Chapter 597: Don't Force Your Ideology on Me.
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 597: Don't Force Your Ideology on Me.
"That is not all. From a martial artist's perspective, this war is a golden opportunity to achieve great renown. Most of the heroes people speak of today are those who earned their fame during the Great War of Righteousness and Demons. War provides the stepping stone for one to become a hero—and much more easily at that."
Sun-woo continued, his gaze fixed steadily on Heo Sam-gwan.
"Even from the perspective of those who seek power, the Great War of Righteousness and Demons is a boon, not a tragedy. I understand that key positions within the Alliance are limited in number, and terms of office generally last until one steps down voluntarily. If vacancies arise during this conflict, many will finally have the chance to approach the center of power."
Sun-woo’s expression remained calm as he spoke.
"Furthermore, even for those who value chivalry, this war is a favorable turn of events. It is an opportunity to annihilate the demons who have lurked in the shadows of the Central Plains for centuries, committing foul and horrific crimes."
".............."
"As you can see, a war is a massive event where countless interests are intricately intertwined. In such a situation, you believe your own values are the only correct ones and demand political maneuvers from me—an outsider—insisting that the war must be stopped at all costs. How can I not call that arrogant? How can I not find it laughable?"
Sun-woo’s cold eyes flashed as he pressed on.
"................."
Heo Sam-gwan remained silent, his mouth clamped shut. He wanted to offer a rebuttal, but no words came to mind. Though he hated to admit it, Sun-woo’s logic was sound. He had to face the reality that not everyone viewed the war through the same lens as he did.
"Hall Master Heo, you are arrogant. So arrogant, in fact, that I don't believe your words are even worth listening to."
Sun-woo stared him down with icy eyes.
"I have said my piece. I would like you to leave now."
Sun-woo issued an expulsion order. He was disgusted by Heo Sam-gwan’s attempt to play him for a fool.
"..........."
Despite the dismissal, Heo Sam-gwan did not move. He felt he couldn't simply walk away like this.
"If you won't leave, then I shall be the one to depart."
Scrape.
Sun-woo stood up abruptly. He turned his back and began to walk away.
Step, step.
His pace was brisk and decisive.
"Wait... Wait a moment!"
Grab.
Sun-woo felt someone tugging at his sleeve from behind. He slowly turned his head to see Heo Sam-gwan looking at him with a face on the verge of tears.
"Let go."
Sun-woo spoke heartlessly.
"......Young Master... please... can you not find it in your heart to show mercy?"
Heo Sam-gwan pleaded with a pitiful expression, begging for compassion.
"I believe I have made my intentions clear enough."
Sun-woo’s tone was flat. His message was indeed clear: he had no desire to sacrifice himself for others, nor did he intend to be anyone's pawn. Therefore, 'Jang Sun-woo' would not participate in the Great War of Righteousness and Demons. No matter what.
"But you have power! You have the power to save the innocent! How can you use such strength only for your own well-being?"
Heo Sam-gwan spoke with passionate intensity.
"This is the martial art I built myself. How is it wrong for me to use it for my own sake?" Sun-woo asked, looking genuinely baffled.
It was an achievement he had barely reached after surviving countless brushes with death. What was the problem with using that achievement for himself? This man hadn't contributed a single thing to his success.
"I am asking you to take on the responsibility of the strong!"
"Don't force your ideology on me."
Sun-woo glared at him with a sharp, piercing gaze.
"Whether I am strong or weak, I will live as I please. Do not try to bind me with your own yardstick."
"What on earth—!"
Heo Sam-gwan recoiled instinctively at those words.
"I have no desire to argue further."
Whoosh.
Sun-woo violently jerked his sleeve out of the man's grasp and began walking toward the exit.
Creeeeeak.
Before long, the door to the reception hall opened, and Sun-woo’s figure vanished outside.
Thud.
The door slammed shut behind him. Heo Sam-gwan was left alone in the room, looking utterly devastated.
*
"Who does he think he's trying to play?"
Sun-woo scowled deeply. Heo Sam-gwan’s shallow schemes were transparent. The man likely intended to stage a coup, put Sun-woo in power, and then manipulate the Cheonmu Alliance as he pleased—all under the pretext of practicing chivalry.
Is there not a single sane person in this neighborhood?
Sun-woo knit his brows. He had thought Heo Sam-gwan was one of the better ones, but he realized the man wasn't normal either. For someone in politics, he was far too emotional. Instead of considering interests, he acted solely on conviction and sentiment.
I loathe humanists.
A humanist might be a decent person worthy of respect, but they were ill-suited for politics. They viewed everything through the lens of humanitarianism.
Sun-woo shook his head and quickened his pace. He needed to speak with his trio of slaves.
*
".............."
"............."
"............"
A heavy silence hung over the room. No one opened their mouth after hearing what Sun-woo had relayed from his conversation with Heo Sam-gwan. They were clearly lost in thought.
After some time had passed, Joo So-yang spoke with a somber expression. Her face looked incredibly grave.
".....Is it completely decided, then?"
"It seems so. I was told everyone except Heo Sam-gwan voted in favor."
Sun-woo spoke calmly. The Great War of Righteousness and Demons was already a settled matter. He had rejected Heo Sam-gwan’s proposal, and Heo lacked the power to overturn public opinion. In the end, the war was inevitable.
Upon hearing this, Joo So-yang’s complexion turned sallow. The weight of the term 'Great War of Righteousness and Demons' seemed to press down on her heavily.
"Are you okay?" Sun-woo asked, looking concerned.
"....I'm... I'm fine..." she replied, though her face was far from convincing. "More importantly... Sun-woo... does this mean you truly have no intention of participating in the war?"
She looked at him with questioning eyes, seeking to confirm his intent.
"I won't be participating as 'Jang Sun-woo'."
Sun-woo emphasized his own name.
"Pardon?"
She looked at him, confused. Not participating as Jang Sun-woo? What did that mean?
"I have a bad feeling about this," Sun-woo said, his expression turning serious.
He had felt uneasy ever since he heard that Lee Jae-won was the one pushing for the war. Currently, public opinion of Lee Jae-won was at its worst. Because of the posters, he was suspected of being a serial rapist and murderer. He was also at odds with the leadership for unilaterally deciding the terms of the succession competition. Furthermore, his reputation had hit rock bottom after his attempted murder of Sun-woo, who had been defenseless at the time.
On top of that, he had used violence against Joo So-yang—who enjoyed explosive support from the elders due to her past ties with the former Alliance Leader—causing his political standing to shrink to the point where impeachment was being discussed.
Yet, in the midst of all this, a bloody incident involving an allied sect occurred, and all talk of impeaching Lee Jae-won vanished. It was convenient. Suspiciously convenient. How could the Demonic Cult issue what amounted to a declaration of war at the exact moment of his crisis?
And Lee Jae-won’s claims were also dubious. Sun-woo knew exactly how much of an idiot Lee Jae-won was. The idea that he could accurately remember traces of Honma from twenty years ago and talk about a successor was highly suspicious. It felt strongly as if he were manipulating events to suit his needs.
Therefore, Sun-woo intended to take a step back and proceed with caution. There was no telling what the man was planning.
"....Then, what do you intend to do?"
"First, I'll make an official announcement. I'll state that I have no intention of participating in the war."
"And after that?"
"I'll have to become someone other than Jang Sun-woo."
Sun-woo’s eyes gleamed.
"Someone else?"
"Poison King Tang Jin-cheol."
Sun-woo spoke in a level voice.
"I plan to participate in the Great War of Righteousness and Demons in the guise of the Poison King."
He looked at her with absolute seriousness.
"The... the Poison King!?"
She asked back, her face full of bewilderment. It was a completely unexpected answer. Why would he suddenly borrow the identity of the Poison King?
"Participating as Jang Sun-woo feels like I'm playing right into that bastard's hands."
Sun-woo explained calmly. Since he couldn't discern Lee Jae-won’s true motives, taking the form of the Poison King was a much better option than appearing as Jang Sun-woo.
"Won't that be too dangerous?" Joo So-yang asked, her face clouded with worry. She feared what might happen if his identity were discovered.
"It can't be helped, even if it is dangerous. Participating in the war is unavoidable anyway."
Sun-woo remained composed.
"But... you just said there was no need for you to participate. So why... why go so far as to change your appearance to join the fight?"
Joo So-yang asked, unable to understand. Sun-woo had officially refused to participate because the situation seemed shady. So why would he change his face and go anyway? By changing his identity, he gained nothing. He couldn't earn renown, nor could he claim any official merits. No matter how well he performed, it would only add to the Poison King’s reputation. Why would he volunteer for such disadvantageous conditions?
"..........Right now, Lee Jae-won is likely sharpening his blade against those who opposed him. In the worst-case scenario, he might force you all to the front lines in the most dangerous situations to bring about your deaths."
Sun-woo answered her question calmly.
"Could it be.... for our sake?!"
Joo So-yang looked at him, stunned.
"............"
Sun-woo nodded silently.
"Don't do it!"
Hwangbo Yu-yeon, who had been standing behind them, raised her voice in protest.
"You don't need to do that for us!"
"She's right. Master Sun-woo, even though we rebelled against the Alliance Leader, we are still technically his wives. He won't try to kill us openly."
Paeng Ga-ryeon added, supporting Hwangbo Yu-yeon.
"I agree, Master Sun-woo."
Joo So-yang nodded as well.
"I don't want to see you doing something you don't want to do because of us.... So please, reconsider your choice."
Joo So-yang pleaded. She didn't want to be the reason Sun-woo was held back. As a slave, she felt it was incredibly disrespectful. How could a mere slave hinder her great master? It was unthinkable. It was the kind of offense for which she wouldn't be able to complain even if she were beaten until her buttocks burst.
Shift.
Sun-woo slowly looked up. He glanced over Joo So-yang, Hwangbo Yu-yeon, and Paeng Ga-ryeon. Their eyes were all brimming with tears. They seemed deeply moved by the thought that Sun-woo was willing to sacrifice himself for them.
"No."
Sun-woo spoke slowly, expressing his refusal.
"""Master Sun-woo!"""
The three women cried out in unison. They raised their voices—something they had never done except when crying out in pleasure.
"You can't..... it's too dangerous... please, take back your words..."
Joo So-yang clung to him, her eyes filled with worry.
"That's right...... I don't want... Master Sun-woo... to get hurt..."
Hwangbo Yu-yeon’s voice trailed off as she looked at him with sorrowful eyes.
"I also... believe there is no need for you to do this...... I don't want to be a burden..."
Even Paeng Ga-ryeon, who always followed orders submissively, protested. She seemed consumed by guilt at the thought of being a hindrance.
"I won't."
Sun-woo shook his head.
""Why not!?""
The three women asked simultaneously.
"Because I don't want you to get hurt."
Sun-woo replied, his expression as calm as ever.