Chapter: 426
Fortunately, the answer to the request made to the Poison King was permission.
It wasn’t anything material, and I was simply asking to see the famous lake nearby, so there really wasn’t any reason to refuse.
The Poison King looked puzzled as to why such a request was made, but in the end, he granted permission.
However, since the lake itself is treated as a treasure of the Tang Clan…
He added that, given the lake is composed of poison, it could be quite dangerous, so he assigned a servant to accompany me.
‘No danger, it’s just for surveillance.’
Up to this point, things were going as expected.
Having a watcher would be a bit annoying, but that was also anticipated.
Creek.
As I approached, Dangdeok, who had been slouching against the wall, sat up.
It was because of the order to remain still and avoid doing anything foolish.
“Sit down.”
“…”
Receiving the order, Dangdeok sat back against the wall once more.
“Nothing strange happened?”
— … no, nothing did.
“You didn’t see any monsters?”
— I didn’t see any.
Letting out a slight breath while listening to Dangdeok’s concise reply reassured me.
The monsters that had been abundant during the day were nowhere to be found at night.
‘I guess what happened earlier was just a peculiar situation.’
What had caused that situation?
I still couldn’t figure it out.
If I had to guess…
‘It must have been because of that red monster.’
The adversary I had encountered underwater back then. It was highly probable that it was due to that fellow.
“Hmmm…”
Anyway, every time I attempted to do something, it never went smoothly.
It was quite frustrating.
Suppressing my irritation, I gazed at Dangdeok.
His eyes still burned with rage.
Even if he had been turned into a demon and became my slave, it seemed like that temper wouldn’t die down.
Of course, it’s possible that his corruption hadn’t been fully resolved due to the absence of the martial arts masters.
I remembered how, when Dangdeok was the Green King, he couldn’t even move against Cheonma.
As I stared into that guy’s eyes, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“You look quite aggrieved.”
“…”
“Honestly, you should’ve just lived a good life.”
Clack.
Hearing my words, Dangdeok gritted his teeth in anger, but at that moment, the restraints that surged through his body crushed him down.
Creak…
The pain radiating from his heart must have been substantial, as Dangdeok let out a soft groan.
Seeing that, I thought to myself.
‘In the end, you’re not choosing death.’
Despite going through all this torment, Dangdeok was still not opting for death.
Was he yearning for vengeance that much?
Or was he simply terrified of death?
Whichever it was, it wasn’t a negative for me. If he wanted to die, I would’ve let him go.
Oh, to let go means to leave him to die.
It’s true that Dangdeok would be a valuable asset in the future, but if he pushed it that far, I had no intentions of stopping him.
Moreover, looking at him now, it seems like the guy doesn’t plan to die easily.
He’s probably just biding his time, waiting for a moment to escape.
From this perspective, he was a guy with quite a firm will.
‘This guy is tricky… but I need to do something else before we get to the Tang Clan hall.’
The eyes and ears that Dangdeok had sent to the Tang Clan.
I had been pondering when to deal with them…
As I considered that guy, a useful thought crossed my mind.
An excellent idea just came to me.
Four days had passed since we started crossing the river.
Under normal circumstances, we should have reached our destination within two days, but due to the incident with the monster and the need to take safer routes, it took longer than expected.
Had it not been for this, we would have arrived at the Tang Clan hall much sooner and still had time left…
Upon arriving at the land, we boarded the carriage that the Tang family had prepared in advance.
From here onward, since Sega didn’t have a separate carriage readied, the Tang family and the Paega clan provided carriages.
Perhaps it was because I arrived in Sichuan, an area properly under the influence of the Tang Clan?
The carriage felt significantly larger.
I guess that meant we had entered safe territory. This wasn’t a bad thing.
“There are probably about five days left.”
Mo Yong-hee, who was in the same carriage, said while fluttering her fan.
“It should be around that much. If we’re lucky, it could be three days.”
“…You seem quite familiar with the timing?”
“What can I say?”
Leaning back against the chair, I closed my eyes.
Because I had roamed extensively in my previous life, I was somewhat familiar with the geography. At this distance, it likely wouldn’t be too long.
If I hurried, I might arrive earlier, but that probably wouldn’t happen. Given the Poison King’s character, no matter how urgent the situation was, he would want it handled properly.
Anyway, since I was using up some unplanned leisure time, I wasn’t anxious, so that was fine.
‘…No, honestly, I don’t have much time. What can I do?’
I had to at least pretend to look relaxed.
As I closed my eyes in an attempt to rest, I could still hear Mo Yong-hee’s voice.
“Confucius.”
“Huh?”
“What do you think will happen in the future?”
“Hmm…”
At those words, I opened my eyes slightly and looked at Mo Yong-hee.
She would often ask me these sorts of things.
Even if you asked someone else…
…I don’t know.
Well?
I don’t know!
It was evident I would give the same answer, and only Cheol Ji-seon, who was a bit cleverer, could have a reasonable conversation on the same level as Mo Yong-hee.
It felt like Mo Yong-hee was keeping some distance from Cheol Ji-seon.
When I asked her why she kept her distance, she replied with a rather icy expression.
—I originally didn’t like people who annoy me.
“…”
I felt a sting from her resolute words.
Even though Cheol Ji-seon wasn’t around when I heard this, I felt inexplicably sorry, so I later brought him something sweet.
When I immediately offered the food, Cheol Ji-seon made a face of disgust and said,
—Why…? Are you going to throw me again!?
He spat those words out and ran away.
After making the effort to bring him a treat, that brat…
‘I should really tell Pae Woo-cheol to be a bit more relentless with him.’
Because I hadn’t bothered him lately, it seemed like he was feeling somewhat relieved.
This called for a bit of discipline.
Huh? Aren’t we friends?
Friends are meant to fight and get along.
‘The issue is that I’m the one doing all the hitting.’
Let’s set aside personal matters.
Anyway, since I’m practically the only one around Mo Yong-hee who can have this kind of conversation, it made sense for her to occasionally bring it up.
Of course…
‘…It’s not easy for me to have such discussions either.’
Mo Yong-hee is a smart woman.
Although she may not have the intellectual prowess of Cheon Yu-rang, known to be the brains of the Demonic Cult, she possessed recognized talent in this regard.
Having conversations with her was a bit challenging for me.
‘If I hadn’t had my past life experiences, I wouldn’t have had anything to contribute.’
I don’t consider myself ignorant, but I certainly lack the smarts to engage in productive discussions with such clever individuals.
Even so, the reason I don’t say no and do my best not to deter her is because…
‘How could I possibly stop her when she enjoys it so much?’
The issue was that every time Mo Yong-hee broached such topics, she appeared unusually excited.
“What about the future?”
“Yes.”
“…What do you mean?”
“The red monster has appeared. So what do you think will happen next?”
Mo Yong-hee asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The appearance of the red grade monster.
Moreover, this coincided with the moment when the Poison King sent a letter to the Murim Alliance about this.
“Hmm…”
What do you think will happen then?
“There will be an uproar.”
That’s the natural progression.
Red monsters are more challenging to hunt than blue ones.
The strength they wield must be at the peak of maturity to compete in speed and power.
Of course, if they are highly skilled fighters, multiple elite warriors can collaborate to hunt them down.
That’s something only those who are extensively trained in monster hunting can achieve.
Typically, it is standard for several peak fighters to team up for the hunt.
‘That’s precisely the problem.’
From the peak level onward, they are often referred to as masters.
Although plenty exist, they are not common.
In reality, unless you’re in a place like Hanam, if a peak fighter shows up, people flock from afar just to watch.
Is it feasible to capture a monster without a crowd of peak fighters?
There’s likely going to be a significant shift in the hunting method that’s currently established.
It’s akin to rearranging the sword.
As the demand for warriors, especially highly skilled ones, rises, the value held by them will transform.
This implies that there will soon be changes in the framework of the Central Plains that has been upheld for centuries.
“A wave will come.”
It signified disruption.
From what I observed in my past life, I could absolutely foresee several significant events occurring.
After hearing my answer, Mo Yong-hee nodded slightly.
“…As expected, it seems you had similar expectations, Confucius.”
“…Uh, yeah.”
What I saw was more than an expectation; I witnessed it myself.
But then again, something good is simply good…
“You must be busy as well.”
“Yes?”
“They probably already communicated with the Mo Yong clan.”
“…”
Upon hearing this, Mo Yong-hee’s eyes widened for a moment before quickly turning into a smile.
Her gaze remained entrancing.
“How did you know?”
“Is it really necessary to ask?”
This was also expected.
Humans naturally pursue profit.
Whether they are merchants or warriors mattered not.
That’s a universal truth.
Despite the crisis posed by the emergence of the red monster, there will undoubtedly be those who first seek out the benefits available.
This is especially true for those in higher positions.
‘Just look at the Poison King.’
The Poison King, who sent a letter to the Murim Alliance.
I wonder if it will arrive promptly?
Perhaps it wouldn’t be late.
Even the Poison King wouldn’t want the world to descend into chaos.
However…
‘It will be delayed compared to how quickly he would inform his own clan.’
This is the sharing of information.
The astounding news that a red monster has appeared.
The fact we discovered this before it reached the Gae-kyung or the Hao-mun makes it exceptionally valuable.
Should a situation arise, we would be able to react first.
Consequently, we could exploit opportunities in our surroundings.
Was the Poison King the only one to act on this?
Mo Yong-hee surely isn’t alone in this endeavor.
I don’t consider it malicious.
Isn’t that just human nature?
As I contemplated that, I suddenly remembered something I had neglected.
‘Oh, I should have sent something too.’
I had anticipated all of this, yet I didn’t send anything.
Now, if I send something, it will already be too late… What should I do?
I don’t think my father would be furious.
“Hmm…”
Just as I was about to frown in slight bewilderment.
“I don’t think Confucius has sent it. Am I correct?”
Of all things, Mo Yong-hee raised that issue.
“…How did you know?”
“I just happened to find out.”
“…”
I stared at Mo Yong-hee with a confused expression. How did this come to be?
Don’t lie with a mouth full of lather; what on earth are you talking about? Nonetheless, she continues to be a frightening woman.
How did she discover that I hadn’t sent the letter?
As I looked at her, my disbelief evident in my eyes, Mo Yong-hee grinned and informed me,
“So I sent it in your stead.”
“Huh? What?”
“Oh, I sent it to Madam Mi under my name. Is that okay? I thought that would be the quickest way.”
“To?”
What on earth did that imply?
…You sent the information instead?
“Last time, Mother… I mean, Madam Mi…”
“Hey, what was that title just now?”
“I was told to notify you separately if anything transpired. So, I sent it through that communication line.”
“What’s with the title?”
I continued to ask questions as I thought I caught some strange wording in the middle.
Mo Yong-hee, as if she couldn’t hear me, kept speaking fervently.
If I kept questioning, I figured my mouth would only be sore, so I sighed lightly and leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes again.
Whatever the case, it was something to be thankful for, so it should be fine.
There’s no way Mo Yong-hee would have scribbled anything odd in the letter.
“…”
“…”
I jumped up and looked at Mo Yong-hee to ask,
“…You didn’t write anything strange in that letter besides the information, right?”
Mo Yong-hee flinched for a moment at the sudden inquiry.
What’s with that reaction? What are you hiding? Why do you seem so anxious?
“Uh….”
“Oh my, it seems Confucius is sleepy. You should go ahead and rest.”
“No, what’s important right now is….”
“The chair is quite hard, isn’t it? Would you like to borrow my knee?”
“…”
Hohoho.
Seeing Mo Yong-hee trying to cover up the tense moment with a smile while hiding her mouth with a fan sent an unsettling chill down my spine.
…She didn’t pull some weird stunt again, did she?
I had to sincerely hope that wasn’t the case.
Flap flap.
A bird was seen flapping its wings in the sky.
It descended gently, as if gliding through water, gradually lowering its altitude.
It approached a young man who stood still, basking in the sunlight.
When the young man extended his hand, the bird landed smoothly upon it.
With familiarity, the young man untied the paper that was fastened to the bird’s foot.
Rustle.
Unfolding the neatly folded letter, the young man began reading the words inscribed upon it.
At most, there were six or seven lines written.
There were a few things mentioned that could genuinely surprise the young man.
Upon finishing reading the letter slowly, he murmured,
“Ha ha.”
The young man let out an involuntary laugh.
His eyes morphed into crescent moons with mirth.
The cool red eyes that once sparkled were soon veiled.
“Truly, the tides have turned.”
The Blood Demon chuckled in delight.
How could he feel any negativity when the crack he yearned for had finally appeared before him?
What was happening?
As the Blood Demon pondered, a face reminiscent of a young man flashed in his mind.
The only figure he could think of was that human.
Ah, it seemed that he couldn’t be referred to as human anymore.
Tsk tsk…
As trivial thoughts flitted through his mind, the Blood Demon erupted into laughter.
“Is it thanks to you? Or is it rather your misfortune?”
A boon?
Or a curse?
The Blood Demon concluded that it didn’t matter either way.
“I have great expectations for you.”
He hoped for the young man to continue running rampant.
In that manner, he hoped to grow larger and attract the gaze of the heavens above.
The Blood Demon truly wished for that to happen.
Only then could it…
“I apologize for the delay.”
Upon hearing footsteps, the Blood Demon folded the letter he had been holding and tucked it away in his bosom.
He readjusted his clothing before turning to face the source of the sound.
As he turned, the Blood Demon’s red eyes had vanished, replaced by black pupils.
“No, it’s an honor to meet you.”
“…”
The old man cast a slightly wary glance at the Blood Demon’s words.
“I would like to know why you wanted to see me, Shinsung.”
The old man, no,
The master of shamans and one of the swordsmen representing the Central Plains, Mudang Geomseon, regarded the figure of Jang Seon-yeon in front of him and inquired.
In response, Jang Seon-yeon smiled gently and answered.
“I have come to suggest something to you, esteemed leader.”
“To me, you?”
Mudang Geomseon chuckled softly at Jang Seon-yeon’s statement.
Now, the Nakgeom had stepped down from his leadership role.
The once fiery new star seemed to be losing its shine.
But how could the son of a mere ex-leader suggest something to him?
As a master swordsman, it wasn’t an issue that particularly piqued his interest.
He was already grappling with the headaches of the sleeping dragon incident.
“I’m sorry…”
Feeling like he wasted time, he was ready to depart.
“I heard that you wish to ascend to the position of leader.”
“…”
At Jang Seon-yeon’s declaration, Mudang Geomseon had to pause his moving legs for a moment.
Upon seeing this reaction, Jang Seon-yeon grew a bit bolder with a smile that deepened.
“I believe I can assist you with that… Would you mind lending me your ear for a moment?”
Jang Seon-yeon’s words made Mudang Geomseon’s eyes flicker. How he knew this was irrelevant.
It was common knowledge that Mudang Geomseon aspired to the leadership role.
“Shinsung… Are you mocking me?”
Mudang Geomseon’s voice was laced with anger.
A mere lump of flesh that at best reached the entry requirements.
Even the bloodline of the fallen leader who had previously sat at the position.
Could Jang Seon-yeon seriously suggest such a thing?
It was utterly incomprehensible.
While Mudang Geomseon displayed evident irritation, Jang Seon-yeon maintained a smile from earlier.
“Just listen, if nothing else. You can definitely punish me later if warranted.”
“…”
Mudang Geomseon regarded Jang Seon-yeon for a moment.
What should he do?
The contemplation did not linger for long.
If it was merely to hear him out, that was entirely feasible.
In addition, as Jang Seon-yeon suggested, if it turned out to be trivial, he could hold him accountable.
With that mindset, Mudang Geomseon answered by turning back to where he had initially been walking.
Upon witnessing this, a brief flicker of crimson flashed in Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes, but
Mudang Geomseon remained oblivious to it.
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