Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: North Heaven Alliance Leader 2
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As Baek Moo-jin performed the formal bow to withdraw from the Alliance Leader's quarters, Alliance Leader Goo Yang-hoo tossed out an unexpected question.
"I have something to ask."
"Yes."
"Do you know how to play Go?"
"Pardon? I don't know the first thing about it."
Baek Moo-jin had lived without the time or leisure to bother with something like Go. For some reason, Goo Yang-hoo pressed on with a deeply serious expression.
"You should learn."
"Go?"
"You dislike it?"
"No. If you're willing to teach me."
"Good. We'll continue this later."
"Understood."
"You may withdraw."
Baek Moo-jin withdrew while unconsciously scanning the area around the Alliance Leader's quarters. Strangely enough, he couldn't sense the presence of anyone guarding the Alliance Leader. Either there were no escorts at all, or there was an expert so transcendent they could fool even Baek Moo-jin's senses.
'That's odd. No escorts?'
Once Baek Moo-jin had left the Alliance Leader's quarters, Goo Yang-hoo summoned Execution Hall Leader Woo Tae-jeong once more.
"Alliance Leader, you called?"
"Execution Hall Leader."
"Yes."
"Given your temperament..."
"Yes."
"You're probably investigating the Snow Mountain Baek Family right now. Am I right?"
Goo Yang-hoo's sharp question made Woo Tae-jeong's insides twinge with needless guilt.
"I deemed it necessary."
As the Execution Hall Leader trailed off, Goo Yang-hoo nodded.
"I'm not here to scold you. It's exactly what you should be doing."
"Yes."
"But halt the investigation. Meeting Baek Moo-jin convinced me it's unnecessary."
"Hmm..."
"I plan to keep him close. Digging into his background doesn't sit right with me."
Goo Yang-hoo laid out the reason plainly, and Execution Hall Leader Woo Tae-jeong nodded. But his next words carried a truly chilling edge.
"For now, I'll trust him and put him to use. But anyone betraying me in the North Heaven Alliance—no matter who—will find no mercy. Of course, true loyalty gets my trust in return, whoever it comes from. Anyway, with such fine talent joining us, I want to set a good example. His martial arts are top-tier, and his personality suits me."
"Is that so? Understood."
"I won't pry into the Snow Mountain Baek Family with Elder Won either."
"Got it. I understand. Any other orders?"
The perceptive Woo Tae-jeong figured commands about Baek Moo-jin would come straight from the Alliance Leader.
Goo Yang-hoo nodded and gave the order.
"Register Baek Moo-jin as a First Grade Warrior for starters."
"First Grade? We usually factor in time served in the Alliance... Second Grade at first, with promotion later, seems more fitting."
"Putting the man who crushed a First Grade into Second Grade? What would recruits think of the North Heaven Alliance on hearing the rumors?"
"Even so... Should we keep it off the books for now?"
"You cling too hard to tradition. Drop it. What's the point of secrecy? Announce it openly and register him as First Grade Warrior. We're not sticking him in Hidden Shadow Pavilion, so why hide it?"
Woo Tae-jeong replied with a hardened expression.
"Understood. I'll handle it that way."
"Leave the position open for now. I'll assign one later."
"Yes."
"Good. Do it right away."
Bowing out, Execution Hall Leader Woo Tae-jeong found the Alliance Leader's decisions today baffling enough to cock his head.
'No idea what he's thinking.'
2.
Alone now, Goo Yang-hoo ascended to his office and flung open the window, taking in the sweeping view of the North Heaven Alliance. The Alliance Leader's office crowned the alliance's tallest building, with massive windows facing north and south.
The north window framed Tongcheon Pass, the chokepoint any invading outside force had to breach. The south one revealed the North Heaven Alliance itself, with Goo Yang-hoo at its apex.
The Alliance Leader's domain sat at the pinnacle—and the most perilous spot.
Yet lately, Goo Yang-hoo left the north window shut.
His gaze lingered south over the sprawling North Heaven Alliance. He smiled at one packed cluster of buildings.
Truth be told, nobody in the North Heaven Alliance could accurately gauge Goo Yang-hoo's own martial prowess. He'd been just the Escort Commander. His ascension to Alliance Leader faced fierce backlash, and even after repeated duels, dissent lingered.
That's martial artists for you.
They demand proof with their own eyes.
Those who chafe under others will challenge anyway, victory be damned. Righteous Path, Black Path—it doesn't matter. It's the martial world way.
And so rebellion took root.
Goo Yang-hoo meant to face the rebels alone, with only Baek Moo-jin at his side. That would hand them their golden chance.
But Goo Yang-hoo, for all his scheming and murderous intent, had overlooked one crucial detail.
Baek Moo-jin's true level of martial might.
He'd probed Baek Moo-jin every way he could, but couldn't pin it down. Frankly, sizing up Baek Moo-jin's strength intrigued him more than crushing the rebels.
3.
"Where the hell are you headed?"
Seo Moon-geuk's question drew Baek Moo-jin's reply.
"Staying at the Alliance Leader's quarters for a few days."
"What? Alliance Leader's quarters? Us too? What's going on?"
"No clue."
Seo Moon-geuk's eyes bulged. Joo Ja-woon looked envious.
Seo Moon-geuk spat as he pressed.
"Don't tell me you're joining the Escort Unit?"
"Escort Unit? Doubt it. Just told to report to the Alliance Leader's quarters. Met him, and somehow that's what happened."
"Ah... What is this? We been ditched already? What do you think, Brother Joo?"
"Jealous."
"Why's this wait dragging? Sword Unit Deputy Commander'd be a steal right now, but even those slots are full, from what I hear. Every quasi-officer spot's jammed. Can't have us slumming as Seventh or Eighth Graders either, right?"
Seo Moon-geuk fumed, but Joo Ja-woon soothed him.
"Think Brother Seo Moon and I'd settle for grunt work? Stay cool till something good opens."
Seo Moon-geuk suddenly grabbed his gut, bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha! Brother Joo, kidding. Just playing excited since Brother Baek's off to see the boss. Longer the wait, less work for us—win-win. Right?"
"Huh?"
With Seo Moon-geuk flipping attitudes, Baek Moo-jin chuckled.
"So Brother Seo Moon's set to kick back and mooch?"
"Mooching our choice? Blame the Alliance for not assigning us. Can't even squeeze in a drink?"
"Yeah. Booze after I get back. Alliance bans it, I hear."
"Deal."
No bags to pack, Baek Moo-jin bid the pair farewell, bound straight for the Alliance Leader's quarters.
Seo Moon-geuk nodded.
"Safe trip. Drop our names to the Alliance Leader."
Baek Moo-jin grinned and nodded.
"If the chance comes up."
Baek Moo-jin turned, took a few steps—then Seo Moon-geuk called out.
"Brother Baek, make your mark. You'll nail it anyway."
"Heh, got it."
Baek Moo-jin nodded and headed off. Per the Alliance Leader's word, rebels could strike any moment.
Still, Baek Moo-jin felt nothing special.
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