Chapter 65
Chapter 65
Translator: Penny
Chapter 65
Asura Radiant King (4)
Ban Seojeong was led to a well-appointed guest hall deep within the Martial Arts Alliance's inner hall.
Feng Laoda, who had accompanied her, was not permitted to enter this far and had to wait outside.
Sama Cheon was already waiting in the guest hall.
"Welcome, Society Head Ban."
"It's an honor to meet you, Strategist Sama."
"Please, take a seat."
A wine table had been prepared in advance. Setting out a wine table for a first meeting, especially when the guest was a woman, was considered a breach of etiquette.
Whether the guest was male or female, the proper custom for a formal first meeting was to serve tea first and then ask if they would like a cup of wine.
"I'm truly grateful you accepted my invitation."
"Not at all. It's only natural that I come to pay my respects."
"Ha ha, it puts my mind at ease to hear you say that. Now, have a drink."
Even though it was their first meeting, she was perfectly happy to share a drink with someone she considered a good person. As someone who lived in the Martial Arts World, she had long transcended the conventional distinctions between men and women.
Yet she knew Sama Cheon, the man before her, better than anyone else.
He was a man who had once sided with the Heavenly Blade Gate faction, taking on all sorts of corrupt tasks. He was neither suited for the prestigious position of Chief Strategist of the Martial Arts Alliance, nor did he possess the necessary capabilities. He was more of a cunning politician than a true strategist.
Regardless of her true feelings, Ban Seojeong's expression betrayed no discomfort whatsoever.
Maintaining a smile, especially when dealing with unfriendly opponents, was her way of navigating the world.
It's acceptable to express your true feelings to good people. If you're angry, you can explain why. At least they won't twist your words and hold a grudge.
But revealing your emotions honestly to someone you consider an enemy is utter foolishness. Especially if that emotion is anger. It might feel like you're venting your anger on them in the moment, but ultimately, you're only hurting yourself.
Just then, someone entered the room.
"Did you call for me?"
The person who arrived at Sama Cheon's summons was none other than Gal Saryang.
Gal Saryang flinched in surprise at seeing Ban Seojeong there. Ban Seojeong was equally startled, never having imagined she would encounter Gal Saryang in this place.
"Ah, now that I think about it, you two know each other, don't you?" Sama Cheon feigned ignorance, as if he had summoned them without realizing they were acquainted.
Both Gal Saryang and Ban Seojeong sensed that Sama Cheon had deliberately orchestrated this meeting.
"It's been a while. How have you been?" Ban Seojeong greeted first, and Gal Saryang bowed respectfully in return.
"I've been well, thanks to you."
Ban Seojeong detected a hint of melancholy in his reply. To her, it sounded like: How could I possibly be well after losing my Liege Lord?
Gal Saryang handed the documents he had brought to Sama Cheon.
"Here are the documents you requested."
"Ha ha, thank you. Since you're here, why not stay for a drink?"
"I'm still on duty, so I'll have to decline with my heart. I'll take my leave now."
"Take care."
Sama Cheon remained oblivious to the subtle emotions simmering between the two.
He had summoned Gal Saryang to this meeting solely to humiliate him in front of Ban Seojeong.
Now, even seeing him reduced to a mere strategist, running petty errands, would be a sufficient humiliation.
Sama Cheon was relentlessly trying to break Gal Saryang's spirit and drag him to rock bottom. He relished this perverse pleasure.
Gal Saryang left the room. Before the door could close, Sama Cheon remarked, "He was truly a capable man."
The deliberate use of the past tense was meant for Gal Saryang's ears, while simultaneously probing Ban Seojeong's true opinion of him.
Ban Seojeong smiled and replied, "There are many capable people in the Martial Arts World. But few are truly desired by the times."
Though the words were insincere, to Sama Cheon's ears, they sounded like a sweet declaration: You are the one desired by the times.
Sama Cheon beamed with satisfaction.
"Ah, this is the taste of power."
This was the true flavor of authority. If he weren't the Chief Strategist, how could he possibly drink wine poured by the Society Head of the Heavenly Net Society, or hear such sweet words, sweeter than any wine?
Before becoming the Chief Strategist of the Martial Arts Alliance, even meeting the Society Head would have been nearly impossible.
He was now reaping the rewards of his diligent efforts in cleaning up the Heavenly Blade Gate's messes. Naturally, he was working tirelessly to maintain his position.
After exchanging pleasantries, it was time for her to leave.
"Then, I look forward to seeing you again soon."
"Likewise."
Before rising, Ban Seojeong produced something from her sleeve.
"This is recent intelligence obtained by the Guild. I brought it as a gift to commemorate our meeting today, Strategist."
Sama Cheon unfolded the document and read it.
His eyes widened in shock.
"Is this truly a document left by the Former Alliance Leader?"
"Yes, we've already verified that it's the former Alliance Leader's own handwriting."
"How did you obtain this document?"
Ban Seojeong smiled. "As you well know, information in the Martial Arts World flows as naturally as the laws of nature. Just as no one asks how summer arrives."
Sama Cheon couldn't press further. He understood the unspoken rule among intelligence organizations: never inquire about the source of information, especially when it's offered as a gift.
In truth, Ban Seojeong had been torn about whether to reveal this information. Sharing it would benefit Gal Saryang, but the gravity of the matter carried significant risks.
However, witnessing Sama Cheon summon Gal Saryang here to humiliate him solidified her decision to share the intelligence.
She left the Guest Hall first, and Sama Cheon followed shortly after.
"Something's suspicious."
Jo Byeok, who had rushed to Sama Cheon's summons, immediately voiced his doubts after hearing Ban Seojeong's account.
"And the timing is far too coincidental."
"But it's been confirmed that the Alliance Leader wrote it himself, hasn't it?"
"Handwriting can be forged."
"It also contained details about the Soul-Chasing Asura Sword Technique, which only the Alliance Leader knows. How do you explain that?"
"That just means no one but the Alliance Leader can truly verify its authenticity."
"Let's wait and see. Our handwriting experts are analyzing it too."
The Martial Arts Alliance had assigned their most skilled handwriting analyst to the case.
"If your theory is correct and this is a forgery, does that mean the Society Head of the Heavenly Net Society is declaring war on me?"
Sama Cheon couldn't make sense of it. Opposing him meant opposing the entire Martial Arts Alliance, effectively staking the organization's survival on this conflict.
"The Heavenly Net Society would risk their lives for something like this?"
Sama Cheon tilted his head, unconvinced. No matter how he thought about it, it didn't seem likely.
"Someone might be using them."
"Who? The former Head of the Alliance Guard Corps?"
Baek Pyo was the first person who came to mind. He was currently under suspicion of possessing the sword.
"Based on my impression of him that day and his past record, he doesn't seem like the type to orchestrate something like this."
Jo Byeok agreed.
"Gal Saryang might be behind it."
"That's possible."
Gal Saryang was already under surveillance. If he had contacted the Heavenly Net Society, they would have been notified. Of course, as a seasoned veteran, he might have evaded surveillance to meet with the Society Head.
However, judging by the way the two had reacted when they first met, that didn't seem likely. They had both been genuinely surprised to see each other, not feigning it, and it was clear they hadn't met in a very long time.
Just then, a subordinate entered the office to report.
"The handwriting analysis confirms that the document was definitely written by the Former Alliance Leader."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, they're certain."
"Any possibility of forgery?"
"None whatsoever. The analyst believes it was written a few months before the Former Alliance Leader's death. The sections mentioning martial arts were also verified by the Veteran Masters of the Elder Council, who confirmed the handwriting matches the Alliance Leader's."
"Understood. You may withdraw."
As the subordinate retreated, Sama Cheon turned to Jo Byeok.
Jo Byeok remained skeptical.
"Even if this is genuine, we must question why it was released at this particular moment."
"If someone deliberately released it, it would likely be Baek Pyo or Gal Saryang. They're the only ones who could have possessed the Alliance Leader's relics. But what does it matter now? The crucial point is that the Asura Radiant King Sword no longer exists in this world."
Sama Cheon had sought the Asura Radiant King Sword to offer it to Ma Bonggi, hoping to gain his trust.
But with the sword's disappearance confirmed, his interest vanished as well.
"Halt the investigation into Baek Pyo. We have far more pressing matters to attend to."
Sama Cheon cared nothing for the desires of the martial artists. He remained focused solely on pursuing Ma Bonggi's ambitions, as he had done his entire life.
That evening, I had the chance to meet Myeong, Baek Pyo's son, who had come to run an errand for his mother.
"Say hello. This is Young Master Byeok."
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Myeong."
Baek Pyo's son was seven years old. With bright, intelligent eyes, he displayed remarkable politeness for his age. Well, what else would you expect from the son of someone like Baek Pyo?
"Who did he inherit his good looks from? Your sister-in-law must be quite the beauty."
Baek Pyo looked flustered at the mention of "sister-in-law." He was merely the owner of a tavern, while I was a guest and the heir to the Byeok Clan Sword School.
When I offered a relaxed smile, Baek Pyo quickly relaxed as well. A flicker of gratitude crossed his eyes. He was even more touched because he hadn't expected such consideration.
This is how I should have acted in my past life. A simple word, a small gesture of kindness—that's all it takes to move someone's heart. What was so important about the authority of the Alliance Leader that I lived such a rigid life?
"Myeong, you must always listen to your parents."
I pressed a coin into Myeong's hand. The boy looked up at Baek Pyo, asking if he could accept it.
When Baek Pyo nodded, Myeong bowed deeply, thanking him, and scurried out the back door.
Baek Pyo's gaze deepened as he watched Myeong leave.
"These days, I live for the joy of raising that little rascal," Baek Pyo said.
He had spent his youth protecting me, wandering with me across countless battlefields, fighting like a madman. In the process, he lost countless comrades. The scars on his heart must be far deeper than the dozens that crisscrossed his body—wounds that would never truly heal.
After leaving the Martial Arts Alliance, Baek Pyo now guards my sword. He has dedicated his entire life to protecting me and everything connected to me.
Considering his life... what was so important about the life of some pompous old man? What was so special about that mere sword?
So, Baek Pyo, it's time for you to be happy. Embrace happiness without reservation.
Now, it's my turn to protect you.
Three men entered an estate on the Wuhan Outskirts.
Each man had a distinct build and age, with unique characteristics.
The oldest-looking man was a hairy brute, his face obscured by thick sideburns and his hands and arms covered in dense fur. Another man was a colossal figure, his biceps seemingly twice the thickness of an average person's waist. The last man was truly hideous, his face resembling crushed fermented soybean cakes.
Despite their striking differences, they shared one thing in common: their eyes burned with a chronic, murderous intent—the kind that would allow them to casually kill a person and then calmly eat a meal beside the corpse.
These were Jo Byeok's Three Shadows, the Samyeong.
The man waiting for them was Jo Byeok himself.
"You've arrived?"
"Summoning all three of us... What's the matter?"
"Unfortunately, the mission you were assigned has been canceled."
The Three Shadows showed their disappointment.
Jo Byeok pulled out three or four hundred-tael banknotes and handed them to the trio.
"Relax and enjoy yourselves with women for a while."
The Three Shadows' faces brightened immediately.
"Do not leave Wuhan until I give you further orders."
Jo Byeok didn't dismiss them. Though Sama Cheon had withdrawn from the case, Jo Byeok still felt uneasy. He sensed something more was at play, something hidden beneath the surface.
He secretly planned to extract more information from Baek Pyo, without reporting the results to Sama Cheon. He wanted to prove to himself that his intuition was correct.
As one of the Three Shadows turned to leave, he casually asked, "By the way, who was our original target?"
"The former Head of the Alliance Guard Corps."
"He must be quite formidable."
"It's not just 'strong.' Even if the three of you attacked him together, you wouldn't be able to kill him."
"Is he really that powerful?"
"What do you think the Alliance Guard Corps is? They're the ones who protect the Alliance Leader. The Head of the Alliance Guard Corps is their leader. Even I can't defeat him in a direct confrontation. But don't worry. He has a wife and son. We can make him kneel anytime we want."
A sinister glint flashed across the faces of the four men simultaneously. This was how they had always lived—and how they had survived.
"Since Brother is on the Death List, it wouldn't matter if it was the Head of the Alliance Guard Corps or even his grandfather. The outcome would be the same."
No one who had crossed paths with them had ever survived. No matter how skilled their opponents were, they always found a weakness and exploited it to kill them.
After they left, I emerged from the shadows.
I had been tracking the Three Shadows' movements toward Wuhan without losing sight of them for a moment.
Concealing my presence, I eavesdropped on their entire conversation.
The moment I heard the order had been rescinded, I knew my plan had succeeded.
But it was only a partial victory. Jo Byeok hadn't completely dismissed his suspicions, as evidenced by his refusal to send the Three Shadows back.
The instant he mentioned Baek Pyo's family, I made my decision.
I would eliminate all four of them.
It was the kind of act I despised most: targeting families and harming those ignorant of martial arts. But if it was Baek Pyo's family?
My instincts screamed to wipe them out right then and there, but I restrained myself.
I had painstakingly made them believe I had destroyed the Asura Radiant King Sword; there was no need to give Sama Cheon further reason to suspect me.
I would eliminate them in stages, framing each incident as unrelated to this affair.
You have been added to my Death List.
Leave your final words on my Death List.