Chapter 805: Where is my son?

Murmur.

Amidst the tense reactions to my greeting, murmurs mixed in.

I just said hello, so why is everyone acting like this?

Everyone seemed to be sweating cold sweat, or their existing tension had only grown worse.

Damn it.

“Haa….”

Jerk.

Even my exhaled sigh elicited a reaction.

Seeing that made me feel like sighing even more, even though I wasn’t before.

‘Well, I haven’t done anything yet, but it already feels complicated.’

I’m quite used to this kind of feeling of being wounded. Perhaps because I haven’t felt it in a while, it wasn’t a particularly good feeling.

‘I tried to treat them normally, if possible.’

Given what I did in my past life, I thought I’d try doing things a bit differently this time.

Seeing that mess, it seemed like that wouldn’t be possible after all.

“People are giving me cold reactions when I’m making an effort to greet them.”

I gave a slight nod, then took a step forward.

At the same time, I reached out my hand.

Using a bit of energy, a chair from a distance was pulled towards me.

Thump-!

I conjured the chair out of thin air before me and plopped down.

“Nice to meet you all. You must have worked hard since morning.”

There was still no reply.

However, the atmosphere was better than before.

With eyes that seemed weighed down, I surveyed the personnel and continued speaking.

“I am Gu Yangcheon, and I will be the one rolling you all around from now on.”

As I spoke, I could sense divided reactions.

One side, the volunteers I personally selected, merely nodded.

Beside them.

On the faces of the ten personnel sent by the Alliance, some discomfort could be felt.

‘Let’s see.’

I scanned them one by one, checking their expressions.

My first priority was to see if there were any familiar faces. My second reason was to memorize them.

‘These eyeballs are certainly fresh.’

Perhaps because they were drafted from various units, their dissatisfaction was visible despite their attempts to hide it.

As this is the founding of a new Sword Brigade, they could be warriors from the Alliance without specific affiliations.

‘No way.’

In my judgment, there was absolutely no way that was the case.

They must have been sent by their respective units for reconnaissance, no doubt.

However, if there’s a difference from what Ssangeuihwangeom tried to do… he smuggled them in secretly among the volunteers. This, however, is an open act.

From my perspective, this is actually better.

Dealing with those who act secretly is a hassle if caught, but those who act openly put my mind at ease.

“You must have heard the details… Ah, if anyone dislikes a young brat speaking informally without preamble, raise your hand. I won’t change, but I’ll listen to your opinion.”

Naturally, no one raised their hand.

From the moment they joined the Sword Brigade. From the moment they enlisted in the Alliance, rank was a given.

“Then, I’ll proceed assuming there are no objections.”

I pulled a letter from my robe.

It was a letter I received along with my robe. It was an information sheet with brief descriptions of the personnel.

“You must have heard from your superiors already, but we are not a Sword Brigade whose purpose is demon hunting. You understand that we are a unit created solely to prepare for combat against the Unorthodox Factions, correct?”

There was a new intensity in their eyes.

It seemed they had listened properly.

“I also believe you understand this…”

Rustle.

Even as I spoke, I read through the letters one by one.

Excluding those I had already memorized, I focused only on the descriptions of those sent by the Alliance.

‘Hmm.’

Three familiar faces.

Five with names and appearances I heard for the first time.

Two whose names I knew but not their faces.

From this group.

‘Four guys to get rid of.’

I quickly organized the information in my head.

Then, I burned the letters I held.

Fwoosh-!!

Suddenly burning the letters elicited surprised reactions from those in front of me.

Taking their reactions into account, I prepared my next move.

“My introduction isn’t really necessary. And since this isn’t the time for pointless pleasantries, shall we get straight to the point now that we’re gathered?”

I chuckled, brushing off the ashes that were once letters.

I didn’t unleash any aura or pressure.

“As you probably know, having just been incorporated into the Sword Brigade, I believe you don’t have individual ranks or positions, right?”

Excluding myself, everyone else holds the title of Brigade Member, but currently, there are no ranks.

This was the same for the personnel sent by the Alliance.

It meant that whatever their previous position in other units, it was nullified upon arriving at the Seongryong Brigade.

That’s likely why they’re wearing displeased expressions.

This is also something I agreed upon with Chief Strategist Muk.

“Shall we decide on that first?”

I will decide the positions first.

Normally, the Brigade Leader is the one to decide, but this is deeper and clearer than that.

It meant I would do whatever I pleased, even disregarding the ranks assigned by the Alliance.

Just as I was about to bring it up for that reason.

Swish.

Suddenly, one person raised their hand.

It was one of the individuals sent by the Alliance.

As I looked at him, he spoke as if he had been waiting.

“I have a question. What you just said-.”

“Shut up.”

“…!”

At my cutting tone, the man flinched and stopped.

I looked down at him.

“I didn’t give permission to ask questions?”

As I subtly infused my voice with hostility, his Adam’s apple bobbed.

He seemed to swallow dryly.

“…S-sorry.”

“Name.”

“Yes?”

“Can’t you understand simple words? Introduce yourself before asking anything. That should be common sense, shouldn’t it?”

“…I am Jeong Seoljin, a Third-Rank Warrior.”

Third-Rank Warrior.

In terms of cultivation level, he’s around the peak of first-rate, a warrior of the rank primarily responsible for combat.

He wasn’t quite Brigade Leader level, but he was capable of being a Squad Leader.

Hearing this, I nodded and said.

“Go ahead. What’s your question?”

“…Brigade Leader-nim, first of all, I am a Third-Rank Warrior.”

“Yes, I just heard that.”

“However, are you saying that we should disregard such rank systems and decide autonomously within the Brigade?”

The rank the Alliance had given this man was Third. It was quite a high position, yet his question was whether such a rank would be nullified upon joining the Seongryong Brigade.

“No.”

I initially denied it to correct his statement.

“Then…”

“It’s a bit ambiguous to call it autonomous.”

It seemed he hadn’t understood the most crucial point.

“I will decide, and you will simply accept it.”

Jeong Seoljin’s eyes widened upon hearing this.

He apparently hadn’t expected me to say it so openly.

“Whether it’s Second Rank, Third Rank, or even Fourth Rank for that matter. I have no interest whatsoever.”

The ranks assigned by the Alliance were meaningless.

“From now on, what I decree is law.”

“…But…! The Seongryong Brigade is also a Sword Brigade belonging to the Murim Alliance, isn’t it?”

“So? Are you saying, ‘Because I am Third Rank, I demand treatment befitting a Third Ranker’? Is that what you mean?”

“…That was not my intention, but…”

“Bullshit. What do you mean, ‘not your intention’?”

“…!”

At the curse spat out casually, the atmosphere instantly sank.

“In the end, you’re just whining, asking for preferential treatment because of your past achievements. Why are you rambling so much?”

“…”

“You understood the roundabout way of speaking so well, but you can’t seem to grasp what I’m actually saying?”

I scowled, knitting my brows.

“I have no intention of entertaining such notions, so don’t act high and mighty based on your rank. Member Jeong Seoljin, was that so difficult to understand?”

“…”

“You need to answer. Your Brigade Leader is asking.”

“…N-no… I mean…”

He said no, but his expression was sour enough to rot.

Seeing that made me want to let out a hollow laugh.

‘Look at him, really.’

Maybe it’s because I haven’t established discipline yet, but I can see him trying to crawl over me for trivial things.

If I wasn’t careful, my old temper might flare up.

I had to hold back.

I had to endure it somehow, but it wasn’t easy at all.

‘Things were certainly easier back then.’

If someone didn’t listen, I just had to make them listen.

If they tried to crawl over me, I’d just break their arms so they couldn’t. If their gaze was disgusting, I’d burn their eyeballs.

There was nothing simpler or more convenient than suppressing them with force.

‘Making things so difficult.’

Trying to live a different life from back then makes everything so difficult.

In the old days, I would have pulled out his tongue as a warning.

It’s a shame I can’t do that.

“Is there anyone else, like Member Jeong Seoljin, who dislikes my methods?”

As I spoke, suppressing my irritation, someone else raised their hand again.

“Yes, you there.”

“Greetings. As a Third-Rank Warrior…”

“You’re Member Hyeon Cheol, weren’t you?”

“…Oh, yes, that’s correct.”

Mentioning his name without him saying it caused the man’s eyes to waver.

“Speak.”

“If rank is not important, how do you intend to establish it…?”

If you’re going to ignore what the Alliance has set, what method will you use?

The answer to this was already decided.

“What’s there to decide?”

I moved my stiff neck and pointed with my hand.

It was a slightly empty space within the Brigade.

“There’s a simple method.”

“…Wh-what do you mean…?”

Fwoosh–!!

“Hup!?”

Suddenly conjuring flames from my hand startled those watching.

I condensed the flames, filling them with my intent.

I lightly tossed it, fixing it in mid-air.

“This flame should last about an hour. After that, it will naturally die down.”

“Decide within that time.”

“What?”

“D-decide, you say?”

Everyone who heard this was taken aback.

Confirming their reactions, I added an explanation.

Actually, there was nothing to explain.

“Figure out the method yourselves. Whether you settle it by fighting each other within the time limit. Or by discussing it amicably. Or by voting. I have one command for you until I return.”

I turned my gaze from the flame to the personnel.

And pointed alternately with my finger at the two groups.

“Each group must select one person to be their Brigade Leader. I will then place the chosen one in the position.”

“…!”

Decide amongst yourselves before the time runs out.

That was the method I decided on.

“B-Brigade Leader-nim?”

“As I said again, rank is meaningless. The person chosen-.”

I focused my gaze somewhere.

Not the volunteers, but the Alliance warriors who had been showing dissatisfaction since earlier. Specifically, looking at those who were angry about being drafted from their positions.

“Whoever it is, I will place them in the position, so choose wisely.”

Having finished speaking, I turned my back immediately.

They must have had many things they wanted to say, but no questions followed.

Whether it was because this was absurd, or because they didn’t understand, or for whatever reason, I didn’t care.

Although I had issued an order, they might not follow it.

Without even proper greetings, just telling them to pick their own Brigade Leaders on the spot.

They must be thinking, ‘Could there be anything more absurd than this?’

However.

‘They’re all warriors anyway.’

They are individuals driven by the desire for recognition and honor.

As such, competition will make them easier to handle than anything else.

‘It’s better than the hassle of trying to enforce discipline pointlessly.’

The quickest way to deal with those trying to crawl over me is simple.

Just make them point the blades aimed at me towards each other.

They’re setting up their own political games, so not utilizing that would be idiotic.

‘Alright then. I’ve bought some time for that side.’

I lightly moved my feet.

‘Shall I start on this side too?’

My destination was Muk Yeon’s residence.

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

It had been about half an hour since I started walking to meet Muk Yeon.

Fortunately, reaching it wasn’t too difficult. After all, I had sent word immediately upon arrival.

“…Seongryong Daeju.”

Muk Yeon narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.

“Greetings.”

“You must be quite busy. What brings you here on the very first day, leaving the members to their own devices?”

“Ah, I’ve let them entertain themselves, so it should be fine for a while.”

“…You let them ‘entertain themselves’?”

As I spoke as if I’d left children in his care, Muk Yeon slightly furrowed his brow.

“They are spending time getting to know each other…. That’s roughly the meaning.”

“…”

He looked like he had many questions.

Seeing that, I let out a small cough and said to Muk Yeon.

“Ah, right. How is the Geumryong Daeju?”

“Based on his condition, they say he should regain consciousness sometime today or tomorrow.”

“What a shame.”

“…?”

“I’m joking. Isn’t it truly fortunate?”

“…”

Even though I said it was a joke, he didn’t seem to believe me at all.

That’s harsh. I’m not a lunatic, why would I hope he doesn’t wake up?

‘He needs to wake up so I can torment him further.’

Yes, it shouldn’t end with just a few attacks. Since he dared to provoke me, he shouldn’t get off lightly.

“I am serious. Geumryong Daeju is essential for proving my innocence as well.”

“…I see. I understand.”

His gaze clearly showed disbelief, and perhaps a lack of understanding.

That old man’s words and eyes were different.

“What is the reason Seongryong Daeju sought me out during your busy schedule?”

Even though I spoke sincerely, Muk Yeon still looked skeptical, but that wasn’t important right now, so I decided to let it slide.

“Ah, it’s about…”

I took out a pre-prepared letter from my robe and handed it to Muk Yeon.

“About those individuals I mentioned wanting to bring personally last time. I’ve compiled them and brought them.”

“…”

It was one of the conditions agreed upon with Muk Yeon.

When I founded the Seongryong Brigade and took the position of Daeju, I had requested the authority to bring a few individuals into the Sword Brigade, regardless of screening or drafting.

Initially, I requested eight people, but Muk Yeon said it was too many and told me to reduce it to three.

After repeated negotiations on this matter, the result was five.

Today, it was to select those five and hand them over to Muk Yeon.

‘I wonder how you will react.’

How would this Muk Yeon react upon seeing this?

I wanted to see that.

Rustle.

Muk Yeon slowly went through the recommendation letters for the five.

His brow furrowed at some points, and his eyes flashed with incomprehension at others.

After turning four pages, he reached the last one.

“…Huh?”

Upon confirming it, Muk Yeon’s eyes widened like saucers.

His old hands tightened their grip on the letter.

“This…”

A slight tremor laced his voice as he called me.

Beneath his surprised gaze, I could glimpse the letter he held.

It contained brief information about a woman’s life.

Amidst the description, which seemed to have no particular issues, there was only one reason for Muk Yeon’s reaction.

“This woman, is she truly….”

The last line of the text describing the daughter of Piga.

It was written like this.

“A descendant of the Eulyeong Geomhu?”