977 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"......What did you just say?" Yusa asked in response to Shin Cheol's words, unable to believe what he'd just heard. Bloodline? Did that guy really say it was a bloodline? "What do you mean by that?" As he stated the words, figures began forming in his mind. That guy. The one who defied his orders and issued commands instead. The one who not only trampled on his pride but vanished with an arrogant gaze. He had resolved to tear him apart the next time they met. 'That guy......' A descendant of the master? Yusa's eyes, which had widened in response to Shin Cheol's words, wouldn't return to normal. 'No way.' The doubt that surfaced started to take on a strange hue. The reason his authority didn’t work. The power akin to the master's that didn’t affect him. 'Could it be because he's......' The master's descendant? '......No.' As soon as the thought came to him, Yusa shook his head. No, it couldn't be. Even if he were truly the master's child, this was a different matter altogether. Authority is a power possessed by one's very existence. The sky was at the master's command, and below that stood the general. Even if he were indeed the child of the master, seeing him as higher ranked than the master just because of that was absurd. Assessing it, Yusa glared fiercely at Shin Cheol. "Are you trying to play games again?" "Do I look so at ease that I can afford to play games with you?" "Doesn't seem like it." "......Hmm." Scratching his cheek at Yusa's words, Shin Cheol admitted that he didn't look as composed as he suggested. "......Unbelievable." Seeing this, Yusa frowned and sighed. This guy never changes, he thought. Just like in the past when the master suddenly introduced him as the new general. Even now, he still didn't like it. He’d been the one who opposed it most passionately. How could they appoint an outsider as a general? It was the first day he openly defied the master. '......' Reflecting on that day, Yusa bit his lips. Was it that day? When he began to fall out of favor with the master, his position starting to shake. Crawling, creeping. An eerie sensation spread from Yusa's toes upward. The revolting aura snaked up his legs, touched his throat, and slid in through his mouth, as if wriggling. "......So." Swallowing a lump of emotion, Yusa spoke. "If what you're saying is true, won’t there be some friction with what he intends to do?" If he truly wanted to become the master, then it would clash directly with the purpose of that so-called Heavenly Demon. Shin Cheol tilted his head, as if pointing it out. "What do you mean?" "What do you think I mean? He's dreaming of becoming the master." If he wanted to become the master, he definitely shouldn’t join forces with him. As if pointing this out, Shin Cheol chuckled. "You seem to be under some misconception." "What?" "That guy... no, he doesn’t desire to become the master." What was this again? Wanting to change Man Gye but not wishing to become the master? These were words he couldn’t comprehend. Was he really playing a trick? Just before Yusa could narrow his eyes again. "Therefore, if you want to hear the truth, choose wisely." Interrupting Yusa's reaction, Shin Cheol told him. "Whether you'll remain in your original life feeling uncertain here, or if you're ready to soar toward where you aim to be, make the choice." "......" Choice. Whether to ally with those guys or remain here fulfilling his duties as a general. 'If I remain as a general.' He should report what those guys are up to to the master. Doing so would carve a reason to capture those conspiring traitors opposing the master, and he’d find a justification to erase both that guy and Mt. Hua, which never pleased him. However, 'If I make such a choice.' Would that guy just sit quietly? Yusa wondered if that monster would let him be. He had already witnessed the extent of their power several times. Even Yusa, who had lived his life reigning as the moonlight's strongman, regarded that guy as a monster. If he decided to stay here as a general, he should be prepared to flee and report it to the master. Next. 'If I choose those guys.' If he turned his back on the master and chose them, what would happen? ‘Really.’ Did they have a plan? Could he really be the master's descendant? Can they change Man Gye without intending to become a master? And most importantly, 'If I hold hands with those guys.' Could he become the master? Countless thoughts invaded his mind. Just considering potential alone, it seemed better to remain stationed in his current position. He could seize this opportunity to solidify his place more firmly. 'If that brute, that darn woman named Yarong, or even that annoying crow bastard.' If he could establish a position unshakeable by anyone. That would indeed be a more beneficial spot to be in. Grit- Yusa clenched his fists in response to the persistent thoughts. But, Are you genuinely content with that? As soon as he heard the question, Yusa reacted instinctively. "…For now." His words, imbued with emotions said. "…I want to speak with him." "Heh." Shin Cheol's lips broadened into a smile. "Anytime." * * * The sun hung brilliantly at noon. Underneath the crimson sky, was an exceptionally tranquil and serene Ya Weol. Owing to the events at the Blue House and what happened to the former leader of the White House, the atmosphere had become rather bleak and quiet. People were cautiously looking around their surroundings, or had chosen not to leave their houses altogether. The gates of Yawol Fortress were also half-shut, with minimal entry and exit allowed for outsiders. Neither could one leave nor enter. That was the state of current Yawol. In such circumstances, people gathered behind the alley where the former leader of the White House had been assaulted. It was a shabby building, but several individuals were present. They all wore similar attire: white martial arts robes embroidered with plum blossoms. With swords hanging at their sides and somewhat tense expressions, they awaited someone's attention. "Master...! How are you here...!" One of the martial artists started to speak, and an elderly man seated at the table smiled gently and waved his hand. "I came for a brief visit, just to see your faces. Have you all been well?" The sect leader of Mount Hua, Shin Cheol, glanced at his disciples. They were all second-generation disciples. "I heard that Seol Yeong visited last time." "Yes, that's right." "Anything else out of the ordinary?" "......Besides that." Cautious, the disciple glanced at Shin Cheol. "Recently... the atmosphere in Yawol hasn't been good." "Yes, indeed. There's a high alert due to unknown entities attacking the nobles." "What kind of insane person would attack a noble? It's a real uproar." Listening to this, Shin Cheol involuntarily cleared his throat. He recalled the face of the madman responsible. Just then. Creak-! The door of the building opened, and someone entered. In response to this sudden intrusion, the martial artists instinctively grabbed their swords. "Damn." Hearing the curse from the direction of the door, Shin Cheol sighed as if resigned to the situation. 'He's here.' The arrival of the madman. "Can't believe how hard this is. Damn. I might just quit this nonsense!" A voice drenched in irritation approached in heavy steps. Bold and unaffected by the situation, the martial artists couldn’t initially react. "Uh..." "That... person." Confused as to who he was, they soon realized. They recalled seeing his face when Gu Bong had visited. The fierce and sharp eyes paired with a tone that matched his visage. His temper was rumored to infuriate people to the point of getting beaten, as in the case with the son of the former White House leader. "What's everyone staring at? Just continue with what you were doing." The newcomer, Gu Yangcheon, waved his hand dismissively towards the martial artists. "......" Anyone would assume he owned the place. "So tiring." Gu Yangcheon trudged up to Shin Cheol and sat in front of him, while Shin Cheol inexplicably covered his face with his hand. "Noya. What are you doing?" "......Don't talk to me momentarily." "Huh? Why?" "It's a bit embarrassing to look up." "What...?" What was he saying? Unable to understand, Gu Yangcheon gazed at Shin Cheol in bewilderment. Before long, Shin Cheol dropped his hand with a resigned sigh. "Hoo..." Gu Yangcheon observed him with a puzzled expression, yet he didn’t seem to be particularly concerned and, digging his nose, asked Shin Cheol. "Did you finish your task?" The blunt question prompted a response from Shin Cheol. "What about you?" "I managed to do it well enough." "It's no different here." Well enough. Not perfectly, but adequately done. Having shared the same answer, both exchanged a look of dissatisfaction. "Couldn't the youngster have done a better job?" "You’re supposed to be experienced, yet what’s with the 'well enough'? A completely wrong way of aging." "This bastard...?" "Hey? No violence." As Shin Cheol stood up, Gu Yangcheon quickly raised his hand. These crazy old folks seemed to resort to violence too quickly. How did this quick-tempered person become a Taoist? It was a mystery as obscure as it was perpetual. Tsk. Shin Cheol clicked his tongue and sat back down, questioning Gu Yangcheon. "What about that thing you mentioned you’d check?" "Oh, that." Nodding at that question, Gu Yangcheon replied, mentioning the thing he had investigated. "Yes. It appears it works on the leaders too." The Yawol tribe. He had been checking if the demonic energy worked on the leaders.