novelraw Chapter 14 : Chapter 14
Chapter 14 : Chapter 14
Chapter 14 - The Green Forest King’s Wrath (2)
“If you spout nonsense again, I won't let it pass this time.”
Ice Rakshasa bowed deeply in front of the Green Forest King, who was glaring at her with a fierce momentum.
“Of course. The conflict between the Green Forest and the Moyong Family is currently impossible to resolve as the existence of the hidden master cannot be confirmed. The Green Forest is trying to question the death of the sworn brother, and the Moyong Family is trying to question the Green Forest’s threat towards the daughter.”
Ice Rakshasa inhaled deeply.
“However, if the two forces engage in an all-out war like this, the positions of the Sado Alliance and the Murim Alliance will inevitably become difficult. It could even escalate into a war between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions.”
The Green Forest King, glancing back at the Unorthodox Faction members lined up long behind him, sighed quietly as if agreeing with Ice Rakshasa’s words.
“So I make a proposal. How about each side putting forward five masters to fight a life-and-death duel? I believe the blood debt can be sufficiently paid depending on the results of the life-and-death duel.”
Mad Beggar, who was listening to Ice Rakshasa, hurriedly opened his mouth.
“A life-and-death duel is excessive. If someone loses their life, the ill feelings and conflicts caused by grudges on both sides will continue. The Murim Alliance proposes three sparring matches that do not take lives. How about settling it by accepting what the winner of the sparring desires?”
Listening to the two people’s stories, the Green Forest King fell into deep thought for a long time.
As the Green Forest King seemed to be contemplating, people gathered around Moyong Man in the Moyong Family also began to exchange opinions quietly.
After some time passed, the Green Forest King, having made up his mind, opened his mouth first.
“I would like to just drop everything and have a refreshing fight, but the situation doesn't seem to allow that. Since you say Yongho Fortress used poison first, I won't speak about the deaths of other bandits…… but regarding the deaths of my sworn brothers, I have no choice but to demand answers regardless of the reason.”
At the Green Forest King’s words, Moyong Man let out a small sigh.
“Since three sworn brothers died unfairly, I would like to mix the proposals of the Sado Alliance and the Murim Alliance and propose a total of three life-and-death duels. What do you think, Moyong Family Head?”
Thinking that it was a significant concession for the Green Forest King, who only knew how to go straight, to make such a proposal, Moyong Man quietly nodded.
“Good. If that is the Green Forest’s thought, we will accept it too. However, even if it is a life-and-death duel, let the winner of the duel decide whether to take the opponent’s life or not.”
Moyong Man answered with a heavy face.
From his perspective, having even considered an all-out war, it was reasonable in the big picture if the conflict could be prevented with three lives.
But the fact that he had to choose someone and drive them into a death ground was a significant burden for him as well.
Do Hyeok-rin quietly approached Moyong Man, who was agonizing.
“Sir. I have been greatly grateful for your grace all this time. Since this happened due to my great inadequacy, please allow me to step forward and finish it.”
“Brother!”
Eun-wol, who was listening from the side, was startled and blocked Do Hyeok-rin’s path.
“What kind of words are those? It’s not because of you, Brother.”
Do Hyeok-rin, stroking Eun-wol’s hair once, smiled.
“Do you not trust me? It is a matter of winning and returning, so do not worry too much.”
“No, no matter what…… I cannot allow this!”
As Eun-wol grabbed Do Hyeok-rin’s sleeve and looked at Moyong Man with pitiful eyes, Moyong Man cleared his throat with a ‘ahem’.
“That…….”
Just as Moyong Man with a troubled expression was about to open his mouth, Jaun, who was standing behind, took a step forward.
As Jaun walked forward, everyone’s gaze focused on him.
Stopping at the midpoint between the two forces, Jaun shouted loudly towards the Green Forest.
“I will go out for the first one. Please choose a duel opponent from the Green Forest as well.”
Everyone from the Moyong Family and the Green Forest blankly looked at Jaun, who came out holding a sword.
“No, what are you doing now?”
Do Hyeok-rin looked at Jaun with blank eyes.
“Young Hero Jaun. Are you crazy?”
Ice Rakshasa, who ran forward, snatched Jaun’s arm.
“Un-a? What on earth are you saying!”
Eun-wol, who ran out along with her, grabbed the opposite arm.
Two women, who sparked fire from their eyes while looking at each other for a moment, each hugged one of Jaun’s arms tightly and opened their mouths.
“Daughter of the Moyong Family. What is that impure gaze? Won't you let go of that hand?”
“You snake-like lackey of the Sado Alliance! You are the one who should take your hands off our Un-i’s body right now!”
“Ha……. What did this bitch just babble?”
As Ice Rakshasa rolled up her sleeves and tried to approach Eun-wol, Mad Beggar stepped forward while scratching his head vigorously.
“Be quiet. If you speak like that again, your throat will be cut right off by the Moyong Family Head’s sword.”
Mad Beggar, who smacked Ice Rakshasa’s arm away, cupped his fist towards Eun-wol and said.
“I am sorry, but could the daughter of the Moyong Family also step away for a moment? It’s distracting.”
Mad Beggar, having quieted the two, looked down at Jaun with his head tilted crookedly.
“You said it was Jaun? You said you were a merchant group escort? Are you lacking somewhere? Did you not hear it’s a life-and-death duel? Do you think you can represent the Moyong Family as a mere merchant group escort? How dare you? Can you not even judge the weight of the situation?”
Jaun, who didn't give much of an answer to Mad Beggar’s shouting, turned around and looked at Do Hyeok-rin.
“At that time, as an escort of the merchant group, I could not fulfill the responsibility to protect Lady Eun-wol. This happened because someone tried to protect Lady Eun-wol whom we failed to protect. What Wind and Moon Guest said about taking responsibility and my stepping forward are in the same context. Although I was hired for a petty sum, it can definitely be said that I, who failed to fulfill my duty, also have responsibility.”
Tears of emotion welled up in Eun-wol’s eyes as she watched Jaun confidently come forward and speak his thoughts.
Checking that the sobbing Eun-wol’s eyes had slightly lost focus, Ice Rakshasa gritted her teeth and threw words at Jaun.
“Young Hero Jaun. Even so, now is not the time for you to step up. Responsibility for not escorting properly? No one will ask that of you. The Moyong Merchant Group wouldn't have hired you with that much expectation either.”
At Ice Rakshasa’s words, Do Hyeok-rin stepped forward.
“Miss Ice Rakshasa is right. It is shameful to say, but we hired you guys with the expectation that if a blind sword were aimed at Eun-wol, you would take the hit instead of her just once. So there is no need to blame yourself like that. Just return to your seat.”
Looking straight into Do Hyeok-rin’s eyes as he finished speaking, Jaun opened his mouth again.
“My sword that I showed at the inn. It didn't even display half of my skill. Do you still think I am unqualified?”
Do Hyeok-rin, who hesitated for a moment at Jaun’s words, opened his mouth again.
“I don't think you are unqualified. But aren't we talking about justification, not skill, right now?”
Before Do Hyeok-rin could continue, Jaun turned around, looked at the Green Forest King, and shouted.
“I hope the Green Forest King will judge. This matter was clearly a matter of the Moyong Merchant Group, not the Moyong Family. That day, Great Hero Nam Chung took charge of guiding the merchant group, not escorting, and the escorts to protect Lady Eun-wol were Great Hero Do Hyeok-rin, Brother Sam-sik, and me. Do you think it is unfair for one of these three people who escorted Lady Eun-wol to step forward for the life-and-death duel?”
“No, why are you asking me that…….”
The Green Forest King muttered with a reluctant expression.
“Hey. Kid. Is it puberty or something? Can't you hear me telling you to stop jumping around like a mudskipper and go in? Don't ruin the mood and go in right now!”
Mad Beggar stepped forward and grabbed Jaun’s arm.
And Jaun, being dragged away while his arm was held by Mad Beggar, sent a telepathic message to Do Hyeok-rin.
[Great Hero Wind and Moon Guest. Please think seriously about my story. Since I cooled down the atmosphere like this, if you send me out, the heat that has been rising until now will cool down even more. On top of that, I heard the Unorthodox Faction values appearances. So they won't be able to send out a strong person as my opponent.]
Do Hyeok-rin made a flustered expression at Jaun’s telepathic message ringing in his ears.
[You know well. That I use the sword much better than it seems. If I quickly subdue the careless Unorthodox martial artist, we can sort out this situation without anyone getting hurt.]
Certainly, there was logic in Jaun’s words.
If it worked out well as Jaun thought, it was a clever scheme to pass this situation without damage, but if by any chance a problem occurred with Jaun, the entire Moyong Family wouldn't be able to lift their heads.
Towards the pondering Do Hyeok-rin, Moyong Man opened his mouth quietly with a blank expression.
“Where on earth did you bring that kid from? What is his identity? Is he perhaps a weapon secretly raised by the Murim Alliance, or something like that?”
“Yes? Sir, what do you mean by that…….”
“That kid is reciting what could be called the Green Forest King’s weaknesses to me through telepathic message, and I’m saying this because absurdly enough, it all seems correct.”
Moyong Man stared piercingly at Jaun.
***
Eventually, Jaun, who stepped forward recklessly, was tacitly agreed upon as the Moyong Family side’s first duel opponent.
“Has it been decided in the Green Forest as well?”
Jaun extended his sword forward and asked, but the reaction from the Green Forest side was very reluctant.
“You go out.”
“Why me? You want me to play house with that kid?”
“No, then should the Green Forest King step up in this situation?”
The Green Forest King, who was listening, flinched.
Bandits of the Green Forest bickered for a long time saying they wouldn't go out.
A young man who was standing in one corner watching the situation carefully approached the Green Forest King.
“I am Nam Hoe-ryong, a humble student of the Black Sword Sect. I dare to say a word to the Green Forest King.”
The Green Forest King, looking a bit tired, turned his head weakly to look at the young man.
“I absolutely cannot overlook that arrogant Moyong Family escort who doesn't know his place. If the Green Forest King gives me a chance to handle that kid, I will dedicate this body…….”
“Uh, sure. You go out.”
Looking at the Green Forest King waving his hand as if annoyed, the young man filled with joy bowed deeply.
“Thank you! I am Nam Hoe-ryong of the Black Sword Sect. It would be an honor if you remember my name.”
Nam Hoe-ryong, turning confidently towards Jaun, slowly walked forward.
The young man drew a sword painted black even on the blade flamboyantly from his waist and aimed it at Jaun.
“The sin of daring to defile this place without distinguishing time and place! On behalf of the Green Forest King, I, Nam Hoe-ryong of the Black Sword Sect, will hold you accountable.”
Jaun smiled inwardly.
Things were working out as he thought.
“I am Jaun. Nice to meet you. Then, I’ll start.”
Jaun, suddenly declaring the start, shot forward rapidly.
“Uh uh?”
The young man, who had lifted one leg to take a stylish starting stance, opened his mouth wide seeing Jaun approaching quickly.
Not only did he not think Jaun would rush in so suddenly, but the speed of the rushing Jaun was beyond imagination.
Jaun, who instantly narrowed the distance with the flustered and hesitating young man, swung his sword quickly.
“Uh uh?”
Belatedly, the young man tried to dodge Jaun’s sword, but the difference in their skills was too severe.
─ Smack!
The flat of Jaun’s sword hit the young man’s head, making a cheerful sound.
Nam Hoe-ryong, whose back of the head was struck strongly by the flat of Jaun’s sword before he could even fix his posture, collapsed just like that.
─ Thud
The Green Forest King looked down dumbfoundedly at the young man who couldn't get up while lying face down with his nose stuck in the ground.
At the strangely flowing situation, neither the Green Forest nor the Moyong Family side could say anything.
The Green Forest King, who looked down at the fallen young man for a long time, sighed and turned his head towards Moyong Man.
“You intend to pass one duel like this? Is that the spirit of the Orthodox Faction the Moyong Family Head shows? If it were me, I wouldn't be able to lift my head out of embarrassment.”
─ Booooo.
At the Green Forest King’s words, the Green Forest and Unorthodox Faction members behind him booed and chimed in.
Feeling as if he unintentionally let a life-and-death duel pass by too easily, Moyong Man also answered with a reluctant expression.
“Ahem! Why is this the Moyong Family’s fault? Even though that child is young, huh? Right. He is the child who broke Nam Chung’s spear here not long ago. Your side was careless.”
Nam Chung, who was suddenly pointed out, flinched.
The Green Forest King tilted his head and asked Nam Chung.
“Hey. Uichang. Are the Family Head’s words true?”
“……That is.”
Feeling Do Hyeok-rin’s hand poking his side, Nam Chung nodded.
“Th, that is so. Not long ago when I clashed with that Young Hero, my weapon was taken away in one move.”
Looking at Nam Chung answering while sweating from his forehead, the Green Forest King smirked.
“The Family Head is also quite pathetic. Well, since Uichang says so too, let’s say it is so.”
The Green Forest King, who smacked his lips for a moment, opened his mouth again with shining eyes.
“Although one opportunity passed by like this, I will definitely collect the blood debt in the remaining duels.”
At the words thrown by the Green Forest King with a hardened expression, the Moyong Family Head cleared his throat again with a ‘ahem’.
“Who will go out this time?”
With a face full of annoyance, the Green Forest King looked back and asked the question, but the answer actually came from the front.
“I will go out this time too. I hope you choose a little faster this time.”
The Green Forest King, staring blankly at Jaun who was speaking while waving his sword, turned his head towards the Moyong Family Head.
The Moyong Family Head turned his head to one side and couldn't look straight at the Green Forest King.
─ Grind
A sound like teeth breaking rang out from the Green Forest King’s mouth.
“Moyong Man! Are you really going to deceive the Green Forest like this!”
In an instant, the Moyong Family members were pushed back in a group by the momentum of the Green Forest King that burst out.
Some martial artists who couldn't withstand the Green Forest King’s momentum floated up and flew backward, and the warriors who were taking the Green Forest King’s momentum at the very front lay on the floor and vomited blood.
“……Do I look like I am deceiving you right now?”
Moyong Man, standing alone in front with his robes fluttering, pointed to the side of the Green Forest King with his hand.
Despite facing the Green Forest King’s momentum from the closest distance, Jaun only stepped back three or four steps and stood straight on that spot, looking at the Green Forest King.