844 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The murmuring in the surroundings faded away. At first, there had been some whispers, but they quickly sank into silence. The only sound that could be heard was the faint crackling of the lanterns on the wall. For a while, the silence enveloped everything. - Did the Azure Dragon Lord just...? What did he say? One of the members who stood at a distance whispered. That moment reignited the chatter. The difference now was that most of the discussion centered around Il Cheonggeom. - ...Did the Lord really resort to poison? - No, beyond the poison... What does this have to do with the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader? Though the voice was brief, it was loud enough for those nearby to hear, and the reaction was as intense as expected. - The Lord involved with the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader? What in the world...? - It sounds as if the Lord is partnering with some demonic sect members or something. - How absurd--!! It didn’t take long for surprise to turn into fury. Was it because their trust in Il Cheonggeom was that strong? Perhaps. Although frankly, I wasn't that interested. What mattered wasn't their reactions but rather Il Cheonggeom's. ‘Interesting.’ I couldn’t help but smile when I looked at Il Cheonggeom. What a sight to behold. His eyes were trembling, sweat beads subtly formed, and the energy around him quivered, clearly evidencing the anxiety within. It showed how flustered he was. And yet. “…What nonsense are you spewing?” This was a man who had been active in this martial world for decades. Though a moment of unease was visible, he erased every trace of it within seconds. “Are you trying to mock me with preposterous claims because you can't win in words?” His expression shifted from confusion back to anger. I had noticed before that this person was not to be underestimated. ‘If I didn't have the information, I might have been unsure.’ Does one need to be on such a level to hide their true nature in this world? Just imagining it is exhausting. “Mocking, you say? How hurtful.” “If it's not mockery, then what do you call it! I may not have liked the matter with the subordinate lord, but as you said, we came here to support you. We didn't come to be insulted-!” The raised voice carried genuine emotion, as if signifying insult and disdain. How could one be so? ‘Is she hiding her anxiety and bewilderment with anger?’ I, for one, am constantly told I can't lie to save my life. If possible, it's a skill I'd want to learn. However… “I apologize if you heard it as an insult… I was merely conveying what I learned.” “…Information?” Il Cheonggeom's eyebrows twitched briefly. “What information are you talking about?” “Oh, nothing much… I just heard that you resorted to poison in some scheme against me.” “Who would spread such nonsensical news…!” He was about to add more but stopped when he saw where my finger pointed. I singled out Moo Do Hyeok, who met Il Cheonggeom’s gaze and furrowed his brows. It seemed he recognized the situation. At Il Cheonggeom's intense stare, Moo Do Hyeok stiffened. Soon after, he avoided eye contact. The fear in his eyes confirmed my suspicions. ‘He’s reliable enough.’ His reaction strongly suggested that he had indeed betrayed us. Of course, it might also be an act, but my intuition told me his reaction was genuine. “Does this answer the question of the source?” I knew all about his deeds. This reaction was my proof. Il Cheonggeom also seemed troubled, judging by his furrowed brows. “What are you implying about that member?” ‘Oh?’ The words he uttered made me inwardly applaud. ‘Ah, so you intend to feign ignorance?’ It's not a bad choice, honestly. Since there isn't any concrete evidence, playing ignorant might be the best option for now. “Are you asserting, senior, that you've never resorted to trickery against me?” “I've repeatedly said this. I am a loyal lord of the Grand Martial Alliance who upholds righteousness and justice.” A grip tightened on the sword of Il Cheonggeom. “While it’s true that I don't favor the Azure Dragon Lord, I'm not one to disgrace my honor by such schemes.” “Oh, wow.” I nearly clapped in response to Il Cheonggeom's bold words. How can someone be so shameless? ‘Uphold righteousness and justice? Honor what?’ I almost burst out laughing. Holding it in was an ordeal. Truly…. ‘You people never change.’ The deeper you uncover, the more you find an abyss. It’s almost worthy of respect at this point. He showed such depths that I felt obliged to give something in return. “Well, without evidence, I apologize for prematurely accusing.” I took a step back. Moreover. “The matter with the Heavenly Golden Sect Leader is just based on rumors I heard…. I suppose that’s untrue as well?” With no evidence and having only heard it as a rumor, Il Cheonggeom naturally jumped in. “I will hear no more slander. Wherever you heard such rumors, I would rather lay down my life than join hands with the demonic.” “That’s right…! Our lord would never do such a thing!” “Plotting with the demonic…How could such things be said….” Many voiced agreement with Il Cheonggeom’s denial. Their faith in their lord was remarkable. Upon seeing such reactions, I whispered quietly. “…Lay down your life, huh.” Just loud enough for Il Cheonggeom to hear. “Well, that’s reassuring. I initially came to ask about the poison, but things turned out this way.” I continued speaking as I approached the still-wary Il Cheonggeom. “I apologize for leaving your deputy in such a state, but I believe I’ve sufficiently explained my reasons.” “…Do you call that a sufficient explanation?” “Yes. If you’re unsatisfied, as you said, report me to the alliance or make a separate grievance. Of course, I’ll need resolution for the part where I distrust you, senior.” “..." Even if Il Cheonggeom pretended ignorance for now, what would he do once everyone returned? His lips curled into a sneer at this implied question. "I have nothing to fear as I've committed no crime. But what if everything the Azure Dragon Lord suspects turns out to be false?" What if what I'm saying is all lies? That scenario was improbable, but if it were so... "What else could I do? I'd have to kneel down and apologize, admit my baseless suspicions, and acknowledge my wrongdoings." "Ha... That's quite an appetizing proposition." The exchange made things clear. 'It seems he really doesn’t care.' Whether being investigated or not makes no difference. Not just for me, but it seemed the same for Il Cheonggeom. Perhaps, the reason behind it is similar to mine. 'I have no intention of returning for any investigation.' You will not leave this place alive. That must be what Il Cheonggeom was thinking, the same as me. "In any case..." As I walked, I found myself closing in on him. Luckily or not, despite the proximity, Il Cheonggeom refrained from drawing his sword. He simply glared at me, channeling his energy. I spoke to him, ignoring his murderous eyes. "Since I’ve relayed all the messages and shown you what I needed to, unless you plan to act immediately, may I take my leave?" Despite having trashed his deputy, I declared my departure. Under normal circumstances, Il Cheonggeom wouldn't have let me go. Since this matter was directly tied to his own position, he’d have clung to it by any means. It certainly seemed that way. 'As expected.' Il Cheonggeom only continued to glare without taking further action. I pondered briefly whether to nitpick but ultimately walked past him. "I suppose I’ll hear more about these ‘details’ from my comrades and return to see you afterward. I imagine that's what you'd prefer, right?" "..." No answer. As always, silence signifies agreement. I was essentially saying, "You need time to think up an excuse, don’t you?" Or perhaps... 'Prepare an even more devious plan.' That's what I implied. To which he responded. “…I say once more, I will not let this matter rest easily.” Il Cheonggeom growled, full of aggression. His words were fierce and menacing, but ultimately signaled that he would let me leave for now. In other words, it was mere wordplay. Knowing this, I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic quip. "Yes, please do as you see fit." "Tsk." I walked completely past Il Cheonggeom. His stare remained fixed on me. Other Azure Dragon members glared sharply, their eyes threatening. Sensing their hostility, I muttered under my breath. "What are you staring at? Lower your gaze, you fools." Wooosh--!! “…Ugh!” “Guh…!” A single exertion of pressure made their gazes recoil. Simultaneously, I tried to suppress the hastened breath and steeled my heart. 'Came close to being in real trouble.' The killing intent surged with anger-fueled energy. Temporarily forgetting about my current weakened state was a misstep. Caution was necessary. “Whew….” I took a deep breath and shifted my gaze. One of the people I was searching for soon came into view. "Hey." "Y-Yes...!" The one hastily responding to my call was Song Ho-jung, the deputy of the Star Dragon Division. “Come with me for a moment.” “...” I said, making my expression twist, and Song Ho-jung swallowed dryly. Clicking my tongue, I walked, followed by my unit members. ****************** After Gu Yangcheon disappeared like that. With Gu Yangcheon gone, a suffocating silence returned to the headquarters of the Azure Dragon Division. No one dared to speak. Quietly, they gauged Il Cheonggeom’s mood, ensuring that Gu Yangcheon was truly gone. Once some time passed and they were certain. “Damn it…! What does a youngster like him know!” As if waiting for this moment, one unit member spoke. “How dare he suspect our lord? Poison them? How ridiculous.” “Indeed. How dare he utter such rash words!” “It’s simply because he’s young. Still immature, only seeing what he wants.” “No matter how outstanding his talent is, with that temperament, I doubt he’ll effectively lead a division.” Most remarks were disparaging comments about Gu Yangcheon. “He might be strong, but the position of a sect lord requires more than strength." “That’s true. Even if he achieved great merit in the ambush… This time he went too far.” The conversation continued, everyone seemingly in agreement, voices heated. They seemed eager to voice what they had been holding back. At the moment someone was about to speak in earnest. “For the sake of our lord, when we return to Hanam, we must…” "Stop." The ongoing chatter was cut short by a single word. It was Il Cheonggeom, who had been quietly listening, who infused his words with energy. The weight of those words made everyone fall silent. In the renewed quiet, Il Cheonggeom added more words. “Enough unnecessary discussion; resolving the immediate situation takes priority. Take the deputy to a physician first.” “Y-Yes, understood…!” At Il Cheonggeom's command, the members moved quickly. Their focus on Gu Yangcheon had made them realize belatedly that the deputy lord had collapsed. Several of the group approached the fallen deputy, supporting him. “Ugh… Ughhh.” “Lord Deputy. Are you alright…?” “Hurry, move him…!” They walked, supporting the wounded deputy's body. As the deputy was carried past Il Cheonggeom. “…!” One of the unit members froze momentarily upon seeing Il Cheonggeom. It’s unsurprising, given that Il Cheonggeom now bore an expression of twisted malice, like a ghost harboring a fierce desire. That he wanted someone dead at all costs.