Invitation to the Chatroom of the Gods - Chapter 44



Only Krnovel

Episode 44 – The Changing Yangtze River (1)

The voice of the former general was heard through the loud cheers.

When I turned my head, General Koo was standing next to me.

···I didn’t notice when you came next to me.

No matter how much the shouting made my head hurt, it wasn’t to the point where I didn’t notice it coming right up next to me.

It seemed that the damage to the innate energy was quite serious.

Fortunately, the mask hid my embarrassed expression, and when my gaze behind the mask reached the former general, he nodded and said.

“It is for no other reason than that I have a concern regarding Your Majesty’s wishes, and at the same time, I have something I must tell you, so I have committed this rudeness.”

They say that a place makes a person.

Since I didn’t know who was who, I gave the position to the person who bravely stepped forward, but it turned out to be the old general who was quite suitable for the position.

“What is it?”

“We, the newly-formed Jangganghyeopdan, are afraid of what will happen to Biona and the government offices, which everyone supports.”

“Government office?”

Oh, by the way, I heard that Janggangsu-rochae is also in collusion with the government.

To be exact, it was a ‘guess’, but in reality, it was a guess that could be considered a certain ‘fact’.

As expected, it seems to confirm that the guess is true.

“I am the lord of Jiangsu Province…”

The former general explained in detail the collusion between the Jang Gangsu River and the government.

A rather lengthy explanation.

I’ve heard that long explanation.

“Hmm···.”

I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

If we only look at the explanation of the former general, Jo Gye-ak was nothing more than a signboard and a tail-cutting device. There was a real hegemon who controlled the waves of the Yangtze River by putting Jo Gye-ak forward.

‘It’s a thousand mountains…’

The lord of Jiangsu Province, Cheonsanja.

He could be said to be the hidden great king of the Yangtze River and the true hegemon.

That’s why it was a very difficult situation.

This was something I couldn’t do anything about.

The lord of Jiangsu Province could be seen as the core of the government office and the official itself.

Just as the saying goes, “the strongest of the weak are the weakest.” Even if they were the 4,000 strong warriors of the Jang Gang Hyeopgaekdan, they could not fight against the government.

It didn’t work even if we confronted each other.

“There was a message that when the King returns, bring him to Jiangsu Province.”

It seemed like all sorts of things had already been said while I was passed out.

‘If this happens···.’

In any case, I felt I had to go to Gangsoseong. No matter what, I couldn’t ignore the lord’s words.

But this was also difficult.

If the Celestial Emperor had been making a fuss over there, there would have been nothing I could do.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t touch the Seongju-level, and since his innate energy was damaged, he had to protect himself.

That’s why it was a very difficult situation······.

“Okay, I’ll take care of that problem myself, so don’t worry and run the Jang Gang Hyeop Gang.”

It wasn’t like there was no way at all.

The fox uses the tiger’s might.

If I have a tiger by my side that even the provincial governor would not dare to do anything about, that’s all.

* * *

Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province.

This is the capital city of Jiangxi Province and the most prosperous city in the province.

“Ugh···.”

Jiangxi Province’s inspector, Ju Gwan-cheon, had a sullen expression as if he had been suffering from a hundred-year-old illness.

There were several reasons for this, the first being this.

“A new king has been born in the Yangtze River···.”

It was about the new king of the Yangtze River.

Thieves and bandits who control the waters of the Yangtze River and seize power.

Jiangxi Province, where Ju Gwan-cheon was the inspector general, was also under the influence of the Yangtze River, but Ju Gwan-cheon did not just sit by and watch that happen.

however.

“How can public officials collude with thieves···!”

Under the pressure of other high-ranking officials, he was unable to do anything. Furthermore, he was in collusion with the central eunuchs, so all Zhu Guanqian could do was suck his thumb.

“Cheonsanja···.”

The lord of Jiangsu Province, Cheon San-ja, is behind all of this.

No matter how much Ju Gwan-cheon was of royal blood, his opponent was a lord who oversaw a province.

On the other hand, Ju Gwan-cheon is the inspector general of the Jehyeong Anchalsa Temple.

He could never ignore the status of an official, and it was wrong to act presumptuously by mentioning his imperial bloodline. He could not do that, as he was already in collusion with the imperial eunuchs.

There was no proper ‘justification’ or ‘evidence’ to drag out Cheon San-ja.

When the lord of Gangseo Province stepped forward, his role was only ‘temporary’.

He alone could not do anything to the great power that had been built up over decades and the stronghold of Cheonsanja.

In such a situation, the King of the Yangtze River had changed, so Ju Gwan-cheon was worried, but at the same time he was at a loss and perplexed as to what to do.

“Ugh···.”

It was at that time that only groaning and groaning sounds came out of Jukwancheon’s mouth.

-Your Majesty.

A voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Judging from the voice, he was an official of the Jehyeong Anchalsa and an official under the command of Ju Gwan-cheon.

-Your Majesty, there is a letter for you. It is from a man named ‘Unryong’······.

“Unryong?”

Ju Gwan-cheon tilted his head without realizing it. Then he repeated the name Unryong that he had heard.

“The Dragon of the Yangtze River!”

It immediately occurred to me that this was the new King of the Yangtze River.

Joo Gwan-cheon jumped up from his seat and opened the door.

Ignoring the flustered official, he snatched the letter from his hand and took it from him.

And then, when I opened the letter and read it······.

“···Ugh!”

I couldn’t hold back the laughter that was bursting out.

That would be the case, since it was a letter sent by someone called the Dragon of the Jang River.

In fact, Ju Gwan-cheon didn’t know who the new king of the Yangtze River was.

There were only rumors about the Cloud Dragon of the Yangtze River, but nothing was revealed about its exact identity.

But now.

Take a look at what’s written in this letter.

“You will change your name to the Jang River Swordsman Group and take responsibility for the security and safety of the Jang River? And what’s more, you will distribute the stolen goods back to the people?”

This unstoppable pace.

Furthermore, distribution is done without any regard for goods or anything like that.

Isn’t it exactly the same as ‘who’?

“So you want me to stop Cheon San Ja? Also, the former Great King Jo Gye-ak, who was in collusion with the high-ranking officials, was none other than a ‘member of the Demonic Cult’?”

A demonic sect that existed 100 years ago and was destroyed 50 years ago.

Unlike other martial arts groups, there were two reasons why the royal family directly intervened to destroy the Demonic Cult.

First, it was the crime of ‘deceiving the people and confusing the world’, and second, it was the crime of ‘internal rebellion’, attempting to overthrow the royal family and the world.

In other words, the Demonic Cult was destroyed by the imperial family and the Martial Arts Alliance for the crime of ‘treason.’

Being involved with such a group called the Demonic Cult could also be considered treason······.

“······Hahaha!”

A refreshing chivalry that can blow away all the worries and burdens that were weighing on Ju Gwan-cheon’s mind at once.

“Cheongun, you bastard!!!”

Seriously······.

“Hahahahaha! No matter how hard you try to hide your identity, hahaha! Do you think I wouldn’t know? Hahahahahahahahahaha!!”

Ju Gwan-cheon couldn’t hold back the laughter that was about to burst out.

* * *

The Taihe Hall (太和殿) of the Imperial Palace located in Beijing.

“Your Majesty, it is said that a wealthy citizen was so fascinated by the teachings of the gods that he offered up all his wealth to worship the gods and even donated his fields along with the documents to show his sincerity.”

The young emperor was still taking care of several state affairs today.

“He gave away all his wealth and eventually starved to death. His only son tried to get the donated land back by filing a lawsuit with the government, but was ultimately defeated.”

And state affairs are the work of governing the world.

As it was necessary to examine the matter objectively, with as much emotion removed as possible, the Taehwajeon was filled with a static atmosphere, and the young emperor could only judge the matter coolly.

“The act of offering up one’s fields is an act of seeking blessings, but one’s body is already starving to death, and one’s children have no choice but to beg for food. This shows that there is no divine power. Therefore, return the fields to one’s son, and offer the blessings to one’s god.”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

“Also, investigate the background of the magistrate who defeated the petition, and if there is evidence of bribery, remove him from office and issue a severe disciplinary action.”

While the young emperor listened to the people’s grievances, he did not spare his hammer against corrupt officials.

“The following is a matter related to the recent rumors circulating in the Yangtze River.”

In that way, only a cold and desolate atmosphere permeated Taehwajeon.

It was just then.

-Your Majesty!!!

A loud shout echoed from outside throughout Taehwajeon.

It was at that moment that all the ministers of Taehwajeon frowned, wondering who could commit such an act of rudeness in the palace.

-Sosiiiiin! The main character is coming!!!

“······.”

“······.”

“······.”

The expressions of the young emperor and other ministers became dumbfounded at the shout heard again.

That makes sense. What the hell is he trying to do this time, with his voice so loud?

Could it be that this rascal is trying to steal the royal family’s secrets again?

But how long has it been since the imperial secrets were raided?

-I came here to tell you something about the recent Yangtze River-related issues!!!

The main character who almost explodes after the death of the lion.

“······.”

The young emperor was already starting to have a headache.

* * *

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province.

As the saying goes that the capital city is located in the south, the scenery of Nanjing was extremely prosperous.

It contains the dazzling scenery of the downtown area at a glance.

“Phew···.”

The leader of the Jang Gang Hyeopgaekdan, Gu Cheol-san, couldn’t shake off his trembling heart. Seeing Gu Cheol-san’s trembling appearance, the man next to him spoke.

“The weather has cleared up a lot, so why are you shaking so much?”

Yunlong, who has newly ascended to the throne as the Great King of the Yangtze River.

The face and expression of the masked King were not visible, but he did not appear to be trembling or intimidated at all.

He always looked so relaxed, but I wondered how Gu Cheol-san could be like that.

“Ah, isn’t this the place where you meet the Lord of Jiangsu Province… How could you not be trembling?”

The lord of Jiangsu Province, Cheonsanja.

The ruler of Nanjing, which was called another heavenly capital of the world, and the leader of Jiangsu Province, a center of trade and food production.

This could be called the defeat of the Gangnam region, so Cheonsanja could be called the true ’emperor’. How could one not tremble in heart and body when one was about to face such an emperor?

“So I said I would take care of this problem myself, but if you’re so nervous, why did you come with me to Pa-yang-ho?”

“General······Isn’t that right? I should assist the King in his work.”

“Why has that person been shaking like that all this time?”

···I had nothing to say.

“Anyway, it seems that the former General is also the type who suffers a lot. Well, it’s good to work hard, so keep that mindset going forward.”

For a moment, the King’s laughter can be heard beyond the mask.

“Then let’s go in now.”

The king headed without hesitation to the castle where the lord of Jiangsu Province, Cheonsanja, resided.

Now, negotiations are being held there that will determine the fate of the Jang Gang Hyeopgaekdan.

“Go, you should go together!”

Gucheolsan swallowed hard and followed the king with a fearful and anxious heart.

* * *

The castle of Jiangsu Province that we entered was magnificent.

The missionary was a top-notch officer who could not be outdone anywhere, but compared to this place, he was nothing more than a back alley.

The decorations inside were also dazzling and full of expensive items.

And everywhere you looked, there were government troops and military personnel flashing. They gave off a murderous aura, and their level was extraordinary······.

“Your Majesty···.”

I could hear the trembling voice of the former General from behind. I glanced back and saw the body of the former General following me trembling violently.

Although he is now called the former General, until recently he was the person in charge and executive of the twelfth Jang Gangsu-rochae.

In other words, the old governor was also a mere mortal, but since he was shaking like that, we could indirectly see the level of the government troops guarding the castle.

There was a reason why they said that the water was too cold for the body. So, to be honest, I felt like I was going to die.

Because of the exhaustion of my innate energy, my danjeon was completely empty, and it wasn’t easy to withstand their momentum.

‘It was a good thing I came wearing a mask.’

As I was hiding my expression with a mask, someone who appeared to be a castle guide guided me.

“Come this way.”

I followed him a little further inside and reached a large door.

As I opened the door, I saw dozens of people gathered in a spacious room, and among them, there was someone who immediately caught my eye.

He clearly had not learned martial arts, but his strong physique was no different from that of a warrior. His deep black eyes and intense gaze had a strange aura that focused the attention of those around him.

His thick, neat beard seemed to symbolize the power he held, and his calm, yet confident face seemed to symbolize the confidence he had.

The lord of Jiangsu Province, Cheonsanja.

I could tell right away who he was.

As I stared at the Chunsanja, the others shouted in anger.

“Hey, hey···!”

“How dare you raise your head and ask where this place is!”

Some people even taunted me by swearing at me. Judging from their attire and clothes, I could tell right away that they were not ordinary bureaucrats.

However, since I didn’t say anything, the government troops, who couldn’t stand to watch, came out with a chilling aura.

“It was done.”

At that moment, a firm voice was heard in my ear.

In the place where the voice was heard, Cheon San Ja was raising one hand and controlling the government troops and high-ranking officials.

“They say he is called the Dragon of the Yangtze River···.”

The two eyes of the celestial being looked me up and down.

“I don’t know about anything else, but I’m sure about your guts.”

Cheon San Ja and my eyes met for a moment.

“Why did you want to meet me?”

“They say the guard dog has changed, but as the homeowner, shouldn’t I see the changed dog’s face?”

“······.”

“But a spoiled dog hides its face in front of its master. Why not take off its mask?”

Cheon San-ja’s gaze turned to the mask I was wearing.

I answered, bowing my head slightly.

“I’m sorry, but there are quite a few things that can cause trouble if I take off my mask. Please be generous and considerate.”

“Take it off.”

The voice of the celestial being cuts me off.

“Didn’t I tell you?”

At the same time, a chilling atmosphere filled the room.

Although Cheon San Ja was clearly not an unmanned entity, the aura he exuded was comparable to that of a master at the peak of his power.

Perhaps because of that, not only the former general behind me, but also the other high-ranking officials swallowed their saliva and broke out in a cold sweat.

I slowly raised my hand and placed it against the mask.

And instead of taking off his mask, he put it back on even more tightly and said:

“Do you know why I came all the way to this distant Jiangsu Province?”

“······.”

“This is for confirmation.”

Who really seized control of the Yangtze River?

Was ‘Cheonsanja’, who controlled Jogyeak by putting up a signboard, a member of the same evil cult as Jogyeak?

If seizing control of the Yangtze River was the Demonic Cult’s grand plan, is Cheonsanja behind it all?

So.

“Who is the real ‘dog’ and who is the real ‘master’?”

Cheon San Ja, could he possibly be the leader of the Demonic Cult, ‘Cheon Ma (天魔)’?