The Martial Alliance's temporary headquarters in Sichuan.
An unexpected guest had arrived at the place, which was in the midst of preparing for battle.
"...Who did you say you were just now?"
The Alliance members who were guarding the gate could not hide their bewilderment.
A man dressed in black from head to toe. His hair and pupils were blacker and deeper than the clothes he was wearing.
They had noticed that he was not an ordinary person and had prepared their hearts, but they were flustered when they found out his identity.
"I said I'm Ha Inseong of the Black Plaque Star."
The number one in the Unorthodox Path of the current generation, Ha Yulcheon, one of the Three Lords of the World.
His only son had suddenly come to the Martial Alliance. That too, in a time like this, and alone.
"Can you prove your identity?"
"The Alliance Leader or the Chief Strategist will recognize me. Ah, Woojin is also a very close friend of mine."
"Woojin... Are you perhaps talking about the God of War?"
At the gatekeeper's words, Ha Inseong's eyes widened for a moment and then he burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha, it seems he's being called that now? Anyway, it's interesting."
Ha Inseong, who had said so, took out a gold plaque from his bosom and showed it. The wolf emblem that symbolized the Black Plaque Star was engraved on it.
The gatekeeper who was looking at the gold plaque nodded.
"Please wait a moment."
The Young Star Lord of the Black Plaque Star was a big shot that he could not chase away or let in on his own judgment. Soon, the gatekeeper moved hurriedly for confirmation.
.
.
.
The Black Plaque Star and the Martial Alliance were strictly in a hostile relationship.
Since they were the two organizations that represented the righteous and the evil paths.
Nevertheless, Ha Inseong was full of leisure, as if he had come to visit a friend's house.
He was looking at the pink flowers that had bloomed between the outer wall and the ground, and then he asked the gatekeeper who was left behind and was fiercely monitoring him.
"The flowers are pretty. Did the Martial Alliance grow them?"
"...They're wild flowers."
"Then I'll take them."
Ha Inseong, who had said so, picked the nameless pink flowers and carefully put them in his bosom.
At that sight, the gatekeeper clicked his tongue inwardly.
'They said that the Young Star Lord over there is not an ordinary person either.'
Originally, the Young Star Lord of the Black Plaque Star was famous in the martial world.
At first, he became known for his genius that was no less than the Black Plaque Star Lord's, but as time passed, he became more famous for his unique and eccentric actions.
For example, being kidnapped by Japanese pirates while sea fishing.
Of course, the Japanese pirates were annihilated by the elites of the Black Plaque Star.
Or betting the entire fortune of the Black Plaque Star at a gambling house.
Of course, the gamblers who had cheated in that game were also annihilated by the elites of the Black Plaque Star.
There was also a famous anecdote where he suddenly shaved his head, saying that he would renounce the world, and visited Shaolin, only to be beaten and chased away by the abbot.
Of course, the elites of the Black Plaque Star who had visited after that were also beaten and returned, and the Black Plaque Star Lord clicked his tongue, saying that the Unorthodox Path was in a fine state.
"I'm bored."
It was when Ha Inseong let out a long yawn.
The huge gate of the Martial Alliance opened with a heavy sound.
Someone other than the gatekeeper had come out to greet him.
"I am Sima Hui, the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance."
"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Ha Inseong of the Black Plaque Star."
Sima Hui nodded. There was no way he would not know the Young Star Lord's face.
However, it was true that he was somewhat nervous because he did not know for what reason he had come.
'If the Black Plaque Star tries to pressure the Martial Alliance at this time...'
It's not good.
He could not face the Black Plaque Star while facing the Demonic Cult.
So, he had to continue a smooth conversation with the Black Plaque Star as much as possible.
"The Alliance Leader is waiting."
Sima Hui deliberately drew a good-natured, but not easy-going, smile and guided Ha Inseong inside.
* * *
Three teacups were placed on the tea table.
Even in front of the Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist, Ha Inseong did not show any signs of nervousness. He picked up a teacup, closed his eyes, and savored the aroma for a moment.
"The hospitality of the Orthodox Path is truly cultured. It's something to be envious of."
They were Unorthodox Path people who kept tea far away and liquor close.
Ha Inseong, who had drunk the tea in one gulp, waited for a moment.
The Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist waited without even touching their teacups.
And so, they just waited silently.
'What is this guy trying to do?'
The Chief Strategist looked at Ha Inseong with a bewildered face. If he had come, shouldn't he convey the will of the Black Plaque Star or something?
The Alliance Leader also had a similar expression.
In the end, the person with the least patience in this room opened his mouth first.
"So why did you call me?"
"...?"
Ha Inseong asked, and Sima Hui doubted his ears.
"Didn't you come to visit?"
"But it was the Alliance Leader who called me here."
"Before that, you came to the Martial Alliance."
"I just came to meet my best friend."
"..."
Sima Hui looked at Ha Inseong with a serious face.
Why is the Young Star Lord of a force like the Black Plaque Star a crazy guy?
Moreover, what's with that tone that knows neither etiquette nor culture?
"Who is that... friend of yours?"
"Cheon Woojin. We're inseparable."
"I don't think so."
Sima Hui did not even listen. How could he not know Cheon Woojin's disposition? He was by no means a person who would be so close to a guy like this.
"Anyway, I came to meet Cheon Woojin. It seems there is some misunderstanding, but I didn't come to represent the Black Plaque Star, and I have nothing else to say in this place."
He just came because the Alliance Leader was waiting.
He thought there was something to say.
The Beili Tian Alliance Leader looked at the Chief Strategist. It was a look that said, 'Kick that crazy guy out or do something.'
Sima Hui was also in a difficult position.
Since the Young Star Lord of the Black Plaque Star had come in person, he had misunderstood that he had come to inform them of their position.
In the current situation, the movement of the Black Plaque Star was very important. If they were hostile to the Alliance, it would be a great danger, and if they were to help for the stability of the Central Plains martial world, it would also be a great force.
'I was nervous for nothing.'
Sima Hui felt as if his strength was draining away.
He shouldn't have brought him to the Alliance Leader in the first place.
"As you know, we are in the middle of a war between the demonic and the righteous."
"I heard you're winning. Congratulations. As expected, the Martial Alliance is strong. Please work hard to protect the Central Plains for our share as well."
Although he had received congratulations, Sima Hui, who somehow felt strange, said in a sigh-mixed voice.
"...Thank you very much. But I can't let you meet Alliance Member Cheon. Alliance Member Cheon is now a key force of our Martial Alliance. He is not a being that anyone can just come and call out."
"Am I just anyone?"
"If you didn't come as an envoy of the Black Plaque Star, then yes."
Ha Inseong nodded. Although he was smart enough to have no rivals in the world except for a few, one of those few was Sima Hui, the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance.
He could not win against him with words.
"Then please at least inform him that I have come and tell him to come if he is willing to meet. He will surely come. Since we're best friends."
"Stop with that embarrassing talk. Anyway, I will inform him of your visit."
Of course, he would not come.
It was dinner time now.
At this time, even if he, the Alliance Leader or the Chief Strategist, called, the answer would be that he was in the middle of a meal and would come after he finished eating.
Since the time was the time, he was the Young Star Lord of the Black Plaque Star, who could not be treated carelessly. Therefore, Sima Hui's plan was to issue a guest expulsion order on the pretext of Cheon Woojin's refusal.
.
.
.
How much time had passed?
The Chief Strategist could not hide his surprise.
Cheon Woojin had come.
'Is Alliance Member Cheon really friends with the Young Star Lord?'
Their dispositions must be very different, so how?
By the time he had such a question, the Young Star Lord greeted Cheon Woojin warmly.
"Woojin, it's been a while."
"...Since when were we so close?"
At that sight, Sima Hui was relieved.
Of course.
In any case, since one of Alliance Member Cheon's two masters was the Black Master, there was an anxiety. It would not be strange if he suddenly left for the Unorthodox Path. If the two were as close as the Young Star Lord said, the anxiety would have grown even more.
But what's with the closeness? It was a relief that it seemed to be the Young Star Lord's one-sided courtship.
It was then.
Ha Inseong said with a disappointed expression.
"Aren't we a pair who have even stolen the treasure of the Green Forest together? Also, I took good care of the Black Tortoise Unit Commander, no, the Inspection Hall Master."
"That's why I responded to the call. What's your business?"
"Well, it's nothing else."
Ha Inseong looked at the Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist for a moment, and then continued in a light tone.
"This war between the demonic and the righteous. Should the Black Plaque Star help? We're friends, aren't we?"
Sima Hui was startled. Although they were already superior in the war, if the Black Plaque Star fought alongside them, they could reduce a lot of sacrifices.
Of course, it was not a losing business for the Black Plaque Star either. If, by any chance, the Demonic Cult won the war, there would be no such thing as the Black Plaque Star in the Central Plains martial world that they ruled.
However, there was something important.
"How much land and money are you going to demand in return after the war is over? Also, have you discussed this with the Black Plaque Star Lord?"
Sima Hui intervened in the two's conversation. It was because he was worried that Cheon Woojin, who was dull in schemes, would accept without any thought.
Ha Inseong gave Sima Hui a faint smile.
"I have already obtained the Star Lord's permission. Also, even if we win the war, the Black Plaque Star will not demand anything from the Martial Alliance. Since we are not a group of merchants."
"Then?"
Ha Inseong looked at Cheon Woojin and let out a strange smile. It was a look as if he were dealing with the most precious treasure in the world.
"I'm trying to get on his good side. To somehow coax him in the future and take him to the Black Plaque Star."
While the Chief Strategist was startled and shot up, Ha Inseong took out the flower he had picked earlier from his bosom and handed it to Cheon Woojin.
"I picked it up on the way. Our Black Plaque Star are those who know such romance. Just like the Black Master, sir, who was a close friend of the Star Lord."
"You crazy bastard!"
Sima Hui could not hold it in and cursed. How dare an Unorthodox Path guy covet someone? That too, in front of the Alliance Leader and the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance.
"Go away. Get the hell out! What kind of nonsense is this!"
Sima Hui, who had no rivals in controlling his emotions, was rarely trembling, even his beard.
At that sight, Ha Inseong let out a long laugh.
"Hahahaha, is it something to get so angry about?"
"Is there no one outside! Escort the Young Star Lord of the Black Plaque Star outside at once! Just throw him out!"
The Alliance members rushed in.
While politely saying that they would go out together, they forcefully grabbed the Young Star Lord's arms.
Ha Inseong, who was being dragged away like a criminal being arrested, burst into laughter again.
"Woojin, you're being loved here. If you come to the Black Plaque Star, the Star Lord will love you twice as much. When I become the Star Lord in the future, I'll let you sit next to me. No, you just be the Star Lord."
"S-shut that insolent mouth! Take him out quickly!"
Ha Inseong was dragged out.
Although Ha Inseong could have killed the Alliance members in one blow, he was not so senseless as to see blood in his friend's house.
Even while being dragged away, his laughter did not stop, and so, one more strange rumor about Ha Inseong was added.
.
.
.
After the commotion had passed.
An awkward silence flowed between the Alliance Leader, the Chief Strategist, and Cheon Woojin.
The Chief Strategist, saying that the teacup that Ha Inseong had used was ominous, threw it away whole and then asked cautiously.
"...You're not going, are you?"
"If the Black Plaque Star helps, won't it be a great force for the Alliance? Although we won all the battles, many Alliance members have already died."
"You're right. But you don't have to take responsibility for all their lives. Aren't you also just a single martial artist?"
"I will first talk to the Black Plaque Star Lord in person."
Cheon Woojin bowed and left.
The Black Plaque Star Lord is a decent person. He was also one of the few Unorthodox Path people that the Black Master had acknowledged.
Of course, he had no particular intention of going to the Black Plaque Star. But if the Black Plaque Star came forward in this battle, they could prevent the futile deaths of many people.
'I'll have to stop by the Black Plaque Star soon.'
In any case, he was concerned about the words that the Ice Palace Lord had uttered before he died, calling him the Dark Heavenly Son.
The person who was closest to the Dark Heavenly Son was the Black Master, and the person who was close to such a master was the Black Plaque Star Lord.
So, he planned to stop by the Black Plaque Star to ask for his opinion on this matter as well.
The words 'I will talk to the Black Plaque Star Lord' had such a meaning, but the Chief Strategist and the Alliance Leader seemed to have misunderstood something completely.
"..."
The Chief Strategist, who had been looking at the place where Cheon Woojin had left with a dazed face for a moment, pulled out a brush and paper and began to write something quickly.
"What are you doing?"
Even at the Alliance Leader's question, the Chief Strategist did not stop his hand and answered.
"Let's promote Alliance Member Cheon to a Vice-Hall Master. You saw it yourself in this battle. Alliance Member Cheon is not just a strong martial artist. The Black Plaque Star led by that black fox-like guy, Ha Inseong, is tricky but not scary. But if it's the Black Plaque Star led by Woojin..."
The mere thought of it was dizzying.
Decades had passed, and the old masters of the current generation had all died, and the current successors had taken their places as respected members.
Who could stop Cheon Woojin's Black Plaque Star?
"Hey, Chief Strategist."
"Just a moment, Alliance Leader."
The Chief Strategist worked his hands hard. There was no case in the history of the Martial Alliance where a person of Cheon Woojin's age had become a Vice-Hall Master. But it was not the end. He was going to continue to promote him quickly and nail him to the Alliance.
"Chief Strategist!"
"Yes, yes."
As the Alliance Leader raised his voice slightly, the Chief Strategist's hand stopped.
"Get a hold of yourself. You're too excited. I understand your feelings, but it's not like you. Hasn't your judgment become dull?"
"...Ah, I'm sorry."
Only then did the Chief Strategist come to his senses. The instinct to sense danger as a strategist had momentarily confused his head.
Well, thinking about it a little more rationally, there was no reason for Cheon Woojin to go to the Black Plaque Star so easily.
By the time the Chief Strategist was blaming himself for making a big fuss.
"A Vice-Hall Master? Are you kidding? Promote him to a Hall Master. No, how about creating the position of a Vice-Alliance Leader?"
"Huh? That's a bit..."
"And send an official document to the Black Plaque Star. If they talk nonsense one more time, I will go there myself. Have you seen these ill-mannered guys!"
The Alliance Leader even clenched his fists.
"..."
At that sight, the Chief Strategist's heart was calm.
There was a mind treatment method that was spreading like a trend among physicians recently. It was called mirror therapy, a treatment method that made one realize their own faults by showing them like a mirror.
'The treatment effect is certain.'
Sima Hui resolved not to get excited from now on.
(End of Chapter)