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**

“Ah, hello! Teacher!”

Very little.

The title that was briefly called by a name that passed by.

And that name was only called once in my life.

“…Why aren’t you at Cheonmu Academy…”

The time I taught the children at Cheonmu Academy for a while.

The kids I saw back then were right in front of me. Two years is a considerable span of time for a child’s growth.

The immature kids from that time had transformed into fairly impressive warriors standing before me.

“I heard that Teacher died… Ah, no, it’s not that you actually died!”

“I practiced what you taught me steadily! I didn’t skip a single day!”

“But something… the world has become strange…”

“I tried to live as you told me!”

“Without shame! Helping the weak!”

…I had to say something.

The feeling was kind of strange.

I matched my gaze with each of them. I briefly hesitated, wondering if I should tell them that it was dangerous and that they shouldn’t have done it…

But in the end, I just smiled.

“Well done.”

They must have joined the Former Society in their own pursuit of justice. Looking into the rumors that had spread around, it seemed that the Former Society was indeed acting for the weak.

These kids were among those who had strived to walk a path that wouldn’t bring shame upon their swords.

In truth, they could be called the future of the righteous faction. Now they had become proper adults mimicking warriors, but surely their fruits needed to ripen further to fulfill their roles…

The reasons to protect the future of the Former Society had just increased.

The person called ‘Teacher’ ought to do just that.

“I initially refused to accept them. They were too young. But they waited outside for days…”

“Well done, Hwa-rin. They are my students, after all.”

I patted the heads of the gathered kids.

“I trained you that way, so it’s understandable that they wouldn’t bend their will.”

“…That statement is spot on.”

Gu Hwa-rin covered her mouth and laughed.

For now, I had more to discuss with Gu Hwa-rin. So I decided to stop our movement and camp here.

Fortunately, the Former Society seemed quite used to camping, quickly getting to work. As over a thousand people busily arranged the terrain around them and set up a temporary camp, everything was neatly organized.

“…….”

In the quiet night, hearing the crackling of the fire and the sounds of people, I settled down by one side of the campfire.

I listened in on the lively chatter. As if catching up on a long-lost reunion, I glanced at my disciples who were laughing and chatting.

Baek Hyun. That guy’s sword needed to be reviewed again.

“…Uh. But…”

I turned to the four who were serving as my personal bodyguards, as if it was just natural.

“Why are you doing this…?”

“It is our mission to ensure the safety of our Lord.”

“Please rest comfortably. Think of it as nonexistent.”

“It’s uncomfortable.”

I forcibly dismissed the four who were straining to maintain vigilance as part of the group. Those who had begun awkwardly sitting down soon settled in and joined in the conversation.

Before I knew it, my party had even increased in number. No, it was just filled in as the people from the Demon Cult had gone.

“…What are you thinking about?”

A delicious smell wafted by. Gu Hwa-rin, who brought food, naturally sat down next to me.

I accepted the food she handed me.

“Thank you, Hwa-rin.”

She looked at me silently. Feeling an unspoken pressure to eat, I quickly put a piece of meat into my mouth.

“…How is it?”

Did she cook it herself?

It was just ordinary. Freshly caught meat wouldn’t be tasty in a place like this. Wild game is often tougher than expected.

But I appreciated the effort. I was very pleased that she had brought the food over to me first.

“It’s tasty.”

Gu Hwa-rin sighed in relief.

“…But, can I ask what you were really thinking?”

“I was thinking about the main school.”

“Oh.”

She stole a glance at the party that had fallen behind me.

“…Speaking of which, Jeok-un was from another place, wasn’t he? So what will you do from now on?”

“I’m still contemplating it, but… it seems there’s nothing set in stone. For now, I will arrange the position of the Former Society, and then think about how to tidy things up.”

“Position… you mean establishing it?”

“Hwa-rin, would you join the New Martial Alliance?”

“…Huh? What do you mean by that?”

I took a moment before continuing.

“…The Former Society is undoubtedly a wonderful organization. I’ve heard stories during our journey. They have protected the weak and fought against the strong. Word has spread to the common people; there’s hardly anyone unaware of this.”

“…….”

“But its movements are quite precarious. If I hadn’t intervened at the right moment, Gwangyang would have died, falling into the Jegeal Family’s schemes. Of course, my path hasn’t been without recklessness myself. However…”

I looked back at Gu Hwa-rin. I smiled softly at her eyes, which now looked at me from beneath her platinum hair.

“I hope Hwa-rin doesn’t get hurt. I hope the Former Society doesn’t collapse and continues as it is now. I believe organizations that uphold justice are necessary in today’s martial world. But for that, the power of the Former Society is inferior to other factions… So I was asking, how about joining the New Martial Alliance?”

“…But if we joined there, wouldn’t the Former Society lose its original purpose and become tainted?”

“Hwa-rin’s words are indeed correct. Therefore, I personally hope you can envision a more distant future.”

“More… distant future?”

I spoke calmly.

“Beyond the Head of the Former Society, how about aspiring to become the leader of the New Martial Alliance? ”

“…What?!”

Gu Hwa-rin was startled. But I was sincere.

“Having led the Former Society, you certainly have the qualifications to lead the New Martial Alliance. Of course, I’m not suggesting that you snatch the position outright. You would observe the situation during Dan Ri Jin Su’s term, and later formally run for the next leader of the Martial Alliance. Naturally, given that you entered the organization later, your position may be lacking… but with my name attached, others wouldn’t dare neglect the Former Society. It’s a little embarrassing, but the name ‘Blood Lord’ isn’t small anymore… While riding on that name, you’d surely gain many advantages.”

“…….”

“The inspection agency of the New Martial Alliance. Starting from there, gradually build your position so that one day you can act as the backbone of the New Martial Alliance. That’s the future I envision for the Former Society. Of course, the choice is Hwa-rin’s. If you don’t want it, you can refuse. I merely wanted to expand the options. If you choose another path, we can rethink the methods accordingly.”

Gu Hwa-rin gazed at me intently. Unlike her past self, she appeared calm and rational.

Has two years worn her down? When she first came out of Huashan, she was so shy that it was almost unrecognizable. Now, the person before me was a proper warrior.

She parted her lips. Seemingly deep in thought, she tilted her head, then looked at me again.

“…Jeok-un.”

“Yes.”

“What are you getting in return for helping me establish the Former Society’s position and helping me secure a proper place in the New Martial Alliance?”

What I would gain from this…

There was only one answer.

“The safety of Hwa-rin.”

Gu Hwa-rin’s eyes widened slightly. For some reason, she seemed to sniffle, then slowly leaned her head on my shoulder.

The angle made it hard to see her expression. But I could clearly see the drops falling to the ground.

“…I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

“I don’t want to part like this.”

“It seems it will take more time until we part ways, so we should be able to share the stories we haven’t yet.”

“…That’s not enough. I want to keep talking. But… I know that can’t happen…”

Her body trembled.

Her voice was dejected.

“…You know. I’ve been watching all this time. Ever since the moment I thought you had died, I roamed the martial world. I wanted to see with my own eyes what your death meant. What changed with your death.”

“…….”

“But astonishingly, nothing has changed. In fact, it has gotten worse. Can we even call today’s righteous faction ‘righteous’? The New Martial Alliance and the Old Martial Alliance… Can either of those be called justice? I think… no. They’re just organizations wanting to grasp power. In reality, no one has turned their eyes toward true justice.”

“I think the same.”

“And that’s why I created the Former Society. So your will wouldn’t be forgotten. So the weak wouldn’t be crushed under the strong’s swords. I put forth a grand cause. I even borrowed your name to gather people. Many gathered, and the result you see now is this.”

Gu Hwa-rin raised her hand.

She pointed at the clustered people.

“…But… actually… it’s all just an excuse…”

Her trembling fingers fell down.

Gu Hwa-rin buried her face completely in my coat.

Her voice mumbled, making it hard to hear clearly.

“…I just… wanted to see you… I was so angry… I couldn’t help it… with myself… with the world… So… therefore…”

I gently caressed her shuddering shoulders. I didn’t mind if my coat got wet.

In fact, to ensure Gu Hwa-rin’s sobs didn’t reach others, I pulled her in a bit tighter.

If the leader of the group was seen crying, it would surely cause a commotion.

…

“…I’m fine now.”

After sniffing, she eventually stood up on her own. With the demeanor of the leader of the Former Society, she quickly processed the documents that arrived via messenger.

“What you said is right. First, I’ll try to persuade everyone. That comes first. The Former Society is not just my personal will. It’s everyone’s Former Society.”

Fortunately, her appeal resonated with all. Everyone seemed to nod in agreement with Hwa-rin’s sentiments.

“If the leader says so.”

“Since it’s a suggestion from Blood Lord, there are no objections.”

Among the reasons they were persuaded, my name was inevitably mixed in.

What exactly is the Former Society?

It’s a bit embarrassing, but it’s a place formed by those who gathered after hearing of my deeds.

Each word of mine felt absolute as everyone affirmed it. Even those who saw me for the first time seemed enchanted by my words and agreed.

Having gained overall consensus, I immediately turned my steps. At the end awaited Huashan, the headquarters of the New Martial Alliance.

We moved. With the main force of the Former Society on the move, I felt the public’s attention was somewhat focused.

Every town we passed through was abuzz with whispers, and some even rushed out without worshipping.

“Is a war about to break out?”

“With the war against the Demon Cult still ongoing… What the heck is going on…”

Amidst the murmurs, our steps arrived right at the foot of Huashan. Without a word, Geumpyeong and Myochoa, who had blended into the crowd guiding us, soon parted from us.

“Please wait here.”

Not long after they left, a group of soldiers arrived before us. Among them were not only Dan Ri Jin Su, whom I had seen before, but also some new faces.

With a dignified appearance. The aura emanating from someone who had trained with the sword for a long time led me to recognize him despite his subtle demeanor.

Dojon.

Muguk Jinin Baek So-pyeong.

“…….”

The aura felt soft. It felt like standing before a towering tree that posed no harm.

However, if the roots of that tree were to stir, the world would likely be turned upside down. What stood before me was the pillar of the living New Martial Alliance, their strongest sword they could boast about. Even Dan Ri Jin Su, who called himself the leader of the New Martial Alliance, couldn’t compare to him.

“Are you Blood Lord?”

I nodded. I had no intention of lowering myself, but I wanted to show at least a modicum of respect to someone of the same caliber.

“I’m honored to meet Muguk Jinin.”

“…Hmm.”

Baek So-pyeong’s eyebrows twitched. Even though Dan Ri Jin Su hadn’t opened his mouth, he swept his gaze over me…

He subtly asked me.

“Have you married yet?”

“…Huh?”

“No, just… I want to introduce you to my granddaughter…”

In shock, Dan Ri Jin Su shouted.

“So-pyeong! What nonsense are you saying!”

“No, can’t I say something? Regardless, I just found you likable. After all, I personally don’t like politics. If there were going to be annoying discussions, you should’ve just left me out from the start.”

Baek So-pyeong laughed heartily.

“Come now! You, young man known as Blood Lord! Let’s put aside the complicated talk and just have a drink together, shall we?”

“…Yes? But I’ve heard that Taoists shouldn’t drink…”

“Taoist. Pfft. I really love being called a Taoist. But here’s the thing. People should live naturally, right? If you suppress everything you want to do, wouldn’t that be suffocating enough to die? Balance should naturally flow from life.”

Baek So-pyeong patted my shoulder.

“Drink is something very close to nature. As a Taoist, you should at least try a drink, hmm? And besides, I’m the head of the Wudang Sect, who would dare say anything if I drank? Huh?”

 

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