819 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions “Star King—!!!” A formidable roar swept through the headquarters. The intensity of the voice was amplified to an extraordinary degree, perhaps bolstered by some internal technique. Even the sheer power of the shout shook the surrounding trees, testament to the prowess of the one who bellowed. “…Gah….” “Grrr…!!” All the martial artists guarding the base staggered in unison. Rated at the Fusion Realm—it was the level of a likely future member of the Ten Great Masters—and such anger could only be expected. “Where are you hiding—!” The owner of the furious voice. Azure Dragon Leader, One Azure Sword (Ilcheonggeom / 일청검), was uncharacteristically unable to control his emotions, his fury on full display. And it was all directed at me. “Gu Yangcheon-!” He kept calling my name at the top of his lungs. Thanks to this, everyone in the headquarters was thrown into disarray, especially Mokrisun (목리선), the head of the department, who looked utterly bewildered, his eyes shaking. Boom—!! The aura gradually expanding began to press upon the surroundings of the headquarters. It seemed he possessed more internal energy than I had anticipated. “Urgh…! Urgh…!” The people began to not only stagger but even retch. It was clear things would escalate to the point of spitting blood if left unchecked. Having witnessed enough, I finally showed myself. “What on earth are you doing?” When I appeared, feigning ignorance, One Azure Sword immediately rushed toward me and seized my collar. The force made my body sway. With a look of confusion, I stared at One Azure Sword. “…My goodness. Senior, why are you acting like this?” “You bastard-!” One Azure Sword shouted at me, unable to control the rage twisting his face. “How dare you mock me? You dare—!” Shouting fiercely, One Azure Sword hurled something at me. It turned out to be a letter when I checked. It bore the seal of the Alliance, specifically one he must have received about two days into his journey to Sichuan. If memory serves, the contents were something like. ‘The Azure Dragon Leader is to return immediately with the troops to the main headquarters.’ That was the gist of it. Having received the letter, One Azure Sword returned to the Alliance with a curious expression. It must have seemed suspicious, yet the seal bore Mok Yeon’s (묵연) personal mark. Having seen it, he couldn’t do otherwise. So, One Azure Sword departed for the headquarters. Meanwhile, I continued my venture to Sichuan. This resulted in a time discrepancy between when One Azure Sword and I arrived in Sichuan. Therefore. Upon returning, why was One Azure Sword now seething with fury? The reason was none other. Once he delivered the letter back at the Alliance, he must have heard the news. Namely, that the main headquarters, and specifically Mok Yeon, had never sent such a letter. Yes, the letter was a forgery. Oh, no. ‘Forger might not be the right term.’ The seal was genuine after all... anyway, thanks to this false errand, One Azure Sword was furious. That's likely the reason behind his wrath. “Senior, what on earth is going on? Calm down.” I had to continually feign innocence. “Calm down? Calm down you say? Ha—!” “What is the sudden outburst about for someone who just took a trip back?” “Are you pretending ignorance? Do you think I don’t know it’s your doing-!” “No, but seriously, what exactly are you accusing me of?” “You manipulated the Alliance’s seal and forged a false command, and now you pretend you know nothing?” One Azure Sword gritted his teeth as he spoke, and I felt a distinct chill from his anger. “Seal manipulation, you say?” “How far do you intend to bluff? Do you really think I wouldn’t find out?” “This is madness, truly.” I displayed a frustrated look as I removed his hand gripping my collar. Rip—! Despite his firm grasp, the fabric tore as it came free. “What are you even talking about? Manipulation, forgery. Why this sudden—" Tantrum, you might say. These words I barely swallowed down. It would’ve been fine to lash out, but for now, showing restraint was more crucial. For some reason, One Azure Sword was convinced I was behind all this. But the important thing to note was. ‘His intuition is sharp.’ Because, in reality, the one behind it was indeed me. Though I didn’t send the letter personally nor orchestrated its delivery, I had masterminded the scheme. So it was a bit unexpected. ‘I didn’t expect him to be so certain of it?’ How did he become so sure? What clues made him so convinced? I was a little curious about that. “…Why this fuss?” Though I did my best to tone down my words, One Azure Sword’s rage showed no signs of waning. In fact, his expression was growing even more twisted as time went on. “No matter how closely you are allied with Strategist Mok (Mok Chaeksa / 묵 책사) and the circles you run in, this matter is a significant one from the main headquarters. It’s not something a nobody like you can meddle in!” I nodded slightly. I held back my words for now. “No matter how much I dislike you, that’s no reason to push personal grudges into the mission—.” And that’s where I interrupted. “Personal grudges? From whom?” Hesitation. As One Azure Sword was speaking, his Adam’s apple twitched. “I wonder who it is you’re speaking to.” “…You brat.” “Even if I were to let this slide for a moment. Senior.” I had no intention of letting it slide. This was a perfect opportunity to catch him on his words; why would I let it by? However, something even better was at hand, so I only pretended to let it slide. “Do you have proof that I did it?” “…” He was speechless. As expected. There shouldn’t be any evidence. I hadn’t left any traces that might slip up. Therefore, I could act with such confidence. “Personal grudges? Yes, if we’re being honest, I don’t particularly like you, Senior.” I disliked him even more. To the point of wanting him dead. “But it seems that feeling isn’t mutual, is it? Or is it?” “…” “No response, I’ll take that as a yes…. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter. We don’t need to be particularly friendly, do we? But.” With a light tap-tap. I tapped lightly on the lapels of One Azure Sword’s attire. “I understand you’re upset about some bizarre incident. I’m really sorry for that….” I stated this while maintaining eye contact with One Azure Sword. --- **Newly Encountered Words:** - Mokrisun (목리선): Head of the department within the story's context. Translated and Implemented Instructions "Acting like this without evidence is problematic, you know. There are so many eyes around us. As you mentioned, we're here for an important task." As I spoke, I slightly lowered my gaze. I could see One Azure Sword's hand trembling with rage. He looked as though he wanted to draw his sword right away. Some of his fighting spirit was starting to seep out. I offered him a smile. "In any case, why don't you calm down for now? Unless, of course, you're planning to draw your sword right this moment." If you're so upset, go ahead and draw your sword. Let's take this outside and settle it in front of everyone. I provided him with justification and jabbed at his pride. This evidently hit a nerve, as the veins on One Azure Sword's forehead became prominent. Now, will he manage to hold back? I already knew the answer internally. One Azure Sword would surely restrain himself. "Grit." To prove this, he gritted his teeth and suppressed his emotions. He's an annoyingly cautious guy. Though his emotional outburst was unexpected, this guy won't fall into such an obvious trap. So it needed careful handling. He mustn't perceive himself as prey. Rather, he should see himself as the predator. I shouldn't be trying to catch him; instead, I should make it seem like he's catching me. From the start until now, everything was about setting that stage. I didn't avoid him. "...Don’t be mistaken. This isn’t me just letting it go for now." "Oh, of course not. I understand well." "No matter how much you deny it. The results won't change. As soon as I return to the main headquarters…." Grrr. The sound of him grinding his teeth was vividly audible. "In addition to the matter with the Golden Dragon Leader (Geumryongdaejoo / 금룡대주). I'll dive deeply into all the hidden things you've done." His stance made it clear he wouldn’t let things slide easily. Upon hearing this, I nodded slightly in response. "Yes. I look forward to it. For now, tend to your duties, esteemed Azure Dragon Leader." With my words, the Azure Dragon Leader, who'd been barely holding back his rage, turned abruptly on his heel. His direction was towards the location of the department head. "Deploy the troops." One Azure Sword instructed Azure Dragon. "Having reached the destination, commence the search immediately. Ensure there are no setbacks to the pre-arranged plans." Snap! Upon arrival, they proceeded with the mission without resting. Even faced with such orders, the troops answered firmly, unmoved. They were truly disciplined. Observing them, I inquired of One Azure Sword. "Shall I pass on the gathered intelligence? If you need it—." "There's no need. I'll hear it directly from the department head." "Ah, yes." His tone reverted to its original form at some point. He'd been so informal, only to change it belatedly; what's the point in that? I couldn't understand his actions. Having cut off our conversation, One Azure Sword went to speak with the department head. Even though we're on a joint mission, it wouldn't hurt to share information… Tsk tsk. 'I knew he wouldn’t listen anyway.' Smirking slightly, I turned away as well. When I turned, the Azure Dragon members showed a slight flinch in their demeanor. Yet they immediately began moving. As One Azure Sword had mentioned, a plan was evidently in place. Watching them, I recalled One Azure Sword’s earlier words to myself. —Upon returning to the headquarters.... In addition to the Golden Dragon Leader's affairs, I’ll deeply investigate all the clandestine acts you've committed. While he had no evidence, it was clear he sensed something. One Azure Sword's reaction seemed to indicate he had caught onto something. Truly, if he does return to the headquarters, things could become a bit complicated. Though I sensed this, I wasn’t particularly worried. 'After all, that's all dependent on...' One Azure Sword actually returning quietly to the headquarters, isn't it? In that sense, it was unfortunate, but One Azure Sword wouldn't get his way. And for good reason, because One Azure Sword... 'This will be his last.' The place we just arrived at, Sichuan, would be the end of his life. ****************** "Are you really sure it’s okay not to send it?" I turned my head at the words spoken as soon as I entered the quarters. It was Cheol Ji-seon addressing me. He handed me something as he spoke. "What is?" Receiving the item, I asked with curiosity, and Cheol Ji-seon spoke with apparent concern. "Sharing intel with the Azure Dragon." Removing my training-stained martial attire, I lightly unwound my qi. The barrier filled the room. "You decided against it, right? Is that for real?" "Oh, that? Yes. They said they didn't want it." "...Didn't you spend a couple of days preparing just in case they did?" "Indeed." We had anticipated the Azure Dragon might request an information share and spent time preparing for it. Of course, it was Cheol Ji-seon, not me, who did. Given that they suddenly said they wouldn’t take it, it seemed he was having trouble understanding. "If they don't want it, what can we do? Offering it would be stranger." And it's not just anyone; it's One Azure Sword declining. What exactly could we do then? "But.... What about the plan?" "What plan?" I responded as if not understanding, and Cheol Ji-seon made a peculiar expression and spoke. "No, Yangcheon.... Weren’t you planning to clear misunderstandings between you and the Demonic Cult and handle things with One Azure Sword? For that, you’d need to share some intel, wouldn’t you?" "Hm?" Hearing this, my eyes widened slightly. What kind of nonsense is this? With a tone that completely dismissed the idea, I spoke to Cheol Ji-seon. "Look at this guy. Engaging in some mischief and really turned rotten, haven’t you?" "...Huh?" Cheol Ji-seon reacted in astonishment. "What do you take people for? Playing 'connect-the-dots' with people? Do you think One Azure Sword is some straw sandal to weave in as you please?" "Oh, it wasn’t?" "Of course not." Ah, seriously. I was too baffled for words. "Ji-seon, let's get this straight." "Eh?" "Clearing misunderstandings? That initial statement is incorrect." Smiling brightly, I patted Cheol Ji-seon on the shoulder. "Let me correct your misunderstanding. From the beginning, Gyecheonmun (계천문) was allied with the Demonic Cult." "Uh…?" Continuing with a gentle voice, I explained to Cheol Ji-seon. "Those villains conspired with the madmen, the Demonic Cult, who aim to turn the entire Jianghu into a sea of fire. Not only the department head here but even One Azure Sword was part of it." "...What does that mean?" Though Cheol Ji-seon seemed utterly bewildered by this information... Translated and Implemented Instructions I spoke with an earnest look in my eyes. My certainty was unwavering, as though there was no room for doubt. “So we're here to deal with those vile individuals trying to scheme against the Martial Alliance, aren’t we? But saying you’d handle it by entanglement—what a terrifying way to put it. It’s like suggesting… that we're the wicked ones.” “…” “We don't need to entangle them…. They’re already ensnared, right?” I said with a sly grin. Cheol Ji-seon nodded stiffly as if something had broken inside. It seemed he finally understood. Clearly, being a bright fellow, his comprehension was indeed swift. “So.” I said, finishing as I donned my attire. “Remember that. I’ll be off to meet one of those miscreants, so just handle the task I requested." Cheol Ji-seon seemed to want to say something, but I rose without listening. Preparations over the past three days were complete. With the arrival of the Azure Dragon Leader, things were set to begin. Clear Gyecheonmun’s (계천문) misunderstandings? Not a chance. ‘Why would I clear something that advantageous?’ If anything, it’s beneficial. If I can use it, then I'll make full use of it. Thus, ‘I must catch all the nuisances at once.’ Those three days before the Azure Dragon Leader arrived had been incredibly hectic for this reason. With that in mind, I had no intention of letting anything slide easily. I checked the item Cheol Ji-seon had given me just before. Unveiled from the cloth wrapping was white powder. This was the key to making One Azure Sword believe he was the predator…. A root powder called Silk Heat Herb (Gyeonyeolch'o / 견열초). And it was the poison I would ingest at the "hands of One Azure Sword."