Chapter 3: Jaseung, Cleans Up

Dobek’s body shook as Lee Jaseung walked towards him and his heart pounded as if it were about to explode.

It almost felt as if he was dreaming. He never even imagined that six of the Seven Masters who reached Peak Realm could be killed at once along with Go Cheonyang.

However, this was the reality.

Then, Lee Jaseung spurted out something unimaginable.

“From now on, you are the ruler of the Black Way’s outer region.”

“Pardon?”

Dobek looked up with a dumbfounded expression.

“You are the most suited person for this position. Do you agree with me on that?”

Dobek quickly nodded in response.

“Yes, that is right! Please have faith in me!”

Lee Jaseung responded with a smirk.

“Would you if you were me?”

Then, he pulled out a fill from his robe and tossed it to him. Dobek caught it reflexively. A foul stench rose from the pitch-black pill.

“Eat it.”

“What is it? Is it perhaps…?”

“You think it’s medicine? Of course it’s poison.”

As Lee Jaseung’s eyes thinned in displeasure, Dobek quickly swallowed the pill. It may have been poison, but the circumstances made it clear that it wasn’t meant to kill him.

He was able to know immediately after swallowing it as the unpleasant taste spread in his mouth. This definitely wasn’t something a human should consume.

“I will send you an antidote every year. Go get yourself some if you can as much as you want, but know this. If even a single ingredient out of the thirty-nine used to make the antidote is wrong, your internal organs will begin to rot. You won’t die easily either. For a hundred days, you’ll suffer pain worse than death before you finally die.”

Dobek grinded his teeth. Put it simply, he was meant to be a puppet.

Lee Jaseung spoke in a cold tone.

“I’m sure you know this yourself, but there are plenty others who want that position. So just stay put and live as the ruler of the outer regions. As long as you send the money on time and don’t get funny ideas, you will enjoy a comfortable life.”

“Understood.”

Dobek was quick to surrender. Dan Woobin chose him knowing that Dobek had a rational personality and was weak in the face of power.

“Now, go.”

Dobek launched himself out of the area with a conflicted expression.

Was it not possible to convince him without using poison? Perhaps his loyalty could be earned through a different method?

No, that was impossible.

Even after showing kindness for a long time, a person’s heart can change over the smallest thing. And when it does, they’ll say something like “How could you do this to me?” and feel even greater disappointment. That was human nature.

Moreover, how could any sincerity be expected from someone who I met today, from a vicious scoundrel at that?

An effort to truly win over an enemy’s heart?

I had no such goal. I will not raise things like that in my world.

Dan Woobin bowed his head toward Lee Jaseung with a look of deep admiration.

“Finally, you have achieved your great ambition.”

He had unified all of Central Plains’ Black Way and completely sealed off the outer regions as well. In this, Lee Jaseung’s overwhelming martial prowess played the greatest role, supported by Dan Woobin’s intelligence.

Today was a truly meaningful day, but Lee Jaseung’s expression was no different from usual.

“Aren’t you happy?”

“It’s not the end, but only the beginning. Many may seem to have surrendered on the surface, but I know that many of them have not yielded in their hearts.”

“That’s right. From now on, you must look over them and begin the process of stabilization.”

Lee Jaseung, who never let his guard down, was admirable and reassuring. However, Dan Woobin sometimes worried about him.

After all, he needed to relax once in a while as he was a human too. It would have been nice if he had a decent woman to accompany him.

However, Lee Jaseung had no interest in women. Of course, he didn’t really have time or opportunity to get into any relationships for the past seven years.

As Lee Jaseung walked ahead, Dan Woobin suddenly asked.

“Do you believe in me?”

Lee Jaseung stopped and looked back at him. Without hesitation, he replied.

“No, I don’t.”

Dan Woobin made a subtle expression.

“Why? Are you disappointed?”

“No, I’m actually glad you gave that answer. I believe that the person ruling over the Black Way shouldn’t trust anyone.”

“Really?”

Lee Jaseung resumed walking. The tone of his last word sounded a bit strange.

What did he mean by ‘Really?’

Dan Woobin had known Lee Jaseung for nine years now, having first met him two years before the Seven Year War began.

Still, there were many things he didn’t know about Lee Jaseung.

That’s why he found him fascinating, but also difficult to understand.

* * *

A carriage sped along the Guan Road.

The old driver increased the speed and the carriage began to race fiercely.

It looked shabby on the outside, but this carriage was specifically made for the Leader of the Black Way Alliance. The seemingly ordinary old man on the horse was actually a master martial artist.

The carriage was built to withstand ambushes, arrows, and even attacks like the Thunderquakes. Its only weakness was the horses.

However, the horses were well-trained and equipped with sturdy and light alloy armor that ordinary blades could not penetrate.

Of course, a shabby cloth was draped over the armor, so no one could notice that the carriage was special.

Inside the carriage were Lee Jaseung and Dan Woobin.

“Take out one hundred thousand silver coins coming from the outer regions and set up a secret organization.”

Dan Woobin’s eyes sparkled when he heard Lee Jaseung’s order. It wasn’t something he expected to hear.

“What kind of organization do you mean?”

One hundred thousand silver coins a month was no small amount.

“One filled with very ruthless and strong men.”

“One you will be discarding after using them once?”

Dan Woobin never beat around the bush when speaking with his Leader. He believed that there should be no mental drain in the relationship between a leader and his army.

“Yes, exactly.”

But that didn’t mean he asked questions that shouldn’t be asked. Some things should be kept inside.

“Understood.”

“But do keep it strictly confidential, especially from the Orthodox Faction.”

Given the nature of the organization, the Orthodox Faction would cause more problems than the Demonic Cult if it were exposed.

“Don’t worry. The Orthodox Faction are too distracted by the crisis in the Northern Sky Clan.”

“Northern Sky Clan?”

“Yes, the Lord of the clan seems to be gravely ill.”

If the Black Way had the Black Way Alliance, the Orthodox Faction had the Orthodox Alliance. Among the three clans protecting the Orthodox Alliance, the Northern Sky Clan was the most prominent.

They were the single strongest force within the Orthodox Faction.

It was obvious that all of the attention was focused there with the Lord of their clan being seriously ill.

“Leave the new organization to me.”

“Alright.”

Dan Woobin was more reliable than anyone when it came to handling affairs, so all Lee Jaseung had to do was wait for the results.

Dan Woobin calmly spoke.

“There is something you must do when you return.”

“What is it?”

“Rewarding merits.”

With the war over, it was time to award those who had earned honors.

“It’s a sensitive matter.”

“Have you come up with a plan already?”

“Yes.”

Lee Jaseung knew Dan Woobin’s working style more than anyone. It was certain that he prepared ahead of time.

Dan Woobin took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it over. Lee Jaseung read it.

It outlined a large-scale organizational restructuring and merit awards.

The main reason for their victory was the extraordinary leadership that Lee Jaseung had.

The basic relationships within the Black Way organizations were based more on profit than loyalty or honor. There were exceptions, but most were that way.

Lee Jaseung’s organization was different however. It consisted of people bound by loyalty and devotion. Moreover, the skills of the core members were also incredible, including Lee Jaseung.

With such determined people united, it was inevitable that the long-corrupt Black Way Alliance was going to crumble.

Though of course, since the organization was deeply rooted throughout the Central Plains, it took seven long years.

At the center of this restructuring were three organizations.

The first was the Divine Sword Army.

It was composed of one end-level Peak Realm, twenty Peak Realm, and eighty First-rate martial artists. The Divine Sword Army was the core of Lee Jaseung’s organization.

It was originally divided into ten groups, and each was reinforced with one hundred martial artists. Now, the Divine Sword Regiment became one large group with ten independent  units.

The second was the Iron Armored Cavalry. They were composed of hundred and one master martial artists in light but sturdy armor wielding spears.

They too had an end-level Peak Realm, twenty Peak Realm, and around eighty First-rates. They were also reinforced with one thousand martial artists and promoted to the Iron Cavalry Regiment.

The third was the Secret Guard Unit, tasked with protecting Lee Jaseung.

Though primarily a guard unit, they were the troops that Lee Jaseung personally commanded. Due to the nature of their mission, their numbers couldn’t be greatly expanded.

The Secret Guards were promoted to the Guard Hall, with its leader Mook Young being appointed as the Hall Master. Since the Guard Hall was above the armies in ranks, Mook Young was now the highest-ranking person in the three organizations.

Dan Woobin believed the organization protecting the Leader should have the highest position of all.

This restructuring reflected his belief that Lee Jaseung’s safety should be the top priority above all else.

After reading everything on the paper, Lee Jaseung spoke calmly.

“One person is missing.”

Danwoobin was very surprised. He quickly asked with a face of disbelief.

“Who is it?”

“You.”

“Oh! I should be excluded from the merit awards. That would preserve the legitimacy of these rewards and punishments.”

“I think excluding you would be going against that. I don’t care about what others think.”

Dan Woobin was touched for a moment. But he then said bluntly.

“Please don’t say that. You shouldn’t say things like that anymore.”

Lee Jaseung smiled. Dan Woobin was one of the greatest contributors to this war. He was willing to give him anything he wanted.

“I will promote your Three-Eyed Army to the Three-Eyed Pavilion.”

A Pavilion was lower than the Hall, but it was still above the Army. It was a truly unprecedented promotion. Just as Dan Woobin was about to object, Lee Jaseung cut him off firmly.

“It’s an order.”

Their gazes locked midair. Dan Woobin knew well that Lee Jaseung wasn’t going to back down just as he never gave in when stubborn.

“I will repay the grace of entrusting me with this important duty with my life.”

Dan Woobim bowed deeply and spoke with passion.

“I have but one wish.”

“And that is?”

“Please never forget this feeling of the beginning. The downfall of all rulers in this world starts the moment they lose their original resolve.”

Lee Jaseung looked at him with a passionate expression.

“I understand.”

“There is much more to do. First, we must announce to all of Central Plains that our alliance remains strong. Many still look down on you for being young.”

Dan Woobin quickly added as he sounded unfaithful just now.

“Though if they had seen you fight even once, they would never say such a thing.”

This was no laughing matter. The most important thing wasn’t strength when it came to ruling over Central Plains, but reason and authority.

He had the reason. The previous Black Way Alliance was the epitome of corruption, and the Unorthodox Faction was in chaos.

Since they had taken over the Black Way Alliance, they definitely had the reason. But the problem was authority.

“First, instruct not only our subordinates, but the entire Unorthodox Faction on one principle.”

“What principle?”

“From now on, those who belong to our alliance shall never harm children, women, or civilians.”

Dan Woobin nodded and spoke as if he expected to hear those words.

“There will be a ton of opposition.”

“I’m not asking them to become like the Orthodox Faction, but I need them to be human at the very least.”

“There are quite a lot of trash bastards like that.”

“Destroy them all!”

“Understood.”

At that moment, the carriage came to a stop and a polite voice came from the horse seat.

“We have arrived.”

“Huh? We shouldn’t have arrived already.”

It required half a day’s travel to reach their destination.

The two got out of the carriage.

Dan Woobin was shocked when he realized where they were.

“This place is…?”

It was Dan Woobin’s hometown, Dan Village. In front, there was a house of someone that Dan Woobin could never forget.

Lee Jaseung quietly spoke from behind.

“Does it remind you of that day?”

Dan Woobin answered weakly.

“…Of course.”

That day was the day Dan Woobin left his hometown. At that time, he had someone he loved. Lee Jaseung was also there on the day they parted.

“This is for your sake.”

Lee Jaseung still couldn’t forget the expression on the woman’s face when Dan Woobin said those words to her.

How a woman sensing farewell wore an expression mingled with betrayal, anger, worry, and sorrow.

The target of that anger was not at Dan Woobin, but Lee Jaseung instead. Lee Jaseung did not avoid her gaze filled with resentment.

Her anger was justified. Dan Woobin told her that he would leave her behind to follow Lee Jaseung.

She returned the words Dan Woobin said back to him.

“No, it must be for your sake.”

She wasn’t talking to Dan Woobin, but Lee Jaseung instead. Saying that their happiness was shattered for his sake and that Dan Woobin was being used.

Lee Jaseung silently acknowledged this in his mind, but Dan Woobin was the one who firmly denied it.

“No, it’s for our happiness.”

She asked as if she was arguing against him.

“What exactly is our happiness that you speak of?”

“To live a better life, be more respected, and be safer without fear of the world…”

“Does that make you happy? Seeing people bow down to us with faces full of fear?”

“Yes, it will make us happy.”

“Just how much blood do you intend to stain your hands for that happiness? How many people will you kill with that clever mind of yours! No, you’ll all be dead first before that even happens!”

“Even so… I won’t give up.”

Dan Woobin coldly turned away, feeling he might be swayed if he continued to listen to her.

From behind him, she spoke again, but to both of them this time.

“Will it really end once you reach that destination?”

I didn’t say anything to her. A promise to send Dan Woobin back safely was meaningless.

After all, I wasn’t sure if I could guarantee that promise. It was possible that this path would lead everyone to death like she said.

Her words could be heard from behind Dan Woobin.

“Even if you get what you want, I will lose it all.”

Without turning around, Dan Woobin left a final word.

“Please wait just two years.”

However, it took seven long years to unify the Black Way. In that never, Dan Woobin had never once gone back to see her.

Snapping out of his memories, Dan Woobin suddenly burst out in anger.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Lee Jaseung spoke with a smile.

“What about you? Do you not know who I am- “

Before Lee Jaseung could finish, Dan Woobin got back into the carriage, turning his face away like a sulking child.

He’s being cute again huh.

Lee Jaseung may have been smiling, but Dan Woobin was serious.

How could he afford to visit her again? How shameless must a man be to come back to a woman after leaving her for seven years?

Lee Jaseung gave him some time to cool down.

After a sigh, Dan Woobin spoke.

“She… probably forgot about me. I’m sure she’s married to another man by now.”

His voice was trembling.

Dan Woobin realized now why Lee Jaseung brought him along for this business. It was because his hometown was on the way back.

Lee Jaseung spoke calmly with a deep gaze.

“You are wrong.”

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