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What is the relationship with the Heavenly Demon?

The first thought that came to my mind upon hearing those words was just one:

‘What do I look like right now?’

How does Muk Yeon see me at this moment?

Are my eyes wide open? Or did I narrow them? Did I swallow my saliva? Or perhaps cold sweat is dripping down my back?

I had to ensure that not even a hint of turmoil showed on my face. I checked each detail thoroughly.

And just like that, a second ticked by.

“What do you mean by that?”

The answer didn’t arrive late.

I’d been criticized for my awful acting, so my best option was to keep a straight face.

Muk Yeon responded to my comment.

“I mean it in the most literal sense.”

“Then I find it even more difficult to understand.”

I slightly narrowed my eyes, as if to show my discomfort.

“What is the reason for you asking me such a thing, Elder?”

Is he doubting me?

If he doubts me, where exactly did the problem start?

Though I was visibly annoyed, inside I was running through my thoughts repeatedly.

At that moment,

“Ha ha. It seems this old man has seriously offended the Star King.”

“If it hasn’t offended you, then that doesn’t make sense.”

“Then I’ll be the one to apologize first.”

Even as I spoke, a smile lingered on Muk Yeon’s face.

Seeing that made me feel a bit uneasy.

‘I knew it was coming, but facing him directly makes it even more annoying.’

During the recent ambush, what I focused on the most in establishing my footing was none other than ‘Muk Yeon,’ that old man.

It seemed he hadn’t been back in the Alliance for more than a few days after retiring for over a decade.

He probably arrived immediately after the ambush.

If that old man had continued being part of the Alliance, it would not make sense.

‘If so, I wouldn’t have fallen for it so easily.’

No matter how the situation unfolded or how much chaos arose, if that old man had been present, things would have progressed differently.

The cumulative realm of those who gathered in the Alliance?

The strength of the forces they possessed?

I wasn’t afraid of any of it.

What scared me more than those things was a human like him.

‘Having seen it firsthand, it’s even more frightening.’

A hundred superhuman beings running wild would be less terrifying than a human who can read the flow.

From my previous life, witnessing how Cheon Yu Ryang manipulated the Central Plains, I couldn’t overlook that.

Thus, I had clearly specified this when formulating strategies.

There wouldn’t be a strategist named Muk Yeon in the Martial Alliance.

That was the most crucial part, and in reality, that’s why the plan succeeded.

Public sentiment was shaken, and the foundation of the Alliance became unstable.

And that instability would soon become a massive tremor.

It would surely become uncontrollable.

It was clearly that kind of situation, but I didn’t let my guard down.

It was only one plan that had worked. What came next was more important.

In that sense.

‘I need to keep a close watch on that old man.’

I needed to learn more about Muk Yeon.

“I heard that before the Heavenly Demon disappeared, he briefly conversed with the Star King. Is that correct?”

“Well, it wasn’t exactly a conversation. He simply asked for my name, and I answered. Is that an issue?”

“Ha ha. No, there’s no problem… it seems only the ramblings of an old man.”

“Ramblings?”

“The Star King is indeed a very unique individual.”

He immediately began to say something somewhat offensive.

“The level the Star King has achieved now perhaps has never been seen in the history of the Central Plains. The record says the one who reached the Transformation Realm the fastest before was King Geum Cheon Gwon.”

Geum Cheon Gwon Yeon Ilcheon, who took on the Blood Demon, considered the world’s number one at the time.

He reached the Transformation Realm at the age of twenty-five, which had been the youngest in the history until now.

That record had never been broken since.

Hearing this, I nodded.

“Isn’t the youngest Transformation Realm martial artist Shin Ryong?”

The one proven by the Alliance is no one other than him. While I meant it in that context,

“Well, the Martial Alliance says that, but in my opinion, I think differently. And it seems the Star King is aware of this too.”

“…”

I had to click my tongue inwardly at Muk Yeon’s words.

That old man is already aware.

The Alliance’s official stance is one thing, but my certainty that I had reached first was evident in Muk Yeon’s gaze.

Of course, to be honest, this part doesn’t matter, so I could let it go.

“So, what connection do you think I have with the Heavenly Demon?”

“It has nothing to do with it. I don’t know much about a martial artist’s enlightenment and effort, but the potential possessed by the Star King is simply astonishing.”

“Then…”

“Moreover, even possessing such potential, he does not outwardly express it and endured in the past. Despite holding back for so long, when Hanam faced a crisis, he ultimately revealed that power and became the hero who saved the people.”

“…”

As the conversation continued, I felt my eyes narrowing slightly.

“Preventing an ambush, catching demon beasts, and finally cutting off demonic techniques to save the clan leader and others… What the Star King accomplished that day was absolutely sufficient to be called a hero. Indeed… truly.”

A moment of silence passed, and Muk Yeon continued to speak as he looked at me.

“It almost seems that someone wanted to make the Star King a hero…”

Upon hearing those words, I was certain.

Got it.

‘That old man.’

He’s suspicious of me.

It’s because the accomplishments I achieved align too well. The eyes hidden behind the smile and the tone that seemed to reveal something were clearly marked with meaning.

Isn’t the situation you see odd?

Are the achievements truly made by coincidence? Or have they been orchestrated by someone else?

It’s too strange to call it mere coincidence.

So I’m suspicious of you.

That was a feeling deeply woven into his words.

‘Well then.’

This is no easy matter. Indeed, such situations do not suit me.

Even now, look. I want to break that old man’s neck right in front of me.

Thinking is always burdensome.

It would be so much easier to solve with my body, but since I can’t live like that, it’s truly unfortunate.

Then what should I do?

What is there to do? Even if I don’t want to, I must.

“…Ha ha.”

I start with an awkward chuckle.

I couldn’t let an ounce of confusion slip through, and it was right to do the thing I’m best at now.

“Elder.”

“Yes. Star King.”

“I’d like to ask you something.”

“I will listen.”

“How long do you think I should endure this rudeness?”

“…”

As I spoke, I instantly twisted my expression, filled with annoyance.

I’m confident in expressing my anger. I let my frustration pour out.

“After putting in so much effort to save you, is this kind of treatment how I should accept it?”

“Star King.”

“If you intend to continue your words, then I no longer wish to be here.”

“…”

“If you’re going to say it anyway, please go on.”

I glared at Muk Yeon with my eyes wide open.

Muk Yeon, looking at me with eyes that had already wiped away his smile, and we stared at each other for quite a while.

And then time passed.

“I apologize.”

The first to bow his head was Muk Yeon.

“I’m merely an old man with too many worries. I’m sorry for upsetting you once again.”

I heard his words, but I still showed my displeasure from the doubt in my heart, not relaxing my frown.

However, I had to sit back down after standing up.

In the first place, I was summoned with the intention of interrogation.

Il Cheonggeom may have spouted some unnecessary words about suggestions and whatnot.

But this is a place to summon those related to the ambush for confirmation. I knew many would soon come and go, not just me.

In such a situation, getting angry at being suspected would only fuel more suspicion, which would not help at all.

“I will accept your apology given the context.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

I really wanted to overturn the table and leave, but I couldn’t do that.

‘Not yet.’

Although the conversation seemed to be over, I knew.

That old man’s gaze was still critical.

‘It’s not just me he’s suspicious of.’

There are certainly a few others he’s recalling, and I knew he would show that kind of gaze to all of them.

‘Tsk.’

Just watching that was suffocating.

It felt similar to when I was alone with Cheon Yu Ryang in my previous life—a bitter sensation.

I had to heighten my Qi perception to a level where I might accidentally say something wrong.

I felt a suffocating pressure from that indescribable presence.

Incredibly absurd, but that’s the reality.

‘What should I do?’

I pondered and pondered again.

‘Should I kill him now?’

Muk Yeon, who is right in front of me.

Even with Geomje by my side, it would be possible to kill this old man at such a distance.

Should I reach out and break his neck?

‘If so, could I avoid Geomje’s grasp?’

I’d surely be caught. If I succeeded, everything planned for the future would dramatically change.

There were still more plans within the Martial Alliance. I needed to use Bong-Soon and had many things to handle.

‘Considering all that, killing that old man could be beneficial.’

I could eliminate a bothersome presence immediately, so perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Should I try it? After deep contemplation, I concluded.

‘No… not yet.’

In the end, the choice I made was to endure.

I have too much to lose. Even if I want to kill him, now is not the time.

Having judged that, I relaxed my grip on my hands.

At that moment.

“Star King.”

“Yes.”

Muk Yeon spoke to me as if he had been waiting.

“Excuse my rudeness, but I have something to say to you.”

“…Suddenly?”

I stalled in surprise, asking back.

“Has the interrogation ended now?”

“Oh, that’s enough with the previous conversation.”

Already?

I feel I hadn’t said much?

I wondered what was happening and showed a strange expression as Muk Yeon cautiously took something out from his robe.

Swish.

It was a letter bearing the Alliance’s seal.

“Do you perhaps remember what the Cheongryong Great Lord just said a moment ago?”

“Yes. I remember.”

He had spoken of establishing a new Great Troop.

He asked me to come as the Great Lord there.

“This is somewhat akin to that.”

I slightly narrowed my eyes at Muk Yeon’s words.

“I already answered that earlier.”

I said I wouldn’t do it. I was certain he had heard that too.

But he was bringing it up again?

Especially in this situation?

It felt absurd to bring such a suggestion after just expressing strong annoyance at being suspected.

What is his intention? It was something I couldn’t understand.

“I’ll apologize again for my prior rudeness. However, I ask you to remember that this time it’s not merely a suggestion but a courteous request on behalf of the Martial Alliance.”

“What does that mean…?”

“This is not… a suggestion, but a respectful request from the Martial Alliance to the Star King.”

“Ha.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the old man’s words.

A request, not a suggestion.

It reminded me of what I had said earlier.

“Right now, the Martial Alliance needs the Star King. Therefore, please lend us your power.”

So brazen and audacious.

I hadn’t expected him to say it so openly.

Instead, it felt refreshing.

‘Yeah, this is much better than that.’

This attitude was a hundred times better than Il Cheonggeom.

The Martial Alliance truly needed me now. That was a fact I had known all along.

To be precise, it should be that the name I’ve built up with the Martial Alliance is essential.

‘The Martial Alliance is shaking significantly.’

Though I can’t be totally sure, it’s likely facing serious trouble without any time to analyze.

Public sentiment, of course, but the most practical concern here is.

‘The withdrawals of the upper houses.’

The upper houses that had been sponsoring the Martial Alliance would have begun withdrawing their support.

This was only natural. Who would sponsor a Martial Alliance that had lost the public’s trust?

The upper houses only move for money.

Their continued support of the Alliance had been aimed at safety, but ultimately for the sake of profit.

Being directly funded by the Alliance.

That stability and prestige alone provided substantial benefits, but now that the Martial Alliance had lost public favor, continuing their support had become a risky choice.

Thus, inevitably, the upper houses would begin to pull back.

If the support is cut off, problems would arise in the core of the Alliance.

It meant that things would grow challenging across the board.

Thus, the Martial Alliance had to address this issue quickly. They needed to regain public sentiment swiftly.

And that’s why.

They were trying to install me as the Great Lord of a new troop.

The death of three Great Lords was a problem, but the biggest reason was that.

‘That’s the quickest means of restoring public sentiment.’

The name of the Star King.

The praises it would garner, along with the public’s response.

The Martial Alliance required that.

‘A hero who saved Hanam appoints a Great Lord in the Alliance.’

It serves as a means to attract those who were distrustful of the Alliance.

It was also a maneuver to try and turn the steps of the upper house leaders back towards us.

Some might say I’m being overly arrogant to believe public sentiment would return just because I’m named, but.

‘Objectively speaking, it’s true.’

I had anticipated this situation all along, but through my recent experiences, I could sense that there were many people who held me in high regard.

I knew this all too well, which is why I told Il Cheonggeom that they weren’t fit to make me suggestions.

That’s why I said their subject had become too lofty.

Now Muk Yeon speaks of this openly.

“Please.”

I laughed again at the old man’s words.

“Do you realize how absurd this situation is, asking me for a favor?”

He should have said something before all that taunting. What’s up with asking now, after a verbal duel?

When I expressed that, Muk Yeon smiled slightly.

“What I said earlier was my personal view. This is the view of the Alliance.”

“Are you saying they are different?”

“Exactly.”

In the end, that old man suspects me yet believes the Martial Alliance needs me.

Such absurdity left me speechless.

‘What is this? Is it better to just not try to deceive? Or is it more infuriating?’

I was at a loss on how to respond.

At that moment.

“These are the conditions I prepared in hopes that the Star King might grant this request.”

As I stood there utterly dumbfounded, Muk Yeon presented a letter to me.

“Even if you refuse, I kindly ask you to at least read it first.”

“…”

Should I just make a big show and tear it up now?

That seems better, but I reached out and examined the letter.

As if thinking about tearing it apart after skimming it, I held on.

But.

“Hmm?”

There were at most five lines.

The text wasn’t long, but with each line I read, my eyes widened.

“…”

After reading all that, I didn’t tear the letter.

I simply lifted my gaze and stared at Muk Yeon.

My look conveyed the question of whether this was truly the case.

“If you wish for more, I’m willing to add.”

“Wow.”

I couldn’t help but grin. Though it was a different kind from the earlier awkward chuckle.

The conditions laid out here and the way Cheongryong Great Lord has approached me, it’s almost like a plan from Muk Yeon himself.

‘Or perhaps this was all part of his grand scheme.’

A flood of questions surged, but for now, I didn’t care.

The conditions were too substantial to let slip by.

All the irritation I felt moments ago evaporated in an instant.

Thus, I folded the letter and placed it into my robe.

“Can I take some time before I respond?”

“Please take your time.”

I had postponed my choice.

And that concluded our conversation.

Just after the conversation ended. Inside the room where Gu Yangcheong had left.

Muk Yeon, still inside, was cautiously pouring tea before him.

Behind him, Geomje silently stood guard.

“Cough-!”

Suddenly Muk Yeon erupted in a harsh cough.

Quickly covering his mouth with a cloth, he couldn’t help but continue coughing.

“Phew…”

Once he managed to cease, he removed the cloth to reveal it soaked with blood.

“Are you alright?”

Geomje asked in a calm tone after witnessing this, and Muk Yeon nodded shortly.

“I’m fine. Today is still better than yesterday.”

“…”

Geomje didn’t ask further. He knew that asking wouldn’t change anything.

He simply watched Muk Yeon quietly as he consumed the tea.

While the serene atmosphere continued, Geomje broke the silence.

“How was it?”

An ambiguous question. Yet Muk Yeon knew exactly what he meant.

“How did you see that?”

“…”

Muk Yeon retaliated with his own question, and Geomje pondered for a moment before giving a response.

“It seemed there was no issue on the surface.”

That’s right; Muk Yeon focused on his words.

Understanding that, Geomje continued.

“However, something felt off.”

Upon hearing that, Muk Yeon finally took a sip of tea.

Was it instinct? Geomje’s intuition in such matters was sharp.

Muk Yeon found himself agreeing with him.

The individual they had just spoken about—the Star King, who claimed to be the youngest king level.

Gu Yangcheong of Mount Shan.

Thinking of that young man made Muk Yeon smile.

His conversation with him was quite unique.

If he were to have grandchildren, Gu Yangcheong would be one of the youngest in the younger generation of Yuseong.

Muk Yeon found something special in talking to him.

‘Different.’

Especially with his Late-Stage Talents, he was unlike other martial artists.

That young martial artist didn’t have the ferocious aura nor the passion common in youth.

Instead, he bore a cold and chilling gaze.

Simultaneously, his tone and speech patterns were alarmingly aggressive for a righteous faction. They felt violent, as if he could break anything that displeased him.

There was an air of arrogance.

‘He seems reckless, but he’s sharper than anyone else.’

Within his words was a meticulousness that did not show even a hint of rule breaking.

The visible violence seemed a ruse to cover up this carefulness.

His situational judgment was swift; even while looking into his own eyes, he continually glanced around him.

Pretending to look at the tree while observing the forest around him.

This meant that everything in his demeanor was grounded in careful calculations.

‘Fascinating.’

Therefore, Muk Yeon felt more alive than he had in ages.

It was truly a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time.

In just a few sentences, he managed to discern that this young man, despite appearing so different, was much like him.

‘Perhaps.’

Had he not already possessed the sight of a master, Muk Yeon might have taken him as a disciple without hesitation.

He was much to his liking.

‘What a pity.’

Yet it seemed that could never be.

It was evident that Gu Yangcheong bore some other motive.

“Do you know, Geomje?”

Recalling their recent conversation in detail.

“What is your relationship with the Heavenly Demon?”

The Heavenly Demon who attacked Hanam.

An unexplainable existence that allegedly suffered no damage from the surprise attack of Shin Yi.

How strong is he? How large is his power?

What does he move for? There was no information on the matter.

In that context, Muk Yeon had asked Gu Yangcheong about his relationship with the Heavenly Demon, who had shown discomfort when pondering the question.

Gu Yangcheong’s response appeared to present no marked issues, but

“The Star King never completely denied it.”

Muk Yeon detected a sense of strangeness hidden within those words.

Amid several inquiries, he never explicitly rejected any ties to the Heavenly Demon.

Perhaps, it could simply be considered a situation of happenstance. However,

“It seems,” Muk Yeon was convinced that something was amiss.

“I’ll need to keep an eye on him.”

I would find a way to stay close and keep a watchful eye on him. Thus he vowed.

And then.

“Hmm, indeed.”

As Gu Yangcheong slowly stepped out of the Martial Alliance, he turned back and looked toward it, thinking.

“I must kill him.”

He felt an overwhelming urge to eliminate Muk Yeon at all costs as soon as possible.

 

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