Chapter 776: Come up one by one.

The first thing I felt was the sound of my own heart.

Thump-!

It felt the same as usual, yet the vibration was somehow deeper.

Because of that, I unconsciously clutched my chest.

The man’s back, which seemed to have no particular problem at first glance.

At first, it didn’t bother me, but the more I looked, the more something subtly irked me.

Thump-! Thump-!

The vibration grew stronger, becoming intense enough that I could feel it even without concentrating.

‘Hah.’

A dry laugh escaped me.

‘Right, I knew it was too easy.’

Somehow, I felt things were going too smoothly, just as I’d thought. Yeah, my life couldn’t possibly be that easy.

I tightened my grip on my chest and scrunched up my eyes.

Thump-!

The heartbeat grew louder, and furthermore, a sensation locked within my body began to stir.

Vvvwmmm–!!

A sound only I could hear spread through my ears like tinnitus (異鳴).

“Hooou.”

I did my best to hold it in, lest the sound escape my lips.

Who knew if my ragged breathing might reach that guy.

-The Dragon Leader?

-Is that person the new Dragon Leader…?

-Then, what about the Martial Arts Tournament?

The Dragon Leader said they would seat the winner of the Martial Arts Tournament.

Just who in the hell is that guy?

As everyone was pondering these questions, Sword Sage spoke as if to explain.

“I fully understand your surprise. However, please believe me. The Dragon Leader I’ve just introduced is an extraordinary individual.”

It was an introduction that lacked identity and deviated from the plan.

And all he said amidst this was that he knew we were surprised but asked us to trust him.

Naturally, there wasn’t a soul who would easily view this favorably.

Questions and doubts, and amidst them, a faint flutter of excitement.

Excitement? In this situation?

Is it like they’ll look favorably upon him just because he’s the Dragon Leader, no matter what?

‘What is it.’

Sword Sage continued to add explanations, but I couldn’t hear them anymore.

I was solely focused on looking at the guy called the Dragon Leader.

My pounding heart and the instinctively felt sensation.

Though not perfectly precise, a distinct energy could be felt simultaneously.

The reason I could be certain that that unknown guy was one of the Blood Demon’s people.

‘Blood Qi (血氣).’

From him, I felt the energy that the Blood Demon had placed within Jang Seon-yeon and Namgung Cheon-jun.

The Blood Qi (血氣) was faintly detectable.

It was at such a shallow level that I might have overlooked it if I hadn’t been paying attention.

Despite being emitted so subtly, I could clearly feel it.

Because.

‘That same Blood Qi is within my body too.’

To be precise, it’s more accurate to say the Blood Qi assimilated into my body upon arriving in the Dragon’s form.

Now, it was closer to my own energy than the Blood Demon’s, and thanks to that, I could sense the energy.

‘That guy possesses Blood Qi.’

The guy Sword Sage introduced as the Dragon Leader possesses Blood Qi, which means there’s a high probability he’s one of the Blood Demon’s faction.

‘Not high probability, but certainty.’

Right, unless someone is from that side, there’s no way they’d feel that energy.

Then, another question arises here.

‘Who is it?’

I mean, who is that guy?

Who on earth could it be, for such a powerful individual to suddenly appear as the Dragon Leader?

‘I can’t tell just by looking at his body.’

His gait and the shape of his muscles. Based solely on that, I can tell he’s a swordsman.

Therefore, if it were someone of that caliber, I should recognize him if I saw his face, but…

‘I can’t even see his face.’

He’s wearing a mask, so I can’t figure him out at all.

‘Should I try to check him out once?’

I considered using my Ki sense to check beyond the mask to figure this out, but…

‘It’s dangerous.’

It was too much of a gamble.

Just looking at it, it’s clearly no ordinary mask.

It probably has a similar effect to the mask I use when disguised as the Heavenly Demon.

Even if it didn’t, using my Ki sense right now would be risky.

‘At that level, if I carelessly try to look, I’ll get caught.’

If I shoot out my Ki sense out of curiosity, there’s a high chance the opponent will notice.

So, the only thing I can ascertain right now is just one.

‘That guy is one of the Blood Demon’s people.’

I had already figured out that the Blood Demon was reaching into the Murim Alliance, so it was actually stranger that he hadn’t shown up despite all the trouble caused.

‘Is it rather fortunate, then?’

It sounds strange to call it fortunate, but…

I feel surprisingly at ease.

‘Because if he didn’t show up, it would have been even more troublesome.’

Only when the opponent properly reveals themselves can I figure things out.

If they did nothing, it would be difficult for me to plan my next move.

Therefore, his appearance complicated my thoughts, but at the same time, it could be an opportunity for me.

‘Because it’s confirmed that they exist.’

The Blood Demon is reaching out to the Orthodox factions, and that guy is acting with some intention.

Now that it’s certain, it should be easier to chart my course forward.

‘…Hoo.’

I readjust my objective.

Taking on the Leader position, despite the hassle, included reasons like this.

‘The problem is.’

I understand that much, but what exactly is his intention?

Simultaneously.

‘That guy knows something about me.’

Since the Blood Demon’s side knows of my existence, there’s a high probability they’re aware of the current situation.

‘So, will they take some action?’

Perhaps, this very moment is the action he’s taking.

Thump-.

Thump-.

My pounding heart and racing mind. Amidst the onslaught of thoughts.

“If a crisis like this comes again in the future….”

I still wasn’t listening to Sword Sage’s repeated words.

My gaze was fixed solely on the Dragon Leader.

As I watched him for a while like that.

Swish-!

‘…!’

The Leader’s gaze suddenly turned towards me.

Because of that, our eyes met briefly.

His gaze was hard to see through the mask. After a fleeting moment, the Leader immediately looked away, but…

I, having seen his eyes even for that short moment, had a strange impression.

‘What was that.’

The Dragon Leader’s eyes, seen briefly.

Somehow felt familiar.

As if I’d seen them somewhere before.

---

Right after the eulogy ceremony ended.

Amidst the people beginning to disperse, countless pieces of information started circulating.

-The Murim Alliance’s legend. Strategist Mukyeon has returned.

A genius of the ages who led the Alliance’s golden age alongside Sword Sage.

Mukyeon, now in his twilight years but called a living legend, had returned to his post upon hearing of the Alliance’s crisis.

While rumors were quietly spreading, he personally appeared at the eulogy ceremony, proving the rumors true.

Consequently, numerous people expressed positive reactions.

It couldn’t be helped.

In the past, during the first war between the Murim Alliance and the Demonic Sects in Guangdong, the war against the Lone Dragon Dark Hegemony Blade (孤龍嘿覇刀), he secured an overwhelming victory, crushing the Demonic Sects’ momentum.

After that, he continued to lead numerous wars to victory.

A man who managed to bring victory even from disadvantageous situations.

A living testament to the undefeated myth.

The Alliance was strong because Sword Venerate existed; the Alliance never fell because Mukyeon existed.

These were words etched into the Central Plains during the Murim Alliance’s prime.

When Mukyeon stepped down from his position as strategist simultaneously with Sword Venerate’s retirement, many expressed their regrets.

Meaning they worried about the Alliance’s future if those two left.

‘Just as they feared, it really started going downhill.’

As if their worries were indeed true, the Murim Alliance gradually began to decline soon after.

The person who became Alliance Leader after Sword Venerate.

Jang Cheon, the Joyful Sword (樂劍), possessed decent political and administrative skills, but if anything, he was merely adequate.

Compared to the era praised as brilliant, his leadership was considered somewhat lacking.

Honestly, he probably wasn’t bad.

Even if its power gradually weakened, merely maintaining it was an impossible feat.

Because of that, Jang Cheon could be considered not a bad Alliance Leader.

However.

‘It was difficult to handle the tasks left behind by his predecessors.’

Whether it was problems from Sword Venerate’s era,

or if Jang Cheon did something wrong,

or perhaps it was just bad timing.

The Murim Alliance was shaking day by day.

That instability, hit by successive incidents over the years, led to the current situation.

Of course, it’s difficult to blame Jang Cheon for this.

‘Even Sword Venerate would have had a hard time cleaning this up.’

It wasn’t his fault, and with disasters erupting everywhere, what could he do?

Anyway, Jang Cheon eventually stepped down for various reasons, and Sword Sage took over as the next Alliance Leader, but…

‘The unluckiest person is this guy.’

At this point in time, Sword Sage was the most pitiful.

The messes Jang Cheon couldn’t clean up, and the incidents others would stir up.

‘Because I plan to cause a lot more trouble in the future.’

I intend to live diligently to mess things up even more according to my plan, so Sword Sage will be the most overworked Alliance Leader in the Murim Alliance’s history.

Or, he might become the most incompetent Alliance Leader.

It wasn’t just a prediction; such talk was already common.

Given the circumstances,

‘Mukyeon will have a significant impact on public sentiment.’

The reappearance of a legendary figure. It was perfect timing to serve as hope for the people.

Wouldn’t Mukyeon be able to fix the current chaotic situation?

People surely believe that, and in fact, the vast majority believe so.

‘Is this something Mukyeon planned himself?’

I don’t know the old man well, but somehow, it seems likely.

It was a plausible method for someone who knew their own value well.

Furthermore.

-Didn’t the Holy King say he’d lead the Sacred Dragon Brigade to prepare for battle against the Demonic Sects?

Those who wrecked Hanam through their attack.

The mention of hunting them all down to prepare for revenge, and my involvement, having become famous from this, was like throwing fuel on the embers Mukyeon had created.

The Hanam incident was the Demonic Sects’ fault.

The Holy King not only saved Hanam but will also fight the Demonic Sects.

This means… our enemy is the Demonic Sects.

It seems the Murim Alliance wanted to convey that…

‘Ironically, it’s effective.’

This ridiculous ploy worked far too well.

By linking Mukyeon and me, people’s perceptions began to change.

‘The real enemy is the Demonic Sects.’

Those who had pointed fingers at the incompetent Murim Alliance soon turned their aim towards the Demonic Sects.

There were still those who argued that the Alliance was at fault and that people shouldn’t be swayed, but…

-Are you going to defend those damn Demonic Sect bastards!

-Damn it!! If they hadn’t attacked in the first place, none of this would have happened!

As ideologies diverged, divisions and splits began to occur.

Watching this, I had to admire it inwardly.

‘As expected, people who’ve navigated the political world aren’t simple.’

Do you know the easiest and most accurate way to sway public opinion in politics?

It’s not about diverting the spears aimed at oneself elsewhere.

‘It’s making them aim at each other.’

Making them fight each other minimizes damage to our side.

‘Incitement is terrifying, yet surprisingly easy.’

The method I used was also ultimately incitement, and the method the Murim Alliance used this time is no different.

‘What a shame.’

Honestly, I knew it would turn out like this.

It’s just that if things had burned a little hotter, subsequent events would have been easier… but that didn’t happen.

‘And on top of that.’

The matter of the Dragon Leader got thrown in, like the finishing touch.

-The Alliance is definitely trying something.

-The revival of the Sacred Dragon Brigade… Could it truly mean we’ll find peace again?

-If they perform like the old Sacred Dragon Brigade…! That shouldn’t be too difficult…!

The words burning with the recent incident are now being replaced by other topics.

Observing this situation, I let out a short sigh.

The reason for the sigh was none other than…

“I should have investigated a bit more.”

It was regret towards myself.

“If I had, I could have planned more effectively.”

I should have dug deeper into Mukyeon.

If possible, I should have also thought of a way to kill him before he reappeared.

‘I should have thoroughly researched the Sacred Dragon Brigade too.’

Since Sword Sage used the Martial Arts Tournament to play the card called the Sacred Dragon Brigade, I should have studied their value.

Of course, I didn’t do no preparation, but if this is the result, it’s just an excuse.

“Tsk.”

Is it a mistake? Perhaps it is.

I haven’t lost, but it’s a painful misstep.

‘Or maybe… depending on how you look at it…’

Perhaps this isn’t the core issue.

If we’re to pinpoint the problem in this process, isn’t there one definitive issue?

‘I lack strength.’

The strength to handle any problem that arises.

Simply put, I lack that.

Grrr.

I clenched my teeth and frowned.

‘Still pathetically weak.’

I realized it again while dealing with the White-grade monster, and recognized its necessity once more today.

I regained my cultivation level more than a decade earlier than in my previous life.

My body is better than it was then, and its application is far more precise, yet I’m not satisfied.

“I can’t stay like this.”

My goal was damn high to settle for mediocrity, and today’s events made that even clearer.

“I need to become stronger.”

Barely achieving the lower ranks of the Top Ten Masters?

Not even close.

I had to go further.

Someone hearing this might frown, thinking, ‘What greedy talk,’ but…

“At the very least, I need to reach the level of the Three Venerates.”

Only then can I do something.

Grip.

As I spoke, I circulated my internal energy through my body.

Pain shot through me with each circulation.

It meant my internal injuries were slowly healing but still present.

Feeling this, I pushed myself up.

“Well then.”

After the eulogy ceremony ended, I gave a brief bow to the others and immediately returned to my quarters.

While there was the reason of needing to investigate the Blood Demon and the Dragon Leader,

the bigger reason was recognizing the danger of my current condition and needing to find a solution.

Fortunately, that solution existed for me.

The storage room prepared within my quarters.

I slowly approached the items stored inside and reached out.

‘…Let’s see.’

Rustle-!

I removed the blanket covering the top, revealing the collected items.

There were numerous large lumps of rock.

Large stones enveloped in a crimson light.

These were the magic stones (魔石) of the Crimson monsters captured during the last raid.

To others, they’re just rocks possessed by monsters, but to me, each one is no different from a potent medicinal herb.

Compared to the Poison Spring Pills, the magic stones are overwhelmingly cost-effective, you could say.

Dozens of such magic stones were piled up.

Of course.

‘Eating these won’t make much difference anymore.’

My energy pool has become so large that consuming these Crimson monsters won’t bring significant changes now.

At best, it would only replenish the energy I’ve used.

It didn’t matter.

‘They’re just dessert anyway.’

The Crimson magic stones were merely an afterthought;

this wasn’t my goal.

Among the pile of red magic stones, I spotted one that differed in size.

It was much larger, and its color was different too.

A white stone.

It was the magic stone left by the White-grade monster.

A remnant of the monster, carefully stored.

It contained an energy incomparable to any other spiritual pill.

“…”

I reached out, then paused.

The amount made me hesitant to consume it.

Several days had passed since the fight ended, meaning I’d kept the magic stone stored for that long, but the reason I hadn’t eaten it until now was singular.

Its energy was so vast that my body needed to be able to withstand it for digestion.

So, originally, I planned to rest for at least half a month before consuming it safely, but…

“…things have gotten a bit tricky.”

Due to a new schedule, it seemed I needed to eat it quickly.

“Consuming this might not break through my cultivation level immediately,”

“but it should probably heal my internal injuries to some extent.”

It’s a shame about the energy I’ll inevitably waste since my body isn’t fully recovered, but with the Dragon Leader situation and everything else, it’s better to just eat it now.

Deciding so, I extended my paused hand.

Thud.

My hand touched the White magic stone.

I felt its cold texture.

Vvvwmmm–!!

I immediately activated the Demonic Path Heaven Absorption technique.

At that moment.

Kuuuuuwooooo–!!!

An immense amount of energy began to invade my core.