The Martial Alliance Leader, Byeok Lidan (2)
I dedicated myself to martial arts training.
I focused particularly on mastering the Demonic Wind Step. I wanted to elevate it to the ninth level, just like the Demonic Core.
The Demonic Core had become exponentially stronger upon reaching the ninth level.
They say that when you achieve mastery, you must choose whether to become a demon, implying that the ninth level is the ultimate stage a human can reach.
Thus, I decided that the Demonic Wind Step should also reach the ninth level, allowing both martial arts to harmonize.
So, I trained relentlessly.
I sacrificed meal times and sleep, devoting myself entirely to martial arts.
I ran tirelessly across the land, flew over the sea, and leaped over mountains. I ascended to the sky’s edge until I was breathless, soared through the heavens with the Demonic Wind Step, and then plummeted to the ground, relying on a mere ounce of inner strength.
Never in my life had I trained so hard. I gave it my all. Despite being the one who could afford to neglect training the most in the martial world, I trained harder than anyone else.
My efforts did not betray me. The Demonic Wind Step finally advanced to the ninth level.
This advancement also influenced the Demonic Core.
It felt like filling a water tank. Once the tank is full, the Demonic Core will achieve mastery.
But I had no idea how much more water was needed. It was clear the water level had risen, but I couldn’t tell how many more buckets were required to fill it.
Therefore, I couldn’t afford to be complacent.
I didn’t know what the tank looked like. A single misstep could topple it, spilling all the water I’d gathered. Being crushed by the tank would be akin to falling into a demonic trance.
“Shall we have a drink to celebrate?”
“Sounds good.”
Drinking with Cheonma was always a welcome occasion. The drinks we shared brought me peace. It wasn’t just about relaxation. Our conversations about martial arts were immensely beneficial to me.
Even though his skills had far surpassed mine, it didn’t matter. He continued to inspire and enlighten me. Being strong in martial arts doesn’t necessarily make one a better teacher.
“The drink tastes great.”
“I prepared it especially for you.”
“Thank you.”
I knew well by now what kind of drinks he liked and where he preferred to enjoy them.
On a day meant to celebrate my martial progress, we didn’t even discuss martial arts.
Instead, we talked about the best drinks from various regions and the ones he particularly enjoyed. Mostly, Cheonma talked, and I listened. Depending on how you listened, even stories about drinks contained life lessons and insights into martial arts.
I finally understood.
What true harmony means.
Until now, I had been pondering how to harmonize swordsmanship and martial arts.
But now, I think about the harmony between life and martial arts.
When to train and when to rest. How to balance intense training with complete relaxation. When to speak and when to listen.
And one more thing.
I didn’t think my previous focus on harmonizing swordsmanship and martial arts was narrow-minded.
Back then, it was important in its own right.
To dismiss the past that brought me to the present just because I’ve grown a little is not the right attitude.
Achieving balance in judgment, too, is part of life’s harmony.
I realize now.
That martial arts are embedded in every aspect of life.
After finishing our conversation about drinks, Cheonma suddenly spoke.
“We’ve changed a lot, haven’t we?”
I chuckled as I looked at him. What more needed to be said? The fact that Cheonma would say such a thing was telling enough.
“Right?”
“Yeah.”
This time, I asked him.
“If you had a new opportunity, how would you want to live?”
“A new opportunity?”
“For instance, if you were to inhabit the body of a young person like me?”
“Hmm…”
Cheonma paused before answering.
“Just answer comfortably. It’s just a casual question.”
“Honestly, in the past, I would have wanted to conquer the martial world with that body. I even thought about dealing with those who reincarnated me.”
That was typical of the old Cheonma.
“But now, I’ve let go of those thoughts. I think I’d just live quietly and ordinarily. Maybe visit my children or grandchildren occasionally.”
I could tell he was sincere. I could trust him now.
“Why do you ask? Are you planning to let me go?”
When Cheonma asked playfully, I answered immediately.
“That’s the plan.”
“What? Are you up to some trick again? Haha, I won’t be fooled, you rascal!”
Cheonma laughed heartily. Whether he truly believed it or was trying to lighten the mood with laughter, I couldn’t tell.
Just then, Galsaryang visited.
He rarely sought me out during training periods, so I knew his visit was important. I immediately stopped my meditation and met with him.
“What is it?”
“Machulgun has sent a signal.”
“A signal? What does that mean?”
“He’s looking for you, Leader.”
“Why?”
“Judging by the situation, he probably wants to ask you to release the suppression on his energy core. There’s a prevailing opinion that he should step down from the leader’s position. He likely wants to regain his strength first.”
Galsaryang had accurately assessed Machulgun’s situation.
“He’s completely cornered.”
“This could be an opportunity for us.”
“What kind of opportunity?”
Galsaryang looked at me with a determined expression, one that indicated he had something significant to say.
Whenever he wore that expression, it meant he had something monumental to share, and today was no exception.
“It’s about you reclaiming the position of Martial Alliance Leader.”
Galsaryang brought up the idea of me becoming the leader again. Last time, he mentioned it half-jokingly, but this time he was entirely serious.
“Do you really think I should become the leader again?”
“Yes, I do.”
Galsaryang answered without a moment’s hesitation. His firm stance indicated he had already made up his mind after careful consideration.
“Alright. Then convince me.”
“First, the enemies are still formidable. There’s the missing Cheonsoseon and the mysterious man you saw in your dreams. We’ve lost track of their movements and don’t know their identities. There’s even the possibility of another mastermind behind them. In such a situation, controlling a powerful organization like the Martial Alliance would make it much easier to confront them.”
His reasoning was sound, and I nodded. Galsaryang continued his persuasion.
“Then there’s the internal issue. Machulgun is a man driven by personal ambition. He’s become a monster for the sake of power. He’s already started using the inspection team to investigate those in the martial world who are calling for his resignation. I guarantee he’ll drive those people to their deaths with his stubbornness and greed.”
That was unforgivable. The position of Martial Alliance Leader should be held by someone just and incorruptible. If one cannot uphold such values, they should never covet the position.
“Can’t we just remove him and appoint someone else as leader?”
“There’s no one capable of handling the current situation. Moreover, if Machulgun is removed in such a manner, the Martial Alliance will fall into even greater chaos. He must be formally removed, and punished according to the alliance’s rules.”
If the possibility of me becoming the leader was slim or distant, I might have said, “Alright, let’s give it a try.”
But with Galsaryang involved, it wasn’t a distant or impossible task. As the chief strategist, Galsaryang had the capability to place me, even in my twenties, in the leader’s position.
The Martial Alliance Leader.
Me, becoming the leader again? With Cheonma in my heart, advancing towards the mastery of the Demonic Core? Is that really the right thing to do?
I walked to the window and looked up at the sky.
Suddenly, I remembered the old man I met at the Demonic Castle.
Is this truly what you wanted? For me to become the Martial Alliance Leader again, is that my destiny?
I felt an overwhelming urge to fly to the Demonic Castle and meet him.
But going there wouldn’t guarantee a meeting. He would only appear before me once I achieved mastery of the Demonic Core.
Still gazing out the window, I asked Galsaryang.
“Alright. Let’s say I’ve made up my mind. I’m only in my mid-twenties. Can I realistically become the leader?”
“Not just any mid-twenties, but the mid-twenties who defeated the Heavenly King. You have more than enough qualifications. In the current situation, your youth is actually an advantage.”
This was the vision Galsaryang was painting.
“The martial world is tense from the battle with the Demonic Cult. In such a situation, the emergence of an extraordinary young hero would be welcomed with open arms. It’s the same scenario as when you first became the Martial Alliance Leader.”
Despite Galsaryang’s persuasion, the old me would have outright refused. Back then, I lived true to my own judgments and emotions.
But now, things were different. I had become someone who tried to understand others’ hearts.
“Can you give me some time to think?”
“Of course, Leader.”
As Galsaryang turned to leave, he paused at the door.
“There’s one more reason. It’s a very personal one.”
“What is it?”
“I want to serve you as leader once more. So this time… please let me go first.”
Hearing those words, my heart was overwhelmed.
Our eyes met, and I saw the long-hidden passion in his gaze.
I finally understood why he was so eager for me to become the leader again.
It was because letting me go first had become a deep regret in his heart.
“This sentiment is shared by Baekpyo as well.”
Yes, Baekpyo would feel the same. As my bodyguard, Baekpyo would carry even deeper scars.
Galsaryang quietly left the room.
Had he ever revealed his innermost thoughts like that before?
I stood there for a long time, lost in thought. His request to let him leave first kept echoing in my mind.
The dilemma lingered, and I couldn’t sleep until late into the night.
In the end, I turned to Cheonma for advice.
“What do you think?”
He had remained silent until now, likely because he knew how important this decision was to me and wanted to leave it entirely in my hands.
“If I were still Cheonma, I’d strongly advise against it.”
“Why?”
“Because dealing with the righteous sects, especially with you as the leader, is a nightmare.”
I chuckled. Though he spoke lightly, there was a sense of respect and consideration in his words.
“And what do you think now, as you are?”
“I think you could give it a shot.”
“Really?”
I was a bit surprised.
“After all, you did suggest we leave the affairs of the martial world to the younger ones and go have some fun.”
“That offer still stands.”
“And yet?”
“But we should take care of business before we play. We’re not kids, after all.”
“True enough.”
I sighed lightly, and Cheonma asked cautiously.
“What’s holding you back? Do you think those days were unhappy?”
“Not unhappy, exactly. I thought I lived well back then. But as I started a new life, I found myself regretting a lot of my past.”
“That’s true for anyone. How could anyone be completely satisfied with their past when given a second chance?”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. And this time, the leader will be different.”
“Different how?”
“You’ve changed a lot since last time.”
“You really want me to become the leader, don’t you?”
“Yes, I’m excited to see what kind of martial alliance you’ll create. Use your overwhelming skills to build a new one.”
Could I really become such a leader?
Would I end up living a life of regret again?
It was something I wouldn’t know unless I tried.
The next day, I called for Galsaryang.
Sensing that I had made a decision, he waited anxiously for my words.
One sentence was enough to convey my decision.
“There will be no more sending me off first.”
Seeing his face light up with emotion, I added with a smile.
“Yes, let’s head back home.”