Ep416 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

The journey to the edge of the vast plains was not something that could be ended in just a day or two. Moreover, with Geum Yeo-ul, who was comparatively less advanced in her abilities, and her group accompanying them, their progress would be slower than usual. On top of that, there was uncertainty about where the path would lead once they got there. Whether they would return or leave for good, for the sake of a minimal farewell, Baek Woo-jin gathered Zagaltai and Bayan for a chat. “Heading to the boundary of the plains... will be quite a long journey.” “Oh dear… going all the way to such distant lands.” Bayan swallowed in concern, while Zagaltai suppressed a hidden smile. The motives were obvious without need for further thought. He probably imagined he could claim the vast majority of the plains for himself once I was gone. But that was a thought born of knowing just one side of the story, not both. “You might not have a reason to be smiling.” Zagaltai shivered as if his core had been touched and tried to mask his expression. “W-What do you mean by that? I’m just worried about when you might return…” Baek Woo-jin smiled thinly and shook his head. “You should worry about yourself rather than fret over me.” Zagaltai tilted his head in confusion and asked back. “Pardon? What do you mean by that…?” To help his still-baffled counterpart understand, Baek Woo-jin explained kindly. “It means you should think about how you’ll maintain your position once I’m no longer here.” “……!” Finally grasping the meaning behind those words, Zagaltai's face began to turn pale. Not because he couldn’t comprehend it initially due to lack of intelligence, but because he had been so caught up in the thrill of his tribe’s expanding size that he overlooked the looming instability and concerns that came with it. The tribes of the plains were societies where desires were taken by force. Thus, the position of chieftain of a great tribe was never fully secure. “What if Elder Bayan challenges you to a duel? Can you take him on?” “Gulp…!” Startled, Zagaltai turned his gaze to Bayan. Seeing the wry smile on Bayan’s face made Zagaltai’s complexion become even paler—a shade almost devoid of any hue of life. “In fact, even one of those whom you took the chieftain's position from could challenge you without having to face Elder Bayan directly, and you’d not withstand it.” Zagaltai’s rise to his current position was solely thanks to Baek Woo-jin’s influence. While it’s true that his brilliant management kept the substantial tribe intact and well-governed in Baek Woo-jin’s absence, it wasn’t due to exceptional skill in combat. Realizing the severity of the situation, Zagaltai straightened his posture and asked him. “Then, what should I do now, Daehyeop…?” Possibly due to his survival instinct from maintaining amicable relations with neighboring tribes since when they were a small tribe. Though his martial prowess might be lacking, his knack for leading the tribe surpassed others. Warriors had recognized this and followed him without dissenting to date; however, with the numbers being so great now, mere recognition would not suffice. So, what can be done to ensure his position is secure? “Find someone to establish your authority in your stead.” Having a leader who is both wise and brave is an ideal situation. But in reality, it’s rare to find leaders who possess both qualities in abundance. However, does lacking one side mean a leader is unqualified to guide others? Not necessarily. What’s lacking can be supplemented. How? From others, not oneself. “While you guide the tribe wisely, find someone who can compensate for your lack of military strength to become your partner.” If one is wise but lacks military strength, then they should align with someone who has outstanding martial prowess. “If your own abilities fall short, then share the burden with two or even three others. Isn’t that right?” “Mm…” Zagaltai pondered deeply. He was precisely right. While he could lead the tribe well, it didn’t align with the strategy of suppressing enemies by force. With the need for military strength not only against internal foes but also for defending against external threats. ‘I can manage the overall command, but matters requiring might can be delegated to others.’ As long as he retains the overall leadership of the tribe and entrusts others with what he personally lacks. His authority could be preserved while lessening the oppressive weight on his shoulders. Fortunately, he already had someone sufficiently strong to establish his authority by his side. Someone who was right there with him. Realizing what he needed to do, Zagaltai immediately turned toward Bayan. “Please assist me, Bayan.” “Hehehe.” Seeing Zagaltai bowing to him with utmost politeness, Bayan let out a hearty laugh and glanced at Baek Woo-jin. “Did you call both me and the chieftain together with this intent from the start?” Baek Woo-jin nodded lightly. “Indeed, given that both of you complement each other's weaknesses.” Zagaltai had the wisdom to lead the tribe, but he lacked the might. Conversely, Bayan possessed unmatched strength but lacked ambitions for power. Together, they formed a complementary duo that could fortify and defend their realm. Baek Woo-jin looked back and forth between the two as he continued. "This tribe has grown immensely. The impact of power dispersing uncontrollably would be indescribably intense." A slight exaggeration might suggest that it would lead to a warring states period among the tribes of the plains. Even for a people accustomed to conflict, the resulting bloodshed would be extensive. A misstep might see most perish, leaving a few survivors to wander the blood-soaked plains. "To prevent this, a very strong focal point is necessary." At this point, the only way for everyone to survive was to unite under a powerful center and roam the plains together. While neither Zagaltai nor Bayan alone could become this focal point, together, it was a different story. Having laid out the impending crisis and solution, Baek Woo-jin shifted to a nonchalant expression and waved his hand. "Well… that's as much as I can interfere. Whether you unite and thrive, or split and fight for bigger pieces, it’s none of my concern." Though his words might seem harsh, they were indeed true. Baek Woo-jin was a man of the Central Plains. Once his business on the plains concluded, it’s possible he would never return there in his lifetime. Why should he go out of his way to ensure their future when he wouldn’t be around to see it? Even his current involvement stemmed from a sense of responsibility for unifying the tribes to fill a labor shortage. Beyond this, it wasn’t Baek Woo-jin's place to interfere. This challenge belonged to those who would lead the tribe moving forward. "Think and decide on your own. Just know I’m leaving tomorrow." With a dismissive wave, a signal that it was time to leave, they exited the tent with uncertain expressions. "……." "……." The two stood, staring vacantly as if in a daze. It was Zagaltai who broke the silence with a suggestion. "How about we share a drink?" "...That sounds good." There was much still left to discuss between them. --- It took a full ten days to reach the edge of the plains with Baekgeum’s trading group. In terms of time, it was a significant cost, but there were advantages as well. Thanks to the warriors guarding the caravan, they didn’t need to keep watch. The abundant provisions ensured they could eat well even during camping. Though the pace was slow, they concluded the journey in good health. "This is the boundary of the plains…." For a few days, as they moved forward, the grass grew shorter. From knee height to shin, from shin to ankle. As the weather grew colder, the grass rapidly withered, losing the vigor for growth. "Strange." Baek Woo-jin, gazing at the distant barren land, tilted his head. The reason was a discrepancy between the accounts of Geum Yeo-ul and Bayan regarding the journey between the plains and the North Sea Ice Palace. Geum Yeo-ul mentioned it took ten days to reach the boundary of the plains. Meanwhile, Bayan recalled it taking thirteen days on foot in the past. "A difference of three days." It didn’t appear to be merely a difference in walking speed. This left one theory. "Time…." Comparing the time of travel from now to when Bayan traveled. If the plains were indeed wider in the past and had since shrunk, it all starts to make sense. Why were the plains diminishing? "I need to find out." It might simply be an inevitable progression. Just as nothing in this world lasts forever, the plains might be receding gradually over time, drawing back their grandeur. However, separate from these musings, Baek Woo-jin’s intuition was telling him something. That some secret related to the king of the plains was hidden here. Following this hunch, all his senses opened fully. Once he felt as though he held the reins of every living thing around him firmly in his grasp. […….] A faint sound, like a whispering, brushed his ear. --- Author's Note: I'll see you in the next chapter. Thank you for reading as always. Have a peaceful night. (_ _)