When You Stop, You See (1)
I arrived in Seohwa, Gansu Province, in the blink of an eye, thanks to my swift flight. This was the village where Baek Seong-won, the son of Cheonma, lived. Not only his son but also his grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and great-grandson resided here.
The reason I had been so certain about Cheonma’s whereabouts was because of them. I was convinced he would come here. Whenever Cheonma faced death or contemplated a new life, his thoughts always turned to his family. Surely, he would be in Seohwa.
Though I had flown here faster than a bird, I took my time once I arrived. I stopped by an inn to quench my thirst with some wine and satisfy my hunger.
It had been six months since I last ventured out. I had been working non-stop, so there was no need to rush now. I planned to meet Cheonma, enjoy some leisure time with him, and then return.
As I sipped my drink, I watched the people passing by outside the inn. They laughed and chatted, living their lives in peace, and it lifted my spirits.
I suddenly recalled something Cheonma had once said: “We’ve made enough money; let’s go enjoy ourselves! Let’s meet all the beauties of the martial world! Let’s have fun!”
We could certainly afford to do that now, but instead of indulging in such desires, I found myself more concerned about whether the people here were living well and whether there was any corruption among the martial alliance’s warriors. It seemed I was born to be a leader.
Even Cheonma, who had spoken those words, probably never acted on them. Perhaps dreaming is all there is to a man’s life.
Just then, the conversation of the martial artists at the next table shifted to me. They spoke of my battles with such embellishment that it made me blush. It had been over six months since I defeated the Dark God and the Blood God, yet they were still talking about it.
Perhaps, as Galsaryang had said, I would become a legend in the martial world, a story passed down through the ages.
“But where is Cheongwang? Where are you?”
I left the inn and headed to a special branch I had established here in Seohwa. When I left this place before, I had secretly set up a branch to protect Cheonma’s family.
The branch was disguised as a small martial arts school. Running a martial arts school was one of the best ways to blend martial artists into ordinary society without arousing suspicion.
As I entered the school, a young, lively woman greeted me. She didn’t recognize me, which was only natural. Unless they were from the main branch, most people had never even seen my face.
“Are you here to learn martial arts?”
“No, I’m here to see the headmaster.”
“Why do you want to see the headmaster?”
“I’ve come from Wuhuan.”
Saying I came from Wuhuan was a way of indicating I was from the martial alliance.
She asked for the predetermined password, and I responded with the correct one.
“Please follow me.”
She led me to the headmaster. We walked across the training grounds of the school together.
She was Jin Yeo-hong, the only female instructor at this martial arts school. A few young men were practicing martial arts on one side and glanced our way. I thought they were looking at me, but their eyes were on Jin Yeo-hong. It was only natural for young men full of energy to be drawn to a pretty, young female instructor.
“How is the main branch?”
I hesitated, unsure of her intent, and she continued speaking.
“I’ve never been there. Which division are you from?”
“I’m from the internal division.”
“Ah, then you must be from the Justice Division.”
She guessed correctly. This place was staffed by spies from the Three Eyes Division and martial alliance experts, and the Justice Division was the one they primarily interacted with.
To maintain secrecy, the branch wasn’t large. There were about ten people in total, half of whom were spies handling information, while the rest were martial artists responsible for security.
Jin Yeo-hong was in charge of security.
“Teaching during the day and handling alliance duties at night must be tough.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m used to it now. Teaching the kids is fun, and there’s a special allowance.”
But her true feelings came through in her next words.
“Actually, before I was assigned here, I hoped to go to the main branch… but it didn’t work out.”
Her words were tinged with deep regret. Many martial artists, not just her, hoped to be assigned to the main branch.
“How long have you been with the alliance?”
“This is my fourth year. Until last year, I was in the Shaanxi branch. It seems I’m getting further from the main branch each year.”
I offered her some comfort in response to her self-deprecating words.
“You’re still young, so you might make it to the main branch someday.”
“I’m not sure if that’ll happen. The seniors say if you don’t make it at first, you never will.”
I resolved to improve this situation. There should be a system where anyone with the skills could advance to the main branch.
As we talked, we arrived at the headmaster’s quarters.
“A distinguished guest from Wuhuan has arrived.”
This was another code, indicating someone from the martial alliance had come.
“Let them in.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“Thank you.”
Jin Yeo-hong turned and walked away after guiding me there.
The person waiting inside was Do-jeong, the headmaster of this branch. He recognized me and was visibly startled.
“Gasp! Lord Leader! What brings you here?”
“Have you been well?”
He stood up abruptly and bowed respectfully.
“I greet the esteemed Lord Leader. What brings you here without any notice?”
“I have some matters to attend to, so I came quietly.”
In other words, my visit here was to be kept secret.
“Ah, I see.”
Do-jeong was chosen for this important mission because he wasn’t someone who would try to curry favor or play politics with the leader.
“Tell me about Baek Seong-won’s family.”
“Yes, of course.”
Through him, I learned various things. Baek Seong-won had returned to Seohwa Escort Agency and become the chief escort. The agency’s owner had turned over a new leaf, and together they were running the agency well.
It was a relief to hear.
His grandson, Baek So-myeong, had joined Cheonghamun, a well-known martial sect in Gansu. His granddaughter-in-law, Ji-rim, was busy raising their child.
I asked the most important question.
“Has Ma Cheol-gun been here?”
“Are you referring to the former leader?”
“Yes.”
“No, he hasn’t been here.”
It was hard to believe he hadn’t come here. Could he have just stopped by briefly to check on his family and then left to wander the martial world again? Or was he here in disguise?
“Do you keep track of those who settle in Seohwa?”
“Of course.”
Fortunately, the branch here had a solid grasp of information on newcomers to Seohwa. It meant they were doing their job well.
“I’d like to know about them.”
“Understood. I’ll call the person in charge.”
The person in charge was Jin Yeo-hong, who had guided me earlier.
Together, we went around Seohwa, checking on the newcomers.
We were now at the sixth house.
I shook my head as I looked at the person she pointed out from a distance.
“That’s not the person I’m looking for.”
“Can you tell from this far away?”
“Yes.”
I was searching for Cheonma. I could recognize him just by the way he stood. No matter how well he disguised himself, it wouldn’t work. I could spot Cheonma, even if others couldn’t.
“Let’s move on to the next person.”
“Let’s do that.”
That day, we visited over twenty people, but Cheonma wasn’t among them. Still, this was the fastest method. I couldn’t check every house myself.
“It’s late today, so let’s continue tomorrow.”
“Let’s do that. I’m hungry, so let’s grab a bite together. You’ve worked hard today.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s my job.”
She hadn’t shown any sign of displeasure while going around the houses with me.
We went to an inn, and I ordered delicious food and drinks for her. She was someone worth treating to a good meal.
“Eat up.”
“Thank you.”
After filling our stomachs, we shared a drink and continued our conversation.
“Who exactly are you looking for? Coming all the way here, they must be important. Are they a wanted criminal with a bounty on their head?”
“No, just an arrogant fellow.”
Perhaps thinking it was a top-secret matter, she didn’t press further.
“Whoever they are, they’ll be in for a tough time if they’re caught.”
“Probably.”
Of course, he might not have come here at all. He could be out there, enjoying his adventures in the martial world. If that were the case, finding him wouldn’t be easy.
“If you don’t mind, could you tell me more about the main branch? I’m curious.”
While I pondered what to share, she quickly added, “Oh, please don’t feel pressured. I won’t ask for any favors. I’m not that kind of person.”
I could tell without her saying it. If she were that type, she would have been much more subtle in trying to use me.
“Haha, even if you did, I wouldn’t have the power to grant them.”
I had plenty of power, but I had no intention of granting any favors, so it wasn’t entirely a lie.
I shared a few stories about the main branch. I talked about how many people were stationed there, the structure, and the layers of security one had to pass through to reach the internal division.
She listened to these mundane details as if they were thrilling tales of adventure.
“Have you ever seen the leader in person?”
“I have.”
“Oh! Is he really as handsome as the rumors say?”
“Handsome?”
Ah, so that’s how the rumors went. Well, it’s better than being rumored to be ugly.
“Do you need a standard? How about me? Do you think I’m handsome?”
She seemed a bit flustered.
“Um… not quite a heartthrob, but, um, no, you’re handsome.”
“You really can’t lie, can you?”
“No… yes.”
Her face turned slightly red.
“Then it seems you’re not exactly a legendary beauty yourself, my lord. People say I resemble you.”
“Hmm, in that case, you must be far from it.”
I must have looked taken aback because she burst into laughter.
“Hehe, just kidding.”
She really had a delightful personality.
Thud, thud, thud.
Just then, about twenty riders sped past the inn. For such a late hour, they were moving quite fast through the marketplace. What if they hurt someone? It was enough to get on my nerves.
“Who are they?”
“Judging by their attire, they were warriors from the Northern Wind Sect.”
The Northern Wind Sect was a renowned martial arts school in this region of Gansu. It was a prestigious and powerful sect with many skilled fighters.
“The Northern Wind Sect usually doesn’t show up here in Xihua. What’s going on? This is the territory of the Great Dragon Gate.”
The Great Dragon Gate was another prestigious sect in Gansu. The two sects were in a power struggle over the region.
“Is the Qingha Sect connected to the Great Dragon Gate?”
The Qingha Sect was where the grandson of the Heavenly Demon had joined.
“Yes. The leaders of the Qingha Sect and the Great Dragon Gate are like brothers.”
“Then if the Great Dragon Gate is in trouble, the Qingha Sect will step in.”
“Naturally.”
I stood up and said, “I think I know where to find the person I’m looking for.”
Leaving her surprised, I exited the inn.
Gliding through the moonlit sky, I landed on one of the rooftops of the Qingha Sect.
A man standing there looked at me and said, “You’re here?”
He spoke as if we had just parted moments ago. This man was the Heavenly Demon, whom I had longed to see.
I was so glad to see him, so happy, that I didn’t question why he had left. I didn’t rush to embrace him. Just seeing him again was enough.
I asked casually, “What’s going on?”
“Just the usual martial world entanglements. I’m concerned because my grandson is involved.”
“So it all started here.”
“A small matter that grew.”
“Wherever the Heavenly Demon goes, storms follow.”
“It’s not because of me! Damn it! If it were, there’d be no problem.”
“What’s the dilemma? Just wipe them all out.”
“Can I really do that?”
When the Heavenly Demon turned to me with a serious look, I laughed and replied, “No.”
He turned away again.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to do.”
In his struggle, I saw his humanity. If we hadn’t become close, he would have already resolved it by eliminating everyone. I was proud and happy to see his change.
Even with power, he doesn’t use it recklessly. He restrains his ruthless nature. Yes, it was because he had changed that I came all this way to find him.
“I’m glad you came,” he said sincerely, and I felt the same.
I told him, “Someone once said, half of life’s troubles come from parents, and the other half from children.”
The Heavenly Demon let out a sigh mixed with a chuckle.
Even in the midst of this complicated situation, meeting again in such a way made me realize he truly was the Heavenly Demon, and I was the leader.
“Come on, let’s sort out our troubles over a drink. We might have skipped the farewell drink, but we can’t miss the reunion one.”