The Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Byeok Lidan (4)
Rumors began to spread across the martial world.
These were the very stories being exchanged in the taverns.
“Have you heard the latest?”
“Yes, I have. Apparently, someone named Cheonwanggun has been controlling the Martial Arts Alliance, and they’ve kept it a secret from everyone?”
Of course, it was Galsaryang who had spread these rumors. He took whispers that had been circulating within the Alliance and broadcasted them across the entire martial world.
The campaign to make Byeok Lidan the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance had officially begun.
Galsaryang believed that public opinion in the martial world was the most crucial factor. After all, they already had the skills, money, and organization.
The challenge was the discomfort and resistance that would arise from placing someone in their twenties, like Byeok Lidan, in the position of Alliance Leader. The success of the plan hinged on minimizing the anxiety that his youth would lead to mistakes.
Spreading the rumors was not difficult.
With the well-organized intelligence network of Samangak, the Tae Seong Trading Company with branches throughout the central plains, and their immense financial resources, the rumors spread rapidly across the land.
“Those lunatics! There are some things you just don’t hide!”
“Damn it! They deceived us.”
People were angry not only at the Martial Arts Alliance’s helplessness in being manipulated by a single master but also at the fact that they had been thoroughly deceived.
“I hear that the current leader and the top brass of the Alliance have had their energy centers sealed and can’t use their internal energy.”
“Serves them right! I hope they never regain it.”
Galsaryang added one more crucial rumor. This was the most important one.
“Fortunately, a young master appeared like a comet and defeated Cheonwanggun. They say this young man reminded them of the former Alliance Leader.”
“A legendary master has been born.”
“When the martial world is in crisis, a hero always emerges.”
“It would be great if that master became the new leader.”
“I heard he’s still quite young?”
“What does age matter? Didn’t Cheonhajin become the leader at a young age and lead the Alliance better than anyone?”
“True, that’s right.”
This fiery rumor predicting downfall and rebirth spread like wildfire across the central plains.
When Gyeong, the head of the Enforcement Hall, entered the temporary leader’s chamber, there were unfamiliar faces present.
‘So these are the masters from Cheondo Gate.’
Even at a glance, their aura was sharp and impressive, almost matching his own skills. Given the situation, Cheondo Gate must have sent their best.
Gyeong was displeased that Macheolgun had called them.
He believed that the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance should rely on its own warriors to overcome crises. Calling in warriors from his own family was unthinkable.
“You called for me?”
“Head Gyeong! Have you heard the rumors?”
“Yes, I have.”
The rumors were too widespread to deny.
“Who on earth spread these rumors?”
“We’re investigating that now. We’re checking if any of those we’ve captured have spread the word or if there’s someone else outside.”
“Find them immediately! Bring me their head!”
Even without internal energy, Macheolgun’s murderous intent was palpable, showing he truly wanted the rumor spreader dead.
“Understood.”
Gyeong bowed and left.
Macheolgun didn’t realize.
The expression on Gyeong’s face was completely different from when he had captured the rumor spreaders. The turning point, of course, was Galsaryang’s visit.
Instead of capturing the rumor spreader, they were engulfed by another rumor.
The rumor was that the warriors of the Martial Arts Alliance, who had demanded the resignation of Macheolgun and the top brass, were being arrested by the Enforcement Hall warriors.
This only fueled the anger of the martial artists. They were being arrested for saying things that everyone had at least once uttered in a tavern or pub.
The fact that they were being arrested for such talk instilled fear in everyone. Fear turned into anger.
“Damn it! Let them arrest me too! Me too!”
There were those who shouted drunkenly.
Though unspoken, everyone felt the same. Until now, they had freely criticized the leader and the Alliance over drinks.
They had cursed Cheonhajin and Macheolgun alike.
But now, it seemed even that was forbidden, and it struck at the core of the martial artists’ pride.
Galsaryang, who had spent his life dealing with information and rumors, knew better than anyone how to spread rumors quickly and what content would anger the martial world.
“Moreover, they say they’ve brought in warriors from Cheondo Gate into the Alliance.”
“Is that true? Is that even allowed?”
“Of course not. Is the Martial Arts Alliance a joke?”
“Damn it! It’s a complete mess.”
“Watch your mouth. You might get arrested.”
“Damn it!”
No one dared to say that Macheolgun should step down. This only made them angrier, and their anger gave wings to the rumors.
The rumors snowballed and rolled across the central plains.
Every gathering cursed Macheolgun, whispering and mocking him.
When Macheolgun’s anxiety reached its peak, I paid him a visit.
As I walked into the temporary leader’s chamber, Macheolgun tensed up.
The five masters inside the chamber eyed me warily. Seeing me in person, they couldn’t believe that someone so young was the master who had defeated Cheonwanggun.
“How have you been?”
“Thanks to you, I’ve been well. Have you considered my proposal?”
“No matter how urgent, isn’t it a bit much to start with that?”
“Oh, my mistake.”
“And you have those kids standing around.”
“All of you, leave us.”
One of the five warriors frowned at being called a kid, but he didn’t dare attack or curse.
Whoosh! Thud!
The man was knocked out cold. No one present knew how it happened.
“I’m not a killer who slaughters someone for frowning. But I’m not soft enough to forgive those who ignore my warnings.”
It was a warning to the remaining four warriors, who were shocked and flustered.
Macheolgun quickly spoke.
“Take him out! I’m fine, so move far away!”
“Yes!”
The men carried the unconscious man out of the room.
“If I hear even a breath, you’re all dead!”
My words quickened their steps.
My harshness wasn’t just to intimidate Macheolgun. It was also to get those guys far away from this room.
“Your martial arts are truly impressive.”
At Macheolgun’s admiration, I sat down and asked.
“Got any drinks?”
“Of course.”
Macheolgun stood up from the grand chair and walked over. He had been uncomfortable sitting alone in the grand chair.
Macheolgun brought me the drink from a side table.
“Shall I have something prepared to go with it?”
“No need for snacks. Let’s just have a drink. On a day like this, we should drink.”
“A day like this? Surely you don’t mean…”
“Yes, I’m considering accepting your proposal.”
“Are you really going to release my internal energy?”
Macheolgun’s face lit up with undeniable joy.
“Yes. But first, let me ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“Will you really do whatever I ask?”
“Of course.”
“Even if it goes against the interests of the Martial Arts Alliance?”
“For example?”
“What if I asked for all the money the Alliance has gathered?”
“That’s not difficult. But someone like you wouldn’t need money, would you?”
“Heh, you don’t understand money yet. Money has no limits. Saying it’s enough is a declaration of surrender when you can’t gather more.”
“I’m surprised you think that way.”
“So, does that mean you can’t give it?”
“No. I’ll give you all the remaining funds of the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Even a leader can’t use it recklessly, can they?”
“It’s fine. I am the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Good. Secondly, get rid of all those useless people. What kind of leaders are they if they’re useless? I have no intention of healing them.”
Macheolgun knew that he was included in that uselessness but pretended not to notice.
“I understand.”
“Understanding is easy. What’s needed in a deal is execution.”
“Alright. I’ll get rid of them all.”
“Implement these two things immediately. Then I’ll restore your energy center right here.”
“Understood.”
Macheolgun immediately ordered his subordinates to bring the money from the finance head.
He also wrote an order dismissing the leaders and had it delivered by his subordinates.
“I’ve done everything you asked. Now, release the seal.”
“I still have nothing in my hands.”
“Just wait a moment.”
It was then.
The door on one side of the wall opened, and someone walked out.
To Macheolgun’s surprise, it was Gyeong, the head of the Enforcement Hall.
Macheolgun asked in shock.
“Why are you coming out from there, Head Gyeong?”
It wasn’t just Gyeong. Others followed him out. They were the heads of important organizations within the Martial Arts Alliance who had their internal energy sealed by Cheonwanggun. Their stern expressions said it all—they had heard the entire conversation.
Macheolgun realized that something unexpected was happening.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Gyeong stepped forward and spoke.
“We all heard what you just said, Leader.”
The temporary leader’s chamber was not a place that could be thoroughly secured. Moreover, with his internal energy sealed, Macheolgun hadn’t realized others were hiding in the room.
I had driven away the five warriors of the Cheondo Sect from this place for a reason. They would have noticed people gathering in that room.
It was Galsaryang’s plan to summon them here.
House Master Gakyung spoke to the leader.
“Using the sect’s funds without permission and abusing your authority over key appointments is a grave offense.”
“Grave offense? Do you really think such threats will work on me?”
Macheolgun retorted fiercely, but neither Gakyung nor anyone else present seemed intimidated.
They had long sensed that Macheolgun’s era was coming to an end. Seeing him discard them without a second thought, any remaining loyalty or affection they had for him vanished completely.
Realizing the tide was turning against him, Macheolgun softened his tone.
“Everything I did was for the peace of the martial world! As the leader, I must regain my martial prowess to protect it.”
“That doesn’t justify abusing your power.”
Gakyung, following Galsaryang’s orders, remained resolute.
“Enough with the misunderstandings!”
“By the authority of the sect, we will arrest the leader immediately.”
The enforcers, who had been waiting, entered the room.
“This is madness! Since when do the sect’s warriors arrest their own leader?”
Someone among the group shouted back.
“What kind of leader so easily discards his loyal followers?”
Macheolgun had no response.
Desperately, he turned to me.
“This man here is the hero who defeated the Cheonwang Army! Show some respect and stand down.”
The warriors hesitated for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, Macheolgun pleaded with me.
“Say something, please.”
“What should I say?”
I let a cold aura seep into my words, ensuring he wouldn’t drag me into his mess.
“You couldn’t even control your own sect, yet you tried to make a deal with me?”
With that, I walked away.
Behind me, Macheolgun screamed in desperation.
“Great hero! Stop! Please help me. I’ll give you everything! Their lives, all the sect’s money, even the Cheondo Sect’s funds. Just spare me!”
I ignored him and continued out.
I paused at the entrance, looking up at the sky.
Reaching the top is always difficult and exhausting, but the fall is swift.
If Macheolgun had someone like my father, things might have turned out differently. My father always taught me to remain humble, especially in high places.
But that was never going to happen. His father was Mabonggi, after all. Bloodlines don’t lie, and here he was, falling.
From afar, the warriors of the Cheondo Sect sensed something amiss and rushed over.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Four men fell simultaneously, not expecting their pressure points to be subdued so easily. They lay speechless, while the enforcers who had rushed out to subdue them were left in shock.
Having already displayed my prowess, this was a fitting conclusion.
With a swift movement, I soared into the sky using my martial arts. In an instant, I became a mere speck and vanished from sight.
By tomorrow, tales of my prowess, embellished with flair and exaggeration, would spread throughout the martial world.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.