Chapter 52

Chapter 52
Baek So-cheon crossed the threshold into the inner courtyard.

The inner grounds where the Alliance Lord’s residence stood felt distinct from the very start; the atmosphere itself held a noticeable gravity. Concealed mechanisms lay hidden in the shadows, and the White Dragon Unit guards positioned throughout were all seasoned masters of combat.

Moving through the dense layers of protection, Baek So-cheon entered the great hall belonging to the Alliance Lord.

How long had it truly been since he last stood in this place? In the past, he had walked through these doors countless times every single day. Baek So-cheon had perpetually carried himself with steady confidence and composure, yet today an unusual sense of apprehension seized him.

The hidden presences radiating from every angle were formidable. The covert bodyguard squad was concealed across every part of the surrounding pavilions.

These were martial artists whose capabilities matched those of the Iron Sword Unit, complemented by elite defensive arts and mastery of stealth. They were devoted protectors who would throw away their lives without hesitation to ensure the Alliance Lord remained safe.

Yet, rather than guiding him toward Yunryong Hall where the Lord carried out standard administrative affairs, the escorting martial artist led him into the expansive reception hall designed for banquets.

A massive table practically sagged under the weight of an extravagant feast featuring rare dishes and exquisite liquor, all coordinated by the chief steward of the hall. Upon a raised dais toward the side, court musicians filled the space with melody.

Completely taken aback by the festive setting, Baek So-cheon blinked in utter bewilderment.

He was far from the only person requested by the Alliance Lord on this day. Grand Strategist Je-gal Hyeon of Hyun-cheon Pavilion was present, alongside Bi-gak Lord On Byeok-hwa and Am-yeong-gak Lord Hwang Jong-shin. The commanders presiding over the Murim Alliance’s four core divisions were also assembled. Unsurprisingly, Iron Sword Unit Lord Chung Yang was counted among the crowd.

Seated squarely at the center of the gathering was Murim Alliance Lord Ak So-gun.

His commanding, gentle aura remained entirely unchanged. That noble expression brimming with chivalric virtue—a look seen exclusively in true legends of the martial realm—was just as it had always been.

This was the very man who had occupied Baek So-cheon’s dreams, now appearing before his eyes in flesh and blood.

Catching sight of Baek So-cheon’s arrival, Ak So-gun called out in a vibrant, resonant voice.

“The guest of honor for this evening has finally stepped in!”

Baek So-cheon felt genuinely awkward and disoriented.

Well over two years had elapsed since his last direct encounter with the Alliance Lord. He had never anticipated crossing paths again under such circumstances—abruptly, and inside a banquet hall of all venues.

He had envisioned an encounter far more private. Perhaps the Lord would appear quietly in the middle of the night while he trained alone, or call him out to a secluded corner away from prying eyes.

Yet here he was, brought before an audience and proclaimed the principal guest?

Ak So-gun rose from his seat, making his way toward Baek So-cheon. That warm smile of his put everyone at ease immediately.

“Word reached me that you have been named captain of the newly established Hyun-cheon-dae.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

To think that this simple exchange would mark their first conversation after so long apart.

“As the commander of such a unique detachment, I wished to celebrate the occasion personally. That is the reason I requested your presence here.”

With those words, he grasped Baek So-cheon by the hand. The Lord’s remarkably warm touch felt entirely familiar.

Baek So-cheon peered intently into the Alliance Lord’s countenance.

Could he truly have fallen under the influence of the Soul Subjugation Art?

Part of him almost wished he could spot a tiny scarlet mark appearing within the Lord’s eyes right now. Seeing such a sign would remove every doubt.

“Come along, let us share a drink.”

Ak So-gun pulled Baek So-cheon along by the wrist.

It occurred at that exact moment.

A faint trickle of qi slipped silently from the Lord’s palm, snaking directly toward his dantian.

‘He is testing my internal energy!’

The probing attempt was exceedingly delicate, relying on an ascending technique carried out with the barest whisper of qi; had Baek So-cheon’s concealed cultivation not stirred in response, he might have failed to notice it entirely.

Fortunately, Ak So-gun’s subtle inspection only registered that the shattered dantian remained completely empty, after which the energy receded smoothly.

Ak So-gun brought Baek So-cheon to the table filled with banquet fare and wine, filling a cup for him.

Baek So-cheon received the cup with formal courtesy.

Every eye in the room lingered on the pair. The assembly was well aware of their past history, including the whispered falling out with the Grand Strategist. To hold a celebration for Hyun-cheon-dae out of nowhere? They suspected an ulterior motive might be at play—or perhaps an old fracture was being mended.

“All of you, raise your cups high.”

Vessels were lifted throughout the chamber.

“To the inception of the fresh Hyun-cheon-dae—cheers! Our heartfelt congratulations!”

The gathering chanted the toast in unison, emptying their cups in one go.

Ak So-gun turned his attention back to Baek So-cheon.

“I have treated you with terrible coldness these past few years. I assumed you required quiet and space. You must have felt deeply abandoned.”

“Yes, I truly did.”

Baek So-cheon spoke without hiding his thoughts. The entire hall held its breath, observing the moment.

“I imagine you did. Anyone would have felt the same. Can you bring yourself to forgive this old man?”

Ak So-gun addressed the three-year gap as though it were merely a brief span of months. The tone felt completely wrong.

‘This is far from normal.’

Regardless of what lay behind the curtain, today’s display felt profoundly artificial.

“Forgiveness? Please do not speak like that. Though I felt dejected, I never once held malice toward you, Lord.”

“Hearing you say so brings me immense relief.”

“Since you have granted me such immense kindness today, would you allow me to make one small request?”

“Speak. What would you like?”

“Could you return the blade that was reclaimed from me?”

Before his departure toward Mun-seong, Ak So-gun had taken custody of the Gui-yeong Sword.

That very blade was what he sought to reclaim.

Caught completely off guard by the petition, Ak So-gun froze for an instant.

However, he quickly produced a smooth explanation for taking it in the first place.

“It was an extraordinary weapon—I worried it might slip from your hands back then. Now that you are taking charge of a new unit, I shall restore it to you.”

Ak So-gun instructed an attendant to bring the weapon and personally handed the blade over to Baek So-cheon.

“Dedicate yourself faithfully to the Alliance from this day on.”

“I am deeply grateful, Lord.”

Baek So-cheon had a deliberate reason for seeking the weapon. He wanted to scrutinize the Lord’s reaction the moment he parted with it. Furthermore, the Gui-yeong Sword ranked among the five supreme divine treasures across the martial landscape. With his inner strength steadily returning, having it back was essential.

Outwardly, Baek So-cheon presented an appearance of deep gratitude, but beneath the surface, his heart remained chillingly focused and sharp.

‘Opportunities to stand this close to the Lord will rarely come again.’

He committed himself to studying the man intensely—every small twitch, choice of words, and shift in stance. Pushing the discussion further might reveal vital clues.

Yet, to his disappointment, Ak So-gun stepped away and addressed the assembled crowd.

“Come forward, everyone—offer him your best wishes.”

“Understood, Lord.”

The pavilion leaders and division commanders stepped up one after another to raise a toast with Baek So-cheon.

Je-gal Hyeon hid his tangled emotions beneath a mask of absolute calm, raising his vessel.

“May we achieve great results working together.”

“I look forward to our cooperation as well.”

Je-gal Hyeon had been just as blindsided by the sudden celebration as Baek So-cheon. He resolved to discuss the situation thoroughly in private once the gathering ended.

Am-yeong-gak Lord Hwang Jong-shin stepped forward to deliver his congratulations as well.

“It has been a long time.”

“Have you been faring well?”

Being two years younger than Baek So-cheon, Hwang Jong-shin had previously clashed with him during those repeated demotions—most notably throughout that final inquiry involving the newcomer. Guilt lingered clearly on his face.

“I must apologize for how I acted back then.”

“That is all behind us now. Think nothing of it.”

Bi-gak Lord On Byeok-hwa arrived with a radiant countenance, lifting the ambiance with her lively demeanor.

“Knowing that someone truly competent is guiding this fresh detachment puts my mind entirely at ease.”

Glancing over at Ak So-gun, she added, “Securing Captain Baek’s leadership must be the greatest blessing the Alliance Lord has received in ages, would you not agree?”

“Indeed, how could it be anything else?”

The Lord let out a warm, agreeable laugh.

Chung Yang, who had hesitated near the back, finally murmured a stiff greeting.

“Congratulations.”

“My thanks.”

Just as he turned to leave after delivering the blunt phrase, Baek So-cheon projected his voice across the room.

“You have my deep thanks for graciously dispatching Iron Sword Unit martial artists to reinforce the primary force.”

He spoke with deliberate clarity so that the praise would reach the Alliance Lord’s ears.

“There is no need for such remarks.”

Ak So-gun immediately commended Chung Yang.

“You handled the matter admirably.”

“I merely carried out my assigned duties.”

Receiving open praise from the Lord, Chung Yang quietly moved back to Baek So-cheon’s side.

“What in the world was that for?”

“I was simply earning you some goodwill. Keeping on friendly terms with the Iron Sword Unit improves our odds of making it through alive, does it not?”

“Keep dreaming!”

Despite the prickly response, true gratitude stirred within Chung Yang’s heart. Making a favorable impression on the Lord was everything to him, and Baek So-cheon had practically handed him unearned credit on a silver platter.

‘Hmph!’

He let out a grunt to shake off the emotion, yet the sentiment stayed with him—a quiet change that had begun ever since finding out Baek So-cheon was the one who had backed his promotion.

Not long after, the Alliance Lord took his leave, and the banquet concluded roughly half a shichen later.

When all was considered, the true motive of this entire affair was for the Lord to verify with his own hands whether Baek So-cheon held any internal energy.

Why go through the trouble of confirming that?

Was it connected to the Soul Subjugation Art? Or was he looking to discard him completely after confirming his martial uselessness?

There was simply no way to know for sure.

Either way, an urgent dilemma now pressed heavily upon Baek So-cheon.

To stop the outbreak of open warfare, the mystery surrounding the Lord had to be untangled first.

If the Soul Subjugation Art had truly snared his mind, the technique had to be shattered.

What if that was not the case? That question would have to wait until later.

For now, he had to proceed under the assumption that the dark art was responsible and take action. If his suspicion proved correct, the righteous factions of the martial world were teetering on the edge of destruction, a danger far beyond their personal feud.

Returning to his lodgings, Baek So-cheon found Im Choong and Beon Saeng waiting in deep anxiety. A direct summons to the Lord’s personal estate had naturally filled them with dread.

“Are you unharmed, brother?”

“I am fine.”

“Did you actually stand before the Alliance Lord?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Why did he ask for you so suddenly, big brother?”

“He wanted to hold a banquet celebrating my appointment as captain.”

“Ah!”

Only then did the heavy worry leave their expressions. Neither of them knew anything about his deep history with the Alliance Lord.

“Oh! What kind of man is the Lord in person?”

“A noble figure.”

Baek So-cheon gave a brief, quiet reply to Beon Saeng’s query. Three years prior, he would have spoken endlessly—about his grand magnanimity and his tender care for his followers.

“Goodness, if I ever had to meet him, I’d probably choke on my own breath.”

Just then, a presence approached from the courtyard.

“Is Captain Baek inside?”

The person arriving was none other than Je-gal Hyeon.

Beon Saeng immediately hurried over to pull open the entrance and greet him.

“Please step inside!”

“It is good to see you.”

Je-gal Hyeon had stopped briefly by his office after leaving the reception hall before coming straight here.

“Please follow me this way.”

“Lead on.”

As the pair walked into the room, Im Choong quietly poked fun at Beon Saeng.

“Look at you—you would probably speak to the Alliance Lord just as casually.”

“What? Why would you say that?”

“The way you greeted the Grand Strategist just now! Anyone looking would think the two of you were childhood friends.”

He had seemed so relaxed, it looked like they had been greeting each other casually for decades.

Beon Saeng raised his chin with clear pride.

“It just goes to show I’m naturally suited to deal with the upper ranks.”

Baek So-cheon and Je-gal Hyeon took their seats facing one another across the low table.

“Would you prefer alcohol or tea?”

“Alcohol, please.”

The single cup he had consumed at the banquet had merely awakened his craving. Lately, despite having pledged to abstain, he found himself reaching for drinks far more frequently.

Je-gal Hyeon took the cup filled by Baek So-cheon and drained it with visible satisfaction.

“What on earth happened today? What made the Lord call for you so abruptly?”

“I have no idea myself. Do you hold any suspicions, Strategist?”

Je-gal Hyeon slowly shook his head.

“None whatsoever. The other lords and troop leaders seemed entirely in the dark as well.”

The atmosphere had seemed far too cheerful and pleasant. That unnatural cheer was precisely why he had rushed over in such an uneasy state.

“The world is falling into chaos, especially now that the Blood Cult Lord has revealed himself…”

Watching Je-gal Hyeon let out a heavy sigh, Baek So-cheon spoke in a measured, careful tone.

“Strategist.”

“Yes?”

“To what degree do you place your trust in me?”

Startled by the heavy question, Je-gal Hyeon hesitated before replying with complete sincerity.

“As much as I trust my very own self. Honestly, these days, perhaps even more than that.”

It was the raw truth. He had brought Baek So-cheon back into the alliance precisely because he lacked the confidence to navigate the coming conflict on his own.

“Then I need you to listen with absolute focus to what I am about to tell you.”

“Speak, I am listening.”

Je-gal Hyeon’s posture turned completely rigid.

The words that left Baek So-cheon’s lips were far beyond anything the strategist could have ever imagined in his wildest dreams.

“It is possible that the Alliance Lord is under the influence of the Soul Subjugation Art.”

Je-gal Hyeon was struck dumb, unable to form words.

“What did you just say?”

“I believe the Alliance Lord may have fallen victim to the Soul Subjugation Art. In my judgment, the possibility is very real.”

“What makes you suspect such a thing?”

Baek So-cheon methodically laid out the events that had unfolded during that final confrontation.

Having absorbed every word of the account, Je-gal Hyeon could clearly see the foundation behind Baek So-cheon’s terrifying doubts. From his perspective, the theory made complete sense.

“If my assumption is mistaken, that would be ideal, and yet…”

“No, that would actually be far worse.”

Je-gal Hyeon pierced straight through to the terrifying heart of the matter. If the spell was not involved, then the Alliance Lord had willingly betrayed Baek So-cheon—a crime that could never be forgiven.

“Assuming that he truly is bound by the art… who could have possibly engineered such a scheme?”

“Through Go-yeo, I discovered that the Black Heaven Lord had mastered the Dark Spirit Control Technique.”

“Could the Black Heaven Lord be the mastermind, then?”

“I cannot state that with absolute certainty.”

Baek So-cheon cast his mind back to the moment the Alliance Lord had arrived immediately after the Black Heaven Lord departed.

Je-gal Hyeon let out a low, weary breath.

“To think you have carried this agonizing secret in solitude for three long years. I had no concept of what you were going through. Please forgive my ignorance.”

“Do not apologize. I should be the one seeking forgiveness for keeping it hidden until now.”

“Do not speak such nonsense. I understand your position completely. I am merely thankful that you decided to confide in me today. What must our next step be?”

“We must verify whether the Lord is truly ensnared. I will formulate a plan to find out, but I will require your total cooperation, Strategist.”

“You have my absolute commitment—I will give you every resource at my command.”

“I thank you.”

Both men raised their vessels and drank down the liquor together.

In a sense, now that the Alliance Lord had taken the initiative to make a move, time was rapidly running out.

Emptying the contents of his cup, Baek So-cheon could picture only one figure in his thoughts.

‘Cheon-geuk—you must hurry!’