786 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Chapter 786 of "The World's Greatest Swordsman’s Childhood Friend" "Is that truly the truth?" Inquired the One Azure Sword (Ilcheonggeom / 일청검), his question aimed at Beomdong (범동). The Star King (Seongwang / 성왕) was suffering from internal injuries. The information he brought piqued everyone's interest. "But." "Yes, it is true." "But is there any evidence to prove it…?" Despite the intriguing nature of the story, there was a lack of solid evidence. To such words, Beomdong replied. "Do you know that the Azure Dragon Leader (Cheongryong Daeju / 청룡대주) is aware of the presence of the Divine Doctor (Shin-ui / 신의) around the area where the Star King is staying?" "I am aware." One Azure Sword nodded. The Baekhwa Trading Company (Baekhwa Sangdan / 백화상단) is known to host the Divine Doctor, and his presence in Hanam was already a well-known fact. Upon learning this, the Alliance (Maeng / 맹) had promptly sent a message to the Divine Doctor. Of course, this was to persuade him to choose the Alliance as his residence, but… The Divine Doctor steadfastly refused the request. Not that it was entirely steadfast, as he suggested asking the Baekhwa Trading Company instead. But it was essentially a rejection. What trading company would give up their guest like the Divine Doctor to another place? Especially since the Baekhwa Trading Company wasn't exactly an ally of the Alliance. More importantly, they definitely wouldn’t yield their position, and indeed they did not. 'If they were to hold onto the Divine Doctor like that, it would be better to just hand him over.' The value the Divine Doctor held in the Central Plains (Jungwon / 중원) was immeasurable. Just the news of the Divine Doctor appearing in the vicinity could cause several trading companies, sects, and clans to move. Yet, the Baekhwa Trading Company didn't take any notable actions despite having the Divine Doctor. They simply provided him with a place to stay. And that was the end of it. The Maeng speculated: 'The reason the Divine Doctor was placed in the residence was due to someone on the trading company's side having significant health issues.' But nothing was revealed. Although there were rumors that the Divine Doctor was occasionally treating others, there was no information on them utilizing him for any specific purpose. So, trying to gather information was… 'Challenging to approach.' Getting close to where the Divine Doctor was situated was exceptionally difficult. In fact, several informants were dispatched, only for them to return not just empty-handed but also harmed. 'Either they returned half-disabled or mentally deranged.' No lives were lost, but the damage was severe enough to be comparable. This inevitably indicated there was something at the premises arranged by the Baekhwa Trading Company. The problem was. ‘There is no evidence to prove this.’ No evidence was left behind. The Maeng couldn't admit they sent informants to investigate. Those who returned were mostly out of their minds, leaving them unable to gather any information. So much so that... 'They called the Baekhwa Trading Company a demon's lair.’ The Maeng’s internal information division now referred to the place as such. Despite these circumstances... "You claim to have gathered some information from there." "Yes, indeed." "…" At Beomdong's words, One Azure Sword's brow furrowed slightly. Could it really be true? Doubt sprouted within him. This sudden acquisition of information from a place previously dubbed a demon's lair by the Flying Dragon Leader (Birongdaej / 비룡대주). While suspicion lingered... 'There’s no reason for the Flying Dragon Leader to lie.' Thinking about the deeds Beomdong had accomplished so far, there was no reason for him to tell lies. "…Explain in detail." Thus, One Azure Sword decided to listen to Beomdong's words first. "First… there are concrete circumstances." "Circumstances?" "Yes, the Star King recently engaged in an intense battle. It was due to the aftermath of the demonic beast summons initiated by the descendants of the Jegal family." "…" The previous attack on Hanam by the unorthodox sects (Sapa / 사파인들). The Maeng had publicly framed them as mere unorthodox practitioners. Information about the Jegal family was included but crafted to be vague and obscure. As a result, the current public perception was only of the unorthodox practitioners and the Demonic Cult (Magyo / 마교). Research on the demonic beast summons by those practitioners was still ongoing. "The summoned demonic beast was a White Grade (Baek-geup / 백급) creature. A calamity spoken of only in distant history." A calamity believed to have existed centuries ago. The demonic beast summoned by the Jegal family was a creature of the White Grade, a monster whose description seemed accurate from how it left Hanam in devastation. "And the one who faced such a beast head-on was none other than the Star King. As you have observed, after the Azure Dragon Leader, the Star King's physical condition has not been good." "…" Hearing Beomdong's words, One Azure Sword immediately recalled. On the day of the White Grade demonic beast's attack, when the Star King, who had subdued the beast, arrived promptly at the Maeng. One Azure Sword had met the Star King then. Even at a glance, the Star King's condition was far from good. He looked as if he could collapse at any moment. It was a wonder he could even stand on his two legs. "Moreover, this happened after a duel with the Blade King (Do Wang / 도왕). His condition would inevitably be poorer." "…" Logically, it made sense. Truthfully, as Beomdong stated, it was evident to anyone that the Star King's state wasn't well. "But it's purely speculative. You mentioned certain evidence earlier, do you not have any." "Yes, that's why I mentioned sending an informant for verification." "Verification?" "Last night. The Star King was seen coming and going from the Divine Doctor's residence." "…!" Upon Beomdong's words, One Azure Sword’s eyes narrowed. The Star King entering and exiting the Divine Doctor's residence. One Azure Sword stroked his chin thoughtfully. Seeing this, Beomdong continued speaking. "As you may be aware… the Star King is the child of the current trading company's owner. While it's not unusual for him to enter and exit the owner’s residence, the timing is peculiar, isn't it?" "…Hmm." Many thoughts crossed his mind. Ultimately, Beomdong's words lacked tangible evidence. But as he continued to emphasize, the circumstances were suspect. A duel with the Blade King, followed by a battle with a demonic beast, and then visiting the Divine Doctor's residence. 'Though it’s still a bit lacking.' Recalling past events, One Azure Sword suddenly remembered a previous situation. The Golden Dragon Leader (Geumryong Daeju / 금룡대주) and the Iron Dragon Leader (Cheolryong Daeju / 철룡대주). The action taken by the Star King while confronting those two. ‘That was undoubtedly cold sweat.’ When One Azure Sword blocked an attack, the Star King had wiped away the flowing cold sweat. Although his expression didn’t reveal any notable difficulties… ‘Could he really be suffering from internal injuries?’ At the moment he entered the Maeng. During the moment when he clashed with himself in a battle of wills. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- As the Star King (Seongwang / 성왕) approached, preventing him from drawing his sword with a firm grip, an intense pressure was palpable. Yet within that pressure, One Azure Sword (Ilcheonggeom / 일청검) distinctly sensed something. ‘His energy was faltering.’ There was a peculiar trembling in the Star King's internal energy. This was not something that could be done deliberately. In his lifetime, never had he encountered someone who could make their energy tremble like that intentionally. If that were possible, then... ‘They'd be a monster, not human.’ Not even the Three Supremes, who are considered close to divine, could perform such a feat. Understanding this, One Azure Sword began to resonate with Beomdong's logic. However, "Why are you telling me this?" Why was the Flying Dragon Leader (Birongdaej / 비룡대주) sharing this information with him now? That was the main mystery. "It seems you won't relay this to the superiors directly." Beomdong nodded at One Azure Sword's words. "That's right. Unless the Azure Dragon Leader (Cheongryong Daeju / 청룡대주) wishes otherwise, there's no need to report this." "…" "The reason I'm providing you with this information is no different." Beomdong's eyes gleamed as he continued. "I don't like the Star King, just as the other leaders. Moreover, I thought this information might be of use to the Azure Dragon Leader." "…Ha." Hearing this, One Azure Sword let out a dry laugh. "If indeed the internal injuries are deep, they must be considerable. According to a martial artist involved in the battle with the demonic beast, he supposedly collapsed, coughing blood." How should one take this? What could Beomdong's intention be in sharing this information about the Star King's internal injuries? What action was he hoping to provoke by mentioning this? He was engulfed in a multitude of considerations. “…” For a long while, covering his mouth with his hand, One Azure Sword remained silent. “…I’ve heard your story well." With a slightly darkened expression, he spoke to Beomdong. "It seems I have much to think about. For now, can you leave?" "…Understood." Without hesitation, Beomdong rose at One Azure Sword's words. As he was about to step outside the door... "Azure Dragon Leader." "…What is it?" "Just as you asked earlier, if you do not wish for it to be reported to the higher-ups, I do not plan on doing so. What is your opinion?" With this inquiry, Beomdong asked. “…” One Azure Sword replied, with a faint breath intermingled with his voice. "For the time being... It seems unnecessary to report it. Once I finish contemplating, I will let you know separately." "…Understood." After receiving the response, Beomdong slightly bowed and exited. Having walked steadily away from One Azure Sword... “Hoo…Huff…!” Out of sight, Beomdong collapsed to his knees. Drip. The cold sweat he had been holding back trickled down his chin. Droplets dripped, soaking the ground. Beyond, Beomdong inhaled deeply, his eyes widened with disbelief. "What on earth…" Feeling the goosebumps on his arm as he touched it with his trembling hand. It was no wonder. -You have only one task. -Now, wait about a suitable period before approaching One Azure Sword. The reason Beomdong had approached One Azure Sword was none other than the words of Gu Yangcheon (구양천), the Star King. -He might be quite angry. Pay no attention, just say what I've instructed. You're good at memorizing, being part of the information division, right? Gu Yangcheon had instilled a few lines into Beomdong. He advised him to respond precisely as directed regardless of what One Azure Sword said. Beomdong merely followed the instructions and began the conversation. And soon, he was astounded. ‘What is this… really, what is this?’ Whatever One Azure Sword said, it aligned perfectly with the responses he had memorized. There were slight differences, yet the answers aligned perfectly. -Before you leave, ask. Ultimately. -Ask if you can report this to the higher-ups. If One Azure Sword responds like this, it’s a success. -To the higher-ups. “That he said to temporarily not report…” Gu Yangcheon's voice and One Azure Sword's response coincided. Words seemed to resonate, prompting Beomdong to continuously wipe off the cold sweat. ‘What in the world…’ How could this be happening? Unable to believe the situation, Beomdong shivered. Simultaneously, fear welled up within him. What kind of entity had he been ensnared by? His chest thumped, reaching up to his neck. In his heart, he just wanted to reveal everything to One Azure Sword and hide away. Wouldn’t it be better to seek assistance from One Azure Sword and quickly take his daughter to a safe place? Such thoughts repeatedly surfaced. But in the end, Beomdong couldn’t make that choice. His instincts kept telling him. That he had no choice but to heed the words. That choosing otherwise wasn't an option. His instincts screamed, leading to the current outcome. '…Am I…' Did I make the right choice? This was undeniably an act of betrayal against the Maeng. Yet, am I alright with this? Darkness seemed to envelop him. As Beomdong trembled... [Confirmed.] "…!!" A sudden voice whispered in Beomdong's ear. Instantly, he looked up, scanning his surroundings. “What…? Who is there?” [I’ve confirmed the command execution. I will report to the master.] [You’ve done well.] “No—!! Who are you!!” A terrified Beomdong shouted repeatedly, but the woman's voice had already vanished. Thump. Beomdong's legs gave way, collapsing. “…This… is impossible…” Was someone watching him as he executed the command? “Ha…haha.” It meant he couldn't even attempt betrayal. Beomdong covered his face with shaky hands. He had to shiver that way for a while. ***************** After leaving the Maeng, upon returning to my residence. As I quietly sat by the pond, someone spoke to me. “Master.” As I turned, the familiar voice revealed Nahi (나히), kneeling by my side. Upon catching my gaze, Nahi continued speaking. “I relayed the message as you directed.” I nodded at the report. "Though I couldn't approach closely due to One Azure Sword’s presence, I delivered the message just as you instructed when the Flash Sword (섬검) was present." Translated and Implemented Instructions --- “Well done.” “However... I couldn’t confirm if the Flash Sword (섬검) carried out the order…” Nahi spoke to me with a worried expression, but her words only made me chuckle lightly. “No need to worry. He must have done it.” “…” There was no way Beomdong would have made a different choice. “That fool is narrow-minded, very narrow-minded.” Despite leading the information division, he has trouble seeing the bigger picture. Well, he might see the forest but he doesn't understand his own predicament. I am certain of it. ‘That’s why he died so pathetically in my past life.’ He wouldn’t dare disobey me. “So just leave it as is for now.” “…Understood.” This should suffice for now. The Flash Sword (섬검) will be increasingly terrified as he watches the rope tighten around his neck. That fear needs to be amplified endlessly. Until it reaches a crescendo. ‘And then release it all at the end.’ In a disgracefully humiliating end. That was to be Beomdong's inevitable fate. ‘With Beomdong dealt with,’ The next question is... ‘When will One Azure Sword act?’ Though he bit the bait, it doesn’t end there. ‘One Azure Sword is quite hefty, after all.’ If you pull the line too soon, it will snap with this big fish. It's important to exhaust him further before reeling him in. ‘Let’s see… this part can be...’ There are still many tactics to employ, so a bit more contemplation is required. For now, I need to prepare for the visit to the Maeng again tomorrow. Time to organize those plans. As I reached that conclusion and propped my chin in thought, “Master.” I was suddenly brought back by Nahi's call. “What is it?” “There is a secondary report to deliver.” “A report?” I had already received the information I wanted, so this must be something personal. ‘What could it be? Something about Cheol Ji-seon or perhaps Je Gal-hyuk?’ Curious as to what it might be, Nahi provided the answer. “It seems Elder Il of the Gu Family has arrived in Hanam.” “…What?” An unexpected reply caught me off guard. “Elder Il?” “Yes, it's news I just received… Master?” Nahi looked at me, eyes wide with surprise. My sudden movement appeared to have startled her. “…Where are you going?” She cautiously inquired with those eyes. To which I hurriedly responded as I packed my belongings. “Where else?” What an obvious question. “I’m running away.” “…” Upon hearing my response, Nahi, unusually flabbergasted, wore a blank expression.