Love Ballad of the Tyrant King

Chapter 99: Seolyoung, Replies

Baek Seolyoung was at a loss for words, unable to say anything. She had never even imagined that Lee Jaseung would say he wanted to take over the martial world.

She stood there blankly for a moment, then slowly opened her mouth.

“If I help you, is it something that can be done?”

With the same serious expression, Lee Jaseung replied.

“I don't know. But if you support me, it would be a great help.”

“You are not asking me to join you to the grave, are you?”

Her words made Lee Jaseung smile faintly. It sounded like a joke, but she had asked sincerely.

“What you said earlier, was it serious? Do you really want to become the Murim Alliance Leader?”

She hoped he would answer that it was a joke.

“No.”

The moment she felt relieved at his answer, he continued.

“I am not saying I will be the Leader of only the Orthodox Faction.”

“What?”

“I will unite both the Orthodox and Unorthodox, and become the ruler of Jianghu.”

Baek Seolyoung’s eyes widened again.

She realized Lee Jaseung was not joking or teasing.

With a trembling voice, she said,

“You really are asking me to die together with you.”

Earlier it had been a joke, but now it was the truth.

“Perhaps.”

Her heart pounded. Absurdity, fear, and a strange thrill mixed together.

‘I became the wife of a man who wanted to unify the world?’

It was something she had never even dreamed of.

“I will give you time to think.”

As he turned to leave, Baek Seolyoung spoke.

“No. I will answer now.”

He looked at her with slight concern.

“Are you sure? You do not have to answer now.”

In that instant, he sensed she might refuse. After all, what woman could say she would help in such a situation?

Baek Seolyoung stared at him.

If it were not for him, she would have died many times already. Even so, this was not an easy decision. To join in unifying the martial world meant her fate would change completely.

It was a monumental matter, yet she was able to answer easily and firmly.

“That dream of yours, I will help you.”

Lee Jaseung was surprised.

“Truly?”

“Yes. Truly.”

It was not out of duty as a wife, nor as repayment for saving her life.

She simply wanted to help.

Instinctively.

Of course, her mind warned her that she should not. That there would be countless hardships, even risking her life. That she was making such a serious decision too easily. That she should not do this.

But Baek Seolyoung deliberately ignored that voice.

She sincerely hoped this choice would not end as a sentimental and impulsive decision. She hoped the stirring in her heart that made her answer so readily was the first vibration of hearing fate’s call.

“I will summon the Northern Sky Clan’s Four Dragons and the Seven Halls here.”

For her, it was a decision of great resolve. She was prepared to bring forth the full power of the Northern Sky Clan without reservation, to devote everything she had to helping Lee Jaseung.

“Do you know what this means?”

“I know. I could be accused of trying to seize the martial world and die miserably.”

“And you’re not even going to ask for a reason?”

“I am curious, but I will ask later…”

Before she could finish, Lee Jaseung pulled her into a sudden embrace. Even without words, his strong hug spoke for him.

He was truly grateful.

Until now, Lee Jaseung had always felt apologetic toward her.

Now he decided he would no longer be sorry.

It was time to take a step beyond apology.

* * *

The atmosphere in the Alliance Leader’s hall was heavy.

Jang Wonso sat with his fingers interlaced, sinking deep into his grand chair.

Standing before him was the Murim Alliance’s chief strategist, Lord of the Vermilion Bird Hall, Sa Jo-pyeong. He was a man with insight sharp enough to make even Dan Woobin uncomfortable.

But he was not someone who valued righteousness and chivalry above all. Rather, he was highly political, placing great importance on position.

“The Black Way Alliance’s Iron Cavalry Regiment is advancing rapidly. Master Ban is leading the Virtuous Heroes to block them in person.”

Jang Wonso listened silently to the report.

“It does not seem to be a full-scale war, but rather a show of force. We are mobilizing all of the Vermilion Bird Hall to investigate their intentions.”

In truth, Sa Jo-pyeong had his own suspicions about this matter.

Ban Yeo’s departure with the Virtuous Heroes had been his independent decision, which had been carried out immediately.

The leader of Virtuous Heroes held emergency authority to respond to provocations from the Demonic Cult or the Black Way Alliance, so he had not needed the Alliance Leader’s approval to leave this time.

Although the Black Way Alliance’s movement was serious, it was not urgent enough to require such an immediate response. So why had Ban Yeo moved so quickly?

‘There must be some conflict between the two of them.’

Of course, Sa Jo-pyeong had no intention of getting involved in the conflict between Jang Wonso and Ban Yeo. As always, he would focus on his own work and keep his position secure.

“I will report again as soon as new information arrives.”

“Very well.”

When Sa Jo-pyeong left the hall, Jang Wonso let out the anger he had been holding in.

“Sly bastard!”

Of course, the target of his anger was not Sa Jo-pyeong, but Ban Yeo.

The Black Way Alliance just so happened to provoke them now of all times? Nonsense. Ban Yeo had clearly brought them in.

“To think he would bring in those filthy Unorthodox scum.”

Jang Wonso clicked his tongue in disapproval.

Then his expression changed. He frowned slightly and spoke loudly.

“I want to be alone. Everyone leave now.”

At his order, the subordinates hidden around the hall withdrew.

Then, someone appeared.

He wore a mask, with a single character written on his forehead.

Ji (地).

It was the character for earth.

The sight of him made Jang Wonso’s gaze waver.

“You’ve come?”

The masked man answered from the shadows, his eyes glinting.

“An explanation is needed for this matter.”

His tone was purely businesslike, without personal emotion.

“This matter?”

“The matter about Ban Yeo.”

“It is nothing. An old fox’s hidden fangs were exposed, so he ran far away.”

“I am deeply disappointed in your leadership.”

The masked man looked at him with contempt. Jang Wonso glared back.

A staring contest began.

The contest of pride ended with the masked man’s victory. Jang Wonso lowered his gaze first, and a trace of mockery flashed in the other’s eyes. His look said, How dare you challenge me?

Then the masked man spoke unexpected words.

“Get rid of Ban Yeo.”

Jang Wonso was startled. He knew there had been changes within their ranks, but to issue such an extreme order… It made him feel a great upheaval was coming.

“That is not a decision to make lightly.”

Ban Yeo had long held the second position in the Murim Alliance. Eliminating him would not be easy.

Moreover, Ban Yeo knew too many of his weaknesses. Just one mistake, and the trouble could reach him.

The masked man said coldly,

“It is an easy decision.”

“But…!”

“Do not disappoint us again.”

With a chilling gaze, the masked man stared at him. Jang Wonso had already lost the contest of will. Lowering his head, he spoke in a deflated voice.

“Understood.”

Inwardly, Jang Wonso grinded his teeth.

Srrrk.

The masked man vanished after.

Once he was gone, Jang Wonso’s fury exploded.

Crack.

The armrest of his grand chair crumbled to powder in his grip.

This order meant only one thing.

That he too can be removed at any time as well.

The killing intent in Jang Wonso’s eyes faded.

Now was not the time for anger, but for adapting and resisting the coming change.

“…Things will not go as you wish.”

* * *

Lee Jaseung and Baek Seolyoung walked side by side. Without meaning to, their steps matched.

It felt unchanged yet changed, changed yet unchanged. It was hard to describe their relationship now.

Since she had agreed to help him, the atmosphere between them had grown even more delicate.

“Have you heard? The Black Way Alliance’s provocation? Master Ban left the Alliance because of it.”

“I heard.”

“What is the intention behind this? What do you think?”

“I am not sure.”

Lee Jaseung held back his answer, thinking that was best for her and for their relationship.

Baek Seolyoung paused and asked,

“You said you wanted the world, right? I don’t think this is something you can just ignore then.”

Instead of answering, he asked back.

“If you dreamed of unifying the world, would you strike the Black Way Alliance or the Demonic Cult first?”

“Well… I have never thought about it deeply, but…”

After a moment of thought, she answered cautiously.

“If it were me, I would bring in the Black Way Alliance and make them fight the Demonic Cult.”

Lee Jaseung stopped and looked at her. She had answered casually, but it was the same plan the Black Way Alliance was currently pursuing. Seizing the Orthodox Faction to make it fight the Demonic Cult.

With an awkward expression, she added,

“Well, it won't be easy.”

He asked more seriously,

“If I brought in the Black Way Alliance, would you accept it?”

She swallowed nervously, as if she had not expected such a question.

“Is that possible?”

“If it were.”

“Hmm.”

She grew serious.

By her old standards, using the Black Way Alliance would have been unthinkable.

But now…

“Before I answer that, let me ask one thing first.”

“Sure.”

“Why do you want to rule Jianghu?”

Lee Jaseung paused at her words. It was the same question Dan Woobin had asked when he had first revealed his ambition to his subordinates. Back then, he had answered, “Because it is cool,” and everyone laughed at his response.

But he could not give that answer to her. Dan Woobin, Mujin, and Ma Young-gi would follow him regardless of the reason he gave.

However, she was different. She had offered to help without asking for a reason. He owed her one she could accept. No, he hoped his reason could convince her.

But would what he was about to say convince her?

Lee Jaseung slowly opened his mouth.

“Because it is my dream.”