Chapter 818: Where is my son?

Thump.

The torn Imp-skin mask falls to the floor.

After glancing at it, I observed the man before me.

The alluring beauty who was here just moments ago vanished, replaced by a strikingly handsome young master.

His slightly luminous white hair was unusual.

Looking at it, I couldn’t help but burst into admiration.

‘No matter how many times I see it, it’s truly amazing.’

How is that even possible?

So much changed in an instant.

Disguise is originally nothing more than overlaying something onto the physical body. Therefore, there are inevitably parts where the disguise is noticeable.

This is especially true when a man disguises himself as a woman.

Since physical characteristics become an issue, while cross-dressing as a man is often possible, cross-dressing as a woman is usually difficult.

‘Can it be this elaborate?’

Am-wang solved even that problem.

Not only did his arms and legs become slender and his body lines softer, but even his ample chest was incredibly natural.

How is that possible?

‘At first, I wondered if perhaps he was using something like Qi-Body Transformation Arts.’

Looking at it, it doesn’t seem like it. If there’s a method, it’s probably…

‘That combat uniform he’s wearing.’

A black combat uniform. I thought that might be the reason.

The tight-fitting clothes were making his body lines look elegant.

It seemed to forcibly transform the body…

‘Wouldn’t that restrict movement?’

With pressure enough to change the body’s shape like that, movement should naturally be hindered, yet Am-wang seemed free as if unaffected.

He even acted feminine to match his appearance, so it’s no wonder I was fooled.

‘That blunt guy… I never thought he’d go that far.’

How surprised I was when I first saw him.

Am-wang, who seemed quiet and devoid of any emotion, acting flirtatiously just to play a woman.

‘Plus, he even changed his voice.’

Using some principle, Am-wang even employed a charming female voice.

The existence known as Am-wang disappeared, becoming the captivating woman named Yeon-hong. He became her entirely.

Seeing that, I finally understood.

‘Why Am-wang’s identity remained unknown until now.’

I thought it was because I had killed all the witnesses, but seeing this, my thinking changes.

It seemed it was simply because his disguise ability was outstanding.

‘To be so perfect even when disguising himself with a different gender.’

Even if he used a specific magical artifact, that’s astonishing. Moreover.

‘Not content with creating a missing arm, he even altered his height…’

The arm that tore off while explaining something to me last time.

Am-wang created even that as part of his disguise, even reaching out to alter his height.

He’s not exactly short for an assassin.

This means that when disguised as a woman, his height would become considerably taller.

Even if he could alter other things, height would be too much, meaning it should look unnatural.

‘Yet, strangely, it didn’t look that way.’

Even with a tall height, there was no sense of incongruity.

How could that be?

‘He didn’t alter his height.’

He just walked around tall, yet no one looked strangely.

It seemed as if they didn’t really notice his height.

‘Was it done using Ki?’

A method of suppressing presence using Ki.

Was it an application of that?

If it was an application, how could something like that be possible?

Interesting.

Although I don’t particularly need it since I have Qi-Body Transformation Arts, it piqued my curiosity because it’s an unfamiliar method.

“It’s amazing every time I see it.”

I admired him with sincerity. Am-wang replied nonchalantly.

“If you wish, I can teach you.”

He said he’d teach me calmly, as if it weren’t any great secret technique.

“…No, I’m not particularly trying to learn.”

As I said before, I refused because it wasn’t necessary for me. Coming now to learn even from Am-wang would take too long.

‘I already have a mountain of things to learn. Learning that would be too much.’

Just because I’m curious doesn’t mean I have to learn things I don’t need to.

And I don’t have the time for it.

“I’ll ask again if I’m curious later.”

“Understood.”

“But, Am-wang.”

“Yes.”

“…Was there really a need to be a woman?”

Disguises are all well and good, but…

Was there a need to specifically become the woman Yeon-hong?

I was curious about that.

Wouldn’t disguising as a man be more perfect and convenient?

That was the intention behind my question.

“This way is more convenient.”

Am-wang explained to me in his characteristic emotionless voice.

“In terms of gender ratio, disguising as a woman makes it easier to manage others.”

“…Hmm.”

Manage.

Was he referring to the scene earlier, where they were all confined like fish in a tank?

If so, then as Am-wang said, it was indeed management.

‘…With just one word from Am-wang, everything is managed.’

Those guys who would move like a swarm of bees if he wanted something.

Seeing that, it was definitely management.

‘It’s just that they’re quite pitiful.’

They cling to him crazed by his appearance, unaware he’s a man inside. What would happen if they found out the truth later?

I couldn’t say for sure, but it probably wouldn’t end well.

Of course.

‘Am-wang probably won’t get caught, though.’

He’s Am-wang, he’ll handle it. That’s the kind of trust I have.

“Yes. Well… as long as you handle it yourself, I don’t mind whatever it is….”

Putting that aside, I got straight to the point.

“I just came from meeting the Sect Leader of Gyecheon. Do you happen to know anything about the Sect Leader of Gyecheon?”

“I know.”

A swift reply.

I figured Am-wang, who runs the Assassin Squad, would know something. As expected.

“In that case, do you know of any particular details I should pay close attention to?”

Am-wang, having heard the news of death, paused briefly before speaking.

“Perhaps the information I know isn’t much different from what you know.”

“Hmm.”

So, that means it’s faster to find out directly since there’s a difference…

“If you wish, I will investigate.”

“Ah, no. I have my own ways of finding out about this, so it’s alright. I have a different request.”

“Please, tell me.”

“I heard the current Sect Leader of Gyecheon is contacting another faction to plot something. Could you perhaps look into this ‘other faction’?”

“Understood.”

“Uh… yes.”

The answer came so easily that it actually flustered me.

Am-wang simply agreed without the slightest hesitation.

“Do you have a timeframe in mind?”

“…The sooner, the better. Within three days, if possible. Specifically, it would be best before the arrival of the Azure Dragon Leader.”

“Confirmed. I will prepare immediately then.”

“Yes. I ask for your help.”

Fortunately, Am-wang agreed to help. I tried to bow my head in thanks, but…

“Thank… oh.”

Before I could, Am-wang had already vanished right before my eyes.

Even the remnants of the torn Imp-skin mask on the floor and Yeon-hong’s discarded clothes were gone.

Did he clean everything and leave in this short time?

“Still fast.”

Even though my Ki sense has heightened, allowing me to barely sense his presence, Am-wang’s speed seems unchanged.

It’s a shame; if I could track even that, I’d hardly ever be in danger of dying.

‘If I could track Am-wang’s speed too. Would that mean I’ve reached the Three Venerables level?’

I think that might be the case.

How long will it take… Ah, no.

‘I’ll finish it within three years, at the very least.’

It’s not about how long it will take, but about finishing by a certain time.

That was what I needed.

Within three years, I’ll break through to the Three Venerables level at the very least.

As soon as I made that resolution, I let out a smirk.

‘If the people of the world heard that, they’d call me crazy.’

If it were as easy as said, anyone could have done it.

How could one possibly reach the Three Venerables level in just three years?

No matter how I thought about it, it was an absurd resolution.

‘One of those great Three Venerables said it.’

Even if something seems impossible.

“Find a way to make it happen.”

I repeated the insane words that Pae-jon uttered habitually, catching my breath.

“Alright. Let’s move on to the next thing.”

There was still much to do.

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

The hour struck past midnight, and it was time for everyone to be asleep.

The members would be taking turns standing guard within the branch.

At such a very late hour, someone visited my room.

It was Tang Soyeol, who had just finished training.

“Greetings, Leader-nim.”

Tang Soyeol must have washed his face lightly after training, as his hair was slightly damp.

Glancing at it, I let out a slight cough.

“Sorry for calling you this late at night.”

“Not at all. It’s something I must attend to.”

“…I told you you could use your normal tone when it’s just the two of us.”

“Ah.”

Seeing my stiff reaction, Tang Soyeol made a look of realization.

Then, it quickly changed into a sheepish grin.

“It’s become a habit…. hehe.”

“Are you managing alright as the Deputy Leader?”

Hearing the question, Tang Soyeol hesitated for a moment before replying.

“There’s still a lot I don’t know, so it’s a bit tough, but I’m okay.”

“If you want, I can switch you out.”

There are many who want the Deputy Leader position.

Take Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah right now, for instance; other members would likely do it if asked.

I meant that if it ever becomes too much, you can step down.

That was my intention.

“No! I can do it. Please believe me.”

Tang Soyeol immediately met my gaze with intense eyes and said.

“Uh… right. Well, that’s good then.”

Is it a position he wants that badly?

It’s a position that requires a lot of pointless work, so I couldn’t quite understand.

“Anyway. That’s that.”

The reason I called Tang Soyeol this late at night. I needed to address that first.

“The thing is, I think I’ll need to visit the Tang family within the next few days. Could you send a letter to the Family Head for me?”

“Uh… the Tang family?”

“Yeah, since you’re in Sichuan anyway, you should visit your main family home. I have something to discuss, so please give them a heads-up.”

“Hmm, yes. I understand. But Leader-nim… no, Gongja-nim, weren’t you also in contact with my father?”

“…We were, indeed.”

Past tense.

As Tang Soyeol mentioned, I do occasionally exchange correspondence with the Tang family due to the restoration of the Poison Heaven Pill.

Originally, I communicated directly with the Poison King, but recently, I’ve been exchanging letters with the Young Family Head.

The reason the communication suddenly shifted to the Young Family Head is simple.

“…The Tang Family Head is rather upset with me. Could you put in a word?”

“Huh…? My father? Suddenly, what do you mean…?”

“It’s… complicated. So, I’m asking for your favor.”

“Ah… yes.”

I can’t explain the reason.

Especially not to Tang Soyeol.

It wasn’t because of me, but because of the Poison King.

If I were to tell Tang Soyeol that I’m being resented for this and that.

‘That old man won’t just stop at being sulky.’

I don’t know how the Poison King will react.

Perhaps he’ll escalate from merely being disgruntled to outright resentment?

I had to ask Tang Soyeol to convey the message about visiting the Tang family for that reason.

Because if I said I was going, they’d obviously prepare troublesome things.

“Should I just tell them you’re coming?”

“Yeah, write that I’m definitely going with you.”

“Ah, understood…. So, around when should I send word that you’re coming?”

“Hmm. Probably after the Azure Dragon Leader arrives… maybe about five days from now.”

Three to five days. That’s just right.

Around that time.

‘I can finish scattering the bait, and also find out about the Sect Leader of Gyecheon.’

At the same time, I can make arrangements with the Branch Chief.

This time was for that purpose.

Of course, this is only possible if Am-wang acts accordingly and the Branch Chief moves as I expect….

‘No problem.’

I’m not particularly worried.

I know Am-wang’s capabilities.

As for the Branch Chief, from my perspective, he won’t deviate from expectations.

At the same time, Cheol Ji-seon is already in motion, so there shouldn’t be any major issues.

‘Now, what’s left is how I make my move.’

Much depends on which options I choose.

However, the ultimate goal will not change.

Because that was the situation I had created.

“Well then, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes.”

After asking Tang Soyeol, I looked outside.

It happened to be a moonlit night.

Seeing it, for some reason, I felt that the situation seemed likely to proceed smoothly.

“So, for the remaining few days… perhaps I should scatter some bait here and there.”

“Huh? Bait?”

At my softly whispered words, Tang Soyeol reacted with a puzzled tilt of his head.

Seeing him, I said with a smile.

“Ah, there’s something I need to catch.”

“Catch? Hmm, are you going fishing?”

“Something like that.”

If it’s catching, it’s catching.

The difference is, I’m not trying to catch fish.

‘I’m trying to catch the Azure Dragon.’

I’ll clean out the Gyecheon Sect as a primary task.

And incidentally, the Azure Dragon of the Martial Alliance.

I intended to catch that bastard, cut him up, and even eat him as sashimi.

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

Time flowed thus, and four days later.

As I predicted, the Azure Dragon. Ilcheong-geom, the Azure Dragon Leader, appeared at the Sichuan Branch with his subordinates.

“Star King–!!”

And not just that.

“You bastard–! Where are you? I’ll kill you right now–!!”

He said this with his sword drawn, in a visibly furious state.