WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS x FLAME NOVELS

Translator/Editor: Chen

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◈ The Former Supreme ◈

Chapter 77: A One-Nyang Assassination Commission (1)

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Baek Socheon finished reporting on the mission to Zhuge Hyeon in the Strategic Command Center.

The Sage Heaven Corps' first mission had been a success.

Baek Socheon told Zhuge Hyeon everything about Jeong Pung and asked that the matter be handled unofficially. Zhuge Hyeon readily agreed.

The real problem was not Jeong Pung's misconduct, but the Black Heaven Alliance's scheme.

"Yeom Sawon was plotting something behind the scenes."

"We handed the list we obtained from them to the Shadow Pavilion, so they will handle the rest of those who fell into the trap."

"Well done."

This, too, could be considered a clear sign of war. Both the orthodox faction and the unorthodox faction had already fought one war. They knew from experience that another war would likely become a prolonged conflict, and that intelligence would be the most important factor in securing victory.

The Sage Heaven Pavilion had also sent countless spies to gather information, but they did not frame people for murder to obtain it.

"We're falling behind in the intelligence war."

"They'll use any means necessary."

Because of the inherent nature of the orthodox and unorthodox factions, the orthodox faction could not help being at a disadvantage in this regard.

"Ever since you told me about Yeom Sawon, I've been keeping an eye on him."

When Baek Socheon returned from the Black Heaven Alliance, he had told Zhuge Hyeon that Yeom Sawon was far more pathetic than expected.

"Though he is the official heir, many within the Black Heaven Alliance do not think highly of him. They cannot openly oppose him because they must heed Yeom Hwasin, but many agree that he is unqualified to be the heir."

"Perhaps he's committing these acts in Zhejiang because of that political situation."

"That's right. Yeom Sawon seems to be desperately trying to produce visible results."

"If we use Yeom Sawon well, we may be able to provoke internal conflict within the Black Heaven Alliance."

"I'll find a way to dig into it. You must be tired after such a long journey, so go and rest."

"Yes."

As Baek Socheon left the Strategic Command Center, he looked at the Martial World Ranking Record posted on the wall. At some point, the first rank had changed.

First Rank, Yeom Hwasin. Black Heaven Alliance Leader.

The rankings had changed to reflect the information that he had attained the Indestructible Vajra Body.

Second Rank, Myeolsaeng. Blood Cult Leader.

Ak Sogun, who had originally been first, had fallen to third.

Perhaps these rankings were now the most accurate.

Yeom Hwasin. Myeolsaeng.

If he could kill only those two, he could stop this war.

It was a solution only Baek Socheon could carry out, and for now, the only method.

* * *

After returning home, he threw himself onto the bed.

"This is nice."

When he was young, he had felt stifled and never wanted to stay home for even a moment. Was he getting older? Home was becoming more and more comfortable.

As he rested there, Im Chung came with some news.

"I'm thinking of preparing a small gathering this evening. We want to celebrate Beon Saeng joining the Sage Heaven Corps and returning safely from his first mission. My wife is preparing food and drink. Beon Saeng would be happy if you joined us as well, Unit Commander."

"Of course I should attend. But may I bring a guest?"

"Naturally."

Im Chung answered without asking who it was. If it was someone Baek Socheon brought, he would not have cared even if it were the Grim Reaper.

"I'll be back shortly."

"Take your time. We're planning to drink late into the night."

Baek Socheon washed himself thoroughly, changed into fresh clothes, and left the house.

* * *

Cheon Geuk was crouched behind Daru's kitchen, washing dishes.

"Unit Commander Baek and the Sage Heaven Corps have returned."

At Eastern Star's report, Cheon Geuk paused for a moment before resuming her work.

"Did everyone return safely?"

"Yes. It appears no one was injured."

"Of course. Who do you think led them? So where is he now?"

"We have confirmed that he returned home."

A hint of disappointment crossed Cheon Geuk's face. He could have stopped by before going home.

"Are you disappointed?"

"I am. But I'm also happier this way. Isn't it admirable? A man who works hard at his job instead of chasing women around like some loafer."

"Of course. That's what makes a man truly attractive."

Eastern Star heartily agreed, helping turn her little mental victory into a resounding one.

Then a voice came from behind them.

"The loafer is here."

The two turned around in surprise. Baek Socheon had arrived.

"I thought you weren't coming today."

"I had to wash up and change clothes. I hadn't been able to wash properly for several days."

"I see."

Cheon Geuk turned to Eastern Star.

"What are you doing? Aren't you closing the inn?"

"Yes!"

Baek Socheon asked, "Why close the inn?"

"We should have a drink."

"I'm drinking with the others. We're celebrating Beon Saeng joining the Sage Heaven Corps. Come with me."

"Me too?"

"Yes, I already told them you were coming. Why? Don't you want to?"

"No, I should go. But give me some time too."

"Take your time."

Cheon Geuk served Baek Socheon tea and had him wait at Daru.

While she prepared, Baek Socheon sat by a window overlooking the street and drank his tea.

The ordinary scene of the marketplace in the late afternoon.

The thought that it was the calm before the storm would not leave him, but Baek Socheon still loved this peacefulness.

* * *

Half a siju later, Baek Socheon and Cheon Geuk arrived at the house.

The moment Beon Saeng saw Cheon Geuk, he froze in place.

"Gasp!"

Cheon Geuk, who loved teasing Beon Saeng whenever she saw him, smiled.

"Why are you so surprised?"

"They say the Grim Reaper comes to visit on the best day of your life."

It was a continuation of the joke about cutting out his eyes, tongue, and hands after he had seen her face before and then offended Na Sarin.

"Fortunately, the Grim Reaper came as a messenger of congratulations today."

Beon Saeng beamed.

"You look truly beautiful today."

She was not wearing the splendid red court dress from her last outing, but her neat white robes gave her an innocent air.

"Take a good look while you can."

"Gasp!"

Jokes were only fun when both sides played along, and these two suited each other perfectly in that regard.

"Oh, and I joined the Sage Heaven Corps!"

Beon Saeng was so happy that he wanted to boast even to the Assassin Alliance Leader.

"Congratulations. You've become a little closer to us now."

"Pardon?"

"The targets who come to us for assassination commissions are elite martial artists at least on the level of the Iron Sword Corps. Welcome, future customer."

Beon Saeng gasped again, and Baek Socheon delivered the finishing blow.

"You're the youngest, so it'll be a long time before it's your turn. Don't worry."

Watching Baek Socheon and Cheon Geuk walk away, Beon Saeng said, "The two of them spend so much time together that they're starting to resemble each other."

Madam Joo had laid out an enormous spread.

This was the day Beon Saeng, who usually taught her son martial arts, had achieved his dream. She had put every bit of her skill into the cooking.

"Congratulations, young master."

"Thank you, Sister-in-law."

"I knew you'd do better than anyone."

Though he had not been in the Sage Heaven Corps for long, Beon Saeng was doing well.

Even while traveling back and forth across Zhejiang Province this time, he had worked diligently as the youngest member.

Thinking that Baek Socheon would be criticized if he made a mistake, he approached life in the organization more earnestly than anyone. He was also naturally eloquent and good-natured, so he adapted better than anyone.

Everyone drank happily.

It was a pleasant gathering, and the food was delicious as well. Madam Joo's cooking truly rivaled that of any famous chef.

Unexpectedly, Cheon Geuk spoke little while everyone was gathered together. She seemed stiffer than when she was at ease around Beon Saeng.

Baek Socheon could guess the reason for that stiffness.

Here, she must have been conscious of who she was.

He felt the same way.

Just as he had once watched Im Chung watch Chan practice martial arts from a distance, he felt that he did not belong in such a peaceful daily life at all. As an assassin, she must have felt it even more strongly.

Baek Socheon raised his cup to her.

"Have a drink."

"All right."

They emptied their cups.

Baek Socheon knew from experience that blindly avoiding matters like this was not always best. Sometimes it was better to ask directly than to dance around the subject.

"Don't you want children?"

"Children?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Shouldn't you ask whether I want to marry first?"

"Do you have to marry to have children?"

"Of course. If I ever have children, I'll marry first."

"So you've thought about it?"

She gave a hollow little laugh.

"How could I?"

She had been trained as an assassin since childhood and raised as a successor.

"At least I'm not so shameless. It isn't only about me. I shouldn't have children for their sake either."

"Why would you think that? I think you'd make a good parent."

"Thank you, even if you're only saying it. But I don't want to bring a child into this world with an assassin for a parent."

She was grateful to Baek Socheon, even for those words. In a sense, this was the greatest void in her life, something she could not speak to anyone about, yet he made it easy for her to say aloud.

"What about you? Do you want children?"

"I feel sorry for asking you such a question."

"Why?"

"Because I feel the same way."

Baek Socheon looked down at his hands. He had fought for justice and chivalry, but his hands were stained with too much blood. He wanted to find happiness for himself, but he could not bring himself to build a family. He would have to seek another kind of happiness.

The two drank in silence.

Once the mood had ripened, the drunken Beon Saeng began to sing. He was only twenty-six, yet his song carried a sorrowful grief.

Carried away by the mood, Beon Saeng dragged Im Chung out and tried to make him sing, but Im Chung stubbornly refused. In the end, Chan came out instead and demonstrated his martial arts.

Baek Socheon went over and pointed out several areas Chan needed to correct.

Im Chung told Chan again and again that he must never forget Baek Socheon's advice. It had been a gathering for Beon Saeng, but Chan had received the greatest gift.

When Baek Socheon returned to his seat, he raised his cup to Cheon Geuk.

"This is nice."

Cheon Geuk smiled and raised her cup with him.

"It is."

* * *

"Ghost Spirit Unit Three, which we sent to Zhejiang Province, has been defeated."

At the report from his trusted aide Won Mu, Yeom Sawon overturned the table. Ghost Spirit Unit Three was one of the direct units he cherished.

Crash!

The women serving him froze in terror. When he was angry, more than a few women and maids had died simply for being nearby.

Fortunately, he only drove them out today.

"Get out, all of you!"

The women hurriedly left in relief.

"Report in detail!"

"It appears to have been the work of the Sage Heaven Corps."

"The Sage Heaven Corps? Baek Socheon?"

"Yes. We received information that the Sage Heaven Corps had deployed to the Zhejiang Division."

"How could that bastard without internal energy do this?"

"The Sage Heaven Corps' martial prowess is exceptional, is it not? They were selected from the Iron Sword Corps and the Secret Pavilion."

"Damn it! I should have killed him then!"

Yeom Sawon's expression turned vicious.

He truly had intended to kill Baek Socheon. But because his father, Yeom Hwasin, had joined him in seeing Baek Socheon off, he could not even attempt it.

"I need to find a way to get rid of that bastard Baek Socheon."

"He's usually at the Murim Alliance headquarters, so it won't be easy."

"Then kill him when he deploys like this!"

"That... won't be easy. The information is so highly classified that there is a delay before it reaches us."

"What kind of information is that?"

Yeom Sawon roared.

"To kill him, we would have to infiltrate the Murim Alliance and ambush him."

At the word ambush, Yeom Sawon thought of someone.

"Right! That assassin bitch!"

"You mean the Assassin King?"

"What king? She's just a worthless bitch. Place an assassination commission with her."

Won Mu looked troubled.

"I don't think the Assassin Alliance will accept the commission."

"How dare they? I'm placing it. Submit it in my name."

"Young Lord."

"Submit it!"

Yeom Sawon's voice lowered. It meant Won Mu could no longer dissuade him.

"How much should the commission be for?"

"How much does it usually cost?"

"There was once an assassination commission placed with the Assassin Alliance for Baek Socheon. The fee at the time was three million nyang."

"Crazy!"

Even as the Black Heaven Alliance's heir, he did not possess such a vast sum. It was an amount that required the alliance itself to act.

Yeom Sawon found the exact opposite approach.

"Set the commission at one nyang. It's exactly the amount suited to a bastard without internal energy. State my name when you submit it."

It was as if he wanted to see what they would do. He was confident they would not dare refuse his commission.

Won Mu wanted to say it would not work. Not only would the other side refuse to accept it, but this matter could become complicated.

But his predecessor had his skull smashed for trying to dissuade him at times like this. Won Mu raised his voice toward the master who believed the world belonged to him whenever his father was absent.

"I will submit the commission immediately."

Footnotes:

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