Chapter 565

Chapter 565

Late in the evening.

Two individuals occupied opposite sides of Im So-Byeongs room, their gazes locked.

Have we ever discussed the inner workings of the Green Forest?

Theres no need to feign ignorance.

Im So-Byeong shook his head, bemused by Chung Myungs candid demeanor. Surely, this man possessed an uncanny knack for detail.

When did you realize it?

It wasnt all that long ago. I just noted the discrepancy in your words.

Uh?

Jang Il-So stopped abruptly. Considering his character, he must be plotting something.

However, did the one known as the Green Forest King really come to Mount Hua all by himself, leaving the Green Forest in such an unstable state?

Chung Myung grinned.

Odd, isnt it?

Dont insist that the pill is significant. Yes, the pill is crucial, and the Green Forest Kings body is as well, but the Green Forest holds more importance to you than just that.

Im So-Byeong expelled a soft sigh, declaring,

Dont even contemplate lying to a Taoist.

I have never attempted to lie or deceive.

Chung Myung, observing Im So-Byeong, countered,

Were you also testing to see if I would catch on to this?

Now, you can lose your hands and feet more swiftly. While I enjoy seeming superior, I dislike being judged in such a manner.

Chung Myung confidently thrust his belly out.

But Im So-Byeong couldnt help chuckling at his absurd appearance.

Taoist.

Uh?

Can I infer that your goal in telling me this is to assist me?

Hmm.

Chung Myung smiled.

What else should we be doing in our relationship other than aiding each other?

If we can reach an agreement, thats enough. Both resolving pressing matters and building a respectable name from it are profitable.

So, youre suggesting that Mount Hua could use more prestige.

Your incessant chatter is a disconcerting trait. Its one thing to know everything but to spoil things for others is quite another.

Im So-Byeong laughed as he heard the sound of his own head being struck.

How could he not know?

Mount Hua would not seek additional fame if it was content with the present. They appeared to be quite active in the North Sea as well. However, even words had legs, ensuring their feats would become widely known in every corner of the Central Plains, naturally elevating their reputation.

Yet, if Mount Hua aspired for more, the situation completely changed.

Because the alliance will be announced soon.

The brighter the beginning of anything, the more promising it was.

Those who strived to fully comprehend the state of affairs in Kangho would understand the significance of the Tang family, Mount Hua, and the other sects cooperating to form one grand alliance.

However, for those who grasp the world solely through rumors, Mount Hua, the Tang family, and even the Palaces would not be viewed as the heart of Kangho.

To leave a lasting impression on them, it would be necessary to demonstrate activities aligning with the grand reveal.

Youre suggesting that Green Forest is the ideal location.

Because its boundless.

Chung Myung took a sip from the bottle he held, grinning.

Truthfully, Mount Hua has expanded quite a bit.

Correct.

As a result, even significant actions fail to create a lasting impression. Despite your efforts in the North Sea, those in the Central Plains remain largely indifferent to events beyond their territory.

Speaking with serene calm, Chung Myung wore a bitter smile as he lightly brushed his fingers across the bottles mouth.

And certainly, those people from the Nine Great Sects would never allow the renown of Mount Hua to flourish.

Left to its own devices, Mount Huas reputation wouldnt soar as high as they wished. Those who had been observing the events in the North Sea from start to finish may not realize this, but the primary fighters against the Demonic Sect were from the North Sea Ice Palace. Of Mount Huas members, fewer than ten participated in the war.

Who, after hearing this story, would attribute the efforts in the North Sea entirely to Mount Hua?

To make an impact, everyone in Kangho recognizes, you need to be in the right place, not somewhere difficult. However, actions in such places often leave a bitter aftertaste.

The Ten Thousand People Clan.

Of course, thats not why this all began hah, thinking back on that scoundrel still irks me.

Chung Myung clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

Seeing that ferocious intensity, Im So-Byeong had to clear his throat and pushed forward the tea.

Have it.

Its fine. What should I consume after alcohol?

Chung Myung slid the teacup aside and swigged directly from the alcohol bottle. After a satisfying gurgle, he gently set the bottle back down.

Anyway, the bottom line is, the Green Forest is flawless.

Im So-Byeong chuckled.

If the bandits are dealt with under the authorization of the Green Forest King, theres no chance for the Green Forest to create chaos in the future. Also, Mount Huas reputation will surely rise, right?

Yes.

Chung Myung grinned.

Ah, understood.

He then slowly rose to his feet.

T-Taoist? Our discussion is over. Where are you going

Ah, this is slightly different from what I expected. I thought of dealing cautiously with weak and mild bandits, but if the situation is like this, it might be a bit overwhelming for us, too.

Observe closely now. For your presence, the next pill will be given

In a swift movement, Im So-Byeong sprang up, clutching onto Chung Myungs pants.

Taoist! How can you speak like this!

Wait, why is he acting this way? Release my trousers! Doesnt the self-proclaimed Green Forest King have any dignity?

People are on the brink of death. What use is dignity, then? Its not as if my pride will accompany me to hell!

Is that why you wish to grab someone elses trousers?

What else can I do?

Agh, my pants are falling! Let go! Let go!

Chung Myung screamed, but Im So-Byeongs eyes were gleaming as he pulled at the trousers. However, he chose the wrong adversary since Chung Myung kicked him without hesitation.

Ahh!

Im So-Byeong, now on the ground, began to cough.

Cough! H-How could you to a sick person

That wont work on me, you fool!

Ah my pill.

Im So-Byeong abruptly rose, flashing an awkward smile at Chung Myung.

L-Lets sit down for a moment.

Forget it. I dont have anything to discuss.

Please dont say that.

His face appeared desperate, marred with tear stains.

If I return like this, Im uncertain of what will occur. Are you comfortable with this, Taoist?

Any compelling reason not to be?

Ughhh.

Nevertheless, Chung Myung remained unswayed. This only intensified Im So-Byeongs sigh.

Im not asking you to do this for free, right? So why dont you handle it?

Leave my conscience out of this. From the beginning, I suspected you were up to something. You cheat!

Chung Myung sighed heavily.

He had suspected from the start that Im So-Byeong didnt have full control over the bandits. Regardless of anything else, his skills were insufficient to justify his claim to the title of the Green Forest King.

He even began to question if it was remotely possible.

Spare me, Taoist!

Tsk. How did such a parasite attach itself to me?

Chung Myung sat back down, crossing his legs.

And so.

Yes.

If I arrange everything and offer you the seat.

I will pay whatever you want! I have wealth piled up like mountains!

Do you think Im a madman whos only interested in money? Do you assume everything hinges on wealth?

Dont you?

Chung Myung couldnt bring himself to respond immediately.

Are you attempting to backtrack on your words?

Do I strike you as someone who would do that?

Indeed.

A sense of mistrust began to build between the two.

I will draft a contract.

What will be the benefit?

That, you may decide.

Hmm.

Only then did Chung Myung smile, appearing to enjoy the exchange.

An alliance with bandits is something I can never form.

Then

However!

Chung Myungs eyes sparkled with intensity.

You can be made a slave!

Hehehe. Its not such a terrible idea when I think about it!

Watching Chung Myungs jubilant demeanor, Im So-Byeong grew pallid. He questioned whether it might be preferable to return to the Green Forest and face a dignified death.