-Chirp, chirp.
A mountain path where insects quietly chirped. It was the time when the sunset lingered just before the moon rose.
The blue-hued forest was dyed crimson by the sunset,
and the light gradually faded, preparing for the dark.
Ilcheonggeom walked calmly through such a forest.
As he walked, he surveyed his surroundings. He could barely sense any human presence. It was so quiet that it felt strangely alien.
Moreover, an imperceptible sensation made his senses stand on end.
He raised his hand and rested it on his sword hilt.
He regulated his breathing and heightened his tension. For some reason, he felt he needed to.
‘Ominous.’
Was it because the night was approaching? Or was it the forest itself?
The pristine forest was inexplicably anxiety-inducing and ominous.
How could it be so quiet?
The only thing audible was the faint chirping of insects. Let alone the cries of animals...
‘There isn't even the killing intent of demonic beasts.’
The faint killing intent that could be felt in any forest.
Even the unique aura exuded by the demonic beasts was absent.
Was it this clean because the area was well-managed? Impossible. Even in Henan, where the Main Alliance and Shaolin resided, they hadn't managed to exterminate all the demonic beasts; there was no way Sichuan, which had relatively fewer forces but a larger area, would be spotless.
Which meant.
‘It means something is here.’
It meant that some unknown entity existed in this region.
Whether it was a True Law Seal or a special environment created by a demonic artifact, he didn't know. But whatever it was, it was enough to make Ilcheonggeom raise his guard.
He walked for a long time in a highly sensitive state.
The lingering sunset finally set, and the sky turned black. In a short while, the moon would rise to its peak.
*Chirp, chirp—!!!*
Following that, the chirping of the insects grew slightly louder.
After walking a little further.
"You've arrived."
Someone was waiting to greet Ilcheonggeom at the destination. It was Daehwan, the Gyecheon Munju.
"You must have had a hard time getting here."
Daehwan offered a wrinkled smile as he spoke to Ilcheonggeom, but Ilcheonggeom's expression only twisted further.
"What is it?"
"My, you seem to be in a foul mood."
"Not exactly great. Considering a Demonic Faction lackey dared to summon me hither and thither."
"Hahaha."
Despite the crossing tone, Daehwan laughed heartily. Seeing that laugh, Ilcheonggeom's face crumpled even more.
"Do you find my words funny?"
"Ah, my apologies. I wasn't laughing because it was funny... It's just that."
Daehwan's eyes trembled slightly for a moment, as if he had recalled someone.
"I just felt there was definitely a bit of a difference. It's quite comfortable conversing with you."
"What?"
"It was meant as a compliment. Please don't mind it."
Was he looking down on him again? It was hard to tell, as his tone was subtle.
It sounded like he was comparing him to someone. That part irritated him even more.
‘How dare a Demonic Faction bastard...’
To compare him to someone else. His teeth ground together involuntarily, but he endured it.
It was because he needed to use the Gyecheon Munju for now.
Use him as much as needed, then dispose of him without anyone knowing. That was Ilcheonggeom's goal.
Daehwan quietly observed Ilcheonggeom before asking with a slight smile.
"I was curious if you put what I gave you to good use."
"..."
At Daehwan's question, Ilcheonggeom clicked his tongue briefly. Seeing this clear reaction, Daehwan let out a dry chuckle.
"Fortunately, the effect seems to have been to your liking, but... I heard there was a slight problem."
"...Problem?"
"You must already know. I heard the Poison King visited your branch?"
"..."
Just how much did he know? It was like this when they first met, but he seemed to have much more information than expected.
"...Don't concern yourself. I'm handling it."
"Naturally, the great Azure Dragon Commander would do so. However, with a variable having emerged, I thought you might be worried, so I took the liberty to ask."
"I believe I told you I would handle it myself?"
As if revealing his discomfort, Ilcheonggeom raised his oppressive aura.
If any more useless words were spoken, it felt like he would strike him down right at that moment.
Seeing this, Daehwan raised both hands and quickly stepped back.
"It seems I have made a grave mistake."
Seeing Daehwan retreat, Ilcheonggeom slowly lowered his aura and issued a warning.
"There won't be a next time."
"I will keep that in mind."
"So, explain clearly why you called me here."
"Ah, well that is... It is somewhat related to the question I just asked."
"Related?"
The question about whether he would be alright. That was related to it? As Ilcheonggeom harbored doubts, Daehwan brought up the topic as if he had been waiting for it.
"Today, I heard that the Sage King requested troop support from the branch."
"...!"
At Daehwan's words, Ilcheonggeom's eyes widened. The Sage King asked the branch for something?
‘Troop support?’
He was momentarily flustered by the unexpected remark, but soon realized the reason and smirked.
"It seems that bastard did his job well."
"Hmm?"
"You don't need to concern yourself. It seems he walked right into a trap."
"Are you saying you did something?"
Yes, that was right.
He had intended to spread false information using that Mun-something guy, and it appeared the fellow had done his job well.
If there was a question.
‘Asking for troops means he's preparing for something.’
He had only provided information, yet the Sage King was already preparing to make a move. In other words, it meant he was ready to wage war right then and there.
‘He really is a fiery bastard.’
According to Muk Chaeksa's orders, he should have verified the information first; yet, he seemed intent on drawing blades before even confirming it.
That was rather good.
It was a slightly radical way of doing things, but in this manner, it was a favorable situation for him.
Just as Ilcheonggeom confirmed this and slowly began to curl the corners of his lips.
"Hmm..."
Daehwan stared at Ilcheonggeom with a subtle gaze.
"It seems you have something in mind."
"I believe I told you. I said I can handle it myself."
"Then, you truly do not require any assistance?"
At the question asked with a tilt of the head, Ilcheonggeom momentarily paused.
Did he really not need any help? Applying it to the information he had just heard, a vague thought crossed his mind.
And hesitation overshadowed it.
Could he really accept the Demonic Faction's help? Was it acceptable for him, a sword of the Murim Alliance, to do such a thing? Such were his hesitations.
"Think carefully, Ilcheonggeom. This isn't exactly something you need help with."
Daehwan knew exactly how to exploit Ilcheonggeom's moment of hesitation.
"Haven't we already joined hands once? Is there really a need to hesitate now?"
"..."
"And. The very thing you are worried about is the same."
*Sasak.* Daehwan took a step closer. As the distance shrank, Ilcheonggeom's hand tightly gripped his scabbard.
Despite seeing this, Daehwan continued to approach, and once the distance between them closed,
he whispered into Ilcheonggeom's ear.
"Besides... isn't it fine as long as no one finds out?"
"..."
"Isn't that right?"
It was fine as long as no one knew. The only ones who knew were the two of them anyway, right?
At Daehwan's words, Ilcheonggeom clenched his fist tightly.
He was right.
‘...If no one knows.’
Truly, if absolutely no one knew about this, wouldn't it be fine?
Even the Gyecheon Munju, who was the one hatching this scheme.
As that thought crossed his mind, Ilcheonggeom's eyes dropped dangerously low.
Yes, that would do. That was all that was needed.
Rationalizing it to himself and calming his mind, Ilcheonggeom spoke as he exuded killing intent.
"...Do you want to die? Back off."
"Tsk tsk."
Receiving the killing intent, Daehwan stepped back.
Should he just dispose of this bastard right now? Ilcheonggeom pondered for a moment. The conclusion to his hesitation came quickly.
‘Not now.’
He would dispose of him later.
Not only was the Gyecheon Munju not weak, but fighting him now would create too many variables.
Preferably, after everything was over and in the most optimal situation.
That was when he should establish a justification and dispose of him.
Therefore, now was the time to endure. No matter how nauseating it was, he had to endure it.
Even if he got entangled with this filth, no one would know in the end anyway.
"Anyway, the reason I called the Azure Dragon Commander all the way here was no other. I can provide even greater assistance depending on the situation... I simply wanted to tell you that."
"..."
"You seem to have a lot on your mind. I hope you take a few days to think it over."
Adding those words, Daehwan gave a sly nod.
"Though it doesn't seem like you have that much time."
Simultaneously, he pulled a letter from his robes and handed it to Ilcheonggeom.
"It contains the location of our next meeting. The date isn't specified, but if you wish for one, I will accommodate you."
Ilcheonggeom stared quietly at the letter detailing the location. Then, with an increasingly profound gaze, he looked up at the sky.
A full night had already fallen, yet the moon was nowhere to be seen.
Staring quietly at such a night, he softly opened his mouth.
"Tomorrow. I'll think about it until tomorrow."
"Take all the time you need."
"And."
*Shring—!*
The wind blew, brushing past the Gyecheon Munju's hair.
*Thud—!* A few strands were cleanly severed and fell to the ground.
"Seems your words have been cut shorter than last time?"
"..."
When Ilcheonggeom spat it out as if he didn't like it, the Gyecheon Munju flinched for a moment.
He quickly changed his expression and spoke to Ilcheonggeom.
"I apologize. I acted that way because I thought we had gotten a little closer... It seems I made you uncomfortable. I sincerely apologize."
"Know your place. Originally, the only conversation I would have with Demonic Faction scum like you would be through my sword."
"Understood. I shall be cautious."
After that, Ilcheonggeom stared intensely at the apologetic Daehwan before turning his back.
Judging by his stride, it seemed he was about to leave.
Just then.
"Azure Dragon Commander."
At Daehwan's call, Ilcheonggeom looked over his shoulder.
"I apologize, but may I ask you one thing?"
If it was a trivial question, he would slice him down. Ilcheonggeom's gaze held that meaning, looking chillingly fierce, but Daehwan paid it no mind and asked his question.
"By any chance, do you remember the names of all your subordinates?"
"...What?"
At the abrupt question, Ilcheonggeom scowled. He wondered what the hell he was talking about.
Remembering his subordinates' names?
All of them?
"Why do you ask?"
"Ah, I was just purely curious. I wondered if the great Commander of the Alliance would remember all of his subordinates..."
"I do."
"Oh?"
At the firm reply, Daehwan reacted as if surprised. However,
"Only the useful ones."
Ilcheonggeom added flatly. And with that, he immediately vanished into the darkness.
After his presence completely vanished,
"Hah."
Daehwan scowled and spoke.
"Look at this fucking bastard? If anyone saw him, they'd think his words reached the heavens. That son of a bitch."
The smiling expression vanished, replaced by a deeply contorted face.
"Looking at the way he acts, it doesn't seem like he's in a position to loathe the Demonic Faction."
Just as the abruptly changed tone felt strangely alien,
"Ugh, just a brief conversation and I'm already sick and tired of it."
*Crack, crack, crack—!!!*
Suddenly, a violent noise began to echo from Daehwan's body.
Muscles twisted and bones shifted.
Furthermore, his face rapidly morphed until,
*Sssss—!!*
in a brief moment, his height shrank, and he had transformed into someone with a completely different presence.
"Haa... fuck."
A young man with gleaming blue eyes spat out a curse.
His identity was none other than Guyangcheon.