Chapter: 839
Shink.
On a mountain path where insects chirp quietly. It is the time when the sunset hangs in the sky before the moon rises.
The blue forest was tinged with crimson due to the sunset.
The light was gradually fading, preparing for darkness.
Ilcheonggeom walked calmly through the forest.
As he walked, he surveyed his surroundings. There were hardly any signs of life. The eerie silence felt strange.
Moreover, the unsettling sensation that he couldn’t quite shake made Ilcheonggeom’s instincts prick up.
He raised his hand and placed it on the hilt of his sword.
Taking a steady breath, he heightened his tension. It felt necessary, for some reason.
This feels ominous.
Is it because night was approaching? Or is it the forest itself that felt this way?
The previously serene forest now felt uneasy and ominous for no apparent reason.
How could it be so quiet?
The only sounds were the faint chirping of insects. Of course, the cries of animals were absent…
There’s no intent to harm from the demons either.
The shallow life that could generally be felt in any forest was missing here.
He couldn’t even sense the unique aura emitted by the monsters.
Was it due to clever area management? That seems unlikely. Even Hanam, where Bonmyeong and Shaolin were, couldn’t completely eradicate all the demons, so it was unrealistic to believe that Sichuan, with relatively lesser power and a vast area, would be free of them.
That implies…
It means there’s something here.
It suggested that something unknown existed in this area.
Whether it was an array or a special environment created by a ghost, he didn’t know. Whatever it was, it was enough to put Ilcheonggeom on high alert.
In a heightened and sensitive state, he continued walking.
The sunset that was barely hanging began to fade, and the sky turned darker. Soon, the moon would rise to its peak.
Shink!
With that, the sound of the insects continued to grow louder.
After walking a little further,
“You’ve arrived.”
At his destination, someone greeted Ilcheonggeom. It was Daehwan, the leader of Gyecheonmun.
“Thanks for your hard work on the way here.”
Daehwan spoke to Ilcheonggeom with a wrinkled smile, but his expression only twisted more.
“What’s the issue?”
“Oh dear, you seem upset.”
“Not feeling great. That Sapa scoundrel dared to summon me.”
“Haha.”
Despite the inappropriate tone, Daehwan laughed heartily. Seeing that grin only twisted Ilcheonggeom’s expression further.
“Are you finding my words amusing?”
“Oh, I apologize. It wasn’t that I was laughing because it’s funny… It’s just…”
Daehwan’s eyes trembled slightly, as if he had recalled someone.
“I felt there’s definitely a difference. Talking to you is much easier.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a compliment. Don’t think too much about it.”
Is he belittling me again? Yet, the tone seemed too subtle for dismissal.
It felt like he was comparing him to someone else. That infuriated him more.
How dare that Sapa character put me in a category with someone else?
The thought of being compared bubbled up his frustrations, but he held it in.
He had to utilize Gyecheonmunju for the time being.
Use it until it runs out and dispose of it quietly. That’s my goal here.
Daehwan quietly observed Ilcheonggeom and, with a slight smile, asked, “I wonder if what I gave you was used well.”
“…”
In response to Daehwan’s question, Ilcheonggeom clicked his tongue briefly. Daehwan chuckled at his clear reaction.
“Fortunately, it seems like you liked the effects, but… I heard there were some issues.”
“…Issues?”
“You already know. I heard the Poison King found the branch.”
“…”
Ilcheonggeom wondered just how much Daehwan knew. He had been surprised from their first encounter, but it felt like there was more information than he had anticipated.
“…Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
“Of course, being the esteemed Blue Dragon Lord, that’s to be expected. However, I thought you might be worried since there was a variable.”
“I thought you understood that I’ll take care of it?”
Ilcheonggeom raised his pressure, hinting at his discomfort.
If he continued with any more meaningless chatter, it’d seem as if he would draw his sword at any given moment.
Seeing this, Daehwan hastily raised his hands and distanced himself.
“I see I made a big mistake.”
Watching Daehwan retreat, Ilcheonggeom gradually lowered his tension and issued a warning.
“There’s no next time.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“So, answer me clearly: why did you come to find me?”
“Oh, that’s… related to the question I just mentioned.”
“There’s a link?”
Is he really okay saying it’s linked to that? As Ilcheonggeom contemplated, Daehwan seemed to have been waiting for this moment to reveal his next words.
“Today, the King of the Empire requested military support from the branch.”
“…!”
At Daehwan’s words, Ilcheonggeom’s eyes widened. What did the King request from the branch office?
Support of troops?
The unexpected revelation left him momentarily stunned, but then he quickly grasped the reason and smirked.
“He actually managed to pull that off, huh?”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t worry; it looks like he’s walked straight into a trap.”
“Are you saying you did something?”
Yes, that was exactly the case.
Using Moon… I intended to spread false information, and it seemed that he managed it splendidly.
If there was any curiosity:
The request for troops signifies they must be preparing something.
Just settling on providing information yet now they were gearing up to act out of nowhere. In essence, they were indicating they were ready to jump into battle.
What a fiery character indeed!
Clearly, if this was following the commands of the Silent Scribe, they would have to confirm things first, yet it appeared they were hungry for action before developing a strategy.
That was rather beneficial.
Though it may be a bit of an intense approach, it positioned him favorably in the situation.
As he confirmed that positive thought, Ilcheonggeom felt the corner of his lips begin to rise.
“Hmmm…”
Daehwan eyed Ilcheonggeom with curiosity.
“I get the feeling you’re concocting something in that mind of yours.”
“I mentioned it before, no? That I can manage on my own.”
“Then does that mean you genuinely don’t require any help?”
Ilcheonggeom hesitated briefly at the inquiry that followed Daehwan’s nod.
Did I genuinely not need any help? He began to connect the information from earlier with vague ideas stirring in his thoughts.
Then, doubts began to overwhelm him.
He wrestled with the challenge of whether it was acceptable to accept assistance from Sapa and whether, as a member of the Murim Alliance, he could justify that action.
“Think carefully, Ilcheonggeom. This isn’t one of those times where you actively need assistance.”
Daehwan seemed well aware of the internal conflict Ilcheonggeom wrestled with.
“We’ve joined forces once already. Why fret now?”
“…”
“And that’s the very thing troubling you.”
Daehwan stepped a fraction closer. As the distance shortened, Ilcheonggeom’s hand instinctively moved to grip the hilt of his sword.
Even then, Daehwan continued to approach, and soon they were face-to-face.
He whispered into Ilcheonggeom’s ear.
“Regardless… this should be kept secret from anyone.”
“…”
“Isn’t that right?”
It shouldn’t matter if no one knew. After all, only the two of them shared that secret.
At Daehwan’s words, Ilcheonggeom’s fist clenched tightly.
He acknowledged that it was true.
…What if no one finds out?
It was a valid thought. What if no one actually discovered this matter?
Even the Gyecheonmun’s chief, who had mobilized with intentions, wouldn’t be aware.
As that realization crossed his mind, Ilcheonggeom’s gaze dipped lower.
Right, that would be sufficient. That would do the trick.
Calming himself through rationalization, Ilcheonggeom released a breath and declared,
“…You seeking death? Step aside.”
“Tsk, tsk.”
Chastised by Ilcheonggeom’s aura, Daehwan began to put distance between them.
Perhaps he should consider dealing with Daehwan now? Ilcheonggeom contemplated that for a moment. But the conclusion came quickly.
Not now.
That could wait for later.
Gyecheonmun’s chief wasn’t weak, but if they fought now, too many variables could emerge.
Best to handle all matters post-conflict when conditions were ripe for optimal action.
Therefore, patience was essential at this moment. Disgusting as it was, he had to endure.
Even if he were entangled in such filthy affairs, in the end, no one would ever know.
Regardless, the true reason I summoned the Blue Dragon Lord here was something else entirely. Depending on the situation, I could offer even larger assistance… That’s what I wanted to convey to you.
“…”
“It seems you have countless worries. I suggest you ponder this deeply for a few days.”
As Daehwan added these words, he slyly nodded his head.
“I doubt we will have much time though.”
With that, he produced a letter from his robe and handed it over to Ilcheonggeom.
“This indicates our next meeting place. There isn’t a specific date inscribed, but if that is your wish, I will arrange it accordingly.”
Ilcheonggeom, while quietly examining the letter detailing the location, gradually lifted his gaze to the sky.
Before he realized it, the night had fully descended, yet the moon was nowhere to be seen.
As he silently contemplated the night, he finally spoke.
“Let’s decide by tomorrow.”
“As you wish.”
“And…”
Swish!
The wind blew, brushing past Daehwan’s hair.
Thud! A few strands fell cleanly to the ground.
“I think my words have shortened since last time.”
“…”
Ilcheonggeom commented with discontent, causing Daehwan to flinch for a moment.
He quickly adjusted his expression and responded to Ilcheonggeom.
“I apologize. I thought we were becoming a bit closer, so I acted as such… but it appears I may have offended you. Please accept my apologies.”
“Know your place. If it were true, I would only discuss swords with a Sapa like you.”
“I understand. I will be cautious.”
After Daehwan continued to apologize, Ilcheonggeom turned his back.
Based on his footsteps, it seemed he intended to leave.
At that moment.
“Blue Dragon Lord.”
At Daehwan’s call, Ilcheonggeom turned back.
“I’m sorry, but may I ask just one more thing?”
If it’s a trivial question, I might draw my sword. Ilcheonggeom’s glare held that threat, yet Daehwan pressed on as if unfazed.
“Do you remember the names of all your subordinates?”
“…What?”
Taken aback by the unexpected question, Ilcheonggeom squinted. What on earth did that mean?
Do you remember all your subordinates’ names?
All of them?
“Why do you ask this?”
“Oh, I’m simply curious. I wondered whether the esteemed Lord Meng could remember all of my subordinates…”
“I do remember.”
“Oh?”
At such a firm reply, Daehwan’s expression shifted to one of surprise. However, Ilcheonggeom added, “Only the useful ones.”
With that, he nonchalantly stepped back into the shadows.
Upon the faint sound of his departure, Daehwan sighed in exasperation.
“Look at that bastard? Anyone would think he’s soaring through the heavens with that attitude. What a prick.”
His previously cheerful expression faded, replaced by one of distortion.
“Considering his demeanor, it seems like this isn’t a moment for me to be disdainful of Sapa.”
Just then, the tone of Daehwan’s speech had switched so suddenly it felt odd.
“Oh, I’m already getting sick of this mere exchange.”
Groan…!!!
Suddenly, a rough sound erupted from Daehwan’s body.
Muscles contorted and bones shifted.
What’s more, even his face transformed rapidly.
Zeeeee-!!
In mere moments, he shrunk in height, becoming a totally different figure.
“Phew… Damn.”
The youth with gleaming blue eyes let out a curse.
The identity was none other than Gu Yangcheon.
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