The Birth of Morning, The Death of Night (1)
After assuming the position of leader, I initiated a series of bold and decisive appointments.
First, I placed Galsaryang in the role of Chief Military Strategist. His reputation for trustworthiness extended not only within the martial alliance but also among the wider martial world, so there was no dissent.
Now, Galsaryang would oversee both the Justice Division and the newly established Tri-Eye Division, wielding control over information across the martial realm.
I appointed Baekpyo to the vacant position of Demon Slayer Division Leader after the previous leader’s death. Comprised of elite fighters from all over the central plains, the Demon Slayer Division was the most formidable force within our alliance.
Baekpyo’s Black Panther Unit remained external. I could have integrated it into my direct command, but that would have exposed its existence to the world. It was better to keep it as a secret organization.
Some questioned Baekpyo’s suitability, given his background as a bodyguard, to lead such an aggressive division. However, Baekpyo silenced critics by demonstrating his prowess, defeating the renowned Guangxi’s First Sword in just seven moves.
I appointed Guangdu as the leader of the Fierce Tiger Division and Gong Suchan as the leader of the Financial Division. Normally, these appointments would have sparked controversy, but Baekpyo’s victory lent credibility to my decisions. People began to see that these appointments were based on exceptional skill.
I had no worries about the future. Both Guangdu and Gong Suchan were not only highly skilled but also respected for their character. In time, everyone would realize that I had chosen wisely.
The Justice Division, Demon Slayer Division, Fierce Tiger Division, and Financial Division—these are the four pillars of our martial alliance. I entrusted their leadership to those I trusted most.
With the core stabilized, I made further appointments without hesitation. I retained the loyal leaders of the Celestial Palace Division and the Law Enforcement Division, but replaced the heads of the other ten divisions with new faces.
The new leaders were all individuals Galsaryang had long observed—capable and deeply loyal.
Naturally, there would be murmurs and friction with the existing members. But I knew I could minimize these issues by personally intervening.
The first step was to confront the Council of Elders. I visited them myself, quelling their influence. They were astute enough to recognize the shift in power. The day after my visit, the Council publicly declared their support for the new leader.
By proceeding without regard for the entrenched powers, I won widespread acclaim. Those who had doubted my youth and inexperience were relieved.
After my death, the martial alliance had become a hotbed of corruption and incompetence, drawing the ire of the martial world. But now, with my decisive and bold actions, I was restoring faith.
Above all, there was great confidence in my martial prowess.
Snow had piled up in the courtyard of the manor.
Yang Sahwi walked through the untouched snow towards the rear garden. As he was about to enter the building, he glanced through the window.
In the center of the room, surrounded by statues, sat Cheon Soseon in a meditative pose, appearing as a woman.
She was practicing the Blood Lotus Empress’s Blood Petal Flight Technique, a martial art that required mastery of both extreme yin and yang, though its foundation was in extreme yin.
Since beginning her training, Cheon Soseon had spent most of her time in a female form.
A red aura emanated from her as she practiced her breathing exercises. It was markedly different from the aura she had previously displayed. Despite learning a new martial art, her progress was astonishingly rapid.
Cheon Soseon was already near the pinnacle of martial arts, with a profound understanding of its principles.
As she completed a round of exercises, Yang Sahwi entered the room.
“How is your training going?”
“It’s progressing well.”
When in female form, she naturally adopted a feminine manner of speaking. Once she began her training, Cheon Soseon focused solely on thoughts that would aid her martial progress, determined to free herself from this situation as quickly as possible.
“I have some news for you.”
“What is it?”
“Tian Ha-jin has become the leader of the martial alliance.”
Cheon Soseon was taken aback.
“Did he reveal his identity as Tian Ha-jin?”
“No.”
“Then how? Isn’t the new leader supposed to be very young?”
“The martial world is full of inexplicable events, isn’t it?”
“True. If it’s him, it’s not surprising at all. It’s perfectly understandable.”
“Is that so?”
“Why? Do you really find it hard to believe?”
“No. Just as we’re hiding out in this snow-covered northern region, he’s truly remarkable. A madman! To become the leader again.”
“Then why did you say it like that?”
“I didn’t want to scare you.”
Cheon Soseon chuckled softly.
“I’m not scared by such things.”
“You might not be, but your subconscious will remember. It might cause you to hesitate at a crucial moment.”
While Yang Sahwi was serious, Cheon Soseon remained unfazed.
“On the contrary, I should remember. How formidable he is, how terrifying. I need to layer fear upon fear until it becomes second nature.”
Yang Sahwi was struck by her unexpected words and acknowledged them.
“I underestimated you. My apologies.”
“There’s only one way to overcome fear of him.”
“And what is that?”
Cheon Soseon closed her eyes again and replied.
“To become even more terrifying than he is.”
The red aura around her grew more intense.
Watching her, Yang Sahwi had a sudden thought. Perhaps Cheon Soseon could indeed challenge him. Not just because of her rapidly advancing martial skills.
Through her rigorous training, Cheon Soseon was rediscovering a part of herself she hadn’t known. Like a fish realizing it had gills in water it had never swum in before.
It wasn’t mere malice. It was something deeper and darker, a force perhaps born from the union of the Blood Petal Flight Technique and her unique constitution, a destiny forged by the interplay of extreme yin and yang.
I personally oversaw the key military organizations.
Though they were elite units with a well-established command structure, each had a fundamentally rough nature.
I knew from experience that how I managed this roughness would determine the nature of their loyalty.
Today, I visited the new leader of the Bright Moon Division, Ju Seung-tak. A typical martial artist, he was upright and deeply loyal to the martial alliance.
Despite his skills, his lack of political acumen had kept him from rising beyond a deputy position. Galsaryang had noticed him during his time as a regular soldier.
We had no prior connection, so we were unfamiliar with each other.
After an awkward introduction, I asked about his work with the Bright Moon Division.
“How are things going?”
“I’m anxious, having never led such a large organization before.”
He was candid. Perhaps this honesty was why Galsaryang had chosen him.
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Why did you entrust me with this responsibility?”
He seemed genuinely puzzled. It appeared Galsaryang hadn’t discussed it with him either.
“If you doubted your abilities, why did you accept?”
“What? Well…”
He was taken aback by my unexpected question. I wasn’t trying to corner him.
“Perhaps you accepted because you believed you could lead the Bright Moon Division.”
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded.
“Yes, I felt confident. I believed I could do it.”
“That should suffice as an answer to why you were chosen. It wasn’t me who recognized your confidence. To be honest, I don’t know much about you.”
“Then how…?”
“Galsaryang strongly recommended you.”
“Ah, I see.”
I credited Galsaryang, showing that I valued honesty and cared for my subordinates. This was the kind of political acumen needed to lead and manage an organization.
“The Bright Moon Division has always been the foremost military force of the martial alliance. Maintaining that reputation is up to you. It will be challenging, but I hope you’ll give it your all.”
“I will dedicate myself fully.”
I met with the leaders of all the divisions, encouraging and supporting them.
I didn’t become the leader of the martial alliance for their sake. Nor to treat them well. It was to strengthen the alliance and confront our enemies.
I met with the leaders of the Iron Flag Division, Red Dragon Division, and White Tiger Division as well.
In my own way, I encouraged them and kept them on their toes.
While reorganizing the martial alliance, I never neglected my martial training.
It was as important to me as my duties as leader.
I trained every day, abandoning the notion of achieving a sudden breakthrough. Instead, I filled the vessel drop by drop.
When news spread that I had become the leader, my parents and Song Woo-kyung were overjoyed. Since I had informed them in advance, they could relish the happiness without the shock.
My mother’s joy, in particular, was beyond words.
“Our leader, you make us so proud.”
“Hahaha, please, Mother, don’t say that.”
“I’m truly proud of you.”
She mentioned wanting to boast to everyone in the neighborhood, but there was no one around to tell. We had to stay on the island.
“We’ll be staying on the island for a while,” my father said.
My parents and Song Woo-kyung decided to remain at the island’s safe house. We couldn’t return to Shandong yet, as we hadn’t captured Cheon So-seon.
“You must feel cooped up. You’re welcome to come with me to the alliance headquarters.”
“We shouldn’t intrude on the affairs of the martial world,” my father replied firmly.
Despite the stifling and secretive life on the island, they showed no signs of weariness. My mother was genuinely proud of me, yet she also worried.
“I know you’ll handle things well, but please be careful.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Seeing her so happy, as if she wanted to dance with joy, made me happy too.
Before leaving, I met with Im Yeon-jeong privately. Even though it was just the two of us, I sent her a telepathic message.
—I have a favor to ask.
—Why are you using telepathy when it’s just us?
Because it wasn’t just us. I didn’t want anyone else to know about this conversation.
—Could you perform the Soul Transfer Technique?
—The Soul Transfer Technique?
—Yes.
—On whose body?
—I’ll tell you later. It’s about extracting a soul from one body and implanting it into another.
—Hmm.
After a moment of contemplation, Im Yeon-jeong replied telepathically.
—As you know, I’ve performed the Soul Transfer Technique before, but not alone. I’ll need time to research and prepare.
—I’ll give you all the time you need, and provide any support necessary.
—In that case, I’ll give it a try.
—Please keep this between us. Let’s discuss this matter only through telepathy from now on.
—Understood.
Im Yeon-jeong left the island to help me. She entrusted her son to my parents, who were trustworthy, and with Baek Pyo’s wife and son also there, there was nothing to worry about.
Baek Ryeon accompanied her to assist.
I established a new department within the martial alliance, directly under my command. Officially, it was to counter dark and evil arts, but internally, it was a place to research advanced techniques and methods.
I appointed Im Yeon-jeong as the head of this department. Baek Ryeon was assigned as her protector and bodyguard. We recruited a dozen researchers under them.
“Now, the future of the alliance’s techniques rests with you, Madam Im.”
“I’ll do my best. Thank you for trusting me.”
“No, it’s I who should be grateful for your help in getting us this far.”
Not long ago, I couldn’t have imagined this, but now Im Yeon-jeong and Baek Ryeon were part of the martial alliance.
We were all changing.
Baek Ryeon expressed her gratitude to me privately.
“I never thought I’d become an ordinary martial artist.”
Becoming a martial artist in the alliance meant becoming an ordinary person. I hoped she could find ordinary happiness as well.