Chapter: 818
Thud.
A torn piece of leather falls to the floor.
I cast a quick glance at it before examining the man in front of me.
The captivating beauty that had been there just a moment ago had vanished, revealing instead a notably handsome young man.
His slightly shimmering white hair was striking.
I couldn’t help but burst out in admiration upon seeing that.
‘No matter how much I look at it, it’s still impressive.’
How could that even be possible?
So much had changed in an instant.
Disguise is merely a layer added to the original body. So, there definitely must be some parts that are conspicuously visible.
This is especially true when a man disguises himself as a woman.
Because physical characteristics pose a problem, it’s usually possible to dress in men’s clothes, but that doesn’t make it easy to dress in women’s.
‘Can it really be this sophisticated?’
The Dark King even solved that issue.
Her arms and legs appear thinner, and her body gracefully curves, but the fullness of her breasts looks astonishingly natural.
How could that be feasible?
‘At first, I wondered if maybe some kind of gas transformation technique was being used.’
But looking at it, I don’t think that’s the case. If there was a method, then perhaps…
‘That uniform she’s wearing.’
A black uniform. I thought that might be the key.
These snug clothes perfectly accentuated her body lines.
It almost seems as if it forcibly alters the body…
‘Then, wouldn’t that restrict movement?’
If the pressure is sufficient to change the body’s shape like that, one would naturally expect issues with mobility; yet, the Dark King seemed surprisingly unbothered by any restraints.
She appeared so free, and even looked feminine enough to leave no room for doubt.
‘That blunt person… I can’t believe they could pull something like this off.’
How astonished I was the first time I saw her.
The quiet and seemingly emotionless Dark King acting all coy, playing the role of a woman!
‘And even changed her voice.’
Who knows what principle she used, but the Dark King even managed to adopt a delicate female voice.
The Dark King vanished, and the charming woman Yeonhong took her place.
It was only then that I understood.
‘No wonder I didn’t know the Dark King’s true identity until now.’
I had dismissed my initial thoughts, thinking the witnesses were all dead, but now I’m reconsidering.
It seems it was just because of her impressive skill in disguising.
‘Even her gender disguise is so perfect!’
Even if some specific item was employed, it’s astonishing nonetheless.
‘Not only did she compensate for the missing arm, but she also adjusted her height…’
The arm that had been ripped off while she was explaining something to me last time.
The Dark King managed to mask that as part of the disguise, even extending the height to fit!
He’s not exactly small for a secret agent.
This means when dressed as a woman, her height appears considerably increased.
Even though you can alter most things, height is usually a harder fix, making it seem out of place.
‘Oddly enough, it doesn’t look strange at all.’
Even with her height, there’s no sense of incongruity.
How is that even possible?
‘It’s not like she made herself shorter.’
Despite walking around at this height, no one seems to view her strangely, almost as if they fail to notice her stature.
‘Did she utilize her energy?’
A method to suppress her presence using energy. Is that perhaps how she applied it?
If she’s applied it, how on earth did she pull that off?
Fascinating.
After all, since there is a gas transformation technique, I don’t necessarily need it, but since it’s an unfamiliar method, curiosity piques.
“It’s amazing every time I see it.”
I complement her sincerely. The Dark King replies casually, “If you want, I can teach you.”
She said that as if it weren’t a remarkable secret at all.
“…No, I’m not really interested in learning.”
As I mentioned earlier, it isn’t something I particularly need, so I declined. Learning from the Dark King now would take too long.
‘I already have a mountain to learn. That’s too much.’
I can’t waste time learning just because I’m curious. I have no time for that.
“If I have questions next time, I’ll ask.”
“Understood.”
“But, Dark King.”
“Yes?”
“…Did it really need to be a woman?”
Dressing up is fine and all, but was it really necessary to pretend to be the woman named Yeonhong?
That’s what I was curious about.
Wouldn’t it be more effective and convenient to take on a male form?
That’s why I asked.
“This is more comfortable.”
The Dark King explained in her typically emotionless voice.
“Considering gender dynamics, managing others is easier when disguised as a woman.”
“…Hmm.”
Managing them, huh?
Are we referring to the sight of those locked up in a fish tank like I mentioned before?
If so, indeed, the Dark King had them managed quite well.
‘…With just a word from the Dark King, everything falls into place.’
Those who swarm like bees when she wishes for something.
When I see that, it’s evident they’ve been managed.
‘It’s a pity, though.’
Not knowing he’s a man inside, they cling obsessively to his looks. What happens when they discover the truth later on?
I don’t know for certain, but it likely won’t yield a great outcome.
Of course.
‘But I doubt the Dark King will get caught.’
Being the Dark King, she’ll manage somehow. That’s the faith I have.
“Yes. Well… I don’t mind if you do as you please…”
I quickly brushed aside that topic and delved into the main issue.
“I just met with the Head of Gyecheonmun. Do you know anything about him?”
“I’m aware.”
That was a swift reply. I thought the Dark King running the water fountain would know something, and indeed I was correct.
“If that’s the case, do you happen to know any special issues I should be particularly aware of?”
Upon hearing the question, the Dark King fell silent for a moment before quickly responding.
“My knowledge likely isn’t very different from what you already know.”
“Hmm.”
Well, that implies it’s faster to investigate for myself since there’s a discrepancy…
“If you’d like, I can dig into that.”
“Oh, no, that’s fine. There are other methods to find this out, so it’s alright. I have something else to request.”
“Go ahead.”
“I heard that the current Head of Gyecheonmun has been in contact with another force, plotting something. Could you please look into this ‘other force’?”
“Understood.”
“Uh… yes.”
I am quite taken aback by such a straightforward response.
Without a hint of hesitation, the Dark King simply agreed.
“Do you have a deadline in mind?”
“…The sooner, the better. If possible, within three days. To be exact, before the arrival of the Blue Dragon Lord would be ideal.”
“Noted. I’ll prepare it immediately.”
“Yes, please do.”
Fortunately, the Dark King expressed willingness to assist. I wanted to express my gratitude with a slight bow but…
“Thank… you… for this.”
Before I could finish, the Dark King had already disappeared from before my eyes.
Even the traces of the torn leather and the cast-off clothes that were left behind vanished.
Did she manage to clean everything up in that brief moment?
“Still fast.”
With my senses heightened, I could barely catch her presence; it seems the Dark King’s speed remains astonishing.
It’s a pity. If only I could gauge that, I wouldn’t find myself on the brink of death so often.
‘If I could gauge the Dark King’s speed, could I say I reached the level of the Three Lords?’
I think that might be the case.
How long would it take… oh, never mind.
‘I can definitely reach that level in three years at the least.’
It’s not about how long it will take; it’s about the assurance that I’ll succeed.
That’s what I needed.
Even if three years isn’t enough, I’ll break through to the Three Lords level regardless.
Without a note of hesitation, I chuckled softly to myself.
‘If the world heard that, they’d think I’m insane.’
If it were as easy as spoken, anyone could accomplish it.
How could I possibly reach the Samjon rank in just three years? It’s a laughably absurd declaration.
‘But as one of the great Three said, even when it seems impossible…’
“Make it happen somehow.”
Reiterating the reckless words I often mumble, I took a deep breath.
“Alright. Let’s move on.”
There are still many tasks awaiting me.
As time passed, it was nearing the hour when everyone would start to doze off.
Members should be on guard within the branch at this hour.
In that late moment, someone came knocking at my door.
It was Dang So-yeol, who had just finished his training.
“I wish to see the Lord.”
Dang So-yeol had apparently washed up lightly after training, his hair still slightly damp.
I glanced at him and cleared my throat.
“Sorry for calling you so late.”
“It’s alright. It’s something that needed to happen.”
“…You did say I could speak normally when it was just the two of us.”
“Oh.”
The moment I said it, I saw him freeze momentarily, realizing his mistake.
Then, he quickly adopted a sheepish smile, breaking into laughter.
“This has become a habit… Hehe.”
“Are you managing well as the vice-captain?”
After pausing for a moment in response to the question, Dang So-yeol answered.
“I still have much to learn, so it’s a bit challenging, but I’m okay.”
“If you want, I can switch things up.”
There are many who’d want to take on the vice-captain role.
Immediately, there’s Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bia, not to mention other members who would likely jump at the chance if I suggested it.
So, if the weight is too heavy, he can always step down. I meant it with that intention.
“No, I can do this. Please trust me.”
Dang So-yeol immediately bore an earnest gaze as he said this to me.
“Uh… okay. As long as you’re sure about it.”
Is it really a position he desires? I wasn’t sure since it seemed like it’d involve a lot of unnecessary duties.
“Anyway. Gonna get to the point now.”
I needed to explain why I called Dang So-yeol in the middle of the night.
“It’s just that I might have to visit the Tang Clan in a few days. Can you send a letter to the family head for me?”
“Uh… the Tang Clan?”
“Yeah, since you’re in Sacheon, you should probably go visit your family, right? I have something to relay while I stop by, so ask him to anticipate it.”
“Umm, okay. But, my Lord… I mean, your Highness, haven’t you been in touch with my father?”
“…I had to.”
That was past tense.
As Dang So-yeol mentioned, due to the restoration of the Dokcheondan, we often had correspondence with the Dang Clan.
Originally, I’d been in direct contact with the Poison King, but recently, it had shifted to messaging with the Sogaju.
The abrupt change in contact with the Sogaju is for a reason.
“…The clan head is a bit upset with me. I need your help with that.”
The man is angry with me.
“Yes…? My father? What’s that about all of a sudden…?”
“There’s something going on… So I’m counting on you.”
“Ah… yes.”
I can’t explain the reasoning.
Especially not to Dang So-yeol.
It’s not because of me, it’s because of the Poison King.
If I told Dang So-yeol that I was receiving backlash due to this and that situation,
‘That guy… getting angry will not be the end of it.’
I can only imagine how the Poison King might respond.
Perhaps it could escalate from mild annoyance to outright resentment?
For this reason, I needed to ask Dang So-yeol for a favor regarding my planned visit to the Tang Clan.
If I say I’m going, a heap of troublesome preparations would be in play, guaranteed.
“Should I just convey that I’m going?”
“Yeah; add that I’ll definitely be going with you.”
“Oh, got it… So, when do you plan to send that?”
“Hmm. Probably after the Blue Dragon Lord arrives… I’d say roughly five days?”
Three to five days. Perfect timing.
That should be sufficient.
‘I can spread bait in the meantime. I should also be able to gather intel on the Gyecheonmun head.’
Simultaneously, I can also pull some strings with the branch head.
This was the time for it.
Of course, all that depends on the Dark King moving as planned, and the branch head acting accordingly…
‘No worries there.’
I’m not particularly anxious about it.
I know well enough what the Dark King is capable of, and the branch head won’t stray from my predictions.
And since the Martial Arts Alliance has already engaged, everything should proceed smoothly.
‘Now, it all boils down to how I choose to act.’
My decisions will greatly impact the outcomes.
Yet, no matter what, my overarching goal remains unchanged.
This situation was crafted that way.
“So, I’d like to ask a favor.”
“Yes.”
I made my request to Dang So-yeol and turned my gaze outside.
It was a night illuminated by the moon.
Looking at it, for some reason, I had a feeling that everything was going to align perfectly.
“Well then, for the next few days… I think I’ll try sowing some bait here and there.”
“Uh? Bait?”
Dang So-yeol tilted his head in reaction to my softly whispered words.
Seeing that, I smiled and clarified.
“Oh, just trying to catch something.”
“If it’s fishing… um, do you plan on going fishing?”
“Sort of.”
If it’s fishing, then it’s fishing.
The difference is I’m not after fish.
‘I’m just aiming to catch a Blue Dragon, you see.’
I’m polishing the Gyecheonmun.
Alongside the Martial Arts Alliance’s Blue Dragon.
My plan was to hook it, slice it up, and enjoy it fresh!
Time passed in this manner, and four days later,
As expected, the Blue Dragon. The Blue Dragon Lord, Ilcheonggeom, appeared alongside his forces at the Sichuan branch.
“Holy King–!!”
What’s more?
“You bastard! Where are you? I’ll kill you right now!!”
He looked quite angry while drawing his sword.
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