868 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 868: The World's Greatest Fighter's Childhood Friend "Criminals!? How absurd!" "What on earth are you saying!" The Azure Dragon Division members react vehemently to my words. Being suddenly accused of being criminals and facing punishment is understandably bewildering. Especially for some of them. "The Lord would never ally with the heretics—unbelievable!" "Connected to the Demon Sect as well? That's ridiculous." They were enraged about their Lord Il Cheonggeom. Il Cheonggeom, a figure rumored to be the next to join the ten great martial artists of the world. Since joining the alliance, he achieved remarkable feats during the War of Righteousness and Evil, earning respect and becoming the Azure Dragon Lord. Some say it wouldn't be long before Il Cheonggeom ascends to the position of alliance leader. With the disappearance of the Divine Dragon Division, once the Sword Saint steps down, Il Cheonggeom would be the closest candidate for the leader. Of course, this talk has dimmed somewhat with the reappearance of the Divine Dragon Division. However, the value of Il Cheonggeom hasn’t diminished. In Zhongyuan, Il Cheonggeom is seen as a protector upholding justice and righteousness among the younger generation. 'Justice and righteousness.' To me, it seemed terribly inconvenient. "This is slander!" The Azure Dragon Division members collectively protest. Their loyalty seems impressive, at any rate. [Slander?] I chuckle as I speak. Still, I infuse energy into my voice. This causes them to flinch. "Th-th-th-th-that’s right." "If not slander, then what is it...!" Although they shrink back a little, it appears they are not willing to retreat. It was pleasing to see. They looked like a well-bonded group. 'Well, at least on the surface.' Who knows what's lurking beneath the surface? "Under whose authority does the Star Dragon Lord do such things—!" "Indeed, this is impossible." Listening to this, I smile and ask. [Why do you think I lack the authority?] "That's because...." Thunk—! As he utters these words, he takes a token from his robes and throws it to the ground. "Gasp...!!" "That...!" Their eyes widen as they recognize it. The writing on the token was 'Alliance'. The significance was clear. ‘Alliance Leader Substitute.’ When acting under the alliance's name, it grants the bearer the right to make personal decisions without interference from the Martial Alliance. Currently, there are fewer than three individuals in the Martial Alliance who possess this authority besides the leader. This token was personally given to me by Muk Yeon. After throwing the token, I spread my aura even further and spoke. [Have you forgotten why the Star Dragon Division was established?] The current Martial Alliance newly created the Star Dragon Division. The reason was none other. [The Star Dragon Division eliminates demons and executes those who oppose the alliance.] While the former sword divisions were created to combat demon beasts, The Star Dragon Division was established solely to deal with humans. And. [This lord has the power and right to execute instantly should I judge you to be a criminal in the name of the Martial Alliance.] A sword division that operates independently, with the authority to ignore the leader’s orders. That is the Star Dragon Division. [Il Cheonggeom is judged a criminal and execution will proceed. Is there any objection?] "How could there not be an objection...!" A man steps out from the crowd, shouting. "Even if the Lord has been granted authority, this is nothing but emotional abuse of power...!" Hmm? I tilt my head, looking at him. Abuse of power due to emotions? An odd phrase. [Why do you think so?] I speak, curious about the reason. "...The Lord attacked our Vice-Division Leader in the past, rendering him unconscious." [Ah, that’s true.] I refrained from killing him and let him live. It was a gesture of mercy. The man frowns at my indifferent response. "And additionally... today... our Lord...." Halfway through speaking, he bites his lip. As he hesitates, unable to speak properly, I decided to say it for him. [Indeed, I even beat Il Cheonggeom. Struck him a few times and he collapsed immediately. How disappointingly weak he was.] "Kgh!" Grunts emanate from all around. Their response to my insult of Il Cheonggeom was expected. Frankly, I thought it was understandable. Admiration was evident, and it was admirable. 'However.' Do they truly understand the nature of the individual they are showing such respect to? If ignorance is bliss, then it's pitiable. If they were aware, then... 'They're all fools.' I saw no reason to spare them. [So?] Motioning for him to continue, the man quickly continues with his prepared words. "We know the Lord harbors ill sentiments towards our Azure Dragon Division. But to declare them criminals and move towards execution is nothing more than an abuse of power." There’s a tremble in his voice. He must be afraid. Witnessing or hearing about me having beaten Il Cheonggeom, the one nearly among the ten great martial artists, how could he not? I must appear like a monster to him. Yet the fact that he still tries to make his point is fascinating. It is something I could see in a positive light, but. "So, to ensure fairness... we should first go to the alliance and...." [Geum Tae-seom.] "...!" He flinches. It's no surprise; that was his name. [A native of Hanam Golden Clan, having been with the alliance for ten years. Age forty-two, and judging by your contributions... there’s a strong possibility you'll be Vice-Division Leader by the year after next.] "H-how do you...." [You sure have worked hard. Well, that's how you rose to your current position, isn't it....] It's not easy to reach his position without significant effort. Moreover, as someone from the Hanam Golden Clan? A lesser-known clan, it made the feat even more significant. Yes. Perhaps it was because of this. [However, you should've known better than to cross the line.] [Squad Member Geum Tae-seom. In exchange for turning a blind eye to Baek Dong-pa, you received dirty money four times a year. Is that correct?] “…!!” The firmness in my tone makes Geum Tae-seom's eyes widen. [Furthermore, you also used those connections for your own advancements. Periodically, you relayed information about other heretics, most likely supplied by Baek Dong-pa.] "I, I just…." [Justice and chivalry? Worthless concepts.] I took a step towards him. The man retreated, visibly shaken. [Do you think you are in any position to speak of those things?] "N-no. This is, this is…." [If you have excuses, speak them now. I have enough evidence to disprove any lies.] He bit his lip. Anxiety and fear were evident in his gaze. "This is slander—!!" Bang—!! Thud. With a deafening sound, Geum Tae-seom fell to his knees. As he crumpled, blood trickled onto the floor. With his head smashed, his life was snuffed out. “Geum Hyeong!” “How could this...!!!” Seeing Geum Tae-seom perish before their eyes, the others responded with tumultuous shock. [The transactions you had with the heretics exceed ten times, spanning over five years. Without any defenses, the penalty is death.] I wiped the blood off my hands as I spoke. The reaction was clear enough. With the atmosphere set, it seemed the stage was perfectly prepared. [From now on, I'll call out the criminals.] With eyes cold and detached, I scanned the room, naming individuals one by one. [Operative Oh Seok-cheong, you turned a blind eye while orphans from the Hwanseong Pavilion in Hubei were forcibly made courtesans, even though you knew. In return, you indulged yourself with those courtesans. You visited almost once every three months. Quite a story for a man with three daughters at home.] A half-bald man, Oh Seok-cheong, covered his mouth in shock. Finishing my words, I looked at another. [Operative Seok Gyeong-do. You've been generous with the bureaucrats at the Haeseongguan, a direct affiliate of the alliance.] A man appearing over thirty trembled at my words. The Haeseongguan was an academy created and run by the Martial Alliance, accessible only after testing children under fifteen, accepting those with ample talent. Those who passed could enter the official sword division of the alliance after years of training. Because of this prominence, even distinguished families sometimes sent non-direct descendants there. [Aced trials for vested interests, hadn't you, taking bribes to ensure kids of some merchant families were accepted into Haeseongguan?] Seok Gyeong-do facilitated the admittance of children from certain businesses, for significant monetary gain. [By the way, that Elder involved will also be apprehended, so don’t trouble yourself over it.] With each word spoken, the ambiance grew stranger. I continued to call out several others. With each wrongdoing mentioned, while they mostly cried slander, noticeable anxiety simmered within them. Did others fail to notice? Hardly, the cracks had begun. With groundwork laid this extensively, I only needed to proceed with my task. [You claim to pursue justice and chivalry?] Srrr—. The sound of a sword unsheathing echoes from behind me. [I will ask again.] Raising the pressure with a pulse from my heart, the aura surrounding us grew heavier. It wasn’t killing intent but sheer suppression. [Do you truly embody justice?] No answer came. Not that I required one. [If you cannot answer, this lord shall pass judgment.] I lowered my hand. [You are not justice.] Then I raised it again. [Star Dragon Division, execute the criminals.] Kwoooom—!!! As my hand fell, several individuals sprinted out from the back. These were pre-briefed personnel. They hesitated not one bit. “D-damn…!! I--!!” Slick-! Without finishing his sentence, his head was cleaved off by Seong Yul’s sword. This was the man who used to harass women from the pavilion. Before the severed head hit the ground, cries reverberated from other segments. “Aaaaah---!!!” “He-heee--!! Hahaha--!!” The sickening laughter of Bong Soon resonated as a body was brutalized. Those who crossed my line lay dead, while the dubious ones were left with severed tendons, barely breathing. -Haaaah--!! -D, damn--!! They struggled to resist, but it was futile. Even among those of high rank, my overwhelming suppression bound them tight. -My Lord…! -Aaagh--!! Watching them, I moved forward. The accused desperately flailed, while those unmentioned bore troubled expressions. They were at a loss on how to respond. Understanding the situation appeared challenging. Witnessing comrades being cut down did not spur them into coherent action. Such was the nature of a fractured relationship. While the cleanup was progressing smoothly, “W-what is going on here…!!” Someone barged into the Azure Dragon base. It was none other than Mok Rison, head of the Sichuan Branch. I redirected my gaze towards him. “L-Lord of Star Dragon. What is the meaning of this…!” Ah, right. [Yes, I remember you too.] “…What?” As he expressed bewilderment, My body was already in his face. Grab-! “Guh!?” My hand shot out, grasping his neck. [Branch Head Mok Rison of Sichuan. You’ve been discovered colluding with Gae Cheonmun, operating as a spy.] “Guh…hrrk!” [Betraying the Martial Alliance and threatening peace along with the heretics. You shall be judged and punished here.] “Wa-wait… guh….” Crrrunch---!!! His neck twisted grotesquely, and Mok Rison met a pitiful end. "Eek--!!" The accompanying martial artists of the alliance trembled at this sight. Amidst them, Srrr—!! One extracted his sword, pointing it at me. Though appearing frightened, his eyes remained resolute. I recognized him. He had been on my radar for quite some time. In this not-so-small Sichuan branch, he was the only character who proved to be clean. “…What are you doing in a branch of the alliance…! Even as a leader of the main alliance…!” [Seong Do-gyeom.] “…!” Stating his name caused him to freeze, sword still trained on me. I spoke, looking at him. [From now on, you're the branch head.] “…What…? What do you mean…?” With those words, I turned around immediately. By then, most of the situation was already resolved. The air was filled with the scent of blood, and those who barely survived groaned in pain. Even those who weren’t mentioned by name but tried to resist had been subdued. Watching this, I gradually reduced the aura around me. The fluttering of my martial robes quieted, and as I walked past the corpses, someone approached me to speak. It was Seong Yul. “…As you instructed, it's done.” “Yeah, you did well.” Perhaps because he wielded his sword after a long time, or perhaps he touched the Thousand Killer Star, there was a gleam in his eyes. Seeing this, I patted him on the shoulder. Thump. His gaze calmed somewhat. While confirming this, Seong Yul added another comment. “However, the whereabouts of the Azure Dragon Lord are currently unknown.” “Really?” “…Yes. Shall we search for him?” “No need.” I already knew where they had gone. “Bong Soon.” “Yeah?” With her smile stretching wide, Bong Soon turned to look at me when called. Oh, damn. That grin is terrifying. Why does someone with such a pretty face have such a frightening smile? “Come with me.” “Where are we going?” “You'll see.” Speaking as I planted my feet firmly on the ground. “We're going to catch the prey that fled.”