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Wuhan City in the Hubei Province was called a sacred place for the Justice Factions of Murim.
Inside the manor for the main branch of the Murim Alliance was a small meeting room.
A dignified man was seated in the center seat. He was Baek Hyang-muk, First Sword of Wuhan and the leader of the Murim Alliance.
On his right was a handsome middle-aged man, the Second Military Head, Sima Jung-hyun. On the left sat Baek Wei-hyang, the Third Military Head.
“I apologize again.”
Elder Baek Wei-hyang bowed and apologized to his leader, Baek Hyang-muk. He had set out confidently to root out the remnants of the Blood Sect. Still, he ended up returning after disgracing the name of the Murim Alliance.
Baek Wei-hyang looked nervously at the silent Baek Hyang-muk.
‘Ahhh… and to think I was using this chance to attain merit and obtain the position of commander-general.’
It had only been a few steps away.
The people who were closest to the position of the commander-general were the military heads. Wasn’t he the one who served in that role and assisted the leader?
‘Damn it.’
Baek Wei-hyang was still angry.
He was angry towards the new Blood Demon, who had brought him to this point. Baek Wei-hyang, who had bowed his head in apology, then raised his head and spoke angrily.
“Leader, please give me another chance. Now you also know what kind of creature that one is. For now we…”
“Military Head Baek.”
At that moment, the second military head, Sima Jung-hyun, cut his words off.
Baek Wei-hyang frowned and turned towards him.
“Why did you call me?”
“You’ve made a serious enough mistake that resigning your position would not be strange. Yet, in this situation, you are shamelessly asking for another chance.”
“That is excessive, Military Head Sima.”
“What do you mean excessive? Excessive would be the person who congratulated the Blood Sect’s opening ritual in front of everyone in the Alliance. As if giving up Guangxi wasn’t already enough.”
“Ugh!”
“And was that all of it? An all-out war with the Blood Sect has become impossible until the poison infecting the captives is wholly driven out. How could you ask for another chance?”
Sima Jung-hyun said this.
Although they had retrieved the captives, all of them were poisoned. Since the Blood Sect was necessary to provide them with a partial cure, it would be difficult to touch them until the Sichuan Tang family could develop their own cure.
As a result, Baek Wei-hyang was being cornered.
“If you know shame, then do it yourself.”
Did he push him too hard?
Baek Wei-hyang was becoming angrier.
‘Sima Jung-hyun is trying to incite the leader to kick me out to secure the position for himself.’
He couldn’t let it happen like that. If he lost here, he would lose a lot of things.
“Can this even be said to be the responsibility of a single person? Didn’t the situation that led to the death of our Commander General and the theft of the Blood Demon Sword happen because you were busy with something else!?”
“What?”
Sima Jung-hyun was rendered speechless at this.
He didn’t expect that Baek Wei-hyang would try to evade responsibility by bringing up things that happened in the past.
Seeing that it would be useless to talk further with the man, Sima Jung-hyun addressed the Alliance leader.
“Alliance leader. It looks like Elder Baek is emotionally shaken by his mistake. It is better to relieve him of his responsibilities and let him rest….”
“Sima Jung-hyun!”
“Lower your voice, Military Head Baek.”
As the conflict between the two showed no signs of stopping, Baek Hyang-muk finally spoke.
“Enough.”
The air around them changed with just one word, and both men fell silent. Baek Hyang-muk shook his head and said,
“This is everyone’s responsibility. How can one person be made to take on all of the cost?”
“A-alliance leader!”
Hearing this, Baek Wei-hyang’s face brightened.
He thought it was a disgrace, but he still tried to cover his shortcomings. The two military heads fell silent at the words of Baek Hyang-muk.
“The absence of our main military head has made us look so pitiful.”
Zhuge Won-myung had led them to victory and made the Murim Alliance the best force in the Central Plains for a long time. With his head, the entire Murim Alliance had lost a force in its operations.
These two men weren’t inferior to him. Still, in the eyes of the Alliance leader, the two of them lacked some of Zhuge Won-myung’s capabilities.
‘How long has it been since we were swayed by an enemy?’
This was the first time in 20 years or so.
From the destruction of their Alliance with the Dual Martial Troops, the Blood Demon Sword incident, and now the revival of the Blood Sect, such unprecedented events were happening in a single year.
The crisis was approaching little by little.
‘We have been arrogant and indolent.’
Twenty years had passed without a proper enemy. It was as if the heavens were pushing them and sending the Murim back into confusion.
Baek Hyang-muk’s lips curled up.
It seems that things will come back to life again.
“Alliance leader?”
Baek Hyang-muk addressed the two puzzled men.
“I don’t think I can leave the position of the first military head empty for much longer. I need someone to aid me in the operations of the Alliance.”
Both of the military heads perked up at this.
The position of the First Military Head, the military general.
The position that was second in power within the Alliance.
Baek Wei-hyang, who was at a disadvantage due to his massive mistake, glared at Sima Jung-hyun with jealousy.
At this, Sima Jung-hyun smiled softly.
He was clearly convinced that he would be the one chosen.
Didn’t Zhuge Won-myung also rise to his position after serving as a military general’s aide in the first place?
“The military general….”
Sima Jung-hyun’s hand twitched as if he was ready to speak.
“Will be in the hands of this person.”
‘This person?’
The expectation that either would be promoted was wrong, and they became stiff. Baek Hyang-muk then snapped his fingers.
The door to the meeting room opened.
Kiiik!
And a person walked in through the opened doors.
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“What is the military strategy?”
Hearing the voice coming in through the door, both of the military heads stood up at the same time.
“T-teacher!”
“M-Military general!”
Both of them shouted simultaneously as someone entered through the shadows. Although he was using a cane, he was an old man with a straight back and a stubborn face.
Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be in his 80s or 90s.
“I asked what the military strategy was.”
In response to the old man’s question, Baek Wei-hyang put his hands together and said,
“A ploy to effectively drive away the enemy and achieve victory.”
Baek Wei-hyang looked at the old man as if seeking approval. The old man then turned his gaze to Sima Jung-hyun.
“The harmonization of all strategies, technologies, and forces to achieve the objectives of the organization and group.”
Hearing this answer, the old man nodded his head in approval.
Baek Wei-hyang’s face became distorted. The old man then looked at him and said coldly.
“I think I understand why you’ve made such a big mistake. Even after over 20 years, you are still like a fire but lack basics.”
“Kuk…”
‘Damn old man… still looking down on me…’
He was angry but could not reply. This old man who looked like he might collapse from old age at any time was Bang Deok-hyun, the former Military General of the Murim Alliance. He was also a teacher for both Zhuge Won-myung and Sima Jung-hyun.
Baek Hyang-muk stood up and bowed with his hands clasped together.
“Elder. You have arrived.”
“The Leader called me directly…”
“This is not a situation we can deal with lightly. I hope that Elder will return to take center stage once more.”
“Hmm.”
“I make this plea to you.”
As Baek Hyang-muk bowed and made his request, Bang Deok-hyun pretended to be silent for a moment before opening his mouth.
“I am trying to spend the rest of my days caring for my great-grandchildren. I am impatient because I cannot do that until I finish this.”
“I am grateful for the Elder’s decision. Please have a seat.”
Due to this, Sima Jung-hyun had to vacate his seat on the right. If he had done it properly, he should have moved to sit across from the Military General, but he didn’t feel like talking to Baek Wei-hyang at the moment.
When Bang Deok-hyun sat down, Baek Hyang-muk tried to speak.
“When it involves the Blood Sect, I’ve heard enough to hurt my ears.”
“Then?”
“It’s not urgent enough to solve it quickly.”
“Elder, please give us your opinion.”
At Baek Hyang-muk’s urging, the old man, who was now the military general, picked up the blue flags that represented the Justice Faction that had been placed all over the desk.
He placed blue flags around Guangxi Province.
“This?”
“The next thing that the Blood Sect would do after gaining time and Guangxi as its base would be to expand their influence.”
“A spread of the Evil Faction!”
“That’s right. It is important for us to block their advance.”
At that, Sima Jung-hyun said,
“We have already deployed a force from each branch around Guangxi to block them.”
Hearing this, Bang Deok-hyun clicked his tongue.
“That will not be enough.”
“Then?”
“Move Elder Jong Seon, Alliance Leader.”
Elder Jong Seon, one of the Eight Great Warriors and the Taiji Sword Emperor.
Hearing the recommendation to move this man, Baek Hyang-muk could not hide his shock. From his position as leader of the Alliance, it would be difficult to move such a person unless the matter was of grave importance.
Bang Deok-hyun smiled and spoke to the puzzled Baek Hyang-muk.
“Do not worry. I will take care of how he acts.”
Bang Deok-hyun took the small flag that indicated the Wudang Sect and placed it on the border between Hunan and Guangxi.
He then took one of the two large red flags within Guangxi and placed it likewise on the border.
“The Blood Sect will certainly move their Slashing Blood Sword Emperor to keep an eye on the border.”
And he knew that that man was the strongest in the Blood Sect.
“We will force them to stay alert at all times.”
Bang Deok-hyun nodded at Sima Jung-hyun’s comment.
“The Evil Faction has stronger martial power than we do. If we want to subjugate them, we will need to double our effort and tie this man down. This would be the biggest setback for the Blood Sect.”
Baek Hyang-muk nodded at these sensible words, but Bang Deok-hyun wasn’t finished yet.
He glanced at Sima Jung-hyun and said,
“You should head for the provincial office in Guizhou.”
“You mean the government office?”
“I heard that they obtained approval after paying a bribe to the provincial overseer who aided the Blood Sect?”
Bang Deok-hyun smiled and said.
“The chief there is someone who hates flaws more than anyone as he is aiming for a higher position.”
Inside the temporary working area for the Blood Sect in the Guangxi province.
“Please leave the left guardian position vacant.”
I stared at Song Jwa-baek as he made this request.
He seemed to be getting impatient ahead of the coronation ceremony and was making brazen demands to me.
I thought he was being shameless.
“Doesn’t it look like you’re still lacking, though?”
Shouldn’t the position be given to someone who has suitable martial arts? It would be possible to consider it if this man had reached a higher level.
“I am not asking you to appoint me now. I am asking you to keep the position open for two, no, one year.”
Was he confident about doing this within a year?
His current growth rate now was already shocking.
“… if your guardian or teacher was here, you would be scolded.”
“Isn’t that why I asked for a private meeting?”
-It is nice that he’s a consistent person, though.
Short Sword giggled as she liked his words.
I also liked this guy because he was quite consistent in his character and stubbornness. Actually, he wasn’t the only one who had come to me requesting a private meeting.
Yang Jeon, the Third Blood Star, had also done the same.
[Please delay the ceremony for Lady Baek Hye-hyang until Lady Baek Ryeon-ha recovers.]
That was what he requested from me.
Having served under Baek Ryeon-ha for a long time, he clearly didn’t want to see Baek Hye-hyang and her faction gain power. What he said didn’t end there, either.
[Please also give Lady Baek Ryeon-ha a chance to become the sect leader’s wife.]
My head began to pound when I heard this.
After expelling the Sixth Blood Star, I thought I would no longer have to worry about this, but the sect’s internal politics had yet to settle down.
I could somehow understand why teacher had also spoken to me about delaying giving a role to Baek Hye-hyang until we stabilized our internal control.
“My head is hurting now with other problems. Stop this and leave.”
“I cannot do that until you promise me.”
Thud!
Song Jwa-baek dropped to his knees and settled down. It looked like he won’t leave unless I gave him this promise.
“Do you want to get dragged out?”
Hearing this, his eyes shifted to the side. His will wasn’t that strong yet.
At that moment, I heard Noh Seong-gu address me from the outside.
“Lord Blood Demon, the First Elder requests a private meeting.”
“The First Elder?”
Hearing this name, Song Jwa-baek became startled and stood up.
I thought he didn’t fear anyone other than our teacher, but he was standing up in front of the First Elder.
-You don’t seem scared.
It wasn’t that.
We are of the same generation, so I could not admit it because of my pride.
Still, thanks to his consistent nature, it was nice to see that he knew where to stand and when to let go.
Positions need to change sometimes, after all.
“Ah, anyway, please reconsider what I said. I will leave.”
Song Jwa-baek hurriedly bowed to me and left. The First Elder walked in, while glancing at the exiting man.
Dan Wei-kang bowed with elegance.
“I greet you, Blood Demon.”
“Welcome, First Elder.”
The First Elder frowned slightly.
“Those are humble words, Blood Demon.”
“This isn’t in public, but a dignified private meeting. I do not wish to discuss this. You are a great warrior of Murim who reached your position through your own efforts. I simply wish to treat you well.”
His eyes shone after hearing words.
It was a face of surprise.
-Since you’re the Blood Demon, you need to be arrogant and condescending to everyone, whether in public or private. Tsk.
The Blood Demon Sword clicked his tongue at me, but I wasn’t going to get caught up in his preconceptions.
One should only be arrogant when needed.
My way would not involve suppressing people or treating them carelessly.
And a person like the First Elder, who was loyal to the position of sect leader and the sect, had to be treated correctly. I had to treat his sincere loyalty differently.
Dan Wei-kang then said.
“… it is different.”
“What do you mean?”
“The heavens seem to be looking after the Third Generation Blood Demon. Those who sat on that throne have always been the same until now.”
“Is that so?”
I question him, but I already know this.
Once someone inherited the Blood Demon Sword, the Blood Demon within it would inevitably invade their personality.
Anyone affected by it would naturally become violent and arrogant. In a way, they would become a copy of the Blood Demon within the blade.
Of course, there were cases where certain people, such as Baek Hye-hyang, acted this way naturally.
“Maybe it is because I grew up in a different environment from them.”
I grew up in a family under the Justice Faction and spent another life as a spy of the Blood Sect. There was no way that the habits ingrained in my body and soul would vanish.
“Well, since you asked for this private meeting, tell me what you wish to share. I will listen.”
“Authority stems from dignity, and the concerns of this old man are unfounded.”
See that?
-Huh.
Blood Demon Sword snorted in derision.
After saying his piece, Dan Wei-kang erased his smile and asked,
“I wanted to ask the Blood Demon. How do you plan to lead the sect?”
“How do I plan to lead….”
“The sect’s teachings would lead us to paint the world in blood. However, whenever I hear what the Blood Demon has done or said, it seems to deviate from the ideal teachings.”
…As expected, the time had come.
I figured that someone would have questioned it by now. I did think that it would start with this man.
It was only natural for him to be curious about this since he had served the Blood Demon and the sect for a long time.
The Blood Demon can lead the people using force and authority, but such actions would inevitably lead to a backlash.
I then asked him seriously.
“I would like to ask you a question instead. If we drown the world with blood like what our sect demands, what will be left in the end?”
“….”
“Will a world awash with blood stay clean? It will be stained by blood, after all.”
He frowned at my words. Wasn’t this pretty much an attack on the Blood Sect’s teachings?
Dan Wei-kang then said in a low voice.
“Continue.”
“From the establishment of the sect until now, we have been the enemy to all. It is all because of the teachings that were established by our ancestors.”
“Are you denying it?”
“Yes, I am.”
‘…!!’
The First Elder’s eyes narrowed, and his trembling eyes looked directly at me.
“How can we follow something that will lead our followers to their deaths?”
“…if the sect leader, the Blood Demon himself, takes it lightly, then who would follow the teachings? If the sect members take the Blood Demon’s words lightly in the future, what will you do?”
“It is only right to get rid of old customs that are bad. If that undermines my authority, then I will give up the position.”
As I said this, his face became stiff. Regardless, I continued to talk.
“Do you think that it is right to make enemies of everyone just to uphold the Blood Sect’s teachings and continue this cycle of death and rebirth over and over?”
“…”
“The path that our sect should take isn’t to become evil and journey to hell. It is to revive the ties of blood and make everyone follow!”
The emotions in the room seemed to intensify.
Unconsciously, my voice began to rise as he stared at me.
I didn’t know what he was thinking. As he stared at me for a while, he then asked.
“Is that the sect that the Blood Demon will make?”
“… yes.”
My silent confirmation contained a firm determination. He then suddenly burst into laughter.
“HAHAHAHAH!”
The atmosphere, which had been heavy, suddenly changed. Why was this man smiling?
He laughed heartily and stopped as he said,
“I have served the sect for 3 generations, but this is the first time a Blood Demon has spoken such words. None had ever thought to trample over the teachings of our ancestors.”
“You did say I was different.”
“You certainly are.”
At this, he knelt down on one knee and raised his head as he said to me.
“Even though the past generations have passed on, the reason why this old man had lived until now might have been to meet you.”
“First Elder.”
“I will swear allegiance again.”
“You will swear….”
“Not to the Blood Demon.”
‘…?!’
He looked surprised at himself but clasped his hands together and said,
“I will swear to give my life to protect the sect you will build. Please allow this old man to be a part of that change.”