Chapter 786: Control Your Strength.

“Is that truly the truth?”

Ilcheonggeom asks again at Beomdong’s words.

The Holy King is in a state of internal injury.

He is intrigued by the information he brought.

One.

“Yes, it is true.”

“What proof is there to substantiate that…?”

Unlike the intriguing story, there is insufficient information to prove it.

At such words, Beomdong replies.

“Does the Azure Dragon Leader know that the Divine Healer is around the area where the Holy King is staying?”

“I know.”

Ilcheonggeom nodded.

It is already a well-known fact that the Baekhwashang Trading Company is hosting the Divine Healer as a guest, and that he is staying in Hanam.

Around the time this was discovered, the Alliance also immediately sent contact to the Divine Healer.

The reason was, naturally, an act hoping he would choose the Alliance as his residence, but…

The Divine Healer firmly rejected the Alliance’s request.

No, to call it firm, he did tell the Baekhwashang Trading Company to speak to him, but.

This is no different from a refusal.

Which trading company would accept a Divine Healer and then hand him over elsewhere?

Moreover, the Baekhwashang Trading Company is a somewhat ambiguous place to consider pro-Alliance.

Furthermore, there was no way they would accept him; and in reality, that was the case.

‘If they were going to hold onto the Divine Healer like that, it would have been better to hand him over instead.’

How much value does a Divine Healer hold in the Central Plains? Just the news of a Divine Healer appearing nearby could mobilize several trading companies, sects, and families.

Despite possessing such a Divine Healer, the Baekhwashang Trading Company took no significant action.

They truly, literally, provided him with lodging, and that was that.

Regarding this, the Alliance thought.

‘The reason the Divine Healer was placed in lodging must be because someone on the trading company’s side is in very poor health.’

This was the conclusion reached, but.

Nothing has actually been revealed.

News has been heard that the Divine Healer is occasionally treating others, but there was no information that he was using it for something.

Therefore, even if one wanted to obtain information.

‘Access is difficult.’

The difficulty of infiltrating the place where the Divine Healer was located was exceptionally high.

In fact, several informants were dispatched, but instead of bringing back information, only damage occurred.

‘They say some returned half-crippled or mentally deranged.’

Although no one lost their life, they returned with damage no less severe.

This inevitably means there is something in the lodging prepared by the Baekhwashang Trading Company.

The problem is.

‘There is no proof to substantiate this.’

The point is that no evidence remained.

They couldn’t even mention that the Murim Alliance sent informants to investigate.

Most of those who returned were mentally unstable, so no information could be obtained.

Because of this, it’s said that.

‘They called the Baekhwashang Trading Company a Devil’s Den (魔窟).’

Currently, the Alliance’s internal intelligence department calls it that.

Even though this is the current situation.

“You mean you obtained some information from that place.”

“That’s correct.”

“…”

Ilcheonggeom’s brow slightly furrows at Beomdong’s words.

Could what he said be true?

Doubt sprouts.

The Flying Dragon Leader, who suddenly obtained information from a place called the Devil’s Den.

Suspicion arises regarding this, but.

‘There is no reason for the Flying Dragon Leader to lie.’

Recalling what Beomdong had done so far, there was no reason for him to lie.

“…Explain in detail.”

For that reason, Ilcheonggeom decided to listen to Beomdong’s words first.

“First… there were definite circumstances.”

“Circumstances?”

“Yes, the Holy King was recently involved in a fierce battle. It was the aftermath of the demon summoning carried out by the descendants of the Zhuge family.”

“…”

The unorthodox cultivators who attacked Hanam last time.

The Alliance reported them to the world, classifying them as mere unorthodox cultivators.

Information related to the Zhuge family was also included in the report, but the explanation was slightly obscured to make it difficult to recognize.

Because of that, only the unorthodox cultivators and the Demonic Cult likely remain in people’s minds.

Research regarding the demon summoning they carried out was still ongoing.

“The demon summoned at that time was a White-grade (백급). A demon only spoken of in ancient history.”

A breathing catastrophe that existed only hundreds of years ago.

The demon summoned by the Zhuge family was a monster of the White-grade, and as if the words referring to them were true, it turned the Hanam area into a wasteland.

“The one who faced such a demon head-on was none other than the Holy King. As you saw later, Leader Ilcheonggeom, wasn’t the Holy King’s physical condition not good?”

“…”

At Beomdong’s words, Ilcheonggeom immediately recalled the memory.

It was the day of the White-grade demon’s attack. Around the time the Holy King, having defeated the demon, immediately arrived at the Alliance.

At that time, Ilcheonggeom had met the Holy King.

Just by looking, the Holy King’s condition was not good.

It was a state where it wouldn’t be strange if he collapsed right then.

His body was such that just standing on two legs was surprising.

“Moreover, it happened after the duel with the Sword King. His condition would surely not be good.”

“…”

It sounds plausible.

The certainty, as Beomdong said, was clear. This indicated that the Holy King’s condition was not good, no matter who looked.

“That’s purely speculation. As you said earlier, there’s no concrete proof, is there?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m telling you I sent informants to confirm.”

“Confirm what?”

“Last night. The Holy King entering and leaving the Divine Healer’s lodging.”

“…!”

Ilcheonggeom’s eyes narrow at Beomdong’s words.

The Holy King entered and left the Divine Healer’s lodging.

At that statement, Ilcheonggeom strokes his own mouth with his hand.

Seeing this, Beomdong continued speaking.

“You must know… but the Holy King is the child of the current head of the trading company. As it is the head’s lodging, entering and leaving might not seem like a problem, but isn’t the situation peculiar?”

“…Hmm.”

Many thoughts flashed through his mind.

As a result, Beomdong’s words had no substantial evidence, but.

As he kept mentioning, the circumstances were the issue.

The duel with the Sword King. After that, engaging in battle with a demon. And then visiting the Divine Healer’s lodging.

‘That alone isn’t quite enough.’

As Ilcheonggeom recalled, he suddenly remembered the situation just before.

The Golden Dragon Leader and the Iron Dragon Leader.

The actions the Holy King displayed while confronting those two.

‘That was definitely cold sweat.’

In the moment Ilcheonggeom blocked, the Holy King wiped away the flowing cold sweat.

His expression didn’t seem particularly strained, but…

‘Is that guy really in a state of internal injury?’

The moment he entered the Alliance.

It was the same back then when he was engaging in a power struggle with me.

The Holy King approached and grabbed me, preventing me from drawing my sword.

At the time, immense pressure was felt, but within it, Ilcheonggeom could clearly feel it.

‘His energy was wavering.’

I mean, the Holy King’s energy was strangely fluctuating internally.

That is not an action that can be done intentionally.

I had never seen anyone in my life who could artificially make their energy tremble like that.

If such a thing were possible.

‘That wouldn’t be a human, but a monster.’

An action that even the Three Venerables, who are said to approach divinity, cannot perform.

Knowing this, Ilcheonggeom began to sympathize with Beomdong’s logic.

However.

“Why are you telling me this?”

How is it that the Flying Dragon Leader is giving me this information now?

This was the biggest question.

“Seeing as you mention it directly like this, it seems you won’t be reporting it to the higher-ups.”

“…”

Beomdong nods at Ilcheonggeom’s words.

“That’s correct. If the Azure Dragon Leader does not wish it, there is no need to report it unnecessarily.”

“…”

“The reason I am giving you this information now, Leader, is nothing special.”

Beomdong, continuing his words, his eyes shone.

“Unlike the other Leaders, I don’t like the Holy King. Furthermore, I thought this information might be necessary for the Azure Dragon Leader right now.”

“…Ha.”

Hearing that, Ilcheonggeom burst into a hollow laugh.

“If he sustained internal injuries, they were likely quite deep. Adding to that, a warrior who participated in the battle with the demon at the time said he even collapsed while spitting blood.”

How should I take this?

For what reason is Beomdong really telling me this?

What action does he want me to take by speaking of the Holy King’s internal injuries like this?

He was engulfed in all sorts of worries.

“…”

Ilcheonggeom, still covering his mouth, remained silent for a long time after that.

“…I listened well to your story.”

With a somewhat darkened expression, he spoke to Beomdong.

“It seems I have something to think about, so could you leave now?”

“…Understood.”

Without hesitation at Ilcheonggeom’s words, Beomdong gets up.

Just as he was about to step out the door.

“Leader Ilcheonggeom.”

“…Speak.”

“As you asked earlier, if you do not wish it, Leader, I do not intend to report this matter to the superiors. What do you think?”

So Beomdong asked.

“…”

Ilcheonggeom replied to the question in a voice mixed with his breath.

“For the time being… I don’t think you need to report it. When my thoughts are settled, I will tell you separately then.”

“…Understood.”

Hearing the answer, Beomdong slightly bowed his head and came out the door.

After walking calmly and walking again, finally putting distance between himself and Ilcheonggeom.

“Hoo… Hook…!”

In a place where no one could see, Beomdong collapsed onto the ground.

Jureuk.

The cold sweat he had been holding back flowed down his chin.

Ttuk ttuk, the drops wet the floor.

Beyond that, Beomdong had to gasp for breath with wide eyes.

“What in the… what in the…”

As he fumbled with one arm with trembling hands, he felt goosebumps covering it.

It couldn’t be helped.

-Your task is just one thing.

-From now, after about an hour passes, go find Ilcheonggeom.

The reason Beomdong went to find Ilcheonggeom was none other than the Holy King, Gu Yangcheon’s words.

-He’s probably very angry, so don’t mind him and just say what I told you to say. You’re in intelligence, so you’re good at memorizing, right?

Gu Yangcheon drilled several phrases into Beomdong.

He instructed him to answer only in this manner, no matter what Ilcheonggeom said.

Hearing that, Beomdong simply started the conversation as instructed.

And soon after, he was surprised.

‘What is this…. What in the world is this?’

Whatever Ilcheonggeom said, it matched well with the answers he had memorized.

Although there might have been slight differences, the words all fit.

-Before you leave, ask him.

Finally.

-If you can report it to the higher-ups. There. If Ilcheonggeom answers like this, it’s a success.

-To the superiors.

“Don’t report it for now…”

Gu Yangcheon’s voice and Ilcheonggeom’s answer overlap.

Hearing the words, which seemed to resonate, Beomdong had to keep wiping his cold sweat.

‘What in the world is this.’

How did this situation come about?

Beomdong’s eyes darted around in disbelief.

At the same time, a sense of fear washes over him.

What kind of being has captured me?

His pounding heart felt like it was tightening up to his throat.

If it were up to him, he would have just confessed everything to Ilcheonggeom and hidden himself away.

Couldn’t he just ask Ilcheonggeom for help, quickly take his daughter, and hide?

Such thoughts kept coming to mind, but.

Ultimately, Beomdong could not make that choice.

Because his instincts kept telling him.

That he must listen to those words. That he must not make a different choice.

His instincts screamed like that, and this was the result.

‘…Did I….’

Did I make the right choice?

This is clearly an act of betraying the Alliance.

Yet, am I okay with this?

He felt as if he were gradually being enveloped in deep darkness.

As Beomdong trembled uncontrollably.

[Confirmed.]

“…!”

Suddenly, a sound brushed past Beomdong’s ear.

He immediately lifted his head and looked around.

“What…? Who’s there?”

[Having confirmed the execution of the order. I shall report to the Master.]

[You worked hard.]

“No–!! Who are you!!”

Beomdong, filled with terror, kept shouting, but the woman’s voice could no longer be heard.

Teolseok.

Beomdong’s legs gave out upon confirmation.

“…Unbelievable…”

Was someone watching him carry out the order?

“Ha… haha.”

It means that under the circumstances, he couldn’t even betray them.

Beomdong covered his face with trembling hands.

He had to tremble for a while like that.

*****************

The point when I returned to my lodging after leaving the Alliance.

As I sat quietly in my lodging, admiring the pond, someone spoke to me.

“Master.”

Turning my head at the familiar voice, Nahi was kneeling beside me.

As my gaze fell upon her, Nahi immediately added.

“I delivered the message as you said.”

I nodded at the report.

“There was Ilcheonggeom’s energy signature, so I couldn’t get close, but I delivered the message at the moment Seomgeom appeared, as you said.”

“Good job.”

“However… I couldn’t confirm whether Seomgeom truly followed the order…”

Nahi said to me with apparent worry, but at her words, I could only manage a smirk.

“It’s fine. He would have done it anyway.”

“…”

There’s no way Beomdong would have made a different choice.

“That guy is narrow-minded, so narrow-minded.”

For someone who runs an intelligence department, he doesn’t see the forest for the trees as much as one would expect.

No, even if he could see the forest a bit, he was the type who couldn’t properly read his own situation.

I am certain.

‘That’s why he died like an idiot in his past life.’

That guy won’t be able to disobey my words.

“So, just leave it at that.”

“…Understood.”

This much is appropriate for now.

Seomgeom will probably grow increasingly terrified as he sees the rope heading towards his neck.

I had to maximize that fear endlessly.

Making it build up more and more like that.

‘Then, I’ll detonate it at the end.’

In a way that is devastatingly humiliating.

Beomdong’s end must surely be like that.

‘Beomdong is enough for now.’

Now, the problem is…

‘When will Ilcheonggeom make his move?’

He took the bait easily, but taking the bait wasn’t the end.

‘Ilcheonggeom is quite a big fish, you see.’

If you pull him right after he bites, he’s a big fish (大魚) that will snap the line.

To catch him, it was important to make him exert more effort.

‘Let’s see… this part.’

There are still many ways to use this, so I’ll think about it a bit more.

For now, I have to head to the Alliance again tomorrow, so let’s organize the plan regarding that.

Deciding so, I rested my chin on my hand.

“Master.”

Suddenly, I turned my head again at Nahi’s call.

“What.”

“There is a secondary matter to report.”

“Hmm?”

A report. Since the information I wanted is finished, it must be something to convey personally.

‘What is it? Is it Ji-seon? Or maybe Zhuge Hyuk?’

Just as I wondered, Nahi gave her answer.

“It is said that the First Elder of the Gu family has arrived in Hanam.”

“…Hm?”

An unexpected answer was heard.

“The First Elder?”

“Yes. It’s news I just heard… Master?”

Nahi looked at me with wide eyes.

She seemed surprised by my sudden action.

“…Where are you going?”

She asked cautiously with such eyes.

At those words, I, quickly packing my things, said.

“Go where?”

Why ask the obvious?

“I have to run.”

“…”

At my answer, Nahi wore a dumbfounded expression, a rare sight.