770 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest - Chapter 770: The Northern Rabbit "What is your relationship with the Heavenly Demon?" Upon hearing those words, only one thought emerged. 'How do I appear right now?' What does Muk Yeon see in me at this moment? Are my eyes wide open? Or have I narrowed my gaze? If not, am I swallowing nervously? Or perhaps, is cold sweat trickling down my back? There can't be even the slightest hint of disarray. I meticulously checked everything. A second passed by in that way. "What do you mean by that?" My response wasn't delayed. Having been criticized for my terrible acting, the best I could muster up was a blank expression. Muk Yeon, hearing my words, responded. "I mean it literally." "Then, I really don’t understand." I slightly narrowed my eyes, intending to show mild discomfort. "What reason do you have for asking me that, elder?" Is he suspicious? If he is, where did it all go wrong, I wondered, masking my irritation with repetitive thoughts. As I was cycling through various scenarios in my mind. "Heh heh. It seems this old man has greatly disturbed the Holy King's composure." "If it hadn’t, that would be an unbelievable situation." "Let me offer my apologies first then." Muk Yeon spoke with a smile on his face. Seeing that made my insides churn somewhat. 'I anticipated this would happen, but facing him directly makes it all the more tiresome.' When it came to fortifying my base during the recent assault, the primary concern wasn't anything else. It was the presence of that old man, Muk Yeon. He'd been retired for years. He'd only rejoined the alliance mere days ago, I supposed. He should have arrived shortly after the attack transpired. Had he been in the alliance all along, that would’ve been impossible. 'If he had been, it wouldn’t have been that easy to pull off.' No matter how relentless or frantically things were tied together, if he had been around, events would have unfolded differently. The total capacity of those gathered in the alliance? The power of their combined forces? None of that is frightening. I find individuals like him far scarier than any of those brutes. 'Seeing him in person only confirms that further.' A person who reads the wave of events is far more daunting than a hundred superhuman beings raging about. Having once witnessed how Cheon Yu-rang manipulated the central plains in my previous life, it's impossible not to understand. Thus, when drafting my strategies, I made it a point to ensure one thing in the martial alliance: that Muk Yeon, the strategist, would not be present. That was the most critical aspect, and indeed, that absence ensured the plan's success. Public sentiment was shaken; the foundation of the alliance was destabilized. It won't be long before this tremor turns into a massive quake. It'll grow to an unmanageable scale, undoubtedly. Even in such certain circumstances, I did not let my guard down. Only one plan succeeded. What follows is even more crucial. In that regard. 'I must keep a close watch on that old man.' I need to understand Muk Yeon even more thoroughly. "I heard you had a brief conversation with the Heavenly Demon before they disappeared. Is that true?" "It wasn’t exactly a conversation. He merely asked my name, and I replied. Does that turn into a problem?" "Heh heh. Not at all. A problem, you say...? Consider it the senility of an old man." "Senility?" "You, Holy King, are indeed an extraordinary presence." He immediately launched into something akin to veiled bluntness. "The achievement you’ve reached is unprecedented in the history of the central plains. Previously, the youngest recorded to reach such a level was King Geumcheon of Fist." Geumcheon Kwonwang Yeon Il-cheon. The contemporary undisputed master who stopped the blood demon. He reached a peak at the age of twenty-five, which was historically the youngest entrance to such a realm. You’ve broken a record none have been able to shatter since. I nodded slightly at his words. "Isn't the youngest to reach such a realm the Divine Dragon?" The alliance certified someone's claim, yet I spoke to question it. "Who knows. While the martial alliance says so, I see it differently. This, I believe, is something the Holy King is aware of." "..." Upon Muk Yeon's words, I clicked my tongue inwardly. That old man already knows. The official stance of the alliance versus the likelihood that I reached that peak first. In his eyes, such meaning was apparent. Though, honestly, this aspect was something I could dismiss. "So, what relevance does this have with you believing I am connected to the Heavenly Demon?" "It holds no relevance. I am ignorant of a martial artist’s enlightenment and effort. I merely find the possibilities the Holy King possesses astonishing." "In that case…." "Not only did you possess such potential, but you also never outwardly exhibited it and endured so much. Yet, when Hanam faced a crisis, you eventually unleashed the restrained power to save people, becoming a hero." "..." As the conversation progressed, I felt a slight furrowing of my brow. "Repelling the attack, capturing the monstrosities, and eventually breaking the curse to save both the head of the alliance and others... What you achieved that day, Holy King, was truly heroic. Indeed... truly." A brief silence ensued before Muk Yeon continued, looking at me. "To the extent where one might wonder if someone intentionally sought to create a hero out of the Holy King." Hearing those words, I was certain. So that's it. 'This old man.' He is doubting me. It's because my achievements aligned too perfectly. It was all too evident in his concealed gaze and subtly revealing tone. Doesn't the situation seem strange to you? Are the feats accomplished purely by chance, or are they orchestrated by another? It's so eccentric it can't just be a coincidence. Thus, I am suspicious of you. That's what his words heavily insinuated. 'Damn.' This truly isn’t easy. Situations like these never suit me. Even now, look at me. I itch to snap this old man's neck right in front of me. Using my head has always been a bother. If only I could resolve things physically, life would be so much simpler. But alas, such is not the case. So, what should I do? What can you do? Even if you hate it, you just have to do it. "...Ha-ha." It began with a dry laugh. I didn't let any signs of confusion surface. Now was the time to do what I excelled in. "Elder." "Yes, Holy King." "May I ask you just one thing?" "I am all ears." "In your view, how long am I supposed to endure this disrespect?" "…" As I spoke, my expression instantly twisted. While I may be poor at acting, expressing anger was something I had confidence in, and I let my vexation be known. "I saved their lives through grueling efforts, and if this is the thanks I get, how am I supposed to accept it?" "Holy King." "If you intend to continue, I have no reason to remain here any longer." "…" "If you still wish to proceed, then by all means, go ahead." I glared at Muk Yeon with eyes full of defiance. Muk Yeon met my gaze with a now-serious expression, and we locked eyes for not a short period. After some time had passed. "I apologize." It was Muk Yeon who first bowed his head. "It was the baseless concern of a fretful old man. I sincerely apologize for offending you." Even though he apologized, I kept my displeased expression, making it apparent that I wasn't pleased with being suspected. However, I had to reseat myself in the chair. After all, I had been summoned here under the guise of interrogation. Though Ilcheong Geo had spouted nonsense about proposals. This was a place to bring in and check on those related to the attack. I knew I wasn't the only one to be scrutinized today. Acting rashly in such a situation would only heighten suspicions rather than help. "Given the circumstances, I accept the apology." "Thank you for your understanding." As much as I wanted to flip the table and leave, that was not an option. 'Not yet.' While it seemed like the conversation had ended, I knew better. That old man's eyes still held the same suspicion. 'I can't be the only one he's doubting.' He probably had a few more people in mind. I was certain he'd look at them with the same scrutinizing gaze. 'Tsk.' Just being in his presence is suffocating. It feels reminiscent of being alone with Cheon Yu-rang in my past life, that same blood-curdling sensation. I needed to be incredibly cautious, fearing that I might inadvertently spill something under the pressure of conversation. Despite a lack of evident hostility, his mere presence felt overwhelming. "As absurd as it is, it's the truth." 'What should I do?' I pondered over and over again. 'Should I kill him now?' With Muk Yeon right in front of me, even with a Sword Master nearby, at this distance, it was possible to off the old man. Should I extend my hand and snap his neck? 'If I can manage to evade the Sword Master afterward.' I'd surely be caught. Succeeding in that would change all future plans entirely. There were still more plans involving the martial alliance. More schemes involving Bong-Soon and things I needed to experiment with, issues that were neither few nor trivial. 'Even considering all that, it might be more beneficial to eliminate this troublesome person immediately.' The troublesome existence that is Muk Yeon could be dealt with here and now, which might be the right course of action. Should I do it? After deep contemplation. 'No... not yet.' In the end, I chose to endure. There's too much to lose. Now is not the time for killing, even if I intend to do so later. With that decision made, I relaxed my grip. At that moment. "Holy King." "Yes." As if he'd been waiting, Muk Yeon addressed me. "Though it might be audacious of me, I have something to say to you." "...Suddenly?" I replied with feigned surprise. "Is the inquisition over?" "Ah, what we discussed earlier suffices." It’s already over? We barely exchanged a few words. Piqued by a sense of intrigue, I watched as Muk Yeon carefully took something from his sleeve. Swoosh. It was a letter stamped with the alliance’s crest. "Do you recall what the Azure Dragon leader mentioned?" "Yes, I remember." He’d proposed I lead a newly established division in the alliance. "This matter is similar, yet largely different from what he suggested." I narrowed my eyes at Muk Yeon's words. "I already declined that offer." I had clearly stated I wouldn't take it, Muk Yeon heard it too. Yet, he brought it up again? And now, under these circumstances? I had just expressed my annoyance over being suspected. For him to bring this up afterward was baffling. What was his intention? I couldn't grasp it. "I apologize once again for the earlier offense. However, I ask you to remember this offer, despite similar in nature, differs significantly from the previous one." "What does that mean…?" "This… is not a proposal. It is a humble request made in the name of the martial alliance to you, Holy King." "Hmm." I couldn't help but smirk at the elder's words. Request, not a proposal. It reminded me of my earlier remarks. "The current martial alliance needs the Holy King. Please, extend your aid." Brazen and straightforward. I didn't expect him to be so audaciously direct. Still, it felt refreshing in its own way. 'Yes, that’s preferable.' A hundred times better than Ilcheong Geo's attitude. The current martial alliance needs me. That's a fact I’d known for a while. To be precise, it wasn't me they needed, but the reputation they had crafted for me. 'The martial alliance is currently shaken.' While I don't have the time to confirm, it must be going through significant turmoil. Beyond just public sentiment, the most practical issue here is 'The departure of the merchant guilds.' The sponsorship from merchant guilds to the martial alliance must be faltering. That's only natural. Why continue supporting an alliance that's lost the people's faith? Merchants move solely in pursuit of profit. Their continued support for the alliance was partly for safety, but ultimately, it boiled down to money. A merchant's exclusive support of the martial alliance brought stability and status. But now, with the alliance teetering on the brink of losing favor, continuing such support was a dangerous choice. As the merchant guilds began to withdraw their support one by one, the fabric of the alliance itself started to unravel. The cessation of these sponsors posed potential issues at the very core of the alliance. This spelled trouble on multiple fronts. Therefore, it was imperative for the martial alliance to address this swiftly, regaining public favor before everything crumbled. That was the real reason. They aimed to establish a new division and appoint me as its leader. While the death of three division heads was problematic, the primary reason was: 'Because it's the quickest way to win back the people's trust.' The prestigious reputation of the Holy King. The praise and support it garnered from the masses. The martial alliance needed that. 'Appointing the hero who saved Hanam as a division head.' It was a tactic to win over those who had lost faith in the alliance. It was also a ploy to lure back the merchant guild leaders. An outsider might call it arrogant to think my appointment alone would restore public trust, but... 'Objectively, it's true.' It was a conclusion I had somewhat expected, further reinforced by my recent interactions with the townspeople. My current standing was undeniably high. Knowing this full well, I had told Ilcheong Geo that they were in no position to make proposals to me. That their arrogance knew no bounds. That's the sentiment I expressed, and here Muk Yeon was addressing it directly. "Please, we ask for your help." I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh at the elder's words. "You do realize this is a strange situation to make such a request, right?" If he intended to ask, it would have been better before our earlier discussion—doing so after all that verbal sparring seemed odd. At my words, Muk Yeon wore a slight smile and responded. "The earlier statements were my personal sentiments. What I'm saying now reflects the alliance's position." "So they're different, you're saying." "Exactly." In essence, the old man doubted me, but the martial alliance itself saw the need for my involvement. It was a ludicrous notion. 'It's unclear whether to commend the honesty over deception or to find it absurd.' I couldn't decide how to react. At that moment. "Here are the terms we have prepared in hopes that the Holy King might consider our request." Ignoring my mounting skepticism, Muk Yeon handed me a letter. "Even if you decide to decline, we humbly ask that you at least read it first." "…" Could I tear it up to express my displeasure? I briefly entertained the idea before reaching for the letter. Against my instinct to destroy it, I chose to read it first, as he suggested. Then. "Hmm?" Five lines at most. The message wasn't lengthy, but as I continued, my eyes widened. "…" After reading through all the text, I refrained from tearing up the letter. Instead, I looked up at Muk Yeon. My gaze was questioning, asking if this was indeed true. "If there are more conditions you'd like, we are open to including them." "Wow." I couldn't help but chuckle, this time with genuine amusement rather than derision. To think that the Azure Dragon leader approached me the way he did with such conditions on the table. 'Or perhaps was this the old man's plan all along?' The mystery nagged at me, but it didn’t matter now. The terms were advantageous enough to dispel the annoyance and discomfort I'd felt earlier. I folded the letter and tucked it into my robe. "Would you mind if I took some time to think it over?" "Take all the time you need." I deferred my decision. And so, the conversation came to an end. ****************** Shortly after the discussion ended and Guyangcheon had left the room. Muk Yeon, who had not yet departed, carefully poured tea into a cup. Standing behind him, the Sword Master silently watched. "Cough—!" Suddenly, Muk Yeon coughed violently. He hastily covered his mouth with a cloth. Despite his efforts, the coughing fits continued unabated. "Huuu…." When he finally stopped, he removed the cloth. The cloth he had used to shield his mouth was stained with red blood. "Are you alright?" The Sword Master inquired calmly upon seeing this, and Muk Yeon nodded briefly. "I'm fine. Today is better than yesterday." "…" Nothing more was asked. There was nothing to be gained by inquiring further. The Sword Master simply stood by, watching Muk Yeon as he sipped his tea. As the serene silence hung in the air, the Sword Master eventually spoke. "What did you think?" He asked, leaving out the subject. But Muk Yeon intuitively understood. "What do you think, Sword Master?" "…" Muk Yeon answered with a question of his own. After a moment of contemplation, the Sword Master replied. "On the surface, everything seemed fine." On the surface. Muk Yeon focused on those words. Sensing this, the Sword Master continued with his thoughts. "But there's something subtle there." Upon hearing that, Muk Yeon took a sip of his tea. Was it an instinctual feeling? The Sword Master was always highly perceptive in such matters. Muk Yeon shared the same sentiment. The person they'd been conversing with. The young man who had become the youngest ever to achieve king-level recognition, known as the Holy King. Guyangcheon of Shanxi. Thinking of the young man, Muk Yeon spoke. "Sword Master." "Yes." "Are you curious about my answer?" "Yes." Reflecting on Guyangcheon, Muk Yeon smiled. Their conversation had been something special. The youth was younger than any grandchild he might have—young even within his own generation. As Muk Yeon conversed with him, an unusual thought came to mind. 'He's different.' Not just someone among the last generation of heroes he dealt with, but someone unique among all warriors he had ever met. There was no hint of youthful aggression or fervor typically seen in young warriors. Instead, he had cold, calculating eyes. His manner of speaking and habits were unusually aggressive for someone of mainstream martial virtue, as if he could destroy anything in his way. Entitled arrogance was smeared all over him, and yet. 'Though he seems reckless, he's sharper than anyone.' In his words, a meticulousness aimed at revealing nothing was evident. The apparent recklessness seemed to serve as a façade to conceal this quality. His situational awareness was sharp, consistently observing his surroundings even while looking you in the eye. He pretended to look at a tree while scanning the forest. This meant that every aspect of his demeanor was meticulously calculated. 'Interesting.' For the first time in a long while, Muk Yeon felt genuine amusement. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in ages. Just a few words of conversation were enough to reveal it. Despite appearing utterly different, that young man was, in some ways, similar to him. 'Perhaps.' If he were not someone who had already awakened martial insights, Muk Yeon would have been tempted to take him on as a disciple, regardless of the circumstances. He was that impressed by him. 'What a pity.' But unfortunately, he couldn't. It seemed clear that he had other intentions. "Do you know, Sword Master?" He recalled the earlier conversation in detail. -What is your relationship with the Heavenly Demon? The Heavenly Demon, who had allegedly attacked Hanam. An enigmatic figure supposedly unharmed even by the abrupt attack from the celestial being. How strong is he? How vast is his influence? What drives him? We have no information at all. Under such conditions, Muk Yeon questioned Guyangcheon about his relationship with the Heavenly Demon. Upon Muk Yeon's words, Guyangcheon denied the connection and showed discomfort. While Guyangcheon's reactions seemed flawless on the surface, "The Holy King never explicitly denied any connection." Muk Yeon noticed a subtle dissonance in his words. Throughout the questioning, he never outright stated he had no ties to the Heavenly Demon. This could be dismissed as just a coincidence. Yet. "All things considered," Muk Yeon was convinced there was something more. "It seems we'll have to keep an eye on him." He resolved to observe him closely, no matter what measures were necessary. And meanwhile, "Hmm. As expected." Outside the alliance, as Guyangcheon slowly walked away, he turned to look back at the alliance headquarters with a thought. "I will have to kill him." He resolved that he would have to eliminate Muk Yeon soon.