Chapter: 687
This is something.
Looking at the sunlight streaming through the bars, I feel a strange emotion wash over me.
The air feels somewhat humid.
It’s a strangely dark space, despite the sunlight.
It appears to have been maintained to some degree, but there are also some oddly dated items scattered about.
I found myself chuckling without realizing it as I observed the surroundings.
It’s like this.
This is a space called the interrogation room, furnished with chairs and a table.
Its location was in the basement of the fortress, and I suspect it will serve different purposes as time goes on.
I never thought I’d find myself back here again.
What I’m looking at is a perfectly intact wall, but soon that wall will be torn down, replaced with iron bars.
For now, it’s called an interrogation room, but when the time comes, it will be referred to as a prison.
Yes, this is the very spot where I met my end in my previous life.
However, right now, it’s merely an interrogation room, and its function differs from before.
Realizing this, a peculiar sensation arises within me.
The unsettling feeling of having returned to the place where I died in my last life mingles with a disconcerting sense of alienation, stemming from my shifted position.
As I became absorbed in these reflections, I turned away.
Click.
Slurp, slurp.
A sound drifted from up ahead.
It was the noise of something being poured into a cup of tea.
I glanced over the overflowing tea to see an old man holding a cup of water.
His robe symbolizes his status and hints at his connection to the shaman clan.
A gentle and potent wave of Taoist energy filled the room.
The presence that radiated around him felt distinctly powerful, making the hairs on my neck stand on end—like when I encountered the Sword Emperor.
Seeing the old man did not feel all that different from when I first laid eyes on him.
Well, of course.
Just as the Sword Emperor rose to the ranks of the top ten martial artists, this old man is no different.
As the tea is poured, the old man’s piercing gaze turns toward me.
“It’s been a while.”
I took a breath at the old man’s greeting.
“Yes, it’s been a while. Sir Jang… No, I suppose I should refer to you as Lord Maeng now.”
I stood before the head of the shaman clan, confronting the master who now leads the Murim Alliance.
At my words, a slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
“It doesn’t matter what you call me. The title of head of the shaman clan is also one I can bear.”
I nodded in acknowledgment of his words.
The head of the shaman clan…
I can’t help but feel there’s a bit of an odd order here.
It’s almost as if the leader’s title comes first.
Considering the trend of the shaman clan’s interference gradually lessening, I’ve noticed that a temporary representative has been appointed to lighten the load.
Seeing him speak like that gives me a sense that this might be further proof that the Murim Alliance holds precedence.
Is this a good thing for the blind?
Given the reasons behind the leaders established over the last few centuries, only a handful of acting leaders existed before the establishment of the sword master—a first of its kind.
The reason? It’s simple.
Typically, for heads of clans, the clan takes priority.
As is the case with many within such sects, there are countless individuals who place their sect ahead of their own lives.
Needless to say, being the one among the most significant figures, many were reluctant to entrust the blind clan with leadership.
Even in the case of Taoists driven by the pursuit of enlightenment, trusting them with political matters seemed unwise.
This guy is something else.
Whether meant positively or negatively, the Sword Master isn’t exactly unfit for the title of Maengju.
Well, even from the beginning, his slightly materialistic tendencies could be seen as somewhat perplexing for a Taoist.
As we exchanged glances, the Sword Master began to speak.
“I heard there was some trouble concerning my dear child, so I came to check in.”
“I’m not particularly anything special, but…”
“Haha. You’re precious enough. The later generations are indeed the future of the righteous faction. How could they not be valued?”
“I appreciate your kind words.”
Even though I was genuinely ungrateful, I first smeared honey on my tongue.
There wasn’t much point in breaking it down here and there.
“Now, there was something that happened with Senior Yutangeom.”
“It was a dispute arising from a trivial misunderstanding.”
“A fight based on misunderstanding?”
As I listened, the leader’s smile deepened.
I had to suppress my internal discomfort as I observed him.
I never thought this person would show up himself.
I figured I’d just go through a casual review, but the leader making a personal visit was unexpected.
I thought at least the Sword Emperor might come.
What on earth happened?
What was it that drew this old man to seek me out?
I mulled it over.
There’s no way he came here just to confirm the truth about the previous generation’s indexes.
I had known from the start that he wasn’t that type of figure.
“Well, what a surprise. Things seem to have gone more uniquely than expected.”
“…”
“They say you faced off against the Yutangeom with a horn. Is that correct?”
You little rascal.
How could you not have taken advantage of so many openings?
Having intended to dodge it casually, the overly weak response led me to trample on it even more than anticipated.
I can’t say that out loud…
I rolled my lips before responding.
“It was a few fortunate coincidences. Senior Yutangeom was very considerate.”
“A coincidence, huh…”
The Sword Master wore a perplexed expression.
I narrowed my eyes at him in return.
“No matter how miraculous it may be, I could clearly see that your potential far exceeds the norm. Impressive.”
“Not at all. As I said, it was Senior Yutangeom who afforded me much leniency.”
“The Sword Emperor told me he couldn’t even gauge your realm.”
…
I had intended to feign humility, but the following comments shut me up for a moment.
The outcome was definitely unexpected.
…Oh no, should I have lowered it even more?
When I first beheld the Sword Emperor, I mustered a certain power. However, it seems it wasn’t enough.
It was a clear miscalculation.
My realm was higher than I had thought.
I had deemed that I’d lowered it sufficiently to be recognized immediately.
In reality, it appears I should have lowered it even further.
“Perhaps that Sword Emperor was simply tired that day.”
“The Sword Emperor? Hahaha.”
The Sword Master chuckled.
I suppose so.
That cold and collected fellow wouldn’t err due to fatigue.
Even if the Sword Emperor was renowned as the lord’s protector.
He also served as a guardian for the Murim Alliance itself.
He would never fail and would never back down.
Iron-blooded Swordsman.
That was precisely his moniker.
The Sword Master, fully aware of this, smiled, while I let out a discreet sigh.
“Initially, I believed you’d learned some unusual martial arts techniques, but seeing it for myself proved different.”
As the Sword Master continued, his true sentiments started to peek through.
“You are formidable. Perhaps stronger than the rest of the world recognizes.”
“I’ve yet to hear anyone say I’m weak.”
I momentarily shifted my expression. Attempting to control my demeanor seemed futile now.
While I tried to make light of it, the Sword Master’s expression remained stoic.
He smiled, but the emotions within were unyieldingly frigid, even for a Taoist.
“A considerable fortune has befallen the Central Plains.”
“Your Majesty.”
Choosing to interrupt, I asked him directly.
“I sense you have something to say. I, as your lesser, shall listen attentively.”
Quit beating around the bush and just spit it out.
I conveyed my thoughts subtly, which caused the Sword Master’s smile to tremble ever so slightly.
Reading a person’s mind is exhausting.
I began to grasp why the leader chose to seek me out.
It seemed the confrontation with the Yutangeom was somewhat troubling, including factors surrounding it.
I’m the one causing an issue simply by being strong.
A strength well beyond original expectations appeared to manifest as a problem.
“I’ve heard you’re planning to attend the non-combat event, is that correct?”
“That’s right. I understand it’s a festival directly organized by the Murim Alliance. As a member of the righteous faction, I felt an obligation to attend.”
The words subtly concealed a justification.
It just serves as an excuse to participate in what might otherwise be inconsequential for them.
“I thought it would serve as an invaluable experience for someone of my inexperience.”
“That’s true. It will provide valuable experience not just for you but for all martial artists.”
“Yes, I hold great anticipation.”
“While I appreciate your sentiments, there’s one important fact you must understand.”
“I will listen.”
I focused my gaze intently on the Sword Master.
“Due to internal strife, if anything goes awry, your right to participate in the non-combat event could be revoked.”
Hearing that instantly widened my eyes.
“Huh…! Is that true?”
I responded as though to imply that I had no prior knowledge.
“I had no idea…! How could something so serious transpire?!”
“If circumstances dictate, you might not be allowed to participate in the non-combat event.”
So that’s how it is…
I lowered my gaze, feigning disappointment.
Then I added, “Since the laws of the Alliance state such, I’ll act in accordance with your directives, as I acknowledge my wrongdoing.”
I smiled while saying that.
If they wish to exclude me, I’d genuinely honor their choice.
This was said with all sincerity.
Considering the current situation, it seems something is indeed awry.
If the head of the Murim Alliance, the Sword Master, personally came to assess the matter, something must have transpired.
So he was here to figure it out.
Was it truly possible for them to get rid of me?
While I had put myself in a compromised position, my initial mindset upon entering was entirely different.
They couldn’t afford to exclude me.
To be more specific, they couldn’t simply cut me off due to my ties with the Yutangeom.
It was factual that we had a disagreement.
But considering that those involved here were the best combatants in the Central Plains, the situation presented inherent complications.
The greatest martial artists of the Central Plains participating brings immense value to the non-combat event.
Would the Alliance really dare dismiss a hundred grandmasters from the non-combatable scene over trivial matters? That could lead to monumental losses for the Murim Alliance.
Therefore, they would strive to navigate this situation positively.
Not to mention rumors about me had probably already spread.
“A youth who has fought against a hundred grandmasters…” you know the sort.
Such tales were likely to catch a sliver of interest.
The Murim Alliance wouldn’t easily dismiss that.
Especially during a time when attracting attention is paramount.
So shortly, I will likely find myself freed from this predicament.
That’s the assessment I made upon entering.
Observing the Sword Master’s reaction conveyed a different posture.
If they were to cast me aside, undoubtedly a valid motive would exist.
Ordinarily, if someone violates the rules, eliminating them would be a given. However, the Murim Alliance isn’t one to handle matters so plainly.
This too became part of my unwavering belief.
The assurance that they would never navigate this way.
Understanding this, if they should still exclude me.
There’s a good chance they’re engaged in some behind-the-scenes scheming.
That would stand as evidence that I’d be obstructing their plans.
Should I secure proof, it would require me to alter my plans somewhat.
“Non-combat event? If I don’t need to attend, that’s just fine.”
The plan involving Bongsoon was somewhat deprioritized, but if things were to go awry, there wouldn’t be any issues employing it immediately.
Making judgments, I continued observing the Sword Master.
“…”
A silence enveloped the air.
After hearing my words, the Sword Master fixed his gaze upon me.
Our eyes met without evading one another.
What choice will he make?
Or perhaps, what will he say?
Curiously, I maintained my stare.
“Haha.”
The Sword Master chuckled anew.
“There’s no need for such worry. Today… I simply came to see you out of curiosity.”
Oh, I see.
“The interrogation is over, so they should release you shortly. Considering this meeting was forced upon me, I apologize for taking up your time.”
“That is indeed reassuring to hear.”
It seems nothing of particular note occurs as anticipated.
“I’ll have to conduct an internal review, but likely, nothing will arise.”
That was the leader’s statement.
It came fairly close to a certain verification.
“You can’t let such trivial matters hinder the ascent of a remarkable star in the Central Plains, can you?”
…A star? That’s quite an embarrassed thing to say.
Indeed, I don’t intend to remain merely as a star in the first place.
Rattle.
As the Sword Master uttered his parting words, he began to rise.
“I apologize for imposing on your time. May we meet again under different circumstances.”
It felt as though our dialogue was nearing its conclusion.
Did this interchange fulfill its intended purpose without any substantial discussion?
Or maybe, he deemed it futile to attempt anything further.
Regardless of the situation, the Sword Master approached me with intent.
That knowledge was sufficient.
The Sword Master, still wearing that smile, declared,
“I wish you success in the upcoming non-combat event.”
“Thank you for your words. I shall give it my all.”
“Of course, oh! I’ve heard that you’re quite close with my child.”
Naturally, the child that the Sword Master mentioned refers to Woohyuk.
“Yes. He’s my best friend indeed.”
“He always struck me as a troublesome kid. However, I feel relieved he has made such an exceptional friend. I hope you can both get along well.”
“Haha…”
I chuckled at that statement.
It’s utterly ridiculous.
In my former life, that very individual told Woohyuk directly not to associate with someone like me, and now he speaks such words?
Even more absurd.
“A troublesome child?”
Isn’t that a wondrous crop of nonsense?
The very man who discarded me like trash in my previous life now acts like he genuinely cares.
“Why did Woohyuk meet his demise?”
That tragedy included the deeds of none other than the shaman clan, yet he approached me like a virtuous steward, which absolutely makes me want to vomit.
But I held myself together.
I had to endure it.
“Yes. I will oversee him properly.”
“Indeed, thank you.”
Bam!
The door swung closed as the Sword Master finally departed.
Only upon the door’s closure was I able to wipe the smile from my face.
This is no easy task.
It’s truly a challenging ordeal.
Being aware that there are so many deserving of a murderous fate out there.
More than anyone else, I understand this too well.
It is anything but simple.
After the Sword Master left, perhaps half an hour passed.
Only then was I able to finally step out of the blind.
Following the guidance of these individuals, I exited into the light, only to have something unexpectedly pop up in my face.
“What’s this?”
“It’s tofu.”
“I can’t believe this!”
With a bright smile, Dang So-yeol offered me some tofu.
I cautiously accepted it and took a bite.
It’s surprisingly good… Well made, I must admit.
“You’ve gone through quite a lot… Are you feeling okay?”
“What’s there to feel? I just sat there and came out.”
It truly wasn’t difficult at all.
While they called it an interrogation, they simply asked a few questions while monitoring me closely.
I doubt there was much to say on the Yutangeom’s side either.
“Would he even want to talk about this?”
That’s the essence of martial artists.
They will boast endlessly about victories but remain tight-lipped about defeats.
How could the senior even mention that he nearly took a hit to the groin while flirting with a woman?
“It wasn’t ‘nearly’… It really should have been broken.”
Had I kicked a little harder, I might have genuinely broken something, but had that happened, it could have escalated into a far bigger issue, so I moderated it.
I aimed to keep it at a manageable level for treatment.
“I’m quite adept in that area.”
This was a complex form of torture, one only a skilled practitioner could employ.
I was able to manage it merely because I’m myself.
As I chewed on the tofu in my hand, I asked Dang So-yeol,
“Where did that man go?”
It was a query regarding the Yutangeom.
He must have left before me, and I hoped nothing had occurred.
“Ah… He left earlier. He glared at us for a bit and then vanished.”
“Oh, really?”
There didn’t seem to have been any further scrimmage.
“What were you waiting for? I told you to go ahead.”
Before entering the dungeon, I had told Wi Seol-ah and Dang So-yeol they could leave.
It appeared they chose to wait until I emerged.
Meanwhile, Bongsoon and Seongyul seemed to have quietly slipped away.
Thank goodness; if they’d been lingering, it would have been a hassle, so it’s easier this way.
“How could I go ahead…? You were pulled into this because of me.”
Dang So-yeol’s gloomy tone made me laugh out loud.
“Did it look like I was dragged in?”
“Whether I went in willingly or not, it’s true I was led by you… If only I had waited just a bit longer.”
“If nothing went amiss, that’s all that matters. And what would you have held on for?”
I patted Dang So-yeol’s head as I spoke.
“Had you not held back, I would have made a greater mess of things. That’s what I’m saying.”
Since Dang So-yeol appeared to take some offense, I decided to cap it off there.
I really don’t understand what Yutangeom was so riled about.
“Thanks to that, I did end up drawing more attention, but it’s not a massive concern.”
The increasing interest in me? That was trivial.
“So, ditch that frown and let’s go grab something to eat.”
As I started to lead the way, preparing to take Wi Seol-ah and Dang So-yeol along,
“Ah, Your Majesty…”
Dang So-yeol withdrew my hand, saying,
“I saw the Confucius leave, so… I will be taking my leave.”
“Where are you off to?”
Leaving without even having a meal?
In response to my question, Dang So-yeol chuckled and explained,
“I have some tasks to handle. I’ll be off before it gets too late.”
“…Alright. Travel safely.”
I let it go when he relayed he had work on his plate. Although Dang So-yeol hadn’t been around much lately, I assumed it couldn’t be anything too serious. He would manage his own affairs just fine.
Afterward, Dang So-yeol vanished somewhere.
“What shall we eat? Maybe dumplings?”
I brought up the dumplings we had eaten last time, and Wi Seol-ah beamed a bright smile.
“I’m good with anything.”
“Then let’s go.”
I brushed Wi Seol-ah’s hair aside and slowly began walking.
As expected, both Gu Yangcheon and the Sword Master predicted that rumors began to stealthily circulate in Hanam.
– A young martial artist confronted the seasoned master Yutangeom, and the outcome remained unresolvable.
This was how those who bore witness to the conflict began to recount their stories.
“That’s a lie.”
“If you’re going to fabricate an account, shouldn’t you do so in a more plausible manner?”
Naturally, the majority were unwilling to buy it.
But here came the surprising element.
“Oh, I swear it’s true! I was there to see it!”
“Likewise, I saw the whole thing!”
Since a multitude of individuals witnessed the event and began to share their tales, the spread of rumors did not take long.
A young martial artist.
Confronting a master known as one of the hundred.
That alone was sufficient to ignite a heated discussion nearby.
“Yutangeom is undeniably among the best of the elite, so who in the world could claim they faced someone like him?”
“I hear they refer to him as Soyeomra.”
“Soyeomra…? You mean from Shinryong Temple…?”
The whispers of individuals, intentionally hushed by the Murim Alliance, began to resurface.
“Even back then, he was heralded as a new hero. Years have passed… Even if he’s a prodigy, does that align?”
“If Yutangeom is truly of Hwagyeong caliber, then does that mean Soyeomra has achieved Hwagyeong?”
“That’s preposterous! Soyeomra is barely past his youth! How can one refer to Hwagyeong? Hwagyeong isn’t even akin to the dog next door!”
“Why is it so unthinkable? Before we knew it, even the Dragon King achieved Hwagyeong!”
“Of course it’s the Dragon King!”
“Have you forgotten that Soyeomra was hailed as Jinryong? Even then, rumors swirled that he achieved Hwagyeong at the youngest age.”
“However, the Murim Alliance recognized Shinryong as the actual deal…”
Debates seemed unrelenting.
In the wake of one brief confrontation, the surroundings instantly became agitated.
This phenomenon was something Gu Yangcheon had not anticipated.
No, it’s more accurate to say the backlash proved far greater than he’d expected.
Is that rumor indeed true?
Had Soyeom truly laid his hand on Hwagyeong?
When did he transition to Hwagyeong, and what becomes of the prior rumors?
Moreover, if the rumors prove factual.
What then of the value of the Shinryong, which was officially acknowledged by the Alliance?
As a multitude of tales began weaving a small whirlwind throughout Hanam,
“Here it is.”
Somebody stood before the ever bustling reception of the non-combat event, passing on a letter.
“No… So, Soyeomra… is here….”
“Yutangeom is…”
The constant buzz of voices echoed around.
Listening intently, the young man with black hair donned a peculiar gaze.
It was almost one of disbelief.
“I haven’t seen him in a few days, and now he’s apparently caused a ruckus. Tsk tsk…”
Having taken a brief leave for personal matters, it looks like he managed to pull off yet another stunt in the interim.
“Last time, he was hesitant to become famous out of embarrassment; now I find myself questioning why he held back if it ended up this way.”
What a ridiculous character he is.
Additionally, it’s rather amusing to realize that I’m the one nurturing such a fellow.
The young man transferred the letter he had into the hands of the Alliance’s receptionist.
“Eh.”
As the receptionist took the letter and began to read, a flicker of shock spread across their face.
“Seoul’s Secret Garden… Confucius. It’s been confirmed.”
The young man, Bi Eejin, found humor in the receptionist’s response.
But as the receptionist began to prepare the badge, he added,
“Ah, and please deliver this, as my master asked.”
“Pardon?”
“While I appreciate the letter, my primary business keeps me from attending, and he sends his apologies for that.”
“What does that mean…?”
Another letter was handed over in tandem with the previous one.
The receptionist took hold of it and unrolled it once more.
“…Huh!!!”
The receptionist’s demeanor shifted dramatically, their eyes widening with pure shock.
This transformation was justified, as the letter belonged to none other than—
“Defeat, defeat… Defeat…”
One of the revered heavenly trinity of the righteous faction.
The supreme martial artist, the Broken Defeat Bi Zhu.
It was his letter.
As the receptionist trembled, staring down at the letter, Bi Eejin snatched the badge and departed.
“I’ve passed all messages thus far, so I must take my leave.”
“W-wait a minute-!! Prince Bi…!”
The receptionist frantically called out, but by that time, he had already vanished.
Second day of the non-combat event.
The fighting dragon Bi Eejin, with the letter from the Broken Defeat, requested to attend the non-combat event.
This could only mean.
It was no different from recognizing the Two Dragons as a direct disciple of the Fallen One.
Shortly, Hanam would be filled with another wave of rumors.
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