Whispers of the Flame King's Legacy
"Young hero."
Clack, clack, clack.
Woo-gang snapped out of his reverie at the call from Cheopun Danju, who sat across from him in the carriage.
Only then did the various sounds he'd ignored flood into his ears.
For the first time in ages, Woo-gang could immerse himself in thought without a care.
Since returning to the Central Plains, he'd had to make so many choices and decisions alone in such a short time. This moment of laying down his burdens felt like a profound relief.
As he reflected on the events since his return, Woo-gang's mind drifted all the way back to the Hanchon Secret Cave.
The trials he'd faced upon first entering had prepared him, allowing him to confront the bandits and unorthodox factions without hesitation.
"Is something the matter?"
"Ah, it seems I've interrupted your thoughts."
"It's fine."
Cheopun Danju smiled faintly at Woo-gang's curt reply and posed a question.
"Come to think of it, I realize I still don't know your name, young hero."
"Yeom Woo-gang."
"Yeom Woo-gang... Are you the blood grandson of Senior Flame King Yeom?"
Cheopun Danju asked in surprise, but Woo-gang shook his head.
"No. Grandfather took me in and gave me my name. Before that, I had none."
"Ah..."
Just the fact that he'd lacked a name told Cheopun Danju all he needed about Woo-gang's unfortunate childhood.
"I see. Your name aside, hearing tales of how you dealt with those bandits and unorthodox gangs made me think you resembled Senior Flame King greatly, so I had to ask."
"Is that so?"
Woo-gang's voice rose slightly, his interest piqued at the mention of Si-woo.
"Yes. Senior Flame King was utterly fearless. He could be endlessly kind and warm, yet when firm and cold, no one was more resolute. The way you judged those unorthodox gangs this time—it was just like him."
A smile tugged at Woo-gang's lips at Cheopun Danju's words.
Though not bound by blood, Si-woo was as close as family to him. Being told he resembled such a monumental figure felt good.
"You seem to know Grandfather well."
"Hmm... How should I put it? If you're asking about personal ties, no, there are none. I've seen him from afar, but never spoken directly. Few have had that honor with Senior Flame King—he's that extraordinary. But everyone knows his stories."
Woo-gang had sensed it when they first met the Bing Palace folk alongside Si-woo, but hearing it from Cheopun Danju reaffirmed just how remarkable the old man was.
"What sort of place is the Murim Alliance?"
Perhaps buoyed by the talk of Si-woo, Woo-gang's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"Think of it as the guardian of the Central Plains martial world. It upholds righteousness and chivalry, protects the good, and punishes evil. That's the Murim Alliance."
"I see."
Woo-gang's brief reply belied the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.
Righteousness and chivalry, good and evil—as Cheopun Danju described them.
The unorthodox factions' deeds were undoubtedly close to evil.
Given that they knew of his actions since returning, the Alliance couldn't have been ignorant of their villainy.
Yet they hadn't punished them.
Despite claiming to smite evil.
He wondered what their definitions of good and evil truly were—and where the boundaries lay.
It wasn't mere curiosity; it was a resolve to view the Murim Alliance more objectively and coldly.
The faint warmth from Si-woo's stories settled into calm vigilance.
The Alliance was a gathering of veterans like Cheopun Danju, seasoned by long years in the jianghu.
For Woo-gang, with far less experience, it was a place to stay sharp.
He turned his gaze out the window.
His mind, stuffed full with thoughts of the Alliance's nature, registered the passing scenery as mere blurred afterimages.
At that very hour, as Woo-gang traveled to the Murim Alliance with Cheopun Danju...
Sa Ma-gang was spending a typical day.
But the atmosphere among the Alliance warriors was different.
The appearance of Flame King's disciple Woo-gang—and his approach to the Alliance—was monumental.
Though Flame King had long roamed the martial world, his ties to the Alliance were few.
He shunned affiliation, and no one could sway him.
Yet here came the disciple of the once-called supreme under heaven, heading straight for them.
After turning the unorthodox world upside down.
Everyone went about their routines, but an undercurrent of excitement buzzed.
Amid it all, only Logistics Leader Sa Ma-gang maintained his composure.
In his office, he listened to reports from the deputy danju standing in for the absent Cheopun Danju.
Most were minor matters; unorthodox updates came in real-time, so nothing urgent.
"How far along are they?"
"We expect arrival by morning tomorrow."
"Taking longer than thought."
"They seem to be pacing themselves."
Sa Ma-gang nodded at the deputy's reply.
"But... what will you do when Flame King's disciple arrives?"
"Do? What do you mean?"
"It's tricky, no matter how I think about it. Assigning him anywhere might cause friction."
"He's not ready for immediate placement. He's likely spent years alone under Flame King. He'll need training on what the Alliance is—and what the world is."
Sa Ma-gang replied flatly, as if he'd considered every angle.
The deputy asked no more.
"Nothing else? We'll end here today."
"Understood. I'll take my leave."
The deputy bowed politely and exited.
Once alone, a visitor arrived: Jang Hak-jin, elder than Sa Ma-gang.
"Logistics Leader, I heard you sought me."
"Yes. Please, sit."
Jang Hak-jin sat where indicated and eyed him intently.
"You summoning me—I'll live long enough to see it all."
"Can't disturb the elders' time. I have a favor to ask this time."
"Hoho. Your request? I'd grant anything. Speak."
Jang Hak-jin beamed affably.
"You've heard Flame King's disciple is coming to the Alliance."
"Yes. Good news for us, no?"
"Indeed. But there are concerns. He's unused to group life, and long years alone with Flame King mean gaps in social graces and worldly knowledge."
"Fair enough. Shall I handle his education?"
Sa Ma-gang nodded with a faint smile at the question.
Among the elders, he'd chosen Jang Hak-jin for this very reason.
Quick-witted, calculating.
Grasping tasks swiftly and executing them.
That was how he'd survived the Alliance to reach the elder council despite modest martial prowess.
Jang Hak-jin excelled at navigating relationships and faction dynamics.
Cunning and silver-tongued—perfect for teaching Woo-gang.
Of course, it wasn't mere education.
Instill loyalty to the Alliance naturally amid the lessons.
That was Sa Ma-gang's true aim in assigning Jang Hak-jin.
And without a word, Jang Hak-jin had already divined it.
"The Initial Martial Hall exists, but it's for martial aspirants just starting out—not a fit for Flame King's disciple."
"True. The world would mock it. I'll handle him."
"My thanks."
Jang Hak-jin nodded, then hesitated before broaching delicately.
"One thing, though..."
"Speak."
"This seems key for recruiting talent you'll value long-term, right?"
"Naturally."
"I'm motivated, but..."
He trailed off.
Sa Ma-gang grasped it instantly.
"Name your desire."
Jang Hak-jin's eyes gleamed.
He leaned in, voice low.
"Could you bump up my special funds? Too many seekers; even polite refusals wear thin."
"Is that all? Easily done. One moment."
Jang Hak-jin's lips curved at the amenable reply.
As he waited eagerly, Sa Ma-gang rummaged a shelf and returned with a thick binder.
Sitting, he flipped through casually.
"Let's see... Yes, it must feel lacking."
"Right? Haha! Knowing you see it fuels my hopes."
"However."
Sa Ma-gang skimmed a few pages.
"Brothels, brothels, brothels, brothels, brothels. Only once with company."
He turned another page, frowning slightly.
"Brothels, brothels, clothier, brothels. Clothier with a courtesan. Seol-hee of Whimsy Pavilion. Late to sire an heir, perhaps?"
The items Sa Ma-gang recited were none other than Jang Hak-jin's special funds ledger.
He'd been frequenting brothels with them.
Meetings there were possible, but Sa Ma-gang knew exactly who and where.
Such instances were rare.
Mostly personal indulgences.
Catching the full picture, Jang Hak-jin offered an awkward smile and leaned back.
Thud.
Sa Ma-gang closed the binder and set it lightly on the desk.
Then regarded him with a faint smile.
"Double it, then? Child-rearing costs add up."
Friendly words, but Jang Hak-jin sweated coldly.
He knew better than to take them at face value.
"Hahaha! On second thought, I don't need more. Time to cut back on drink for health. I'll dodge and trim promises."
He scrambled excuses.
"Wise choice. Health first, always. Lose yours, and the Alliance loses a key elder—irreplaceable loss."
"Haha! Grateful for the regard. I'll go prepare for your task."
"See to it."
Jang Hak-jin fled the office.
"Slippery as a fox. That's how he endures in the council."
Sa Ma-gang muttered briefly as he left.
Composure restored, his thoughts returned to Woo-gang.
"Best way to use him, I wonder?"
Sa Ma-gang murmured softly, laced with anticipation.