At the same time.
At the guesthouse outside the Martial Arts Alliance's fortress.
This place, famous for Dongpo Pork, was always bustling with guests.
At a seat by the window, a plainly dressed middle-aged man and a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties with pretty eyes were sitting and waiting.
The middle-aged man, who was pouring drinks, spoke in a blunt tone.
"It's too crowded."
"That just means it's delicious, Father."
"I see."
The middle-aged man gave a brief reply and downed his drink.
Since he didn't like crowded places, his expression hadn't been good since entering the place.
But since his only daughter had insisted so much, he couldn't refuse to come.
Just then, Jeom So-i came over carrying a large tray.
"Thank you for waiting."
On the tray were Dongpo Pork and two bowls of duck broth noodles.
The middle-aged man sniffed the aroma coming from the Dongpo Pork and nodded.
"The smell isn't bad."
"Right? By the way, where's the takeout I asked for earlier?"
At the woman's question, Jeom So-i pointed toward the kitchen and said,
"To keep it from cooling, our chef is storing it in the steam cabinet. Please tell us when you leave. Enjoy your meal."
In a hurry, Jeom So-i rushed back to the kitchen.
As Jeom So-i left, the middle-aged man muttered disapprovingly.
"You didn't come here to taste it yourself, but to take care of that guy."
"Oh, it's both. Even Confucius likes this Dongpo Pork."
"You're still not an outsider."
"Heh. Father, you're not jealous, are you?"
"Hmph!"
The middle-aged man frowned at her words, then silently raised his glass.
He then picked up some Dongpo Pork with his chopsticks as a side dish.
The woman looked at him with eyes full of expectation.
Seeing one of the man's eyebrows raise slightly as he chewed the Dongpo Pork, she rejoiced.
"Isn't it delicious?"
"....."
He was a father who couldn't lie.
Known for being a gourmet with a picky palate, the fact that he silently kept bringing the chopsticks to the Dongpo Pork was satisfying to her.
As they ate, she asked,
"Father, you're not going inside the fortress with us, right?"
"That guy can protect you well enough by himself."
"You call your future son-in-law 'that guy' again."
"Hmph."
Despite his attitude, she felt happy inside.
Because her lover had earned her father's recognition.
Not just as a son-in-law, but also as a martial artist — it was a special feeling.
Otherwise, he would never let her enter the Martial Arts Alliance's fortress alone.
"Heh. Got it. Still, I packed 'their' stuff too, so take it with you when you leave. Woo-hyun will really like it."
"You're making me your servant."
"Who else would I ask if not my father?"
The middle-aged man scoffed at her words.
While they were having their friendly meal, a group entered the guesthouse and took a seat at a nearby table to theirs.
They were martial artists, carrying swords and knives.
Even without them, the guesthouse was already filled with martial artists.
That was because tomorrow was the Great Leader election and the martial arts competition, drawing fighters from various sects and factions.
The new group of martial artists placed their orders and started chatting boisterously.
Naturally, the woman's ears caught their conversation.
"Did you hear? The Little Sword Immortal has appeared again."
"Is that true?"
"That's what they say. The rumor has spread wide in the fortress."
"Wow. Then we might get to see the Little Sword Immortal at tomorrow's competition."
"Yeah. I heard he's the youngest among the six top masters alive now. We'll see his face at the contest."
Filled with anticipation, their talk made the woman unconsciously raise her shoulders.
Stories about the Little Sword Immortal felt like her own matter.
While she was feeling proud,
"By the way, did you hear? The Little Sword Immortal came with a remarkable female swordswoman."
"Female swordswoman?"
"Yeah. One of the three flowers. I heard she possesses martial skills so great that even Moyonghye can't move. They say she's a female master from Botamun."
Hearing that, the woman instinctively reached for her drink.
It was a hasty move driven by some vague unease, and sure enough, what she feared happened.
She shouldn't have been left alone.
She gulped down her drink.
"Oh, really? So is that female swordswoman the Little Sword Immortal's woman?"
"They say she sticks to him, acting cute, so everyone thinks she's his fiancée."
"Pfft!"
The woman spat out the drink she was holding.
Crash!
Not only that, but the drink glass in the middle-aged man's hand shattered into pieces.
The people around looked at the father and daughter with curiosity.
Ignoring them, the woman suddenly stood up.
"Father, we have to go right now."
Following her, the middle-aged man also stood.
With a stern expression, he said,
"I'm coming too."
---
'...That man is the Blood Demon.'
So Young-yeong felt utterly baffled inside.
This man, who had transcended the Blood Sect and risen as the leader of the Sapa faction, was now entering the Martial Arts Alliance—the very center of the righteous martial arts world—and became a candidate for leader.
'What should I do?'
She felt utterly helpless.
If this got out, the Martial Arts Alliance would be turned upside down.
The absurd situation that the Blood Demon became the candidate for alliance leader was now a reality.
If it wasn't for her older brother, this would be a huge scandal to report immediately.
She glanced repeatedly at Namgung Ga-hee, who kept sighing.
'I can't even talk about this.'
There was no one she could consult about it.
She couldn't understand what that man was thinking.
'Is he really planning to take over the Martial Arts Alliance?'
If so, regardless of being her brother, he would be the worst dark mastermind in the martial arts world.
If her brother became the alliance leader, he would control the righteous martial arts world without even fighting a war.
It was truly absurd, even though it was her own brother.
'No. This can't be.'
She felt she had to stop it.
She could barely accept him becoming the Blood Demon or marrying a villain's daughter-in-law, but this was too much.
There must be limits.
She could have understood if he declared a truce among the righteous factions.
But the Blood Demon becoming the alliance leader was simply unacceptable.
[Ah! Young-mae. If things go well, you might become the youngest alliance leader's sister one day!]
Unaware of her own feelings, Namgung Ga-hee fussed excitedly.
If it weren't for the Blood Demon part, it would have been something to be proud of, but she felt like walking a tightrope.
She worried what would happen if her brother's identity was exposed.
Just then, Lee Jung-gyeom spoke again to Elder Ho-yang Jin-in.
"So if Little Sword Immortal So Un-hwi wins the final match tomorrow, he will become our alliance leader?"
At that, Second Elder Maehwa Baekgeom Ho-yang Jin-in nodded.
"That's right."
Buzz buzz!
Everyone was astonished by those words.
Although the outcome was unknown, it was possible that the youngest leader in the history of the Martial Arts Alliance would be born.
Naturally, this became a hot topic for the current leader and vice-leaders who were expected to lead the alliance's next generation.
"Could it really be that the Little Sword Immortal becomes leader?"
"If that happens, it'd be a real sensation."
Reacting to their comments, Jin Yong, grandson of Vice-Leader Yeolwangpaedo, raised his voice in disbelief.
"Don't talk nonsense. No matter how strong So Un-hwi has become, neither my grandfather, the vice-leader, nor the former leader could be beaten by him, do you think?"
Some current leaders nodded in agreement with him.
Though becoming a candidate was impressive, the other candidates—Yeolwangpaedo Jin-gyun and the unmatched swordsman Baek Hyang-muk—were veterans who had long held the top in martial arts.
It was hard to imagine those supreme masters losing.
Then Ho-yang Jin-in said,
"Hmm... I was going to reveal this at tomorrow's contest, but I guess I have no choice."
"What do you mean?"
"The vice-leader has given up on the leader candidacy."
Everyone was puzzled by his words.
Jin Yong, the vice-leader's grandson, was especially confused.
Recently, his grandfather had longed for the leader's position.
It was unthinkable for him to give up so easily.
"That can't be! Why would the vice-leader suddenly give up the leadership?"
In protest, he asked, and Ho-yang Jin-in sighed and replied as if resigned.
"The vice-leader already fought against the Little Sword Immortal."
"Fought? You mean..."
"That's right. The vice-leader lost."
'!!!'
The crowd stirred more than before.
An event unknown even to them had happened.
Just seven months ago, at a guesthouse, Yeolwangpaedo Jin-gyun and the Little Sword Immortal had a brief match that ended in a draw, which was still talked about.
But now, only seven months later, the balance had clearly shifted.
Everyone was naturally shocked.
"...Impossible."
Jin Yong was so shocked that he couldn't accept the fact easily.
It was unbelievable that the respected grandfather he followed had lost to a newcomer who had been active in martial arts for less than two years.
Namgung Ga-hee shook So Young-yeong excitedly as if it were her own matter.
[Young-mae! This could really make your brother the leader one day. What to do? Hey, Young-mae?]
But So Young-yeong was left speechless.
If he had even beaten Yeolwangpaedo Jin-gyun, then the leader position was really within reach.
'...What should I do?'
He might really become the leader.
---
A lodging where only VIPs within the Martial Arts Alliance stay.
After returning from the main hall, I was having dinner with Seolbaek while chatting.
She listened to my story and exclaimed in surprise.
"How on earth did you do that? Are you saying the brain lord moves exactly as you want?"
"That's nothing you need to know."
There was no need to tell her that the Four-Linked Sword controlled him.
Although my trust in her had increased, there was no reason to reveal my trump card just yet.
Seolbaek responded to my answer with a tone of slight disappointment.
"Looks like you still don't trust me."
"You also didn't tell me everything."
"That's part of the deal."
"Are you planning to keep your mouth shut until you meet the King?"
At my words, she licked her chopsticks in a teasing way and said,
"There's a quicker way. If you spend a hot night with me even now, I could tell you."
...Hoo.
She's really something.
She tries to tempt me at the slightest opportunity.
Ignoring her words as if not to associate, I stuffed rice into my mouth.
Seolbaek murmured regretfully at my attitude.
"I don't get why you'd choose to go around when there's an easy way."
"Why won't you give up either?"
"I like you."
"..."
"What's wrong with wanting a man you like?"
When she said that, I really had nothing to say.
If she wanted to revive the Northern Sea Ice Palace and leave heirs, there was the official reason of the King. But she blatantly kept courting me, and I was at a loss.
Why does she like me this much?
It was strange, but continuing this kind of talk would only give her more room to dig in.
Better to change the subject.
"Don't you have any idea why that guy is causing such trouble while calling the former alliance leader?"
At my question, she chuckled.
She must have guessed my intent.
"I don't know. Even if he's his loyal subordinate, he doesn't know everything going on."
She knew the situation but wasn't exactly sure what plans Geum Sangje was cooking up.
That bastard was really thorough.
He didn't reveal all the plans even to his few trusted subordinates.
—Or maybe he was hiding something.
The voice of Namcheon Cheolgeom echoed in my head.
Maybe so.
I don't fully trust Seolbaek.
That's why I had taken various precautions.
—Clack!
Seolbaek put down her chopsticks and said,
"Anyway, you'd better not be careless."
"Careless?"
"You know he's using the brain lord as bait, but do you think he won't notice it?"
"As you said, if that guy's not here, it's hard to notice immediately."
The Four-Linked Sword has the ability to confuse people.
Besides, she had been partly taught the methods of Jeongyo Hwanui-gyeong, so although she wasn't as great as me, she could deceive enemies.
That was why I trusted her.
And though Seolbaek didn't know, with Okhyeong's ability, I shared sight with the Four-Linked Sword.
Just in case of contact with those guys anytime.
"Anyway, by tomorrow, we'll find out what tricks he's up to."
He knows I've appeared, and by now he must know one of his strongholds is destroyed, so he won't show himself rashly.
What did he do to the former alliance leader?
According to her, recently they succeeded in raising the level of the Hwanma poison to the extent that even masters who reached the realm of transcendence could be brainwashed.
The fortunate thing is they used up most of their extra Hwanma poison.
Since Hyeolju is dead, they might target Dangwoojin, a subsidiary of the Dang family, as a substitute.
I placed many beggars of the Gaebang nearby, so watching that will reveal more.
Then I sensed someone outside.
Seolbaek noticed it too and looked at the door just like me.
Soon someone burst in without knocking.
"Damn it...!"
It was none other than So Yeong-yeong.
I recognized her instantly from her unique aura.
Seeing me with Seolbaek, Yeong-yeong opened her mouth to yell but closed it.
"Oh, Yeong-yeong."
At Seolbaek's greeting, Yeong-yeong smiled awkwardly.
"Ahaha, you're here too, sister."
"I was having dinner with older brother. Is the urgent assembly of the leaders over?"
At that question, Yeong-yeong glared fiercely at me.
What did she hear to look so fierce?
Her telepathic voice echoed in my ears.
[Are you crazy?]
[Crazy?]
[Are you really planning to become the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance?]
Ah.
I hadn't told her on purpose, but she must have found out.
Yeong-yeong belongs to the righteous Hyungsan sect and the Phoenix Hall of the Martial Arts Alliance, so I was going to postpone the discussion until the leader election tomorrow.
[Yeong-yeong, just listen to me first.]
[Listen? No way. Older brother is a blood demon. Besides, you killed the great hero Jeongcheon, the current leader, and now you want to just take his place?]
How should I explain this?
If I explain everything, I have to start with Geum Sangje.
I have to convince her that the Martial Arts Alliance must not fall under his control.
Seeing Yeong-yeong snorting angrily, I realized I couldn't delay.
"Seolbaek, please step aside."
Seolbaek nodded at my words.
As she rose, she smiled at Yeong-yeong.
"Don't be too harsh on older brother. Even if she's a sister, I don't like anyone bothering my man."
"Huh?"
She smiled but her words were a biting warning.
Yeong-yeong looked bewildered.
This woman clearly doesn't see Yeong-yeong as a real sister.
[Hey! Did you hear that, older brother?]
'.....'
If I stay with them too long, I'll really get exhausted.
But I can't just leave them apart inside the Martial Arts Alliance.
First, I'll tell Yeong-yeong about Geum Sangje, then reveal Seolbaek's true identity.
Just as Seolbaek was about to leave the room,
'!?'
I jumped up from my seat.
Along with the approaching presence, the sword energy ringing in my head intensified.
Yeong-yeong asked me curiously,
"Older brother, what's wrong?"
Seolbaek's telepathic voice came to me as well.
[Someone is coming. No, some people?]
She frowned, sensing something unusual.
Because of the sword sounds ringing in my head, I immediately knew who was approaching, but she did not.
One person can hide their energy completely to avoid detection.
'Ah...'
The meeting date is still far off and this is not the meeting place.
Yet they entered the Martial Arts Alliance's castle.
[They are supreme masters who can fully control their energy. What should we do?]
At Seolbaek's question, I shook my head and warned,
[No matter what, don't move. Don't say anything.]
"Huh?"
She tilted her head at my firm warning.
It was probably the first time she had seen me warn so strongly.
—Bang!
At that moment, the door flung open.
The person who entered was a middle-aged man I had never seen before.
A young woman followed behind him.
Yeong-yeong shouted in displeasure upon seeing them.
"Who are you? How dare you barge in without knocking!"
...You say that?
That's not the important thing.
I grabbed Yeong-yeong, who was about to protest to them.
"Yeong-yeong."
"Let go, older brother."
"They are my father-in-law and Sama Young."
'!!!'
At my words, Yeong-yeong's eyes widened as she stopped her protest.
Even if they were wearing masks, I could recognize their sword energies instantly.
Yeong-yeong, tense, said to me,
"...Wolak Sword?"
I nodded.
Yeong-yeong went pale as if her soul was leaving her body.
It must be confusing to see the notorious Wolak Sword, one of the five great villains, standing before her.
Seolbaek frowned and looked at me upon hearing their identities.
She must have realized why I told her to stay silent.
The woman presumed to be Sama Young looked at Seolbaek coldly and called me.
"Master Gongja."
'Ha...'
I'm losing my mind.
Where do I start explaining?