811 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 811 of "The World's Greatest Swordsman's Childhood Friend" > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive The recently arrived group consisted of two women and three men. All were dressed in the issued outfits of the alliance's sword division. Emerging in a peculiar atmosphere, they quickly positioned themselves behind me, and the eyes of those at the forefront were also drawn in this direction. Their sudden appearance seemed to catch everyone by surprise. I had already explained the situation, mentioning that five more would join us. They simply hadn't known today would be the day. As we faced off from both sides, "Introduce yourselves." I commanded, moving my hand, prompting one reluctant fellow to step forward. "... Pleased to meet you." "...?" "..." The introductions stopped there. With a sigh, I asked. "Is that all?" "Yes." "You really have no social skills." "..." "How do you plan on getting by in life?" He cast an awkward expression my way and cleared his throat. A young man with bandages wrapped around his arm. That would be Seong Yul. Naturally, he used an alias upon entry. Then the second person introduced herself. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yeon Hong from Honam Yeonga." A beautiful woman with long flowing hair. Particularly captivating was her alluring aura. As if to prove this, the men in front seemed utterly entranced by Yeon Hong. Though Namgung Bi, Ahna, and Wi Seolah were excessively beautiful, Yeon Hong possessed an allure that captivated people beyond mere attractiveness. That allure could drive people wild. The sense that one might touch something just within reach. A dazzling flower fluttering right before their eyes, impossible not to touch. This woman had that effect. '...' I glanced at her with a somewhat ambiguous expression before I turned away. That excessive allure would likely give the men a hard time for a while... It felt a bit pitiable. For various reasons. Next, a young man standing beside Yeon Hong spoke up. "My name is Cheol Jiseon. Pleased to meet you." A young man introduced himself with an exceedingly sullen expression. That was Cheol Jiseon. Observing him, others furrowed their brows slightly. As warriors, they could sense it. Cheol Jiseon didn't exude the typical aura expected. Maybe his aura wasn't entirely absent, given he had training, but at best, he seemed to be at the second-rate level. Far from qualifying for the Main Alliance's sword division. Perhaps he's hiding his strength? People looked at him with suspicious eyes. 'Looking won't reveal anything.' In truth, he was indeed weak. No matter who we paired him with, they'd likely have his head in seconds. Yet, 'Given some time, it might be different." Under the right conditions, Cheol Jiseon could potentially defeat anyone. The real challenge lay in finding that determination. At any rate. I could guess the feelings evoked by such apparent frailty in Cheol Jiseon. Though it would seem no one could voice it. After all, it was I who had personally brought him. How they looked at him made no difference. Any skepticism mattered even less. Using him meaningfully outweighed their suspicions. Then next. As Cheol Jiseon's introduction ended, someone else was about to speak when— "Huh?" "...Could it be?" The difference this time was that the person stepping forward drew substantial attention from the start. More intense and profound than what Yeon Hong received; the surprise and astonishment were palpable. "...That young man." "If my eyes aren't deceiving me... isn't that him?" "Why is he at the Searong Division...?" Everyone wore expressions of disbelief. The young man who had drawn all their eyes came forward and spoke. With a distinctive motion, he slightly bowed his head. His scalp was exposed, revealing a perfectly shaven head that glinted slightly. It denoted a clean-shaven look of a monk. "I'm Uyeon from Shaolin." "Gasp." "Truly...!" Everyone held their breath at the introduction. The monk who had come with a shaven head was indeed the present Shinryong (Divine Dragon). Shaolin's promising figure and one of the finest talents known to date. Though the Seong-wang's prowess had currently eclipsed other voices, Shinryong's own mastery had been confirmed, marking him as a continuous beacon of potential. Having brought Shinryong to the Seong-wang's division made considerable waves. "Why would Shinryong...?" "Why, of all places, the Searong Division...?" The confusion was understandable. "Despite the Shinryong Division's emergence, why come to Searong...?" Historical precedence set Shinryong with the Shinryong Division. Though it had vanished temporarily, it reemerged, leading everyone to assume Uyeon would join the Shinryong Division within the Alliance. But now, Shinryong appeared at Seong-wang, warranting a natural query. 'To secure this, I had to work extensively.' Obtaining Uyeon entailed comprehensive efforts. Technically, it was Cheol Jiseon who ran around, but that’s practically as if I did it myself. 'Frankly speaking, I didn't actually think it'd work.' The notion of Shaolin releasing Uyeon seemed impossible. Even in our successful acquisition, it was still perplexing. Admittedly, they claimed Uyeon's own fervent wish made it possible. 'Shaolin isn't foolish enough not to have ulterior motives.' Aware of this, I nonetheless brought Shinryong over. There were conveniences afforded by his presence. Particularly beneficial when bolstering my case was the name "Shinryong." Moreover. 'There's something about him I like.' I found Uyeon oddly appealing. I had come to think of Shaolin monks as beings devoid of true purpose, but this one was exceptionally intriguing. 'Bringing such an individual here might be questionable, but...' A faint sense of guilt arose, yet it couldn't be helped. In a position to leverage every opportunity, there's no room for restraint. "Really, has Shinryong come?" "Shinryong..." They continued to marvel at Uyeon. Their interest showed no signs of diminishing. Such was the weight of the name Shinryong carried, and it was evident even Uyeon felt the gravity of the situation, as the tension flickered subtly across his face. 'Tch, he kind of likes it.' Unexpectedly, Uyeon seemed to enjoy the attention. Yet, it was unfortunate because the interest directed at him would not last long. The reason for this shift? "Hello!" The final person to appear was the cause. Following Shinryong, a woman emerged with a cheerful demeanor, carrying a bundle wrapped in cloth on her back, waving brightly. Her casual manner and informal speech caused slight unease on the others' faces. Despite their reactions, the woman appeared unconcerned. She was always a free spirit, and expecting any semblance of normalcy from her would be futile. If there was anything to hope for— 'Just do as you were told.' For days, I'd been instructing her on what to remember, hoping she would adhere to my guidance. However, "I am Pi..." "..." "...Pi?" She trailed off, as if experiencing a malfunction. I sighed inwardly. 'Did that lunatic really forget?' Surely not. She couldn't have forgotten something so brief. Desperately hoping otherwise, a few seconds passed. "Ah, Pi Yeon Yeon." Fortunately, she seemed to recall her name just in time, her eyes lighting up. Evidently, she had genuinely forgotten. It was hard to believe, like watching a goldfish. "Yes, I'm Pi Yeon Yeon." Pi Yeon Yeon... Those observing seemed puzzled by Bong Soon's reaction. It felt as though they were questioning whether she could remember her own name. Any prolonged suspicion would surely lead them to notice something was amiss. While indeed unusual, there was satisfaction to be found— "My name is Pi Yeon Yeon," Fortunately, I wouldn't have to worry about that. "I'm the daughter of the Ghost Sword Empress." This revelation annihilated all previous doubts from the crowd's minds. And then— ----! The intense reaction I'd anticipated erupted. ****************** The rumor spread faster than expected. Barely a single period had passed since the story broke, yet that was more than enough time for it to cascade through the expansive Main Alliance. The fallen Ghost Sword Empress, executed after her demotion to the unaligned realm, had left kin behind. And such kin had been brought by none other than the youngest reigning king, a hero in the making, Seong Wang. The story spread swiftly, and the subsequent events followed naturally. "...Commander of the Searong Division." "Yes." A wrinkled elder, more creased than ever, addressed me. The one speaking, Muk Yeon, and I exchanged words. "Not even an hour has passed. Are you aware?" "Are you referring to the meeting from earlier this morning? Yes, it does seem so. We do seem to meet quite often, don't we?" "Let's refrain from discussing anything related to the Ghost Sword Empress. That’s what I meant by just a short while." His words were heavy with displeasure, prompting a sheepish smile from me. "Oh, of course, I remember. Muk Advisor's advice was earnest, and naturally, I held onto it." "...Then why did you do it?" His rebuking question prompted a look that questioned why he would ask such a thing. "I adhered to it well." "You adhered well?" "Yes. I surely did... but who would've thought she'd reveal it herself? Quite astonishing, isn't it?" "...Sigh." Indeed, I hadn't mentioned it at all. I had hoped to keep it a secret, at the very least. But. ‘It’s not my fault if she chooses to disclose it herself, is it?’ I couldn't control the actions of someone divulging something themselves. Responding with that in mind, "Searong Commander." Muk Yeon wouldn’t easily overlook this matter. "What is it that you want?" "Me? There isn't anything in particular... Well, if I have to pinpoint something..." I grinned broadly and added. "A dismissal?" "..." "Just kidding." It wasn't the atmosphere for jokes, and I knew it. Yet, I had still offered that jest. "...Commander, if you continue like this, it limits what I can manage on my end. Unfortunately, as an old man, my strength isn't what it used to be." "That's quite regrettable..." He mentioned a limitation on what he could cover. Those words were curiously gratifying. "But you know." I could feel Muk Yeon's gaze upon me. "It sparks my curiosity. If even Muk Advisor finds matters related to the Ghost Sword Empress difficult, I wonder why those at the top are making so much effort." "..." "I'm truly curious about that." "Searong Commander—" "Yes." "What is it you're so curious about?" "Why? Would you tell me if I asked?" Through our conversation, a realization emerged. There was a mutual understanding of concession between us. Muk Yeon's awareness of my intentional unpacking of the Ghost Sword Empress’s legacy had been evident. And I had discerned Muk Yeon's own excessive apprehension of the matter. I had the advantage in terms of information. Because. ‘A faint twinge of guilt amidst his overt reactions.’ Muk Yeon wasn't intent on concealing everything related to the Ghost Sword Empress. In fact, he seemed more concerned about what would unfold if it came to light. Moreover, the worries didn't stem from the Alliance. 'Bong Soon, perhaps?' Muk Yeon seemed concerned about Bong Soon, the Empress's daughter. 'So then, what about you?' Why was Muk Yeon so sensitive to this issue? Possibly. 'A slightly twisted romantic entanglement?' An intriguing notion. Could it be an affair involving the Ghost Sword Empress and Muk Yeon? If that made Bong Soon his daughter, despite improbabilities, the notion wasn't entirely disagreeable. ‘It could expand Bong Soon's utility.’ Using her as a bargaining chip or leveraging her to tighten Muk Yeon's reins seemed plausible. However... ‘It’s unlikely, though unfortunately.’ The thought wasn’t quite right, so despite its appeal, it had to be dismissed. "No need to respond. I'm merely curious." I looked Muk Yeon in the eyes as I spoke. "Knowing something different from history yet choosing silence—also," I laced my words with a mix of sincerity and deceit. "What weight does peace hold when it’s gained through the sacrifice of a pitiful woman? And just what does the alliance of righteousness stand for? That's what I'm curious about." "..." "What do you think, Muk Advisor?" A statement that could easily amplify suspicions. Doubting the orthodox sect despite being part of it and denying their history. Given that Muk Yeon harbored suspicions toward me internally, these words were perilous. Nonetheless, I wanted to discern the future through Muk Yeon. "If you intend to prevent it, do so. I respect that. While I do indeed hate the demonic cult, if the current orthodox sect turned out as I think, it wouldn't be much of a problem even if they were pushed aside by such scoundrels." I despise the demonic sect. It's true. And it's also true that the current orthodox sect might as well disappear, given what I believe of them. "…" "…" The conversation stilled with those words. Muk Yeon didn't offer anything further. I waited patiently for him to speak. There seemed more to say. Within the firm ridges of his tightly sealed lips lay the weight of years and accumulated wisdom yearning to speak. Yet. "...You should leave now." Muk Yeon ultimately chose silence. "I'm sorry to have detained you when you surely have matters to attend to." Tsk. I clicked my tongue softly, turning on my heel. It seemed I had misjudged the timing to delve deeper. No matter. Having already used Bong Soon as leverage, I anticipated a reaction soon, whatever it may be. 'I've already drawn the bow with the flame on the string.' Would they wish to stamp it out before it flares further? Or would they brace against the oncoming storm of daggers? I was simply curious what choice the Murim Alliance would make. "Until next time." I gave Muk Yeon a respectful nod before turning away. Today I planned to return to the Searong Division and then meet the Elder Chang. With various appointments lined up, I quickly moved on. But then, "...Commander of Searong." Muk Yeon called out, halting my steps and prompting me to look back. Could it be a continuation of our earlier conversation? A moment of hope dawned. "...I apologize for holding you again. I had forgotten to convey a matter concerning the task for the Heavenly Gate." Muk Yeon mentioned something forgotten amid our earlier dialogue. Unfortunately, it wasn't about the previous topic. Curiously though, 'Muk Yeon forgot something?' The fact that Muk Yeon had forgotten details was in itself surprising. That Muk Yeon, of all people. Clearly, Bong Soon’s revelation had been a significant issue. "Please, go on." I wondered what it might be, asking Muk Yeon. "In this mission, the Cheongryong Division offered to support, but…" "Mm?" I immediately covered my mouth. "Given it's the Searong Division's first official dispatch and the danger level isn't considered too high, if you prefer to proceed alone, I can relay that to the Commander of Cheongryong…" "No," I had to stifle a smile that threatened to spread. "I was a bit uneasy, but this is excellent news." How could I refuse such a gift for a mission I didn't want to undertake? It was an opportunity I had been waiting for. "Please convey my sincere gratitude. Let them know I wholeheartedly wish to go together." I meant it—very earnestly.