820 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions Friend of the Zenith (Cheonha Jeil-in-ui Sokkup Chingu / 천하제일인의 소꿉친구) Chapter 820 (820/820) Murim Alliance Sichuan Branch, Branch Leader's Office. Inside, the Branch Leader, Mok Rison (목리선), had just concluded a conversation with the One Azure Sword (Ilcheong geom / 일청검). “I received the information well. With the Branch Leader's assistance, the investigation should proceed more smoothly.” “No, no…! If I can be of any help, I'll ensure to prepare more thoroughly and visit you again.” “Even your sentiments are appreciated. It truly feels reassuring.” “Hahaha….” The One Azure Sword tucked the letter given by the Branch Leader into his inner pocket. The information was sufficient. Though the exact location wasn’t provided, the same place had been repeatedly mentioned as a sighting, so it seemed prudent to start the search there. The information regarding the main faction, including the sect leader, had already been obtained from the main branch. The One Azure Sword didn't think the search itself would be an arduous task. The issue was: ‘How far have the Star Dragon Squad (Seongryongdae / 성룡대) progressed?’ The Star Dragon Squad, having arrived three days earlier. How deeply had they delved into the problem? That was the focal point. ‘…The Star King (Seongwang / 성왕).’ Just the thought of him made his expression darken. How should he deal with that scoundrel? The One Azure Sword forcibly restrained his grinding teeth. ‘Dare he….’ His fists clenched tightly. Three days ago, the One Azure Sword recalled the humiliation he had endured. On the second day of starting his mission to Sichuan, he received a letter from his subordinate. It was an order for the Azure Dragon Leader (Cheongryong Daeju / 청룡대주) and the Azure Dragon Squad to return to the main branch immediately. Though surprised by the sudden letter, he didn’t ponder long and returned to the main branch as per instructions. The seal imprinted on the letter was unmistakably authoritative. It couldn't have been any other way. ‘The seal of the Alliance is composed of precious artifacts.’ A distinctive trait. Utilizing it confirmed whether the letter was from the Alliance or not. Because of it, the One Azure Sword was confident. The letter was certainly from the Alliance and distinctly sent by the strategist Mok Yeon (묵연). There was no doubt. Though he had a purpose for his journey, the priority was the will of the Alliance. Yet upon his return to the main branch, ‘…What?’ The One Azure Sword’s eyes widened. The words he heard were shocking. -You claim no such order was sent? No one from the main branch, including Mok Yeon, had sent orders to the One Azure Sword. It was incomprehensible. Despite the authoritative seal on the letter, how was this possible? Unable to make sense of it. But. ‘Could it be?’ Strangely enough, the One Azure Sword could immediately think of the culprit. Without tangible evidence, his suspicions were certain. ‘It's him.’ The culprit was the Star King. That was the work of that scoundrel. That's what the One Azure Sword believed. The reason was simple. When receiving the letter, the gaze of that scoundrel—his smile that they exchanged briefly before he left—resurfaced in the One Azure Sword's mind later. ‘That bastard…!’ Did the Star King toy with him? The One Azure Sword assessed and bit his lips as if they would break. But it wasn’t certain. It wasn’t a time for hesitation. First, he chose to hastily head to Sichuan with the Azure Dragon Squad. Though it seemed suitable to suspend the mission temporarily and revise the plan, suspecting someone had falsified the letter, the One Azure Sword did not. Partly due to his earlier suspicions, and also because. ‘Not yet.’ There was a specific reason he chose this mission to Sichuan. Even for that, he was determined to return to Sichuan. Thus, he moved much faster than his usual pace. Though the subordinates soon reached their limits, the One Azure Sword kept increasing their speed despite knowing so. Hence, they were able to reduce the time disparity in reaching Sichuan. Upon confronting the Star King again, the One Azure Sword immediately knew. ‘As expected, it is you.’ His gaze and breathing, even the formidable aura emanating from him, although the Star King hadn’t verbally expressed it himself, told everything. Proclaiming himself guilty. Asking how it felt to be taken for a fool. He had no intention of concealing it in the first place. For all his fury boiling up to his throat, Rational calculations whirled in one corner of his mind. If yes, then why? If the culprit was indeed the Star King, how had he falsified the seal composed of priceless artifacts, and, for what reason did he go this far? Inexplicable. If he merely intended to spite him, there were simpler methods than utilizing such a scheme. It was way too reckless a method for it not to rebound onto himself. As the One Azure Sword saw it, the Star King was not so careless a person. Indicating there was a specific reason why he had executed the ploy this way. ‘What on earth could it be?’ What caused him to conjure such a scheme merely to deride? ‘If it was merely so, it’s a great miscalculation.’ Even if praised as a genius, believing the world was in his grasp, he’d overstepped a great boundary with this matter. No matter how thoroughly managed, if it escalated to falsification, there would certainly be remaining evidence, and it wouldn’t be taken lightly if pursued. Even as the One Azure Sword's thoughts revolved, he brought strength to his eyes. Which consequently seeped a chilling intent around his gaze. ‘Even if it’s not the case.’ Perhaps there would be no need to report to the Alliance. Wasn’t there a reason he initially came to Sichuan? ‘…The Star King will never return to Hanam.’ Perhaps, very rarely, an accident might occur during a mission. Instances of getting tangled and perishing in the midst of investigating or acting for the mission were common. Amid such circumstances. ‘This might not be different.’ Regardless of being the youngest king, it wouldn’t differ greatly. Accidents are inherently unforeseen. While contemplating, the One Azure Sword steadied his breathing. ‘Let there be no regret.’ It was the scoundrel who stirred a stationary him. Had he not rashly appeared or engaged with him and the Alliance, none of this would have transpired. Ultimately, it was the Star King who orchestrated this situation. As the One Azure Sword recalled this, he was about to move. “Ah, there… Azure Dragon Leader.” The voice of Mok Rison halting him made the One Azure Sword hastily compose his expression. Though previously depicting the battle with the Star King, his current visage appeared rather menacing even to himself. “What is it?” “Ah, no, I had something to ask you separately.” “Speak.” “It concerns the Star Dragon Leader….” Newly Encountered Words: - Mok Rison (목리선): Name of a character - Ilcheong geom (일청검): One Azure Sword (Title) - Seongryongdae (성룡대): Star Dragon Squad (Organization) - Seongwang (성왕): Star King (Title) - Cheongryong Daeju (청룡대주): Azure Dragon Leader (Title) - Mok Yeon (묵연): Name of a character Translated and Implemented Instructions Star Dragon Leader? Hearing mention of the Star King, the One Azure Sword's eyes narrowed slightly. At that moment. “Our member reported witnessing something previously... I thought you might know...” “What are you referring to?” Curious about what was seen, he inquired back, prompting Mok Rison (목리선) to speak. “Uh, there's been news that the Star King occasionally coughs up blood or seems in a strange state... I wondered if you knew anything about it.” “…” Hearing Mok Rison's words, the One Azure Sword made a peculiar expression. “Is that true?” “Yes. We've tried to keep it under wraps as best as possible, but... perhaps you, One Azure Sword, could...” “You did well.” “Pardon?” “Continue to manage it strictly, as you've done. This is not something the main branch should be informed of yet.” “Oh! I see.” Only then did Mok Rison react with understanding to the words of the One Azure Sword. “In that case, I will ensure that I'll keep a tight lid on it.” “I would appreciate that.” With those words, the One Azure Sword briefly tapped Mok Rison's shoulder a couple of times and then turned around intending to leave. The corners of the One Azure Sword's lips were certainly upturned slightly as he turned. ****************** Soon after, the Azure Dragon Squad's search began. Based on the information Mok Rison provided, the range wasn't too wide. It's partly due to the shared information and because of prior confirmations. Precisely, the locations where the Star Dragon Squad had been active. Despite not sharing the information directly, there were clues. They pursued the search using this and Mok Rison’s intel. The primary target was the movements of the Gyecheonmun (계천문) clique. An exact spot needed to be confirmed to delve deeper. The main text reported to the Alliance described the site as nearly barren. Some people passed by, but none seemed to be from Gyecheonmun. ‘They've already moved, then.’ It appeared they’d changed locations long ago. One assumed they might have left Sichuan already, but. ‘Looking at recent paths, they’re entirely in Sichuan.’ While occasionally seen outside Sichuan, it's very minimal. Nearly all sightings were within Sichuan. Adding to that. ‘The Star Dragon Squad isn't searching beyond Sichuan either.’ Thus, inspecting the entirety of Sichuan inside was the logical course. ‘At this pace.... at the latest, within a fortnight.’ Within that time, they ought to catch Gyecheonmun's trail. “Leader.” He turned his head at the voice. One of the squad members handed over a letter. “Status of the search in the eastern region.” He received and examined the letter. The location and situation were meticulously noted. “Nothing has been found within the area.” “Yes. It seems like it might be more on the outskirts... or.” “Are you suggesting the possibility of an illusion formation?” “That’s the judgment.” An illusion formation, perhaps. There was enough possibility for that. However. “Keep it on the agenda, but rule it out for the first three days and proceed with the search.” “Understood.” There's insufficient suspicion to alter the search path. It was only the first day. Widening the range too much would undoubtedly cause problems. For now, handling things one step at a time was the correct approach. “And this is….” After setting the search procedure, he presented something else, indicating there was still business to address. “The trajectory of the Star Dragon Leader’s movements you asked for.” Listening to his words, the One Azure Sword’s eyes lit up. His gaze was much sharper than during the search status. After receiving the letter, strangely enough, the One Azure Sword's eyes narrowed. “Is this all?” “…I-I apologize.” Sensing the evident discomfort in his voice, the squad member responded hastily. “There are many eyes watching closely, and it's hard to infiltrate the Star Dragon Squad as their members are of high caliber... It was the best we could do for now.” “Click….” Though displeased, there was no room for fault-finding. The One Azure Sword was aware this was indeed their best effort, as the member indicated. Warriors within the Star Dragon Squad are of high caliber. The disparity was significant compared to other squads. Even excluding the squad leader, there were four members in the Fusion Realm (화경). Having four at the beginning level of the Fusion Realm is inexplicable. This led to clear backlash within the main branch, yet the strategist Mok Yeon insisted it was possible due to personally recruiting them. ‘What a nuisance it's become.’ Given such individuals are currently with the Star King in Sichuan, it was challenging to observe the Star King discreetly. ‘At this rate, even a fortnight might be difficult.’ The mountain to climb for a desired outcome was high. The One Azure Sword gently bit his lip. What should he do? Entangling the mission was tough as there was nothing newly discovered. “…You’ve done well. You may return.” “Understood.” After dismissing the squad member, the One Azure Sword bit his fingertip. Perhaps biting a bit too hard, his mouth tasted blood. “Gu Yangcheon (구양천).” The face of the person he wished to strike down immediately came to mind. The killing intent rose to such intensity just from the recollection. It was deeply ingrained in him. ‘His luck with people seems abundant.’ The issue isn’t other than the eyes of those around him. In many ways, it was problematic. ‘Now is the perfect time.’ Moreover, urgency stirred within. The One Azure Sword had to forcibly suppress his emotions. Yangcheon is strong. No matter how young, the One Azure Sword had to acknowledge the level of his prowess. In a full-power battle, it was uncertain just how easily a victory could be claimed. As implausible as it might sound, it was reality. He could tell just from a few encounters. Reluctant to admit it, Yangcheon might reach among the Ten Great Masters (십대고수) sooner than later. This, therefore, amplified the reason why now was the opportune moment. ‘He’s sustained an internal injury.’ While unclear about the extent and depth, it was evident he had such an injury. Although attempting to regulate it, his aura seemed uneasy somewhere. Noticeably so to the point that it was visible. ‘It’s not possible to intentionally emit such an aura.’ Balancing Qi as such, letting it scatter would inevitably lead to issues within meridians, potentially causing Qi deviation (주화입마). Such anxiety was indiscernible unless closely observed. Controlling it so precisely was near impossible. ‘Hence, he undoubtedly sustained an internal injury.’ The problem is. ‘Even in that state, he effortlessly defeated the Golden Dragon Leader (금룡대주).’ Though injured internally, it didn’t imply weakness. Newly Encountered Words: - Mok Rison (목리선): Name of a character - One Azure Sword (Ilcheong geom / 일청검): Title - Star Dragon Leader (Seongryong Daeju / 성룡대주): Title - Fusion Realm (화경): Martial arts realm - Star King (Seongwang / 성왕): Title - Gu Yangcheon (구양천): Name of a character - Golden Dragon Leader (Geumryong Daeju / 금룡대주): Title Translated and Implemented Instructions By the time the Golden Dragon Leader (Geumryong Daeju / 금룡대주) was utterly beaten, the One Azure Sword was observing it all. The Star King (Seongwang / 성왕) ultimately defeated the Golden Dragon Leader, and quite effortlessly at that. Even though he coughed up blood and seemed to be in pain due to the backlash, it was clear that he remained strong. If it's not a permanent ailment, his internal injuries will heal, and circumstances like the current ones wouldn't be the same in the future. That's why now was the opportune moment. A chance to seize before it becomes too late. Reflecting on this, the One Azure Sword sighed. Whether it was the Divine Dragon Squad (Shinryongdae / 신룡대) or the Star Dragon Squad (Seongryongdae / 성룡대), nothing seemed to go as hoped. Everything painstakingly prepared felt as if it was being unsettled. It appeared as though all this began with the emergence of the Star King. Yet, even so. ‘I won’t crumble.’ Reflecting on how far he'd come to reach this position. Such trivial matters would not cause him to fall. If anything, he'd eliminate what shook him rather than sway like that. The One Azure Sword gathered his inner strength as if cementing a resolve. And then. Sreung-! Shiiik–!! Suddenly, drawing his sword, the One Azure Sword swung it. The blade imbued with powerful energy cleaved through the empty air, until it stopped, aimed as if at someone. “Who goes there?” His voice, hardened with intent, pierced the side. The One Azure Sword's eyes held certainty. It seemed as if nothing was visible, yet undoubtedly something was there. “If you do not reveal yourself, I will strike.” The warning was delivered once. As motion remained absent, the One Azure Sword traced a semicircle with his sword. The moment his uniquely splendid sword energy was about to slice through the cold night air— “My apologies.” From what seemed like empty space emerged a figure. An elder with long black hair. On seeing him, the One Azure Sword's grip on his sword hilt tightened. ‘Powerful.’ The elder was indeed powerful. Remarkably so. Judging by his inability to gauge the elder's exact level, it meant their abilities were on par. Who could this be? While elevating his sense of caution, the One Azure Sword examined the elder closely. “I am Dae Hwan, leader of Gyecheonmun (계천문).” “…!” Hearing the elder's introduction, the One Azure Sword's eyes widened. Newly Encountered Words: - Divine Dragon Squad (Shinryongdae / 신룡대): Organization - Dae Hwan (대환): Name of a character