Chapter 378 – Who Questions Whose Qualifications? (3)

"The woman my nephew has set his heart on?"

"That's right. Her name is Eun So-cheong of Eun Family Merchant House." ​

"Eun Family Merchant House has sufficient qualifications to become my nephew's in-laws." ​

Yan Ju-cheon nodded as if it were natural. At this, Eun So-cheong made an incredulous expression. ​

"Great Hero Eon! I'm meeting your nephew for the first time today." ​

"What does that matter? What's important is that my nephew has set his heart on you." ​

"That's…" ​

"What, does my nephew seem unqualified? Though not well known in the martial world, that child's family is also one of the prestigious families of the martial world. He's talented enough to be a member of the Four New Stars, and above all, he's my nephew. How many people in the world have better conditions than this?" ​

Yan Ju-cheon's voice was full of pride, but it was enough to make listeners feel repulsed. ​

Eun So-cheong shook her head and asked. ​

"My opinion doesn't matter?" ​

"That's not it. Your opinion is of course important too. But wouldn't your father's opinion be more important? I'll soon send someone to your house, or rather, I'll visit directly to settle this matter. Your father won't refuse our nephew." ​

"You really don't listen to reason. I already have someone I like. And that person is not Great Hero Eon's nephew." ​

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Eun So-cheong made a thunderbolt declaration. Dae Gun-sang was startled by this. ​

"Don't tell me that person is this guy right in front of us?" ​

"That's right!" ​

Eun So-cheong nodded without a moment's hesitation. Her face was completely red like a ripe persimmon. ​

Though she had spoken in anger, the fact that she had confessed her feelings for Bang Jin-bo in front of so many people was embarrassing. But the most surprised person was actually Bang Jin-bo himself. ​

They knew they had feelings for each other. But hearing it in such a public setting made his heart beat violently as if it would burst. ​

'So-cheong!' ​

Bang Jin-bo looked at Eun So-cheong with burning eyes. At this, Eun So-cheong's face became even redder. ​

At that moment, Dae Gun-sang let out an angry roar. ​

"I cannot accept that fact. No, I cannot tolerate it. The talented women of the martial world can only be obtained by those with ability. How could a nobody like you handle a talented woman like Lady Eun? I hope you know your place and withdraw now." ​

He glared at Bang Jin-bo as if to kill him. ​

Though that gaze was burdensome, Bang Jin-bo was not shaken. ​

"I can't do that." ​

"What?" ​

Being with Eun So-cheong simply felt good. But he couldn't be certain. Whether the emotion he felt was simple affection or something more. But the moment he saw Dae Gun-sang standing beside Eun So-cheong, he realized. ​

That in that brief moment, he was feeling jealous. He was angry at the very fact that someone other than himself was standing beside her. This meant he was thinking of Eun So-cheong with feelings beyond friendship. ​

"I like her!" ​

Though it was a sentence missing its subject, everyone present knew. That he was speaking to Eun So-cheong. ​

A turbulent light appeared in Eun So-cheong's eyes. ​

"Yes!" ​

It was when she was nodding. Dae Gun-sang's eyebrows shot up to the sky. ​

"How dare you!" ​

He couldn't tolerate two people playing at love right in front of him. He thought he was being insulted. ​

"You think you're qualified to be with her?" ​

"I don't know if I'm qualified, but it's certain that I like her. Enough to make my heart burst." ​

"Gah!" ​

The angry Dae Gun-sang's shoulders heaved. At that moment, Yan Ju-cheon grabbed his shoulder and said. ​

"Nephew, calm down." ​

"But…" ​

"I'll handle it." ​

Yan Ju-cheon's words carried heavy weight. At this, Dae Gun-sang calmed down somewhat. ​

Only then did Yan Ju-cheon speak to Bang Jin-bo. ​

"It doesn't seem like you two are deeply involved yet, so withdraw at this point." ​

"I can't do that." ​

"You'll only get hurt." ​

"What do you mean?" ​

"Love also requires qualifications. Especially in Lady Eun's case. Do you think her father will accept you? You'll only get hurt. Withdraw before that happens." ​

"I can't do that." ​

"You don't understand what I'm saying. Gun-sang is my nephew. That means he has the Jinzhou Yan Family as backing. In martial power and background, you can't match Gun-sang in anything. So withdraw on your own. I'm giving you polite advice because I pity you." ​

"That's supposed to be advice?" ​

"Treasures beyond one's station originally bring disaster. Don't forget that fact. And also that I stand behind Gun-sang. For reference, our Jinzhou Yan Family cherishes Gun-sang very much." ​

Yan Ju-cheon's voice was very gentle. But it reached everyone's ears clearly. It was proof that he possessed such strong internal energy. ​

Bang Jin-bo muttered. ​

"Jinzhou Yan Family?" ​

"That's right! Can you handle it?" ​

"What if I can handle it?" ​

"How dare you!" ​

Even after mentioning the Jinzhou Yan Family, when Bang Jin-bo didn't back down, now Yan Ju-cheon became angry. ​

He thought he had done his duty so far. He had given sufficient advice as an elder, but when the other party couldn't accept it and acted like this, he became angry. ​

But even at his angry appearance, Bang Jin-bo was not intimidated at all. ​

"Do you need a big background or good family to like someone? I don't think so. I sincerely like So-cheong. I think that feeling alone is enough. What happens after is something I must resolve and handle, not something to withdraw from due to Great Hero Eon's coercion or persuasion." ​

"Ha!" ​

Yan Ju-cheon made an incredulous expression at Bang Jin-bo's bold answer. ​

"To think the great Jinzhou Yan Family is being ignored like this. What is your sect?" ​

"My sect?" ​

"Don't tell me you don't even have a sect?" ​

At Yan Ju-cheon's words, Bang Jin-bo's pupils shook slightly. But that was only for a moment. Soon he said. ​

"My sect is Mount Hua Sect." ​

"Mount Hua Sect?" ​

"Yes! Mount Hua Sect is my sect." ​

"Are you lying to me right now? The fact that Mount Hua Sect has closed its gates is known to all under heaven. The disciples of Mount Hua Sect cannot leave Mount Hua, yet you're saying you're a disciple of Mount Hua Sect?" ​

Yan Ju-cheon's voice rang out thunderously. Many people covered their ears at his voice filled with internal energy. But Bang Jin-bo, facing him directly, didn't blink an eye. ​

Bang Jin-bo couldn't understand at all why Yan Ju-cheon was acting like this when he had just told the truth. ​

Yan Ju-cheon glared and approached. ​

"I'll ask one more time. Are you really a disciple of Mount Hua Sect?" ​

"That's right." ​

"Even so…" ​

It was the moment when Yan Ju-cheon's anger was about to explode, thinking Bang Jin-bo was continuing to lie. ​

"He is indeed a disciple of Mount Hua Sect." ​

A cold yet low voice echoed in Yan Ju-cheon's ears. Instantly, Yan Ju-cheon felt goosebumps rise all over his body and hurriedly turned around. ​

Only then could Yan Ju-cheon see. ​

A man wearing pitch-black robes. His face wasn't visible, hidden by disheveled hair, but Yan Ju-cheon recognized his identity at once. ​

"F-Fist Demon?" ​

It was Dam Ho. He who had been watching silently until now had stepped forward. ​

Dam Ho walked toward Yan Ju-cheon. ​

Limping slightly with one foot. ​

It was Dam Ho's characteristic off-beat gait. ​

In the past, there were many who laughed at seeing his walk. But among those present, not a single person was laughing. ​

They knew. That among those who had mocked Dam Ho, not a single one was still alive. ​

Among those present, there was no one who didn't know Dam Ho. The same was true for Yan Ju-cheon. ​

A bewildered light appeared on Yan Ju-cheon's face. ​

"W-why are you here?" ​

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't understand why Dam Ho was here. And why he was interfering. ​

At that moment, Dam Ho opened his mouth. ​

"Jin-bo is my younger brother. He is indeed a disciple of Mount Hua Sect." ​

"That's…" ​

"Is there a problem?" ​

Yan Ju-cheon's pupils shook as if an earthquake had occurred. He hadn't expected Dam Ho to step forward and guarantee Bang Jin-bo's identity at this moment. ​

'What on earth?' ​

Yan Ju-cheon was one of the most powerful figures and martial artists in the Jinzhou Yan Family, but he couldn't confidently say he could handle Dam Ho. ​

Dam Ho had killed strategist Namgung Chang at a gathering of all martial artists of Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance. Setting aside his mighty martial arts, his decisiveness to charge forward without regard for consequences once he judged someone as an enemy, and his cruelty to see things through to the end, weren't something that could be easily handled. ​

He was the type of calamitous existence who would be more reliable than anyone as an ally, but would bring endless trouble if made an enemy. ​

The thought that such Dam Ho would fear the Jinzhou Yan Family didn't occur to him. Dam Ho was that overwhelming an existence. ​

Yan Ju-cheon had no intention of making an enemy of him. ​

"There's… no problem." ​

He bowed his head. ​

The scene of an elder of the Jinzhou Yan Family, one of the Five Great Families, backing down was truly shocking. But many thought that sight was natural. Dam Ho's prestige in the martial world was that unrivaled. ​

Yan Ju-cheon understood the current situation and backed down, but Dae Gun-sang had no such intention. ​

He bit his lip hard while looking at Dam Ho. ​

In his eyes looking at Dam Ho, lights of anger and envy appeared. ​

Dae Gun-sang had become a member of the Four New Stars early on. He was also the possessor of devilish talent who had shown prominence since childhood. That's why his ambition was extraordinary. ​

His cruel killing of Demon Cult martial artists was also to elevate his reputation. He was confident that by building fame this way, he could someday stand at the very top of the martial world. ​

He had heard rumors about Dam Ho and knew of his prowess, which was already sufficient to be called legendary. ​

Dam Ho seen in person looked even more impressive than the rumors. He was still at a position where he couldn't compare. But Bang Jin-bo was different. ​

"Just because he's a disciple of Mount Hua Sect doesn't change anything." ​

Dam Ho's gaze turned toward him. ​

The moment their eyes met, goosebumps ran up Dae Gun-sang's spine. Dam Ho's pitch-black pupils had the power to frighten people. ​

Dae Gun-sang was no different from others. He was scared and frightened. Yet the reason he gritted his teeth and didn't avoid Dam Ho's gaze was due to his pride and stubbornness. ​

"I will never give up on her. At least, I have no intention of yielding her to someone unqualified." ​

"Qualifications…" ​

"In the martial world, only the strong have the right to possess everything. I want to ask him. Does he really have the qualifications to have and protect her?" ​

"What qualifications do you have to ask him that?" ​

"That's…" ​

Instantly, Dae Gun-sang was at a loss for words. ​

Though he spoke of qualifications to Bang Jin-bo, he himself had no right to say such things. ​

He had only just met Eun So-cheong, and his current behavior was nothing more than being unreasonable. ​

Dae Gun-sang's face turned red with shame, and his lips trembled. ​

It was the first humiliation he had ever experienced in his life. That's why it was hard to bear. But he couldn't take out his anger on Dam Ho either. Dam Ho wasn't someone he could dare handle. ​

If he made a mistake, not only himself but also his maternal family, the Jinzhou Yan Family, could suffer. ​

Dae Gun-sang's gaze turned toward Bang Jin-bo. Since he couldn't take out his anger on Dam Ho, he was looking at Bang Jin-bo with furious eyes. ​

'To think I'd lose the woman I've set my sights on to such a nobody. Damn!' ​

If he could, he wanted to smash Bang Jin-bo's head immediately. It was just frustrating that he couldn't because of Dam Ho. ​

That's when it happened. ​

"Did you say you wanted to question qualifications?" ​

Bang Jin-bo stepped forward. ​

"Jin-bo!" ​

From behind, Eun So-cheong called him with a worried face. Bang Jin-bo showed a smile to such Eun So-cheong. ​

"It's okay!" ​

"But…" ​

"I'm also a martial artist." ​

Bang Jin-bo's words caused a great stir in Eun So-cheong's heart. Bang Jin-bo, not knowing this fact, walked toward Dae Gun-sang. ​

He liked Eun So-cheong. ​

He didn't want to show a disgraceful appearance in front of the woman he liked. ​

Even if the opponent was one of the greatest talents in the martial world. ​

That was Bang Jin-bo's heart. ​

Though he walked the path of a chef, he too was a martial artist. ​

Bang Jin-bo took a fighting stance toward Dae Gun-sang. ​

"Mount Hua Sect's Grand Chef Bang Jin-bo requests a duel with Cruel Demon Swordsman Dae Gun-sang." ​

Ro-gwan answered.

“This is a transaction. In transactions, the greater the risk, the higher the compensation. I believe you can handle that much.”

Jin Ja-gang stared quietly at Ro-gwan. His expression was one that said ‘what kind of nonsense is that?’

Ro-gwan lifted one corner of his mouth in a slight smile.

“Your thoughts will change when you hear our conditions.”

Jin Ja-gang called out to Ro-gwan.

“Thousand Face Blade Master.”

“Speak.”

“How much were you involved in the blood feud between the Poison Sect and Medicine Sect?”

“Considerably. You can say we did most of the activities in the shadows that weren’t revealed. We’ve dispatched several assassins to Yunnan as well.”

Strength entered Jin Ja-gang’s eyes.

“I don’t join hands with enemies.”

“That’s all the more reason you should listen to what I have to say.”

Ro-gwan extended his hand to the side.

“Yeong-gwi. Hand over the dagger.”

Ro-gwan received the dagger from Yeong-gwi and placed it in front of himself. Then he put the handle toward Jin Ja-gang and said.

“After hearing what I have to say, kill me.”

“Leader!”

Despite Yeong-gwi’s outcry, Ro-gwan paid no attention and stared intently at Jin Ja-gang.

“I am Poison Dragon’s enemy. And this is the proper procedure for revenge. Even if I die, Leper Mound will not seek vengeance. Do you understand, Yeong-gwi?”

His pupils didn’t waver in the slightest.

Jin Ja-gang had no choice but to accept. He pulled the dagger placed before him within easy reach and answered.

“Fine. Let me hear what kind of good conditions these are.”

Ro-gwan spoke first.

“The condition I will propose is only one. In exchange for gaining Leper Mound’s power, you will inherit Leper Mound’s business.”

Ro-gwan gestured toward Yeong-gwi with his eyes.

“The one inheriting Leper Mound is Yeong-gwi. What you need to take over is Leper Mound’s business.”

Jin Ja-gang thought for a moment. However, he couldn’t tell how great a condition this was.

“Do you think I would accept such a condition?”

“I believe you will.”

“More word games?”

“It’s not word games.”

Ro-gwan was serious.

“Leper Mound gathers and cares for those afflicted with leprosy who are shunned by people.”

“I know that. And that you also raise them as assassins.”

“It’s true that we select children with outstanding qualities from among them and raise them as assassins. But do you also know that the rest of the family members live off of them?”

“Why should I need to know that?”

“You should know. If the thousand family members on the island have a foundation to become self-sufficient without financial support, there would be no need to recruit assassins anymore.”

Killing intent slowly gathered at the corners of Jin Ja-gang’s mouth as his hand moved toward the dagger’s handle.

“If you thought past evil deeds could be forgiven by stirring my sympathy, you’re mistaken.”

“I didn’t ask for forgiveness. The Poison Sect struck the Medicine Sect to survive, and our Leper Mound also killed people to survive. That’s all.”

“Yet you’re asking me to take care of Leper Mound’s people?”

Ro-gwan spoke with an attitude that wasn’t servile in the least.

“I’m saying that I’m looking for a place for Leper Mound as an assassin organization to die, not for those who were driven out due to illness. Leper Mound as your enemy will pour all remaining strength into the fight with the Tang family and disappear.”

Since there would be almost no survivors from the fight with the Tang family.

Of course, this had the premise of ‘if Jin Ja-gang takes charge of the island’s family members.’

“Then there will be no second or third Leper Mound. Your revenge will end as cleanly as it could possibly be.”

Jin Ja-gang picked up the dagger.

“What part is a transaction and what part is clean? Placing a burden on someone else’s shoulders before leaving. If you’re going to do that, then politely ask instead.”

Ro-gwan thought for a moment then nodded.

“I see. A request would be more appropriate than a transaction.”

Ro-gwan slowly bent his waist while sitting.

At the same time, Jin Ja-gang moved like lightning and stabbed at Ro-gwan’s nape.

Pop!

Blood spurted. But it was blood that spurted from Yeong-gwi’s palm. The dagger Jin Ja-gang stabbed had penetrated Yeong-gwi’s palm and stopped.

Ro-gwan didn’t move at all.

With his waist bent, he said.

“I request.”

Jin Ja-gang released his hand from the dagger.

He realized Ro-gwan’s heart was sincere.

It wasn’t that there was no conflict.

No matter how sincere Ro-gwan might be, Jin Ja-gang would have to shoulder that much weight again.

But this was revenge that left no grudges…

It was ideal revenge that didn’t require killing everyone down to nursing infants to leave no future troubles. It was also the kind of revenge Jin Ja-gang should ultimately pursue.

Hungry Ghost King.

The name Mu-gak had given using Jin Ja-gang’s words.

The Hungry Ghost King fed hungry ghost corpses to starving people to create more hungry ghosts, and those hungry ghosts ate people to create more hungry ghosts.

Ro-gwan’s request was an opportunity to break one link in that terrible cycle. If Jin Ja-gang accepted, he could prevent the birth of more hungry ghosts.

Therefore, even Jin Ja-gang found it difficult to refuse this time.

Then Yeong-gwi shouted.

“Leader! I cannot accept this. How can you entrust the island’s family members to someone like this!”

Jin Ja-gang had almost made his decision.

So he opened his mouth.

“One thing. If this is a request rather than a transaction, you’ll need to settle the grudge that hasn’t been resolved yet.”

Ro-gwan straightened his waist and raised his head.

“What is it?”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Yeong-gwi.

Ro-gwan also understood Jin Ja-gang’s intention.

“Yeong-gwi. What would you like to do?”

Yeong-gwi brought over her hand with the dagger embedded and gritted her teeth.

“Give me three chances to kill that person!”

“Poison Dragon?”

“I accept.”

Yeong-gwi put her hand to her face. When she lowered her hand, Yeong-gwi had become the face of an ordinary young lady from a common household with a plump nose.

“Three times! I will ambush you three times, anytime, anywhere. If you survive that, I will acknowledge and serve you.”

Jin Ja-gang agreed.

“I’ll wait.”

Ro-gwan sent Yeong-gwi away.

“Go.”

Yeong-gwi turned and was leaving the cave when she turned her head to look at Jin Ja-gang. By then she had somehow changed from a young lady of a common household to the face of an ordinary young man.

Yeong-gwi, having changed faces, threw killing intent at Jin Ja-gang as if telling him to be prepared before leaving.

But Ro-gwan didn’t get up. Ro-gwan briefly bent his waist then raised it, and had changed to the face of a young man rather than a middle-aged person.

“Now we wait.”

Ro-gwan leisurely leaned against the cave wall and even closed his eyes.

At that moment Jin Ja-gang realized.

There were still people left to come.

Jin Ja-gang looked back at Yuk Ha-seon.

“How far did you drag people into this?”

Yuk Ha-seon smiled quietly.

“Did you notice?”

“It seems more guests are coming.”

“Correct.”

“Did you draw in Leper Mound, Heaven Lord?”

“Leper Mound was on the verge of being disbanded by the King of Hell anyway, and in this state they were in crisis of being used like tools and discarded. It was a desperate situation. I drew in Leper Mound.”

“And also.”

“Coal Miners.”

“As expected.”

“Not only Coal Miner, but there were some discussions with Physician Bell Healers as well. Originally Physician Bell Healers was supposed to join first, but perhaps feeling burdened about betraying again, they were somewhat hesitant.”

After thinking briefly, Jin Ja-gang asked Ro-gwan.

“Why hasn’t Leper Mound been able to become independent until now?”

Ro-gwan said with his eyes closed.

“The Poison Sect’s Six Cliques had almost equal voice with the Tang Family Main House as the head family. But what actually moved the Poison Sect’s Six Cliques was the money that had to be paid as the price for that voice. The amount was considerably burdensome, so if the assigned task failed, the compensation amount would make the sect stagger.”

Jin Ja-gang felt an unpleasant sensation.

Money. In the end, it was again money related to profit.

“In terms of wealth, even combining all the other five Poison Sect Cliques couldn’t match the Tang family. Yet the amount they had to bear was the same at one-sixth. The other five Poison Sect Cliques had to pay compensation for success or failure according to the amount set by the Tang family as the head family. Do you understand what this means?”

“It means the King of Hell controlled the five Poison Sect Cliques by appropriately adjusting the compensation amounts.”

“Exactly.”

Money was a new form of control based on profit.

To a chilling degree… it resembled their behavior that corrupted the martial world.

Just where was the source of the Hungry Ghost King?

But in fact, Jin Ja-gang had been suspicious of something for some time.

Taoist Haewol said he had searched for the Hungry Ghost King his entire life but couldn’t discover the identity.

Then where could their base be? He had considered this based on the Nine Provinces and Six Heavens that had influence according to spheres of power.

Taoist Haewol had controlled the Yangtze River region through Yangtze River Sword Sect. If he still couldn’t find them despite that, first exclude the Yangtze River region.

Next was Shandong. Shandong had Wishful Fairy Maiden Dan Ryeong-gyeong. If there had been movements of suspicious organizations, Dan Ryeong-gyeong would have noticed. So exclude Shandong as well.

The northern Ice Palace had lost influence in the martial world, making it difficult to even enter the Central Plains, so exclude that.

Western Tibet’s Evil Cult was suppressed by the Martial Alliance’s power and Sichuan martial arts and couldn’t covet the martial world, so exclude that.

What remained were only Sichuan martial arts and the Martial Alliance.

Sichuan martial arts were uniquely independent among the martial world. Taoist Haewol’s power hadn’t quite reached there. There would have been limits to investigation.

Suspicious.

Especially the Tang family’s King of Hell.

The King of Hell was too exposed to think he was the Hungry Ghost King. At least the possibility that he had colluded with the Hungry Ghost King was great.

Also, the Martial Alliance.

Taoist Haewol was the master of the Martial Alliance but confessed he hadn’t been able to completely control the Martial Alliance in practice. He said he could barely control it through the Hungry Ghost King’s methods, profit and interests.

The area under the lamp is dark. The possibility that the Hungry Ghost King was in the Martial Alliance could never be excluded.

However, it was difficult for Jin Ja-gang to make moves against the Martial Alliance for now.

It meant that right now he could only confirm by striking one of the two suspects, Tang Qing.

But Jin Ja-gang hadn’t accepted Yuk Ha-seon’s proposal yet. Striking the Tang family, Tang Qing, wasn’t an easy matter. He needed to be more cautious.

About one hour passed with Jin Ja-gang, Yuk Ha-seon, and Ro-gwan lost in thought without words.

And not long after, the head of Coal Miners came looking for Jin Ja-gang.

The head of Coal Miners was an old man with a peculiar appearance, short in stature with shoulders spread one and a half times wider than others. But stranger than his build were the old man’s ears. He was blind with large ears gathered forward.

“I am Tap Tak-yeon, the mine chief of Coal Miners.”

The name Tap Tak-yeon itself meant having ears larger and more outstanding than others.

Tap Tak-yeon kept his eyes open but his pupils were just white as if degenerated. However, his ears perked up and found the direction where Jin Ja-gang was located quite well.

“I hear you accepted Leper Mound? But I’m different from Thousand Face Blade Master. I barely got involved in the Medicine Sect incident. So I don’t like master-servant relationships and I don’t like risking my life unnecessarily.”

Yuk Ha-seon pointed out.

“Shouldn’t you have considered your life forfeit from the moment you rebelled against the King of Hell?”

“Shut up, Red Flower Immortal. I can’t recklessly drive my groupinto a deathtrap.”

Tap Tak-yeon wrinkled his cheek and said without smiling.

“If it’s a foolish idea to strike the Tang family with a hastily gathered rabble, I’ll withdraw from this place right now.”

“Then why did you come all this way?”

“I said it. I won’t do it recklessly. We’ll block Funeral Parlour. And we’ll express support for Poison Dragon. That alone will be pressure on the King of Hell.”

Yuk Ha-seon made a quite disappointed expression. Of course Tap Tak-yeon couldn’t see Yuk Ha-seon’s expression.

“You came just to say that? That’s neither what I want nor what Poison Dragon seems to want. I doubt the King of Hell would feel pressured by that much.”