Chapter: 786
“Is that really true?”
Ilcheonggeom asks, looking back at Beomdong’s words.
The Holy King is currently nursing an internal injury.
My ears perk up at the information he brings.
One.
“Yes, it’s true.”
“What evidence is there to prove that…?”
Contrary to the promising claims, there’s a shortage of proof to back them up.
With that, Beomdong responds.
“Do you know, Your Majesty the Blue Dragon, that there are deities around the space where the Holy King resides?”
“I’m aware,”
Ilcheonggeom nods.
It’s already a well-known fact that the Baekhwa Association has Shin-ui as a guest, and it’s no secret that he’s hanging around in Hanam.
When they got wind of this, the Meng side promptly contacted Shin-ui.
The reason? Naturally, they did so in hopes he’d camp out in their territory…
Shin-ui firmly rejected Meng’s request.
Well, it was more of an ambiguous refusal, as he suggested to direct the question to the Baekhwa Association.
That’s just as good as saying, “Not my problem.”
Which association would keep a divine guest and then hand him off to someone else?
Furthermore, the Baekhwa Association kind of leans towards being friendly with the Meng.
For that reason alone, it was highly improbable.
And indeed, that’s what happened.
“If you’re going to keep the divine being there, it might be better just to let him go.”
How much value does this divine being hold in the Central Plains? Just the news of his appearance nearby could make several top-tier players and even sects and noble families stir into action.
Despite possessing such a divine being, the Baekhwa Association did not engage in any noteworthy action.
They literally provided a temporary residence, and that’s where the matter ended.
On this, the Meng was pondering.
“The reason we allowed the deity to stay is that someone among the association is in very poor health.”
That looped around in their minds, but still…
There were no real findings.
The occasional reports of the deity healing folks have made the rounds, but there’s nothing indicating anything related to that.
Even if they wanted the information…
“It’s tough to access.”
Getting to the location where the deity resided proved challenging.
Indeed, they sent out several informants, but instead of gathering intel, they ended up causing more trouble.
“They said they came back half-crippled or completely loony.”
While no one lost their life, they returned with damage that was hardly trivial, shaking their heads like bobbleheads.
This inevitably suggested there was something hidden in the residence arranged by the Baekhwa Association.
The problem is…
“There’s no evidence to prove it.”
The issue lies in the absence of footprints left behind.
They couldn’t disclose that the Murim Alliance sent informants to dig deeper.
Most of the returnees were dazed out of their minds, leaving them with barely a crumb of intel.
Because of this, they collectively sighed.
“They even termed Baekhwa Association as a magul (魔窟).”
According to the inner intelligence of the Meng, that’s how they referred to it.
That’s the current situation.
“You say you managed to gather some intel from there?”
“Correct.”
“…”
At Beomdong’s words, Ilcheonggeom’s brow furrows slightly.
Is that really a thing?
A question brews in his mind.
The Biryongdaeju claiming to have suddenly obtained information from a place called magul.
With that, doubt starts to creep in.
“There’s no reason for the Dragon Lord to fill us with lies.”
Recalling Beomdong’s past actions, he feels there’s little chance he would fabricate a story.
“…Please explain further.”
Consequently, Ilcheonggeom decides to listen to Beomdong’s insights.
“First and foremost… there were definite circumstantial clues.”
“Clues?”
“Yes, the Holy King has recently been involved in fierce battles. This results from the demon summoning conducted by the descendants of the Zhuge family.”
“…”
Last time, those pesky safains that ambushed Hanam.
In the Meng, they simply bundled them up as safains and spread it across the world.
While they tossed in several Zhuge family-related tidbits as well, it was muddled up enough to make comprehension hard.
Because of that, only the safains and the demonic cult linger in people’s minds.
Research is still ongoing regarding the summoning of the monsters they initiated.
“The summoned beast at the time was rated white-level. A monster that belonged only in ancient tales.”
A living disaster said to have existed hundreds of years ago.
The monster summoned by the Zhuge family was an exceedingly high-class beast that, true to the claims, turned the entire Hanam area into a wreckage.
“The courageous defender against such monsters was none other than the Holy King. As the Blue Dragon Lord witnessed later on, the Holy King wasn’t in top shape.”
“…”
At Beomdong’s words, Ilcheonggeom is immediately flooded with recollections.
On the day of that white-level monster’s attack. It was when the Holy King captured the monster and arrived at the Meng in a hurry.
Ilcheonggeom had met with the Holy King at that time.
And at a glance, it was clear that the King wasn’t alright.
It would have been odd if he collapsed at any moment.
Just standing on two legs was a sight to behold.
“Moreover, this incident occurred after his battle with the Dow King. His state must have deteriorated even further.”
“…”
What he says is reasonable enough.
While it’s precisely as Beomdong described, it undoubtedly suggests that the Holy King’s condition isn’t great.
“That’s simply speculation. I mentioned before, there’s no concrete proof.”
“Right. That’s why I’m saying we dispatched an informant to verify it.”
“Verification?”
“Last night, I saw the Holy King coming and going from the divine residence.”
“…!”
Ilcheonggeom squints at Beomdong’s words.
The Holy King appeared to have been entering and exiting the residence of the deity.
At hearing this, Ilcheonggeom lightly brushes his mouth with his hand.
Observing him, Beomdong adds, “You might already know, but the Holy King is the offspring of the current head of the association. Given that it’s the head’s residence, coming and going shouldn’t pose a problem, but doesn’t the scenario seem a bit odd?”
“… Hmm.”
Many thoughts tangled in Ilcheonggeom’s mind.
Ultimately, despite the lack of real evidence from Beomdong’s claims.
The very circumstances were indeed problematic.
Battling the Dow King, fighting the demon, and then visiting the divine residence.
‘That alone isn’t quite enough.’
As Ilcheonggeom cogitates, a previous situation flashes back to him.
Golden Dragon Lord and Iron Dragon Lord.
He recalled the situation where the Holy King confronted them.
‘That was undoubtedly a cold sweat moment.’
The instant Ilcheonggeom blocked an attack, he noticed the King wiping the cold sweat pouring down his face.
Though his expression didn’t seem particularly strained…
‘I wonder if he’s truly wounded.’
All the way from entering the alliance.
The very moment where he grappled with the King’s sword, defending against him.
The level of pressure he felt was immense, yet even through all that, Ilcheonggeom could distinctly sense it.
‘The King’s energy was disrupted.’
In other words, the energy from the Holy King was trembling in an unusual manner inside him.
Such an action couldn’t be one deliberately executed.
No one he’s met could intentionally create such quaking energy.
If that was achievable…
‘Then he’s no longer human; he’s a monster.’
An act even the three deities who are said to be close to the divine can’t replicate.
Grasping this, Ilcheonggeom began to resonate with Beomdong’s logic.
However.
“Why are you sharing this with me?”
Why on earth would the Biryongdaeju convey such sensitive information now?
That was the major sticking point.
“It seems you’re mentioning it directly for a reason. I don’t think you plan to relay this to the higher-ups.”
“…”
Ilcheonggeom watched Beomdong nod in affirmation.
“Indeed. If the Blue Dragon Lord doesn’t desire it, there’s no reason to escalate this matter.”
“…”
“I’m sharing this information with you for no particular reason.”
Beomdong, who keeps relaying words, sparks up with his eyes.
“I’m not fond of the Holy King, unlike other lords. Plus, I thought this information might be useful for the Blue Dragon Lord right now.”
“… Hah.”
Upon hearing that, Ilcheonggeom lets out a hollow laugh.
“If he has sustained internal injuries, they must be pretty severe. A fighter who participated in the battle with the monster mentioned that he collapsed while vomiting blood.”
How does he even digest this?
What’s Beomdong’s true intent behind bringing this up to him?
Is there something specific he wants him to do regarding the Holy King’s condition?
Pondering this, his mind raced through various thoughts.
“…”
After lingering in silence with his hand over his mouth, Ilcheonggeom finally says,
“I’ve listened well.”
With a somewhat somber expression, he addresses Beomdong.
“It appears I have something to contemplate now. You may leave.”
“…Understood.”
Without hesitation, Beomdong rises from his seat right away.
But just as he’s about to step outside…
“Blue Dragon Lord.”
“…Speak.”
“As you inquired earlier. If the Lord does not desire it, I do not intend to report this matter to my higher-ups. What do you think?”
Beomdong asks that question.
“…”
Ilcheonggeom replies through slightly withheld breath,
“For the time being… I don’t believe it needs reporting. When I finish thinking, I will convey it separately.”
“…Got it.”
Upon receiving that response, Beomdong slightly bows his head before exiting.
He walks calmly away, finally putting some distance between himself and Ilcheonggeom.
Then, in a hidden spot,
Hoo-Hoo…!
Beomdong collapses, unseen by anyone.
Sluuuurp!
The cold sweat he’s been holding in drips down his chin.
Thud Thud – droplets tinkle as they land on the ground.
Beyond this, Beomdong gasps for breath with wide-open eyes.
“What the… what the…?”
As he touches one arm with trembling fingers, goosebumps run down his body.
It had to be that way.
– There’s only one thing you have to do.
– After a suitable amount of time has passed, go find Ilcheonggeom.
The reason Beomdong approaches Ilcheonggeom is none other than what King Seongwang and Gu Yangcheon conveyed.
– He’s probably really angry. Don’t dwell on it; just say what I instructed. You do remember, right?
Gu Yangcheon had implanted specific words into Beomdong’s thoughts.
Whatever Ilcheonggeom brings up, just respond in kind.
After hearing all that, Beomdong followed the instructions and began the conversation as directed.
Soon after, he’s met with unexpected surprise.
‘What is happening… what on earth?’
Whatever Ilcheonggeom uttered, it aligned perfectly with the response he had memorized.
He may have faced slight variations, but his words synced completely.
– Ask before you head out.
Finally.
– Can I report to the higher-ups? If Ilcheonggeom answers this way, it’s a win.
– To the bosses.
“Delay reporting for a bit…”
The voice belonging to Gu Yangcheon overlapped with Ilcheonggeom’s words.
Beomdong wiped his cold sweat off repeatedly, the tension echoing in his mind.
‘What in the world…’
How did this turn of events happen?
His eyes fluttered as disbelief sank in.
Along with it came an encroaching fear.
What kind of being had captured him?
His racing heart tightened with anxiety.
Deep inside, he just wished he could spill everything to Ilcheonggeom and hide away.
Couldn’t he just seek help from Ilcheonggeom, quickly grab his daughter, and vanish?
Those thoughts floated in his mind but…
Ultimately, Beomdong was unable to take that route.
His instincts continuously urged him on.
“You can’t ignore him. You can’t afford to make a different choice.”
The instincts screamed out, delivering this outcome.
‘…Did I…’
Had he made the right choice?
This act depicts outright betrayal towards the Meng.
Still, is he going to be fine?
It felt like he was gradually ensnared by a thickening darkness.
While Beomdong trembled in fear,
[Confirmed.]
“…!!”
Suddenly, a voice whispers in Beomdong’s ear.
Immediately, he lifts his head, searching the surroundings.
“What’s going on…? Who are you?”
[I confirmed the order has been executed. I will inform the Master.]
[Thank you for your hard work.]
“No—!! Who are you talking about?!”
Terrified, Beomdong repeatedly shouts, but the woman’s voice faded away, leaving only quiet shadows.
Thud.
His legs buckle under him as the realization sets in.
“…This makes no sense…”
Had someone been watching as he executed commands?
“Ha… Ha ha.”
Therefore, it suggests that betrayal was never truly an option from the start.
Beomdong hides his face behind trembling hands.
He needed to just shiver in his place for a moment.
*
It’s after he left the Meng that he returns to a moment of quiet at his location.
While seated, quietly gazing at the pond, someone drew near.
“Master.”
At the familiar voice, he turns to see Nahi kneeling beside him.
Once he directs his gaze to her, Nahi quickly continues,
“I delivered your message as instructed.”
He nods in acknowledgment of her report.
“I couldn’t approach because of Ilcheonggeom’s energy. But at the moment Seomgum appeared, I passed the message.”
“Well done.”
“However… I haven’t been able to verify if Seomgum actually acted upon it.”
Nahi speaks with evident concern, yet his response merely manifests an amused smile.
“Don’t worry about it. It was bound to happen anyway.”
“…”
He affirms there’s no chance that Beomdong would have opted for a different route.
“That guy is painfully narrow-minded.”
This self-styled information officer can’t see the forest for the trees.
Well, he might grasp the wide picture, but fails to read his own immediate predicament.
He’s certain of it.
‘That’s precisely why he suffered so much in his past life.’
Beomdong isn’t capable of defying him.
“So, just keep it like that.”
“…Understood.”
At present, this was adequate.
The swordsman will be anxious as he observes the rope drawing closer to his neck.
That fear needs to be maximized endlessly.
He must cultivate it to peak levels.
‘Then, it will burst out in the end.’
It should end in unspeakable misery and shame.
It’s clear that Beomdong’s ultimate fate has to pan out this way.
‘For Beomdong, that’s sufficient.’
Now, the pressing concern is…
‘When will Ilcheonggeom stir into action?’
He garners the bait deep enough and, while it’s easy to bite down, it’s not the finish line.
‘Remember, the Ilcheonggeom’s a big one.’
He’s a sizable fish; yank at him too quickly, and the line will snap.
To draw him in, it’s vital to sap away even more of his strength.
‘Let’s contemplate on this… this segment.’
There are still multiple ways to exploit this, so he’ll ponder further.
Since he must gear up for another trip to the Meng tomorrow, it’s time to plan accordingly.
Having decided on that course of action, he props his chin on his hand.
“Master.”
Abruptly, he turns back at Nahi’s call.
“What?”
“I have some second-hand information to relay.”
“Hmm?”
Information. His originally sought intel has wrapped up. This is something he conveys personally.
‘What might it be? Is it Ji-seon… or Je-gal-hyeok?’
As he wonders, Nahi provides her reply.
“An elder from the Gu family has arrived in Hanam.”
“…Huh?”
An unexpected revelation unraveled before him.
“An elder, you say?”
“Yes. I just received the news… Master?”
Nahi gazes at him, wide-eyed.
She appears alarmed by his sudden shift in demeanor.
“…Where are you off to?”
She inquiries cautiously, those eyes searching.
At her words, he quickly begins to pack his belongings.
“Off where?”
Why on earth is she asking such an obvious question?
“I must bounce.”
“…”
Nahi wears an uncharacteristically stunned expression at his response.
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