Chapter 85: Chapter 85
Martial Alliance Headquarters, Black Tortoise Pavilion.
Rough breaths of many men echoed from the martial arts training ground.
Since it was a period with few missions ahead of the sparring tournament, the Black Tortoise Squad martial artists had recently devoted themselves solely to training.
It would be the same for other martial force squads, but the Black Tortoise Squad members were spending what were mostly the most hardworking days of their lives.
It was a transformation brought about by one person.
Jang Woo-pyeong, who had been the youngest until the two new youngest members arrived, shouted a spirit cry that was hardly a spirit cry while exchanging swords with Do Seong-hwi.
“I am! Still! A senior!”
“…”
“Even if! I cannot be stronger! Than the youngest! I must not! Cause trouble!”
“…Aren’t you tired?”
Do Seong-hwi clicked his tongue. Sure enough, before Jang Woo-pyeong could finish his final shout, he collapsed with a thud.
Everyone was conscious of the two youngest.
Even in their eyes, Song Yi-yeon grew stronger with each passing day. He sparred with the vice squad leader every day, and the number of times he collapsed was decreasing by the day.
“Senior Do, but hasn’t the vice squad leader changed a bit too?”
“Certainly…”
At Jang Woo-pyeong’s words, Do Seong-hwi turned his head.
Song Yi-yeon had just rolled across the ground while receiving a strike unleashed by Zhuge Rin.
Previously, the vice squad leader belonged to the type who technically utilized the opponent’s force rather than overpowering them with overwhelming internal energy.
It was because her internal energy fell short compared to her ability to execute martial stances.
Recently, however, as if she had consumed something wonderful from somewhere, power overflowed from her remarkably. Her eyes were filled with more vigor and intelligence than before, and her voice and footsteps had somehow become spirited.
“Well, it is a good thing.”
Since they did not even know that Zhuge Rin had suffered from Severed Meridians Disorder, they merely shrugged their shoulders.
As each devoted themselves to training, Cheon Woo-jin sat on one side of the martial arts training ground, glaring at a blank piece of paper.
It was the letter that had been found together with the red knot in the All-Knowing One’s hidden cavern previously. No characters were written upon the letter. It could simply be a blank sheet of paper, but it seemed unlikely that the All-Knowing One, one of the Three Eccentrics of the Righteous Path, would do such a thing.
‘Is it sorcery?’
It was said that in the distant history before martial artists existed, sorcerers had roamed the world.
Though they were existences that had now disappeared, records stated that they made rain fall, flew through the sky, and used all manner of bizarre abilities.
If it was the All-Knowing One who was said to know everything under heaven, it felt like he might somehow know sorcery as well.
Of course, while Cheon Woo-jin was deeply learned in martial arts, he had never seen nor practiced anything like sorcery, so there was nothing he could do other than glare at the blank paper.
“Are you training?”
Approaching, Cheol Ji-ak placed a hand on Cheon Woo-jin’s shoulder.
Cheol Ji-ak had long since acknowledged that Cheon Woo-jin was stronger than himself.
Since high-level masters often cultivated purely through thought without moving their bodies, he could not scold Cheon Woo-jin even if he merely sat still during training hours.
“Ah, Squad Leader.”
Standing up, Cheon Woo-jin bowed his head slightly.
Cheol Ji-ak watched him with satisfaction.
“I will return in a month. Don’t cause trouble in the meantime, and listen well to the vice squad leader.”
In Cheol Ji-ak’s hand was a simple bundle.
To Cheol Ji-ak, who had been slandered by the White Dragon Squad Leader and Zhuge Seong, the Martial Alliance had granted about a month of paid leave.
For it was also a period without missions.
Originally, Cheol Ji-ak had intended to refuse. He knew there was public sympathy for him in the Martial Alliance. At the same time, talk that he was an incompetent fellow who received help from rookies who had just joined the Alliance also reached his ears.
Because of that, rather than going on leave, he had planned to seize the period without missions as an opportunity to dedicate himself to cultivation. That was, until he heard news from his uncle back home that his mother missed her son dearly.
“Even so, the Disciplinary Hall Master asked the Medicine Hall and secured quite a bit of fine medicine for my mother. Although the process was rather intense.”
Cheol Ji-ak smiled wryly.
Ever since Cheol Ji-ak’s innocence was proven, Disciplinary Hall Master Chu Pung-gae had somehow been walking on eggshells around him. More precisely, it was probably around Cheon Woo-jin, who possessed the red knot.
– Hey, you quack hall master bastard! An alliance member’s mother is sick! Hand it over right now!
– N-No. Using the Alliance’s resources privately like that…
– I said! I’ll pay!
The sight of the Disciplinary Hall Master grabbing the Medicine Hall Master by the collar and shaking him was still vivid in his mind. Along with, of course, the startled eyes of the Medicine Hall Master upon hearing words about paying money coming from a beggar’s mouth.
“Squad Leader! Are you heading out?”
Song Yi-yeon slipped away from Zhuge Rin as if fleeing and approached.
Cheol Ji-ak patted Song Yi-yeon’s shoulder, looking at him warmly.
“Yes, don’t you cause trouble either. As I always say, beware of women, beware of old people, and beware of children. Understood?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Ah. Beware of money too.”
Song Yi-yeon flinched. It was because the money the White Dragon Squad Leader had dumped on him to deliver to Cheol Ji-ak came to mind.
He had already told the truth to the Disciplinary Hall Master, who said that since the money was truly the White Dragon Squad Leader’s personal stipend, there was no obligation to confiscate it.
– Right, even in my view, I doubt that fellow Cheol Ji-ak would accept that money. But since his elderly mother is suffering from a chronic illness, he must need money.
– Then could the Hall Master…
– Isn’t that money entrusted to you?
Chu Pung-gae drew the line with a single stroke. It was because he felt it would become quite a troublesome affair.
Recalling the money, Song Yi-yeon scratched his head.
At that sight, the Black Tortoise Squad Leader narrowed his eyes and spoke.
“You haven’t caused trouble already, have you?”
“Ahem, how could that be? Have a safe journey, Squad Leader. Young Hero Cheon and I will turn the sparring tournament upside down while you’re away.”
“Hahaha!”
The Black Tortoise Squad Leader laughed heartily in satisfaction.
Although it was regrettable that he could not watch the upcoming sparring tournament, he had to set out immediately since he had already sent word home.
Just as Cheol Ji-ak was departing amidst greetings from the Black Tortoise Squad members including Zhuge Rin, Cheon Woo-jin, and Song Yi-yeon.
At that moment, a man entered the Black Tortoise Pavilion.
Discovering him, Cheol Ji-ak’s footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
“Tang Bi-cheon.”
“Ah, Black Tortoise Squad Leader. I heard of recent events. I am glad things were resolved well.”
Tang Bi-cheon greeted Cheol Ji-ak with a genial smile. However, Cheol Ji-ak replied without the slightest trace of a smile.
“What business brings you to the Black Tortoise Pavilion?”
“Aren’t you glaring at me far too terrifyingly?”
“It is because I happened to hear talk regarding the Dragon and Phoenix Society and our youngest members lately.”
The Dragon and Phoenix Society is not what it used to be.
The current president lacks competence.
There were even rumors that a new faction would form within ten years with this batch of youngest members at its core.
Tang Bi-cheon laughed hollowly, his eyes shining with green light.
“Rumors arise and fade, then fade and arise again, don’t they? If one minds every single one of them, one cannot live out one’s natural lifespan.”
“I certainly hope you think so.”
Cheol Ji-ak spoke in a resolute voice.
Cheol Ji-ak had rolled through the Martial Alliance for twenty years. He knew well what kind of person Tang Bi-cheon was.
Tang Bi-cheon smirked.
“I came to speak with Alliance Member Cheon. Naturally, I intend to invite him to join the Dragon and Phoenix Society. Of course, if he refuses again, there is nothing I can do, but since I do not wish to lose such a talent, I must come visit like this.”
Cheol Ji-ak turned his head to look at Cheon Woo-jin. The youngest was merely standing there with an indifferent expression, as always.
In any case, since he could not block a personal conversation between the two, he slowly took steps forward and lowered his voice so that only Tang Bi-cheon could hear.
“If you do anything useless to our youngest members, I will not stand by and watch. You know well what kind of things I am capable of when I lose my mind.”
“Hahaha, your love for your subordinates is great to see. There will be no such occurrence, so go with peace of mind.”
Tang Bi-cheon smiled without the slightest wavering.
Soon, Tang Bi-cheon’s gaze turned toward the interior of the Black Tortoise Pavilion. The Black Tortoise Squad members, including Zhuge Rin, were looking at him with wary faces.
“Oh, Young Lady Zhuge. I also heard news of your clan. They say you reclaimed the position of young clan head. Congratulations.”
“I never had it taken away.”
“Come now, why act like this between people in the know? Still, we used to see each other quite often when we were young. It is good to see you, but I have business with Alliance Member Cheon today, so let us speak next time. Now let’s see, which one is Alliance Member Cheon…”
Naturally, he already knew his face.
Because a portrait of Cheon Woo-jin was kept inside the Dragon and Phoenix Society.
Tang Bi-cheon feigned ignorance and swept his gaze over the faces of the Black Tortoise Squad members one by one, ultimately meeting eyes with Cheon Woo-jin.
“…”
Silence flowed.
The smile that had not wavered in the least even at the Black Tortoise Squad Leader’s murderous warning subsided without him even realizing it.
Tang Bi-cheon was not even aware of that fact. He merely entertained an intense impression of Cheon Woo-jin.
‘…Seeing him in person, he is indeed remarkable.’
Was it because he looked at him knowing he was Black Elder’s disciple?
The dark iron staff slung across his back even appeared as if it were thoroughly steeped in blood.
Originally, he had planned to take Song Yi-yeon and Cheon Woo-jin together to talk, but right now, only Cheon Woo-jin was visible in Tang Bi-cheon’s eyes.
“Shall we have a word for a moment?”
At the word ‘conversation,’ Song Yi-yeon beside him flinched for no reason and looked at Cheon Woo-jin. It was because the person who loved having conversations more than anyone in the world was precisely Young Hero Cheon.
Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head.
“Well, very well.”
Amusingly, Cheon Woo-jin also looked at Tang Bi-cheon and had a similar thought. The thought that the green dagger hung at Tang Bi-cheon’s waist seemed to have steeped in a great deal of blood.
* * *
The two moved to a secluded place with few passersby.
Neither Tang Bi-cheon nor Cheon Woo-jin was of a personality to beat around the bush.
Tang Bi-cheon brought up the main topic directly.
“Leave the Alliance.”
“Because I didn’t join the Dragon and Phoenix Society?”
“Yes. Because thanks to you, I have been placed in quite a bind.”
Tang Bi-cheon thought it was much easier than conversing with the idiots in the Dragon and Phoenix Society. Since neither hid anything, there was no need to worry about nuances when conversing.
Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head.
“I refuse.”
“Looking at your eyes, I can tell right away. You harbor no particular affection for the Martial Alliance. Nor do you seem to follow grandiose values like chivalry.”
Cheon Woo-jin did not bother to deny it.
He merely inferred that his two masters had sent him to the Martial Alliance for some reason, and he had not yet found an absolute reason to remain here.
Tang Bi-cheon’s words continued.
“Of course you refuse, don’t you? Even if offered enormous compensation.”
“Well, indeed.”
Cheon Woo-jin’s tone grew somewhat curt.
Tang Bi-cheon found that grating, but now was not the time to point out such minor trifles.
“Let me hear your reason then. The reason you stubbornly remain in the Martial Alliance despite having neither affection nor conviction.”
At that question, Cheon Woo-jin chuckled softly.
Because he thought it was a truly foolish question.
“There is no reason. I am simply here because I am here.”
“A truly arrogant answer.”
“The only one who can decide where I stay is myself.”
The following words were even more arrogant.
The more he looked at Cheon Woo-jin, the more Tang Bi-cheon thought he was truly an extraordinary piece of work. At the same time, however, he knew that this was an existence his own vessel could never contain.
Therefore, all the more reason he had to drive him out.
“Indeed. Who other than your master would dare command you to do this or that?”
“You speak as if you know well.”
“I do know. Quite regrettably, that is.”
The corners of Tang Bi-cheon’s lips curled up in a smirk.
Cheon Woo-jin contemplated for a moment. It was a clear situation that the bastard knew of Master Black Elder’s existence.
‘Should I kill him?’
It was a dry deliberation.
The deliberation was not long. This place was the Martial Alliance. He was Black Elder’s disciple, but he was also White Elder’s disciple. There were several people in the martial world who knew that fact. Shedding blood in the Martial Alliance would drag Master White Elder’s reputation through the mud.
Unaware of whether he had such thoughts or not, Tang Bi-cheon’s words continued.
“Does the Alliance Leader know that fact?”
“…”
“Heh, it seems he truly knows.”
Tang Bi-cheon laughed as if dumbfounded. Had Alliance Leader Bukli Cheon already gone senile? Just what on earth was he thinking keeping Black Elder’s disciple in the Alliance? He could not comprehend it.
“I could have spread those facts immediately. Yet I did not. Despite appearances, I am a pacifist.”
“What is it you want to say?”
Cheon Woo-jin asked calmly. It was because conversing with that bastard no longer felt meaningful.
Tang Bi-cheon smiled with satisfaction as if pleased with the swift development and continued.
“Choose me in the upcoming sparring tournament. With the loser leaving the Martial Alliance. Of course, regardless of the outcome, both of us will keep our mouths shut about what happened today.”
Tang Bi-cheon had no intention of deliberately spreading the fact that Cheon Woo-jin was Black Elder’s disciple. He merely used it as a means to compel a sparring wager with himself.
Because proving his own ability once again was just as important as expelling Cheon Woo-jin.
Cheon Woo-jin tilted his head.
‘Has he lost his mind?’
Of course, there was no reason to refuse.
Because there was not the slightest possibility of losing.
If he pulled any nonsense when the time came, the blood on the Crescent Moon Staff would merely deepen a bit more.
Amusingly, Tang Bi-cheon thought the exact same thing.
‘Unless it is someone on the level of the Alliance Leader, no one can face me after I consume Dharma Master Won-dang’s Poison Union Pill.’
Tang Bi-cheon was certain of it. That if he consumed the Poison Union Pill, he could contend even against those called the Three Pillars Under Heaven, the Alliance Leader, the Lord of the Black Overlord Castle, and the Demonic Cult Leader, for at least half an incense stick of time.
Thus, the two reached a dramatic agreement while entertaining completely different thoughts.
Just as Tang Bi-cheon turned around in satisfaction.
Cheon Woo-jin stopped him in his tracks.
“Wait.”
“What is it? If you are going to back out now…”
“If that situation comes and one does not accept the outcome, what will you do?”
Tang Bi-cheon smirked. The more he looked, the more he thought this was an audacious and impudent rising star.
“One must go and die. Whether that is you or me. How can a man go back on his word? One wouldn’t deserve to live and breathe.”
It was Tang Bi-cheon’s own brand of warning.
Of course, that warning made Cheon Woo-jin’s heart exceedingly satisfied.
“Understood.”