Chapter 41: BST (2)
BST examinees were divided into dozens of groups, taking their tests all across the Korea Murim Alliance grounds.
The testing halls buzzed with tension, but to the veteran martial artists watching, it was a festival—a spectacle to enjoy.
"Hahaha, look at that guy."
"He's practically dancing out there."
"That one's got some moves, though?"
Mostly rookies who'd joined the Murim Alliance one or two years ago were glued to the show.
After grinding through newbie life amid stern seniors, seeing these aspiring martial artists scramble to prove themselves was a thrill.
The superiors and veterans had cut them loose today.
It was a festival, after all.
Yang Cheol-ju, leader of the Bi Ryong Dae, stood on the stands watching the third round when one of his subordinates approached.
"The Alliance Leader summons you."
"Where is he?"
"In the Alliance Leader's Hall."
"Any idea what it's about?"
"No, sir."
"Got it."
Yang Cheol-ju headed straight for the Alliance Leader's Hall, deep within the inner compound of the Murim Alliance.
Lately, Alliance Leader Cheon Myeong-jin had been keeping Joo Won, the leader of Team 1, by his side instead. Yang Cheol-ju knew the rumors of discord between him and the Leader, but he didn't care.
He entered the hall.
Technically the Cheonryong Hall, but everyone called it the Alliance Leader's Hall.
Unlike the modern interior of the Leader's office, this place was built in the old style.
Ancient carved pillars stood tall, flanked by statues of past Alliance Leaders.
Wall murals, a crimson carpet on the floor, a grand throne on high steps—everything recreated the old Alliance Leader's Hall to perfection.
It felt straight out of a wuxia film.
A round table below the steps to the throne held a spread of drinks. Besides Cheon Myeong-jin, two others were there.
Sunpung Dan leader Ko Choong and Chung-ui Dae leader Yang Gong-ha.
The moment Yang Cheol-ju saw them, his heart sank.
"Come on in, Yang Dae-ju."
Ko Choong greeted him with a smile. Yang Gong-ha rose to bow.
"Welcome, Senior. The Alliance Leader's toasting the exams today—special drinks all around."
Yang Cheol-ju was speechless for a moment.
They didn't know. They had no idea what linked the three men gathered here.
Heads of the Alliance's top strike teams.
And another common thread.
All three had been recruited by Im Yeon-sin.
Those two were clueless.
Why did he know? Because Im Yeon-sin had told him alone who else was on board. Not out of special trust, but because of his role.
As Bi Ryong Dae leader, bodyguard to the Alliance Leader, he was closest—tasked with surveilling and reporting every move.
He needed to know the recruits to fulfill his duties effectively.
Coincidence?
It could be. On a day like this, calling top leaders for drinks wasn't unusual.
Cheon Myeong-jin smiled.
"What are you standing around for? Come, have a drink."
"Yes, Alliance Leader. My apologies."
Yang Cheol-ju took his seat.
"Here, a glass for you."
Cheon Myeong-jin poured.
"Down it."
Yang Cheol-ju hesitated.
Should I? What if it's poisoned?
Guilt made even a drink complicate his thoughts.
"It's been ages since we sat like this."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
He'd thought the overt sidelining meant no suspicion of his betrayal.
"Why aren't you drinking?"
Yang Cheol-ju started to lift the glass, then set it down.
"Forgive me, but I'm not feeling well—can't drink."
Ko Choong, watching, frowned slightly.
"Still, it's the Alliance Leader pouring. One drink, at least."
Yang Cheol-ju seethed inwardly.
You idiot! Do you even grasp the situation?
But he couldn't show it.
"Very well, just one then."
Ko Choong and Yang Gong-ha had already drunk, and killing him here wouldn't need poison anyway.
Yang Cheol-ju drained it in one go.
As he set the glass down, Cheon Myeong-jin said,
"Cheol-ju."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
He answered calmly, but his heart plummeted. That familiar name-telling—he knew.
This gathering's purpose. After years at his side, he could tell. The Leader knew of their betrayal.
Cheon Myeong-jin's next question confirmed it.
"Why did you betray me?"
The two beside him were more shocked.
"Those two did it for money. But you—why?"
Silence fell.
Ko Choong shot up, drawing his sword.
Sching!
Before it cleared half its sheath, Cheon Myeong-jin's blade cleaved his torso. Incomparably swift.
Yang Gong-ha, opposite, punched late.
No intent to attack originally—but Ko Choong's move triggered reflex.
Whoosh!
That sound from his fist.
Thud!
That from Cheon Myeong-jin's body—hopefully.
Yang Gong-ha stared blankly at the palm slamming his chest, then looked down at the searing pain.
His chest caved in, charred black from the Leader's Thunderclap Palm.
He toppled forward, shattering the table.
Fearsome aura poured from Cheon Myeong-jin's eyes. No longer the puppet swayed by Im Yeon-sin.
The charismatic Alliance Leader of old.
Yang Cheol-ju had no will to resist or flee. Just stared blankly.
Cheon Myeong-jin spoke calmly.
"These two betrayed me for money."
Secret accounts checked: Ko Choong got 10 billion, Yang Gong-ha 5 billion.
He hadn't been passive. He'd investigated traitors and their recruiters.
"But not you. Why? What hold do they have?"
Yang Cheol-ju said nothing. True enough. Otherwise, why betray a man he'd served over a decade?
Yang Cheol-ju asked quietly.
"Did you kill CEO Im, Alliance Leader?"
"And if I did?"
"A mistake. Their power is immense."
"Words from my Bi Ryong Dae leader?"
"Please, don't forget that. I'll atone in my next life. Forgive me."
He closed his eyes. Accepting death.
Cheon Myeong-jin rose, hauled Yang Cheol-ju up.
"Tell me! I'll fix it!"
But Yang Cheol-ju stayed silent. Better he die.
Whoosh!
A palm shattered his dantian. He crumpled.
"To the Alliance Prison. We need the puppetmaster."
"Yes, sir."
Bi Ryong Dae martial artists emerged from a back room, cuffing him.
Made for martial artists—even experts couldn't break them without immense power.
Then, Cheon Myeong-jin's telepathic message hit Yang Cheol-ju.
Yang Cheol-ju stared in shock.
He knew her kidnapping.
Yang Cheol-ju's heart surged. He'd questioned despite knowing—lest their ears catch it.
Such a Leader, and he'd reported every move to Im Yeon-sin.
"Alliance Leader."
Yang Cheol-ju knelt, collapsing.
True sincerity. He'd pushed Geom-myeong for his granddaughter too. Betrayal for family? He might've done the same.
Tears fell from Yang Cheol-ju's eyes.
Others mistook them for guilt.
Dragged out by martial artists, Joo Won entered, trailed by team leaders from each unit—mostly his peers, now key figures.
"Baekho Dan leader, Seocheong Dang lord, and even Manhak Jong of Jae Dang—all captured, dantians sealed, isolated in the Alliance Prison."
Despite clashes, minimal casualties—they'd ambushed relaxed foes.
"Well done. Withdraw. Let no one in."
"Yes, sir."
Subordinates gone, Jang Cheon entered.
"Thanks to you, I've reclaimed the Murim Alliance."
"I only advised. You pulled it off, Alliance Leader."
"You were right. Should've slain Im Yeon-sin myself sooner."
"Better late than never."
"Name your reward. I'll grant what I can."
Jang Cheon neither refused nor pressed now.
"Focus on saving your granddaughter first."
Music to Cheon Myeong-jin's ears.
"Agreed. Reward after her antidote. Then I'll step down and face justice."
Jang Cheon stayed silent. Resignation was his call anyway.
And trust in his word? Time would tell. Not close enough yet.
"Now, the antidote's my priority."
"I'll help."
"Grateful."
He hesitated but held back on Doctor Woo. Not full trust yet.
Reclaimed power bred confidence; granddaughter's life demanded caution.
"Until next time."
Jang Cheon slipped out the way he came.
The next morning, the waited news arrived.
Cheon Myeong-jin yearned most, but Bishop's skill tracked Doctor Woo.
Jang Cheon checked the info. Entry point, methods, traces—detailed.
Government and Alliance strictly controlled poison users. But outliers always emerged.
Bishop had burned nights tracing him.
Jang Cheon knew why the kid mattered so much.
Bishop was abandoned too. Adopted abroad young, discarded again.
A born genius—true prodigy.
But adoptive parents missed it. Labeled autistic, school and society rejected him.
Post-adoption, street life—human documentary stuff.
Crime gang snatched him for hacks; Jang Cheon saved him.
Now, Jang Cheon was brother, parent, world.
Call ended, Jang Cheon dialed Phone.