Blending In and the Gathering
The spar with Il Daeju had a profound impact on Woo-gang.
Or, to be more precise, it greatly influenced how others thought of and treated Woo-gang.
First and foremost, with Il Daeju as a clear benchmark, people now had a standard by which to gauge Woo-gang's martial prowess.
Those whose skills fell short of Il Daeju's began to look up to Woo-gang with admiration and envy.
This stemmed from the fact that he was the disciple of the Flame King, and despite being merely at the late-stage Hyeoncheon stage for his age, he had overwhelmingly dominated the first sub-leader of Cheonwi Dan.
Most of those viewing him this way were young warriors who had recently joined the Murim Alliance.
They might have felt discouraged comparing themselves to him, but fortunately, no one seemed to.
On the flip side, those with skills equal to or surpassing Il Daeju's were constantly on the lookout for a chance to spar with Woo-gang.
It was partly pure competitive spirit, and for some, a desire to claim the honor of defeating the Flame King's disciple.
Quite a few believed they could win now, precisely because he was still young and his arts incomplete.
Yet even they didn't rashly challenge him to a duel.
After all, Woo-gang was the Flame King's disciple—a figure one couldn't just casually provoke.
In that sense, the Cheonwi Dan warriors were practically privileged.
Even setting spars aside, they could train alongside him and share conversations.
"Ah! You're here early again today!"
Woo-gang was loosening up in the Cheonwi Dan's training grounds early in the morning when Il Daeju approached with a friendly greeting.
Il Daeju treated Woo-gang more warmly than most.
He acknowledged his defeat cleanly and, without reservation toward the much younger Woo-gang, frequently asked about martial arts.
His earnest expression and demeanor left Woo-gang no choice but to respond in kind.
At first, Woo-gang found these sudden shows of goodwill and attention awkward.
But now, over a month later, he had grown accustomed to it and could engage more at ease.
Through the Cheonwi Dan warriors, Woo-gang was learning how to build relationships with others.
When he occasionally slipped up, they kindly pointed it out, saying it was only natural.
'Whew...'
Having finished his routine, Woo-gang returned to his quarters and flopped onto his bed.
He was drenched enough that the room might soon reek of sweat if he didn't wash up, but he just wanted to lie there a moment longer.
'Was I really this inadequate?'
Spending time with the Cheonwi Dan warriors had taught Woo-gang much.
He wasn't used to forming bonds, but he thought he upheld what needed upholding.
Yet living among them revealed how much he didn't know.
This led him to reflect on past events, sometimes flushing with embarrassment at resurfacing memories.
'At least I'm learning now.'
Woo-gang let out a soft sigh, murmuring to himself as he rose from the bed.
He went to the window, flung it open wide to air out the room.
Now it was truly time to wash up.
"How's that young man faring? Adapted well?"
"Seems so. He looked awkward at first, but now he's blended right in."
Sa Ma-gang smiled in satisfaction at Cheopun Danju's reply.
"Blended in—that's the key. Naturally, seamlessly. Cheonwi Dan is part of the Murim Alliance, after all."
"I have one question."
"Speak."
"If it's so important, why not use this approach from the start?"
Cheopun Danju asked cautiously.
Sa Ma-gang placed a sheet of paper and a small piece of leather on the desk.
"Between these two, which absorbs water better?"
"The paper, obviously."
"Right. Paper soaks up water more than leather because it has gaps. Leather doesn't, relatively speaking. That young man's initial state was like flawless leather—no openings."
"Then..."
As Cheopun Danju trailed off, Sa Ma-gang nodded.
"Exactly. Everything before was to create those gaps. It might seem tougher on the surface, but such experiences naturally carve out cracks in the heart. Only then can he seep in like paper in water—naturally into our midst."
Cheopun Danju nodded inwardly, impressed.
"So, you'll keep him with Cheonwi Dan indefinitely?"
Cheopun Danju still seemed wary of Woo-gang shadowing their schedule.
"No reason not to. What matters is how we use him once he's fully integrated. Even following their lead doesn't make him Cheonwi Dan—he can't be. The label 'Flame King's disciple' won't vanish. The Flame King's disciple as a mere Cheonwi Dan warrior? Absurd. No intention of that."
"I see."
Sa Ma-gang nodded at Cheopun Danju's response and continued.
"The Flame King's disappearance is real. Those behind it exist and threaten us."
"You'll put him on the front lines against them."
"Yes. So full membership would be counterproductive. People idolize heroes who emerge from nowhere to save the day. We'll position ourselves as contributors—or pivotal ones—to such a hero."
Maintaining that delicate balance—not too much, not too little.
While reaping maximum gains for the Murim Alliance.
That was Sa Ma-gang's thinking.
"He's not ready yet. Few even know he's here. We need to let that spread naturally outward."
"Through rumors?"
"No. Use rumors again, and even Yeom Woo-gang would suspect something. We can't appear as enemies. Truly naturally. That's how it must disseminate."
With that, Sa Ma-gang flashed a knowing, thick smile—as if he had something planned.
More time passed.
During free training, Woo-gang swung his spear in a corner, sweat pouring down.
He occasionally sparred with Cheonwi Dan warriors and discussed arts, gaining fresh insights.
Honestly, after leaving Hanchon Secret Cave, he'd thought his achievements sufficient and paid growth little mind.
Finding Si-woo was paramount, and unintended clashes with the Black Path only reinforced that.
But living with Cheonwi Dan showed his error.
They never rested on laurels, grinding daily for even slight progress.
Among them, Woo-gang rediscovered his initial zeal for learning martial arts, immersing himself seriously.
And despite his accomplishments, his relentless training inspired the Cheonwi Dan warriors to greater fervor—a virtuous cycle.
Whoosh! Whish! Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh! Screeech!
Woo-gang's spear blade cleaved the air repeatedly, finally thrusting deep forward.
Using scant qi, the strike's power still shoved the air noticeably away.
"Hoo..."
Woo-gang steadied his spear with deep breaths.
His surroundings were damp as if after rain.
He'd swung without pause, soaking the floor with sweat.
'Definitely lighter. I was the fool.'
Woo-gang clenched his fist, murmuring.
Persistent training built strength, honing his body ever more for martial perfection.
"Aren't you overdoing it?"
"Ah, you're here."
"Been here a bit."
Woo-gang scratched his head at Dok Go-yeong-mu's words.
How focused was he not to notice the approach?
"Focus is good, but don't let your guard down. In the jianghu, anything can happen anytime."
"I know."
Woo-gang replied curtly.
From Hanchon Secret Cave to recently, he'd never truly relaxed.
But adapting to Alliance life...
Lately, tension sometimes eased.
Dok Go-yeong-mu had noticed.
Comfort in the Alliance was positive, but too much laxity was risky.
"Came to tell you something. Not here—wash up and come to my office."
"Understood."
The words tensed Woo-gang.
Perhaps news of Si-woo?
Since the rumor fiasco, ominous hunches occasionally struck—like now.
Woo-gang watched Dok Go-yeong-mu leave the grounds, then hurried to wash.
Cleaned and changed, Woo-gang arrived at Dok Go-yeong-mu's office, face taut.
As he entered, Dok Go-yeong-mu rose from his work to greet him.
"Sit there. Be quick."
"Yes."
Woo-gang sat as directed; Dok Go-yeong-mu finished up and approached.
"Tense? Your face is grim."
"What is it you have to tell me?"
Woo-gang met Dok Go-yeong-mu's eyes, voice quivering slightly.
Dok Go-yeong-mu caught the gaze and tremor—Woo-gang was thinking of Si-woo.
"Not about Flame King senior. For now... no news is good news."
"I see."
Relief and regret mingled in Woo-gang's tone.
"Two months from now, the Alliance hosts a gathering of the central plain's later-generation experts."
"Such an event exists?"
"Annual affair. Exchange among juniors, broaden horizons."
"I'll attend, then."
"Yes. You're a later-generation expert, Flame King's disciple or not. Though your skill sure isn't."
"Got it. I'll remember."
"Not all."
"More?"
"They'll introduce you there—as the Flame King's disciple."
Woo-gang frowned faintly at Dok Go-yeong-mu's words.
He could guess whose idea.
"Must it be that way?"
"Many ways to introduce you, but can't do it one-on-one with everyone. Uncomfortable, I know, but efficient."
Woo-gang sighed softly.
He'd grown easier with people, but such spots unnerved anyone.
"Telling you early to prepare mentally."
"Understood."
Two months left plenty of time; no need to dwell yet.
"Finally..."
Woo-gang frowned again.
What else?
"Bing Palace sends someone this time. Weather's turning cold—suits them fine."
"Bing Palace."
Woo-gang murmured low.
Memories from there flashed by.
'Who?'
Han Seo-yeon surfaced first, though uncertain.
"Whoever, it'll be a reunion."
"Hm... not purely welcoming. Doesn't seem just for our invite."
Woo-gang eyed Dok Go-yeong-mu questioningly at the loaded words.