Chapter 839: Ilcheonkyo.

-jjireureureuk.

A quiet mountain path where grass insects chirped. It was the time just before the moon rose, when the sunset lingered.

The blue forest was dyed a vermilion hue thanks to the sunset.

The light gradually faded, preparing for the darkness.

Ilcheonggeom walked calmly through such a forest.

As he walked, he surveyed his surroundings. There was almost no sign of human activity. It was so quiet that it felt downright alien.

Moreover, a sense he couldn’t quite place made Ilcheonggeom’s senses sharpen.

He raised his hand and placed it on his sword’s hilt.

He took deep breaths, building up his tension. He felt like he had to, for some reason.

‘This feels ominous.’

Was it because night was falling? Or was it this forest itself?

The otherwise serene forest felt inexplicably unsettling and ominous.

How could it be this quiet?

All he could hear were the sounds of small grass insects. Not to mention the cries of animals….

‘There isn’t even the killing intent of monsters.’

The faint killing intent one usually feels in any forest.

He couldn’t even feel the unique aura that monsters exude.

Was it because the area was well-managed? That couldn’t be it. Even Henan, where the Main Alliance and Shaolin existed, couldn’t completely eradicate monsters, so there was no way Sichuan, with its relatively weaker forces and vast territory, could be pristine.

Which meant…

‘Something is here.’

It meant something unknown existed in this region.

Was it a formation, or a special environment caused by some demonic object? He didn’t know for sure, but whatever it was, it was enough for Ilcheonggeom to raise his guard.

He walked for a long time in a state of heightened sensitivity.

The lingering sunset finally set, and the sky turned black. Soon, the moon would likely be rising high in the sky.

Jjireureureuk–!!!

Accordingly, the chirping of the grass insects grew slightly louder.

After walking a little further.

“You’ve arrived.”

Someone greeted Ilcheonggeom at his destination. It was Daehwan, the Sect Leader of Gyecheon.

“You must have had a hard time getting here.”

Daehwan spoke to Ilcheonggeom with a wrinkled smile, but his expression only seemed to contort further.

“What is it?”

“Oh dear, you seem displeased.”

“I’m hardly pleased. For some lowly rogue sect member to dare summon me like this.”

“Hahaha.”

Despite the disrespectful tone, Daehwan laughed brightly. Seeing that laugh, Ilcheonggeom scrunched up his face even more.

“Do you find what I said amusing?”

“Ah, my apologies. I wasn’t laughing because it was funny… it’s just.”

Daehwan’s eyes twitched slightly, as if recalling someone for a moment.

“I just felt there’s quite a difference. It’s easier to converse with you.”

“What?”

“It was meant as a compliment, in its own way. Don’t mind it.”

Was he looking down on me again? But his tone felt subtle, not quite like that. It felt like he was comparing me to someone. That part particularly got under my skin.

‘How dare he, a mere rogue sect member.’

Comparing me to someone. My teeth clenched involuntarily, but I endured. It was because I needed to use the Sect Leader of Gyecheon right now. Use him until I couldn’t anymore, then dispose of him without anyone knowing. That was Ilcheonggeom’s objective.

Daehwan watched Ilcheonggeom quietly for a moment, then asked with a slight smile.

“I was wondering if you used what I gave you well.”

“…”

At Daehwan’s question, Ilcheonggeom clicked his tongue briefly. Daehwan chuckled, clearly amused by the reaction.

“Fortunately, it seems the effects pleased you… but I heard there were some issues.”

“…Issues?”

“You already know, don’t you? I heard the Poison King visited the branch?”

“…”

Just how much does he know? It was the same when I first saw him, but he seemed to have more information than I expected.

“…Don’t worry about it. I’m handling it.”

“Of course, the great Azure Dragon Master would be. However, since a variable has arisen, I thought you might be quite worried, so I asked.”

“I told you I’d handle it, didn’t I?”

Ilcheonggeom raised his aura, clearly showing his discomfort. He felt like he could draw his sword at any moment if Daehwan spoke any more useless words. Seeing this, Daehwan quickly raised both hands and put some distance between them.

“It seems I’ve made quite a mistake.”

Seeing Daehwan back off, Ilcheonggeom slowly lowered his aura and warned him.

“There won’t be a next time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“So, explain properly why you summoned me.”

“Ah, that’s… it’s somewhat related to the question I just asked.”

“Related?”

Was that what he meant by ‘related’? Could it be related to that? As Ilcheonggeom pondered, Daehwan seized the opportunity to speak.

“Today, I heard the Holy King requested troop reinforcements for the branch.”

“…!”

Ilcheonggeom’s eyes widened at Daehwan’s words. The Holy King asked the branch for what?

‘Troop reinforcements?’

He seemed momentarily flustered by the unexpected statement, but soon realized the reason and let out a small smirk.

“Seems like that guy did a good job.”

“Hm?”

“You don’t need to worry. From the looks of it, he seems to have walked right into the trap.”

“Are you saying you did something?”

Yes, that’s right. I intended to use that guy named Mun… to spread false information, and it seems he did a great job. The question is,

‘If he said he needed troops. Does that mean he intends to prepare something?’

Just giving him information, yet he’s preparing to move immediately. This means he intends to fight right away.

‘What a hot-headed guy.’

According to Advisor Muk’s orders, he was supposed to confirm things first, but this guy seemed intent on drawing his sword before even confirming.

Even better. Although his approach was a bit aggressive, this situation was favorable to me.

As Ilcheonggeom slowly started to lift the corners of his mouth, confirming this.

“Hmm….”

Daehwan glanced at Ilcheonggeom with a peculiar look.

“You seem to have something on your mind.”

“I told you, didn’t I? That I could handle it.”

“Then, do you truly need no help at all?”

Ilcheonggeom paused momentarily at the question posed with a nod. Do I really not need help? As I considered the information I just heard, a vague thought occurred to me. And then, worry began to consume me. Whether it was truly acceptable to accept help from a rogue sect, whether it was permissible for a sword of the Murim Alliance to act this way, those were my concerns, but…

“Think carefully, Ilcheonggeom. This isn’t exactly a situation that requires help.”

Daehwan knew exactly how to exploit Ilcheonggeom’s hesitation.

“Haven’t we already joined hands once? Why hesitate now?”

“…”

“And besides. The matter you’re worried about is the same.”

Sapak. Daehwan took a step closer. As the distance closed, Ilcheonggeom’s hand tightened around his sword hilt. Daehwan continued to approach despite seeing this, and once they were close enough. He whispered into Ilcheonggeom’s ear.

“After all… it’s fine as long as no one knows, isn’t it?”

“…”

“Isn’t that right?”

It’s fine as long as no one knows. After all, aren’t we the only ones who know? At Daehwan’s words, Ilcheonggeom clenched his fist tightly. He was right.

‘…If no one knows.’

Truly no one. Wouldn’t it be fine if absolutely no one knew about this matter? Not anyone else, not even the Sect Leader of Gyecheon who was instigating this. As that thought crossed his mind, Ilcheonggeom’s gaze lowered significantly. Yes, that’s how it should be. That would be enough.

Ilcheonggeom, calming himself through self-justification, spoke while emitting his killing intent.

“…Do you want to die? Get away from me.”

“Tsk tsk.”

Daehwan, feeling the killing intent, backed away. Should I just deal with this guy right now? Ilcheonggeom pondered for a moment. The conclusion came quickly.

‘Not now.’

Dealing with him can wait. Not only was the Sect Leader of Gyecheon not weak, but fighting now would introduce too many variables. If possible, it would be best to handle it when everything is over and the situation is optimal. It would be right to find a pretext and deal with him then. So, now is the time to endure. I have to endure, no matter how disgusting it is. Even if I get involved with this filth, in the end, no one will know anyway.

“Anyway, the reason I summoned the Azure Dragon Master here was simple. I wanted to tell you that I can provide even greater assistance depending on the situation…”

“…”

“You seem to be thinking hard, so I hope you’ll take a few days to consider it deeply.”

Daehwan added, nodding slyly.

“Though, I don’t think you have that much time.”

At the same time, he took a letter from his pocket and handed it to Ilcheonggeom.

“This is where we’ll meet next. The date isn’t specified, but if the Master wishes, I’ll accommodate.”

Ilcheonggeom looked intently at the letter detailing the location. He looked up at the sky with increasingly deep eyes. Full night had arrived, but the moon was nowhere to be seen. Gazing at the night sky, he quietly opened his mouth.

“Tomorrow. I’ll think about it by tomorrow.”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

“And.”

Seureung-!

A gust of wind brushed past the Sect Leader of Gyecheon’s hair.

Hududuk-! A few strands were cleanly sliced off and fell to the ground.

“Your words seem shorter than last time?”

“…”

The Sect Leader of Gyecheon flinched slightly as Ilcheonggeom spat that out, clearly displeased. He quickly changed his expression and said to Ilcheonggeom.

“I apologize. I acted that way thinking we had become a little closer… It seems I have offended you. I offer my apologies.”

“Know your place. Normally, the only conversation I’d have with someone from a rogue sect would be with my sword.”

“Understood. I will be careful.”

Ilcheonggeom glared intensely at the apologizing Daehwan for a moment before turning his back. Judging by his steps, he seemed ready to leave. Just then.

“Azure Dragon Master.”

Ilcheonggeom turned back at Daehwan’s call.

“I’m sorry, but may I ask just one thing?”

If it was a trivial question, he’d cut him down. Ilcheonggeom’s gaze was chillingly suggestive of that, but Daehwan proceeded with his question, unfazed.

“By any chance, do you remember the names of all your subordinates?”

“…What?”

Ilcheonggeom frowned at the abrupt question. He wondered what that was all about. Remembering his subordinates’ names? All of them?

“Why are you asking that?”

“Ah, I’m just purely curious. I was wondering if the great Master of the Alliance remembers all of my subordinates…”

“I do.”

“Oh?”

Daehwan reacted with surprise to the firm answer. However.

“The useful ones, that is.”

Ilcheonggeom added the rest calmly. And then, he disappeared straight into the darkness. After even the presence of footsteps had vanished.

“Hah.”

Daehwan sneered, his expression twisting.

“Look at that son of a bitch? Anyone would think he walks on clouds with how high and mighty he talks. That bastard.”

The smiling expression was gone, replaced by a thoroughly contorted one.

“Judging by the way he acts, it’s not like he’s in a position to hate rogue sects.”

Just as his suddenly changed tone felt odd.

“Ah, just talking to him for a moment is already making me sick.”

Wudeudeudeudeuk—!!!

Suddenly, rough sounds began to emanate from Daehwan’s body. Muscles shifted, bones rearranged. Even his face rapidly transformed.

Chiiiiiiiiii-!!

In a short time, his height decreased, and he had transformed into someone completely different.

“Hoo… fuck.”

A young man with gleaming blue eyes spat out a curse. His identity was none other than Gu Yangcheon.