814 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The season remains autumn. It was about the time when the green leaves began to change color and fall. They climbed up the silent path for quite a while. There was no time to admire the seemingly beautiful scenery or landscapes. All that could be heard was the shallow sound of breathing. A group of over a dozen people was climbing the path, clearly exhausted. Complaints about the hardship, which persisted until yesterday, could no longer be heard. They were close to their destination, too tired to voice any further discomfort. Such was the gruelling march they endured, leading to days that exhausted everyone to the core. "Ah, I can see the destination ahead," declared someone, causing the group's breath to quicken. As the eagerly awaited place came into view, a burst of energy overcame their weariness. Climbing the stairs a little further, they finally reached a large gate, which opened as if in wait for their arrival. This was thanks to those already stationed at the gate. Creak! As the gate opened, a man appeared. He was a middle-aged man with a friendly expression, starting to speak with a warm smile upon seeing the group. "Welcome to our sect—" "Ahhh...!" "We've finally arrived—!" "Move...!" "...everyone...?" Before the middle-aged man could finish, the group pushed their way in without hesitation. Such was their desperation that no one could stop them. The group moved past the gate and began to collapse inside. "Ughhh..." "Wa...Water, please..." "What... is this...?" They stumbled, seemingly out of their minds, in a frightening display. The one managing the situation appeared visibly flustered by the unexpected sight. What exactly was this situation? As the man stood in contemplation, someone greeted him with a brisk voice. "Nice to meet you." Startled, the man turned to see a young man approaching with a smile that seemed terrifying. However, the moment of panic was brief. "Oh, I've heard a lot about you." Upon seeing the young man's attire, he instantly knew. This was the young man he was waiting for. It was inconceivable that anyone in the martial arts world was unaware of this young man. Moreover, the robe he was wearing was a formal attire that only those at the level of a master would wear in the main sect. His identity was already as good as confirmed. The middle-aged man greeted the young man with a strained smile. "It's an honor to meet you, Star King. I am Mok Ri Sun, head of the Sichuan branch." "I'm Gu Yangcheon of the Divine Dragon Division." "You must have had a tough journey." "Not at all. It was no trouble at all. It wasn't that difficult." As they spoke, Mok Ri Sun cast a glance beside him. The members assumed to be from the Divine Dragon Division were sprawled out, panting heavily. If it wasn't difficult, then why are they so exhausted? And then. 'Is this young man truly the new master?' He appeared so young, even younger than Mok Ri Sun's own son. Could it really be true that such a young person saved people in Hunan and ascended to the rank of a king-level martial artist? No matter how much he thought about it, it seemed unbelievable. Yet. '...The main sect confirmed it, so it must be true.' The main sect's word was irrefutable, whether Mok Ri Sun believed it or not. As Mok Ri Sun was pondering these thoughts and scanning the surroundings. 'Hm?' He noticed something peculiar. "Excuse me...." "Yes." "I've heard that the Blue Dragon Division leader was accompanying you...?" According to earlier correspondence, it was said that the members arriving included the Blue Dragon Division leader and members, yet the distinctive blue sword was nowhere to be seen. "Ah, that." The Star King chuckled and replied to the inquiry. "The Blue Dragon Division will arrive two to three days later." "What?" "We were in quite a rush. The Blue Dragon Division seems to be taking a more leisurely journey." "Ah, I see." They were indeed in a hurry. Hearing this, Mok Ri Sun nodded in agreement. Just as he mentioned, they had arrived surprisingly early. They were expected to arrive five days later, yet, arriving now shows just how swiftly the Divine Dragon Division moved. '...Could it be because of that?' It dawned on Mok Ri Sun. Why the sword unit members were so thoroughly exhausted. Arriving five days ahead of schedule. For that, they must have traveled from Hunan at a tremendous pace, with little to no rest. That could explain their current state. Mok Ri Sun harbored cautious suspicions. He was almost certain, but there was a reason for his reluctance to be entirely convinced. 'Why are only half of them exhausted?' Many were clearly worn out, yet the other half seemed somewhat alert despite their tiredness. Especially the women, who appeared particularly unscathed. 'Moreover, how could they all be so strikingly beautiful?' Their appearances were unanimously impressive. Engrossed by this observation without realizing, Mok Ri Sun was looking closely at one of the women when a detail caught his attention. "Gasp...! Could it be Miss Tang?" "Ah." A woman with light green hair. Recognizing Tang Sohyeol of the Tang family, he expressed his surprise. She responded with a modest smile and bowed slightly. "...It's been a while." "Have you been well?" "Yes. I've been well." "I never expected you to join the martial arts alliance... Ah, is the head of the Tang family doing well?" "...Yes. The family head is also well...." An awkward conversation ensued. Given the branch is located in Sichuan, they had close ties with the Tang family and were acquainted. Watching this interaction, Gu Yangcheon discreetly frowned. "Deputy leader." "Yes, leader." He quietly called Tang Sohyeol. "Since we've arrived, get directions to your quarters and settle in. I have some matters to discuss with the branch head." "What about rest?" "Rest..." Glancing around, Gu Yangcheon noticed the exhausted expressions of the group. Seeing this, he slightly raised one corner of his mouth and spoke. "We'll rest today, but be ready to assemble by tomorrow at the hour of the tiger. Don't slack off on the night watch just because you're tired." "Understood." The weary group responded with cheers. The idea of even a day's rest seemed to bring them immense joy. Watching this, Gu Yangcheon shook his head, displeased. 'What was so difficult?' They had simply run a bit faster, but was that really so challenging? Of course, there were some with relatively lower skills mixed in, so it might have been tough. 'I set the pace to match the slowest runner.' He had adjusted the speed so that everyone could keep up. Had he set the pace to his own, they could have arrived twice as fast. Even with such consideration, they were still struggling. 'Tsk, tsk.' Though he had much to say, he decided to let it slide since they had managed to arrive somehow. The crucial point was that, regardless of the means, they had finally reached Sichuan. ****************** After entrusting the group to Tang Sohyeol, Gu Yangcheon followed the branch head to a private room. "Thank you once again for coming..." "Think nothing of it. I'm simply carrying out orders." "Haha. You must be tired after arriving, aren't you? Will you not take a rest?" "I'm fine. It wasn't that taxing, so let's proceed." "Ah, understood..." After a brief conversation, Gu Yangcheon took a letter from his robe and handed it over. "Here's the seal and verification from the alliance." "Thank you. I've received it." This symbolized that he was mobilizing in accordance with the alliance's wishes, and was now ready to proceed with the mission. Upon receiving it, Mok Ri Sun handed Gu Yangcheon another letter. "This contains the information we have verified so far." "There doesn't seem to be much of it?" "Yes, I've condensed the information as much as possible." Around five pages indeed. "Hmm." Flipping through the pages, Gu Yangcheon examined the text. There wasn't much more than what Muk Yeon had provided. If one were to differentiate... 'The frequency of contact with unknown individuals.' Previously, it was stated there were five contacts within a fortnight. Now, it seemed to have increased to more than half of the days. Sensing this, Gu Yangcheon asked Mok Ri Sun. "Do you know the identity of those meeting with them at Gyecheonmun?" "Well... We've narrowed it down to a merchant group, but..." "So it's uncertain." "...Correct." Gu Yangcheon nodded in response. "Indeed. Gyecheonmun is notable for its aggressive tendencies, and it seems peculiar they're frequently in contact with a merchant group." After leafing through a few more pages, he added while looking at Mok Ri Sun. "But do you have specific reasons for speculating they are a merchant group?" "Ah, well..." Hm. Mok Ri Sun paused, narrowing his eyes as he sensed something amiss. 'Why is everything flowing so smoothly?' Reporting to someone of a master rank was, in a way, a given, yet something felt off. '...Why does it all seem so natural?' Rumor had it that before becoming a master, the Star King was a late-stage practitioner, but the exchanges seemed so adept. It felt as though he was conversing with seasoned veterans, at least group leaders. "When we conducted surveillance, we identified them as a merchant group operating in the Guangdong region...." "Guangdong?" "Yes, known as Choya Merchant Group. It's a well-known group, but..." Gu Yangcheon quickly interjected as Mok Ri Sun trailed off. "They could just be using their identity. After all, they wouldn't be foolish enough to conduct overt transactions with a sect outside the martial arts alliance's purview." "...Exactly." "Hmm." For a few more moments, Gu Yangcheon read through the documents thoroughly. With the passage of some time, "I understand that Gyecheonmun seems to be planning something... but I don't see any connection to the Demon Sect. What about Guiakchang?" In response to Gu Yangcheon's query, Mok Ri Sun hesitated momentarily before answering. "Among the figures presumed to be guards of the merchant group, one bears a striking resemblance to Guiakchang." "Hmm. But there's no certainty." "Yes, still, the recent unusual conduct of Gyecheonmun remains suspect. These previously quiet individuals suddenly making bold moves—it's perplexing. If it's similar to the incident in Hunan with the Demon Sect..." Mok Ri Sun swallowed his dry throat, visibly tense, and elaborated. "Especially with the current weakened state of the Tang family, I felt a different approach was necessary." "So you sent the information to the alliance, requesting support... is that correct?" "Exactly." With Mok Ri Sun's confirmation, Gu Yangcheon neatly folded the document and placed it back inside his robe. "Your reasoning is sound. The information was well-condensed for easy reading. I can see you've worked hard." "Haha... It's part of my duty as the branch head." "As Mok Ri Sun suggested, Gyecheonmun's behavior indeed seems odd. I'll proceed with the investigation, since that is what I'm here for." Mok Ri Sun appeared relieved by Gu Yangcheon's words, a feeling of assurance washed over him. "Understood. Then, should I prepare the branch personnel for support?" "Yes, that would be helpful. Oh, and." Gu Yangcheon nodded slightly, addressing Mok Ri Sun. "I'd appreciate it if you could also prepare the unabridged information later." "Pardon?" Mok Ri Sun asked again with surprise. "Why the unabridged information...? Ah, if you feel the information is lacking, I can reorganize and—" "That's not the case. It's just that I'd like to process the details myself for thorough understanding. I'd appreciate your assistance." "I... I understand." Though briefly flustered, Mok Ri Sun quickly masked it and responded. Observing him, Gu Yangcheon rose to his feet. "Since I've heard all I needed, I'll excuse myself." "Then I'll guide you to your quarters right away." "No need. I plan to head outside for a bit." "Outside, you say?" Mok Ri Sun reacted with surprise at Gu Yangcheon's words. He had only just arrived, and now he intended to leave? "You mentioned earlier that you would take a rest today..." "That was for the members to rest. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll step out for a bit. It won't take long." Gu Yangcheon replied with a smile, giving a slight bow. "Then, I'll see you later." "Oh, ah...yes. I'll see you later." Mok Ri Sun seemed somewhat uneasy. Ignoring him, Gu Yangcheon turned his back and reached for the doorknob. By then, he had already wiped the smile off his face. With a sharp, cool expression, he pondered inwardly. 'I see.' He wasn't entirely sure what was happening with Gyecheonmun yet, but one thing was certain. 'I'll have to deal with the branch head first.' Mok Ri Sun, the head of the Sichuan branch, was a spy.