786 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 786: North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** "Are those words true?" Ilcheonggeom asked again, reacting to Beomdong's statement. The Star King has suffered internal injuries. Ilcheonggeom's ears perk up at the information he’s brought. But, "Yes, it’s true." "What proof do you have?" While the story is intriguing, there’s insufficient evidence to back it up. In response to such remarks, Beomdong replied, "Do you know that Shinue is near the area where the Star King is staying?" "I do." Ilcheonggeom nodded. The Baekhwa Merchant Group had Shinue as their guest, and it was already well-known that he was staying in Hanam. After this was discovered, the Alliance immediately contacted Shinue, obviously hoping that he would choose to reside with them... Shinue flatly refused the Alliance's request. Or, rather than flatly, he suggested reaching out to the Baekhwa Merchant Group, which essentially was no different from a refusal. No merchant group, having secured Shinue, would willingly pass him on elsewhere. Moreover, the Baekhwa Merchant Group wasn't exactly aligned with the Alliance; they were in a somewhat ambiguous position. The likelihood of them handing over Shinue was minimal, and in reality, that was indeed the case. ‘If they're going to keep holding onto Shinue, it might be better to pass him along.’ Considering the value Shinue held in Zhongyuan, merely the news of his presence could mobilize several merchant groups and potentially stir sects and clans into action. Even after securing Shinue, the Baekhwa Merchant Group did nothing beyond providing a place for him - and that was it. The Alliance speculated, ‘The reason for hosting Shinue likely lies with someone’s critical health condition at the merchant group.’ However, no concrete details ever surfaced. There were occasional reports of Shinue treating others, but no information about him doing anything more than that. For those wanting to uncover more, ‘Approaching is difficult.’ Gaining entry to where Shinue resided was exceedingly challenging. Attempts had been made by dispatching several informants, but none returned with any valuable information; instead, losses occurred. ‘Some returned half-paralyzed or mentally disturbed.’ No one lost their lives, but the damage incurred was significant. This inevitably suggested there was something significant set up in the residence provided by the Baekhwa Merchant Group. The issue, however, was, ‘There’s no proof to substantiate any of this.’ There was nothing concrete to show as evidence. They couldn’t openly discuss attempts made by the Alliance to investigate further. Those who returned were too mentally unfit to provide even the tiniest shred of information. Because of this, the situation became ironic to the point of, ‘They’ve allegedly started calling the Baekhwa Merchant Group location a demon’s lair.’ Rumor had it that, internally, the Alliance’s intelligence division had given it this dubious moniker. Even amid such circumstances, "You've managed to obtain some information from that place." "That's correct." "…" Ilcheonggeom's brows furrowed slightly at Beomdong's words. Could it be true? Doubts sprouted. To have obtained information from a place dubbed a demon’s lair seemed rather sudden. There was skepticism, but, ‘There’s no reason for the Bi-Dragon Division leader to lie.’ Recalling Beomdong's actions to date, there was no logical reason for him to make such false claims. "…Explain in detail." For these reasons, Ilcheonggeom decided to hear Beomdong out. "Firstly... there were definite circumstances." "Circumstances?" "Yes, recently the Star King has engaged in intense combat. It’s the aftermath of a demon summoning incurred by the descendants of the Jegal family." "…" The rogue faction that attacked Hanam last time. The Alliance had publicly labeled them as simply another group among rogue factions. Though the detail involving the Jegal family did find its way into the reports, it was done in a way that made it hard to notice. As a result, the public’s perception was left with only the rogue factions and the Demonic Sect. Research continued regarding the demon summoning those scoundrels carried out. "The demon summoned then was white rank—a creature spoken of in ancient history." A breathing disaster that existed centuries ago. The demon summoned by the Jegal family was of a white rank, a monster whose existence was almost certain by its destructive impact in Hanam’s vicinity. "The one who faced such a demon head-on was none other than the Star King. As the Blue Dragon Division leader also observed, the Star King wasn’t in good health afterward." "…" Upon Beomdong's mention, memories refreshed Ilcheonggeom. The day of the white-ranked demon’s attack. When the Star King arrived at the Alliance after vanquishing the demon. Ilcheonggeom had faced the Star King then. It was apparent that the Star King wasn’t in good health. One could almost not fault him for collapsing at any moment. Merely standing on his two feet was a feat in itself. "Moreover, it occurred after his duel with the Sword King. His condition could only worsen." "…" Everything sounded quite plausible. Indeed, considering Beomdong's accurate points, the state of the Star King surely indicated poor health after all, but. "That is merely an assumption. There’s still no concrete proof as mentioned earlier." "Yes. That’s why I stated that an informant was dispatched for verification." "Verification?" "Last night, the Star King was entering and leaving Shinue’s residence." "…!" Ilcheonggeom's eyes narrowed at Beomdong’s words. The Star King had been entering and exiting Shinue’s residence. Ilcheonggeom stroked around his lips with his hand at this revelation. Watching this, Beomdong continued, "You may be aware… but the Star King is a child of the current merchant group lord. Given the owner of the residence, coming and going might seem unrestricted, yet it brings a peculiar situation, doesn’t it." "…Hmm." Many thoughts passed through his mind. In essence, Beomdong’s story didn’t have concrete evidence, but, As repeatedly mentioned, it’s the circumstances that presented an issue. Duel with the Sword King. Afterwards battling a demon. Entering Shinue’s residence. ‘Though it's somewhat lacking.’ Having mulled over it, Ilcheonggeom suddenly recalled a prior situation. The Golden Dragon Division and the Iron Dragon Division. The act displayed by the Star King opposing them both. ‘That indeed was cold sweat.’ At the moment Ilcheonggeom intercepted, the Star King wiped cold sweat from his brow. Though his expression didn’t reflect much strain.... ‘Could he truly be suffering from internal injuries?’ From the moment he entered the Alliance. Even during the time of their confrontation, it was the same. The Star King had approached closely, preventing Ilcheonggeom from drawing his sword. Though the pressure felt immense at the time, Ilcheonggeom could clearly sense something. 'His energy was wavering.' It was apparent that the Star King's internal energy was mysteriously unstable. This wasn't something that could be staged. No one could make their energy tremble in such a way artificially. If that were possible, 'That would not be human, but a monster.' Even the revered Three Masters, close to being deities, couldn’t achieve something like this. Acknowledging this, Ilcheonggeom began to align with Beomdong's reasoning. However. "Why are you telling me this?" Why was the Bi-Dragon Division leader relaying such information to him now? This was the greatest enigma. "It seems from the way you brought it up directly, you have no intention of informing the superiors." "…" Beomdong nodded at Ilcheonggeom's observation. "You're correct. If the Blue Dragon Division leader does not wish for it, there is no need to report it formally." "…" "The reason I'm delivering this information to you is nothing complicated." Beomdong's eyes glinted as he continued. "Simply put, like the other division leaders, I don’t have a favorable view of the Star King, and secondly, I thought this information might be useful to you." "…Ha." Ilcheonggeom let out a dry chuckle upon hearing those words. "If he indeed has internal injuries, they might be quite severe. According to the martial artists who participated in the demon fight, they said he even coughed up blood and collapsed." How should he interpret this? What motive did Beomdong have in telling him about the Star King's condition? What sort of actions did he expect Ilcheonggeom to take, knowing this? Engulfed in countless thoughts. "…" Ilcheonggeom, after a prolonged silence with his mouth covered, "…I've heard enough." He finally spoke with a slightly darkened expression towards Beomdong. "It seems I have things to think about. Could you leave for now?" "…Understood." Without hesitation, Beomdong rose at Ilcheonggeom's request. As he was about to exit, "Blue Dragon Division Leader." "…Speak." "As you questioned earlier, if you do not wish for this matter to be reported, it shall not reach the higher-ups. What do you think?" Beomdong asked in such a manner. "…" Ilcheonggeom responded with a voice mixed with a sigh. "For the time being… no report is necessary. Once I’ve sorted through my thoughts, I’ll reach out." "…Understood." Beomdong slightly bowed his head upon receiving the reply and exited the room. After calmly moving away from Ilcheonggeom’s office, “Huff… Huff…!” Beomdong finally collapsed in a hidden spot where no one could see him. Screeech. A suppressed cold sweat trailed down his chin. Droplets plopped onto the ground, but beyond that, Beomdong had to catch his breath, eyes wide in shock. “What is this… What on earth….” As he clutched one arm with trembling hands, he sensed goosebumps covering his skin. And for good reason. -You have only one task. -After approximately one hour, go find Ilcheonggeom. The whole reason Beomdong approached Ilcheonggeom was because of Star King, Gu Yangcheon’s orders. -He may be quite angry. Don’t worry about that and just say what I told you. You’re part of the Information Division; memorizing should be your forte, right? Gu Yangcheon had drilled various phrases into Beomdong's head. Beomdong was told that no matter what Ilcheonggeom asked, he should only reply as instructed. Listening, Beomdong simply began to speak as prompted. Before long, he was taken aback. ‘What is this…? Just what is this?’ No matter what Ilcheonggeom said, it perfectly matched the responses he had memorized. Despite minor differences, everything he said in response lined up perfectly. -Before leaving, ask him. Finally. -Ask if you should report this to the upper echelons. If Ilcheonggeom responds like this, it’s a success. -To the higher-ups. "Tell him to delay the report…" The voice of Gu Yangcheon and Ilcheonggeom's response overlapped. Beomdong had to continue wiping away the cold sweat that trickled down his face at these resonating words. ‘What in the world?’ How did this situation come about? Faced with an unbelievable situation, Beomdong shivered. And with that, fear surged in. What sort of entity had ensnared him? His pounding heart felt as if it were constricting his throat. He entertained the idea of confessing everything to Ilcheonggeom and finding sanctuary. Perhaps he could plead for help and quickly hide away with his daughter? Those thoughts continuously flitted by, yet. Beomdong couldn’t bring himself to make such a decision. His instincts kept insisting. That he couldn’t disregard the orders given. There were no alternatives. Instincts screamed that he had no choice, resulting in the matter unfolding as it did. ‘…Have I…?’ Was it the right choice he made? This was undoubtedly an act of betrayal against the Alliance. Yet, was he truly alright with that? It felt as if he were slowly being enveloped in darkness. As Beomdong was quivering, [I’ve confirmed it.] “…!!” A sudden voice brushed Beomdong’s ear. He immediately jerked his head up, scanning the surroundings. “What is this…? Who’s there?” [I’ve confirmed that the task was executed. I will communicate this to the master.] [You’ve done well.] “No—! Who are you?!” Beomdong shouted in terror, unable to hear the woman’s voice any longer. Thud. His legs gave way. “…This is impossible….” Were they truly watching him carry out the orders? “Ha…haha.” It seemed from the start there was no semblance of a chance to betray. With trembling hands, Beomdong covered his face, and for a moment, he had to quell his shaking body. **** After returning from the Alliance to his place of residence. While he sat quietly, gazing at the pond, someone initiated a conversation with him. “Master.” Turning his head at the familiar voice, he found Na Hi kneeling beside him. With his attention now on her, Na Hi promptly added, “I’ve delivered the message as instructed.” He nodded at her report. "I couldn't approach Ilcheonggeom too closely because of his energy barrier, but I delivered the message when the Swordsman emerged, just as you instructed." "Well done." "However... I'm not entirely sure if the Swordsman actually followed through..." Though Na Hi voiced her concern, her words only brought a chuckle to my lips. "It's fine. He definitely did it." "…" Beomdong wouldn't have chosen differently. "He's narrow-minded." For someone supposedly running the Information Division, he's surprisingly short-sighted. Even if he can see the forest, he can't properly read the situation he's in. I’m certain. ‘That's why he ended up dying like a fool in his past life.’ Beomdong won't be able to defy me. "Just consider it done for now." "…Understood." For now, this much is sufficient. The Swordsman will be terrified, watching the noose slowly tighten around his neck. That fear needs to be endlessly magnified. He must be filled with it until it bursts. ‘It ends in disgrace.’ Such must be the final chapter of Beomdong. ‘With Beomdong set aside for now.’ The question now is... ‘When will Ilcheonggeom make his move?’ I've set the bait, but fishing requires more than just dangling a line. ‘Ilcheonggeom is quite the catch.’ If I pull on it too hard, it’s likely the line will snap. I need to tire him out before reeling him in. ‘Let’s see… as for this part.’ I’ve got plenty of tactics left to employ, so let’s mull it over a bit more. For now, I’ll be heading to the Alliance again tomorrow. I should organize the plan for that. With that judgment, I propped my chin. "Master." Na Hi’s sudden call drew my attention back. "What?" "I have additional matters to report." "Hmm?" Another report. Since we've concluded the business I wanted, this must be a personal update. ‘What could it be? Is it something about Jiseon…or perhaps Jegal Hyeok?’ Just as I was about to guess, Na Hi provided the answer. "I’ve received word that a grand elder from the Gu family has arrived in Hanam." "…Hmm?" An unexpected revelation met my ears. "A grand elder?" "Yes, I just received this news, my lord…" Na Hi widened her eyes as she looked at me. She seemed startled by my sudden reaction. "…Where are you going?" She asked cautiously with that look. Busy packing up my belongings, I replied quickly. "Where do you think I’m going?" It’s obvious. "I'm making my escape." "…" A rare stunned expression spread across Na Hi’s face at my response.