820 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The office of the head of the Sichuan branch of the Martial Alliance. Inside, the branch head, Mok Ri-seon, had just finished a lengthy conversation with Ilcheong Geom. "Thank you for the information. With your help, the investigation should proceed more smoothly." “No need for thanks! If I could be of even a little help, I would gladly prepare more and visit you." “Your intentions alone are enough gratitude. I feel truly reassured.” “Hahaha…” Ilcheong Geom slipped the missive given by the branch head into his bosom. The information was sufficient. Although no precise locations were detailed in their investigation, there were similar locations among the sightings, and starting the search from there seemed wise. From the beginning, the information about the memebrs, including their leader, was acquired from the main stronghold. Ilcheong Geom thought the search itself wouldn’t be too difficult. The problem was: ‘How far has the Star King progressed?’ The Sacred Dragon Division had arrived roughly three days earlier. How deeply had they delved into the issue? That was the critical question. ‘...Star King.’ Just thinking about him made Ilcheong Geom frown. How should he deal with that despicable man? Ilcheong Geom suppressed his grinding teeth with effort. ‘Dare he….’ His fist clenched tightly. Three days ago, Ilcheong Geom recalled the insult he had suffered. Two days into his task in Sichuan, he received a strange missive from one of his men. It was an order from the Blue Dragon Leader that both he and the Blue Dragon Division return to the main stronghold at once. Caught off guard by the sudden missive, Ilcheong Geom, without much deliberation, returned to the main force as the order instructed. The authenticity of the seal embossed on the missive left no room for doubt. It was naturally beyond question. ‘The Alliance's seal is crafted from rare materials.’ With its unique aura, verifying whether it was genuinely from the Alliance was possible and simple. This assurance made Ilcheong Geom positive. There was no doubt the missive was from the Alliance and that it was specifically sent by the tactician Muk Yeon. Doubt was set aside. The journey had a purpose, but the Alliance's command took precedence. Upon returning to the main stronghold, however: ‘...What?’ Ilcheong Geom widened his eyes. The words he heard were shocking. - Had you sent no such orders? None of those at the main stronghold, Muk Yeon included, admitted to sending any orders to Ilcheong Geom. It was an unfathomable situation. The unique seal from rare materials was indeed affixed. How could this be? He couldn’t understand. Yet— ‘Surely.’ Strangely enough, Ilcheong Geom could think of one possible perpetrator. Though there was no evidence, his suspicion was firm. ‘It was him.’ The thought settled on the Star King. It had to be his doing. Ilcheong Geom was convinced. For no other reason: As he received the missive, there was that glance from him. The mocking smile exchanged just before he left. They now loomed large in Ilcheong Geom’s mind. ‘That bastard…!’ Had the Star King played him for a fool? Judging this, Ilcheong Geom gritted his teeth as if they might break. Yet, it wasn’t certain, and this was not the time for hesitation. He quickly brought the Blue Dragon Division and embarked on the Sichuan journey again. Even when deciding, if someone forged the orders and sent false information, suspending the mission and making a new plan was usually the right call. But Ilcheong Geom didn’t do so. This was partly due to the suspicion and largely— ‘It’s not over yet.’ There was a reason he insisted on this Sichuan journey. He kept pressing forward for that cause. And so, he moved at a pace much faster than usual. The team hit their physical limits quickly, but aware of this, Ilcheong Geom still pushed them onward. Thanks to that, they managed to shorten the time it took to reach Sichuan. Back in front of the Star King, Ilcheong Geom, upon seeing him, felt a certainty. ‘It was you.’ Through his eyes, his breath, and even the aura emanating from him—the Star King didn’t need to speak to reveal it. He was the culprit. The gall of sickening manipulation. It seemed he hadn’t even intended to hide it. Although rage brewed to the point of spilling over, A corner of his mind calculated the circumstances logically. Why? If it was indeed the Star King who carried this out, how did he manage to replicate the seals made from rare materials, and what spurred him to go this far? This was a mystery. If he merely meant to make a fool of him, he wouldn't have used such an elaborate method. It was a method with consequences too significant for him. Ilcheong Geom knew the Star King wasn’t that lackluster. So what was his motive for deploying such strategies? ‘What could it be?’ For what purpose did he orchestrate these actions? Was it indeed to hector him? ‘If so, he blundered greatly.’ Even if lauded as a genius, if he deemed the world his oyster, he overstepped this time. No matter how thorough he was, if he went so far as forgery, evidence would certainly remain. If pursued, this couldn’t be brushed off easily. While thinking, Ilcheong Geom gradually focused strength into his gaze. Then a chilling aura spread across his features. ‘Even if it isn’t...’ Perhaps he needn't even go to the main stronghold. After all, he had his reasons for coming to Sichuan. ‘...He won’t be returning to Hanam.’ Accidents, albeit rare, might occur in the course of a mission. Countless were the cases of individuals getting caught in accidents while on a mission and perishing. Given such circumstances, ‘This time won’t be different.’ Even if he was the youngest King ever crowned, he wouldn’t fare differently. The unexpected nature of accidents guaranteed it. Contemplating this, Ilcheong Geom steadied his breathing. ‘Don’t regret it if it comes to that.’ He hadn’t sought conflict. The perpetrator was the one who roused it. Had they refrained from showing themselves and meddling with himself and the Alliance, this might not have unfolded. Yet, the Star King was the source of this situation. Reflecting on this, just as Ilcheong Geom was about to move— “Ah, Sir Blue Dragon Leader.” Called back by Mok Ri-seon's voice, Ilcheong Geom quickly rearranged his expression. Though his quarrel with the Star King had already surfaced, even he recognized that his current expression was fiercely grim. “What is it?” “Ah, it’s nothing significant. I just have something to ask you.” “Go ahead.” “It’s regarding the Star King…” The mention of the Sacred Dragon Leader? The very mention of the Star King made Ilcheong Geom's eyes narrow slightly. At that moment. “One of our members reported seeing something… I was wondering if you might know anything…” “What are you referring to?” Curiosity stirred in Ilcheong Geom as he asked what had been seen, prompting Mok Ri-seon to explain. “They said the Star King seemed to occasionally cough up blood or looked unwell… Do you know anything about this?” “...” Ilcheong Geom made a peculiar expression in response to Mok Ri-seon's words. “Is that true?” “Yes. We've tried to keep it quiet as much as possible… But, Ilcheong Geom…” “You’ve done well.” “Pardon?” “Please continue to manage it as discreetly as you have been. This is not something that should be known by the main force yet.” “Ah-! I see.” Mok Ri-seon reacted as if realizing the gravity of the situation for the first time. “Then, I will ensure that it remains confidential.” “Please do.” With those words, Ilcheong Geom gave Mok Ri-seon’s shoulder a couple of affirming pats before turning to leave once more. As he turned, there was a subtle upturn to Ilcheong Geom’s lips. ****************** Immediately afterward, the Blue Dragon Division began their search. They proceeded based on the information provided by Mok Ri-seon, and the search area was not too vast. This was because there was prior confirmation of certain aspects. Specifically, the locations where the Sacred Dragon Division had been seen. They might not have shared their information, but some things were evident through observation. The search was conducted using this information and Mok Ri-seon’s insights. The primary target was the movements of the Heavenly Gate. They needed to verify the exact location to delve deeper. The area known to the Alliance was practically in ruins. While a few people were seen coming and going, none seemed to belong to the Heavenly Gate. 'Looks like they've already moved.' It seems they had relocated some time ago. Although this suggests they may have left Sichuan already— 'Given that their recent sightings are all within Sichuan.' Occasionally, there were sightings outside Sichuan, but they were a minority. Most were spotted within Sichuan. Moreover— 'Even the Sacred Dragon Division isn't searching outside of Sichuan.' Thus, it was logical to thoroughly search within Sichuan first. 'At this rate... at most fifteen days.’ Within that time frame, they should be able to find the trail of the Heavenly Gate. “Leader.” He turned at the voice. One of the members was handing him a report. “This is the search status of the eastern area.” He took the report and reviewed it. It was meticulously documented with locations and situations. “Nothing was found within the current location.” “Yes. It seems they might be further on the outskirts… or perhaps...” “Possibility of having used formations?” “That’s the judgment.” Formations, perhaps. That possibility was entirely plausible. Nevertheless— “We'll proceed with the search without considering formations for the next three days.” “Understood.” There wasn’t enough tangible evidence to alter the search route yet. It was only the first day. If they expanded the search area too soon, problems would inevitably arise. For now, they needed to handle things systematically. “And this is…” Just after outlining the search process, as if there was more unfinished business, something else was presented. “This concerns the Sacred Dragon Leader's movement patterns.” Upon hearing this, Ilcheong Geom's eyes lit up. It was much clearer than the search status. Taking the report, Ilcheong Geom unexpectedly narrowed his eyes shortly after. “Is this all?” “…I, I apologize.” Sensing discomfort in his voice, the member responded hastily. “There were too many eyes when we tried to approach. With the division's martial prowess being quite high, this was the best we could manage for now.” “Tsk…” Even though it didn't meet his expectations, he couldn't fault them. Ilcheong Geom understood this was indeed the best that could be done, as the member pointed out. The martial level of the Sacred Dragon Division was high. It significantly differed from other divisions. Among those identified, excluding the leader, there were four at the Huajing level. Even if they were at the entry level, having four at Huajing level was astounding. There was evident resistance in the main force, but Muk Yeon had personally volunteered and brought them along, justifying the selection. ‘It's become burdensome.’ Since these individuals were currently in Sichuan with the Star King, it was challenging to keep tabs on the Star King without drawing attention. ‘At this rate, even fifteen days might be difficult.’ To achieve his objectives, the hurdles were high. Ilcheong Geom lightly bit his lip. What should he do? Tying it into a mission was difficult given what was known. “…You did well. You can return now.” “Understood.” After sending the member back, Ilcheong Geom bit his fingertips. He must have bitten slightly harder as his mouth tasted his own blood. “Gu Yangcheon.” The face of the man he wished he could cut down immediately came to mind. Just the thought of him stirred a murderous intent to the extent that it seemed embedded deep in him. ‘Seems like fortune favors him with good allies.’ Having watchful eyes around is troublesome in many ways. ‘Now is the optimal time.’ He also felt urgency. Ilcheong Geom had to forcibly suppress his emerging emotions. The adversary was strong. Even if young, Ilcheong Geom couldn’t deny the level of his mastery. If they were to engage at full strength, his chances of success were questionable. It was absurd, but it was reality. From the few encounters, this much was clear. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, the adversary was a powerful one, potentially soon reaching the ranks of the ten great experts. Knowing this, now was even more the opportune time. ‘He's suffering from internal injuries.’ He wasn’t sure to what extent or how deep the injuries were, but it was evident the adversary had internal injuries. He might be trying to manage it, but there was something unstable about his aura. It was visible to the extent that it was noticeable. ‘One cannot intentionally project such an aura.’ One might stabilize it, but disrupting one’s aura to such an extent is impossible. A mistake could lead to disrupted energy flow and end in Qijong Internals. Even so, without close examination, that kind of unease would go unnoticed. Such precise control was near impossible. ‘So, he indeed has internal injuries.’ The issue is— ‘Even in that state, he easily defeated the Gold Dragon Leader.’ Even with internal injuries, he was, by no means, weak. During the brutal beating of the Gold Dragon Leader, Ilcheong Geom had been closely observing. In the end, the Star King triumphed over the Gold Dragon Leader, and with ease at that. Though he coughed blood and seemed to endure pain due to the recoil, his strength was undeniable. If it wasn’t an illness, internal injuries could be healed. If so, future encounters wouldn't be the same as now. Thus, the present moment was the opportune time. An opportunity to seize before it was too late. Reflecting on this, Ilcheong Geom sighed. Neither with the Divine Dragon Division nor the Sacred Dragon Division did things go as he wished. It felt as though everything meticulously prepared was shaking apart. All seemingly triggered by the Star King's emergence. However, in spite of this. ‘I won’t crumble.’ How hard had it been to reach this position? He couldn’t possibly fall over such trivial matters. He’d rid himself of whatever was shaking his resolve, but not be swayed by mere trifles. Resolutely, Ilcheong Geom steadied his breath. And then, Sleeeeng-! Swoooosh--!! Suddenly, Ilcheong Geom drew and swung his sword simultaneously. The blade, charged with energy, cut through the air, and the tip halted, as if aimed at someone. “Who are you?” The voice, edged with hostility, pierced the side. Ilcheong Geom’s eyes held conviction. While seemingly empty, there was undeniably something—or someone—there. “Step forth, or be cut down.” This was the only warning given. As there was no movement, Ilcheong Geom’s sword traced a semicircle through the air. When the characteristic, dazzling sword force was about to cleave the night air, “My apologies.” A figure emerged from the seemingly empty space. An elderly man with long black hair appeared. The moment Ilcheong Geom saw him, tension coiled around the hilt of his sword. ‘He’s strong.’ The old man was indeed strong. Significantly so. Being unable to gauge his exact level suggested he was of a similar caliber to Ilcheong Geom. Who could he possibly be? Heightening his vigilance, Ilcheong Geom scrutinized the old man closely. “I am Daehwan, leading the Heavenly Gate.” “...!” The introduction from the old man caused Ilcheong Geom’s eyes to widen.