At the End of Fate’s Branch (1)
I sat across from Baekpyo at the tavern.
The tavern hadn’t opened yet, and in this moment, we weren’t just owner and customer, but lord and vassal.
Whenever I took on new subordinates, I treated them according to their age. Even with Jeongyeo and Gong Suchan, I never spoke down to them.
But with Baekpyo, I wanted to treat him as I always had. I told him in advance that I would be informal with him, and he accepted it gladly.
“So, how did you end up running this tavern?”
Now, I could ask all the questions I hadn’t been able to before. Honestly, just seeing him was enough for me.
“I used to come here often with the former leader. He loved this place. The more I came, the more it grew on me. But after he passed away, I couldn’t stay with the clan any longer. It felt like his death was somehow my fault.”
Baekpyo lowered his head deeply.
Knowing he thought of me so much made my heart ache.
But then, as if realizing his mistake, he quickly added, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring up the former leader.”
He was worried that mentioning my predecessor might upset me, but that story is part of my story too.
“It’s alright. Isn’t our current enemy the leader of the martial alliance? It would be strange not to mention the former leader in this situation. Feel free to talk about him anytime. Besides, wasn’t he someone you admired?”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Speaking of the leader, I believe there’s someone behind Mabonggi. He doesn’t have the ability to become the leader on his own.”
Baekpyo didn’t seem too surprised.
“I think that’s entirely possible.”
As the head of the Tiger Guard, he was closest to the leader, witnessing everything firsthand. Naturally, he was well-versed in the affairs of the martial alliance and the world.
How could he not have doubts about Mabonggi becoming the leader? The Tiger Guard was a protective organization, the least political of all, so he never voiced his suspicions.
“If there’s a greater enemy, there’s someone we absolutely need.”
“Who might that be?”
“Former Chief Strategist, Galsaryang.”
I feigned ignorance, but I had expected him to mention Galsaryang.
Baekpyo shared various details about Galsaryang, though I already knew them all. The conclusion was that he possessed incredible abilities and we should recruit him.
“If I have to leave here, I must meet with Galsaryang first.”
I needed to inform him that I had taken on a new master and handed over the Sura King Sword.
If I left without telling him, Galsaryang would be deeply worried. Especially since Baekpyo had the Sura King Sword, it was a significant issue.
“But it’s not easy to meet him now. I suspect Galsaryang is under Sima Cheon’s watch.”
“Take your time. If we rush, it won’t just be us in danger, but Galsaryang too.”
“You’re right.”
Fortunately, Sima Cheon believed I had disposed of the Sura King Sword, so he wouldn’t trouble Galsaryang over it.
“Never forget, to achieve great things, we must have Galsaryang.”
But recruiting Galsaryang would be as challenging as winning over Baekpyo.
I managed to gain Baekpyo’s allegiance because of Guangdu’s actions and the Sura King Sword’s intervention. It was sheer luck.
Galsaryang would also require a stroke of fortune. At least with Baekpyo on my side, persuading him might be a bit easier.
For now, I planned to leave him be.
I knew Galsaryang better than anyone. If he stayed with the martial alliance, it meant he had a purpose there.
If fate led me to Baekpyo, it would eventually lead me to Galsaryang too. I would wait for that moment.
I then shared details about our Byuk Clan Sword School. About my father and mother, the sword corps, the small sword corps, and even Yang Sobangju Jeongyeo’s pledge of loyalty to me.
“My first goal is to completely dominate Shandong.”
In truth, Yang Sobang, the top faction in Shandong, was under me, and the Song family, considered second, was in an absolute alliance with us.
“If we can elevate the Byuk Clan Sword School to the top faction in Shandong, we could say we’ve conquered more than half of it. That’s what you’ll help me achieve.”
Baekpyo listened intently, his eyes gleaming.
“If you’ve lived as a bodyguard in the shadows until now, from now on, you’ll be fighting at the forefront.”
“Understood.”
One fortunate thing was that as a discreet bodyguard, not many people knew Baekpyo. Even among the leaders of the martial alliance, some didn’t recognize him.
So, even if we went to Shandong, few would recognize him. And even if someone did, it wouldn’t be strange. It was common for retired martial alliance experts to join regular sects.
“What are you working on in Wuhan?”
“I’m setting up a small trading company.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Before I tell you your tasks, there’s something important we need to discuss.”
“What is it?”
“It’ll take at least a month or two to finish our business in Wuhan and return to Shandong. In the meantime, how about having your family stay at my home?”
Baekpyo was taken aback, clearly not expecting this.
It wasn’t an easy suggestion. It meant being apart from his wife and young son.
“I’d like us to live together as one family, not just for this occasion, but in the future.”
It would be safer in many ways. Plus, for the various tasks ahead, Baekpyo needed to move freely.
“If my parents take care of them, you won’t have to worry about your family.”
“Thank you, but I’m concerned about imposing on you.”
Baekpyo’s family was likely his biggest concern.
“Imposing? Your family is like my own.”
Baekpyo’s eyes wavered slightly as he looked at me. His emotion was understandable. I was speaking the truth.
“Will you do it?”
“Yes, I will. Thank you, sir.”
“Haha, good. You’ve made the right decision.”
I was thrilled. I wanted Baekpyo’s family to be safe more than anyone.
“Keep the tavern running for now. We’ll decide what to do with it just before we return to Shandong.”
“Understood.”
There was still work to be done in Wuhan, especially concerning Galsaryang, so it seemed best to keep the tavern open for the time being.
“I plan to visit home in a few days. I’ll take your family with me then, so spend some quality time with them until then.”
“Yes, I will.”
I raised my glass and toasted with Baekpyo.
I wasn’t much of a drinker, but today’s drink tasted exceptionally good. I finally understood why people enjoyed drinking.
“Baekmuin.”
I called him softly and warmly.
“Yes.”
“There’s no need to fight for the peace of the martial world. Fight for your family. That’s what I’m doing.”
Sometimes, that can be a stronger motivation than any grand cause. Baekpyo understood the meaning behind my words.
“I will remember that, sir.”
That night, Baekpyo and I drank until late.
It was the most I’d ever been drunk after drinking.
Two days later.
This time, Baekpyo and Guangdu sat across from each other at the tavern.
Baekpyo had called for Guangdu.
“Thank you for coming that day. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have met the young master.”
“Thank you.”
Guangdu smiled brightly. He had been worried about being sidelined, but he realized something important.
To truly care for someone, you must be willing to set aside your own selfishness for their happiness.
Looking back, he was glad he did. The outcome was good, and his heart felt content.
“Let’s have a drink.”
“Yes.”
Guangdu liked Baekpyo. There was an inexplicable sense of security about him. Like a big brother.
If he hadn’t liked him, he wouldn’t have come that day.
“Please take care of me!”
Guangdu raised his glass high, and Baekpyo clinked his own glass against it with vigor.
“Likewise, please take care of me.”
The next day, I set off for Shandong with Jeongyeo and Myeong.
Traveling with a seven-year-old, I rented a large, comfortable carriage.
Whenever Myeong showed the slightest sign of fatigue, we took frequent breaks, and we always stayed at inns in the afternoons.
At the inns, I made sure we had good rooms and delicious meals.
With such care, Jeongyeo was both overwhelmed and deeply moved.
She might not know, but I was the one who gave the congratulatory speech at their wedding. That was nine years ago.
As we grew closer, one day, Jeongyeo shared something with me.
“My husband used to have nightmares. But ever since meeting you, he’s been sleeping well. Thank you so much.”
That was part of why she had such a favorable impression of me from the start.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Please take good care of my husband.”
“I should be the one saying that. Please take care of me.”
After more than ten days of travel, we finally returned home.
“Father, Mother. I’m back.”
My parents greeted us warmly. I had sent a message ahead, letting them know I was coming with Jeongyeo and her son.
They welcomed Jeongyeo with open arms.
“Welcome, Madam.”
“Welcome.”
Jeongyeo greeted them politely.
“I’m Jeongyeo. Please take care of us. Myeong, greet the elders.”
Myeong introduced himself to my parents.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Myeong.”
The seven-year-old spoke so clearly and confidently.
My mother knelt down to meet Myeong’s eyes.
“So you’re Myeong. Who do you take after to be so handsome?”
“My mom.”
He turned to look at Jeongyeo.
With a warm smile, Mother said, “Seeing how you handle things, I don’t think we need to worry about the future.”
Everyone laughed at her lighthearted comment.
“Let’s get along well from now on,” she added, pulling Myung into a heartfelt embrace. Witnessing her genuine affection for her son, Jung-young couldn’t help but feel moved.
Father turned to Jung-young and said, “Consider this your home from now on. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
Then Father asked, “How were things in Hubei?”
“It was wonderful. I accomplished everything I set out to do, and I met an exceptional martial artist named Baek-pyo. He will be a great asset to our future endeavors.”
“That’s great to hear,” Father said with a satisfied smile. “Always remember to consider others’ perspectives when making decisions.”
“I will keep that in mind,” Jung-young promised.
Mother took Jung-young’s hand. “With all the men around here, it’s been quite lonely, just endless talk of fighting. I’m so glad to finally have someone to chat with. Let’s get along well.”
Jung-young was taken aback by Mother’s warm welcome. She hadn’t expected to be received so openly and warmly by the parents of the man she was to serve. It was a complex relationship, yet they treated her with such kindness and respect.
“Come, let me show you your room,” Mother said, leading the way.
The room was in a building not far from where Father and Mother slept. It was the largest and nicest of the guest rooms, beautifully furnished and spotlessly clean.
“You’ll be staying here from now on.”
Myung excitedly climbed onto a small bed in the corner. “Wow! I have my own bed!”
The beds for Jung-young and Myung were made up with fresh linens. But that wasn’t all. Mother had thoughtfully prepared new clothes and various necessities for both a woman and a child, ensuring they had everything they needed.
Jung-young was overwhelmed. “This room is too nice for us.”
She had expected to be given a small corner room in an outbuilding, where she would help with household chores.
“Is the room not to your liking?” Mother asked.
“No, it’s not that…”
“This is actually the least nice room. If you want something better…”
“No, no. This room is perfect,” Jung-young quickly assured her, realizing she couldn’t refuse such generosity.
In truth, this was the best room in the house. When I sent word to Mother, I had asked her to take special care of someone important to me. She had exceeded my expectations.
Mother’s expression seemed to say, “See? Your mother can do this much.” When Jung-young wasn’t looking, I gave Mother a discreet thumbs-up.
Mother, you’re the best.
A family that’s only superficially strong can become a burden or a weakness. But I know that for someone truly strong, family is a genuine source of strength.
Today, my family grew, and so did my strength.