The Beginning of Me (2)
I was taken aback, especially since I had been thinking about him just moments before.
“Has the owner changed?”
I asked with a trembling voice, and Baekpyo replied with a smile.
“That’s right. I took over recently and opened today. You’re my first customer.”
A shiver ran through me as I realized my connection with Baekpyo was being renewed.
“Please, have a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”
I sat in my usual spot, and Baekpyo chuckled.
“That’s my favorite spot in our establishment. Haha.”
“Is there a particular reason you like this spot?”
“No reason at all, really.”
He laughed awkwardly.
“What would you like to drink?”
I ordered the drink and side dishes I always had. Baekpyo was surprised.
“Even the drink and side dishes… I didn’t expect my first customer to order those at that spot.”
I was tempted to reveal my true identity as Cheon Haejin to him. After all, he was my former bodyguard, and there were countless ways to prove who I was. We had shared many conversations that only the two of us knew.
He would follow me if he knew.
But I held back. Cheon Haejin was dead, both in his life and mine. I was now Byeok Lidan. If I were to help him, it would be as Byeok Lidan, not Cheon Haejin.
Just then, a new customer entered.
“A little gift for your grand opening.”
A middle-aged man handed over a small potted orchid.
I nearly dropped my glass in shock. I was as surprised as when I first saw Baekpyo.
The man who entered was none other than Gal Saryang.
I quickly turned my head, worried my astonishment might show. My heart pounded.
I never imagined I would run into Gal Saryang here.
And to meet both Baekpyo and Gal Saryang in one place!
“Welcome!”
Baekpyo greeted him with a face full of emotion. It seemed he hadn’t expected Gal Saryang to come in person.
“It’s cozy and has a nice atmosphere.”
“I was lucky. The previous owner decided to sell and return to his hometown.”
“I see.”
“What would you like to drink?”
“Surprise me.”
Baekpyo brought out the drinks.
Gal Saryang glanced at me but didn’t pay much attention.
He looked worn out, as if he’d been under a lot of stress lately.
I wanted to approach him immediately and ask what had happened. Why things had gone so wrong.
Gal Saryang, sipping his drink, stepped out through the back door.
“Care to join me for some fresh air?”
“Of course.”
Baekpyo followed him out.
I strained my ears to catch their conversation, which was faintly audible.
“This was the place he used to visit, wasn’t it?”
“You knew?”
“He mentioned it a few times. Said it was a great spot. He wanted to bring me here someday… but we were always too busy.”
Gal Saryang sighed.
I regretted not being closer to Gal Saryang.
“Are you planning to stay with the Martial Alliance?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think the new leader is worth protecting. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s me who should apologize.”
“You did your best. With the betrayal of the Gwangwol and Cheolgi factions, there was nothing you could do.”
Hearing Baekpyo’s words, my heart sank.
The Gwangwol and Cheolgi factions betrayed us?
I couldn’t believe it. If I had heard this in a tavern, I would have dismissed it as nonsense.
But it came from someone I trusted the most.
I recalled the faces of the Gwangwol and Cheolgi leaders. Betrayal was a word I never associated with them.
Gal Saryang spoke somberly.
“Strictly speaking, it wasn’t betrayal. They were loyal as long as the leader was alive.”
No, it was betrayal. Abandoning the wishes of someone they cherished just because I was gone was a clear betrayal. If they were truly loyal, they should have supported Gal Saryang. And they should never have allowed someone like Ma Bonggi to become the leader.
“What do you plan to do now?”
“I intend to hold on a bit longer. They probably wish I’d disappear, but…”
“Will you be alright?”
“There are too many eyes watching. They can’t openly do anything to me. I’ll likely be demoted, sent to a smaller organization. But I’ll endure.”
“I mean…”
“I know what you’re worried about. But don’t worry, I can take care of myself.”
“That’s a relief.”
I knew Gal Saryang well. He was not someone to be caught off guard twice. If he said he could protect himself, he must have a plan.
“If you don’t mind me asking… why don’t you leave?”
“The Martial Alliance was his foundation.”
“I feel like a worthless person.”
“Not at all. You gave up your position as the leader of the Mengho faction out of longing for him. If anything, I’m the one who should feel ashamed.”
“Commander.”
“Both you and I are here because of him. We share the same heart.”
“I miss the former leader so much.”
“So do I. But it’s time to move on. Live your life now. I’ll be going.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“Run your business well. I’ll drop by occasionally.”
“You’re welcome anytime.”
Gal Saryang left through the back, and I couldn’t see him go. I imagined his steps weren’t heavy with defeat.
Commander Gal, stay strong.
Baekpyo returned to the tavern, trying to shake off his bitterness, and smiled at me.
“How’s the taste?”
I smiled back brightly.
“It’s great. Really.”
I finished my last drink and left the tavern.
On my way back to my lodging, my mind was filled with thoughts.
I couldn’t shake off the betrayal of the Gwangwol and Cheolgi leaders. My mind was in turmoil.
Why?
When I returned to the inn, I made up my mind.
I decided to go home. I wouldn’t act rashly, driven by emotion.
I would return and grow stronger. So I could ask confidently, so I could protect them for sure.
Saryang, Baekpyo.
Live your lives until then.
I returned home.
“How did it go?”
Gwangdu was relieved to see me back safely, but also curious.
“Did you set things right?”
I shook my head.
Gwangdu laughed instead.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Because you always manage to handle everything so perfectly. I never said it, but it seemed almost inhuman.”
I knew this was Gwangdu’s way of comforting and encouraging me.
“So, train hard. It’d be great if you could handle things like that.”
“You’re asking me to do what even you couldn’t? Back to your inhuman self, I see.”
“Haha.”
“You must be tired. Rest up. I’ll have your favorite dish ready for dinner.”
Watching Gwangdu’s retreating figure, I finally felt the relief of being home.
I decided not to concern myself with the affairs of the Martial Alliance anymore. Not with Gal Saryang, Baekpyo, Ma Bonggi, or even my own death.
Nothing would change by worrying about it now.
For now, I would focus on strengthening the Byeok family sword school.
That was my conclusion. I resolved to be more proactive in its growth.
The situation in the martial world was unstable. Someone who shouldn’t have become the leader had taken the position. There would surely be repercussions. When those repercussions reached our family, we needed the strength to protect ourselves.
I planned to build a breakwater before the storm hit.
The storm would surely come.
I intensified my training.
The most crucial thing was my martial prowess.
I would keep it hidden as much as possible, but I needed the strength to sweep everything away if necessary.
The most urgent need was my internal energy. It would be ideal to find a miraculous elixir, but that required both money and luck.
I started with what I could do. I reduced my sleeping hours to focus on internal energy cultivation.
At the same time, I pushed my physical training to the extreme.
This was to prepare for situations where I had to conserve my internal energy. When using minimal internal energy for techniques, physical strength played a significant role.
And it was time for one more thing.
Gal Saryang’s words came back to me.
You can’t do anything alone.
Yes, he was right.
Unless I could split myself into hundreds of clones.
I needed my own organization. A dedicated team that would act on my command.
But I knew better than anyone that such an organization couldn’t be built overnight. It would take years of investment and nurturing.
Ultimately, my decision led to a bold declaration.
“I want to form my own sword unit.”
My parents’ mouths dropped open simultaneously. This was probably the biggest surprise I’d ever given them.
“Do you understand what it means to lead a sword unit?”
“Of course, I do.”
“Do you know what it entails?”
“Yes, I do.”
My mother asked with a hint of concern.
“Don’t we already have a sword unit?”
“Yes, we have an excellent one. Think of this as a separate unit. Consider it a reserve unit.”
By structuring it this way, there would be no conflict with the existing unit.
“I’ll call it the ‘Small Sword Unit’ to show respect for the existing one.”
When I revealed that I had thought it through, my father accepted my decision.
“If that’s your wish, so be it. But aside from providing lodging and meals, there will be no other support.”
“That’s more than enough.”
“How many do you plan to recruit?”
“I’ll start with about twenty and gradually increase the number.”
My mother smiled, as she always did, supporting her son with a smile that made me want to repay her.
“You’ll do well, won’t you, my son?”
I replied with a bright smile.
“Yes, Mother.”
Before recruiting members for the sword unit, I met with Seo-jung to hear his thoughts.
While I might have more experience and skill in managing organizations, when it comes to running a sword unit, Seo-jung’s experience is invaluable.
I brought Gwang-du along to listen in.
We discussed how to conduct training, how to establish a system, who should be appointed as leaders, and what honor and pride mean to the members of the sword unit.
Seo-jung’s final words to me were these:
“The most important thing in a sword unit is ultimately the people.”
It was the same thing I had told Gwang-du when I was teaching him.
After parting ways with Seo-jung, Gwang-du asked me once we were alone.
“What did Master Seo mean by his last words?”
“Why didn’t you ask him directly?”
“Well… Master Seo is a bit intimidating.”
“And I’m not?”
“You’re approachable.”
How could I dislike someone who smiles so bashfully?
“In a martial arts organization, skill is paramount. No one can deny that. But what if, despite their skills, the members are all of poor character? What if the sword unit is filled with nothing but arrogance?”
“I don’t even want to imagine that.”
“That’s what Master Seo meant. A sword unit is, after all, a gathering of people. So, understanding what they think and feel is the most crucial aspect.”
“If it’s you, everyone will pledge their loyalty.”
“We can’t expect loyalty from the start. Loyalty is built over time through shared experiences. Initially, it’s most important to foster a sense of belonging.”
“How are you so wise?”
“Jealous? You’ll… understand when you’re older. You’ll probably have deeper and smarter insights than I do, having lived confined to the clan.”
“But can I be part of this sword unit?”
“No.”
“Why not? Please include me!”
“You’re not ready yet.”
I have plans to use you for something much more valuable.
“When I’m skilled enough, you must include me.”
“We’ll see then.”
“But why are you forming a sword unit, sir?”
Gwang-du asked, his curiosity evident.
“To make money, you need an organization.”
The greater the power, the more money you can earn. Power is money, and money is power.
“Why do you need money?”
“To grow the organization.”
“And once it’s grown?”
“I plan to make the Byeok Clan the greatest in the central plains.”
Gwang-du was taken aback by the mention of becoming the greatest.
It was my resolve. Though I was speaking to Gwang-du, it was a declaration to all of the central plains.
“The Byeok Clan will become the strongest family in the central plains. A formidable family that no one dares to challenge.”
“Are you serious?”
Gwang-du’s voice trembled as he asked.
“Yes, I’m serious. The sword unit is the beginning of that dream.”
Gwang-du’s face filled with passion.
“You will achieve it. I will do everything I can to help.”
Though it starts as a small unit of twenty, it will grow into a force that commands and dominates the central plains.
Under the warm spring sunlight, my first declaration was made.