Chapter 99: The Youngest Alliance Leader Candidate (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 99: The Youngest Alliance Leader Candidate (3)
The Chief Strategist’s office within the Strategist’s Hall.
A man dressed in the uniform of the Strategist’s Hall rushed into the office to deliver a report.
“Strategist, the Lesser Sword Immortal has entered the city.”
Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyun, who was seated at his desk, looked up and asked, “His route?”
“Judging by the fact that he is accompanied by the Hall Master and Vice Hall Master of the Phoenix Hall, it appears he is heading toward their residence.”
“The Phoenix Hall residence? So, he prioritized meeting his younger sister?”
“It would seem so.”
“Do not lose sight of him for even a second. Keep him under constant surveillance.”
“Understood.”
As the man left, a sharp-featured middle-aged man sitting in a chair across from the desk spoke up.
“How unexpected. I thought for sure he would make contact with Bukyeong Doseong.”
“Hmm.”
With a low groan, Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyun picked up a small flag and marked a position on the map of the city spread across his desk. The blue flag was labeled Lesser Sword Immortal.
Numerous other flags were already pinned to the map. Bang Deok-hyun’s keen eyes shifted to a specific spot.
[Bukyeong Doseong]
That man had yet to make a move.
‘...Is he being cautious? Or did he truly recommend the Lesser Sword Immortal as a candidate for Alliance Leader with pure intentions?’
Contrary to his expectations, there hadn't been the slightest contact between the two. At this point, one might have set aside their suspicions, but that was not Bang Deok-hyun’s way. If there was absolutely no point of contact, it made him even more suspicious.
‘Interesting. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way.’
It was a feeling he hadn't experienced since the end of the Great Orthodox-Evil War, back when he was pitting his wits against his former disciple, the late Chief Strategist Zhuge Won-myeong. At the time, he had used retirement as a pretext to withdraw because Zhuge Won-myeong was getting too close to the organization’s secrets, leaving their battle of intellects unfinished. But now, the situation was different.
‘I shall show you the essence of strategy.’
With Zhuge Won-myeong dead, the Martial Alliance was essentially in the palm of his hand. He had another disciple, Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon, but the man was far from capable of challenging him. He wasn't enough to stimulate his competitive spirit.
Just then, the middle-aged man spoke again.
“By the way, who exactly is that woman the Lesser Sword Immortal brought with him?”
They had already been discussing the identity of the mysterious woman. It was reported that she had suppressed Moyong Hye, the Hall Master of the Plum Fragrance Hall and a first-rate master, in a single move. To reach that level, she had to be at least in the Supreme Peak Realm.
“Could she be a master from the Bota Gate?”
“You seem interested.”
“Heh heh heh. There is no better way to ensure strong descendants than to father children with a powerful woman.”
“Is that so? A pity, then. She belongs to the Lesser Sword Immortal.”
“There is no woman who cannot be taken just because she has a master.”
The middle-aged man licked his lips. Watching him, Bang Deok-hyun clicked his tongue inwardly. Though the man didn't hold the title of a 'Lord,' he had been kept as a personal guard due to his formidable martial prowess. However, his obsession with women was excessive.
“The Shadow Division is investigating, so we will know soon enough.”
She was quite beautiful, and with that level of martial power, it was impossible for her face to remain unknown. There weren't many female masters in the martial world who had reached the Supreme Peak Realm. He believed they would identify her shortly.
Knock, knock!
Someone knocked on the office door. It was another warrior belonging to the Strategist’s Hall.
Upon seeing him, Bang Deok-hyun asked, “What is the status?”
“All the Elders we contacted have agreed to follow the Chief Strategist’s opinion.”
A smirk played on Bang Deok-hyun’s lips at the report. He had secured the numbers; now the stage was set.
The middle-aged man sitting across the table said, “Now all that’s left is to propose the motion at the meeting this afternoon and push it through. Since no one besides Bukyeong Doseong will recommend the Lesser Sword Immortal, he won't even be able to register as a candidate.”
“Hengshan’s First Sword could be a variable, but no matter his ties to the Yikyang So Family, a man of his character wouldn't cast a vote for a green brat with no experience.”
This was the contingency plan Bang Deok-hyun had devised. Since the last meeting, he had been busy contacting and persuading the Elders. He argued that no matter how great his martial prowess, a young master lacking years and experience was unfit for the duties of the Alliance Leader.
Thus, he intended to implement a primary screening process for candidate selection. If a candidate failed to receive recommendations from at least five Elders, they would be barred from registering.
“The Raging Demon Lord’s side has nine, and we have secured seven. Even if two are removed as variables, the probability of the Lesser Sword Immortal obtaining the necessary votes is zero.”
“Heh heh heh. He came all this way only to find he can’t even register.”
If he couldn't register, he couldn't compete with the other two candidates. If that happened, everything would proceed smoothly according to the original plan.
Bang Deok-hyun muttered as he stared at the blue flag labeled Lesser Sword Immortal on the map.
“How will you respond to this move?”
*
Leaving the noisy outskirts behind, we entered the inner city and headed toward the Phoenix Hall.
“Sister, you should have seen the look on Moyong Hye’s face. She was so frozen she couldn't even open her mouth...”
Yeong-yeong was chattering away, calling Seol Baek 'Sister' this and 'Sister' that. For a girl who was usually shy around strangers, she was being remarkably affectionate.
The Lesser Conversation Sword chuckled and spoke to me.
—Your little sister’s attitude has completely flipped.
Tell me about it. At first, she was showing open hostility, calling her a 'sly fox' and whatnot, but now she seemed to have taken a real liking to her. It seemed Seol Baek putting Moyong Hye—Yeong-yeong’s rival—in her place had made a huge impression.
—She really won her over.
I can't believe Yeong-yeong was swayed so easily.
But she wasn't the only one showing interest in Seol Baek. Namgung Ga-hee also struck up a conversation with her.
“You said your name was Lady Wiji, correct?”
“That’s right.”
The alias Seol Baek was using was Wiji-hyeon. It was a surname she chose because there were quite a few people with the Wiji name in the Central Plains.
“If you are planning to join the Martial Alliance, would you consider joining our Phoenix Hall?”
I wondered why she was showing interest, and it turned out she was trying to recruit her. It seemed Namgung Ga-hee was also quite impressed by how Seol Baek had suppressed Moyong Hye in a single move. To ask a stranger to join her Hall right away...
At her words, Seol Baek glanced at me with a wink and said, “That doesn't sound bad, but I’m fated to never be more than ten steps away from this man. Right?”
Ugh... my head. To think she’d frame the 'ten-step' restriction like that. She really is a woman you can't let your guard down around for a single second.
Watching her, Yeong-yeong, who had been acting so friendly, sent me a worried look via Sound Transmission.
[Brother. Can you handle this?]
[What?]
[If Sister Sama Yeong finds out, she’ll try to eat you alive. No, your monster of a father-in-law will probably try to kill you.]
Yeong-yeong knew exactly who my 'father-in-law' was. I shook my head and replied.
[It’s not that kind of relationship.]
At that, Yeong-yeong nudged me with her elbow and said, [What do you mean it’s not that kind of relationship? For her to be clinging to you like that, you must have done something to win her heart, right?]
I really didn't know how to explain this. I couldn't tell her right now that I was dragging around one of the enemy’s top lieutenants; Yeong-yeong wears her emotions on her sleeve, and I didn't want her to act suspiciously.
[...I didn't do anything. She’s just doing this on her own.]
[Why hide it from your own sister?]
She wouldn't believe me no matter what I said. It was probably because Seol Baek was being so aggressive in her 'courtship.'
[Yeong-yeong. I’ll explain the circumstances to you later.]
[Hmph. Why do you have so many secrets from me?]
I’m sorry. It’s not that I’m hiding things on purpose. These things just keep happening.
[It’s just not the right time. I’ll tell you soon.]
[Hmph! Whatever. Anyway, I don't think she’s bad. A woman knows a woman, and I think she suits you well, Brother.]
‘!?’
What is she talking about now?
[At least it’s safer than meeting the daughter of the Moon Evil Sword.]
Hmm... if that’s why she’s saying this, then this woman is, in a way, even more dangerous than my father-in-law. I don't know how she’d react if she knew the truth. Even if it was a surprise attack, Seol Baek was the one who had severely wounded my father-in-law, the Moon Evil Sword, leading to his imprisonment in Shaolin.
Thinking about that snapped me back to my senses. If I were to actually feel attracted to Seol Baek, it would lead to a disaster.
—I think I can guess what you’re talking about. Just make sure that 'snow-woman' stays out of your father-in-law’s sight.
You don't have to tell me twice, Lesser Conversation Sword. There’s still plenty of time before our scheduled meeting, so I’ll have to resolve this by then.
Just then, Yeong-yeong grabbed the sleeve of my left arm. Then, she sent another Sound Transmission.
[It was so hectic when we first met that I didn't get a chance to say it, but thank you, Brother. You intentionally let the reinforcements from the Alliance go because of my sect, the Hengshan Sect, didn't you?]
She really is a bright girl. I was worried she might misunderstand, but she had already seen through my intentions. I gently patted her head.
“Stop it! You’re messing up my hair!”
Despite her complaining words, Yeong-yeong’s face flushed red as if she were shy.
Then, another voice reached me via Sound Transmission.
[I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same for me as you do for the girl playing the role of your sister.]
It was Seol Baek. I frowned at her transmission, which was tinged with a strange hint of jealousy. Come to think of it, she seemed to believe that Yeong-yeong wasn't my biological sister. Well, since she believed I had lived for over three hundred years, it was only natural.
Since she wasn't completely on my side yet, there was no need to reveal the truth. It was actually better if she thought we weren't related by blood.
I sent a transmission back to her.
[A sister is just a sister.]
[I know. But in case you haven't noticed, quite a few people have 'attached' themselves to us.]
I chuckled and replied.
[I know.]
There were many eyes watching us as we headed toward the Phoenix Hall. They weren't looking at me because they recognized me; they were eyes of surveillance. It wasn't just one or two; quite a few people were following us openly while pretending to just be passing by. It seemed multiple factions had assigned people to tail us.
[There will be people from the Lord of Thunder as well.]
[Most likely.]
Setting aside being the successor of the Sword Immortal, I was a person of interest to the Golden Emperor’s organization. Moreover, since I was a variable in this Alliance Leader selection, they would be even more vigilant. Having such blatant surveillance on me made it truly sink in that I was back at the Martial Alliance.
‘It reminds me of Zhuge Won-myeong.’
I had heard that the Lord of Thunder—no, Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyun—was the master of both Zhuge Won-myeong and Sama Jung-hyeon. To hide his true identity even from his own disciples, he had to be a meticulously cautious man.
Seol Baek had said that as the master of the late Chief Strategist Zhuge Won-myeong, he possessed a level of intellect that was equal to or even greater than his disciple's.
[You should be careful. He isn't someone the Emperor employs for no reason.]
[He must have prepared extensively.]
[He will likely do everything in his power to ensure you never sit in the Alliance Leader’s chair.]
[Then I’ll just have to make sure he can’t.]
At my response, she asked curiously.
[The best way would be to eliminate the Lord of Thunder first, but if you do that, the Emperor will have to revise all his plans. Plus, the Martial Alliance would fall into chaos.]
That was true. If the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance were to suddenly disappear, it would be a major problem. Of course, the villain didn't know that I knew his true identity, but he would have prepared multiple layers of defense just in case. Furthermore, since the assassination of Zhuge Won-myeong, security within the Martial Alliance had been significantly tightened. Every movement left a trail.
She gave a mysterious smile and sent a transmission.
[In a situation where not just the Lord of Thunder, but everyone is monitoring your every move, how exactly do you plan to handle this?]
Judging by her expression, she was enjoying this. She wanted to see how I would deal with being trapped between a rock and a hard place.
I gave a small smirk and replied.
[If I only react the way the enemy wants me to, I’m just being toyed with.]
[...What do you mean by that?]
She couldn't hide her confusion. I spoke in a meaningful tone.
[Do you really think my goal ends with simply interfering with the Golden Emperor’s plans?]
*
Noon. Lunchtime.
The Chief Strategist’s office in the Strategist’s Hall.
A warrior in the uniform of the Strategist’s Hall entered and reported to Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyun.
“The Lesser Sword Immortal’s side has shown no significant movement yet. It appears they are even having lunch at the Phoenix Hall residence.”
It had only been about two hours since the Lesser Sword Immortal went to the Phoenix Hall, so there was nothing particularly suspicious. It was natural for him to share a meal with his sister, the Vice Hall Master of the Phoenix Hall, after not seeing her for so long.
The middle-aged man sitting at the table said, “If he stays quiet like this until the afternoon meeting, we should be able to successfully propose and pass the motion.”
“Hmm.”
Bang Deok-hyun stroked his beard at the man’s words. If things continued like this, everything would go smoothly. There was certainly no reason to doubt.
And yet, strangely, the boy was acting differently than he had anticipated. He had expected him to be busy moving around the Martial Alliance and gathering information, but he was doing nothing of the sort. He was monitoring the surroundings thoroughly, and even the servants and the cooks delivering food were people he had planted. There was no way to evade his surveillance network.
‘But it’s strange.’
A sense of doubt began to sprout from this stillness.
The middle-aged man said to Bang Deok-hyun, “There’s no harm in being cautious, but the boy must realize he’s being watched. That might be why he’s staying put.”
“Even so, do not miss a single one of his movements.”
At Bang Deok-hyun’s command, the man who had finished his report bowed with his hands clasped.
“Loyalty!”
“You may go.”
As he was about to leave, a voice came from outside.
“Chief Strategist. I have brought your lunch.”
“I’ll get the door.”
The warrior who was about to leave opened the door. A cook with a generous, kindly impression entered, carrying a food container.
The warrior, who was about to step out, paused and looked at the cook, sensing something was off.
“Wait... Cook. Aren't you the one who was assigned to the Phoenix Hall...?”
Crunch!
“Gack!”
Before he could finish his sentence, the warrior’s throat was seized by the cook’s hand. With a light application of pressure,
Crack!
The warrior’s neck was twisted instantly.
“What?!”
Startled by the sight, the middle-aged man at the table hurriedly drew his saber and tried to lunge at the cook.
But in the blink of any eye, the cook’s form blurred and reappeared behind him. It was the technique of Shape Transformation.
The cook grabbed the head of the middle-aged man, who had only half-drawn his saber, and twisted it.
Crack!
“Urgh!”
With his neck completely snapped, the middle-aged man died instantly.
Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyun couldn't hide his shock as he watched his personal guard, a Supreme Peak master, be killed so effortlessly. Who could have imagined such a master would die so pathetically?
“You... could it be?”
The cook gave a bright smile to the astonished strategist.
“Were you expecting a battle of wits, just as you wanted? Lord of Thunder?”
‘!!!’