819 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Heavenly First Friend, Chapter 819 - Northern Rabbit "Star King---!!!" A harsh shout swept through the branch office. The voice was so amplified that the volume was significantly loud. It was as if the shout's intensity was so powerful that even the trees seemed to tremble. "*Cough*..." "Grrr...!!" The warriors guarding the branch stumbled one after another. A roar this potent, coming from someone on the verge of becoming one of the top ten masters of the next generation, was truly terrifying. "Where is he?!" The owner of the roar, the Illustrious Sword of the Azure Dragon Division, for some reason, couldn't control his emotions and was expressing his anger fully. And he was repeatedly calling my name, "Gu Yangcheon!" Thanks to this, everyone in the branch was trembling, and especially the branch head, Mok Riwon, was nervously shaking his eyes in panic. The spreading aura began to press down on the surroundings of the branch. It seemed that he possessed more energy than I had expected. "Guh... Guh...!!" "Ugh." People were not just staggering; now they were even vomiting. They were bound to cough up blood if this continued any longer. It was clear. After observing for a moment, I made myself known. "What is happening here?" When I appeared with a bewildered look on my face, Illustrious Sword immediately rushed at me. He grabbed my collar right away. My body shook from the force. I looked at Illustrious Sword with a puzzled expression. "Senior, what's going on here?" "You bastard-!" Illustrious Sword couldn't hold back any longer and, with a distorted face, shouted at me. "How dare you deceive me? You, of all people, dare-!" Shouting angrily, Illustrious Sword threw something at me. Looking at it, I realized it was a letter. It was a letter sealed with the alliance's emblem, one that Illustrious Sword would have received around the second day of his journey to Sichuan. As I recall, the contents were likely along the lines of, 'Azure Dragon Division Master, return to the main alliance with your squad immediately.' It seemed something like that. The recipient, Illustrious Sword, though he might have felt something odd, returned to the main alliance because it bore the alliance's emblem. Moreover, it had Muk Yeon's direct seal. Given that, there was nothing he could have done otherwise. Thus, Illustrious Sword left for the alliance. Meanwhile, I continued the trip to Sichuan. As a result, there was a time gap in our arrivals in Sichuan. So then. Why was Illustrious Sword so furious after returning? That was clear. After receiving the letter and returning to the alliance, Illustrious Sword must have learned the news. Namely, that neither the main alliance nor Muk Yeon had ever sent such a letter. Yes, the letter was fake. Well, at least… 'It's not exactly a fake.' The seal was indeed real, so.... Anyway. Thanks to this, Illustrious Sword underwent a wild goose chase. This was the reason he was so angry. "Senior, why are you doing this? Please, calm down." I kept wearing a falsely innocent expression. "Calm down? You want me to calm down? Ha-!" "After going all the way back, why are you suddenly acting like this?" "Are you pretending not to know? Do you think I don't know it was you who did this-!" "Seriously, what is this about?" "Forgery of the alliance's seal and issuing a false command?" Illustrious Sword gritted his teeth as he spoke. I felt his intense anger and slightly frowned. "Forgery of the seal, you say?" "How long are you going to keep denying it? Do you really think I wouldn’t know?" "This is insane." With an irritated expression, I grabbed and removed his hand from my collar. Rip-! He was holding so tightly that a part of my robe was torn. "What on earth are you talking about? Forgery, counterfeiting. Why are you suddenly-." I almost let slip something less polite. But I held back since it was more important to maintain composure at that moment. For some reason, Illustrious Sword was convinced that I was the culprit of all this. However, the critical part here was. 'This guy's intuition is sharp.' The fact that I was indeed the perpetrator. Although I wasn't the one who sent out the letter, I was the one who orchestrated the plot. Therefore, it was somewhat unexpected. 'I expected suspicion, but not certainty.' How could he be so sure? What gave him such confidence to act this way? That part made me a bit curious. "...this chaos?" Even though I tried to speak softly, Illustrious Sword's rage didn't seem to subside. Instead, with each passing moment, it was escalating, contorting his face ever so grimly. "No matter how much you think you and the world have Muk Yeon’s support, this was a serious order from the main alliance. It's not something a nobody like you can meddle with!" I tilted my head slightly, silently letting a sentence pass. "Even if you don’t like me, mixing personal feelings with duty—." I interrupted during his second sentence. "Personal feelings? Who?" He hesitated. As Illustrious Sword continued speaking, he momentarily swallowed hard. "I wonder who’s telling who that." "You..." "This matter. Even if I were to overlook it for the moment, senior." In truth, I had no intention of letting it go. It's a perfect opportunity to catch him by his words, why would I let it slide? However, there was a bigger gain in pretending to overlook it. "Do you have any evidence I was responsible?" "..." When asked, he couldn't answer. Naturally. There was no evidence. I hadn’t left any such trails behind. This confidence was what allowed me to respond like this. "Personal feelings? Alright, let’s be honest. I don’t particularly like you, senior." To go further, I truly dislike you. To the point where I want to kill you. "But it seems you don't feel any different, either. Am I wrong?" "..." "No answer? I'll take that as a yes then.... Honestly, it doesn't really matter. We don't have to get along, after all. But." Tap, tap. I tapped the hem of Illustrious Sword's clothing. "I understand you've been through something unsettling and are upset. That's unfortunate, but..." Simultaneously, I spoke while maintaining eye contact with Illustrious Sword. "Accusing someone without evidence is troublesome, especially with so many eyes around us. As you mentioned, we're here for an important task." I shifted my gaze slightly downward as I spoke. I could see Illustrious Sword's hands trembling. He seemed ready to draw his sword at any moment. His fighting spirit was barely concealed. I smiled at this. "So please, calm down. Unless you intend to draw your sword right now." If you're that upset, go ahead and draw it. Let's settle this right here in front of everyone. I added insult to injury by questioning his pride, and as a result, a vein bulged noticeably on Illustrious Sword's forehead. Will he hold out after all this? I already knew the answer in my heart. I'm sure Illustrious Sword will suppress his urge. "Grrn." To prove my thoughts correct, he ground his teeth and suppressed his emotions. He was annoyingly cautious. It was a bit surprising to see him so emotional, but a blatant trap like this wouldn't catch him. So, it required careful orchestration. I needed him to think of himself as the predator and me as the prey, not the other way around. From the start until now, I've been setting the stage for this. Illustrious Sword's face contorted as he struggled to hold back his anger and stepped closer to me. I didn’t shy away. "...Do not be mistaken. The only reason I’m letting this go now is purely circumstantial." "Oh, of course. I am very aware." "No matter how much you deny it, the outcome doesn't change. As soon as I return to the main alliance…" Gnashing of teeth filled the air clearly. "I will dig into this affair along with the Golden Dragon Division's issues and expose every single act you committed in secrecy." His intention to not let this lightly pass was evident. I nodded slightly and spoke in response. "Yes, I look forward to it. Therefore, please proceed with your assignment, esteemed Azure Dragon Chief." Upon my words, the Azure Dragon Chief who had been restraining his anger quickly turned away. His direction was where the branch leader was. "Prepare the team." Illustrious Sword spoke to the Azure Dragon Division. "Now that we've reached our destination, begin the search immediately. Ensure there are no disruptions to our pre-planned strategies." Snap! Without taking a break, the members began their task immediately upon arrival. They answered loud and clear, showing no signs of faltering. Their discipline was quite notable. Watching this, I asked Illustrious Sword, "Shall I hand over the accumulated information? If you need -" "No need. I'll get the details directly from the branch leader." "Oh, I see." Somehow his tone reverted to its original form. After speaking informally all this time, changing in such a moment seemed useless. It was something I couldn't quite grasp. Illustrious Sword cut the conversation short and went to have a word with the branch leader. Despite us working together on this mission, sharing some information would have been beneficial.... Alas. ‘Not that I expected him to take it anyway.’ I chuckled lightly and turned away as well. As I turned, I noticed the Azure Dragon members flinch slightly. Yet, they quickly began to move. It seemed they had already formed a strategy, just as Illustrious Sword had mentioned. Watching them reminded me of Illustrious Sword's final words. - "As soon as I return to the main alliance... along with the Golden Dragon Division's issues, I will investigate everything you've done in secret." Though he lacked evidence, he seemed to have some suspicion. Illustrious Sword's reaction indicated there was indeed something. Really, if he returned to the alliance like this, things might get tangled. I recognized this but felt no concern. ‘Only if Illustrious Sword quietly returns to the main alliance would this be possible.’ In that regard, Illustrious Sword will not fulfill his intentions. This was because for Illustrious Sword... 'This will be his last.' The current destination, Sichuan, was where his life would end. ****************** "Are you sure you don't need to send it?" As soon as I entered the quarters, I turned my head to the voice. It was Cheol Jiseon who spoke to me. He handed me an item as he continued speaking. "Send what?" I asked, holding the item out of curiosity, and Cheol Jiseon replied with a worried look. "Sharing information with the Azure Dragon Division." I relaxed, removing the training-enhanced clothing and letting out a small sigh. The weights in the room lessened considerably. "You decided not to after all, is that really the case?" "Oh, that? Yeah, they said they didn't need it." "...Didn't you spend two days organizing it to share?" "Yes, I did." Indeed, I had anticipated the Azure Dragon Division requesting the information, so time was spent preparing it. Of course, it wasn’t me, but Cheol Jiseon who did the work. Now that they’ve refused it, he seemed unable to comprehend the decision. "What am I to do if they refuse it? Forcing it on them would be stranger." Especially since it was Illustrious Sword who declined it, what could I do? "However... what about the plan?" "What plan?" I reacted as if I didn't know what he meant, and Cheol Jiseon made a peculiar face as he explained. "Weren't you trying to resolve the misunderstanding about you and the Cult and handle Illustrious Sword along the way? You’d have to share some information to do that, right?" "Hmm?" I widened my eyes slightly upon hearing this. What kind of crazy talk is this? I told Cheol Jiseon, bewildered by the absurdity: "This guy? You’ve gotten involved in some mean stuff and turned truly wicked." "...Huh?" Cheol Jiseon reacted in surprise. "What do you take me for? Handle? What do you think Illustrious Sword is, some straw sandals to handle?" "Wasn’t that the case?" "Of course not." Goodness. I was so dumbfounded that words failed me. "Jiseon, speak correctly." "Huh?" "You said something about resolving misunderstandings, but that's wrong from the start." I gently patted Cheol Jiseon on the shoulder with a bright smile. "Gaechunmun has been in league with the Cult from the beginning." "What...?" I continued with a soothing voice, intending to correct Cheol Jiseon's misconceptions. "Those villains are allied with the Cult, who plan to engulf the Central Plains in chaos. And it's not just them; the branch leader here, and even Illustrious Sword, were part of it." "...What does that mean?" Cheol Jiseon looked entirely confused. But I knew better. I spoke with eyes full of genuine sincerity, conveying absolute certainty as if there was no room for doubt. "So, we're here to eliminate those evil beings trying to manipulate the Martial Alliance in the name of justice, right? But tying things together to deal with them? That's a terrifying idea. It's as if you're suggesting... that we're the bad ones." "…" "There's no need for us to tie anything; they’re already entangled themselves, aren't they?" I said with a sly smile. In response, Cheol Jiseon nodded slowly, as if his gears were momentarily jammed. It seemed he understood well enough. As expected, being a smart fellow, he grasped things quickly. "Just remember that." I continued as I put on my attire. "Keep that in mind. I'm off to meet one of those bad guys. Meanwhile, take care of what I've asked you to." Cheol Jiseon tried to say something, but I stood up without listening. I had wrapped up preparations over the past three days. Now that the Azure Dragon Chief had arrived, it was time to begin. Resolve the misunderstanding about Gaechunmun? Not a chance. 'Why would I resolve something so beneficial?' Quite the opposite. If they intend to leverage it, I would hand it over willingly. With that, I concluded. 'It's best to catch all nuisances at once.' For this reason, the three days before the Azure Dragon Chief's arrival had been hectic. With this in mind, I wasn't going to let anything pass easily. I checked the item Cheol Jiseon gave me just before. White powder hidden within a cloth revealed itself. This was the key to making Illustrious Sword believe he was a predator... A powdered root known as Silky Heat Herb, Which I intended for him to unknowingly ingest, believing it to be at the hands of Illustrious Sword.