376 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The gathering of the various factions had come to a conclusion. Though honestly, I wasn't too curious about the details, but from my standpoint, it was something I needed to know. Depending on the outcome, my pre-determined plans for the future could be thrown into disarray. The mere fact that plans might need to be altered was a significant matter for me at this point. I had to remember this information. I approached Cheol Jiseon to inquire about the events that transpired while I was asleep. "What happened?" "Uh, well..." Cheol Jiseon hesitated for a moment at my question, but soon began to explain to me what had occurred. Naturally, the leader's initial remarks focused on the assault incident. - How did this situation come about? Starting from the cause. - What was the Martial Alliance doing? Continuing on to how the Martial Alliance responded to the situation. - What are the plans moving forward? Now that the event had transpired, how to proceed and handle it? Beginning with the heated critique of the Martial Alliance's incompetence. In conjunction with the victims' families. And the sects and clans whose reputations were tarnished and thus suffered damages. Along with the merchant groups sponsoring the alliance. The Martial Alliance needed to present a clear resolve regarding these matters. Otherwise, '...Even if it doesn't dissolve, it would still face severe difficulties.' Eliminating the alliance might immediately affect the towns protected by their forces. If a branch were to vanish, the local clans or sects would start managing those areas. Considering the cost and resources that would entail, such a decision could not be made lightly. Others also knew this, so they wouldn’t hastily act. So the conclusion was. First and foremost. The Martial Alliance decided to temporarily close the Sinryong Pavilion. Graduating one class and then temporarily shutting down had been the usual procedure. However, due to this incident, continuing operations at the Sinryong Pavilion was no longer feasible. Naturally, places that entrusted their heirs or protégés to them wouldn't want to continue there. Sinryong Pavilion decided to pause operations without graduating the current class. Upon hearing this, what came to my mind was: 'It's not a closure?' The important point was that Sinryong Pavilion was not being permanently shut down but temporarily closing its doors. I had naturally assumed that due to these events, it would lead to a permanent closure. Contrary to my expectations, they intended to just temporarily halt operations. If one were to consider why they made such a choice, 'It's probably because of damn honor.' It would likely be due to the prestige and reputation associated with Sinryong Pavilion. In today's world, where warriors are equated to swordsmen, the prestige of being a Sinryong Pavilion graduate is substantial. Just having the title of an alumnus creates a network. This network can help elevate their family to higher positions in the future. In other words. It’s no different from postponing the closure for their own benefits. The Martial Alliance also understood this, which is why they opted for the term 'temporary closure'. 'It leaves a bitter taste, but in the end.' Whatever the case, Sinryong Pavilion had temporarily closed. This was unprecedented in my previous life. ‘Not to mention that the attack itself didn’t occur back then.’ It was hard to even guess where things started to deviate. I just had to nod in acknowledgment. Trying to remember everything would be endless, so adapting to changes was all I could do. Next was the punishment for the grand demon who attempted the attack. The Martial Alliance made an official declaration regarding the identity of the individual who attacked Sinryong Pavilion, naming them as the Black Dragon Sword (黑龍劍). People were abuzz. It was only natural. The Black Dragon Sword was a martial artist of the unorthodox faction, previously known to have been slain by the legendary swordmaster Wihyo-gun, also called the current Sword Master. The records indicated they had been decapitated and died. And yet, this Black Dragon Sword was alive? Moreover, not only were they alive after decades, but they also had the audacity to wield a sword against the martial world once again. The gathered individuals found this news quite shocking. There's the Alliance. A fragile peace maintained just enough to endure by the three supreme masters who are considered pillars of the martial realm. Could they truly not foresee that this peace could be shattered at any time? It was an indication of how intoxicated with peace they had become. The captured Black Dragon Sword was to be transferred to the Tang Clan from the Alliance's prison, they said. 'Tang Clan?' I frowned upon hearing this. The decision to send them to the Tang Clan instead of the Alliance raised suspicions. 'Why?' The journey to Sichuan is quite long. For interrogation, it would be safer to handle it within the Alliance. What do they intend to accomplish by sending them all the way to the Tang Clan? Though questions flashed through my mind, A larger issue arose. The gathering was not merely a platform for the leader but a setting where questions were openly exchanged—almost akin to debates. In such a situation, I was the one who apprehended the Black Dragon Sword. Many were eager to ask me about the circumstances. ...The problem was, I was fast asleep on my father’s shoulder at that time. A descendant of a prestigious household sleeping away during such a crucial gathering? What an embarrassment. Moreover, I couldn’t recall waking up during the event. What exactly transpired? 'Did the after-effects keep me asleep...?' That could be an explanation. However, Cheol Jiseon uttered something peculiar in a rather timid voice. "…Your father… was terrifying." "What?" "N-No, it's nothing." Cheol Jiseon shivered his shoulders as if wanting to forget the memory. What on earth did he witness to react like that? I was about to express my dissatisfaction, urging Cheol Jiseon to reveal everything when he suddenly said: "So, in your absence, I had to answer the questions." "…" Cheol Jiseon's resigned expression as he spoke made me fall silent. Only then did I understand why he had been looking at me with such an exasperated gaze. I was supposed to answer the questions during the gathering. But since I couldn’t wake up from my sleep, The questions were directed to Cheol Jiseon, who attended with me. The head of a renowned household. The master of a prestigious sect. Merchants from all the prominent guilds making up the central region of the world bombarded Cheol Jiseon with questions, almost overwhelming him with their inquiries. For a timid guy like Cheol Jiseon, it was an immensely daunting task to handle. Especially considering he was living a hidden life under the name of the Jeong family, the pressure must have been unbearable. “… You went through a lot.” “...” That was all I could offer him. Cheol Jiseon still wore an exhausted expression, looking like he might collapse at any moment. He shook his head and continued speaking. A multitude of topics were discussed, but after considering everything I heard, three crucial points remained significant. - The Sinryong Pavilion has decided to remain closed for at least ten years. - The Martial Alliance, treating the incident with utmost seriousness, declared war on the unorthodox factions. And the most critical one: Due to the incident, someone had to take responsibility. Even if no actual blame was found, People needed someone to hold accountable. Without someone taking responsibility, the issue wouldn't be resolved. Thus, the alliance identified the individuals who would bear the responsibility. First, The head of the Kunlun Sect. The Blue Sea One Sword decided to assume responsibility by stepping down from his position as leader. When I heard this, I couldn't help but clench my fists. The head stepping down left a significant blemish on Kunlun. Unlike my past life where the Blue Sea One Sword fell to demonic practices and left his position, This time, even though he stepped down, the circumstances took a completely different turn. ‘To think the sect leader would step down willingly.’ It seemed like he was accepting responsibility since he oversaw the pavilion. Yet, I couldn't shake off the displeasure. ‘And then.’ The issues didn't end there. Although the Blue Sea One Sword's resignation was significant, A more considerable problem remained. Namely, - Nakgeom Jangcheon also chose to step down from his position as the current leader of the alliance. Nakgeom, who had been leading for over a decade, decided to step down, like the Blue Sea One Sword before him. “… The leader?” Upon hearing this from Cheol Jiseon, my head snapped around. Nakgeom was leaving his position as the alliance leader? “What on earth...?” “As soon as the leader announced it, the reaction was tumultuous.” “Well, of course...!” Jangcheon stepping down as leader was a massive deal. Quitting to take responsibility? That's one thing. It means the leader's position would soon be vacant. This would necessitate electing a new leader. Making the situation incredibly complex. In my past life, Jangcheon was the leader. After the bloody turmoil ended, Wisuella became the leader. But now, with Jangcheon stepping down, ‘Who will be the next leader?’ A successor had to be chosen, For the Martial Alliance, a symbol of the orthodox faction, Couldn't afford an empty leader position. “Sigh...” The situation was becoming far too complicated. A vacant leader position? This was an unexpected twist I hadn’t anticipated. ****************** The sun had set. With a weary mind, I headed toward an inn. It was the place Madam Mi had mentioned earlier, Where I expected to find all members of the Gu family gathered. The streets of Hanhyang somehow felt more crowded than I’d ever seen. They were packed tight, making it hard for anyone to move. However, leaping across rooftops a few times allowed me to arrive smoothly at my destination. There were surprisingly fewer people around the inn. Thanks to Madam Mi renting the entire inn, it appeared to be relatively secluded. Just before entering through the inn's door, “Hey... Yangcheon-ah.” Cheol Jiseon, who was perched on my back, called out urgently. “What?” “Is it really okay for me to be here...?” “Madam Mi said it was fine, so it should be.” “Even so...” Cheol Jiseon spoke with unease. The reason for his discomfort was because he was joining in for the meal. Since his family wasn’t attending and I felt guilty for dragging him around, I figured I should at least make sure he got a meal. I remembered Madam Mi flashing a delightful smile when I asked if I could bring a friend for dinner. “Are you sure... it’s okay? Someone like me...?” “Why wouldn’t it be? Stop whining and follow me.” “Ugh...!” After saying that, I finally put down Cheol Jiseon. Since we’d arrived, he could walk inside on his own. I left Cheol Jiseon, who was rubbing his sore backside, and opened the door to the inn. The lavish interior came into view as the door swung open. Though inns always looked quite similar, it felt more spacious with fewer people inside. Someone greeted me as soon as I stepped in. "Oh! It's been a while." A burly man approached me with a hearty laugh. It was Elder Gulun. I hadn’t seen him in months, just like Madam Mi and Guheebi. For some reason, seeing him made me particularly glad. “It’s good to see you again.” “Have you been well?” “Haha!” Elder Gulun laughed boisterously, giving my back a few hearty slaps. …It still hurt like hell. It was a gesture of friendliness, but this old man still had quite the touch. “Oh, Yangcheon.” “…Yes.” While suppressing the pain, I responded, and Elder Gulun grinned mischievously. "You’ve buffed up since I last saw you. I like it." He flexed his arm muscles as he said this. His muscles bulged impressively under his martial robe, which looked almost pitiful in comparison. It seemed like it might rip apart with a single poke. “You seem well, Elder Gulun.” “Keh keh! I've always been well! And you seem to have done quite well yourself, I hear you’ve even got a new alias? What was it... So-Y...” “I’m starving.” I hurriedly moved past before Elder Gulun could finish his peculiar words. I had no interest in hearing them. - Hm? And who might you be? - Ah… nice to meet you. I am Cheol Jiseon from the Cheol family… - "Ah, so you're Yangcheon’s friend. But why is a lad like you so scrawny? Your arms..." - "What? Uh... just a moment...! Ahhh!" Despite Cheol Jiseon's cries as he was caught by Elder Gulun, I chose to ignore them. ‘I’ll remember you as a noble sacrifice.’ Sending my condolences to Cheol Jiseon in my heart, I made my way to where the Gu family members were gathered. Creak. Upon opening another door, I was greeted by familiar faces, like Madam Mi and my father, gathered in the room. "Hm?" These were people I naturally expected at a family meal. But amidst them, "...What is this?" There was an unexpected person seated at the table with them.