The situation changed dramatically.
It was suddenly announced at the League Assembly that Galsaryang would be appointed as the Chief Military Strategist.
In the world of martial arts, unexpected events are a given, but this was truly an unprecedented incident.
The entire Martial Arts Alliance was thrown into chaos, not just within the Justice Pavilion.
Galsaryang called me aside.
“Congratulations, Strategist.”
“Thank you. It was indeed unexpected.”
“I believe it’s a position you rightfully deserve. If anything, it’s long overdue.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
His gaze was deep and sincere. Even a single word, if spoken with genuine intent, can forge a strong bond.
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it?”
“Become my Chief Aide.”
“What?”
The proposal was as surprising as his appointment as Chief Strategist.
“Have you forgotten I’m just a new recruit?”
“A new recruit who has saved me multiple times.”
“This is quite an unconventional appointment.”
“My own appointment was unconventional.”
“The other strategists might object.”
“No, they won’t. They’ll be too cautious to oppose me. This is the only chance to appoint you as my Chief Aide.”
Galsaryang had a clear understanding of the situation following his return as Chief Strategist.
When Samacheon became Chief Strategist, everyone followed him. Some left, but most stayed with the Justice Pavilion, indebted to Galsaryang. It wasn’t just because they stayed.
Everyone has their own life, and staying or leaving shouldn’t define them.
The issue was that when Samacheon was causing trouble, no one stood up for Galsaryang. They felt guilty but did nothing to help.
Now that Galsaryang was back, they would be anxious, fearing retribution.
In such a situation, no one would dare to voice dissatisfaction with Galsaryang’s appointments.
“Being a Chief Aide sounds grand, but it’s not. It’s about being by my side and assisting me. Will you do it?”
He wasn’t asking if I could do it; he was asking me to join him. It was a generous offer, considering I would have followed him regardless.
“Yes, I will. I’ll do my utmost to support you.”
“Good, leave the rest to me.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
Chief Aide—who would have thought I’d take on such a role in the Justice Pavilion?
Since joining the alliance, unpredictable events have unfolded daily. I needed to stay sharp and attentive to everything.
As I was about to leave, Galsaryang spoke.
“Thank you.”
I replied with a smile even brighter than his.
“I should be the one thanking you.”
Chilho was equally surprised.
The ordinary recruit she was investigating had suddenly become the Chief Strategist and Chief Aide. It was now difficult to investigate them freely.
Galsaryang called her in.
“Given the circumstances, it might be best to postpone the investigation.”
“I’ll report to my superiors first.”
“The League Assembly must already be aware, don’t you think?”
She had initially said she was sent by the League Leader.
“Yes, that’s true. But procedures must be followed.”
It was a subtle mistake. Galsaryang realized she wasn’t sent by Mabonggi. If she had been, she wouldn’t have mentioned reporting to her superiors just now.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Let’s meet again.”
Chilho had no intention of backing down. The rapid changes only fueled her suspicions.
“Gono’s death is definitely linked to Galsaryang.”
It only reinforced her conviction.
While Chilho’s attention was diverted, I secretly met Jin through a contact point.
Jin updated me on the events that occurred during my absence.
First, he shared news about the Samangak organization he and Su were forming.
“The main branch is expanding its network.”
As with any organization, quality is crucial. It’s more beneficial to have skilled martial artists than just numbers.
However, for an intelligence network, size matters. The network must be extensive, covering every corner of the martial world, allowing for swift communication.
“We now have 120 branches.”
The last time I checked, there were 72. Now, it’s over 120.
“We plan to focus on strengthening our core rather than expanding further.”
Jin and Su were far more competent than I had anticipated.
“Weren’t you short on funds?”
Starting with the initial 50,000 nyang, I eventually provided them with 200,000 nyang. It was a significant amount, but I wondered if it was enough to recruit personnel and establish 120 branches.
“Yang Sobangju’s assistance was invaluable.”
“Ah, I see.”
Jeongyeo had supported them without informing me.
“Convey my thanks to Jeongbangju. And stay close to assist me for the time being.”
“Understood.”
I also received other updates. Baekpyo was still out of contact, likely focused on building the Black Panther Brigade. I’m eager to see what they’ll become when they emerge in the martial world. They’ll undoubtedly be my strongest right hand.
Gongsuchan, as reliable as Baekpyo, was successfully managing the Taeseong Trading Company.
Jin also informed me that Song Hwarin had unleashed her first sword aura. Gwangdu was advancing in martial arts, and the Small Sword Brigade was diligently honing their skills.
Everyone was growing well. If life were a metaphor, this was a period of rapid growth. It’s crucial to grow as much as possible during such times.
Galsaryang swiftly took control of the Justice Pavilion.
How had he kept such formidable political acumen hidden? Everyone was astonished.
He restored the Justice Pavilion to its former glory under his leadership.
He didn’t dwell on past grievances. He expressed understanding and focused solely on the future.
Just as everyone was feeling a mix of relief and concern, a decisive piece of news arrived.
Samacheon, who was under investigation by the Disciplinary Hall, had been imprisoned. During this time, Mabonggi hadn’t visited him once.
That was the end of it. Everyone understood that Samacheon was finished.
They all acknowledged Galsaryang as the new Chief Strategist. His capabilities had been proven over the years.
Galsaryang removed all those who had aligned with Samacheon from the Justice Pavilion.
The existing members of the Justice Pavilion were delighted. They were glad to see those people gone and to witness the return of the Pavilion’s former stature. The authority of the Justice Pavilion had diminished significantly under Samacheon’s leadership.
I diligently carried out the tasks assigned by Galsaryang.
Of course, as a new recruit promoted to Chief Aide, I wasn’t free from scrutiny. While no one openly complained, there was plenty of gossip about the appointment.
Galsaryang entrusted me with a mission. It involved leading the regular soldiers and collaborating to complete the task.
Galsaryang knew the precise solution to this situation.
Show your subordinates your capabilities.
I met Galsaryang’s expectations splendidly.
I demonstrated sound judgment in selecting and gathering materials, and I acted decisively. My eyes were sharp, and my hands were quick.
Is that material necessary?
While others hesitated, I was already requesting that material along with others I deemed necessary.
In meetings, I impressed everyone with my insightful and accurate conclusions.
By the end of the mission, people were saying that working with Galsaryang was as efficient as it gets.
The complaints about me vanished. Instead, rumors spread about my extraordinary talent.
Extraordinary? Not quite.
I realized that people are the same everywhere. I had to be a genius for my seniors to feel at ease. Their wounded pride was healed.
Even in a place filled with smart people, it was still a gathering of humans.
As perceptions of me changed, so did those of Galsaryang.
People began to say he had the best eye for talent.
Ultimately, what I gained was Galsaryang’s trust.
“You never fail to meet my expectations!”
Once Galsaryang had solidified his control over the Justice Pavilion, Mabonggi summoned him.
“I hear the Justice Pavilion is united under your leadership, Galsaryang. Truly befitting of the best Chief Strategist.”
Galsaryang wore a confident smile. He knew that no matter what, Mabonggi would eventually try to eliminate him. There was no need to hide his confidence.
His judgment was correct.
“I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“There is a faction that supported my rise as League Leader.”
Mabonggi began to speak about the forces behind him.
He used the term ‘faction,’ and from the first word, it was clear he harbored strong animosity towards them.
“They are pressuring me.”
Galsaryang feigned surprise, as if hearing it for the first time, then regained his composure as a Chief Strategist should.
“Please tell me everything you know.”
“I don’t know much. I heard they supported my rise, and soon after, I became the League Leader.”
“Did they not contact you beforehand?”
“No, they didn’t.”
It was unexpected. While Galsaryang couldn’t be sure if Mabonggi was telling the truth, it didn’t seem like he was lying.
“At first, I didn’t understand why the leader of the Gwangwol faction supported me. I even thought he genuinely believed I was fit to be the League Leader. But now I know for sure. There’s someone behind the Gwangwol leader, and those bastards…”
“They’re plotting something, using me as a mere figurehead,” Ma Bong-gi grumbled.
Galsaryang listened intently, choosing not to interject with his own thoughts. Gathering as much information as possible was crucial at this point. He scrutinized every nuance of Ma Bong-gi’s expressions and speech, trying to discern what he was revealing and what he was concealing.
“After hiding their identity all this time, they’ve finally expressed a desire to meet,” Ma Bong-gi added, his face a mask of anger. “The audacity of them, telling me to come to them.”
Galsaryang, after a moment of contemplation, spoke calmly. “You should agree to meet.”
This meeting had to happen. Missing this chance to confront the enemy lurking in the shadows was not an option, especially while he held the position of chief strategist.
“Are you really suggesting I go to them?” Ma Bong-gi asked, still hesitant.
“Yes, you must go.”
“What if it’s a trap?”
“Forgive me for saying so, but if they truly intended to take your life, even this place wouldn’t be safe.”
Ma Bong-gi couldn’t deny the truth in those words. With several factions, including Ju Cheol-ryong’s, already compromised, even the stronghold couldn’t be considered secure.
“The location doesn’t matter. The meeting place is unlikely to be their stronghold. What’s important is identifying who we’re dealing with.”
Ma Bong-gi nodded, though he still hesitated.
Galsaryang pressed on. “As you know, the most dangerous enemy in the martial world isn’t the strongest one, but the one you can’t see. If we miss this opportunity, there’s no telling when we’ll get another chance to meet them.”
Finally, Ma Bong-gi nodded in agreement. “Alright, I’ll meet them.”
Galsaryang’s eyes gleamed with determination. “I’ll personally escort you.”
That night, Galsaryang called for me.
“I have something to discuss with you,” he said, more serious than I’d ever seen him.
“Before I say anything, I have a question for you.”
“Go ahead.”
“You once said that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.”
“Yes, I did.”
“What if the risk is one that requires you to stake your life?”
I hesitated before responding. “Before I answer, may I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“You don’t need to tell me why my life might be at risk. I just need to know if it’s for a just cause.”
If I followed him without a cause, Galsaryang would never trust me.
“It’s for the martial world and its people. This is something worth risking our lives for.”
Without hesitation, I replied, “I’m willing to stake my life. And I’ll ensure your safety in the process.”
“You!”
Between us now flowed a deep trust. He expected it from me, and in turn, he offered it.
“We need to escort the leader to a certain place. It’ll be just you, me, and a minimal team. I’ll explain more on the way.”
“When and where do we leave?”
“We depart at dawn the day after tomorrow. Our destination is the Nanhyeon Escort Agency in Zhejiang Province.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare immediately.”
I walked out without showing any emotion, but I knew the place well.
Nanhyeon Escort Agency.
It was the agency that had sent research materials to Im Yeon-jeong and had quickly risen to prominence with the backing of Seong Wang-bo, the head of the Continental Merchant Guild. It was operated by those behind the scenes. The message from the enemy was clear.
Ma Bong-gi’s personal involvement meant their leader or someone of equal rank would be present.
Would the true leader reveal themselves?
Who could they possibly be?