Chapter 77

The Dreamers

"Something incredible has happened."

Then, a soft voice from behind her.

"What is it?"

"It seems that Jang In-geol has succeeded in becoming the leader."

"Surely... Han Jung-gil, the leader, isn't someone to be taken lightly... And he's certainly not inferior to Jang In-geol, right?"

The woman's voice, coming from behind, was slightly trembling. This event was completely beyond her expectations. Moreover, it was difficult to predict how many changes would occur in the martial world with the highly aggressive Jang In-geol becoming the leader instead of Han Jung-gil.

"Of course. This matter seems to be related to the disappearance of the leader of the martial alliance. According to information from the Dark Sect, even the leader of the martial alliance, Ok Cheong-hak, is imprisoned underground. Of course, this information is not entirely reliable..."

The woman inside seemed to think for a moment before speaking.

"Hmm, then did Han Jung-gil secretly leave the Dark Sect to meet the leader and get ambushed?"

"The possibility is very high. Otherwise, the leader wouldn't stand a chance against Jang In-geol, any more than a rabbit would grow horns."

"The situation is getting very interesting. But Jang In-geol's power base is still too weak to become the leader..."

"He successfully took the leader's family as hostages and repelled the interference of the Poison Hand Demon Emperor. It's likely that from now on, Jang In-geol and the Poison Hand Demon Emperor will be in opposition."

"That's very likely. What about Mok Hyang? He wouldn't let such a good opportunity pass, would he?"

"Well, the information that Jang In-geol usurped the leader's position has reached him. According to reports from our spies, he's strangely quiet. If Mok Hyang were to attack Jang In-geol, now would be the best time, before Jang In-geol has solidified his position."

This time, the woman inside thought for a longer time.

"Hmm, no matter how I think about it, I can't figure it out. Please contact me as soon as you receive new information."

"Yes, then I will take my leave."

"Wait, has Yeong-in returned?"

"Yes, the meeting was canceled due to the leader's disappearance, so she returned three days ago. But as soon as she got back, she went straight to the training hall."

"Then the head will go and bring her back herself. Tell her there's something urgent to discuss."

"Yes."

A short while later, Mae-yeong-in entered. Mae-yeong-in, with her outstanding skills and a face that earned her praise from all who saw her, was one of the Four Phoenixes. She had a somewhat playful and lively expression. She had left the Wu-ying Gate to attend a meeting aimed at resolving conflicts between various sects over the tomb of Goo Hui, but the meeting was canceled due to the sudden disappearance of the leader. She returned and immediately went to the training hall because she had met an incredibly powerful martial artist during her journey, which had greatly inspired her.

Hyeol-ryun Moon's deputy leader, Beol-cheon-geom (Flying Heaven Sword) Heol-ryun Yun, was likely the strongest martial artist among the Seven Dragons. His martial arts were at a level that the inexperienced Mae-yeong-in could hardly imagine. To be able to freely wield sword qi at the age of 43... But there was a person named Mok Hyang who easily defeated him. As the saying goes, when you see a running man, a flying man is even more impressive. The high-level footwork and techniques in perfect harmony. Mok Hyang, as he said, "If you get caught by me, you won't even know how you died."

His terrifying martial arts and a personality that seemed twisted but was actually full of vigor, despite his appearance. The deputy leader of the Dark Sect left a strong impression on her. She felt a thrill as if something inside her was burning when she watched the two masters duel, and that's why she entered the training hall of her own will, not because of her grandmother's pressure.

She entered the inner chamber, not where the head was sitting to receive reports, but inside. To her surprise, a woman with a beautiful and pure face was sitting inside. Mae-yeong-in greeted her respectfully.

"Are you well? Grandmother."

"Yes, come in."

"I'm sorry for not greeting you upon my return. I had something to do, so I went straight to the training hall."

"The head told me. Come and sit here."

"Yes."

Although they were grandmother and granddaughter, it was hard to tell their age difference at first glance. Mae-yeong-in, due to her high internal strength, looked like a lively twenty-year-old rather than her actual age of 31. Her grandmother, the only woman to have reached the Hwa-kyung level, displayed the pure beauty of a woman in her mid-twenties with her high-level internal strength. They looked more like sisters than grandmother and granddaughter.

"I called you today because I have something to discuss."

"What is it?"

"Do you have someone you like? Someone you want to marry or something like that?"

Mae-yeong-in's face turned slightly red, but it wasn't because she had a hidden man. It was because this was the first time her grandmother had asked her about men so openly. Mae-yeong-in, the pride of the Wu-ying Gate, known for her unparalleled information-gathering skills, had been raised by people around her since she was young. She had lived her life, treating men like stones and being proud of herself, so there was no one who could capture her heart. Most men, mostly martial artists of the Wu-ying Gate, showed her flattery and respect rather than masculinity, so there was no one who could leave a lasting impression on her.

"No, I don't have anyone yet."

"I'm asking because I'm considering marrying you to a man I've chosen. This is very important. If there's already someone in your heart, your life after marriage will be very miserable. Do you understand? Think about it carefully."

Mae-yeong-in looked at her grandmother with a mix of surprise and reproach.

"Who is this man you've chosen? Are you planning to arrange a political marriage for me? How can you do this to me?"

The pure face of Ok-hwa-mu-je (Jade Flower Martial Emperor) momentarily showed sadness but quickly returned to normal. To secure the Wu-ying Gate's dominance in the martial world, even a beloved granddaughter had to be used as a political marriage asset. The men she had chosen as marriage candidates, though political marriages, were all outstanding individuals.

Their excellence was guaranteed by the Wu-ying Gate's intelligence network, which she loved. Therefore, she had no reason to hesitate. However, the problem was Mae-yeong-in's choice. If she had someone she wanted to marry, this conversation would be impossible. Ok-hwa-mu-je, being a woman herself, knew well the pain of loving someone in her heart while living with another man, which is why she was probing her granddaughter so thoroughly.

"Right, it could be seen as a political marriage. But the candidates are very outstanding individuals. The problem is whether you have someone you like. If you do, I will abandon this plan. Your happiness is more important than the plan. However, these candidates are too precious to just give up."

The grandmother's words left Mae-yeong-in speechless. She didn't have a clear man she liked...

"I don't have anyone like that yet."

Ok-hwa-mu-je smiled brightly at her granddaughter's words.

"Good, then it's really fortunate. It's a political marriage, but the candidates are excellent men. Love between a man and a woman is not a big deal. If there's no major issue with the other person, you'll gradually develop affection and love after marriage. And then, children will come... Oh, my mind is wandering. Wait a moment."

Ok-hwa-mu-je returned with a few sheets of paper.

"The men I want to introduce to you are these two. Choose one of them."

Ok-hwa-mu-je laid out two portraits in front of Mae-yeong-in. They were very detailed portraits, depicting not just the faces but the entire bodies in a standing pose. Mae-yeong-in took a deep breath as she looked at the two portraits. She knew both of them. But the portrait that surprised her was...

"Who is this person?"

"You may not know him, but he is Mok Hyang, a figure from the Dark Sect. He is estimated to be around 70 years old. But since he is a high-level expert in the martial world, his age of 70 is not significant. He is an extremely outstanding individual. He is a man who would be a perfect match for you.

The only flaw is that his personality is a bit rough... But who knows how it might change over time? According to information from our subordinates, he has a foster daughter and once lived with a woman in a similar arrangement. When he worked in the Luoyang branch, he had a minor conflict with the Wudang Sect, and this information came to light as we investigated it. It was a coincidence that we found out.

Judging from his life with the mother and daughter, he seems to be a very affectionate person. Later, despite the conflict with the leader, he facilitated a reconciliation between the Heavenly Earth Sect led by Jin Yang, the Great Force Saber, and his foster daughter. This incident might have been the first time the name 'Deputy Leader Mok Hyang' became known to the world."

"But he is a figure from the Dark Sect."

Ok-hwa-mu-je smiled gently.

"He is from the Dark Sect, but he is now fighting against it. Moreover, he commands a large number of subordinates. He has absorbed the forces of the disbanded Chanhwang Heukpungdan, making him an outstanding individual. There is no one in the current martial world with martial arts as excellent as his, and he commands powerful subordinates who are among the top ten in the current martial world. He is a very necessary person for our sect to grow stronger in the martial world."

"But he is still a member of the Dark Sect. No matter how much he fights against the Dark Sect, if this news gets out..."

"That's not your concern. In fact, the main martial arts he practices are not dark arts. No matter how excellent his martial arts and powerful his forces are, he is still somewhat lacking to confront the Dark Sect head-on. Therefore, if he is of sound mind, he will not refuse the marriage proposal. If you become the link between him and our sect, our sect could transform into the strongest and most powerful force in the martial world. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"And this person, as you know, is Seo-mun Gil, the Thunder Saber of the Seo-mun Clan. He is currently 29 years old, two years younger than you, but that is not a big problem. He is an extremely outstanding young man who has mastered the clan's secret lightning saber technique to at least the fifth level.

The Seo-mun Clan is currently the top of the five great clans. They have 8,000 followers, and the head of the clan, Su-ra-do-je (Sword Emperor of the Asura), Seo-mun Gil-je, has a high chance of being elected as the next leader. They can be considered the highest-ranking noble family in the current martial world.

If we ally with the Seo-mun Clan, our sect will gain a powerful force. Our sect has only recently grown to a formidable sect with 4,000 followers. In the past, the Wu-ying Gate earned money through various illegal businesses such as assassinations, brothels, gambling houses, pawnshops, and smuggling. But now, our Wu-ying Gate has risen from its past that we want to hide and earns money through legitimate businesses such as border trade, security, and various commercial enterprises. We are now earning more money through various commercial transactions based on information rather than the exchange of information.

Our sect has grown so much because we read the times well and used them effectively. So, will you help this grandmother a little, Yeong-in? It's not difficult. Just choose one of them and get married. They are both outstanding individuals, aren't they?"

Despite her grandmother's detailed explanation, Mae-yeong-in found it difficult to choose one. Logically, she should choose Seo-mun Gil, but Mok Hyang had left a strong impression on her from their first meeting.

A warrior, standing tall at about 180 centimeters, with four long swords on his back, stood confidently in front of Jang In-geol. He appeared to be in his early 30s with a rugged beard, exuding a fierce aura and a suffocating demonic energy. He was dressed in a tattered, blood-stained old robe, which made the dried blood stains less noticeable. Some of the bloodstains were his own. Though he didn't show it, he had been injured in several places. However, he stood firmly before the leader for his final report.

He usually carried only one or two long swords, but when he engaged in direct combat, he used all four. As the leader of the Dark Sect's strongest military unit, the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Team, he was a rare sword expert in the Dark Sect and a master of the Dynamic Sword Technique, which is why he always used multiple swords.

The man declared to the leader in a confident tone.

"There are no more rebels in the sect who disobey the leader."

Jang In-geol looked at him with trust and said.

"Hmm, well done. But where is Elder Jeong-geol?"

At this, the expression of Hwan-yeong-bi-ma (Phantom Flying Demon) Goo-yang-un (Goo-yang-un) turned somewhat bitter. Jeong-geol, who had accompanied him, was the 8th-ranked figure in the Dark Sect, but in the ranks of the rebel forces led by Jang In-geol, he was the 2nd-ranked powerful expert. Of course, Elder Hyuk-mu-sang, the 6th-ranked figure in the Dark Sect, was on Jang In-geol's side, but his martial arts were somewhat inferior despite his high rank. Therefore, Jang In-geol was very concerned about Jeong-geol's well-being.

"He was killed by Great Law Enforcer Hwang-no-gak. However, before he died, he inflicted serious injuries on him, so my subordinates could easily finish him off."

"Hmm, it's really a pity that you returned alone. What about Great Law Enforcer Hwang-no-gak?"

Goo-yang-un answered in a blunt voice.

"I brought his head. Would you like to see it?"

"No. Display it in a prominent place to show what happens to those who rebel against me."

"Yes."

"Despite the formidable opponent, you did well."

"Thank you. Although they were the best elite forces of the sect, including the remaining forces of the Law Enforcement Hall and the Blood Demon Team, and the direct subordinates of the leader, the Heavenly Killer Team, the Earth Killer Team, and the Human Killer Team, they were no match for the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Team and the Phantom Team. About 40 of them, though seriously injured, are now in the underground prison."

"By the way, what about our casualties?"

When the topic of casualties came up, Elder Goo-yang-un's expression hardened slightly. However, he could not hide the casualties from Jang In-geol. Elder Goo-yang-un, who had to report the casualties due to the death of his senior, was reluctant to do so because the opponent was so strong.

"The Phantom Team was completely wiped out, the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Team lost 32 members, 43 were seriously injured, and the rest were lightly injured. Of the 100 members of the Asura Demon Slaying Team who supported us, most were killed. The rest will recover after about a month of treatment and rest. The last one resisted fiercely, leading to this inevitable result."

Jang In-geol's face slightly frowned at the unexpectedly high casualties.

When Jang In-geol seized power, the 7th-ranked Black Wind Demon Spirit Hwang-no-gak, the head of the Law Enforcement Hall, led about 200 high-ranking experts who survived the internal conflict, about 50 remaining members of the Blood Demon Team, and about 50 top-notch experts from the leader's direct subordinates, the Heavenly Killer Team, the Earth Killer Team, and the Human Killer Team, to attempt to join Deputy Leader Mok Hyang's forces.

However, Jang In-geol had unfortunately detected their plan in advance. He dispatched his right-hand man, the 7th-ranked Elder Jeong-geol, and the 10th-ranked Elder Goo-yang-un, along with 100 members of the Asura Demon Slaying Team. Although he would have felt safer going himself given the strength of the opposition, he could not take the risk of leaving the sect without a solid foundation. He needed a powerful expert to remain in the sect to counter the Poison Hand Demon Emperor, his father.

Elder Jeong-geol commanded the Shadow Team, a group of about 30 top-notch experts, and Elder Goo-yang-un led the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Team. The leader also gave half of the 200 members of the Asura Demon Slaying Team to