The Alliance Leader's Test (2)
Palgap's words left me no choice but to tense up.
"What? The Murim Alliance?"
"Yes, that's right. They're in the reception room now."
I headed to the reception room, trying to calm my mind along the way.
The opponent was the fiends who had wiped out the Seolpung Palace.
And these were cunning operators who moved with utmost caution—they wouldn't send someone to me without reason.
What the hell is their game?
Oh, right, there are people I need to be careful about.
I sent a sound transmission to the Mingjong warrior.
- Tell Jin Yu Warrior and Seo-hyang Sojeo to stay in their rooms.
The Mingjong warrior nodded quietly and moved off.
Seeing that, I sent a sound transmission to Palgap.
- The Murim Alliance people didn't spot Jin Yu Warrior or Seo-hyang Sojeo, did they?
"No, they didn't. We brought them straight to the reception room."
Good, that's a relief for now.
Suddenly, I recalled what my master had mentioned before—disguise techniques.
With the Murim Grand Assembly this fall and everything ahead, I'd need them.
I'd have to request it from my master.
Soon, I arrived at the reception room.
Waiting inside was a young man I'd never seen before.
A sword hung at his waist, but something felt off about it.
Ah, that's a smoke sword.
His main weapon was the flexible smoke sword hidden in his belt.
Besides my mother's clan, the Yeongseon House of Gansu Province, which other famous house used smoke swords?
"Young Merchant Eun Seo-ho greets the daehyeop of the Murim Alliance."
"Haha, aren't you the Seonhyeopmirang yourself, called a daehyeop? No need for such excessive courtesy."
His words were slick, but he'd already shown his hand.
Our age difference wasn't that great, yet he spoke down to me from the start.
Just a title of daehyeop—he already saw me as beneath him.
"If I may, might I know the daehyeop's name?"
"Ah, I was late with introductions. My name is Won Eop. Have you heard of Mount Huang?"
"Is there any subject of the empire who hasn't?"
"Our house, the Huangshan Wonmun Clan, takes Huangshan as our front yard."
"I see."
He radiated pride in his clan. He went into lengthy explanations without even being asked.
Or maybe he just wanted to elevate his house.
"The reason I came is that the Alliance Leader ordered me to deliver this letter to you."
He handed me a letter.
"Take it."
I received it politely.
"May I read it?"
"Of course."
This bastard didn't even offer me a seat. Normally, you'd say something by now.
I read the letter.
I have an urgent request for you, hence this letter. In truth, there is an item I entrusted in Shandong Province. Please bring it to me. You need only travel with Team Leader Won.
I know you are busy, but this matter is essential for the peace of Murim and will elevate your name, so I hope you will not refuse.
The opening flattery already felt off.
Shandong Province? An item the Alliance Leader entrusted there?
And he wants me to fetch it? What's the angle?
He could ask anyone else, so there must be a reason he's singling me out.
In other words, 'Refusal not accepted.'
I'm swamped as it is—what a hassle.
I folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope with a sigh.
I could guess the reason behind this.
It had to be because I'd rescued those locked in the Black Cat Sect's prison recently.
Did I know the Murim Alliance's secrets and rescue them on purpose, or was it coincidence? They needed certainty.
Thinking back, I'd interfered in quite a few of the Murim Alliance's affairs.
It was about time my presence became a thorn in their side.
But I couldn't sit idle just to avoid their scrutiny—my goal in this life was clear.
Revenge against the Baekcheon Merchant Group and the Murim Alliance.
I'd moved discreetly as much as possible, but inevitably, I'd draw attention.
So the Alliance Leader felt the need to judge me definitively.
Was I someone who knew their secrets and was sabotaging them, or not?
I couldn't refuse this proposal.
Doing so might bring harm to me or the Eunhae Merchant Group.
Revenge was revenge, but first, my family and I living happily and long lives—that was my goal this lifetime.
Damn it all.
I have no choice but to go to Shandong.
I said to Team Leader Won Eop,
"The Alliance Leader wishes me to travel with you."
"I wondered why he sent you of all people—makes sense now."
"Seems so. If I may ask, what orders did you receive from the Alliance Leader?"
"Ah, retrieving a golden Buddha statue kept by a sect on Mount Tai."
"A golden Buddha statue?"
"As you know, the Murim Grand Assembly is this fall."
"Yes, I'm aware."
"To prevent another Yongbong Tournament fiasco, they need that statue to reinforce the arena's protective formation. It amplifies and strengthens the formation's effects."
"Then plenty must be after it."
"Exactly. That's why they're sending a top talent like me from the Alliance. Haha!"
"……."
I was dumbfounded, but he continued without a care.
"The Alliance Leader worries too much. He could just trust me alone—why borrow your help?"
I forced a smile.
"Must be caution on his part."
"Probably. We're setting off for Shandong tomorrow morning."
"I'll prepare accordingly."
This bastard still didn't offer a seat.
Whatever.
Plenty of chances to remind him of our standings.
"Then guide us to our lodgings."
His attitude—that it was natural for me to prepare their stay—caught me off guard for a moment.
"You plan to stay here at the Beijing branch?"
"Of course! You're the big shot in Beijing, aren't you? Haha. You weren't going to make us sleep on the street, right?"
Sigh, shameless.
Part of me wants to do just that.
Honestly, I didn't like Murim Alliance people in the Beijing branch at all.
I was putting up with it because it was the reception room—if they'd come deeper without permission…
Sigh.
Anyway, I didn't want him staying here.
Not just him, but his entourage could spy on the branch.
They might even lay hands on the branch staff.
That, I wouldn't tolerate.
"There's a fine inn nearby. I'll arrange for you to stay there."
"Huh? Not here?"
Wish for the stars, you punk.
I swallowed the retort and smiled.
"The Eunhae Merchant Group Beijing branch isn't fit for distinguished Murim Alliance guests like you. And I've heard masters of profound arts like yourself have keen senses."
"Mm, true enough."
"With wagons coming and going all day, would you get proper rest?"
"Ah! Right you are."
"Don't worry. I'm a big shot in Beijing—would I put you in some rundown dump?"
"True! Haha!"
I planned to put him up at Yuryeon Inn.
It looked ordinary, but it was a Gold Guard info hub.
All the attendants were Gold Guard operatives.
Once they walked into the tiger's den on their own, no letting them off easy.
Gotta shake 'em down for everything.
All the info they had.
Oh, and this has nothing to do with him not offering a seat—or speaking down to me from the start.
I'm not that petty.
.
.
.
.
After ordering someone to escort Team Leader Won's group to Yuryeon Inn, I returned to my office.
I pulled out the Alliance Leader's letter and read it again.
"Sigh……."
I let out a deep breath.
This was clearly the Alliance Leader's test. And this test would shape what came next.
I had to show him I wasn't a threat, as much as possible.
Truth be told, I wanted to shove a sword in his face outright, but that was like tofu smashing a rock right now.
I didn't like this situation, but for revenge, I needed the patience to lick gall.
I grinned.
The Alliance Leader shouldn't have tested me.
Through this test, I'd make him think I was tofu. Though inside that tofu hid a shortsword forged of steel that could split rocks—a thousand-year cold iron blade.
And I'd sharpen that blade nice and keen.
The door opened, and Palgap entered.
"Young master, I escorted them to Yuryeon Inn."
"Good work. You slipped the letter to the innkeeper on the sly, right?"
"Of course."
The innkeeper would be thrilled at the chance to rack up merits.
I also sent a separate letter via Yi Pil warrior to Jin Yeong Daehyeop.
Detailing the situation, to report to the Emperor.
"Pack our things."
"Got it."
"And gather all the guards."
A moment later.
My guards assembled in my room.
"You called for us?"
I nodded at Seo-u Warrior's words and spoke.
"We're leaving for Mount Tai tomorrow. This time, only Seo-u Warrior, Yeo Eung-am Warrior, and Yi Pil Warrior will come."
The guards nodded at my words.
They knew why.
Why leave out those three.
First, Jin Yu Warrior's identity couldn't be exposed.
Mingjong and Changun warriors were branded criminals in the Murim world due to the Yongbong Tournament affair.
Enduring the Alliance warriors' sneers and mockery would be tough.
"My lord."
The Mingjong warrior spoke cautiously.
"We appreciate you thinking of us, but we're fine."
"Indeed. For the duty of protecting you, we can endure any insult."
I shook my head.
"No. I can't endure it."
"But truly, we……."
"I can't endure it."
"Pardon?"
"You two are my guards. More importantly, precious people to me. Insulting you like that? I won't stand for it."
"My lord……."
"Kuhk!"
The two warriors teared up, moved.
Is this really that touching? It's just obvious.
"Anyway, treat this as vacation time for you three."
"We obey."
Then Palgap asked,
"But won't they question taking only three guards?"
"Good point."
I said to the three warriors,
"I've prepared an excuse. We'll say the three made mistakes and are under punishment."
"Understood."
Then Jin Yu Warrior spoke.
"I hesitate to bring this up now, but I seek your advice."
"What is it?"
"In your view, what training do we need most right now?"
"Pardon?"
"I know it's out of left field……."
I looked at Jin Yu Warrior. His eyes burned with earnestness.
Then I'd answer sincerely.
"My master said a warrior's realm advances as body and mind find balance."
"Meaning?"
"Frankly, you've all been running around attending me, training your bodies plenty, but lacked time to consolidate it."
"Like meditation?"
"Exactly. Time for self-reflection and introspection."
"We've done that in spare moments."
"Have you ever delved deeply, with ample time?"
"……."
"Use this chance for thorough, unhurried introspection. You two as well. This 'vacation' will benefit you greatly."
.
.
.
That night.
I strolled the rear garden to organize my thoughts.
"Eh?"
There, I ran into a woman.
Seo-hyang Sojeo.
"You've come."
Her smile said she'd known I'd be here tonight.
"Beautiful night."
"No moon, though."
"Ahem, just a figure of speech."
Her smile drew one from me too.
"Coming out like this, you must have words for me."
"Yes."
She nodded.
"Truth be told, I've seen futures involving the Murim Alliance long ago. My threat to them likely stems from those visions."
Sharp as ever.
With a few clues, she could piece it together.
"I'm curious too. What did you see to fear the Alliance so?"
"Not fear."
She continued,
"Anger. The Murim Alliance sows seeds of conflict in the Murim world. When unity is needed, why do such things?"
"I see. Definitely suspicious."
"So please be careful. And……."
She approached and whispered in my ear.
My face heated—probably from the closeness.
But soon, I blinked in shock.
Her words caught me off guard.
Regaining composure, I smiled, cupped my fists in salute.
Her advice was that crucial.
"Thank you, Deputy Kwon."
Without it, I'd have suffered greatly.