Chapter 15: North Heaven Alliance Leader 2

As Baek Moo-jin bowed to withdraw from the Alliance Leader’s Chamber, the current Alliance Leader, Gu Yang-hu, suddenly asked an unexpected question.

“I have a question.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know how to play Go?”

“Huh? Not at all.”

Baek Moo-jin had lived without the time or leisure to concern himself with things like Go. For some reason, Gu Yang-hu continued with a rather serious expression.

“You should learn.”

“Go?”

“Do you dislike it?”

“No. If you’re willing to teach me, then yes.”

“Alright. We’ll see about that later.”

“Understood.”

“Withdraw.”

Baek Moo-jin unconsciously retreated while keeping an eye on the area around the leader’s seat. Yet strangely, he sensed no aura from the guard protecting the leader. If that wasn’t the case, it meant a master so skilled they could deceive even Baek Moo-jin’s senses was hiding.

‘Strange. Is there no escort?’

After Baek Moo-jin withdrew from the Myeongju Hall, Myeongju, the Duke of Goyang, summoned Executive Chief Woo Tae-jeong once more.

“Lord Mansion Leader, did you seek me?”

“Executive Secretary.”

“Yes.”

“Given your temperament, you see.”

“Yes.”

“You’re probably investigating Seol Sanbaek right now. Is my guess correct?”

At Gu Yanghou’s sharp question, the Chief of Execution felt a sudden pang of unease.

“I judged it necessary.”

When the Chief Executive hesitated, Gu Yang-hu nodded.

“I’m not here to reprimand you. It’s simply what you ought to do.”

“Yes.”

“But halt the investigation. After meeting Baek Moo-jin, I’ve come to think it unnecessary.”

“Hmm…”

“I intend to keep him close for my own purposes. Investigating his background simply doesn’t suit my temperament.”

When Gu Yanghou clearly stated his reasoning, the Chief Enforcer, Woo Taejeong, nodded. But Gu Yanghou’s next words carried a truly chilling edge.

“For now, I’ll trust and use him. But within the North Heaven Alliance, I will show no mercy to anyone who betrays me. Of course, if someone follows me sincerely, I intend to repay that trust regardless of who they are. In any case, since a capable talent has joined us, I wish to set a good precedent. His martial arts are formidable, and his character suits me well.”

“Is that so? Understood.”

“I don’t intend to ask Elder Won about the Snow Mountain Hundred Families either.”

“Understood. I see. Any further orders?”

The quick-witted Woo Tae-jeong had anticipated that the leader’s orders regarding Baek Moo-jin would come directly.

Gu Yanghou nodded and issued his command.

“Register Baek Moo-jin as a first-class martial guest for now.”

“First-class? Considering the time he’s spent in the Alliance… wouldn’t it be more appropriate to start him at second-class and promote him later?”

“Are you suggesting we place someone who overwhelmingly defeated a first-class guest at second-class? What will talented individuals think of the North Heaven Alliance when they hear this?”

“Even so… Should we handle this privately for now?”

“You keep clinging to tradition. Forget that nonsense. What purpose does secrecy serve? Announce it openly and register him as a First-Class Guest. We’re not assigning him tasks at the Eunyoung Pavilion, so why keep it secret?”

Wu Taizheng stiffened his expression at Gu Yanghou’s words and replied.

“Understood. I’ll proceed accordingly.”

“Leave the position blank for now; we’ll assign it later.”

“Yes.”

“Good. Handle it immediately.”

After bowing and withdrawing, Executive Secretary Woo Tae-jeong found the leader’s actions particularly baffling today, enough to make him tilt his head in confusion.

‘I have no idea what he’s thinking.’

2.

Left alone, Gu Yanghu ascended to his office and opened the window, gazing out at the vast panorama of the North Heaven Alliance. The Alliance Leader’s office was situated at the highest point of the Alliance’s building, featuring large windows facing both north and south.

Opening the north window revealed Tongtian Pass, the only route through which external forces could advance. Opening the south window revealed the entire North Heaven Alliance, with himself at its pinnacle.

The leader’s residence was thus positioned at the highest point, yet also the most perilous.

But recently, Duke Gu Yang had not opened the northern window.

His gaze was fixed on the North Heaven Alliance unfolding to the south. Duke Gu Yang smiled as he looked at one of the densely packed buildings within the alliance.

In truth, no one in the Northern Heaven Sect could even begin to gauge the depth of Gu Yanghou’s martial prowess. He was merely the head of the escort corps. When he ascended to the position of sect leader, the backlash was fierce, and even after numerous martial contests, the opposition remained.

Such is the psychology of martial artists.

They must test it to be sure.

Those who hate being under someone else’s command often challenge, even when they know they stand no chance. It has nothing to do with the distinction between righteous and rogue paths; it’s simply because they are martial artists.

That is precisely why the seeds of rebellion took root.

Gu Yanghou deliberately intended to face the rebel forces alone with Bai Muzhen. This would be a sure opportunity for the rebels.

Yet even Gu Yanghou, with his cunning plan and murderous intent, failed to grasp one crucial fact.

That was none other than the level of Bai Wuzhen’s martial prowess.

Gu Yanghou had observed Baek Moo-jin in various ways, but honestly, he couldn’t properly gauge him. Gu Yanghou found himself more interested in assessing Baek Moo-jin’s martial prowess than in dealing with the rebel forces.

3.

“Where exactly are you going?”

Baek Moo-jin replied to Seo Mun-geuk’s question.

“They say to stay in Mengzhuan for a few days.”

“What?! The Alliance Headquarters? And us? What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure.”

Seo Mun-geuk’s eyes widened instantly. Ju Ja-woon seemed envious too.

Seo Mun-geuk asked, spittle flying.

“Could it be we’re joining the escort?”

“The escort? I don’t think so. I only heard we were to come to the Lord’s residence first. I met the Lord, and somehow it turned out that way.”

“Ah… What the hell is this? Have they already written us off? What do you think, Brother Ju?”

“I’m jealous.”

“Why is the wait dragging on like this? Even joining the Sword Corps as a squad leader seems unlikely. I checked separately, and they say the Sword Corps squad leader positions are already full. The places for junior officers are saturated. But we can’t just join as regular soldiers like the seventh or eighth ranks, can we?”

When Seo Mun-geuk grew visibly angry, Ju Ja-un tried to calm him.

“How could Brother Ximen and I possibly join as ordinary soldiers? Just wait patiently until a good position opens up.”

At Zhu Jia Yun’s words, Seo Mun Gyeok suddenly clutched his stomach and laughed.

“Hahahaha. Brother Ju, I was joking. I was just pretending to be excited because Brother Baek said he was going to see the leader. For us, the longer the waiting period, the better—we have nothing else to do. Right?”

“Huh?”

See Moon-geuk suddenly changed his tone, prompting Baek Moo-jin to reply with a laugh.

“So Brother Ximen means to relax and enjoy free time?”

“How can idling be our choice? It’s the Alliance’s choice not to issue orders. Must we go in immediately? Without even time for a drink?”

“Yes. Have your drink after we return. I heard drinking is forbidden in the Alliance.”

“Very well.”

Having no particular luggage to pack, Baek Moo-jin bid farewell to the two men, intending to head straight to the Myeongju Hall.

Seo Mun-geuk nodded and said.

“Go now. And please mention us to the Sect Leader.”

Baek Moo-jin smiled and nodded.

“I will, if the opportunity arises.”

As Baek Moo-jin turned and took a few steps, Seo Mun-geuk called him back.

“Brother Baek, make sure to leave your mark. Not that you’ll need to, but just in case.”

“Heh heh, understood.”

Baek Moo-jin nodded and headed toward the Myeongju Hall. As already relayed by the Myeongju, it was a time when rebel forces might emerge.

Despite this, Baek Moo-jin felt little emotion.