Chapter 558
Chapter 558
Chapter 558. The Test (6)
At my question, the Sect Leader spoke with a startled expression.
“Hah! You mean that golden Buddha statue is fake? Hahaha! How could such a thing happen!” (Hyeonam)
“Sect Leader, you should not go anywhere and try acting.” (Eun Seoho)
“……Thank you for the advice.” (Hyeonam)
The Sect Leader, who meekly acknowledged my words, glanced behind him and asked in a whisper.
“Could those symptoms your companions are showing possibly be your doing?” (Hyeonam)
“Yes. They are merely asleep.” (Eun Seoho)
I answered without hiding it, and at that, he let out a sigh and said,
“I see. Do you wish to hear why I did so?” (Hyeonam)
“You may see it that way.” (Eun Seoho)
“Let us talk for a moment. Follow me.” (Hyeonam)
I followed the Sect Leader.
The place he led me to was not inside the sect, but the mountain beside it.
The Sect Leader, who had been advancing without hesitation along the rather rugged mountain path, seemed to realize something and looked back.
Then he looked slightly surprised.
“Why are you doing that?” (Eun Seoho)
“You climb mountains better than I expected.” (Hyeonam)
“It seems I had a talent for climbing mountains.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. Let us hurry.” (Hyeonam)
The place we arrived at like that was a peak behind Guam Sect.
The full view of Guam Sect came into sight at once.
“It is truly a splendid view.” (Eun Seoho)
It was an even more magnificent view than the one I had seen last night.
* Kkui!
Hm? You like this place too?
“Whenever I have something troubling me, I look at that sight from here.” (Hyeonam)
At the Sect Leader’s words, I quickly focused my attention on him.
“Then does it get resolved?” (Eun Seoho)
“To some extent, I come to a conclusion.” (Hyeonam)
“Those conclusions must be ones that are good for Guam Sect.” (Eun Seoho)
“Well, yes. What is it that a Sect Leader does? Is he not one who makes decisions beneficial to the sect?” (Hyeonam)
Then the Sect Leader laughed heartily.
“By the way, you truly have no fear. I might try to silence you over the matter of giving you a fake golden Buddha statue, so what were you thinking, following me?” (Hyeonam)
“You did not seem like that kind of person.” (Eun Seoho)
Because the energy I felt from him was extremely clear and pure.
Of course, the Sect Leader’s words were correct.
In this kind of situation, following the culprit alone is not a good choice.
However, Miss Seohyang’s advice was involved here.
Her advice, which I had not clearly understood, was, “Trust the Sect Leader, and you must also treat him sincerely, Young Head.”
So, following her advice, I decided to trust the Sect Leader.
Also, the clear energy I felt from him from beginning to end made me guess that he had no bad intentions.
That was why I made sure no one followed behind me.
Otherwise, I would have told Warrior Jinyu or Warrior Seowoo to follow me secretly.
The Sect Leader knew this and told me I had no fear.
I got to the point.
“So, what is the reason?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
The Sect Leader let out a sigh and opened his mouth.
“A very long time ago, that is, before I became Sect Leader, our Guam Sect was in an extremely difficult situation.” (Hyeonam)
I was inwardly puzzled at the sudden story from decades ago, but I silently listened.
“The Green Forest Bandits who had lost in a nearby power struggle launched an attack to make this Guam Sect their new residence. At that time, we received help from the Alliance Leader.” (Hyeonam)
Come to think of it, Squad Leader Won had said that on the way here.
That the Sect Leader had received a favor from the Alliance Leader and had come to be entrusted with keeping the golden Buddha statue.
It seemed to be the story from that time.
“At the time, the Alliance Leader was not yet the Alliance Leader. As one of the prodigies of the Namgung Clan, he was leading one of the Martial Alliance’s armed units. At the time, he had completed a mission in Shandong and was on his way back.” (Hyeonam)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“The Sect Leader at the time sent me to request help from anyone, and I, having just descended Mount Tai, met the Alliance Leader, who was a unit captain then. So I begged him with tears. The Alliance Leader stepped forward without hesitation and saved our Guam Sect.” (Hyeonam)
The sound of leaves brushing in the wind could be heard.
“The previous Sect Leader, who had suffered severe injuries then, passed away, and I succeeded him as Sect Leader. And not long after, before he became Alliance Leader, he came to visit me and entrusted me with the golden Buddha statue.” (Hyeonam)
“Then it has been quite a long time since you received it.” (Eun Seoho)
“More than ten years.” (Hyeonam)
Then why did he give us a fake golden Buddha statue?
“What do you know as the reason the Martial Alliance wants that golden Buddha statue?” (Hyeonam)
“I know it is to be used at this great murim banquet. To amplify the power of the formation that protects the spectators.” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader nodded as he spoke.
“That was what they said. But in truth, the golden Buddha statue’s ability is not only that.” (Hyeonam)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“At the time, the Alliance Leader said this when he gave me the golden Buddha statue. That it was an artifact he happened to obtain, and that it had the ability to amplify all power.” (Hyeonam)
“When you say all power?” (Eun Seoho)
“All power, exactly as I said.” (Hyeonam)
Wait, if it is all power…… that is far more tremendous than I thought.
And that power does not include only good power, but also bad power.
“If this golden Buddha statue falls into the hands of a Buddhist disciple, it can amplify Buddhist power. If it falls into the hands of a Taoist, it can amplify Taoist power. Likewise, if it falls into the hands of a Demonic Cultist……” (Hyeonam)
“It can amplify demonic qi.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is so.” (Hyeonam)
He nodded.
“It changes depending on how it is used. And at that time, the Alliance Leader said this. That this is a wicked object that must be sealed forever.” (Hyeonam)
I could not help but express my doubt.
“Does that mean the Alliance Leader entrusted that golden Buddha statue to you, Sect Leader, with the intention that you seal it?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right.” (Hyeonam)
“Then would it not have been better to simply destroy it? Why have you gone through the trouble of keeping it?” (Eun Seoho)
“If it could have been destroyed, we would have destroyed it long ago. But it could not be destroyed by any method.” (Hyeonam)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“In any case, for someone like that to suddenly ask me to hand over the golden Buddha statue, I could not help but feel suspicious.” (Hyeonam)
“It is certainly strange.” (Eun Seoho)
That golden Buddha statue is dangerous.
To use something so dangerous in a place where countless people are gathered……
Moreover, if it is stolen, that will be an even greater matter.
Because who knows what sort of dangerous people it may fall into the hands of.
Even if the Martial Alliance guards it thoroughly, it is difficult for ten constables to stop one thief.
“I cannot know why the Alliance Leader gave such an order, but I could not watch the murim fall into chaos because of it. If his words were true, then all the more reason it must not go out into the world!” (Hyeonam)
Ah……
At the thought that suddenly occurred to me, I bit my lip.
“Could it be that if we descended the mountain with the fake, you intended to take your own life?” (Eun Seoho)
If we delivered the fake golden Buddha statue, there was no way the Alliance Leader would not know.
And only the Sect Leader knew where the real golden Buddha statue was.
“…….” (Hyeonam)
Seeing him unable to answer, it seemed my thought was correct.
Phew……
This is definitely the Alliance Leader’s test.
The Alliance Leader predicted even that I would become suspicious about whether the golden Buddha statue was truly an artifact, question the Sect Leader, and learn the truth.
If I obediently left the real one behind and took the fake one, the Alliance Leader would become certain that I had noticed his black intentions.
Then he would try to eliminate me under the pretext that the golden Buddha statue I brought was fake.
I have to take the real one no matter what.
The problem is that if I take the real one, it will clearly be used for something bad.
I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Damn it.
This matter is a test for me, and at the same time, a test for the Sect Leader of Guam Sect.
He is probably suspecting that the Sect Leader noticed something about him.
If I take the fake, Guam Sect will disappear as well.
In my previous life, Guam Sect was an unfortunate sect that disappeared at the hands of Green Forest Bandits.
At the time, I had not thought much of it, but now I see that the Martial Alliance must have had a hand in it.
There are no Green Forest Bandits on this Mount Tai who could face Guam Sect, and even if there were, they would have to suffer considerable losses.
By the way, I do not know what on earth he is plotting that he is rooting out and eliminating suspicious people.
This is truly difficult.
The fact that he asked for the golden Buddha statue he had personally told him to seal is also strange.
Could it be that the Alliance Leader is not the Alliance Leader himself?
That thought suddenly occurred to me, but I soon erased it.
No, he is probably just someone who changed.
People do not change easily, but when something happens, they can also change easily. That is what people are.
“Sect Leader. Please give me the real golden Buddha statue.” (Eun Seoho)
“What should I trust about you?” (Hyeonam)
“Did you not tell me the truth because you trusted me?” (Eun Seoho)
“Do you believe what I said is the truth?” (Hyeonam)
“Yes. Sect Leader, you deliberately brought me all the way here and told me that story. Would there be a reason to lie in such a troublesome way?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
“Since you told me the truth, Sect Leader, I will also tell you the truth.” (Eun Seoho)
I turned my head to look at the Sect Leader and said,
“I dislike the Martial Alliance.” (Eun Seoho)
“But you are together with a squad leader of the Martial Alliance……” (Hyeonam)
“Because the Alliance Leader ordered me to be. If I do not follow that order, I feel as if I will die, so I am merely obeying it.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Sect Leader’s face darkened.
“Are you being threatened?” (Hyeonam)
“Rather than a threat, it is a test. As I moved from place to place, I came to learn of things the Alliance Leader had done. They were by no means good things.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“And the Alliance Leader ordered me to do this in order to confirm whether I had noticed that.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
“If I do not take the real one, that will mean I noticed the Alliance Leader’s schemes! Then I will be in great trouble.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Sect Leader bit his lip.
“And this Guam Sect will end up in the same situation as me.” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader spoke with a heavy expression.
“I have prepared myself for death.” (Hyeonam)
“Have your disciples also done so?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
The Sect Leader’s wavering eyes.
Of course, there was no way they had.
“They have not, have they?” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
“You say you have prepared yourself for death, Sect Leader, but even so, should you not protect the disciples whose futures are still wide open?” (Eun Seoho)
“But how can I hand over that golden Buddha statue when I do not know where or how it will be used?” (Hyeonam)
“Sect Leader. I am not being reckless about this. I have a plan.” (Eun Seoho)
“You have a plan?” (Hyeonam)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued with certainty in my voice.
“I intend to make sure that the golden Buddha statue is not used for anything bad. So please trust me and hand over the real golden Buddha statue.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
“Sect Leader, you said that in this place, you made decisions for the sake of Guam Sect. So please, I ask you to make a decision for your sect.” (Eun Seoho)
I lowered my head and clasped my hands.
I could feel the Sect Leader looking at the back of my head.
Time passed like that, and after thinking for a long while, the Sect Leader said to me,
“Your energy is truly clear.” (Hyeonam)
“…….” (Eun Seoho)
“I will try trusting that energy.” (Hyeonam)
Good!
I raised my head and asked,
“Where is the real golden Buddha statue?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Sect Leader pointed at the ground with his finger.
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is here.” (Hyeonam)
“When you say here?” (Eun Seoho)
“Under your feet. You will probably have to dig about two feet.” (Hyeonam)
He really sealed it.
This was why Geumryeong said he liked this place earlier.
“Then I will call the warriors and tell them to dig.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. Who can be trusted? You dig it yourself.” (Hyeonam)
“M-me?” (Eun Seoho)
“Then should I dig it? To make this old man do shovel work! Tsk, tsk……” (Hyeonam)
“I will dig.” (Eun Seoho)
I let out a sigh and dug diligently, and in the end, I succeeded in taking out the golden Buddha statue.
Sigh, my lot in life.
.
.
.
Several days passed.
The ones I had put to sleep opened their eyes with refreshed expressions.
“Fortunately, it does not seem to have been an epidemic. Did you perhaps go out at night?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“I think I went out for a short walk.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“Perhaps at that time, you fell asleep because of the pollen from a spiritual herb that grows only on Mount Tai.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Squad Leader Won nodded.
“If so, that is a relief. Then I think we must hurry and depart. We have been delayed considerably.” (Won Eop)
“Let us do so.” (Eun Seoho)
We immediately paid our respects to the Sect Leader and began descending the mountain.
A bundle was tied to Squad Leader Won’s horse.
It was the fake golden Buddha statue.
If the golden Buddha statue were stolen on the way, my plan would come to nothing.
So I stored the real golden Buddha statue in my vault.
That one is irreplaceable, after all.
Of course, the fake golden Buddha statue is also part of my plan, so we must guard it well.
“Go carefully.” (Hyeonam)
“Yes, we stayed well.” (Won Eop)
“Please stay healthy.” (Eun Seoho)
The Sect Leader sent me a telepathic message.
* I leave this in your hands. (Hyeonam)
* Yes, I will make sure there is nothing for you to worry about. (Eun Seoho)
And so we descended Mount Tai again and arrived at Jinan.
We plan to take a boat from Jinan to Luoyang.
Because if we go upstream along the Yellow River, it will be much faster than by land.
“I think we can rest at an inn before leaving.” (Won Eop)
“No.” (Eun Seoho)
At Squad Leader Won’s words, I spoke firmly.
“The more time we spend staying here, the more bugs will gather. We must take a boat immediately.” (Eun Seoho)
“But it is not as if a boat can be arranged that quickly, can it?” (Won Eop)
“I arranged one in advance.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Won Eop)
“It should be waiting now. Let us go.” (Eun Seoho)
And so we arrived at the ferry and headed to the place in charge of transporting the Baekyeom Trading Company’s goods.
“Ah! Young Head Eun Seoho!” (Manager)
The manager there recognized me at once.
“We have been waiting for you. Please come this way.” (Manager)
What I had asked of Mister Ho Gyeong last time was precisely to prepare a boat to Luoyang.
So as soon as we arrived in Jinan, we were able to board the boat and depart for Luoyang.
“Huh……” (Won Eop)
Squad Leader Won looked bewildered.
“This can be done like this too.” (Won Eop)
“This is what being prepared means. And I am very busy.” (Eun Seoho)
I let out a sigh and looked ahead.
I will finally meet the Alliance Leader.
Thinking of striking the back of the Alliance Leader’s head makes me tremble a little.