Episode 204: Return to the Martial Arts Alliance

“We’re almost there.”

Cheon Sae-myung pointed towards the distant headquarters of the Martial Arts Alliance from atop a hill.

Beside him, Deung Bu-hyung expressed his admiration. “Every time I see the Martial Arts Alliance, I’m in awe. It’s truly a magnificent sight.”

Indeed, the headquarters’ outer walls were as imposing as any fortress, and the sheer grandeur of it filled both men with an inexplicable sense of pride.

Their visit was prompted by an invitation from the Alliance’s headquarters. The upcoming banquet was both a farewell for Sa Bi-gang and a celebration of the Alliance’s newfound stability.

The academy’s head, Joo Yoo-chun, had sent Cheon Sae-myung and Deung Bu-hyung, mistakenly believing they had a close relationship with Sa Bi-gang.

Cheon Sae-myung’s lips curled into a sly smile. “This could be a great opportunity for us.”

“Absolutely. Even Sa Bi-gang was appointed as the head of the Inspection Bureau, wasn’t he? We know him better than anyone. He was quite lucky, wasn’t he?”

“Luck alone wouldn’t have gotten him there. He must have some skill.”

Cheon Sae-myung spoke words he didn’t truly believe, prompting Deung Bu-hyung to chuckle. “Yes, let’s say his skill accounts for about thirty percent. Hahaha.”

“Haha, you’re something else, Deung.”

The two shared a hearty laugh.

After a while, Deung Bu-hyung added with a peculiar smile, “The Alliance must have been quite taken aback. A slippery eel like him causing a ruckus must have been a headache to manage.”

“But you can’t see it just like that. Haven’t you heard the rumors in the martial world? They say the new head of the Inspection Bureau has achieved a lot.”

“That’s just the Alliance spreading rumors, isn’t it? If those rumors were entirely true, why would they send Sa Bi-gang as a hostage to the Blood Sect?”

“Hmm, you have a point…”

The two were deeply mistaken, but there was no one to correct them.

Deung Bu-hyung continued, “I always thought it would come to this. The position of head of the Inspection Bureau was never suitable for Sa Bi-gang. That role is meant for someone else.”

“Ahem. And who might that be?”

“Why, it’s you, Chief Cheon. You’re the perfect fit for such a significant position.”

“Haha, you’re flattering me, Deung. I’m just an ordinary man with many shortcomings.”

“What are you saying? Everyone knows you’re a talent among talents. Isn’t that why you’re invited to the Alliance’s headquarters today?”

“Haha, let’s not jump to conclusions.”

Cheon Sae-myung waved his hand dismissively, but inside, he was filled with anticipation. If Sa Bi-gang stepped down, who would fill his shoes?

In this context, the Alliance had invited them. Of course, the Alliance had sent invitations to prestigious sects across the land, but Cheon Sae-myung and Deung Bu-hyung saw it as something special.

‘Yes, this is a chance for advancement! Let’s make the most of it!’

Cheon Sae-myung clenched his fist and moved forward.

**

A grand farewell banquet was underway.

The event was held in the courtyard of the Inspection Bureau, attended by key figures from the Alliance and dignitaries from across the land. Music played continuously, and exquisite dishes were served in abundance.

It was the first banquet since the Alliance regained stability, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

Sa Bi-gang was intoxicated by both the alcohol and the atmosphere.

Typically, the person being honored at such a grand farewell would decline the event. Sa Bi-gang, however, did not.

Instead, he had boldly requested the leader of the Alliance, “Since I’m leaving, why not throw a grand farewell banquet for me? I believe I deserve it.”

At this unexpected request, Neung Un-pa had stared blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter and agreeing.

Just then, Gu Yoon approached and sat beside him. “You truly are a unique person, Chief Sa. Most would refuse such an event.”

“Why refuse a chance to enjoy a feast of delicacies?”

Sa Bi-gang replied, chomping on an unknown dish and taking a swig from a bottle.

“Ah, delicious!”

Gu Yoon watched him with a gentle smile.

Reflecting on their strange connection, Sa Bi-gang was someone he had met amidst a whirlwind. In the chaos, encountering him felt like stepping into the eye of a storm, where everything was calm.

With a peaceful mind, everything seemed clear. How many people can inspire such trust just by sitting across and talking?

Yet, this man, with his bizarre antics, had managed to do just that.

So, he took a gamble on him. In a situation where nothing was certain, he acted on instinct for the first time.

And that decision led to today.

That’s why it was even harder to let him go.

As Gu Yoon gazed at him with heartfelt eyes, Sa Bi-gang glanced over, feeling uncomfortable, and quipped, “If you keep looking at me like that with your pretty face, people might get the wrong idea.”

“Let them think what they want. If I cared about others’ opinions, would I have sought you out, Chief Sa?”

“Haha, you’re saying things that could really be misunderstood.”

“Am I? Chief Sa, please take care of yourself. The people of the Dark Sect are not what they seem. Don’t be fooled by their appearances.”

“Haha, if it’s about appearances, no one can beat me.”

Sa Bi-gang grinned.

“Haha, that’s true.”

As Gu Yoon laughed, Sa Bi-gang turned his gaze.

Nearby, the members of the Cheonmyeol Squad were noisily enjoying their meal.

Sitting beside them were Dang Yi-hyeop and Mae Seol-ran.

Dang Yi-hyeop was chewing on a piece of fried food for a long time.

Mae Seol-ran watched him and asked, “How does it taste?”

“It’s delicious.”

Dang Yi-hyeop replied in a monotone.

She wanted to ask, ‘Is that the face of someone enjoying good food?’ but instead, Mae Seol-ran smiled and changed the subject.

“Then why aren’t you eating more?”

“My throat… it’s tight.”

“Then have some drink.”

“Alcohol won’t help.”

After speaking, Dang Yi-hyeop sat frozen like a statue, eyes wide open.

To someone who didn’t know him, it might seem like he was angry after eating.

After a long pause, he swallowed and spoke.

“I’m sorry. I’m overwhelmed by the Chief’s kindness.”

“What kindness are you talking about?”

“Don’t you see?”

Dang Yi-hyeop glanced at her before turning his gaze back.

The Cheonmyeol Squad members beside him were happily devouring their food.

With the same stoic expression, Dang Yi-hyeop continued, “He wanted to feed these kids. Until the very end. He wanted to fill their bellies. So they could grow strong.”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

He seemed overwhelmed with emotion again.

His wide-open eyes looked as if tears might fall at any moment.

Mae Seol-ran was surprised by this unexpected perspective.

‘Was that his intention?’

It was Sa Bi-gang who had first suggested the banquet.

It seemed like such an odd thing for him to do, even to the end.

But to think it might have been for those kids…

‘No way…’

Wasn’t that too much of a stretch?

Surely, if she asked him directly, he’d say, ‘I just wanted to eat.’

She could almost hear his voice in her head.

But then…

Mae Seol-ran glanced at Sa Bi-gang.

“Maybe… it really was.”

She murmured softly.

Sa Bi-gang’s gaze was fixed on the Cheonmyeol Squad members.

He watched them with a satisfied expression as they laughed and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Suddenly, a question arose in her heart.

‘Ah… can I be a better leader than him?’

Before leaving, Sa Bi-gang had recommended her as the new head of the Inspection Bureau.

The leader of the Alliance had agreed, so it was practically confirmed.

Mae Seol-ran smiled faintly and whispered to herself.

“I don’t know if I can do as well as you, but I’ll try my best. So I won’t let you down.”

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the banquet, two figures sat.

They were Cheon Sae-myung and Deung Bu-hyung.

Deung Bu-hyung whispered to Cheon Sae-myung, “Chief Cheon, it seems Sa Bi-gang doesn’t know we’re here. Shouldn’t we go and greet him?”

“Hmm. With so many people around, he might not have noticed us. Let’s go.”

The two stood up and exchanged words through a secret voice transmission.

[What should we call him? Instructor Sa? Chief Sa?]

[Hmm. He’s leaving soon anyway, isn’t he? We can call him Instructor Sa like before.]

[I agree.]

Cheon Sae-myung nodded.

As they approached Sa Bi-gang,

“Oh, Instructor Sa! What a pleasure to see you!”

Cheon Sae-myung called out.

But the noise was so loud that Sa Bi-gang didn’t seem to hear.

“Instructor Sa! It’s me!”

Cheon Sae-myung shouted again.

Then,

“Who are you two?”

A voice suddenly came from beside them.

Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, Ham Cheon-seok rose from his seat, his eyes gleaming with a sharp intensity.

The atmosphere was so charged that Cheon Sae-myung swallowed hard, almost involuntarily.

“Ah… I happen to know Instructor Sa Bi-gang quite well.”

“And where might you be from?”

“I’m from Yongcheon Hall.”

“Yongcheon Hall? That’s an academy for training students, isn’t it? How is it that you don’t know basic etiquette? This gentleman is the Head of the Inspection Bureau. It’s inappropriate to address him so casually here.”

Ham Cheon-seok growled in a low voice.

Cheon Sae-myung and Deung Bu-hyeong, feeling the weight of his presence, could only exchange nervous glances.

Just then, a voice broke the tension.

“Ah, who do we have here? Isn’t it Chief Cheon and Instructor Deung?”

Sa Bi-gang finally recognized the two and approached them with a smile.

Cheon Sae-myung and Deung Bu-hyeong, relieved, waved enthusiastically.

“Oh, Instructor Sa… I mean, Head Sa! It’s been a while!”

At that moment, Ham Cheon-seok firmly gripped Cheon Sae-myung’s shoulder.

Startled, Cheon Sae-myung turned to face him.

“W-what is it?”

“Address him as Head.”