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Chapter 5: Taking Up the Post (2)
Lim Chung’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked over the reassignment order.
You were a Squad Leader in the Iron Sword Squad?
Only his last recorded post with the Iron Sword Squad was written there, but even that was enough to startle Lim Chung.
Beside him, Beon Saeng was even more shocked.
The Iron Sword Squad?
Ever since he was young, his dream had been to join the Iron Sword Squad. Though it had now become an unfulfilled dream of the past, Beon Saeng’s gaze naturally locked onto Baek Socheon.
The Iron Sword Squad is the elite of the elite at headquarters. How did someone like you end up pushed all the way out here?
To Lim Chung’s question, Baek Socheon replied nonchalantly, “Probably because I didn’t live diligently.”
Are you saying that for us to hear?
At that, Baek Socheon threw Lim Chung’s own question right back at him.
And how did you end up pushed all the way out here, Branch Master?
Lim Chung stared intently up at Baek Socheon.
Look at this guy!
Standing there with such shameless nerve, he was clearly no ordinary fellow.
I lived diligently, and yet I was still pushed all the way out here.
Then I suppose your capabilities fell short.
It was certainly a remark that could provoke anger, yet Lim Chung didn’t feel particularly angry.
How should he put it? This impudent remark suited the man standing before him remarkably well. Or perhaps it was because of his tone. While the content of his words was undoubtedly dismissive, his calm tone bore no trace of disrespect whatsoever. It felt closer to someone making a casual joke without reservation, despite it being their first meeting.
He’s no ordinary guy.
Neither Lim Chung nor Beon Saeng knew anything about Baek Socheon’s past.
Baek Socheon was a figure known only among the elite martial artists at headquarters. Ever since his demotion began, a gag order had been placed regarding his details, making it impossible for martial artists in a backwater liaison post like the Munseong Branch to know who he was.
Even if they had known of him, no one would ever imagine that such a grand figure would end up in a rural backwater like this.
Lim Chung’s gaze stopped at a specific spot on the document, the very line that always brought shock to anyone who saw it.
What? Thirty-eight?
Beon Saeng, standing beside him, blurted out in disbelief, “No way!”
It was even more shocking than the fact that Baek Socheon had been a member of the Iron Sword Squad.
Beon Saeng was twenty-six years old. When he first saw Baek Socheon, he had assumed the man was either younger than him or around the same age.
Is that an error on the paper? Twenty-eight, perhaps?
To Lim Chung’s question, Baek Socheon answered, “If it makes you more comfortable, you can think of it that way.”
Hearing him say that actually made it seem like thirty-eight was indeed his real age.
Unless you’ve mastered a Youth Retention Art, you ought to give thanks to your parents.
Lim Chung added one more question.
How are your martial arts skills?
Normally, he wouldn’t ask such a question, but his background as a former Iron Sword Squad Leader made it come out naturally.
I used to fight well in the past.
And these days?
Terrible.
Beon Saeng, listening from the side, chimed in subtly, “What good is the past? By that logic, back in the day, I rode a golden calf and went toe-to-toe with the Black Heaven Alliance Leader!”
At Beon Saeng’s banter, Baek Socheon nodded as if agreeing.
You’re right. The past is just the past.
When he readily conceded, Beon Saeng’s heart softened as well.
Fortunately, there isn’t much cause to fight around here. Let’s get along well from now on.
Though he lacked a submissive attitude, Baek Socheon’s first impression wasn’t bad. Rather than someone who constantly watched others’ expressions and fawned over them, it was far better to have a sharp, brisk fellow like him. A guy like this was much more likely to do his job well.
Alright, that’s enough for introductions. Squad Leader Beon will guide you on what you need to do from here on.
Saying he would show him around the branch, Beon Saeng walked outside with Baek Socheon.
Lim Chung leaned his head back against his chair, murmuring to himself as if in a reverie.
The Iron Sword Squad, huh…
Perhaps because of his affiliation, his presence was truly extraordinary. If they had just five martial artists from the Iron Sword Squad like him here, Wang Gon would never be able to look down on him like that.
A surge of lingering regret washed over him once more.
—
Beon Saeng led Baek Socheon to the backyard of the branch office. A vacant detached house stood there.
You may be older than me and a senior in the Murim Alliance… but you’re a rank-and-file martial artist and I’m a Squad Leader. I’ll have to act as your superior.
Naturally, in the Murim Alliance, rank took precedence over age.
Go ahead.
Thanks for understanding. But how did you end up demoted from a Squad Leader?
I beat up my superior.
…!
Startled, Beon Saeng stared at Baek Socheon. When Baek Socheon nodded as if it were the absolute truth, Beon Saeng picked up his pace again and spoke briskly.
What’s the point of fussing over superiors and subordinates in a small branch like this? We’re all family and friends here.
As they crossed the yard, Beon Saeng stopped in front of a large wooden post set up for martial arts practice.
In his heart, he wanted to ask Baek Socheon to cut it once. He was curious to see the true skill of an Iron Sword Squad Leader. Of course, he didn’t dare say it aloud.
Only then did Beon Saeng notice, Baek Socheon wasn’t wearing a sword.
Why did I assume he was carrying a sword?
He was someone who habitually checked a person’s weapons first upon meeting them. For some reason, he had taken it for granted that the man was armed with a blade.
Do you use fist techniques?
No.
Then what kind of martial arts do you use?
I won’t be using any martial arts.
He said it like a stubborn child refusing to eat his meals, prompting Beon Saeng to glance back at him.
What is with this guy?
In the meantime, the two arrived at the quarters in the backyard.
The residence was better than expected. As long as it was cleaned properly, it was a very fine place for a person to live alone.
This is where you’ll stay. It looks modest, but it faces south, so it gets plenty of sunlight. Get a good rest today.
Thank you.
Don’t mention it. We’re family now.
Turning to walk away, Beon Saeng cast a quick glance back.
Baek Socheon was standing in the middle of the yard, gazing up at the sky. For some reason, that dazed back view looked lonely to him.
Wait, what on earth am I thinking!
Beon Saeng’s plan to give the newcomer a stern initiation had been completely derailed by the fact that the man was thirty-eight years old and a former member of the Iron Sword Squad. He should have set the discipline straight on the first day.
Alright, starting tomorrow, I’m setting things straight for real!
—
The next day, Baek Socheon’s life at the Munseong Branch began.
What a newcomer needs to do is organize the documents here.
To be honest, Beon Saeng felt uncomfortable dealing with Baek Socheon. However, if he let himself be overwhelmed by his presence from the start, he would end up with another superior above him. That was why he emphasized the word ‘newcomer’.
When Beon Saeng taught him how to organize the documents, Baek Socheon picked it up instantly.
As expected! He’s smart.
Beon Saeng was pleased. Yes, even if he’s prickly, it’s better that he’s good at his job.
However, there was a stark gap between what Beon Saeng considered ‘doing a job well’ and what Baek Socheon actually did.
Skimming through the documents, Baek Socheon spotted something.
Take a look at this.
What is it?
The document Baek Socheon showed him was a public complaint.
It’s a complaint about the Taejeong Faction harassing people. And it’s not just one case, but several. All submitted by the same person.
The Taejeong Faction was a local underworld gang. They were not a martial arts faction, but a gathering of thugs who extorted protection money from taverns, brothels, and ordinary merchants, or meddled in various business concessions to wring out cash.
Ah, that? Just consolidate the duplicate ones into a single report and send it up to the Zhejiang Sub-division.
And what happens then?
The sub-division analyzes the reports coming in from each branch and issues orders back down. Telling us how to handle it, or to just leave it alone.
Why send it all the way to the sub-division and wait for it to come back instead of handling it right here?
What do you mean why? That’s how the rules are set.
Baek Socheon stroked his chin with his hand and looked at Beon Saeng. Feeling burdened by that steady, unblinking gaze, Beon Saeng took a step back.
I didn’t make the rules. That’s just how things are.
This is extremely inefficient.
It’s because the sub-division treats our branch like dirt.
Then, Baek Socheon blurted out, “A gang of thugs like that could easily be dealt with using just our personnel here.”
In the first place, the difference between thugs and martial artists was beyond comparison. No matter how third-rate, a martial artist was still a martial artist, while a gang was merely a mob of hoodlums.
You’re saying that because you don’t know the Taejeong Faction. Their numbers are large, and the Taejeong chief is a man trained in martial arts. Word has it he made quite a name for himself in his younger days…
As Beon Saeng’s explanation dragged on, Baek Socheon cut him off and suddenly asked, “Are you taking money from the gang?”
What nonsense! I don’t take money from filthy scum!
Surprised and jumping in denial, Beon Saeng let out a soft sigh.
We want to wipe them out too… but there are rumors that the Myth Sect is connected behind the Taejeong Faction.
The Myth Sect?
This time, Beon Saeng explained about the Myth Sect.
…So here in Munseong, no one can mess with the Taejeong Faction recklessly.
The reason he rambled on in such detail by himself was that his pride was wounded before Baek Socheon, who had just arrived. He didn’t want to look like a pathetic superior who couldn’t even handle a single group of thugs from day one.
Yet despite those efforts, the result was entirely unexpected.
Baek Socheon said indifferently, “If that’s the reason you can’t process this complaint, it seems taking bribes would be much better.”
What?
You’re martial artists of the Murim Alliance, nominally speaking. Rather than being unable to help the residents out of fear of the enemy, it seems better to be unable to help because you’re taking bribes. Don’t you think so?
…!
Baek Socheon tossed the documents aside and spoke.
If you know who submitted this complaint, let them know. Tell them it’s useless, so don’t submit things like this in the future. If you don’t even do that much, wouldn’t it be far too shameful?
—
That evening, Beon Saeng visited Lim Chung’s office.
Aren’t you going home?
I should. What about you?
I should head out too.
You’ve been drinking. Did something happen?
Beon Saeng was visibly intoxicated. Upset by what had happened during the day, he had downed a great deal of alcohol. He had tried to swallow his feelings alone, but finding it unbearable, he had come to see Lim Chung.
Beon Saeng recounted what had taken place earlier in the afternoon.
Hearing his words made me so furious. What does a guy like him know?
Why didn’t you say something back?
I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.
Squad Leader Beon, don’t lose your nerve just because he’s from the Iron Sword Squad.
It’s not because of that. It’s not because he was in the Iron Sword Squad…
Then why?
Beon Saeng let out a sigh and said, “Because… what that guy said was right… I couldn’t say a single thing back.”
Nominally, they were martial artists of the Murim Alliance. How could the reason they failed to help people suffering under thugs be that they were terrified of the force backing them? He felt a sense of self-loathing, thinking that perhaps, as the man had said, being corrupt martial artists might actually be better.
Lim Chung stood up from his seat and brought out a bottle of liquor and cups hidden behind his desk.
Have another drink.
Lim Chung poured him a cup and offered comfort.
Don’t be so upset. What could a stone that just rolled in possibly know?
However, that stone had lodged itself deep inside Beon Saeng’s heart.
If we don’t help them, where on earth can those suffering people go to cry out for justice? I feel so terribly sorry for them. Damn it.
Though he hadn’t spoken of it until now, failing to help those people must have weighed heavily on his conscience all along. He had tried to ignore the guilt, covering it with a cloth, but the moment Baek Socheon arrived, he had yanked it wide open.
Lim Chung understood Beon Saeng’s heart.
Though Lim Chung himself had been posted here for less than a year, Beon Saeng had served at this Munseong Branch for six years since joining the Alliance. Naturally, his bonds with the local townsfolk ran much deeper.
Lim Chung quietly emptied his own wine cup.
He was not much different.
The powerlessness Beon Saeng was feeling was the exact same sensation he himself had experienced today.
To be honest, in his heart, he had wanted to say this to Wang Gon,
…A new business venture is fine. But keep this in mind, Never do anything that harms the people of Munseong. If you do, I won’t stand idly by.
Even though he knew those offering him bribes had something shady to hide, he hadn’t pressed them. Even when they offered a Hundred-Year Polygonum to a backwater Branch Master…knowing full well they intended to commit a massive crime, he had turned a blind eye.
After downing a few more cups of wine, Beon Saeng spoke in a loud, boisterous voice.
Damn it! Should I just go and turn those Taejeong bastards upside down?
It wasn’t courage; it was the alcohol talking.
Stop talking nonsense and just drink. The guys under him might be mere thugs, but Taejeong himself is stronger than you. He might even be stronger than me.
Damn it. To think I’m in a state weaker than even a thug leader…
Beon Saeng emptied his cup once more. The target of his anger shifted elsewhere.
That bastard! Thinking back on it pisses me off. So what if he was in the Iron Sword Squad? So what if he’s older! What? Taking bribes would be better? That bastard! I’m not letting him off!
Beon Saeng sprang up and bolted out the door.
Where are you going?
I’m going to go over there and establish proper discipline once and for all!
Lim Chung didn’t stop him. He felt it was an ordeal that had to be faced at least once, and strangely, he wasn’t worried. Though he had only known Baek Socheon for a day, he had a feeling the man would handle it well on his own. Perhaps it was because of his age.
Lim Chung turned his head and looked out the window. The brightly shining moon seemed to reflect his own heart, looking particularly lonely tonight.
The words Baek Socheon had spoken that hurt Beon Saeng applied to him as well.
Just because he hadn’t accepted the Hundred-Year Polygonum, was he truly living an honorable life?
—
Beon Saeng arrived at Baek Socheon’s quarters full of bluster.
You bastard! Do you think anyone here lacks a conscience or guts? If you’re so brave, why don’t you go save them yourself!
His mind was packed with words he wanted to unleash upon him.
Baek Socheon was in the backyard.
The moment Beon Saeng saw him, he froze in his tracks, thoroughly stunned.
Baek Socheon was holding a handstand supported by only three fingers. Though he looked as if he might wobble and collapse at any moment, he was gritting his teeth and enduring it. The ground beneath him was drenched with his sweat, as if rain had fallen. How long had he been standing like this?
Even while letting out groans of enduring pain, he held on until the very end. Having endured to his absolute limit, Baek Socheon released the handstand right before collapsing and stood up.
What brings you here?
Seeing him drenched in sweat as if caught in a downpour instantly sobered Beon Saeng. Shame rushed into the space where the drunkenness had been.
In the dead of night, a thirty-eight-year-old man was training like that, while he himself, at merely twenty-six, had come over drunk to throw a tantrum, just to make excuses for his own cowardice.
When was the last time I trained so hard that I dripped with sweat like this?
It brought back memories of his youth when he strove to become a martial artist, and those days when he worked himself to death preparing to join the Murim Alliance.
…Since when did I give up on everything?
Was it because of the deep shame surging from the depths of his heart?
Um, if it’s alright with you…
With the very same bluster he had brought to beat Baek Socheon down, Beon Saeng shouted loudly,
When it’s just the two of us, may I address you as Big Brother?
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