Chapter 810: Where is my son?

I frowned at the name, which was both familiar and strangely foreign.

‘Why is that name suddenly coming up?’

Gyecheonmun.

It’s one of the sects located in the Sichuan region.

It used to be quite famous in the past, with a considerable number of members and some recognition in the region, but…

‘That was about it.’

Unfortunately, there was a problem in making a big name for itself in Sichuan.

That problem was the existence of the Dangmun and Amipa sects in Sichuan.

The Dangmun, once called one of the Four Great Families, and the Amipa, one of the Nine Sects, were established in Sichuan.

Just this alone was enough to hinder Gyecheonmun from exerting its influence.

However.

‘An anomaly occurred.’

In my previous life, a rather unusual event took place.

It was this:

‘Gyecheonmun discovered the Gicheon Family’s secret archives.’

To be precise, the person who was the Sect Leader of Gyecheonmun found the Gicheon Family’s secret archives.

Whatever fortuitous encounter they gained from the archives, the Sect Leader’s cultivation level rose significantly higher than known, and not only the Sect Leader but even the disciples grew stronger, starting to exert their influence.

Up to that point, it was good. It seemed like a decent outcome, soaring high through a fortuitous encounter, but…

The problem was…

‘Gyecheonmun is a sect belonging to the unorthodox path.’

Whether they turned to the unorthodox path after gaining the fortuitous encounter or were already part of it is unclear.

My information network is too weak to grasp that far, but as far as I know, Gyecheonmun was unorthodox,

‘and they were incorporated into the Demonic Cult right after the appearance of the Heavenly Demon.’

The Gyecheonmun Sect Leader joined the Demonic Cult, became a demonic disciple, and later helped invade Sichuan.

Having been established in Sichuan for many years, they were intimately familiar with the terrain.

This provided a significant advantage for Cheon Yurang-aga when devising strategies.

‘Hmm.’

I ponder, recalling it.

‘Why now?’

Why is Gyecheonmun, of all things, being mentioned out of the blue like this?

And supposedly related to the Demonic Cult?

‘That can’t be right.’

It is possible. They were deeply involved in my past life, but…

‘Not yet, surely?’

Not now.

It’s earlier than the period when the Heavenly Demon appeared in my past life. And above all…

‘They couldn’t have obtained anything from the archives.’

The Gicheon Family’s archives have already been visited by me.

Honestly, it wasn’t much of a fortuitous encounter anyway. Even if the Gyecheonmun Sect Leader had found and visited it, the situation wouldn’t have changed.

‘What is this?’

Why is Gyecheonmun being mentioned so randomly here?

It was an incomprehensible situation.

“You mentioned Gyecheonmun?”

“That’s correct.”

I ask again, but the answer is the same this time.

Gyecheonmun is linked to the Demonic Cult.

That’s the information I received. What Mukyeon told me.

‘What’s going on?’

It was a part I couldn’t understand.

What on earth could be the reason?

Also.

“…So, what’s the reason you’re telling me this first thing in the morning…?”

Why go out of your way to summon me for that specific matter?

Is he testing me out of suspicion? That wouldn’t be it.

‘He’s not the type to test someone so foolishly.’

He would have taken other approaches; he’s not someone who would use this method.

Then why? As I tried to recall the reason, Mukyeon spoke to me.

“Since a problem has arisen on the Demonic Cult’s side, I thought it appropriate to assign the related issue to the Seongryongdae.”

“Are you saying that means it’s a mission?”

“Correct.”

Hearing that, I finally understood.

If Gyecheonmun is linked to the Demonic Cult, assigning it to Seongryongdae is justifiable.

After all, the very reason Seongryongdae was founded was due to the Demonic Cult… so this makes sense.

“As per the conditions, if you wish not to accept it, it’s perfectly fine.”

“…Hmm.”

Mukyeon’s follow-up words sank deep.

Even if a mission is assigned, it’s okay not to accept it.

That was the condition set when Seongryongdae was founded, so it’s possible anytime if desired, but…

‘Gyecheonmun, huh.’

There was something that bothered me about what I heard.

Gyecheonmun, of all sects. Although it’s a bit earlier than the time the Heavenly Demon appeared in my past life, it’s quite strange that Gyecheonmun is being mentioned now in connection with the Demonic Cult.

“Muk Strategist-nim.”

“Go ahead.”

“If I were to accept the mission, what would happen?”

“It’s simple.”

As he spoke, Mukyeon took out a letter from his pocket and placed it on the desk.

“Along with the information, you are to assemble your personnel and depart by the end of today.”

“By the end of today?”

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be today… but seeing as the situation seems somewhat urgent, the sooner the better.”

“…Hmm.”

“Afterwards, if Seongryongdae Leader-nim determines that the information matches the form of Gyecheonmun…”

Tuk tuk.

Mukyeon said, tapping the letter with his fingertips.

“You may put them all on the kill list.”

“…”

I nodded at the chilling voice.

“If it matches the information, kill them all.” The words were endlessly low and sinister.

“Execute the targets.”

While the command itself is brutal, it’s not entirely strange.

It’s not as if the orthodox sects pursue non-killing either. The targets are unorthodox and involved with the Demonic Cult.

If they match the information, executing them is the right thing to do, but…

‘Hmm.’

I could sense something peculiar from Mukyeon’s gaze and voice.

‘Is he trying to test me?’

The timing of the connection to the Demonic Cult.

Yet, if it matches the information, execute them.

Is he saying this out of suspicion towards me? A flicker of doubt crosses my mind.

‘It’s not impossible, is it?’

Since I harbor suspicion, there must be some connection.

So, what should I do?

‘Should I ignore it?’

Since there’s no connection anyway, wouldn’t it be fine to just refuse?

Even as I thought that, my hand moved.

I picked up the letter on the desk and said to Mukyeon,

“I’ll do it.”

“…”

As I accepted, Mukyeon’s calm eyes turned towards me.

“However, I’ll depart tomorrow, not today.”

“Understood.”

Despite being told it was urgent, he added nothing to my statement about departing tomorrow.

I don’t know if it’s trust that I’ll handle it properly or some other intention.

‘Is he trying to make up for his mistake last time?’

The previous discussion, which was filled with rather reckless moves.

As if recalling that time, Mukyeon gives nothing away.

‘Tsk.’

It’s a shame, but there’s nothing I can do.

I gave a slight bow and turned, exiting the room.

---

-Gyecheonmun (系天門).

-A sect established in the eastern region of Sichuan.

-Total personnel: approximately eighty, including the Sect Leader.

-Sect Leader: Gyecheonmunju (系天門主) Daehwan.

-Cultivation level: measured as peak-level or higher, but recent information estimates it to have reached the Hwagyeong realm.

-Combat style: characterized by using ‘Geomjin’ (劍鎭 – Sword Suppression) involving multiple members rather than individual combat.

Sarok.

-Originally reduced activities due to deterrence from the Dangmun and Amipa, but seems to have reappeared due to the Dangmun’s absence.

-According to Biryongdae’s intelligence, they appear to be in contact with unidentified individuals,

-Among the identified personnel, Guiakchang, known for killing the Dowang, is presumed to be present.

“…Huh?”

I paused briefly while reading the text written on the letter.

Gyecheonmun is contacting special individuals, and Guiakchang was among them.

“Therefore, contact with the Demonic Cult is expected…” it reads.

‘Sounds like bullshit.’

I’m somewhat puzzled as to how this conclusion was reached.

Guiakchang. That is, it must be false that Dangdeok made contact.

‘He’s still in Hannam.’

I went to such lengths to conceal his massive frame, just letting him breathe, so there’s no way he’d suddenly be in Sichuan…

‘Or they mistook him for someone else.’

Meaning it’s false information from the start. Ah, or perhaps not even that…

‘Gyecheonmun is up to something unnecessary.’

They’re plotting something, or it’s just one of these three possibilities.

‘I wonder what it is.’

Whatever it is, it’s bothersome all the same.

Even if it wasn’t related to the Demonic Cult, something felt off.

That’s also why I decided to see it for myself.

‘From here on…’

The letter included several more pieces of information, detailing their forces.

‘Oh.’

The confirmed disciple information is dense.

It includes their appearance, names, cultivation levels, martial arts used, combat habits, and characteristics.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

‘Look at the information gathering.’

Even so, is this the core of the orthodox sects? The information was far more detailed than I expected.

That’s why, honestly, it’s even funnier.

‘With this level of information gathering, why are they making such a mess?’

No matter how shabby Gyecheonmun might be, gathering this much information doesn’t make sense.

This implies the information wasn’t gathered in a short period.

They must have been gathering it from the beginning. And…

‘There must be more information like this.’

Within the Alliance, information on other factions must also be gathered.

How much is there? And how accurate is it?

‘Is Biryongdae managing all of it? Or perhaps the Beggar’s Sect?’

I am well aware of the importance of information.

No matter how much power one has, lacking information renders one helpless, so this part truly makes me curious.

‘My prediction is, it’s not Biryongdae.’

Biryongdae is certainly capable and handles tasks cleanly, but…

‘Still, no.’

It’s problematic to simply attribute it all to information gathered by Biryongdae.

They are capable and neat, but lack depth, that’s Biryongdae.

It might have been helpful, but it’s ambiguous to credit it all to Biryongdae.

‘The Beggar’s Sect is also included.’

That seems like the right assumption… but regardless, the important point here is…

‘The martial arts alliance’s information capabilities are definitely not low.’

“This was the part that showed me that.”

‘No way.’

I frowned as the thought occurred to me.

‘Is this what they’re trying to show me?’

That the Alliance’s information capabilities are definitely not low.

I wondered if Mukyeon used this method to demonstrate that, but I quickly dismissed such thoughts.

‘That’s stretching it a bit.’

There are too many aspects that contradict that idea.

While it’s hard to see it as mere coincidence, there’s still too little evidence to confirm it.

I folded the letter and put it back in my pocket.

I’d seen everything I needed to. Memorizing it might take a bit more time, but it shouldn’t take too long.

I’m better at memorization than I thought.

After putting the letter away, I looked straight ahead and said,

“You’ve all been working hard since morning.”

My words elicited a reaction.

Immediately after talking with Mukyeon, I entered the Seongryongdae.

The members were already gathered.

“Did you all rest well yesterday?”

I sensed a reaction, but there was no answer. I didn’t mind.

“Unit Leader.”

“Yes, Leader-nim.”

It was Tang Soyeol who answered the call.

Perhaps because he was chosen yesterday, Tang Soyeol wore an armband on his shoulder.

It was proof that he was the Bu Daeju of the company.

Behind him, Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah were visible, seemingly finished with their treatment.

Wi Seol-ah had a somewhat sulky expression, while Namgung Bi-ah looked indifferent.

Though their expressions differed, they must have accepted the outcome.

That’s why they’re standing here now after arriving.

“Are all the personnel assembled?”

As I asked glancing around, a flicker of surprise crossed Tang Soyeol’s face.

“…Ah. I will check.”

Hearing his reply, I scowled.

“Didn’t you check beforehand? You’re the Bu Daeju. You need to be working until the squad leaders are decided.”

As I spoke with emotion, Tang Soyeol’s eyes widened slightly.

“I apologize.”

“Let’s do well.”

“Yes….”

He apologized immediately without making excuses. It was not a bad way to handle it.

“Next. On your side, have you decided on the Bu Daeju as I instructed?”

I asked the Alliance martial artists gathered nearby, and they hesitated.

Immediately after, I saw someone step forward.

“T-Third-class member Song….”

“Song Ho-jeong. Is that you?”

“…Y-Yes, it is.”

“Confirmed. Come pick up your armband later.”

“Understood….”

Song Ho-jeong. As I recall, he was from the Jeokryongdae. His cultivation was around the peak to mature peak level.

I know he uses a sword…

‘Did they say he was a squad leader in Jeokryongdae?’

I think that was about right.

“Alright, now that both Bu Daejus are decided, let’s get straight to the point…”

Kkirik. Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my legs.

“I’ve received a mission. It involves contacting a sect in Sichuan and eliminating them if there’s a problem.”

“A mission? A-Already?”

“Yes. Already.”

The members who heard this looked surprised.

A mission to Sichuan just days after the unit’s founding? We haven’t even properly trained, let alone conducted any real activities…

“I heard it’s related to Guiakchang…”

“G-Guiakchang, you say?”

“The unorthodox guy who killed the Dowang…?”

As soon as the alias was mentioned, tension filled the air.

He killed the Dowang and left his son, Bi Seong-do, half-dead. That signifies considerable strength.

And now they’re supposedly plotting something in Sichuan, so it’s natural for tension to rise.

“Since I’ve accepted the job, we’ll proceed. But I can’t take everyone… I’ll select a few. Raise your hand if you want to go.”

“…”

“…”

Seeing this, I noticed hesitation among them.

“Don’t hesitate, hurry up and raise your hand. Only a few will be going anyway.”

As soon as I said that, several people shot their hands up.

Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah. And Tang Soyeol, naturally.

Besides them…

‘Yeoltujeongeom… and maybe eight in total?’

That’s among the volunteers. And among the ones drafted from the Alliance…

‘One or two.’

Most hadn’t raised their hands.

Seeing that, I chuckled and said,

“Alright, confirmed. So… five from those who raised their hands. The rest will be those who didn’t.”

“Th-That’s what kind of-!”

“Leader-nim…!”

“What?”

As complaints erupted, I irritably addressed them,

“When did I say I’d only take those who raised their hands? I said raise your hand if you want to go.”

“…But…!”

“Ah, stop whining. Or should I pull out your tongues so you can’t whine anymore?”

“…”

As I spoke, wrapping my words with a hint of killing intent, their mouths immediately shut.

Honestly, they only seem to understand when I do this.

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue sharply and waved my hand.

“Now that selecting personnel is done, let’s move on to the main topic.”

As I spoke, I sensed movement from behind.

Tap-tap. Several individuals entered the headquarters through the door.

Exactly five people.

The unexpected appearance of these individuals caused questions to surface on others’ faces.

“These are the last additional members. Get along well.”

These were the people I requested Mukyeon to bring.

Whatever the circumstances.

Even if their identities were somewhat ambiguous.

They were individuals I had to forcibly bring, even setting conditions.