Chapter 186

The King of Power, the Greatest Under Heaven

Although Dan Woosung proposed to Baekyak during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the marriage of the Martial Arts Alliance leader could not be arranged in just a few days. Dan Woosung wanted to hold the wedding as quietly as possible, so he planned to gather only family members at the leader’s villa near the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters for a quiet ceremony.

That meant he also needed time to wait for the family members who would attend the wedding.

After all, the leader’s journey to the Galaxy Trading Company was no ordinary affair. With the escort unit mobilizing and all manner of security measures required, this choice was unavoidable.

Thus, for the time being, each day was a repetition of ordinary routine, nothing special.

The overall operations of the martial world—monitoring trends, gathering intelligence, and managing the sect—were led by the Chief Military Officer, Hwa Eun-wol.

Danwooseong devoted his time and effort solely to inspecting the training systems and methods for the alliance members and enhancing their combat prowess.

For this reason, he often shed his White Dragon Robe.

Like ordinary members, he observed training sessions in his martial attire, frequently engaged in sparring matches, and often conversed with experienced instructors who had long served the Alliance.

Only then did the people within the Martial Arts Alliance gradually begin to understand the young Alliance Leader’s thoughts and inclinations.

Though the leader himself was now a powerhouse hailed as the strongest under heaven.

I came to understand that he was a man who somehow made everyone around him stronger.

The leader of the martial arts alliance desired only one thing.

The core principle was this: train rigorously during ordinary times, and when major crises arise in the martial world, the overwhelmingly powerful Martial Alliance should step forward.

Although there were quite a few members older than Dan Woo-sung…

Most of the Martial Alliance members were gradually becoming disciples of the Fist King.

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While Dan Woosung was resting at the training ground with the other members, Hwa Eun-wol arrived with a stern expression.

“Lord Alliance Leader.”

Danwooseong had never seen the commander-in-chief look so displeased before, so he rose without a word.

As the two headed toward the Myeongju Hall, they exchanged words.

“What’s the matter?”

“Yes.”

Dan Woo-seong tilted his head in confusion. He had believed no major incidents would occur in the martial world for the time being.

Hwa Eun-wol spoke.

A general from the retreating Huaiwang’s army sent word requesting military provisions. It seems they plan to pass near the Martial Arts Alliance headquarters and retreat to Hebei. For a defeated commander to dare ask the Martial Arts Alliance for supplies—he must be out of his mind. Still, they are already bloodthirsty, and though they are remnants of a defeated army, their numbers total ten thousand. With five thousand cavalry alone, if a battle breaks out, the casualties could be heavy.”

Hearing this, Hua Yue realized it was indeed a difficult situation.

Dan Wuseong retorted.

“I’ve heard that government military forces are inviolable. How peculiar.”

The reason the notion of official immunity often arose was simple. Most martial artists in the Central Plains were Han Chinese. This was because the history of the Nine Great Sects often predated the current dynasty.

However, as dynasties changed, emperors of non-Han ethnicity ascended the throne with increasing frequency.

Needless to say, the Tang Dynasty itself was of Xianbei origin.

The Prince of Hui, who contacted the Martial Alliance, was Shi Chaoyi, the leader of the rebel forces and of Turkic descent.

From the Martial Alliance’s perspective, the clans fighting amongst themselves held little interest. Protecting ordinary commoners was far more important than watching them kill each other.

Moreover, the fact that the Shaozhou faction, which had killed his father, had demanded the Martial Alliance supply provisions during their retreat only added to Hua Yueyue’s displeasure. How could the righteous faction possibly deal with the very ones who had slain his father? Under the circumstances, refusal was inevitable.

The only issue was the ten thousand troops.

Dan Wuxing asked.

“Can they speak the language of the Central Plains?”

“Yes, since both superiors and subordinates were generals of the Party, communication should be smooth.”

Dan Woo-sung said it as if he were pleased.

“Well, that makes things simple. I’ll go personally and refuse the request for military provisions.”

“How should we assemble the escort?”

“Five thousand cavalry and five thousand infantry?”

“Yes.”

“Is it right to kill them all?”

“That won’t do.”

“Explain why.”

Hwa Eun-wol paused to gather her thoughts on how to explain this. The recent battle situation had been extremely complex.

Hwa Eun-wol stated her thoughts.

Sajoryan’s father, Sajomyung, and before him, a man named An Lushan, both instigated rebellions. The stated cause of the rebellion was to expel the treacherous minister Yang Guozhong, whose relative was Yang Guifei. It was the imperial in-laws who rose to power through treachery. Ultimately, the emperor neglected the people’s welfare and indulged Yang Guifei, leading to this series of catastrophic events. Sajoyi likely has more supporters in Hebei. It is advantageous for us if the court, which fails to properly manage state affairs, and Sajoyi, who killed his father, continue fighting each other to mutual destruction. Therefore, we need not kill all of Sajoyi’s forces. If we were to kill every last one, the hardships endured by the Lord and the vassals would be no small matter.”

Danwooseong nodded.

“There’s no need to reduce military provisions, nor is there any need to take their lives. This too is an inviolable principle. I shall do as you say.”

“Will you go with Iron Danju?”

“If I go with ten thousand men, the risk of the soldiers dying or being injured is too great. I will go alone.”

Hwa Eun-wol suddenly looked at Dan Woo-seong.

“Hmm.”

Even if he was the greatest warrior under heaven, could he truly enter the midst of ten thousand soldiers alone, refuse their demands, and emerge unscathed?

Worrying about it, she felt it was an insult to the leader and didn’t know what to say.

“Should I go with you?”

“Why would the General go to such a dangerous place? Stay here.”

“Are you truly certain you’ll be alright alone?”

“After receiving directions, I’ll send the Myeongwon back and enter alone. I’ll negotiate, or if words fail, I’ll use force. I’ve reached the pinnacle of the realm through the help of seniors and my own hardships—what is there to fear? To ensure my order not to oppress the common folk during my journey to Hebei is clearly conveyed, a firm approach is best. Bring the guide, Meng Yuan, here immediately.”

Hua Eun-wol sprang to his feet.

“Understood.”

When the warlord declared he would face ten thousand troops alone, Hwa Eun-wol’s heart trembled even more unnecessarily.

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The troops were encamped not far away.

They were setting up tents and preparing camp. Danwooseong sent back the Myeongwon who had ridden with him and approached the campsite alone.

A sentry standing guard outside the stockade frowned and spoke.

“What is it?”

No matter how he looked around, the only one approaching was a young man alone, so he couldn’t help but be flustered.

Dan Wooseong paused briefly and looked at the sentries.

The leaders of both the dynasty and the rebel forces were all of the Yi tribe, but the rank-and-file soldiers were a chaotic mix of various ethnicities, so no particular animosity arose among them.

Dan Woo-sung explained kindly.

“This man came seeking provisions for the General from the Martial Alliance. Escort him to the General.”

The soldier replied, thrusting out the spear he held.

“I understand that, but why the informal speech?”

Dan Woosung stepped forward and pressed his stomach against the spear. Standing with his belly against the spear tip as if daring it to stab him, he said.

“Just show him the way.”

At that moment, a captain in his mid-thirties who had been passing by approached and spoke.

“What’s going on?”

“They say they’re from the Martial Arts Alliance.”

The approaching captain lowered his spear and spoke.

“Before that, hand over that sword and follow me. No outsider may enter the general’s quarters carrying weapons.”

Dan Woosung drew the White Soul Sword from his waist and handed it to the soldier.

Walking toward the headquarters with the captain, the only one he could communicate with, Dan Woosung asked.

“Who is the commander in charge here?”

The centurion suddenly looked at Dan Wooseong and replied.

“His Majesty the King of Hui, of course.”

It seemed King Hui, the leader of the rebels, was here. As the captain walked, he asked Dan Wooseong.

“Are you by any chance the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance?”

“How did you know?”

“Only the Martial Alliance Leader could come and go freely in a place like this. The generals were curious about what kind of people the martial heroes of the Central Plains are. They all expected that if such a request were made, a formidable master would visit.”

The captain smiled as he looked at Dan Woo-sung.

Only then did Dan Wooseong realize there must be martial artists among the generals’ entourage. After all, martial artists existed everywhere, whether in the Western Regions or the North. Moreover, since these were rebels against the dynasty, he assumed the leader’s camp would be filled with the highest-ranking masters.

The centurion arrived at the largest tent and announced:

“A visitor from the Martial Arts Alliance has arrived. Shall I let them in?”

“Let them in.”

The captain pushed open the tent flap and said to Dan Woo-sung.

“Go in.”

As Dan Woosung stepped inside the tent, laughter erupted instantly within the spacious interior.

“Hahahahahaha······.”

“Hahahahahaha.”

“Wasn’t I right? Send Hongran to me.”

At those words, a nearly naked woman was shoved by someone’s hand, moving from left to right.

True to being a general’s tent, it was indeed spacious.

Generals seated on either side as if at a banquet mingled with men in strange attire. Even amidst continuing warfare, they drank wine and held women in their arms. Judging by the scene, there were fewer women than men, and it seemed they had made some wager among themselves regarding the Martial Alliance’s visit.

“Well, well, impressive. Just as His Majesty the King of Hui anticipated, the Martial Arts Alliance has sent a mere single master. The visitor is to wait briefly while His Majesty the King of Hui arrives.”

Dan Wuseong’s actions and words showed he truly didn’t care.

The king, who had been absent as if he’d been to the lavatory, finally appeared and took his seat at the head of the table. Then, extending his hand toward Danwooseong, who stood blankly, he said,

“Is that fellow a master from the Martial Arts Alliance?”

The other generals answered.

“Yes, he is.”

“Did he come alone?”

“Yes.”

King Hui chuckled.

“I won the bet. Didn’t I tell you? Martial artists from the Central Plains have such high pride and self-confidence that they’d come alone, relying on their superior martial arts skills.”

“Hahahaha…”

“We can only marvel at Your Majesty’s uncanny foresight. We concede defeat.”

King Hui addressed the women in the camp.

“Send all the women to my tent. The generals who lost today’s wager will be keeping them company.”

“Understood.”

As the women were seized by soldiers and dragged away, only the sweat-smelling men remained in the tent, gazing at Danwooseong.

King Huai of Chu, Sazoi, asked Danwoo-seong.

“Will you provide the military provisions, or not? I want your answer first.”

A Han general asked Danwooseong the same question.

“King Hui asks. Answer him.”

Suddenly, Dan Woo-sung found the situation utterly absurd. He stood with his hands behind his back, surveying the gathered crowd. Those not in military uniforms appeared to be masters of the Turkic tribes. Or perhaps martial artists from other ethnic groups…

Dan Wooseong looked at Sajo-ui. He was certainly a man with an unusual appearance, unlike anyone Dan Wooseong had ever seen before.

Dan Wooseong was not the kind of narrow-minded person who refused to treat someone with respect simply because they were of a different nationality or background. In fact, Dan Wooseong was the sort of man who cared nothing at all for origin or status.

Therefore, the manner and speech these men consistently displayed were, quite literally, unpleasant.

Because they were escalating things by taking dozens of hits instead of just one.

He figured it was because there were masters of the Yi tribe present.

Dan Woo-sung spoke thus, contrary to his true feelings.

“I will cooperate to the fullest extent possible.”

Sajo-ga asked the middle-aged man on his left.

“Asaduk, what do you think?”

The man named Asaduk looked directly into Dan Wooseong’s eyes and said.

“He shows no fear whatsoever. He’s clearly lying.”

Sajo-ui nodded and asked.

“What about his skill?”

Asaduk replied.

“Well, it’s hard to gauge, but seeing as he came as the representative of the Martial Alliance, he must be quite a formidable master. It’s not for me to judge; it would be better for you, General, to ask him directly. These people establish their own rankings among themselves, so they enjoy talking about meaningless things like who ranks where in the martial world without even fighting. Ask him about his standing in the martial world.”

Sajogi nodded and said.

“Indeed, the insight befitting one destined to become the Great Yan’s National Preceptor.”

Sajogi pointed at Danwooseong with his finger and said.

“What is your standing in the martial world?”

Dan Wooseong calmed his mind for a moment. Dan Wooseong was no longer the former King of Power. Since Chief Military Officer Hwa Eun-wol had suggested the right strategy, he intended to avoid annihilating them if possible.

Dan Wooseong, his mind now calm, looked at Sa Jo-ui and his men and raised one finger.

“The best in the land.”