Chapter 769: Not a Proposal, but a Request.

“What did you say?”

Upon hearing my answer, Ilcheonggeom spoke with a look of disbelief.

I replied, enjoying his expression.

“I said I wouldn’t do it.”

“May I ask the reason?”

“The reason…?”

If I were to list the reasons, there were plenty, but I pondered which one to give him.

The newly established position of Grand Master.

The proposal to seat me as the Grand Master there.

On the surface, it wasn’t bad. No, it was actually a fantastic offer.

The position of Grand Master of the Alliance requires not only a certain level of attainment but also considerable standing.

There are Branch Chiefs who are in charge of a region.

They hold positions sufficient to command their respective regions, yet even those Branch Chiefs are powerless against the Grand Master of the main body.

If you recall that one of the Grand Master’s authorities includes the right to command Branch Chiefs, you can see the position’s significance more clearly.

Furthermore, just considering the evaluation one would receive in the Central Plains immediately after taking on the Grand Master position, and the benefits gained from the Alliance, offering the Grand Master position was undoubtedly a significant matter, but…

‘That’s all in the past now.’

For me now, it was a pointless endeavor.

Or rather, looking at the Alliance as it is now, I’d say it’s not a particularly valuable thing…

‘More precisely.’

Thump.

I placed the teacup down in front of me and lifted the corners of my mouth.

“Because the part you call a ‘proposal’… it’s laughable.”

“Pardon?”

At my words, Ilcheonggeom narrowed his eyes.

It seemed my saying it was laughable had offended him, but I had no intention of retracting my words.

It truly was utterly ridiculous.

“You shouldn’t be bringing this as if it were a proposal.”

“What…?”

Creak.

I said to Ilcheonggeom, leaning fully back into the chair.

“This isn’t a proposal; you should be making a request.”

“…!”

Upon hearing that, Ilcheonggeom’s expression crumpled instantly.

“…Saint King. What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Was I speaking indirectly just now? I don’t think so. It’s exactly as you heard.”

Not some pathetic pretense of a proposal.

“It’s a situation where even a polite request wouldn’t be enough. That’s what I mean.”

“Saint King-!”

Thump-!

Ilcheonggeom violently pushed himself up, shaking the table.

Seeing his thoroughly flushed face, he seemed genuinely angry.

Ah, really.

‘This is just great.’

I felt good because the situation seemed to be unfolding nicely.

I pulled down the corners of my mouth that were trying to curl up on their own and looked at Ilcheonggeom. At the same time, I glanced towards the door.

“Including your astonishing attainments. I am aware of the good deeds you performed in Hanam.”

As killing intent filled the room…

Ilcheonggeom spoke to me with chilling eyes.

“Knowing that, the Alliance, even before a detailed investigation could proceed, exceptionally acknowledged you at the King-level. You are utterly arrogant. Do you find the Alliance laughable?”

“Yes.”

“…What?”

My nonchalant reply actually flustered Ilcheonggeom. I found his reaction amusing.

“So, isn’t it laughable?”

“This guy…!”

“Anyone would think you’re giving away something precious in the world. It’s absurd.”

As I spoke, I grasped the teacup on the table.

And then.

Trickle trickle.

I tilted it slightly, letting the tea water flow onto the floor with a gentle trickle.

It was a sudden action, but it didn’t matter. Ilcheonggeom’s gaze flickered towards this trivial act,

And through that brief moment, I inserted my words.

“Don’t you think anyone can see you’re trying to slap a title on me to distract people because public sentiment is fucked?”

“…!”

“Because I seem to be getting famous, you’re trying to distract people with talk of being the youngest King or being acclaimed as a hero, while you figure out how to overcome the situation… What? You want me to be Grand Master?”

I was filled with scorn.

At that moment.

“Fucking bastards should know when to stop talking shit.”

Whoosh—!!!

“…Tsk!”

I unleashed my energy, suppressing Ilcheonggeom’s killing intent. That part was fine, but…

Throb-!

‘Ah, this is fucked.’

Pain surged from my chest, accompanied by a gush of blood.

‘I didn’t properly check my internal injuries.’

I was so focused on figuring other things out that I didn’t pay attention to my own body. This seems much worse than I thought.

If I continue to unleash my energy like usual, my meridians will twist.

So, I had to slowly retract the energy I was emitting.

“Saint King my ass, who asked for it? You just hand it over, and I’m supposed to say, ‘Oh, thank you very much. I’ll diligently do as you say’? Is that how it works? Don’t make me laugh.”

Even as I retracted my energy, my mouth didn’t stop.

“Who do you think I am, an idiot?”

I had to hide the fact that I was in a bad condition as much as possible.

“And on top of that, a new Grand Master position? The justification sounds good. But you know…”

Tap tap… tap tap.

I tapped the table about four times with my hand.

That was enough to organize my thoughts.

“Be honest. It’s a situation where you absolutely need me, isn’t it?”

“…!!”

“And yet you call it a proposal? It’s a situation where even a polite and kind request wouldn’t be enough. Isn’t that right?”

Ilcheonggeom’s expression crumbled as if pierced to the core.

“Right?”

“…You bastard.”

I nodded at Ilcheonggeom’s reaction.

“You’re being short with your words, old man. Should I shorten mine too? It’d be easier for me.”

“…Grind-!!”

His face looked like he wanted to draw his sword immediately.

Honestly, if Ilcheonggeom drew his sword right now, it would be a bit dangerous.

He could probably kill me if he tried. But if he didn’t aim to kill, I’d be at a disadvantage.

However, I wasn’t worried about that either.

After all, it was about time for the protagonist to make an appearance.

“Must you… really make me see blood-!”

“Azure Dragon Grand Master.”

Halt.

At the sudden voice, Ilcheonggeom froze completely.

It was a somewhat frail voice from outside the door. I didn’t need to ponder who it was.

If the Alliance was in such a state, there was one person I was sure would be called.

“Cough.”

The sound of coughing was heard, and simultaneously…

Creak-!

The door opened, and someone entered.

The first thing I saw was an old man with a massive physique.

No, it wasn’t his physique that was large. It was his presence.

‘Sword Sage.’

A figure ranked among the top ten experts of the Central Plains, who protects Hanam, or more precisely, the Martial Alliance.

There was a saying, half in jest, that he hadn’t ascended to the Three Venerables to protect the Alliance.

So, did this old man call Ilcheonggeom?

That wasn’t it either.

The Sword Sage entered first, followed by another old man.

The old man who entered had a small build and was covering his mouth with cloth. If I had to compare, he gave off a vibe similar to Shin-ui.

That’s him.

This was the person I had been waiting for.

“That’s enough for now.”

The old man, with a weary expression, said to Ilcheonggeom, who frowned.

“But Elder…! The Saint King has disrespected the current Martial Alliance. Are you telling me to remain silent even after hearing his words?”

Ilcheonggeom, clearly angered by his deep respect for the Alliance, argued, but…

“His words are not incorrect.”

“…Elder!”

“I made my Grand Master do unpleasant things. I apologize, but I will handle the rest of the conversation with the Saint King myself… Please step out for a moment.”

“…Guh.”

“I ask this of you.”

At the old man’s words, Ilcheonggeom finally left, his face still flushed red.

Even as he left, he showed utmost respect to the old man.

That just goes to show how influential the old man was within the Alliance.

That’s true.

‘If I want to survive now, I’ll need that old man.’

The Martial Alliance, currently riddled with cracks.

As far as I know, the only person capable of fixing it is that old man.

Immediately after Ilcheonggeom left.

The old man approached the seat he had vacated, looked at me, and asked.

“May I sit here?”

A cautious inquiry.

Hearing that, I nodded.

“Please do. The previous occupant just left, after all.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Having received permission, the old man took his seat.

From that moment, I also straightened my posture.

It was about to begin.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Saint King.”

The air felt heavy.

It wasn’t energy. That old man wasn’t strong enough to emanate such an aura.

This was an oppressive presence.

It was the kind of feeling one gets when Shin-ui practices medicine, or when Madam Mi occasionally gets angry at Father.

In other words, that old fellow must have reached a considerable level in his own field.

As proof of that.

“It seems you know who I am, so I don’t think I need to introduce myself separately.”

One thing had already been revealed.

“Well. Still, since this is our first meeting, wouldn’t it be good for us to introduce ourselves?”

“Ah, if you wish… that’s fine too. Introducing ourselves is indeed a good thing.”

The old man nodded briefly, as if understanding, and said.

“This old man’s name is Mukyeon.”

As soon as I heard his introduction, I pondered.

“Unfittingly for my appearance, I serve as the strategist for the Martial Alliance.”

How should I deal with this old man?

That was the thought.

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

Mukyeon.

He’s an old man, known to be over eighty years old, and not someone who belongs to any particular clan or sect.

He’s what you’d call an unaffiliated individual.

This wasn’t particularly unusual within the Alliance.

For lower-ranking positions in the Alliance, there were often more unaffiliated individuals than those from renowned families or prestigious sects.

However.

‘This old fellow is special, exceptionally special.’

Mukyeon, among them, was a figure of a completely different caliber.

And for good reason: he was someone who had reached the highest echelons of the Martial Alliance despite being unaffiliated.

Moreover, despite being an old man with no martial arts skills and a frail body, he had previously reached the third-highest position in the Martial Alliance.

This was during the time when the Sword Master concurrently held the position of Alliance Leader.

Back when the Sword Master’s mouth and ears were Ubongchwigae, and his eyes were Cheonan…

The one who served as his brain was none other than this old man, Mukyeon.

A genius who never forgot anything he saw once and could assess situations in an instant.

Mukyeon, the ‘Know Ink Sundial Person’ (知墨晷人).

That was the name of the strategist considered the greatest in the Alliance’s history.

And that strategist was right before my eyes.

More accurately.

‘Not currently, though.’

It would be more accurate to call him a (former) strategist.

A few years after the Sword Master stepped down as Alliance Leader, the ‘Know Ink Sundial Person’ also retired, gave up his position, and left the Alliance.

Thus, over ten years had passed.

Despite not appearing for such a long time, how did the ‘Know Ink Sundial Person’ reappear in the Alliance?

This might seem strange, but it’s actually not surprising.

‘…It was the same in my previous life.’

Right after the Heavenly Demon appeared, foretelling the Blood Calamity.

Even then, Mukyeon had reappeared. Despite his aged body, he joined the Alliance, offering to lend a hand, but…

‘He ended up dying.’

The ‘Know Ink Sundial Person’ died not long after.

Why?

‘Because Cheon Yurang-a was the first person to deal with that old man.’

Cheon Yurang-a, known as the brain of the Demonic Cult.

He was the first to decide to use all his forces to eliminate Mukyeon.

After a three-month strategic battle, he ultimately killed Mukyeon.

Did I mention it? The anecdote where Cheon Yurang-a, single-handedly, killed three peak martial artists while escaping.

It was this old man who created that anecdote.

That means he was a person with immense strategic prowess.

“I am Gu Yangcheon.”

After hearing his introduction, I introduced myself.

“It’s an honor to meet the Hero of Hanam.”

Mukyeon smiled upon hearing the introduction, and I returned his smile slightly.

“I’m also quite nervous meeting the person known as the brain of the Martial Alliance.”

“Ho ho ho, that’s all in the past… Just past glory.”

“Past glory…”

After briefly considering Mukyeon’s words, I looked at him and said.

“For someone speaking of past glory, you seem quite healthy. Even managing to create situations like this.”

There was no change in his expression at my words. If anything, the smile he gave me deepened slightly.

“May I ask why you think so?”

Ah, this isn’t good. Just a few exchanges of pleasantries. Even so, I could be sure.

This old man.

‘He’s the type I dislike.’

The type of person I find most difficult to deal with.

To the point where I’d kill him on the spot if possible.

“The first thing that struck me as odd was when you suddenly offered me the position of Left Minister.”

Suppressing my feelings with difficulty, I continued my answer to the old man.

“I thought, ‘Well… it must be urgent enough to warrant grabbing attention.’ I tried to let it go at that.”

Tap tap.

I tapped the table twice with my hand.

“The fact that the Azure Dragon Squad came to fetch me. That bothered me a little.”

“The reason?”

“It’s a simple reason.”

It’s not like it’s a grand reason, but…

If I had to put it into words.

“The Alliance might seem vast, but it’s a cramped place. News travels quickly within it.”

“That’s correct.”

“But, no matter how busy or incompetent the Martial Alliance was, could they really not have known?”

I looked up, ready to state the main point.

“I had a minor conflict with Ilcheonggeom. In that situation, not only did the Azure Dragon Squad come to fetch me, but they also had me face Ilcheonggeom in the interrogation room…? All under the guise of an investigation to make some proposal? Doesn’t that seem strange?”

Even if it wasn’t a major conflict, it happened, and some members of the Alliance knew about it.

Yet, in a situation where such important matters are being discussed, they put me and Ilcheonggeom together?

It makes no sense.

How could they foolishly orchestrate things like this, knowing something might happen?

It was an inexplicable situation unless there was a reason.

As I see it, there are two reasons why the situation was made so shittily.

“Either to provoke me intentionally. Or… to create some kind of situation.”

“Hmm.”

“Then another question arises? Provoking me wouldn’t be beneficial, so if there’s a reason, it must be the latter. What kind of situation were they trying to create?”

These intertwined events, sticking together seamlessly.

Within them, I discovered a certain problem.

“Rather than provocation, it feels more like they’re probing me using Ilcheonggeom… Why? What’s the reason for trying to gauge my reaction?”

At this point, it shifts from certainty to speculation. But that doesn’t matter.

For now, I’ll speak as if I’m certain.

The attitude of ‘it’s fine if I’m wrong’ was important.

“It’s because they don’t know me well. How I’ll react. What response I’ll show in this situation. They don’t know that, and they wanted to find out. Because the reaction to provocation is the clearest.”

“So you believe this old man was at the end of that speculation? To see the Saint King’s reaction?”

“No. While essentially correct, it’s a bit more profound.”

While it’s partly to probe me and see my reaction,

What’s more important than that is…

“Around the time I was talking with the Grand Master, you were standing outside the door.”

“That’s correct.”

“I heard you hardly practice martial arts.”

“That is also correct. I only learned a little for self-defense.”

“Yet, an Elder who has been active in the Alliance for decades wouldn’t have expected me not to notice you standing outside.”

“…”

Mukyeon, who had been answering, fell silent for a moment.

I could see a slight change in his eyes.

“You knew that well. Yet you remained outside. The Sword Sage did shield you with his energy, but… considering how much you’ve studied my known level, you wouldn’t have failed to notice.”

“…Mm.”

“The fact that you deliberately did so means…”

Thump.

I flicked my hand once, which had been tapping twice.

“You wanted to find out my personality, my current physical condition, whether I harbor resentment towards the Alliance, and exactly what kind of person I am, didn’t you?”

Could I sense him standing outside the door? It must have been an action to ascertain that.

It’s half… no, mostly sophistry.

It’s unreasonable to assume Mukyeon called me just for something like that.

This was purely based on my past life experiences, the assumption that he would appear in the Alliance again this time, leading to these speculations.

The Azure Dragon Squad comes to greet me?

Even if it looked bad, it could be for the sake of the job.

Ilcheonggeom makes some proposal and interrogates me?

Although he’s someone I had friction with, I could accept that.

However, when I considered the presence of this old man, Mukyeon, within this situation, it looked a bit different.

And I wove them together like a spiderweb.

After stating it all as if I had it figured out…

“Ho ho ho.”

Breaking the silence, Mukyeon, having heard everything, wore a smile deeper than before.

Mukyeon, whose smile had briefly deepened…

“Cough!”

He soon covered his mouth with the cloth, as if coughing.

He looked quite pained, yet his smile didn’t stop.

After a brief moment…

“My, my. Saint King.”

Mukyeon said to me.

“Yes.”

“Perhaps, would you consider taking this old man’s seat?”

It was a ridiculous jest. I responded to his jest with sincerity.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m not someone with a good head like you, Elder. I find it easier to just use my body.”

As I said it with a hint of distaste, the old man tilted his head.

“…Hmm… Hmm? Hmm. Is that so?”

Ignoring Mukyeon’s reaction, I asked what I wanted to ask.

“So, Elder, now that we’ve met like this, what business do you have with me?”

If Mukyeon wanted to see me, there must be a specific reason.

I asked to hear it.

“First, it was indeed this old man who sought to see you, Saint King. I apologize for that.”

Surprisingly, Mukyeon immediately admitted that he was the one who acted.

To admit that so easily. No, the fact that I was right about it was rather amusing.

‘I was only half… no, even less likely than that, just guessing.’

It turned out to be correct.

‘Maybe I did pretty well.’

As I nodded slightly, satisfied with myself…

“However, I hadn’t planned to meet you directly like this… But it’s perhaps better this way. Isn’t it right to ask questions while looking someone in the eye? So, while we’re at it, I’ll ask what I wanted to ask.”

“That’s right. So, what were you going to ask-“

“Saint King, what is your relationship with the Heavenly Demon (天魔)?”

“…”

My breath caught in my throat for a moment.