795 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions Another day had passed. The night gave way to the morning sun, yet sleep remained elusive. It wasn't that he needed sleep, anyway. He had some training to do during the night. Did he want to relive the realization he had during sparring? That was part of it, but ultimately, it was because he needed to acclimate to his heightened qi sense. "Hmm." He continuously clenched and unclenched his hand. Despite going through many processes until the night ended, the conclusion stayed the same. "One or two days won't do." Whether it was his explosive power or enhanced qi sense, while both had increased, adapting to them was the problem. He was trying to get accustomed, but it was daunting. 'This state will be an issue in real combat.' There was so much he felt and was emitting that he needed to keep confirming how to handle it in real situations. 'Facing those with lower cultivation poses no great issue.' But encountering someone on equal footing or greater would undeniably present challenges. Of course, one could question how many stronger opponents he would face at this point. 'It's not about how frequently it occurs.' Regardless of probability, 'The mere possibility is what's critical.' Unless something is absolutely impossible, it must be considered from every angle. For now, although they weren't enemies, someday they might be. 'If I don't grasp this properly, it'll become a dagger.' Not a dagger aimed at an opponent, But a dagger turning back on him. He pondered such matters every second. Huuk-!! Withdrawing his energy, he frowned. 'Je Gal-hyuk has seven days until he reaches Hanam.' He was supposed to arrive in four days, but according to Cheol Ji-seon, something had come up. He wasn't someone he would've called for help unless necessary, but he had too much to think about, so he needed assistance. There was also a request from the Divine Doctor. 'I need to call the others too.' He needed the strength of those he had placed near Je Gal-hyuk. "Sigh..." With so many unresolved matters, he wondered what Je Gal-hyuk would say when he arrived. Although he wouldn't say much, he'd look at him with resentful eyes. Perhaps he'd even refuse to do anything. There was a possibility. If it came to that... '...I'll have to use Moyong Hee-ah.' There was an excuse to be made, so something could be worked out. 'Seven days, huh.' The time had extended from four days. Was he regretful that the plan was delayed? Not necessarily. 'I've gained time.' Instead, time had been gained. It meant more time to cause trouble before he arrived. Imagining Je Gal-hyuk or Cheol Ji-seon's reaction, he moved his body. "Shall we go?" Training had reached its limit for now. With the morning approaching, it was time to move. Tossing aside his sweat-soaked martial garments, he turned his head. "Hey." "Grumble...?" At his call, someone beyond his gaze flinched and trembled near a tree. "Get up." "Ugh... is it over, Leader...?" "Yes. It's time to go, so get up." The woman wiping away her drool whilst she slept was Bong Soon. I looked at her somewhat disdainfully and spoke. "Let's go. We'll be late if we stay any longer." "...Mmh." "…" Whether she was wiping away drool or washing her face with it, the sight was questionable. I felt an instinctual disdain as I turned my head away. Her current state made traveling together a bit awkward, but there was no choice. '...Starting today.' Starting today, Bong Soon had a role to play. It was something she had been preparing for. A dagger to be thrust into the Martial Alliance. Even with the changing plan timing and situations, her role was unchangeable. Thus, Bong Soon had to accompany him into the Martial Alliance today. ****************** After a brief freshening up, they arrived at the Martial Alliance. "I greet the Star King (Seongwang / 성왕)." "Yes. It's a pleasure." Entering was not difficult, much like last time. They were guided immediately thereafter. Last time, they went deeper inside to reach the Grand Leader's meeting room. This time, the location was more accessible, a place even ordinary people could enter. Immediately upon arrival, I had to stifle a laugh at the sight before me. 'These folks...' It was a rather familiar space. I realized where we were—it was the exact venue where the martial arts tournament was held. 'Reusing it like this, really?' It seemed they hadn't dismantled it but simply kept it under care. Given the events that transpired, I thought they'd have gotten rid of it. 'Probably reluctant to waste the effort, so they plan to use it again?' After all, The martial arts tournament had become a mess, and even if the Divine Dragon Squad and I managed to hold it down hastily, there were certainly places that cut off their support. Due to dwindling funds, they likely intended to use whatever they could. 'Yes, well.' It was somewhat of an odd feeling, but it wasn't my place to interfere; thus, I simply took a seat after being guided. The location was right before the stage where the tournament took place. A table and chairs were prepared, and a canopy was set up to block the sun overhead. My position was smack in the middle of the seating, a prominent seat among many. Settling in, I glanced at my sides and spoke. "Good morning. I trust you've all been well?" "…" "…" No response came. On either side sat the Golden Dragon Squad Leader, Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (Ssangui Hwangeom), and the Iron Dragon Squad Leader, Hidden Wave Sword (Eunlang Geom). It appeared only these two were present, as the other leaders were nowhere to be seen. Neither even glanced in my direction in response to my greeting. I clicked my tongue briefly at the cold disregard. "Tsk. Being so cold to a newcomer's greeting. When a workplace is this dreary, how can one possibly enjoy being here?" The workplace's unfriendliness was palpable. How could someone gentle-hearted like me feel at ease here? Thunk. With that thought, I casually propped my legs on the table. Reclined comfortably in the chair, the expressions of the squad leaders beside me instantly soured. "What are you looking at?" Noticing their gaze, I asked bluntly, prompting Dual Righteous Illusion Sword to speak up in a clearly uncomfortable manner. "Star King, what is the meaning of this?" "What do you mean, what is the meaning? Isn't it obvious?" Translated and Implemented Instructions "There are many eyes watching. But doing this is—" "And so?" "...What?" The bold attitude left Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (Ssangui Hwangeom / 쌍의환검) speechless. Indeed, there were many eyes on us. Although only the two Squad Leaders were present personally, members of the Martial Alliance were also watching. There were those who seemed to be of the Deputy Leader level or Section Leader level. They were proxies attending in place of other Squad Leaders who couldn't make it. In addition to such sword unit members, it seemed like members of the command unit, where Mok Yeon (Mokyeon / 묵연) would likely be, were present. It meant that quite a number of important figures had gathered. 'But so what?' I didn't care at all about such matters. What did it matter how these people viewed me? "What do you mean, 'And so'...!" "That's what I'm saying. So what?" "…" Ssangui Hwangeom's eyebrows furrowed deeply, seemingly irked by my attitude. "Star King, do you still not understand the significance of this place...? You, as a member of the Martial Alliance—" "No, what significance does this place hold?" "…This person, really...!" "You talk as if it's such a significant place that I must be mindful. Besides—" I chuckled, glancing at Ssangui Hwangeom. "A member of the Martial Alliance? Ah, how prestigious." How prestigious indeed. There must be nothing better than this to boast about. "In fact, strictly speaking, this is a place where I can do as I please, isn't it? That's what I heard from the tactician." I added with a slight tilt of my head. "Of course, the Golden Dragon Squad Leader (Geumryong Daeju / 금룡대주) and everyone present here are merely onlookers. So let's not waste our energy meaninglessly. I haven't even had breakfast, and I'm tired." "What...? Onlookers?" The strength visibly returned to Ssangui Hwangeom's eyes after hearing my words. He looked as if he could strike at any moment. "Why? Are you going to attack?" "Having some talent, you act so high and mighty—! Do you think you can still hold the position of Squad Leader in the alliance with this demeanor?" "Listening to you, senior, your words keep sounding odd." I forced a laugh. "That Squad Leader position. Who said I wanted it? I'm doing it as a favor because they begged me. Listening to you, someone would think I begged on my knees to get it." "You—!" "Oh, it's noisy..." The volume of his voice nearly made my ears hurt, so I waved my hand to cut off his words. "If you find it disagreeable, leave." "Huh...?" "Didn't you hear me? If you don't like it, then leave through that door." I pointed with my finger towards the entrance I came through. "And if you don't want to do that." I briefly directed my hand again, pointing toward the stage of the martial arts tournament. "Stop the useless chatter and have a bout, then." "…" "What, are you afraid?" "You...!" Ssangui Hwangeom almost erupted, rising to his feet, but— "Golden Dragon Squad Leader." "…!" "…Please calm down." It was the Iron Dragon Squad Leader, Hidden Wave Sword (Eunlang Geom / 은랑검), who restrained Ssangui Hwangeom. "Silver Dragon Squad Leader…, but this person—" "As you mentioned, there are many eyes watching us. Also..." Eunlang Geom looked at Ssangui Hwangeom with piercing eyes. "We didn't come here to fight today, did we?" "…" He reminded him, and Ssangui Hwangeom forced himself to calm his anger. Observing this, my eyes narrowed slightly. 'Look at them.' Within the tone of trying to calm him down, there was a subtle incongruity. It wasn't the sound but the qi. During the gaps in their conversation, I felt qi being exchanged between the two. 'They're using telepathy.' As martial artists of the Fusion Realm, they were speaking and transmitting thoughts simultaneously. Sitting between them, I could clearly sense it. 'So they have prepared some sort of tactic.' I found it suspicious that two Squad Leaders personally attended an event like this. Indeed, it seemed they had some plans upon arriving. 'Hmm.' While discerning this, I sank deeper into my chair. 'If that's the case, let's see what they have planned.' Since they went through the trouble to prepare, let's see it. I was organizing my thoughts when— "Now that Star King has taken their seat, shall we bring in the candidates?" "Yes, please do." One of the Alliance's members approached cautiously and asked for my approval, to which I nodded. Simultaneously— "We will begin the entrance." Creeeaak—!! A much larger door than the one I came through opened. Through it, countless individuals started to enter. Huuuu—!! A gust of wind accompanied the opening of the door. The air from inside was heavy. Energies mingled with the wind. This meant there were many inside harboring great energy. Sure enough, those who appeared were all martial artists. The number of those entering slowly was roughly about a hundred. An impressive assembly. Following the guidance of the Alliance, they gradually gathered around the stage. As I observed each and every one of them. "Thank you for coming here today." The guide then explained the reason these people gathered here. "From this moment on." The reason for such a number of martial artists gathering here. That was simply— "The recruitment test for the Star Dragon Squad (Seongryongdae / 성룡대) will now commence." It was because I needed to select the members for my brigade.