NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 16 - Episode 4: Lovesickness (5)
Chapter 16 – Episode 4: Lovesickness (5)
Zhuge Hyeonmong had heard a lot of stories about Ma Jin-gwang.
The Leader of the Iron Flame Gang.
A bandit chief that attacked merchants.
And also as someone who is the protector of craftsmen.
Now it was time to hear the man’s story himself.
“My story, you say? Why?”
“What other reason could there be except curiosity? I want to know more about you, Master Ma.”
For the first time, Ma Jin-gwang felt like he’d been caught off guard.
This was a rare occurrence in his life.
Someone wanting to hear his story.
Ma Jin-gwang’s bristling demeanor softened slightly.
“Fine. What do you want to know?”
“I heard you were originally based in Hebei, not here. Why did you move and become a bandit?”
“Those Sima bastards picked a fight, that’s why.”
Ma Jin-gwang took out some rice wine and took a swig before continuing.
“They gave us a few commissions, and I guess they liked our work because they told us to join the Sima Noble Family. Something about their secret techniques being leaked. It was ridiculous.”
“It was exactly like that, Leader.”
Jo Gwol and Hang Gon nodded. Their expressions looked so genuinely wronged that Zhuge Hyeonmong instantly grasped the situation.
‘They wanted to absorb the Iron Flame Gang.’
A classic power move.
The powerful and influential using their position to prey on the weaker ones.
“As if those techniques were anything special. Rather than letting them rotting away, unused, wouldn’t it be better if we put them to good use? Don’t you agree?”
But the next bit was confusing.
“Wait, you stole their techniques?”
“We did.”
“That’s right.”
‘Then isn’t it natural for the Sima Noble Family to come after you?’
Zhuge Hyeonmong’s confusion was evident. Noticing his expression, Jo Gwol laughed.
“Ah, Master Zhuge you’re not a craftsman, so you wouldn’t know our customs. We didn’t break in and steal their manuals or secret techniques—we ‘stole’ the techniques with our eyes and bodies in the process of repairing and making things. That’s how everyone learns in this field.”
“That’s right. Learning by observing isn’t a crime!”
‘Sounds like a crime to me…’
Zhuge Hyeonmong had his doubts, but as they said, he wasn’t a craftsman, so he decided to let it slide.
“Anyway, after that, they kept harassing us, and when we tried to leave, they even tried to kidnap us.”
‘Hmm. The Sima Noble Family made a terrible judgement.’
Just looking at Ma Jin-gwang, it was obvious he wasn’t the type to be kidnapped without a fight.
Suddenly, Zhuge Hyeonmong had a question.
“But how did they plan to kidnap you, Master Ma, when you’re a Peak Realm master?”
“Back then, the Iron Flame Gang was just a group of craftsmen. We became known as a martial sect relatively recently,” Jo Gwol explained.
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded at Jo Gwol’s additional explanation.
“Then why did you become bandits?”
“Bandits? We’ve never been bandits.”
“But your subordinates the other day were quite accomplished bandits.”
“Who… Ah, you mean those twin bastards Gyo Eom and Gyo Jin.”
Ma Jin-gwang repeated those names and nodded.
“Those bastards are indeed bandits.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong felt like his mind was going to explode at this brilliant logic of claiming their subordinates were bandits while insisting they themselves weren’t.
“Remember I told you about being chased by the Sima Noble Family? While fleeing, we found some bandits where we settled, so we subdued them and put them to use—those are the ones you’re talking about. They’re definitely bandits.”
He said it so casually as if enslaving bandits was the most normal thing in the world.
“Is that allowed?”
“Why not? They’re bandits.”
“That’s right. Bandits deserve worse.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded.
Of course, it wasn’t because he accepted their way of thinking, but because he’d given up trying to understand their logic.
“If you’re not bandits, then what’s this story about raiding merchant caravans for money?”
“After taking over the mountain fortress, living became a bit troublesome, so we made some roads. At some point, people started using them without permission. I wouldn’t have minded if they just passed through quietly, but the roads kept getting damaged every time they used them, and as we kept repairing them, so, I had an idea.”
“What idea?”
“Obviously, since we did the repairs, we should receive appropriate compensation.”
“…And then?”
“So I asked for money.”
“And what did they say?”
“They started spouting nonsense and drew their swords.”
“So what did you do?”
“What else could I do? If they had just given reasonable compensation, it would have been fine, but they drew their swords—of course I had to demand additional compensation.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded.
Now he felt like he could understand Ma Jin-gwang a little better.
He would be like Allen if Allen were made a bit more crude and simple-minded.
He mentally apologized to Allen and cut Ma Jin-gwang short.
“I think I’ve heard enough.”
“I’ve got plenty more… Why did you want to hear it anyway?”
“To decide whether to help you or not.”
“In this situation?”
“Yes.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded calmly.
Ma Jin-gwang was impressed by his audacity. It wasn’t easy for an ordinary person to maintain their own spirit in such a situation.
“So?”
“…Give me a moment.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong briefly pressed his hand to his forehead.
While listening to the story, he could somewhat understand Ma Jin-gwang’s circumstances, but his blunt personality and thinking were a bit concerning.
But then.
Ma Jin-gwang suddenly stiffened and emitted a subtle killing intent.
“I sense someone coming. Someone’s coming this way. Jo Gwol, Hang Gon. Don’t tell me you were followed?”
“…”
Jo Gwol and Hang Gon’s expressions hardened.
Soon, all three pairs of eyes turned to Zhuge Hyeonmong.
Zhuge Hyeonmong is no ordinary person. Just last night, he had predicted and prepared for Ma Jin-gwang’s visit.
Perhaps all of this could be a scheme.
A scheme to capture Ma Jin-gwang.
Zhuge Hyeonmong was dumbfounded.
‘Do they think I’m some kind of hidden mastermind?’
How could anyone reasonably anticipate a situation like this?
Zhuge Hyeonmong shook his head.
“You misunderstand. I value my life. Why would I risk my neck to pull off such a daring stunt? Besides, what do I gain from your capture?”
“Well, that’s true.”
Ma Jin-gwang lowered his killing intent at those words.
“It’s either someone with a grudge against you or someone looking for me. I suspect it’s the latter.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong said this while placing his hands on his knees and standing up.
Jo Gwol was about to move. But Ma Jingguang raised his hand before him, stopping Jo Gwol’s movement.
Zhuge Hyeonmong opened the door. Then he saw them.
Mansu, leading a large group of subordinates, and Im Jun-gyu who, despite his complaints, reluctantly carrying his great ax.
“Sleeping Dragon! You’re safe!”
“Mansu! Perfect timing! Come in, come in.”
“Weren’t you kidnapped?”
Mansu, who had been preparing for the upcoming battle, was taken aback.
“Kind of, but not really. It’s a long story. Anyway, it’s good news. And Escort Im…”
“W-what?”
“Could you go and bring Chief Im here? It’s nothing much, just tell him I’ve found a way to solve what you mentioned before.”
His nonchalance puzzled everyone. And among them Mansu was the first to move.
“Alright. Fine. I trust you. We can keep our weapons, right?”
“I’ll be right back.”
Mansu entered the temple, then froze.
“The Tyrannical Strength Great Axe Ma Jin-gwang?”
“Since when I am your friend?”
“My apologies. It’s an honor to meet the renowned Master Ma.”
Ma Jin-gwang looked at Mansu. Then he wrinkled his nose and said,
“Hao Clan? I smell your stench.”
At those words, Mansu glanced briefly at Zhuge Hyeonmong, who showed no reaction to the mention of the Hao Clan
‘Does he already know? Or does he not know about the Hao Clan at all?’
Probably the former.
Thinking this, Mansu asked Zhuge Hyeonmong,
“What’s going on here?”
“It’s nothing bad. Just wait a little longer.”
Indeed, shortly after, when Im Chung arrived at Im Jun-gyu’s call, the temple was quickly enveloped in a strange atmosphere.
Looking at them all together, it was an unusual combination.
Ma Jin-gwang, a guild master turned bandit lord.
Mansu, heir to the Golden Fortune Bank and a member of the Hao Clan.
Im Chung, the Chief of Sichuan’s Great Dragon Escort Agency.
And Zhuge Hyeonmong, the reason of their gathering.
“I have a proposal for you all. If it works out well, it could become a beneficial relationship for everyone. First, Master Ma. I have a question. How long does it take to build a road in the mountains?”
“Not long, if I put my mind to it.”
While it might take time with ordinary citizens or soldiers, skilled craftsmen with martial arts training could quickly build roads.
“Then, Master Ma, please establish your base in Sichuan and carve those roads. Chief Im, you previously mention that you are seeking alternate trade routes due to nearby bandits, right?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong clapped his hands brightly.
“Perfect! You can use the route Master Ma built. It will reduce both distance and time. Since you’ve done it once, you can do it again, right? You can use the subdued bandits for any manpower shortages.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong completely forgot how he had looked at Ma Jin-gwang’s group like they were crazy just moments ago and casually suggested such things.
The assembly was left speechless at how naturally Zhuge Hyeonmong suggested beating up bandits.
“In return, whenever the escort agency passes through that route, they will pay a toll to the Iron Flame Gang. I’m sure Chief Im could handle this.”
“Oh ho.”
Ma Jin-gwang let out a light exclamation of admiration.
“Wait, Sleeping Dragon. I don’t think your plan will go smoothly.”
“Why?”
“Well… The government won’t just stand by and watch.”
“Even if we create a safe, affordable road that people can use with peace of mind?”
“…!”
“Escort agencies usually travel with merchants. If the road we build proves to be safe and fast, word will spread quickly. Commoners will then have safe passage for a small fee, earning us public favor. There won’t be any problem if we just kept the officials happy.”
Mansu realized what Zhuge Hyeonmong was getting at with those words.
‘This could work.’
There would be some obstacles, but they were manageable enough.
If what Zhuge Hyeonmong suggested took root, the benefits would be considerable.
If the Golden Fortune Bank could secure a certain stake in that process?
Mansu’s position would greatly increase, and his position as the next Branch Leader of the Hao Clan in Sichuan would be solidified.
‘Did he anticipate even this?’
Mansu couldn’t help but stare at Zhuge Hyeonmong.
Zhuge Hyeonmong misunderstood that look.
‘As expected, Mansu thinks he’s getting too little out of this.’
It couldn’t be helped. Zhuge Hyeonmong added one more thing.
“By the way, if you accept this proposal, I’ll consider the commission you mentioned before.”
“Deal.”
Mansu nodded.
And so did the others.
Ma Jin-gwang was pleased because he could remove his infamy and had an excuse to regularly meet his disciple.
Im Chung was satisfied because ease his son’s obsession, lose less face, and most importantly, this could expand his business greatly.
Once they confirmed that their interests aligned, everyone was satisfied with Zhuge Hyeonmong’s proposal.
“What should we call this alliance?”
“The name?”
“Yes. Now that we’ve formed this alliance, we need a name, don’t we?”
Zhuge Hyeonmong thought for a moment before suggesting,
“Well, how about the Green Forest Road Alliance (綠林道路盟)?”
“Oh.”
“That’s excellent!”
While the two expressed their approval, only Mansu looked at Zhuge Hyeonmong with strange eyes.
‘Green Forest means bandits, you crazy bastard…!’
Regardless of Mansu’s thoughts, the Green Forest Road Alliance—in other words, the alliance of bandits building roads—was successfully established.
And quite successfully at that.
* * *
“The Green Forest Alliance?”
And this news also reached the ears of a certain woman.
* * *
TL Note: As Mansu had said, Green Forest Alliance or Nokrim is the infamous counterpart of the Beggar Gang and Hao Clan, except, they are bandits. They are typically aligned with the Unorthodox Faction.