Chapter 381 – The Back Wave Pushes the Front Wave (3)

The meeting had ended. However, the people gathered in the great hall couldn't easily leave. The shock that the word "suicide squad" had thrown was that great. ​

Nam Cheon-san had thrown the thunderbolt called suicide squad to the heroes, and the heroes became unable to think of anything else. ​

The fatal temptation that joining the suicide squad would allow them to leave their names in martial world history forever lit a great fire in their hearts. ​

"Suicide squad…" ​

"Should we volunteer?" ​

The heroes murmured. ​

For now only the people in the great hall knew, but soon all the people who had entered Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance would know. ​

Even during the first Righteous-Demon Great War, the suicide squad was operated with small numbers. Then this time too, they would surely select only a small number. ​

Most of those in the great hall were masters from famous sects of the martial world. Their status itself was different from the mediocre martial artists outside. Nam Cheon-san had essentially given them the first chance to enter the suicide squad. ​

They thought they had seized a great opportunity. ​

"I will join the suicide squad." ​

"I will join too." ​

The martial artists competed to raise their hands. The great hall instantly became noisy with their voices. The leadership of the Martial Alliance let out joyful screams due to the flood of volunteers. ​

A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of Nam Cheon-san's mouth. The situation was developing as he wanted. Then he suddenly realized that Jeok Gyeong-cheon and others beside him were rigid. ​

Their gazes were fixed on one place and couldn't move. Nam Cheon-san's gaze also naturally moved to where their eyes were directed. And he saw it. In the midst of everything being excited, that one place where the atmosphere was particularly heavy. ​

In the center of it was Dam Ho. ​

'Fist Demon!' ​

Nam Cheon-san's eyes turned cold. But that was only for a moment, he instantly changed his expression and smiled. ​

Whatever his true feelings were, he had to smile. He was the leader of the Martial Alliance after all. ​

Nam Cheon-san moved his steps toward Dam Ho. The heroes variously stepped aside for him. ​

Naturally people's gazes had to focus on Nam Cheon-san. ​

Dam Ho was where Nam Cheon-san was heading. Those who knew Dam Ho's personality held their breath and watched. ​

Even though Nam Cheon-san approached right in front of him, Dam Ho had little reaction. Some Martial Alliance martial artists felt indignant, but didn't take any particular action. ​

Dam Ho was already notorious for his bad temper. He had directly confronted the Martial Alliance and even blown away strategist Namgung Chang, so ordinary martial artists like them went without saying. ​

As Nam Cheon-san approached, Cho Yeon-woon, So-cheon and others who were beside Dam Ho first stood up. Before being the Martial Alliance leader, he was a senior master several times higher than them. Standing up to greet him first was proper etiquette. ​

Belatedly, Dam Ho also rose. ​

Cho Yeon-woon and others first cupped their fists. ​

"Alliance Leader!" ​

"Hehe! How is it?" ​

"Pardon?" ​

"The suicide squad." ​

"It seems… good." ​

Cho Yeon-woon answered with an expression of having no choice. ​

Everyone's emotions were heightened. When so many people were eager to enter the suicide squad, he couldn't say something negative alone. ​

"I knew you'd think so. Then you'll also participate in the suicide squad?" ​

"That's…" ​

"Young martial artists like you should do great things for the martial world, shouldn't you ? What do you think?" ​

He was speaking to Cho Yeon-woon, but his gaze was directed at Dam Ho. Anyone could see he was speaking to Dam Ho. ​

Only then did people realize Nam Cheon-san's intention and looked at Dam Ho. Nam Cheon-san was using the format of speaking to Cho Yeon-woon to urge Dam Ho to participate in the suicide squad. ​

Everyone's gazes focused on Dam Ho. ​

Dam Ho was currently showing the most destructive actions in the martial world. If he said he would participate in the suicide squad, martial artists would line up to follow him. Conversely, if he wouldn't participate, there would be quite a few who would be disappointed. Either way wouldn't be a loss for Nam Cheon-san. ​

Dam Ho had no answer. The one in trouble was Cho Yeon-woon. It might actually be words for Dam Ho, but formally it was words for him. So he had to answer. ​

But his dilemma wasn't very long. ​

Clang! Clang! ​

Cho Yeon-woon suddenly tapped his prosthetic leg. Then metallic sounds echoed in the great hall. ​

"I want to participate in the suicide squad, but as you can see, my leg is like this…" ​

"Mmm!" ​

"It still hurts a lot when it rains." ​

Cho Yeon-woon smiled slightly. ​

"Is that so?" ​

"I'm sorry." ​

"Not at all! I know it happened while protecting the martial world. Rather I'm sorry. If you ever change your mind later, let me know. Someone like you could enter the suicide squad anytime." ​

"Thank you for just saying so." ​

"Mm!" ​

Making a contemplative sound, Nam Cheon-san looked at Dam Ho. Now it was Dam Ho's turn. He decided to break through head-on. ​

"You are…" ​

"Forget it!" ​

"…" ​

When Dam Ho cut him off before he could even bring up the matter, Nam Cheon-san became embarrassed. He had thought Dam Ho would at least consider it or read the heroes' mood, but he hadn't expected him to cut it off like a knife. ​

That's when it happened. ​

"Hehe! The young friend is decisive." ​

Suddenly an unfamiliar voice was heard from behind Nam Cheon-san. Jeok Gyeong-cheon had approached. ​

His gaze was fixed on Dam Ho. Even though great senior Jeok Gyeong-cheon had spoken to him, Dam Ho had no answer. He just stared at Jeok Gyeong-cheon. Deep furrows formed in Jeok Gyeong-cheon's brow. ​

He had heard about Dam Ho's personality, but this was his first time actually experiencing it. ​

Even after hearing his status, Dam Ho showed little reaction. Normally when a senior martial artist approached like this, junior martial artists would show proper respect according to martial world etiquette. ​

"I am Jeok Gyeong-cheon." ​

"I know." ​

"Yet you don't show respect? I think I have sufficient qualifications to receive senior treatment from you." ​

"You really think so?" ​

"What do you mean?" ​

"You know." ​

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Disappointing! I had high expectations since they said a great junior had appeared in the martial world, but I never knew you'd be so lacking in manners." ​

"The suicide squad… whose idea was it?" ​

"What do you mean?" ​

"It's interesting. Whose idea was it?" ​

Dam Ho's gaze swept over Nam Cheon-san, Jeok Gyeong-cheon, and Yu Seong-wol, Jang Jin-myeong and others standing behind. When they received his gaze head-on, their expressions hardened even more. ​

Instead of answering, they glared at Dam Ho. They were people who had made names as top masters of the martial world for decades. ​

The intimidating power contained in their gazes was tremendous enough that ordinary people couldn't handle it, but Dam Ho's expression didn't change one bit. ​

When no one answered, Dam Ho asked once more. ​

"So will you also participate in the suicide squad?" ​

"Of… course. We will participate and lead the suicide squad." ​

"As expected?" ​

"What do you mean?" ​

"You know better. Don't you?" ​

"You speak quite interestingly. Others would easily misunderstand. Anyway, you mean you won't participate in the suicide squad? Very disappointing! Young martial artists like you should voluntarily participate to make the righteousness of the martial world stand straighter. But it can't be helped. If that's your nature. If you change your mind later, let us know. A master like you is always welcome." ​

Jeok Gyeong-cheon smiled brightly. ​

He was different from anyone Dam Ho had met before. Though he had sufficient reason to be angry, he controlled his emotions and instead showed a relaxed demeanor. ​

Dam Ho stared at Jeok Gyeong-cheon's face. Jeok Gyeong-cheon also didn't avoid his gaze. ​

He was secretly raising his internal energy so others wouldn't notice. That's why he could maintain composure unlike when he first saw Dam Ho. ​

Dam Ho was definitely a troublesome opponent. ​

Those pitch-black eyes whose inner thoughts couldn't be read at all were particularly burdensome. But Jeok Gyeong-cheon didn't avoid Dam Ho's eyes. Though he was returning to the martial world after a long time, he too was an absolute master who had made his name known for long. ​

Though Dam Ho's gaze was burdensome, he thought his martial power would be sufficient to handle it. ​

Dam Ho certainly possessed young and powerful martial strength. He was definitely outstanding among young martial artists. But he himself had experience and broad vision to see the big picture that Dam Ho didn't have. ​

With the same level of martial power, the side with rich experience and wisdom would naturally be advantageous. Most of all, Jeok Gyeong-cheon had colleagues. Those with martial power not inferior to his, and ten of them at that. ​

No matter how he looked for it, there was no reason for him to be intimidated by Dam Ho. ​

"I should go. Many people are waiting." ​

"Is Lee Gwan… doing well?" ​

"Are you talking about Iron Blood Martial God Lee Gwan?" ​

"Yes!" ​

"How would I know his whereabouts ? If he's still alive, he'd be doing well. Well then, I'll be going. See you again next time." ​

Jeok Gyeong-cheon waved and turned around. Alliance Leader Nam Cheon-san and others followed behind him. ​

Dam Ho indifferently watched their retreating figures. ​

His eyes were so deeply sunken that it was impossible to guess what he was thinking. ​

Then Cho Yeon-woon spoke to him. ​

"Let's go outside too. It seems like inside will get even noisier." ​

Dam Ho nodded silently. ​

The two men left the great hall side by side. ​

The rumor that the suicide squad would be selected again spread instantly throughout Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance. ​

As stories spread that many of the martial artists who had been in the great hall had already joined the suicide squad, countless martial artists competed to join the suicide squad. ​

Participating in the suicide squad was the highest honor for young martial world people. If they participated in the suicide squad and achieved merit, their names would be remembered forever by future generations. ​

Making a name. ​

Being remembered with a great name that would be remembered forever by future generations. ​

Many young martial artists succumbed to that intense temptation. ​

Among them were Nam Hak, Heavenly Thunder Martial Guest, and Eom Tae-cheon, Shadowless Divine Dragon, who were members of the Nine Martial Dragons. They decided to participate in the suicide squad before anyone else. ​

Their participation drew explosive response from others. Instantly Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance were swept up in the whirlwind called suicide squad. ​

In the midst of this, a fresh rumor struck Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance. ​

It was the unbelievable rumor that Dae Gun-sang, Cruel Demon Swordsman and one of the Four New Stars, had been defeated. ​

Dae Gun-sang was one of the most notable young martial artists in the current martial world. The rumor that such a person had been defeated by an unknown martial artist was hard to believe. But there were quite a few heroes who had witnessed the scene of Dae Gun-sang's defeat. ​

Through them, detailed circumstances spread and Bang Jin-bo's name also became widely known. ​

Bang Jin-bo, Grand Chef of Mount Hua Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects. ​

At first, everyone didn't believe it. ​

No matter how great Mount Hua Sect was, it didn't make sense that a mere chef had defeated a member of the Four New Stars. Moreover, not an ordinary chef but a grand chef. ​

By their common sense, it was unbelievable. But they had to believe it. There were too many who had witnessed it to dismiss as false. ​

"Mount Hua is not dead yet." ​

"Mount Hua Sect has sent a new young hero into the world." ​

People realized through Bang Jin-bo that Mount Hua Sect was not yet dead. They confirmed once again the simple truth that even a toothless tiger is still a tiger. ​

People showed great interest in Bang Jin-bo who had defeated a member of the Four New Stars and suddenly appeared in the martial world. ​

Mount Hua Grand Chef​

At some point people began calling Bang Jin-bo by the alias Mount Hua Grand Chef. Saying he was a chef of Mount Hua Sect and a swordsman surpassing the Four New Stars. ​

Mount Hua Grand Chef Bang Jin-bo. ​

He emerged as a martial artist representing Mount Hua Sect following Dam Ho. Countless young martial artists came to befriend Bang Jin-bo. But Bang Jin-bo himself remained only in the guest quarters with an embarrassed face. ​

Bang Jin-bo found the flood of people's attention burdensome. ​

"Now you've become a proper martial artist too. Mount Hua Grand Chef Bang Jin-bo. Keheheh!" ​

"Are you really going to keep teasing me?" ​

"Teasing? I'm stating facts." ​

"Sigh! I should stop talking." ​

Bang Jin-bo sighed and shook his head at Cho Yeon-woon's teasing. ​

He wasn't at all happy about the sudden fame he'd gained. He had fought Dae Gun-sang to protect Eun So-cheong, not to become famous. ​

"Anyway, you're a fun guy to tease." ​

Cho Yeon-woon grinned looking at Bang Jin-bo. ​

He wanted to continue teasing more, but couldn't. Suddenly So-cheon and Cheong-un burst through the door. ​

"Big trouble." ​

So-cheon's urgent voice echoed in the room. ​

Cho Yeon-woon made a puzzled expression. ​

"What's wrong?" ​

"Ah, in Anhui Province… Demon Cult movements have been detected." ​

"Demon Cult?" ​

"Large-scale troop movements have been detected by the intelligence network. Because of this, all the Martial Alliance leadership has been summoned." ​

Cho Yeon-woon's pupils shook. He hurriedly looked at Dam Ho who was sitting quietly to one side. ​

Ripples occurred in Dam Ho's deep pupils. ​

'Anhui Province?' ​

Yeong-gwi still did not understand Jin Ja-gang’s words.

“The situation you need to consider…”

“Salt King had three major roles. Defense against the Tibetan Demon Cult and the Northern Unorthodox Sect, and keeping the Martial Arts Alliance in check.”

“I see. If Salt King falls, those roles will disappear all at once.”

“That’s correct.”

“But isn’t it excessive to assume that Shaolin Temple won’t consider the surrounding situation and relationships just because you said they will eliminate?”

“I asked Master Beom-hae directly. After attacking the Tang family, how would they handle the aftermath?”

Jin Ja-gang had asked Beom-hae three things.

First, how would they prevent the invasion of the Tibetan Demon Cult after attacking the Tang family?

Second, how would they keep the Northern Unorthodox Sect in check?

Third, how would they capture the Demon King?

The third question was especially important. The Tang family likely had clues about the mastermind called the Demon King. If they erased the Tang family in the current situation, the clues would disappear.

This was also what Abbess In-eun had asked Jin Ja-gang before. Although the third question Abbess In-eun had posed was about the Martial Arts Alliance rather than the Demon King, the meaning was essentially the same.

The Martial Arts Alliance was a byproduct created by the Demon King, maintained through a system of extreme “profit.”

What Abbess In-eun wanted to convey was ultimately the breaking of the system represented by “profit,” so when examined closely, the Martial Arts Alliance and the Demon King were essentially the same kind.

However, Beom-hae once again ignored Jin Ja-gang’s questions and gave the answer he wanted to give.

“Even if I cannot attain enlightenment, I will certainly destroy the Three Evil Paths: Hell, Hungry Ghosts, and Beasts!”

The Hell Path refers to Salt King and the Tang family, the Hungry Ghost Path refers to the Demon King and those who follow the Demon King.

The Beast Path is usually the world where shameless people fall, and from Shaolin Temple’s perspective, shameless people would mean those who obstruct the righteous path.

Therefore, the declaration to erase the Three Evil Paths even if it meant abandoning his duties as a monk revealed how powerful Beom-hae’s will was regarding this Sichuan journey.

However, while the targets were defined, there was no plan anywhere for what would happen after attacking the Tang family.

Only the righteous path.

Crush anyone who blocks the way ahead and don’t consider anything else. If someone blocks the way again afterward, just kill them too and pass through.

It was a truly Shaolin-like attitude: breaking through all complex political situations and entangled relationships with force.

Jin Ja-gang said.

“The aftermath after Shaolin Temple passes through will ultimately be the burden of those who remain to live there.”

Yeong-gwi read the situation from Jin Ja-gang’s expression. She could tell even without Jin Ja-gang explaining in detail.

“Then you’re right. Attacking Salt King is a very difficult task. If Shaolin Temple stepped forward with such confidence, they must be certain of success. But from our position of having to replace the Tang family, we cannot handle the aftermath after the Tang family is erased.”

“That’s correct.”

Wasn’t that why Abbess In-eun had asked Jin Ja-gang, who was trying to fight the Tang family, those three questions about the Tang family’s roles!

And Jin Ja-gang had already provided his answer.

“I will do it.”

For that purpose, he had pledged to kill Salt King Tang Cheong, and Emei Sect agreed to help when the time came.

Killing Salt King Tang Cheong and seizing control of the Tang family.

From the moment he took Tang Ha-ran to heart and she became pregnant carrying the Tang family’s seed, it might have been a predetermined course.

Destroying the system, not the people, was the only conclusion that could guarantee a future for Jin Ja-gang himself, his wife Tang Ha-ran, and their child.

So he couldn’t just let Shaolin Temple mess up the meal they were about to prepare and cause chaos.

What he had said to Master Mugak was Jin Ja-gang’s true feelings.

Since they would have to continue living here even after this matter ended, he couldn’t let Shaolin Temple and the Demon King destroy everything.

Yeong-gwi said as if talking to herself.

“But this is unexpected.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s well known that you’re clever, isn’t it? In a situation like this, I thought you’d use cunning to take advantage of both sides fighting.”

“When I was young, I learned at great cost that what I truly want will never be accomplished by someone else’s hands.”

Jin Ja-gang showed a faint smile.

“Of course, I only mean I won’t let Shaolin Temple do as they please, not that I won’t use their actions. If the situation permits, I won’t hesitate.”

Yeong-gwi suddenly felt her head go blank.

“You… even if it weren’t for us, you were planning to attack Salt King on your own someday!”

She asked “surely not,” but if it was Jin Ja-gang, it seemed entirely possible. Unlike them, who had lived oppressed by Salt King but couldn’t resist, he was different.

Yeong-gwi looked at Jin Ja-gang with a strange feeling.

The rumors known to the world that he was a blood-crazed murderer were utterly wrong.

He wasn’t a man with grand ambitions. He wasn’t a righteous hero with great causes.

But at least he had convictions. He had the will to decide his own direction in life.

Not the path others thought was right, but the path he himself thought was right.

Unlike herself, who killed as ordered and killed to survive, he was different.

Thump.

Yeong-gwi was briefly lost in other thoughts when her heart pounded, startling her. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

She forcibly recalled the comrades who had perished like moths to flame blocking Jin Ja-gang’s path.

She couldn’t feel defeated before even starting. Though they weren’t affectionate siblings, she couldn’t back down without avenging the elder brother who had cared for her.

Three times, just three chances.

After that, she would have to serve Jin Ja-gang as master and servant.

Yeong-gwi bit down hard on her molars. She stirred up her killing intent once more.

But now was not the time to kill Jin Ja-gang. Nasal-don’s fate depended on this matter immediately. Since the head of Nasal-don had already left for Sichuan, it wouldn’t be easy to catch up even if they departed now.

“In any case, we need to inform the head of this news and move up the assembly. To avoid interference from Shaolin Temple, faster than now…”

Yeong-gwi suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Informing the head about the assembly wasn’t the problem.

The question was whether Jin Ja-gang, who couldn’t use lightness skills, could arrive within a month.

Yeong-gwi asked Jin Ja-gang.

“Earlier you said you were looking for a method. Did you find one?”

“It hasn’t been long since I answered that I was looking.”

Yeong-gwi was furious.

“Where is there a master who can’t even use lightness skills!”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Yeong-gwi, taken aback by the sudden scolding.

Yeong-gwi huffed and kicked the ground with her foot.

Trembling with anger, the padding on her cheeks that made her look plump quivered. It was because she was disguised with a fuller figure.

Jin Ja-gang was staring at Yeong-gwi in disbelief when he was caught off guard and almost burst into laughter.

Yeong-gwi saw Jin Ja-gang’s expression, came closer, and looked him up and down.

Every time she moved her head, her plump cheeks shook and wobbled. Unlike her serious eyes, the comical face almost made him laugh again.

“What’s with that expression?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s not nothing, is it? Is that… are you laughing?”

Jin Ja-gang straightened his face.

“No.”

Yeong-gwi was incredulous. Laughing then straightening his face made her even angrier. As she got angry, the cheek padding quivered and shook more.

Jin Ja-gang just turned his head away.

Shhhhhh.

The rain continued to pour heavily without stopping.

***

Yeong-gwi went around looking for every possible way to get from Wuhan to Sichuan.

However, as she had known all along, all routes were blocked. There was no way to get there in time by sea or land.

Thus, Jin Ja-gang’s failure to arrive on time became a foregone conclusion.

She needed to send news to Nasal-don, but couldn’t send carrier pigeons because of the rain, and she couldn’t leave without leaving Jin Ja-gang behind either.

She was in a desperate situation.

Jin Ja-gang suggested to the troubled Yeong-gwi.

“Go ahead and inform the head about Shaolin Temple’s Sichuan journey.”

“Then what about you?”

“I’ll find a way as I go. I can’t stay in Wuhan forever.”

The situation was unfavorable in many ways.

Having been stuck in one place for so long, Jin Ja-gang’s whereabouts might have been exposed.

“Hey! How can you just go like that!”

Jin Ja-gang had already finished all preparations to leave. Without waiting for Yeong-gwi’s answer, he departed immediately.

The rain seemed to thin out but then grew heavy again.

The road was as treacherous as expected.

No matter what he did, he couldn’t gain speed. His feet sank deep into the muddy ground up to his ankles.

Puddles everywhere were also factors slowing him down.

Within two days, Yeong-gwi caught up with Jin Ja-gang.

Yeong-gwi was actually ahead of Jin Ja-gang, waiting for him.

Yeong-gwi, who had been sheltering from the rain under the eaves of a shabby shrine, saw Jin Ja-gang and said.

“At your current speed, you’ll never reach Sichuan within a month. I left yesterday, you know.”

Jin Ja-gang had nothing to say.

Yeong-gwi looked at the sky and ground, let out a long sigh, and said.

“It’s not that there’s no way.”

“If there’s a way, I’ll follow it.”

“Get on my back.”

Gasp.

“If you ride on my back, we can reach Sichuan within two weeks.”

When Jin Ja-gang hesitated, Yeong-gwi snorted.

“Why, is it embarrassing to ride on a woman’s back?”

Yeong-gwi soon covered her face with her hand and removed it. She had become an ordinary young man’s face.

“Now I won’t look like a woman.”

Her voice, while thin for a man, changed to be thicker than a woman’s.

“Still hesitating?”

“Mm.”

“Ah, are you afraid you’ll catch leprosy if you touch my body?”

When Jin Ja-gang stared at Yeong-gwi, she said.

“That’s what most people think, throwing stones at us, spitting, and chasing us away. Will you do the same?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then choose. Either resolve yourself to catch leprosy for your convictions and ride on my back, or betray your convictions and give up the uprising or whatever.”

“I see. Then I’ll ask for your help.”

“What? You’re saying… you’ll ride?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously?”

Jin Ja-gang asked back as if finding it strange.

“You were the one who made the suggestion.”

“But…”

Unlike Jin Ja-gang who had been agonizing all along, he answered so easily that Yeong-gwi was actually surprised.

“No, no, but why did your attitude suddenly change? You were agonizing just before.”

“That’s because…”

Jin Ja-gang thought briefly before answering.

“I hesitated wondering if my wife would scold me if she found out.”

“Wh-what…!”

“Her personality is quite something.”

Jin Ja-gang’s brow furrowed slightly. He seemed truly, seriously worried.

Yeong-gwi looked at Jin Ja-gang with a distorted face and suspicious eyes.

“You weren’t worrying about leprosy?”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Yeong-gwi and answered.

“I wasn’t particularly worried about that.”

Yeong-gwi had forgotten for a moment. The other person was Poison Dragon.

Even the Ten Thousand Poison Invulnerability heavenly ghost couldn’t harm Jin Ja-gang with poison, so why would he worry about something like leprosy?

Yeong-gwi’s face turned red. Without realizing it, she took a posture as if covering her front with her hands. She had never acted like this throughout her life as an assassin.

Jin Ja-gang asked.

“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to.”

Yeong-gwi’s face was red and she got angry for no reason.

“Wh-who said I’m uncomfortable? What are you doing? Hurry up and get on my back!”

Fortunately, the noisily falling rain was covering Yeong-gwi’s embarrassment.