This Is My Power (4)
“Even Amgung has fallen.”
Baekseok’s report was met with silence from Cheon Soseon. He had expected that with Yunnan Samsu and Amgung, they would be more than capable of taking down Galsaryang.
It wasn’t because they were exceptionally skilled compared to the forces deployed so far. It was the combination that mattered.
With a master like Yunnan Samsu leading the charge and Amgung lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, who could possibly withstand such an attack?
There was no better team for an assassination.
Yet, the mission had failed. The fact that none returned meant they were all dead.
The shocking part was that even Amgung had perished. Known for his archery and incredible agility, it seemed impossible to close the distance and kill him. The enemy had even disposed of the bodies, leaving no clues as to how they died.
“Could it be that someone with Galsaryang is the greatest in the world?”
The words slipped out in anger, but they didn’t feel out of place.
Baekseok spoke cautiously.
“I think it’s pointless to recklessly throw more forces at this.”
He was right.
But Cheon Soseon recalled the old man he had met in the cave.
To truly become strong, one must simplify. Don’t indulge in half-baked risks.
The advice was to crush with overwhelming force. It was a suggestion, but it felt like an absolute command. Now was not the time to retreat but to press forward.
“Yes, there’s no need to overthink it. There’s no rule that says we must only draw from our own well to put out a fire.”
Cheon Soseon instructed Baekseok.
“Contact the Mareongin.”
A carriage sped down a forest path.
Inside were three people: Mareongin, Mayanghwa, and Magungtae.
Mayanghwa and Magungtae looked tense.
They had sought out Mareongin again, desperately pleading for a way to survive.
In response, Mareongin had taken them in the carriage to an unknown destination.
Though they were in no position to question him, they couldn’t hide their unease.
Finally, Magungtae couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Where exactly are you taking us?”
Mayanghwa signaled with her eyes not to provoke him, but she was just as curious.
Mareongin looked at them, a smile playing on his lips, clearly enjoying the situation.
“I’m taking you to learn the third way.”
When they first approached him, Mareongin had mentioned two ways to survive even if Macheolgun became the leader: become the head of Cheondomun or abandon everything and retreat to the mountains.
Mayanghwa and Magungtae exchanged glances, silently agreeing to work together no matter what the method was.
Mareongin’s smile turned mocking. He knew better than anyone how easily such alliances could crumble.
A flute’s melody drifted from somewhere.
The carriage slowed and eventually stopped, as if the music was a signal.
When the three stepped out, they saw a man sitting on a rock, playing the flute. It was Cheon Soseon.
Mayanghwa couldn’t help but gasp at his handsome appearance.
“Ah.”
She had never seen such a striking man before, and his mournful melody was equally impressive.
When the music ended, Mareongin bowed deeply and spoke respectfully.
“It’s been a while.”
Mayanghwa and Magungtae were taken aback. They had never seen Mareongin show such deference to anyone, not even to Macheolgun or his father, Mabonggi.
That alone instilled a sense of fear towards Cheon Soseon.
Mareongin addressed them.
“This is the person who will tell you the third way.”
Though they didn’t show it, the two were honestly bewildered. They hadn’t expected someone so young to be the one to help them.
Mayanghwa and Magungtae greeted him with a bow.
“I’m Mayanghwa.”
“I’m Magungtae.”
Cheon Soseon smiled and replied.
“I’m Cheon Soseon. Pleased to meet you.”
As soon as the introductions were over, Magungtae asked directly.
“We’re not here for small talk, so I’ll get straight to the point. Are you really going to tell us how to survive?”
“Do you think I would?”
“What?”
“There’s give and take in everything, isn’t there? So let me ask you directly. Do you truly want to live?”
The answer didn’t come easily. Admitting a desire to live to a stranger felt humiliating.
Cheon Soseon waited, clearly expecting an answer.
The two looked at Mareongin. He shrugged and said,
“Whether you trust him or not is up to you. It’s your life, after all.”
His nonchalant response only increased their trust in Cheon Soseon.
Finally, Mayanghwa spoke first.
“I want to live.”
Magungtae followed.
“I want to live.”
Cheon Soseon looked between them and said,
“If you kill Galsaryang, I will ensure your survival. Even if Macheolgun becomes the leader, he will not harm you. You will continue to enjoy your power as you do now.”
Mayanghwa and Magungtae turned to Mareongin again, seeking confirmation.
“I told you before, make your own judgment. But let me tell you one thing. This man here made your father the leader.”
They were shocked. They had suspected someone powerful was behind their father’s rise.
But this man?
Judging by the atmosphere, it wasn’t a lie.
After exchanging a few whispered words, Mayanghwa and Magungtae made their decision.
“Alright. We’ll kill Galsaryang.”
Mayanghwa addressed Cheon Soseon, while Magungtae spoke to Mareongin.
“If you don’t keep your promise, I’ll kill you first.”
Mareongin merely chuckled.
Cheon Soseon advised them,
“Many masters will gather for the leader’s inauguration. Use everything at your disposal. But be warned, there is a truly formidable master near Galsaryang. Underestimate them, and you might end up dead.”
After Mayanghwa and Magungtae left, only Cheon Soseon and Mareongin remained.
“Though they’re pathetic, the power they wield is still significant. To save themselves, they will surely kill Galsaryang.”
Contrary to Mareongin’s confidence, Cheon Soseon was skeptical.
“They might end up dead instead.”
“That’s possible too.”
“You’re as ruthless as ever.”
“Isn’t that the nature of succession battles?”
The earlier deference Mareongin showed was gone. Cheon Soseon also treated him differently now.
“Without lips, the teeth feel cold. You could be next after them. Aren’t you worried?”
“Life’s unpredictable. You could die from a stray stone or a falling icicle.”
Cheon Soseon, observing Mareongin, burst into laughter.
“Hahaha.”
Even as a man, Mareongin found Cheon Soseon’s laughter charming, almost enviable.
Cheon Soseon, his laughter fading, chided him.
“Why did someone so smart do something so foolish?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did you try to kill Macheolgun on your own? And involve outsiders?”
“I couldn’t just watch my position be taken. Didn’t you promise me the top spot when you brought me in?”
“Your impatience shows you’re not ready to be a leader.”
“Then you should fill in the gaps. Otherwise, why would I be loyal to you?”
Their gazes locked in the air.
Mareongin didn’t fear Cheon Soseon. It wasn’t because he was oblivious. He sensed that flattery wouldn’t work on him. In fact, he despised sycophants.
He knew instinctively that being straightforward and doing what needed to be done was the best way to survive.
“Some things can’t be filled by manpower alone.”
“That’s a lack of ability on the filler’s part. I’m not that lacking.”
“Where does your baseless confidence come from?”
Cheon Soseon laughed again.
He appreciated Mareongin’s wickedness. At least it wasn’t half-baked.
“Since I’ve offered those two, you should tell me.”
Mareongin wasn’t just interested in survival.
“The fourth way for me to become the leader.”
Cheon Soseon nodded, speaking with a hint of mystery.
“Indeed. There’s always a fourth way.”
Meanwhile, as they left, Mayanghwa and Magungtae felt they were facing the greatest crisis of their lives.
“Do you trust Mareongin?”
“Are you crazy?”
Magungtae raised his voice at Mayanghwa’s question.
“I don’t either. But that man, Cheon Soseon… he seemed trustworthy.”
Magungtae nodded in agreement. There was an undeniable authority about him.
“Even so, we must be cautious. Mareongin is involved.”
“Right. In this situation, if we fall apart, we’re just dancing to his tune.”
“Exactly.”
“We must absolutely stick together. We can’t betray each other.”
Mayanghwa’s suspicion was mirrored by Magungtae.
“Of course. You better do your part. If you break the promise, no one will let it slide. You know my temper.”
With that promise, they began summoning the best masters they could muster.
Time flew by.
The days leading up to the inauguration of the Martial Alliance’s leader were busy for everyone.
Warriors from all over the central plains gathered to witness the inauguration of the new leader. In the past, invitations were only extended to prestigious families, but this time, everyone from the martial world was welcome to attend.
A massive venue was required for the event, and it was decided that the ceremony would take place outside the Martial Alliance’s headquarters.
The demonic cult remained unusually quiet, as if they had promised not to cause any trouble during this time.
Gal Saryang and I went about our days as usual. He was absorbed in studying formations, and I, too, focused on my martial arts training, learning formations from him along the way.
I never left his side, except when he was within the formation itself.
We now spoke freely about the Heavenly Formation, reminiscing about the past and reflecting on our actions.
Once the inauguration was over and the new Master Lu took his place as the head of the Justice Hall, we planned to leave the Martial Alliance.
The person most eagerly anticipating the inauguration day was Ma Cheolgun.
He hadn’t slept well for days.
The thought of finally becoming the leader of the alliance kept him awake. It all felt like a dream.
“Me, the leader of the Martial Alliance?”
It was a position every martial artist dreamed of, a place that existed only in dreams.
“And once I’m the leader?”
He would eliminate those who tried to control him. He was not like his father; he wouldn’t be easily manipulated. He believed this with all his heart.
He intended to have just a drink to calm his nerves, but the bottle was nearly empty.
Tomorrow’s schedule was packed from the morning, and he needed to sleep, but sleep eluded him.
Just then, a voice spoke from the shadows.
“So, you’re about to become the master of this martial world.”
Startled, he turned to see a woman standing in his room. It was the beautiful woman who had previously informed him of the demonic cult’s movements.
“You! How did you get in here?”
She moved in and out of his room like a ghost.
The message was clear: I can kill you anytime.
It was unsettling, but his anger was overshadowed by her beauty. Instead of being furious, he found himself curious about her.
“What’s your name?”
She smiled.
“Does it matter?”
“Then what does? The fact that you can enter my room and kill me whenever you want?”
“Exactly, those are the things that matter. A future leader shouldn’t concern himself with a mere woman’s name.”
Ma Cheolgun scoffed. She was anything but “mere.”
In truth, he felt a twinge of fear.
The leader of the Martial Alliance.
He dreamed of being a leader like Cheonhajin, one who was strong and commanded respect and fear with just his name. He wanted to be that kind of iron-blooded leader.
But now, as he was about to take that position, there were already those trying to manipulate him.
“Did you control Cheonhajin like this too?”
He knew his father had been manipulated by them.
The woman gave a mysterious smile.
“What do you think?”
“I asked you first.”
“Cheonhajin was not a man easily controlled.”
Ma Cheolgun shouted in frustration.
“Neither am I!”
His pride was wounded. Normally, he wouldn’t have been rattled by such provocation.
Was it the tension? Or was it her beauty? He reacted without thinking.
“I know who you are.”
She smiled as she approached him.
Ma Cheolgun flinched inwardly but didn’t move. He wanted to appear bold.
She slowly reached out her hand. Her long, pale fingers were truly beautiful. Instead of touching his cheek, she picked up the bottle and refilled his glass.
“Congratulations on becoming the master of the martial world.”
Her small, pretty mouth spoke the words he longed to hear as she raised her glass for a toast.
“I told you before, didn’t I? You’ll be an even greater leader than Cheonhajin.”