Chapter 37: Chief Strategist (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 37: Chief Strategist (2)
“You could’ve just come in through the proper channels. Why’d you have to go and ask for a favor?”
Song Jwa-baek grumbled with a disinterested tone.
Contrary to his words, however, his expression told a completely different story.
I had actually considered leaving them to wait, but seeing his crestfallen face made me go soft, so I asked the Nanny, a warrior of the Martial Alliance, for a favor.
The Nanny had initially hesitated, saying it wasn't allowed, but when I told her I would just stand in line normally then, she eventually let Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon through.
Maybe I should have.
As soon as he passed through, the kid started strutting along with such an arrogant air. Half the people standing in line must have been cursing him under their breath. He was no different from Peng Woo-jin of the Hebei Peng family.
“Whoa.”
As we passed through the fortress walls and the massive plaza unfolded before us, an exclamation escaped Sama Yeong’s lips.
This was the Azure Heaven Plaza, the pride of the Martial Alliance. It was named to honor the spirit of the Orthodox Faction—the desire to create a clear, blue sky. The towering buildings surrounding the plaza were a magnificent sight in their own right.
“It really is huge.”
The Martial Alliance had clearly put a lot of effort into its imposing appearance, starting from the landscaping.
Just as I was about to follow the guidance of the Nanny, someone approached us.
‘Hm?’
It was Peng Woo-jin of the Hebei Peng family.
Despite the attempts of his clansmen to hold him back, he walked over to where we stood, gave a fist-and-palm salute, and spoke.
“I am Peng Woo-jin of the Hebei Peng family.”
What is he doing?
For now, I acknowledged his greeting. I returned the salute and spoke.
“I am So Woon-hwi of the Yikyang So family.”
At my greeting, he looked at Sama Yeong and then back at me, a smirk playing on his lips. He swept his hair back with his hand, striking a dramatic pose.
“I heard you are the successor of the Great Hero Hojongdae. Let us have a fine match during the Martial Discussion.”
He was absolutely full of himself.
The people of the Hebei Peng family were covering their faces with their hands, looking away as if they were too embarrassed to admit they were with him. I could see why they tried to stop him.
But wait, I’ve seen this act before—someone trying so hard to look cool when they really aren't.
The Lesser Conversation Sword was right. I was wondering who he reminded me of, and he was the spitting image of Song Jwa-baek.
I wondered if anyone would actually fall for this, but the people who had just passed through the gates were already whispering and showing interest.
‘Hah.’
In a way, he was quite impressive. Before my regression, he wouldn't have even spared me a glance, yet here he was, using me to boost his own profile.
In the midst of this, Song Jwa-baek stepped forward and offered a salute to Peng Woo-jin.
“I am Song Jwa-baek of the Johang Song family. I look forward to it as well.”
It was like looking into a mirror. Song Jwa-baek was putting on an equally "cool" expression, acting as if he were some kind of fatal charmer. He was desperate for the spotlight.
However, upon hearing the name of the Johang Song family, Peng Woo-jin gave a slight, disinterested nod. Without even offering a reply, he simply turned and walked away.
Song Jwa-baek’s face contorted.
“...Shit. How rude.”
Embarrassed, he grumbled and quickly lowered his saluting hands.
I don't know why he bothered jumping in. The best way to deal with people who live for their own vanity is to ignore them.
“He really is obnoxious,” Sama Yeong muttered quietly, clearly displeased with Peng Woo-jin.
Currently, the Martial Alliance’s fortress was packed with all sorts of martial artists gathered for the Grand Martial Assembly. Among them were many with peculiar personalities. Unless they were explicitly looking for a fight, dealing with each one would be nothing but exhausting.
“Please, come this way.”
The Nanny, who had been watching the scene, guided us toward one of the carriages waiting in a line.
The Martial Alliance was so vast it was practically a city. We took the carriage around the sprawling Azure Heaven Plaza toward the eastern side of the fortress, where a cluster of over a hundred guest houses came into view.
This was where we had to part ways. Although we had entered together, the guest house where Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon would stay was the standard accommodation for ordinary martial artists, so they had to get off first.
On the other hand, we were taken further inside to a place that resembled a private manor.
In terms of lodging, should I call it a VIP suite? While the standard accommodations packed hundreds of people into rooms, the place assigned to us was a magnificent building with spacious rooms. It even had a garden in the courtyard.
It was a good thing we dropped off Song Jwa-baek’s group first; if he had seen this, I could already imagine how much he would have complained.
“This is nice.”
Sama Yeong couldn't hide her satisfaction. Who wouldn't enjoy receiving special treatment?
Once we had unpacked our things, the Nanny said to us, “Would the two of you happen to have some time to spare?”
I expected as much. There had to be someone higher up who authorized our immediate entry.
“May I ask who is requesting our presence?”
“The Chief Strategist has asked me to bring you.”
The Chief Strategist?
At those words, Jo Seong-won and I were simultaneously surprised. Only Sama Yeong, who knew nothing of the situation, looked on with a puzzled expression.
One of the three strategists of the Martial Alliance, the man known as the Chief Strategist, was Zhuge Won-myeong. He was the second-in-command, holding real power right after Alliance Leader Baek Hyang-muk.
The thought of meeting a power player of the Martial Alliance—someone I had never even seen up close before my regression—made me strangely tense.
The Strategist's Hall grounds were located near the main building of the Martial Alliance.
The building at the very center was the Chief Strategist Division, where Zhuge Won-myeong worked. The building to the left housed the Third Strategist, Baek Wi-hyang.
I desperately wanted to see him, but there was no time for that now. Coincidentally, I was told the Third Strategist Division was currently empty due to a special mission.
As I entered the Chief Strategist Division building, the Namcheon Iron Sword called out to me.
‘What is it?’
‘A powerful weapon?’
I couldn't hear the voices of weapons other than swords. But for the Namcheon Iron Sword to say something like that, it meant it was no ordinary weapon.
‘What is it?’
He’s felt it before?
Could it be Zhuge Won-myeong’s weapon? I knew he was also a formidable master.
At the Lesser Conversation Sword’s words, I became curious. Zhuge Won-myeong was renowned as a master of palm techniques. That meant there was another guest inside the Chief Strategist Division besides him.
I wondered who it could be.
“Follow me.”
Sama Yeong and I followed the Nanny into the building. Zhuge Won-myeong’s office was on the top floor of the three-story structure.
As we stood before the office door, the Namcheon Iron Sword spoke.
‘You know?’
The Northern Heaven Saber? Wait, I’ve heard that name many times.
In the meantime, the door opened, revealing the interior of the office.
Seated at the head of the room was a middle-aged man in his mid-to-late fifties, wearing white robes and exuding the dignified aura of a great scholar.
‘Zhuge Won-myeong!’
He was indeed the Chief Strategist, Zhuge Won-myeong.
He wasn't alone in the office; two other people were there. To his right sat a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair wearing brown martial robes. A saber stood propped against his chair.
What was peculiar was that the man’s right sleeve hung loose and empty. It seemed he was missing an arm.
‘...Missing an arm? Ah!’
Only then did I realize who he was.
‘Bukyeong Doseong!’
Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik.
He was a peerless master who had once been hailed as a candidate for the next generation of the Central Plains Eight Great Masters, alongside the Namcheon Sword Guest. It was often said that while the Namcheon Sword Guest ruled the southwest, Bukyeong Doseong ruled the northeast.
However, unlike the Namcheon Sword Guest who had gone missing, he was a figure who had essentially retired from the martial world after losing an arm in an unfortunate duel. If that weapon was indeed the Northern Heaven Saber, then he was undoubtedly Gwak Hyeong-jik.
But why on earth was he here?
No. Before my regression, Bukyeong Doseong had no ties to the Martial Alliance. I even remembered that his successor, Jang Myeong, had made a name for himself through the 108 Duels entirely on his own, independent of the Alliance.
A youth in green robes turned his head toward me. With his narrow eyes that looked almost closed, he seemed to be Gwak Hyeong-jik’s disciple, Jang Myeong.
As I hesitated at the entrance, Zhuge Won-myeong spoke.
“Come in.”
I offered a salute and showed my respect.
“So Woon-hwi, the third son of the Yikyang So family, greets the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance.”
“Ma-yeong greets the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance.”
Sama Yeong followed suit and offered her greetings.
Zhuge Won-myeong’s gaze shifted between me and Sama Yeong. Then, he spoke to me.
“Young Master So. If it isn't too much trouble, could you show me the sword you carry on your back?”
Show him the sword? To my ears, it sounded like he was asking me to prove my identity.
Without hesitation, I drew the sword.
Shring!
Holding the hilt and the tip of the blade, I politely offered it for his inspection. Zhuge Won-myeong gave a slight nod toward Bukyeong Doseong sitting beside him.
Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik spoke to me.
“Young Master So. Bring the sword here.”
His tone was blunt, unlike Zhuge Won-myeong’s. He seemed filled with skepticism.
I bowed my head slightly to him in respect.
“I apologize for the late greeting. It is an honor to meet the Great Hero Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik.”
At those words, a flash of surprise crossed Gwak Hyeong-jik’s eyes. He probably hadn't expected me to recognize him.
Gwak Hyeong-jik examined the sword I handed him. The Namcheon Iron Sword, having had its rust removed and been polished by a master craftsman, gleamed as if it were brand new.
“Indeed.”
Gwak Hyeong-jik let out an exclamation and nodded. He then handed the sword back to me. It seemed the sword’s identity as the Namcheon Iron Sword had been verified.
But that wasn't the end of it.
“Jang Myeong.”
At his call, Jang Myeong, who had been sitting beside him, stood up. Gwak Hyeong-jik handed him the Northern Heaven Saber that had been leaning against his chair.
As I looked on in confusion, Zhuge Won-myeong spoke.
“Please do not be offended, Young Master So. In the last ten years alone, more than ten people have claimed to be the successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest.”
Come to think of it, Gwak Gyeong, the master of the Black Pavilion, had mentioned something similar—that he had seen several fake successors.
“The Great Hero Bukyeong Doseong here has sparred with the Great Hero Hojongdae several times. He is capable of judging your swordsmanship.”
Hmm.
But did I really have to prove it this way? Surely showing a few sword forms would be enough to verify it. From the looks of it, the atmosphere suggested I would have to spar with his disciple, Jang Myeong.
Zhuge Won-myeong smiled thinly and said, “I wish to confirm this as well, so would you be willing to undergo the Great Hero Gwak’s test?”
“Pardon?”
“Both of you, stand over there.”
Zhuge Won-myeong pointed to an area away from the guest chairs. The space had been cleared in advance, leaving enough room to swing a sword freely. I had no idea what he was planning.
At Zhuge Won-myeong’s signal, a guard standing behind him brought something forward. It was a wooden box containing Go stones.
Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik spread a handful of black and white stones onto the table. Then he spoke.
“Jang Myeong will show you first. Slice only the white stones. Young Master So, please step aside.”
Slice only the white stones?
As I stepped back, Gwak Hyeong-jik began to flick the Go stones from the table with his fingers at incredible speed, regardless of their color. The stones, infused with internal energy, flew toward Jang Myeong.
Shring!
Drawing the Northern Heaven Saber, Jang Myeong unleashed a brilliant display of saber techniques, slicing through the incoming stones. Gwak Hyeong-jik’s fingers were so fast that the stones seemed like a blur, but Jang Myeong sliced them with practiced ease.
The stones fell to the floor, split apart. Exactly only the white stones had been cut in half. Despite the complexity of his saber movements, he hadn't touched a single black stone, even by mistake.
After about thirty stones, Gwak Hyeong-jik stopped.
“Did you see? Can you do this with the Life Bright Sword Technique?”
“.......”
I understood now. The reason he had his disciple do this was to test me. He wanted me to prove that I could achieve the same level of mastery as his disciple.
This was a test that not only verified me as the Namcheon Sword Guest’s disciple but also put the Namcheon Sword Guest’s honor on the line.
“Please show us your skill,” Jang Myeong said, offering a polite salute. However, his eyes were burning with competitive spirit. This was, in essence, a duel.
‘I wonder.’
To be honest, I had never tried anything like this before—distinguishing Go stones by color and slicing them with sword techniques. Jang Myeong’s skill with the saber was truly exceptional.
As I hesitated, Gwak Hyeong-jik spoke.
“If it is too difficult, you may simply show us your sword forms.”
“.......”
Gwak Hyeong-jik was intentionally goading me. If I didn't show something at least equal to Jang Myeong’s performance, the Namcheon Sword Guest’s reputation would be tarnished.
‘...I’ll have to show them a little something.’
I stood still and drew a small circle on the floor around me. Then, I stepped inside it.
Gwak Hyeong-jik asked, “Why did you draw a circle?”
“I will do this without stepping outside of it.”
At those words, both Gwak Hyeong-jik and Jang Myeong frowned simultaneously. I was simply meeting provocation with provocation.
Gwak Hyeong-jik’s lips curled into a slight smirk before he grabbed a handful of Go stones and placed them on the table.
“Let us see if you can back up those words. Slice the black stones.”
Tang!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gwak Hyeong-jik began flicking the stones at random. They flew toward me with such speed it was reminiscent of the Flicking Finger Divine Power.
In that instant, I drew my sword while standing perfectly still.
Shring!
The moment I opened my Middle Dantian, my eye power intensified, and the Go stones began to move in slow motion. I could see the empty trajectories between them.
As the black and white stones flew toward me in a jumble, a sword form drew itself in my mind, and I executed it exactly.
Life Bright Sword Technique, 3rd Form: Illuminating Shadow Sword.
Since its movements were as fluid as a willow branch with prominent changes in trajectory, it was the most suitable form for this test of slicing Go stones.
Slash-slash-slash-slash!
Along with the sound of the sword cutting through the air, black stones fell to the floor, split in half. Gwak Hyeong-jik’s hands moved incessantly, flicking stone after stone.
Jang Myeong’s eyes never left my feet. He was checking to see if I truly remained within the circle.
Swish!
Because the stones flicked by Gwak Hyeong-jik felt slow to my eyes with my Middle Dantian open, it wasn't particularly difficult.
When about thirty stones had passed, Gwak Hyeong-jik stopped.
The floor was littered with halved black stones. My feet had not strayed from the circle even by an inch.
“Master. I would like to try again,” Jang Myeong said to Gwak Hyeong-jik, his fighting spirit ignited by my success.
Gwak Hyeong-jik frowned and shook his head. When Jang Myeong looked confused, Gwak Hyeong-jik pointed toward the floor.
“...Do you not see?”
“Pardon?”
To the bewildered Jang Myeong, I held out my left hand.
Upon seeing it, Jang Myeong’s eyes widened as if they were about to burst.
‘!!!’
In my left hand, I held all fifteen white stones that had been mixed in among the black ones—not a single one was missing.