839 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Greatest in the World - Chapter 839: The Northern Rabbit **-Whirring.** On a quiet mountain path, an insect chirps softly. It's the time of day when the sunset hangs in the sky before the moon rises. The forest, lit by a blue glow, is dyed in a tinge of crimson thanks to the twilight. The light gradually wanes, preparing for the coming darkness. In this forest, Il Cheonggeom walks calmly. As he walks, he surveys his surroundings. There are hardly any signs of people. The stillness is almost disconcerting. Even with the subtle, almost unnoticed sensations, Il Cheonggeom's senses are on high alert. He raises his hand and places it on the hilt of his sword. He breathes evenly, gathering his tension. For some inexplicable reason, it feels necessary. ‘Foreboding.’ Perhaps it's because night is falling. Or maybe it’s the forest itself. The otherwise serene forest feels unreasonably unsettling and ominous. How can it be so quiet? All that is audible is the faint sound of chirping insects. No cries of animals... ‘There is no presence of evil spirits.’ The faint malice felt in any forest. Even the distinct aura emitted by a demon was nowhere to be felt. Could it be due to good regional management? That’s unlikely. Even Henan, where both the Main Sect and Shaolin reside, couldn’t eliminate all demons, and it was improbable that Sichuan, with its relatively weaker forces and larger expanse, was completely clean. Which means... ‘Something is here.’ There must be something unknown in this region. Whether it's a magical formation or a specialized environment resulting from a demonic entity, Il Cheonggeom couldn’t discern. Nonetheless, it was enough reason for him to heighten his vigilance. For quite some time, he walked in an extremely sensitive state. The sunset barely hanging in the sky fell, and the sky darkened. Soon, the moon would ascend to its peak. -WHIRRING!!! With that, the sound of chirping insects grew slightly louder. As he walked a bit further... “You’ve arrived.” Someone greeted Il Cheonggeom at his destination. It was Dae Hwan, the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader. “It must have been quite a journey.” Dae Hwan spoke to Il Cheonggeom with a smile marked by wrinkles, yet his expression only grew more contorted. “What is this about?” “It seems you’re in a foul mood.” “I’m not exactly thrilled. A mere discord dared to summon me.” “Hahaha.” Despite the overstepping tone, Dae Hwan laughed brightly. Seeing his smile, Il Cheonggeom’s expression twisted further. “Do you find my words amusing?” “Oh, my apologies. I wasn’t laughing at you... Rather...” Dae Hwan’s eyes trembled slightly, seeming to recall someone. “I just find it remarkably convenient to converse with you compared to others.” “What?” “It was meant as a compliment. Don’t mind it.” Is he disregarding me again? It seemed to imply unspoken comparisons to others, which only infuriated him further. ‘The nerve of this discord.’ Comparing him with someone else. His teeth ground involuntarily, but he restrained himself. Now he needed to use the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader. Use him as much as needed and dispose of him without anyone knowing. That was Il Cheonggeom's purpose. While Dae Hwan quietly observed Il Cheonggeom, he gently smiled and asked, “I wonder if the gift I gave you was useful.” “...” At Dae Hwan's question, Il Cheonggeom clicked his tongue briefly. Seeing his clear reaction, Dae Hwan chuckled. “I’m relieved you seem satisfied with its effect. However, I heard there was an issue.” “…An issue?” “You’re already aware. I heard the Poison King found the branch.” “...” How much does he know? He seemed remarkably well-informed even back when they first met. “…Don’t worry about it. I’m handling it.” “If you’re indeed the impressive Azure Dragon Division Leader, I’m sure you are. I merely inquired because I assumed you might be concerned given the unexpected turn of events.” “I said I’m dealing with it, didn’t I?” Il Cheonggeom elevated his aura, revealing his discomfort. Should Dae Hwan speak any more nonsense, he seemed ready to cut him down immediately. Seeing this, Dae Hwan swiftly raised both hands, stepping back. “I must have made quite a blunder.” Observing Dae Hwan withdrawing, Il Cheonggeom gradually lowered his pressure, issuing a warning. “This is your last chance.” “I understand.” “Now, why don’t you properly explain why you called for me?” “That matter is now... It’s somewhat related to the question I asked earlier.” “It’s related?” When Il Cheonggeom expressed his doubt, questioning whether the words were truly interlinked, Dae Hwan spoke as if he had been waiting for the right moment. “Today, the Star King has requested reinforcements for the branch.” “…!” At Dae Hwan’s words, Il Cheonggeom's eyes widened. The Star King made a request of the branch? ‘Reinforcements?’ Though momentarily puzzled by the unexpected news, he soon understood and smirked. “The man seems to have done his job well.” “Hmm?” “Don’t concern yourself. It seems he’s caught in the trap.” “You have done something?” Indeed. He had used that Moon...what’s-his-name to spread false information, and it appeared the fellow executed it skillfully. The question was, ‘Requesting reinforcements means... He’s preparing something.’ The fact that he was preparing for action straight away after just receiving the information meant he was ready for a confrontation. ‘A truly fiery fellow he is.’ According to Muk the strategist’s orders, the first step should be verification, yet he seemed intent on jumping straight into battle without any confirmation. This was better. Although somewhat aggressive, this progression worked in Il Cheonggeom's favor. As he confirmed this and his expression morphed into a sly grin, “Hmm…” Dae Hwan observed Il Cheonggeom with a curious gaze. “You seem to have a plan.” “As I said before, I have it under control.” “Then, do you really not need any help?” The question, asked with a slight nod of the head, made Il Cheonggeom hesitate briefly. Did he really not need help? As he correlated the new information in his mind, a vague thought occurred to him. And doubts began to rise. Would it truly be okay to accept aid from the discord, and could he really act like this as a sword of the Wulin? “Think carefully, Il Cheonggeom. This is not really a matter where you would need help.” Dae Hwan was acutely aware of the gaps in Il Cheonggeom's resolve. "Didn't we already join hands once? There's no need to hesitate now, is there?" "…" "And, regarding what you're worried about." Dae Hwan took a step closer. The closing distance made Il Cheonggeom grip the hilt of his sword. Despite noticing this, Dae Hwan continued to approach until he was close enough to whisper in Il Cheonggeom’s ear. "In the end... No one needs to know, right?" "…" "Isn’t that so?" As long as no one knows. After all, we’re the only ones aware of this. Il Cheonggeom clenched his fist tightly upon hearing Dae Hwan's words. He was right. '...If no one knows.' As long as truly no one knows about this affair, wouldn’t that be acceptable? Especially if not even the involved Heavenly Golden Sect Leader knew. As these thoughts crossed his mind, Il Cheonggeom's eyes grew colder. Yes, that would suffice. That was enough. Calming himself through his rationalization, Il Cheonggeom exuded an aura of hostility and said, "...Do you wish to die? Step back." "Tch, tch." Dae Hwan retreated as the hostile aura dampened. Il Cheonggeom briefly considered striking him down now, yet quickly concluded. 'Not now.' Dealing with him would be for later. The Heavenly Golden Sect Leader wasn't someone weak, and fighting now would involve too many uncertain variables. It would be best to handle him when all matters conclude and the situation is optimal. Therefore, now was the time for patience. No matter how repulsive, he had to endure. Even if he associated with this filth now, ultimately, no one would know. "Anyway, the reason I summoned the Azure Dragon Division Leader here was no other than to offer further assistance if required.... That was what I wished to convey." "..." "You seem to have much to ponder, so perhaps give yourself some time to think deeply." Dae Hwan added, nodding slyly. "I don't believe there’s much time, though." Simultaneously, he took a letter from his robe and handed it to Il Cheonggeom. "This has the location written for our next meeting. The date is unset, but if you wish, I'll accommodate." Observing the letter with the location inscribed, Il Cheonggeom slowly lifted his gaze to the sky, which had now turned entirely to night. The moon, however, was unseen. Looking at such a night, he quietly spoke. "Tomorrow. I'll decide by tomorrow." "At your leisure." "And." Shrrring-! The wind swept across, brushing past the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader’s hair. Snap-! Several strands were cleanly cut and fell to the ground. "Were your words shorter this time?" "..." Noticing that Il Cheonggeom was displeased, the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader flinched but quickly adjusted his expression before speaking to Il Cheonggeom. "My apologies. I thought we had grown somewhat closer.... It seems I displeased you. I offer my apologies." "Know your place. Normally, there’d be nothing for me to discuss with a mere discord but with my sword." "I understand. I'll take care." After surveying the apologetic Dae Hwan intensely, Il Cheonggeom turned his back. His steps indicated his intention to leave. At that moment. "Azure Dragon Division Leader." Il Cheonggeom turned around at Dae Hwan's call. "I'm sorry, but can I ask you one thing?" Should it be an insignificant question, he’ll be cut down. Il Cheonggeom's gaze was chilling, conveying this intent, but Dae Hwan casually proceeded with his question. "Perhaps, do you remember the names of all your subordinates?" "...What?" Il Cheonggeom furrowed his brow at the abrupt question. Suddenly, what was he talking about? Does he remember the names of his subordinates? All of them? "Why do you ask?" "Oh, it's mere curiosity. I wondered if the esteemed leader of the league remembers all their subordinates... Do you?" "I do." "Oh?" Dae Hwan reacted as if surprised by the firm reply. However, "I mean the useful ones." Il Cheonggeom added nonchalantly, then swiftly disappeared into the darkness. After all signs of presence vanished. "Ha." Dae Hwan grimaced and remarked. "Look at that bastard. Anyone would think his reach extends to the heavens. What a dog." The smiling demeanor was gone, replaced by a deeply contorted expression. "Judging by what he does, it's not like he should even be hating the discord." The sudden shift in tone raised questions. "After a brief chat, I’m already sick of it." Cr-crunch--!!! Suddenly, a rough sound began emanating from Dae Hwan's physique. Muscles reshaped and bones shifted. Even the face underwent rapid transformation. Hiss——!! In no time, his height decreased, and he turned into someone entirely different. "Whew... Damn." A young man with gleaming blue eyes uttered a curse. His true identity was none other than Gu Yangcheon.