816 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The atmosphere has turned chilly. All eyes are on me, and the turbulent energy sends a thrill through my heart. Thump. I feel my heart briefly skip a beat as I move my hand. Twitch-! Even my slightest movement elicits a reaction from them. Their heightened alertness is palpable. My moving hand reaches for the teacup. Before I overturned the table, I deliberately kept it suspended mid-air. Wouldn't it be a waste to spill it? The taste of the tea is just as good as the food. Slurp. I took a sip, soothing my throat. Everything remained quiet even until that moment. Then, just as the silence was about to stretch on. "...How on earth did you know...?" The man who had previously questioned me repeated the same query. I know what he means. "What?" But I feign ignorance and ask back. The man frowns and adds more words. "How did you find out about this place?" "Oh, that." He wants to know how I discovered the foundation of the Qi Tian Sect. "Of course, that's a secret." "..." There's no way I'd disclose something like that. Why give away precious information for nothing? Although I heard about it vaguely in my previous life, to them, it would be something shocking. Naturally, I intended to use that fact to my advantage. "How I know isn't really important. At least, not to me." Squeak. As I lean back, the chair creaks. It's apparently not a very good chair. "What matters now isn't that...." "Kyaah-!" I grabbed the hair of the woman lying prone on the floor and lifted her up. "Where is your sect leader? That's what I asked." "You this...!" Crack. "---!!" The harsh sound echoed as the woman let out a scream. I had twisted her left arm. It was bent in a grotesque way, looking painful just to see. "Your words are short. Just because I keep them brief doesn't mean you should too, right?" "That bastard-!" "Can't you stop!?" "Haha." It's really short, agitating people. This time I grabbed her right arm to twist it straight away, but. "Wait a moment." The man hastily stopped my actions. "S-stop." "..." I intended to exert force regardless of hearing him. Seeing this, the man shouted once more. "Stop!" With his change of tone, only then did I halt my actions. I laughed as I spoke to the man. "Yeah, that's how it should be." "...Grit grit." "Straighten those eyes. A guest is visiting, yet you look at me like that?" "What is the reason for this?" "...Ugh, I don't really like repeating myself. Are you perhaps lacking in comprehension?" I wondered why he keeps asking when I stated the reason from the start. "I told you to bring out your sect leader." "..." "Still not getting it? Want me to make it clearer?" I released the woman and picked up something else. The kid had collapsed, his head buried in the table. "Hey." There's no response when I call. I chuckled at this. "Playing dead, huh? Want me to wake you? It might hurt a bit if I do." "...!" Only then did he flinch slightly. "...Bro...Brother." He calls out to me pitifully, belatedly. "Brother, my ass. You’re older than me, so what's this 'brother' nonsense? Should I rip your tongue out?" It was an approach that was never going to work. This guy is certainly not a kid. Despite the disguise, it's likely his body seemed like this due to illness. I knew well, for there were sometimes such people among the masked ones. I gripped his head firmly. "Ugh…ugh!!!" As I applied force, he immediately drooled. I intended to apply just enough pressure before any real damage occurred, but lately, I've been struggling with controlling my strength well, uncertain if I'd manage. No big deal if I don't. It's not my head that's going to burst, is it? "Ugh...ugh." "Stop it!" "How can someone from the Martial Alliance be so cruel-!!" The words I hear are laughably entertaining. Cruelty? "Approaching to extract information and you call me cruel? Someone might think you're the clean ones." I knew from the start when I came to the inn. They had known I was approaching before I even arrived. No, to be precise, they must have been prepared the moment they knew I appeared nearby. I noticed it the moment I reached this town. I could feel their eyes watching from all directions. It was meticulous enough that without focusing my senses, I might not have noticed. Their stealth was at a pretty high level. Mentioning this, their gazes became quite a spectacle. "So, this is the fourth time I'm saying it. I usually don't tolerate more than three times.... I'm letting it slide because I enjoyed the meal. So listen well." "Ugh…" "Where is your sect leader? If you don't answer by the count of three, this guy dies." I held up three fingers, retracting them one by one. "One. Two…." I quickly closed the remaining fingers, reaching the last one in no time. As I was about to exert force with the last thumb's curl. "The sect leader isn't here right now." "Oh." There was an answer. "Finally, you respond." Had it been any later, it would have been one less body to dispose of, I was relieved. "The sect leader isn't here?" "...Yes... currently, the sect leader is not present." "Where did they go?" "..." "Answer." "Ugh…ugh!!!" "T-they went out on some business…! They won't be back today." "Really? Hm." Upon hearing this, I relaxed my grip on the head I was holding. "Ughhh..." As soon as I released it, he slumped down, clutching his head. Must have hurt quite a bit. Ignoring him, I rubbed my chin with my hand. "They stepped out." I echoed those words inside my mind. It won’t be that all their forces are within this inn. Yet, their level seemed higher than the rumors suggested. Of course, it makes sense; they’re cautious of even just me, aren’t they? They caution against just one of me with this number? This isn’t merely because they know I’m a leader of the Martial Alliance. ‘They seem to sense something.’ They probably intuitively sense that I am a strong adversary. I did deliberately leak a bit, but it’s odd that they still feel it nonetheless. ‘There’s definitely something different here.’ From the information Muk Yeon provided, it shouldn't be possible for what I'm seeing to happen. This was evidence that something was different from what was known. Does this mean the alliance's information was incorrect? Or perhaps, 'Has something changed since I obtained the information?' As much as I shouldn't be interested, this intrigues me unusually. Finding something would be a hassle. Yet it's hard to ignore. "Well, this poses a dilemma…. You see, I have business with your sect leader." "...If you tell me your business, I will convey it politely." "Come on. I need to speak directly with the sect leader, not some lackey." "…" The man's brow furrows slightly at my words. Judging by how he speaks up, he seems to have a position of some sort. "So," I asked him, "do you know why I've come?" "...I do not." "Do you know who I am?" "I do. It wouldn't make sense not to recognize you in this situation." "And who am I?" With a slight smile, I asked, and he promptly replied. "The Star King of Shanxi. A hero of Henan and the next best under the heavens. That would be you." "Mm…." I shouldn't have asked. Listening to the explanation made my stomach churn. Despite the problematic description, at least they know my identity. "Then, think about it. Why do you suppose I've come?" "...I don't know. It's what we would like to ask you. What business does a figure from the main alliance have to come so far?" Why ask something so obvious? "Naturally, it's something to do with your group. Otherwise, why would I come all this way and stir up trouble?" "…" At least they realize I'm causing a scene. Their expression shows they know it well. It's a novel feeling. "You see, I don't like doing troublesome things like this…. But what choice do I have? When the order comes from above, you have to follow, right?" Although it was more of a decision I made myself rather than an order from above, there was no need to disclose that. "What does that...?" "So don't play any unnecessary games. Let's keep this simple." "Games, you say...! I repeat, the sect leader is…." "Kneel." "...!" Thud--!! With that command, the man and those around him all fell to their knees. Surprise filled their faces with the suddenness of the situation. At the same time, Whoooosh---!!! Boom--!! I unleashed my energy, filling the room. The vibration spread as people quickly clutched their chests. "Guh--!!" "Ggrk…!" It was so suffocating that many stumbled, and those in severe pain coughed up blood and lost consciousness on the floor. This wasn't just simple energy. I mixed aura and killing intent, increasing the intensity. With them all kneeling beneath my feet, I gave a slight nod. "You must have found me unworthy." As always, kind words never communicate effectively. This frustrating process never changes, no matter the place. "How ridiculous it must have been for you to lie with such irreverent words." "I...am." The man's composure seemed steady enough to maintain his wits, possibly due to his not insignificant cultivation. Not bad. If matched against Seong Yul, he'd hold his own. For a minor sect, and not even a major orthodox sect but the Qi Tian Sect, he's somewhat precious. Which makes it all the more curious. Why is someone like him here? That remains a question. However, that's a concern for later. Right now, there are other matters to address first. Crrreak---!! With my energy pressing down, the inn itself began to distort. Judging by its resilience, it wouldn't hold out for long. Let alone human bodies. Martial artists might be a bit tougher, but they wouldn't withstand much longer by the looks of it. With the current intensity, they would soon collapse. Feeling that, I turned my gaze. "This isn't a mere warning. If I say I'll do it, I will." Gazing beyond the fallen figures into the kitchen area. I directed my words there. No answer came back. Still, I continued speaking as if unbothered. "If you want to test that, continue whatever you're doing." Thump. I intensified the energy in my heart, adding more power. There was no hesitation. I truly intended to crush everything. Might as well add some heat to it while I'm at it. Just at that moment. "Hehehe." The sound of laughter interrupted, causing me to pause my energy. It was the voice I'd been waiting for. "...My, my. You're more than the rumors suggested." Step. With quiet footsteps, someone emerged from the kitchen. An old man clutching a kitchen knife. The peculiar thing was, despite his wrinkled visage, his hair was a deep black. As I observed him, seemingly surprised, I asked. "Did you make the food, by any chance?" "Indeed. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it." "This is unexpected." I was genuinely surprised. The food really was delicious, and to think this old man had prepared it? In awe for a moment, the old man spoke to me again. "It's an honor to meet the great leader of the alliance." As he smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes deepened. "Having shown myself as you wished, might you temper your rage?" "If you claim it's an honor, you sure were hard to see." "Hehehe…. Apologies. I'm a bit shy." The black-haired old man slowly approached through my energy. This old man was indeed him. 'Qi Tian Sect Leader, Dae Hwan.' I recall seeing his face in passing. Ssssss…. As if heeding his words, I retracted my energy. As the energy dispersed, the surrounding area filled with the sound of coughing. "Ugh...!" "Hack...hack." Amidst the struggle of those freed from the pressure, the Qi Tian Sect Leader approached and dragged a chair in front of me, taking a seat. He surveyed the half-destroyed table and those who had collapsed around. "May I send the young ones away for a while?" "As you wish." Upon receiving my permission, he waved his hand. Whoosh-! The boy and the woman posing as assassins floated, landing with another person. "Take them away." "...Y-yes." As the ones relatively uninjured began to tend to the wounded, "I am Dae Hwan, the head of this branch," introduced the Qi Tian Sect Leader. "I know." "First, it seems the youngsters were somewhat rude to you, the great leader of the alliance…. As their leader, I offer my apologies." The Qi Tian Sect Leader slightly bowed his head. Looking at his bald spot, I couldn't help but laugh. "Spare me your substitution." "You probably knew all along, so why bother with this charade?" "...Heh heh." Finding him cooking in the kitchen was unexpected, but knowing that he was here and was aware of my arrival was already anticipated. "Old man, drop the act and just continue as you always do. It's an eyesore." "..." Expressing my annoyance with these words finally provoked a change in the Qi Tian Sect Leader's demeanor. The wrinkles around his eyes, which had been forced into a smile, smoothed out as an ominous aura enveloped him. "You talk tough for someone so young." Even his tone of voice changed. "And your group talks disrespectfully. How dare they speak informally to the leader of the alliance? Are they begging for a beating?" "Is it due to your great power or just your inherent arrogance?" "What do you think?" "I'm not interested. That's not what I'm curious about. I've heard the rumors: the child from the Sanseo Gu family became a king... and that child became the leader of the alliance. But..." The Qi Tian Sect Leader's eyes gleamed sharply. "What brings the esteemed Star King to this old man?" Crackle-! I felt something against my skin. A sensation that wasn't pleasant. Ignoring it, I spoke up. "Nothing in particular." As I spoke, I pulled a document from my sleeve and showed it to him. It bore the seal of the alliance. "We received a report that the Qi Tian Sect in Sichuan is connected to the demonic cult that attacked Henan. We're planning a search... Do you agree?" "..." After hearing this, the Qi Tian Sect Leader displayed a look of disbelief. "You came here alone for that? And you openly declare it?" "Would you prefer I was here just to enjoy a meal? Sorry, but I'm not much of a gourmet for that to be the case. Oh, and it doesn't matter if you don't agree. I don't actually need your consent." "And if I refuse to agree?" "Well, then..." Feigning contemplation for a moment, I laughed and replied. "I'd have to beat a confession out of everyone. After all, you're all rogues, aren't you?" "…Hahahahaha." The words seemed amusing, as the Qi Tian Sect Leader burst into laughter. His laughter grew loud enough to reverberate through the inn. Then, as if performing a show, he abruptly stopped laughing. "...I understand you came alone." "That's right. I arrived today, and my team seemed a bit weary." "And yet you're this bold? Where does that confidence come from?" I tilted my head at the Qi Tian Sect Leader's question. "Didn't what I showed you make it clear?" I thought I had shown enough to imply I could topple everything. To this, the Qi Tian Sect Leader responded. "Heh heh... indeed, it's more than enough. Moreover, you're certainly entitled to such arrogance. I couldn't believe it from the rumors alone, but seeing it firsthand, it's truly astonishing. How could one be like this..." "Wow. Should I thank you for the compliment?" "However, young one." The Qi Tian Sect Leader added, his eyes gleaming with intent. "I understand that you're considered a creature of the stars... but you've become ensnared by arrogance and lost caution." "Hmm." A mistake of the heavens, he called it. I assume it means he considers me an extraordinary talent. The nuance was odd, to say the least. "The world isn't just what you can see." "That's true. The world isn’t all that meets the eye." I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. "Indeed, what you see isn’t all there is. I really get that." "...Huh?" "Anyway.... There's a lot I want to overturn and ask. But first, I'll give you a choice. There's something I want to recommend to you." The Qi Tian Sect Leader furrowed his brows at my words. "You didn't hear what I just said." "First option: Keep acting up, get beaten by me, confess everything, and get dragged to the alliance." "You…!" The Qi Tian Sect Leader began to stand, preparing for something, but. "Second option: Get ready to team up with the Azure Dragon leader coming later to kill me." Freeze. At my subsequently uttered words, the Qi Tian Sect Leader froze in place. Simultaneously, confusion spread across his face. Seeing his reaction, I smiled warmly, as if delighted. "Well, which one do you fancy?"