When Tears Come to Our Eyes (4)
Ma Cheol-Gun sat in the grand chair of the Alliance Lord Hall, the seat he had so desperately desired.
At the sight of the leaders of each organization of the Grand Martial Alliance walking in one after another, his chest swelled with emotion.
‘At last, I am the master of this Jianghu.’
He would not rule the Jianghu in indulgence and pleasure with women like his father had.
He would be recorded in history as an Alliance Lord greater than Cheon Ha-Jin.
To do that, there was something he had to deal with first. He had to drive out the force behind the scenes.
The leaders of each organization stood in attendance to the left and right of the grand chair. In the place where the Chief Strategist stood was Master No, who had newly become Chief Strategist.
Zuo Tie-Long, the leader of the Bright Moon Group, stepped forward, cupped his fists respectfully, and spoke on behalf of everyone.
“We sincerely congratulate you on becoming Alliance Lord. From now on, we will devote our lives and give our full loyalty.”
“We will devote our lives and give our full loyalty!”
Everyone cupped their fists and spoke with one voice.
Ma Cheol-Gun rose from the grand chair.
“Thank you. Because all of you believed in and supported me, I was able to ascend to this position. I ask for your support from now on as well.”
“Please only give us your orders.”
The voices of the leaders rang loudly through the Alliance Lord Hall.
“These days, with the Demonic Cult running rampant throughout the Central Plains, the situation in the Jianghu is extremely unstable. Therefore, I wish to convey my will to you.”
Everyone’s gaze focused on Ma Cheol-Gun.
Unexpected words burst from Ma Cheol-Gun.
“I intend to create an elite organization to deal with the Demonic Cult.”
Everyone was startled and looked at one another.
The person most shocked was, of course, Zuo Tie-Long.
“An elite organization? What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly as I said. I intend to gather the masters of the Central Plains who have not yet been discovered and create the greatest organization. I will gather only the finest martial artists, and I intend to treat them accordingly.”
In other words, he meant that he would create an independent organization to deal with the Demonic Cult. Since it was an organization created directly by the Alliance Lord, it would become an organization with great power behind it.
Zuo Tie-Long was inwardly greatly angered.
‘You arrogant bastard! So you are making this kind of announcement from the very first day without even discussing it with us?’
He called it an organization to deal with the Demonic Cult, but it meant that the Alliance Lord would create his own private organization.
Master No, who had become the new Chief Strategist, had a calm expression.
Zuo Tie-Long could tell. This surprise announcement had been discussed with him in advance. It might even have come from his head in the first place.
“Creating a new organization is something that requires enormous funds, manpower, and time. Please reconsider.”
“Demonic people are harming innocent lives throughout the Central Plains. What could be more important than this?”
“The martial artists of the existing alliance are already sufficient to deal with them.”
“Do you truly think so? Then why have we not rooted them out until now?”
“That is……”
Zuo Tie-Long had many things to say, but he closed his mouth. He realized that, since Ma Cheol-Gun’s mind had already been made up, opposing him here would have no meaning.
Ma Cheol-Gun said to Master No,
“Immediately announce to the Jianghu that we will create a new organization to deal with the Demonic Cult.”
Master No said loudly,
“I receive your command!”
From the very first day he ascended to the position of Alliance Lord, Ma Cheol-Gun began taking bold steps.
At the news that the strongest organization to deal with the Demonic Cult would be created, the Jianghu once again went wild with excitement.
The Grand Martial Alliance promised treatment far better than that of any existing organization. From the beginning, it was an organization whose monthly stipend and positions would be different. Moreover, it was a special organization that would carry out only the Alliance Lord’s orders. Since it was obvious that, after the Demonic Cult was annihilated, this organization would become the number one organization in the Grand Martial Alliance, it was only natural that the hearts of the people of the Jianghu were stirred.
When Gal Sa-Ryang heard the news, he saw straight through Ma Cheol-Gun’s true intention.
“It seems Ma Cheol-Gun is trying to create his own organization. After all, the current Grand Martial Alliance has fallen into the hands of the force behind the scenes.”
To be precise, the leaders of the important organizations, including Zuo Tie-Long, had gone over to them. The martial artists under them did not even know that such people existed behind the Murim Alliance Lord.
“Unlike Ma Bong-Gi, Ma Cheol-Gun will not obediently listen to them. Even so, the reason they placed him in the position of Alliance Lord is likely because they are certain they can use him properly.”
“We too must make good use of Ma Cheol-Gun.”
“That is correct.”
We must not forget that the enemy of our enemy is an ally, and we must maintain the conflict between them and Ma Cheol-Gun as much as possible.
“It seems now is the time to decide our course from here on. Have you perhaps thought of anything?”
“Am I not always someone who follows Strategist Gal’s will?”
“Hahaha.”
Gal Sa-Ryang laughed pleasantly.
“What shall we do this time, when I have no will of my own?”
How could a head as good as his have no thoughts? This was only his way of saying that, this time, he would follow my will.
“Strategist, install a new Black Darkness Vast Sea Formation at the manor on the island and hide there. Also, formally ascend to the position of head of the Three-Eyed Pavilion and make the Three-Eyed Pavilion into a second Hall of Justice.”
“I receive your command.”
Gal Sa-Ryang answered respectfully.
“Soon, I will call Jin and Su and introduce them to you. They will be of great help.”
Because of the power we had shown earlier, they would no longer be able to strike Gal Sa-Ryang carelessly. Gal Sa-Ryang was no longer a target for elimination, but a formidable enemy.
The island was not easy to find, and once the Black Darkness Vast Sea Formation was completed, we would be even more at ease. No one would be able to break through that formation easily.
“Do not forget to train in the formation that allows you to hide your body quickly in an emergency.”
“Yes. I am practicing every day.”
“Good.”
“What do you intend to do, my lord?”
I had something in mind as well.
“It is certain that Lin Yan-Qing has come here with some important mission this time. I will remain here and, through her, discover their objective.”
“That is a good idea.”
Of course, my relationship with No. Seven weighed on my mind, but I could not miss such a good opportunity because of personal matters.
The next day, I went to the Hall of Justice.
Gal Sa-Ryang had left, but I remained in the Hall of Justice. It was not because I had any lingering attachment to this place.
It was because of my relationship with Gal Sa-Ryang.
Though he had used me because of my abilities, after Gal Sa-Ryang left, I wanted to show them that we had nothing to do with each other. Whether they believed it or not, it was advantageous not to give them accurate information if possible.
Another reason I remained in the Hall of Justice was because, if I wanted to approach Lin Yan-Qing, the identity of a strategist of the Hall of Justice was still the best position.
I was demoted from responsible strategist to ordinary strategist.
It was only natural. From the beginning, that personnel appointment had been far too exceptional.
“Strategist Byeok!”
“Yes!”
“Handle this!”
“Understood.”
The new representative strategist assigned me work while watching my reaction. I could feel his intention to drive me out without mercy if I showed even the slightest sign of displeasure.
But I carried out the task given to me with the vigorous and bright attitude of a new strategist.
Their wariness toward me would soon disappear.
That afternoon, I drank with Song Hwa-Rin, Su-Ran, and Gwangdu. It had been a long time, no, with this combination, it was the first time we had drunk together.
“Haha, I am glad the misunderstanding was cleared up.”
At Gwangdu’s words, Su-Ran glared.
“It is only because our Young Lady is too kind and let it pass.”
“What do you take our Young Master for?”
“A womanizer!”
“I admit it!”
Even Su-Ran looked dumbfounded at his quick admission. Thanks to Gwangdu creating the mood, the gathering was warm and cheerful.
“Martial Artist Gwang seems like such a bright person.”
At Song Hwa-Rin’s compliment, Gwangdu gave a broad smile.
“Hahaha. I am the number one incarnation of positivity in the Jianghu.”
“I think living brightly is a good thing.”
I could feel that Song Hwa-Rin was speaking sincerely. Whether it was her or anyone else, anyone who spent time with Gwangdu would come to know his true value.
How could Gwangdu have no worries?
But he always did not lose his smile and tried to make others happy.
Song Hwa-Rin looked at me. Her gaze seemed to say this.
You are truly a fortunate person.
I nodded once, making an expression that said I agreed.
In my previous life as well, there had been moments when I felt that I was fortunate. There had been times when I thought I had met good people.
But at that time, I had been like this. Because I was too busy, because I was too tired, or because there would be another chance next time.
I pushed back fully enjoying that happiness until later. I can see them again next time. I can do it again next time. Next time……
I looked at the waiter and said loudly,
“Bring us one more bottle of wine!”
Read only on MugenCodex
Lin Yan-Qing and No. Seven were walking down a shabby, old alley. It was so narrow that the two could not even walk side by side.
The ground was full of filthy wastewater, and beyond the wall, a dog barked noisily. At the end of the alley, a place they would never want to come to again, a man was waiting for them.
He guided the two somewhere. After turning this way and that through complicated alleys, the place they arrived at was a nearly collapsed building filled with all kinds of filthy graffiti.
In front of the room at the end of the corridor, the man said to Lin Yan-Qing,
“Enter alone.”
No. Seven said to her,
“I will wait here.”
“All right, see you later.”
Lin Yan-Qing opened the door and went inside.
After about the time it took to eat a meal, Lin Yan-Qing came back out. Her expression had completely hardened. It was the first time No. Seven had seen such a dark expression on her.
When they came outside the building again, No. Seven asked,
“Did something happen inside?”
Lin Yan-Qing was still lost in thought as she moved her feet.
“Senior!”
The title that had once been Unnie had changed back to Senior. Seeing her stiffened state, No. Seven’s heart had stiffened as well.
“What?”
Lin Yan-Qing looked back at No. Seven with a half-dazed face.
“What exactly happened?”
At No. Seven’s question, the fear Lin Yan-Qing had been holding back appeared on her face.
She spoke gloomily.
“……I’m going to die.”
After returning to the manor, Lin Yan-Qing shut herself inside her study.
When mealtime came, food was brought to her, but she did not eat and sent it back untouched.
Now she had even locked the door.
No. Seven, who had once again turned around while holding a tray that had not been touched, did not leave this time.
Thump, thump, thump.
She knocked on the door. But no answer came from inside.
No. Seven continued knocking on the door.
How long had she knocked like that?
Because she knocked until it opened, the door eventually opened. Lin Yan-Qing appeared with a haggard and pale face.
Lin Yan-Qing turned around without a word.
No. Seven followed her into the room.
On the table where Lin Yan-Qing sank down heavily, letters were spread out messily. They were the letters she had carefully kept inside her wardrobe.
“Why exactly are you acting like this?”
“You do not need to know.”
“You are this cold, yet you interfered so much in my issue with a man?”
Lin Yan-Qing could not answer at all.
No. Seven spoke again.
“You said you were going to die, didn’t you? As you know, I have been assigned the mission of protecting you, Senior. Then you should tell me as well. Are you going to let even me die without knowing the reason?”
The final words worked.
Lin Yan-Qing let out a sigh and sat down.
“Sit here.”
“Yes.”
No. Seven sat facing Lin Yan-Qing.
“In that room, I met the person who came as the person in charge of the Great Rite this time.”
“And?”
“He was someone I knew too. In this field, he is someone very famous, called Seo Hak-Sa, and when it comes to Great Rite skill, he can be called the best. Since he has stepped forward, whatever this Great Rite is, it will definitely succeed.”
When the name Seo Hak-Sa came out, Lin Yan-Qing’s voice cracked and trembled. She was afraid of him.
“The problem is that among the people who worked with him, not a single one has survived.”
Only then did No. Seven understand.
“He is vile.”
“More than that. His Martial Arts are also incredibly strong.”
Lin Yan-Qing was also a master of Martial Arts. But the opponent was far stronger than her. Seo Hak-Sa extremely hated anyone learning his techniques.
So, after the work was done, whether they had learned his things or not, he killed everyone who had worked with him.
It might seem that, since everyone was dead, no one would know, but there is no such thing as an eternal secret in this Jianghu. Lin Yan-Qing was one of the few people who knew that fact.
“……I still must not die.”
Tears welled in her eyes. It was the first weak appearance No. Seven had seen from her. In that weakness, there was a certain desperation.
No. Seven could feel it. Lin Yan-Qing was not simply valuing her own life. There was something she had to protect.
No. Seven’s eyes fell on the letters.
It was probably the person who had written these letters. Who could it be?
At that moment, the thought suddenly arose in No. Seven’s heart that she wanted to save her.
For an instant, she was startled.
As far as she remembered, she had never once thought that she wanted to save someone.
Everything until now had been things she did in order to survive. She trained to survive, and she carried out orders to live. If she disobeyed, she had to die.
And yet now, she had thought that she wanted to save someone. For the first time in her life.
It was similar to the suddenness of when tears had fallen before Byeok Ri-Dan without her knowing why.
“Unnie.”
Her way of addressing her became Unnie again.
“Little sister.”
Lin Yan-Qing’s voice toward her trembled.
No. Seven said to her in a quiet but powerful voice,
“I will save you.”
At those words, the tears Lin Yan-Qing had been holding back flowed from her eyes.
Even if it costs my life, No. Seven did not say those next words.
She wanted to save her. Sincerely.
— Read only on MugenCodex —
