The Lord of the Wind Sky Sect did not seem surprised when he saw me and Gowoel.

"May I join you?"

He spoke with a sharp tone, as if to throw in a needless remark after waiting for us.

"Are you trying to boast about bringing in a new person?"

"Wasn’t that the reason you were having a meal here? To boast?"

Gowoel and I took seats at the table, across from him.

The Wind Sky Sect Lord glanced at Gowoel. His physique had filled out in the past few days of rest, and though his body had improved, it seemed the change hadn’t quite settled in his mind. He kept looking at him.

"Seems like the new master is treating you well."

"Yes, I eat well and sleep well."

"You don’t think he’s planning to eat you up during the feast, do you?"

"Well, it would be nice if it were a grand feast."

I believe that time will eventually solve the complexities of their relationship.

One day, the Wind Sky Sect Lord will think: Why was I so obsessed back then? Now that I look back, it wasn’t such a big deal.

Or will this become a wound he can never forget, a deep regret?

Though I’ve lived a long life, I cannot be sure about the hearts of those who’ve gone through things I haven’t experienced.

Anyway, before he grew gloomy, I changed the subject.

"Have you met with my father?"

"Yes, I’ve met with him."

"Did you tell him? That you’ll be training the new Sect Master stronger?"

"I did. He seemed pleased, just as you said."

"Did he say anything else?"

"He did. He asked how long Cheongseon’s martial arts training would take. It seemed he was hoping for my quick return."

"So, what did you say?"

"I told him there’s still a divine object to be found and much to teach."

"Well done."

"Now, what should we do?"

"I’ll look into it."

"You won’t be asking for more divine objects in return, will you?"

"That matter will be discussed with my military."

At that moment, the Wind Sky Sect Lord’s expression froze.

"Is this something you should be telling me now?"

I spoke calmly to him.

"Sect Lord."

"I’m listening."

"You’ve lost one person but gained another after coming to our sect, haven’t you? If you live a life of looking back like this, you’ll lose that person too."

His expression hardened further, but he couldn’t get angry. Cheongseon, the new Sect Master, was not someone to be treated lightly.

"Cheongseon, the disciple you took in, is a person with great ambition. Focus on him."

Perhaps my words struck a nerve, but the Wind Sky Sect Lord turned his frustration toward Gowoel.

"Like you said, if this young master is a legendary hero, then many will gather around him. Smarter people too. You’ll just be another face in the crowd, blending in. Who was it again? Ah, the one with the shackles! You’ll end up like that."

I felt it. He wasn’t speaking to Gowoel, but to me. This was a warning not to treat Gowoel that way. He truly cared for Gowoel.

Then, out of the blue, Gowoel spoke up.

"This young master gave a million nyang."

I was genuinely surprised; I never thought Gowoel would boast about receiving money from the Wind Sky Sect Lord in this situation.

"You said the young master was being insincere, didn’t you? Well, if you’re going to be insincere, do it at this scale."

I was surprised, so it was only natural that the Wind Sky Sect Lord was too. Of course, his surprise soon turned into anger.

"Advice is better given to the new master, not me!"

The Wind Sky Sect Lord stormed off, leaving the room.

Knowing Gowoel wasn’t the reckless type, I asked him calmly.

"Why did you do that?"

It was clear he had a purpose behind his actions.

"I wanted to make my first proposal as a soldier."

"Proposal?"

Gowoel stared at me and spoke.

"I want to recruit the Wind Sky Sect Lord."

I was stunned by his unexpected words.

"Are you saying you want to bring the Wind Sky Sect Lord over to our side?"

He nodded in agreement.

"Yes."

"Is that possible?"

"I can’t say for sure, but there’s a possibility."

"Then why provoke him?"

"I have my reasons."

It seemed this was all part of a calculated move to draw the Wind Sky Sect Lord in.

"Can I ask why you want to bring him over?"

After a brief pause, Gowoel gave an answer I didn’t expect.

"I want to save the Wind Sky Sect Lord."

"Is he going to die if he doesn’t join us?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because of the Heavenly Demon Sect Lord."

"My father? Why?"

Lowering his voice as he mentioned the Heavenly Demon, Gowoel continued.

"The difference in their capacities is too great. Your father, the Heavenly Demon, is one of the greatest in history. He is someone with grand ambition. In the end, the Wind Sky Sect will be devoured by the Heavenly Demon Sect."

I agreed with Gowoel’s reasoning. Without Gowoel, the Wind Sky Sect couldn’t hope to recruit new forces, and it was clear the disaster that would follow.

"So, you want to save him?"

"Yes, if he becomes your ally, he can avoid that fate."

Getting the Wind Sky Sect Lord on our side? Though it would cause many issues, I thought it was a decision that brought as many benefits as it did risks. Most importantly...

"This is your first proposal as a soldier, so I’ll accept it. Alright, let’s bring the Wind Sky Sect Lord over to our side."

"Thank you."

Gowoel bowed respectfully.

I was determined to treat him as a proper soldier. Just like my father treated Sima Myeong.

"Aren’t you worried I’ll ruin it?"

"What?"

"That I’m emotionally tied to the Wind Sky Sect Lord? If I mishandle him, the Wind Sky Sect may become our enemy."

"That might happen."

"Then why did you allow it?"

"Do you think it would be fine to just ignore him? I believe that if we don’t face him, resentment and hatred will only grow. It’s better to confront him and come to a conclusion, whether he becomes our ally or our enemy."

Just like with Hyeolcheon Doma and Ilhwa Gyeomjon. Gowoel’s face brightened at my words.

I extended my hand.

"Let’s shake hands."

Gowoel took my hand and said.

"A hand stronger than shackles."

"You mean a hand that can break through the Millennium Iron? A hand that will keep you shackled?"

"Which one are you talking about?"

"I think both are the same."

"I like both."

We shook hands firmly.

Finally, I had a soldier.

The next day, I went to see the Wind Sky Sect Lord.

"I’ve brought some good tea from the Central Plains."

Instead of a thank you, the Wind Sky Sect Lord snorted.

"Did you come to brag about the million nyang you gave to my soldier? Must be nice to have so much money."

"Just wanted to visit. And don’t you have more than me in terms of money?"

"More than you? More like a thousand times more."

"Of course. I’m someone who knows where to lay down and stretch my legs. I wouldn’t brag about money in front of you, Sect Lord."

"Then why are you here?"

"I thought we could have a cup of tea and chat."

The Wind Sky Sect Lord gave me a suspicious look. His sense of victimization from all the losses I had caused had built up even more than the divine relics lying behind him.

"Actually, I have some concerns regarding Gowoel."

"Concerns?"

"You saw what happened yesterday, right? He bragged about money in front of you in such an immature way."

"Are you disappointed?"

I didn’t speak but let a hint of disappointment show. Of course, it had been Gowoel’s plan. Yesterday, he had made a display of bragging about the money to set up this situation.

"I don’t know Gowoel very well."

"Then why did you act so devotedly?"

"So, I thought about it…"

"Thought about what?"

"Maybe he was acting as a stepping stone to connect you and me."

"Does he know? That you’re stabbing him in the back?"

"This isn’t gossip or betrayal. It’s the truth."

"So, what do you want to say?"

"I’m wondering if Gowoel is someone you can trust."

A hint of displeasure crossed the Wind Sky Sect Lord’s face.

"Listen, young master."

"Yes."

"Let’s end this here. Leave now."

With the cold dismissal, I bowed and left.

"I’ll see you another time."

Getting kicked out like this was just as Gowoel had predicted.

The # Nоvеlight # next day, Gowoel went to visit the Wind Sky Sect Lord.

"What is this! What are you trying to do now?"

Even so, the warmth that came when I visited was now replaced by something more welcoming.

"You should show some manners since you’re a guest."

"Cut the crap."

The Wind Sky Sect Lord turned his back.

Gowoel went to the table beside him and poured his own tea. Since only the two of them were there and the Wind Sky Sect Lord rarely let others pour his tea, it was normally him who did it.

"Are you trying to poison me?"

"What would I do poisoning you?"

"If I’m gone, wouldn’t you enjoy life with the young master?"

"You’re only allowed to boast if you’re alive. Like yesterday’s money bragging."

"You crazy bastard."

Gowoel brought the tea.

"Drink up. By the way, this is the first time I’ve served tea with my own hands."

Though his face showed displeasure, the Wind Sky Sect Lord drank it with a sigh.

"How is it?"

"Tastes bad."

"I’ll just have one more cup before I leave."

"Go ahead."

The two of them drank in silence. Then, the Wind Sky Sect Lord suddenly spoke.

"The young master doesn’t fully trust you."

Originally, he wouldn’t have said that. My feelings of wanting to make Geom Muguk suffer a little were honest, but now that I was facing him, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

"Are you trying to sow discord?"

He finally spoke out. The Wind Sky Sect Lord scoffed at my words.

"Think what you want."

At last, Gowoel smiled.

"Thank you. You’ve been honest with me."

"Sowing discord, huh?"

"I don’t think so."

"How do you know?"

"It’s a strategy."

The mention of strategy shocked the Wind Sky Sect Lord.

"A strategy? What kind of strategy?"

"It’s a plan to bring you over. The young master put me in a corner and will use your weak spot to pull you in."

"What?"

The Wind Sky Sect Lord froze for a moment before raising his voice.

"Do you think I’ll fall for such a ridiculous strategy?"

"If I’m cornered, will you just watch?"

"Of course! Why should I care about someone who’s already left?"

"Then why are you so upset now?"

"I’m not upset! I’m not!"

But the Wind Sky Sect Lord was clearly upset.

"Then why tell me?"

"I don’t want to deceive you to bring you over."

"!"

The Wind Sky Sect Lord hesitated for a moment before Gowoel spoke again.

"Even this conversation is part of the strategy. It’s meant to make you trust me more."

"What the hell are you talking about? You’re haunting me even after you’ve left! Go away!"

"Now you’re acting like a Sect Lord."

"Shouting and screaming is my style, right? You mocking me? Yeah? Well, shout your heart out, mock me all you want!"

After shouting, the Wind Sky Sect Lord felt a release.

"Why are you trying so hard to get me to join?"

"If things stay like this, you’ll be taken down by the Heavenly Demon Sect Lord."

Gowoel had been completely honest with the Wind Sky Sect Lord from start to finish.

"You won’t be taken down! I’ll get new soldiers when I get back."

"You know very well who will take my place in the Wind Sky Sect. They’re useless."

"You can always find more. Just like you found me."

"Do you think such luck will come twice?"

"Damn it! This cocky bastard!"

"I’ve shown my hand now. It’s your turn to show yours."

"...You already know my hand."

The Wind Sky Sect Lord sighed deeply.

"The young master will strip me of everything."

"Then get everything you want, whenever you can. If you lose one thing, gain another to fill it."

"I can’t do that with my mind."

"I’ll help."

"Go help yourself. Don’t end up a stray dog, shackled in chains. People pretending to be nice, acting like they’re better, it’s all the same in the end."

"That’s fine. Since it’s all the same, let’s stick together."

"Can I really trust you?"

"Are you nervous?"

"Wouldn’t you be?"

At that moment, Gowoel’s expression changed, and he suddenly spoke with a different tone.

"Sect Lord."

The Wind Sky Sect Lord looked at him, surprised and delighted at the same time.

"Stop lying. You’ve never been nervous in your life. Never once, right? Nothing ever threatened you. Were you scared of threatening the Sect Lord? You’re lying. You’ve sung about moving into the Central Plains, but you’ve never seriously thought about it, right? What it really means, what consequences it could bring. Honestly, it was just a bother to you, wasn’t it?"

"!"

He couldn’t deny it. It was the same for his grandfather, his father, all their unfulfilled ambitions. He had only wanted to move into the Central Plains because refusing it seemed like a betrayal of the Wind Sky Sect.

"One word can kill a person, you can embrace countless beauties, eat the finest food every day. It’s the life everyone dreams of. But Sect Lord, you’ve lived that life, haven’t you? Now, there’s no thrill or joy in that life, is there? Sect Lord, let’s live a different life. A life full of tension, excitement, with your heart pounding. Let’s show the world what real bloodshed is. Though we may die unlucky, we’ll at least have someone to place a flower on each other’s grave."

Their eyes met in the air. After a long silence, the Wind Sky Sect Lord spoke quietly.

"Call the young master."