Chapter 102
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Alliance with the Martial Emperor Castle
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The Martial Emperor Castle brimmed with experts. But that was all they had; they lacked any proper warrior unit. They couldn't even form a single squad led by one overwhelmingly powerful individual. With each person's strength being so formidable, that shortcoming was incredibly hard to overcome.
Having many experts was great, but it wasn't enough to fulfill his ultimate ambitions.
That was why Choi Geuk had turned his eyes toward sword formations. Most experts didn't want to grow stronger by borrowing the power of formations. But inevitably, some took an interest in them. With a proper formation, he could gather those people and create an armed force. And that force would become tremendous power for Choi Geuk.
The Seven Stars Linking Sword Formation was truly the pinnacle in that regard. Choi Geuk knew exactly what it entailed, having researched formations extensively.
To deploy the Seven Stars Linking Sword Formation required at least seven people, and more participants made it even stronger.
Moreover, it was ideal for multiple people attacking one target or several at once. It worked well for blocking enemy assaults and breaking through hordes of foes. It was a near-perfect all-purpose formation.
"Even so, I can't accept this."
In the end, Choi Geuk refused it. The three people in the room simultaneously showed surprised expressions. They hadn't expected refusal. Even without any particular goal, the Seven Stars Linking Sword Formation was a treasure in itself. There was no reason to turn it down.
"It's just a token of our sincerity. Please accept it without burden."
Im Hwa-yeong urged him again, but Choi Geuk wasn't one to reverse a decision once made.
"No need. It's not something I particularly require."
Choi Geuk waved his hand decisively and then gazed at the three with shining eyes.
"Well, the Martial Emperor of the world has no need for such a formation, after all."
Im Hwa-yeong conceded with those words and tucked the book back into her bosom. Deep regret colored her eyes. Choi Geuk should have been the one disappointed not to receive it, yet she, the one unable to give it, felt the loss instead.
A faint smile played on Choi Geuk's lips.
Choi Geuk was excessively well-informed about the martial world's affairs. He recognized them immediately. And he could easily guess why they had come to him.
The woman leading the conversation was the Vice Leader of the Vermilion Bird Unit, while the two men flanking her were the Vice Leaders of the Azure Dragon Unit and White Tiger Unit, respectively.
"Shall we get to the main point now?"
Im Hwa-yeong hesitated briefly at Choi Geuk's words. Just as she was about to speak, he cut in first.
"Have you come to join hands with our Martial Emperor Castle?"
Im Hwa-yeong clamped her mouth shut again at his words. He had struck right at the heart of it.
"Not a bad idea."
As Choi Geuk spoke, Im Hwa-yeong's face brightened instantly.
"Then, you'll accept our request?"
"But there's no real gain in it for us either."
Choi Geuk toyed with her like a cat with a mouse. Im Hwa-yeong seethed inwardly, but her opponent was the Martial Emperor—beyond her power to handle. Besides, he held the knife, leaving her no choice but to stay silent.
Silence stretched on for a moment. Choi Geuk stared steadily at Im Hwa-yeong. She waited for him to speak. The time it took to finish a cup of tea passed like that. To Im Hwa-yeong, it felt like days and nights.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
Naturally, it was Choi Geuk who broke the silence first. Im Hwa-yeong and the two beside her looked visibly flustered.
"Pardon? I, I..."
"We could ally with the Martial Alliance or not—it makes no difference to us. A place like the Martial Emperor Castle is full of people who live that way, after all."
"Th-that's true, but..."
Im Hwa-yeong's heart ached. On second thought, it was obvious. The Martial Alliance was the one in need right now. With their external power waning, they sought to bolster their defenses by borrowing the Martial Emperor Castle's might.
"Ah...!"
Only then did Im Hwa-yeong grasp Choi Geuk's point. If the Martial Alliance gained something, the Martial Emperor Castle must too. Yet she hadn't mentioned anything about that. No, she couldn't.
In truth, she had prepared plenty. She had received various instructions from Jegal Jung-cheon and made her own preparations. But flustered as she was, she hadn't brought up a single one.
From that moment, Im Hwa-yeong poured out her prepared words. Choi Geuk listened quietly for a while, nodding occasionally. Each time he nodded with a smile, she spoke even more fervently.
Im Hwa-yeong left the Martial Emperor Castle feeling relieved. At any rate, she had gotten the Martial Emperor to nod. The Martial Emperor Castle and Martial Alliance were now allied.
Of course, they had to give up a great deal. But the Martial Emperor Castle's power was worth it all.
The Azure Dragon Vice Leader and White Tiger Vice Leader didn't see it that way. To anyone, it looked like they'd been played by the Martial Emperor. They'd poured out everything prepared and barely gotten the desired answer. And they'd offered it all up without him even asking.
The two vice leaders' expressions soured, but Im Hwa-yeong paid it no mind. She felt the same inkling, but what mattered was securing the Martial Emperor Castle's power.
Thus, the three returned to the Martial Alliance. Having hurried considerably, they arrived sooner than expected.
Upon reaching the Martial Alliance, they went straight to Jegal Jung-cheon without delay. He welcomed them warmly.
"You're back sooner than I thought. Come in."
Jegal Jung-cheon's face was quite bright. He had already exchanged messages via express pigeon with the Martial Emperor Castle. There had been significant progress in the meantime.
"Thanks to your concern, we completed the mission safely."
Im Hwa-yeong bowed politely with clasped hands. The other two did the same, though their expressions remained poor.
Jegal Jung-cheon wouldn't miss that. He smiled faintly and asked them.
"Your faces look grim. Is something unsatisfactory?"
The Azure Dragon and White Tiger Vice Leaders exchanged glances at Jegal Jung-cheon's words. After a moment checking Im Hwa-yeong's—the Vermilion Bird Vice Leader's—reaction, the White Tiger Vice Leader spoke cautiously.
"It feels like we took a loss. The Martial Emperor Castle's power is great, true, but..."
The White Tiger Vice Leader trailed off vaguely. Im Hwa-yeong had handled all the dealings. He had to be careful not to sound like criticism.
Jegal Jung-cheon already understood their feelings fully.
"I see. You could think that way."
Jegal Jung-cheon nodded and looked at each of the three in turn.
"The Martial Emperor Castle's power is vast, but it doesn't seem like much help to us?"
"N-no, it's not that..."
They denied it, but it was the truth. That was their judgment. Jegal Jung-cheon continued without losing his smile.
"Fair enough. But allying with the Martial Emperor Castle will give us far more than we imagine."
"But agreeing to set up a branch in Wuhuan for them—that's..."
"Haha. What's the problem? That's precisely why we allied with them."
"Pardon?"
The White Tiger Vice Leader couldn't comprehend. Why make such a wasteful concession?
"To use the Martial Emperor Castle's power effectively, it needs to be nearby. We can't move the Martial Emperor Castle from Shaanxi, can we?"
Jegal Jung-cheon's words made sense, but it still felt excessive.
"Even so, handing over the Seven Stars Linking Sword Formation too..."
This time, it was the Azure Dragon Vice Leader. His grievance was exactly that. Im Hwa-yeong had practically forced the formation on them, despite their initial refusal.
"Hahaha. I instructed you beforehand to hand it over by any means. It's necessary to control the Martial Emperor Castle."
The Azure Dragon and White Tiger Vice Leaders grew more baffled by Jegal Jung-cheon's words. In the end, they accepted it and withdrew, though not with clear consciences. Lingering resentment remained.
Once the two left, Im Hwa-yeong bowed to withdraw as well. She couldn't leave with them. Resentment lingered in her heart too—caused by those two vice leaders.
"Wait a moment."
Jegal Jung-cheon stopped Im Hwa-yeong just as she turned. A smile still lingered on his lips, one that soothingly eased the heart.
Im Hwa-yeong straightened and looked at him. Puzzlement entered her eyes. What reason could he have to call her aside?
"Don't take it to heart. It all happened because of my shortcomings."
Im Hwa-yeong's puzzlement deepened at Jegal Jung-cheon's unexpected words.
"What do you mean...?"
"The resentment in those two will fade with time. The results of this matter will soon show."
"Ah...!"
An exclamation escaped Im Hwa-yeong's lips. Jegal Jung-cheon was easing her own heart.
"Thank you for your consideration."
Jegal Jung-cheon shook his head with a smile at her sincere gratitude.
"No need. It stemmed from my failings... In truth, I used you."
"Pardon?"
His words flustered Im Hwa-yeong. She couldn't gather her thoughts for a moment. Jegal Jung-cheon continued watching her.
"He may seem one way on the surface, but the Martial Emperor is different from his reputation. He has greater ambitions than one might think."
Im Hwa-yeong couldn't accept that. If so, he should have taken the Seven Stars Linking Sword Formation when first offered. He would have accepted after some hesitation at most. Yet he hadn't. It was as if he considered it trivial.
"I anticipated it all. From his refusing the formation to using it to unsettle you and steer the negotiations favorably."
"B-but..."
"Yes. You handled the negotiations, but the Martial Emperor still got what he wanted."
Im Hwa-yeong's face flushed slightly. The two vice leaders' words resurfaced.
"I exploited your personality. And so, we secured the Martial Emperor Castle's power at a bargain."
"Pardon?"
Im Hwa-yeong couldn't hide her shock. A bargain? The Martial Alliance had promised the Martial Emperor Castle substantial concessions.
"That's why I chose you. It would make the Martial Emperor less suspicious. What I told you to prepare wasn't much. As payment for moving the Martial Emperor Castle, it's quite cheap."
Jegal Jung-cheon gazed steadily at Im Hwa-yeong, who still stood stunned. Then he spoke slowly.
"I'm truly sorry to you. It was my fault not to tell you beforehand. So please, let go of it now."
Her heart had long been eased. Im Hwa-yeong snapped to attention and looked at Jegal Jung-cheon with slightly moved eyes. He could have just sent her away without a word.
She hadn't even known, and even if informed ahead, she would have fulfilled the mission regardless.
Yet Jegal Jung-cheon had revealed his own vulnerability to soothe a mere subordinate. Admitting to using someone could easily become a weakness.
Im Hwa-yeong bowed deeply with clasped hands.
"It's already forgotten. Please don't worry, Strategist, and continue serving the Martial Alliance. I'll strive harder from my position."
Hearing her response, Jegal Jung-cheon nodded with an even deeper smile.
"Thank you. Truly."
Im Hwa-yeong withdrew hastily after bowing. Jegal Jung-cheon watched her retreating figure and murmured inwardly.
'That's why I had you lead this. You tie up loose ends neatly. Anyway, I'm sorry. I used you to the end...'
Jegal Jung-cheon bowed slightly toward the spot where Im Hwa-yeong had vanished, his expression apologetic. It was his way of showing remorse.
"Now that we've secured the Martial Emperor Castle, I can breathe easier. Time to report to the Alliance Leader."
With his mind relieved, his body felt light too. Jegal Jung-cheon's steps toward the Alliance Leader's office were as light as if flying.
Ten days had passed since Dan Hyeong-u's group returned to the Henan Escort Bureau. Dan Hyeong-u had returned to his routine from before their initial departure, and the others had gone back to their respective roles.
The Sword King and Sword Demon practically monopolized the Henan Escort Bureau's training grounds. They always sparred together, and those interested in martial arts at the bureau watched. Of course, watching didn't mean they gained anything. The Sword King and Sword Demon's levels were far too high for that.
Tang Ho-gwan and Tang Mun-yeong briefly returned to a Tang Family branch to handle backlog before practically living at the Henan Escort Bureau. Later, Hyeong Pyo even arranged lodging for them.
From the time Tang Ho-gwan and Tang Mun-yeong returned, Tang Family warriors frequented the Henan Escort Bureau. Naturally, that coincided with Umun Hye's return.
Umun Hye, needless to say, lived at the Henan Escort Bureau. She even demanded a room directly from Hyeong Pyo. He couldn't refuse. The Umun Family was currently one of the bureau's biggest clients.
Yeom Hye-mi continued wielding Thousand Island, while Jegal Lin studied it during her breaks.
Thus, the group gradually settled into an ordinary yet extraordinary daily life.