After returning from the sweeping victory at Moknyeong’s Command, Im Sobaek sat for a moment in the leader’s office, placed his feet on the desk, and closed his eyes.

Though he closed them, sleep did not come easily.

The march had been very long, and the battles frequent.

They hadn't eaten properly, hadn't slept comfortably, and throughout the entire campaign of wiping out bandits and pirates, his nerves had been razor-sharp.

Naturally, it was impossible to fall asleep just by closing his eyes.

His body was exhausted, but his mind could not find peace — that was the self-diagnosis he came to. Every time he pressed on the upper part of his chest with his hand, a pain like an acupuncture needle subtly crept in.

Even when he pressed firmly on his temples, it was the same...

If his own condition was like this, he figured the members of the Alliance must be even more fatigued.

‘I’ll have to let everyone rest for a while. Myself included...’

To rest, he would have to ease up on receiving the Alliance members’ reports.

But just as he made this resolve, he heard footsteps approaching from outside and lowered his feet from the desk.

A moment later, one of the escorts from the Guard Division reported.

"Alliance Leader, Strategist Gongsun Wol has returned."

Opening his eyes, Im Sobaek responded,

"Send her in."

"Yes, sir."

Gongsun Wol, who had returned from the Hyeongsan Branch, entered and performed a martial greeting.

"Alliance Leader, congratulations on the great victory."

"Sit down."

Im Sobaek rotated his stiff shoulders once, then looked at Gongsun Wol.

Gongsun Wol spoke.

"I came because there’s something I must report. I apologize for bothering you when you must be tired."

"It’s alright."

Im Sobaek poured some tea from the pot on the desk and handed Gongsun Wol a cup.

Gongsun Wol accepted the cup with both hands and said,

"Thank you."

Since the Alliance Leader looked fatigued, Gongsun Wol got straight to the point.

"At the Hyeongsan Branch, Yi Zaha, the Lord of Haomun, and Sama Hak, the Lord of Sama’s House, officially held a biwu."

As Im Sobaek lowered his tea, letting a few drops fall into the cup, he replied indifferently,

"Why did they fight all of a sudden? Did they argue during the meeting?"

Gongsun Wol took a sip of tea but, startled by its extreme bitterness, carefully set the cup down.

"Lord of Haomun arrived at the Hyeongsan Branch having seized all the stolen goods from the Namgak Gang, but the ones who transported them were bandits."

"And?"

"Lord Sama attempted to detain the bandits, which led to a quarrel. Lord of Haomun then suddenly declared he would take the bandits into Haomun and insisted they should not be arrested."

As Im Sobaek refilled his own cup of tea, he said,

"Would you like some more?"

"I'm fine."

"So they fought over something that petty?"

"Yes."

Im Sobaek poured the tea into his mouth almost like dumping it and replied.

"It’s not a problem for a sect lord to accept disciples. Sama Hak probably started a quarrel with something like, ‘Why would you accept thieves from Namak?’"

"Yes."

"What did Lord of Haomun say?"

"He said he was the one who had killed the most bandits, and therefore bore the greatest responsibility. He claimed he was the one who urged them to surrender and promised them a chance to live. But when Lord Sama kept mocking him openly, Lord of Haomun suddenly challenged him to a biwu."

"Strategist Gongsun, why do you think Lord of Haomun challenged him so abruptly?"

Gongsun Wol thought for a moment before replying.

"He must have been confident that Lord Sama would accept. Their feelings toward each other had already turned sour during the meeting."

"That makes sense. What was the result of the biwu?"

"That’s /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ where things get a little problematic. After the biwu ended, members of Sama’s House came to protest to me, making complaints and demands. It was a little troubling."

"Did Lord of Haomun fight dishonorably?"

"Shall I tell you exactly as it was?"

"Do not fabricate anything."

With a focused expression, Gongsun Wol spoke.

"First, Lord Sama yielded the first strike."

"Understandable, as he’s the senior. The age gap is significant."

"Yes, but then Lord of Haomun, after thanking him, did this..."

Gongsun Wol lifted her right hand and mimed grabbing something tightly.

"He wrapped his palm with a blazing red energy."

Im Sobaek looked at Gongsun Wol with a surprised expression.

"What?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"It’s nothing. Continue."

Gongsun Wol nodded and continued.

"Then he wrapped his left hand with a bright white energy. That’s the problematic part. He had energy swirling around both hands, but hadn’t attacked yet. Since Lord Sama had yielded the first move, he had no choice but to wait."

"Naturally."

"But then Lord of Haomun started moving his hands this way and that... It seemed like he was deliberately taunting him."

"Are you sure?"

Gongsun Wol spun both her hands in circles in the air.

"Yes, like he was playing with a ball, while humming with his mouth — ta-ra-ran, ta-ra-ran, boom-cha-cha..."

Martial Alliance Leader Im Sobaek blinked.

"Boom-cha-cha?"

"Yes. And then suddenly, he merged the energies from both hands into a Taiji-like swirl and hurled it at rapid speed. In the end, the ta-ra-ran and boom-cha-cha turned out to be an extremely high-level psychological warfare. It gave the impression: ‘It’s just a trivial attack, but let’s see you try blocking it.’ That kind of atmosphere."

Im Sobaek couldn’t interrupt because Gongsun Wol’s tone was too serious.

"......"

"Then, suddenly there was a sound like thunder ripping through the air, a deafening roar, and dust exploded in all directions. I barely caught a glimpse of Lord Sama flying through the air. When the dust cleared, Lord Sama had fainted. Though he did regain consciousness and tried to circulate his energy, he ended up coughing up blood. Honestly, I think Lord of Haomun tormented him so much that it made him cough up blood."

Im Sobaek sighed.

"He does have that kind of personality. Stubborn and sloppy at the same time. Lord of Haomun once annihilated a hundred bandits from Namgak with that same ruthlessness. It's a miracle Sama Hak didn’t die."

"Ah..."

"Did he at least restrain the power?"

"I’m not sure about that."

Im Sobaek nodded.

"At first, the bandits' morale was soaring, but when a hundred were wiped out, their spirit broke completely. That was the real starting point of our sweeping victory this time. So what exactly did Sama’s House martial artists protest about?"

"They said it was inappropriate to attack like that after being given the first move."

"Really?"

Im Sobaek nodded, then spoke to Gongsun Wol.

"How ridiculous. As an allied faction, what did Sama’s House even contribute? They picked a fight, had a single biwu, then retreated. All they did at the Hyeongsan Branch was waste food. After you report to me, go back and tell Sama’s House exactly this."

"Please say it."

Im Sobaek said,

"If you lose that miserably to a junior in a biwu, you should be closing down your house in shame. How dare they argue with a strategist from the Martial Alliance? Make sure that’s clearly conveyed."

Gongsun Wol fell into thought for a moment, then answered honestly.

"Alliance Leader, right now Sama’s House is like a funeral hall. If I deliver those words directly, it might not end well. Could we let it pass this time? Of course, I’ll at least convey that you were displeased."

"Is Sama Hak badly injured?"

"Yes. He vomited dark red blood and was ultimately carried away by his retainers. According to the Hyeongsan Branch Leader, it’s already a miracle he’s alive. He predicts that in about a year or two, Sama’s House will have to appoint a new lord."

Im Sobaek nodded.

"A sad thing indeed. Then adjust the tone appropriately when you deliver the message. No need for me to scold them on top of their grief."

"Yes, Alliance Leader."

"Just in case, dispatch a clever agent to stay near Sama’s House for about twenty days. Keep an eye on things. There might be a conflict with Haomun later."

"Understood."

"Any other reports?"

"Three wagons of loot. In addition, the bandits each carried bundles filled with Namgak Gang’s treasures and valuables, all of which were delivered by Lord of Haomun. He said he wished for the Alliance Leader and members to share the spoils since they fought so hard... But it was all so sudden, so I only accepted half and returned the other half to him. I should have asked your permission first, but I was the only one available to decide."

"Half, you say... You handled it appropriately. We didn’t fight the bandits and pirates just to seize their wealth anyway."

"Yes."

"In return, make sure that what Lord of Haomun delivered is properly converted into general silver, and distributed well among the Alliance members who participated in the campaign — especially to the Baekdo forces who worked the hardest. Also, make sure to deliver a share to Lord Mong Yeon of the Wind-and-Cloud Mong Family. Though he fought alone from his family, his achievements at Moknyeong’s Command were substantial. He had been hiding much of his true strength. He saved quite a few Alliance members as well, and everyone is deeply grateful."

"Understood."

"Distribute everything so that no unnecessary wealth piles up in the Alliance."

"I will follow your command."

"Since Haomun now has more mouths to feed, Lord of Haomun should be allowed to handle his half entirely as he sees fit. In terms of merit, he contributed the most in Namak. So no other factions should cause trouble over it. Also, do not unnecessarily disclose the added spoils."

"Yes."

Although Im Sobaek had resolved to rest, he issued additional orders.

"At the Strategist Council, investigate thoroughly whether any other factions are stirring up pirates and bandits. Especially look into the base of Gui Gokmun, and the sectarian forces that had joined Moknyeong’s Command. Many riffraff were involved this time. The Division Heads who participated in the subjugation should have a clear grasp of the details."

"Understood."

"The problem is this — I suspect that the ones instigating these sectarian forces might be the Jecheon Alliance. We won’t be starting a full-scale war yet, but keep a close watch. The composition of the sectarian forces at Moknyeong’s Command was too unnatural. Any other reports?"

"None."

Gongsun Wol briefly moistened her lips and then looked at the teacup.

"Alliance Leader, by the way... why is the tea so bitter?"

Im Sobaek replied with a slightly guilty expression.

"Ah, that’s medicine I’m drinking."

"Excuse me?"

"I was prescribed it because of fire sickness. I’m drinking it regularly. You should start too — when your Master retires soon, you’ll surely develop fire sickness as well."

Gongsun Wol answered with a faint smile.

"I don’t think I have fire sickness yet."

Im Sobaek clicked his tongue and responded.

"Strategist Gongsun, do you think what happens in Jianghu is so easy? How many Sama Haks do you think are lurking out there? Your Master didn’t turn white-haired for no reason. Off you go."

Gongsun Wol stood and performed a martial salute.

"Then I will take my leave."

"Sit down."

"Yes."

Im Sobaek pointed at the teacup with his finger.

"Finish your tea before you go."

Gongsun Wol’s nostrils flared slightly and then shrank as she grabbed the teacup and poured the bitter medicine down her throat. She coughed once and gave a martial salute.

"Please rest well."

Waving a hand, Im Sobaek was left alone again...

He inhaled deeply and then exhaled just as long.

Once more, he placed his feet on the desk and leaned back in the chair, trying his best not to think about anything.

Sometimes, there were days like this.

Days when one thought would chain to another all night, and no sleep would come — today was showing signs of becoming one of those nights.

At times like this, he had to carefully calm his mind.

Empty the head.

Erase the thoughts.

And so, letting his mind go blank, Im Sobaek muttered whatever came to him.

"Ta-ra-ran, ta-ra-ran, boom-cha-cha, boom-cha-cha..."

Im Sobaek shut his mouth with a blunt expression. He glanced warily at the office door, wondering if the guards outside had overheard his weird muttering, then cleared his throat.

"Ahem..."

From outside, one of the Guard Division’s escorts called out.

"Alliance Leader, did you call?"

"No."

"Yes, sir."

After a moment's thought, Im Sobaek asked the men outside,

"Who among the high-ranking officials stayed behind at the Alliance headquarters instead of participating in the campaign?"

"Excluding administrative and enforcement officers, there are the Strategist Council Head, the Secret Pavilion Head, the Two Sword Squad Leader among the Division Heads, and the Chief Instructor. The Elders' Council Head also remains."

Im Sobaek pondered for a moment and then replied.

"Tell them I want to have a drink with them tonight."

"Understood. Shall I gather all of them?"

Im Sobaek shook his head.

"Gather sounds wrong. Say I want them to join me. And don’t inform the Elders' Council senior. If he gets drunk and causes a scene, I’ll just get more tired."

"I will exclude him."

Shortly after, the Martial Alliance Leader Im Sobaek finally drifted off to sleep.

.

.

.

About half a ke, he fell into a deep sleep, but then quietly opened his eyes. They were bloodshot red.

The redness of Im Sobaek’s eyes was because he was a man who never forgot the past.

In his dream, he had met the subordinates of the Sixth Combat Division, where he had once served as a Division Head. With an expressionless face, he poured more of the black medicinal tea into his cup.

Martial Alliance Leader Im Sobaek stared at the dark tea for a long time.