Chapter 165 : Seolyoung, Does It

Chapter 165: Seolyoung, Does It

The campaign stayed fierce until the very end.

Experience.

That was the strategy pushed by Gwak Jinpung’s side.

More precisely, it was the strategy of Rain, the backing force that supported him.

They focused relentlessly on Lee Jaseung’s greatest weakness, his youth. They argued that his lack of experience meant he couldn’t possibly lead the Murim Alliance properly.

Dan Woobin answered with a new take on the old versus new divide.

He set up a fresh contrast between Gwak Jinpung and Seop Mu-pyeong, while also running a comparison between Ban Yeo and Gwak Jinpung.

He shaped public opinion to say that Gwak Jinpung fell far short of Ban Yeo in ability.

Both sides also clashed with different tactics regarding the relationship between Lee Jaseung and Baek Seolyoung.

Gwak Jinpung’s camp spread the rumor that the two were on bad terms and would soon part. They hoped the votes would split between them, or that disappointed supporters would turn to Gwak Jinpung.

In contrast, Dan Woobin countered with a rumor that the two were on excellent terms. He publicized aggressively that Baek Seolyoung wanted to withdraw and support Lee Jaseung but couldn’t because of the rules.

On the final day, Gwak Jinpung’s side unveiled a hidden move.

They spread a rumor that the Demonic Cult and the Black Way Alliance were desperate to see Seop Mu-pyeong become Alliance Leader.

The meaning inside that rumor was clear.

If Seop Mu-pyeong became Alliance Leader, war would break out.

If the Demonic Cult or the Black Way Alliance started a war, an inexperienced Seop Mu-pyeong would handle it poorly, and the Orthodox Jianghu might be devoured. They fanned the fear.

It worked.

The warriors who cast ballots were all figures ranked Captain or higher in the Murim Alliance, the very people who would have to lead their subordinates if war came.

Their lives were tied directly to war.

Night fell on the eve of the election.

Dan Woobin did not look good. His face already anticipated the result.

“We lost.”

He let out a sigh.

“I’m sorry.”

Lee Jaseung looked unconcerned.

“If he becomes Alliance Leader, we handle things as the situation demands.”

“But we will have to take the long way around when there could’ve been a shorter path.”

“If that is Heaven’s will, then so be it.”

Even so, the look on Dan Woobin’s face did not brighten.

‘It was not because of Heaven’s will, it was because of the strategist’s own shortcomings.’

He had drunk through the night not long ago to blow off steam, yet he could not forget everything. He had at least wanted to win the election. He still regretted Ban Yeo’s death.

Just then a subordinate from the Three Eyed Pavilion came in, whispered a report into Dan Woobin’s ear, and left.

Dan Woobin stared in surprise and turned to Lee Jaseung.

“There was an official announcement from the Golden Ants a moment ago.”

“From the Golden Ants?”

“Yes. They exposed that Gwak Jinpung’s side paid the enormous sum of three hundred thousand silver coins to buy information on you, my Lord.”

Lee Jaseung was shocked as well. He could not guess why the Golden Ants had suddenly made such a statement.

Dan Woobin’s face lit up.

“This is perfect! We might even win because of this.”

Mujin looked puzzled.

“What do you mean, win? What is that supposed to mean?”

Ma Young-gi, beside him, also looked lost.

“Everyone uses intelligence organizations, right?”

Mujin added onto Ma Young-gi’s question.

“Using the Golden Ants is only natural especially in an election like this, isn’t it? ”

Dan Woobin spoke with a meaningful look.

“The point is not that Gwak Jinpung bought information from the Golden Ants.”

“Then what?”

“It is that he paid three hundred thousand silver coins.”

“Why does that matter?”

“Everyone is already sick of Jang Wonso’s corruption. So what will they think when they hear he splashed out a ludicrous amount like three hundred thousand silver coins just to buy information on one man?”

The answer came from Lee Jaseung’s mouth.

“Once he becomes Alliance Leader, he can take it all back. Dozens of times more, hundreds of times more.”

“Exactly. That is it.”

Only then did Mujin and Ma Young-gi nod together.

“The fact that they stated the exact figure of three hundred thousand silver coins hit home.”

Mujin still frowned slightly.

“Even so, the Golden Ants must have calculated the political risk.”

Dan Woobin looked to Lee Jaseung as if the answer stood right there and spoke with rising excitement.

“Well done. Truly well done. That was a single strike to the heart!”

Lee Jaseung shook his head.

“That order did not come from me.”

“What? Then who?”

Lee Jaseung looked at Baek Seolyoung.

“It was you, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. I went to see them.”

She added with a suggestive smile.

“I told you already. I will make you Alliance Leader no matter what.”

* * *

Voting began the next day.

The Murim Alliance compound that hosted the election was locked down under ironclad security.

Yeo Beom, the representative of the Council of Elders, and all the elder experts gathered. Renowned masters of Jianghu were invited.

Representing the Orthodox Jianghu, warriors of rank Captain or higher in the Murim Alliance entered the voting hall with tense faces.

They knew well that each vote could decide the fate of the Murim Alliance, and even the fate of the Orthodox Jianghu at large.

They were not the only ones. Crowds of martial artists came near the Alliance grounds to await the result.

Their wishes differed. Some wanted stability, others wanted change.

At last, all voting ended.

Those who had cast their ballots gathered in the Grand Arena. They planned to wait there until the count finished and hear the announcement. Not only they, but the rank and file of the Murim Alliance also packed the place.

Mujin, Dan Woobin, and Ma Young-gi were there as well.

“It’ll go well. Try not to get too nervous.”

“I am not nervous. It is already out of my hands, you know?”

He answered lightly, yet Dan Woobin kept his fists clenched as he stared at the building where the ballots were being counted.

Mujin let out a small smirk.

‘It doesn’t really look like it though.’

He wanted Lee Jaseung to become Alliance Leader too.

It was not because he needed an advantageous position for what came next. Even if Gwak Jinpung became Alliance Leader, they would find a way through. They always had.

It was because of Dan Woobin. If the proud Dan Woobin failed to prevent Ban Yeo’s death and then lost this election, the psychological blow would be heavy.

He would rather see him complete the impossible than watch him suffer.

By afternoon, the count was finished.

Yeo Beom and the elder experts of the Council took their seats below the platform, along with the renowned masters of Jianghu.

The candidates who had waited in another building came out.

Gwak Jinpung walked in front, with Sa Macheon behind him, then Lee Jaseung and Baek Seolyoung, followed by several others.

Gwak Jinpung wore the look of a man certain of victory. Lee Jaseung, in contrast, looked calm.

The results reached Yeo Beom’s hand.

The Captains who had voted, and all the others present, held their breath and waited.

Yeo Beom’s eyes trembled as he checked the paper.

He projected his voice with inner Qi and called out.

“The new Murim Alliance Leader is…”

His gaze seemed to turn to Gwak Jinpung, then swung to Lee Jaseung.

“It is Seop Mu-pyeong, Great Expert Seop!”

A roar exploded.

“Waaaaaaaa!”

Some groaned in disappointment, yet more people cheered his victory. That was only natural. That was why Lee Jaseung had become Alliance Leader.

Overjoyed, Dan Woobin shouted loudly.

“Congratulations.”

He was truly happy. More than any brilliant scheme he had ever pulled off, this moment meant more. At the very least, his mistake had not blocked the path the Black Way Alliance needed to take.

Behind him, Mujin and Ma Young-gi spoke together.

“Our congratulations.”

Mujin did not forget to add a teasing line.

“Alliance Leader! Please work hard for the Orthodox Jianghu.”

Mook Young, who had been hidden, sent a transmission.

— Congratulations, my Lord.

Baek Seolyoung, standing beside him, embraced Lee Jaseung.

“Congratulations.”

He hugged her tight, warmed by the blessing.

“Thank you.”

He truly had never imagined he would rise to the seat of Murim Alliance Leader.

“I could not have done it without you.”

He meant every word. If she had not gone to the Golden Ants, Gwak Jinpung would be standing here instead.

Baek Seolyoung felt deeply satisfied.

It was the first success she had achieved through her own action.

To think that her very first was making an Alliance Leader. That was a bit much for an opener.

She smiled brightly at the thought.

Gwak Jinpung, on the other hand, wore a stiff face.

Lee Jaseung reached out first. Gwak Jinpung disliked it inwardly, yet since so many eyes were on them, he laughed heartily and offered his congratulations.

“Congratulations. Lead the Murim Alliance well.”

“I hope you support me.”

Empty courtesies went back and forth.

Yeo Beom came forward to offer praise.

“Congratulations, our Lord. Please say a few words to everyone.”

Although the formal investiture had not yet taken place, Yeo Beom already treated Lee Jaseung as Alliance Leader.

He looked as happy as if he himself had become Alliance Leader. No wonder. Since the one who had bribed him was now Alliance Leader, he naturally believed he held all the power already.

Lee Jaseung stepped to the front of the platform.

“Waaaaa!”

The cheer pierced the sky. A Murim Alliance Leader this young had never existed since the Alliance began. Expectations for the new Alliance Leader were that high.

The Alliance’s deep-rooted corruption.

That was what had lifted a twenty-nine-year-old to the Alliance Leader’s seat.

“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Lee Jaseung bowed to the assembled warriors with respect.

Yeo Beom murmured softly at his side.

“Now that you are Alliance Leader, you must not lower your head.”

Lee Jaseung nodded.

“Thank you, everyone.”

Yeo Beom signaled him to speak down to the crowd, yet Lee Jaseung treated all with courtesy. Rules mattered, but the warriors of the Murim Alliance here mattered more.

“I believe my lack of experience and ability will be filled by the people standing here today.”

He spoke with inner Qi. Once his pure inner Qi carried the words, even a modest voice rang clear in every ear present.

The display of skill drew another surge of cheers from all sides. That one move showed plainly that he was at least as strong as Jang Wonso.

Now that he was Alliance Leader, there was no reason to show weakness. He did not need to reveal everything, yet he had to show enough strength to rule with ease.

“There is one promise I can make for certain. The Murim Alliance will no longer be corrupt. From this moment, the Murim Alliance is reborn!”

At his declaration, a thunderous roar burst forth.

“Waaaaa!”

Dan Woobin, Mujin, Ma Young-gi, and Mook Young watched with faces full of emotion.

Lee Jaseung reached out to Baek Seolyoung beside him. She took his hand.

The wife of the Black Way Leader, and the wife of the Murim Alliance Leader.

Someday they would join hands with another meaning as well.

She hoped for that day. She would help him make it real.

Now Lee Jaseung had taken the seat of Murim Alliance Leader, in addition to being the Black Way Leader.

It was the moment he took another great step toward his vast ambition of unifying the world.