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“Do not forget.”

The middle-aged man stood up from his seat and looked down at Bop Jeong with cold eyes. But instead of getting angry, Bop Jeong just smiled.

“I shall observe how you respond. If your actions do not match your eloquent tongues, all the privileges granted to you until now will be revoked. No!”

The middle-aged man spoke with a stern voice unmatched in severity.

“You will have to pay the price as much as you have been treated so far. Do you understand what I mean, Bangjang?”

“Of course.”

Bop Jeong responded sincerely, but it seemed like the middle-aged man did not find it trustworthy.

“Do not forget the Emperor’s fury.”

“….”

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“Hope that his anger does not turn towards you. A useless martial artist is no better than a robber.”

“…Amitabha.”

When Bop Jeong stood up, closed his eyes, and spoke while assuming Banzhang stance, the middle-aged man who had been glaring at him with disapproving eyes turned around.

Kwang!

The door slammed shut. Only then did a deep sigh escape from Bop Jeong’s mouth.

Creaaak.

Shortly after, the door cautiously opened again and Bop Kye came in with a stern expression on his face.

“Bangjang.”

“Come and sit.”

“Yes.”

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Bop Jeong opened his mouth as Bop Kye sat down.

“What did they say?”

“It’s obvious. The Imperial Palace is taking this situation very seriously and is demanding that we immediately eliminate the cult.”

“….”

“If we fail to do so, they will hold us accountable.”

“That’s…”

As Bop Kye sighed in disbelief, Bop Jeong chuckled. It was a mockery that was somehow unbecoming of a monk.

“That’s always how the Imperial Palace operates.”

In principle, the country should not be able to sit idly by and watch sects, a group of martial artists. However, in reality, no specific restrictions were imposed on sects such as Shaolin or Wudang.

Because of the principle of non-interference with Kangho affairs?

Hardly.

Externally, it is said that this is because the Imperial Palace and Kangho are not involved with each other, but such a thing cannot be possible. It’s merely a pretext created by the Imperial Palace to avoid involvement in Kangho affairs.

The fundamental reason is that the existence of Kangho is helpful to them.

When a country is established, it seems that the Imperial Palace’s breath can reach every corner of its territory, but in reality, this is not the case. If such a thing were really possible, how would rebellions occur and how would warlords exist?

Moreover, the current Imperial Palace’s influence is extremely limited south of the Yangtze River (Gangnam) and is not complete even north of the Yangtze River (Gangbuk). Especially in terms of public security, there are limitations to the Imperial Palace alone.

Therefore, from the Imperial Palace’s perspective, the existence of Kangho is not undesirable. At least those who claim to be Righteous ensure that the areas around their sects are securely policed.

However…

“At times like this, I feel envious of Evil Tyrant Alliance.”

“Ba- Bangjang. What….”

“Isn’t it true?”

Bop Jeong chuckled softly.

“The one who created the situation like this was Evil Tyrant Alliance, and the one who actually acted up was Magyo, but they are threatening us, who are innocent, to take responsibility for it, right?”

Bop Jeong hesitated for a moment at Bop Jeong’s words and then sighed.

The relationship between the Imperial Palace and Kangho has always been like this. When there are no issues, martial artists are treated as nothing more than thugs, and when there is a problem, they demand full responsibility for it.

But not Evil Sects. In the first place, Evil Sects do not have clear bases like Righteous Sects. They are like poisonous mushrooms that bloom in places where the light of the Imperial Palace cannot reach.

The vast Yangtze River that no army can completely control, the deep mountains hardly touched by human hands, and the administrative gaps in Gangnam.

In all of these places, Evil Sects have grown in power. Unlike Righteous Sects which are located near Beijing and can never escape the influence of the Imperial Palace.

“If it’s really urgent, why don’t they send the imperial troops?”

“I hear the movement in Gangbuk is unusual.”

“Ah….”

“So it looks like they’re not in a situation where they can move imperial troops. It seems they are even reinforcing the troops around Beijing to Gangbuk. In the meantime, they can’t afford to worry about what’s beyond the Yangtze.”

Bop Kye nodded as if he understood the situation.

It is said that troubles come all at once, and it just happens that the situation has meshed this way.

“So they’ve made threats to us.”

“That would be it.”

Bop Jeong smiled bitterly. But Bop Kye still seemed unconvinced.

“If they’re going to be so sensitive to Kangho’s situation, wouldn’t it have been better if they had helped when Evil Tyrant Alliance was on the rise? If that had been the case, the situation wouldn’t have come to this point.”

“The Imperial Palace views Evil Tyrant Alliance and Magyo differently.”

“….”

“As much as Evil Tyrant Alliance may be called evil, they operate within the laws of Kangho. Even if that Jang Ilso were to rule over all of Kangho, would he dare to aim for the emperor’s position?”

Bop Jeong who asked the question shook his head.

“No matter how ambitious Jang Ilso is, such a thing cannot happen. It is different from Kangho which can be ruled by force alone. Governing a country is not something people like us can do.”

“That’s right, Bangjang.”

“But what about Magyo?”

Bop Jeong sighed with stern faces.

“Magyo is different. They make no distinction between citizens and emperors. Neither private family laws nor the Imperial Palace’s policies apply to them. The Imperial Palace must have painfully experienced that fact already a hundred years ago.”

“But…”

Imperial Palace is different from Kangho, who just treats the past as just the past. Because the Imperial Palace records everything thoroughly. The records of Magyo’s rise a hundred years ago must still be vividly kept.

“That must be why they are reacting so violently.”

Bop Kye nodded as if he now understood the situation properly.

“What will we do then?”

“Even so, it is not yet time.”

Bop Jeong shook his head.

“If we are pushed by them to cross the river, we will have to bear the damage entirely. Do you think they care about the damage we suffer?”

“But if we disobey the Imperial Palace’s orders, things could escalate.”

Bop Jeong chuckled.

“No need to worry. They’ve made a mistake because they are in a hurry.”

“A mistake, is it?”

“Didn’t I tell you that all the imperial troops are being pulled to Gangbuk? Even if we slightly defy their orders, they won’t be able to do anything to us for a while.”

“Ah….”

“As long as it is resolved in a timely manner, they won’t bother to question the current situation, so there’s no need to rush for nothing.”

Bop Kye quietly nodded. But there was something persistently nagging at him inside.

Regardless of the feasibility, he thought that if the Imperial Palace was sending such an urgent request, they should naturally follow its wishes as a subject.

But he couldn’t voice this aloud.

“What’s the situation like?”

“It seems they are still staying in Hangzhou. They will probably start moving to another location soon.”

Bop Kye’s heart was heavy as he responded.

It is a welcome that Magyo moves slower than expected, but on the contrary, it means that they’re destroying the city of Hangzhou just that much thoroughly.

When he thought about how many people had fallen victim to them, he couldn’t sleep at night and felt like he was chewing sand even when he was eating.

“Evil Tyrant Alliance must be really troubled by this.”

A small smile appeared on Bop Jeong’s lips. The smile that bloomed in this situation seemed so unfamiliar to the eyes of Bop Kye.

“Bangjang. How is the support from other sects going?”

“There should be contact soon.”

“Isn’t it too late! It’s not any random matter, it’s Magyo! Why are they dragging their feet like this?”

“There’s the distance to consider. Even if they prepare and send help right away, it is inevitable that it will take time.”

Bop Kye’s face grew stern.

Wasn’t Bop Jeong’s response too different from when they requested support due to Evil Tyrant Alliance before?

‘Perhaps….’

Bop Kye quickly erased the absurd imagination that came to mind at that moment. This is not something he dares to think about.

Bop Jeong smiled faintly, looking at such him.

“You seem troubled.”

“No, Bangjang. I just….”

“Bop Kye.”

“Yes, Bangjang.”

“Being ignorant is a comfortable thing.”

“….”

“But sometimes there are facts that cannot be ignored. The duty of those who understand first is to let those who are turning a blind eye to what should not be turned away know the harsh reality.”

Bop Kye, unable to understand Bop Jeong’s words, remained silent. Bop Jeong continued his explanation.

“The reason why Shaolin’s position is not what it used to be is very simple. Because people no longer need Shaolin.”

“…Bangjang?”

“When there is a formidable enemy, you need someone to follow. But when there is no enemy, it’s natural to think of one’s own benefits.”

Bop Jeong’s voice was calm and measured.

“Soon all the peoples of the world will understand. Who has been maintaining the peace in Kangho, and who has been guarding the spirit of Righteous Sects. When that time comes, they will understand why Shaolin is Shaolin.”

“B- But, Bangjang…. If that happens…”

“It’s a sacrifice we must accept.”

Bop Jeong quietly chanted.

“The role of those who protect the walls facing external enemies is not to block external enemies. It is to risk our life to warn of an invasion by foreign enemies. To prevent greater harm.”

“That’s…”

Bop Jeong spoke firmly.

“How can such sacrifice not be considered noble? It’s the same. Sometimes sacrifices must be made to prevent greater damage.”

Bop Kye bowed his head deeply.

“Why is Bangjang telling me this?”

“Because it’s something you need to know.”

The eyes of Bop Jeong looking at him were cold.

“Taking responsibility can sometimes be harsh. It can’t be done with just an upright heart. Even if no one else knows, you must understand this fact.”

Bop Kye bit his lip instead of answering. Today it seemed like Bop Jeong wasn’t the person he knew. He looked too different.

“The Imperial Palace will also have no choice but to cling to us in the end. Is it only the Imperial Palace? Even Ten Great Sects, and even that Evil Sects. And….”

Bop Jeong’s eyes shone coldly.

But at that moment, the legal world opened its mouth.

“But, Bangjang. Didn’t Bangjang say so? That Imperial Palace remembers history even of a hundred years ago.”

“…What problem does that pose?”

“If… If they truly sense the danger of Magyo, wouldn’t they go to Mount Hua instead of Shaolin?”

Bop Jeong’s expression suddenly hardened.

“What are you saying…”

Bop Kye, who felt his wrath, bowed his head.

“Is today’s Mount Hua the same as it was in the past?”

“Forgive me, Bangjang.”

“This…”

Bop Jeong, biting his lips tightly, suppressed his anger and then continued. His voice grew slightly exasperated.

“What is Heavenly Comrade Alliance doing now?”

“They haven’t shown any movement.”

“That figures… That’s how it should be. There’s nothing they can do either. Their Chivalrousness only comes out after they’ve finished calculating their safety.”

A cold sneer played on Bop Jeong’s lips.

But at that moment, Bop Kye who was watching quietly opened his mouth.

“However, that…”

“However?”

“…It’s not confirmed yet, but there’s talk that Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword and about ten others crossed the river last night. The facts have not yet been confirmed… … .”

Kwang!

Bop Kye, who had been speaking, suddenly raised his head in surprise.

The table in front of Bop Jeong had shattered into pieces, scattering all around.

“Ba- Bangjang.”

“Who did you say it was?”

“That, that is…”

“Who did you say it was!”

“Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. It is Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. Him and about ten others…”

“Check again. right now!”

“….”

“What are you standing there for! Can’t you hear me!”

“Yes, yes! Bangjang! I’ll verify it right away!”

Bop Kye was frightened and ran away quickly.

Bop Jeong watched his retreating figure with a terrifying glare and bit his lip until it bled.

‘Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.’

Bop Jeong knew that his reaction was excessive. What could merely ten people do in this situation?

But… the moment he heard the three words of ‘ Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword,’ an indescribable anxiety surged within him.

“…They crossed the river?”

A chill flowed from Bop Jeong’s eyes.

The fallen prayer beads lay scattered on the icy cold floor, growing chillingly cold.