The Secret Revealed (1)
Baek So-cheon headed straight for Je-gal Hyeon at the strategic command center upon returning to the Alliance.
The strategists there had already learned via an advance messenger bird that he had safely completed his mission.
As Baek So-cheon entered, they all bowed their heads in unison to show their respect.
Rumors had spread during the formation of Hyun-cheon-dae about how he had subdued Bi-gak's master Wang-ho, but this incident confirmed it wasn't mere luck.
Yet the strategists' genuine respect stemmed not from his martial prowess, but from his bravery in stepping forward amid the hostage crisis for strangers they didn't even know.
Je-gal Hyeon rushed out from his office and grasped Baek So-cheon's hands tightly.
"I'm so glad you made it back safe. Truly glad."
"I got lucky and took them out while they were off guard."
"Why'd they call you in, anyway?"
"Someone put out a hit on me."
"Just as I thought! And the mastermind?"
"They said they got the contract from someone who didn't reveal their identity."
"Hmm. Any guesses on who it might be?"
Baek So-cheon shook his head.
But inwardly, one person came to mind: the Murim Alliance Lord himself. The incident at the banquet where he'd probed Baek So-cheon's inner power had been decisive.
If that's the case...?
The implications were grave. If it was due to Seop-hon-sul, that would be one thing—but if the Lord had willed his death on his own? What then?
Kill the Lord? Flee? In the end, even the Black Heaven Alliance Lord would come after him, forcing a war against the entire Murim world.
Baek So-cheon sincerely hoped the Lord wasn't behind it as he handed over the promissory note he'd taken from the man's possessions.
"This is the money they got paid. Track it down, just in case."
"Got it."
Je-gal Hyeon assigned a subordinate strategist to trace the note.
"Oh, right—when you came by that day, it seemed like you had something to tell me."
That was the moment the urgent report of the hostage crisis had arrived.
"Ah, I'd like to create a natural opportunity to meet the Alliance Lord."
"The Lord?"
"Yes. But it has to feel organic."
"Hmm."
Je-gal Hyeon pondered for a moment, then spoke as if struck by an idea.
"Come to think of it, I hear Bi-gak Lord's birthday is in a few days. She's planning a modest gathering—wouldn't the Alliance Lord attend?"
Given their close friendship, it seemed likely.
"Bi-gak Lord would have to invite me, though."
"I'll make sure she does. How about I bring you along?"
"Yes, that works."
That night.
As Baek So-cheon quietly practiced his heart method, Im Choong visited.
"Brother."
"What's up?"
"Try some of this. My wife made it."
"Thanks. Let's call Beon Saeng and have a drink together."
"Sounds good."
Im Choong fetched Beon Saeng, who had just returned home after late-night training.
"Ah! I was just craving a drink."
The three shared drinks.
Back in Mun-seong, they saw each other daily, but now days could pass without a glimpse. He'd even been away for nearly a month.
"Sorry."
"What for?"
"I dragged you all here and haven't taken proper care of you."
"Don't say that. We're not kids—we can handle ourselves. You've already opened the path for us; that's more than enough."
At Beon Saeng's mature words, Im Choong shared about his wife and son.
"I worried a lot about my family adjusting out here. But they adapted better than me. Chan's already made a few friends, and my wife's befriended the neighbors. Makes me think we're the ones overthinking it—they'll find a way to thrive."
"That's a relief."
"And you, brother?"
"I'm good too. Best I've felt in three years."
Im Choong and Beon Saeng grinned broadly.
"To that, then—cheers?"
"Cheers."
The fine side dishes kept the alcohol from hitting too hard.
Reflecting on the past, Baek So-cheon thought of being swept away by endless battles. The eighteen-year-old youth had become a middle-aged man by war's end, his heart still as fiercely loyal as ever.
Fortunately, these days he focused on those around him: Beon Saeng and Im Choong, Je-gal Hyeon, the subordinates who'd joined Hyun-cheon-dae, even Cheon-geuk and Na-sa-rin.
Before, despair had led him to think he had nothing left but battlefield earnings.
But that was just desperate whining.
People had always been there—he just hadn't truly seen them.
Now, life had milestones.
No longer vague notions of saving the righteous Murim; he felt for whom he fought.
Of course, greater pursuits lay beyond mere sentiment.
Ban Yun-saeng's words resurfaced.
Live for yourself.
Baek So-cheon drained his cup and replied inwardly.
Yes, elder. I'll find my happiness, no matter what.
That night, the three laughed and chatted over drinks. They weren't grand masters or extraordinary folk, yet no gathering had ever felt more joyful.
Baek So-cheon spent the next few days practicing the secret technique Na-sa-rin had taught him.
It would prove useful ahead. Detecting foes versed in Seop-hon-sul could mean the difference between life and death.
And at last, On Byeok-hwa's birthday arrived.
He needn't worry about attendance. No need to feign arriving with Je-gal Hyeon—On Byeok-hwa had invited him directly.
Once there, he realized she'd selected only a few guests, not all division or unit leaders. Besides them, just her closest Bi-gak retainers. It starkly showed her disinterest in Alliance politics.
"Happy birthday."
Baek So-cheon presented his gift with congratulations.
"Thank you."
"Thanks for the invite."
"Kept it small. Come on in."
For practice, Baek So-cheon tested the technique on her, confirming—as Na-sa-rin had—that she neither suffered nor knew Seop-hon-sul.
Inside the hall, Je-gal Hyeon beckoned him over.
"You made it."
"You're here too."
"Didn't expect Bi-gak Lord to invite you."
"Me neither."
Why had she, though?
Standing with Je-gal Hyeon, Baek So-cheon observed the arrivals.
He tested the technique on Je-gal Hyeon too, of course.
Naturally, no trace of Seop-hon-sul.
He tried it on everyone he encountered—no one among the guests was afflicted or trained in it.
Only the Alliance Lord remained to check.
On Byeok-hwa approached them while greeting guests.
"Heard you handsomely rescued the Sa-yeong household."
"They let their guard down thinking I had no inner power. Pure luck."
"Must've been skill. Wang-ho doesn't even talk about coming back."
After getting thrashed in their first spar, Wang-ho's loyalty had soared post-Sa-yeong, praising Baek So-cheon endlessly to Bi-gak comrades—word reached her ears.
"Wang-ho's just dutiful. He wants to help where I'm lacking."
On Byeok-hwa smiled at his defense of Wang-ho.
Then Ak So-gun arrived, entouraged by bodyguards.
All bowed politely as the Lord appeared.
"Greetings, Alliance Lord."
"No need for such formality at a gathering like this."
Ak So-gun approached On Byeok-hwa.
"Happy birthday."
"I'm at a loss with such an honored guest's well-wishes."
"If we're measuring honor, you're the rarer one."
"Please, no. Celebrating my birthday amid these times feels indulgent."
"Hahaha. Tough times are when you cherish what matters. Come, everyone—drink up."
"Allow me."
On Byeok-hwa poured for Ak So-gun. Even then, he hadn't glanced once at Baek So-cheon or Je-gal Hyeon.
They all raised glasses to toast her birthday.
Baek So-cheon and Je-gal Hyeon approached Ak So-gun.
Only then did the Lord look at Baek So-cheon.
"Sa-yeong Lord came personally to express thanks. Your achievement was key."
"You're too kind."
Ak So-gun's face was ruddier than usual, sweat beading despite his Transcendent Peak control over his body—an odd sight.
"Heard those culprits had real skill."
"Luck again. And their carelessness."
"Be more cautious henceforth. Word's spread through Jianghu—foes won't underestimate now."
"I will."
"Keep devoting yourself to the Alliance."
"Yes."
Conversation ended, Ak So-gun moved to Bi-gak Lord.
Je-gal Hyeon approached Baek So-cheon, whose face had hardened.
"What's wrong?"
Baek So-cheon scanned for hidden listeners. Even sans inner power, his ghostly senses had pierced Cheon-geuk's stealth before.
Now recovered, no master could eavesdrop undetected. Confirming none lurked, he whispered to Je-gal Hyeon alone.
"The Lord isn't under Seop-hon-sul."
"...!"
That night, Baek So-cheon stood alone atop a mountain peak.
Night winds whipped his hair, but he stood motionless, lost in thought.
Truth be told, he'd hoped the Lord was ensnared by Seop-hon-sul.
But Ak So-gun showed no signs.
Then the red fleck in his eyes had been illusion?
Why the misperception?
For Murim, it was fortunate—but for him, disastrous.
All the Lord's actions had been his own will.
No sick visit, no summons or outreach amid demotion.
Baek So-cheon couldn't fathom it.
A lifetime of respect, loyalty, devotion—why?
Simply because he'd lost his inner power? Even then, he'd expected a more dignified farewell from such a man.
Then a voice from behind.
"What're you thinking so hard? You'd miss if someone pushed you."
"You're here."
It was Cheon-geuk. His subdued tone had already told her the result.
"The Lord's not under Seop-hon-sul."
Baek So-cheon nodded.
She knew their bond these past three years.
"What now?"
"..."
"Just leave the Alliance."
Being human, he'd considered it.
But with war looming and countless casualties inevitable, he couldn't abandon them—especially with Beon Saeng, Im Choong, and Hyun-cheon-dae subordinates.
Without inner power recovery, confirmation might've broken him.
But now? He had power and will to resolve it.
"I'll uncover why."
No matter how he puzzled, Ak So-gun's actions defied logic.
Then the Sa-yeong hostage crisis—was that the Lord's doing too?
With rumors of subduing Wang-ho, he'd know three masters weren't enough. If serious, stronger ones would've come.
Something's off.
Forcing the Lord and mastermind molds didn't fit perfectly—subtle misalignments.
Cheon-geuk eyed his contemplation.
"I'll help."
"No need. Better you stay out of Alliance affairs."
"Still, call if you need me."
"Got it."
He'd never imagined their summoning her would forge such deep trust.
Life's unpredictability, indeed.
Basking in cool autumn winds, they lingered long on the cliffside.