Chapter 213

Jeok Rigeuk was stunned by his subordinate's answer.

Reaching the supreme level at eighteen meant that the boy was even more talented than Jeok Wihwang.

"What did you say his name was?"

"Jeok Wiun, sir."

How powerful could the True Martial Sect possibly be?

At best, it was a sect with a bit of a reputation in its own neighborhood.

It couldn't possibly compare to Heavenly Martial Castle.

Jeok Wihwang had grown up with the full support of Heavenly Martial Castle from an early age.

He had consumed all manner of spirit medicines and spirit pills and received instruction from outstanding martial arts masters.

Thanks to all that, Jeok Wihwang had reached the tenth star of the peak level by the age of eighteen.

That alone was an extraordinary achievement.

Yet this boy had supposedly reached the supreme level?

Even if he had only just entered it, that was absurd.

"Are you sure you haven't gotten something wrong? You said it was a rumor, didn't you? It could be nothing more than that."

"The Lord of the Castle still hasn't returned, sir."

"You're saying Father is staying at the True Martial Sect because it's true?"

"He may intend to make the boy another candidate for succession."

"We already have four candidates, including my son, and now he wants to add another?"

"It seems he intends to make them compete as fiercely as possible so he can select the strongest."

"Well, my son will be the only one left soon enough anyway."

"Sir?"

"Nothing. Just talking to myself. More importantly, you said that fellow who's only just been appointed strategist is now running Heavenly Martial Castle? Is everything going smoothly?"

"Yes, sir. Everyone speaks very highly of him. He handles matters promptly and allocates the appropriate budget wherever it's needed. There isn't a single person who dislikes him. They've even started calling him the Heavenly Strategist, saying he must have been sent by heaven."

"He's that good?"

"Yes. Everyone was puzzled when the Lord of the Castle left him with full authority, but now they all understand why."

He really must be an extraordinary talent.

Jeok Rigeuk turned to his son.

"Did you hear that?"

"Yes."

"You must bring him over to your side."

"Understood."

Jeok Rigeuk turned back to his subordinate.

"What happened with the matter I entrusted to you?"

"We've been doing our best to persuade him, but it seems he's determined to see this through to the end."

"That idiot. What's he going to accomplish by struggling when he doesn't stand a chance? Come to think of it, all of us brothers have put forward a candidate now, haven't we? Father went to fetch our youngest brother's second son, after all."

Jeok Rigeuk shook his head.

"Fine. What about the others? Did you find out how far their preparations have progressed?"

"Well... we haven't been able to find out anything at all."

"What do you mean, you haven't been able to find out anything?"

"We can't even determine whether they're alive or dead. They've vanished without a trace."

"That ruthless bastard... I'll have to go and see what's happening myself. Never mind that for now. What happened with the last one?"

"He told us he intends to withdraw."

"Oh! Really? Excellent! Well done! So, he's coming over to our side?"

"No, sir."

"What? He's withdrawing, but he still hasn't decided whose side to join? The sooner he makes his choice, the sooner he can secure his place among those who helped bring the next Lord of the Castle to power."

"He merely smiled and gave us no answer. However... I had the impression that he'd already chosen someone to support."

"If it isn't us, there's only one other possibility. Has Jeok Ripae already gotten to him?"

"I'm afraid I don't know that much."

"That must be it. Whatever happens, this has turned into a family feud. If I can persuade our third brother to join us, it'll come down to a fight between us and that bastard Jeok Ripae."

He turned to his subordinate again.

"What's the new strategist's personality like?"

"He's a man of strict principles. He draws a clear distinction between public and private affairs and is thoroughly fair and impartial."

"Hmm. He won't be easy to win over, then."

Jeok Rigeuk frowned, apparently displeased that he already had so many matters to worry about when he had only just emerged from seclusion.

"Today is my first day out in ages, so that's enough of these headaches. You've prepared everything, haven't you?"

"Yes, sir. I've instructed them to prepare an extravagant feast with the finest delicacies and liquor. The table will be set as soon as you arrive."

"Good. Let's go."

*******

Gongsun Cheongi received word that Jeok Rigeuk and Jeok Wihwang had emerged from seclusion.

"Jeok Ripae and his eldest son, Jeok Wisin, should be emerging from seclusion soon as well. As for the third young master, Jeok Riho, we have no idea what he's been doing. And now there are rumors that the Lord of the Castle will soon bring Jeok Wiun, the second son of his youngest son, Jeok Rihyeon, here and make him a candidate for succession."

Gongsun Cheongi chuckled at his subordinate's report.

Seeing him smile, the subordinate spoke in frustration.

"Strategist, this is no time to be laughing so calmly. Heavenly Martial Castle is about to be thrown into chaos by the candidates' schemes against one another."

"It's true that the Lord of the Castle went to the True Martial Sect. But I don't think he's bringing back the second son."

"Sir?"

"He'll probably bring the eldest son instead."

"But the eldest son doesn't know martial arts, does he? I'm fairly certain we received a report that he'd passed the imperial examination. Is the Lord of the Castle bringing him here to join the strategy department, then?"

"I doubt it. Anyway, what we need to worry about isn't who will become the Lord of the Castle. What matters is how grand we can make the next Lord's inauguration ceremony. Start making preparations for it."

"Sir? The successor hasn't even been selected yet. Isn't it a little early?"

"No. Even now, we're already late. I've received word that the Lord of the Castle has set out. So hurry and get everything ready as quickly as possible."

"Understood."

The subordinate would do as instructed, but he couldn't make any sense of it.

Gongsun Cheongi smiled at him and thought to himself.

The Lord of the Castle only said he was bringing someone back. Well, that makes it obvious. It's bound to be Wigang. And if Wigang is coming here, it means he's decided to become the Lord of the Castle. In that case, the selection of the next Lord is already over.

Gongsun Cheongi was convinced that Jeok Wigang would become the next Lord of the Castle, no matter what happened.

"I'd like to see him."

When Jeok Wigang became the Lord of the Castle, Gongsun Cheongi intended to serve him with all his heart.

"Well then, my future Lord of the Castle. Why don't I get everything ready in advance so you won't have to go through any trouble?"

He rubbed his hands together a few times and turned his attention to the mountain of documents piled before him.

******

After emerging from seclusion, Jeok Rigeuk began making serious moves to secure the succession for Jeok Wihwang.

Jeok Wihwang was going to become the next Lord of the Castle anyway, so there was no real need to go to such lengths. Still, bringing people over to his side in advance would make things easier in all sorts of ways.

The first people he intended to approach were his fellow members of the Eight Stars of Heavenly Martial Castle.

They were effectively the pillars supporting Heavenly Martial Castle.

Moreover, they had spent years fighting alongside one another on the battlefield and were close friends. He didn't think it would be difficult to win them over.

The first person he visited was Baek Seojin, the Azure Sword Star, also known as the Clear-Bright Sword Hero.

Finding him was easy.

All he had to do was go to Baek Seojin's private training ground.

Sure enough, Baek Seojin was there, swinging his beloved sword.

Does he really love that sword so much?

Come to think of it, he'd heard that the sword was nearing the end of its lifespan and that Baek Seojin shouldn't be swinging it around so recklessly anymore.

What if I found a good sword and gave it to him?

That would surely bring him over to their side.

As Jeok Rigeuk considered what sort of sword he should give him, he noticed that something about Baek Seojin felt different from before.

The movements of his sword seemed sharper and more dazzling.

His energy had changed, too.

Previously, there had been something about his movements that felt slightly unsteady. Now, however, he seemed to move in perfect unity with his sword.

While Jeok Rigeuk was still admiring the sight—

"Who's there?"

WHOOOOM—

A bluish sword aura came hurtling toward him with terrifying force.

He hurriedly dodged to the side and shouted.

"It's me! Jeok Rigeuk!"

BOOOOM!

The shock wave from the explosion sent his clothes flapping.

"What the hell? Why didn't you say anything?"

"Hahaha! I've just finished my secluded training, and you came to mind, so I thought I'd pay you a visit. Sorry for interrupting your practice. I was going to wait quietly, but the movements of your sword were so beautiful that I couldn't help myself."

A smile appeared on Baek Seojin's face at the compliment.

He really was as obsessed with swords as ever.

"It seems you've made some progress since I last saw you. Congratulations."

"Progress... Yes, I have."

"Is your sword all right?"

"It's fine. I met a benefactor who was able to restore it completely."

"Oh! Did Master Smith Cheon do it for you?"

"Master Smith Cheon couldn't do it. Someone else restored it for me."

"There's a craftsman even more skilled than Master Smith Cheon?"

"As it turns out, there is."

"From what I saw just now, the sword seems to be in even better condition than before."

"That's right. The one who restored it truly is a master craftsman."

"Your love for that sword must have reached the heavens. How else could you have met such a remarkable craftsman?"

Baek Seojin laughed at Jeok Rigeuk's words.

"All that time in seclusion seems to have improved your way with words, if nothing else. Were you training your tongue instead of your martial arts?"

"Hahaha! What are you talking about? I trained hard, I assure you."

"Is that so? Then how about it?"

Sensing the unmistakable fighting spirit emanating from Baek Seojin, Jeok Rigeuk hurriedly waved his hands.

"Come on, now. I told you I only came to see you."

"What? How disappointing."

The sword that had slid partway out of its sheath slipped back inside.

"Why don't we have a drink together? It's been a long time."

"Why? Is this about Wihwang?"

He was as perceptive as ever.

"The Eight Stars of Heavenly Martial Castle do not take sides. We obey only the orders of the Lord of the Castle."

"I know that. Since our Wihwang will soon become the Lord of the Castle, I simply wanted to ask you to take good care of him when the time comes. There's no need to be so sensitive about it."

Baek Seojin chuckled at the claim that Wihwang would become the Lord of the Castle.

The person who would become the next Lord had already been decided.

When Baek Seojin said that he would obey only the orders of the Lord of the Castle, he had said it with one particular person in mind.

"If Wihwang really does become the Lord of the Castle, I will serve him with all my heart."

Jeok Rigeuk's face lit up at Baek Seojin's words.

"Do you really mean that?"

"I don't make empty promises."

"I know! Of course I know! Hahahaha! Come on, then! Drinks are on me today, and I won't spare any expense!"

Baek Seojin shook his head.

"I can't. The Lord of the Castle will be returning soon. I need to concentrate on my training until then."

"Why? What does Father's return have to do with it?"

"There's something I need to show him."

"Ugh. Sounds like he gave you another good scolding before he left. Very well."

He had probably threatened Baek Seojin that he wouldn't let him off if he failed to make any progress before his return.

If that was the case, the other members of the Eight Stars were probably in the same situation.

Still, I might as well visit the others, just in case.

At least this visit hadn't been entirely fruitless.

After all, Baek Seojin had said it himself.

If Jeok Wihwang became the Lord of the Castle, he would serve him with all his heart.

And Baek Seojin was a man who always kept his word.

"Well, I'll be on my way, then. I'll leave you to your training."

Baek Seojin nodded, drew his sword again, and immersed himself in his practice.

Leaving him behind, Jeok Rigeuk set off to meet the next person.

******

"Come on, man! Calm down!"

"Khahahaha! If you've come all the way here, that means you want a fight, doesn't it?"

"No! I just finished my secluded training and came to see you!"

"This is how I greet people! Stop dodging and come at me!"

The man attacking Jeok Rigeuk was none other than Noh Cheongang, the Hong Blade Star and Flamefire Battle God, another member of the Eight Stars of Heavenly Martial Castle.

He was a man who loved fighting more than eating.

Jeok Rigeuk had expected this to happen, but the ferocity of the attacks caught him off guard.

FWOOSH—

His clothes began to char black beneath the scorching heat.

"What's with that blade of yours?"

"Kekekeke! It's my other half, the Flamefire Blade."

"The Flamefire Blade? You found a blade that can withstand your yang energy?"

"Withstand it? Hahahaha! It does far more than withstand it! The thing is practically overflowing with yang energy itself! It's gotten to the point where even I can barely handle it!"

"Where the hell did you get a divine blade like that?"

"Someone gave it to me as a gift."

"What? Someone? Who?"

"Someone. I can't tell you who, so don't ask."

At that moment, Jeok Rigeuk sensed that something was going on.

The person who completely restored Baek Seojin's sword and the person who gave Noh Cheongang a blade capable of withstanding his yang energy... I have a feeling they're the same person.