An Unshakable Determination
Murim Alliance's Cheonhwa-jeon (Heavenly Fire Hall).
Unlike the Munho-jeon (Literary Heroes Hall) used by the literary leader Sa Ma-gang, Cheonhwa-jeon was the hall utilized by the martial leader Dok Go-yeong-mu.
Unlike his father Dokgo Hu, who had never affiliated with the Murim Alliance, Dok Go-yeong-mu had joined early and amassed achievements.
At first, life in the alliance wasn't easy due to the halo of being the Sword King's son.
But a tiger doesn't raise a kitten.
Before long, he began to stand out, making his name known through his own abilities alone.
And so, Dok Go-yeong-mu had risen to the position of the alliance's martial leader.
In Dok Go-yeong-mu's office within Cheonhwa-jeon, a guest had arrived.
An elderly man sat boldly in the seat of honor, with Dok Go-yeong-mu seated nearby as if it were the most natural thing.
The visitor was none other than Dokgo Hu.
"Don't you dislike coming to the Murim Alliance? You're acting strangely today."
"What's strange about a father visiting his son?"
Their relationship was like that of any father and son—neither overly affectionate nor hostile.
"Have you met that child yet?"
"Not yet."
"Hm... So Sa Ma-gang got there first, after all."
"Cheopun Dan brought him into the alliance from the start."
"True enough. Still, as the alliance's martial leader, you should at least meet him once."
Dokgo Hu said as he tilted his teacup.
"Are you concerned about him?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But that's as far as it goes. I'm not about to go out of my way to do anything just because I'm concerned."
"You've always been like that. Honestly, it's impressive that you even raised one child with that personality."
"What did I do? I just planted the seed. Your mother did all the hard work."
"So you do know that much."
"How could I not? That's why, despite my nature, I gave my all to your mother."
"Well, Mother passed without any regrets, so I suppose you're right."
With that, conversation between the two paused for a moment.
"That said, I didn't just sit idle."
"Sounds like you did something."
"I attached one member of Hyang-hun-dan to the child's side."
"Seol-ran?"
"Yes."
"The literary leader would know about it."
"Of course he does. But without grounds to block it, he'll leave it be. Maybe he's confident that things will flow as he wishes no matter what."
"Since nothing has ever gone against that child's expectations. The passion to excel in his duties can turn to greed in an instant—especially for someone who's tasted power."
Dokgo Hu was the only one who called Sa Ma-gang, the Murim Alliance's literary leader in his forties, "that child."
"The elder council will keep him in check."
"Sa Ma-gang already has the alliance's operations firmly in his grasp. Those old fools holed up in the council, used to just eating and sleeping there, aren't capable of checking him."
"In that case, why not join the elder council yourself, Father?"
"I'd rather die."
Dokgo Hu flatly refused, and Dok Go-yeong-mu pressed no further.
It was a perfunctory suggestion; if he had intended to join, he would have done so long ago.
"Anyway, by attaching Seol-ran, we've signaled that we're keeping an eye on him too. The rest is up to her."
"I'm not so sure. I wonder how far Seol-ran can go."
"Surprisingly, she's quite thoughtful and sharp. Talk of her succeeding as Hyang-hun-dan leader is already circulating."
"Not thanks to your influence?"
"If it were, she'd already be leader. Having watched me, she despises relying on my help."
"Hm..."
Dokgo Hu nodded slowly.
There was nothing more gratifying than descendants forging their own paths without aid.
"Attaching Seol-ran wasn't for some other motive, was it?"
"What other motive?"
"Never mind. I spoke out of turn. In any case, rising to martial leader through your own merit is impressive, but avoid excessive power struggles. Especially keep Seol-ran out of it."
"You seem quite concerned about Seol-ran."
Dokgo Hu chuckled at Dok Go-yeong-mu's question.
"Sons and granddaughters are different. I'll take my leave now—before that child Sa Ma-gang starts spinning wild fantasies in his head."
'He's probably been doing that since the moment you arrived at the alliance, Father.'
The words rose to his throat, but Dok Go-yeong-mu swallowed them back.
And just as he had come, Dokgo Hu left the Murim Alliance without lingering.
His mind much lighter after his conversation with Dok Go-seol-ran, Woo-gang greeted Jang Hak-jin, who visited again two days later, with a calm expression.
Noting his demeanor, Jang Hak-jin smiled faintly, sat down, and lifted his teacup.
"Judging by your face, you've sorted out your thoughts."
"To some extent."
"Oh ho. Mind sharing?"
Jang Hak-jin asked with evident interest.
"My standards differ from others'. That can cause issues. I understand that fully. But it doesn't mean I'll abandon my own standards or convictions."
Jang Hak-jin frowned slightly at Woo-gang's firm response.
It differed from what he'd expected.
"That said, I won't be stubborn about it either. I can be flexible while holding firm to my core."
It was the conclusion Woo-gang had reached after much reflection following his brief talk with Dok Go-seol-ran.
Jang Hak-jin had assumed their previous exchange would sow confusion in Woo-gang.
Indeed, many young talents faltered at the gap between ideals and reality.
He'd thought Woo-gang inevitable, planning to exploit that vulnerability.
But Woo-gang's resolve proved more steadfast than anticipated, forcing him to shelve his plans.
"But that risks coming across as arrogance or obstinacy. No matter how I try, you'd end up isolated. Even in a world that values strength, you'd live far from fame, wealth, and glory. Is that truly fine?"
"Whether it seems arrogant or others agree with me—who knows? And I have no interest in fame or glory I never had to begin with."
Jang Hak-jin stared intently at Woo-gang's reply.
"You already have fame. Perhaps greater than anyone's—a fame no one else possesses: disciple of the Flame King. Your words and actions could tarnish it. Not just yours, but the Flame King's as well."
Woo-gang chuckled softly at the question.
"That doesn't matter."
"It doesn't? Even if it stains your master's honor?"
Jang Hak-jin asked in surprise.
"Yes. Exactly."
Woo-gang answered resolutely.
Jang Hak-jin gazed at him with slightly wavering eyes.
"Grandfather took me in when I tried to end my own life. He didn't have to—he could have looked away. That's what I learned living with him. So I believe he'll hear of me later and praise me instead."
Jang Hak-jin smiled faintly at the response.
It seemed admiring, yet somehow awkward.
"Then what do you aim to achieve in the jianghu?"
"Nothing. Only to find Grandfather."
Jang Hak-jin could only nod at Woo-gang's answer.
As the sun set and darkness began to fall.
Sa Ma-gang sat in his office, eyes closed, listening intently to Jang Hak-jin's report.
Jang Hak-jin detailed the question-and-answer sessions with Woo-gang thus far.
Though Sa Ma-gang held higher rank, Jang Hak-jin was his senior in age and experience, yet no awkwardness lingered between them.
"That's all, Literary Leader."
"Hm..."
Sa Ma-gang opened his eyes and murmured lowly.
'Did the martial leader make a move? Doesn't seem like it.'
He already knew Dok Go-seol-ran was by Woo-gang's side.
But linking her to Dok Go-yeong-mu was a stretch.
She wasn't one to be swayed by her father's orders.
He'd checked just in case, but her visits were of her own will.
"He seems to have a steadfast character. Rare for one so young."
"From what I heard, he had a harsh childhood. Likely how he connected with the Flame King."
Sa Ma-gang nodded at Jang Hak-jin's words.
"Not a bad mindset, in any case."
A man with no ambition for fame, solely driven to find the Flame King.
Greed might complicate things later, but absent that, it was advantageous.
"Understood. For now, just teach him the ways of the jianghu and its factions. We'll handle the rest."
"As you wish."
Even after the talk ended, Jang Hak-jin lingered.
Sa Ma-gang eyed him curiously, as if asking why he hadn't left.
"Ah, you must have much to do. I'll take my leave."
Jang Hak-jin rose regretfully and exited the office.
Alone, Sa Ma-gang pondered various matters before abruptly standing and sitting at his desk.
He took up a brush and swiftly wrote something on the paper before him.
"Summon Cheopun Danju."
After finishing, he ordered the subordinate outside. Soon, Cheopun Danju entered.
"You called?"
"I have a task."
Sa Ma-gang handed him the still-wet-inked paper.
Cheopun Danju read it, then held it to the candle flame.
Whoosh!
The burning paper fell to the floor. Once fully ashes, he rubbed them away with his foot.
"I'll go now."
Cheopun Danju bowed briefly and left promptly.
Sa Ma-gang rose and approached the window.
Torches began to flicker throughout the Murim Alliance.
Not just there—lights twinkled in the surrounding villages and shops.
Piercing the deep darkness, the scattered glimmers spread beautifully.
"His heart may be firm, but he's still just a vigorous youth. Now... what happens when the sole goal anchoring that heart vanishes?"
Sa Ma-gang murmured softly.
Several days passed.
Woo-gang spent his days as usual.
Jang Hak-jin visited daily, teaching him much.
About the jianghu, its factions, their relations.
Through him, Woo-gang gradually learned of the world.
In these uneventful days, a rumor reached Woo-gang.
And that rumor shook him to his core.