Chapter 737: Oops, a mistake.

“Ilryongdae reports its return.”

A man.

At the words of Ilryongdae Leader Song Jong-ho, the Alliance Leader, Geomseon, replied.

“Yes, did you return without incident?”

“Yes.”

Thirty personnel joined Nasong. No casualties.

There were a few who suffered minor injuries, but even those were not deep.

Near-perfect command execution ability.

He lived up to his reputation as the most trustworthy figure in the Alliance after Geomje.

“You went through a lot.”

“Not at all. If it is for the Alliance, it is merely an honor.”

The Ilryongdae Leader said so in a firm voice, and Geomseon nodded upon hearing it.

At the same time, he started walking.

As Geomseon moved, the waiting Ilryongdae Leader also immediately stood up and followed him.

“What is the status of that person?”

“He is subdued and confined in a secret room.”

“Did you obtain any separate information along the way?”

“…”

At the Alliance Leader’s question, the Ilryongdae Leader hesitated for a moment before answering.

“I couldn’t obtain any particular information, perhaps because he’s tight-lipped. I apologize.”

“Hmm.”

At his answer, Geomseon let out a shallow hum.

It was a disappointing part. However, Geomseon did not blame the Ilryongdae Leader.

‘Is it to the extent that even Sayumgeom (Death Sound Sword) cannot make him talk…?’

Sayumgeom Song Jong-ho.

It was a sobriquet given because everyone who heard his voice met death.

Despite the somewhat unorthodox sobriquet, he was actually from the ranks of assassins, but he was a righteous individual who had spent a long time affiliated with the Murim Alliance.

A righteous person from the ranks of assassins. As such, he was the Murim Alliance’s hidden dagger.

Or a figure called the Alliance’s shadow.

‘If Sayumgeom failed to make him talk, it must mean he’s quite someone.’

It was quite surprising that such a person couldn’t obtain information.

The reason Sayumgeom was specifically sent was precisely because he was a martial artist specialized in such missions, yet…

‘This is troublesome.’

Truly troublesome.

Although many means might still remain, if he ultimately fails to extract profit, Geomseon has few options left.

If necessary, he would have to summon someone even more specialized than Sayumgeom…

‘In the current situation?’

The problem was that such a person happened to be Dokwang (the Poison King).

Originally, it was the place responsible for the Alliance’s darkness, and torturing criminals to extract information was the job of the Tang family.

Since the Tang family’s crimes were revealed and the entire clan entered seclusion, it was difficult to ask for help.

‘Tsk.’

Geomseon’s wrinkled brow furrowed at the somewhat twisted situation.

‘It can’t be helped.’

Even though the situation turned out this way, a path must be found regardless.

He couldn’t let the already complicated situation become even more tangled.

‘…’

As he recalled the matter, a person flashed through Geomseon’s mind.

The youth who had suppressed the monster unleashed by Shaolin in the past, and currently the most famous person in Henan.

‘…So Yeomra.’

The son of ‘that’ chivalrous hero from Gu Clan.

‘Like father, like son,’ Geomseon thought, recalling the mere whelp who had just passed his youth, and quietly ground his teeth.

‘To think he’d even defeat Shinryong…’

Geomseon knew that So Yeomra was a more outstanding martial artist than expected.

However, Geomseon had not expected him to actually defeat Shinryong.

The reason was simpler than expected.

‘…Having sparred with him directly. Shinryong was by no means weak.’

This was because Geomseon had personally confronted Shinryong unofficially and exchanged blows.

How much value does that child possess?

Just how outstanding is he, for Shaolin to be so confident in him?

Furthermore.

‘Can that child truly become a symbol?’

The future Murim Alliance.

Leaving behind the Ten Great Masters and Three Venerables who had entered their twilight years.

Does he possess the qualifications to become the symbol of the righteous path in the future?

It was for the purpose of seeing that.

Shinryong had confidently received Geomseon’s approval.

With overwhelming internal energy cultivation that couldn’t be considered that of a minor.

And the Hundred Steps Divine Fist and Yellow Spring River Surge he displayed using it.

This clearly showed he was material capable of becoming a symbol on his own, even without the Alliance’s help.

If help were given, he would rise faster and higher, naturally.

Judging thus, he was gradually formulating plans, and the Martial Arts Tournament was like the beginning of that plan.

The so-called ‘Plan to Establish the Greatest Under Heaven’.

The Central Plains, which began to shake with the appearance of the Crimson Demon.

To firmly grasp the Central Plains once more, centered around the Murim Alliance, without wavering. A focal point was needed.

It was a plan to bind it all together with the existence known as Shinryong.

‘…To think that even Shinryong couldn’t match up.’

Who would have known that Shinryong, who exuded such an overwhelming presence, would be defeated so miserably?

Geomseon still could not forget the sight from that time.

The intense battle aura that slowly pressed down on the surroundings.

The immense killing intent that couldn’t be seen as belonging to a righteous person.

Thus, everyone who witnessed that scene must have had the same thought.

Shinryong is amazing.

Shinryong, who tried to continue fighting against such a being, is amazing.

Although it was a duel between martial artists, it looked like fighting an opponent beyond common sense, to the point where one felt Shinryong was the amazing one.

Genius or monster.

Something that couldn’t even be contained by such words.

The Gu Yangcheon that Geomseon saw was such a person.

That is why more questions arise.

‘…Cheonan. What on earth did you see?’

Cheonan, the Abbot of Shaolin.

Why did the one possessing foresight, who sees the future, request the match-up to be arranged like that?

Originally, Shinryong should have improved two or three times more than back then.

And thus, should have ended by losing to Do-wang, but…

‘That brat is ruining everything.’

Just like back then.

And this time, it’s a Gu again?

Memories of the past that he wanted to forget surface.

Geomseon continued walking without relaxing his furrowed brow.

The place he finally arrived at was the Alliance’s underground prison.

Screeeech-!!

As he pulled the thick door, the interior came into view with a strange sound.

“Ilryongdae greets the Alliance Leader-nim!”

Thump thump thump-!!

Everyone inside knelt before Geomseon.

Geomseon gave them a slight nod and looked ahead.

It can be seen far away.

A giant, whose entire body was restrained by chains.

The owner of this disgusting aura that was felt immediately upon entering.

“Hmm.”

Geomseon slowed his pace as he looked at him and approached.

The man had his head bowed low, catching his breath.

He didn’t seem dead, but judging by his appearance, the ligaments in his arms and legs seemed to have been severed, and no other wounds were visible.

For some reason, weapons and torture devices were piled up around him. Every single one was in poor condition.

Geomseon reached out his hand.

Swoosh-! Clang!

Then, a branding iron lying on the floor came along.

Heat could be felt, as if it had been emitting heat until just moments ago.

“It seems someone was already working on him.”

So, were those broken weapons also for that purpose?

If so, then…

‘Why is this fellow unharmed?’

Considering he underwent torture, the man showed no significant injuries aside from his ligaments.

What could be the reason?

When Geomseon looked at the leader regarding this, the Ilryongdae Leader quickly offered an explanation.

“…He is someone whose skin is unnaturally tough. We’ve tried torturing him by various means, but he hasn’t been easily wounded.”

“Huh, even when you, the leader, exerted force?”

“…I apologize.”

It’s an absurd statement.

After hearing the explanation, Geomseon immediately grabbed a nearby sword and swung it.

There was no hesitation.

Clang-!!

“…”

The sword Geomseon swung hit the man and bounced off.

The blade couldn’t pierce his skin and broke.

“Huh…”

Even without applying Qi reinforcement, for a sword to break so easily…

Does his skin mean he’s made of steel?

Swish.

The surprise lasted only a moment; struck by the impact, the subdued individual seemed to awaken and lifted his head.

“… Phew… That tickles…”

Geomseon, making eye contact with the man, flinched and shuddered.

The rough, overgrown beard. His gaunt appearance, as if he hadn’t eaten for days, was also notable, but…

The eyes he possessed evoked a strange sensation.

Purple color (紫色).

The man’s pupils were a distinct purple.

“…I was sleeping soundly. Why bother waking me up so annoyingly.”

“…”

After frowning slightly at his words for a moment.

Geomseon immediately realized as he looked at the man.

‘Right.’

It matches the description he received.

Light green hair and a body close to gigantic.

I heard he possessed an Everlasting Moon Saber as his cherished weapon, so this person is definitely…

‘It’s the one who attacked Wudang.’

The being who broke into Wudang, killed an elder, and left the surroundings in chaos.

The bizarre martial artist leading the heretical cult known as the Demonic Cult (마교).

He was a subordinate of the Heavenly Demon (천마).

“Seeing you like this, I am truly glad. Do you perhaps know me?”

“Kukuku…”

At Geomseon’s question, the man suddenly chuckled.

“…Ah… My apologies. It’s just a bit amusing that you’d ask, as if I wouldn’t know the world’s Geomseon.”

“It’s fortunate that you know.”

“Then, I know you well.”

As he spoke, the man’s purple eyes faintly glowed.

“The master of a long-rotted root. The end of a Taoist who lost his conviction. Isn’t that you?”

Whoosh-!

Clang-!!

No sooner had the words finished than a blunt weapon flew in and struck the man’s head forcefully.

“You criminal, do not dare to wag your crude tongue carelessly.”

It was the Ilryongdae Leader’s action. But.

“Heh heh…! This one felt a bit jarring.”

Again, the man merely lifted his head as if unharmed.

Geomseon, watching this, asked him again.

“Are you truly the one who invaded Wudang, murdered an innocent Wudang elder, and killed the Murim Alliance’s Hubei branch chief?”

“Tsk tsk…”

The man chuckled upon hearing this.

Just as Geomseon’s expression was about to crumple further upon hearing this.

“Geomseon, shouldn’t you speak the truth?”

“…What?”

“Yes, I did it. However, to say there was no crime. How utterly shameless can you be?”

Clang-!

As the man moved, the chains rattled.

Immediately.

Shing-!

Those nearby simultaneously drew their swords.

“I eliminated those who gnaw away at the rotten Central Plains. Is that truly a crime? Geomseon. You have no right to label me a criminal.”

“What crime did they commit, you say?”

“The way you pretend ignorance while knowing is truly despicable. Is this what it means to be the head of the righteous path?”

Squirm.

With the continued words, Geomseon’s patience finally reached its limit.

He wanted to cut off that fellow’s head with Dogang right away.

No matter how unusually tough his body was, cutting off his head with Ganggi wouldn’t be difficult.

However, precise control of force, enough to be considered torture, was impossible, making it either kill or keep alive, only one of the two.

Does this fellow know that, which is why he’s acting like this?

If so, he was a smart fellow despite his appearance.

“What is your identity and purpose?”

Despite that, he maintained extreme patience.

It was something that had to be done somehow.

“A cleaner.”

“A cleaner?”

“The righteous path, which has become dirty and ugly. A cleaner who cleans you guys up. That is our identity and purpose.”

Heheheh-!

The surroundings flinched at the man’s laughter.

Because the emotion contained in the sound was too heavy.

Geomseon ignored those words.

It was useless talk to use as information..

Cleanse the righteous path? It was something no one in history had ever done.

Even ‘Cheolhyeolbuseon’, who was called the Greatest Under Heaven.

“…I heard there is someone called Cheonma behind you.”

Wince.

As Geomseon mentioned Cheonma, the man trembled slightly.

He did not miss that sight.

“Is his purpose the same as yours?”

“…Someone like me, insignificant as I am, cannot even glimpse His will.”

“Hmm.”

Crazy.

Geomseon defined the man thus.

What could Cheonma possibly be?

Although they are somehow covering up the Demonic Cult’s actions in cooperation with the Beggars’ Sect, the damage is unknowingly growing.

Moreover, given the precedent of even Wudang’s main base being attacked, it couldn’t be ignored.

“Then, where is he?”

“…”

Just where is this person called Cheonma?

For what purpose is he committing these acts precisely at this time?

To this question, the giant calmly looks at Geomseon.

Geomseon met such a gaze without avoiding it.

Not long after.

“Wait.”

The giant said to Geomseon with a grotesque smile.

“Even if you don’t seek Him, He will reveal Himself not long from now.”

“…”

“All you insignificant beings need to do is simply wait for Him to bring the end.”

Words containing firm yet precise emotion.

Geomseon, hearing this, looked down at the giant before turning his back.

There was no need to hear more.

“Ilryongdae Leader.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader-nim.”

“Please ensure he stays alive as much as possible.”

There was more he wanted to ask, but there was no time now.

As there were things to do, Geomseon had to move.

Thump-thump.

As Geomseon took a step, the rattling sound of ‘cheolgeudeok’ came from behind.

It was the sound of torture resuming.

A cruel and violent act.

Even while hearing this, Geomseon, the Taoist, showed no change in his expression.

‘Cheonma.’

His mind was filled with the existence called Cheonma.

‘What on earth could it be?’

What purpose could drive him to commit such wicked deeds?

Furthermore.

‘He’s coming here himself?’

Recalling the giant’s words, Geomseon stroked his beard.

‘That’s absurd.’

This place is none other than the center of the righteous path.

To come walking on his own feet to Henan, the location of the Murim Alliance’s headquarters.

It was something none of the countless beings who caused bloodshed in history had ever done.

Could this person called Cheonma do that?

‘Impossible.’

It’s absolutely impossible.

Thus, Geomseon opened his eyes wide and thought.

‘Cheonma. I don’t know who you are, but it won’t be long.’

This position and goal that I worked so hard to achieve.

For the sake of this position he occupied.

Geomseon intended to find and eliminate this fellow called Cheonma by any means necessary.

---

Henan.

The waiting room of the Murim Alliance headquarters.

“Poo-eeek-CHOO!”

There, I let out a forceful sneeze and wiped my nose with my hand.

While doing so, I scratched my ear with my pinky finger.

“Oof… My nose is itchy.”

Someone’s talking nonsense somewhere, my nose and ears are itching like crazy.

Is someone cursing me? I’ve been cursed at so much, I don’t even care who’s doing it anymore.

“Sniff.”

After sniffing once more, I looked around.

A sight I’d grown accustomed to by now.

Before noon, I had entered the Alliance’s interior once again.

The reason is none other than.

Following the Martial Arts Tournament held last time, it was to compete in the Round of 16 after finishing my break.

It was already the Round of 16.

This meant only a few people, at most, remained, and the Martial Arts Tournament was nearing its end.

“Hmm.”

While sitting in the provided chair and sniffing.

I carefully rolled my eyeballs around, surveying my surroundings.

Then, I had to suppress a laugh at the sights I perceived.

‘The auras are quite fierce.’

Battle auras were rampant from all directions.

Being left in the Round of 16 meant everyone had at least reached the Mature Peak stage.

The atmosphere they created together was truly stifling.

Moreover, everyone seemed busy paying attention to each other.

Whether it was someone with eyes closed, someone staring blankly at the ground, or someone quietly cleaning their sword.

All their gazes were fixed, but their energy senses were busy scanning each other.

Every single one of them was undeniably sly like a snake.

Especially.

‘I’m going to get indigestion at this rate. Stop staring.’

The energy signatures directed towards me were so numerous, I was getting exhausted.

It seemed the duel I had with Shinryong had left quite an impression.

‘Tsk.’

Even on the way here, a crowd had gathered, which was annoying.

Just a few days ago, they didn’t recognize me even when I walked around openly, but now they knew my face from somewhere and approached me like crazy.

Seriously, next time I should consider using a veil or body-disguising techniques.

‘…The life of a celebrity…’

It was similar in my past life, but the difference is…

‘In my past life, it was full of people trying to kill me on sight. Now, it’s a bit different, isn’t it?’

Not dirty and despicable demonic cultivators, but rising talents currently receiving attention.

It’s closer to that feeling. Whether that’s entirely bad is debatable.

Could I be unconsciously enjoying it?

Thinking that, I felt a sense of patheticness.

I’m already old enough, what am I even doing?

For a moment, it felt ridiculous.

So, I took out a little frustration.

Whoosh-!

“…!”

“Kuk!”

“Kuhuk…!”

I played around a bit with the energy signatures watching me.

I interfered with the flow of energy and made it reverse.

It wouldn’t cause internal injuries, but the sudden vibration startled them, causing reactions to erupt around me.

Most of them were startled, stopped their pretense, and looked at me.

Among them, four showed no reaction.

Among those four, one was suppressing their reaction.

The other three were genuinely not looking at me, meaning excluding those three, everyone else was looking at me.

The energy signatures were instantly withdrawn, and this time, real gazes flew towards me.

Seeing that, I said with a grin.

“Yeah, isn’t it much easier when you look openly? Glancing around is just too sleazy, isn’t it?”

“…”

Perhaps it was because I spoke too mockingly.

An uncomfortable emotion surfaced on the faces of those who felt targeted.

So what?

Who told you to stare like that?

Feeling a bit more at ease, I leaned back deeply into the chair.

Since there was still some time before the start, I thought I’d rest a bit, but…

“You’re still as refreshing as ever.”

Someone spoke to me from beside me.

It was Yeongpung, who was waiting alongside me.

For reference, Yeongpung was one of the people who hadn’t sent energy signatures my way.

For reference, the remaining two were Peng Woojin and Tang Soyeol, and the one who suppressed their reaction was Do-wang.

“Refreshing? Not really…”

“Haha. Young Hero Gu, you’re always like this, but you truly have many admirable qualities.”

“…Umm.”

If Jamryong, Cheoljiseon, or that Seongyul fellow heard that, they would have immediately told him to shut up.

Knowing that, I could only offer an awkward laugh.

Yeongpung was wiping his sword with his characteristic smile.

Then, he suddenly looked at me and continued speaking.

“How is your body?”

“My body? It’s fine.”

“You seemed quite injured… Are you truly alright?”

“Yes. Injuries like this heal with just a patch.”

The external and internal injuries sustained from the fight with Shinryong.

Honestly, they haven’t fully healed yet.

It’s the kind of wound that would take some time to heal completely, but…

This much was fine.

After all, there weren’t any particularly difficult fights left.

That’s what I thought when I said it, but…

“I apologize.”

Abruptly, upon my words, Yeongpung offered an apology.

Why is he suddenly apologizing?

I looked at Yeongpung with a puzzled expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“If I could, I would want to do the same as you did for Shinryong, Young Hero Gu… but I don’t think I can this time.”

Ah.

Only after hearing his follow-up words could I understand the meaning behind Yeongpung’s apology.

The duel with Shinryong.

There, I deliberately inflicted wounds on myself and drew out my internal energy to place myself on the same level as Shinryong.

Yeongpung must have recalled that when he said that.

The reason being…

“Even in my current state, I’m not confident I can reach you, Young Hero Gu… So, I will simply do my best in the given situation.”

It was because my opponent in this tournament was none other than Yeongpung.

He claimed to look forward to fighting me so much, and in the end, Yeongpung was indeed matched against me.

At such a time, it felt strange for the two of us to be chatting so casually, but neither Yeongpung nor I seemed particularly bothered.

I simply smiled at his words, which sounded like a vow.

“Yes. Please do your best.”

I hoped he would do his best, just as he did.

I hoped he would try his utmost, again and again, for Yeongpung’s Plum Blossom Leaf technique to reach me.

No, it absolutely had to.

‘Only then…’

…could you be called, even outwardly, the successor of that ill-tempered old man.