Chapter 434

Episode 434

The meeting ended well as intended.

As per his will, Namhakgeom proved that his relationship with me had completely deteriorated in front of the other elders, and I was able to increase the budget paid to the Cheonan Inspectorate in recognition of my contribution this time.

‘The scope of the increase is greater than expected.’

Honestly, I didn’t think things would work out this well.

It seemed like I could make up for the amount that I had been covering with my own expenses to some extent.

‘If there’s anything that bothers you...’

Is it just the incomprehensible attitude that Hwabaek Joo displayed throughout the meeting?

In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that the reason the elders could not show their courage at this meeting was because of the leader who openly took my side.

‘What kind of wind suddenly blew?’

Hwabaek Joo was not a fool.

Cheonan Governor and Senate.

He probably didn’t know that there was nothing good to be gained from blatantly taking one side or the other.

‘It’s not for any good reason that they’ve maintained a neutral attitude while supporting me emotionally.’

From the perspective of the main faction, the ideal would be to watch with folded arms as the other two factions develop conflict and then intervene appropriately to take advantage.

I couldn’t figure out what they were thinking about making a fuss with the Senate.

‘If you think about it that way.’

Commander-in-Chief Zhuge Huan also seemed surprised by Zhou Hwabaek’s remarks.

This meant that it was an unexpected action that had not been discussed in advance.

‘My head hurts.’

I knew that Hwabaek Joo had an unpredictable personality.

However, I have never before had such a hard time reading the intention.

‘I saw a benefit right away, but...’

Aren’t good things good?

It wasn’t something to just be optimistic about.

From a long-term perspective, it was difficult for one reason or another to leave the impression that Hwabaek Joo and I were joining hands.

My ultimate goal is to become a senator.

‘For now, we’ll just have to be vigilant and watch.’

It was not yet clear whether he was acting on a whim only at this meeting or whether he had decided to support the Cheonan Gambu at all.

It would have been better to postpone deciding how to respond until later.

‘Let’s go see Namgung-geum, who is waiting in prison.’

* * *

Cheonan Gambu’s new base.

As I entered the underground prison, my eyes lit up when I saw a man sitting cross-legged behind the bars.

Namgung-geum, vice-chief of the Changgung Sword Team.

Since Daeju died in Banghyeon (房縣), it could be said that he was in fact the highest commander of the unit.

The sight of him meditating with his eyes closed without even a single movement was like looking at a solid block of stone.

Perhaps because he was being stabbed, he was unaware of my presence right in front of him.

“Long time no see. Commander.”

“...Are you the Cheonan Inspector General?”

Namgunggeum flinched and shook his shoulders and lifted his eyelids.

He frowned, perhaps because his eyes were dazzling, and spoke in a cracked voice.

“I never thought I would see you again like this.”

“Me too.”

“Were the demonic cultists who attacked last night safely repelled?”

“yes. “Not a single victim came forward.”

“Thank goodness.”

Clap!

Opening the door and entering the cage, I personally removed the restraints that bound Namgung-geum’s limbs and freed him from the apocalypse.

Namgunggeum, who was now free, relaxed her stiff shoulders and asked.

“Is this okay?”

“What do you mean?”

Namgunggeum tilted her head.

He couldn’t quite understand the current situation.

You must be curious as to what they are going to do by bringing you, who has just escaped from prison and is far from being in perfect condition, to the training ground.

“It’s martial arts, it’s been evaluated by Warrior Wu, so there’s no need to look further.”

“if?”

“At what age did you enter martial arts?”

“Why are you asking that?”

“A little while ago, when I freed Master Namgung from his restraints, I unintentionally took a peek at his physical condition.”

“it’s okay. “There are many things that can happen in the process of solving fortune-telling.”

“It may be rude, but that’s what I was thinking. “He was able to overcome adverse conditions and reach this level.”

“.......”

Geomhu and Woo Ga-jin noticed and moved out of the way.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two people leaving the training hall, looked straight at Namgung-geum and said.

“You probably entered martial arts at a later age than others. Isn’t it?”

“It is as the manager said. My original intention was to study, not martial arts. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that I have a talent for using my body, but it took a very long time for me to put down my brush.”

“I expect you were introduced to martial arts until you were in your late teens or early twenties.”

“Exactly. “It wasn’t until I finished my training that I learned the basic techniques.”

“also. Not only were my muscles and bones stiff, but my blood vessels were also quite narrow. I think you must have had quite a hard time in the beginning of your training. “Wouldn’t the circulation of energy have been smooth?”

“yes. But we all got through it.”

It was an answer filled with pride.

I nodded once, confirming what he said.

Namgung-geum had already put one foot in the fireworks.

It was at a level where it wouldn’t be strange if he was ranked among the top 100 masters.

That’s why I felt sad.

If he had been introduced to martial arts at an earlier age, he would have achieved a much higher level than he is now.

“Actually, I have a talent that is quite useful.”

“......?”

“Since the warrior Namgung endured dishonor to help Cheonangambu, I would like to give him a light repayment.”

“What do you mean by repayment?”

“We will help you improve your constitution.”

“...!”

“Since you are a warrior who has already achieved a high level, that alone will have a great effect.”

“Is that possible?”

Namgung Geum’s eyebrows narrowed slightly.

It seemed like he didn’t really believe what I said.

“it’s possible. “You just have to trust me and entrust yourself to me.”

“what do you mean?”

“This means that the body must be restrained with points to prevent it from moving while the work is in progress.”

“.......”

“Of course, if you’re anxious, you can refuse. “I am only making a suggestion, and I have no intention of doing anything to Master Namgung by force.”

“I don’t know exactly what you’re trying to do, but I won’t hesitate if it helps promote martial arts.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“If you were going to do harm, you would have done it while you were arrested and imprisoned. At the very least, I believe that the manager is not making this suggestion with malicious intent.”

“great. We will do our best to live up to that belief.”

I smiled and instructed Namgung Geum to sit cross-legged.

Then, they carefully measured the acupuncture points so that he could not move his body, and placed his hand on the Myeongmun acupuncture point.

The thinly condensed brain energy needle penetrated the bloodstream and into Namgung Geum’s body.

‘This is my first time improving my entire constitution.’

However, I wasn’t particularly worried.

This is work that has been done repeatedly to the point where it becomes tiresome.

There were no elements of concern, except that we had to be prepared for a long-term war.

I took a deep breath and muttered.

‘Let’s get started.’