Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 151

Infamy and Heroism

“We will now list the black forces that Myeolsagun has exterminated in sequence. Starting with Umsabang, followed by Gyoguchae of Noklim, Yeomgeombang, Cheolsabo, Gwidomun, Gangryangmun, and….”

Gadeuk Sang folded the document.

“…Hongyohoe. That concludes the list.”

The audience was startled.

“Hongyohoe? Are you referring to the infamous assassination organization, Hongyohoe?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The assembled officials looked at each other in disbelief.

Hongyohoe was not an assassination organization renowned for being among the top ten in Jianghu, nor was its leader’s martial arts particularly exceptional.

Nevertheless, Hongyohoe was dangerous.

Most assassination organizations in Jianghu had certain lines they would not cross. They would not take on assignments to kill children or high-ranking officials.

Hongyohoe disregarded all such principles.

Simply put, they were a ruthless contract killing organization that would kill anyone for money. Additionally, they carried explosives to ensure their targets were killed.

Such an organization had been defeated by Myeolsagun, which had less than fifty members. It was a completely different scale of conflict compared to the battle against the three hundred-strong Gyoguchae.

“Is this true?”

“Yes, it is.”

“How can this be? The reason Hongyohoe has survived despite its heinous acts is that no one knows their base. Did Myeolsagun discover it?”

“That’s not likely.”

“Then? Perhaps the Beggars’ Sect?”

“Not them either.”

Gadeuk Sang’s eyes grew cold.

“Hongyohoe attacked Myeolsagun first.”

“What!”

Bang!

Some of the officials slammed the table. The atmosphere in Musung Hall grew heated.

Myeolsagun was the first organization established by the newly reformed Murim Alliance and the first private military unit. That such a unit was attacked by Hongyohoe was a matter of great dishonor for the Murim Alliance.

“Due to Hongyohoe’s attack, over ten soldiers of Myeolsagun were seriously injured. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.”

“Those bastards!”

Fung Pyeongja from Cheongseong urgently asked.

“Are they being treated? Are they seriously hurt?”

Most of the soldiers of Myeolsagun were from the Nine Great Sects. It was natural for Fung Pyeongja to feel anxious.

Gadeuk Sang nodded.

“Renowned doctors have been summoned as quickly as possible. Given their excellent martial arts, they are said to be recovering swiftly.”

“Phew.”

Fung Pyeongja sighed in relief as he sat back down.

“It’s a relief, indeed.”

Considering Hongyohoe’s use of poison, hidden weapons, and explosives, it was fortunate there were no deaths. Even a great martial artist could die from a potent poison or suffer fatal injuries from an explosion.

“But.”

Jegal Munho asked.

“Who commissioned Hongyohoe?”

A troubled look briefly crossed Gadeuk Sang’s face.

“We couldn’t find that out.”

“Hmm.”

“Commander Yeon Hojeong of Myeolsagun led a small force to track and pursue the assassins, eventually reaching their base in northern Jiangsu. During a fierce battle, someone blew up their main base.”

“Huh!”

“Most of Hongyohoe’s assassins were killed, and their base was destroyed, effectively annihilating them. However, the identity of the client remains unknown.”

“Did Hongyohoe set off the explosion themselves?”

“The exact circumstances are unclear, but it’s highly likely.”

Jegal Munho nodded with a stern face.

“That’s fortunate. Tracking assassins is no easy task.”

“Yes. Penetrating Hongyohoe’s base was entirely due to Commander Yeon’s efforts. He was relentless.”

“I see.”

Jegal Munho had deliberately raised the matter of the pursuit, and Gadeuk Sang skillfully responded to it.

There might be controversy over Yeon Hojeong’s qualifications. Despite his exceptional achievements, there could be complaints because the injured soldiers were from the Nine Great Sects.

Both men were preemptively addressing any potential issues.

Gadeuk Sang spoke assertively.

“Although there were unfortunate incidents, the results over the past few months have been significant achievements. This was accomplished with minimal support from the Alliance.”

Yong Hwajin commented with a reluctant expression.

“That was unavoidable. The Murim Alliance is only now starting to operate properly. The situation was too chaotic to properly allocate funds or draft budgets.”

Gadeuk Sang smiled.

“Yes, Commander Yeon is aware of that. My point is that they need support now.”

“Hmm.”

“Judging by Myeolsagun’s progress so far, they can become stronger and more thorough. They have proven their worth, so as a consultant to the Intelligence Department, I request full support for them.”

The assembly nodded.

Despite their different beliefs and temperaments, they were all seasoned individuals who had navigated the harsh world of Jianghu. They understood how difficult it was for a newly formed organization to achieve such significant accomplishments.

At that moment, the head of the Shaolin Sect, Gonggong Daeja, spoke.

“The selection of talents for the Tangma Army is complete, and the appointments for various units and organizations have been finalized.”

The audience held their breath.

Moyong Gun’s eyes darkened as he looked at Gonggong Daeja.

“As expected.”

The Murim Alliance had been busy solidifying its power base since its inception. But he had not yet reached the pinnacle.

“The power in his words is different.”

The world considered the Nine Great Sects and Six Great Clans to be on the same level, but there were clear distinctions among them.

Shaolin, undoubtedly the highest among them, was known as the guiding light of Murim for a thousand years, a status no one could deny.

“In my view, Myeolsagun’s formation was exceedingly unconventional. It was permitted due to the unstable state of the Alliance’s foundation, but having a Tangma Extermination Unit operate without any oversight was undoubtedly improper.”

The assembly nodded.

Though Myeolsagun had been monitored by informants whenever they moved, this was the minimum measure the Murim Alliance could take.

Organizations should not operate this way. What had been tolerated thus far could no longer be allowed.

“However.”

Gonggong Daeja smiled faintly.

“The passionate commander and his soldiers, despite their youthful vigor, have not lost sight of their goal. Moreover, in just a few months, they have accomplished great feats.”

“…….”

“While the officials here may have different opinions, I believe they should be granted some special allowances.”

The head of the Emei Sect, Bokhosatae, agreed.

“Special allowances are not necessarily negative. Furthermore, I think we should support Myeolsagun regardless of their achievements.”

Fung Pyeongja asked with a puzzled look.

“Why do you think so? Special allowances could cause dissatisfaction among other organizations.”

“There might be dissatisfaction. But I believe we owe Myeolsagun a debt.”

“A debt?”

Bokhosatae’s eyes grew distant.

“They set out to punish the villains that the officials here, as well as the entire righteous Murim, were trying to ignore. And they did it while still young and full of vigor.”

“…….”

“We should at least appreciate their intent, but we have only tried to control them. While it was necessary, we must reflect on our actions.”

Bokhosatae’s words brought a solemn atmosphere to Musung Hall.

She smiled at Yeon Wi.

“Master Yeon, you must be very proud.”

“Yes?”

“The reputation of the Ho family of Byeoksan is questioned by many. Some dismiss it as mere rumors.”

“…….”

“But after experiencing, observing, and feeling recent events, I now understand. You have raised a remarkable son. The fact that such talent has already taken up arms for justice is truly a blessing for Jungwon.”

It was a rare high praise.

Yeon Wi bowed his head.

“He is still lacking in many ways. When Commander Yeon returns, I hope you will teach him with strictness and fairness rather than praise.”

Gonggong Daeja laughed.

“Haha, indeed. We should learn from him. Master Yeon, you are too modest.”

Gadeuk Sang smiled discreetly.

The goodwill towards Myeolsagun was growing. Much more than expected.

No one would question the existence of Myeolsagun now. Gadeuk Sang was satisfied with that.

At that moment,.

“Indeed.”

Everyone’s attention turned to Moyong Gun.

“As mentioned, Myeolsagun has accomplished great feats. They deserve appropriate rewards.”

Gonggong Daeja smiled and said.

“Master Moyong must be pleased.”

Moyong Gun had proposed the creation of the independent military unit and recommended Yeon Hojeong. Gonggong Daeja was referring to this.

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“Haha! Of course, I’m pleased. But I anticipated it to some extent. Although it’s a bold statement, Commander Yeon is one of the best talents I’ve ever seen. This outcome was entirely predictable.”

“Haha.”

“However, I think Myeolsagun must be quite exhausted after traversing Jungwon for months.”

Everyone nodded.

Myeolsagun had been relentlessly defeating black sects. In the black Murim, they were already called the death squad or the demon squad.

“So I propose.”

A hidden malice flashed in Moyong Gun’s eyes.

“With the Tangma Army’s inauguration ceremony approaching, how about summoning Myeolsagun to the Alliance for rewards and rest?”

“That’s a good idea.”

Bokhosatae immediately agreed.

“Constant tension and vigilance can wear down both body and mind. It might be good to summon them now.”

Most officials agreed with Moyong Gun’s

proposal.

Gadeuk Sang glanced at Jegal Munho.

Jegal Munho’s lips were smiling, but his eyes were tense.

Gadeuk Sang spoke up.

“First, we should check Myeolsagun’s current status before summoning them….”

At that moment, Tang Kwan spoke.

“Personally, I would like to give a gift to Myeolsagun for their hard work.”

The officials were surprised. They hadn’t expected the proud and stern Tang Kwan to say such a thing.

“So, we should summon them promptly.”

Gadeuk Sang’s eyes wavered.

He quickly glanced at Moyong Gun and felt a chill. Moyong Gun’s smile and eyes were deeply meaningful.

Just as Gadeuk Sang was about to speak again.

“As the officials wish, let’s contact Myeolsagun immediately.”

Gadeuk Sang was startled and looked at Jegal Munho.

Jegal Munho spoke calmly.

“Consultant, please do your best to ensure the message reaches them quickly.”

Jegal Munho’s eyes conveyed this message:

Do not cause any more discord. This is not the time.

Gadeuk Sang clenched his teeth.

“…I will contact Myeolsagun right away.”