Episode 93. My Fickle Self.
So Gunpyeong stared blankly at the messenger from the Tyrant Sword Society, then spoke as if asking for permission.
“Gang Leader?”
“What?”
“He isn’t my opponent.”
“Too pathetic?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. Go back in.”
From the platform, I looked over the men of the Nammyeong Association and the Black Rabbit Gang once, then met Cha Seongtae’s eyes.
“Cha Seongtae, you fight him. Your opponent is that idiot messenger from the Tyrant Sword Society.”
Cha Seongtae answered.
“Understood.”
Cha Seongtae walked out to the center, cracking his neck. The Tyrant Sword Society’s messenger glared at me.
“Is it acceptable to treat a messenger this way?”
“Was I a little rude?”
“I merely came to deliver a message, so please take that into consideration.”
I glared at the messenger, then said in an indifferent tone.
“Then, out of courtesy to the Tyrant Sword Society, I’ll spar with you myself.”
The messenger turned away and drew his sword toward Cha Seongtae.
“Let us cross blades.”
When Cha Seongtae also drew his sword, the messenger spoke as if to remind him.
“Let us spar without injuring each other.”
Cha Seongtae answered.
“Shut up, you fucking idiot. Where does that exist in a fight?”
I nodded.
“Correct.”
Contrary to the fierce shout he had let loose, Cha Seongtae was nervous. It was his first duel against a martial artist from another organization, and with so many people watching, he had no choice but to be tense.
Nam Garak, beside me, asked.
“What rank is that subordinate of yours?”
“The bottom.”
“Ah, is that so?”
A vein bulged on Cha Seongtae’s forehead when he heard my words, and soon the two clashed.
Nam Garak watched the fight for a moment, then tilted his head.
“He fights well, though?”
From what I could see, Cha Seongtae had improved a lot. The reason was nothing special. In Ilyang County, after the three Jo brothers, the one who fought best in free-for-alls was Cha Seongtae. Now, his practical combat experience had merged with the stable swordsmanship of the orthodox path. On top of that, he was steadily building up his internal energy. More than anything, I thought Ho Yeoncheong must have taught him well.
After clashing quite roughly for over twenty exchanges, the two swung their swords fiercely, then, as if by prior agreement, thrust out their left palms toward each other’s openings.
With a thud, Cha Seongtae exchanged palm force mixed with internal energy for the first time and staggered backward, while the Tyrant Sword Society’s messenger, for some reason, wobbled and fell on his backside.
In that opening, Cha Seongtae advanced quickly and placed his sword against the messenger’s throat.
The messenger looked nervously at the blade touching the tip of his neck. Cha Seongtae asked me.
“Should I kill him?”
“Enough.”
Cha Seongtae withdrew his sword with a triumphant look and grinned.
“The Tyrant Sword Society isn’t much either.”
I corrected Cha Seongtae’s words.
“No. That guy isn’t much. Don’t get the wrong idea. This spar wasn’t arranged for you to get the wrong idea. Everyone saw, didn’t you? This is the level of a man they send as a messenger. It seems the Tyrant Sword Society intended to treat the Black Rabbit Gang as if we were on the level of the Yuseong Wanderers, but as you can see, I refused. Tyrant Sword Society messenger, get lost for now. If you come out that arrogantly next time, it won’t end with two slaps.”
The messenger said to me.
“Thank you for sparing my life. I will see you again.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the messenger hurriedly touched his ear. Blood was streaming from it. As if he could not hear well out of his left ear, the messenger struck it several times with his hand and hurriedly left the inner courtyard.
Cha Seongtae tilted his head and said.
“Blood from his ear… Was my palm force that strong?”
I ignored Cha Seongtae’s nonsense, then said.
“The officers, let’s talk.”
* * *
The officers of the Nammyeong Association and the Black Rabbit Gang took their seats in a rough mix, and I sat at the seat of honor.
Cha Seongtae, seated as the chief administrator, asked again from the lowest seat.
“There was blood coming from his ear. Was that because of my palm force?”
Unable to watch any longer, Nam Garak explained.
“Before the fight, he was slapped by the Sect Master. His eardrum must have burst.”
Cha Seongtae muttered as if disappointed.
“Ah, is that so.”
The atmosphere sank slightly.
I briefly explained the messenger’s words to the officers.
“The Tyrant Sword Society said they’re going to fight the Southern Sky Alliance, and if we join the war, they’ll pay three silver coins per person as a day’s wage. The value the Tyrant Sword Society placed on your lives is three silver coins.”
The expressions of the Black Rabbit Gang officers abruptly turned murderous.
“These idiots are unbelievable.”
Even the refined So Gunpyeong cursed.
“I heard they made some money threatening merchant groups, and this is how they handle things. Garbage bastards.”
This time, I corrected So Gunpyeong’s words.
“We’re garbage bastards too, so take back the last part.”
“Understood.”
I looked around at the officers.
“Still, we’re not the same kind of garbage. We’re garbage about on the level of fallen leaves from a plum tree, and they’re garbage like the stench of shit suddenly leaked after taking laxatives.”
“…….”
At my absurd comparison, the atmosphere turned chilly.
“Was that comparison a bit much?”
Cha Seongtae flattered me.
“It was a perfectly fitting comparison.”
“Shut up. It was too much.”
“Yes.”
I introduced Nam Garak to the officers.
“This is Chairman Nam Garak of the Nammyeong Association. He received the same offer from the Tyrant Sword Society and the Southern Sky Alliance, but refused it. Regardless of skill, I am someone who acknowledges a man who is truly manly, and Chairman Nam is such a man. Whether we fight the Tyrant Sword Society this time or clash with the Southern Sky Alliance, the Nammyeong Association and the Black Rabbit Gang will cooperate, so know that.”
The officers of the Black Rabbit Gang answered in unison.
“Understood.”
This time, Nam Garak spoke to the officers of the Black Rabbit Gang.
“In truth, I was defeated by the Sect Master before. If he had then forced humiliation upon me, I would not have come here. Even if we combine our forces, we do not reach the Southern Sky Alliance or the Tyrant Sword Society, but I promise that neither I nor the Nammyeong Association will fight in a shameful manner.”
The officers of the Black Rabbit Gang bowed their heads slightly to Nam Garak.
“We look forward to working with you.”
This time, I corrected Nam Garak’s words.
“I have more subordinates. If we all join together and I take the vanguard, I can turn either the Namcheon Alliance or the Paegyeom Association into ashes in an instant. It’s just that such a mindless fight would increase the sacrifices among my subordinates, so I am holding back. Let’s discuss a method first. To achieve the greatest victory with the least sacrifice.”
Hoyeon Cheong, who had been silent, opened his mouth.
“My Lord, I can also deploy some troops.”
I met eyes with Hoyeon Cheong for the first time in a while, and for the first time, I addressed him by a different title.
“Instructor Hoyeon has worked hard teaching Chief Cha.”
Hoyeon Cheong’s eyes grew slightly wider.
“Yes.”
“Thanks to you, I fortunately avoided disgrace. However, there is no need to deploy your troops as well. Instructor Hoyeon has an exceptional talent for teaching disciples, so from now on, feel free to come and go from the Heukmyo Sect and guide my subordinates.”
These words were no different from granting Hoyeon Cheong his freedom. Hoyeon Cheong also understood my meaning and replied with an elated expression.
“Thank you, Clan Leader.”
I looked around at the executives.
“Let’s hear any good opinions. First, have Jinang of our Heukmyo Sect, the Great Strategist of Heukmyo Sect, and Chief Byeok give their opinions.”
Chief Byeok immediately spoke up.
“To summarize, both sides are currently in a phase of gathering troops. But neither side will know our exact strength. In fact, our forces are large enough that if we join one side, that side’s victory is assured.”
“Correct.”
“Therefore, wouldn’t it be good to first inform both sides of this?”
“Specifically, how?”
“In the name of the Hao Clan—the Heukseon Security, Heukmyo Sect, Twelve Halls, and the merchant group of the Geumhae Hall that belong to that alliance, and even Chief Nam, and if you wish, even the Nammyeong Association. If we all participate, one side is guaranteed certain victory. They wouldn’t be able to act as arrogantly as they did today.”
So Gunpyeong, who was well-versed in strategy, also offered an opinion.
“Chief Byeok’s words have merit, but how about we hide our strength entirely and aim to reap the spoils? We continue observing while both sides clash, then swoop in and clean everything up once their war of attrition ends. After all, they were the ones who provoked us first.”
So Gunpyeong’s scheme was a bit more realistic and ruthless.
As expected, Chief Byeok’s scheme—whose hobby was painting with a brush—was somewhat peaceful, while So Gunpyeong’s scheme, born from a life wielding a blade, reeked of the battlefield’s cold cruelty.
I asked Nam Garak.
“What does Chief Nam think?”
Nam Garak, who had been memorizing So Gunpyeong’s face and name, replied.
“I favor Branch Leader So’s opinion. If there are no special objections, let the Clan Leader decide.”
I nodded and first stated the grand principle.
“The main enemy is the Paegyeom Association. For now, pay no heed to the Namcheon Alliance.”
So Gunpyeong asked.
“Is there a reason?”
“From what I hear, the Namcheon Alliance is like a true unorthodox sect that rose up with a single blade. If I propose that the leaders decide it between ourselves, they are highly likely to accept. On the other hand, those rich bastards from the Paegyeom Association wouldn’t hesitate to hire assassins for assassinations. A rather more cowardly lot, you could say.”
When I suddenly looked at Nam Garak, he nodded as if in agreement.
I replied inwardly to Nam Garak’s silent assent.
‘I’m talking about you, you bastard.’
Hearing what the messenger said, I became certain that the ones who had hired assassins in my previous life were the Paegyeom Association.
“Anyway.”
“Yes.”
“For now, ignore the Namcheon Alliance and draft a letter to send to the Paegyeom Association.”
Chief Byeok replied.
“Understood. Please tell me the important contents, and I shall draft it.”
“The Heukmyo Sect, the remnants of Teacher Su’s faction, the Twelve Halls, the Geumsan Merchant Group, Ilyang County, Heukseon Security, and so on all belong to the Hao Clan. Furthermore, unprotected merchants, businesspeople, food vendors, and farmers all belong to the Hao Clan as well. If it is discovered that the Paegyeom Association has intimidated, kidnapped, threatened, murdered, or assaulted these people, and it is reported to me, it is war with the Hao Clan. Organize this and send it.”
Nam Garak cut in.
“Clan Leader, you’ve left out the Nammyeong Association.”
I met eyes with Nam Garak and nodded.
“Add the Nammyeong Association.”
Chief Byeok replied.
“Understood. I shall draft it and send the letter.”
“Send the letter not only to the Paegyeom Association, but also to nearby unorthodox sects, orthodox sects, martial officials, mountain strongholds, water route strongholds, merchant groups, marketplaces, assassin groups, brothels, inns, taverns, under bridge overpasses, and even to temples. Anyway, make hundreds of copies simultaneously, post them on walls, send them to martial arts schools, and scatter them at homes, widows’ houses, and on the streets. From now on, if anyone touches working people, I will personally step in to slap them, kick their asses, or kill them. Everyone understand?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Yes, Clan Leader.”
Having been in a bad mood for several days, I declared war on the region in the name of the Hao Clan.
“Tell anyone who has complaints, anyone who wants to fight me, anyone who thinks I look ridiculous to find Ijaha of the Hao Clan.”
Perhaps thinking things had gone too far off track, Chief Byeok smiled and replied.
“My Lord, wouldn’t that be a bit too busy for you? For now, let me narrow it down.”
I looked at Chief Byeok as I replied.
“Then, it seems the surrounding fools still don’t know the news of Daenachal’s death. Add that I killed Daenachal. It must be spread far and wide.”
“Do we really have to…… include that?”
“Of course. Clearly add that I killed Teacher Su, killed the Iryong Nogun, killed the Heukseon Security Chief because I didn’t like him and smashed his head in, and especially that I burned to death a bastard named Dongbang Yeon who committed fraudulent gambling.”
As the matter grew bigger and bigger, Chief Byeok finally shut his mouth.
“Chief Byeok, write it all down. Got it?”
“Understood.”
“And Seongtae.”
“Yes, Clan Leader.”
“You, go to Ilyang County right now and bring Brother Deuksu back by carriage. On the way back, stop by the market with Brother Deuksu and buy pig backbone ingredients, various meats, food ingredients, and alcohol generously at proper prices. You pick about ten brothers from the Heukmyo Sect and go. We must ask our Hao Clan’s chef to properly treat the Nammyeong Association brothers to delicious food. Chief Byeok, provide Cha Seongtae with ample money.”
“Understood.”
I looked at Nam Garak.
“You’ve gone through the trouble of visiting, so we should at least eat together.”
Nam Garak grinned.
“Let’s do that.”
When I thought of calling Brother Deuksu and treating the Nammyeong Association to delicious food, my anger finally subsided a little.
“Now, did I miss anything else? Matters for further discussion? Is there anyone I killed whose name is missing from the list? There isn’t, right?”
At that moment, the area outside the great hall briefly grew noisy, and someone appeared by flinging open the great hall doors. Three men I’d never seen before shook off the Heukmyo Sect subordinates and entered, then looked at me seated in the head seat and said,
“We come from the Namcheon Alliance. Who is the Heukmyo Sect Leader?”
The people in the great hall simultaneously whipped their heads around and stared at me with extremely tense expressions.
“…….”
With an absurd feeling, I looked at the riffraff who had come from the Namcheon Alliance.
A brief, cold silence passed.
Sensing that something was off, the messengers only then began darting their eyes about, taking in the unusual atmosphere.
So Gunpyeong sprang to his feet and suddenly burst into curses, then began beating the Namcheon Alliance’s messengers without warning.
“Kneel, you bastards. How dare you act so insolently here!”
The officers of the Black Cat Gang rose at the same time, seizing the Namcheon Alliance’s messengers, knocking them down, and pummeling them indiscriminately with fists and feet.
There was no room for me to intervene.
“Mm.”
In the blink of an eye, the three messengers had collapsed to the floor and were being trampled under the officers’ feet. Even old Chief Steward Byeok rose, bellowed at them, and lifted a foot with bad joints to stomp on the messengers.
“You ill-mannered bastards. Such insolence, such insolence, such insolence, insolence……”
The messengers knelt, covered in blood.
Chief Steward Byeok looked at me.
“Gang Leader, as expected, it would be best to make the letter widely known, just as you said. Only then will the other side show proper courtesy.”
I nodded.
“Mm, good. Let’s do that.”
I had nearly been unable to eat pork bones for the first time in ages and was on the verge of storming straight into the Namcheon Alliance, but thanks to my subordinates’ appropriate response, my anger quickly subsided. Then, the moment I saw the messengers’ expressions, aggrieved and furious, I gave an order.
“Stomp on them some more.”
“Yes, sir!”
My subordinates answered thunderously.