Chapter 811: Where is my son?

The ones who entered were two women and three men.

All of them were wearing the sect’s issued Sword Guard uniforms.

Appearing amidst a strange atmosphere, they quickly stood behind me, and the gazes of those in front were also drawn this way.

Since the personnel appeared suddenly, everyone seemed flusttered.

I had already explained the situation. That five more would be coming.

It’s just that I didn’t know it would be today.

As we faced each other from both sides.

“Introduce yourselves, each of you.”

As I gave the command and moved my hand, one of the blank-faced guys stepped forward.

“…Please take care of me.”

“…?”

“…”

No further introductions followed. Seeing that, I let out a breath and asked.

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“You really have zero social skills, huh.”

“…”

“How are you planning to live your life?”

The guy coughed awkwardly at my words.

A young man with his arm wrapped tightly in bandages. It was Seong-yul.

Of course, he had entered using a pseudonym.

And the second one was.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yeon-hong, from Honam Yeongga.”

A beautiful woman with long, straight hair.

Her alluring aura was particularly striking.

As if to prove it, all the guys in front were staring at Yeon-hong as if mesmerized.

While Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah are excessively beautiful, Yeon-hong, despite her looks being somewhat lacking, possessed a full measure of that captivating quality.

In reality, it was precisely that which drove people mad.

A sensation like you could almost touch her if you reached out.

Like a dazzling flower shimmering before your eyes, making it impossible not to want to touch it.

That was what the woman possessed.

‘…’

I looked at such a woman with a rather subtle expression before turning my head.

Her excessive allure suggested the guys would suffer for a while… and I felt rather sorry for them.

In many ways, indeed.

Next, the young man next to Yeon-hong spoke.

“…My name is Cheol Ji-seon. Please take care of me.”

The young man greeting with a thoroughly indifferent expression. That was Cheol Ji-seon.

Seeing such a young man, the others frowned slightly.

Everyone here is a martial artist, so they would know.

I couldn’t feel much martial energy from the young man who introduced himself as Cheol Ji-seon.

Perhaps it wasn’t completely absent. After all, he said he had learned.

However, at best, maybe a second-rate level? He wouldn’t make the cut for the Sword Guard of the main sect of the Absolute Martial Alliance.

Could he be hiding his strength?

People looked at him with suspicious eyes, but.

‘Even looking like that, there’s nothing there.’

He really is weak.

Anyone here could take Cheol Ji-seon’s head in the blink of an eye.

However.

‘If given enough time, it might be different.’

If the conditions were right, Cheol Ji-seon could, conversely, kill anyone.

The problem is that it’s hard for him to muster that kind of resolve.

Anyway.

Seeing the utterly frail-looking Cheol Ji-seon, I can guess how everyone feels, but.

There seems to be nothing they can say.

The reason is likely that I, of all people, brought him here directly.

I don’t care how they look at him. If they have doubts, that’s fine too.

Because it was more important for me to use him valuably than to satisfy their questions.

And next.

After Cheol Ji-seon, another person was about to speak.

“Huh?”

“…No way?”

The difference from before was that the person coming forward had been receiving a lot of attention from the others right from the moment they first appeared.

Moreover, the gazes were much more intense and deeper than those Yeon-hong received, mixed with surprise and shock as if it were a completely unexpected person.

“…That young man.”

“If my eyes aren’t deceiving me… isn’t that him?”

“Why is that guy in the Seongryongdae…?”

Everyone was reacting with disbelief.

Amidst such a situation, the young man receiving the attention stepped forward and spoke.

Swoosh.

With a characteristic movement, he bowed his head slightly.

As his head lowered, his crown was visible, and a faint light reflected off his cleanly shaved scalp.

Meaning he was completely bald.

“I am Yu-yeon of Shaolin.”

“Hmph.”

“Truly…!”

At the introduction, everyone swallowed hard.

The Buddhist disciple who appeared with a completely shaved head was indeed the current Divine Dragon (Shinryong).

A being called Shaolin’s rising star and best successor.

Now, with Star King revealing his true capabilities, things had quieted down, but since Shinryong was also confirmed to have reached the Hwagyeong realm, he remained a promising talent.

Star King appeared, bringing such a Shinryong.

The ripple effect of this was considerable.

“Why is Shinryong….”

“Why Seongryongdae of all places…?”

The reason for their doubt was simple.

“Even though the Shinryongdae exists, he came to Seongryongdae?”

Traditionally, Shinryong was always affiliated with the Shinryongdae.

Of course, the Shinryongdae had temporarily disappeared from history, but now that it had reappeared, everyone assumed that Yu-yeon, the current Shinryong, would join the Shinryongdae if he were to be affiliated with the sect.

So it was natural for them to find it strange that such a Shinryong appeared in Seongryongdae instead of Shinryongdae.

‘I really ran around a lot for this.’

I did everything imaginable to bring Yu-yeon over.

To be precise, Cheol Ji-seon did the running, not me, but that’s practically the same as me doing it.

‘Honestly, I didn’t think it would actually work.’

It was absurd for Shaolin to hand over Yu-yeon.

Even now that it succeeded, people find it strange.

Of course, they say it was possible because Yu-yeon himself strongly desired it.

‘Unless Shaolin is full of idiots, there must be some reason.’

Knowing that, I still brought the Divine Dragon.

Because there were a few things that would be convenient.

Especially when preparing justifications, the name Shinryong is quite helpful.

Besides.

‘I also kind of like him.’

I strangely like this guy named Yu-yeon.

I thought Shaolin monks were all people who had lost their purpose. But this guy was strangely alright.

‘…I wonder if bringing someone like that over here is the right thing to do, though.’

A slight sense of guilt surfaced, but there was nothing I could do.

In my position, where I have to use everything available, what is there to hesitate about?

“Did Shinryong really come?”

“Shinryong….”

They still looked at Yu-yeon as if in disbelief.

Their reaction showed no signs of cooling down.

That just proves how much weight the name Shinryong carries.

Yu-yeon himself seemed to feel it too, as a slight tension could be felt on his face.

‘Kid.’

He seems to secretly enjoy it.

Surprisingly, that guy seems to enjoy being the center of attention.

The unfortunate thing is that the attention he’s receiving now won’t last long.

The reason being.

“Hi!”

That was the woman who appeared last.

The woman who appeared, cheerful as Shinryong.

Carrying a staff wrapped in cloth on her back, she came out waving brightly.

As she appeared, suddenly speaking informally, the expressions of the others contorted slightly.

The woman paid no mind to their reactions.

She’s always been willful.

It would be unreasonable to expect her to be normal here.

If there’s one thing I hope for.

‘Please just do as you were told.’

The part I’ve been telling her to remember for days. I just hoped she’d do that properly.

However.

“I’m Pi….”

“…”

“…Pi?”

She stammered as if she had broken down mid-sentence.

Seeing that, I let out a huge sigh inwardly.

‘That crazy bitch. Did she forget?’

No, she didn’t.

Surely she didn’t forget something that short.

It really can’t be.

As I hoped for that, a few seconds later.

“Ah, Pi Yeon-yeon.”

Fortunately, she said it brightly, as if she had finally recalled her name.

It seems she really had forgotten. It’s absurd, she’s not even a goldfish.

“That’s right. I’m Pi Yeon-yeon.”

Everyone seemed puzzled by Pi Yeon-yeon’s… Bong-sun’s reaction.

They seemed to wonder if she really couldn’t remember her own name.

If the questions lingered, they might notice something strange.

It wasn’t a normal situation by any means, so it was understandable, but.

“My name is Pi Yeon-yeon, and…”

Fortunately, there was no need for such worries.

“I’m the daughter of Eul-yeong Geomhu.”

Her subsequent statement made all the preceding questions disappear completely.

Immediately after.

—-!

The expected explosive reaction erupted.

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

The rumors spread faster than expected.

It hadn’t even been a full hour since the topic came up, yet.

It was enough time for the story to spread throughout the vast main sect headquarters.

Eul-yeong Geomhu, who had fallen to the demonic path and been executed.

Her bloodline had appeared.

And the one who brought her was none other than the youngest king, called the current hero. Star King.

Such talk spread instantly, and the subsequent course of action was obvious.

“…Seongryongdaeju.”

“Yes.”

The old man, whose wrinkles were already numerous, now had even more.

I answered Muk Yeon’s words.

“Not even an hour has passed. Are you aware?”

“Are you talking about what we met earlier? Yes, it seems so from my perspective. We seem to see each other quite often, don’t we?”

“Let’s not talk about matters related to the Sword Empress. It means only a very short time has passed since it was mentioned.”

At his words, filled with discomfort, I smiled sheepishly.

“Ah, of course, I remember. You, Muk Saeksa-nim, emphasized it greatly. I certainly remember.”

“…But why did you do it?”

To his reproachful question, I replied with a look that asked why he was asking.

“So, I kept it well.”

“You kept it well?”

“Yes. I kept it well… but I never expected you yourself would reveal it. My goodness. It truly is an astonishing turn of events.”

“…Hmph.”

Yes, he told me not to mention it, so I didn’t.

I even tried to dismiss it as a secret if possible. But.

‘It’s not my fault if the person involved reveals it themselves?’

I couldn’t do anything about the person involved revealing it themselves.

Answering with that intention.

“Seongryongdaeju.”

Naturally, Muk Yeon wouldn’t let this slide.

“What exactly do you want?”

“Me? I don’t particularly want anything. Ah, if I had to say….”

I added, smiling wryly.

“Getting fired?”

“…”

“Just kidding.”

It wasn’t the kind of atmosphere where a joke would land. I said it knowing that.

“…Leader. If you act like this, there’s a limit to how much I can block from my end. Unfortunately, this old man is getting on in years and doesn’t have much strength left.”

“That’s truly a shame…”

That there’s a limit to his protection.

That statement felt quite welcome.

“But you know.”

I felt Muk Yeon’s gaze on my words.

“I suddenly find myself wondering. Matters related to Eul-yeong Geomhu are difficult even for you, Muk Saeksa-nim. What exactly is entangled that the higher-ups of the sect are trying so hard to intervene?”

“…”

“I’m truly curious about that.”

“Seongryongdaeju-.”

“Yes.”

“What exactly are you so curious about?”

“Why? If I ask, will you tell me?”

As we converse, I can feel it.

That we’ve both eased up somewhat.

Muk Yeon already knew I was intentionally bringing up the matter of Eul-yeong Geomhu.

And I had noticed Muk Yeon reacting excessively to the matter of Eul-yeong Geomhu.

In terms of information, I have the upper hand. Because.

‘A slight guilt within an overly sensitive reaction.’

Muk Yeon isn’t trying to burn everything related to Eul-yeong Geomhu and remain silent.

Rather, he was worried about what might happen if this came to light.

Moreover, the concern regarding this matter isn’t from the sect’s side.

‘Is it Bong-sun?’

Muk Yeon seems to be worried about Bong-sun, Eul-yeong Geomhu’s daughter.

‘Then what are you?’

Why is Muk Yeon so sensitive about this matter?

Perhaps.

‘Is it a slightly dirty love triangle?’

An interesting thought.

A love affair between Eul-yeong Geomhu and Muk Yeon?

Then Bong-sun would be Muk Yeon’s daughter, which is unlikely, but if it were possible, I thought it wouldn’t be bad.

‘Bong-sun’s utility would increase.’

Whether used as a hostage or to control Muk Yeon using Bong-sun. It seemed like a situation that could be handled cleanly, but…

‘Unfortunately, it’s probably not like that.’

No matter what, this seemed a bit too far-fetched, so I had to put it aside, however regretfully.

“You don’t have to answer. I’m merely curious.”

I said, looking into Muk Yeon’s eyes.

“The reason for keeping silent despite knowing something different from history. And also.”

I mixed truth and falsehood into my words.

“How solid is the peace obtained by sacrificing a pitiful woman? What is the righteousness of the orthodox sects I believed in? I am simply curious about that.”

“…”

“What do you think, Muk Saeksa-nim?”

Words that could easily amplify suspicion.

Despite being orthodox, I doubt the orthodox sects and deny their history.

Given that Muk Yeon is likely suspecting me internally, there’s a high chance these words could cause trouble, but.

Even so, I wanted to confirm the future through Muk Yeon.

“If you intend to stop me, please do. I respect that. I certainly despise those bastards from the Demonic Cult, but if the current orthodox sects are as I suspect… it wouldn’t be much of a problem if those guys pushed them aside.”

I despise the Demonic Cult.

That’s true.

And while I despise them, it’s also true that I believe the current orthodox sects could disappear without much issue.

“…”

“…”

The conversation ceased after I finished speaking.

Muk Yeon said no more, and I waited for his words.

It seemed he had more to say.

Within the deep wrinkles of his tightly shut lips, time seemed eager to speak.

But.

“…You may leave now.”

Muk Yeon’s chosen option was, regrettably, silence.

“I apologize for keeping you, as you likely have matters to attend to soon.”

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue briefly and turned away. It seemed the timing wasn’t right to probe further.

It was fine.

Since Bong-sun had already been revealed, a reaction would come soon, regardless.

‘The bowstring holding the flame has already been drawn.’

Will they try to stomp out the embers before they ignite?

Or will they humbly endure the incoming daggers?

I was simply curious about what choice the Martial Alliance would make.

That’s what I wondered.

“Until next time.”

After giving Muk Yeon a slight bow, I turned around.

Today, I had to head back to Seongryongdae and then see Iljangro immediately.

I had several other appointments scheduled, so as I was about to walk away.

“…Seongryongdaeju.”

At Muk Yeon’s call, I paused briefly and turned my head.

Perhaps an extension of our previous conversation? Just as I harbored a slight expectation.

“…I apologize for stopping you again. There are instructions regarding the mission related to Gyecheonmun. I had momentarily forgotten.”

Muk Yeon spoke as if there was something he had forgotten.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t about the previous matter.

What’s slightly strange here is.

‘Muk Yeon forgot something?’

The fact that Muk Yeon forgot something he needed to convey. Muk Yeon, of all people.

This suggests Bong-sun’s statement must have been quite problematic.

“Please tell me.”

Wondering what it could be, I asked Muk Yeon.

“The Cheongryongdae has requested to support this mission…”

“Hm?”

Hearing that, I immediately clamped my mouth shut.

“Since it’s also Seongryongdae’s first outing, and the mission’s risk level isn’t deemed excessively high. If you wish to proceed alone, I was to relay to the Cheongryongdaeju-.”

“No.”

It was because I had to hide my rising smile.

“I was a little worried, but this is good.”

How could I refuse a bonus gift on a mission I didn’t want to go on?

In fact, it was something I had been waiting for.

“Please tell them I’d appreciate their help. Say that I really want to go together.”

Very earnestly, no less.