A Being That Even the World Cannot Embrace
Baek Seung-mu realized it anew.
'As expected, my senior brother isn't really a Taoist.'
No, it went beyond that.
Even he, who had shed the dust of the secular world, was astonished.
'I thought I knew him to some extent, but I never imagined it was this much...'
Baek Seung-mu pondered seriously.
His martial prowess was growing at an astonishing rate, which was a blessing. But with that growth came an equal accumulation of worldly dust.
At this rate, he might become a master, but becoming a true hero seemed a distant dream.
'Should I keep following Senior Brother?'
The alliance leader election was drawing to a close.
Once it ended, some would return to their sects.
The desire to join them began to stir within him.
"...Senior Brother."
"What?"
It was hard to open his mouth, but once he did, the words came easily.
"To be honest..."
At that moment, Jeong U, the eldest senior brother of the Jeong generation, approached.
"My junior brothers are full of energy today as well."
"Eldest Senior Brother, you're here?"
"Jeong Gwang, I came because I have something to ask you."
Jeong U continued with a slightly weary expression.
"I heard from Young Hero Yu Jeong-pung of the Beggars' Sect that there are more orphans than expected. I'd like to take in as many as possible, but funding is a concern."
Several sects were offering support, but it wouldn't last forever.
They couldn't take in too many right away without financial leeway, so a cool-headed decision was needed.
Jeong Gwang, naturally, judged cool-headedly.
"Just take in a lot."
"...Won't it be tough later?"
"Then cut back on their food and clothes. It's still better than letting them live in danger like now, right?"
"...Hm. You're right."
Young, powerless orphans lived worse than beggars—often exploited by them.
At least an orphanage would shield them from physical threats.
"The kids' health is bad right now, isn't it?"
"Yes. We'll need to feed them well and let them rest for a while."
"Once their bodies recover, put them to work."
"...Work? Didn't we agree to teach them letters if they want to learn, or martial arts if they prefer?"
"How many will really stick with it? Most will quit soon enough."
Reaching any real level in letters or martial arts required grueling effort.
People had different talents and desired paths. Forcing every child down that road was irresponsible coercion.
Jeong U nodded unwittingly.
"True. I hadn't considered the kids who won't want to learn."
"We can't feed them forever, so teach them work too. If they want to be beggars, introduce them to the Beggars' Sect."
"...There probably won't be any like that."
"Anyway, that's how they'll learn to stand on their own quickly."
"Right. You're correct. I'll discuss it with the elders right away and work out the details."
"Oh, and when the kids grow up and become independent, collect donations from them."
Jeong U paused at the unexpected suggestion.
Donations were given willingly, not taken by force.
Besides, there was another issue.
"How much could those kids earn in the future?"
"We still need to take it. They have to learn that if they receive help, they should give back."
"Ah!"
It was about instilling that mindset, even if small amounts.
Jeong U interpreted it differently.
"Yes. These kids have been twisted by evil, seeing the world askew. It's not their fault, but we must correct them."
The money would go to future orphans.
It would create a virtuous cycle.
Jeong U was genuinely impressed.
"As expected of my junior brother! Such profound thinking!"
Baek Seung-mu was also genuinely impressed.
'As expected of Senior Brother! Even figuring out how to cover costs like that!'
Jeong U praised Jeong Gwang with a joyful face before leaving.
Unlike him, Baek Seung-mu looked at Jeong Gwang with a complicated expression.
'Is Senior Brother righteous or demonic? I truly can't tell.'
He pursued his own selfish desires, yet those actions always benefited many.
'Intentions aren't good, but results are. Can this be called heroic deeds?'
Two voices clashed in Baek Seung-mu's heart.
—The essence isn't good.
—Still better than empty words.
—Didn't you want to be a great hero?
—What even is a great hero?
The deliberation didn't last long.
One thing was certain.
'Either way, Senior Brother is helping the world.'
He couldn't say Jeong Gwang was right, but not wrong either.
'This must be Senior Brother's brand of heroism.'
Compared to that, what about himself?
He still didn't know what heroism was or which path to take.
'Maybe staying with Senior Brother will show me someday...'
A small realization and resolve.
He'd make it his lifelong pursuit.
A strong aspiration and determination welled up in Baek Seung-mu's chest.
'I'll find it. I will, no matter what.'
But he had a more pressing matter right now.
Jeong Gwang pretended to flick his finger with jipung.
"Junior Brother. An hour's passed. Time to resume training."
* * *
The morning of the Murim Alliance leader election.
People gathered in Yihyeolgak, where the leader would meet key figures.
From the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, the Seven Great Clans, and even the Six Clans Seven Groups Three Manors—thirty-three sects in total.
Among them, a refined middle-aged man in crane cloak ascended the platform.
He was from the Jegal family, who had long shouldered the alliance's military strategist role due to their brilliance.
"Greetings. I am Jegal Mun-hyeong, taking on the role of the alliance's military strategist."
After explaining the alliance's founding purpose and the current Sima Lian threat, he got to the point.
"We will now begin the leader election."
The method was simple.
Listen to candidates' speeches, then raise hands when your supported name is called.
Once Namgung Hwa-in and Paeng Su-gwan finished, Jegal Mun-hyeong spoke.
"Representatives supporting Great Hero Namgung, please raise your hands."
Hands went up here and there.
"Representatives supporting Great Hero Paeng, please raise your hands."
More hands rose than before.
Jegal Mun-hyeong tallied calmly.
"Great Hero Namgung: thirteen sects. Great Hero Paeng: eighteen sects. Abstentions: two."
His hand pointed to Paeng Su-gwan.
"I hereby declare Hebei Paeng Clan's Paeng Su-gwan as the new Murim Alliance leader!"
Paeng Su-gwan took the platform.
His inauguration speech was short and powerful.
"For the jianghu! For our alliance warriors who will bleed for it! I, Paeng Su-gwan, vow to give my all! Guide and teach me much!"
"Woooaaah!"
Many cheered wildly.
Even those from non-supporters didn't look displeased—Paeng's character was generous and straightforward.
As he greeted them, they responded politely.
"We didn't support you before, but from now on, we will."
"Hahaha. Don't worry about it. I'm lacking, so your help would be appreciated."
Paeng Su-gwan embraced them all.
The atmosphere warmed.
"Alliance Leader."
"Oh, Great Hero Namgung."
His rival, Namgung Hwa-in, approached to congratulate him.
"My meager strength is yours fully. Pursue your vision freely."
"Hahaha. Thank you, Great Hero Namgung. It's like gaining a heavenly army."
The scene was perfectly harmonious, but their inner thoughts differed vastly...
Namgung Hwa-in ground his teeth.
'Think becoming leader ends it? I'll torment you thoroughly. You'll regret it.'
Paeng Su-gwan steeled himself.
'Smiling outside, seething inside. Whatever you try, I'll counter and win. Bring it.'
A clash of spear and shield.
Paeng Su-gwan wouldn't let his guard down.
The spear tip was blunt now, but it would sharpen with time.
'The enemy isn't just Namgung Clan.'
He saw those masking their expressions: Huashan, Jongnam, Gongdong—many sects.
'The real trouble lies ahead.'
Unknown how many would be swayed to Namgung by interests.
'To prevent that, I need Kunlun firmer in my grasp.'
Secure Kunlun, and Tang Clan, Beggars' Sect, Yue Clan, and more would follow.
Even if not, they'd at least stay neutral.
Paeng Su-gwan glanced at the man leading Kunlun's changes.
Heo Cheong, congratulating with a pure face.
'A rare true Taoist.'
Yet not rigid.
Reasonable—truly fortunate.
As promised, as long as he didn't stray from righteousness, continued support.
'And Jin Ok-ryong.'
The new dragon exploding in popularity among rank-and-file and juniors.
Capture him, solidify grassroots support.
Paeng Su-gwan looked out the window.
Toward Kunlun's lodgings.
'I must keep him close, by any means.'
Paeng Su-gwan was wise.
Wise enough to leash him without offending.
'Haha. See you soon.'
A confident smile curved his lips.
He addressed the crowd.
"Now, to Daeyeonmujang. Too many are waiting."
"Haha. Indeed."
Paeng Su-gwan headed to Daeyeonmujang with everyone from Yihyeolgak.
The gathered crowd saluted the leading Paeng Su-gwan and shouted.
"Alliance Leader! Congratulations!"
"Alliance Leader! Congratulations!"
Paeng Su-gwan returned broad smiles.
He ascended the platform, spoke, then bellowed.
"Now, let's enjoy! Not alliance funds—my secret stash, hidden from my wife!"
"Wahahaha!"
Paeng Su-gwan earnestly begged them to keep it secret to avoid getting fleeced.
The people laughed heartily and agreed.
Paeng Su-gwan roamed everywhere with a jar, clinking glasses one by one.
But...
'Where is he?'
Jeong Gwang was missing.
About to ask his master Heo Cheong—him too, gone.
Paeng Su-gwan's eyes widened.
'...No way?'
* * *
Baek Seung-mu asked Jeong Gwang with a shocked face.
"Senior Brother. What are you doing right now?"
"What are you doing, Junior Brother? Not going to the feast to enjoy?"
"I'm too exhausted to even walk there."
"Ooh. You've trained hard."
Baek Seung-mu's face twisted in disbelief.
Who made him train like that, saying such things!
'Wait, that's not the point.'
Baek Seung-mu swallowed hard and asked.
"Senior Brother. Just to be sure..."
"What?"
"...You're not running away, are you?"
"No."
"Then why pack your things?"
"To see the world."
"...Isn't that the same thing?!"
"Is it?"
Jeong Gwang stuffed his bundle full and slung it over his shoulder.
Baek Seung-mu's face darkened.
"You're really leaving?"
"Yeah."
"How can you leave so suddenly? At least tell Master before you go."
"Don't worry."
"Huh?"
"He's coming right now."
"...?"
Moments later, Heo Cheong's voice came from outside.
"May I enter?"
"Yes, Master."
Heo Cheong opened the door and sat opposite Jeong Gwang.
He shook his head at the bundle on Jeong Gwang's shoulder.
'I had a feeling this might happen.'
His disciple had always been willful.
Staying with the alliance this long was the surprise.
"The election's over, so you're leaving now?"
"Something like that."
"Paeng Clan head was behind, but he won by a landslide."
"Yeah."
"...Must be thanks to you. You worked hard."
"What did I even do?"
Heo Cheong smiled faintly.
"I don't know what, but I know you did something."
"Whoa. You've gained insight, Master."
"Sigh. Indeed. Must be thanks to a disciple like you."
Baek Seung-mu nodded in agreement at Heo Cheong's sigh-mixed words.
But he froze under Jeong Gwang's glare.
"Jeong Gwang. Don't glare at poor Seung-mu—look at me. You think your work here is done?"
"Pretty much."
"Worried the leader will foist Jiryongdan leader on you?"
"That's part of it."
"Just refuse."
"He'll create another comfy position then. One where I can eat and play."
"That sounds doable for you."
"There are more doable things outside."
"..."
Jeong Gwang was right.
The alliance was the center of righteous Murim, but still one organization.
How much was left to do in this vast world?
'How stifled he must have felt.'
Nineteen years confined to Kunlun, finally out.
Tied down here too would be too cruel.
Jeong Gwang wasn't small enough for Kunlun or the alliance to embrace.
No, perhaps not even the world.
"Can't I go?"
Heo Cheong laughed at Jeong Gwang fidgeting to rise.
"Hahaha. If I say no, will you stay?"
"Hmm..."
"Don't pretend to think. This master has made up his mind."
"...?"
Heo Cheong looked at Jeong Gwang.
His gaze was endlessly warm.
"Didn't I say I'd always be on your side, no matter where you are or what you do?"
Jeong Gwang grinned.
As expected of my master, he thought.
But.
Jeong Gwang's face hardened at Heo Cheong's next words.
"Still... that won't do."