Chapter 687: Gathering (Gathering)

‘Well, this is something.’

Looking at the sunlight filtering through the bars, I felt a strange emotion.

The air felt somewhat damp.

Despite the sunlight, the space was strangely dim.

It seemed somewhat managed, yet there were oddly old items.

Seeing all this, I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

‘So this is how it turns out.’

It was a space designated as an interrogation room, furnished with a chair and a table.

It was located underground within the Alliance, and likely would be used for a different purpose if more time passed.

‘To think I’d end up back here.’

What I was looking at was a solid wall, but it would be demolished and replaced with iron bars.

Right now, it’s an interrogation room, but back then, they’d call it a prison.

Yes, this place was the exact same location as the underground prison where I died in my previous life.

It’s just called an interrogation room now, serving a different purpose.

Realizing this and looking around, a peculiar sentiment washed over me.

The lingering unease of returning to the place where I died in my past life, mixed with the strangeness of arriving at a slightly altered location from before.

As I was lost in thought, turning my gaze away,

Click.

Gurgle-gurgle.

A sound came from the front.

It was the sound of something being poured into a teacup.

I looked past the overflowing teacup towards the old man holding a water pitcher.

A Taoist robe, symbolizing his affiliation with the Alliance.

Within it, the subtle symbols of a shaman were visible.

And on top of that, the faint yet potent spiritual energy (道氣) filling the room.

His presence, radiating the aura of a true martial artist, not some amateur, made my hair stand on end.

It was the same sensation I felt when I saw the Sword Emperor (劍帝).

Seeing the old man earlier, it wasn’t much different.

‘Well, that’s only natural.’

Just as the Sword Emperor was ranked among the top ten experts, this old man was no different, so it stands to reason.

After the tea was fully poured, his enlightened eyes (道眼) turned towards me.

“It’s been a while.”

At the old man’s greeting, I took a breath.

“Yes, it’s good to see you after so long. Sect Leader… no, I should call you Alliance Leader now.”

I was facing the Sect Leader of the Wudang sect, the Wudang Sword Sage. the one currently responsible for the entire martial arts world Alliance.

At my words, the Sword Sage subtly lifted the corner of his lips.

“It doesn’t matter what you call me. The title of Wudang Sect Leader is also a name I can bear.”

I nodded at his words.

‘The Wudang Sect Leader as well…’

It felt like the order was a bit off.

‘It’s as if the title of Alliance Leader takes precedence.’

It was already trending that the Sword Sage was gradually reducing his involvement with Wudang. I heard he even appointed an acting Sect Leader to lessen his workload, so hearing him say that gives me a clue.

‘Is this proof that the martial arts world Alliance is more important to him?’

Wouldn’t this be a good thing for the Alliance’s side?

‘There must have been a reason why figures from sects weren’t appointed Alliance Leader for the past several centuries.’

Recalling the past Alliance Leaders, there were a few House Leaders. The Sword Sage was the first Sect Leader.

The reason is simple.

‘Usually, Sect Leaders prioritize their sect.’

Just like most people in sects.

There were plenty who valued their sect more than their own lives.

Let alone the Sect Leader, who is the most important figure, most people were reluctant to entrust the Alliance to them.

Furthermore, given their nature as Taoists (道人) pursuing enlightenment, entrusting them with politics was inherently untrustworthy.

‘This fellow is something else.’

The Sword Sage, this old geezer, seemed like a fitting person for the title of Alliance Leader, whether for better or worse.

After all, even back then, he showed a peculiar inclination towards worldly desires for a Taoist.

As we maintained eye contact, the Sword Sage spoke to me.

“I heard something happened to a precious child, so I came to check.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call myself precious, though…”

“Haha. You are precious. The disciples of the later generation are the future of the orthodox path; how could you not be?”

“I appreciate the sentiment.”

I wasn’t grateful at all, but I coated my tongue with honey for now. There was no point arguing here.

“So, you had an incident with a senior martial artist.”

“It was a dispute arising from a very minor misunderstanding.”

“A dispute from a misunderstanding…”

As he listened, the Alliance Leader’s smile deepened. Seeing that, I had to hide my unease.

‘I didn’t expect this guy to show up in person.’

I thought I’d just undergo a standard investigation. I never imagined the Alliance Leader himself would come for a face-to-face. I thought the Sword Emperor would at least come.

‘What’s going on?’

Why did this old geezer come looking for me?

I racked my brain.

He wouldn’t have come just because a disciple of the later generation was caught, surely. I knew he wasn’t the type for that long ago.

“Still, it seems things unfolded rather unusually.”

“…”

“I heard you fought evenly with the Flowing Flame Sword. Is that true?”

That idiotic bastard. With so many openings, how could I not strike? I intended to hold back, but he was so weak that I ended up overpowering him more than expected.

‘I can’t possibly say that…’

I carefully chose my words.

“It was pure chance and a miracle. Senior Flowing Flame Sword was very lenient.”

“A miracle…”

The Sword Sage wore a peculiar expression. Seeing him, I narrowed my eyes as well.

“Even if it was a miracle, I could see your potential is outstanding. Truly remarkable.”

“No, as I said, Senior Flowing Flame Sword was just being very generous.”

“The Sword Emperor told me himself that even he couldn’t ascertain your level.”

“…”

I tried to play humble, but fell silent for a moment at his next words. It was an unexpected situation.

If the Sword Sage is telling the truth, then this was a mistake.

‘…Ah, damn it. Should I have lowered it even more?’

The moment I saw the Sword Emperor, I revealed a certain amount of my strength, but it seems even that wasn’t enough. It was a clear mistake.

‘My level was higher than I thought.’

I thought I had lowered my strength to a level the Sword Emperor could immediately recognize, but it seems I needed to lower it even further.

“Perhaps the Sword Emperor was just tired that day?”

“The Sword Emperor? Haha.”

The Sword Sage laughed.

Of course. There was no way that cold, calculating man would make a mistake due to fatigue.

While the Sword Emperor is called the Alliance Leader’s guard, he was, furthermore, a figure who protected the martial arts world Alliance itself.

He never made mistakes and never backed down.

The Iron-Blooded Sword Emperor.

That was his epithet.

The Sword Sage knew this well, hence his smile, while I had to sigh inwardly.

“At first, I thought you’d learned some peculiar martial art, but seeing you in person, it’s different.”

As the Sword Sage continued speaking, I began to see through his intentions.

“You are strong. Much stronger than the world probably knows.”

“I haven’t exactly been told I’m weak anywhere.”

I changed my expression. I tried to maintain my composure, but it was useless now.

I tried to make a joke, but the Sword Sage’s expression remained unchanged. He was smiling, but the emotion behind it was as dry as could be, even for a Taoist.

“This is truly great fortune for the Central Plains.”

“Alliance Leader.”

Cutting off the Sword Sage, I asked him,

“It seems you have something you want to say. Your lacking junior will listen attentively.”

Spit it out, don’t beat around the bush.

I spoke with that underlying meaning. Consequently, a slight tremor appeared in the Sword Sage’s smile.

‘I’m tired of this testing the waters.’

I think I know why the Alliance Leader sought me out. The confrontation with Flowing Flame Sword seems to be the issue, and that includes other factors.

‘My strength seems to be causing some kind of problem.’

Strength far exceeding expectations. The fact that I possess it seems to be problematic.

“I heard you intend to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament. Is that correct?”

“That’s correct. It’s a festival directly hosted by the martial arts world Alliance. As a member of an orthodox clan, I felt obligated to attend.”

I hid my true intentions within my words. I just wanted to try participating in the tournament you guys are holding, without any particular agenda. That was the implication.

“For an inexperienced martial artist like myself, I thought it would be an invaluable experience.”

“Indeed. It will be a valuable experience not just for you, but for all martial artists.”

“Yes. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but there’s something you need to know.”

“I’m all ears.”

Focusing my gaze, I looked at the Sword Sage.

“Given that there was a dispute within the Alliance, if things go wrong, your right to participate in the tournament could be revoked.”

At the Sword Sage’s words, my eyes widened instantly.

“Gasp…! Is that really true?”

I covered my mouth with my hand, reacting as if I had no idea.

“I didn’t know…! I had no idea something so serious could happen!”

“Therefore, depending on the situation, you might not be able to attend the tournament.”

“I see…”

I lowered my gaze, putting on a disappointed expression. Then I continued,

“Since those are the Alliance’s laws, I will accept whatever punishment is given. It is indeed my fault.”

I said with a smile.

If you want to exclude me, go ahead. I could respect that choice. This was genuine.

‘Judging by the situation, something is definitely going on.’

If the Alliance Leader, the Sword Sage, came personally to assess me, it means something is involved. He’s trying to confirm something. Whether they can really exclude me.

Although the circumstances pointed to my fault, my initial thought upon entering was different.

They cannot exclude me.

‘More precisely, they can’t exclude me now that I’m involved with Flowing Flame Sword.’

It was true that a dispute had occurred, but separately, the fact that the involved parties were among the Central Plains’ Top 100 Experts posed a problem.

The Central Plains’ Top 100 Experts participating in the tournament. That alone gives considerable value to the tournament’s name.

To exclude a Top 100 Expert from the tournament for a trivial reason? This would be a significant loss for the martial arts world Alliance as well. Therefore, they would try to smooth things over somehow.

Moreover, rumors about me must have already spread.

‘The youth who faced a Top 100 Expert, and so on… things like that.’

It sparks at least a little interest. The martial arts world Alliance wouldn’t easily dismiss that. Especially now, during a time when they need to attract attention.

So, I should be able to get out of this situation soon enough.

‘That was my assessment when I came in.’

But seeing the Sword Sage’s reaction, I could tell something was different.

‘If they exclude me here, there must be a significant reason.’

Normally, breaking the rules would mean disqualification, but the martial arts world Alliance wouldn’t handle things so straightforwardly. This was a form of trust I had. Trust that they wouldn’t act that way.

Knowing that, if they were to exclude me even in this situation,

‘It means they are definitely working on something behind the scenes,’ and that I am an obstacle to that plan.

If I obtained proof, I could simply alter my plans slightly.

‘The tournament? Damn it, I just won’t participate if it comes to that.’

The plan involving Bongsun was pushed back to a lower priority, but if things got complicated, I could use it immediately without issue.

Making that judgment, I looked at the Sword Sage.

“…”

Silence ensued.

Having heard my words, the Sword Sage was also looking at me.

I met his gaze without flinching.

What choice would he make? Or what would he say?

I watched, curious, when

“Haha.”

the Sword Sage chuckled again.

“There’s no need to worry so much. Today… I simply came because I was curious about you.”

“Oh, I see.”

“I hear the interrogation is also finished, so you’ll be released shortly. This was a meeting I insisted upon, so I apologize if I took up your time.”

“That’s truly a relief to hear.”

It seems, as I suspected, that nothing major is happening.

“We’ll need to confirm internally, but it’s unlikely anything significant will arise.”

These were the Alliance Leader’s words. That was close to a confirmation.

“We can’t prevent a rising star of the Central Plains from shining because of such a trivial matter, can we?”

“…A star? That’s very flattering.”

Indeed, I have no intention of remaining just a mere star.

Scrape.

The Sword Sage spoke as he stood up.

“Sorry for taking up your time. I hope to see you again under different circumstances next time.”

It seemed our conversation was over.

Did the Sword Sage achieve his objective without much conversation?

‘Or perhaps he judged it was too awkward to attempt anything further.’

Regardless, the Sword Sage had a purpose in visiting me. Knowing that was enough.

The Sword Sage, without losing his smile, said to me,

“I hope you achieve good results at the tournament.”

“Thank you for your words. I will do my best.”

“Ah, yes. I heard you are friends with my child.”

Naturally, the child the Sword Sage mentioned was Woohyuk.

“Yes. We are inseparable friends.”

“He was always a worrisome child. I feel relieved that he seems to have gained an outstanding friend. Please take good care of him.”

“Haha…”

I laughed upon hearing that.

It’s truly laughable.

To think that the man who told Woohyuk to his face in my past life not to associate with someone like me would say such things now.

Moreover.

‘He was a worrisome child?’

What a load of crap.

That bastard, who discarded me like trash in my past life, is worried? Bullshit.

‘Why did Woohyuk die?’

Doesn’t that include the actions committed by the Wudang sect? Seeing him act like such a saintly Sect Leader makes me want to vomit.

But I held back.

I had to.

“Yes. I will take good care of him.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you.”

Thump-!

The Sword Sage finally left the room, and the door closed.

Only after the door closed could I finally remove the smiling expression from my face.

‘This isn’t easy.’

It really isn’t easy.

I know there are far too many people in this world who deserve to die.

Knowing that better than anyone,

it just wasn’t easy.

---

After the Sword Sage left, perhaps half an hour passed at most.

Only then was I able to leave the Alliance grounds.

As I followed the Alliance members outside, something suddenly popped out towards my face.

“…What is this?”

“It’s tofu.”

“I’m genuinely speechless.”

Tang Soyeol cheerfully handed me the tofu.

I carefully took it and took a bite.

It’s surprisingly delicious… well made.

“You must have gone through a lot…. Are you okay?”

“What’s not to be okay about? I just sat there and got released.”

As I said, it wasn’t difficult at all.

They called it an interrogation, but they mostly just watched my reactions and asked a few questions about the situation. The Flowing Flame Sword side probably didn’t say much either.

‘He’d be too embarrassed to say anything.’

Martial artists are like that. They boast endlessly about victories but clamp their mouths shut about defeats. How could a senior martial artist like him possibly admit he was groping a woman and nearly got his groin crushed?

‘Not ‘nearly’ crushed, I should have definitely crushed it.’

If I had kicked a little harder, it would have really broken, but if it had actually broken, it might have caused bigger problems, so I controlled myself. Let’s just say I left it at a level where treatment was possible.

‘It’s a specialized skill in that area, you see.’

This is also a highly advanced torture technique, something only a skilled practitioner can perform. Only I can do it, only me.

Chewing the tofu in my hand, I asked Tang Soyeol,

“Where did that guy go?”

It was a question about Flowing Flame Sword. He must have been released before me, but hopefully, nothing happened?

“Ah… he did come out earlier. He glared at us for a moment and then disappeared quickly.”

“Really?”

It seems there were no further altercations.

“Why were you guys waiting? I told you to go ahead.”

Before going into the Alliance, I had told Wi Seol-ah and Tang Soyeol that they could leave, but the two of them seemed to have waited until I came out.

Bongsun and Seong-yul seemed to have disappeared quietly. It was fortunate; if those guys had been waiting too, it would have been more troublesome, so it was better they weren’t visible.

“How could we leave first…. You were dragged away because of me.”

Tang Soyeol said with a gloomy expression, making me laugh out loud.

“Did it look like I was dragged away?”

“Whether you went willingly or were forced, you went because of me…. If only I had held back a little.”

“It’s fine as long as nothing serious happened. And why should you hold back?”

I said, stroking Tang Soyeol’s hair.

“If you hadn’t held back then, I would have torn him apart even more. That’s what I mean.”

Since Tang Soyeol seemed somewhat upset, I stopped there. I don’t know what she said to make Flowing Flame Sword so angry, though.

‘Thanks to that, I’ve attracted a bit more attention… but it’s not a major problem.’

More eyes turning towards me? That’s hardly a concern.

“So stop making that face and let’s go grab something to eat.”

As I casually suggested this and moved to lead Wi Seol-ah and Tang Soyeol,

“Ah, Young Master…”

Tang Soyeol said, pulling her hand away from mine.

“Since I’ve seen you come out, Young Master… I’ll be going ahead.”

“Where are you going?”

Where is she going without eating?

To my question, Tang Soyeol replied with a smile,

“I have something to attend to. I’ll be back before it gets too late.”

“…Alright. Take care.”

Since she said she had something to do, I didn’t pry. Tang Soyeol seems to have been absent frequently lately, but it shouldn’t be a major issue. She’ll handle things herself.

After Tang Soyeol disappeared somewhere,

“What should we eat? How about dumplings?”

I asked, recalling the dumplings we had last time, and Wi Seol-ah smiled brightly.

“Anything is fine with me.”

“Let’s go then.”

I ruffled Wi Seol-ah’s hair and slowly started walking.

---

As expected by Sword Sage and Gu Yangcheon, rumors began to subtly spread throughout Hanam.

-A young martial artist clashed with the Top 100 Expert Flowing Flame Sword, and the match ended inconclusively.

This was what those who witnessed the altercation began spreading by word of mouth.

“That’s a lie.”

“If you’re going to lie, shouldn’t you at least make it somewhat realistic?”

Naturally, most people didn’t believe it.

However.

“Ah, I’m telling you it’s real! I saw it myself!”

“It’s true. I saw it too!”

Since so many people had actually seen it and many were spreading it, it didn’t take long for the rumor to take hold.

A young martial artist.

Specifically, a martial artist of the later generation level clashing evenly with a Top 100 Expert. That alone was enough to heat up the surroundings.

“Flowing Flame Sword is one of the absolute experts, so who could it be that fought such a person?”

“I heard the name is So Yeom-ra.”

“So Yeom-ra…? Could it be… from the Divine Dragon Pavilion….”

News of the person whom the Beggars’ Sect and the Alliance had intentionally suppressed also spread.

“Even back then, there was talk of a new hero. After all these years… even if they’re a genius, does that make sense?”

“Flowing Flame Sword must be a martial artist at the Hua-gyeong level… if they fought him evenly, could it be that So Yeom-ra has also reached Hua-gyeong?”

“That’s absurd. They say So Yeom-ra just passed the age of majority! Is Hua-gyeong some common name like the neighbor’s dog?!”

“Why is it absurd? Divine Dragon reached Hua-gyeong too, didn’t he?”

“Well, that’s because he’s Divine Dragon…!”

“Have you forgotten that So Yeom-ra was also called the True Dragon? Besides, back then, rumors already spread about him being the youngest to reach Hua-gyeong.”

“But the martial arts world Alliance officially confirmed Divine Dragon as…”

The debates were endless.

That single short fight was gradually heating up the surroundings, and this was something even Gu Yangcheon hadn’t anticipated. No, it would be more accurate to say the repercussions were much greater than expected.

Are those rumors true?

Has So Yeom-ra truly reached Hua-gyeong?

If so, when did they reach Hua-gyeong, and what about the past rumors?

Furthermore, if the rumors are indeed true, what becomes of the value of the Divine Dragon (信龍), officially recognized by the Alliance?

As countless discussions were becoming a small whirlwind in Hanam,

“Here you are.”

Someone was handing a letter to the bustling tournament registration desk.

“No…. So, So Yeom-ra… here…”

“Flowing Flame Sword, you see…”

The sounds constantly heard around them.

Taking that all in, a black-haired youth adopted a peculiar look. It looked like an expression of disbelief.

“What have you been up to in just a few days? Tsk tsk…”

I had stepped away briefly due to an incident, but it seems you caused trouble again in the meantime.

‘Didn’t you say you were too embarrassed to gain fame? It makes me wonder why you were holding back then.’

He was a damn scoundrel.

It’s funny that I’m the one raising such a guy.

A martial artist from the Alliance took the letter handed by the youth and opened it.

“…Huh.”

The registrar’s eyes widened slightly as they received and read the letter.

“S-Seo An-biga’s Bi Ui-jin…. Young Master. You have been confirmed.”

The youth, Bi Ui-jin, smirked at the registrar’s words. Just as the registrar was cautiously preparing the identification token,

“Ah, right. And this is something my master asked me to deliver.”

“Yes?”

“He said to thank you for the letter, but also to convey his apologies for not being able to attend personally due to his busy schedule.”

“What does that mean….”

Along with his words, he handed over another letter. The registrar took it and unfolded it again,

“…Gasp!!”

Unlike before, the registrar’s expression was filled with much greater shock, and they began to tremble. It was understandable, as the sender of the letter was none other than

“P-P-Pae-jon…!”

One of the three heavenly venerables (三尊) of the orthodox path. The foremost martial artist, Pae-jon (敗尊) Bi Ju.

It was his letter.

Just as the registrar was trembling while looking at the letter, Bi Ui-jin casually grabbed the identification token and walked away.

“I’ve delivered everything, so I’ll be going now.”

“W-Wait a moment-! Young Master Bi…!”

The registrar urgently called out to Bi Ui-jin, but he was long gone.

The second day of the tournament registration.

The Twin Dragon (鬪龍) Bi Ui-jin demanded participation in the tournament along with Pae-jon’s letter.

This meant that it was tantamount to acknowledging the Twin Dragon as Pae-jon’s direct disciple.

Before long, Hanam was filled with yet another rumor.