Chapter: 785
“One by one, come up.”
Immediately after uttering those words, I honestly expected a storm to hit. I thought the energy would explode and they would rush towards me right away. But,
“Ugh.”
“Does the author really—!”
Surprisingly, the Grand Masters didn’t rush in easily and were merely getting angry. It was clear that they wanted to swing their swords at me right now. All the murderous intent and hostility were directed at me, yet they still held back from directly charging in.
This was unexpected.
Noticing that, I swallowed a little surprise.
Those guys are more… competent than I thought.
They were not just mindless brutes.
Even now, they’re hesitating instead of charging in recklessly.
Under normal circumstances, this would be the time for a flurry of sword strikes.
Still, the reason they hesitated wasn’t hard to guess.
It was simple: ‘It’s hard to tell who’s going to win.’
Even the most ignorant fighters have eyes and ears in addition to brute instinct.
Whether they’ve seen or heard something, they must know something.
They’re probably thinking about ‘the things I’ve done.’
Like defeating one hundred-class monsters and punishing those who dared to strike against me.
But that’s not what I’m getting at here.
What’s important is ‘the fact that I smashed the Dao King.’
They’ve likely heard about how I wrecked the Dao King during the martial arts tournament.
If they have brains, they must have tried to figure out who I am since the moment I said I would come to the Grand Master’s territory.
So, even at this very moment, they must be rapidly calculating.
‘Will this fight truly benefit them?’
When they rush in, unable to stand the humiliation, they must wonder whether they would really come out unscathed.
Countless scenarios weighed on their minds.
‘But maybe it’s true that Daeju is Daeju.’
If they were any other hot-headed fools, they would have recklessly charged in without considering the opponent’s strength or the situation.
But alas, their social standing compelled even those fools to think.
However,
‘I can see them pondering.’
The Twin Illusionary Sword was swiftly eyeing my every corner.
The recent short attack thwarted, and with the incident involving the Dao King fresh in their minds, it seemed they were deeply contemplating my abilities.
‘I’m curious.’
What do I look like in their eyes?
Compared to just a few days ago, my energy and power have increased. However,
‘My realm hasn’t expanded, so they could probably gauge me superficially.’
Since there hasn’t been a change in my technical level, they must feel that there’s not much difference.
To prove this, the hesitation from the Twin Illusionary Sword only deepens.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Ah, that guy.
‘He can’t see it.’
He can’t see how I am, what level I’ve reached, or if I’m a worthy opponent.
It seemed completely out of their grasp.
As I observed this, I turned my gaze to the side.
The Eunrang Sword, who was also brandishing a sword.
He was looking at me too, but the direction of his gaze differed slightly.
It seemed he was more focused on Muyeon than me.
While the Twin Illusionary Sword was busy assessing my level, the Eunrang Sword was preoccupied with gauging Muyeon’s reaction.
Seeing that, I asked, “What are you doing?”
“…!”
As soon as I spoke, both of them flinched.
“Are you not coming? Then I’ll end up looking quite ridiculous.”
I scratched my cheek while looking at the Twin Illusionary Sword.
“I specially invited you. But if the other party is too scared to approach me… what will that make me?”
“This—!”
As I teased again, the Twin Illusionary Sword seemed to seethe.
Yet,
“…Ugh.”
Once again, he refrained from charging in completely.
Hmm.
This is tough to bear.
What should I do?
This is still inadequate.
Should I unleash my energy to apply pressure? Ah, that would be such a shame.
‘If I go too far, my back will get messy.’
Since I have a few tricks to use, I couldn’t really afford to engage in a serious fight just yet.
Especially,
‘If they feel too intimidated, that won’t work either.’
It would also be troublesome if the Grand Masters got excessively disrupted.
What this means is, they must be defeated moderately.
Hmm.
How could I achieve that?
I pondered for a moment, but
‘…I don’t know?’
There’s no clear conclusion.
I suppose it can’t be helped.
‘You can only know if you’ve had some experience.’
My life hasn’t been kind enough for me to understand the concept of moderation.
To be honest, reaching this stage sort of blurs the lines of what’s ‘appropriate.’
Yes, exactly.
“Is it burdensome to tackle this alone?”
Let’s just give it a go.
“Then, all at once, come at me, you bunch of cowards!”
“!”
Boom—!
As the words left my mouth, a blast erupted, and a flash of light filled the air.
Having lost their patience with my provocative words, the Twin Illusionary Sword and the Eunrang Sword drew their weapons simultaneously.
In an instant, three bolts of light surged toward me.
Just as I was about to move my shoulders in response,
Kraaaash-!! Bang—!!
“…What?!”
“Hah.”
In an instant, another flash of light surged in and blocked the swords of both.
The narrowing distance halted just before reaching me. Standing in front of both was another figure.
The Blue Dragon Master, Ilcheonggeom.
He intercepted the attack and stood there, blocking them.
The Twin Illusionary Sword and Eunrang Sword frowned at Ilcheonggeom’s actions.
“Blue Dragon Master?”
“What the hell is going on…!”
Their reactions seemed to question why they were being stopped.
In response, Ilcheonggeom, who slowly retracted his sword, said,
“Calm down.”
“Calm down? Really?”
“You heard everything that brat just said to us. And yet you tell us to calm down. How could anyone take that as reasonable…?”
“What if it isn’t?”
Swish—!
Ilcheonggeom locked eyes with the Twin Illusionary Sword while still gripping his weapon.
At the same time, a fierce aura burst forth from him, pressing down upon everyone.
“…Huh…!?”
The sudden pressure made the Twin Illusionary Sword widen his eyes and shudder slightly.
It felt far more intense and ferocious than I thought it would be.
“If you intend to act further, you’re saying you’re prepared to see blood here.”
Ilcheonggeom’s eyes sharpened dangerously.
“Golden Dragon Master. Do you not remember who you are in front of?”
In front of whom.
That likely referred to Muyeon.
“…But, Blue Dragon Master…”
“There isn’t much to discuss. Chief Consultant Mu is sitting here as the rightful representative of the leader. To act in such a manner is no different from mocking the leader himself.”
Snap.
At Ilcheonggeom’s words, the Twin Illusionary Sword gritted his teeth.
“How can I just sit back and allow such disrespect—!!”
Unable to hold back, he spat those words, but they were abruptly interrupted.
Swish.
Drip, drip.
Blood trickled from the Twin Illusionary Sword’s neck.
Ilcheonggeom’s sword was poised dangerously close against his throat. As the blade shifted, the Twin Illusionary Sword did not dare respond.
A tense scene unfolded. Amidst it all, Ilcheonggeom spoke softly.
“Any further actions will be regarded as treason.”
“….”
His eyes radiated sincerity.
It was a gaze that promised destruction if even one more word was uttered.
Those eyes drifted past the Eunrang Sword and landed on me.
“The same applies to you, Eunrang Sword. Your Majesty, you as well.”
Ilcheonggeom growled, his words heavy with pressure.
“Even if you haven’t become a Grand Master yet, you’re still part of the alliance now that the schedule is set. How about we cease this meaningless squabble? Or do you genuinely wish to witness bloodshed?”
If that were the case, I’d step in to stop it.
Intentions were clear within Ilcheonggeom’s words.
I quietly contemplated his offer.
‘Is this sufficient?’
I decided it was.
So I raised my hand slightly and addressed him.
“Yes. You make a valid point. If you, my seniors, choose to halt, then I too shall stop here.”
I spoke as though shaking off dust and let a little sweat trickle from my body.
The sweat flowed, sticking to my skin and forcing me to break into a sweat, and I wiped the moisture from my forehead with the back of my hand.
It was a deliberate show.
I could see Ilcheonggeom’s eyes taking this all in.
“…The Holy King voices such sentiments. What do the two Grand Masters think?”
“…”
“…”
In a situation where Ilcheonggeom blocked the confrontation directly,
Looking at it, I found their agitation palpable. Yet, I realized it was no longer a time to escalate matters.
Knowing this, both could only grit their teeth and muster a one-syllable reply.
“…Understood.”
There was only one answer, and it was a retreat.
Realizing this, the Grand Masters took a step back. Only then could I speak again to the person in front of me.
“I believe the situation has ended.”
“…”
At my words, someone inside the room shifted slightly.
If Ilcheonggeom blocked the Twin Illusionary Sword and Eunrang Sword, then what stood in front of me was none other than the renowned archer.
He had arrived right before the fuss broke out.
If there was a difference,
‘Ilcheonggeom was blocking for protection.’
Whereas the archer seemed ready to guard me.
For some reason, that feeling lingered.
“Should I say thank you?”
I asked the archer.
“…Not at all. My intentions weren’t too far removed from Ilcheonggeom’s.”
He clarified, indicating he wasn’t protecting me but rather intervening.
Looking at the archer, I nodded.
It was subtle that the author wanted to protect me, but more importantly,
‘He’s incredibly fast. Remarkably so.’
The realization dawned on me that the archer’s skills were beyond my imagination.
In the moment everything was about to blow up, the archer was marginally slower than Ilcheonggeom was.
However, he still arrived here first.
Given the distance, it should’ve taken him longer to reach me than Ilcheonggeom, yet he was here before me.
‘Hmm.’
What’s behind this?
For some reason, I felt a twinge of unease.
As I was about to observe the archer more closely to discern that feeling,
“…It seems we should wrap up the discussion here.”
A voice emerged from Muyeon’s direction.
He rose with a visibly uncomfortable expression on his face.
“Muk Consultant.”
Ilcheonggeom approached him with concern etched on his features.
“I apologize for broaching the subject abruptly. That was my blunder… I’ll aim to organize things better next time. I’m truly sorry.”
Muyeon, covering his mouth as if struggling to bear witness to the conversation, moved to leave.
There was no one in the room to apprehend the elderly man.
As he departed, his discomfort clearly evident, bewildered expressions arose on others’ faces.
Ah, of course.
‘What a crafty old man.’
To me, it was just a poorly veiled performance.
This predicament was concocted by Muyeon.
He was responsible for creating this incredibly uncomfortable atmosphere.
And attempting to use me to pressure the Grand Masters.
As a result, everything was directed towards fulfilling the conditions I articulated.
It was all part of that old man’s schemes.
Sigh.
I thought it wouldn’t be simple, but I never anticipated he’d be that cunning.
Narrowing my eyes, I focused on the door through which Muyeon had exited.
Should we give this a try?
‘Alright. Let’s see what he has up his sleeves.’
No matter how he’s assessed and what plan is in place, I refuse to back down.
I turned my head and surveyed the scene behind me.
The Twin Illusionary Sword, still simmering, and the Eunrang Sword, who appeared somewhat spaced out.
Gazing at those powerhouses, I shifted my gaze to Ilcheonggeom.
Ilcheonggeom was staring at me.
I held his gaze, not avoiding the connection, and after a moment of silence, I offered him a slight smile.
“The outcome isn’t very impressive, but it seems the discussion is over. I shall take my leave first, if that’s alright?”
“…”
“I heard that I have to return tomorrow as well… so, I’ll see you then, Seniors.”
I dipped my head slightly and turned my gaze away.
I felt that there would be some sort of reaction to my departure, but I chose to disregard it.
‘The bait has been cast.’
Whether the prey bites is beyond my control.
Now, I can only wait for the day they take the bait.
Creak—!
Nevertheless,
‘In any case,’
As I opened the door, one thought crossed my mind.
‘I don’t think it will take long.’
It seems like they’ve already taken the bait.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.