818 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- The mask of torn disguise fell to the floor with a soft thud. After casting a glance at it, I turned my attention to the man standing in front of me. The seductive beauty that had been there until just moments ago was gone, replaced by this handsome young man. His white hair shimmered subtly, an exotic sight that left me in awe. "No matter how much I look, it's still incredible." How was this even possible? So many things changed in an instant. A disguise is usually no more than something layered over one's body, thus naturally making certain aspects noticeable. Especially when a man masquerades as a woman. Due to the physical attributes, it's generally possible for a woman to dress as a man, but the reverse often poses difficulties. "Can it be this refined?" The Shadow King (Amwang / 암왕) had resolved even those issues. His arms and legs had thinned, his body lines softened, and even his once flat chest now appeared naturally full. How could this be feasible? "At first, I wondered if it was some kind of body transformation technique." But upon seeing it, it seemed like something else. If there was a method, perhaps... "Those black martial arts robes he wore." That black robe must be the reason. The tight-fitting clothes highlighted his body lines beautifully. It seemed to forcibly alter the body’s shape... "Wouldn't that restrict movement?" For a change of form that drastic, there should naturally be some hindrance to movement, yet the Shadow King displayed no such constraints, moving freely. Even his appearance matched a feminine demeanor, making it deceptively believable. "That stern fellow... to think he'd go that far." How shocked I was the first time I saw it. The Shadow King, who appeared devoid of emotion, acting coy and enticing as a woman? "Even his voice changed." Whatever principle he employed, he used a soft feminine voice. The existence known as the Shadow King vanished, becoming the enchanting woman, Yeonhong. Seeing this finally made me understand. "Why no one discovered the Shadow King's identity until now." I thought he killed all the witnesses to keep his identity hidden, but now my perspective has changed. It seemed his disguise ability was simply that outstanding. "To disguise so perfectly even as the opposite gender." Even if he used some rare artifact, it was still astonishing. Furthermore... "He even created a missing limb and adjusted height..." While explaining something, his arm was torn, yet he fashioned it into a disguise and even adjusted his height. He wasn't particularly short for someone in the shadows. Meaning, as a woman, he would be considerably tall. Even if other details could be altered, height is hard to disguise, it usually stands out. "Strangely, it doesn’t." Despite the considerable height, there was no sense of oddity. How was that achievable? "It wasn't about changing height." He simply went about with his height unchanged, and no one seemed to notice anything amiss, as if the tall stature was not that noticeable. "Did he use some Qi-based technique to suppress presence?" Was he applying a technique to suppress presence by using Qi? If he did apply it, how was such a feat achievable? It's intriguing. I didn't need it since I knew a similar body transformation technique, but having never seen this method, I was profoundly curious. "It’s truly extraordinary every time I see it." I expressed my admiration sincerely. In response, the Shadow King replied nonchalantly. "If you'd like, I can teach you." He offered to tell me as if it were no grand secret. "No, I’m not interested in learning." As I mentioned earlier, I had no need, so I declined. It would take too long to learn from the Shadow King at this point. "With so much already to learn, adding this would be too much." There’s no point in learning something unnecessary, especially with no time to spare. "I'll ask if my curiosity gets the better of me later." "Understood." "But, Shadow King." "Yes." "Was it really necessary to choose a female persona?" While all the disguises were fine, was it really necessary to transform into a woman named Yeonhong? I wondered about this. Wouldn’t it be more complete and convenient to transform into a male? I asked with that intention in mind. "This way is more convenient." The Shadow King replied with his usual impassive tone. "It's easier to manage others when disguised as a woman due to gender ratios." "I see..." Management. Is he referring to the sight of numerous people caged in an aquarium, as he mentioned earlier? If that's the case, it indeed counted as management at the Shadow King's words. "All become manageable with a single word from the Shadow King." If he desired something, those under him moved like a swarm of bees. It was certainly management material based on that observation. "They’re awfully pitiable." Unaware they were clinging due to infatuation, what would happen if they found out later on? It wouldn't be a favorable outcome. Of course... "I doubt the Shadow King would get caught." Being the Shadow King, he'd manage on his own. That was my belief. "Yes. Well... As long as you handle it your way, it's fine by me..." I moved past this topic and went on to the main point. "I just returned from meeting with the Gaebang Bangju. Are you familiar with the Gaebang Bangju?" "I'm aware." A swift response. As the operator of the assassin group, the Shadow King would certainly know to some extent. As expected. "So, do you know any peculiar aspects I should pay particular attention to?" After a moment of silence, the Shadow King spoke. "I doubt the information I have differs much from what you know." "I see." So, if there are differences, the fastest way is to find out personally... "If you wish, I can look into it." "No, no need. I have other means to verify this matter. The request is for something else." "Please, go ahead." "I hear that the Gaebang Bangju is currently in contact with other factions, plotting something. Could you find out about this other faction?" "Understood." "Oh... yes." I felt rather flustered by his effortlessly easy response. The Shadow King agreed without a hint of hesitation. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- "Do you have a deadline in mind?" "...As soon as possible. Ideally, within three days. Specifically, before the Azure Dragon Leader (Cheongryong Daeju / 청룡대주) arrives would be best." "Understood. Then I'll prepare immediately." "Yes, thank you." Fortunately, the Shadow King agreed to assist. Though I intended to express my gratitude with a slight bow... "Thank you... what the—?" He had vanished before I could even say it. Even the traces of the torn disguise mask and Yeonhong's discarded clothes disappeared as if they had never been there. Did he clean everything up in this brief moment? "Still fast as ever." My sensing abilities had improved enough to barely grasp his presence, yet the Shadow King was as swift as ever. It’s a pity. If I could even grasp that speed, I might never face death. "If I could comprehend the Shadow King's speed, would that mean I've reached the level of the Three Supremes (Samjon / 삼존)?" I suppose that's what it would mean. How long could it take... No, that's not it. "I’ll break through to their level in less than three years, at most." It’s not about how long it might take, but about setting a timeframe. That was essential for me. Within three years, I would break through to the level of the Three Supremes, no matter what. I chuckled at the absurdity of my resolve. "Anyone hearing this might say I'm insane." If it were as easy as words, anyone could do it. How could anyone reach the level of the Three Supremes in just three years? The very thought seemed absurdly ambitious. "But one of those esteemed Three Supremes once said it, didn't they?" Even with impossibility. "Make it possible, no matter what." Recalling the crazed words Pejon (Paejon / 패존) often uttered, I steadied my breath. "Alright, let’s get on with the next task." There was still much to do. ****************** The time was when darkness fell, and everyone began to settle for sleep. The operatives, even within the division, would take shifts for guard duty at this hour. In such a late moment, someone came to my room. It was Tang So-yeol, who had just finished her training. "I'm here to see the Squad Leader (Daeju / 대주)." Tang So-yeol, having finished her training, seemed to have lightly washed, as her hair was slightly damp. Noticing that, I gave a subtle cough. "Sorry for calling you at such a late hour." "No, it’s only natural to come." "...I did say you could drop the formal speech when it’s just us." "Oh." Recognizing her tense demeanor, Tang So-yeol made a small expression of realization. Then she shifted to a cheerful smile. "It’s a habit… heh." "Is the Deputy Squad Leader role manageable?" Tang So-yeol paused for a moment at my question before answering. "There’s still a lot I don’t know, so it’s a bit challenging. But I’m managing." "If you want, I can replace you." There are many who desire the Deputy Squad Leader position. Even Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah, and others, would likely take it on if asked. So I meant that she could step down if it ever felt burdensome. "No, I can do it. Please trust me." Tang So-yeol declared with intense determination, fixing her gaze on me. "Oh... well, that's good to hear." Is the position so desirable? It’s filled with trivial tasks, making it hard for me to understand the appeal. "In any case, that aside..." There was a reason I called Tang So-yeol on this late night. I needed to address that first. "It’s about the Tang Clan. I might have to visit them in a few days. Could you send a letter to the Family Head for me?" "Oh, the Tang Clan?" "Yes, since you're here in Sichuan, you should visit your home as well. Let them know I have something to discuss." "Hmm, okay. But weren’t you already in contact with my father, or was it not you?" "...I was." Past tense. As Tang So-yeol mentioned, I’d been in occasional contact with the Tang Clan concerning the restoration of the Dokcheon Dan. Initially, I had direct interaction with the Poison King (Dokwang / 독왕), but recently I’d been exchanging letters with the family head’s representative instead. The sudden shift to the family head didn’t come without a reason. "...The family head is somewhat upset with me. Could you help smooth things over a bit?" The man’s a bit miffed with me. "My father is? How come all of a sudden...?" "There’s a story there... So, I ask for your help." "Oh... sure." I can’t exactly explain the reason. Especially not to Tang So-yeol. It's not because of me, but because of the Poison King. Telling Tang So-yeol that I’m disliked for certain actions... "That man won’t just sulk over it." Who knows how the Poison King might react? He might not stop at mere sulking but escalate it to resentment. For such reasons, if Tang So-yeol is the one to convey my visit to the Tang Clan, it’ll prevent unnecessary preparations on their end. "Shall I just say you’re going?" "Yes, make sure to add that you’ll be accompanying me." "Ah, understood... Then, when should I send it as if we're going?" "As soon as the Azure Dragon Leader arrives... So, in five days or so." Three to five days. Just the right amount of time. That should be enough. "I can scatter a few more bait, and investigate further about the Gaebang Bangju." At the same time, I can make arrangements with the branch leader. This timeframe was for that purpose. Of course, it's only possible if the Shadow King acts as expected, and the branch leader cooperates... "No problem." I wasn’t particularly worried. I knew the Shadow King’s capabilities. And the branch leader wouldn’t deviate from my predictions. Meanwhile, Cheol Ji-seon was already in motion, so no major issues should arise. "All that's left is how I proceed." A lot will depend on the choices I make. However, ultimately, the goal will remain unchanged. This situation was set up that way. "Then, I'm counting on you." "Yes." Having entrusted Tang So-yeol with the task, I glanced outside. The moon was hanging in the night sky. Seeing it somehow gave me the feeling that everything would flow smoothly. "Then, for the remaining days... Shall I scatter some bait here and there?" "Huh? Bait?" Tang So-yeol responded with a tilt of her head to my quiet muttering. I chuckled, watching her reaction. "Oh, I’ve got some fish to catch." "Fish? Hmm, are you thinking of going fishing?" "Something like that." If it could be called fishing, then yes. The only difference is I wasn’t aiming to catch fish. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- ‘I plan to catch the Azure Dragon (Cheongryong / 청룡), after all.’ While smoothing my path through the Gaebang, I intended to snare the Azure Dragon in the process. In truth, the idea was to skillfully reel him in and carve him up, savoring every piece. ****************** Four days passed in this manner. As anticipated, the Azure Dragon, the Azure Dragon Leader, Ilcheong Sword (Il Cheonggeom / 일청검), appeared at the Sichuan branch with his squad in tow. “Star King—!!” And not just that. “You rascal—! Where are you? I’ll kill you on the spot—!!” He shouted furiously, having drawn his sword in quite an irate state.