657 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 657: Plan Drip. Tea spilled from the broken teacup, cascading to the floor. Crrreeaaaak---!!! The table trembled under the pressure in the atmosphere. "Ugh..." Sweat beaded on Sword Division Leader's forehead as the weight on his shoulders increased. A martial arts master. No, someone beyond that—a considerable expert. While being crushed, he snuck a glance at Moyong Hee, who stood opposite him. Moyong Hee regarded the sudden newcomer with eyes wide in shock. That was all. Despite the suffocating pressure, it did not affect her in the slightest. That meant only one thing: all the emitted aura was controlled, precisely directed. ‘Where did such a master come from...?’ Despite the cold sweat, Sword Division Leader steeled himself. The pressure was formidable, yet not insurmountable. He pressed down and stood upright. Crackle-!! ‘Gah-!’ The pain was intense, but still, he managed to stand against the oppressive force. Strangely, as he rose, it felt as though the pressure lessened. As if it was allowing him to get up. "Hoo..." As he straightened, the pressure filling the room vanished as though it was never there. Sweat trickled down. Sword Division Leader concealed his damp forehead, glaring at the opponent and was taken aback inwardly. ‘...So young.’ The adversary was far younger than he had expected. Despite the fierce aura, his face barely looked like it had crossed the threshold of coming of age. Even considering an uncommonly youthful look, he might just have entered his thirties. Still, it was unfathomable. ‘Was that aura really from him?’ He could not believe it. Who was he? Who on earth could emit such a presence? Sword Division Leader attempted to recompose himself and asked the youth. “…Did you have words for me earlier?” The barking dog made quite the ruckus. Clearly, the young man had aimed those words at him. Not just anyone, but a leader of the martial alliance. Even elders or heads of prestigious families, now a part of the Three Great Families, wouldn’t dare speak to him so boldly. And yet this youth did? Had he not noticed the insignia on his shoulder? Filled with such doubts, the youth’s corner of his mouth curled up. “Oh, no. I just went out because there was so much barking, and what do you know, there was a dog outside the building. That’s what I was referring to.” “...” Sword Division Leader’s brows furrowed at those words. A ridiculous excuse. Anyone would recognize it as nothing more than a poor pretext. “Moreover, it looked so filthy. Its barking was unbearable, and looking at its face, I felt like capturing and cooking it. It might still be outside, would you care to have a look?” Grit. Strength welled in his clenched fist. The young man had crossed a line with his words. Regardless of who he was, no one could speak so irreverently to him, the leader of the martial alliance. “You dare…” Sword Division Leader's eyes gleamed, and upon seeing this, the youth feigned surprise. “Oh my, you don’t look too pleased. Did something unpleasant happen today?” “Do you know who I am to speak so rudely?” “Why should I know? I’m not particularly curious…” Tension mounted as veins bulged on his forehead. “I am the Sword Leader of the martial alliance, the Dragon Division’s leader.” “Yes, you look the part.” “…Hah.” Even after hearing the introduction, the youth was unfazed. It suggested he'd already known. He knew he was a leader of the martial alliance and yet continued this audacity? Who was this person? “…May I at least know your name?” At Sword Division Leader's question, the youth tilted his head and replied casually. “Why should I tell you?” “…What?” “If you're an investigator, shouldn’t you investigate? Why bother asking outright?” “…!” Not only did he know he was a leader; it seemed he was aware that Sword Division Leader belonged to the investigation team as well. “Perhaps you’re unaware…” Realizing this, Sword Division Leader continued with a severe expression. “I recognize your skill, but you’ve just assaulted a leader of the alliance.” Being part of the martial alliance. Especially attacking a leader equated to directly assaulting the martial alliance. A fact any member of the righteous faction would dread. “Did I? When?” The youth shrugged with nonchalance, playing aloof. Seeing this, Sword Division Leader's anger flared. He wanted, desperately, to draw his sword. But he needed restraint. ‘The opponent is a formidable one.’ An unidentifiable master. Perhaps an aged expert with a mysterious facade. No, the likelihood was high. “You intend to deny the aura you just emitted? The branch leader here surely noticed?” When Sword Division Leader turned to Moyong Hee, she reacted with feigned surprise, eyes wide. “What do you mean? The aura?” Sword Division Leader’s eyes widened at her words. ‘This woman…!’ Despite witnessing the entire spectacle, Moyong Hee feigned ignorance. Since the aura deliberately bypassed her, she might genuinely have been unaware. However, her exaggerated response made it evident she knew everything. Seeing Moyong Hee's act, the youth chuckled and spoke to Sword Division Leader. “Oh, surely not. This fuss over a little release of aura? Ah, come on. It was just a prank.” “A prank? You call that a prank?” “Yes, merely a jest.” “You released such an aura and call it a prank? Does the leader appear that trivial to you…!” Sword Division Leader flared up to retaliate when— “It had better be a prank. Otherwise..." Chill. An icy sensation crept up his spine, and Sword Division Leader's mouth snapped shut. Though he felt no aura similar to before, his body was rigid. The youth was now standing right in front of him. With piercing eyes, the youth continued. “Otherwise, what you just did wouldn’t remain a prank either.” “…!” Hearing those words, Sword Division Leader shuddered involuntarily. ‘How?’ The young man's words pierced straight through Sword Division Leader's heart. He was referring to the aura he had attempted to unleash toward Moyong Hee just moments ago. ‘How did he know?’ It had been a subtle, almost imperceptible aura. And it was not even directed at the young man, but at the woman standing right in front of him. Regardless of his expertise, it should have been difficult to discern. Who was this person, truly...? "I can hear the gears turning from here." Sword Division Leader's rigid stance loosened at the young man's remark. "Let’s keep things simple between us. We just had a little fun. Isn’t it easier to let it go as just that?" Pat, pat. The sensation of a hand on his shoulder came through. The young man casually touched Sword Division Leader’s shoulder. Confused by the inexplicable situation, he remained unaware of another presence slipping in past his shoulder. "Or would you prefer to dance with swords here? I'll oblige. I don't particularly like dancing, but if you wish, I suppose I must." " ..." Every word, spoken with a smile, raked at his insides. What sort of man was this, he pondered, while he struggled to think clearly. ‘This isn't good.’ Nothing about the scenario was favorable. Having been a part of the martial alliance for decades, Sword Division Leader could feel it from experience. Those eyes weren't lying. They were ready for a life-and-death battle in the middle of Hanam. His gaze dropped to his sword hilt instinctively. Could he win? He wasn’t certain. He felt it in every nerve, every hair standing on end. Recognizing this, Sword Division Leader slowly released his grip on the sword. “…Arrgh." As he finally conceded, the young man’s smile vanished, as if he had lost interest. This only unsettled Sword Division Leader further. ‘Does this mean he would have been fine with fighting here?’ Faced with this chilling certainty, he stood up straight. He turned to Moyong Hee before leaving. “As the branch leader suggested, I'll come with proper investigative authority next time.” “Yes, I’ll be waiting. I’m sorry I can't see you off, as a new guest has arrived.” Moyong Hee spoke with a poised smile, causing his brow to twitch. “And…” Forcing himself, he glanced at the young man and added. “It seems we’ll be seeing each other again soon. Hopefully, then we can have a proper introduction.” Given his behavior towards a prominent figure from the martial alliance, he'd certainly see him again soon. It was a warning of sorts. “Running off with your tail between your legs but still trying to... Ah, excuse me. I meant to just think that.” “...” Shaking with irritation, Sword Division Leader debated countless times whether to draw his sword right then. “Hoo…” With a deep sigh, he began walking. Until he passed the young man on his way out, the latter did not spare him a glance. Once Sword Division Leader had fully disappeared from the hall. “Sigh…” Moyong Hee exhaled a long-held breath, and Gu Yangcheon turned to gaze at the entrance Sword Division Leader had exited. Moyong Hee asked Gu Yangcheon, “…Why didn’t you stop him?” Gu Yangcheon shifted his gaze to Moyong Hee. “Should I have?” “No, it would have been quite troublesome if you had.” Letting him go was the right decision now. Moyong Hee thought as much. “It’s just... I'm surprised you let him go.” A hint that this wasn't typical for him. Hearing that, Gu Yangcheon chuckled. “You’re right. Normally, I wouldn't have.” He almost killed him on sight. The audacity to pull such tricks was infuriating; he’d nearly incinerated him entirely. But he restrained himself. “He might be of use to us. That’s why I let him go.” “...” It was complete objectification, treating him not as a person but a tool. Moyong Hee gulped subconsciously in reaction to Gu Yangcheon’s cold and dry words. “…Did you know him?” There was something familiar about those eyes. Sword Division Leader Bum Dong. Or the Elimination Sword Bum Dong. Given his fame, it wouldn’t be strange for Gu Yangcheon to know of him, even at a distance. However, Gu Yangcheon’s reaction seemed subtly different. After pondering briefly, Gu Yangcheon replied. “No.” His denial came easily. It wasn’t a lie. At least in this life, Bum Dong was not known to him. Not in this life, anyway. “Haha.” Remembering the encounter with Bum Dong, Gu Yangcheon chuckled. Moyong Hee absentmindedly stroked her shoulder as if pacifying herself. Through lifetimes, never forgotten. There was not a single face he had forgotten, Bum Dong included. ‘Nice to see you.’ How could it not be pleasant? ‘For him to show up willingly like this.’ It wasn't his turn. He intended to deal with matters one at a time and come for him later. But to appear in such a distasteful manner. ‘I can’t not be glad about that.’ He was so glad, he felt like he could go crazy from it. Gu Yangcheon hid his trembling hands within his sleeves. ‘It's unfortunate… just a little more provocation might have led to swords being drawn.’ Then he wouldn’t have held back—he’d have killed him. Not being able to was a bit disappointing. ‘Or perhaps he would have held back himself.’ Maybe so. Probably so. Smoothing his lips as he stilled his trembling fingers. “Looks like the conversation's over. Shall we head upstairs? Or, do you have more to do?” “Ah… No, I was just about to head up.” “All right.” Thus Moyong Hee stood, as did Gu Yangcheon. Gu Yangcheon's expression, as he turned, was deeply cold. ‘The magic has been planted… Now, how shall I play?’ He had been needing someone. This was a fortunate development. Especially if that someone was Bum Dong. ‘Let’s have some lively fun, Division Leader.’ He knew how to recognize and employ someone of value. In his past life, Gu Yangcheon was entrusted by the Alliance Leader to command the newly established Flower Division, a testament to his keen judgment and observational prowess. And perhaps, because of those attributes— ‘He betrayed the alliance quicker than anyone else.’ Quickly turning his back on them, he conspired with that wretched Union Leader. Gwang Dong, the Mad Ghost Sword. He was one of the earliest to defect from the alliance to join the demonic sect and was, formerly, Gu Yangcheon’s superior during his time in the Martial Alliance. Recalling him, Gu Yangcheon thought. ‘Please make your death worthwhile, Sword Division Leader.’ If that wasn’t possible, Gu Yangcheon intended to ensure it was. ****************** Later, he went to the branch leader's office along with Moyong Hee. Seo Dong seemed surprised to see Gu Yangcheon escort Moyong Hee back from outside, but since there was little he could do, Gu Yangcheon simply winked to dismiss any concerns. The chaos having somewhat settled, Gu Yangcheon finally felt prepared to relax and engage in casual conversation, when— “…What?” He wore an entirely perplexed expression at Moyong Hee’s words. "A new group has emerged in Central Plain," she said. It was a name that piqued an intense sense of familiarity in Gu Yangcheon. “The group is called the Magyo (Demonic Sect).” He knew the name well. “It was founded by an unheard-of master named Cheon Ma, and they attack indiscriminately between the righteous and unrighteous factions.” Even from this, a complex feeling arose within him. However, the larger issue lay in what followed. “Their power is considerable; so much so that the alliance is struggling to gather information… Nevertheless, rumors suggest—” And then came the words. “That the identity of this Cheon Ma could be one of the Three Revered Ones, Pae Jon.” Moyong Hee uttered this with a serious expression. Before Gu Yangcheon could even process and respond to the statement— “…Hmm?” From behind, former Pae Jon, now Tooryong Bi Eui Jin, current second son of the Bi Ga Ne family, voiced a dazed murmur.