Chapter 65: The Inauguration (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 65: The Inauguration (1)
Wuhan City, Hubei Province—the holy land of the Orthodox Martial World.
This was the small conference room within the main headquarters of the Martial Alliance.
Seated at the head of the table was a dignified middle-aged man: the leader of the Orthodox Martial World and the First Sword of Wuhan, Baek Hyang-muk.
To the right of Alliance Leader Baek sat a handsome middle-aged man, Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon.
Opposite him, to Baek Hyang-muk’s left, sat a middle-aged man with a withered expression—Third Strategist Elder Baek Wi-hyang.
“I am deeply, deeply sorry.”
Elder Baek Wi-hyang bowed his head in apology to Alliance Leader Baek.
It was only natural. He had stepped forward with absolute confidence, claiming he would uproot the remnants of the Blood Cult, only to end up dragging the Martial Alliance’s name through the mud.
Watching the silent Baek Hyang-muk, Baek Wi-hyang grew increasingly anxious.
Ah... I intended to use this opportunity to build merit and claim the position of Chief Strategist.
Now, that goal had drifted several steps further away.
At this rate, the one closest to becoming the Chief Strategist was Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon. He was the one who had served as the Internal Strategist, assisting the Alliance Leader from his side.
Damn it.
He was furious—furious at the new Blood Demon who had brought him to this state.
Baek Wi-hyang, who had been bowing in apology, raised his head and spoke with a voice laced with anger.
“Alliance Leader, please give me one more chance. I have now grasped the true nature of that wretch. If I go now, I can certainly—”
“Strategist Baek.”
Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon cut him off.
Third Strategist Baek Wi-hyang frowned and glared at him.
“Why do you call for me?”
“You have committed an error so grave that you should resign from your post immediately. To ask for another chance in this situation is the height of shamelessness.”
“You go too far, Strategist Sama.”
“Too far? What could possibly be too far? You are the one who not only handed over the entirety of Guangxi Province but also congratulated the Blood Cult on their sect opening ceremony in the name of this Alliance, right in front of everyone.”
“Urgh!”
“Is that all? Until the poison in the returned prisoners is completely neutralized, a full-scale war with the Blood Cult will be difficult for some time. With what face do you ask for another chance?”
It was exactly as Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon said.
Though they had recovered the prisoners, they were all poisoned. They required periodic doses of a partial antidote from the Blood Cult to stay alive. Until the Sichuan Tang Family could develop a complete antidote of their own, it was difficult to touch the Blood Cult.
In the end, Third Strategist Baek Wi-hyang had suffered a total defeat.
“If you know shame, please conduct yourself with restraint, Strategist Baek.”
Had he pushed too hard?
Instead of contrition, resentment flared within Third Strategist Baek Wi-hyang.
Sama Jung-hyeon... this man is trying to get the Alliance Leader to cast me out so he can seize the position of Chief Strategist while the opportunity is ripe.
He couldn't let that happen. If he fell from power here, he would lose everything.
“Can you truly say this is the responsibility of this strategist alone? When I was away from the Alliance, was it not the late Chief Strategist and you, Strategist Sama, who lost the Blood Demon Sword, leading to this very catastrophe?!”
“What?”
Sama Jung-hyeon was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected the man to try and dodge responsibility by bringing up events from long ago, especially when he should have been keeping his mouth shut.
Realizing there was no point in arguing further, Sama Jung-hyeon turned to the Alliance Leader.
“Alliance Leader. It seems Strategist Baek is emotionally unstable due to his recent failure. It might be best to have him step down from his duties and rest for a while...”
“Sama Jung-hyeon!”
“Lower your voice, Strategist Baek.”
As the psychological warfare between the two threatened to escalate, Alliance Leader Baek Hyang-muk, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
“Enough.”
The heavy word changed the very air in the room. Both strategists immediately fell silent.
Alliance Leader Baek Hyang-muk shook his head slowly.
“This is everyone’s responsibility. How can it be blamed on just one person?”
“A-Alliance Leader!”
Baek Wi-hyang’s face brightened at those words. He had expected a reprimand, but it seemed the leader was inclined to cover for him.
However, the words that followed made both men turn solemn.
“The absence of the Chief Strategist has never been more regrettable.”
He was referring to Zhuge Won-myeong, the man who had led the Great Orthodox-Evil War to victory and turned the Martial Alliance into the greatest organization in the Central Plains over many years. With his death, the Martial Alliance had lost one of its strongest pillars.
The two strategists weren't lacking in talent, but in Baek Hyang-muk’s eyes, their capabilities fell short compared to the genius of Zhuge Won-myeong.
How long has it been since we were danced around by an enemy?
It had been nearly twenty years. From the breaking of the alliance with Peerless Fortress to the Blood Demon Sword incident and the resurrection of the Blood Cult—unprecedented events had all occurred within a single year.
A crisis was slowly approaching.
We have been arrogant and idle.
Twenty years had passed without a proper enemy. It felt as if the heavens were pointing this out, pushing the martial world back into a whirlpool of chaos.
The corners of Baek Hyang-muk’s mouth curled up slightly. His fighting spirit seemed to be reviving.
“Alliance Leader?”
As they looked on in confusion, Baek Hyang-muk spoke.
“I cannot leave the position of Chief Strategist, which serves as a pillar of the Alliance alongside myself, vacant any longer.”
Though the two strategists didn't show it, their eyes gleamed with interest. The position of Chief Strategist was, in name and reality, the second-in-command of the Martial Alliance.
Feeling disadvantaged due to his massive blunder, Third Strategist Baek Wi-hyang glared at Sama Jung-hyeon with eyes full of jealousy.
Sama Jung-hyeon smiled faintly. He was certain that he would be the one entrusted with the heavy responsibility in this situation. After all, hadn't Zhuge Won-myeong also served as the Second Strategist before ascending to the rank of Chief Strategist?
“The Chief Strategist will be...”
Sama Jung-hyeon fidgeted with his hands, preparing to offer a fist-and-palm salute.
“...this person.”
This person?
The expectation that one of the two would be chosen was shattered, and both strategists' expressions froze.
Baek Hyang-muk flicked his fingers.
The firmly closed doors of the conference room swung open.
Creeeeeak!
As the doors opened, a figure appeared.
“What is military strategy?”
At the sound of the voice from outside the door, Sama Jung-hyeon and Baek Wi-hyang stood up simultaneously.
“M-Master!”
“Chief Strategist!”
The two cried out at once.
The figure stepped through the shadows into the room. It was an old man with a stubborn impression, leaning on a cane but keeping his back perfectly straight. From his appearance alone, he looked to be at least eighty or ninety years old.
“I asked what military strategy is.”
At the old man’s question, Third Strategist Baek Wi-hyang clasped his hands in a salute and spoke.
“It is a scheme to effectively pressure the enemy and ensure victory for one's own side.”
Baek Wi-hyang looked at the old man as if asking for his approval. The old man turned his gaze to Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon.
Sama Jung-hyeon saluted and answered.
“It is the harmonization of all strategies, techniques, and troops to achieve the goals of the organization and group.”
The old man nodded as if that were the correct answer. Baek Wi-hyang’s expression crumpled.
The old man looked at him and spoke in a cold voice.
“I think I see why you committed such a grave error. Even after twenty years, you are still as hot-headed as ever, and your deficiencies remain unfilled.”
“Urgh...”
Damn old man... still lecturing me like this...
Though he was furious inside, he couldn't say a word. This old man, who looked like he might collapse from old age at any moment, was Bang Deok-hyeon, the former Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance. He was also the master of both Zhuge Won-myeong and Sama Jung-hyeon.
Alliance Leader Baek Hyang-muk rose from his seat, clasped his hands, and bowed politely.
“Venerable Master Bang. You have come.”
“The Alliance Leader insists on summoning this old body, it seems.”
“The current situation cannot be taken lightly. I hope you will return and provide us with a center to hold onto.”
“Hmm.”
“This Baek Mo humbly requests this of you.”
As the leader bowed repeatedly in request, Bang Deok-hyeon spoke as if he were giving in.
“I intended to spend my final years looking after my great-grandchildren, but you are quite determined to work this old man to the bone.”
“I thank you for your decision, Master. Please, take a seat.”
Because of this, Sama Jung-hyeon, who had been sitting on the right, had to move to the next seat over. If they followed the order, he should have sat opposite the Chief Strategist, but he didn't want to exchange words with Baek Wi-hyang right now.
As Bang Deok-hyeon took his seat, Baek Hyang-muk was about to say something, but—
“If it’s about the Blood Cult, I’ve heard enough to grow calluses on my ears.”
“Then?”
“Shouldn't our priority be to resolve the most urgent matters first?”
“Please, give us your wise counsel, Master.”
At Baek Hyang-muk’s words, Bang Deok-hyeon, now the Chief Strategist, reached out and pulled several blue flags from the Central Plains Map on the table and moved them. The blue flags had been surrounding the area around Guangxi Province.
“This is?”
“The Blood Cult, having bought time with Guangxi as their base, will naturally move to expand their influence next.”
“Rallying the Evil Faction!”
“Indeed. It is vital to block them beforehand.”
At that, Sama Jung-hyeon spoke up.
“I have already deployed the forces of each branch around Guangxi to block them.”
Bang Deok-hyeon clicked his tongue and scolded him.
“That is not enough.”
“Then what should we do?”
“Move Taoist Master Zhongxian, Alliance Leader.”
The Taiji Sword Emperor Zhongxian, one of the Eight Great Masters.
At the suggestion to move him, even Baek Hyang-muk couldn't hide his hesitation. Even as the Alliance Leader, Zhongxian was a venerable senior of the martial world; it was difficult even for Baek to move him unless it was a matter of extreme importance.
Seeing Baek Hyang-muk’s predicament, Bang Deok-hyeon smiled thinly.
“Do not worry about moving Taoist Master Zhongxian; this old man will handle it.”
Bang Deok-hyeon took a small flag labeled 'Wudang Sect' and placed it on the border between Hunan and Guangxi. Then, he took one of the two relatively large red flags in Guangxi and placed it on the same border.
“The Blood Cult will surely have the Blood Breaking Sword Emperor guard this area to keep Taoist Master Zhongxian in check.”
The Blood Breaking Sword Emperor was the Blood Cult’s greatest martial asset.
“You intend to keep them in a state of constant vigilance.”
At Sama Jung-hyeon’s words, Bang Deok-hyeon nodded.
“The Evil Faction follows the logic of power even more strictly than the Orthodox Faction. To subjugate them, the Cult must exert a corresponding amount of force. If we simply tie down the Blood Breaking Sword Emperor’s feet, the Blood Cult’s efforts to rally them will face significant setbacks.”
Baek Hyang-muk nodded, finding the logic sound. But Bang Deok-hyeon’s moves didn't end there.
Bang Deok-hyeon looked at Sama Jung-hyeon sitting next to him and said, “You are to go immediately to the Right Army Commander's Office in Guizhou Province.”
“To the Right Army Commander's Office?”
“I hear the Blood Cult bribed the Regional Military Commander there to obtain approval, is that right?”
At his question, Bang Deok-hyeon curled his lip into a smile.
“Governor Zhang of the Right Army Commander's Office is a man who hates nothing more than having a blemish on his record, as he has his sights set on becoming one of the Three Dukes.”
The Cult Leader’s office in the temporary headquarters established on the former grounds of the Guangxi Martial Alliance branch.
“Please leave the position of Right Guardian vacant.”
I stared blankly at Song Jwa-baek’s face as he made his bold demand. With the Cult Leader Inauguration Ceremony approaching, the fellow seemed quite anxious, making such a shameless request of me. He certainly had a thick skin.
“You don't seem to have the skill for it yet, do you?”
One must possess the martial prowess befitting a Dharma Protector to be given the position. It was a matter I would only consider once he reached the Supreme Peak Realm at the very least.
“I’m not asking to be appointed right now. I’m asking you to leave it empty for two years—no, just one year.”
Is he confident he can do it within a year? Well, considering his current rate of growth, it was indeed phenomenal.
“...If Master or the Left Guardian were here, you would have been scolded severely.”
“That’s why I requested a private audience, isn't it?”
The Lesser Conversation Sword chuckled, clearly enjoying the boy’s words. I also liked his consistency, but his stubbornness was truly something else.
In fact, he wasn't the only one who had come to see me regarding positions. Yang Jeon, the Third Blood Star and Blood Killing Demon, had also requested a private audience.
[Please delay the appointment of Lady Baek Hye-hyang until Lady Baek Ryeonha has fully recovered.]
That was what he had said to me. Having been under Baek Ryeonha for a long time, he did not want Baek Hye-hyang or her associates to gain power. And what he said next was even more absurd.
[Please also give Lady Baek Ryeonha a chance to become your wife.]
My head had throbbed upon hearing that. I thought I wouldn't have to worry about such headaches now that the Sixth Blood Star Han Baek-ha had been purged, but the internal factional issues were far from over.
Somehow, I finally understood why Master had told me to delay Baek Hye-hyang’s appointment until I had completely seized control of the internal affairs.
“I have enough of a headache with other matters right now. Just go.”
“I won't leave until you promise.”
Thud!
Song Jwa-baek dropped to his knees and refused to budge. It looked like he intended to sit right there until he got a definitive answer from me.
“Do you want to be dragged out?”
At my words, his eyes flickered left and right. His resolve wasn't that firm, it seemed.
Just then, the voice of Guardian Great Leader No Seong-gu came from outside the office.
“O Blood Demon. The First Venerable has requested a private audience.”
“The First Venerable?”
At those words, Song Jwa-baek jumped up in surprise. I thought he wasn't afraid of anyone except Master, but it seemed even he couldn't help himself before the First Venerable Dan Wi-gang.
That’s not it. It’s just that since we’re from the same sect, his pride won't let him acknowledge it. Still, I’m glad he stays consistent; it keeps me from getting too lost in this position of power. A throne often changes a person.
“A-Anyway, please reconsider my petition. I’ll be going now.”
Song Jwa-baek hurriedly offered a salute and rushed out of the office.
Watching him leave with a puzzled look, the First Venerable, Blood Breaking Sword Emperor Dan Wi-gang, entered the room. Dan Wi-gang offered a salute with refined grace.
“I greet the Blood Demon.”
“Welcome, First Venerable.”
Dan Wi-gang frowned slightly.
“Please, lower your speech, Blood Demon.”
“This isn't a public setting, and I don't wish to fuss over dignity in a private audience like this. Personally, I wanted to treat you with the respect due to a great senior of the martial world.”
At my words, a strange light flickered in Dan Wi-gang’s eyes. He looked surprised.
The Blood Demon Sword clicked its tongue at me. But I don't want to be bound by such things. Dignity is something you only need to maintain when necessary. Constantly suppressing and mistreating others isn't my style.
Furthermore, a man like Dan Wi-gang was a loyalist of the Blood Cult and a peerless master who deserved respect. To earn his sincere loyalty, I needed to be different.
Dan Wi-gang said to me, “...You are different.”
“In what way?”
“I have served three generations of Blood Demons. Those who sat upon the throne until now were all the same.”
“Is that so?”
I asked back, but it made sense. Once one inherited the Blood Demon Sword, the spirit fragment (백) of the Blood Demon Ancestor would naturally invade the owner’s personality. Under that influence, one would inevitably become violent and arrogant. In a way, they became the second or third incarnation of the original Blood Demon. Of course, some, like Baek Hye-hyang, were just born with that temperament.
“Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a different environment than they did.”
I was raised as the child of a prestigious Orthodox family and lived my whole life keeping my head low as a spy for the Blood Cult. Habits ingrained in the body and soul don't disappear in an instant.
“In any case, since you requested a private audience, please tell me what guidance you have come to offer. I am listening.”
Dan Wi-gang spoke with a faint smile.
“Authority, after all, comes from character. It seems this old man’s worries were mere groundless anxiety.”
See? You get what you give.
The Blood Demon Sword snorted for no reason.
Then, Dan Wi-gang’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of utter seriousness.
“I wished to ask the Blood Demon. How do you intend to lead this Cult?”
“How I intend to lead...”
“The doctrine of this Cult is to wash the world with blood. However, from what I have seen of your actions and heard of your words, you seem to hold an ideal entirely different from our doctrine.”
...So, this moment has finally come. I figured someone would eventually question the direction I was taking. I just didn't expect it to start with the First Venerable. As a high-ranking official who had served the Blood Cult for a long time, it was only natural for him to find it strange.
I could lead by force using the authority of the Blood Demon, but pushing too hard would only breed resentment.
I asked him back, just as seriously.
“I would like to ask you instead. If we wash the world with blood according to the Cult’s doctrine, what remains in the end?”
“........”
“Will any cleanliness remain in a world washed with blood? It will only be stained red.”
At my words, the wrinkles on Dan Wi-gang’s brow deepened. Was challenging the doctrine directly to a man who was a Blood Cultist to his very marrow no different from insulting his soul?
Dan Wi-gang spoke in a low tone.
“Continue.”
“...From the time of the Ancestor until now, this Cult has been the enemy of all. It is all because of the blood doctrine established by the Ancestor.”
“Are you denying the doctrine?”
“Yes. I deny it.”
“...!”
Dan Wi-gang’s eyes narrowed. His trembling pupils stared straight at me.
“How can we follow a doctrine that only drives our members toward death?”
“...If the Blood Demon, our leader, treats the doctrine with contempt, who will follow it? And what will you do if the members eventually come to take the Blood Demon’s words lightly?”
“It is only right to abolish old and corrupt customs or doctrines. If that undermines my authority, I will step down from this position myself.”
When I even mentioned stepping down, Dan Wi-gang’s face hardened. I continued, unbothered.
“Do you believe it is right to make everyone an enemy just to uphold a blood doctrine, repeatedly cycling through ruin and resurrection? Is that the correct path?”
“........”
“The path this Cult must take is not to become the axis of evil and walk into the abyss. It is to bring prosperity to the Blood Cult so that everyone will follow us!”
I must have gotten quite emotional. My voice had risen slightly without me realizing it.
Dan Wi-gang stared at me with a stiff face. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. After gazing at me silently for a long time, he spoke in a heavy voice.
“Is that the Cult you intend to create, Blood Demon?”
“...It is.”
I put my firm resolve into those words.
Suddenly, Dan Wi-gang burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha! Hahahaha!”
The heavy atmosphere from just a moment ago shattered instantly. Why was he laughing like this?
After laughing heartily, Dan Wi-gang stopped and spoke.
“I have served three generations, but I have never met a Blood Demon like you. No Blood Demon has ever thought of trampling the doctrine so ruthlessly.”
“As I said, I am different from them.”
“It certainly seems so.”
Then, Dan Wi-gang dropped to one knee before me. He looked up and spoke.
“Even after the previous leader passed away, the reason this Dan Wi-gang clung to this wretched old life must have been to meet you.”
“First Venerable?”
“I shall swear an oath once more.”
“An oath...?”
“Not as the Blood Demon.”
“!?”
The First Venerable, Blood Breaking Sword Emperor Dan Wi-gang, clasped his hands reverently and said to me, “For the sake of the new Cult you will create, I shall offer this life to protect it. Please allow this old man to be one of its pillars.”