816 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- A chilling atmosphere pervades the room. All eyes are fixed on me, and the surging aura stirs my heart. Thump. Feeling the brief beat, I moved my hand. Shudder-! Even my slight movement causes them to react. There's an extreme alertness in the air. My moving hand reaches for the teacup. Before smashing it against the table, I deliberately let it hover in the air. Why waste it like that? The taste of the tea is excellent, just like the food. Sipping some to quench my thirst, I note that the surroundings remain silent. In this maintained silence, a moment passes. “…How did you know…?” The man, who asked me earlier, poses the same question. I know what he means. “What?” I feign ignorance and ask back. He furrows his brows and elaborates. “How did you know about this place?” “Ah, that.” He's referring to how I knew this was the base of the Golden Nature Clan. “Of course, that's a secret.” “…” There’s no way I'd reveal that information. Though I overheard it in my past life, it would be surprising to them. Naturally, I intend to use it to my advantage. "How I found out isn't important. At least, not to me." Creak. I leaned back in my chair, making a sound. It wasn't a particularly good chair, it seemed. “The important thing isn't that…” “Aah!” I grabbed the hair of the woman lying on the floor. “Where is your Family Head? That's what I asked.” “…You bastard-!” Crunch. “—!!” A harsh sound spread as the woman screamed. I twisted her left arm. It bent unnaturally, clearly painful at a glance. “You're talking too shortly. Should I follow suit if you're brief too?” “You damn scoundrel-!” “Stop it!?” “Haha.” Still too brief, pissing people off. This time, I reached to twist her right arm as well. “W-Wait.” The man hurriedly stopped my actions. “Stop, please.” “…” I was about to apply force without listening. Seeing this, the man called out again. “Stop that!” At the changed tone, I paused my actions. I laughed and spoke to the man. “Yes, that's how it should be.” “…Huff.” “Straighten your eyes too. A guest has arrived, should you be staring like that?” “What on earth is your intent?” “…Ah, I dislike repeating myself. Are you struggling with comprehension, old man?” I had stated my reason from the start. I don't know why he keeps asking. “I told you to bring your Family Head.” “…” “Still not getting it? Need me to make it clearer?” I lowered the hand holding the woman and picked up something else. A young one fainted with his head on the table. “Hey.” He doesn't budge at being called. Seeing that, a laugh slipped out. “Pretending to faint, are you? Should I wake you? It'll hurt if I do it.” “…!” He finally gives a slight twitch. “…H-hyung.” The guy whose facade had been discovered late calls out to me plaintively. “Hyung, my foot. You're older than me, what 'hyung'? I'll rip out your tongue.” There was no way that method would work. This guy isn't genuinely a kid. Though he's disguised, he likely has an illness affecting his body. I'm familiar with such cases among the assassins. I gripped his head tightly. “Ngh…!!!” As I applied pressure, he promptly spat saliva. I intended to maintain force only until problems arose, but I couldn't guarantee control due to recent instability. It doesn't matter much. It’s not my head at stake, is it? “Ngh… ngh…” “Stop it!” “How can an envoy of the Murim Alliance be so brutal-!!” The words echoing were laughably absurd. Brutal? “You were trying to extract information on seeing someone approach. Who'd think you were clean?” I knew from the start. They knew I was coming. No, they likely prepared the moment they realized I appeared in the vicinity. I noticed since arriving in the area. I felt eyes on me from all directions. Their concealment would've gone unnoticed without some focus. A significant level of stealth indeed. In bringing it up, the gazes turned evident. “Now, that’s the fourth time. I usually don't tolerate more than three.... But I'll make an exception since I’ve enjoyed the food. Listen carefully.” “Ngh… ngh…” “Where is the Family Head? If you don't answer by the count of three, this one dies.” I held up three fingers, folding them one by one. “One. Two…” I folded them at a slightly quicker pace, quickly reaching the last finger. Simultaneously intending to apply force with the thumb as I folded it. “Th-the Family Head is not here now.” “Oh.” A response finally came. “They are finally answering now.” Had it been any later, I’d have had to clear a body, but thankfully not. “The Family Head is absent?” “…Yes… The Family Head is currently not present.” “Where did they go?” “…” “Answer.” “Ngh…!!!” “Th-they went out for an errand…! They won't be returning today.” “Hmm. Is that so?” My grip on the head relaxed at hearing this. “Phew…” The lad slumped, clutching his head. It must've hurt a fair bit. Leaving him behind, I stroked my chin with my hand. ‘Absent, huh.’ I repeated his words internally. This tavern's interior isn't all their force. Despite their reputation, they seem formidable. Not surprising, considering they’re all wary of me alone. With this many, yet they fear just me? It's not simply knowing I'm the leader of the Murim Alliance. ‘It's as if they sense something.’ Perhaps instinctively knowing I’m a strong individual. There was some intentional leakage, yet it felt curious that they sensed it. ‘Indeed, something is different.’ --- Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Based on the information Mok Yeon provided, such an outcome seemed impossible. It served as evidence that something differed from what was known. Could the information provided by the Alliance be incorrect? Or perhaps... 'Something might have changed since obtaining the information.' This shouldn't be the case, but strangely, I find it intriguing. The thought of something being amiss is bothersome. It gnaws at me repeatedly. “Hmm. That would be troublesome… I have business with the Family Head.” “…If you state your purpose, I will relay it politely.” “Hey, what I need to discuss is between me and the Family Head, not a small fry like you.” “…” The man’s brows slightly furrow at my words. Seeing him speak up, he must hold some position. So, I asked him while looking at him. “Do you know why I came here?” “…No, I don't.” “Do you know who I am?” “I know. It would be unthinkable not to recognize you in this situation.” “Who am I then?” With a slight smile, I asked, and he promptly responded. “You are the Star King (Seongwang / 성왕) of Shanxi (산서). A hero of Hanam and the next in line to be the world's greatest. That's you.” “Hmm…” I asked out of curiosity. Hearing him say it, it made my stomach churn. While the explanation is problematic, it confirmed that they know my identity. “So, think about it. Why do you think I came here?” “…I don't know. That's what we would like to ask. Why would a figure from the Alliance come all this way?” Why ask something so obvious? “Of course, it's about you guys. Otherwise, why would I come all the way here to cause a scene?” “…” They understand what causing a scene means. Their expression shows it clearly. It was a curious feeling. “I don't particularly like causing such trouble…. But what can one do, if you're told to bite, you bite. Isn’t that right?” Though it's more of a self-chosen task rather than an order from above, it wasn't necessary to elaborate. “What do you mean by that-?” “So, without any needless tricks. Let's make this simple.” “Tricks...? I must reiterate, the Family Head….” “Kneel.” “…!” Thump–!! With the word, everyone around, including the man, knelt down. Their faces are filled with confusion at the sudden situation. Concurrently. Whoooosh—!!! Kuuuuuu–!! Releasing my energy, it filled the room. The vibration spread, causing people to clutch their chests quickly. “Ugh–!!” “Ugh…!” It must be quite suffocating, as they stagger and the more severe ones cough up blood and lose consciousness on the floor. It's not mere energy. I mixed fighting Qi with killing intent to raise the intensity. I nodded slightly, forcing everyone to kneel beneath me. “I must have seemed like a pushover.” As always, speaking kindly never gets through to them. This idiotic process didn’t change anywhere. “How laughable that they would try to deceive me with such nonsense.” “I… am.” The man managed to hold on, suggesting his rank wasn’t low. Not bad. At a sufficient level comparable to Seong Yul (성율). For an ordinary martial sect, not even a prestigious sect like the Golden Nature Clan (Gyecheonmun / 계천문), he was too capable. Thus, it was even more curious why someone like him was here. That remains a mystery, but now is the time to consider another matter. Creeeeak—!! Due to the intense energy, the tavern gradually crumbled. From its strength, it seemed it wouldn’t hold up for long. Not to mention the human body. The martial artist's body would be more resilient, but it appeared they wouldn’t withstand much longer. At this level, they'd soon collapse. Turning my head, acknowledging this, I addressed them. “This isn’t a mere warning. When I say I'll do something, I do it.” Towards the kitchen visible beyond the fallen ones. I spoke while looking in its direction. No reply came. Still, I continued speaking, feigning indifference to their regard. “If you wish to confirm, just continue as you are.” Thump. I applied force to my heart, infusing more energy. There was no hesitation. I intended to completely obliterate things. Might as well add some heat while at it. At that thought, suddenly. “Hoho.” With the sound of laughter, I paused my effort. It was the awaited voice. “…This is indeed more than the rumors suggested.” Thud. With a low footstep, someone emerged from the kitchen. An old man grasping a kitchen knife. Despite his wrinkled appearance, the peculiarity lay in his thick black hair. Surprised, I asked while observing him. “Did you perhaps make that food?” “Yes. I’m relieved it suited your taste.” “That’s unexpected.” It was from the heart. The food was genuinely delicious, who knew that old man made it? While I stood dumbfounded, the old man spoke to me. “It is an honor to meet the Grand Leader of the prestigious Alliance.” His eyes crinkled, deepening his wrinkles with a smile. “Now that I have shown myself as you wished, could you kindly quell your anger?” “For such an honor, you were quite hard to meet.” “Kekeke…. My apologies. I am a bit shy.” The old man, with black hair, gradually approached, breaking through my energy. That old man was none other than him. ‘Dae-hwan (대환), the Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan.’ Having glimpsed his face once, I remembered it. Sssssss…. With a gesture, I retracted my energy as if conceding. As the energy receded, the sound of clearing throats echoed around. “Cough, cough…!” “Ugh… ook.” As those relieved from pressure struggled, the Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan drew near and dragged a chair to sit in front of me. He examined the broken table and those collapsed. “May I ask the children to leave for a moment?” “Do as you wish.” At the nod, he gestured with his hand. Whoosh-! The figures of the child and the woman assassin floated into the air, landing on someone else. “Clear them out.” “…Yes, sir.” As those still somewhat intact began attending to the injured ones. “I am Dae-hwan (대환), the head of this sect.” The Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan introduced himself. “I know.” “Firstly, I must apologize for any inconceivable disrespect the children might have shown to the esteemed Grand Leader… I apologize on their behalf as the Family Head.” The Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan slightly bowed his head. Watching the top of his head, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m sorry, my ass.” --- Translated and Implemented Instructions --- "You probably knew all along. Why act like this?" "…Heh." Despite the surprise of finding him cooking in the kitchen, it was no secret that he was here and aware of my impending visit. "Old man, stop fooling around and just continue as you were. It's a disgrace to watch." "…" My words, laden with irritation, finally seem to affect the Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan. The wrinkles around his forced smile smooth out as an eerie aura envelops him. "Young boy, your tongue is quite short for your age." Even his voice and manner of speaking changed. "As I was saying, your little brats have quite the lack of manners. How dare they speak informally to the Grand Leader of the Alliance? Asking to get their hides handed to them, it seems." "Are you arrogant because of your power... or is it simply your nature?" "What does it look like?" "I don't care. That's not what piques my interest. Well, I've heard the rumors. That the child of the Gu family of Shanxi became a king... also that he became the Grand Leader of the Alliance. But." The Family Head’s gaze sharpens intensely. "For what purpose has the mighty Star King sought out this old man?" Krrrr-! Something is sensed against my skin. It isn’t a pleasant feeling. Ignoring it, I spoke. "It's nothing much." As I spoke, I pulled out a letter from my robes and displayed it to him. A letter bearing the Alliance's seal. "There was a report that the Golden Nature Clan of Sichuan is associated with those who attacked Hanam, a group known as the Demonic Cult (Ma Gyo / 마교). We intend to conduct a search regarding this... Do you consent?" "…" Hearing this, the Family Head of the Golden Nature Clan gave an expression of incredulity. "Did you come all this way alone for that? And you're saying it directly too." "So, did you think I came quietly just to have a meal? Sorry, but I'm not one for gastronomy. Oh, and it doesn't matter if you don't consent. It's not actually something that requires it." "What happens if we do not consent?" "Well… in that case." Feigning contemplation for a moment, I smiled and spoke. "I'll just beat you all up. After all, you're from the unorthodox faction." "…Hahahahaha." The Family Head burst into a loud laughter, finding my words amusing. The sound was so loud it reverberated through the tavern, causing it to hum. After laughing heartily, the Family Head stopped as if it were all part of an act. "I hear you came alone." "That's right. Arrived today, but my folks seemed tired." "And yet, you're so bold, what gives you such confidence?" To the Family Head's question, I tilted my head. "Was what I just demonstrated insufficient?" That should have been enough to tip everything over. At this, the Family Head responded. "Heh… no, it's enough. Furthermore, you have every right to be arrogant. I couldn't quite believe the rumors, but seeing it in person is astonishing. How can one be like that...?" "Wow. Should I thank you for the compliment?" "But, my boy." The Family Head added, his eyes gleaming. "I recognize your celestial talent and existence... but that arrogance has led you to lose your caution." "Hmm." "When one is Heaven's mistake…" It seemed he was calling me a phenomenal genius. The phrasing was strangely disconcerting. “The world is not entirely as it seems.” “Indeed. The world is not fully what it appears.” It was a statement I agreed with deeply. "Not everything is as it seems. Very true, indeed." "…Huh?" "Anyway... I've got a lot to overturn and ask. But first, I'll give you some options. There's actually something I'd like to suggest to you." At my words, the Family Head's eyebrows furrowed. "Didn’t you hear me earlier." "First. You keep messing about, get beaten by me, spill everything, and get dragged to the Alliance." "This…!" The Family Head started to rise, ready to make a move. "Second. You prepare with the Azure Dragon Leader coming later to kill me." Stopped. The words froze the Family Head in place. At the same time, confusion spread across his face. Seeing his reaction, I smiled warmly. "So, which would you like to choose?" ---