Chapter 31: Shadow Power Reborn

It had been two days since the fighting ended.

Many people had lost their lives.

On the Hangju side, over 200 people died and more than 100 were injured.

Of the 300 members of Heukhobang in Suzhou, over 100 died and 150 were wounded.

So many lives were lost that people said the gangsters of Hangju and Suzhou had almost been wiped out.

In this horrific situation, whether on the winning or losing side, everyone was shrouded in darkness and gloom.

In the annex of Cheonhyangru.

Facing Gangchan were Kang Bulhae, Gwak Jagoh, and Nanseol.

Beside them, the Heukho Bangju, Bandang, still knelt with his head bowed, his face still swollen.

“So, you called for me? Has another problem arisen?”

Gangchan asked as he looked at Kang Bulhae.

Kang Bulhae spoke in a calm voice.

“Gongja-nim, please lead us.”

“What?”

Gangchan was startled, and instinctively glanced at Nanseol.

But Nanseol avoided his gaze.

“Please lead us.”

Kang Bulhae repeated his words.

Then, together with Gwak Jagoh, he stood up from his seat, knelt on the floor, and bowed his head.

Only then did Gangchan’s face show an awkward expression.

“No, don’t just do this out of the blue—please explain so I can understand what you mean.”

But the two kept their heads down in silence.

Feeling stifled, Gangchan let out a sigh.

“This is really frustrating. What do you mean by this, Ruju-nim?”

With a perplexed expression, Gangchan looked at Nanseol.

Nanseol, who had been observing expressionlessly, finally spoke after a brief silence.

“It means that all the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou wishes to obey Gongja-nim’s commands.”

Gangchan, dumbfounded by her words, asked again.

“What do you mean by that?”

Nanseol replied calmly.

“It means they’re ready to lay down their lives for you, Gongja-nim.”

Gangchan shook his head seriously as he answered.

“Why would they risk their lives for me? I don’t need their lives.”

At Gangchan’s serious response, Nanseol smiled as she spoke.

“It’s not as simple a problem as you think, Gongja-nim.”

Nanseol continued.

Interest.

“The current situation in Kangho is extremely unstable. Just as the underworld forces fought a territory war here in Hangju and Suzhou, similar wars have broken out in major cities of the Middle Plains. And in most cities, one organization has seized control.”

Gangchan listened with a grave expression.

Nanseol paused, then added with significance.

“The problem is, it seems other powers have interfered in these wars. Even Heukhobang in Suzhou lacked the force to repel the other local groups. Yet, a new figure suddenly appeared near the Bangju, bringing martial artists from somewhere. In Hangju, Mak Bi appeared at Baekryonghoe. I don’t think this is just a simple turf war—it’s part of someone’s grand plan.”

Gangchan questioned her.

“So, Ruju-nim, do you think the Demonic Sect planned all this? Why?”

Nanseol nodded, continuing her words with caution.

“We can’t be certain due to lack of information. But at the very least, the Demonic Sect is clearly involved in the events of Hangju and Suzhou. That’s why, Gongja-nim, you must protect these people.”

Gangchan paused to think, then replied.

“Are you saying, since I got involved in matters related to the Demonic Sect, I have to take responsibility? But dealing with the Demonic Sect is not the same as gangsters defending their turf. As you know, Ruju-nim, it might mean staking your lives on everything. Is that really possible?”

Nanseol spoke firmly.

“Of course, from now on, we can’t just live as common gangsters. We must build a proper system and power to truly strengthen ourselves.”

Gangchan looked at Gwak Jagoh and Kang Bulhae and asked,

“Did you two know about this?”

Gwak Jagoh nodded.

“We understand. Though we’re not sure how much we can help, we’ll do our best. Please, don’t turn us away.”

Gangchan let out a deep sigh in his mind.

If the Demonic Sect was plotting something among the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou, it meant they had no choice.

Silence fell.

Gangchan and Nanseol’s conversation was heavy and somber, deepening the oppressive atmosphere in the room.

Nanseol broke the silence.

“We must unite the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou and quickly resume regular operations. That’s the only way to prevent more outside forces from causing trouble and to fully protect the flow of money here. From now on, we’ll have many places to spend money.”

Gangchan slowly nodded and asked again.

“To unite the underworld… is that really possible?”

Nanseol looked straight at him and answered resolutely.

“As you know, the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou already calls you Cheongung. A center of gravity has formed. Now we simply need to gather everyone as one group around you, Gongja-nim.”

Gangchan folded his arms and fell into thought.

“So, you’re saying we unite into a single group to increase our size and prepare for what’s to come?”

Nanseol nodded and continued.

“Yes. Even that alone will provide many advantages. First, weaker forces won’t dare to provoke us. Second, we’ll be able to negotiate or respond to anyone on equal footing. Third, if managed well, the organization’s foundation can become even more solid.”

She paused to catch her breath before continuing.

“But as the group grows, controlling it will become harder. That’s why a powerful core is essential. With someone like you, Gongja-nim, at the center, you can suppress unnecessary issues within the organization from the start. Of course, as quickly as possible, we must evolve from just a back-alley group into a proper sect.”

At Nanseol’s logical explanation, everyone nodded in agreement.

Their faces showed both resolve and a sense of purpose.

Organizing his thoughts, Gangchan said to himself,

‘Listening to this, it’s something we’ll have to do anyway if we don’t want to be crushed by the Demonic Sect or other enemies. If fate is dragging me this way, it’s better to lead than to be led.’

Gangchan looked at those still bowing on the floor.

“Don’t stay like that—sit down, please.”

At Gangchan’s words, Kang Bulhae, Gwak Jagoh, and Bandang cautiously straightened themselves and sat in their chairs.

Afraid Gangchan might change his mind, Nanseol pressed on without hesitation.

“All right, everyone listen. We’re short on time, so we must make decisions and act quickly. From now on, the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou is one. We need a new name. Everyone, suggest one.”

At Nanseol’s words, Kang Bulhae, Gwak Jagoh, and Bandang exchanged awkward glances.

“If you don’t have one, I’ll decide. How about ‘Heavenly Mandate Hall (天明房)’?”

At Nanseol’s proposal, the room fell silent for a moment.

Nanseol glanced at their unresponsive faces and continued.

“The structure is simple. Bangju is Gongja-nim, Kangchan. The general manager is Hall Leader Gwak. We’ll simply change the Baekryonghoe nameplate to Heavenly Mandate Hall. Cheonrang becomes Cheonrangpa, and Bandang-nim will continue to govern the underworld in Hangju and Suzhou as Heukhobang. Cheonrangpa and Heukhobang will belong to Heavenly Mandate Hall, but will appear independent to outsiders. That’ll buy us time until Heavenly Mandate Hall is properly established.”

Nanseol laid out the plan without a moment’s hesitation.

“Keep doing business as you have, but reduce the protection fee from thirty percent to twenty. That’ll lessen merchants’ resistance to the newly unified underworld. The important part is to select all organization members who have talent or a strong desire for martial arts and train them as Heavenly Mandate Hall warriors. Bangju-nim, please oversee their training yourself. However, your identity will be kept as secret as possible. Also, send all income and expenditure documents for Hangju and Suzhou to Heavenly Mandate Hall every month. If there are any anomalies in the flow of money, everyone will be risking their necks. For all cases where force is to be used, a report must follow. If there’s no time, report afterward—otherwise, report beforehand. This is both the right and duty of each regional leader.”

Hearing Nanseol’s concise explanation, Gangchan silently observed her.

‘No one could come up with such details on the spot. She must have planned and prepared all this in advance.’

Nanseol’s plan was not made in a single moment.

It was a thorough, realistic plan formed from countless hours of consideration.

Yet, she now presented it so naturally, as if thinking it up on the spot.

Gangchan thought to himself,

‘Fine. I’ll go along for now. I wonder what lies at the end of this. Huhu.’

Smiling, Gangchan asked,

“But, Ruju-nim, are you stepping aside?”

Nanseol shook her head and replied firmly.

“Of course not. I plan to use the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou to build an intelligence network.”

Gangchan tilted his head at her words.

“I see. But I’ve never taught anyone before. Shouldn’t we find someone else for that?”

Nanseol nodded right away.

“I’ll select a suitable person as soon as possible and report to you, Gongja-nim.”

She continued.

“Now, you two—make it clear to everyone that Cheonrangpa and Heukhobang are the only underworld powers in Hangju and Suzhou. Move quickly to fill any gaps in operations. If you face difficulties, consult with General Manager Gwak. Also, Suzhou’s manpower will be seriously lacking. For now, send 50 people from Hangju to Suzhou. Bandang-nim, replenish your numbers quickly. Some of the support personnel will also monitor you for now. Please endure this until you’ve gained trust.”

Nanseol turned to Gangchan and said,

“Gongja-nim, it’s best if you move your residence to Baekryonghoe Manor. I’ll send servants to help with preparations. That’s all for now. If there are no questions, let’s begin right away.”

The start of Heavenly Mandate Hall progressed at lightning speed.

Yet, no one could predict that this organization would soon become a great storm in Kangho.

Wanshik Sanjang, near Jangheung in the north of Zhejiang Province.

In the innermost part of the villa, inside a dark, gloomy room.

“Is that what you call a report…?”

A hard object flew at the head of the kneeling man.

Thwack!

Blood dripped down from beneath the man’s head, his skull possibly split open.

Yet, the man did not dare raise his face.

“Do you think that makes sense? Geonsang Gwae are masters at their peak! Even I would find it hard to face them head-on. Yet you’re telling me they died in a mere gangster skirmish?”

The man bowed even lower and replied quietly.

“I’m sorry.”

The voice continued, cold as ice.

“Who was it? Was it those brats from the Cheonyeon Union?”

“No. There’s no sign they were involved.”

“Then who?”

“Well… all Amyoungdae present at the scene were killed, so it’s still not clear.”

“What? All Amyoungdae are dead? How many were sent to Hangju for this operation?”

“All ten.”

“So Geonsang Gwae and ten Amyoungdae… all dead. Did any of the Eight Kings show up in Hangju?”

“That’s been ruled out. However, there are rumors that, as last time, someone called Cheongung appeared.”

“What? Cheongung? The one who killed Mak Bi last time?”

“It’s not certain. Since all Amyoungdae died, we couldn’t get clear information. I’ll investigate swiftly and report again.”

“Find out as soon as possible. Otherwise, not only your head but mine might roll as well.”

The chilling voice echoed in the room.

“Myeong (命).”

The kneeling man replied curtly and quietly exited the room.

Meanwhile, Suryongdae was still staying at the annex of the Pungnyu Guesthouse.

Paeng Cheonho, after regaining consciousness from fainting, made a commotion vowing to kill Gangchan, then kept drowning himself in alcohol.

Paeng Suhyeon, lost in a daze, would suddenly scream and rant about killing everyone, over and over.

The others kept an eye on the two, while gathering information about the underworld in Hangju.

Rumors spread quickly.

That the underworld of Hangju and Suzhou had fought over territory, with Hangju emerging victorious.

That among the victorious in Hangju, Cheonrangpa had unified the underworld.

That a mysterious person called Cheongung (Heavenly Bow) made a huge contribution to Cheonrangpa’s victory.

Yet, there were some questions.

After Baekryonghoe’s fall and the rise of a new group called Heavenly Mandate Hall, Cheonrangpa had taken no apparent action.

The defeated Heukhobang had led the survivors safely back to Suzhou, reclaiming the city’s nights.

These bits of information were just rumors overheard in the marketplace.

With Suryongdae’s current situation, there was no way to learn anything deeper.

“Who could this Cheongung be?”

Murong Hye asked carefully.

“I don’t know who, but just from the rumors, he seems incredible.”

Nangung Jaeyeong replied, lost in thought.

“I know, right? They describe him like an immortal descended from heaven—it doesn’t feel real at all.”

Jegal Ryong chimed in.

“Some say they heard thunder from his bow.”

Another member added.

“By the way, is there any more information about Gangchan?”

Nangung Jaeyeong asked again.

“For now, I think we should return to the Union and investigate from inside.”

Jegal Ryong replied coolly.

Nangung Jaeyeong looked at Jegal Ryong and asked,

“By the way, what about those siblings?”

“I heard they contacted the Pang Family privately. I don’t know who will come, but I worry there will be more trouble.”

“If only Hea could go and find out what they plan to do.”

Nangung Jaeyeong said quietly.

After hearing that Gangchan had saved their lives, Nangung Jaeyeong felt sorry toward him.

But no matter how they searched, they couldn’t find any trace of Gangchan.

Murong Hye stood up and headed to the room where Paeng Suhyeon was.

A little later, she came out and spoke.

“They said they’ll wait here for their family to arrive.”

“Alright, got it.”

Nangung Jaeyeong nodded.

‘If they’re waiting here, we have nothing left to do.’

Nangung Jaeyeong looked around at the remaining members and made a decision.

“Everyone, return to the Union. Make preparations to leave.”

And so, leaving Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon behind, the rest of Suryongdae hurried back to the Cheonyeon Union.