Chapter 520
The young man stood idly, gazing out the window.
It was a truly beautiful spring day.
The sunlight was just right, and the breeze flowing through the half-open window was cool. The scent of fully bloomed flowers carried through the air, adding to the atmosphere.
It was the very definition of paradise on earth.
If only someone’s sudden voice hadn’t interrupted the moment from behind him, everything would have been perfect.
“A fine day, indeed.”
The young man wasn’t startled. He had already sensed the approaching presence long ago.
And it wasn’t just the owner of the voice he had noticed.
Front, back, left, right. Above and below.
He was aware of everything happening around him.
Not by conscious effort or necessity, but simply because it was as natural as breathing.
‘What a cruel fate. I can’t even enjoy the beauty of spring properly.’
With that thought, the young man turned around.
A dignified-looking old man, as imposing as any youth, smiled at him.
“I stopped by out of concern, and here you are, slacking off.”
The voice carried an aged yet gentle tone, like a grandfather speaking to his grandchild.
But the young man, through his experiences, knew better.
This old man, standing before him, had a concealed blade—one sharp enough to cut at any moment.
“What were you thinking so deeply about?”
“I was just thinking how fortunate I am that you are not my enemy.”
The old man chuckled softly at the response.
“Anyone hearing that might think I’m some terrifying person.”
That disarming smile—he mustn’t fall for it.
No one could possibly guess just how many deep and intricate schemes were hidden behind that seemingly kind expression.
The one standing before him was none other than the head of Hidden Shadow Pavilion, the man who had orchestrated countless battles and eliminated many demonic sects during the chaos of the Demonic War. A man of such caliber was far from ordinary.
“I doubt anyone else would agree with you, Thousand-Faced Fox, Song Ho.”
The Thousand-Faced Fox, the cunning old fox of Hidden Shadow Pavilion, shrugged at the remark.
“Well, I suppose there are those who fear me. But I doubt that applies to the one standing before me now.”
“You mean me?”
“Am I wrong?”
The young man pondered for a moment before his eyes suddenly widened.
“Huh. You’re right.”
“Of course.”
“Now that I think about it, I don’t find you all that scary.”
If this conversation had taken place between ordinary martial artists, blades would have already been drawn.
But the two men here were far from ordinary.
Song Ho’s unbothered demeanor was largely due to the identity of the man before him.
“Remain vigilant, but never fear anyone. A Murim Alliance Leader must always be like that.”
The young man, Sword Star, Ma Jong-hak, responded with a grimace.
“That… I’d prefer if you didn’t use that title.”
“You must accept it sooner or later.”
“I just can’t get used to it.”
“But you will be the Murim Alliance Leader soon.”
“I’m not yet, though.”
“It’s always better to face hardship sooner rather than later.”
“I’ve always wondered why I have to face that hardship.”
Song Ho’s response was simple.
“Because the Martial God is not here.”
The title Martial God once signified absolute perfection. And even now, it still carried the same weight.
Anyone who had encountered him had spoken of him with reverence. His legacy remained, illuminating the martial world even after years had passed.
But…
“We could not find him.”
The Martial God had vanished.
No one knew if he was dead or alive, or why he had disappeared.
During the days when the Murim Alliance was still intact, Song Ho had mobilized all of Hidden Shadow Pavilion’s information networks to search the world.
But they found nothing.
Like sunlight peeking through a storm for a brief moment.
Like a shooting star streaking across the night sky in an instant.
The Martial God was gone, leaving behind his title, as if he had become the very heavens.
“In his absence, there is only one person fit to take the mantle of Alliance Leader—you, Ma Jong-hak.”
“Hah. There are plenty of others more suited for it.”
“If you’re referring to the other Three Stars and the Ten Kings, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“What? Why?”
“First of all, Bow Star has gone missing.”
“Isn’t Hidden Shadow Pavilion still searching for him?”
“Do you think Dark Heaven will wait for us to find him? Should we send them a message? ‘We’re looking for Bow Star, please wait a bit’?”
“Uh… That makes sense.”
Song Ho resisted the urge to smack Ma Jong-hak over the head and continued.
“And then there’s his personality. You know how he is.”
“I always thought he was refreshingly straightforward.”
“If he burns down the Murim Alliance, I doubt others will appreciate it.”
“Hmm. You have a point.”
“And as for Killing Star… It’s not even worth discussing.”
“You never know. He might be a good fit.”
“His martial skills aside, his presence alone is overwhelming. He has a natural commanding aura.”
“Yes, people will follow him. Because those who don’t… will already be dead.”
“Aren’t you being a bit too harsh?”
“His title is Killing Star. What did you expect?”
“…You’re right.”
Song Ho gave Ma Jong-hak a look as if seriously considering hitting him.
Then he sighed.
“The same goes for the other members of the Ten Kings. Either they have already passed away, or for various reasons, they are not suited for the position of Alliance Leader.”
Being the Murim Alliance Leader was not just about having strong martial arts.
It required the ability to make critical decisions and the charisma to lead and unify others.
In that sense, Sword Star, Ma Jong-hak, was the only viable successor to the Martial God.
“You have already earned the recognition of the leaders of the Nine Great Clans and the Five Great Noble Houses. Your nature is righteous and impartial. Even with sects like Mount Hua, you do not show favoritism and always listen to others. You are more than qualified for the role of Alliance Leader.”
With the birth of the New Murim Alliance, Hidden Shadow Pavilion had officially revived, and Thousand-Faced Fox had reclaimed his past influence. However, the position of Alliance Leader was not something one could attain with the backing of just a single faction.
It was a seat for one recognized by the masses. Not only a martial artist but also a true leader.
‘Of course, that doesn’t mean there weren’t those who opposed it.’
As that thought crossed his mind, Thousand-Faced Fox suddenly furrowed his brows.
“And yet, someone like you is leisurely enjoying the spring scenery?”
Ma Jong-hak glanced at the window regretfully before answering.
“I was merely looking outside for a moment because the weather was nice.”
“Do you even realize how many pending matters need to be addressed right now?”
“Oh. Right. Here, take this. I’ve gathered everything in one place.”
Thousand-Faced Fox, who had been about to start scolding him, paused.
“What do you mean?”
“The bamboo slips Hidden Shadow Pavilion sent earlier. Seventy-eight cases in total. I’ve handled them all.”
Handled them all? That many cases, in such a short amount of time?
Looking at the mountain of bamboo slips piled up in one corner of the office, Thousand-Faced Fox narrowed his eyes.
“Did you see the letter from Qinghai?”
“The one from Kunlun Sect? Of course. They’re preoccupied with subduing bandits and marauders, so they’re pressed for time. It would be best if they arrived on schedule, but even if they are a little late, it won’t be an issue.”
“Then, what about the news from Sichuan?”
“They are all working together to rebuild the Tang Clan at full speed. Ah, and make sure the Inner Hall prepares high-grade medicine. I heard the Tang Clan Leader’s condition is deteriorating. Even if we can’t send large-scale support immediately, we should at least offer this much help.”
“And the letter from Southern Barbarian Beast Palace…?”
“What letter? There was nothing related to them among today’s cases.”
That was to be expected. As Ma Jong-hak said, there had been no mention of Southern Barbarian Beast Palace in today’s reports.
At that moment, the doubt lingering in Thousand-Faced Fox’s mind cleared, and a faint smile formed on his lips.
“Hmm? What’s so amusing?”
“It’s nothing. I just find it admirable how diligently you handle your duties—”
“Don’t grin so suspiciously. You might end up scaring people.”
Ignoring Ma Jong-hak’s remark, Thousand-Faced Fox glanced outside.
“The wind is pleasant today. The weather is truly fine.”
As if to sour his mood, Ma Jong-hak spoke up.
“Shall we go out for a stroll? This might be the last nice day for a while.”
“I refuse.”
With a blunt response, Thousand-Faced Fox added,
“I’ll be sending up more cases soon, so quit wasting time and get back to work.”
“But we have a distinguished guest arriving. As a proper host, I should go out to greet them.”
“…Did you say ‘greet’?”
For a moment, Thousand-Faced Fox hesitated, then limped over to the window with his prosthetic leg.
“Look over there.”
Beyond the city walls, a vehicle was slowly approaching.
It was still too far away to make out clearly, but with a bit of focus, he could discern that it was a carriage.
The real issue was not the carriage itself—but the familiar face sitting on the coachman’s seat.
‘Wait… why is Dark Phantom there?’
Dark Phantom was one of the most elite agents in Hidden Shadow Pavilion.
During the Sacred Martial Assembly, he had tracked Ma Jong-hak’s movements when he had been traveling in disguise. And during the Demonic War, he had claimed the heads of countless demonic practitioners.
“That is… a familiar face, wouldn’t you say?”
“You’re right. I had sent Dark Phantom to investigate an incident on the main road… but instead of capturing someone, it seems he’s escorting them here.”
Before Thousand-Faced Fox could finish his sentence, Ma Jong-hak spoke again.
“While you were away, an urgent report arrived.”
“An urgent report?”
“Yes. Some familiar faces are on their way here.”
Ma Jong-hak lightly patted Thousand-Faced Fox’s shoulder before leaning out the window and murmuring,
“Let’s go welcome them.”
—
“Welcome.”
As soon as the carriage entered the Murim Alliance’s inner city, a familiar voice rang out.
‘Sword Star, Ma Jong-hak.’
Once, I had known him by the name Ascending Sword, Jong Ri-chu.
Upon spotting me, he smirked.
“It’s been a while, my friend.”
Still keeping up that act, I see.
As I gave him a small nod, Ma Jong-hak clicked his tongue in mock disappointment before turning to Jeok Cheon-Gang.
“I’m glad to see you in good health.”
Yawning as he lazily surveyed the surroundings, Jeok Cheon-Gang narrowed his eyes.
“Are you talking to me?”
“It has truly been a long time. It is good to see you again.”
“You must have the wrong person. I don’t associate with brats who still have milk on their lips—”
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
His eyes, which had been scanning Ma Jong-hak from head to toe, widened in shock.
“Wait… you’re…”
“Yes. It’s me.”
With a broad smile, Ma Jong-hak continued,
“Since it’s such a joyous reunion, how about taking on the role of Alliance Leader?”
…What is this, some kind of Murim-style group project leader nomination?
