At the Edge of Spring’s Arrival (2)

Both Father and Mother were waiting for me in his chamber.

"You called for me?"

"Yes. I have something to tell you."

Father proceeded to tell me about Song Wookyung's visit. He explained everything—from the Shandong Merchant Association's proposal to support the Song Clan, to their intention of forming the Shandong Union, and that Wookyung had come to discuss the matter with him.

"Since this concerns the Song Clan, you should be informed as well."

I could feel that something had changed in how my parents treated me. They now recognized me as the rightful heir of the Byeok Clan Sword Sect.

"So… change has begun in the Shandong martial world."

Father spoke only of Shandong, but in truth, all of the Central Plains was already shifting.

I was honestly surprised at how quickly the martial world was moving following news of my death.

That only spoke to how much influence my death had left behind.

In any case, I wasn't in a position to pass judgment on this matter.

There was no reason to be upset over the formation of an alliance in Shandong.

After all, the one who had forbidden such unions in the past… was none other than my former self.

Still, I couldn't help but question whether Song Wookyung was truly fit to lead such an alliance.

Once a coalition is formed, everything becomes political.

Ruling a single sect and managing an entire alliance of sects are two entirely different matters.

I also began to wonder again—why had the Shandong Merchant Association made this proposal in the first place?

Merchants only move when there is something to gain.

And for them to reach out to a martial sect… that was a decision made with extreme caution.

I would need to look into this more closely.

"Thank you for letting me know."

As I turned to leave, my mother spoke up.

"I heard Sect Leader Song stopped by briefly?"

"Yes. He came to say once again that the engagement is still in place."

Father spoke, looking a bit troubled. "That man… really."

Still, his expression didn't seem all that displeased.

Mother smiled brightly as she added,

"I feel the same way as Sect Leader Song."

Because I understood what she meant, I didn't say anything more and simply left the room.

I could feel the bond between us deepening.

At first, I had to consciously remind myself to accept the two of them as my parents. But now, it was no longer something I had to force. The emotions came naturally. They were starting to feel like my real parents. I wanted to treat them with sincerity.

To be honest, I was happy. Truly happy to have such wonderful parents.

I believe even my late mother would understand.

Even if I offered the filial piety I couldn't give her to these two instead.

***

That afternoon, someone I hadn't expected came to see me.

It was none other than Song Hwarin.

Her visit was completely unexpected, and the surprise was written all over my face.

"You look surprised."

"I didn't expect you to come find me."

"I came because I need a favor."

Her request was something I hadn't anticipated.

"Convince Lord Byeok to make my father reject the offer from the Shandong Trading Association."

"You think your father will change his mind just because mine talks to him?"

"I'm not sure. But I do think it would have a significant influence on his decision."

It wasn't unreasonable for her to think that way. Their friendship was something truly special.

There's a saying: When poverty enters the house, false friendships leave through the window.

But those two were still in the same room.

"Can I ask why you're trying to stop this?"

"Because I don't think forming the Shandong Alliance is something that suits my father."

"You're not underestimating him, are you?"

"I think it's better than overestimating and causing bigger problems."

I agreed with her words.

I, too, had my own reservations about Song Wookyung leading a coalition.

However, there was also a positive side. Though it felt a little awkward to say it myself.

"Didn't the former alliance leader stabilize the martial world? In times of peace like this, becoming the head of a coalition isn't such a bad thing, right? It could really strengthen the Song family's power too."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about."

"What?"

"The former alliance leader ran the martial alliance for far too long with overwhelming force. It's true that he maintained peace in the martial world, but on the other hand… he also nurtured something in the shadows."

"Nurtured something in the shadows? What do you mean?"

"Repressed desires."

I flinched at those unexpected words.

"People in the martial world are inherently driven by the instinct to defeat others and rise above them. We're naturally violent and savage by nature. We're more like wolves or tigers—not rabbits or deer, right?"

"And?"

"But because of the overwhelming strength of the alliance leader, everyone had to suppress those instincts. If they dared to show them, they'd be crushed."

It was a harsh and extreme way of putting it, but it struck a chord.

"They've probably spent all those years just waiting for the moment he died."

Her next words hit me like a hammer to the head. I had never once considered such a thing. It struck me more forcefully than anything I'd ever heard before.

Everyone… had just been waiting for me to die?

She spoke clearly and deliberately.

"I'm scared. I'm scared that my father will jump into a place where long-suppressed desires will explode like molten lava."

Only now did I fully understand why she was so adamantly opposed. There was a much clearer reason beyond just wanting him to avoid a filthy, corrupt political arena.

"Is that why you said you hated the dead alliance leader?"

She shrugged her shoulders and replied.

"There's a more important reason… but yeah, even just this is enough to hate him."

There's an even more important reason than this?

She spoke with a desperate tone.

"Please. This is the first favor I've ever asked you. I hope you'll grant it."

***

I had a dream for the first time in a very long while. It was a dream where I had gone back to the past, attending a meeting of the Murim Alliance.

Leaders of each organization, including Galsa-ryang, were seated in a long row at the table.

Their faces were stiff. Their movements were rigid, their tones businesslike, leaving no room for mistakes.

It was as if they were all wearing blank white masks, devoid of expression.

Yes, the reason their faces seemed even more hardened than usual must've been because of what I'd heard—about repressed desires. Because of the words: that everyone had just been waiting for me to die.

Had they really wished for my death?

Suddenly, my thoughts echoed throughout the room.

At once, everyone sitting there turned their heads and looked at me.

Their gazes were cold.

A suspicion I had long forgotten came rushing back.

Was I… assassinated?

The next moment, I woke up.

"Whew."

This was all because of what she said.

Desire for power clings to a person like a parasite. That's why it's hard to even know whether it resides within you. But once it begins to run wild, I know all too well just how terrifying the consequences can be.

That's why I suppressed it completely with my martial arts. I ruled with an iron fist to ensure no lust for power could rise within me.

I never once considered what would happen after my death.

Repressed desire.

Will it truly erupt?

No—perhaps… it already has?

***

That afternoon, I went to see Chief Jong.

"Please tell me about the Shandong Merchant Association."

"Why are you asking about that?"

"There's something I'd like to ask in relation to the Song Family."

I briefly explained the situation involving the head of the Song Clan.

The stubborn Chief Jong narrowed his eyes and studied me. He clearly suspected I was about to pull some sort of stunt again, but with the calm expression on my face, it was impossible for him to find any such intention.

"Don't you dislike me?"

"You misunderstand. I don't dislike you, Chief."

"Hmph! Don't lie."

He grumbled pointlessly, but it was obvious that he didn't entirely dislike the fact that I'd come to ask him something.

Chief Jong began to talk about the Shandong Merchant Association.

He hadn't grown old for nothing—his knowledge was vast. He not only explained the Shandong Association in detail but also elaborated on other merchant groups.

I asked various things about the Shandong Association, but found nothing particularly unusual.

"Has anything out of the ordinary happened recently?"

"Nothing much, really."

"I see. Thank you for your time."

As I was turning to leave, he suddenly seemed to recall something.

"Ah, I don't know if this will help, but one thing does come to mind."

"What is it?"

"A few months ago, I had a drink with their chief. I vaguely remember him saying they might start doing business with a martial arts sect. He didn't mention which one, though."

"Have you heard any news since then?"

"I haven't heard a thing."

"Thank you very much."

Perhaps feeling awkward about having such a conversation with me, Chief Jong grumbled something unnecessary.

"Don't go thinking you've earned any points with me by doing this."

"Of course. You're still suspicious of me, Chief! I'll keep that in mind."

"You cheeky brat."

As I turned to leave, I asked him one more thing.

"By any chance, is there a young man you're considering as your successor?"

"Why are you asking that?"

"If there is, I was thinking of bringing him in as my personal chief."

"You brat! Do you think that's even remotely possible?!"

Even if I was being sincere, he wouldn't believe me—so I simply laughed and left.

I could feel his gaze trailing after me. And somehow… it felt just a little softer than before.

***

After meeting with Chief Jong, I went to see my father.

"What brings you here?"

"I just wanted to have a cup of tea with you, Father."

"You rascal."

My father suppressed the spark of curiosity in his eyes and personally brewed the tea.

It was the first time I ever tasted tea made by him.

"Is your training going well?"

"Yes."

If I truly committed to it, I could wield the White Moon Sword Technique more skillfully than he could. But if I ever had to show it, I'd only reveal a fraction of my abilities.

"Your mother has high expectations of you. Never forget that."

He spoke of Mother, but I knew he felt the same way.

"Yes, I'll do my best."

The real reason I came to see him was because of Song Hwarin's request. Should I grant her request?

She was right—if Father strongly persuaded him, Song Woogyeong would likely reject the offer.

But is this really the right way?

The growing doubt in my mind was already giving me the answer.

So, I didn't bring up anything related to the Song family head.

"The tea tastes excellent, Father."

Another method I could suggest to her came to mind.