Chapter 771
I guess I need to kill Muk Yeon.
The moment I made up my mind, I immediately shifted my steps.
It didn’t take long to realize it. As soon as I stepped outside, I could feel the gazes on me from all directions.
Currently, I was standing in the heart of the Martial Alliance.
Even in the scene where the recovery was taking place, I drew gazes, but how about this place, which had relatively more crowds?
Gazes pierced from all sides.
Not just martial artists, but even ordinary folks were staring at me.
Was it just looking? In my Qi perception, I could even hear their whispers.
[Star King…?]
[What? They say he’s the Star King? Where?]
[Look over there! That young man!]
[Where am I supposed to look…? Huh!]
One man flinched as he looked at me.
[His fierce face seems like it could kill you just by looking. He really looks exactly like I’ve heard.]
“…”
The way they recognized me was quite strange, but it seems they really did recognize me.
‘Oh no.’
Not just that man, but others also seemed to be looking at me.
‘How did it come to this?’
I expected my name to get higher, but I never thought it would come to this level.
To be recognized just by my appearance.
‘Tch.’
Feeling this, I gathered strength in my toes.
Flame Burst-!!
Flames erupted, and my body lifted off the ground.
Just like before, I jumped away before anyone could approach me.
“Whoa!”
“Ah!”
Did they really want to come closer? As I leaped, a collective sound of disappointment filled the air.
Hearing this, an ominous thought crossed my mind.
“…This is going to be… tiring.”
For some reason, I felt like it was going to get troublesome moving forward.
In several meanings, that is.
Woo Hyeok.
I quickly checked my physical condition.
My energy circulated through all my blood qi and rapidly returned to my heart.
After that, I frowned while checking the information that the energy brought back.
‘I’m in deep trouble.’
There weren’t many states worse than my current condition.
Flame Burst-!!
First, I burned away the impurities with my fingertips. Although I couldn’t detect all of them, it was a simple level of treatment.
Ouch-! I instinctively grimaced at the pain that followed.
“Huh.”
After circulating this amount of energy, my body was screaming. It seemed I would have to stop practicing the Tua Pacheonmu technique for a while.
I had been using it constantly except when I was sleeping, but in this body condition, that seemed impossible.
‘In terms of regeneration speed… maybe two months if I’m fast.’
Right now, it hurt, but objectively speaking, in two months, I’d recover completely.
If it were before, it would have taken over half a year, but my body didn’t need that long anymore.
Of course.
‘Two months is if I don’t do any fighting or training.’
It was two months only if I rested completely; otherwise, it would take about four months.
Still, that was fine.
‘I’ll shorten that to one month.’
Since I had a way to fix this body quickly, I just needed to think of this as holding on for a bit.
It hurt a lot, but I could endure it.
Thud-! Using a leap, I landed lightly on the ground, at which point someone approached as if they had been waiting.
“I greet the Star King.”
It was a man in a yellow martial robe.
He was a martial artist from the Huangbo Clan. Seeing him, I nodded.
“I came to meet Clan Leader Huangbo.”
“I’ve heard. The Clan Leader is waiting.”
Following his guidance, after wandering through a residence for a while, I found myself standing in front of the bedroom where the Tiger King was.
I could see a hefty man lying on the bed inside.
A middle-aged man wrapped in bandages—Clan Leader Huangbo Yeolwi.
“Clan Leader. The Star King has come.”
“I see. Let him in.”
Once granted permission, I stepped into the bedroom. The Tiger King raised his hand and spoke to the martial artist.
“You may leave.”
“However….”
“It’s fine.”
The martial artist seemed worried about the injured Huangbo Yeolwi’s well-being, but he could not defy the Clan Leader’s command.
Eventually, the martial artist stepped out.
Whoosh–!!
Immediately, an aura burst forth from Huangbo Yeolwi’s body.
The thick energy spread through the room as a barrier of soundproofing.
A thoroughly sealed energy barrier.
After confirming this, Huangbo Yeolwi, who was lying down, suddenly propped himself up.
His huge body moved swiftly, changing his position.
He knelt before me, facing me.
“I greet the Cult Leader.”
The Tiger King performing the formal gesture. I nodded my head in response.
This uncle is always fascinating to see.
‘I guess he’s talented in acting.’
He seemed like he had been groaning just moments ago, but now there was no trace of that demeanor.
In the first place, it seemed that the claim he was lying down for treatment was a lie.
“So, how have you been?”
“It has been nothing but perfect days. All thanks to you, Cult Leader.”
“You don’t need to sweet-talk me that much.”
“No, I wouldn’t dare….”
“It’s fine. But I have something I want to ask.”
“I’ll listen closely.”
“About that thing from last time. How did you do it?”
That time when I’d hit him and he’d soared, spitting blood.
Then his body trembled and he passed out. How did he manage that?
Curious about my question, the Tiger King answered.
“I stimulated the blood qi to induce a massive hemorrhage… and at the same time, I burst my aura slightly to throw my body.”
“I get that, but the trembling and your follow-up after that.”
“Excuse me?”
Upon hearing my question, the Tiger King seemed momentarily flustered and then spoke to me with a strange expression.
“I thought it would feel more natural that way.”
“…”
It was an answer that seemed quite obvious.
I frowned slightly upon hearing it.
‘…What talent.’
This uncle has some real talent.
Is it that easy?
It truly was a gift.
I never imagined that the Clan Leader of the Huangbo Clan would be a hidden acting genius.
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
“Hmm, well… good job.”
“Thank you.”
“Anyway, that’s enough of that.”
Since we got through that part, it was time to get to the main topic.
“Did you receive the letter?”
“If it’s from the Martial Alliance… yes, I received it.”
As expected. The Tiger King also seemed to have received a message asking him to attend the alliance, just like I did.
However, given that the Tiger King’s current physical state is extremely poor, it seems he couldn’t attend.
‘Hmm.’
It wouldn’t be particularly problematic if he went there. After all, if there was something I needed to say, I’d have already said it by now.
But there was one thing I was curious about.
‘Will he tell the Tiger King about the Great Lord Position?’
Would the Martial Alliance dare to mention the conditions they laid out to me to someone else?
That was something I pondered.
‘Probably not.’
It was expected, but I was sure of it.
They needed the Star King, while the Huangbo Clan Leader wouldn’t receive such an offer.
After all, he’s not just a Clan Leader. The Huangbo Clan is in a particularly crucial period right now.
‘I’ve heard that discussions have begun about whether they should rise to the Four Great Clans or not.’
Since the Tang Clan has fallen behind, the situation is now called the Three Great Clans.
And with the incident concerning the Sword King, this was now shaky too.
But the Huangbo Clan played a significant role in that ambush.
They were quite enough to be said to deserve to rise to the Four Great Clans.
‘Not bad.’
This was exactly the situation I’d hoped for.
With this situation at hand, it would be foolish for the Huangbo Clan to side with the alliance.
Since the Martial Alliance is aware of this too, they likely won’t make any unnecessary demands.
“Huangbo Clan Leader.”
“Yes, Cult Leader.”
“There are a few things I’d like you to do after attending.”
“I shall do so willingly.”
The Tiger King instantly agreed even before I could finish my request.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
Did he somehow know what I was going to ask him to do?
It seemed that his hope had arisen from the possibility of rising to the Four Great Clans since he had ascended to the rank of King.
Recently, the intensity of his gaze towards me had strengthened.
“It’s nothing much, but I’ll organize it separately and send it to you soon.”
What I was going to ask for wasn’t an issue.
“I’d like you to approach certain merchants that have turned their backs on the Martial Alliance.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll send you the list of those merchants, so reach out to them.”
The Tiger King’s eyes widened slightly at my words.
To reach out to merchants that had departed from the alliance. He seemed to have an inkling of what that would entail.
“Reach out, you say…?”
“Just as I said.”
As the quality of prey declined, the big fish had started to scatter.
Originally, they would have stayed together while seeking different prey, but I had no intention of just sitting back and watching that happen.
“If there’s something appealing to them, then they’ll naturally flock before I get them to another shore.”
I needed to catch the big fish first.
That way, I could buy time until the trap was ready.
Right, the trap.
I aimed to create a trap that would make it impossible for the gathered big fish to escape.
I was planning to use the Huangbo Clan to set that up.
After discussing a bit more with the Clan Leader, I headed outside.
I needed to talk in detail, but I should bring Cheol Jiseon over for this part later.
Just as I was about to move to the next location.
“Oops!”
I shifted my gaze at the startled exclamation from someone.
Then I saw a familiar face.
“Oh, long time no see?”
“…”
The stocky figure froze right when he saw me.
A rough-looking young man who resembled his father. The direct descendant of the Huangbo Clan. Second Prince Huangbo Cheolwi.
“I just greeted you, didn’t I? Aren’t you going to return the greeting?”
“Y-you! Long, long time no see.”
His stiff posture seemed quite funny.
Seeing Huangbo Cheolwi like that, I spoke to him.
“I was going to ask how you’ve been. But looking at your state, it seems like you’ve been doing well and working hard?”
His realm had notably increased since the last time we met. It looked like he had crossed the peak wall.
Had it been when I last saw him, he had just reached the first-rate level.
It had only been a few years, and he’d already reached the peak—what good talent he had.
‘It’s just that everyone around him is insane. This is the right way to do it.’
It was incomprehensible for someone to ascend to the Transformation Realm before turning thirty.
In fact, it was unreasonable to think that a person would be in that realm at such a young age.
To be in the perfected peak realm already meant he could be called a prodigy.
I made a slight smirk as Huangbo Cheolwi blushed at the compliment.
“Thank you.”
Huangbo Cheolwi smiled awkwardly, as if it was a little absurd to receive such words from me.
Well, to be fair, I would have felt the same way.
If I were to tell someone younger than me who recently started being called ‘King’ that they had improved their realm, I would’ve wanted to kill them too.
‘That’s the truth.’
If only I were the only one who thought so, that wouldn’t be a big deal.
Understanding that, I simply patted his shoulder lightly.
“Work even harder in the future.”
Then I leaned in slightly and whispered in his ear.
“That way…. You could beat your brother and become Clan Leader.”
“…!”
At my words, Huangbo Cheolwi shivered and I gave his shoulder a couple of pats.
Then, suddenly—
“Excuse me, but you’re too close to the Young Master.”
A hand blocked my way.
I looked at the owner of the hand, wondering what was happening.
“Oh.”
Seeing that, I let out a low sigh.
The one stepping in was none other than Huangbo Seon.
He was the one who, in the past life, I called Muk-Gwon.
“Yes, yes, what are you doing?”
Although it was Huangbo Seon who stopped me, it was Huangbo Cheolwi who, instead, looked surprised and pulled him back.
However, Huangbo Seon didn’t budge.
With a curious gaze, I asked, “You… are you his guard now?”
“Yes. I am Huangbo Seon, the guard of the Second Prince.”
So that was what he was doing, acting as Huangbo Cheolwi’s bodyguard.
‘Definitely a considerable improvement compared to before.’
Among those who could fly in the past life, this guy’s talent would be several folds better than Huangbo Cheolwi’s.
As if to prove that, Huangbo Seon had indeed risen in realm compared to his previous self, surpassing Huangbo Cheolwi.
I asked Huangbo Cheolwi, “I thought they were supposed to give the branch families the same opportunities as the direct lineages. Am I wrong?”
“…That’s correct.”
“So why are you like this?”
Why on earth was Huangbo Seon taking on the role of a bodyguard? The answer came from Huangbo Seon himself.
“I applied for it.”
“You?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Do I need a reason to say that?”
“Oh….”
Huangbo Seon’s attitude turned Huangbo Cheolwi pale.
He seemed worried about how I would react.
Yet.
“…”
I showed no particular reaction to Huangbo Seon.
Was I supposed to get angry? Regrettably, I didn’t.
On the contrary…
– You shall not approach the Great Lord.
I simply froze at the recalled memory.
– As long as I am here, you shall not take a single step closer.
– Come forth.
– I am Huangbo Seon of the Black Flame Sect.
The face of the fool, who had been pricked with needles all over his body, came to mind.
That scoundrel who refused to move even when I shouted at him to step away.
“…”
As that memory dimly drifted through my mind, a smile crept upon my face.
“Do you know who I am?”
“I do.”
At that statement, I narrowed my eyes slightly.
“It wouldn’t make sense if you didn’t recognize me in Hanam recently.”
The response that followed was, of course, not the one I had anticipated.
“But what are you doing out here? Do you know how I might react? Do you think you can beat me?”
“I cannot.”
It was a bold declaration.
“But, as long as I have someone to protect… that doesn’t matter.”
His conviction-filled words pulled down the corners of my mouth.
Years ago, he appeared as quite weak, and I truly wondered if he was Muk-Gwon; yet seeing this, he seemed to be the real deal.
“Right. But you know…”
As I spoke, I slightly moved my hands.
“…Cough!?”
The moment my hand moved, Huangbo Seon reacted, but it was too late to stop me.
The quick motion brushed against Huangbo Cheolwi’s neck.
Had it not stopped, it would have been an instant kill.
Seeing this, Huangbo Seon’s eyes widened, while I gazed into his eyes and said, “You should consider your position before you act. Otherwise, you might not be able to protect what you want to protect.”
Good intentions, but I warned him not to act recklessly.
If he didn’t.
‘Then you might not be able to keep your own life.’
The final intention of my words was deeply insinuated.
Huangbo Seon’s expression darkened, indicating he had sensed my threat.
Once I confirmed that, I withdrew my hand.
“I’m off.”
“…Huh… Huh… Okay.”
Ignoring the surprised Huangbo Cheolwi, I walked away without any lingering attachments and made a leap.
I clicked my tongue that had been heavy in my heart.
Was Huangbo Seon worried about stepping up to protect someone else in front of me?
‘Disgusting.’
Even to feel that way was sickening.
Better to just let it be.
That was definitely the case.
– Great Lord.
– I apologize.
– Perhaps if we meet next time… I might… a bit… more…
But that thought made me wind up my stiff neck again.
Next time? What are you hoping to see?
‘Just stay as you are.’
Live on without getting ensnared by revenge, and just keep what you should protect moving forward.
I will handle my own matters; you just stay there.
After thinking that several times, I erased the memories.
“…Hmm.”
It’s been years since I craved alcohol.
How long has it been? How long has it been since I wanted a drink?
I’m not much of a drinker, but for some reason, right now, I felt like having a bit.
However, I probably wouldn’t drink.
I just didn’t find the time or the emotion to dwell there.
While my steps slowed a little.
“…Nahi.”
[Yes, Master.]
At the softly spoken words, an immediate reply came.
“Convey this to them.”
What I chose instead of alcohol was always one thing.
“I have something to say, so gather everyone together.”
Without stopping for even a moment, I moved forward.
As always, that was all it was.
