Let the meeting begin.
Having transformed into the Black Cat Lord, I tossed the Yaraido to So Gun-pyeong and took the former lord's sword.
It was a fine blade, as evidenced by the fact that I had fought with the Yaraido and emerged unscathed.
Above all, it seemed better than the weapons of the Dragon's Iron Guard.
"The former lord's reign in the martial world has ended, but mine is just beginning. Remember this. For the time being, we will act as if nothing ever happened in the Black Cat Sect."
Everyone fell silent, unable to grasp my words immediately.
I asked my subordinates as if I had always been the Black Cat Lord.
"What was the name of this sword? My memory is a bit hazy."
So Gun-pyeong replied, "That sword is called Heukmoya (黑卯牙)."
It means the fangs of a black rabbit.
"What a foolish name. Ah, no, it's mine now, so I take that back."
My sudden change of attitude left everyone looking puzzled, but no one dared to speak up.
It was only natural, as the feared Black Cat Lord had died with his body smashed against the wall.
Moreover, to them, I still appeared to be a madman whose mood swung unpredictably, so they had to be cautious with their words and actions.
I examined Heukmoya, then naturally issued commands.
"First, clean up the corpse of the former lord who dared to resist me without knowing his place. Also, tidy up the wall and the floor. If we want to succeed as the Black Sect, we must start with a clean slate. Throw away that useless axe over there. All executives, gather in the main hall. I will start a meeting to signify our fresh start."
So Gun-pyeong quickly took charge.
"I will clean up first, then you other executives can head to the main hall."
I repeated, today I am the Black Cat Lord.
It wasn't true yesterday, but it is today.
A person's fate can change in an instant.
I thought to skip the inauguration ceremony since it was a hassle, but I roughly set the term until I was discovered by the Great Master.
So, for now, I couldn't tell if my term would be short or long.
I only know what I know and do not know what I do not know.
As the executives headed to the main hall, I danced with Heukmoya, while So Gun-pyeong issued various orders to his subordinates.
The cleaning subordinates of the Black Cat Sect glanced at me, but I ignored them, unfolding my techniques, lost in thought, then unfolding my techniques again.
In the meantime, those with some sense must have been quite surprised inside.
My swordplay resembled the movements of the deceased lord.
As expected, I roamed the spacious area for a while, practicing the deceased's techniques.
Eating, relieving myself, building my inner strength, and seizing the techniques of the dead to train.
This is the wise life of the Black Sect.
"Report the current situation."
I said abruptly to the waiting executives as I took my seat at the head.
So Gun-pyeong asked me, "Lord, what should we report first?"
"Deputy So, it's not 'Lord' but 'Lord of the Sect.' Since when have we been the Black Cat Sect? Do not lose the identity of the Black Sect."
"My apologies. Understood."
So Gun-pyeong offered a suitable suggestion.
"As far as I know, the lord has shown mercy, and there are quite a few warriors from the Golden Phoenix Pavilion still alive in Il Yang County. Please give orders on what to do with them."
I applauded So Gun-pyeong's question.
Clap, clap, clap.
"Indeed, our Deputy So is excellent. Everyone, take a lesson from Deputy So. Brotherhood, a heartfelt concern for subordinates, and earlier, he bravely stepped forward to save the lives of you executives. A man of loyalty, intelligence, and rare resilience. Well done."
While I spoke, So Gun-pyeong scratched his forehead for a moment.
"Having faced both the rabbit and Deputy So, I can say that Deputy So's skills are not significantly inferior to the rabbit's. Our Black Cat Sect's talent, the representative executive, Deputy So, should train even harder from now on. I will grant you a reward today."
After all, it's not my money.
Regardless, So Gun-pyeong replied with a tone full of courage, "I will work hard."
I clapped again and said to the executives, "Now, let’s fight together. Before someone breaks a hand."
The other executives also awkwardly clapped for So Gun-pyeong.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.
I continued to scold the rotten executives of the Black Cat Sect.
"Enough."
"……."
"Encourage each other, stimulate each other, train, and grow stronger together. That is the way of the Black Sect. In that process, if feelings of dislike, fondness, or a desire to fight arise, even the bonds of brotherhood will form. That is the true strength of the Black Sect. Back in my day."
At that moment, I read boredom on the faces of a few.
I stopped speaking.
"Am I boring you?"
I glared at an executive whose name I still did not know, and he shook his head in response.
"Ah, no."
"If you’re bored, get out, you brat. Go play outside. Don’t be an executive. Go smear dirt on the collapsed wall with the lackeys outside. Or clean up some corpses."
"I wasn’t bored."
"Where do you think you are, speaking to the lord? Tsk……."
Even a superior should know when to be appropriate.
I am someone who thoroughly reflects on myself.
By the way, our Deputy So seems to have decent martial skills and has done well in his role as a mid-level executive of the Black Sect.
A general on the front lines should listen to the words of his staff and soldiers.
As expected, So Gun-pyeong supported the new lord at the right moment.
"Please speak comfortably, Lord."
"Where did I leave off?"
"That is the true strength of the Black Sect…… You said that."
"Right. In Il Yang County, Samabi and Hyukryeonhong are still alive. If Deputy So wants to recruit and nurture the talents of the Golden Phoenix Pavilion, feel free to take them. I will entrust you with the establishment of Yongbong Pavilion, combining Golden Phoenix and Golden Dragon."
"If you entrust it to me, I will take on the heavy responsibility."
I looked around at the executives.
"Who is the commander?"
As expected, the oldest executive bowed his head and replied, "Please call me Commander Byeok comfortably."
"Commander Byeok, deliver a reward to our Yongbong Pavilion. I need to assess the financial situation, so organize it well and report the current status. From now on, if embezzlement or tricks are discovered, the old commander will be the first to face execution."
"Yes."
I looked at Commander Byeok's sour expression and threatened him.
"Commander Byeok, do you know why the Golden Phoenix Lord died?"
"Well…"
"He died from embezzlement."
"I did not work that way, but I will keep it in mind."
"Of course, keeping it in mind is a treasure."
A few faces turned bright red at my precious words.
The next agenda was something I brought up.
"By the way, I forgot the schedule for the martial arts competition. When was it?"
As I spoke as if I knew the affairs of the Black Cat Sect, everyone couldn't hide their surprised expressions.
So Gun-pyeong replied, "There is no set date, but soon a challenge is expected from the lower-ranked Shinjang, Hongshin (Red Monkey). And if you want to raise your rank, you must settle things with the Baekyu Shinjang again."
The one I had used as a false identity when I killed Jo Il-seom was Baekyu.
"By the way, what rank am I now?"
"You are currently ranked twelfth, staying five ranks above."
I was quite surprised.
"That foolish guy had quite a high rank. To be five ranks above with that skill is astonishing. Who is stronger than Baekyu?"
"Baekin (White Tiger), Cheongjin (Blue Dragon), Jeoksah (Red Snake). And with Baekyu Shinjang, they are referred to as the Four Divine Generals."
Each represents a white tiger, blue dragon, red snake, and white rooster.
Of course, the more important figure is the Great Master.
"By the way, where is our respected master these days?" This time, Commander Byeok replied.
"It seems that Jeoksah Shinjang has obtained a blue-eyed beauty from somewhere and offered her to the Great Master. He is probably there."
I scoffed and replied, "That old man still has good stamina. Even reaching for a blue-eyed beauty. Suddenly, I feel a surge of anger."
As I criticized the Great Master after calling him a master, my subordinates could not manage their expressions.
"Why? Am I wrong?"
"No, you’re not."
I clicked my tongue and said, "Still, he’s touching poor girls through his disciples. What is the Martial Alliance doing? Why don’t they catch this guy? Oh dear……."
Everyone looked at the ceiling or slightly lowered their heads.
"I will now inform you of the code of conduct for the Black Cat Sect."
"Please tell us."
"Although the Great Master is my master, that old man is indulging in pleasures, so I plan to gradually incite a rebellion. If anyone clings to the Great Master or obstructs my actions, I will not spare them. The matters between you and me must always adhere to the principles of the martial world. In times of war, betrayal means death. Do you understand my words?"
"I understand."
"You may fear the Great Master more than me right now. I understand. But to survive long in the martial world, you must ultimately align yourselves properly. Remember that your expectations may be wrong. Whether the Great Master dies or I die is something you cannot predict. You should have realized how flimsy those predictions are when the former lord died. Just like our wise Deputy So, who realized it before."
The executives nodded here and there.
"Understood."
"We have no reason to like the Great Master at all. We were absorbed forcefully."
The meeting continued to be childish, lost in direction, and rambling, but I kept a close eye on the expressions and tones of the executives behind my mask.
Wearing a mask certainly had its advantages.
"How is the current situation with the Black Line Merchant?" Even though I changed the subject, So Gun-pyeong calmly replied.
"I believe they are always busy with gambling and auction businesses. At this rate, there may not be any forces around that can compete with their wealth."
"Are they still auctioning people?"
"Yes. It should be called a slave auction, not a people auction."
Slave auction, that’s what the Black Line Merchant is about.
I nodded and set the mid- and short-term goals for the Black Cat Sect.
"I killed a few of those belonging to the Black Line Merchant before. They died while watching my residence burn. I was secretly displeased, but it turned out well. In this day and age, daring to conduct a slave auction is an evil act that I cannot overlook as the leader of the Black Sect. I will have to destroy the Black Line Merchant later, so executives, focus on your training. I will correct the principles of the Black Sect."
The executives wanted to ask, "Was there ever a principle in the Black Sect?" but they could not bring themselves to speak.
I declared my ambitions in a resolute tone.
"Our Black Cat Sect will become the vanguard of the martial world’s slave liberation front."
One executive cautiously asked, "Are you suddenly going to attack the Black Line Merchant?"
"Is it right to buy and sell people?"
"It is not right."
I looked around at the executives of the Black Cat Sect and spat out curses.
"By the way, why have you all been training martial arts? You foolish brats. Do not tolerate injustice. That is the way of those who walk the night with a sword. From now on, anyone who opposes me will face execution, and anyone who speaks out will be killed."
"……."
"Answer me promptly. Don’t make the speaker feel awkward. Ah, my temper suddenly……."
The executives all opened their mouths in unison.
"Understood."
"I will keep it in mind."
After taking the entire Black Cat Sect hostage, I planned to stabilize the chaotic transition of the lord through threats, curses, violence, and bullying.
"I will destroy both the Great Master and the Black Line Merchant, and for that, I will use all the elixirs, funds, and other resources that the Black Cat Sect possesses as I see fit. If anyone has complaints, let’s settle them through a one-on-one duel. Is there anyone willing to step up?"
The executives briefly looked at the ground. "……."
"Thank goodness there’s no one."
I waved my right hand and said, "I’m glad that this hand won’t be stained with the blood of our executives."
I also did not miss the things I had to do.
"Deputy So, for the time being, stabilize the timing of the lord's transition by having the elite of Yongbong Pavilion thoroughly guard the inside and outside of the Black Cat Sect. In particular, anyone who leaves without reporting can be executed on the spot. Anyone suddenly saying they want to go back to their hometown should be captured and brought to me."
So Gun-pyeong understood my words and nodded.
"I will maintain a thorough guard."
From the executives' perspective, the Black Cat Lord had suddenly changed, and nothing had improved.
Upon reflection, the slush fund of the Golden Phoenix Pavilion had flowed into Il Yang County, and the major assets they held would be stripped from them.
In common terms, they were in a state of ruin.
Of course, that was not my concern.
It had been the same before, and it was the same now.
I am not the Black Sect.
I am the man who strikes and takes from the Black Sect.
In any case, the first day of my inauguration as the Black Cat Lord ended peacefully.