WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Alyo
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◈ Memoir of a Regressor ◈
Chapter 70: Rewarding Merit
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No Dae-won, the magistrate of Three Phoenix County, was beaming inside the carriage.
“Isn’t it remarkable?”
“Is that so?”
The man answering No Dae-won wore golden armor and a golden helmet despite being inside the carriage. The golden sword at his waist was clearly no ordinary weapon, even from its hilt alone.
This man was Eun Jin-san, an Associate Commissioner holding a third-rank official post in the Jeok Nation.
Associate Commissioner was by no means a low-ranking office.
The greatest force in the Jeok Nation was naturally the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Its highest commander was a man named Dan-ri Se-ak, the Commander. He was an expert who had reached the considerable realm of Divine Transformation.
Associate Commissioner was the office directly beneath the Commander.
Only two people in the Jeok Nation could hold that office. Eun Jin-san, seated before No Dae-won, was one of them. He followed the orders of the War King over even those of the Emperor.
The War King, In Cheon.
That was right.
Everything Yi Do was doing now could be dealt with afterward.
The War King was exceptionally friendly toward martial artists. Yi Do knew his own worth.
He had sent a letter to the War King through No Dae-won. Its contents were simple.
He would give him land.
That was how the letter began. The War King burst out laughing when he read it. A man who already laughed often, he laughed so hard at the rest of the letter that his stomach nearly hurt.
The War King had settled Yi Do’s debts and grudges with the Jeok Nation’s imperial family, so Yi Do would repay him. He would tear every martial artist in Jangam County to death, so come and take the land. However, an Asura Sword Sect branch would be established there, and it would work closely with the authorities to maintain public order.
There were other formal remarks, but the War King liked it immensely.
The War King had said one thing.
“This arrogant brat dares to try and use me.”
It was not a matter of insight. Yi Do’s intentions had been far too transparent to miss.
But that was precisely why.
“I like it. Eun Jin-san, you go. Make certain to secure ownership of Jangam County.”
Those words held two meanings.
Eun Jin-san understood the War King’s intent perfectly.
He spoke to No Dae-won.
“If that martial artist Yi Do fails to take complete control of Jangam County, all responsibility for this incident will be placed on him. The War King was never involved, and neither was I. But if he completely takes control of Jangam County...”
Eun Jin-san paused, considering which words to use. Yes, this would do.
“The Jeok Nation’s territory will expand, and the Yan Kingdom will be unable to do anything.”
No Dae-won smiled.
“It will happen. That man is unlike the ordinary martial artists we have seen thus far.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. He understands reason, he is decisive, and once he makes a promise, he keeps it no matter what. A true man among men.”
“Well, he could not have been an ordinary martial artist if he massacred the Imperial Guard.”
No Dae-won could not say anything about that.
Because it was true.
“Do not overthink it. The War King likes him. If he has won His Highness’s favor, he has won mine as well.”
“...As expected of the pride of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I, No Dae-won, am deeply impressed.”
Soon after, the carriage came to a stop.
No Dae-won and Eun Jin-san stepped down.
Three men stood before them.
Among the three men drenched in blood, Eun Jin-san’s gaze fixed on one.
He knew who was who without needing to ask.
That man was Yi Do.
Yi Do gave a cupped-fist salute.
“Yi Do.”
“...Eun Jin-san.”
“I did not expect to meet an Associate Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard here.”
“Enough pleasantries. How did things go? Did you finish as stated in the letter?”
Yi Do nodded.
Eun Jin-san was honestly somewhat impressed.
He had reached the Creation Realm himself. Yet in his eyes, Yi Do appeared to be at Three Flowers Gather at the Crown.
And with only that realm, he had settled this enormous region?
...Madness was not enough to describe it.
It was astounding.
No one could have done such a thing. More than that, who would have thought to draw in the War King?
And the War King had taken a liking to this man.
Now that he saw him, it was understandable.
Eun Jin-san had been somewhat dissatisfied, but this convinced him.
He needed to change his attitude. It was not that he had doubted the War King’s judgment, but he had indeed been uncertain about the man named Yi Do.
Not anymore.
Eun Jin-san gave a respectful cupped-fist salute.
“You have worked hard.”
Even his manner of speaking had changed.
Yet as though he had expected this, as though he had known Eun Jin-san would react this way, Yi Do silently returned the salute. Eun Jin-san continued.
“We will handle what comes next. We will sort out the authorities, so do not worry.”
“Ah, there is something I would like to mention about that as well.”
“Go ahead.”
“I have already sorted out the authorities here.”
“...Sorted them out?”
“I killed the Commandery Governor and pursued and killed two hundred constables.”
“...”
“You should only need to go and take possession.”
“...I... understand... Your work is certainly thorough.”
He had not been this flustered since reaching the Creation Realm, but this was... He had no words.
“Ha.”
Eun Jin-san laughed in disbelief and raised a hand.
At once, the thousand Embroidered Uniform Guards standing behind them dropped to one knee.
“Listen well. Today, Jangam County has become territory of the Jeok Nation. Go seize the authorities, divide into detachments, and station soldiers throughout Jangam County.”
The Imperial Guards shouted in unison.
““We obey!””
Eun Jin-san stepped forward. As he passed Yi Do, he spoke quietly.
“I would like to share a drink with you soon. Would that be all right?”
“Please speak more casually. Someone of your high office as an Associate Commissioner need not use honorifics with a mere martial artist.”
“No, you are no mere martial artist. You are someone ‘that person’ has taken a liking to, and you have proven your own worth. To speak casually to you would be to slight that person’s discerning eye. How could I do such a thing?”
“I understand.”
“Thank you for understanding. Find a place at your convenience. It does not matter whether it is Jangam County or Three Phoenix County. I will come to you.”
“I intend to remain in Jangam County for the time being. I will send word soon.”
“Good.”
Eun Jin-san then led the Imperial Guards away to occupy Jangam County. No Dae-won, who had remained silent, approached Yi Do with a smile.
“You have worked hard. You truly have.”
“It was difficult, but we achieved meaningful results. The magistrate who worked alongside me will receive a fine reward as well. In this case... that reward will likely be the position of Commandery Governor.”
No Dae-won burst into laughter. The thought alone pleased him.
“I will be going first.”
“Very well. Go and rest. I will follow that gentleman and resolve some political matters.”
“Please do.”
No Dae-won and the constables of Three Phoenix County followed after Eun Jin-san.
Yi Do let out a long breath.
It was over.
“You have worked hard.”
Yi Do lightly nodded at Un Do-hyeon’s words.
“...This insane plan... really succeeded.”
That was Myeong-hyeon.
“Did you think it would fail?”
“To be honest, yes. I thought it would fail.”
“You lack faith.”
“...Anyone in my position would have thought the same.”
But then.
“Why did you come along?”
“...Does the reason matter? I just... did.”
“You just did? When arrows came flying at us in the Pung Clan, you even tried to shield me while unsealing your qi channels. Did you just do that too?”
“Well... I just followed my heart... Why are you criticizing me for trying to save you? That is rather cold.”
Yi Do put a hand on Myeong-hyeon’s shoulder.
A Shadow of the Emperor Sword Sect, yet a man who wished to escape that shadow.
Myeong-hyeon surely had concerns of his own. His very existence was dangerous, but that could be “treated.”
“Myeong-hyeon.”
“...Yes?”
“I hope that feeling does not change.”
“...What are you saying all of a sudden? You are scaring me.”
Yi Do snorted and lowered his hand.
“I have something to tell you. Come find me alone after the sun sets.”
“You are making me nervous again. What are you going to say?”
There were too many eyes here. Too many ears as well.
It was not something to discuss in public.
This time, Yi Do asked Un Do-hyeon.
“Are they gathered at the Jangam Branch now?”
“Yes. Everyone is there.”
The long day seemed to be over, but it was not.
As of today, Jangam County had clearly become territory of the Jeok Nation.
Yi Do had contributed the most to taking control of this place, and Yi Do belonged to the Asura Sword Sect.
Then an Asura Sword Sect branch naturally had to be established in Jangam County.
Which meant this place had become territory under the Asura Sword Sect’s control.
It also meant a new source of income.
That was right.
The most important thing.
Rewarding merit.
Yi Do never forgot a grudge, but neither did he ever forget a favor.
He would reward them generously.
Enough that people might accuse him of favoritism.
He turned.
“Let us go to the Jangam Branch.”
“Yes.”
* * *
As rewards were being distributed at the Jangam Branch, the Asura Sword Sect was also rewarding merit.
Strictly speaking, it was not quite appropriate to call it rewarding merit, but it was of the same nature.
“Ha ha ha... Truly... How did he even come up with such an idea?”
“...Sect Leader, I agree with you, but this is not a matter to take lightly.”
“What is not?”
“...I knew Yi Do was decisive in his actions, but I did not know he would go this far. He has invaded and seized territory, Sect Leader.”
Dokgo Dan-ya gazed silently at Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi, the Asura Pavilion Master. He was telling him to continue.
“Is that man... truly the future of our Asura Sword Sect?”
Dokgo Dan-ya merely continued looking at Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi. The gaze was burdensome, but Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi did not show it.
Nor did he avoid it.
At last, Dokgo Dan-ya spoke.
“You have grown old too.”
“...Pardon?”
“Yeon-hwi, do you believe the current Martial World is normal?”
“...What do you mean?”
“I am an insect.”
Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi was startled.
“Sect Leader! How can you say such a thing...?”
“You are an insect too. The elders are insects, and every martial artist there, every person, is an insect. Insects who wield swords, insects who wear official robes, insects who study, insects who use their fists, insects who devise schemes.”
Yeon-hwi was horrified.
“...Sect Leader... No, my lord... How can you demean yourself so? You are absolutely not an insect.”
A meaningful smile formed on Dokgo Dan-ya’s lips.
Truth could sometimes cause pain that felt as though it were tearing at one’s heart. Dokgo Dan-ya had been about to say that, but he did not.
There was no need.
It was enough for him alone to bear it.
And then...
...No.
Dokgo Dan-ya looked at Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi with an odd expression before changing the subject.
“Has anything changed simply because Yi Do touched the authorities and seized territory?”
“...It will eventually lead to war. He will gain more enemies and may be attacked from all sides.”
“But there will also be those who follow him. Those who cooperate with him.”
“Is that not too optimistic?”
“Yeon-hwi, there are already those who follow Yi Do and someone who is working with him.”
“...”
“The families of Three Phoenix County and now the families of Jangam County will follow Yi Do. The War King has also come to regard Yi Do favorably. If anything, I am worried.”
“...Worried?”
“I am worried the War King may steal Yi Do away from us, Yeon-hwi.”
“...Yes.”
“If the entire Martial World turns the Asura Sword Sect into its enemy, what will you do?”
“I will fight.”
“Yes. That is why you are the Asura Pavilion Master. Because your will is the same as mine.”
“Sect Leader...”
“If you doubt my words that Yi Do is the future of our sword sect, then watch the results.”
“...”
“Now that I think about it, when he first joined us, he said something to me.”
“...May I ask what?”
“He said he wondered whether the Asura Sword Sect could contain him.”
Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi swallowed.
“Seeing you, I understand those words. Not only you, but the elders likely hold similar thoughts now. Am I wrong?”
“...You are correct. All the elders except Elder Chodong are strongly opposing this now. They say he should be dismissed immediately.”
Dokgo Dan-ya tilted his head.
“Chodong remains silent?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you think that is? Do you know?”
“...I do not know. If he has come to regret his mistakes, even belatedly, that would be good. But if he is plotting something behind the scenes...”
“It will become troublesome.”
Dokgo Dan-ya found the situation interesting.
Did it not feel as though the board itself had been arranged?
To be clear, he had not intended any of this.
If so...
The flow of the world was at work. And that was what they called destiny.
“What is Neung-don doing?”
“...No one has approached him separately yet. How about gradually lifting his confinement?”
Dokgo Dan-ya shook his head.
“If there has been no contact with Neung-don, then they must have contacted another elder. Place people on every elder. Secretly.”
“Yes.”
Dokgo Dan-ya looked at Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi with affection.
“Yeon-hwi.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
“What does it mean to live without regret?”
“...Sect Leader...”
“What does it mean to remain loyal even while deceiving oneself?”
“...”
“It means one is confident before oneself, yet paradoxically not confident at all.”
Yeon-hwi’s expression stiffened. He seemed unable even to understand what Dokgo Dan-ya was trying to say.
Dokgo Dan-ya abruptly changed the subject.
“By the way, why has our Branch Leader not learned the Asura Sword Sect’s martial arts?”
Disciples of the Asura Sword Sect basically learned the Asura Heart Method. Once they reached the rank of Branch Leader, they learned the Asura Soft-Heaven Art. As internal cultivation methods, both were superior to ordinary ones.
There were several sword arts as well, such as the Asura Twelve Sword Forms and the Asura Three Swords.
Yi Do had learned none of them. Nor had he used them.
There was a reason for that.
“...The Great Elder should originally have given them to him, but he entered secluded cultivation immediately and seems not to have handed them over.”
Dokgo Dan-ya laughed.
“It seems our Great Elder has truly gained enlightenment this time. He will likely enter the Divine Entrance Realm... I wonder how far his limits truly extend.”
“I dare not judge, but... might he not glimpse even beyond that?”
Dokgo Dan-ya burst into laughter.
No one knew when the Great Elder would emerge. But when he did, he would certainly be a great strength.
What mattered now was Yi Do.
“No matter how I think about it, that Yi Do is something else.”
“...”
“To keep someone like that in the Asura Sword Sect, there is ultimately nothing but debts and grudges.”
Dokgo Dan-ya drew a book from his robes and tossed it to Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi. Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi caught it with both hands, then stared in shock.
Dark Asura Heavenly Sword.
That was what was written on it.
This martial art was Dokgo Dan-ya’s personal art.
It was also an art that only the Sect Leaders of the Asura Sword Sect had learned through the generations.
“S-Sect Leader...?”
“Why are you so surprised?”
“...No. I am sure you have your reasons. Shall I deliver this to him?”
Dokgo Dan-ya nodded.
“Also, he completely uncovered the tragedy of the former Three Phoenix County branch and handled the aftermath thoroughly. He should receive a separate reward for that as well. Yeon-hwi, see to it yourself.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“You may go.”
Sang-gwan Yeon-hwi gave a respectful cupped-fist salute and left the Sect Leader’s Hall.
Left alone, Dokgo Dan-ya raised his head and looked at the Asura, symbol of the Asura Sword Sect.
He remained like that for a long while.
Asura banners planted everywhere fluttered.
Could he plant those banners across the world?
In this vast Martial World, Dokgo Dan-ya was looking at one thing.
The world under heaven.
He wanted it beneath his feet.
But no matter how he thought about it, it seemed difficult.
Perhaps he simply was not a vessel fit for it.
“...An insect with a sword. Not bad.”
He intended to struggle once.
That was when it happened.
Thud!
The entrance to the Sect Leader’s Hall burst open. Dokgo Dan-ya turned his head, his eyes widening.
“Great Elder...?”
It was Myo Man-ri.
“Listen here, Sect Leader. I have reached the Divine Entrance Realm! Huhuhuhuhuhu!”
Dokgo Dan-ya smiled.
“I always thought you would reach it someday, but I did not expect you to do so this quickly.”
“Huhuhuhu, enough talk. Let us have a spar.”
It seemed he had not expected an answer from Dokgo Dan-ya in the first place.
Myo Man-ri kicked off the ground. His speed, the movement of the surrounding energy, all of it was no longer that of the Creation Realm.
It was that of the Divine Entrance Realm.
The first thing Myo Man-ri did after breaking out of secluded cultivation and reaching the Divine Entrance Realm was charge at the Sect Leader.
Dokgo Dan-ya smiled as though amused and drew the Asura Heavenly Sword. His sword swept forth, carrying a violent gale.
Lightning struck from Myo Man-ri.
Kkwaaang!
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