811 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions Chapter 811 of "Childhood Friend of the Zenith" The newly arriving group consisted of two women and three men. All wore the swordsman uniforms given by the Alliance. Emerging from a peculiar atmosphere, they quickly positioned themselves behind me, and those in front rapidly turned their attention towards us. The sudden appearance seemed to take everyone by surprise. I had already briefed them about the situation. I had mentioned that five more would be arriving. They just didn’t expect it to be today. As both sides faced each other, I spoke. “Introduce yourselves.” At my command, one guy stepped forward reluctantly. “…Pleased to meet you.” “…?” “…” The introductions didn’t proceed beyond that. I sighed, feeling somewhat exasperated, and asked. “Is that all?” “Yes.” “You’re completely lacking in social skills.” “…” “How do you plan to get by?” The lad responded to my words with an awkward smile and a cough. He was a young man with his arm wrapped in bandages. His name was Seong Yul. Of course, he used a pseudonym to enter. And the second one was. “Nice to meet you. I’m Yeon Hong from Honam Rhapsody.” A beautiful woman with long, flowing hair. She exuded an intriguingly alluring aura that was particularly striking. Demonstrating this, the men in front seemed captivated, unable to take their eyes off Yeon Hong. While Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah are exceptionally beautiful, Yeon Hong, even with less striking features, possessed a captivating charm that seemed to mesmerize anyone around her. In fact, it’s precisely that allure that drives people mad. A sense of something tantalizingly within reach. The dazzling flower tantalized so vividly that it was impossible to resist the urge to touch. That’s what this woman had about her. '…' I watched her with a somewhat complicated expression before turning away. Her overwhelming allure seemed destined to cause the men quite a bit of trouble for a while. I somewhat pitied them for it, in more ways than one. Following this, a young man standing next to Yeon Hong stepped forward. “…I’m Cheol Ji-seon. Pleased to meet you.” A young man introducing himself with a rather indifferent expression. It was Cheol Ji-seon. As they observed the young man, others slightly frowned. Since they were all martial artists, they could sense it. The young man introducing himself as Cheol Ji-seon barely emanated any Qi. Perhaps it wasn’t that they couldn’t sense anything at all. After all, he did mention he had some training. At most, he was perhaps at the Second-Rate level? He certainly wasn’t qualified to join the core sword division of the Martial Alliance. Might he be hiding his strength? People eyed him suspiciously. ‘Even so, there’s nothing there.’ He truly was weak. Even against any opponent here, one could easily take Cheol Ji-seon’s life in an instant. However. ‘If given time, the situation could be different.’ Granted the right conditions, Cheol Ji-seon could turn the tables on anyone. The difficulty lay in him summoning that resolve. At any rate. Looking at the seemingly frail Cheol Ji-seon, I could sense what others felt, though there wasn’t much worth saying. The fact that I personally brought him was reason enough. No matter what perspective they took, it didn’t matter. Even if they held suspicions, it didn’t affect me. What mattered more was how I utilized him. And to the next one. As Cheol Ji-seon finished, another stepped forward. “What?” “…Could it be?” The fundamental difference was that this individual, from the moment they emerged, drew the attention of everyone more intensely than anyone else. Indeed, the attention given surpassed that which Yeon Hong had received, mixed with astonishment and disbelief. “…That young man.” “If my eyes are not mistaken… isn’t that him?” “Why on earth is he in the Star Dragon Sword division…?” Everyone showed an incredulous reaction. In this situation, the young man attracting all eyes stepped forward and spoke. With gentle movements, he bowed slightly. As his head lowered, the top of his head came into view. A gentle gleam reflected off his cleanly shaven scalp. It meant he had a slick bald head. “I am Yoo Yeon of Shaolin.” “Gasp.” “Truly…!” Everyone inhaled sharply at his greeting. A bald monk from the Buddhist order had indeed come, the current Divine Dragon (신룡). He had been Shaolin's great hope and was labeled the top young prodigy. Though currently eclipsed by the Star King’s brilliance, it was confirmed that the Divine Dragon had reached the Fusion Realm, keeping expectations high. Such a Divine Dragon appeared with the Star King. The impact of this was significant. “Why is the Divine Dragon…?” “Why choose the Star Dragon Sword division…?” There was no other reason for such doubts. “Despite the reemergence of the Divine Dragon Squad, he chose the Star Dragon Sword division?” Traditionally, the Divine Dragon was destined to belong to the Divine Dragon Squad. Even if the Divine Dragon Squad temporarily vanished from history, now that it had reemerged, people expected the current Divine Dragon, Yoo Yeon, to join the Squad if aligned with the Alliance, not the Star Dragon Sword division. The fact that a Divine Dragon appeared in the Star Dragon Sword division naturally seemed odd. ‘I did run around quite a bit for this.’ To extract Yoo Yeon, we truly went through great lengths. Though it was technically Cheol Ji-seon who did the running, it wasn’t much different than if I had done it myself. ‘To be honest, I didn’t think it would happen.’ For Shaolin to relinquish Yoo Yeon was unheard of. Even after succeeding, it seemed strange. Of course, this was possible largely because Yoo Yeon himself fervently desired it. ‘Shaolin isn’t foolish, so there must be a purpose.’ Knowing this, I still brought the Divine Dragon. There were a few benefits to having him around. Especially when preparing justifications, the name ‘Divine Dragon’ was immensely helpful. Alongside that. ‘I find him likable.’ Strangely, Yoo Yeon appealed to me. I used to think those bald monks from Shaolin were individuals who lost their ideals. Yet, he was somehow different. ‘Even questioning if I should bring someone like him here…’ A slight sense of guilt arises, but it’s unavoidable. Considering my situation where I must use whatever resource available, there’s no room for hesitation. “Is it really the Divine Dragon?” “The Divine Dragon….” They continued to marvel at Yoo Yeon, seemingly never tiring of it. Translated and Implemented Instructions Such was the testament to the weight the name of the Divine Dragon carried. Yoo Yeon's face revealed a hint of tension, possibly aware of the gravity of it all. ‘This rascal.’ He seemed to secretly enjoy it. Unexpectedly, the lad appeared to revel in being the center of attention. The unfortunate part was that the attention he was currently receiving wouldn't last long. And the reason was— "Hello!" The last woman to emerge was the reason. The woman following the Divine Dragon appeared with a bright demeanor, her cheerful energy apparent. With a cloth-wrapped staff slung on her back, she entered briskly, waving with enthusiasm. Picking up the informal tone, there was a slight grimace on others' faces in response. However, the woman paid them no heed. She was always this bold and independent. Expecting her to act normal here was wishful thinking. At best, I hoped for one thing. ‘Please, just follow what I taught you.’ I wanted her to remember the part I stressed repeatedly a few days ago. However— "I am Pi..." "…" "…Pi?" She stuttered as if a malfunction occurred mid-sentence. Witnessing this, I sighed heavily internally. ‘That obnoxious girl. Did she seriously forget?’ It couldn’t be. Surely she hadn't forgotten that brief instruction. It absolutely shouldn’t be. After holding that hope for a few seconds. "Oh, Pi Yeon-yeon." Fortunately, she quickly remembered her name and announced it brightly. She really had forgotten her own name. It was dumbfounding, truly absent-minded. “Yes, I’m Pi Yeon-yeon.” Amidst her antics, onlookers, including Bong Soon, seemed curious. Was it possible to forget one’s own name? That doubt arose visibly. If such suspicion lingered, they might catch on to something strange. For the abnormality was apparent enough to warrant it. "I’m Pi Yeon-yeon." Luckily, I didn’t have to worry about that. “I’m the daughter of the Sword Queen (Eullyeong Geomhu / 을령검후).” With that declaration, all previous doubts vanished. And immediately— —-! The anticipated uproar ensued. ****************** The rumor spread rapidly. It hadn’t even been a full hourglass turn since it started. Yet, ample time had passed for the news to envelop the vast main alliance. The Sword Queen, executed after falling to unorthodox ways. Her bloodline appeared. And the one who brought her was none other than the youngest hero dubbed the Star King, a reputed hero. Such tales spread swiftly, and the sequence of events was evident. "…Star Dragon Squad Leader." "Yes." An elder, his face filled with countless wrinkles, spoke. At Mok Yeon's words, I responded. "It hasn’t even been an hour, are you aware?" "Are you referring to what happened this morning? Yes, it seems that way indeed. We do see each other quite frequently, don't we?" “Let us not speak of the Sword Queen. It was barely mentioned recently.” I couldn’t help but grin awkwardly in response to his words laden with discomfort. "Ah, of course, I remember. It's what Mok Saeksa warned so seriously about. Naturally, I remember." "Then, why did you do it?" At his accusatory question, I responded with an expression questioning the need to ask. "I did keep my word." "Kept your word?" "Yes. I adhered to it well… Though I didn’t foresee she would speak of it herself. It's quite an astonishing turn, isn’t it?" "…Ha." Indeed, I refrained from mentioning it as advised. I had even thought of keeping it as secret as possible. But— ‘It's not my fault if she reveals it herself, is it?’ I had no control over the person disclosing it. With that intention, I replied. “Star Dragon Squad Leader.” Of course, Mok Yeon wouldn’t easily let it go. “What is it that you truly want?” “Me? There’s nothing in particular that I want but, if I had to say…." I added with a sly grin. “Fire?” “…” “Just kidding.” It wasn’t an atmosphere suitable for jokes. I was fully aware when I said it. “…Squad Leader, if you proceed this way, it will be beyond my ability to contain it. Unfortunately, this old man is not as strong as he used to be.” “That is most unfortunate….” The limit to what he could contain. His words, ironically delightful, weren’t lost on me. "But you know." I felt Mok Yeon’s gaze on me. "It makes me wonder. If the Sword Queen's matter burdens even Mok Saeksa to such a degree, what truly intertwines with it that the upper echelons of the Alliance are so involved?" "…" "I'm genuinely curious about that." “Star Dragon Squad Leader—.” “Yes.” “What is it that you are so curious about?” “Why? Are you going to enlighten me if I ask?” I felt, through our exchange, that we had unraveled to a degree. Mok Yeon was aware that I deliberately broached the Sword Queen’s subject. And I understood Mok Yeon’s extreme sensitivity towards it. In terms of information, I was probably ahead. Because— ‘A faint guilt within the overreaction.’ Mok Yeon wasn’t aiming to bury the Sword Queen’s matter completely. Rather, he was concerned about the developments resulting from it coming to light. Yet, it wasn’t the Alliance he worried about. ‘Is it Bong Soon?’ Mok Yeon seemed more anxious for Bong Soon, the Sword Queen’s daughter. ‘Then what’s your angle?’ Why was Mok Yeon overly sensitive to this matter? Perhaps. ‘A somewhat sordid romantic entanglement?’ An amusing thought. Was there an entanglement between the Sword Queen and Mok Yeon? Then Bong Soon would be Mok Yeon’s daughter. It seemed unlikely but intriguingly possible. ‘It would make Bong Soon even more useful.’ Whether as a hostage or utilizing her to secure Mok Yeon’s loyalty. It appeared apt for skillful management, yet…. ‘Regrettably, unlikely.’ Though tempting, it seemed an unfeasible scenario I had to dismiss. “There’s no need to respond. I'm simply curious.” I said, meeting Mok Yeon’s gaze. “The reason for keeping silent despite knowing something different from history. Also.” I intertwined sincerity with deception in my statement. “How resilient is the peace gained by sacrificing an unfortunate woman? What is the agreement of the faction I believed in? That’s all I am curious about.” “…” Translated and Implemented Instructions "What do you think, Mok Saeksa?" A statement that could easily amplify suspicion. Despite being a member of the Orthodox Faction (Jeongpa / 정파), I doubt them and question their history. Mok Yeon surely harbors suspicions about me, increasing the likelihood of this crumbling. Yet, I wanted to ascertain the future through Mok Yeon. "If you're going to stop it, please do. I will respect that. While I truly despise those bastards from the Demonic Cult (Makyung / 마교), if the current Orthodox Faction is as I perceive it... even if they were overthrown, it wouldn't be much of an issue." I despise the Demonic Cult. That’s a fact. And believing that the current Orthodox Faction might well vanish—this too is a fact. "…" "…" With that, our conversation ceased. Mok Yeon refrained from further words. I waited for him to speak. There seemed more to say. In the age-worn lines of his tightly closed lips, it seemed time itself wished to speak. But. "…Please leave now." Regretfully, Mok Yeon's choice was silence. "I'm sorry to detain you when you have another engagement soon." Cluck. A short click of the tongue accompanied my turned back. It seemed the timing wasn’t right for a deeper probe. It was alright. Since I had already put Bong Soon in play, whatever it entailed, there would be a reaction soon. 'I've already drawn back the bow with the fiery arrow.' Whether they’d stamp out the ember before it blazed— Or humbly endure the raining daggers— I was simply curious about what choice the Martial Alliance (Murimmaeng / 무림맹) would make. "See you next time." After offering a formal nod towards Mok Yeon, I turned away. Today, I was to head back to the Star Dragon Sword division before meeting Elder Il (Iljang-ro / 일장로) afterward. Having several appointments lined up afterward, I immediately moved to leave, but— "…Star Dragon Squad Leader." Mok Yeon’s call halted my stride for a moment, prompting my head to turn back. Could it be a continuation of the earlier conversation? I harbored a sliver of anticipation just then. "…I'm sorry for holding you back again. There's information related to the Heavenly Boundary Gate (Gyecheonmun / 계천문) mission I forgot to convey." Expressing the sense of realizing something forgotten, Mok Yeon spoke. Unfortunately, it wasn’t about the earlier matter. The intriguing thing here was— ‘Mok Yeon forgetting something?’ That Mok Yeon, he forgot something crucial to relay. Indeed, it seemed Bong Soon's statement had some impact. “Please, go ahead.” Curious about what was to follow, I prompted Mok Yeon. “In regard to this mission, the Azure Dragon Leader (Cheongryongdaejoo / 청룡대주) requested to support…” “Hmm?” I clamped my mouth shut upon hearing those words. “Considering it’s the Star Dragon Sword's first mission, and assessing that the danger level isn’t exceedingly high. If you wish to proceed solo, we can inform the Azure Dragon Leader—” “No.” I couldn’t help but suppress the rising corners of my mouth. “I was a bit uneasy, but this turns out well.” How could I refuse when there's an unexpected gift accompanying a mission I was reluctant to go on? Especially one I had been waiting for. “Please relay that I’d very much appreciate it. That I sincerely wish to go together.” Most earnestly, indeed.