Chapter: 824
The so-called powers or groups exist in innumerable forms within the Central Plains. Even the likes of the Gu Pailbang and the Four Great Families count as forces.
The Murim Alliance itself, including them, is also a force, and the Demonic Cult holds a similar position.
What’s crucial here is understanding the roles these forces play and their true intentions.
To put it simply, are they righteous factions or sinister cults? That’s what needs to be prioritized.
It was the same in my previous life.
Back then too, I encountered a lot of fellows with bizarre names.
There have always been countless self-proclaimed sects or families, but among them, particularly problematic were…
‘Those who call themselves a cult.’
If there’s any significant issue, it’s usually one of those guys.
People who either follow something zealously or are wildly addicted to it.
This isn’t entirely strange.
If you look at representative cases like the Taoist or Buddhist schools, such as the Wudang or Shaolin, they’re hardly different.
Despite their claims, it’s not odd for them to refer to themselves as cults; if anything, they’d be on the successful side.
However, what I’m talking about here are the lunatics among those cults.
They’re the ones causing the trouble whenever something goes wrong.
Just take a glance at the Demonic Cult. I’ve yet to meet a sane individual among those with ‘cult’ in their title.
In that sense…
‘Ilcheongyo?’
The sensation I just heard was chilling.
Tap-tap! Tap-tap!
The flames flickered through the night air. A small building was completely engulfed in fire.
Of course, I was the one who set the blaze.
I was burning everything to erase all traces of the people inside, and as I watched the roaring flames, I stroked my chin.
‘It’s just so unsettling.’
Those who had approached the Gyecheonmun or were plotting something with them.
Those guys go by the name Ilcheongyo… Hearing that name left me feeling extremely uneasy.
‘The Gyecheonmun are those who acquired something from Geumcheonyeonga’s secret in my past life.’
Thanks to that, not only did the leader’s realm skyrocket, but they also became notorious as a demonic entity. Back then, it seemed they had a rather impressive stroke of luck. That’s what I thought, anyway.
‘What’s the situation now?’
I had plundered Geumcheonyeonga’s secrets. It wasn’t anything grand enough to raise the realm of the Gyecheonmun like it was some miraculous boon… Still, I was the one who discovered and obtained it.
But what is the current leader like?
‘He was definitely no pushover.’
His power was significantly higher than recorded. I could sense it.
‘He appeared to be at the lower tier of the top masters.’
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill aura. It possessed a far more stable and formidable energy.
Clearly, he hadn’t acquired any miraculous secrets, so how could that be?
‘In the end, it means there’s something going on here.’
While I pondered what that might be, the name Ilcheongyo made me think of many things.
The fortune the Gyecheonmun gained in my previous life from Geumcheonyeonga.
And the notion of One Sky.
Only one sky.
Whether by chance or fate… it carried the name of the elder from the Geumcheon family. A name that belonged to the man who was hailed as a hero for averting a calamity back then.
After all, he was akin to the world’s number one, Yeon Il-cheon.
Moreover, it was enough to startle my nerves.
A day passed since I incinerated the people known as Ilcheongyo.
I couldn’t kill them all since it wasn’t their main base, so I needed to broaden the search area a bit.
If only there wasn’t one issue.
‘The issue is that I’m in a tough spot to move.’
It’s quite the bad timing for me to search personally.
Of course, this isn’t a major problem considering the presence of the Dark King…
‘But it feels a bit much to delegate everything to that fellow.’
It’s exceedingly awkward to keep giving orders to a gentleman with only one arm.
Though that doesn’t mean I can do the searching myself…
‘I can’t handle the search side of things either.’
If it’s about smashing everything to find what’s left, then maybe.
But sneaking around, piecing things together bit by bit, just doesn’t suit my temperament. Sure, I could do it if necessary… but really, it’d be much easier if someone more competent than me took charge.
Sigh.
Okay, let’s think positively.
‘Besides… for some reason, it seems like the Dark King is also interested in getting involved.’
When I heard the name Ilcheongyo, the Dark King was right there with me. Afterward, it seemed like he had some inspiration and spoke about diving deeper into the matter.
It was quite convenient that I raised my hand to volunteer as a participant.
Tap-tap. I drummed my fingers on the table, narrowing my eyes.
“I’m certain there’s something there…”
There’s definitely something—something that’s getting on my nerves.
Yet, I still don’t know precisely what that something is.
It was still an exceedingly uncomfortable situation. While I hid my lingering feelings, deeply engrossed in thought…
Knock, knock.
“Your Majesty.”
There was a presence outside the door.
“This is Moon Do-hyuk. May I come in for a moment?”
“Come in.”
A man entered. It was Moon Do-hyuk, a member of Seongryongdae.
“What’s the matter?”
“I have come to inform you about the investigation status.”
“Ah.”
I nodded.
Once granted permission, Moon Do-hyuk carefully passed over a letter. Upon accepting it and opening it, it contained reports from the past few days.
“Hmm.”
As I swiftly read through it, I asked Moon Do-hyuk.
“How many days does this cover?”
“It covers three days.”
“Okay?”
Three days, huh? I chuckled at that.
“Understood, I’ve noted it. You may leave now.”
“Do you have any further orders?”
“Not at the moment. For now, continue as you’ve been… Oh. Captain Moon.”
“Yes?”
“If possible, keep an eye on the movements of the Blue Dragon Corps.”
“Are you referring to Cheongryongdae?”
“Yeah. Not in detail. Just enough to get an idea.”
“Sure….”
Once Moon Do-hyuk left, I finally freed the laughter I had been holding back. After a moment of laughter, I paused and my expression turned serious.
“Ah… that’s amusing.”
I scrunched up the letter and incinerated it right away.
It vanished into ashes. Even though it’s information, there’s really no need to keep it.
After all…
“This is pointless information.”
The data Moon Do-hyuk brought was entirely useless fake information.
What purportedly covered three days’ worth looked fine at first glance, but every bit of it was utterly trivial.
The movements of Gyecheonmun—assessed positions, plus details on personnel movements were all there.
“Wow.”
But it was all fabricated. I knew it for certain since I possessed what the Dark King brought and what I deduced independently.
What I’m saying is, though Moon Do-hyuk’s report seemed intact, it was all false.
“These idiots.”
While I spat out curses, my expression wasn’t too bad.
I had anticipated this outcome, as I expected.
If I truly intended to acquire reliable information from the onset, I wouldn’t bother delegating it to these guys.
I could have investigated myself or had someone trustworthy handle it.
The reason I opted for this fellow was entirely different. I already knew the right information…
‘Because it’s far easier to filter it out this way.’
For some draws, this approach was quite convenient. Thus, I insisted on making them handle it.
‘I never imagined they would be so blatant about it.’
But this was far too obvious.
‘Could it be that I see things more clearly because I already know the facts?’
That might be the case, but whatever it is, that isn’t the point.
What’s essential is this.
‘There are people who need filtering out.’
There are definitely individuals among the Seongryongdae that I need to deal with.
Especially Moon Do-hyuk, who just came to deliver the letter.
He was someone who had come from Cheongryongdae in the first place.
Rumor has it he was nearly expelled for his poor performance.
What a bizarre twist of fate.
“Hmmm…”
What should I do? I was contemplating that when I gradually got to my feet.
It seems there may be a place I need to visit.
*
A man slipped out of Gu Yangcheon’s residence. Moon Do-hyuk walked while hiding his anxiousness.
With each faded sound, his expression became more pronounced, revealing a decidedly tense demeanor.
“Phew… phew.”
He held onto his racing heart and exhaled sharply.
Moon Do-hyuk was frightened. Thoughts of Gu Yangcheon’s piercing gaze lingered in his mind.
“Ugh…”
What is it about a person’s eyes that feels so intimidating? Those eyes, tinged slightly blue, were sharp enough to seem to see through everything about him.
It felt as though they knew every move he made. Moon Do-hyuk let out a slow sigh just thinking about it.
Could it be possible he was caught? It could happen. Anxiety surged within him, yet he pressed on as he moved forward.
He navigated a little further into the branch, avoiding the gazes of others. And then…
“You’ve arrived.”
At the destination Moon Do-hyuk sought, someone was already waiting.
Upon spotting them, Moon Do-hyuk immediately knelt.
It was much more respectful and quicker than his earlier attitude toward Gu Yangcheon.
“Oh, my lord, I see you.”
The middle-aged man nodded. It was Ilcheonggeom.
Ilcheonggeom, who was observing Moon Do-hyuk, made a slight gesture with his hand. In that instant, the air around them stirred.
Whoosh! The wind blew, and Moon Do-hyuk’s hair shifted slightly.
It was astounding.
As the calm returned, Ilcheonggeom glanced at him and inquired.
“Did you do well with your tasks?”
“Yes, yes…! I’ve taken care of everything as per your instructions.”
As he said that, Ilcheonggeom, focusing keenly on that part, broke into a subtle smile.
“What was the Holy King’s reaction? Did he perhaps gaze at you with suspicion?”
“At first, it appeared that way… but fortunately, he doesn’t seem to harbor any particular doubts.”
“Oh?”
Ilcheonggeom reacted with unexpected intrigue to Moon Do-hyuk’s words.
“No response, huh…?”
It was somewhat astonishing. Moon Do-hyuk hastily elaborated.
“And. I received one instruction.”
“Oh, what was that command?”
“It was a directive to monitor the movements of the Blue Dragon Corps.”
“Hmm.”
The movement of the Cheongryongdae. Ilcheonggeom’s eyes sparked with interest upon hearing that. They too seemed to be taking notice.
That was fine. It was a tad too late to be worrying about it now.
“What shall we do about it?”
Moon Do-hyuk cautiously posed the question, and Ilcheonggeom replied calmly.
“Proceed as the King said.”
“Are you suggesting I report on Cheongryongdae?”
“Correct. Just share what you observe.”
“I understand.”
Just as I see. Moon Do-hyuk nodded repeatedly at that instruction. Seemingly satisfied with his response, Ilcheonggeom chuckled and patted his shoulder.
“As expected, your comprehension is quick. We… we…”
At that moment, when Moon Do-hyuk’s eyes sparkled at the thought of being acknowledged…
“What was your name again?”
At Ilcheonggeom’s query, his pupils flickered momentarily.
“…Moon Do-hyuk.”
“Ah, right. I recall, Captain Moon.”
“…”
“Let’s keep our rapport strong, alright? You’re aware of what you need to accomplish, yes?”
“…Yes.”
What I was meant to do. That thought made Moon Do-hyuk’s fists tighten subtly. An inexplicable unease welled up inside him. Thus, he decided to voice a question that had been lurking in his mind to Ilcheonggeom.
“I, um… my lord.”
“Hmm?”
“If I manage to complete this as you requested… will you allow me back into Cheongryongdae?”
Ilcheonggeom’s eyebrows furrowed at Moon Do-hyuk’s desperate inquiry. It was but a fleeting moment. Recovering quickly, Ilcheonggeom well-composedly smiled while patting Moon Do-hyuk’s shoulder.
“Then, didn’t I promise? Once you accomplish this task, not only will you return to Cheongryongdae… I’ll arrange a proper position for you.”
With those reassuring words, Moon Do-hyuk felt a faint glimmer of hope.
“Thank you…! I will put in my utmost effort.”
“Great, don’t worry. Just focus on your assigned responsibilities. You know what’s crucial, right? Tomorrow is important.”
“I’ll keep that in mind—!”
Moon Do-hyuk nodded vigorously.
Ilcheonggeom took a step back, observing that. Realizing its implication, Moon Do-hyuk rose.
“I’ll be on my way now, your majesty.”
“Good luck.”
“Yes…!”
Afterward, Moon Do-hyuk departed and became a shadow in the distance. Ilcheonggeom noticed the lifelessness beyond the barrier.
“Tsk.”
He quickly clicked his tongue and grimaced.
“What a trivial individual.”
A reaction indicating his discontent with Moon Do-hyuk.
He didn’t bother to conceal his annoyance. The kind demeanor he displayed moments earlier disappeared completely.
“How dare you say such absurdity.”
The former Blue Dragon agent who had just been here. What was his name again? Was it Moon Hyuk-do or Moon Do-hyuk? Honestly, he was someone I didn’t even need to remember properly.
But how could he speak so brazenly in front of me?
‘Are you really going to accept me back when the work is completed?’
Recalling those words, Ilcheonggeom clicked his tongue yet again.
How dare someone who doesn’t even understand their standing speak with such insolence.
As I was going to employ him as bait since he seemed like the perfect fit, it felt like he crawled away right as I gave him a chance.
I wanted nothing more than to dispose of him right there, but…
‘No… that’s irrelevant.’
Ilcheonggeom quickly adjusted his expression and reconsidered.
If you think about it, it’s really of no concern.
He did say he’d provide that position upon return, so if I just managed the dealings properly, he would actually give it to me.
Right.
‘If he returns, that is.’
As long as he could find his way back to Hanam unscathed.
‘Once the bait catches a fish, there’s no need to use it again.’
That applies to him as well, so it’s not an issue.
Thinking along those lines, Ilcheonggeom pivoted and vanished.
Beyond the barrier that was lifted as the caster departed, a pair of blue eyes observed from afar.
Gu Yangcheon revealed his presence, imprinting the recent scene upon his memory.
“This….”
Watching Ilcheonggeom’s retreating back ignited a dilemma within him.
“Where should I prepare his burial place?”
Where, how, and when should I handle that matter?
It was truly an amusing quandary.
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