Chapter 65: The Inauguration Ceremony (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 65: The Inauguration Ceremony (2)
I was truly moved.
First Venerable Blood Breaking Sword Emperor Dan Wi-gang.
The man hailed as the pinnacle of the Blood Cult’s martial prowess had pledged his life and loyalty to me. Not to the Blood Demon, but to me, Jin Un-hwi.
I had been agonizing over how to persuade him and make him truly mine, so having him kneel of his own accord was a stroke of incredible fortune.
“May I ask why?” I inquired.
At my question, Dan Wi-gang replied with a bittersweet expression.
“Since the passing of the previous Cult Leader, I too have long agonized over our path. I realized that if we remain trapped within the cycle of our doctrines, we are destined to repeat the follies of the past.”
Dan Wi-gang was also facing reality.
If even the man who could be considered second-in-command—save for the Cult Leader—felt this way, then perhaps the other high-ranking officials harbored similar concerns. If things went well, I might be able to convince them easily too.
The Blood Demon Sword certainly had a knack for raining on my parade.
Regardless, there was no reason to refuse a man who wished to follow me. I brought my hands together in a fist-and-palm salute.
“With the First Venerable by my side, it feels as though I’ve gained an army of a thousand men and ten thousand horses.”
“I am merely grateful that you have accepted me.”
“Please, stand. Tomorrow is the inauguration, but I cannot let a day like today pass quietly.”
I wasn't one for drinking, but I felt like sharing a cup. Dan Wi-gang gave a soft smile and shook his head.
“How could I do such a thing with the sacred ceremony ahead of us? Instead, why don't we discuss our future plans?”
“The future?”
“Indeed. I had several matters I wished to petition the Blood Demon for.”
“Please, take a seat and speak freely.”
I guided him to the reception chairs. Once seated, Dan Wi-gang got straight to the point.
“It may be early, but since the Martial Alliance has already made its move, I ask that you order an expedition to unify the Evil Faction immediately after the ceremony.”
The more I learned about this man, the more he surprised me. He was thinking exactly what I was.
I also intended to begin unifying the Evil Faction as soon as the inauguration was over. The time we bought using the prisoners was our window of opportunity. The moment they were fully detoxified and public opinion settled even slightly, the Martial Alliance would seek a full-scale war.
Before that happened, we needed to build a force capable of standing against them.
The Lesser Conversation Sword was right, but it was still too early. My relationship with Peerless Steel Sword was a hidden trump card. Furthermore, even if my father was the head of one of the Four Great Martial Sects, he couldn't move the entire organization at once.
My father was currently working to secure control from within. Until then, my priority was to grow the Cult’s strength to the point where we could contend with the Martial Alliance on our own.
I smiled at Dan Wi-gang.
“Our thoughts are aligned. I also believe we must hurry to unify the Evil Faction. I was planning to discuss where to start after the ceremony, but since you’ve brought it up, I would appreciate your counsel.”
In response, Dan Wi-gang held up three fingers, folding his thumb and pinky.
“Due to the influence of the Great Orthodox-Evil War twenty years ago, the number of Evil Faction sects has decreased exponentially. However, there are still three large groups that maintain their legacy.”
I had a feeling I knew who they were. There were indeed two groups that still held great fame within the Evil Faction.
“You mean the Green Forest.”
Green Forest (Nokrim).
The name literally meant 'green woods,' but in practice, it referred to the mountain bandits. They were a collective of bandits operating out of rugged mountain ranges. While their exact origins were unknown, they were said to have flourished since the Warring States period.
“They possess the largest force. Their numbers reach ten thousand. However...”
“Half of them have no training in martial arts.”
Thus, their actual combat strength could be considered half that number. Still, a force of five thousand was not something to be ignored.
“The Green Forest Thief King Gwangshin-gun, who rules the Green Forest, is known to possess martial prowess rivaling the Eight Great Masters.”
I had heard of him. Along with my master, Bizarre Hae Ak-cheon, he was considered one of the top three strongest in external martial arts.
“Subjugating him will be the key to obtaining the power of the Green Forest.”
It wouldn't be easy. Over the past twenty years, the Green Forest had secured its own independent power base. However, they also looked unfavorably upon the current era dominated by the Orthodox Faction, so it was worth a try.
Dan Wi-gang folded one finger and pointed with his middle finger.
“Next is the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds.”
“The pirates.”
“Correct.”
The Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds. They were a massive pirate organization operating primarily on the Yangtze River. The name made it sound like a collection of eighteen strongholds, but that was only because they originated from a union of eighteen. In reality, they were known to consist of about sixty strongholds. Their total numbers approached four thousand.
“Gal Yong, the Grand Hall Master of the Eighteen Strongholds and leader of the Yangtze River Three Guests, is said to be inferior in martial prowess compared to Gwangshin-gun, but his true terror lies in the combined attack of his sworn brothers.”
“A combined attack?”
“Their combined attack is truly a perfect harmony of offense and defense.”
“You seem to know them well.”
“I had the opportunity to exchange blows with them about ten years ago.”
So that was why. I was curious about the result.
“Would it be rude to ask how it ended?”
This was something I hadn't known even before my regression. That meant the duel had been conducted quietly, away from the public eye.
Dan Wi-gang wore a peculiar expression.
“We exchanged over two hundred forms, but I was unable to break their combined attack. It ended in a draw.”
“A draw?”
The great Dan Wi-gang had fought to a draw? Even if he hadn't 'broken the wall' back then, it was a shocking result.
The Central Plains were vast, and it seemed there were many hidden masters. If they were that strong, they should have been widely known. Was it because they weren't part of the Orthodox Faction? Or was it because their strength came from a combined attack rather than individual prowess?
“The result would be different now, I presume.”
At my remark, Dan Wi-gang let out a hearty laugh.
“We shall see when I face them again. Just as ten years were given to me, they have held their positions all this time, so they must have improved as well.”
That made sense. Ten years was enough time for even the mountains and rivers to change. But his comment about facing them again...
“Are you planning to go to the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds yourself?”
“I am. I built a brief rapport with those brothers through martial arts. I will take this opportunity to test our skills again and bring the Waterway Strongholds under our banner.”
To a casual observer, Dan Wi-gang looked like nothing more than an old man. Yet, this veteran warrior still harbored a flame of battle intent as intense as any youth's.
“I admire your fighting spirit, First Venerable.”
“You flatter me. Regardless, the subjugation of the Yangtze River Waterway Strongholds will be our most critical objective.”
“I think I understand what you mean.”
The current era belonged to the Orthodox Faction. It wasn't an exaggeration to say their influence reached everywhere. However, if one looked closer, the main forces of the Orthodox Faction were concentrated north of the Yangtze River.
Sichuan Province, home to the Qingcheng Sect, the Sichuan Tang Family, the Quanzhen Sect, the Diancang Sect, and the Emei Sect.
Hubei Province, the holy land of the Orthodox world, where the Wudang Sect, the Zhuge Family, and the Martial Alliance were located.
Anhui Province, guarded by the Namgung Family and the Namcheon Iron Sword.
Southern Shaanxi Province, where the Huashan and Zhongnan Sects resided.
Henan Province, home to the Shaolin Temple, the origin and starting point of the martial world.
Additionally, the other Great Families were spread across Shandong, Hebei, and Liaoning, while the Beggar's Sect was also based in Hebei.
From the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, the core of the Orthodox Faction was almost entirely north of the Yangtze.
'It’s simple. Before the Great Orthodox-Evil War, the region south of the Yangtze was the domain of the Evil Faction.'
No matter how much they had won, they couldn't simply abandon their primary territories. Although many small and medium-sized sects had moved south of the Yangtze after the war, their power was inevitably weaker than those in the north.
“If we can just block the waterways of the Yangtze, we can halt the enemy’s main forces.”
It was truly the insight of a veteran. It was close to the binary strategy I was considering. If we could reclaim the region south of the Yangtze, we would be able to contend with the Martial Alliance. To do that, we had to bring the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds under us and cut off the enemy's paths.
Of course. What did you think I was doing while staring at the map of the Central Plains?
Though, to be honest, this wasn't entirely my own idea. Before my regression, the Blood Cult had fought countless wars, large and small, for eight years to reclaim the south. That was how I knew.
Your attitude changes way too fast. Well, even so, it's not like I don't have my own moves here.
If we reclaim the south quickly, it won't just be a simple split of the land like in the past. The Martial Alliance will face a hidden ambush from their rear—Peerless Steel Sword in Shaanxi Province to the north.
Exactly. That’s the move I’m aiming for. That’s why the Martial Alliance must not find out about Peerless Steel Sword’s existence yet.
It’s a big picture, literally. I can’t guarantee it will go exactly as planned. The Martial Alliance will fight desperately to prevent it. In that regard, the cornerstone and most grand move for this great plan is the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds.
“Where is the third and final group?”
At my question, Dan Wi-gang folded his ring finger.
“The Haomen Sect.”
“...As expected, it’s information.”
“Correct. While our Cult has its own intelligence network, the only place with information-gathering capabilities rivaling the Beggar's Sect is the Haomen Sect.”
The Haomen Sect was composed of members from the underworld—courtesans, tavern workers, gamblers, and street thugs. Compared to the Green Forest or the Yangtze pirates, their martial power was significantly lower, but in terms of scale, they far surpassed them. There was no corner of the world where they didn't exist.
The Haomen Sect was the shadow within the light.
“To ensure the time you’ve secured isn't wasted, the key will be to subjugate these three groups within a month.”
I agreed. This short period without full-scale war was vital. Just as the Martial Alliance was doing, we had to reclaim the south through a war of speed.
“The first sketch of our grand plan has been drawn.”
I gave the First Venerable a fist-and-palm salute in gratitude.
“Thank you for your wise counsel.”
“It is something anyone could have thought of. How can it be called wise counsel?”
Perhaps the Blood Cult’s grand plan before my regression had originated from Dan Wi-gang’s mind. I only had the advantage of knowing the future and placing Peerless Steel Sword as a rear ambush.
“If it remains only a thought, it cannot be wise counsel. It is the execution that makes it so.”
Dan Wi-gang smiled at my words. He stood up as if to take his leave, but then he hesitated and spoke to me.
“Forgive me for overstepping, but there is one thing I wish to ask.”
“Ask anything.”
“I wish to know what you intend to do with Lady Baek Hye-hyang—no, with both the young ladies.”
Ah...
To think this topic would come from the First Venerable’s mouth as well. As expected, the matter regarding them was a significant internal issue.
Seeing my troubled expression, Dan Wi-gang gave a faint smile.
“It seems you haven't decided yet.”
“To be honest, I haven't.”
“Then, would it be alright if I offered a small piece of advice?”
“What is it?”
At my question, Dan Wi-gang sat back down.
“Even though you have attained the position of Cult Leader, most of the high-ranking officials and cult members were supporters of the two ladies.”
“...I am aware.”
“They likely fear that fact.”
“Fear it? What do you mean?”
What was he talking about?
“Historically, once a Cult Leader is decided, the competitors and the officials who followed them were pushed out and purged.”
A purge... I thought that since I was essentially a third party who became the Blood Demon, such concerns would have vanished. It was unexpected. Especially now, during a chaotic time when the Blood Cult was seeking a revival and everyone needed to unite.
“Regrettably, that is the nature of power. Even when only three people gather, someone will try to lead.”
I suppose that was true. To think that just deciding Baek Hye-hyang’s rank would cause such divided opinions. Considering the gap in martial prowess and ability compared to Baek Ryeon-ha, Baek Hye-hyang’s position would naturally have to be higher. The factions under Baek Ryeon-ha would assume I was favoring Baek Hye-hyang.
Power is a funny thing. Because of the relationship between just two factions, I had to carefully reconsider even the things I had promised. Being the man at the top isn't easy.
What do you mean?
What?
Could they really have interpreted it that way? If so, this was becoming an even bigger headache.
“This is quite exhausting.”
“If you consider the future, it is something that needs to be made clear.”
That also made sense.
“What do you think I should do, First Venerable?”
Since he offered advice, he must have something in mind. Since he had pledged his loyalty to me, wouldn't he offer a more objective opinion than the other officials?
“There is no reason to overthink it.”
“Please, tell me.”
“You simply need to embrace both factions.”
“...I am already trying to do that. I would appreciate it if you could be more specific and direct.”
“You should take both young ladies as your formal wives.”
“!?”
...For a moment, I was speechless. This was going a step further than the other two factions. Unaware of my inner turmoil, Dan Wi-gang spoke with a smile, as if he had provided the perfect answer.
“If you take both of them as formal wives, the issues between the two factions will vanish cleanly. Furthermore, it will allow the bloodline of your successors to be even stronger. It is the most ideal answer at present.”
“...First Venerable. Taking both of them as my wives is, well...”
“In your position, no one would dare object even if you took both. You need not worry.”
Hmm. I thought it best to just say it—why that was impossible.
“First Venerable... I think a certain someone would be very unhappy with that.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I already have a woman I’ve promised my future to.”
At those words, Dan Wi-gang’s brow furrowed. He tilted his head with a serious expression and muttered.
“Could it be...?”
“Yes. It is Lady Sama Yeong.”
The moment I finished speaking, Dan Wi-gang’s expression froze. Everyone knew who Sama Yeong’s father was now. I had intended to announce this fact during the inauguration while declaring the rewards and new positions, but the First Venerable had found out first, quite unintentionally.
“...This has become complicated.”
He finally grasped the situation. Dan Wi-gang let out a sigh that was almost a groan, then spoke to me.
“If that is the case, there is no other way.”
“Thank you for understand—”
“I do not know how Lady Baek Hye-hyang will react given her temperament, but you should make Sama Chak’s daughter your first wife and take all three of them as your formal wives.”
“........”
Is he trying to send me to the afterlife?