Chapter: 773
Swish.
The atmosphere around me chills as the words I spat out hang in the air.
In particular, the reaction of the old man in front, Mukyeon, felt… off.
“Are you talking about conditions?”
I could almost hear the unspoken words in his eyes.
Those aren’t just words, are they? Mukyeon was silently questioning me with his gaze.
I caught his eye and smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
Right on the money.
I confirmed what he heard was indeed correct.
At that, Mukyeon’s glare narrowed even further.
“The Holy King.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Was there perhaps something in the conditions that you found distasteful?”
Conditions that were laid out in exchange for the main proposal—a subtle jab at whether I held any resentment toward them.
“Not at all. I had no issues with the conditions.”
How could I?
The terms put forth by the Murim Alliance were nothing short of outrageous.
I recalled the contents of the letter Mukyeon had handed over yesterday.
First condition.
– Although you are part of the Murim Alliance, you are free to act autonomously, except for orders from the leader.
What a groundbreaking condition right from the get-go!
In the Murim Alliance, the sword corps exists.
Among them, the eight swords are pillars of the Alliance.
While they hold high ranks, they are still bound by the chain of commands.
The five leaders within the sect—excluding the king and the silently potent Mukyeon—sit in positions meant to uphold the Murim Alliance, akin to elders.
The sword corps members are meant to take their commands without question.
But being allowed to act autonomously means…
“You’re giving me the right to disregard orders.”
It meant I could act independently without the necessity of following their orders at all.
And the second condition.
– During the contract period as a Grand Master, costs associated with sponsorship to the political factions are excluded.
Honestly, this was useful to me… not at all.
Sponsorships forced upon one to belong to a faction.
They set the prices based on the scale of the clan. Gu follows suit as well, likely paying a pretty penny.
And on top of that, there are dealings made under the name of the Alliance where money is nicked off, but…
This implied they’d exclude me from such monetary snatchings.
While a splendid deal from the lord’s perspective…
“In the end, if you’re working as a Grand Master, you’re saying you won’t engage in any shady dealings.”
This aspect didn’t resonate with me much either.
Next, the third condition.
– Upon taking the Grand Master role, you are bestowed with command authority over a division minus the Blue Dragon Corps.
If anything was enticing, it had to be this.
As head of the main alliance, you’d receive the power to command other regional branches.
“Commanding another sword corps?”
It meant I could lead one of the other eight corps, excluding the Blue Dragon.
This was indeed a significant advantage.
Just by becoming a leader, I wouldn’t have to pay the alliance any more money, wouldn’t have to take orders from anyone but the main leader, and additionally, I’d gain command over another faction.
There are a plethora of factors to mull over like contract duration and the sums received from the Alliance, yet…
This was exceptionally good as it stood.
I could grab all of this simply by stepping up as the Grand Master.
It indicated I wouldn’t be losing out here.
I’m certain the other party is aware as well. That’s likely why they display such reactions when I suggest additional conditions.
I understand.
Had I been in their position, I would have interpreted my demands for more as a desire lesser than the magnitude of what they’ve offered.
But you know…
“What are you going to do if you refuse?”
It’s rather unfortunate for the Murim Alliance, but I fully grasp my own worth.
In my past life, when the divine sword was merely beginning to be dubbed the Sogeomseong…
I had a fair idea about the terms she was under upon entering the sect.
Upon hearing it, I could only wonder in stunned disbelief.
“I was completely oblivious to how the world worked.”
Back then, Sogeomseong was someone who paid no mind to such concerns.
No matter the conditions, she was desperate to join and aid people, thus paving the way for the Alliance to scoop her up under little regard.
What would the old Sogeomseong think of my current self?
While it’d be hard to compare oneself to the time she showcased her prowess during the war…
In my present standing, I’d be several times above her then. Understanding this, I thought…
“I deserve conditions a hundred times better than hers.”
At least a hundred times better.
Even if it means uprooting the pillars of the Murim Alliance, it must be deserved.
Seeing through my intentions, Mukyeon’s expression faltered.
“Elder.”
But what can I say?
“If you find it unpleasing, then walk away. It wouldn’t bother me at all if you chose not to act on it.”
Silence…
Quite a bold move! “Cry if you want, it’s your call,” was the essence of my tone.
In truth, this has the potential to ruin ties with the Alliance and land me in a heap of trouble.
I knew this well, but… as I stated earlier.
“But is there not a better alternative available?”
The Alliance must already be aware. Using me is the most reasonable course of action.
The issue lies in the fact that they might not realize I know that with certainty.
“The conditions are quite excellent. It’s rather unusual for someone to ask for something so extraordinary, isn’t it?”
“Indeed. However, Your Majesty, do you say this knowing you’re asking for more?”
“Yes. Just because it’s rare doesn’t make it acceptable to me.”
Silence…
“If it does not suit you, please don’t hesitate to speak up.”
With a cheerful smile, I said.
After I concluded my statement, Mukyeon continued to glare at me, his eyebrows knitting together.
His eyes were aimed at me but deep inside, he was mulling over something profound. The seconds went by.
“The Holy King.”
“Yes?”
“The conditions I presented have faced considerable pushback, yet this old man managed to wrangle them through sheer effort.”
I could decipher the essence hidden in his polished tone.
– So, if you could please…
It seemed that was the gist of his argument.
Hmm…
So you’re issuing an ultimatum? I pondered. Before it could register, I took the same route right back.
“I see. You must have had quite the battle.”
– Not my circus, not my monkeys. Speak differently.
“If the terms do not align with you… I am happy to swap them out for alternatives. What do you think?”
– Fat chance. I’d rather stick with what I want.
“Haha, I appreciate the sentiment, however… what I desire is not merely a change.”
– Where’s the barking pup? I won’t be settling for ridiculous demands!
Silence…
Silence…
Endless exchanges ricochet back and forth, laden with nuances.
No significant progress was made. Quite likely, if this was our trajectory, we’d reach a deadlock.
Fully aware of this, I moved swiftly.
Scrape.
I slid the chair back and stood up.
“I think it will be tough for this discussion to advance any further.”
Wasting time is hardly my game.
Going around in circles ultimately circles back to the same conclusion.
“Thank you for the thoughtful proposal. I look forward to seeing you next time under better circumstances.”
Declining now would echo a message of indifference. My posture remained unchanged, and sensing the conversation might spiral endlessly, I resolved to turn my back without hesitation.
As I made strides and reached for the doorknob…
“…Understood.”
Halt.
At Mukyeon’s words, I craned my head back slightly.
“…First, may I hear your thoughts?”
The old man cradled his head as if it ached.
Upon seeing that, a grin broke out involuntarily.
“Of course. Speaking is something I can manage without issue.”
Victory!
Rustle.
I inscribed a line of text on the letter.
After completing it, I handed it to Mukyeon sitting in front of me.
“It’s all written down.”
In numbers, that equates to three sheets of paper.
I signed my name at the bottom.
While it might be labeled a contract, it stands now as a verbal agreement.
To write it correctly, I needed to consult with the Gu Clan first, so for now, I documented merely my intentions.
I can persuade the family later down the line.
“There might be numerous timing hiccups, but I’m fairly confident.”
The contract as a Grand Master lasts five years.
Whether or not I renew after that hinges on circumstances at that time.
“Five years? Not a chance.”
Truth be told, fulfilling even that period wasn’t on my agenda.
Even if I played the Grand Master role, I’d wrap it up within a year.
“Yeah, that should suffice perfectly.”
In a year, I should extract everything I need.
Anything stretching beyond that is unnecessary.
No, attempting more than needed would present complications.
It’s not just my clan that poses a problem, but the very essence of “time” itself.
“Anyway… I’ll leave it up to you from here on.”
After passing along the letter, I finally turned my back this time.
There was no reason to linger here any longer, nor was anyone attempting to stop me.
Thud—!
Thus the door swung shut.
…Hmm…
Mukyeon exhaled a breath he had been bottling up.
I had to massage my temples, feeling as if I’d split my head open, all while suppressing an urge to cough.
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Mukyeon spoke.
“Heh heh…”
He soon broke into a chuckle, almost as if filled with resignation.
“A truly remarkable child…”
How long had it been since I exerted this level of effort?
Perhaps one of the rare times since my retirement.
Thinking back on our spirited exchange, Mukyeon took a long sip of tea. His throat felt parched, and he couldn’t suppress it any longer.
“It’s no easy feat.”
It really was difficult.
It shouldn’t have been this hard under normal circumstances, but alas, the situation and opponent weren’t in my favor.
The one I needed to reel in knew precisely his worth.
The more we talked, the clearer that became.
Whatever I said, he had no choice but to acquiesce.
Those were the kind of reactions that were deeply rooted in conviction.
Naturally, having such a certainty doesn’t make actions any easier.
“He’s nonchalant about it all.”
Far from feeling pressured, he appeared to revel in the moment.
It was as if he had no intent to relinquish control over the discussion.
“He seemed all too aware that he could be outmaneuvered in an instant.”
Eventually, it became a situation where bending was obligatory.
Despite the other party’s awareness of this, they exhibited no signs of relaxation in conversation.
In summary.
“Hmm.”
This was a situation devoid of alternatives.
“What a pity.”
Mukyeon had no offspring.
Assuming he had a grandchild, they would have been senior to the Holy King.
While it felt as though a youngster had thoroughly bested him, Mukyeon didn’t harbor negative feelings.
Just how many people can walk away with something from a discourse with him without feeling daunted?
In the vast central plains, Mukyeon could only recall three such individuals.
One was Geomjon from his younger days, another was Shinui, and lastly, the first Baekhwasangdanju.
And now…
Another person joined the ranks in Mukyeon’s memory.
Nonetheless, it didn’t seem like a pleasant recollection.
“Who would have thought they’d snatch from me like that.”
I was thoroughly fleeced. Most of the conditions put forth were ludicrous.
Mukyeon had to exert quite the effort to streamline a few of them.
“In the end, I had to accept two conditions.”
Unable to filter out everything, I had to adjust two of the terms along with one that had been laid down initially.
Otherwise, I would have had no chance at bringing him back.
“Hmm…”
Was that truly the right call?
The contemplation grew deeper.
Seven days and nights had passed since I returned to the temporary role of advisor.
In that time, Mukyeon faced a multitude of duties.
To be precise, it felt more aligned to say he expanded the responsibilities that should have seen significant reduction.
“He couldn’t endure it any longer.”
What a mess.
That’s the word perfectly embodying the present state.
After the swordmaster had departed, he’d vacated the area with visible fatigue. What could have occurred during his absence?
Had he known just how dire things would spiral, leaving would have been an unthinkable choice.
That magnitude of regret weighed heavy.
Thus, it became imperative that we mustn’t bridge the Holy King into matters.
With conditions like these, opposition from the elder members was likely, and the prospect of acceptance felt improbable.
“Instead of securing the King under the title of Grand Master, a different approach would have served better.”
“I’m just getting old.”
Mukyeon recognized his own miscalculation.
This was a response lacking rationality. Simply stubbornness.
A primal instinct craving to somehow grasp onto the author.
While it had only been two meetings total, what brought such conviction to this?
“I can’t quite pinpoint…”
Before long, the answer flashed in Mukyeon’s mind.
“Ignorance was my bane.”
It wasn’t a lack of awareness regarding reasons.
It was rather that Mukyeon had failed to recognize the man behind the title of Holy King.
Understanding a person often comes down to just twice before everything falls into place.
Mukyeon had kept that discerning eye since forever, a trait that carried through.
“Geomjon once remarked this silence is Wisdom’s Eye.”
Curiously, in the midst of this silence came an unexpected realization.
“The Holy King remains shrouded.”
Uncovering the entire identity of the King proved daunting. His temperament, character, and beliefs remained obscure.
Nothing came into view clearly.
Is it because he’s too profound and heavy?
Or perhaps…
“Too many facades obscure the true self beneath?”
Whatever it was, I recognized it carried unsettling ramifications.
That realization was disheartening.
“If he were merely an unrefined peasant…”
“If he possessed none, oh how I’d wish to welcome him and share what I know.”
Like an infuriated bull, he utilized his stature to cloak a nature akin to a snake.
A viper poised to strike at any moment.
From his age alone, he appeared immature but strangely exuded signs of adeptness.
“Why would heaven bestow the gift of martial mastery upon such a being?”
While Mukyeon had never cared much for martial arts and knew little about it, he could comprehend the rarity of a being such as the Holy King.
Such a figure would undoubtedly shape the annals of Central Plains history significantly.
“So then, I hope sincerely.”
Thud.
Mukyeon placed the glass he had been holding on the table.
Simultaneously, he turned towards the sky outside the window, relaxing his gaze.
“May it not turn out as I fear.”
May the Holy King turn out to be different than he presumed.
May he hold no ties to the Demonic Cult.
Hence, he would become a glimmer of hope for the declining orthodox sect.
That’s what Mukyeon wished for.
As for the reason behind drawing the King into the Grand Master role in this manner? It was primarily to ascertain that.
Several days later…
The Murim Alliance would publicly declare their stance regarding the sword corps.
This announcement came on the heels of three Grand Masters’ demise, as it was proclaimed they would be replenishing their ranks.
The newly appointed Grand Master was none other than the Holy King.
Currently, as he endeavors to free Hanam and rises in stature, the Holy King has not yet earned an official title, but he has been named the leader of the freshly formed sword corps.
Furthermore, it was announced that the top-tier sword corps of the Murim Alliance, the Shinryongdae, would also make a comeback.
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