Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: North Heaven Alliance Leader 1
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A few days later, North Heaven Alliance Leader Goo Yang-hoo tilted his head as he read the report brought by the Execution Hall Leader.
"Fewer than I expected."
"Is that so? I thought there were too many."
The report contained a list of individuals capable of overwhelmingly defeating First Grade Warrior Jang Geon, compiled at the Alliance Leader's request.
There were thirty-one names in total.
As Goo Yang-hoo scanned the list, he noted that the elders' names appeared most frequently.
It made sense—even when he had competed for the Alliance Leader position himself, three out of five challengers had been elders.
The next largest group of experts came from the Crimson Clothes Sword Hall, a small elite force.
The Crimson Clothes Sword Hall had been formed during the great war between righteousness and evil, and it now persisted within the North Heaven Alliance like an independent sect—a unique organization.
Despite the "crimson clothes" in its name, the group actually had no dress code. The name came from the fact that their garments were inevitably stained with blood during battle, regardless of what they wore.
It was the only organization beyond interference in personnel matters, maintaining an awkward distance even from the current Alliance Leader, Goo Yang-hoo.
Following them were the names of First Grade Warriors from the Hidden Shadow Pavilion—Jang Geon's colleagues—while the other organizations each had one or two leaders listed.
At the very end of the list, somewhat comically, was Baek Moo-jin's name, added as an afterthought.
Goo Yang-hoo found the report's conclusion amusing.
It felt like a request from the Execution Hall Leader to keep an eye on Baek Moo-jin. In any case, Goo Yang-hoo planned to meet him personally and decide what to do.
Goo Yang-hoo spoke.
"Bring in Baek Moo-jin."
"Understood."
"Ah, wait a moment before that..."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
Goo Yang-hoo, gazing down at the list, posed a truly unexpected question to the Execution Hall Leader.
"How many on this list can be definitively called my people?"
"Pardon?"
Execution Hall Leader Woo Tae-jeong's face flushed with confusion.
"How could there be anyone who isn't the Alliance Leader's person?"
"Is that so? It was a joke. Go on out, and send in Baek Moo-jin."
"Understood."
As Woo Tae-jeong withdrew, Goo Yang-hoo chuckled to himself.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 2.
From the moment Baek Moo-jin entered the Alliance Leader's chamber, Goo Yang-hoo examined him with gleaming eyes.
His expression, gestures, gait, balance, even his hand movements.
"Baek Moo-jin pays his respects to the Alliance Leader."
As Baek Moo-jin bowed, Goo Yang-hoo nodded, his scrutiny continuing unabated.
"I am Goo Yang-hoo. Sit."
"Yes."
Even Baek Moo-jin was no exception. This was the greatest figure he had encountered since descending Snow Mountain—the strongest opponent yet.
Goo Yang-hoo exuded an uncanny aura, like a tiger in its prime forced to sit calmly.
His gaze was overwhelmingly intimidating, yet Baek Moo-jin met it steadily, thanks to his innate composure.
One might think an Alliance Leader wouldn't bother with such posturing. But as the North Heaven Alliance Leader, Goo Yang-hoo unleashed an even fiercer presence before this newcomer, Baek Moo-jin.
It was a test of the young man from every angle.
How big is your vessel?
A conversation beyond words—a dialogue of body and energy between martial artists, unfolding silently between them.
"You defeated Jang Geon?"
"Yes."
"There are about thirty in the Alliance who could defeat him."
"Is that so?"
"It's confidential."
"I'll keep silent."
"Good."
Goo Yang-hoo let out a laugh.
"Do you need to prove your strength further? Or shall we stop here?"
He was asking if Baek Moo-jin wanted to spar with someone stronger. But beneath the question lay a clear intent to probe his temperament.
Baek Moo-jin paused before answering. He had no desire to impress the North Heaven Alliance Leader. Puzzled by the true motive behind the question, he took a moment to think.
Finally, he replied.
"I don't think there's a need to keep clashing with the North Heaven Alliance's powerhouses."
An unexpected response even for Goo Yang-hoo.
"Then?"
"If more proof of my strength is needed, against the North Heaven Alliance's rivals..."
Baek Moo-jin hesitated, searching for the right word, but settled on a simple one.
"I can prove it by crushing them."
How could Goo Yang-hoo not laugh at that? It was bold talk from a pale-faced youth, but it aligned perfectly with his own nature.
"Hahaha. No reports called you arrogant, did they?"
Baek Moo-jin smiled faintly in response.
"Were there no reports saying I have considerable confidence?"
"Heh heh heh."
Goo Yang-hoo rarely laughed so much.
He's an interesting one.
"Then I suppose I should grant you the position and authority to crush those rivals."
The implication of a high seat startled Baek Moo-jin, who quickly responded.
"Ah, Alliance Leader, that's not what I meant."
"It was a joke."
"Oh?"
"Disappointed?"
"No."
Goo Yang-hoo and Baek Moo-jin met each other's eyes and, without realizing it, smiled together.
Baek Moo-jin felt an affinity for Goo Yang-hoo's straightforward personality, while Goo Yang-hoo appreciated how the young man, despite his delicate appearance, never showed a hint of intimidation during their exchange.
Goo Yang-hoo continued.
"You're young."
"Yes."
"People are simple. They dislike those younger than them becoming superiors. Even when I was named the next Alliance Leader by the previous one, I faced attacks and challenges. I saw it as natural—I was younger than my rivals."
"..."
Baek Moo-jin listened quietly. Goo Yang-hoo went on.
"But the world we inhabit is fortunately called the stronghold."
"That's true."
"Some stubborn fools couldn't accept that I was the strongest. It's unfortunate for you, but that's why I have no intention of stirring up conflicts with external forces for the time being. I haven't been Alliance Leader long."
"Hm..."
The more Baek Moo-jin heard from the Alliance Leader, the more tension crept in unbidden.
Goo Yang-hoo spoke as if foretelling future events.
"Lately, I've been thinking the challenges might come from within. I'll accept them all, crush them, and break them—only then will I turn my gaze outward. Can you guess why I'm telling this to you, whom I've just met?"
Baek Moo-jin shook his head.
"I don't know."
"It means you'll have plenty of chances to prove your strength by my side."
"Ah..."
Goo Yang-hoo grinned confidently at Baek Moo-jin, radiating boundless assurance. What if Baek Moo-jin were an enemy? How could he keep a stranger so close? Apparently, such worries didn't cross Goo Yang-hoo's mind.
Looking into his eyes anew, Baek Moo-jin felt a chill run down his spine.
This man... he's a powerhouse overflowing with confidence.
Goo Yang-hoo was awaiting internal challenges—predicting them with near certainty. And he was making this offer to Baek Moo-jin, whom he'd just met.
Why not judge my strength then...?
It was a bold proposition, even accounting for the slim chance Baek Moo-jin might be a foe.
Goo Yang-hoo continued.
"I pity those who challenge me. But on the other hand, I'm deeply grateful."
"Why is that?"
Goo Yang-hoo smiled chillingly.
"It cleans things up nicely. My followers and the others will be sorted out. Right now, it's all too murky. Turbid blood flows through the North Heaven Alliance. But after blood spills in abundance because of this..."
"The Alliance's blood will run pure again."
Baek Moo-jin nodded at Goo Yang-hoo's words. He found it absurdly clear how well he understood the man's intentions.
He thought he'd refuse if the opposition approached him for aid. Of course, they had no idea of his prowess, so it wouldn't happen anyway.
Baek Moo-jin replied.
"Very well."
"Very well? What do you mean by that?"
"The North Heaven Alliance upholds justice. You inherited the authority legitimately from the previous Alliance Leader. If rebels arise, it's only right for a member like me to draw my sword and correct their wrongs. I'll show my strength then."
Goo Yang-hoo pondered Baek Moo-jin's words silently. They weren't wrong, but they didn't sound like something a subordinate would say.
Truly an interesting fellow.
Goo Yang-hoo laughed heartily and nodded.
"I'll look forward to your strength."
Baek Moo-jin nodded calmly.
"Yes."