Chapter 73
Chapter 73
Translator: Penny
Chapter 73
At the End of Fate's Branch (1)
I sat across from Baek Pyo at Pung Tavern.
The tavern hadn't opened yet, and at this moment, we weren't master and guest, but liege lord and retainer.
Whenever I took on a new subordinate, I treated them according to their age. Even Jeong Yeo and Gong Suchan weren't treated with disrespect.
But with Baek Pyo, I wanted to treat him as the Baek Pyo I remembered. So I told him beforehand that I would treat him casually. Of course, Baek Pyo readily accepted.
"How did you come to run the tavern?"
Now I could ask all the questions I'd held back. Truthfully, I was content just to look at him.
"I used to come here often with the Former Alliance Leader. He loved this place. As we visited frequently, I grew to like it too. When the Alliance Leader passed away, I couldn't stay in the Alliance any longer. The Alliance..."
"I felt like the Alliance Leader's death was somehow my fault."
Baek Pyo bowed his head deeply.
My heart ached, realizing how much he cared about me.
But as if realizing his mistake, Baek Pyo quickly added, "I apologize. I should refrain from mentioning the Former Alliance Leader."
He was likely worried that mentioning my former master would upset me, but fool, that story is my story too.
"It's alright. Isn't our current enemy the Martial Arts Alliance Leader? It would be strange if the Former Alliance Leader's name didn't come up in this situation. Feel free to mention him whenever you like. Besides, wasn't he someone you admired?"
"Thank you for understanding."
"Speaking of the Alliance Leader, I believe there's someone else behind Ma Bonggi. He lacks the ability to become the Alliance Leader on his own."
Baek Pyo wasn't particularly surprised.
"I think that's entirely possible."
The Head of the Alliance Guard Corps held the position of serving the Alliance Leader most closely. Having shared the Alliance Leader's sights and sounds, he was naturally well-versed in the affairs of the Martial Arts Alliance and the Martial Arts World.
How could he not harbor doubts about Ma Bonggi's ascension to the Alliance Leader position? However, the Alliance Guard Corps was an organization dedicated to protection, maintaining the most apolitical stance, which is why he had never voiced his concerns.
"If there's an even greater enemy, we need someone indispensable."
"Who is that?"
"Former Chief Strategist Gal Saryang."
I feigned ignorance when I asked, but I already anticipated the answer: Gal Saryang.
Baek Pyo had told me all about Gal Saryang. Of course, I already knew most of it, but the gist was that he possessed extraordinary abilities and we needed to recruit him.
"If I must leave this place, I need to meet Strategist Gal beforehand," I said.
I had to inform him about my new position and the fact that Baek Pyo had presented me with the Asura Radiant King Sword.
Leaving without informing him would cause Gal Saryang great concern. Moreover, Baek Pyo's possession of the Asura Radiant King Sword made the situation even more critical.
"But meeting him won't be easy now. I suspect Strategist Gal is under surveillance by Sama Cheon."
"Let's inform him slowly when the time is right, Alice. Acting hastily would endanger not only us but Strategist Gal as well."
"You are right."
Fortunately, Sama Cheon believed I had destroyed the Asura Radiant King Sword, so he wouldn't harass Gal Saryang over it.
"Never forget: to achieve our grand ambition, we must secure Strategist Gal's allegiance."
But securing Gal Saryang was as difficult as obtaining Baek Pyo's support.
We had only managed to gain Baek Pyo's support this time because Gwangdu had caused trouble and the Asura Radiant King Sword had resonated. It was truly a stroke of Heavenly Fortune.
Gal Saryang would also require a great deal of luck. At least Baek Pyo was now on my side; if he could persuade Gal Saryang, it might make things slightly easier.
For now, I intend to leave him be.
I know Gal Saryang better than anyone. If he's staying with the Martial Arts Alliance, it means he has a purpose there.
If fate led me to Baek Pyo, it will eventually lead me to Gal Saryang as well. I will wait for that moment.
This time, I told him everything about our Byeok Clan Sword School: my father and mother, the Sword Guard and Minor Sword Guard, and even how Yang Association Leader Jeong Yeo had sworn loyalty to me.
"My first goal is to completely control Shandong."
In truth, the Yang Association, the Foremost Association in Shandong, was already under my command, and the Song Family Manor, arguably the second most powerful force, was in absolute alliance with us.
"If we can elevate the Byeok Clan Sword School to become the Foremost Sect in Shandong under these circumstances, we'll have effectively controlled over half of Shandong. This is the task I need you to help me accomplish."
Baek Pyo listened intently, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"You've lived in the shadows as a guard until now. From now on, I need you to become someone who fights at the forefront."
"Understood."
One fortunate aspect was that, as a guard who had always concealed his identity, few people knew Baek Pyo. Even among the Corps Heads of the Martial Arts Alliance, some were unaware of his existence.
Therefore, even if he went to Shandong, almost no one would recognize him. And even if someone did, it wouldn't raise suspicion. It was common for retired Martial Arts Alliance experts to join ordinary sects.
"What are you working on in Wuhan right now?"
"I'm setting up a small Merchant Guild."
"Then what will my role be?"
"Before we discuss your role, there's something urgent we need to talk about."
"What is it?"
"It will likely take at least a month or two to wrap up our business in Wuhan and return to Shandong. During that time, would your family be willing to stay at our home?"
Baek Pyo was visibly startled by this unexpected proposal.
It wasn't an easy suggestion to make. It would mean separating from his wife and young son.
"This isn't just for this trip. I hope you'll live with our family permanently, as one household."
This arrangement would offer greater security in many ways. Moreover, Baek Pyo would need to move freely to handle various future tasks.
"With my parents caring for them, I believe you won't have to worry about them at all."
"Then I'm grateful, but I worry about causing you unnecessary trouble."
Baek Pyo's greatest concern was likely his family.
"Nonsense, man! Trouble? Your family is as good as my own."
Baek Pyo's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at me. His emotion was understandable; I was speaking the truth.
"Will you do it?"
"Yes, I will. Thank you, Young Master."
"Heh heh heh. Good. You've made the right decision."
I was overjoyed. I, more than anyone, wanted Baek Pyo's family to be safe.
"Keep Pung Tavern running for now. We'll decide what to do with it right before we return to Shandong."
"Yes, I understand."
With unfinished business in Wuhan, especially the matter with Gal Saryang, it seemed best to keep the tavern open for the time being.
"I plan to visit home briefly in a few days. I'll take your family with me then, so enjoy your time with them until then."
"Yes, I understand."
I raised my glass and toasted Baek Pyo.
Though I wasn't particularly fond of alcohol, the wine tonight tasted exceptionally delicious—so much so that I finally understood why people drank.
"Martial Artist Baek," I called out softly, using a familiar tone.
"Yes?"
"You don't need to fight for the peace of the Martial Arts World. Fight for your family. That's what I'm doing too."
I knew that sometimes, this personal motivation could be a stronger force than any grand cause. Baek Pyo likely understood the deeper meaning behind my words as well.
"I will keep that in mind, Young Master."
We drank late into the night that day.
It was the most intoxicated I'd been since I started drinking.
Two days later, Baek Pyo and Gwangdu sat facing each other at Pung Tavern.
Baek Pyo had summoned Gwangdu.
"Thank you for coming that day. If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have formed a connection with the Young Master."
"Thank you," Gwangdu replied with a cheerful smile. In truth, he had hesitated greatly before visiting Baek Pyo that day. To be honest, he had been afraid of being pushed aside.
But then he had thought:
To truly care for someone means being able to set aside my own selfishness for their happiness.
Looking back now, he felt he had done the right thing. The positive outcome filled him with pride.
"Let's have a drink."
"Yes."
Gwangdu had always liked Baek Pyo. He felt an inexplicable sense of security and stability around him—like a reliable older brother.
After all, if he hadn't liked Baek Pyo, he wouldn't have visited him that day.
"I look forward to working with you in the future!" Gwangdu raised his glass high, and Baek Pyo clinked his own glass against it with a hearty clink.
"The pleasure's all mine."
The next day, I set off for Shandong with Jeong Yeong and Myeong.
Traveling with a seven-year-old child, I rented a large, comfortable carriage.
We took frequent breaks whenever Myeong showed the slightest sign of fatigue, and we made sure to stop at an inn by afternoon each day, keeping our pace leisurely.
At the inns, I treated them to the best rooms and delicious meals.
Despite feeling somewhat burdened by my efforts, Jeong Yeong was deeply moved.
Unbeknownst to her, I had been the one who delivered the congratulatory address at their wedding ceremony nine years ago.
As we grew closer, Jeong Yeong shared this with me one day:
"My husband used to be plagued by nightmares. But since meeting you, Young Master, he's been sleeping soundly. I'm truly grateful."
This was also why she had shown such strong affection for me from the moment we first met.
"That's fortunate."
"Please take good care of my husband in the future."
"The same to you. I look forward to working with you."
After a journey of over ten days, we finally returned home.
"Father, Mother, I'm back!"
My parents greeted us warmly. Before we left, I had sent word through a messenger that I would be bringing Jeong Yeong and Myeong with me.
They welcomed Jeong Yeong warmly.
"Welcome, Madam Jeong."
"Welcome home."
Jeong Yeong bowed respectfully to them.
"My name is Jeong Yeong. I look forward to working with you. Myeong, greet our superiors."
Myeong bowed to my parents.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Myeong."
The seven-year-old spoke so clearly and articulately.
Mother sat down next to Myeong, meeting his gaze.
"So you're Myeong. Who did you inherit your good looks from?"
"From Mom," he replied, glancing at Jeong Yeong.
Mother chuckled. "Judging by your social skills, I don't need to worry about you in the future."
"Hahaha!"
Everyone laughed at her joke.
"Let's get along well from now on," Mother said, giving Myeong a warm hug. Jeong Yeong's face softened with emotion as she watched her son being genuinely cherished.
Father turned to Jeong Yeong. "Make yourself at home here. Consider this your own house."
"Thank you," she replied.
Father then asked me, "How was your time in Hubei?"
"Excellent. I accomplished everything I planned, and I met Baek Pyo, an exceptional martial artist. He'll be a great asset to Our Sect's future."
"That's wonderful," Father said, his face lighting up with satisfaction.
"Always consider the other person's perspective when making decisions."
"I will keep that in mind."
Mother took Jeong Yeong's hand.
"Being part of a martial family means it's always bustling with men, constantly talking about fighting and battles. It used to be so lonely here, but now that I have someone to talk to, I'm truly happy. Let's get along well from now on."
Jeong Yeong was inwardly flustered by Mother's warm welcome. She hadn't expected such an informal and affectionate reception.
Strictly speaking, these were the parents of the man her husband had sworn to serve—a very delicate relationship. Yet they were treating her with such ease and respect.
"Come, let's go see your room. I've had it cleaned and prepared."
The room Mother showed her was in a building not far from her own and Father's quarters. It was the largest and finest guest room available.
The interior was well-furnished and impeccably clean.
"You'll be staying here from now on," Myeong said excitedly, climbing onto the small bed in the corner.
"Wow! I have my own bed!"
The beds for Jeong Yeong and Myeong were neatly made with fresh linens.
But that wasn't all. Mother had meticulously prepared new clothes and various necessities for women and children, all for Jeong Yeong's new life here.
Jeong Yeong was overwhelmed.
"I don't need such a nice room."
She had probably imagined living in a small corner room of the annex, helping with household chores.
"Don't you like the room?"
"No, it's not that... it's just..."
"This is the worst room in the house. What should we do? If you want a better room..."
"No, that won't be necessary. I'll take this room."
With those words, Jeong Yeong could no longer refuse.
Of course, she would soon realize that this was the best room in the house.
When I sent word home, I had specifically asked my mother to take special care of the family of someone dear to me. The reality exceeded my expectations.
The expression on my mother's face as she looked at me clearly conveyed, "See? Your mother is capable of this."
When Jeong Yeong wasn't looking, I gave my mother a thumbs-up.
Mother, you're the best.
Superficial strength would only make family a burden and a weakness.
But I knew that for truly strong people, family becomes their greatest strength.
Today, my family had grown, and so had my strength.