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I frowned at the familiar yet distinctly odd name.

‘Why is that name suddenly mentioned?’

Gyecheon Sect.

One of the martial factions located in the Sichuan region.

It was once fairly renowned, boasting quite a number of sect members and some local recognition, but—

‘That’s about it.’

Unfortunately, there were issues with gaining any significant reputation in Sichuan.

Because the Tang Clan and Emei Sect are present there.

The Tang Clan, once known as the Four Great Clans, and the Emei Sect, also known as the Gu Sect, have established themselves in Sichuan.

Just this alone posed a problem for the Gyecheon Sect to exert its strength.

However—

‘An anomaly has occurred.’

In my previous life, there was indeed a strange occurrence.

That being—

‘The Gyecheon Sect discovered the Biwaegun of the Geumcheon Clan.’

To be precise, it was an individual who had been the leader of the Gyecheon Sect that found the Geumcheon Clan’s Biwaegun.

It is said that due to some opportunity from the Biwaegun, the leader’s realm remarkably elevated beyond what was known. Not just the leader but the sect members began to grow stronger, making their influence felt.

That was all well and good. Riding the wave of fortune felt like a bad outcome.

The problem was—

‘The Gyecheon Sect is aligned with the Demonic Faction.’

It was uncertain whether they transitioned to the Demonic Faction after obtaining the opportunity or if they had been part of it from the beginning.

My intel was lacking to ascertain that, but as far as I know, the Gyecheon Sect was indeed a member of the Demonic Faction.

‘After the appearance of the Heavenly Demon, they integrated into the Demonic Sect.’

The Gyecheon Sect leader entered the Demonic Sect, becoming a demon, and later, assisted in invading Sichuan.

Having settled there for many years, they became intimately familiar with the terrain.

This became a significant advantage for them when Chen Yulong was planning operations.

‘Hmmm.’

As I pondered, questions surfaced.

‘Why suddenly now?’

Why is the Gyecheon Sect being mentioned out of the blue?

Especially in connection with the Demonic Sect?

‘It can’t be, right?’

There may be connections from my previous life, but—

‘Not yet, I’d say.’

Not at this moment.

It’s even earlier than the time when the Heavenly Demon appeared. More importantly—

‘They couldn’t have gained anything from the Biwaegun.’

The Biwaegun of the Geumcheon Clan was after I had already visited there.

Honestly, there was not much of an opportunity. Even if the Gyecheon Sect leader searched there, nothing should have changed in that situation.

‘What’s going on?’

Why is the Gyecheon Sect suddenly mentioned here?

An incomprehensible situation.

“Did you say Gyecheon Sect?”

“Yes.”

I inquired again, but the answer remained the same.

The Gyecheon Sect is related to the Demonic Sect.

I received such information. It was something Muk Yeon said.

‘What on earth is going on?’

It was a part I couldn’t understand.

What the hell happened?

Also—

“…So, the reason you’re mentioning this to me from the morning is…?”

What reason would there be to specifically call me for this?

Is he suspicious of me? That can’t be the case.

‘He’s not the kind of person to test me so naively.’

If he were to probe, he would employ other methods, not this subtle approach.

Then why?

As I tried to recall his reasoning, Muk Yeon spoke to me.

“Since there’s an issue with the Demonic Sect, it seems appropriate to relay matters concerning the Star Dragon Sect.”

“Are you implying this is an assignment?”

“Yes.”

Upon hearing this, I finally understood.

If the Gyecheon Sect is associated with the Demonic Sect, then it would make sense to entrust it to the Star Dragon Sect for justification.

After all, the Star Dragon Sect was born from the Demonic Sect… so this is indeed a proper course of action.

“However, as the conditions are, if you wish, you don’t have to accept it.”

“…Hmm.”

Muk Yeon’s follow-up hit harder than I expected.

If you’re not going to accept the assignment, it’s fine not to do so. That was a condition I stipulated when the Star Dragon Sect was founded. If you wish, it can be done, but—

‘Gyecheon Sect.’

There was something particularly concerning in his words.

Why the Gyecheon Sect in particular?

In my previous life, it was somewhat earlier than when the Heavenly Demon appeared, yet it’s suspicious that the Demonic Sect and Gyecheon Sect are now being linked.

“Muk the Strategist.”

“Speak.”

“If I accept the assignment, what happens?”

“It’s simple.”

As he spoke, Muk Yeon pulled a letter from his robes and placed it on the table.

“You’ll receive intel, and you should gather personnel and depart within today.”

“Today?”

“It doesn’t have to be today, but… judging by the urgency, the sooner the better.”

“…Hmm.”

“After that, if the Star Dragon Leader deduces that the information and the Gyecheon Sect’s form are identical…”

Tap. Tap.

Muk Yeon tapped his fingers lightly on the letter as he spoke.

“You may include them all on the target list for elimination.”

“…”

I nodded slowly at the chilling tone.

If the information aligns, then eliminate them. That statement was endlessly low and gloomy.

Eliminate the opponents.

Judging by the command alone, it seemed perilous enough; it shouldn’t be surprising.

Given that we’re not a faction that avoids killings, and given that the opponent is part of the Demonic Faction and is linked to the Demonic Sect.

If the information is identical, then eliminating them is the right thing to do, but—

‘Hmmm.’

From Muk Yeon’s gaze and voice, I detected a strange nuance.

‘Is he testing me?’

The timing of the connection to the Demonic Sect.

Yet, if the information aligns, then eliminate them.

Is this implying that he’s suspecting me? A flicker of doubt crossed my mind.

‘Surely not.’

If he harbored suspicions, he wouldn’t completely distance himself from me.

Now, what would be my course of action?

‘Ignore it?’

After all, if I’m not involved, I could just refuse, right?

While I thought that, my hand moved.

I picked up the letter on the table and spoke to Muk Yeon.

“Alright, then.”

“…”

As I uttered my acceptance, Muk Yeon’s calm gaze turned towards me.

“However, I will depart tomorrow, not today.”

“Understood.”

Although he mentioned urgency, I had nothing further to add when I declared my departure for tomorrow.

Whether it’s trust in my own capabilities or something else, it appeared to be a matter of their belief.

‘Is he trying to compensate for last time’s blunder?’

The last conversation had been rather erratic.

Just as I recalled that time, Muk Yeon revealed nothing.

‘Tsk.’

Regrettable, but there was no alternative.

With a light bow, I turned and exited through the door.

 

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