Love Ballad of the Tyrant King

Chapter 8: Jaseung, Decides to Go Together

“The more I look, the nicer the scenery is.”

The place where Lee Jaseung stood was the Leader’s room of the Alliance. He stood side by side with Dan Woobin in front of a large window.

Some argued for building a new main base for the Black Way Alliance, but Lee Jaseung decided to keep using the existing one.

It was already well built, and he judged that wasting money on new construction was unnecessary.

He would rather grow a new organization.

Lee Jaseung believed that the essence of the Black Way was speed. No matter what happens at all times, the ability to move faster than the Orthodox Faction was the Black Way’s greatest strength.

To move and hide fast was key.

He believed it required the quick decisiveness to abandon the main base in just one day if needed.

Knowing this, Dan Woobin immediately carried out the organizational restructuring he had proposed in the carriage, as soon as he returned to the Alliance.

The Divine Sword Army, Iron Armored Cavalry, and the Secret Guard Unit were each promoted to the Divine Sword Regiment, Iron Cavalry Regiment, and the Guard Hall, respectively. The Three-Eyed Army that Dan Woobin led was promoted to the Three-Eyed Pavilion as well.

Also, he began forming a new secret organization after Lee Jaseung’s order. It was an organization suited not just for strength, but cruelty as well just like he requested.

“We’ve named it the Dark Heaven Army.”

As the name suggested, it would be a terrifying organization that leaves only death and darkness wherever they pass.

“Make sure no one can tell we’re behind it.”

“Don’t worry.”

Lee Jaseung felt pleased with Dan Woobin’s reassuring answer. Having someone trustworthy to rely on in any situation was a blessing.

“Is there someone you’ve been missing, by any chance?”

Lee Jaseung turned around with a puzzled look.

“You seemed especially lonely today.”

Dan Woobin was able to win over his first love’s heart again thanks to Lee Jaseung.

They say first love never comes true, but Lee Jaseung had made even that possible.

How could he betray him when he’s done so much for him?

A ruler who sends trustworthy martial artists to protect the woman his subordinate loves in the middle of a war? At the very least, Dan Woobin knew that he couldn’t do such a thing.

‘He really is a terrifying man.’

Whether he intended it or not, Lee Jaseung had completely earned his loyalty.

Because of that, Dan Woobin hoped that Lee Jaseung would also find a first love.

During the past seven years of war, Lee Jaseung had never had a woman by his side.

Of course, he didn’t have time or opportunity to find anyone to date during that time, but outsiders likely thought otherwise.

They probably believed that he had courtesans at least once or twice since it was only natural given his position.

However, Dan Woobin knew better than anyone as someone who watched him the most. Lee Jaseung never did such a thing.

That sometimes made him think if it was because Lee Jaseung had an unforgettable woman in his heart that made him keep others away.

“Yes, I do.”

Dan Woobin’s eyes sparkled out of curiosity, and longing flashed across Lee Jaseung’s.

“Who is it?”

“My grandfather.”

Dan Woobin was disappointed inside. He would’ve searched all across the Central Plains if he mentioned a woman’s name.

“He raised me until I was nine and then passed away. I miss him a lot.”

His grandfather’s image appeared when Lee Jaseung closed his eyes.

It was also him who taught him martial arts. His grandfather always said that a man should dream big.

At the very least, it seemed like Lee Jaseung kept that promise.

“I’m sure he is proud of you, my Lord.”

“I hope so.”

At that moment, a man entered. It was a young man with a clean, flawless appearance with an attractive smile in his eyes.

He carried two swords crossed on his back, each hit engraved with a dragon and a phoenix.

He was Mujin, the Dragon Phoenix Dualblade. He was a famous master artist of the Black Way Alliance, second only to Lee Jaseung. He was returning to the Alliance after finishing his duties in the outer regions.

If Dan Woobin was Lee Jaseung’s left arm, then Mujin was the right.

Dan Woobin played the role of the Civil Minister while Mujin fulfilled the role of the Military Minister. It showed just how formidable Mujin’s martial art skills were. He was officially recognized as a top-tier martial artist, ranked as the second strongest in the Black Way Alliance.

The third and fourth strongest was the Captain of the Iron Cavalry Regiment and Mook Young, the Captain of the Guard Hall. These four were Lee Jaseung’s hands and feet.

Of course, Mook Young didn’t admit it. He believed he could defeat the other two who ranked above him, but he had never actually fought them due to his heavy responsibilities.

“Long-distance travel with that boring guy must have been tough.”

Mujin usually enjoyed joking and teasing around. It was a contrast to his fierce battlefield demeanor.

Dan Woobin spoke after scoffing.

“Hmph! Our Leader isn’t like you who’s obsessed with liquor and women. It was actually an interesting and valuable trip.”

“I’m sure. Especially since you found your first love.”

Dan Woobin became speechless as he was caught off guard. Rumors really spread fast.

“Impressive. For you to hold onto your first love from seven years ago.”

Mujin spoke as if he was admiring him. Of course, Dan Woobin knew that he wasn’t being serious, and he was just teasing him.

“You’ll never understand such feelings, even if you die and come back a hundred times.”

Dan Woobin countered.

However, Mujin countered back.

“Why wouldn’t I? I am everyone’s first love.”

Dan Woobin gave him a dumbfounded look.

“Is that so? People call that a womanizer.”

“Jealousy I see.”

“I wouldn’t be jealous of a cheater!”

“Hehehe, you may pretend like you aren’t interested in women, but I’ve seen it all.”

“What did you see?”

“How you couldn’t take your eyes off the woman I brought to the last banquet. Especially her chest area.”

Dan Woobin’s face became red in embarrassment.

“That’s nonsense!”

Truthfully, he did look, but not as intensely as Mujin claimed. Maybe once? No, twice.

“It’s fine, you are still young and healthy so it’s understandable. Moreover, even you took a glance, right, my Lord?”

Then, Lee Jaseung joined in with a smirk.

“I thought her legs were prettier than her chest.”

“Indeed, our Leader has good taste in women.”

Dan Woobin shouted with a flushed face.

“My Lord!”

Lee Jaseung smiled after seeing Dan Woobin’s frustrated expression as both men teased him.

This was always their dynamic. Mujin teasing, and Dan Woobin becoming embarrassed and serious.

But Lee Jaseung knew the deep trust they had in each other.

In fact, Mujin’s life heavily depended on Dan Woobin. It would mean death for him if Dan Woobin made a miscalculated move as a strategist.

Frankly, Dan Woobin could’ve killed Mujin playing it off as a mistake. He was more than clever enough after all.

However, Mujin always teased Dan Woobin despite knowing his position.

Being able to tease the one who held his life in his hands was not only because of his impressive martial arts.

It meant that Mujin was extraordinary. It also meant that he highly valued Dan Woobin’s ability.

At the very least, he had a strong belief that Dan Woobin would never mix business with personal feelings. That’s the friendship Lee Jaseung sensed between them.

Mujin dropped the teasing and spoke while bowing down to Lee Jaseung.

“Although I’m late, I formally congratulate you. You have now truly become the hero of the Black Way.”

“A hero, huh.”

Lee Jaseung gave a bitter smile, and Dan Woobin asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“A hero is a title given by everyone’s recognition. But would the Orthodox Faction and Demonic Cult think of me as a hero too?”

“I’m not sure about that, but the whole of Jianghu is watching you closely.”

“They are probably thinking that old trash has been dealt with, and a new one has risen. They also think that I’m easier to handle because of my young age.”

Dan Woobin wasn’t able to deny those words. It was most likely that this was the case.

“Do you know why the Orthodox Faction treats us like trash?”

Both Dan Woobin and Mujin waited for the answer. The words that came out from Lee Jaseung’s mouth were very unexpected.

“It’s because they are afraid.”

“They treat us like trash because they are afraid of us? I don’t understand.”

Lee Jaseung calmly continued.

“The moment we stop being trash, we become their most dangerous enemy. They want us to remain dirty, unfair, and weak forever. Dirty Unorthodox bastards! Pathetic bastards! Brainwashing can be very scary. When you keep getting treated like that, you start to believe it. That has been our reality all along.”

Dan Woobin and Mujin each made different expressions. Dan Woobin showed frustration, while Mujin smiled instead.

“Not wrong.”

Dan Woobin flared up after hearing Mujin.

“How can you say such nonsense?”

“I’m just agreeing with our Lord’s words. Hey, aren’t you being too harsh on our Leader? Nonsense you say?”

“I said that to you!”

“I mean, do you not agree?”

Dan Woobin hesitated. He didn’t want to admit the reality of the Unorthodox Faction being treated like trash in front of Lee Jaseung.

“You are being disrespectful to our Lord right now.”

Then, Mujin spoke while giving him a sharp gaze.

“You sure it’s not just you being angry?”

“...!”

Dan Woobin flinched for a moment. He should’ve answered no, but he wasn’t able to.

Mujin saw it clearly. Dan Woobin was using Lee Jaseung as an excuse, but it was true that he disliked the fact the faction he belonged in was getting such a treatment.

He couldn’t shake off the unpleasant feeling of getting rid of all the trash in the junkyard, only to live there.

Mujin came closer and spoke quietly. Dan Woobin was expecting an apology from him as his words were a dagger to his heart.

“Do you want me to introduce that girl to you? Her legs are amazing too, seriously.”

“You bastard!”

Just then, a subordinate’s voice came from the outside.

“It's urgent news.”

“Come in.”

As the subordinate entered, Dan Woobin and Mujin quickly wiped away their playful expressions.

Dan Woobin’s expression stiffened after reading the letter quickly.

“There is a problem in the Shaanxi Alliance. Remember the Four Heroes of Shaanxi?”

Lee Jaseung nodded.

The Four Heroes of Shaanxi were famous martial artists of the Unorthodox Faction who were notorious among the cults.

The first of the Four Heroes was the head of the Shaanxi Alliance, and he was very politically talented. It was said that his political skill had helped him survive the seven year war.

“What about them?”

“They are demanding full autonomy over Shaanxi. In other words, they are saying that they will no longer pay.”

“How much did the Black Way Alliance receive before?”

“Officially, it was reported as sixty percent, but it was only forty percent in reality.”

“Why is there a twenty percent difference?”

“It was revealed that the previous leader of the Black Way Alliance, Cheon Yeombaek took the first ten percent, and the Four Heroes took the other ten.”

Although each only took ten percent, the total amount was unbelievable.

“So the two leaders pocketed it for themselves.”

“Exactly.”

Since the Black Way Alliance was a hotbed of corruption, it would have been strange if they hadn’t taken a cut.

Mujin spoke with his head tilted.

“But now they won’t pay a single coin? Surely they won’t take that risk. They know that we won’t just stay put if they do that, right?”

“Of course they do. They are aware that their heads will be cut off if they slip up.”

“Then why all this trouble?”

Lee Jaseung answered this question.

“They are trying to reduce the amount they pay us.”

Dan Woobin nodded and spoke.

“I think so too. In short, they are underestimating us. They see the new leader as a young brat, and they probably think that our power has weakened greatly after the seven year war.”

Lee Jaseung made a cold smile. It was a massive miscalculation on their part. The seven year war hadn’t drained their power completely.

They replenished their strength as they fought, which was also why the war took seven long years.

They advanced step by step. Lee Jaseung fought sparingly with his troops. When the battle had potential for heavy casualties, he personally stood in the frontlines and fought.

In the end, those who survived were undefeated warriors who lived through the long war.

“How do you plan to handle this?”

“I intend to go down there myself.”

The Three-Eyed Pavilion led by Dan Woobin mainly handled intelligence. Its name came from having a vision beyond a human’s.

Within the group, elite experts were assigned for protecting intelligence sources and carrying out field operations.

They weren't as big as the Divine Sword Regiment or the Iron Cavalry Regiment, but it still consisted of a small group of formidable martial artists. Dan Woobin planned to take them along.

“I’ll come with you.”

Dan Woobin was shocked at Lee Jaseung’s response.

“You are coming too, my Lord?”

He had never taken the lead on such matters before which added to the shock.

“Why are you so surprised? Are you worried that I might wipe them out?”

“Of course I am. The war just ended recently, so war with Shaanxi must be avoided at all costs. They are acting like this because they believe that you’ll take such an action.”

“They see me as a murderer huh.”

Mujin suddenly joined in.

“Honestly, you are closer to that than a gentleman.”

Dan Woobin couldn’t help but smile at those words, but he realized he made a mistake and spoke with a serious expression.

“Hey! Watch your words! You can’t call our Leader a murderer!”

Mujin spoke with a grin.

“Too late.”

Dan Woobin burst out laughing in the end.

“Hahaha, to be fair, it is strange for the Leader of the Black Way Alliance to be a gentleman.”

Lee Jaseung smiled and accepted their teasing.

Dan Woobin stopped joking and spoke.

“Anyway, we must handle it with caution.”

As he had said many times before, Dan Woobin was more focused on strengthening their internal stability.

Then, Lee Jaseung spoke while gazing at Mujin.

“You are coming too.”

“Huh? Me as well?”

Dan Woobin and Mujin exchanged glances. It may have been an important matter, but Dan Woobin’s Three-Eyed Pavilion was more than enough to handle it.

Because of that, the two were puzzled that Lee Jaseung was coming too while dragging Mujin along.

“Why? Are you busy with something?”

“Not at all. Even if I am, I will come. Even if the greatest beauty awaits me, I will follow my Leader.”

This time, Lee Jaseung asked Dan Woobin.

“When should we depart?”

“The sooner the better.”

Lee Jaseung spoke after turning toward the window.

“Then we’ll leave early tomorrow.”

“Yes, please get some rest. I shall see you tomorrow.”

The two men gave their farewells and left the room.

Lee Jaseung slowly looked over the Black Way Alliance’s grounds as darkness fell.

His eyes sparkled.  It was the sharp look of someone who had made a decision.

Yes, the sooner the better indeed.

It was time to take one step forward.