The Wings Are Not Heavy (3)
We gathered comfortably in the pavilion.
Though we couldn’t drink much since we had to return to Jeonguigak, I wanted to toast to today.
The drink was good. Lately, I’d realized that expensive liquor doesn’t necessarily taste better. The drinks I had now were far more enjoyable than the rare, costly ones I had as a leader.
Never in my past life had the three of us shared such a pleasant drink together.
“Now that you’re our lord, please speak freely with us. While we can’t do so back at the alliance, let’s be informal when it’s just us.”
Galsaryang suggested, and Baekpyo agreed.
“Yes, let’s do that. Please treat us casually as well.”
I looked at them both.
The way we spoke wasn’t what mattered. It was the sincerity with which we treated each other that counted.
“Alright, let’s do that.”
In this new life, I resolved not to be swayed by others’ opinions or get caught up in unnecessary formalities or authority.
This decision was partly because of these two. I regretted not being closer to them in my past life.
“But how did you come by this estate?” Galsaryang asked, curious.
The estate was purchased by Gongsuchan under my orders, using the name of the Taeseong Trading Company.
“It’s one of the secret bases I’ve set up near the main headquarters of the Martial Alliance.”
Since it was practically an uninhabited island, we acquired the estate at a very low price.
“We could turn this into a strategic stronghold. It’s close enough to the main base, and no one would suspect such a place on an uninhabited island.”
“Leave it to you, Galsaryang.”
Though we couldn’t station a large force on an island, Galsaryang would make good use of it.
“Leave it to me.”
I began explaining about the Taeseong Trading Company and shared various stories.
Galsaryang was astonished to learn that Samangak had established branches all over the central plains. He knew better than anyone that building an intelligence network was far more challenging than making money.
“You’ve set up 120 branches?”
“Yes.”
“Who managed all this?”
“There are trustworthy agents named Jin and Su. I’ll introduce you when there’s time.”
Samangak’s success was entirely thanks to Jin and Su. I planned to appoint Galsaryang as the head of Samangak and place Jin and Su in key positions.
I also told him about the Black Panther Unit Baekpyo was forming and the Little Sword Unit in Shandong, detailing their numbers and martial prowess. I shared everything I’d built since my reincarnation.
“Truly impressive.”
Galsaryang was genuinely moved. I had invested evenly in the finances, intelligence, and military strength, the core of any martial organization.
What truly touched him was that I hadn’t mentioned any of this to persuade him. I hadn’t used my power to coerce him but had drawn him in with sincerity.
Normally, with such power, one would simply try to recruit him. But I had gone through the trouble of joining Jeonguigak and embarking on a life-threatening journey to win him over. If I had even won over Baekpyo, there was no reason to hesitate.
Baekpyo, looking apologetic, spoke to Galsaryang.
“I gave the Suramyungwang Sword to the young master. I should have informed you earlier, and I apologize for that.”
“Ah, I thought it looked familiar.”
The sword’s hilt was wrapped in cloth, and the swordsmanship was so swift that he hadn’t recognized it. He never imagined the strategist in Jeonguigak would possess the Suramyungwang Sword.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I didn’t want to give it to Mabonggi in the first place, so I entrusted it to you. It seems it was meant to be.”
Galsaryang’s words made Baekpyo nod.
“Thank you for saying that. To explain, the Suramyungwang Sword wept the first day it met the young master.”
“The sword wept?”
“Yes. The Suramyungwang Sword chose the young master.”
“Really? Is that so?”
Galsaryang marveled again. It was rare for a sword to choose its wielder, especially a treasured sword like the Suramyungwang Sword.
“If that’s the case, the leader would surely be pleased.”
After putting Baekpyo at ease, Galsaryang turned to me.
“I still don’t fully understand who you are, young master. But I am certain of one thing: you are worthy of being the sword’s master.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
We continued to share stories. I was honest about almost everything, except for my reincarnation.
Though they served me as their lord, I didn’t see them as subordinates. They were my friends.
“By the way, how is the Black Panther Unit’s training going?”
“They’re still training.”
Judging by Baekpyo’s transformation, I could tell they were making great progress. Baekpyo’s aura had completely changed, and his skills had clearly advanced.
For now, I planned to leave it to Baekpyo. Once he reached his potential, I would help him refine his martial arts, ensuring he would never be outmatched.
“Just give us a little more time.”
“I can give you ten years if needed.”
“Haha, just a little will do.”
“Don’t overdo it.”
“You take care too, young master.”
Galsaryang, listening with a satisfied expression, raised his glass.
“Let’s have a drink.”
Our three glasses clinked in the air.
We drank late into the night, discussing the martial world, the Martial Alliance, and the future.
You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment.
I felt as if I owned the world.
Baekpyo returned to Hanan Pyeongjeongsan for the Black Panther Unit’s training, while Galsaryang and I returned to the Martial Alliance.
For now, we decided to stay with the Martial Alliance. It wasn’t time to leave yet.
My main concern was Galsaryang’s safety. They hadn’t killed him but left him in the position of chief strategist, which meant they had ulterior motives. If he lost his usefulness, they would kill him without hesitation.
“Stay with me for the time being.”
“Understood.”
When we were alone, I was the lord, but with others, I fulfilled my role as the responsible strategist.
A few days later, the second incident occurred.
Demons attacked and massacred the Gopyeong Im family in Shanxi.
Once again, Machulgun was the first to act.
He annihilated the demons as they tried to escape Shanxi.
Rumors of the Demonic Cult spread throughout the central plains. The revival of the Demonic Cult was now a fact.
Those who remembered the bloodshed caused by the Blood Heaven Demonic Cult in the past were terrified and couldn’t sleep.
At this time, Machulgun’s actions were like the trumpet announcing the arrival of a hero.
People gathered to talk about the Demonic Cult and Machulgun.
Rumors spread that Machulgun should be the successor.
It seemed as if someone was deliberately spreading these rumors, as they swept across the central plains.
Galsaryang proposed a plan.
“If we continue like this, we’ll be led by the nose. We need to shake them up.”
“What do you suggest?”
“There are those who really don’t want Machulgun to be the successor.”
I immediately understood Galsaryang’s intention.
“You mean to bring in another successor.”
“Yes, exactly.”
I told him about my encounter with Marengin, how he was connected to the forces behind the scenes, and how he almost got killed by Machulgun.
Galsaryang was shocked to learn the truth.
“Then other successors might have been recruited too.”
“We can’t rule out the possibility.”
“Then we shouldn’t choose this method. We might bring in another enemy.”
If it weren’t Galsaryang and me facing them, we might have felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, a fear that we couldn’t possibly confront them.
Those who were recruited might have felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness. They were up against immense capital, military strength, and someone who could devise strategies.
Moreover, the enemy understood human psychology better than anyone and knew how to exploit it.
But I’m different. The stronger the opponent, the more determined I become.
I will eliminate them all. If left unchecked, they will grow to a point where no one can touch them.
“We should observe a bit longer.”
“Let’s do that!”
I accepted his suggestion with a smile.
Galsaryang, puzzled, asked, “Why are you smiling?”
“Do you know why I wanted you on my side so much?”
“Why is that?”
“Because now I don’t have to worry. I just have to do what you say, Galsaryang. Hahaha.”
Galsaryang gave me a look that said he couldn’t believe me. But his expression soon turned into a pleased smile, as my words meant I trusted him completely.
A woman spoke from the shadows.
“In three days, Huashuzhuang in Shangzhou will be attacked. The demons responsible will escape south through Sanyang. Go and deal with it.”
After delivering her message, the woman stood up.
Machulgun, who had been sitting like a statue on the bed, called out to her.
“Wait!”
“What is it?”
“Stop! I won’t allow any more slaughter!”
“I know. That’s why you’ve been punishing them, haven’t you?”
“What?”
The two previous retaliations against the Demonic Cult had also been orchestrated by this woman. She had informed him of the demons’ movements in advance.
“You’re doing well. All the martial artists are praising you. You’ve become the most famous person since Cheonhajin.”
“Silence!”
Ma Cheol-gun sprang to his feet.
At first, he charged forward, slaying the demons to avenge his father. But deep down, there was another reason. He thought that by doing this, he might ease the guilt of his father’s death. He hoped it would bring him some peace.
Yet now, it wasn’t just about that. As she had said, he was becoming the most renowned figure in the martial world. Her words about him becoming a leader no longer seemed like an empty dream.
“Do you feel guilty?”
Her words hit the mark, and Ma Cheol-gun erupted in anger.
“I told you to shut up!”
“The attack will happen in three days. It’s not too late. If you leave now, you can save them. But you’ll have to explain to everyone how you knew about the attack in advance. You’ll have to explain everything that’s happened.”
“Shut up, I said!”
“You can’t have it all. If you want power, there’s a price to pay. You can’t be both a good person and a powerful one. That’s just selfish greed.”
“Enough!”
Unable to hold back any longer, Ma Cheol-gun lunged forward and grabbed her by the collar.
For a moment, her face was illuminated in the darkness.
“Gasp!”
A breath escaped Ma Cheol-gun’s lips as he froze in place.
The woman bathed in moonlight was breathtakingly beautiful. He had never seen anyone so stunning. His mind went blank, and he couldn’t utter a word.
Her enchanting lips parted, as if to draw him in.
“It’s okay, I understand your heart.”
Ma Cheol-gun still couldn’t speak. He felt as if he might be swallowed by her gaze.
She reached out and gently touched his cheek. A pleasant scent emanated from her body and hands.
“You will be the greatest leader among all the past ones.”
A white light shone from her eyes.
In the blink of an eye, she vanished from sight.
But she was neither a dream nor an illusion.
The lingering, delightful fragrance assured him of that.