803 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Chapter 803: Childhood Friend of the Zenith "I don't understand what you're talking about." Mok Yeon (묵연) feigned ignorance to my question. But it wasn't something I couldn't fathom. 'How did he notice?' The reason I had brought up that condition. It was initially a bargain I had planned to exploit. Before arriving here, even as I drafted the report on the incident, I was prepared. The Alliance would not be able to discard me because of my current worth, so even if I were punished for this incident, I could use it as a justification to lessen it. Support from two sword squads? They were unnecessary conditions to begin with. What use did I have for their assistance? It was more to intimidate the commanders while simultaneously... 'A pretext to stoke the flames.' It was merely a mechanism to incite friction. Several individuals had erupted upon hearing this. I intended to use it to distort the flow or deploy it when necessary. 'Did he know?' That old man seems to have an uncanny intuition. He might not have understood all my intentions, but he was at least aware of my current aim. Proving this, the old man promptly proposed modifying the conditions to me. 'Oh.' Now I understand. I had wondered how he intended to quell the resistance of the commanders. Perhaps he was waiting for something to erupt anyway. And then. 'No matter what I do, it seems to align with the old man's intentions. Does he plan to use me?' Not long ago, during the commanders' meeting. Mok Yeon (묵연) carried himself as if expecting something from me, and I could vaguely sense his intentions. Indeed, Mok Yeon (묵연). The field demon who returned to the Alliance, and the political phantom, he... 'He desires a purge.' He desired a purge within the Murim Alliance. A purge significant enough to overturn everything at once, minimizing resistance. Rather than leaving stagnant waters as they were, he'd introduce fresh currents to wash them away. Mok Yeon (묵연) was to fortify a new structure against the impending crisis. And to do so, it was necessary to replace the commanders known as pillars. For that... 'He plans to use me.' The method the old man chose was me. He intended to harness my influence to secure control over the commanders. If necessary, he planned to eliminate those who needed to be rid of. Frankly, I don't mind. It's not as if I'll play entirely into his intentions. 'As I have my own agendas to pursue.' I needed to establish a connection within the Alliance, specifically with Mok Yeon (묵연), so for now, I intended to align with him. But. 'They knew this?' Just as I discerned Mok Yeon (묵연)'s intentions in our conversation... It meant Mok Yeon (묵연) also understood my intentions. Aware of this, he summoned me here directly. 'A truly uncanny old man.' Anticipating the resistance from clashes with the commanders, he adjusted the conditions due to my missteps. This way, resistance from other squads would diminish. 'I, being superfluous and subject to removal, am fine with it.' Mok Yeon (묵연) managed the situation skillfully without sustaining any damage. 'Hahaha.' I had wondered how he'd resolve the tangled mess. 'Such things are never easy.' This is why dealing with those who have been in the political arena for a long time is challenging. 'After all, perhaps swift action is the answer.' The longer I remained by the old man's side, the more it seemed I stood to lose. "As for the conditions... please kindly handle them favorably, Sir Mok." "I shall take that as a positive affirmation. Concerning the revisions, I shall send someone to convey them anew." "...Yes." "Ordinarily, you'd be obliged to remain within the Alliance until the truth is clarified. However, I shall exercise discretion this time." "...Aren't you afraid you'll be dismissed for abusing your authority so liberally?" "Haha." A laugh implying such would never happen. Indeed, I thought so too. Who could possibly dismiss such a man? "I perceive it as a sort of consideration. I won't forget Sir Mok's wishes." "What sort of wishes you speak of, this old man doesn't quite grasp." He faces me with an expression of complete innocence. I couldn't tell if he was playing coy or genuinely unaware. 'But it's certain.' I was sure. That old man had plans to use me for something. He'd use me even amid suspicions. That was definitely Mok Yeon (묵연)'s intention. A risky choice to the observer. Yet, the old man must take action in this way. That too because. 'Even if I don't kill him... it seems he doesn't have much time left.' Mok Yeon (묵연) didn't seem to have much time left. '...' Pondering this, something occurred to me, prompting me to shift slightly. "Sir Mok." "Yes." "Are we finished here?" "I believe I've said all there is to say. If you are occupied, it is fine to return for now. I shall confer with the guardians separately." "Understood. I shall return with updates in due course." "Travel safely. I shan't see you out." "Yes. Until next time." With a slight nod, I turned my back to him. Grasping the doorknob, I was about to step outside. "Oh, and Sir Mok." I turned slightly to address him. "As for the tea." "Yes?" "Instead of that, dry some Mureongcho (무령초). Taeseomhwa (兌閃華) does have numbing effects, but no matter how much you dry it, a trace of toxicity remains. Mureongcho (무령초) would be more effective for pain relief." "..." "Then, I'll take my leave." With those words, I closed the door behind me. Immediately after. "...Hoohoo." Mok Yeon (묵연) murmured with a look of defeat. "Truly... it's a pity." His voice was layered with genuine regret. ***************** Having concluded the dialogue with Mok Yeon (묵연), I returned directly to my quarters. Considering the incident I had caused, the gazes from within the Alliance were peculiar. Yet, perhaps owing to Mok Yeon (묵연) having spoken on my behalf, no one approached me. It appeared that, after virtually obliterating a commander, I was simply being let off the hook. Moreover. 'Some even seemed rather pleased.' A sense of relief was palpable, mixed with cold resentment within the seemingly troubled expressions. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- "Dual Righteous Illusion Sword. I can see exactly what that guy's been up to inside the Alliance." Observing this, it was clear how much the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword had been acting out within the Alliance. Despite the considerable time he had been a commander, he collapsed after facing someone like me, who had barely joined. And yet there are more who are pleased with this outcome? How must he have conducted himself to evoke such reactions? It truly is curious. "Anyway. Since Mok Yeon (묵연) mentioned he'd take care of it, it seems this part will work out somehow." Mok Yeon (묵연) indicated he would cover for me regarding the incident of crushing the commander. While the overall conversation differed, the intention remained the same. Additionally. ‘I feel like he’s saying he will cover for me as much as possible, so let’s see what happens.’ This thought lingered in my mind. ‘I should subtly test the boundaries.’ What exactly is Mok Yeon (묵연)'s precise intention? To what extent can I observe, and how far can I push the boundaries? This aspect required careful and repeated confirmation. However, if there is a concern... ‘It’s ambiguous.’ My perspective feels ambiguous and unsure when attempting to gauge Mok Yeon (묵연). With my limited understanding, dealing with someone like him seems impossible. If it seems like I'm merely a puppet in his hands, staying idle might be the safer course. I needed to be cautious in making solitary decisions and moves. ‘Hmm...’ He is an old sly fox. If there is a Three Supremes (삼존) reaching the heavens with martial prowess... He might be a figure reaching the heavens in other ways. ‘...Even if Cheon Yuranga’s combat intuition is somewhat lacking.’ That side was proficient even in that intuition. ‘Recklessly moving is not an option.’ When planning in Hanam (하남), I had to use several times more intellect than usual. Of course, since Je Gal-hyuk (제갈혁) is expected to arrive soon, it should be better than usual... ‘But whether I can make use of the current Je Gal-hyuk (제갈혁) with Mok Yeon (묵연) is another matter.’ No matter how smart Je Gal-hyuk (제갈혁) is, he is not the same as in the previous life. Since he wasn’t intended to be heavily involved in this matter from the start, I needed to find many alternative methods. “Whew…” Lost in thought, a sigh escaped me. The complexity was not limited to just one or two matters. The situation felt so oppressive, it was as if I was drowning in a sea of tasks. With my crude mind, resolving each one felt daunting. It was a truly wretched state of affairs. “…All of you.” I barely suppressed my frustration as I looked at those in front of me. “How did you find out and come here…?” “…” At my question, the three women seated before me flinched. Each had different hair colors, and they were all standing with their arms raised high, as if being punished. They were Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아), Wi Seol-ah (위설아), and Tang So-yeol (당소열). It appeared they were being reprimanded, although it wasn't under my orders. They had assumed the position themselves. “We intended to keep it a secret. How did you find out?” Even as I posed the question, there was no response. Each was focused on avoiding eye contact with me. Among them, I pinched the cheeks of Wi Seol-ah (위설아), who was in the center. “Aiiik…!” “Are you not going to answer?” “Go, Gongja-nim, it hurts…." Even though she complained of pain, Wi Seol-ah (위설아) still refrained from answering. The others were the same. The reason why I assembled them so suddenly and tormented them was none other than... “…How exactly did you know and support?” It was because all three had applied to join the Star Dragon Squadron (성룡대). Knowing they'd apply immediately upon finding out, I had deliberately posted the announcement late, initiating recruitment hurriedly. Yet today, all three were already in. ‘I went through so much trouble to divert attention.’ Not only did I post the announcement, but I also employed various strategies to not let them notice. No one seemed to care, leading me to believe the operation had succeeded. ‘The fact that all three joined means…’ It meant they were aware and prepared ahead of time, pretended ignorance, and then showed up. Consequently, things became tangled. Honestly, even though they had realized, I could have simply disqualified them. ‘It started going wrong with Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아).’ Things took a turn when Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아) began dueling with the Hidden Wave Sword (은랑검). Now, discussions concerning Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아) had quietly started circulating in Hanam (하남). Her skills and the impression she left were prime topics for discussion. Despite being confined to my quarters lately, this single outing had turned into such a spectacle. And it wasn’t just Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아). “…Why are you two here as well…?” There was Wi Seol-ah (위설아) with the Toad Moon Sword (섬월검). And the Poison Queen, Tang So-yeol (당소열). Their performances at the Martial Arts Tournament (비무제) were significant enough for their names to soar. Even those two applied to and joined the Star Dragon Squadron (성룡대). Having already accepted Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아), I ended up taking in the other two as well. As a result, a ridiculous rumor tagged along with my reputation. What was it again? ‘Apparently, they say the Star King (성왕) inserted his femmes into the Star Dragon Squadron (성룡대) at his whim.’ As soon as I heard it, I wanted to seek out and tear apart whoever started that rumor. ‘This is driving me insane.’ It was impossible not to sigh in this predicament. “W-well, we can do our best.” “Yes…. Now that things have come to this, wouldn’t it be beneficial to strive hard?” “…Mmhm.” “Phew.” Strive hard? Of course, they would do well. That wasn't the point here. Though I couldn’t do much now, regretting still lingered. ‘I should’ve simply rejected them.’ Had I not accepted Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아), none of this would have been an issue. Failing to do so led to this mess. Fine, so be it for now. “Seriously, how did you know? Who was it?” “…” All three were again silent. “I’ll be lenient to the one who speaks.” “That’s…!” Tang So-yeol (당소열) responded to the bait I threw casually. Smack! “Mmmph!” Wi Seol-ah (위설아) swiftly swung an arm to cover Tang So-yeol (당소열)’s mouth. “…Unni.” “…Nngh.” Tang So-yeol (당소열) quickly nodded at Wi Seol-ah (위설아)’s low murmur. I was about to frown and question them further when... “You’re really not going to speak…?” -My lord. “…” The voice in my ear halted my growing frustration. It was a message from Nahi (나히). -My apologies for interrupting. -…What is it? Given the critical nature of the situation here, and how unusual it was for Nahi (나히) to interrupt like this, I first asked my question. Then... -It’s not without reason, my lord. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- -Just now, the Shadow King (Amwang / 암왕) has arrived in Hanam. “…” A moniker I hadn't heard in a long time resonated in my ears.