Chapter 252: The Unexpected Proposal (3)

-Puahahaha! No, this is like entrusting the fish to a cat!

Short Sword laughed so hard that it seemed like her stomach would explode.

I, too, found this incredibly amusing.

Given my reputation as the Little Immortal Swordsman, it was only natural for me to receive such an offer. But what if they knew my true identity?

-It would be a chaotic situation.

Most likely.

It was a suggestion that could only be made precisely because they were unaware of the truth.

However, if the agenda was to create a new lieutenant position that didn't exist before and was passed, it meant that a considerable number of elders were dissatisfied with the current ruling system.

"Is it to handle things?"

Baek Hyang-muk, the one who led them to victory in the war. He firmly held the position even before I returned, but I never thought he would end up like this.

"They prepared well."

Even if there was a cause, the impeachment of the hero of the Justice Faction wasn't something prepared in a short time. The elders must have begun to move a long time ago.

Once again, I felt the greatness of that man, Zhuge Won-myung.

Perhaps the golden-eyed man's organization couldn't move carelessly because of him.

-Do you think he was killed for nothing?

Not really.

If he had been alive, my identity would have been exposed by now. He might have even tried to dismantle the Blood Sect.

However, the chaos accelerated by his death was an advantageous situation for the golden-eyed man.

The Blood Sect also had an advantage.

-Will you accept their offer?

It wasn't a bad suggestion.

If I intervened in this and was elected as the vice leader, I could naturally dig into the core of the Murim Alliance.

There were just a couple of things, though.

-What are they?

I could not see it.

As the second military head said, if Bang Deok-hyeon, who was the military general, was subordinate to that lord, then his entire purpose would be to take control of the Murim Alliance.

-Isn't that what you get if you become the Alliance leader, not a military head?

If Jong Cheon became the leader, then surely it would end up that way.

-What are you talking about? If Bang Deok-hyeon had been recommended because of this golden eye or someone as the leader, wouldn't it be them?

But we couldn't be sure.

-Why?

Bang Deok-hyeon held a position of authority as the military head. There weren't many things that would be lax for those who were clever and resourceful enough to establish their own person as a leader.

-So, you're saying they're flawless?

Not completely, but there were some gaps.

For instance, if it were me, I wouldn't have removed Baek Hyang-muk from leadership and denied him the opportunity to speak.

Imagine leaving him alone to speak and choose, knowing that there was one he could nominate from his side?

-Come to think of it, isn't that right?

Considering that he had secretly mastered the martial arts of the Blood Sect, even if there were strong suspicions due to a potential connection with Blood Sect, he could definitely prevent Baek Hyang-muk's candidates by using a compromise argument.

But that was not all.

-There are more?

The ties between Jin Gyun and Jong Cheon. They were well known to be rivals.

Looking at Jin Gyun's reaction, it didn't seem like a positive emotional connection. But to ask a man like him to support Jong Cheon?

-Oh. Right? Did he expect a refusal?

Considering that he was the former and current military head, it would be impossible to overlook this emotional aspect.

It occurred to me that he probably made the proposal without any hesitation on purpose.

-Ah! So it must have been deliberate.

Right, as I said, it seemed like he wanted to execute a plan where Jin Gyun would set out. He promoted Jong Cheon as a potential leader and motivated Jin Gyun.

It seemed that Jin Gyun and Sima Jong-hyeon became involved in this place to ensure that Jin Gyun's candidacy would catch the other candidates off guard.

In the end, a three-way fight was planned from the start.

-According to your prediction, even the merciless Jong Cheon might be used.

The probability of that happening couldn't be ignored either.

If he and Jin Gyun were candidates for leaders, they would actively seek to secure supporters.

Even in a two-way battle, the forces within the Murim Alliance would be divided not into two but three, causing more confusion.

-Then, instead of taking over the Murim Alliance...

Since four great warriors were involved, conflict would inevitably arise. Their goal wasn't to conquer the Murim but rather to weaken the Murim Alliance's power.

'Just what is their purpose?'

It was difficult to gauge the true purpose of the Lord. Was it, not conquest, but rather to push Murim into chaos?

At that time, Sima Jong-hyeon said,

"Please support the great warrior Jin."

I just stared at him blankly.

'Does he genuinely not know?'

If he had enough presence of mind to hold the position of military head, he should have doubts about what happened. But he was up to one of the two things.

In this precarious situation, he was desperate, standing alongside Jin Gyun without any other allies. Alternatively, they were both hiding something from me.

-Which is it, the former or the latter?

Regardless, the purpose was clear: Jin Gyun was to run for the leadership position.

Jin Gyun then said.

"Now that you know everything, it's time to make your decision. If you help, the Murim Alliance can avoid being manipulated by other forces."

It must be frustrating to stay silent. However, I managed to sort things out in my head to some extent.

Shall I ask them something before that?

"Senior, with your esteemed reputation, things might work out. However, as a non-member of the alliance, do I even stand a chance at being elected as the vice leader?"

While they proposed the plan, they didn't have the authority to determine its outcome. It would follow the procedures dictated by the Murim alliance.

Unlike the Blood Sect, the Murim Alliance was not solely based on martial arts. Simply becoming a candidate was no easy feat; one's performance, fame, experience, and seniority were all taken into account.

"And I'm only in my 20s."

Such youth was highly disadvantageous in the Murim Alliance, as individuals in their 20s and 30s were only considered captains at best.

However, once one reached the age of 40, they would have acquired enough qualifications to lead a family, troop or become an elder.

No matter how talented a person may be, the Murim Alliance prioritized experience and seniority in leadership positions.

"I'm not sure if that would happen."

Sima Jong-hyeon smiled and replied,

"If this were a time of peace, like a couple of years ago, that would certainly be the case. However, with the awakening of the Blood Sect and the alliance descending into chaos, it won't be so challenging."

"Then?"

"If the leader takes charge of leading the alliance, the vice role will be more symbolic. But who is more fitting for it than you?"

He spoke so fluidly, almost as if he was trying to persuade me.

"Certainly, you would make an excellent vice leader. Please aid the great warrior Jin in the pursuit of peace."

The military head bowed and repeated himself. Now that we have come this far, I should make things clear.

"Sigh... there is no other option."

"You've made your decision!"

Sima Jong-hyeon's face brightened.

Jin Gyun also asked with a more cheerful tone.

"You seem to have the blessing of growth to assist me. In the future, I..."

"Ah... it's not like that."

"What?"

I politely bowed to them.

"I will view this proposal positively."

'...?!'

Upon hearing those words, Jin Gyun and Sima Jong-hyeon's expressions stiffened.

Two hours after that, my entire party had moved about 10 li to the northeast part of Hongho County.

"They actually said that?"

As I recounted the conversation to Sima Young, she burst into laughter.

She could imagine their reaction even if they weren't there in person.

It was like a mental image. They looked shocked and disappointed when they heard the answer, but then asked me to make a decision when we meet again.

I answered in such a vague way because they knew that pressuring too much would be to their disadvantage.

-You were playing hard to get.

Because it was necessary.

By offering immediate help, I risked surrendering control of my life and my future plans. Finding the tomb must take priority now.

There was no need to hurry, as the election of the leader and vice leader only occurred once all members of the Murim Alliance had arrived.

Song Jwa-baek murmured.

"It's been a while since I've done it, but now to be the vice..."

He must be envious of the opportunity I received. It must feel like I was transforming into a different person.

"Seriously."

Jang Mun-ryang, who knew my identity, clicked his tongue at how the situation had turned out. If executed properly, the Blood Sect leader might end up as the vice leader of the Murim Alliance.

From what I could tell, it was a peculiar situation. Sima Young said with a smile.

"So, you're saying you want to join the Murim Alliance?"

"Something like that."

"You'll get to see your sister again."

"Probably."

If I were to become vice leader, she would lose her mind in disbelief.

"This time, I want to be recognized," I declared.

Sima Young also showed interest. It appeared as though she desired recognition from Yong-yong.

If she revealed her true self, I was curious how Yong-yong would react to seeing her real face.

Especially since she was now revealing her true identity as a woman.

"Since she's just a child, when we grow closer... uh?"

My gaze shifted to the southwest, focusing on a particular spot.

"What is it?"

"Someone is approaching."

Someone ahead of us was swiftly approaching. Before long, I heard the sound of horse hooves and a man wearing a bamboo hat in the distance.

"An enemy?"

He continued to approach.

However, he was a formidable warrior who had reached his peak. So why was he coming?

The man with the bamboo hat approached and dismounted as he neared us. He wore a sword at his waist but didn't seem hostile.

The man with the bamboo hat came closer and bowed.

"Are you the Little Immortal Swordsman and his party?"

I bowed and asked politely.

"Yes, but...."

He sighed with relief at my words and removed his bamboo hat.

Before me stood a middle-aged man with a rugged appearance and scars around his eyes.

"I am Ga Mun-rak, the escort who serves the alliance leader, Baek Hyang-muk."

'So he's a guard for the alliance leader.'

I couldn't help but think that he seemed exceptionally powerful.

Sima Young and the others were puzzled. They couldn't understand why Baek Hyang-muk, who they knew had been impeached, would send a guard.

Suddenly, Ga Mun-rak knelt down. He spoke with a serious tone.

"I apologize for bringing this up so quickly, but I don't know what offer you received from the great warrior Jin Gyun. However, I hope you will choose to support us."

'Ahh....'

I wondered why he came here so hastily.

It was an astounding amount of information, leaving me in shock. Was Jin Gyun being monitored as well?

This question left me unsure of how to respond.

"What are you talking about..."

"I'm aware that you had private conversations with Warrior Jin."

"..."

While it wasn't a pressing concern for me, it seemed that it was not so for the interests of the Murim Alliance. This approach came just two hours after Jin Gyun had presented his offer.

The escort continued,

"I'm not sure what warrior Jin has disclosed to you, but the leader of the alliance has been wrongly implicated."

There was clear evidence for that. Even I knew that Baek Hyang-muk had learned the martial arts of the Blood Sect.

"This is truly embarrassing."

"You seem to have heard something."

"Rather, I don't know why everyone is coming to see me. What did I..."

"How can you say that? Your confidence and skills at Yangtze River have spread to the Murim Alliance."

It was too fast.

Now the Murim Alliance was aware of everything. Regardless, the man seemed convinced I would become entangled in the alliance's internal affairs.

It was at this point that Ga Mun-rak interjected,

[I'm certain you're aware, but I believe the position of vice leader will be established. If the elder from Wudang doesn't assume the leadership role, the stain on the alliance leader's reputation cannot be erased.]

[Phew... what is it that you want me to do?]

Listening to his words, it seemed like he wanted support, just like Jin Gyun.

Well then, let's hear what he had to say. He took a moment to catch his breath and said,

[I would like you to step forward and support Elder Jong Seon.]

Just as I suspected.

Without saying a word, he immediately continued,

[I'll be honest. I don't know what kind of proposal Warrior Jin Gyun offered you, but we can guarantee a position that will truly satisfy you.]

[A position?]

[If Jong Cheon becomes the leader, then the great warrior Jin Gyun will do his best to become the vice leader.]

[So?]

[But how can they justify it when he's an outsider? The alliance leader favors Elder Jong Seon as the leader and has nominated you as the vice leader.]

Did he really just say that?

They were all pressuring me to become the vice leader.