Chapter: 806
The child of Eulryeong Sword Master.
Mokyeon’s eyes waver at the letter written like that.
While watching that reaction, I lowered my gaze.
I was curious.
How will the man named Mokyeon, who once belonged to the Murim Alliance, react to Eulryeong Sword Master?
I wonder if he knows about the ‘war’ that happened back then.
And.
‘Are you involved too?’
What does the old man named Mokyeon have to do with that matter?
That was something I was curious about and the reason I wrote something that didn’t need to be written.
So show me.
If you know something, share your impressions of the world you saw back then.
Even just a little.
As I kept an eye on Mokyeon with that thought in mind, he spoke with a slightly trembling voice.
“…Eulryeong Sword Master… she…”
“…”
Seeing this, I couldn’t help but think to myself.
‘Hold.’
The reaction is subtle. It’s one thing to say it’s shock, but it’s another to say it’s affection.
If it’s affection, what exactly is so affectionate?
A response that barely scratches the surface.
So it was a pity.
‘There’s no way you didn’t know.’
Is it possible that Mokyeon didn’t know about Eulryeong Sword Master?
It’s not impossible, but it almost converges to nothing.
He is an old man who took charge of most of the Murim Alliance’s work during its heyday.
It’s still like that now.
It hadn’t even been two weeks since he returned, but the Alliance was already changing systematically.
He began pulling strings to turn around the dwindling public sentiment and started to drain the stagnant water, fixing the broken system.
I was amazed at the speed and safety of it all.
If you don’t know what’s going on inside and outside, there are countless things you can’t handle.
An old man who took a brief rest is already at this level, so what would Mokyeon have been like back then?
‘I don’t know for sure, but it must have been serious.’
No matter how you look at it, there’s no way this old man didn’t know the circumstances.
So, it could only be one of two things.
He either collaborated in that situation, or…
‘He turned a blind eye even while knowing.’
I was curious which of these two options Mokyeon belonged to.
Of course.
‘No matter which one it is, the result won’t change.’
Regardless of Mokyeon’s choice, the choice to eliminate him can’t change.
Only the process leading to the result varies.
In that sense, Mokyeon’s current reaction tells me…
‘There’s still a need to dig a little deeper.’
While I pondered over this and observed Mokyeon, he added, “How did Lord Seongryong Daeju come to know this woman…?”
As he asked about my relationship with Bong-soon, I straightened my expression and replied.
“Am I really supposed to tell you that? I think that question isn’t covered in the contract.”
“…”
Regardless of the circumstances, I’ll accept the five I want as members of the Alliance.
That’s what the terms explicitly stated.
Thus, Mokyeon cannot ask me anything.
He must be aware of this too.
“Seongryong Daeju.”
“Yes.”
“…Do you know who Eulryeong Sword Master is?”
“Of course, I know.”
I answered Mokyeon as if it was a given.
“Isn’t she a sinner preparing for the Great Battle of Justice?”
“…”
Mokyeon’s eyebrows twitched slightly at my indifferent answer.
Yes, Eulryeong Sword Master is a traitor and a criminal.
That was the history created by the current Murim Alliance.
“So, are you saying that you brought this woman here knowing that?”
His tone suggested something displeasing.
Upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Haha. Mr. Muk, what’s gotten into you?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Isn’t it a different issue that the mother is a sinner while this woman is an innocent child? Not to mention, she’s categorized as an illegitimate child.”
“…”
“Moreover.”
I reached out and pointed at a line written on the letter.
“The Amipa is proving that she is a woman. What’s there to be anxious about?”
Bloodline connection.
The daughter of the Piga family, supported by Amipa. The most significant figure is none other than Kwon Seon.
It’s the Gu Pailbang, of all places, that’s proving her identity.
Thanks to this, the basis for justification was already sufficient.
Only.
‘I suppose Amipa will be a sticking point.’
The Amipa—which is rather pivotal in this situation.
From my perspective, Eulryeong Sword Master, Amipa, and the Alliance have some ties, and even if I vouch for their identities, doubts would arise in Mokyeon’s mind.
“So, it doesn’t seem like there’s any problem… right? Or is there something troubling you?”
“…Even if there aren’t problems, public perception exists.”
“Well, I suppose so.”
“This could become an issue even within the Alliance itself. No matter how much Lord Seongryong mentions the conditions.”
“The problem is… you’re saying that a sinner’s child is being allowed into the Murim Alliance?”
That alone…
“If she succeeds, would she not have been the spark for the Great War?”
“…That’s correct.”
I nodded in agreement with Mokyeon’s words.
As if I’d understood his viewpoint.
“Hmm.”
Of course, it was nothing more than a pretense.
“Mr. Muk, what should we do then? Should we replace her with someone else? I’m indifferent about that, you know.”
If it becomes a problem, I will take her out.
That was just a casual suggestion.
“I also just found out about this not long ago… I thought it could be a problem, but I was just trying to keep things safe. If it feels uncomfortable, I can remove her.”
“…That’s…”
“I only mentioned it because it might be an issue, as you said.”
“…”
As I spoke, I reached for the letter. My intention was to remove only the documents related to Bong-soon.
Hold on.
“Hmm?”
For some reason, the letter seemed glued in place, refusing to budge.
When I checked, Mokyeon was gripping the letter and wouldn’t let go.
“Mr. Muk?”
“It wasn’t my intention to exclude it completely, knowing there are conditions as you mentioned.”
After hearing that, I narrowed my eyes.
“Then?”
“I will erase the last line. If you just pay attention to this part, it should be fine.”
The last line refers to…
‘Is that the part concerning Eulryeong Sword Master?’
Bloodline connection. The information that Bong-soon is related to Eulryeong Sword Master.
This opinion implied that keeping that secret would be fine.
What this means is,
‘I know, but I’ll quietly let it slide. It means to keep her in.’
The fact that Mokyeon displays this level of reaction indicates…
‘This old man has some connection after all.’
It served as proof that there exists a relationship with Eulryeong Sword Master.
‘This is a bit risky.’
Not my risk, but Mokyeon’s gamble.
Mokyeon is keeping a sharp watch on me.
He is aware that I intend to use him to clarify the waters of the Murim Alliance. Besides that, he knows I harbor some doubts about him.
Furthermore, Mokyeon likely realizes I’m not completely oblivious. He probably knows I’ll catch on to anything strange happening here.
Mokyeon is concerned about the child of Eulryeong Sword Master.
He’s asking me to keep vital information a secret.
I recognized that.
This process is something Mokyeon probably knows too…
‘But he still chooses to proceed?’
That was striking to me.
Surely, I thought they would just tell me to take her out. So, I had already prepared the next steps with that in mind.
‘Looks like it’s time for the third option now.’
The first and second are to be disregarded.
I had to head towards option number three immediately.
“Since Mr. Muk already knows, what difference does it make if we keep it a secret?”
“I will prepare a solution. I’ll discuss this with Amipa separately.”
“Okay.”
So that means he has no intention of hiding his concern?
At this point, I couldn’t help but ask.
“Why?”
He frowned slightly at my question.
“…”
“Is the issue with Eulryeong Sword Master herself? Or that she’s her daughter? I don’t grasp why Mr. Muk is acting this way.”
Thinking about my opponent’s oddities, I asked quite openly.
As a result, a sharp glint appeared in Mokyeon’s eyes.
“I will answer your question with what you said just before.”
“…”
I was left speechless by that.
He created a scenario impossible to question—don’t ask anything further. That was the gist.
‘Tsk.’
It’s regrettable, but digging deeper would likely yield no more information.
Even this much is a significant gain.
‘I can tell that Mukyeon is overly concerned. I’ve also realized he knows something.’
All that’s left is to find out more.
“Yes, well. In that case, I’ll confirm that it’s all right. I’ll be leaving now.”
“…I won’t see you off.”
Upon hearing that, I promptly turned my back.
Simultaneously, I raised my hand and wiped off the slightly formed sweat on my face.
Although I gained much, one thing left me feeling disappointed.
‘He probably figured this out.’
Just as I learned something new about Mokyeon,
Mokyeon likely caught on to me too.
‘I think he suspects I know something about Eulryeong Sword Master.’
Whether he fully knew it or merely had a lingering suspicion is uncertain, but I sensed he picked up on something.
Therefore, even now, I wished to turn around and catch a glimpse of Mokyeon’s face.
I wanted to see what expression he wore…
‘…That would be a dead giveaway.’
Definitely an act that could lead to unneeded confidence, so I held back.
Creeeak.
I suppressed a sigh as I grabbed the doorknob.
Recalling the words I garnered at the end of our conversation.
Do not reveal that Bong-soon is the successor to the Eulryeong Sword Master.
That was Mokyeon’s instruction.
‘I suppose I should heed that.’
I made the decision to comply.
It was fine anyway. Because.
‘Why don’t I just not reveal it?’
After all, my mouth is not the only one in existence.
I escaped from Mokyeon’s presence and headed back towards Seongryongdae.
It wasn’t a straight shot. I briefly stopped by Cheolryongdae on the way out.
I intended to ask Eunranggeom something, but unfortunately, he was away.
Consequently, I exited only having seen the frowning faces of the Iron Dragon members.
You little punks… I have no clue why you’re looking at me like that when I’m not even the fan of Eunrang Sword.
I considered flipping them off but refrained.
‘I’m giving you a pass because of Eunranggeom.’
Surprisingly normal Eunranggeom. I resolved to let it go just because of him.
Had it been the twin sword technique, I might’ve left them all grounded.
‘Tsk.’
Anyway.
I clicked my tongue softly and made my way towards the platform.
There’s still a bit of time until the promised one-hour event, but I thought I could simply go to see what’s left.
‘I wonder what’s going on.’
I had scheduled it, but whatever happened remains a mystery.
Even if they were thrown into a brawl, there could very well have been some amicable discussion as a resolution.
‘I don’t know about the Assassins, but I suspect those who offered support handled things appropriately.’
Not a single person is below a peak-level fighter.
It was a collection of individuals wielding excessive strength. That’s why it might’ve actually been comfortable.
They could certainly gauge the complete power difference without engaging in a conflict.
Thus, wouldn’t the Alliance members go berserk while the supporters managed to keep things rather peaceful?
As I entertained that thought and made my way to Seongryongdae…
Whoosh-!
“Huh?”
Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy as I was walking.
It was a deep and powerful wind of energy.
‘Oh…..’
Frowning at this sensation—one all too familiar.
It wasn’t just me; the martial artists vaguely visible around me also directed their gazes toward one spot.
The location being that of Seongryongdae.
Upon sensing this, I began to quicken my pace.
Thud—!
Boom—!! Creak—!!
As I neared, the energy—and noise—grew louder.
“…”
When I sensed it, I focused my feet and leaped into the air.
An instinct told me something was up.
Whoosh-!
In an instant, the scene changed, and I landed inside the battalion.
At that moment.
“Crazy.”
I had to curse at the spectacle before me.
Creeeak—!!! Bang—!!
“Ah!”
“Run, get out of here!”
A tremendous energy swirled within.
The ferocious pressure of the blades.
As if a storm of energy were battling it out.
I scanned my surroundings amidst the violent winds generated by the sword.
“Stay, stay back!”
“If you get caught in this, you’ll die!”
Not only the Alliance’s martial artists but also the supporters were busily dodging the incoming energy.
Every once in a while, an energy wave would whip by, and some risked harm trying to block it.
At that moment.
Whooosh-!!
A wave of energy shot straight towards my direction.
Acting quickly, I flicked my wrist to deflect it away.
Crack-!
The energy shattered, sending fragments spiraling around. My fingertips felt tingly.
It was clearly a formidable energy.
‘…This energy.’
I couldn’t help but frown as the overwhelming familiarity pressed onto me.
“Are, are you okay, Daeju?”
I turned my head toward the voice.
Someone approached me. A familiar face.
It was Yeoltujeongeom, the one who helped me during the judgment.
Upon seeing him, I immediately asked, “Explain.”
“Yes, yes?”
Back then, his tone was polite, but now it was different.
Caught off guard by my abrupt shift in attitude, Yeoltujeongeom appeared bewildered.
“Can you explain what’s going on right now?”
I pressed him for an answer.
There was no other choice.
The whirlpool’s owner, glowing gold sword and fierce howling winds of thunder.
Just looking at this would make anyone shiver.
The owner of that imposing sword is none other than…
“Why are they doing this?”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah.
The two of them were fighting as if they intended to kill each other.
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