Chapter 35

35.

Let the Meeting Begin

Having become the Black Cat Clan Leader, I tossed the Nightfall Blade to So Gun-pyeong and took the Straight Sword of the former leader. Judging by the fact that the blade wasn't damaged even after clashing ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠with the Nightfall Blade, it was quite a good sword. More than anything, it looked better than the Weaponry from the Dragon Head Smithy.

"The Martial World journey of the former leader ends here, but mine begins now. Keep that in mind. For the time being, we will act as if nothing ever happened in the Black Cat Clan."

"……."

Everyone was silent, not immediately understanding my words. I spoke to my subordinates as if I had been the Black Cat Clan Leader from the start.

"What was the name of this Straight Sword again? My memory is a bit hazy."

So Gun-pyeong answered.

"That Straight Sword is named Black Cat Fang."

Meaning the canine tooth of a black rabbit.

"What a terrible name. Ah, no. It's mine now, so I take back the 'terrible' part."

Everyone's expression turned strange at my sudden change of words, but no one dared to object. It was only natural, considering the Black Cat Clan Leader they feared had died after being smashed into a wall. Also, in their eyes, I still seemed like a crazy bastard whose mood swung back and forth, so they had to be careful with their words and actions.

I examined the Black Cat Fang here and there before naturally issuing an order.

"First, clean up the corpse of the former leader who didn't know his place and resisted me. Clean up the wall and the floor as well. To succeed in Heukdo, you must start with cleaning. Throw away that useless axe over there. All the executives are to gather in the main hall. We will start an executive meeting to mark a new beginning."

So Gun-pyeong quickly stepped forward.

"I will have things cleaned up and then come in. The rest of the executives should go to the main hall first."

I repeat, from today onwards, I am the Black Cat Clan Leader.

Not yesterday, but today.

A person's fate is so fickle.

I plan to skip the Clan Leader Inauguration Ceremony because it's cumbersome, but I've roughly set the term.

Until Daenachal discovers me.

So, for now, I don't know if my term will be short or long.

I am the kind of person who only knows what I know and doesn't know what I don't know.

While the executives headed to the main hall first, and So Gun-pyeong issued various orders to his subordinates, I held the Black Cat Fang and performed a sword dance.

The Black Cat Clan subordinates who had started cleaning glanced at me, but I didn't pay attention and unfolded the Sword Method, pondered, and then unfolded the Sword Method again.

In the meantime, those with some sense would have been quite surprised inwardly.

Because the way I wielded the sword was similar to the movements the dead leader used to perform. As they expected, I briefly stirred up the wide space and quickly learned the dead bastard's Sword Method.

Eat, shit, accumulate Inner energy, and steal the dead bastard's Sword Method to practice.

This is what a wise Heukdo life is like.

* * *

"Report on the current situation."

I abruptly said this to the executives who were waiting and sat on the head seat.

So Gun-pyeong asked me.

"Clan Leader, what would you like me to report on first?"

"Pavilion Lord So, it's not Clan Lord, it's Clan Leader. Since when were we the Black Cat Clan? Don't lose the identity of Heukdo."

"I apologize. I understand."

So Gun-pyeong offered a suitable opinion.

"As I know, thanks to the Clan Leader's generosity, quite a few Geumbong Pavilion martial artists are still alive in Ilyang Prefecture. Please give us orders on what to do with them."

I applauded So Gun-pyeong's question.

Clap, clap, clap.

"As expected, our Pavilion Lord So is excellent. Everyone should follow Pavilion Lord So's example. Comradeship, a tender heart that thinks of his subordinates, and he bravely stepped forward to save the lives of you executives earlier. He's a loyal, smart, and unusually tough guy. He took a beating well."

While I was talking, So Gun-pyeong scratched his forehead for a moment.

"I'm saying this because I've faced both the rabbit bastard and Pavilion Lord So, but Pavilion Lord So's skills are not significantly inferior to the rabbit bastard's. Our Black Cat Clan's talent, the Black Cat Clan's strategist, the Black Cat Clan's representative executive, Pavilion Lord So, should train harder in the future. I will bestow a bonus upon you today."

It's not my money anyway.

In any case, So Gun-pyeong replied in a tone that he would be emboldened.

"I will work hard."

I applauded again and said to the executives.

"Come on, let's clap together. Before I break your wrist."

The other executives also applauded So Gun-pyeong with awkward expressions.

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap.

I looked around at the rotten Black Cat Clan executives and continued to nag.

"Stop."

"……."

"Encouraging each other, being stimulated, training, fighting, and becoming stronger together. That is Heukdo. In the process, grudges, affections, and the urge to beat each other up will create a brotherhood that didn't exist before. That is a strong Heukdo. Back in my day."

The moment I read boredom on the faces of a few bastards, I stopped talking.

"Are my words boring?"

When I glared at one of the executives whose name I didn't even know yet, he shook his head and replied.

"N, no, they're not."

"If you're bored, get out, you bastard. Go out and play. Don't be an executive. Go outside and plaster mud on the collapsed wall with the grunts. Or clean up the corpses."

"I wasn't bored."

"Where do you think you are, interrupting the Clan Leader? Tsk……."

Even superiors should know their limits. I am the kind of person who thoroughly reflects on myself like this.

By the way, our Pavilion Lord So's Martial arts skills are decent, and he seems to have played a good role as a mid-level executive in Heukdo. As the saying goes, a general who goes to the front lines must listen to the words of his advisors or strategists.

As expected, So Gun-pyeong supported the new Clan Leader at the right time.

"Please speak comfortably, Clan Leader."

"Where was I?"

"That is a strong Heukdo... You said up to here."

"Right. Sima Fei and Hyeokryeon Hong are still alive and well in Ilyang Prefecture. If Pavilion Lord So wants to recruit and nurture the talents of Geumbong Pavilion, he can take them anytime. I will entrust you with the creation of the Dragon Phoenix Pavilion, which combines Geumbong and Golden Dragon."

"If you entrust it to me, I will try to handle the important task."

I looked around at the executives and said.

"Who is the Chief Manager?"

As expected, the oldest executive bowed his head and replied.

"Please feel free to call me Chief Manager Byeok."

"Chief Manager Byeok, deliver a bonus to our Dragon Phoenix Pavilion Lord. I need to understand the financial situation, so organize it well and report on the current status. From now on, if embezzlement or tricks are discovered, the old Chief Manager will be executed first."

"Yes."

I stared at Chief Manager Byeok's sullen expression and said in a threatening tone.

"Chief Manager Byeok, do you know why the Geumbong Kakju died?"

"I don't know."

"He died because of embezzlement."

"I didn't work that way, but I will keep that in mind."

"Of course, keeping it in mind is a Precious Mirror."

A few bastards' faces turned bright red at my precious words.

I brought up the next agenda item.

"By the way, I forgot the sparring schedule. When was it?"

When I spoke as if I knew the situation of the Black Cat Clan, everyone couldn't hide their surprised expressions.

So Gun-pyeong replied.

"There is no set date, but the lower Twelve Divine Generals who are expected to challenge soon is Red Monkey. And if the Clan Leader wants to raise his rank, he must settle the score with White Rooster General again this time."

The bastard I used as a fake identity when I killed Jo Ilseom is Baek-yu.

"By the way, what rank am I now?"

"You are staying at rank five of the Twelve Divine Generals."

I was quite surprised.

"That useless bastard's rank was quite high. To be at rank five with that skill is truly astonishing. Who are the Divine Generals stronger than Baek-yu?"

"White Rooster General, Azure Dragon General, and Red Snake General. And including White Rooster General, they are called the Four Divine Generals."

Each is White Tiger, Azure Dragon, Red Snake, White Rooster. Of course, an even more important existence than these is Daenachal.

"Where is our respected master these days?"

This time, Chief Manager Byeok replied.

"It seems that Red Snake General obtained a Blue Eyes beauty from somewhere and offered her to Master Daenachal. He is probably there."

I snorted and replied.

"The old bastard has good stamina. He's even laying his hands on Blue Eyes beauties. Suddenly, anger surges."

As soon as I called him master, I immediately criticized Daenachal, and the subordinates couldn't manage their expressions.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't."

I clicked my tongue and said.

"He's still touching pitiful women through his disciples. What is the Murim Alliance even doing? They're not arresting bastards like that. Aigo……."

Everyone looked at the ceiling or slightly lowered their heads.

"I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠will now tell you the code of conduct for the Black Cat Clan."

"Please speak."

"Daenachal is my master, but since the old bastard is indulging in women and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠gambling, I'm thinking of gradually starting a rebellion. In the meantime, anyone who clings to Daenachal or interferes with my actions will not be spared. The work between you and me must apply the principles of the Martial World. Betrayal in wartime is death. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"We understand."

"You probably fear Daenachal more than me right now. I understand. But to survive long in the Martial World, you must eventually choose your side well. Keep in mind that your expectations may be wrong. Whether Daenachal dies or I die is not something you can predict. You should have realized how shabby that prediction is when the former Clan Leader died earlier. Like our smart Pavilion Lord So, who realized it before that."

The executives nodded here and there.

"I understand."

"We have no reason to like Daenachal at all. We were forcibly absorbed."

The meeting continued to be childish, lost its direction, and was full of rambling, but I constantly watched the executives' expressions and tones carefully from behind the mask. Wearing a mask certainly had these advantages.

"What is the recent situation of the Black Fan Stronghold?"

Even though I changed the subject, So Gun-pyeong calmly replied.

"I understand that they are always busy with gambling and auction businesses. At this rate, there will be no force in the vicinity that can compete with them in terms of wealth."

"They're still auctioning people too?"

"Yes. It should be called slave auction, not people auction."

Slave auction, the Black Fan Stronghold are these kinds of bastards.

I nodded and set the mid-to-long-term goals for the Black Cat Clan.

"I killed a few bastards belonging to the Black Fan Stronghold before. They died while watching my residence burn down. I was inwardly displeased, but this is good. To dare to hold slave auctions in this day and age is an evil act that I, as the leader of Heukdo, cannot turn a blind eye to. I will have to smash the Black Fan Stronghold later, so the executives should focus on training. I will correct the principles of Heukdo."

The executives wanted to ask, 'Did Heukdo have principles?', but they couldn't bring themselves to say it.

I revealed my ambition in a determined tone.

"Our Black Cat Clan will become the vanguard of the Martial World Slave Liberation Front from now on."

One executive cautiously asked.

"Are you suddenly going to strike the Black Fan Stronghold?"

"Is it right to buy and sell people?"

"It is not right."

I looked around at the Black Cat Clan executives and cursed.

"By the way, why did you guys learn Martial arts all this time? You useless bastards. You can't stand injustice. That is the principle of those who walk the night drunk on the blade. From now on, anyone who opposes me at every turn will be executed, and anyone who argues will be assassinated."

"……."

"Answer me right away. Don't make the speaker feel embarrassed. Ah, suddenly my temper……."

The executives opened their mouths all at once.

"I understand."

"I will keep that in mind."

I planned to stabilize the chaotic Clan Leader change period by taking the entire Black Cat Clan hostage and continuing to threaten, curse, use violence, and harass them.

"Whether it's Daenachal or the Black Fan Stronghold, I will smash them, and for this, I will freely use the Elixir, funds, and other assets that the Black Cat Clan possesses. If anyone has any complaints, let's adjust our differences with a one-on-one duel for a while. Anyone want to step up?"

The executives looked at the ground for a moment.

"……."

"I'm glad there's no one."

I waved my right hand and said.

"I'm glad that our executives' blood won't be on this hand, that's what I'm saying."

I didn't miss what I had to do.

"Pavilion Lord So, in order to stabilize the Clan Leader change period for the time being, thoroughly guard the inside and outside of the Black Cat Clan with the elites of the Dragon Phoenix Pavilion. In particular, anyone who leaves without reporting can be summarily executed. If someone suddenly says they're going home, bind them and bring them to me."

So Gun-pyeong understood the meaning of my words and nodded.

"I will maintain a thorough state of alert."

From the executives' point of view, the Black Cat Clan Leader had suddenly changed, but nothing had improved. When you think about it, the Geumbong Pavilion's slush fund flowed to Ilyang Prefecture, and the major assets they ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠possessed were about to be completely plundered by me. In other words, they were broke.

Of course, I don't care.

It was like that before, and it is now.

I am not Heukdo.

I am the man who beats and plunders Heukdo.

In any case, the first day of my Black Cat Clan Leader inauguration ended peacefully like this.