818 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The Best of the Martial World: Chapter 818 - Northern Rabbit** Tuck. The torn disguise mask fell to the floor. After casting a quick glance at it, I turned my focus to the man standing before me. The captivating beauty from a moment ago had vanished, replaced by a handsome gentleman. His slightly glowing silver hair was strikingly exotic. Watching him, I couldn't help but be impressed. 'No matter how much I see it, it's still astonishing.' How could something like this be possible? So much had changed in an instant. Disguises are usually just superficial layers added to one's physique, so there are bound to be noticeable signs. This is especially true when a man disguises as a woman. Physical characteristics become problematic, making cross-dressing believable in rare cases and typically not as convincing for male-to-female transitions. 'Could it be this refined?' The Dark King seemed to have solved even those problems. Not only had his arms and legs become slender, and his body's lines softened, but even his full chest appeared natural. How was that possible? 'I first thought he was using some kind of Qi transformation technique.' But it seemed that's not the case. If there's a method, it must be... 'That attire he's wearing.' The black outfit. That must be the reason. The tight-fitting clothes were enhancing the body's lines, making them captivating. It seemed to forcibly alter his physique... 'Wouldn't such pressure restrict movement?' With pressure enough to change body form like that, there should naturally be problems with movement, yet the Dark King seemed unencumbered. He was so convincingly feminine that one couldn't help but be deceived. 'For someone usually so blunt... to think he'd go to such lengths.' I was astonished when I first saw it. The Dark King, who seemed so devoid of emotion and expression, paraded around, playing the part of a woman. 'And even altered his voice.' For whatever reason, the Dark King adopted a seductive female voice. The entity known as the Dark King vanished, becoming Yeonhong, a captivating woman in essence. Seeing that, I finally understood. 'Why no one has ever uncovered the Dark King's identity.' I used to think it was because he eliminated all witnesses, but seeing this changes my opinion. It seemed more likely that his disguise abilities were simply exceptional. 'It's incredible that he can cross-dress so flawlessly.' Even if a specific artifact was used, it's still astonishing, to say the least. 'He not only created a missing arm but even adjusted his height...' The earlier incident when explaining to me with a missing arm. The Dark King fabricated even an arm with his disguise, even adjusting his height. Though he's not small for an assassin... This means that when disguised as a woman, he becomes quite tall. Other aspects can be altered, but height is difficult, so surely it should appear odd. 'Strangely, it doesn't seem that way.' Even with the tall stature, it didn't feel out of place. How could that be? 'It's not about the height.' Despite moving around as it is, no one seemed to notice. Like they failed to register his height properly. 'Is he manipulating his presence through Qi?' Utilizing Qi to suppress presence. Could it be such an application? If applied, how could something like this be achieved? It's intriguing. Though with the presence of Qi techniques, I personally have no need for this, it's curious as it's beyond my experience. “Every time I see it, it’s impressive.” I expressed my admiration honestly. In response, the Dark King replied nonchalantly. “If you wish, I can teach you.” As if it's nothing extraordinary, he offered to teach me. "Uh, no, I'm not particularly looking to learn." As I mentioned earlier, I don't need it, so I declined. At this stage, learning from the Dark King would take too long. 'I've already got a mountain of things I need to master. Adding this is too much.' I can't waste time learning things I don't absolutely need out of mere curiosity. “I'll ask if I’m curious next time.” “Understood.” “But, Dark King.” “Yes.” “…was there a particular reason for choosing to be a woman?” The transformation was impressive, but why did he have to become Yeonhong, a woman? That's what I was curious about. Transforming into a man would be more authentic and convenient, would it not? I asked with that intention. “I find this more comfortable.” In his typical unemotional tone, the Dark King explained to me. “When disguised as a woman, it's easier to manage others due to gender ratios.” “…Hmm.” Managing, he says. Is he referring to the sight of those crowded around inside the fishbowl he mentioned earlier? If that's as he says, then indeed, it was management. ‘...One command from the Dark King could control them all, so to speak.’ Those who would swarm like bees if he desired something. Watching them, it certainly seemed like management. ‘Though, they're pitiful indeed.’ Clinging to him, entranced by his appearance without realizing he's a man; I wonder what will happen if they ever learn the truth. I'm not sure, but it doesn’t seem like it would end well. Of course. ‘I doubt the Dark King would ever get caught, though.’ Since it's the Dark King, he’d handle it. That's the confidence I have. “Yes, well… as long as you manage whatever you're doing, it's not my concern, but...” I moved past this topic to address the main issue at hand. “I recently met with the Sect Leader. Do you know anything about the Sect Leader?” “I do.” A quick response. For the Dark King, who manages the assassin division, being aware of some details was expected. As I thought. “Then, do you know of any special aspects I should particularly pay attention to?” Upon hearing my question, the Dark King was silent for a while, before quickly responding. “Information I hold likely doesn't differ much from what you know.” “I see.” Then it means any differences would best be explored directly… “If you want, I can find out.” “No, it's okay. I have a different way to investigate this. But my request concerns something else.” “Feel free to speak.” “I've heard that the Sect Leader is secretly contacting another faction to scheme something. Could you find out about this other faction?” “Understood.” “Uh… yes.” The ease with which he agreed caught me off guard. The Dark King agreed with minimal hesitation. “Do you have a deadline in mind?” “The sooner, the better. Ideally within three days, before the arrival of the Blue Dragon Division Head.” “Understood. I will prepare immediately.” “Yes. Thank you.” Fortunately, the Dark King agreed to help. I was about to express my gratitude through a bow, but before I could, he had already vanished from sight. Even the remnants of the torn disguise mask and the discarded clothes of Yeonhong disappeared. Had he cleared everything away in such a brief moment? “Still as quick as ever.” Although my senses had improved enough to barely detect presences, it seemed the Dark King’s swiftness remained unchanged. It's a shame that even with all this improvement, fully understanding his speed still eludes me. If I could sense it, I might be considered a Grand Master someday. ‘I wonder, when will I reach that level? No, not when, but...’ 'Finish within three years at the longest.' I promised myself to break through to the Grand Master level. That determination elicited a small chuckle. ‘If people heard that, they'd think I was crazy.' If it were as easy as saying it, anyone could do it. How does one reach the Grand Master level in just three years? It was an absurd ambition, but— ‘One of those astonishing Grand Masters once said it.’ Even if things seem unsure— “Make it work somehow.” Recalling the eccentric words of the Blunt Master, I steadied my breath. “Right. On to the next.” There was still much to do. ************* As the hour approached bedtime for most, the division members were taking turns for sentry duty within the headquarters. At such a late hour, someone came to my room. It was Tang Sohyeol, who had just finished her training. “Greetings, Division Leader.” Tang Sohyeol appeared to have lightly washed after her training, as her hair was slightly damp. I peeked at her, then cleared my throat a bit. “Sorry for calling you at such a late hour.” “It’s nothing. It’s something I should obviously do.” “…I did say you could speak normally when it’s just us.” “Oh.” At my words, Tang Sohyeol looked chagrined by the stiffness of her tone. Then she quickly replaced it with a sheepish smile. “It’s become a habit… Hehe.” “Are you managing the Deputy Leader tasks alright?” Tang Sohyeol paused briefly upon hearing this before responding. “There are still many things I don’t know, so it’s a bit tough, but I’m managing.” “If you want, I can replace you.” There are many who want the Deputy Leader position. Wi Seol Ah and Namgung Bia are among them, as are others who are eager to take on the role. I offered it, saying she could step down whenever it felt burdensome. “No, I can do it. Please believe in me.” Tang Sohyeol responded instantly with determined eyes. “Uh… Well, that’s reassuring then.” Is this position really so desirable? It's filled with needless duties, so I couldn't understand her insistence. “Anyway, setting that aside.” The reason I called Tang Sohyeol at this late hour needed to be addressed first. “It’s because I’ll have to visit the Tang family in the next few days. Could you send them a letter?” “The Tang family?” “Yeah, you should also visit your home since you're in Sichuan. Let them know I have something to discuss.” “…Yes, understood. But, weren’t you already in contact with my father?” “…I was.” Past tense. As Tang Sohyeol noted, I’ve been in regular contact with the Tang family due to the restoration of the Dokcheon Pill. Originally, I was in contact with the Poison King, but lately, I’ve been exchanging letters with the Young Master instead. Switching correspondence to the Young Master was not without reason. “…Your father is slightly upset with me. Can you take care of it?” He’s mad at me. “What? My father? How… suddenly?” “It’s complicated… So please do me this favor.” “Ah… alright.” I couldn't explain. Especially not to Tang Sohyeol. It wasn’t actually my fault, but because of the Poison King. Telling Tang Sohyeol I’m receiving hatred wouldn't stop me from trying. 'If I tell her, that old man might get even more upset.' I couldn’t predict how the Poison King would react. It might escalate from a sulk to resentment. That was the reason I had to ask Tang Sohyeol to declare my visit to the Tang family. If I announced it myself, they’d prepare complicated nuisances beforehand. “Should I just inform them that you’re coming?” “Yes, and emphasize that you’re accompanying me.” “Got it... When should I say you’re coming?” “Hmm. Probably after the Blue Dragon Division Head arrives, so… maybe in five days.” Three to five days. That should be enough. ‘Enough to lay more bait and gather information on the Sect Leader as well.’ At the same time, I could have a word with the branch leader. It was time allotted for that purpose. Of course, it depended on how the Dark King handled things and whether the branch leader would react as I anticipated. ‘But there won’t be any issues.’ I wasn’t particularly worried. I was aware of the Dark King’s capabilities. I was confident the branch leader wouldn't deviate from my expectations. With Cheol Jiseon already in motion, there shouldn’t be any major problems. 'The remaining task is how I proceed.' Much would depend on which course of action I decided to take. Ultimately, the objective wouldn’t change. The circumstances were set for it. “Well then, I’ll leave the rest to you.” “Yes.” After requesting Tang Sohyeol's help, I glanced outside. The moon was an illuminating presence in the night. Seeing it gave me a sudden sense that everything would unfold smoothly. “Now, over the next few days… should I start scattering the bait here and there?” “Bait?” Tang Sohyeol cocked her head in confusion at my quiet murmur. I chuckled and explained as I looked at her. “Oh, there’s something I need to fish for.” “Fishing… do you mean literal fishing?” “Something like that.” Fishing indeed, but with a twist. The difference is, I'm not aiming to catch a fish. ‘I'm after the Blue Dragon.’ While tidying up the Sect, I also intended to take a bite out of the Blue Dragon of the Murim Alliance. Catch him and slice him down, serving him up as sashimi. ****************** Four days later, as time passed. As anticipated, the Blue Dragon, Blue Dragon Division Head Il Cheong Geom, arrived at the Sichuan branch leading his subordinates. “Star King—!!” And not just that. “You scoundrel—! Where are you? I will kill you on the spot—!!” He drew his sword, visibly furious.