Chapter 87

Chapter 87

“……What do you mean by that?”

Jeonghyeon glared at Youngho with fierce eyes. Youngho gave a light smile as he spoke.

“It means exactly what I said. You cannot become a good ruler.”

“Compared to you, I may still have a long way to go, but I still believe I can lead the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“No. At that level, you are still far from it.”

At Youngho’s firm reply, Jeonghyeon frowned as though he could not understand it at all.

Despite Jeonghyeon’s savage glare, Youngho spoke without the slightest concern.

“To lead the Unorthodox Alliance does not mean to win a war.”

For an instant, Jeonghyeon’s brow twitched.

“Let me ask you one thing. If a war breaks out, who do you think will suffer the most?”

At some point, Youngho’s speech had grown informal, but Jeonghyeon had no room to mind it as he fell deep into thought.

If war broke out, who would suffer the most?

In truth, there was nothing to think about. The answer was obvious. But Jeonghyeon went over his thoughts once more before finally replying.

“The powerless ones—the common people.”

“That’s right.”

“What does that have to do with anything? It doesn’t matter if a few common people die. No—compared to bringing down the Orthodox Sect, isn’t that a very small loss?”

“And that is precisely why you are not a good ruler.”

“……I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“This isn’t the first time the Unorthodox Faction has gathered in one place like this. It has happened many times before, not just in Master’s generation but in the distant past as well.”

“And?”

“Whether it was the Sapae Alliance, the Blood Sovereign Court, or even the Imperial Star—once regarded as the largest collective in the history of the Unorthodox Faction—they all failed to avoid collapse.”

It was true. The Murim Alliance had existed for hundreds of years to maintain order in the Jianghu. There had been times when it nearly fell, but its lineage had always continued.

But the Unorthodox Faction was different. Once the Sapae Alliance collapsed, its members hesitated to gather again and scattered in all directions, each building their own power.

Jeonghyeon’s expression twisted harshly.

“So you’re saying all the past Unorthodox alliances collapsed because of the common people?”

“You got half of it right.”

“Why should I concern myself with the opinions of common people?”

“Because they can become power.”

“Those people I could kill with just my little finger?”

“Yes.”

Jeonghyeon still did not understand. Youngho therefore wore a tranquil expression.

After all, it was something he himself had only realized after meeting Namgung Cheon.

‘The common people are power.’

Members of the Unorthodox Faction believed that only what they seized through their own strength mattered. That was why they always overlooked this point.

They could not see deeper. They did not understand how the world functioned—no, not even how a nation came to be in the first place. Most of them were ignorant of such things.

The Murim Alliance, which borrowed the strength of the common people, simply understood this better than the Unorthodox Faction. It understood what an individual could never accomplish alone—what grand design could never be achieved by one person.

And so they ignored small strength, and they ignored the collective born of that small strength.

“You cannot become a good ruler.”

“I…!”

“That’s enough. There’s no reason to continue this discussion. If you’re still curious, ask Master.”

“……No. There’s no need.”

At the unexpected reply, Youngho gazed steadily at Jeonghyeon.

“I came here from the beginning to yield the position of Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance to you.”

“Hm?”

Youngho looked at Jeonghyeon with interest.

“I am weaker than you. In fact, infinitely so. I am merely saying that I will yield for now.”

“For now?”

“Yes. As long as you stand above me, I will not touch you and will follow your orders.”

Youngho gave a faint smirk.

“And if I judge that I am beneath you?”

“Then I will take the position of Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance without hesitation.”

“Very well. To be honest, I have no intention of holding that seat for long anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll take this opportunity to show Senior Brother. What a ruler truly is. What a leader truly is.”

“It sounds as though you’re saying I don’t yet understand governance.”

“Of course.”

Youngho rose from his seat as he spoke.

“If you’re done talking, you may leave. I need to train my subordinates.”

“……Understood.”

Jeonghyeon frowned, seemingly displeased that he had failed to seize the initiative in the conversation.

Even upon seeing that expression, Youngho did not blink once as he saw him out.

Returning to his place, Youngho looked at the members of the Asura Squad and spoke.

“I assume you all heard the conversation just now.”

The faint trace of a smile that had lingered on Youngho’s face vanished, replaced by a cold aura like the Blade Winds of the Northern Sea.

“From this point on, Jeonghyeon and I will be competing—for the position of Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance.”

At that, Jongpal raised his hand.

“A question?”

“Yes.”

“Speak.”

The moment Youngho granted permission, Jongpal opened his mouth.

“Just now, didn’t the First Young Master clearly say he would yield the position of Alliance Lord to you?”

“That’s right.”

“Then why are you saying there will be competition?”

It was a sharp observation. But at the same time, a foolish question. Youngho looked at Jongpal as if he were pitiful.

“Hey, didn’t you hear everything that bastard said?”

“I heard it all.”

Jongpal’s voice had shrunk to that of a mosquito.

Youngho let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“He said if I’m not fit to be Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance, he’ll take my seat. You idiot.”

“Yes. But judging from the First Young Master’s tone, aren’t you stronger than him?”

“That’s right.”

“Then there’s no need to worry about losing the position of Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance, is there?”

It was what everyone had been thinking.

“What am I supposed to do with you lot…?”

Youngho groaned.

“Hey. What do you think is the most necessary thing to become Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance?”

“Force.”

“Strength.”

“Martial might.”

As they all answered, Youngho nodded.

“Fortunately, at least you know that much. Then what do you think is the second most important thing?”

“…….”

This time, no one answered Youngho’s question. More precisely, they could not answer.

‘What is it? Administrative duties?’

‘What does the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance even do?’

Cheonung, who did nothing but train day in and day out, was of no help whatsoever.

“What exactly did you think the conversation I just had was about?”

Under Youngho’s gaze—filled anew with exasperation—the members of the Asura Squad coughed awkwardly and avoided his eyes.

“Listen carefully. For the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance, the second most important thing is political skill.”

“Politics?”

“Not the ability to carry out duties?”

“Leave that kind of thing to the Chief Aide. The Alliance Lord only needs to excel at politics. With that alone, you’re already halfway there.”

“Why is political skill even necessary? If you’re the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance, won’t all the Unorthodox members just kneel?”

“That’s true.”

“Right?”

“Only under the assumption that the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance is my Master.”

“……?”

“My Master possesses martial might greater than anyone else in the Unorthodox Faction.”

That much they knew. Cheonung’s feats could be recounted endlessly.

To the Unorthodox members, Cheonung was a legend incarnate.

“But even Master struggles somewhat because he is weak in politics.”

“What? You mean the Alliance Lord?”

“Yes. Until now, he has managed to hold back the overflowing waters through sheer overwhelming force. But even that has its limits.”

“What do you mean—limits?”

“The waters will soon overflow. And that will lead to the collapse of the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“That can’t be!”

“Listen. A hundred years from now, we too will be nothing more than passing history. You know that among the Unorthodox alliances throughout history, the one that lasted the longest was the Imperial Star, right?”

“Yes.”

“They collapsed after only forty years.”

“…….”

“Jeonghyeon’s martial strength is not as overwhelming as Master’s. That’s why he must cultivate political skill and learn to read the will of the people.”

“So you’re saying the First Young Master lacks that?”

“Exactly. He lacks understanding. He doesn’t grasp the will of the people. I guarantee it—if he leads the Unorthodox Alliance, it won’t even last ten years before it falls.”

‘I actually struggled to restore the Unorthodox Alliance after he ran it into the ground….’

“Then are you strong in politics, Young Master?”

Seeing Kang Chowon looking at him with sparkling eyes, Youngho gave a faint snort.

“No.”

“What?”

“I’m not strong in politics.”

“Then what on earth…?”

“Politics isn’t something you do alone. Jeonghyeon won’t do it alone either. I need people who will help me, protect me, and become my sword.”

“So from now on, you’ll gradually recruit such people?”

“Jongpal.”

“Yes.”

“The others are slightly less embarrassing because at least you’re here. Later, ask me to buy you something delicious.”

“Huh?”

“You idiots! You’re the ones who are supposed to protect me, become my sword, and help me!”

“What?!”

Everyone answered in shock. Help? Who? Youngho? Us?

“How are we supposed to help you, Young Master?!”

“We’re already struggling just to keep up with the training!”

“You fools! Why do you think I’m training you and spending my time on you? Huh? You ignorant bastards!”

Youngho thumped his chest in frustration.

“It’s not like I can accomplish everything just by becoming strong on my own! Sure, the Unorthodox Faction values individuality—but do they not live in groups? Do they not form forces?”

“No…?”

“Individual martial strength is extremely important. But loyal subordinates who follow me are just as important. Handling everything myself? Of course that’s more convenient!”

“Then why bother with subordinates…?”

“Because I can’t handle everything by myself, you idiot!”

“Gah!”

Youngho kicked Jongpal in the backside and ran a hand through his hair irritably.

“I have only one body. And my Master has only one body as well. Does Master personally run around in all directions solving every single problem?”

“Ah….”

“Now you understand? You dimwits? When am I supposed to finish raising you all…!”

Youngho looked up at the sky and shouted in frustration before continuing.

“You lot will become my hands and feet. In other words, you’re the ones I’ll raise as my elite.”

“Th-Then the reason you’ve been driving us so harshly was all to turn us into an elite force…?!”

At Hyeokong’s slightly excited voice, Youngho’s expression twisted like that of a vicious ghost.

“Now you can’t even understand when I spell out the conclusion for you. Listen carefully.”

The moment Youngho spoke, they straightened and listened attentively, eyes shining.

At this point, it would have been burdensome for anyone—but Youngho, overwhelmed by exasperation, spoke as though resigned.

“Three years.”

“…Pardon?”

“What event is taking place in three years?”

“Uh… the Dragon–Phoenix Gathering?”

“That’s right. About three years from now, correct?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“By then, I’ll turn you into proper men.”

Normally, those words would have sent chills down their spines. But to the Asura Squad now, they were as sweet as honey.

‘I’m going to become part of an elite unit?!’

‘Young Master! I knew I could trust you!’

Youngho’s gaze, filled with Ghostly Aura, gleamed as he spoke.

“Especially Kang Hosan and Kang Chowon!”

“Eh? I mean—yes!”

Exhaling white breath from his mouth, Youngho continued.

“If you fail to enter the Round of Sixteen, you’re dead.”

“What?!”

Srrk!

Youngho drew his sword from its sheath.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you drawing your swords? It’s time to become proper men.”

Despite the frightening situation, not a trace of fear showed in the eyes of the Asura Squad.

Satisfied by the sight, Youngho smiled faintly.

“From today onward, anyone who fails to complete ten thousand downward strikes a day is out.”

The Asura Squad stared at him with tense expressions.

“Anyone who doesn’t perform the downward strikes properly will be transferred to another unit—and forget about ever assisting me.”

With a hardened expression, Youngho gave the command.

“Begin!”

“Yes!”

The Asura Squad returned to their positions and began swinging their swords.

Only after discipline had finally taken root did Youngho allow himself a satisfied expression before immersing himself once more in his own training.

And so one year passed, then two, and three years flowed by like a river.