactly as he intended. At a glance, it seemed as if it were a living creature moving on its own.

Dam Ho leaned against a tree, watching the scene unfold.

They were currently in a mountain near Jieshou, on the border between Anhui and Henan provinces. Bang Jin-bo was preparing rabbit meat that Muk Il-gwang had caught.

Dam Ho’s gaze was fixed on Bang Jin-bo’s cleaver.

It was said to be a knife bought from an old workshop in Tongling. Though it was clearly made of ordinary iron, there was an inexplicable aura about it.

‘He tempered the blade using only his internal energy focused in his fingertips.’

If he hadn’t touched the cleaver himself, Dam Ho wouldn’t have believed it. The blade bore clear traces of the old man’s craftsmanship.

The part of the blade where the old man’s fingers had passed was condensed to an unimaginable degree. The edge had been sharpened several times over, to the point where it emitted a fierce aura.

It was refined to a level that only a master craftsman could achieve after thousands or tens of thousands of hammer strikes. Dam Ho had never heard of such an internal energy technique before.

‘Did he call him Wind Moon Emperor?’

It was a name he had never heard before. Yet, for some reason, it lingered in his mind.

Dam Ho was someone who lived in Jianghu. As he traveled through Jianghu, he would eventually meet that old man again someday.

For now, Dam Ho decided not to think about him anymore. If fate allowed, they would meet again eventually.

"Brother."

Muk Il-gwang approached Dam Ho. As Dam Ho looked at him, Muk Il-gwang cautiously spoke.

"It seems finding Master Cho won’t be easy."

"What do you mean?"

"I asked around with some Green Forest bandits nearby, but after their defeat in Shouzhou, the warriors scattered everywhere. Some went to Mount Hua, others to Zhongnan Sect, and still others sought refuge in major sects like Shaolin Temple. Even the Murim Alliance has no idea which sects these warriors have joined. The information gap is that severe."

Dam Ho furrowed his brow at Muk Il-gwang’s response.

Just as Muk Il-gwang said, northern Central Plains was currently in chaos. With Shouzhou’s fall, all of Shaanxi province had come under the influence of the Demonic Cult. Neighboring provinces like Henan, Shaanxi, and Hebei were on high alert.

Henan housed Shaolin Temple, while Shaanxi was home to Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect. These three sects had closed their doors after taking in warriors fleeing from Shouzhou. They were preparing for an invasion by the Demonic Cult.

The Murim Alliance was busy trying to send reinforcements to these three sects but was delayed due to the vast distance involved.

"If Master Cho is still alive, he must be hiding within one of these three sects."

"Which one is most likely?"

"It’s hard to say."

Muk Il-gwang answered honestly.

Even among those three sects, there was no certainty that Master Cho had taken refuge there; he could have fled to another sect entirely.

"It would be best to meet with any warrior who was there at the time. That way we can gather accurate information. What should we do?"

"We’re going to Shaolin."

"Shaolin Temple?"

Muk Il-gwang looked surprised at Dam Ho’s answer. It wasn’t what he had expected at all.

"Understood."

But he didn’t question it further.

Since Dam Ho had made up his mind, Muk Il-gwang would follow him without hesitation—that was his way of thinking.

Fortunately, Shaolin Temple wasn’t too far from their current location. If they rode hard enough, they could reach it within ten days.

At that moment—

"It’s ready! Come eat!"

Bang Jin-bo’s voice echoed through the mountain forest.

Turning their heads, they saw Bang Jin-bo calling them over with a small pot filled with stew made from rabbit meat that Muk Il-gwang had caught earlier.

It seemed like just moments ago that Bang Jin-bo had been preparing the rabbit meat, yet now he had already finished making stew. Not only that—he had even prepared a delicious-looking bowl of rice alongside it!

Muk Il-gwang couldn't help but marvel at Bang Jin-bo's culinary skills.

"Wow! To have such a luxurious meal while camping out in the wilderness. No one would believe it if I told them."

"This is just the basics," Bang Jin-bo grinned. He seemed much more relaxed now, even showing a bit of cheekiness.

Bang Jin-bo served each of them a bowl of stew made from rabbit meat.

"Whew! This is amazing," Muk Il-gwang exclaimed in admiration, and Dam Ho nodded in agreement.

Seeing the two enjoy the meal he had prepared, Bang Jin-bo smiled with satisfaction.

For a chef, the greatest happiness comes from seeing others enjoy their food. And when those people were ones Bang Jin-bo cared about, it made him even happier.

"Hehe!"

For whatever reason, he was glad to be on this journey with Dam Ho. He hoped that in some small way, he could be of help to him. And indeed, his food was helping Dam Ho greatly.

Good food provides essential nutrients to keep the body in optimal condition. Right now, Dam Ho's body was in peak form.

His internal energy flowed smoothly, and every muscle fiber was brimming with vitality.

At this point, it wasn’t just food; it could be considered a powerful tonic. And Bang Jin-bo was creating such meals every time.

Dam Ho looked at Bang Jin-bo.

"Thank you."

"Hehe!" Bang Jin-bo chuckled, rubbing his nose with his finger in embarrassment.

The next morning at dawn, the three left the mountain and entered Henan province.

Perhaps because it bordered Shaanxi province, the atmosphere in Henan was heavy and somber.

Warriors could be seen everywhere on the streets.

Each warrior carried weapons at their waists and moved purposefully in one direction.

Muk Il-gwang explained to Bang Jin-bo why this was happening.

"They're heading to Shaolin Temple… There's no doubt about it."

"Shaolin Temple?"

"With Shouzhou fallen, Henan is no longer a safe zone either. In the face of the overwhelming force of the Demonic Cult, most sects won't leave a trace—they'll be wiped out. With no immediate support from the Murim Alliance, their only hope is to seek refuge in a major sect like Shaolin Temple. That's why they're all flocking there."

"Ah!" Bang Jin-bo nodded as he finally understood.

Shaolin Temple wasn’t just the largest sect in Henan; it was one of the greatest sects in all of China. With over a thousand years of history and countless martial arts masters within its ranks, there wasn’t a single sect or warrior in Henan that didn’t have some connection to Shaolin.

Given these circumstances, it was natural for the sects and warriors of Henan to seek refuge at Shaolin Temple. There was a reason why people referred to Shaolin as "Mount Tai and Big Dipper," symbols of stability and guidance in martial arts circles.

As Dam Ho carefully observed the faces of the warriors passing by—

"Could you be Master Dam?"

A stranger’s voice echoed in Dam Ho’s ears.

Turning his head, he saw a man in his late thirties standing beneath a large banner that read "Morning Fire Merchant Group." Behind him were dozens of wagons loaded with goods and supplies.

The man confirmed Dam Ho’s face and quickly approached him.

"It is you! I’m Yoon Sa-il, an outer manager of Morning Fire Merchant Group. We’ve met before."

"…"

"I didn’t expect to see you here again."

"What brings Morning Fire Merchant Group here?" Dam Ho asked.

"We’re here for business with Shaolin Temple. They were pleased with our previous dealings and requested a long-term contract."

"A long-term contract?"

"Yes. With so many people gathering at Shaolin Temple, they’re trying to secure a stable supply of food. We’re delivering thirty loads of rice for now, but even that won’t be enough."

Dam Ho looked over at the large wagons Yoon Sa-il had mentioned.

"Our young lady is here as well. Would you like to meet her?"

"Sure," Dam Ho nodded and climbed onto one of the wagons.

Inside sat Won Seol-hwa, the young master of Morning Fire Merchant Group. She removed her veil, revealing her face.

Her pale skin radiated elegance, her lips were bright red, and her captivating black eyes left a strong impression.

She smiled softly as she spoke.

"Welcome, Master Dam. It’s been a while."

"It has," Dam Ho replied calmly.

“It’s truly remarkable to meet you again like this,” Won Seol-hwa said with a smile, and it felt as though the entire carriage brightened. However, Dam Ho looked at her without blinking.

Most people couldn’t bear to meet Dam Ho’s gaze. Just locking eyes with him was enough to make their legs tremble. But Won Seol-hwa met his intense gaze without flinching.

“Are you also heading to Shaolin Temple, Master Dam?” she asked.

When Dam Ho silently nodded, a brief flicker of curiosity flashed in Won Seol-hwa’s eyes before disappearing.

“That’s unexpected,” she remarked.

“What is?” Dam Ho asked, his voice calm yet firm.

Won Seol-hwa seemed momentarily flustered by his question but quickly regained her composure.

“I just didn’t think someone like you would be concerned with such matters,” she replied smoothly.

Dam Ho stared at her intently.

His pitch-black eyes, filled with a fierce light, reflected the faint cracks in Won Seol-hwa’s composed expression.

“Well, since you’re also heading to Shaolin Temple, why not travel with us?” she offered with a smile.

“You want to travel together?” Dam Ho asked skeptically.

“Yes! Wouldn’t that be more convenient for you as well?”

“…”

“We’re going to the same place anyway,” she added.

“Why are you so eager to travel with me?” Dam Ho asked bluntly.

“For safety,” Won Seol-hwa replied with a bright smile.

As Dam Ho furrowed his brow, she quickly elaborated.

“As you can see, we’re transporting a large amount of food. In these troubled times, such goods are bound to attract unwanted attention. While we have our own guards, it’s still risky.”

“So, you want me as an escort?” Dam Ho asked coldly.

“It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, isn’t it? We get safety, and you get a more comfortable journey to Shaolin Temple.”

“…”

“I’m not asking you to do it for free. We’ll compensate you generously. What do you think?”

Her words were a sweet temptation—one that could easily ensnare any man. It was the kind of offer that was hard to refuse.

Dam Ho gave his answer.

“All right.”

“Thank you,” Won Seol-hwa said with another radiant smile. It was just as dazzling as before.

Dam Ho stood there for a moment, looking at her face before he turned and left the carriage. Once he was gone and she was alone, the smile vanished from Won Seol-hwa’s face.

Her expressionless face now resembled that of a lifeless doll—cold and unsettling.

“Fist Demon… To think we’d meet again like this.”

She could still feel Dam Ho’s presence lingering in the carriage. His aura was so intense that it made her heart race—a scent so unforgettable that once experienced, it could never be erased from memory.

Won Seol-hwa realized her heart was beating several times faster than usual. She had to make an effort to calm herself down.

Just as she regained her usual composure, Yoon Sa-il’s voice came from outside the carriage.

“My lady, may I come in?”

“Come in.”

With her permission granted, Yoon Sa-il opened the door and entered the carriage. He immediately got to the point.

“Is it true that we’ll be traveling with Fist Demon?”

“Yes.”

“How could you make such a decision…? Fist Demon is not someone to be taken lightly. Making such a decision recklessly—”

“I’ve already made up my mind, Leader Yoon.”

“…Understood.”

At Won Seol-hwa’s firm words, Yoon Sa-il closed his mouth tightly. He knew well that once Won Seol-hwa made a decision, she never went back on it.

No matter what he said now, she wouldn’t change her mind.

Won Seol-hwa muttered softly to herself:

“There’s an old saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

“My lady…”

“The more dangerous the enemy, the closer we need to keep them under watch. This could very well turn into an opportunity for us.”

“…Understood. If that’s what you believe is best.”

Yoon Sa-il bowed his head in submission. However, his expression remained grim.

‘Fist Demon…’

The two syllables of Dam Ho’s nickname felt like sharp thorns pricking at his heart.

Mang Ryo finally arrived in front of the Martial Alliance’s main headquarters.

He was neatly dressed and had trimmed his beard. His unkempt hair was also well tied up.

He walked carrying a travel bag on his back while leaning on a staff.

Thunk, thunk.

Standing before the Martial Alliance’s massive iron gate that was several times his height brought renewed emotions.

He had finally made it here.

To meet the greatest figure who encompassed the current martial world.

“No matter who it is, today is the day fate will be decided, isn’t it?”

Mang Ryo stood there smiling.

As he waited in front of the wide-open iron gate, a Martial Alliance warrior came out from inside. Mang Ryo handed the warrior both a wooden token indicating his affiliation with the Inspector General’s Office and an introduction letter written by Sim Hak.

While Mang Ryo waited briefly in a guest room inside the iron gate, one of the strategists assisting the Alliance Leader came to meet him. He was a dignified scholar about forty years old.

“I am Strategist Yi Suk. Follow me.”

Entering the interior of the Martial Alliance, martial artists of all ages and genders dispatched from sects throughout the Central Plains could be seen everywhere.

Particularly many young rising stars were visible. Some were having pleasant conversations, some engaged in heated debates, some practiced light sparring. Others were hurrying along on business.

Groups of several young martial artists could be seen leaving the Martial Alliance for missions. They seemed disciplined with high martial skills. Some with particularly outstanding bearing, seemingly disciples of famous orthodox sects, occasionally caught the eye.

“Ah.”

Mang Ryo briefly stopped and exclaimed in admiration.

“Every one of them is a fine young man or woman. The men have excellent bearing and the women are beautiful, truly making the Martial Alliance’s future bright.”

Strategist Yi Suk stopped walking briefly without answering and waited for Mang Ryo.

Mang Ryo apologized.

“Ah, sorry. I was briefly lost in emotion.”

“Let’s go.”

But Mang Ryo continued stopping several times along the way, continuing to express admiration.

“What is that hall?”

“That fellow over there has very sharp eyes. Whose disciple is he?”

“Ho, the calligraphy on that plaque is quite impressive. Whose work is it?”

Once or twice was understandable, but constantly stopping while walking caused delays, and Yi Suk’s expression began to sour.

“Please be moderate. You didn’t come here to sightsee, did you?”

“Sorry. This is my first time at the main headquarters… Actually, I’ve had fantasies about the martial alliance since I was young. I thought someday I too would roam the martial world among those rising stars.”

“Advisor Mang!”

“Oops, I got carried away without realizing. I understand. I won’t stop anymore, so please go straight ahead.”

“Hmph.”

After being quiet for a while, Mang Ryo struck up conversation again.

“Someone like Strategist Yi Suk must have been a prodigy from childhood, so entering the Martial Alliance must have been very easy?”

“Not really. Originally I dreamed of a central government position, but lacking connections in the capital, I failed and ended up coming here.”

“Oh. Is that so? Well now… those of us without money or background always lead hard lives.”

“Thank you for understanding. Then before I get scolded by the Alliance Leader and my already hard life becomes even harder, please hurry.”

“Hehe, that’s right. We must help each other survive. I won’t cause you trouble. Ah… but I’m sorry about this.”

Mang Ryo frowned as he spoke.

“I need to use the toilet…”

Yi Suk’s face turned red and blue. Most martial artists know how to control their bodily functions.

“Good grief! What unseemly behavior from someone who’s an advisor to the Inspector General’s Office.”

“Please understand. I’m so nervous about meeting the highest person in the martial world that I can’t help it. Hehe. I can’t let myself give off a foul smell by mistake, can I?”

Yi Suk looked annoyed.

“Please hold it.”

“I understand.”

Mang Ryo followed Yi Suk while uncomfortably rubbing his stomach. Since quite some time had already passed, Yi Suk deliberately walked quickly.

After walking about one more watch period, they arrived at an estate. Yi Suk, who had guided him to the garden, said.

“We’re here. He’ll be waiting inside.”

“Aren’t you coming in together?”

“My job ends here.”

Mang Ryo looked around. There wasn’t even a single guard in front of the hall. Only occasional servants and maids attending to duties could be seen walking around.

“But when meeting the Alliance Leader, don’t they do body searches or anything like that?”

Yi Suk chuckled.

“When meeting one of the Three Martial Supremes? Unless someone at the level of One Master, Two Buddhas, Three Taoists, Two Kings comes, I wouldn’t know.”

One Master, Two Buddhas, Three Taoists, Two Kings.

A term referring to the eight supreme masters of the current martial world.

King of Hell Tang Qing was also one of the Two Kings.

The Three Martial Supremes were treated separately from the One Master, Two Buddhas, Three Taoists, Two Kings because they were the leaders of the three forces that divided the martial world into three: orthodox sects, evil sects, and demonic path. It was also meaningful not to divide them by martial arts in terms of respect.

However, Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol had occupied one of the Three Taoists positions even before becoming one of the Three Martial Supremes. After becoming Alliance Leader, a Wudang master simply inherited the Three Taoists position.

So frankly speaking, it was laughable for someone like Mang Ryo to mention body searches. There was no reason to fear someone like Mang Ryo and conduct body searches.

“It’s unpleasant but true.”

“I’m more surprised that you find it unpleasant. Now hurry up and go. I…”

“Then please hold this for me.”

Mang Ryo grabbed Yi Suk who was about to leave. He took off his travel bag and forcibly entrusted it to him.

“Snacks and jerky I packed to eat on the way home.”

Yi Suk was flabbergasted.

“I say, do you think I’m someone who holds such things?”

“I was going to entrust it to a warrior if there was one, but I only see servants. Please help me out. There’s also silver for travel expenses inside, and if I entrust it to lowly people and it gets lost, wouldn’t that be a disgrace to the Martial Alliance?”

Mang Ryo nodded to the flabbergasted Yi Suk.

“Please take good care of it. And there’s a bottle of precious wine inside, so if you get thirsty, just take one sip. It’s wine I obtained very preciously, so just drink one sip and absolutely don’t drink more. If you’re bored, you can take out some snacks to eat.”

“Huh…”

Yi Suk wanted to refuse. But if he refused, Mang Ryo seemed determined not to go inside until someone agreed to hold it. Having already been delayed too much time getting here, Yi Suk had no choice but to accept while being annoyed.

“Fine. I understand, so go up. Geez, what a person.”

“Thank you. They say even brushing sleeves creates a connection, so isn’t this also fate? Let me try to make connections in the capital too. I’ll buy you a drink when I come out, so please wait.”

“Just go.”

Yi Suk sat in the pavilion of the hall holding the travel bag.

Mang Ryo gave Yi Suk a big grin and entered the inner quarters.

Thunk thunk.

* * *

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol was sitting in a room in the inner quarters.

Mang Ryo politely cupped his fists.

“I would like to meet the master of the Martial Alliance.”

The small-statured Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol raised one hand and gestured for him to come. He called out in a friendly manner as if they were old acquaintances.

“Oh my, what master? There’s no one else to do it, so I’m just temporarily holding the position. Come quickly. You must have had a hard time coming here?”

“Not at all. I was so focused on the thought of meeting you that I came without knowing the hardship.”

“But why were you so slow?”

“Pardon?”

Mang Ryo was slightly startled and asked back.

He looked into Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s eyes, but couldn’t see his gaze properly due to his long eyebrows and wrinkles.

But soon Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol smiled with his wrinkled face.

“I’ve been wanting to see you so much, so why did you only come now?”

“Hehe, I’m sorry. I have a chronic illness, and as I age, my body isn’t what it used to be.”

“Tsk tsk. Someone much younger than me saying such things. That’s why you shouldn’t eat just anything because it tastes good. You suffer when you get old.”

Every word pierced like a blade to the vital organs.

Whether he was saying this knowing Mang Ryo’s physical condition or not, it was impossible to tell.

He could be swayed by such words if this continued.

Mang Ryo changed the subject.

“But the reason you wanted to see me…”

“Did I say I wanted to see you? I thought you wanted to see me?”

Mang Ryo answered ambiguously.

“Hehe, of course. I’ve always wanted to meet the Alliance Leader.”

“Really? Wait. Then I need to remember why I called you, don’t I?”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol swayed left and right while sitting cross-legged.

Then, as if he had just remembered, he said.

“Right. It was because Baek Li-jung said it was interesting. Someone who sent his wife’s severed arm and even touched his son, so he’s really angry?”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol laughed with the characteristic voice of an aged elder.

“Hehe. Right, right. That’s why I became interested in you. I wondered where some unheard-of fellow appeared from to toy with the great Baek Li-jung.”

“Saying I’m toying with him is too much.”

“Baek Li-jung needs to be taught a lesson. He’s been too successful, so he needs to fail and taste bitterness. That’s how people become great figures. That’s why I salted his wife’s arm and sent it back to him.”

“Hehe…”

Mang Ryo pondered how to respond and just met it with laughter.

“Did he come to his senses and enter closed-door training? He should have come to his senses earlier. Getting all worked up over nothing.”

“Getting worked up?”

“Don’t you know? That fellow wants to be Alliance Leader.”

“Hehehe.”

Mang Ryo laughed, then casually threw out a question.

“Was your saying you’re temporarily holding the position because you’ve marked the Sword Pavilion Master?”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol was pleased.

“My… you’re quite good at sounding people out, aren’t you? Good. Very good.”

Mang Ryo waited. There was no need to speak hastily.

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol grinned broadly.

“Many fellows want me to step down from this position. But you know what? There’s something they don’t know. Do you know what that is?”

“Hmm… if I may dare to guess with my meager brain, are you speaking of qualifications?”

“Hoh, amazing. Would you like to try stepping forward as a successor once? I could nurture you.”

At the unexpected words, Mang Ryo shook his head.

“How could this body manage? I’m quite old too.”

“Is the Alliance Leader position there for fighting? No. It’s a position for creating positions. If you just do that well, you won’t get criticized.”

“Positions? You mean creating positions?”

“That’s right.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol pulled over a tray containing tea utensils and placed it in front. Then he continued speaking while scooping out tea leaves.

“Generally, if you have the goal of rising to a high position, you must keep this in mind. Use the power of your current position to create the maximum number of positions. That’s most important.”

Rustle, rustle.

“What kind of positions are there?”

He continued speaking while adding tea leaves, pouring water, and stirring with a brush.

“Positions for those who follow you to make a living, positions to keep those who only oppose busy so they can’t think of other things, positions so attractive that talented people from afar will compete to come under you, positions that are useless enough to be evaluated as fair in employing people since it doesn’t look good to fill them only with your own people…”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol said with a smile.

“You must continuously create such positions for others to follow you saying the Alliance Leader does good work. For crumbs to fall, there must be something for them to fall from. Isn’t that right?”