Chapter: 811
Those who entered were two women and three men.
They were all wearing the uniforms issued by the Blind Alliance.
The peculiar atmosphere surrounding them quickly drew them behind me, while the gazes of those in front were also attracted this way.
Everyone seemed bewildered by the sudden appearance of these people.
I had already explained the situation. I mentioned that five more would come.
They just didn’t know it would be today.
As we faced each other like that—
“Please introduce yourselves.”
Upon my command and with a gesture, one guy, who had been staring blankly, stepped forward.
“…I look forward to working with you.”
“…?”
“…”
There was no further introduction. I sighed and asked.
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
“I really think your social skills have hit rock bottom.”
“…”
“How do you expect to live like that?”
The guy made an awkward face at my words and cleared his throat.
A young man with a bandage wrapped around his arm. This is Seongyul.
Of course, he came in using a pseudonym.
And the second one—
“Nice to meet you. My name is Yeonhong from Honam Yeonga.”
She was a beautiful woman with long hair.
The captivating aura around her was particularly impressive.
As if to prove this, the men in front were all gazing at Yeonhong as if they were under a spell.
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah are indeed stunning, but Yeonhong, even if she lacks in beauty, possesses an enchanting aura that captivates people.
In reality, that’s what drives people crazy.
It felt as if you could reach out and touch her if you tried.
Like a dazzling flower in front of your eyes, making you unable to resist the urge to touch it.
That woman had that allure.
‘…’
I turned my head to look at her, my expression somewhat ambiguous.
It appeared that such overwhelming charm would make the men struggle for a while… I truly felt sorry for them.
In many ways.
Then, the third individual, a young man next to Yeonhong, spoke.
“…I’m called Cheoljiseon. Please take good care of me.”
He greeted with a rather unimpressed expression. This was Cheoljiseon.
Others frowned slightly at the sight of this young man.
Everyone could tell he was unremarkable.
I couldn’t sense any potential in the young man who introduced himself as Cheoljiseon.
It’s not that I felt nothing at all; he did claim to have learned some skills.
But even so, I’d say he’s probably at a second-rate level? Absolutely not up to the standards to be a part of the main league’s swordsmen.
Could it be that he was hiding his strength?
People glanced at him with suspicious eyes.
‘Even looking at him like that, there’s nothing to find.’
In truth, he really was weak.
Any opponent you put in front of him could take his head off in the blink of an eye.
Yet—
‘If given time, it might be different.’
If certain conditions were met, Cheoljiseon could potentially kill anyone.
The problem, however, would be realizing that mindset.
Anyway.
Seeing Cheoljiseon, who looked the embodiment of weakness, I could imagine the feelings everyone was having.
It seemed there were no words left to say.
The reason being, I brought him myself, not someone else.
It wouldn’t matter how they looked at him. If they had doubts, it was fine too.
What mattered more was that I could use him in a valuable way rather than those guys questioning him.
And next.
After Cheoljiseon, someone else attempted to speak.
“Huh?”
“…No way?”
The difference this time was that the upcoming character was attracting significant attention from the moment he appeared.
His gaze was much deeper than what Yeonhong had received; surprise and disbelief mixed together as if no one had expected him to show up.
“…that young man.”
“If my eyes aren’t deceiving me… isn’t that him?”
“Why is he in Seongryongdae…?”
Everyone reacted with disbelief to the situation.
Amidst this, the young man who was gathering attention stepped forward and spoke.
Shwoop.
He lowered his head slightly with a distinctive motion.
His head was bent, revealing the crown; light glinted off his neatly shaved scalp.
It meant he was bald.
“I’m Yuyeon from Shaolin.”
“Huh.”
“Are you serious…!”
Everyone held their breath at this introduction.
The bald monk who appeared was none other than the Divine Dragon.
A person called the most promising figure of Shaolin with the highest potential.
Though the Holy King was now finally showing his true worth and had calmed down, it had also been confirmed that Yuyeon had reached Hwagyeong, so he remained a candidate for greatness.
The Holy King had brought such a Divine Dragon along.
The implications of this were significant.
“Why is the Divine Dragon…?”
“Why has he joined Seongryongdae…?”
This raised questions, no doubt.
“Even though Shinryongdae has emerged, he came to Seongryongdae?”
Traditionally, the Divine Dragon belongs to Shinryongdae.
Of course, even though Shinryongdae had vanished for a while, they’ve reappeared just now. Given that the current Divine Dragon, Yuyeon, had joined the Alliance, one would expect him to enter Shinryongdae.
Thus, it was only natural to find it strange that such a Divine Dragon appeared in Seongryongdae instead of Shinryongdae.
‘I had to do a lot of legwork to get this to happen.’
I truly pulled every trick in the book to bring Yuyeon out.
To be precise, it was Cheoljiseon who did the running, but that wasn’t much different from me doing it.
‘To be honest, I didn’t think it would actually work.’
The very idea of releasing Yuyeon from the Shaolin Temple was ludicrous.
Even now that I had succeeded, I still found it absurd.
Of course, this was only possible because Yuyeon had strongly desired it.
‘As long as Shaolin isn’t completely daft, they wouldn’t just let him go without reason.’
Even knowing that, I brought the Dragon.
Because he had benefits that were quite handy.
Especially when preparing justifications, the name Shenlong was incredibly useful.
Furthermore.
‘I kinda like it too.’
I had an inexplicable fondness for that guy named Yuyeon.
I used to think that Shaolin’s Ddaengzhong were merely lost souls, but this guy somehow felt different.
‘…I feel a bit guilty about bringing him here.’
A slight sense of guilt flickered, but I couldn’t help it.
What’s there to hold back when there’s nothing to lose?
“Did the Dragon really come?”
“The Dragon….”
They still looked at Yuyeon as if they were in disbelief. The awe in their expressions seemed unyielding.
This should show just how significant a name Shenlong held.
Yuyeon himself seemed to feel it too; I noticed a faint tension in his face.
‘Kid.’
I suspected he secretly enjoyed the attention.
Surprisingly, he seemed to revel in being the focus of attention.
The unfortunate part is that the interest he’s receiving right now won’t last long.
The reason for that is—
“Hi!”
The woman who appeared last is the source.
The cheerful woman who came out just after the Divine Dragon.
She emerged with a pole wrapped in cloth on her back, waving her hands brightly.
Without hesitation, she blurted out informal speech, causing everyone’s faces to shift slightly.
The woman didn’t seem to care about their reactions at all.
She was already someone who did as she pleased.
It would be unreasonable to expect her to behave normally here.
If there’s one thing I wished for.
‘Please just follow the instructions I gave.’
The part I told her to remember a few days ago. I desperately hoped she’d actually recall it.
But then—
“I am P…”
“…”
“…P?”
She stuttered as if her brain was malfunctioning mid-sentence.
Watching her, I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh inside.
‘That crazy girl. Did she forget?’
No way.
‘Did she really forget something so short?’
It better not be true.
After wishing for a few seconds.
“Oh, Pi Yeon-yeon!”
Thankfully, she seemed to barely recall her name, saying it with a gleam in her eye.
It seemed she had genuinely forgotten, almost like a goldfish—absurd indeed.
“Right, I’m Pi Yeon-yeon.”
In response to Pi Yeon-yeon’s demeanor, people all wore puzzled expressions.
I wondered if it was true that she couldn’t even remember her own name.
If the inquiry lingered, she might sense something was off.
It’s not normal, no matter how you slice it, so it’s certainly possible.
“My name is Pi Yeon-yeon.”
Fortunately, there was no need to worry about that.
“I am the daughter of Eulryeong Sword Master.”
Immediately, all prior questions faded as the proclamation echoed.
Shortly thereafter.
—-!
The expected explosive reaction erupted.
The rumor spread faster than expected.
Not even an hour had passed since the topic emerged.
That was plenty of time for the story to spread throughout the narrow confines of the Blind Alliance.
Eulryeong Sword Master, reduced to treason and executed.
Her bloodline had appeared.
And it was none other than the youngest king, the current hero, the Holy King, who had brought her here.
Such news spread like wildfire, and the subsequent repercussions were predetermined.
“… Seongryongdaeju.”
“Yes.”
An old man whose already numerous wrinkles had multiplied.
When Mookyeon spoke, I answered.
“It hasn’t even been an hour, do you realize that?”
“Are you talking about our meeting this morning? Yes, I think you’re right. We do seem to see each other often, don’t we?”
“Let’s avoid discussing the aftermath. It has barely been mentioned, you know?”
I gave an awkward chuckle at his loaded words.
“Oh, of course, I remember. It was something Mook Cheoksa urged me ardently to keep in mind. Naturally, I haven’t forgotten.”
“…But why did you do that?”
When he reproached me with that question, I returned with a face that seemed to ask him why he was asking me.
“So I kept it well.”
“You mean you kept it well?”
“Yes, I held up my end of the bargain… but I never imagined you’d mention it. This is just astonishing.”
“…Hah.”
Well, I didn’t mention it because you instructed me not to.
If possible, I wanted to keep it secret. But—
‘It’s not my fault if the person in question spills the beans.’
I couldn’t stop someone from revealing their own truth.
That was the intent behind my reply.
“Seongryongdaeju.”
Mookyeon of course wouldn’t let that slide easily.
“What exactly is it that you desire?”
“Me? Not much, really. Oh, if we’re nitpicking…”
He added, grinning.
“How about a dismissal?”
“….”
“Just kidding.”
It wasn’t exactly a joking atmosphere. I said it knowing full well.
“…Daeju. If you keep coming out like this, even my ranks will have limits. Unfortunately, this old man is aged and doesn’t have much power left.”
“That’s a real shame…”
There is indeed a limit to what can be obstructed.
Those words felt rather refreshing.
“But you see…”
I felt Mookyeon’s gaze strengthening toward my words.
“I suddenly found myself wondering. I heard that even the Mook Cheoksa found it tough dealing with Eulryeong Sword Master. What on earth is at play that compels the higher-ups of the Alliance to exert such pressure?”
“…”
“I’m genuinely curious about that.”
“Seongryongdaeju—”
“Yes.”
“What exactly are you so curious about?”
“Why? Are you going to share something if I ask?”
While conversing, I realized.
Both of us had peeled back some layers.
Mookyeon already knew I was intentionally digging into the Eulryeong Sword Master issue.
I was aware of Mookyeon’s excessive reactions regarding the matter.
In terms of information, I had the upper hand. Why? Because.
‘Overreactions typically hide a subtle hint of guilt.’
Mookyeon wasn’t trying to sweep everything concerning Eulryeong Sword Master under the rug and remain silent.
Rather, he seemed concerned about what might unfold should these matters be revealed.
Moreover, his worries were not just for himself.
‘Is it about Bong-soon?’
It seems Mookyeon was concerned about Bong-soon, the daughter of Eulryeong Sword Master.
‘Then what about you?’
Why was Mookyeon so sensitive about this issue?
Bam.
‘Could it be a slightly murky love triangle?’
It was an amusing notion.
A potential romance between Eulryeong Sword Master and Mookyeon?
Then Bong-soon would become Mookyeon’s child. While that’s unlikely, if it were a possibility, it wouldn’t be all bad.
‘Bong-soon’s potential uses would increase.’
Whether as leverage or to hold Mookyeon’s reins, it seemed like a neat situation to navigate.
Yet—
‘Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.’
This whole matter seemed just a bit off, so I had to dismiss it, even if regret lingered.
“You don’t have to answer. I’m just curious.”
I said while keeping my eyes locked onto Mookyeon’s.
“The reason you kept your silence despite knowing something different from history. And also…”
I intertwined my words of truth and deception.
“How resilient is the peace gained by sacrificing a vulnerable woman? What were the compacts of justice I believed in? That’s all I’m wondering.”
“…”
“What does Mukyeon think about this?”
This could potentially amplify suspicion.
Even while claiming to be on the side of righteousness, I openly questioned the very righteousness and denied its historical narrative.
Within Mookyeon, there was suspicion toward me. Thus, my words contained the potential for trouble.
Nonetheless, I wanted to ascertain the future through silence.
“If you intend to obstruct me, then do so. I respect that. I certainly loathe the cult members known as the Demonic Sect, but if the current powers that be are as I suspect… I don’t feel it would be a major issue even if they were to disappear.”
I abhor the Demonic Sect.
That’s the truth.
It’s also true that while I despise them, I believe the current regime shouldn’t exist either.
“…”
“…”
The dialogue concluded at that point.
Mookyeon had no further comments, and I was awaiting his words.
There seemed to be more to say.
Amidst his tightly sealed lips and heavy wrinkles, the passage of time yearned to voice itself.
One.
“…Please take your leave.”
Mookyeon’s chosen response was sadly silence.
“I apologize for detaining you; I know you have matters to attend to soon.”
Tch.
I clicked my tongue briefly and turned away. Unfortunate, it seemed the timing wasn’t right to delve deeper.
It was acceptable.
Since I had already hinted at Bong-soon, I could expect a response sooner or later.
‘The bowstring that already holds a spark has been pulled back.’
Whether they would try to stamp out that spark before it ignited or humbly weather the barrage of arrows.
I could only ponder what choice the Murim Alliance would make.
That’s what piqued my interest.
“I shall see you next time.”
I gave a slight bow to Mookyeon and turned away.
Today, I was to head toward Seongryongdae once more and then meet with Iljang-ro right after.
Having several more appointments lined up, I attempted to move swiftly.
“…Seongryongdaeju.”
At Mookyeon’s call, I paused momentarily and turned my head.
Could this be an extension of our prior discussion? Just as a flicker of anticipation rose within me—
“…I apologize for holding you up. I have some important information to communicate regarding the Gyecheonmun mission. I had overlooked it for a moment.”
Mookyeon spoke as if recalling something he’d forgotten.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t about what had just transpired.
What intrigued me slightly was—
‘Mookyeon forgot about his assignment?’
It was strange that someone like Mookyeon would misplace what he had to relay. That was… surprising.
It seemed that Bong-soon’s earlier comments had caused a ruckus.
“Please go ahead.”
Curious, I urged Mookyeon to elaborate. He continued.
“The Cheongryongdae has requested support for this mission, but…”
“Hmm?”
Upon hearing that, I immediately clamped my mouth shut.
“This being the inaugural mission of Seongryongdae, and considering the risk of the mission isn’t excessively high, if you wish to proceed solo, please convey this to the leader of Cheongryongdae.”
“No.”
I had to suppress the upward curve of my lips.
“I was a bit anxious, but this turned out fortuitously.”
The mission I wasn’t keen on had a gift wrapped into it—how could I reject that?
I had even been anticipating this!
“Please tell them how eager I am. Emphasize that I absolutely want to join them.”
With utmost sincerity, indeed.
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