When Tears Fall from Our Eyes (4)
Ma Cheol-gun finally sat in the coveted seat of the Grand Chief of the Martial Alliance.
As he watched the leaders of the various factions file into the hall, his heart swelled with pride.
“At last, I am the master of this world.”
He vowed not to squander his power in indulgence like his father had. He would be remembered in history as a leader greater than Cheon Hwa-jin.
But first, there was a pressing matter to address: he needed to eliminate the hidden forces behind the scenes.
The leaders stood on either side of the dais. In the place reserved for the Chief Commander stood the newly appointed No Seon-saeng.
Ju Cheol-ryong, the leader of the Gwangwol Clan, stepped forward and spoke on behalf of everyone, bowing respectfully.
“Congratulations on becoming the Grand Chief. We pledge our lives in loyalty to you.”
“We pledge our lives in loyalty!”
The leaders echoed in unison, their voices resonating through the hall.
Ma Cheol-gun rose from his seat.
“Thank you. It is because of your trust and support that I stand here today. I look forward to working with you all.”
“Just give us your orders.”
Their voices boomed, filling the hall with their resolve.
“With the Demonic Cult spreading chaos across the land, the current situation is unstable. I wish to convey my intentions to you all.”
All eyes were on Ma Cheol-gun as he spoke words they hadn’t expected.
“I plan to create an elite force to combat the Demonic Cult.”
The leaders exchanged surprised glances, none more so than Ju Cheol-ryong.
“An elite force? What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly as it sounds. I intend to gather the finest warriors from across the land to form the ultimate team. Only the best will be recruited, and they will be treated accordingly.”
In other words, he was creating an independent force to confront the Demonic Cult, a powerful group under the direct command of the Grand Chief.
Ju Cheol-ryong was inwardly furious.
‘This arrogant fool! Announcing such plans without consulting us first?’
Though it was framed as a force against the Demonic Cult, it was clear Ma Cheol-gun intended to establish his own private army.
No Seon-saeng, the new Chief Commander, remained expressionless.
Ju Cheol-ryong realized that this surprise announcement had been pre-discussed with him. It might have even been his idea from the start.
“Creating a new force requires immense resources and manpower. Please reconsider.”
“Innocent lives are being lost to the Demonic Cult. What could be more important than this?”
“Our current forces are more than capable of handling them.”
“Do you truly believe that? Then why haven’t we eradicated them yet?”
Ju Cheol-ryong had much to say but held his tongue. He realized that opposing Ma Cheol-gun here would be futile, as his mind was already made up.
Ma Cheol-gun turned to No Seon-saeng.
“Announce to the world that we are forming a new force to combat the Demonic Cult.”
No Seon-saeng responded loudly.
“I will carry out your orders!”
From his very first day as Grand Chief, Ma Cheol-gun embarked on a bold path.
The news of a new elite force to combat the Demonic Cult sent waves of excitement through the martial world.
The Martial Alliance promised better conditions than any existing group. From the start, it was a special organization, answering only to the Grand Chief. Once the Demonic Cult was defeated, it was clear this group would become the foremost in the Alliance, stirring the hearts of martial artists everywhere.
Gal Sa-ryang saw through Ma Cheol-gun’s intentions.
“It seems Ma Cheol-gun is trying to establish his own force. The Martial Alliance is currently under the control of hidden powers.”
Specifically, leaders like Ju Cheol-ryong had fallen under their influence. The rank-and-file warriors were unaware of the forces behind the Grand Chief.
“Unlike Ma Bong-gi, Ma Cheol-gun won’t easily follow their orders. They must have been confident they could use him, which is why they placed him in power.”
“We must also use Ma Cheol-gun to our advantage.”
“Indeed.”
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We must maintain the conflict between them and Ma Cheol-gun.
“It’s time to decide our next move. Do you have any plans?”
“I always follow your lead, Gal Gun-sa.”
“Hahaha.”
Gal Sa-ryang laughed heartily.
“I have no plans this time. What should we do?”
With his sharp mind, he surely had ideas. It was his way of saying he would follow my lead this time.
“Set up a new base on the island and establish the Black Shadow Formation there. Also, formally take the position of leader of the Three-Eyed Pavilion and transform it into the Pavilion of Justice.”
“I will follow your orders.”
Gal Sa-ryang replied respectfully.
“I’ll soon introduce you to Jin and Su. They will be of great help.”
Given the power he had already demonstrated, they wouldn’t dare to move against Gal Sa-ryang easily. He was no longer a target to be eliminated but a formidable adversary.
The island was hard to find, and once the Black Shadow Formation was complete, it would be even more secure. No one could easily penetrate it.
“Don’t forget to practice the formation techniques for quick escape in emergencies.”
“Yes, I practice daily.”
“Good.”
“What are your plans, my lord?”
I had my own ideas.
“Im Yeon-jeong is here on an important mission. I’ll stay here to uncover their objectives through her.”
“That’s a wise decision.”
Though my relationship with Chil-ho was a concern, I couldn’t let personal matters make me miss this opportunity.
The next day, I went to the Pavilion of Justice.
Though Gal Sa-ryang had left, I remained. Not out of attachment to the place, but because of my connection with Gal Sa-ryang.
He had used me for my abilities, but now that he was gone, I wanted to show that we had no ties. Whether they believed it or not, it was advantageous not to provide them with accurate information.
Another reason I stayed was that being a military officer in the Pavilion of Justice was the best position to approach Im Yeon-jeong.
I was demoted from chief officer to regular officer.
It was only natural. My initial appointment had been too extraordinary.
“Officer Byeok!”
“Yes!”
“Take care of this!”
“Understood.”
The new chief officer assigned me tasks, watching my reaction closely. I could sense he was ready to dismiss me at the slightest sign of discontent.
But I carried out my duties with the enthusiasm and cheerfulness of a new recruit.
Their wariness of me would soon fade.
That afternoon, I drank with Song Hwa-rin, Su-ran, and Gwang-du. It had been a long time since we shared a drink, and it was the first time with this group.
“Haha, I’m glad the misunderstanding is cleared up.”
At Gwang-du’s comment, Su-ran gave him a sidelong glance.
“Our lady is too kind, that’s why she let it go.”
“What do you think of our young master?”
“A flirt!”
“I admit it!”
Even Su-ran was taken aback by his quick admission. Thanks to Gwang-du’s efforts, the atmosphere was lively.
“Master Gwang is always so cheerful.”
Song Hwa-rin’s compliment made Gwang-du beam.
“Hahaha. I’m the most positive person in the martial world.”
“Living brightly is a good thing.”
Song Hwa-rin spoke sincerely. Anyone who spent time with Gwang-du would see his true worth.
Of course, Gwang-du had his own worries.
But he never lost his smile and always tried to bring joy to others.
Song Hwa-rin looked at me. Her gaze seemed to say:
You’re truly blessed.
I nodded in agreement.
In my past life, there were moments when I felt blessed. Times when I thought I had met good people.
But back then, I was too busy, too tired, or thought there would be another chance.
I postponed savoring those joys for later. I’ll see them again, I’ll do it next time, I’ll…
I called out to the server.
“Another bottle of wine here!”
Im Yeon-jeong and Chil-ho walked through a narrow, shabby alley. It was so tight that they couldn’t walk side by side.
The ground was covered in filthy water, and a dog barked loudly from behind a wall. At the end of the alley, a man awaited them.
He led them through a maze of alleys to a dilapidated building covered in graffiti.
At the end of the hallway, the man spoke to Im Yeon-jeong.
“Go in alone.”
Chil-ho said to her.
“I’ll wait here.”
“Alright, see you later.”
Im Yeon-jeong opened the door and went inside.
After about half an hour, she emerged, her expression completely hardened. It was the first time Chil-ho had seen her look so grim.
As they left the building, Chil-ho asked.
“Did something happen inside?”
Im Yeon-jeong walked on, lost in thought.
“Senior!”
The term she had previously used, “sister,” reverted to “senior.” Seeing her tense demeanor, Chil-ho felt tense as well.
“What?”
Im Yeon-jeong turned to him, her face half-dazed.
“What on earth happened?”
At Chil-ho’s question, fear flickered across Im Yeon-jeong’s face.
She spoke somberly.
”…I’m going to die.”
After returning to the manor, Im Yeon-jeong locked herself in her study.
When it was time for meals, she left the food untouched.
She even locked the door.
As Chil-ho turned to leave with yet another untouched tray, he decided not to walk away this time.
Thud, thud, thud.
He knocked on the door. But there was no response from inside.
Chil-ho kept knocking.
How long did he keep at it?
After knocking persistently, the door finally opened. Im Yeon-jeong appeared, her face drawn and pale.
Without a word, she turned away.
Chil-ho followed her into the room.
She sank into a chair, and the table in front of her was cluttered with letters. These were the letters she had once carefully stored away in her wardrobe.
“What’s going on?” Chil-ho asked.
“It’s none of your concern.”
“Is this why someone as cold as you meddled in my personal affairs?”
Im Yeon-jeong couldn’t find the words to respond.
Chil-ho pressed on. “You said you were going to die, right? You know I’m tasked with protecting you. Shouldn’t you at least let me know what’s happening? Or are you planning to let me die without knowing why?”
That seemed to get through to her.
With a sigh, Im Yeon-jeong sat down. “Sit here.”
“Alright.”
Chil-ho took a seat across from her.
“I met the new head of the Grand Law in the room.”
“And?”
“I knew him. He’s a renowned Western scholar in our circles, known for his unparalleled skills in the Grand Law. With him involved, whatever this Grand Law is, it’s bound to succeed.”
Her voice cracked and trembled at the mention of the scholar. She was afraid of him.
“The problem is, no one who’s worked with him has ever survived.”
Now Chil-ho understood.
“He’s a monster.”
“More than that. His martial arts skills are incredibly strong.”
Im Yeon-jeong was a martial arts master herself, but this man was far stronger. The scholar despised anyone learning his techniques.
So, once his work was done, he killed everyone involved, whether they had learned from him or not.
Though it seemed like no one would ever know, secrets never stay hidden forever in this world. Im Yeon-jeong was one of the few who knew the truth.
“…I can’t die yet.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. It was the first time Chil-ho had seen her so vulnerable, a desperate plea hidden in her weakness.
Chil-ho sensed it. Im Yeon-jeong wasn’t afraid for her own life. There was something she needed to protect.
His eyes fell on the letters.
Perhaps the person who wrote these letters was the reason. Who could it be?
Suddenly, Chil-ho felt a strong desire to save her.
She was startled.
Never before had she wanted to save someone. Everything she had done until now was to survive. She trained to live, followed orders to avoid death.
But now, for the first time, she wanted to save someone else. It was as unexpected as the tears that had once fallen before the stone wall.
“Sister.”
Her address for Im Yeon-jeong had returned to “sister.”
“Little sister.”
Im Yeon-jeong’s voice trembled as she spoke to her.
Chil-ho spoke softly but firmly. “I’ll save you.”
Hearing those words, the tears Im Yeon-jeong had been holding back finally fell.
Even if it costs me my life, Chil-ho didn’t say the rest.
She truly wanted to save her.