I Somehow Became the Leader of the Black Faction - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Surprised?

How I Became the Leader of the Black Path Alliance

Episode 5

Surprised?

Deep in the night.

Rustle.

Seo Woo-jin sat on a tree stump, flipping through the pages of a book. It was a thin volume with no title on its cover.

Thud.

After turning several pages in quick succession, Seo Woo-jin slammed it shut.

[ I’ve put together a brief summary of the Black Path Alliance. Review it while you’re on your way. ]

Those were the words Yun Seo-rin had said when she handed him the book. The contents were surprisingly thorough, as if she had anticipated this exact situation.

There’s no need for me to read this.

He had looked at it out of curiosity, but there was only one reason he eventually closed it.

Because I have no intention of ever returning to the Black Path Alliance.

He had never planned to accept Yun Seo-rin’s proposal in the first place. Although he’d harbored fantasies about the martial world since childhood, they never involved the Black Path. In fact, he’d dreamed of being the one to hunt them down.

It was absurd for him to become their leader.

And becoming the Leader of the Black Path Alliance wouldn’t be the end of it, either.

This was a position where he could end up dying for nothing.

Hadn’t the book Yun Seo-rin gave him already stated it?

The previous Leader of the Black Path Alliance had died a mysterious death.

The real problem was how to escape.

Seo Woo-jin looked at the sleeping Four Black Dragons.

They had probably heard from Yun Seo-rin—the fact that he was an impostor.

Yet, they were still treating him as the Young Alliance Leader.

On the other hand, they had also readily accepted his offer to keep watch.

Their attitude was ambiguous.

If he tried to flee now, would he succeed?

Seo Woo-jin let out a soft sigh.

They were definitely asleep, but somehow, fleeing now felt like an impossible task.

It was as if invisible eyes were constantly watching him.

It’s fine. I wasn’t planning on escaping right away anyway.

He needed patience.

Until he reached the place where he used to live with his grandfather.

Five more days.

The day he would escape their clutches was not far off.

The journey had been a series of endless camps.

Just before they reached their destination, Seo Woo-jin and his group arrived at a small village. They had stopped here only because Song Bi-ryeong had adamantly insisted they deserved at least one day of proper rest.

Though the village was small, it fortunately boasted a fairly decent inn. It seemed to be a common stopover for merchant caravans and other traveling groups. Thanks to this, the party was finally able to wash up and freshen themselves for the first time in ages.

“Ah… I can finally breathe again.”

Song Bi-ryeong descended the stairs, a pleasant fragrance trailing behind her.

Bae Seok-jin frowned and shot her a sharp remark. “You took so long that we already ordered the food.”

“Hmph. How late could I have possibly been?”

Pouting like a child, Song Bi-ryeong took her seat across from Yu Geon-woo.

Yu Geon-woo, however, remained completely oblivious to her arrival, sitting there with his chin resting in his hand, staring blankly into space.

“Hah… I shouldn’t have tagged along.”

Though he spoke to himself, his words were thick with boredom and languor.

Seo Woo-jin, who had been sitting beside him, offered an awkward smile. “I feel terrible for dragging you into this.”

Yu Geon-woo shifted only his eyes to glance at Seo Woo-jin.

“Ah. Did you hear that? Don’t mind me. It’s just my usual complaining. Besides, even if I’d stayed in Hangzhou, I would have just shut myself in a brothel and drowned in liquor anyway.”

His tone was polite yet utterly indifferent. Song Bi-ryeong immediately snapped at him.

“What a rude brat. Sigh, when will you ever grow up?”

As if used to her scolding, Yu Geon-woo snorted and turned his head away. Song Bi-ryeong, clearly done with him, immediately averted her gaze.

“So, how’s our handsome Young Alliance Leader doing? I saw you running before, and your stamina seemed impressive. Wasn’t it tough camping out every night?”

“Hmph. Is it proper for someone like you to speak so informally to the Young Alliance Leader?”

Yu Geon-woo muttered as if he’d been waiting for the chance, but Song Bi-ryeong effortlessly ignored him.

Her gaze remained fixed solely on Seo Woo-jin.

Seo Woo-jin felt uncomfortable under her intense, lingering stare, but he quickly regained his composure and replied calmly.

“I’m fine. I’ve always been able to sleep well anywhere.”

“Oh, really? Then you should visit my room sometime. I’m curious if you’ll sleep just as well by my side.”

“Cough, cough—!”

Seo Woo-jin choked on his tea and broke into a fit of coughing.

“Haha… That was… quite a joke…”

He hurriedly averted his eyes from hers, desperately trying to change the subject.

And, for better or worse,

BOOM!

A thunderous crash erupted from the floor below.

I happened to be seated by the railing, so I could see the scene immediately.

The door was smashed to splinters.

A mob of men came pouring in.

Every single one of them had a vicious, menacing face.

CRASH!

The man at the front slammed a massive broadsword, as crude and oversized as himself, onto a table.

“A-Aigoo! G-Great Hero! W-What’s wrong? Why are you doing this…?”

A middle-aged man, who seemed to be the innkeeper, finally rushed out to plead with the man.

“What’s wrong? Are you really asking me why I’m doing this?”

The innkeeper’s face crumpled as he desperately clasped his hands in a plea.

“We paid the protection money five days ago… At the time, Great Hero Thunderbolt Blade, you told us not to worry about a thing…”

SWISH! CRASH!

The man known as Thunderbolt Blade swung his greatsword once more.

As the tables and chairs shattered into splinters, the proprietor finally fell to his knees, pleading.

“Ah, ahh! I-I’m sorry! I’ll do whatever you ask! Just please, no more—”

Thunderbolt Blade’s lips curled into a satisfied grin.

He crouched down to meet the proprietor’s eyes and nodded.

“Heh heh. Now we’re talking. The payment you gave five days ago was for five days ago. You haven’t paid today’s protection money yet.”

“W-What do you mean…? The protection money is supposed to be paid once a month…”

“Hey. What’s this? You didn’t tell him?”

One of the subordinates standing behind him scratched his head with an awkward smile.

“Ah, hehe. I was drinking with the boss all night… I’m sorry…”

Swish! Thud!

“Guh—!!”

Thunderbolt Blade swung his saber while still seated.

The blunt side of the blade struck the subordinate’s abdomen, and he collapsed, groaning.

“Useless bastard. Even if you’re drunk, you still have to do your job.”

Thunderbolt Blade turned his gaze back to the shopkeeper.

“Well now. My apologies. Since this was partly our fault, I’ll be kind enough to explain it to you one more time.”

The shopkeeper could only blink, his eyes wide with terror, unable to utter a word of protest.

“No need to be so frightened. In a way, this might actually be good news for you. I’ll give you a choice.”

Thunderbolt Blade raised two fingers.

“One. You will pay protection money every five days. Why? No, that’s not the point. We’ve decided this, so that’s how it will be.”

“H-how could you…”

Thunderbolt Blade folded one finger.

“Two. I see you have a daughter. Heh heh heh. Didn’t I tell you? This could be a good deal for you. Our Sect Leader seems to have taken a fancy to your daughter. How about it? Becoming the father-in-law of the Dragon Tiger Sect’s leader. If you agree, forget the protection money. You’ll have the Dragon Tiger Sect backing you for the rest of your life.”

The shopkeeper’s entire body trembled.

Was he being consumed by fear?

No.

A terrible fury began to burn in his bloodshot eyes.

“You… you beasts… My daughter isn’t even twenty yet!! The Dragon Tiger Sect Leader is over sixty!! How could you!!”

“Heh heh. Is there a need to get so worked up? If you cherish your daughter that much, you can just pay the protection money every five days, can’t you?”

Thunderbolt Blade leaned in toward the owner with a vile grin. Then, he whispered softly into the man’s ear.

“But think carefully. What would happen if we set our minds to it? Wouldn’t it be better to save your wealth rather than face the worst-case scenario?”

Rising to his feet, Thunderbolt Blade chuckled and turned away.

“I’ll give you one day. Think it over.”

And then, he vanished as quickly as he had arrived.

Only the owner remained, slumped on the ground with a look of utter despair.

From the second floor, Seo Woo-jin, who had witnessed the entire scene, asked in a cold voice, “Why did you stop me?”

He looked ready to leap down at any moment.

But Yu Geon-woo grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

Yu Geon-woo sighed softly and replied languidly.

“There are several reasons. First, we are operating in secret. There’s no need to draw attention to ourselves here, is there?”

“…”

“Second, do you think helping him right now will change anything? After we leave, he might have to endure an even worse hell than today.”

Yu Geon-woo’s indifferent gaze met Seo Woo-jin’s.

Seo Woo-jin was staring back at him, his expression unusually cold.

Was this unexpected? Or perhaps amusing?

A faint smile touched Yu Geon-woo’s lips.

“And most importantly, thirdly… I’m not interested enough to draw my sword. He’d have to be a truly low-class bastard to pique my interest.”

Seo Woo-jin shook off Yu Geon-woo’s hand and asked, “So, your amusement is more important than that man’s suffering?”

“Isn’t that obvious? If it weren’t for today, I would never have encountered him in my entire life. Why should I go through the trouble for such a person?”

Seo Woo-jin let out a scoff.

Right.

These people are from the Black Path, too.

“Fine. I won’t try to convince you to see things my way. But don’t try to stop me.”

“I cannot allow it for the first reason.”

“I will move more discreetly.”

“I don’t know. We don’t trust each other enough for that, do we?”

“Then…”

Seo Woo-jin’s eyes darkened.

“…I will have to clear any obstacles that stand in my way.”

Seo Woo-jin’s hand shot out toward the sword’s hilt.

Just before he could draw it—

Thud!

Song Bi-ryeong struck the table lightly.

The deep vibration pierced his ears, and his body froze for a moment. Seo Woo-jin’s cold gaze fixed on Song Bi-ryeong.

“Are you planning to stop me too?”

Song Bi-ryeong frowned, her delicate brows furrowing as she let out a soft sigh.

“Our handsome Young Alliance Leader, you’re quite scary when you’re angry, aren’t you? Calm down for a moment.”

She glanced at Muk-yeong.

Without a change in expression, Muk-yeong immediately sprang into action. Seo Woo-jin watched him quietly exit the inn before asking, “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean? You said you absolutely wanted to save that man. And this bastard is the one who doesn’t need saving.”

Seo Woo-jin frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll do it instead.”

“Excuse me?”

Seo Woo-jin asked, but Song Bi-ryeong turned her gaze to Yu Geon-woo.

“You just keep an eye on the Young Alliance Leader.”

Yu Geon-woo scowled. Though he looked thoroughly displeased, Song Bi-ryeong’s stern glare kept him from protesting.

“…Fine,” he muttered, relenting.

Song Bi-ryeong then turned to Bae Seok-jin.

Bae Seok-jin, who had remained silent until now, let out a soft sigh.

“I’ll handle the cleanup. As always.”

“Hehe. Thanks.”

Song Bi-ryeong giggled like a child before looking back at Seo Woo-jin.

“It won’t take long. Just get some rest.”

With that, she followed them out.

Seo Woo-jin could only stare, speechless at the sudden turn of events.

Deep into the night.

Three of the Four Black Dragons made their move.

Yu Geon-woo had remained at the inn under the pretext of keeping an eye on Seo Woo-jin, but he hadn’t shown any unusual behavior.

Thanks to this, Seo Woo-jin was able to sit on the inn’s roof and organize his thoughts.

It was a mistake. I should have held back.

There was no need to sharpen his blade so prematurely. He could have pretended to agree to their faces and then moved secretly in the dead of night, just as he was doing now.

His mind understood, but his heart refused to follow.

Was it because of the excuse about “interest”?

No. The emotion had been building up long before that. It was just… I didn’t want to admit his words were right.

The words that stepping forward now wouldn’t improve their lives.

Chivalry is a double-edged sword. It can help others, but it can also ruin everyone. You must always be wary—whether you truly wish to help others by practicing chivalry, or if you are merely trying to satisfy your own heart with the fact that you have done so.

His grandfather’s cynical attitude toward chivalry was no different from Yu Geon-woo’s words.

Even if I save them from immediate danger, I won’t be staying here forever.

The party had to return to Hangzhou within a set schedule. Could they truly resolve the root of the problem in such a short time?

If not…

“Haaah…”

A sigh escaped his lips.

He felt foolish and ashamed for letting his heart get ahead of his reason.

That was why he found it even more puzzling.

How on earth was Song Bi-ryeong going to handle this?

And where had Muk-yeong and Bae Seok-jin gone?

A moment later, as Seo Woo-jin watched the street from the rooftop, a figure caught his eye.

He leaped from the roof in a single bound, landing before her.

“Song—!”

The name died in his throat.

She was nothing like the clean and beautiful woman he had seen earlier that day.

She was drenched in blood.

Song Bi-ryeong grinned at his shocked expression. “What? Surprised?”

“…”

She licked the blood from her fingers. The gesture was both chilling and alluring.

It was a side of her he had never seen before.

Song Bi-ryeong brushed past Seo Woo-jin with a mocking smile.

“You tried to protect the innkeeper without even being prepared for this? Heh. Our Young Alliance Leader is so naive. Geon-woo was right—messing with me half-heartedly only invites a bigger disaster.”

“…”

“I killed every last one of the Dragon Tiger Sect bastards. Now there’s no one left to cause trouble after we leave, so don’t worry.”

Seo Woo-jin closed his eyes.

How could I condemn her for this?

What is righteousness?

What is goodness?

Isn’t it evil to take a human life so recklessly?

Then is sparing evil the path to goodness?

He was confused.

This was clearly the kind of behavior he had always loathed in the Black Path.

But…

At the very least, thanks to her, his steps would be lighter when he set out at dawn.

Seo Woo-jin opened his eyes and turned to look at Song Bi-ryeong.

Then, he cupped his fist and bowed toward her, who was already walking away.

“Thank you for your guidance, Martial Artist Song! Thanks to you, I’ve realized what I was missing!”

Song Bi-ryeong turned back, her eyes wide with surprise.

She probably hadn’t expected such a reaction.

She chuckled softly and waved her hand.

“Heh. You really are an interesting one. Come visit my room sometime. I’ll show you something interesting, too.”

Leaving behind that terrible joke, she vanished into the inn.

Seo Woo-jin stared at the spot where she had been for a long time.

And then.

Slap!

He slapped his own cheeks with both hands.

The stinging pain seemed to clear his mind.

Maybe I’ve been blinded by prejudice. Maybe… Grandfather’s world isn’t all there is…

For the first time, the thought occurred to him that his grandfather might not be entirely right.