Chapter: 675
As I headed to the prepared location, a middle-aged man dressed in the Flying Dragon faction’s attire greeted me.
“Long time no see.”
It was Beomdong, the same one I had seen last time.
“Yes. It’s been a while.”
Receiving a greeting with a somewhat sullen expression, Beomdong let out a chuckle.
“I apologize for dropping by so suddenly.”
He didn’t look sorry at all, though.
“That’s true. You came at just the right time for a meal. I was actually getting hungry.”
He didn’t bother saying anything like, “It’s okay,” because it really wasn’t.
“I thought I hadn’t introduced myself properly last time, so I came to visit.”
“Well, you could have come a bit later, couldn’t you? Why now of all times…?”
“I am Beomdong, the leader of the Flying Dragon faction from the Maeng. And you are Soyeomra Sohyeop.”
“…”
I turned my face away, trying to suppress my irritation.
It’s been ages since I heard that nickname.
‘Look at this?’
I wondered why Beomdong had come by, and it seemed like he had discovered some information.
‘I guess he figured out who I am. Is that it?’
Well, seven days and nights should be enough time for that.
When you think of the capabilities of the intelligence division…
‘I don’t think he only found out my identity, though.’
I felt a slight curiosity about why he had come.
Chirp.
I pulled out a chair and sat down. Then I addressed Beomdong.
“This is Guyangcheon of the Guga.”
“I finally heard your proper name. At first, when I looked for ‘broken leaf,’ it took me quite a while.”
Hearing Beomdong’s words brought a smile to my face.
‘This guy isn’t even trying to hide it?’
Pajeolyeop was the pseudonym used when Bihyeonhwa was trying to get close to me.
But the fact that Beomdong openly mentioned it means he wasn’t trying to hide that he had done a thorough background check on me.
“I’m surprised. I never thought the Confucius would be a so-yeonla Sohyeop.”
Not answering and silently watching Beomdong, he continued.
“I heard you once stirred up quite a ruckus in the Central Plains as a rising star… Honestly, I didn’t quite believe the stories.”
“Why? Was it just too outrageous?”
“That’s right. Being the youngest Hwagyeong… To hear you killed the Great Demon King single-handedly? That’s hard to swallow.”
Half of that was right, and half was wrong.
“But seeing you like this makes me think you’re even more remarkable.”
“Why do you keep tossing me these unnecessary compliments?”
“I’ve heard you’ve surpassed the age of majority…”
He seemed to choke on the words as he speculated about my age.
“It’s purely out of curiosity—are you a senior who has undergone Banrohwandong?”
“…”
I almost spat out the tea I was drinking on the table.
“No matter how I look at it, I can’t fathom reaching that level at your age.”
“I assume you are aware of the side effects of Banrohwandong, right?”
“I know.”
Banrohwandong is a power that makes a person physically younger, in exchange for weaker blood flow and a smaller frame.
This means that unless one goes through metamorphosis several times, retrieving their previous body again becomes impossible.
“Knowing full well the side effects, which fool would take such a risk?”
“That’s the point.”
“A real fool, not unlike a brainless jellyfish of a human…”
“Oh, I get it; you can stop talking now.”
“If there’s actually a fool who’d do that, they’d likely be both stupid and deficient.”
“…”
Beomdong lightly cleared his throat at the casual insults being thrown at him.
I quietly observed him and then posed a question.
“Why did you come here?”
Clunk.
I set down the teacup I was holding and asked.
“If you knew about the information, why not just investigate a bit more? What do you really want right now?”
“Haha.”
Beomdong laughed.
For some inexplicable reason, that laugh gave me an unsettling feeling in my gut.
“We’re still gathering information. The Sohyup and Baekhwasangdan are involved, as well as various other matters. We’re investigating non-stop.”
“But why?”
“It seems something has come up that required me to visit you personally.”
He just admitted he was running a background check while also saying there’s something else he needs to look into.
What could that possibly be? I glanced at Beomdong, inquisitive.
“Recently, there have been some peculiar occurrences around you, Sohyeop. Do you happen to know what those might be?”
“How intriguing. I’m all ears.”
Something happening around me?
“The first is about a woman who approached you.”
“Hmm.”
I had to widen my eyes slightly at Beomdong’s words.
I was genuinely taken aback.
“I didn’t expect you to say that outright!”
It seemed to be a discussion regarding Bihyeonhwa, and I never thought he’d bring it up this bluntly.
“I was certain you’d know. After gathering information, that conclusion was unavoidable. It’s quite curious. For young men, they would have found it rather hard to withstand her allure.”
Bihyeonhwa was indeed captivating.
As Beomdong mentioned, it was on the level where men would lose their senses.
However.
‘I only had some exceptionally pretty girls around me.’
I’d built up an immunity to such matters by wrapping myself in it.
“How did you know about her? That she was linked to the Maeng?”
“I didn’t particularly perceive her as someone from the Maeng. I simply kept my distance because she seemed suspicious.”
I already knew and had been playing with that knowledge, but of course, that had to remain a secret.
“Did anything happen with that woman?”
She just ran off, and I didn’t stop her, so was there perhaps an issue?
After hearing my query, Beomdong became quiet and stared at me.
Then, he said,
“…So that’s how it is.”
Suddenly, he started mumbling incoherently to himself.
“It’s not a matter.”
“What do you mean? Why are you talking to yourself? Can’t we talk together?”
Has he gone mad?
“The second is that people from the Maeng have been disappearing one by one.”
This was news to me.
“Disappearing?”
“Yes. Particularly…”
Beomdong narrowed his eyes at me.
His gaze became increasingly uncomfortable for me.
After enduring that glare, I decided to address Beomdong.
“Are you suspicious of me?”
“I wouldn’t say suspicion—I’m merely observing.”
“That’s exactly suspicion.”
It’s absurd.
I couldn’t understand being suspected of something I had done, but it was preposterous to be suspected over something I hadn’t even heard of.
‘Moreover, I haven’t even received any reports about such matters.’
Could it be someone else’s doing? But no reports had come through yet.
“So you’ve come because you’re suspicious of me? Is that what you’re implying?”
“No, that’s not it. This was primarily to convey my greetings… But anyway, even if it isn’t today, soon enough, an investigative mandate will come down from the Maeng.”
‘An investigative mandate?’
Beomdong’s words made my brow twitch.
“With the situation being observed and detected…”
A situation? There’s something about a situation?
What kind of situation is he talking about?
At the moment, such thoughts flooded my mind.
“The attitude shown by Soyeomra when we last met might also pose a problem.”
My brows twitched at Beomdong’s continued remarks.
‘What’s this about?’
I had saved him just last time, but it seemed like he intended to use that against me.
“In light of that, before the investigative mandate arrives… Maybe it would be best if Soyeomra came to the Maeng and underwent an investigation.”
“I haven’t done anything, but I’m under suspicion, and you’re suggesting I go visit the Maeng to be investigated quietly?”
“Once the investigative mandate is issued, it’ll be a hassle for both parties. Wouldn’t it be simpler to handle things smoothly?”
“Oh wow….”
I found myself admiring Beomdong’s words, but it wasn’t admiration for his approach.
‘This kid hasn’t changed.’
Initially, he speaks as if he knows plenty about me and then mentions the Maeng’s investigative authority and circumstances, asserting his position within the Maeng.
In short, this was a power play.
No matter how formidable martial artists are, they remain tied under the umbrella of the Murim Alliance.
At that point, even if they acted recklessly, there would still be plenty of trouble should the Maeng intervene.
In my previous life, Beomdong dealt with matters this way.
The tactic was to diminish the opponent’s spirit while finalizing the issue.
‘What a total mess.’
But of course, that approach would never work on me.
“That isn’t happening.”
Crack!
Spitting the words out, I rose to my feet.
“If you’re going to find something, at least gather some evidence first. You’re managing things like a rookie. I didn’t even eat anything because I was told there’s a guest around. Now I’m thinking of tossing salt on it.”
It’s a rare occurrence for the leader to personally visit me, but there’s no need to pour more power into such a laughable meeting.
If left alone, they’d eventually come seeking me.
Why do they keep pushing their luck?
‘I can’t just kill him yet, since he might still be useful.’
Enduring that urge, I thought it best to let it slide for now.
As previously mentioned, now wasn’t the time to take action.
Beomdong needed to be saved for a critical moment.
“It seems you’ve had a lot of ladies around.”
I halted.
I didn’t turn my head but kept my ears open.
“It looks like it’s four in total. Three are daughters of noble families… well, no, one is no longer here, so let’s exclude that.”
The words were like nails on a chalkboard.
Should I turn my head? No, I’ll hold it in.
If I turn my head now, I might just kill him. I held on to that thought.
“It looks like the descendant of the previous leader is also close by.”
“…Haha.”
In the end, I couldn’t help but turn my head at what I finally heard.
“So?”
“It’s nothing huge… but it seems you’re rather familiar with the ladies.”
“Um, that’s right.”
Squeak.
I pulled back the chair I had been on, placed my hand on the table, and stepped closer to Beomdong.
“So, what do you want to say?”
“Hahaha.”
As I met his eyes, Beomdong chuckled.
“No, I don’t mean anything by it. I just feel that Soyeomra seems to be under some misapprehension.”
“What am I misunderstanding?”
“I thought that since Soyeomra defends justice within the Murim Alliance, she wouldn’t engage in any foolish acts.”
I nodded at Beomdong’s words.
“If that’s the case, then you’re correct. The Maeng stands for justice, and wouldn’t partake in actions that contradict that.”
After listening, I turned and asked Beomdong.
“What do you mean by foolish acts or actions that go against this notion?”
“It refers to illegal activities.”
“Oh, I see. That makes sense. Please, continue. You say the Maeng doesn’t perform such petty and unlawful acts. But?”
“While under the banner of the Alliance, it’s true—recently, as members of the Alliance keep disappearing, even the uncooperative members frequently run into unfortunate events.”
“Mishaps?”
“Like family troubles… or the injuries of loved ones.”
As Beomdong continued speaking, his gaze grew cold.
How can these kids remain unchanged?
Perhaps that’s what makes things easier.
“So?”
“I’m expressing my concerns. Since Soyeomra is being uncooperative… there’s a possibility that ill fate could befall those precious to you.”
“So the implication is…”
Click.
My hand moved, grazing over the teacup.
At that moment, I perceived a presence from behind.
A presence that only I could sense.
“Keep your mouth shut and bow your head. If you keep stirring up trouble, I won’t spare those around you. That’s what you’re indicating, right?”
“Haha, it seems you have misunderstood again… This isn’t from Maeng’s perspective. Really…”
“Anyway, they’re a bunch of bastards.”
“…What?”
As I couldn’t hold back the curse, Beomdong’s expression contorted.
“Soyeonra, what did you just say—”
“Just don’t ask. You heard me, you bastard.”
It seems like tolerance had a limit.
“Those so-called righteous folks have no sense of morals. The evil crowd does it brazenly. Can’t these fools learn to adapt?”
With my harsh words, Beomdong also stood up.
No, he attempted to rise, but—
Thud!
Crash!
“Gah–!!”
I grabbed Beomdong’s hair as he tried to move and slammed his head onto the table.
The tea spilling from the cup landed on the floor.
Luckily, the table didn’t break.
That’s thanks to the protective steel I had placed beforehand.
“What kind of—!”
Before Beomdong could utter a word, my fist collided with his face.
Boom!!
“Urk!”
From the impact, Beomdong’s lips split, and a few teeth flew out.
“On top of all this anger, what’s this? Troubles?”
“Gah… You dare… the Maeng…”
I lifted the hair I had been holding back for him to talk, only to bring it down again.
Thud Bang!
Repeating the action, I whispered into his ear.
“Nahi.”
“Yes, Master.”
“…!!”
When Nahi, who had materialized behind me, replied, Beomdong’s eyes widened like lanterns.
“Shut the door.”
“I comply with your orders.”
As my words barely left my mouth, the windows and doors began to draw closed, one by one.
Whoosh!
Once every door was shut, the air filled the room with an overwhelming silence.
It sealed off all sounds, preventing any from escaping outside.
Kaboom!
I kept crashing Beomdong’s head against the table, only stopping once the number of bangs exceeded the digits on my hand.
“Guh….”
Within the serene room, the sound of Beomdong’s labored breathing echoed.
Twitch… Twitch…
Blood trickled from Beomdong’s mouth and stained the table.
Looking at it, I addressed him.
“I typically try to let things slide without getting my hands dirty. It’s still too early, you know.”
That was the truth.
Beomdong hadn’t yet fulfilled his utility.
At the very least, he needed to serve a purpose until after the upcoming tournament.
“Why do you insist on getting under my skin? You’re making me want to end you.”
“Urgh…”
“Hmm? I’m asking you. Why are you acting this way?”
“Hrr… Hrr…”
Beomdong, who had been mumbling those incoherent sounds, managed to tremble his lips and finally respond.
“…Do you honestly believe you can get away with this? How dare you reduce the great lord of the Maeng to this state!”
“Right. Indeed. The grand lord of Maeng.”
His whimpering was unbearable, causing me to grab his face with my hands.
Blood soaked my palms, but I paid it no mind.
“I’m well aware. I know it’ll be tough to just sweep all this under the rug. I really know.”
I knew so very well what sort of place the organization known as Maeng was.
Indeed, as Beomdong stated, the Maeng was notably adamant about dealing with internal matters.
Particularly when it came to crucial figures like himself.
“But, you see…”
I locked my gaze into his.
“If you know that very well and still act this way, doesn’t that imply you’re either unconcerned about the consequences or that there’s a way for you to spin this whole ordeal?”
“…!”
Beomdong’s eyes flickered for a fleeting moment.
“So don’t bother worrying about me. I’ve got things covered.”
For the time being, focus on your own safety. It would be wise.
I thought that and flashed him a smile.
Thud.
At that moment, I grabbed the glass of water beside me.
“Gaaah!?”
Forcing Beomdong’s mouth open, I shoved the entire glass inside.
With this, he attempted to spit it out, but lacked the strength to break free.
“From here on out, keep your eyes wide open. If you dare to close them even once, you’re done for.”
I gave a short warning to Beomdong.
Lifting my fist, I struck Beomdong right across the face.
Smash!
“Grrrraah!!”
The glass shattered into fragments inside Beomdong’s mouth.
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