Chapter 763: Hero Appears. (Revision 2)

Fssst….

The monster’s body scattered and vanished in the wind, and I stared at the white magic stone left on the ground.

The magic stone stood upright, perfectly shaped as if someone had placed it there.

At first glance, it looked transparent yet had a vivid white color, and I could feel a potent energy filling it from within.

The amount of energy was far greater than even Dokcheondan, which was said to be the highest-tier elixir-grade.

I knew obtaining it would be quite helpful.

“…”

I couldn’t carelessly touch the magic stone.

Not only could I not use the ‘Madoheupcheongong’ technique due to the gazes felt from behind, but I also had to freeze my body for a moment, recalling the situation just before.

‘What is this?’

What is this unsettling feeling?

What did I just hear?

[Thank… thank… you….]

“…”

Before the monster disappeared. It thanked me.

Its speech was slurred, but there was no problem understanding it.

Did I perhaps mishear, or was it a hallucination?

I knew better than anyone that it wasn’t.

‘What the hell.’

It wasn’t that surprising that the monster spoke human language.

In the first place, it seemed problematic to treat creatures called dragons as mere monsters.

After all, that guy named Mang whom I met in the Northern Sea could converse perfectly fine, so this wasn’t exactly shocking, but….

“Why….”

Why did it speak to me at the very end, when it hadn’t said a word until now?

And not just any words, but a thank you.

Of all things to hear, it had to be that, and after it vanished, my chest was filled with a lingering unease.

What could be the reason?

I could have simply ignored it, but once the question arose, it festered in my heart.

‘Ah, this is annoying.’

I ended up frowning.

It could have just died like a monster, why did it have to unnecessarily leave people feeling unsettled?

‘Nothing ever gets resolved cleanly.’

That’s just how my life is.

Shit.

Ignoring the complicated feelings in my chest for now, I slumped down onto the ground.

“Hoo….”

I let out the breath I had been holding.

Then.

“I-is it over?”

“The monster…?”

“I don’t see it…. It seems truly…. truly over.”

Others cautiously surveyed the situation with voices full of tension.

The monster that had long since vanished and the traces of red monsters burning everywhere.

In the calm. Or rather, the quietly settling atmosphere, one person shouted with an enthusiastic voice.

“S-So Yeomra seems to have finished off that monster.”

Huh?

I immediately turned my head at the bullshit comment.

What are they talking about?

“No wonder…! I thought it was approaching with that body, was it to finish it off?”

“With that dying body…? No way…. It wanted to save us from danger…?”

“So Yeomra… you.”

The middle-aged men collectively got teary-eyed.

At the somewhat creepy sight, I exclaimed in disgust.

“Did you guys chug alcohol together? Didn’t you see the thunder striking from the sky just now?”

There was no greater bullshit than that.

Anyone would think I caught it alone.

The hunt was entirely done by Cheonjun, yet I’m the one getting the applause.

How could anyone reach such a shitty conclusion in this situation?

“I just came because there was something to check. It was already dead, so please don’t misunderstand.”

“To possess such humility….”

“How cowardly and insignificant I was, misunderstanding you based solely on your appearance…. So Yeomra, you are completely different from the rumors.”

“They said you had skill but a foul temper, looked terrifying, and were busy indulging in women…. Who knew you’d be such a self-sacrificing young man.”

“This is why you can’t trust rumors….”

“…It seems I really need to rip out some tongues.”

I tried to stand up, unable to hold back my anger any longer.

Whoosh-!

“Ugh!”

My body swayed, and I slumped back down.

“Hah… huff.”

I almost kicked the bucket.

My mind almost slipped away as my body reached its limit.

‘No.’

Absolutely not.

I couldn’t pass out yet.

Even though the urgent matter of dealing with the monster was over.

‘…There’s still something left to do.’

The most important task remained.

Recalling that, I barely managed to regain my composure.

“Hoo….”

As I caught my breath, Tang Soyeol quickly ran over and helped me up.

“Are you alright…?”

“…Of course, I’m fine.”

“What exactly is fine about you….”

“My limbs are all intact. That means I’m fine.”

At least none of my limbs were torn off.

That was enough.

Ignoring the blood rising in my throat, I swallowed it down with a gulp and observed my body.

The dragon’s body had already begun regenerating.

I didn’t use any energy.

Only a minuscule amount remained, but I couldn’t use it for regeneration as I needed to conserve every bit.

I looked up at the sky.

‘…Fast.’

As if to signal the monster’s death, the sky was gradually clearing.

As the others saw this, relief began to spread across their faces.

“This is not the time to be standing around.”

I said to them in a low voice.

“It seems that unknown entity has been dealt with, but…. the attack isn’t over yet, is it?”

“…”

My words jolted them into alertness, and their expressions immediately turned serious.

We’ve extinguished the main fire, but other things are still burning.

That was the intention behind my words.

The attack wasn’t over.

I had only barely managed to get people to escape from the center.

Since I couldn’t subdue all the monstrous beings, battles were likely raging elsewhere.

And if possible….

‘I wish it could buy us a little more time.’

It probably wouldn’t be possible for much longer.

They must have realized by now, looking at the sky.

That something had gone wrong with their plan.

‘Even thinking about it now is too late, though.’

Shaking my head, I addressed the others.

“Now is not the time for relief, but to do what needs to be done.”

“…You’re right.”

“We still have things to do.”

Everyone nodded.

Extinguishing the remaining embers and protecting civilians.

People willing to draw their swords for stability.

Even while shedding their disgusting pretense, I remembered each of their faces.

As I quickly scanned dozens of faces while doing this, I realized something.

‘…Most of them are unfamiliar faces.’

The majority were people I didn’t know.

In my previous life, they probably died early in the war.

“…”

I lingered on each of their faces, remembering them.

In my past life, not even I, let alone anyone else, would have done this.

So, although I knew I didn’t have the right to do so.

This time, I wanted to remember them, at least.

---

I immediately moved my feet towards the place where civilians had gathered for evacuation.

It wasn’t too far from the Murim Alliance headquarters; close enough to see if one looked.

You might wonder why it was made so close to the headquarters where the attack just occurred, but there was a reason for that.

‘That way, they could see.’

The gathered people needed to be able to look at the Murim Alliance.

That way.

‘Their distrust would deepen.’

Those who had developed distrust towards the Alliance during the evacuation.

Or, those whose faith in the Alliance had waned in the current situation.

It was a means to deepen the chasm of emotions they held.

This method was more effective than expected.

“Be careful-!”

“Please be cautious during movement-!”

A place where a multitude of people were gathered.

Among them, individuals in yellow martial arts attire were serving as both guards and guides.

They were people from the Hwangbo Family.

“Anyone experiencing physical discomfort, seek this place immediately!”

Doctors and even water had been brought and arranged.

Martial artists were vigilantly scanning the surroundings, prepared for any potential attacks.

“…They even provided doctors….”

“How could they do that….”

Seeing that, many expressed their admiration.

In the current Central Plains, doctors are precious individuals, and doctors belonging to noble families are those whom even family members cannot easily interfere with.

To place such doctors at the refuge to care for others…

“…The Hwangbo Family truly is a noble family among noble families….”

“They say they moved before others even during the attack.”

“They are truly great people.”

“How can we ever repay this kindness….”

Their faces were filled with gratitude.

This was especially true since most people here had received help from the Hwangbo Family.

“Compared to them, the Murim Alliance…!”

At the words spoken, the surroundings fell silent for a moment.

The man who spoke seemed unable to suppress his emotions despite sensing the atmosphere.

“Be careful…. Even so, badmouthing the Murim Alliance…”

“Calm down? What do you mean calm down? What have they even done to let the situation get this bad!”

Badmouthing the Alliance in the middle of Henan was quite a dangerous act. Yet, the man couldn’t hold back, and the others also showed expressions of agreement, albeit hesitantly.

“They walked around with their heads held high, claiming to protect the Central Plains, so where on earth were they and what were they doing!”

“…R-right. They were busy escorting influential sect leaders or innkeepers with strong backing. They didn’t even pay attention to us.”

“I saw it too!”

As each person chimed in, their voices rose as if riding a wave.

“What kind of justice is this…. They say the Alliance Leader is trapped there, unable to move. What exactly was protecting us….”

The escalating fervor, seemingly fueled by anger, ended in lament.

A sense of emptiness, questioning what they had truly believed in.

Observing those bitterly lamenting, I quietly moved my body.

No, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say Cheonjun moved me.

What this means is that I am currently being carried on Cheonjun’s back.

‘…Hmm.’

In all my life, I never thought I’d end up being carried on the back of one of the Three Venerables.

It was an incredibly awkward situation.

But, I couldn’t help it.

I needed to recover my strength in a short time, so I had to rest.

And I needed to move separately, so I had to borrow someone’s strength…

‘…Why are they fighting each other?’

Suddenly, three women started fighting over who would carry me.

Was it my mistake to mention just asking someone to carry me to the destination?

The moment I said that, the women’s eyes suddenly lit up.

It started with Tang Soyeol.

Tang Soyeol casually stepped forward, intending to carry me, but Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah simultaneously stopped her.

The reason was why Tang Soyeol was the one to carry me.

Tang Soyeol argued that since she had always helped me, she would carry me this time too.

It was a seemingly logical justification, but the other two didn’t accept it.

Namgung Bi-ah said that Tang Soyeol did it because she wasn’t there, so now she would do it.

Wi Seol-ah, in a desperate move, brought up that she was originally my attendant, so she was just fulfilling her duty.

Hearing that, I was utterly bewildered.

When did she even quit being an attendant, and Wi Seol-ah was literally lying in a sickbed with bandages on her chest just moments ago!

It was absurd, trying to figure out who was going to carry whom.

While it seemed like a logical discussion at first… I soon realized.

That it was actually filled with nothing but the desire to do it themselves, devoid of any logic.

In the midst of this, Bongsoon suddenly tried to sneakily carry me but got caught, making the situation even more chaotic.

Eventually, the atmosphere grew tense, and as I wondered how to handle this shitty situation…

-I shall carry him.

Cheonjun, who had been watching, stepped in and resolved the situation.

They were about to fight, but everyone shut their mouths upon Cheonjun’s words.

‘What is this all about….’

Why they would fight so fiercely over something as simple as being carried on someone’s back was beyond my comprehension.

Anyway.

After observing the refugees’ reactions for a moment.

I headed towards the pavilion with Cheonjun’s help.

‘I see it.’

Inside the Murim Alliance headquarters, the pavilion built at the location where the martial arts tournament was being held.

Upon arriving there again, I saw several people gathered.

As soon as they spotted us, they immediately drew their swords.

Screeeech-!!

“…State your identities.”

Keeping our distance, I observed them.

‘Huh.’

As soon as I saw their faces, I let out a hollow laugh.

‘Three Grand Masters?’

There seemed to be about forty martial artists gathered, and among them, three were Grand Master level.

Especially the man who drew his sword the moment he saw us was someone I recognized.

“Ilcheonggeom.”

Ilcheonggeom Jang Seong-myeong.

The current Grand Master of the Azure Dragon Unit, a master ranked among the Hundred Great Experts.

‘Jang the son of a bitch’s right-hand man.’

In my previous life, he was the man called the right-hand man of the Meteor Sword.

Just then.

“…S-So Yeomra…?”

The person next to him recognized me and widened his eyes.

“Oh.”

I wondered who it was, and it turned out to be a familiar face.

“It’s been a while. Grand Master Biryong.”

As I said with a smile, he flinched and trembled.

“H-how could you….”

As Beom Dong spoke in confusion, Ilcheonggeom next to him wore a strange expression.

“I thought it was a familiar face. So, young hero, you were So Yeomra.”

He had learned my identity, but he still hadn’t sheathed his sword.

“I know your identity now. However, I wish to ask why you came here.”

I could feel his wariness.

Despite feeling the sharp hostility, I stepped forward.

“The current Alliance Leader is said to be trapped here, so I came to offer my help.”

“…You?”

Hearing my answer, his wariness only increased.

Well, I suppose. If I were in his shoes, I’d find it strange too.

“Yes.”

“We appreciate the thought, but there’s no need.”

“Why is that?”

“Given the current circumstances, it’s a time when outsiders must be restricted from entering. If you wish to help, it would be better to lend your strength elsewhere.”

“…Given the circumstances….”

Hearing his words, I pondered deeply.

It wasn’t entirely unreasonable, so I had to think carefully about how to respond.

“Indeed…. The current situation is quite a mess.”

“Thank you for understanding….”

“But in such a situation, what are you all doing here?”

“…What?”

I instinctively cleared my throat but stopped.

It felt like it would hurt like hell if I did it now.

“The county was devastated by the attack of the monstrous beings. Citizens are screaming, wailing, and in chaos…. What are you people doing here?”

The attack occurred and monsters rampaged, but what was the Murim Alliance doing during that time?

I already knew the answer to that.

“They’re busy taking care of innkeepers, sect leaders, and their patrons… and with three so-called Grand Masters messing around here, the situation has turned into this mess.”

As I continued speaking, Ilcheonggeom’s expression crumpled.

“What… did you just dare to say.”

“You don’t seem deaf, but if you wish, I can repeat myself. However, it might be a bit harsher than what I said before. Is that alright?”

“Y-!”

Ilcheonggeom, seemingly enraged, immediately unleashed his killing intent.

“Are you insulting me, the Grand Master of this unit, and the entire Alliance?”

“Does this look like praise to you? If you heard it that way, you must be unwell, so you should hurry to a doctor.”

“This guy really-!”

Ilcheonggeom advanced towards me as if intending to cut me down immediately.

Watching him, I recalled.

Honestly, I didn’t care whether he got angry or not.

In fact, I kind of hoped he would act this way.

It would make handling things easier for me.

That should have been the case.

‘This is too fucking much.’

No matter what, I couldn’t stand it.

Because I remembered the people who rushed forward to catch the monster.

The faces I memorized flashed through my mind.

It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have bothered memorizing them.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t be this pissed off.

‘But what can I do.’

Since I had already memorized them, I had to take responsibility.

Ilcheonggeom approached, seemingly furious.

As I watched him, I prepared to brace myself too.

“Calm yourself.”

Cheonjun’s hand clasped my shoulder.

As I felt the touch, my body instinctively stopped.

“My apologies. I shall apologize on his behalf.”

“His words insulted the Alliance, so this is not something anyone should interfere with….”

Ilcheonggeom raised his voice at Cheonjun but paused.

It seemed he recognized who he was dealing with.

Not just anyone, but the Alliance’s Grand Master. There was no way he wouldn’t know Cheonjun’s face.

“…Oh, Elder…?”

Ilcheonggeom’s face turned pale the moment he recognized Cheonjun.

“H-how did you come to be here, Elder….”

Cheonjun replied to the surprised Ilcheonggeom.

“Our young master had business here, so I came along briefly.”

“Young master… you mean.”

Ilcheonggeom’s gaze turned towards me.

Normally, I would have denied or explained, but this time, I didn’t bother.

“What are you looking at?”

“…”

It was my way of saying, ‘Go ahead and fuck yourself.’

Whether the meaning got across well, Ilcheonggeom’s face was quite a sight.