Almighty God of War - Chapter 132
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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132
Sovereign Demon Castle was a massive force of the Demonic Path that held one of the seats among the Five Hegemons of the World.
Guyang Cheongang’s eyes turned cold upon hearing a name he had never expected.
“What martial artist wouldn’t know of Sovereign Demon Castle, which practically divided the contemporary Demonic Martial World with the Demonic Cult? But why are you suddenly mentioning them? Are you saying those who tried to kill the Young Alliance Leader are connected to them?”
Yu Jongui continued with a grave expression.
“I haven’t caught definitive evidence yet, but I’m certain of it.”
“It seems the Green Forest Alliance has some unspeakable circumstances?”
“That’s right.”
Yu Jongui continued speaking.
“The Main Alliance’s history spans hundreds of years, but its power isn’t enough to encompass the entire Demonic Martial World. There was never such a time either. But the Heavenly Death Department is different.”
Guyang Cheongang frowned at the conversation that mentioned Sovereign Demon Castle but suddenly shifted to the Heavenly Death Department.
“Why are you suddenly talking about the Heavenly Death Department?”
A bitter smile appeared on Yu Jongui’s lips.
“It’s unavoidable if I’m to explain today’s events.”
“Hmm….”
Guyang Cheongang let out a contemplative sound and then asked.
“Are you saying they, who have seized control of the Demonic Martial World, are targeting the Green Forest Alliance?”
“That’s right.”
Yu Jongui nodded and continued speaking.
“There are hundreds of large and small sects and organizations in the Demonic Martial World. The Main Alliance is counted among the top three.”
“Three would be… the Green Forest Alliance, the Yangtze Waterway Alliance, and the Yellow River Alliance.”
“Correct. The Heavenly Death Department has been forcing the three sects to submit for over ten years now. Master, who is the Alliance Leader, is already halfway convinced. He’ll probably reach a conclusion before this year ends.”
“In the direction of submitting to the Heavenly Death Department?”
“That’s right.”
Guyang Cheongang’s gaze intensified.
“That wouldn’t be a very pleasant situation for Sovereign Demon Castle.”
Yu Jongui responded with killing intent in his eyes.
“Would it just be unpleasant? They’re trying to prevent the Green Forest Alliance from submitting to the Heavenly Death Department by any means necessary. I think today’s incident was also their doing.”
“So that’s why Brother Yu mentioned Sovereign Demon Castle.”
Guyang Cheongang crossed his arms and continued.
“They planned to kill the Young Alliance Leader and replace him with a fake, then break the negotiations with the Heavenly Death Department and make the Young Alliance Leader the Alliance Leader to have him submit to Sovereign Demon Castle.”
“That’s most likely the case.”
In Guyang Cheongang’s mind, Yeon Cheolrim, the disciple of the Water Dragon King who was the Yangtze Waterway Alliance Leader, and the person called Elder Martial Brother who died at Saam Peak came to mind.
There were many similarities to what was happening to Yu Jongui.
Guyang Cheongang, having organized his thoughts, spoke.
“It’s a long-term plan, but if successful, it would be a way for the Demonic Path to catch the big fish of the Demonic Martial World. It seems there’s someone at Sovereign Demon Castle who likes to scheme.”
Yu Jongui smiled lightly and responded.
“They never would have thought that Elder Zhang would shatter their conspiracy. This is why they say that while people make plans, success depends on Heaven.”
“Dozens of innocent villagers were sacrificed to uncover the conspiracy. If I hadn’t witnessed the scene of the fake meeting with the Nine Mountain Stronghold Chief, Muok’s family and the villagers wouldn’t have died.”
“I truly feel sorry about that.”
Guyang Cheongang asked.
“Do you support the Green Forest Alliance’s submission to the Heavenly Death Department?”
“What does my opinion matter? I merely follow Master’s will.”
“Hmm….”
Yu Jongui hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a serious tone.
“Elder Zhang, please help me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Within the alliance, fewer than five people know that I’m touring the mountain strongholds of Shandong Province, including Master. They are all high-ranking officials at the protector level or above.”
Yu Jongui lowered his voice as he continued.
“I don’t know who leaked the secret to Sovereign Demon Castle. So it’s hard to predict when I might be stabbed in the back. Please help me find and eliminate the traitor.”
Guyang Cheongang responded as if he didn’t need to think about it.
“I must decline. I have things to do.”
“Is there no room for reconsideration?”
“None.”
Guyang Cheongang’s tone was firm.
Yu Jongui clicked his tongue regretfully.
“It can’t be helped. Everyone has their own duties….”
“I thought you would understand.”
Guyang Cheongang said as he stood up.
“However, if I may offer one piece of advice, finding the traitor is important, but solving the more fundamental problem should come first.”
“The fundamental problem?”
“The future of the Green Forest Alliance. Whether to submit to the Heavenly Death Department, join hands with Sovereign Demon Castle, or find a third path.”
Yu Jongui let out a deep sigh.
“That is indeed the most difficult problem.”
“Indeed. But it’s something that cannot be avoided.”
Yu Jongui took out an iron plaque from his chest and handed it to Guyang Cheongang.
It was a picture of a strong man holding a large axe deep in the mountains, with the four characters ‘Green Forest Little King’ powerfully engraved on it.
“Show this when you meet friends from mountain strongholds in the mountains. It will be helpful since you’ve formed a connection with the Green Forest Alliance.”
Guyang Cheongang accepted it without declining.
In situations where friction with bandits might arise on the transportation routes for the salt field business, such a plaque would certainly be helpful.
“Thank you.”
“This isn’t enough to repay the debt, but for now, this will do.”
Yu Jongui performed a deep cupped fist salute.
“When the opportunity arises someday, I will provide proper repayment.”
Guyang Cheongang also returned the cupped fist salute.
Yu Jongui lowered his hands and asked with apparent curiosity.
“By the way, where are you planning to go, Elder Zhang?”
“I was heading to the southern coast of Shandong Province. I’m planning to work at the salt fields there.”
Guyang Cheongang judged there was no reason to hide it.
Yu Jongui had no hostility toward him, and was rather someone who could potentially help him.
“Salt fields… That was your business?”
“That’s right.”
Yu Jongui spoke with an expression of incomprehension.
“I don’t understand why you would want to do such menial work, but you must have your circumstances. I wish you luck.”
Yu Jongui departed.
He had to return to the Green Forest Alliance headquarters to report on today’s events and investigate the identity of those who had the same face as him.
Guyang Cheongang descended along the southeastern road together with Baek Muok.
A few days later, Guyang Cheongang arrived at the coastal Dongryeong Salt Field together with Baek Muok.
The fishy smell of the sea mixed with the wind brushed past his nose along with the sound of waves.
The oil paper greenhouses stretching north and south along the coastline for over forty li were truly a spectacular sight.
Regularly arranged salt fields spread endlessly before them.
“Wow…”
Baek Muok muttered as he gazed at the scene in a daze.
For a boy who had only lived in the mountains, it was a salt field of unimaginably massive scale.
“It’s really amazing. Is this where you work, Uncle?”
Guyang Cheongang nodded and answered.
“That’s right.”
“Can I work too?”
“Of course. But not salt field work.”
“Can I know what kind of work I’ll do?”
“I’ll tell you once we go in and get settled.”
“Yes.”
Baek Muok, who had answered somewhat dejectedly, raised his hand to point at a watchtower and said.
“Uncle, there are people with bows.”
“Considering the value of the salt produced here, it’s only natural.”
The entire Dongryeong Salt Field was surrounded by a sturdy wooden palisade, with tall watchtowers erected at three-li intervals.
On the watchtowers, warriors carrying bows kept watch in all directions.
It was an ironclad defense system.
At the massive main gate that was over ten zhang wide, carts loaded with salt sacks were continuously coming out.
On the opposite side, empty carts and workers were entering in an endless line.
As the two approached the main gate, a warrior guarding the entrance came over.
“Where are you from?”
He was a warrior who had come with Master Jupyo from the Yeom Estate, but he didn’t recognize Guyang Cheongang who had changed his human skin mask.
“We came to work.”
At Guyang Cheongang’s answer, the warrior shook his head.
“We’re not hiring workers right now. Please go back.”
“I came at the invitation of Elder Master Jupyo. Please go inside and inform him.”
The warrior’s eyes widened.
“You received an invitation from Elder Master Ju?”
Even his manner of speaking had changed.
It showed just how much respect Jupyo commanded in this place.
Guyang Cheongang nodded.
“That’s right.”
“Please wait a moment.”
The warrior hurriedly went inside.
Baek Muok looked up at Guyang Cheongang and asked.
“Who is this person called Jupyo?”
“Someone you’ll meet soon. He has excellent martial arts and is a decent person.”
Before long, Jupyo appeared in person.
He examined Guyang Cheongang for a while, then frowned.
“Who are you?”
Jupyo also failed to recognize Guyang Cheongang.
Before he could shout, Guyang Cheongang quietly sent a sound transmission.
[Elder Master Ju, it’s me.]
Jupyo’s expression changed instantly.
It was a complex expression mixing surprise, joy, and slight bewilderment.
“My lord…”
[Elder Master, I’m currently using the alias Jang Woomyeong.]
Jupyo nodded at Guyang Cheongang’s sound transmission.
“Young Master Jang, you’ve finally come. Please come in.”
As Jupyo was about to move, he gestured toward Baek Muok and asked.
“But who is this child?”
“A child I took in on my way here. He lost his parents, so he’ll be staying with me for a while.”
Baek Muok looked up at Jupyo.
Though he was seeing this old man for the first time, if Guyang Cheongang trusted him, he could trust him too.
The boy bowed at the waist in greeting.
“Hello.”
Jupyo looked at Baek Muok with a satisfied expression.
“Oh, he has good manners too. Let’s go inside to catch up on everything.”
As the three entered the Dongryeong Salt Field, the actual appearance of the massive greenhouses came into view.
Each greenhouse was enclosed on all sides, making it impossible to see the internal work from outside.
However, the workers and carts moving between the greenhouses showed that active work was taking place.
“What kind of work do they do inside the greenhouses?”
Baek Muok asked curiously.
Jupyo smiled and answered.
“You’ll find out when you see it for yourself.”
Guyang Cheongang looked around with a satisfied expression.
It was a place where Shangguan Wana had established the framework, but it also contained no small amount of Jupyo’s blood and sweat.
Inside Dongryeong Salt Field, a massive village composed of hundreds of houses had been formed.
Baek Muok opened his eyes wide and looked around at the scene.
“Wow… so many people really live here. It’s completely like a city.”
It was a rare childlike reaction, so Guyang Cheongang smiled gently and patted Baek Muok’s head.
This was his first time visiting as well, so he had no prior knowledge about the interior of the salt field.
This place seemed to house not only the three hundred warriors of the Self-Strengthening Corps, but also the escort agency’s guards and workers, along with their families.
Women and children were frequently visible, and the laughter and conversation heard from various places showed that this was not merely a workplace.
Jupyo guided the two to his two-story quarters that also served as his office. The first floor was the main hall and office space, while the second floor was arranged as personal living quarters.
Genuine joy appeared on Jupyo’s face as they sat facing each other in the main hall.
“I didn’t expect Grand Young Master to come this quickly.”
“There were circumstances that warranted it.”
Guyang Cheongang continued with a serious expression.
“Elder Master, I would like to cultivate my personal martial arts here while directly teaching the Self-Strengthening Corps.”
Jupyo’s eyes widened.
“Grand Young Master will teach directly?”
“Yes.”
Jupyo, who knew well what level Guyang Cheongang’s martial arts had reached, had no reason to refuse.
Jupyo spoke with a greatly pleased expression.
“Though I dare not presume to ask, it would be my greatest wish.”
“I’d like to know about the situation here.”
Jupyo answered without hesitation.
“The three hundred descendants of Guyang Family branch families belonging to the Self-Strengthening Corps focus on training separately at the training ground every day. And we’ve contracted the security and guard duties to Geonam Escort Agency.”
“Geonam Escort Agency?”
“It’s a place that specializes in escort services. It’s located in a city about forty li away from here.”
Jupyo continued while pouring tea.
“Salt transportation is handled by Iljo Escort Agency. It’s also about fifty li away.”
“It seems the warriors Elder Master brought are not yet trustworthy.”
“Unfortunately, that’s the reality.”
Baek Muok carefully raised his hand and asked Guyang Cheongang.
“Uncle, can I learn martial arts too?”
“Of course. I promised at Nine Mountain Stronghold.”
Baek Muok’s eyes sparkled.
Since that day when he had taken up the blade for revenge, a longing to become stronger had settled deep in his heart.
Guyang Cheongang looked at Jupyo and spoke.
“Elder Master, then I’ll start tomorrow.”
“I’ll introduce Young Master to them as a martial arts instructor that this old man has invited.”
“Understood.”
Guyang Cheongang gazed at the scenery of Dongryeong Salt Field visible through the window.
The sea was visible in the distance, and between it, endlessly spread oil paper greenhouses sparkled in the sunlight.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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