Chapter 817: Where is my son?

By the time I returned after my conversation with the Gate Opening Sect Leader, the sun had already set.

Upon entering the branch, I went inside without any particular checks, and the place I arrived at shortly after was a lodging prepared in one corner.

It was a rather spacious area prepared for our battalion.

Hah-!

Hngh-!

I hear shouts of exertion near my ears. They were voices coming from the training ground in one corner of the lodging.

Judging by the sounds, they seem to be engrossed in training.

I turned my steps and headed there.

The training ground isn’t very large, so there aren’t many people. Counting them, there are fewer than ten.

Moreover.

‘These are all the guys I expected.’

The ones assigned by the Alliance weren’t visible; only the ones I personally selected were there.

They wouldn’t be able to practice their unique martial arts in plain sight. Perhaps it’s simple physical training?

I waved my hand slightly.

Whoosh-!!

The energy gathered inside coalesced and flowed out the window.

Sensing the phenomenon, the members’ gazes turned towards me.

“Battalion Leader-nim?”

“I told you to rest, but you guys really don’t listen.”

“You’ve arrived.”

“Yeah, everything okay?”

“Yes. Thanks to the branch’s consideration, I was resting comfortably.”

“This doesn’t look like resting though… Anyway. Where are the others?”

“They are probably in their assigned lodgings.”

“Really?”

I asked a question I already knew the answer to, shifting my gaze.

It was to memorize the faces of those training.

I needed to take a good look since there might be a use for them later.

“Tang Unit Leader.”

I specifically called out Tang Soyeol, who was training nearby.

At my designation, Tang Soyeol replied, widening his eyes.

“Ah, yes.”

“I have something to say, so come to me as soon as you finish training. You can make it by the Hashi hour, right?”

“Ah, understood.”

After relaying the message, I immediately turned my back.

My business at the training ground was done. I walked around the lodging, looking for someone.

It wasn’t long after that.

“…Hmm?”

I witnessed a rather peculiar sight.

“So squeaky clean.”

“M-Miss… S-stop.”

“Squeaky clean.”

The wooden porch behind the lodging.

Bong-soon and someone else were sitting there. There was no need to confirm who it was.

Because there’s only one guy with such a shiny head this late at night.

However.

‘…What is that?’

Why was Bong-soon touching that shiny head?

That was the only question.

“Heehee. It’s fascinating. Feels good.”

“Nnngh….”

Her hands caressed without hesitation. They were as unrestrained as if she were touching a round ball.

The bald monk being touched like that, however, had his ears turn red, completely losing his senses.

‘…’

What should I call this?

Bong-soon’s hand turning the hope of Shaolin into a plaything…

It was a form difficult to describe.

Especially.

‘That crazy girl is really playing with him like a toy.’

The bald monk, as if feeling something from her touch, the Divine Dragon of Shaolin, had his scalp turn red.

That bastard….

‘…Seems like he’s got more hidden desires than I thought?’

For a bald monk to have such dark intentions within.

At this rate, I wonder how he’ll carry on the Buddha’s will.

Doesn’t he even secretly eat meat?

Last time, he was caught by me secretly eating dumplings.

Recalling that, I felt certain.

‘Shaolin is doomed.’

The Divine Dragon is certain to become the Abbot someday, and in this state, Shaolin’s future looks bleak.

Ah, but of course, that’s none of my business.

“Hmm.”

Should I sneak up and tease him? Like, ‘Not training and shamelessly enjoying her touch?’

‘That would be fun.’

Just imagining it makes me excited thinking of the Divine Dragon’s reaction.

I briefly considered actually doing it… but ultimately turned my steps away.

It would be incredibly fun, but this isn’t the time for it.

‘What about Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah….’

They weren’t visible in the training ground. Are they resting?

‘They aren’t the type to rest.’

It doesn’t seem like they’d be resting. Since they normally don’t like doing things where people can see them, they’re probably training in a quiet place.

I wanted to go find them, but I had to hold back this time too.

If I were to look, there’s also Cheol Ji-seon or that guy Seong-yul.

‘Those guys… they’ll probably manage on their own.’

I have absolutely no interest in that.

In the first place, I had Cheol Ji-seon start working as soon as he arrived.

‘That Seong-yul guy hasn’t finished recovering yet, so it’s awkward to use him.’

After the duel with Peng Woo-jin, Seong-yul’s recovery wasn’t fully complete.

Shin Ui said that his regeneration speed felt a bit slow for a martial artist.

‘Is it the aftermath of the Heavenly Doom Star?’

It’s possible.

Seong-yul’s cultivation level isn’t low, so if it’s slow, there must be a problem.

Therefore, I intended to check this matter later.

As for how to check… perhaps I could break something and calculate the recovery speed?

‘Not bad. That sounds good.’

It’s the most accurate and fastest way to check.

Naturally, Seong-yul’s opinion wasn’t considered. Still, since I have some affection for him, I should break it in a way that hurts a little less.

Anyway, as I was walking and tidying things up methodically like this.

“Oh my. Really?”

“Hahaha. That’s right. That’s why back then I….”

“More importantly, this time in Henan….”

As I reached my destination, I heard cheerful sounds from afar.

Laughter mixed from various voices. Hearing it, I naturally found myself smiling too.

A clear smirk, that is.

‘They’re at it again.’

As I approached, hiding my smirk, the situation gradually became visible.

Several figures were gathered around the pond in front of the lodging.

From the looks of it, most of the people who didn’t show up for training were there.

The problem was….

“Hahaha. Jin-hyung, isn’t that a bit boastful?”

“What? Boastful?”

“No, I just said that because I was a bit surprised you claimed to fight a hundred people at once. Ah, you weren’t offended, were you? It was just a joke.”

“H-hahaha. Of course, I’m not offended. I knew you were joking too.”

“Speaking of which. There’s a famous festival the merchant guild is holding starting the month after next….”

The conversation flowed endlessly. At first glance, they seemed friendly, but the underlying tension was incredibly fierce.

Hiding swords within their laughter, they continuously poked at each other’s weak points.

It felt like watching a dense and unpleasant political arena.

The situation was such a mess, it made me feel queasy.

‘Sigh.’

I wondered what on earth they were doing, but knowing the reason, I had nothing more to say.

That is a struggle.

A struggle of males vying to win a precious female.

“Isn’t that right, Miss Yeon?”

“Hoho. Yes, you all seem truly amazing.”

“Kuhum….”

At the small response, one of the males blushed.

The other guys were no different.

“So last time….”

“No, you see, the Guild Master told me….”

To get in another word.

To gain more favor from the female.

Most of them were trying to strike up conversations, pulling out all sorts of ideas. It’s questionable why they’re trying so desperately, but the bigger problem here is….

‘There are damnably many males, but only one female.’

The point is that all these numerous guys desire only one female.

“Hoho.”

The woman who covered her mouth and laughed alluringly. Yeon Hong, one of the people I brought, was that very female.

As she smiled gently, the reactions of the men around her intensified.

A wicked desire spread around their eyes. The sight of them struggling desperately to seduce her was truly comical.

How much murkier would the situation become if competition were added to the messy political scene?

It was a perfect scene that cleared up a question I’d long wondered about.

‘They’re quite something.’

How can they be so desperate? It’s something I can’t understand.

Likewise, the fact that they could flock to just Yeon Hong alone.

‘Well now.’

Yeon Hong isn’t the only woman. There’s Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah. Even Tang Soyeol, the Unit Leader, is a woman, but they don’t do such bizarre things towards those girls.

The reason for that is.

‘They’re too far out of reach, probably.’

Their level is too different to even try anything.

That’s probably the reason. Ah, sometimes guys try to approach them, so I’d glare or hit them with my energy, but maybe that’s also a reason?

That could be it. Regardless, they could glance, but they couldn’t approach.

In such a situation, Yeon Hong’s existence was like welcome rain during a drought.

She’s beautiful, but not to the point of being unattainable, yet the aura she carries is deeply alluring.

Compared to others, she’s like a precious item one might obtain if they put in the effort, perhaps?

This means she’s in the perfect state to make the men anxious. And as a result, this situation unfolded.

The struggle surrounding Yeon Hong.

They’re pretending to be refined, hiding daggers in their words, trying to gain her favor.

Perhaps because of that, they think they’re being desperate…

‘This is truly the height of bullshit.’

From my perspective, it’s a sight that only warrants a hollow laugh.

Should I sort this out sometime? No, there’s no need. Yeon Hong… she probably has something in mind.

I recalled it with certainty and moved my steps towards her.

At the same time, I called out to the softly smiling woman.

“Yeon Hong.”

As I called out, mixing in my presence, the conversation stopped instantly, and gazes converged.

The men stared menacingly, thinking I was another competitor, but upon realizing it was me, they all jumped to their feet.

“B-Battalion Leader-nim.”

“We greet the Battalion Leader-nim.”

“…Uh, yeah. Were you all resting well?”

“Yes…!”

Their reactions were sharp as knives. It seemed hitting them a few times on the way to Sichuan had its effect.

“Sorry to interrupt your rest, but I’m taking Yeon Hong. I have something specific to discuss with her.”

“Ah….”

“Ah, un…derstood.”

Their voices were filled with disappointment.

These bastards…?

‘The person involved isn’t saying anything, so why are you guys disappointed.’

It’s absurd.

I let out a slight sigh and turned my gaze. I looked at Yeon Hong, who had also stood up.

Yeon Hong covered her mouth, wearing her characteristic smile.

“Shall we go now?”

“Yeah. Follow me.”

“Understood.”

Yeon Hong, giving a slight bow, walked out through the group of men.

As she did, she cast a slight smile towards the males.

“That was fun, gentlemen. Please tell me more stories next time too.”

“H-hahaha, of course!”

“Feel free to speak anytime!”

She skillfully cast her net.

From the looks of it, they wouldn’t be able to escape easily.

Seeing that, I clicked my tongue briefly and turned my back.

“…Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

As the two of us left….

“…”

“…”

Silence fell among the remaining men.

Since their interactions were centered around Yeon Hong, they had nothing to say to each other now that she was gone.

They were all competitors, so what need was there for conversation?

It was best if they just didn’t spew malice at each other.

So, just as I was about to quietly end the gathering this time.

“Um… you know…”

One of the fish spoke up.

“The Battalion Leader and Miss Yeon. Does anyone know what kind of relationship those two have?”

“…”

“…”

At the softly raised question, everyone froze.

What could be the relationship between the Battalion Leader and Yeon Hong? It was something they wanted to ask but hadn’t brought up.

“N-no way. Are they… involved?”

“D-don’t say ridiculous things. The Battalion Leader-nim already has a fiancée.”

It’s a well-known fact that the Saint King is engaged to Sword Dancer, who defeated the Silver Wolf Sword.

“Of course. How could he look at another woman when he has such a fiancée?”

The shock I felt when I first saw Sword Dancer still hasn’t faded.

To think a person could be so beautiful. Although I belonged to the same unit and came to Sichuan together, honestly, even looking at her was difficult.

To have a different relationship with Yeon Hong while having such a fiancée? It was unbelievable.

…But.

“Considering that….”

“…Well, isn’t it…?”

Some recalled.

“Look at Sword Master Seol-ah or Tang Unit Leader. Isn’t it a bit different?”

Wi Seol-ah, the Crescent Moon Sword, and Tang Soyeol, the Poison Phoenix. They were beauties comparable to Sword Dancer. And the members knew something about them.

“Last time, I stared at her for a bit too long and nearly got killed by the Battalion Leader….”

To be precise, I didn’t die, but he glared as if he’d kill me, and I almost wet myself.

“I just tried to casually strike up a conversation and was warned to stop my bullshit. I really thought I was going to faint then.”

The Battalion Leader’s face when he spoke was so terrifying. I almost lost consciousness.

“Seeing this, doesn’t it seem like the Battalion Leader regards the young ladies a bit specially?”

“Well…”

“Besides, there are rumors too.”

“Ah…! Those rumors?”

Hearing that, everyone instantly recalled.

The most famous among the widespread rumors about the Saint King in the Central Plains.

Unlike his heroic demeanor, the Saint King possessed the face of a demon.

He had a strong, lecherous side that coveted beautiful women, often seen with beauties around him.

That was the rumor.

Recalling that, the men were engulfed in anxiety.

Perhaps.

Really, perhaps.

“W-what if Miss Yeon too….”

“No way… with the Battalion Leader-nim…?”

Could those two also be in such a relationship?

Such suspicion arose in everyone’s minds.

---

Just as the men were grinding their teeth, lost in their own delusions, I brought Yeon Hong into the room.

Inside the room, my luggage was already unpacked and laid out.

It seemed the branch had prepared it.

“Hoo.”

I let out a sigh upon entering the room.

Yeon Hong had already entered.

As the night deepened, the room was lit by lanterns.

As a subtle atmosphere flowed, I looked at Yeon Hong.

Her impression, bathed in light, was incredibly alluring.

Especially the impression she gave with her down-turned eyes and slight playful smile.

It was the kind of vibe the men liked. I felt that feeling intensely.

I quietly observed Yeon Hong, and then….

“Well then.”

I said in a lowered voice.

“Now, take off your clothes.”

Hearing my words, Yeon Hong gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Oh my, can’t we just talk like this?”

“…I find that appearance rather uncomfortable.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So please, take them off.”

After I firmly said it twice, Yeon Hong finally moved.

Sssrik. Sssrik.

She began to slowly take off her clothes. There was no hesitation.

After all, it wasn’t a relationship that required hesitation.

Sssrik-!

Sssreuk-!

Her clothes gradually came undone. They fluttered down to the floor, and I nodded with satisfaction as I watched.

‘Now this is worth looking at.’

I looked at Yeon Hong with clearer eyes.

Surprisingly, Yeon Hong wasn’t naked after taking off her clothes.

Even though she had taken off her clothes, for some reason, she was wearing black martial attire.

And then.

Tzzzzzzziik—!!!

She suddenly grabbed her own skin and tore it off, revealing a new face underneath.

It was none other than the ‘man’ called the Master of Night and the King of Assassins.

“Dark King.”

Dark King.

That was Yeon Hong’s true identity.