WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS x FLAME NOVELS
Translator/Editor: Chen
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◈ The Former Supreme ◈
Chapter 107: The Reason for the Journey (1)
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Yeom Hwasin's presence truly was overwhelming.
Whenever he looked at Baek Socheon and flashed him a grin, it felt as though the world existed for him alone.
Even Jeok Parap, who was over a hundred years old, did not possess such a commanding presence. Of course, that did not mean Yeom Hwasin was stronger. He could still lose in a fight against Jeok Parap. Presence and strength belonged to entirely different realms.
"Where have you been?"
"I went out for some fresh air."
"You're hiding something from me, aren't you?"
A sharp gaze fixed on Baek Socheon.
"Why do you think that?"
"You feel different. Every time I see you, you feel different."
Baek Socheon calmly met the gaze that seemed to know everything.
"You saw correctly. I've changed lately."
"How?"
"I don't want to say it, but knowing you, you'll find out one way or another. So I'll tell you. To be honest, I've been wanting to live a different life lately."
Perhaps the answer was unexpected, because Yeom Hwasin's interest was piqued.
"A different life? What kind of life?"
"Simply put, a life without you or the Alliance Leader. A life where I don't get entangled with anyone and live only for myself."
An unreadable smile spread across Yeom Hwasin's lips.
"How could you live that kind of life without dying?"
"I think it might be possible if you'd just let me go."
"That would be difficult."
"Why would it be difficult? All you have to do is turn a blind eye. Just think that Baek Socheon is living well somewhere, and leave it at that."
"I'd be bored without you."
Baek Socheon looked incredulous. The fact that Yeom Hwasin might actually mean it was even more absurd.
"Why did you come?"
"You should know better than I do. You used me quite thoroughly this time."
"You all seemed too close, so I wanted to drive a wedge between you. Did my little attempt at sowing discord work?"
"It worked perfectly. Those Blood Cult bastards have always been narrow-minded."
"I'm sorry."
"You should be willing to overlook that much between us."
"You didn't come to scold me, so why did you come?"
"I came because I was bored. Time is the one thing we have in abundance, isn't it? I might die of boredom over the next year."
Baek Socheon knew that was not true. Yeom Hwasin had treated him like a plaything until now, but whenever he appeared before him, he always had a purpose. This time would be no different. What had brought him here?
"Do you have any alcohol?"
"Wait here."
Baek Socheon brought out some alcohol and a few simple snacks.
The two sat side by side by the window and drank.
"Who you drink with really does matter. This alcohol tastes wonderful."
"I suppose so. It's been a long time since I've had alcohol this bitter."
"Hahaha. Life is bitter by nature."
Baek Socheon emptied his cup again.
As Yeom Hwasin refilled it, he asked, "Should we join forces and strike the Blood Cult first?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because the Yeom Hwasin I know would never destroy the Blood Cult first."
Yeom Hwasin chuckled.
"That's right. No matter how irritating and hateful they are, I can't get rid of them. Your side is always the priority."
Yeom Hwasin was an evil man who deserved to die, yet whenever he dealt with Baek Socheon, he became a good person.
That was why Baek Socheon always remained on guard and hardened his resolve. Yeom Hwasin was a beast in human skin who had even killed his own child. He could not be swayed by that kindness.
"Without you, it's no fun. More precisely, without the old, strong you, I don't feel any excitement at all. Do you know why I promised to keep the peace for a year?"
"Why did you?"
"Because whether I take over this martial world now or a year from now makes no difference."
Baek Socheon thought Yeom Hwasin might truly believe that.
Their cups emptied and were filled again. After several rounds, Yeom Hwasin suddenly asked, "Have you ever considered becoming my successor?"
If Baek Socheon said he would become his successor, Yeom Hwasin probably would make him one. Even if he later had to kill Baek Socheon once he was no longer useful, Yeom Hwasin was not the sort of person to say, "Oh, sorry. I was joking."
"Can I become your successor without internal energy? Among all you dreadful people?"
"Should I help you recover your internal energy?"
Baek Socheon flinched in surprise. Yeom Hwasin spoke as though there were a way.
"No!"
Baek Socheon answered firmly.
"Even if you intend to refuse, shouldn't you hear the details first?"
"No."
"Listen, it's internal energy. The one thing you're missing. I'm saying I'll give it back to you."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"You don't believe me?"
"Of course not. If you don't want to die, you'd never restore my internal energy. And the Yeom Hwasin I know isn't someone who wants to die."
"You do know me well. But you're wrong about one thing."
"What is it?"
"Even if you recover your internal energy, you still can't kill me."
It was confidence born from his martial arts. And he was right. Baek Socheon's former strength would not be enough to handle the current Yeom Hwasin.
"How are you going to help me regain my internal energy?"
"Leave that to me. What do you think? Do you want your internal energy back?"
"How would you restore it?"
"You want to do it?"
"Shouldn't I hear what I have to do before deciding?"
"You'd have to risk your life."
"What are the odds?"
"For you, about thirty percent."
For you. Even with that special condition attached, thirty percent meant it was nearly impossible.
'Is he trying to kill me now?'
Perhaps he was.
"What I want back isn't my internal energy. It's a quiet life. If it weren't for you, I would've already left the Murim Alliance."
"Why do you keep trying to leave?"
"Reality is too much to bear."
"What exactly is?"
"I saved the martial world in the last war only because I was lucky. I used up all my luck and skill back then, and now I have to fight you again. It's too exhausting."
"Then run away somewhere no one can find you."
"······."
"That pathetic loyalty and sense of responsibility are shackles created by people who want to use you."
Baek Socheon emptied his cup again. When he tried to pour more, the bottle was empty.
"If we're out of alcohol, let's go."
"Go where?"
"On a journey."
Yeom Hwasin had surprised him in many ways, but he had just broken his own record again.
"Did you just say a journey?"
"That's right."
"A trip to hell, perhaps?"
"Hahaha."
"Where exactly are we going?"
"You'll know when we get there."
"Do I have the right to refuse?"
"Of course not. You ruined the relationship between the Blood Cult and the Black Heaven Alliance, and now you want to refuse even this simple request?"
It was not a simple request, but he had no excuse when it came to the problem with the Blood Cult.
"When can you leave?"
"Don't tell me you mean right now?"
"No, in one siju."
"Damn it!"
"I'll wait at the end of the western road. Get your affairs in order and come within one siju. We don't know how long this will take, so you should bring at least a change of clothes."
"You really are selfish."
Yeom Hwasin walked out with a smile.
"That's why I seek to become the strongest. I can live however I want."
* * *
Cheon Geuk stood in the backyard of Daru.
She had been standing silently for some time when Eastern Star asked from the empty air, "Is something wrong?"
"No."
"You look very tired."
"That's right. I feel like I could collapse if someone nudged me."
"You should go inside and rest."
"I can't sleep."
"You're probably too tired."
"That's not why. I can't sleep because I'm excited. I think my martial arts might be able to break through to the next stage again."
"What?"
Not only Eastern Star, who had been speaking with her, but also the other three Guardian Assassin Stars were startled.
"He said I might be able to make another breakthrough."
"Ah!"
"Meeting him was the greatest fortuitous opportunity of my life. Sorry, you used to be first. It seems you've all been pushed down the rankings."
"We are fine. It is only natural."
"Thank you for understanding. Let me think for a moment."
"Yes."
She stood quietly, lost in thought. Cheon Geuk recalled the fights she had shared with Baek Socheon over the previous fourteen days. The first day, the second day, the third day······. Surprisingly, they began coming back to her vividly. That should have been impossible. Perhaps her mind had become so extremely sensitive that it was possible.
She remembered something Baek Socheon had said before.
-First place for me and second place for you in the Martial World Ranking Record. What do you think?
She had taken it as a joke then.
'Should I really try it?'
Training with Baek Socheon felt as though it had truly ignited the spark in her heart for martial arts.
At that moment, Baek Socheon entered the backyard where Cheon Geuk stood. She was startled to see him again so soon after they had parted.
"You? Why are you back?"
"I have something to tell you."
Baek Socheon told her that Yeom Hwasin had come to see him.
"What? You're leaving on a journey with Yeom Hwasin?"
Cheon Geuk was shocked.
"Yes. I thought I should tell you."
In truth, Cheon Geuk was the only one he could tell. He could hardly tell the Alliance Leader or Zhuge Hyeon, and he could not tell Beon Saeng or Im Chung either. It would only make them worry. He had only left word with the Secret Pavilion that he would be away for a while.
"You're going on a journey with him, when you haven't even gone on one with me?"
"That's how it turned out."
"Why would he want to travel with you?"
Baek Socheon shook his head, as though he had no idea.
"That man really is······!"
"He's insane. The strongest madman in the world."
"Don't go."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Knowing him, if he came all the way here to make the offer, he's already made up his mind. If I refuse, I'll have to fight him."
"Then fight. Fight with me."
Baek Socheon gave a faint smile. Something in his expression seemed ominous, and she quickly asked, "Why?"
"If we fought together, you'd die to his first move."
Baek Socheon spoke to the startled Cheon Geuk.
"Because that's how I would fight."
Even if he had to take the first blow himself, Yeom Hwasin would first try to eliminate Cheon Geuk before confronting Baek Socheon. Leaving the Assassin King alive while focusing on someone else would be like opening the gates of hell himself.
"You're not the only one. I still don't have confidence either."
His fight with Yeom Hwasin had to be postponed. Baek Socheon was still growing. Time was still on his side.
"This isn't a simple journey, is it?"
"Probably not."
"Isn't there another way to avoid it?"
Instead of answering, Baek Socheon pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'll be back."
Held in his arms, she asked, "You have a plan to come back alive, right? Even if you don't, tell me you do."
"I do."
"You really do?"
"I definitely do."
Of course, he had no plan. She knew that too.
The one fortunate thing was that he could perfectly perform the sixth form of the Thousand-Hand Tathagata Asura Divine Sword. Perhaps he could fight Yeom Hwasin now?
"I'm an assassin. I'm good at enduring and waiting. So please come back."
"All right."
"I'll never forgive you if you die."
"Don't worry. I won't die."
Baek Socheon kissed her lips, then left Daru.
Cheon Geuk watched him go with worried eyes.
* * *
The rain had stopped before they knew it.
Baek Socheon arrived where Yeom Hwasin was waiting.
The carriage Yeom Hwasin always rode in was waiting there. Beside it, Yeom Hwasin was playing Go with the subordinate who drove the carriage.
"You play Go too?"
"What is there that I can't do? What about you?"
"I barely know the rules."
"You should learn. There is no game better for understanding your opponent. I'll teach you next time."
"Let's do that."
Perhaps Yeom Hwasin had lost interest in Go, because he put down his stone and rose.
"Are you moving house? Why did you bring so much?"
Baek Socheon had a large leather bag slung over his shoulder.
"It's a leather bag I always carry whenever I go somewhere."
"Just as I thought! You were looking forward to our journey too."
"Don't talk nonsense."
"Hahaha."
"You're treating my life like a joke, but I want to protect it."
"You don't want to die?"
"That's right."
"What's the point of living without internal energy?"
"Martial arts aren't everything in life."
"To a martial artist, martial arts are everything."
Then perhaps I no longer want to be a martial artist.
But Baek Socheon did not say it aloud.
The moment they climbed into the carriage, it set off.
"At least tell me where we're going."
"A journey is more fun when you don't know the destination."
"Fine. Let's go."
Baek Socheon looked out the window.
He had not told Cheon Geuk about his premonition.
The premonition that Yeom Hwasin might have come to kill him.
The carriage carrying the two of them sped onward, leaving familiar scenery behind as it headed toward a place where neither knew what awaited them.
Footnotes:
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