“Alliance Leader, may I enter?”

Im Sobaek replied,

“Come in.”

Gongsun Wol entered, bowed respectfully, and said,

“...These posters were put up all over. I thought you should see one.”

He handed over a proclamation.

As Im Sobaek read it, his face briefly flushed with heat.

Gongsun Wol was startled to see the Alliance Leader’s expression change so suddenly, though Im Sobaek soon regained his composure and looked at him.

“So Yi Zaha is heading to Dongho?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

Im Sobaek answered flatly, as if he felt nothing. Gongsun Wol asked again, confused.

“Pardon?”

“Is something wrong?”

Staring at his impassive leader, Gongsun Wol answered,

“Well... I thought perhaps there might be some way we could assist. That’s why I brought it.”

“Assist, huh... And what kind of assistance did you have in mind, Strategist Gongsun?”

After clearing his throat, Gongsun Wol said,

“Well, first of all, troops—”

“So you’re suggesting we send forces. A fine idea. How many, Strategist Gongsun? A whole sword unit? Or is that not enough?”

Gongsun Wol furrowed his brow and hesitated.

“Hm.”

Im Sobaek tapped the proclamation with his finger and pushed it back toward him.

“Read it again. Slowly.”

“Yes.”

Gongsun Wol read aloud,

“...The Lord of Haomun will personally go to Dongho and engage the Number One of the Evil Path in a duel, without interference. This is because he discovered that the man supported Black Fragrance and was involved in selling a young girl at auction.”

As Gongsun Wol read it aloud, Im Sobaek asked,

“Yi Zaha has many enemies. Probably as many as I do now. And yet, he’s deliberately stating he will settle things without anyone interfering. What do you think that means?”

“He expects interference.”

“Then why make his movements public with these posters?”

“Maybe it’s also a call to allies. But by posting it publicly, he’s inviting enemies too.”

“And why choose a proclamation in particular?”

Gongsun Wol looked at him and answered,

“It feels like a challenge to anyone reading it—‘What are you doing right now?’”

Im Sobaek responded with a calm expression,

“You think so? Then what has the Military Strategy Council been doing all this time? I remember we’ve done the budget calculations several times for a campaign to capture the Greatest Sword of Dongho.”

“Yes, we’ve done those calculations repeatedly.”

“Yi Zaha doesn’t calculate. Seems like he doesn’t know how to.”

“That seems to be the case.”

“It’s also directed at me. At the entire alliance. And it’s a declaration of war to all of Yi Zaha’s enemies. What a disgrace.”

Im Sobaek tapped the proclamation again.

“Look at that temperament. He’s not suited for organizations. Which is why he does what structured institutions can’t—like a reckless stunt. When we talk about attacking Dongho, the first thing our council thinks of is budget, resources, and logistics.”

Gongsun Wol replied,

“Yes, we have a lot to consider.”

“If our hesitation is why that man was able to commit such atrocities, then the responsibility lies with me.”

This time, Gongsun Wol remained silent.

The Alliance Leader fell quiet, and Gongsun Wol waited patiently. After a short sigh, Im Sobaek spoke again.

“Still, we can’t deny that we shoulder many responsibilities as an organization.”

“Yes.”

“We’ll send support to Dongho. But this won’t be like our usual missions. After making this proclamation widely known to alliance members, recruit volunteers. Their task is to guard the Lord of Haomun. I won’t limit the scope of that protection. The only requirement is martial skill, and the number will be limited. That’s because even Yi Zaha doesn’t know when the duel will take place. Do you understand?”

Gongsun Wol nodded.

“I understand.”

“Will the Military Council give us trouble over budget again?”

“No. I’ll suppress any objections.”

“Form a special escort unit. Technically it’s a guard team, but put someone in charge who understands Yi Zaha’s intent. Ensure smooth communication between them and the alliance. Strategist Gongsun, do whatever it takes to make sure Yi Zaha comes back alive from Dongho—no matter what mess he causes.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If he dies in Dongho despite us sending an elite unit, it will bring disgrace to the Martial Alliance. And to me. Understood?”

Gongsun Wol bowed.

“I’ll prepare everything quickly.”

Im Sobaek tapped the proclamation one last time and pushed it away.

“Take it. I’ve committed the contents to memory.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once Gongsun Wol left, Im Sobaek clicked his tongue and drew the long sword from his desk, # Nоvеlight # wiping its blade with a cloth.

After a moment, he muttered to himself.

“...That arrogant bastard. He should’ve just insulted me outright. Tsk.”

The Alliance Leader was clearly annoyed by the proclamation.

***

In a large hall, Law Scholar Chu Myeong was sitting alone with a man in shabby clothes when he heard footsteps and turned his head.

From outside, a subordinate called,

“House Lord, Yi Zaha is on the move to Dongho. He’s posted proclamations declaring a one-on-one duel with the Number One of the Evil Path. Would you like to read it?”

“Bring it here.”

The subordinate handed it over and stepped back.

Chu Myeong read the proclamation and said,

“He’s going alone?”

“From what we’ve learned, he’s accompanied by the Sword Demon, Master Yukhap, and the second son of the Mong Clan. They seem to be traveling leisurely.”

“Leisurely?”

“Yes. They spent over half a day fishing at the Namcheon River, skipping stones and drinking. Local fishermen and boatmen saw them.”

Chu Myeong frowned in confusion.

“Skipping stones? What does that mean?”

“It’s a game children often play. They throw flat stones and see who can make them skip farthest across the surface.”

As Chu Myeong glared, the subordinate bowed his head and swallowed nervously.

Chu Myeong flicked the proclamation with his bandaged hand, sending it flying flat through the air—caught perfectly by the subordinate.

“Whether deliberate or not, the only people in the past ten years who’ve dared kill disciples of the Hundred Schools are Yi Zaha and the Beggars’ Sect Leader. Inform the Scholars of this proclamation. Tell those who wish to kill Yi Zaha to gather in Dongho. If anyone tries to make excuses or refuses, I’ll question them directly at the next Scholar Assembly.”

“Yes. Should we also send word to disconnected parties?”

After a moment’s thought, Chu Myeong answered,

“Inform everyone. Just because they’ve retired doesn’t mean they’re dead. They should at least know how the world is moving. This matter is partly a personal vendetta of the Legalist School, so we’ll reward those who help. Reach out to the poor ones we’ve ignored, too. See if any students have fallen out with their masters, and rope them in. As for the retainers of various sects, promise them compensation fitting their skill.”

“I’ll carry out your orders.”

“Send Little Lord to contact any dark path survivors who suffered at Yi Zaha’s hands or hold a grudge. Also contact that bandit in Dongho.”

“That bandit can’t be reached. He doesn’t form alliances, accept cooperation, or respond to messages.”

“Understood. Once we receive the first wave of replies, we’ll depart.”

After the subordinate left, Chu Myeong unwrapped the cloth from his hand and clenched his fist. As his expression twisted from the pain in his palm, the shabbily dressed man finally spoke.

“Are you alright?”

“I can still hold a sword. Anyway—will you help?”

“How absurd. Help with what?”

“Yi Zaha.”

“He’s not my enemy. Not based on our findings.”

“The Sword Demon is still a Demonic Cult remnant. Like calls to like. And all the spies you planted in the Cult have been captured and executed. You’ve got nothing else to do, right?”

“If they died, I’ll just train more. There’s always work. I’m just amazed the Cult Leader figured them out. Did he learn soul-tracking magic or something?”

Chu Myeong replied,

“How would I know? But I’m surprised you—who got along with the Blind Scholar—are turning me down so coldly.”

“I was taught never to use martial arts for personal revenge. The Hundred Schools all think differently. Don’t act like Li Si. I don’t interfere with your business, either.”

Chu Myeong glared at him.

“We agreed to unite when a great cause arises. Yet the Agricultural School has rejected my offer twice now.”

“Well, the rice you ate this morning came from our sweat and toil. Don’t be too angry. Maybe we should first cut off that bandit’s head with Yi Zaha. That’s more aligned with the Hundred Schools’ cause. You’re too deep into Jianghu grudges. Remember our old light-footwork duels? They had meaning. If you’re trying to rally all scholars as a private army, maybe you should seize the sect leader seat first.”

“That position holds no such authority.”

“Yet you’re doing more than a leader would. I’m the one who came to ask for help—this is ridiculous. If the Cult Leader didn’t kill the spies but tortured them and got intel... I might be dead soon, too. We’ll only argue again if we both live. We’ve both been busy. Until next time.”

As the Agricultural School’s head stood up, Chu Myeong said,

“Sorry. But my brother’s revenge comes first. I’ll help you afterward.”

“So be it. I’m in a rush myself. Need to find others. Good luck.”

“Who’s going to help you, though?”

“The desperate one should bow first to the lunatics. Can’t afford to be careless. Don’t worry—if I end up tortured to death, I’ll never let them know about the other scholars.”

The Agricultural head bowed before leaving the main hall.

“Well then, Lord. This impoverished hermit will take his leave. Next rice delivery—I’ll send someone else. Be ready.”

With a snort, he walked off to find the next scholar.

Left alone, Chu Myeong stared after him grimly.

“Yoran, what are you doing out here?”

Cha Seong-tae approached and found Yoran sitting alone in front of the inn. It did look a bit odd.

As soon as she saw him, she smiled and answered,

“Just sitting.”

When Cha Seong-tae sat beside her, she asked,

“Did you eat?”

“Later.”

Then, out of the blue, Yoran said,

“About my masters...”

“Yeah?”

“There aren’t many people helping them out there in Jianghu, are there?”

“What?”

“People who help them.”

Looking a bit flustered, Cha Seong-tae replied,

“There are. Plenty. The Lord has lots of subordinates.”

“Really?”

“Sure.”

“That’s good. I was worried.”

Cha Seong-tae let out a small chuckle.

“You ask the weirdest things.”

“I thought maybe they didn’t have anyone.”

“Why?”

Yoran smiled and said,

“They’re all gruff and ill-tempered. They’re nice to me, but they always seem to be fighting when they’re outside.”

Cha Seong-tae burst out laughing.

“How do you know they’re bad-tempered? They’re always kind to you.”

“I’ve seen a lot. Third and Fourth Masters fight all the time, but when I show up, they pretend nothing happened.”

Cha Seong-tae nodded.

“They do fight a lot. Like kids. Always talking about poop—disgusting people.”

“Yeah.”

“You think Second Master is scary too?”

Yoran nodded.

“At first, even his face scared me. But now, no. But I bet he scares other people.”

“He’s hard to approach. Even I don’t talk to him much. His face always looks like he’s ready to fight or lecture.”

“Exactly.”

Curious, Cha Seong-tae asked,

“What about First Master?”

“According to Third Master, he’s the overly serious eldest. Seems about right.”

“He is scary. Just look at how Fourth Master always panics around him. I’ve never seen your First Master smile.”

“Oh, really?”

Cha Seong-tae looked surprised.

“You have?”

“I haven’t. But I’ve seen him hold back a smile.”

“Oh? So he can smile. Holds it in like it’s serious business.”

“Why do you think he holds it in?”

“How would I know? You should ask him later—‘Master, why don’t you ever smile?’”

“I don’t think I could. But Uncle Cha, how did all these bad-tempered masters become friends? Their martial arts styles are all different. Doesn’t that mean they had different masters?”

Cha Seong-tae tilted his head and answered,

“Good question. I’m not sure. I think Third Master just wandered around and picked them up one by one.”

Yoran nodded, as if that confirmed her suspicion.

“Knew it.”

“What? You even guessed that?”

“Yep. So when will they be back?”

Cha Seong-tae scratched his head and said,

“Might be a while. Maybe around the time the Lord brought back those elixirs?”

“I see.”

“Worried?”

“I’m worried because Third Master seemed really angry when he left.”

Cha Seong-tae tried to comfort her.

“Don’t worry. Those four aren’t ordinary martial artists. Each one could take on a thousand.”

He stared out at the scenery like Yoran and thought to himself:

‘Still... when will those guys actually come back?’

Lost in thought, he eventually said,

“I’ll watch things for a few more days... then I’ll go after them.”

Yoran replied quietly,

“...It might feel lonely with just the four of them out there fighting.”

Cha Seong-tae finally admitted to himself that Yoran was far more perceptive than her age suggested.

“You know who they’re fighting, right?”

“Yes. The Number One of the Evil Path. And his subordinates.”

Cha Seong-tae sighed inwardly.

A disciple of the villains... entered Jianghu far too early