Chapter 769: Uicheon
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 769: Uicheon
What is honey?
It is a perfect food that never spoils, a precious gift that provided the only source of sweetness to humanity before the development of sugar.
For at least eight thousand years.
That is how long humans have been harvesting honey.
In a way, the human drive to seek out honey might be an instinct carved into our very DNA. We seek it out instinctively because we know the bliss and comfort that comes from "sucking honey."
In modern times, this expression—"sucking honey"—has expanded beyond the realm of food. It is used to describe any situation where one enjoys physical or mental ease or reaps benefits with little effort. It is a pursuit driven by primal attraction.
And Sun-woo was currently reflecting that primal attraction quite proactively. He had devised a way to strip away the obligations while keeping only the benefits.
His plan was to decentralize the authority of the Alliance Leader.
Having watched Tang Seo-yoon, the practical head of her clan, from the sidelines, Sun-woo knew better than anyone how tedious and bothersome being a decision-maker truly was. It wasn't just about stamping documents. One had to oversee and manage every aspect of the clan, both internal and external.
One had to conduct audits to ensure no corruption was occurring. One had to perform final checks to ensure the accounting was accurate. Beyond that, one had to review various business proposals sent by merchant groups and shops, classifying them as approved, rejected, or—if the feasibility was unclear—deferred.
It was a staggering workload that would make even three bodies feel insufficient.
If the Tang Clan, which was merely a single family, was that demanding, what would it be like for the Cheonmu Alliance, which boasted a scale equivalent to several Great Sects combined? Even without seeing it, it was obvious the workload would be nothing short of murderous compared to the Tang Clan.
That was why Sun-woo had come up with a clever scheme: he would increase the number of advisors to distribute the authority. If the power were decentralized, his workload as the Alliance Leader would be drastically reduced.
"……"
Meanwhile, Gye Sang-deuk, having heard Sun-woo’s words, remained silent, his mouth pressed into a firm line. He couldn't find a single point to refute.
As Sun-woo said, increasing the number of advisors would not only maximize operational efficiency but also provide a safeguard to keep the corruption of the Hall Masters in check. The only downside was that the Alliance Leader’s authority would be diminished, losing the absolute, unchecked power of the past.
Thus, he couldn't bring himself to argue. The man designated to be the Alliance Leader was stepping forward to sacrifice his own power, after all.
After a long silence, Gye Sang-deuk spoke.
"Sword God… would you not reconsider? If we increase the advisors as you suggest, efficiency may rise, but the Alliance Leader’s authority will be drastically curtailed. Absolute power will essentially evaporate into thin air."
Gye Sang-deuk began to persuade him in a subtle tone. Decentralizing power was unthinkable to him. There wasn't even enough for two people to share; how could they possibly divide it among many?
"It doesn't matter," Sun-woo replied calmly.
He had no interest in absolute power. To someone who already possessed everything, what use was such authority?
"From the beginning, the power of the Cheonmu Alliance Leader was abnormally immense. I believe this level of decentralization is a natural progression."
In truth, it was absurd for a layman like the Cheonmu Alliance Leader to oversee specialized fields such as economics, military affairs, accounting, and auditing. Without specialized knowledge, there was little difference between an Alliance Leader and a six-year-old child.
Lee Jae-won might have been satisfied with absolute power, but such a structure inevitably led to internal stagnation and corruption. As long as one could deceive an ignorant Alliance Leader, illicit wealth could be accumulated indefinitely.
"…Do you truly not desire absolute power?" Gye Sang-deuk asked back, his expression one of utter bewilderment.
He simply couldn't understand. It was human nature to crave power. Through the exercise of power, one felt the reality of standing in a superior position. With power came the envy and admiration of many. With power, one could amass staggering wealth. With power, one could do whatever they pleased.
And yet, how could this man appear so detached? Especially at such a young age, not even thirty. It defied all logic.
"What I desire is not absolute power."
Sun-woo shook his head slowly.
"It is Justice and Chivalry."
He spoke the words with a deeply solemn expression.
"……"
Hearing this, Gye Sang-deuk’s mouth hung slightly open, his face blank. He was stunned by the completely unexpected answer. At the same time, a sense of shame washed over him. He felt as though he had tried to force his own ugly, filthy desires upon a noble and righteous hero.
'Ah… ah… I was the one in the wrong.'
Gye Sang-deuk realized it then. He realized that he was the one who had strayed. He was nothing more than a power-mad politician, no different from the previous leadership.
Thud.
Gye Sang-deuk abruptly stood up.
Slowly.
He looked at Sun-woo and began to bow his head deeply. It was a gesture of gratitude toward Sun-woo for awakening him to his own rudeness and ugliness.
"Wait, Elder Gye?!"
"Why is the Elder bowing?!"
The other Elders watching the scene were struck with shock. Who was Gye Sang-deuk? Among the Elders, he was known for his fiery temper and stubbornness—a man who would push his views to the end, whether he was right or wrong. For such a man to bow his head… what on earth was happening?
"My thoughts were shallow. Please forgive my rudeness."
Gye Sang-deuk ignored the reactions around him and continued.
"Not at all. What rudeness are you speaking of?" Sun-woo said, waving his hand. He felt the gesture was a bit excessive.
"No, a politician blinded by the lust for power stood in the way of one seeking to practice Chivalry. How can that not be called rude? Please, forgive me."
Gye Sang-deuk remained bowed as he spoke.
"…I understand. Please, raise your head now."
Sun-woo spoke with a resigned expression. It didn't seem like the man would look up otherwise.
"Thank you… Sword God."
Gye Sang-deuk slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with gratitude toward Sun-woo for forgiving his lapse.
"Then, Elder Gye, do you agree with my proposal?" Sun-woo asked.
"Of course. Not just I, but every Elder here will surely agree."
Gye Sang-deuk scanned the room with a calm gaze. "Is that not so?"
"Hahaha… of course we agree!"
"I also believe it is the right path."
"To think such an innovative management method existed… I am lost in admiration."
"The term 'Chivalrous Hero' truly comes to mind."
"Chivalry and Justice over power… my eyes have been opened today."
The Elders, meeting Gye Sang-deuk’s gaze, began to chatter excitedly. They, too, were moved by Sun-woo’s words. In Sun-woo, who pursued only Chivalry and Justice rather than power, they saw the image of the lost Chivalrous Hero—an ideal that had long since faded.
It was truly a wonderful day.
"I am simply grateful that you all agree," Sun-woo said politely, expressing his thanks. He felt genuinely appreciative that they had accepted a proposal that could have easily met with resistance.
"Nonsense. We welcome such a proposal with open arms. Is it not a path for Justice and Chivalry?" Gye Sang-deuk replied with a gentle smile. His fondness for Sun-woo’s polite demeanor was growing by the second.
"…Then, may I make a few more suggestions?" Sun-woo asked in a subtle voice. Seeing how high their spirits were, he figured even a somewhat bold proposal wouldn't be hard to sell.
"Suggest as much as you like. I shall listen intently to your words," Gye Sang-deuk said, his expression turning serious.
"I would like to change the name of the Cheonmu Alliance," Sun-woo stated calmly.
"The name?" Gye Sang-deuk asked back, looking puzzled.
"Currently, the public perception of the Cheonmu Alliance is at its worst. No matter how much we reform internally, if we do not change the name, the path to improving that perception will remain distant."
"Changing the name… but doing so might make it difficult to absorb the Cheonmu Alliance as it is," Gye Sang-deuk said with a worried look.
Changing the name meant being born anew. And newness often invited backlash from those already within the system. People tended to feel a sense of rejection when they felt the very foundation of their organization was being shaken.
"I believe it is a risk worth taking," Sun-woo replied steadily. "While we may not be able to absorb the Cheonmu Alliance in its entirety, it will be an opportunity to announce our will to be reborn to the entire world."
Sun-woo looked at Gye Sang-deuk with eyes full of conviction.
"…I see."
Gye Sang-deuk nodded solemnly. It was a trade-off. Their forces might shrink, but they would win the hearts of the people. Furthermore, it would have a promotional effect—advertising a newly born organization rather than the corrupt Cheonmu Alliance of old.
"Do you have a name in mind?" Gye Sang-deuk asked curiously.
"How does 'Uicheon' sound?" Sun-woo suggested with a soft smile.
"Uicheon (義天)?"
"Yes. Rather than revering Martial Arts (Mu) like the heavens, I want to signify that we revere Righteousness (Ui) like the heavens. I want it to mean that we will be an organization moved solely by Chivalry and Justice, not by force or power."
"…Uicheon… Uicheon…"
Gye Sang-deuk repeated the name several times. Then, a broad smile spread across his face. He was deeply satisfied with the meaning behind the name. He felt it contained Sun-woo’s unique will, which stood in stark contrast to the Cheonmu Alliance.
'A noble choice… truly noble.'
He thought to himself that if it were Jang Sun-woo—a man determined to live a life of righteousness—he would surely become a leader beyond compare.
"It is excellent."
Gye Sang-deuk nodded in approval. It was a perfect fit. Now, he couldn't imagine any name other than Uicheon.
"I like it as well… I am so pleased to feel the Sword God’s will to do what is right through this name."
"With the name Uicheon, we will surely be able to capture the hearts of the chivalrous men within the Cheonmu Alliance!"
"Revering Righteousness like the heavens… no one but the Sword God could have come up with such a thought."
"Your naming skills are truly remarkable… this old man could never have thought of such a name."
The Elders began to respond enthusiastically. The name Uicheon, imbued with the noble mission of a Chivalrous Hero, had touched their hearts. It felt as though their younger selves—who had once gathered solely out of righteous passion—were being reflected in that word.
"Thank you for your agreement, Elders. Then, from this moment on, the Cheonmu Alliance shall be renamed the Uicheon Alliance."
Sun-woo smiled gently. He felt grateful to the Elders for following his suggestions without opposition. In truth, he had been worried. He feared they might stubbornly insist on changing it to something like the 'Murim Alliance' instead. Given how they clung to past glory, it was a demand they were entirely capable of making.
But as it turned out, they were following his lead exceptionally well.
'Is this what they call being pampered?'
Sun-woo looked satisfied. He was receiving the kind of absolute support he hadn't even gotten when he handed out hamburgers during the class president election.
'With this much support… it’s worth a shot.'
Sun-woo made up his mind. He decided to voice the proposal he had been agonizing over, expecting fierce opposition.
"And finally, there is one more thing I would like to suggest, Elders."
Sun-woo looked around at the seated Elders. Their eyes converged on him, filled with anticipation. They were eager to see what words this great martial artist and peerless hero would use to move them next.
"I would like to move the location of the Uicheon Alliance," Sun-woo said calmly.
Upon hearing those words, the expectant expressions of the Elders began to sink into stillness. It was a proposal that was entirely unexpected—and one that would certainly not be welcomed.
Move the location of the Uicheon Alliance? What kind of nonsense was this?
"New wine must be put into new wineskins. I believe the Uicheon Alliance must also establish itself in a new place."
Sun-woo continued as he watched them. The expressions of the Elders began to contort violently.
Except for one person.
Lee Se-jin, who lived far out in the outskirts.