817 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions Chapter 817 of "Childhood Friend of the Zenith" (천하제일인의 소꿉친구) Upon returning from a conversation with the head of the Gyecheonmun (계천문주), the sun had already set by the time I made my way back. Entering the branch without any particular inspection or hindrance, I found myself at a designated place, prepared as a considerable large space for our division. "Ha-!" "Heeep-!" The sounds of spirited shouts echoed in my ears. They were voices coming from the training ground set up on one side of the place. It seemed they were engrossed in training. I turned my steps toward that direction. The training ground wasn't spacious enough to accommodate many, and counting them revealed they barely exceeded ten. Moreover, 'As expected, just the ones I anticipated.' The ones assigned by the league were absent; only the ones I personally selected were visible. No one could practice our unique martial arts in plain view. Perhaps just some simple physical training? I lightly waved my hand. Whooosh-!! The energy gathered inside dispersed and flowed out the window. The gazes of the gathered members turned towards me. "Leader?" "I told you to rest, yet you're quite disobedient." "Were you here?" "Yeah, nothing serious happened, right?" "Yes. Thanks to the branch's hospitality, we've been resting well." "This isn't really resting, but... Anyway. Where are the others?" "They're probably in the quarters assigned to them." "Is that so?" I asked knowingly and shifted my gaze. It was to remember the faces of those who were training. I needed to take a good look, as there would be a time when it would prove useful. "Tang So-yeol." I called out Tang So-yeol (당소열), who was among the trainees. Upon being singled out, Tang So-yeol widened her eyes and responded. "Ah, yes." "I have something to say, so come see me when training is over. You can come by Haesi, right?" "Ah, understood." After delivering the message, I immediately turned away. I had finished what I needed at the training ground and wandered through the quarters searching for someone. Not long afterward... "...Hmm?" I stumbled upon a peculiar scene. "Squeaky clean." "So, sojeo (소저)...please, stop." "Squeaky clean." At the back of the quarters on the porch. There sat Bong Soon (봉순이) and someone else. There was no need to verify who it was. In the middle of the night, only one person possessed such a gleaming head. Simply put. '...What's this?' Why was Bong Soon touching that shiny bald head? It was just a matter of curiosity. "Hehe. It's amazing. Feels good." "Kuh, kuuurgh..." Without hesitation, she caressed it as one would fondle a round object. The bald monk seemed lost, his ears flushed red, unable to regain his composure. '...' What does one call such a thing? The sight of Shaolin's promising talent being at the mercy of Bong Soon's whims was... Difficult to articulate to say the least. Especially, 'She's treating it like a mere toy.' As if she had found something fascinating in her touch, the Shaolin monk, hailed as a Divine Dragon (신룡), even had a reddened scalp. This fellow... '...Seems more lecherous than I anticipated?' A monk's heart should not be so sullied. I wondered how he intended to carry forth Buddha's intentions with such impurity. He tended to consume meat secretly, even caught eating dumplings once before. Recalling that incident only reinforced my certainty. ‘Shaolin is doomed.’ The Divine Dragon, destined to become the abbot one day, was in such a state that Shaolin’s future seemed bleak. Though, of course, that isn’t my concern. "Hmm." Should I approach and mock them a bit? Taunt them about indulging in idle touches instead of training? 'That'd be amusing.’ Even the mere thought of Divine Dragon's reaction stirred excitement. Though it's been just a few days, I've found that he’s quite amusing to tease. I momentarily debated carrying it out... But eventually turned away. It would undoubtedly be great fun, yet this was not the time. 'Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah...' They were nowhere to be seen at the training grounds. Were they resting? 'They aren’t ones likely to take breaks.' They didn’t seem like they would be resting. Preferring not to be seen, they probably trained in quieter places if they were training at all. I wanted to go find them, but I had to hold back. I could also search for Cheol Ji-seon or Seong Yul, but... 'Those guys... They can manage themselves.’ I had no interests there whatsoever. Besides, I had assigned work to Cheol Ji-seon right upon arrival. 'Seong Yul hasn't completely recovered yet, so using him is tricky.' Since his encounter with Paeng Woo-jin in the Martial Arts Tournament, Seong Yul's recovery is not yet complete. The Divine Doctor remarked that his regenerative speed seemed slow for a martial artist. 'Perhaps it's aftereffects from the Celestial Killing Star (청살성)?' It could possibly be. Considering Seong Yul's level wasn't low, yet his recovery was slow, suggested a problem. Therefore, I planned to confirm this later. Maybe, I could create a slight injury and time his recovery for an accurate judgment. 'That’s not a bad idea. That seems good.' It would be the most accurate and quickest confirmation. Of course, I had no intention of considering Seong Yul’s opinions. Nonetheless, since we have a connection, I'd break it with less pain. Anyway, as I was organizing my thoughts in this manner while walking... “Oh my. Is that true?” “Hahaha. Yes, that's why I did it then...” “More importantly, this time in Hanam...” As I reached my destination, cheerful voices could be heard from afar. Laughter mingled with various voices. Hearing it brought a smile to my face too. A clear cynical smile. ‘They’re at it again.’ Suppressing my scorn, I approached and gradually observed their situation. Several individuals gathered by the pond in front of the quarters. It seemed like most of those absent from training were there. The issue was... “Hahahaha. Brother Jin, isn’t that a bit of a bluff?” “What? Bluff?” “I mean, handling a hundred men at once, I was just a bit surprised. Oh, I hope you weren’t offended? It was just a joke.” “Ha...hahaha. Offended? Not at all. I know it was all in jest.” “Well, anyway. There’s a famous festival coming up in the merchant guild two months from now...” Never-ending conversations took place. At a glance, it seemed harmonious, but the underlying tension was chilling. Concealing blades within their laughter, they relentlessly struck at each other's weaknesses. A sense of thick, unpleasant politics loomed, like a scene straight from a chaotic battlefield. The scene was so messy; it was enough to leave me feeling uneasy. 'Ugh.' Though part of me pondered the absurdity of it all, I knew the reason well enough, leaving me speechless. This was nothing short of a struggle. A struggle among males vying to win over a prized female. “Don't you think so, Lady Yeon (연소저)?” “Hoho. Yes, you indeed seem quite remarkable.” A male blushed at that slight acknowledgment. The others were no different. “So, back then...” “Well, the merchant leader told me...” They were pulling out all sorts of ideas to attempt another word. To earn a bit more of the female's favor. Most of them were desperate, to the point of seeming pathetic. Yet, a larger problem loomed... 'There are too many males, yet only one female.' All those men desired the one and only female. “Hoho.” The woman laughed enchantingly, covering her mouth. Yeon Hong (연홍), one of the individuals I brought, was that sole female. Her gentle smile was met with intense reactions from the surrounding men. Dark desires welled up in their eyes, making their desperate attempts to charm her all the more laughable. I had once wondered how adding competition to a dirty political game would muddle the situation, and this scene dispelled that curiosity completely. 'Remarkable indeed.' How could they be so desperate? It was beyond my understanding. Moreover, how could they all fling themselves at Yeon Hong? ‘My goodness.’ She wasn't the only woman there. Wi Seol-ah, Namgung Bi-ah, and even Tang So-yeol, my deputy, were all women, yet no one dared such absurdities with them. The reason being. ‘They're too distant a dream to reach.’ There was such a gap that making any attempts would be futile. That was probably the reason. Occasionally, someone would approach them, only to be glared at or overpowered by energy. Could that be the reason as well? Possibly. Yet, despite some sneaking glances, no one dared to draw close. In such a setting, Yeon Hong's presence was akin to rain in a drought. Though beautiful, she lacked the extreme quality, yet her inner aura was deeply captivating. To compare, she was like a rare item that one might obtain with effort. This state was perfect for causing the men to become frantic. Thus, resulting in the current situation around her. A conflict centered on Yeon Hong. They wrapped sharp words in noble facades, all to gain her favor. Perhaps, in their eyes, it looked like a desperate effort... ‘This is absurd on a whole new level.’ To me, it was worthy only of a hollow laugh. Should I sort it out at some point? No, there was no need. Yeon Hong... I was sure she had her own thoughts on the matter. Confident with this thought, I moved towards them. Simultaneously, I called out to the gently smiling woman. “Yeon Hong.” The conversation instantly halted as I mixed my presence with my call, drawing their gazes to me. The males looked at me, seemingly assessing yet another competitor, but upon recognizing me, they promptly stood up. "L-Leader." "We greet you, Leader." “...Ah, sure. Enjoying your rest, are you?” “Yes...!” Their reactions were precise. On the way to Sichuan, after giving them a few beatings, it seemed to have had an effect. “Sorry to interrupt your rest, but I'll be taking Yeon Hong. I have matters to discuss with her.” “Ah...” “Ah, un-understood.” Their voices were laden with regret. These bastards...? ‘The main person hasn't said a word; why are you all the ones regretting?’ It was absurd. Exhaling slightly, I diverted my gaze to Yeon Hong, who had stood up with me. Yeon Hong was donning her signature smile, her mouth covered gently. “Shall we go now?” “Yes. Follow me.” “As you wish.” Yeon Hong gracefully offered a bow and walked through the gathered men. Even then, she tossed a slight smile their way. “It was fun, young masters (공자님들). Let’s talk again next time.” “Uh... Uh, of course!” “Anytime, just say the word!” Skillfully, she scattered her net. It seemed unlikely she would easily escape theirs. Observing this, I clicked my tongue briefly and turned away. “...Let's be off.” “Yes.” The two of us departed like that... “…” “…” Leaving a profound silence among the remaining men. Their unity had stemmed solely from Yeon Hong's presence, so there was nothing to say once she was gone. For competitors, there was no need for conversation. The best they could do was not to exude malice towards each other. Thus, they were about to end the scene quietly when, “So, you know…” One of the fish spoke up. “Does anyone know what relationship the Leader and Lady Yeon have?” “…” “…” Everyone froze at the softly uttered question. What is the relationship between the Leader and Yeon Hong? It was a curiosity yet seldom spoke openly. “Surely, they are in that sort of relationship?” “N-no, don’t speak such nonsense. The Leader has a fiancée, you know.” One of the men spoke dismissively. It's well-known that the Star King (성왕) is engaged to the Sword Dance Fairy (검무희). “Indeed, indeed. With such a fiancée, would he look at any other woman?” The shock from seeing the Sword Dance Fairy for the first time was unforgettable. People could be so beautiful. Although we belonged to the same division and traveled together to Sichuan, it was frankly difficult to even gaze at her. Having such a fiancée and holding a different relationship with Yeon Hong? It was unbelievable. ...However. “That might be true, but…” “…Hmm, isn't it?” Some of them pondered. “What about Toad Moon Sword (섬월검) or Deputy Tang (당부대주)? Aren’t they different too?” Seomwolgeom Wi Seol-ah and Poison Queen Tang So-yeol. They were beauties no less stunning than the Sword Dance Fairy herself, and the members knew something about them. “Last time, almost got killed by the Leader for staring too long at them…” Not literally killed, but the Leader's glare nearly scared them to death. “I just tried to casually strike up a conversation and nearly fainted when he warned me to not do anything foolish.” --- Translated and Implemented Instructions The mention of the leader's terrifying visage had almost caused him to faint. "Don't you think the Leader holds the ladies in quite a special regard?" "That's..." "There are even rumors, aren't there?" “Ah...! That rumor?” Everyone instantly recalled the most widespread rumor about the Star King (성왕) in the Central Plains (중원). Despite his heroic demeanor, it is said that the Star King bears the visage of a ghost. He allegedly carries a lustful inclination, drawn to beautiful women, and surrounds himself with beauties. Recalling this, a wave of unease swept over the men. Perhaps. Just maybe. "Could Lady Yeon be...?" "Could she be... involved with the Leader...?" The thought that they might share such an intimate bond arose in everyone's minds. ****************** While the men were engulfed in their imaginations, gritting their teeth, I led Yeon Hong into the room. Inside, my belongings were already neatly organized and laid out. It seemed the branch had prepared everything for me. "Phew." I entered the room and let out a sigh. By then, Yeon Hong was already inside. As the night deepened, the lamplight filled the room. Amid this subtle atmosphere, I turned to look at Yeon Hong. Wrapped in the glow, she appeared more alluring than ever. Particularly her slightly lifted eyes, forming a playful smile, made her look quite enchanting. It was a charm that men undeniably found captivating. That feeling was overwhelmingly present. I watched Yeon Hong in silence and then... "Well then." I spoke in a significantly lower tone. "Please, go ahead and disrobe." Hearing my words, Yeon Hong lightly brushed her hair behind her ear. "My, can't we talk just like this?" "...Such appearances are somewhat uncomfortable." "Is that so?" “Yes, so please, kindly disrobe." After my second firm request, Yeon Hong finally acted. Rustle. Rustle. She began undressing without any hesitation. Given the nature of our relationship, hesitation was unnecessary. Srrr—! Slowly, her garments fell to the floor, and seeing that, I nodded in satisfaction. 'Now it’s something worth looking at.' With clear eyes, I gazed at Yeon Hong. Surprisingly, she was not naked beneath her clothes. Despite shedding her garments, she was wearing a black martial arts uniform. And then, Riiiip—!!! Suddenly, she grabbed at her skin and tore it away to reveal a new face beneath. It was the face of the 'Shadow King' (암왕), known as the master of assassins and ruler of the night. "Shadow King." The truth behind Yeon Hong's identity was revealed.