CFZ

“What is your relationship with the Heavenly Demon?”
The first thought that crossed my mind was simple.
‘How do I look right now?’

What expression was Muk Yeon seeing on my face?
Had my eyes widened? Narrowed? Did I swallow nervously?
Was there sweat trickling down my forehead?

Not even a hint of unease could show. I checked everything.
A single second passed.
“What exactly do you mean by that?”

I didn’t delay my response.
I was terrible at acting, and I’d been told that enough times to know my best bet was a blank face.
Muk Yeon’s answer came without hesitation.

“I mean it exactly as it sounds.”
“In that case, I’m even more confused.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly, as if troubled.

“What reason do you have for asking me such a thing?”
Was he suspicious?
And if so, where had the cracks started?

Even as irritation simmered, my mind raced through the possibilities.
While I pondered—
“Haha. It seems this old man has greatly offended you.”
“How could I not be?”

“Then let me offer my apologies first.”
Muk Yeon smiled as he spoke, even while apologizing.
Looking at him, my stomach churned.

‘I knew this was coming, but facing him directly makes it worse.’
When I planned the aftermath of the attack, one factor loomed above all else—
Muk Yeon.

He’d retired over a decade ago and had likely returned to the Alliance only a few days ago.
If he’d already been here—
‘They wouldn’t have been caught off guard so easily.’

No matter how chaotic the situation, Muk Yeon’s presence would’ve changed everything.
The combined strength of the Alliance’s forces?
Their martial ranks and titles?

None of that scared me.
What scared me was a man like Muk Yeon.
‘Especially since I’ve seen it firsthand.’

A hundred martial masters charging in wouldn’t terrify me as much as one strategist who could read every move.
I’d watched Cheon Yurang-a bend Zhongyuan to his will in my past life—I ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ knew the danger well.
That’s why I made it clear when crafting my plan:

The Martial Alliance cannot have Muk Yeon.
That condition was crucial, and it had worked.
I’d shaken public trust, fractured the Alliance’s foundation, and set off a chain reaction that would only grow more chaotic.

The plan was progressing perfectly—but I wasn’t letting my guard down.
One plan’s success meant nothing. What came next was even more critical.
And right now—

‘I need to study him.’
I had to learn everything I could about Muk Yeon.
“I heard the Heavenly Demon spoke with you briefly before disappearing. Is that true?”

“It wasn’t much of a conversation. He asked my name, and I answered. Is that a problem?”
“Haha. Not at all. Think of it as an old man’s rambling curiosity.”
“Rambling?”

“You’re a most unusual individual, Star King.”
Without hesitation, he dropped a loaded statement.
“Your achievements are unprecedented in Zhongyuan’s history. The youngest to reach Hwagyeong was Golden Fist King Yeon Ilcheon.”

Golden Fist King Yeon Ilcheon—who stopped the Blood Demon and was hailed as the greatest martial artist of his time.
He reached Hwagyeong at twenty-five, the youngest ever recorded.
Until now.

I tilted my head slightly.
“The youngest to reach Hwagyeong is the Divine Dragon, isn’t it?”
I was referring to the official records acknowledged by the Alliance.

“Perhaps that’s what the Martial Alliance says. But I have a different opinion. And I believe you know what I mean.”
“…”
I silently clicked my tongue.

He already knew.
Muk Yeon wasn’t fooled by the official narrative.
His eyes made that clear—he was certain I had reached Hwagyeong first.

Honestly, I didn’t care about that particular detail.
But—
“And how exactly does that connect me to the Heavenly Demon?”

“It doesn’t. I know little about martial enlightenment. I’m simply astonished by your potential.”
“…So?”
“Despite having such potential, you hid it for years. Yet when Hanam faced disaster, you revealed your strength and saved the people. You became a hero.”

“…”
With every word, my frown deepened.
“You defended against the attack, defeated the monsters, broke the curse, and saved the Alliance Leader and others. Everything you did that day was worthy of being called heroic. Truly.”

He paused, then locked eyes with me.
“It was almost as if someone wanted to make you a hero.”
And there it was.

‘Damn old man.’
He suspected me.
My actions fit too perfectly.

The smile behind his eyes and the careful tone in his voice made it clear.
Wasn’t it strange?
Were my achievements purely coincidence—or had someone orchestrated them?

Coincidence seemed unlikely.
That’s what Muk Yeon was implying.
‘This isn’t going to be easy.’

This kind of situation didn’t suit me at all.
Even now, my hands itched to snap his neck and be done with it.
Thinking is exhausting.

Fighting is simple. But that wasn’t an option here.
What to do?
Nothing to do but endure.

“…Haha.”
I started with a hollow laugh.
No panic—just sticking to what I did best.

“Elder.”
“Yes, Star King?”
“Let me ask you something.”

“I’m listening.”
“How long do you expect me to put up with this disrespect?”
“…”

I immediately twisted my expression into a scowl.
Acting wasn’t my strength, but getting angry? That, I could do naturally.
“After risking my life to save people, this is how I’m treated?”

“Star King.”
“If this conversation keeps going in circles, I’m leaving.”
“…”

“Unless you have something else to say, get on with it.”
I glared at Muk Yeon, my gaze sharp and unyielding.
He’d wiped the smile from his face, meeting my eyes with the same intensity.

The silence stretched until—
“I apologize.”
Muk Yeon bowed his head first.

“This old man let his worries get the better of him. I’m truly sorry for offending you.”
His words sounded sincere, but I kept my expression tight.
Even as I sat back down, I didn’t relax.

This wasn’t over.
This wasn’t just an interrogation.
Jang Seong-myung’s nonsense about an offer was just a distraction.

This was about the attack.
I wasn’t the only one being questioned—others would be called in, too.
Reacting too strongly might make things worse.

“I’ll accept your apology.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
I wanted nothing more than to flip the table and walk out.

But I couldn’t.
‘Not yet.’
The conversation might seem finished, but I knew better.

Muk Yeon’s eyes said otherwise.
‘I’m not the only one he’s suspicious of.’
He probably had others in mind—others he’d be testing, too.

‘Tsk.’
Just being near him felt suffocating.
The sensation reminded me of facing Cheon Yurang-a in my past life.

That same sharp tension.
It was taking everything I had to suppress my presence and not slip up.
Muk Yeon barely radiated any Qi, yet his presence weighed heavily.

It was absurd—but true.
‘What should I do?’
Kill him now?

It was possible, even with the Sword Emperor nearby.
I could snap his neck before anyone stopped me.
But then what?

Could I escape the Sword Emperor?
Even if I succeeded, it would ruin all my plans.
I still needed the Alliance. I still needed Bong Soon.

‘But killing him might be worth it.’
He was too dangerous.
I seriously considered it—

‘No…not yet.’
In the end, I decided to hold back.
There was too much to lose.

As I relaxed my grip—
“Star King.”
“Yes?”

Muk Yeon spoke as if he’d been waiting for this moment.
“I have something to tell you.”
“…Suddenly?”

“Is this interrogation over?”
“Oh, that ended with our earlier conversation.”
“Already over?”

It felt like we’d barely spoken.
As I frowned slightly at the sudden conclusion, Muk Yeon carefully pulled something out of his sleeve.
Swish.

A sealed letter bearing the Martial Alliance’s emblem.
“Do you remember what the Azure Dragon Division Leader mentioned earlier?”
“Yes. I remember.”

The creation of a new division—and the offer to lead it.
“This is a similar matter.”
Muk Yeon’s words made me narrow my eyes.

“I already gave my answer to that.”
I’d refused. He’d heard it clearly.
And yet he brought it up again?

Now?
Right after that absurd display of suspicion and irritation?
Why? What’s his angle?

“I apologize once again for the earlier rudeness. However, I hope you’ll understand that this matter is both similar and very different from before.”
“What does that mean…?”
“This is not a proposal.”

Muk Yeon’s eyes met mine.
“It is a formal request from the Martial Alliance.”
“Hah.”

I couldn’t help but scoff.
Not a proposal, but a request.
It reminded me of my earlier words.

“The current Martial Alliance needs you, Star King. Please, lend us your strength.”
Brazen. Shameless.
I hadn’t expected him to be this direct.

Strangely, it felt refreshing.
‘This is better.’
Far better than Jang Seong-myung’s nonsense.

I already knew the Martial Alliance needed me.
To be precise, it wasn’t me they needed.
It was the name they had created for me.

‘The Martial Alliance is shaken.’
I hadn’t had time to fully assess the situation, but they were undoubtedly in trouble.
The public had turned against them—but more importantly:

‘The merchants are pulling out.’
The merchant groups that had supported the Alliance were withdrawing their investments.
Why wouldn’t they?

What merchant would continue funding a crumbling Martial Alliance?
Merchants moved for profit, not ideals.
Sponsoring the Alliance had once brought stability and status—but now?

The Alliance had lost public trust. Supporting it was a risk.
And once the funds dried up, the core of the Martial Alliance would rot from within.
It was obvious.

They had to fix this quickly.
They had to restore public confidence—immediately.
Hence this plan.

The creation of a new division, with me as its leader.
Three division leaders had died in the attack, but the real reason for this move was clear:
‘They need a quick way to win back public trust.’

The Star King’s reputation.
My name. My achievements.
They needed it all.

‘The hero who saved Hanam joins the Martial Alliance.’
It would pacify the public and lure the merchants back.
Some might call it arrogant—relying so heavily on one man’s image.

‘But objectively, it’s true.’
I’d already guessed this was coming.
The reaction I saw from the crowd earlier had confirmed it.

My reputation was soaring.
That’s why I’d snapped at Jang Seong-myung earlier.
They weren’t in a position to make proposals to me.

They should’ve been begging.
And now—
‘Muk Yeon is doing just that.’

He knew.
He knew exactly what position the Alliance was in.
“Please.”

Muk Yeon bowed his head.
I let out a hollow laugh.
“This is a strange way to make a request, don’t you think?”

If this was so important, shouldn’t he have started with this?
Why the pointless posturing earlier?
Muk Yeon smiled faintly.

“My earlier words were my personal thoughts. These words represent the Alliance’s official stance.”
“So you’re saying they’re different?”
“Yes.”

So he personally didn’t trust me, but the Alliance officially needed me?
Ridiculous.
‘Should I call it honesty—or shamelessness?’

I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.
Then—
“These are the terms we’ve prepared, should you accept our request.”

Ignoring my bewildered expression, Muk Yeon handed me the letter.
“Even if you refuse, I ask that you at least read it first.”
“…”

I considered tearing it apart.
Wouldn’t that be satisfying?
Still, I took the letter.

Fine. I’d read it first—then tear it up.
But—
“…Hm?”

Five lines.
That’s all it took.
As I read, my eyes widened.

“…”
I didn’t tear the letter.
Instead, I looked up at Muk Yeon.

My gaze silently asked, Is this real?
“If there is anything more you desire, we’re prepared to accommodate.”
“…Wow.”

I laughed.
This time, it wasn’t a scoff.
So this was the offer.

And that Azure Dragon fool had led with that?
‘Was this Muk Yeon’s plan all along?’
Questions swirled, but they didn’t matter.

The terms were that good.
So good that my earlier irritation vanished.
I folded the letter carefully and tucked it into my robe.

“Can I take some time to think about this?”
“As much as you need.”
I put off making a decision.

And with that—the conversation ended.

   ******************
   
The moment the conversation ended and Gu Yangcheon left the room, Muk Yeon remained seated, calmly pouring himself another cup of tea.

Behind him, the Sword Emperor stood silently, maintaining his position.
"Cough—!"
Suddenly, Muk Yeon began coughing violently.

He quickly pressed a cloth to his mouth, but the spasms wouldn’t stop.
Only after a long moment did he manage to catch his breath.
When he pulled the cloth away, it was stained with fresh, red blood.

“Are you all right?”
The Sword Emperor asked, his voice steady. Muk Yeon nodded faintly.
“I’m fine. It’s better than yesterday.”

The Sword Emperor said nothing more.
Asking wouldn’t change the reality of the situation.
Instead, he silently observed Muk Yeon as he sipped his tea.

After a lingering silence, the Sword Emperor finally broke it.
“What did you think?”
It was a vague question, but Muk Yeon immediately understood what he meant.

“What about you?”
Muk Yeon deflected, and the Sword Emperor took a moment before answering.
“He didn’t seem to have any obvious flaws.”

Didn’t seem to.
Muk Yeon caught onto that phrasing.
And as if confirming his thoughts, the Sword Emperor added:

“But there’s something… off.”
Muk Yeon set his cup down, his sharp gaze fixed on the ripples in the liquid.
The Sword Emperor’s instincts were rarely wrong.

And Muk Yeon felt the same unease.
The man they had just spoken with—Gu Yangcheon.
The Star King.

He was unlike any other young martial artist they had encountered.
“Do you want to know my opinion?” Muk Yeon asked.
“Yes.”

Muk Yeon smiled faintly as he thought about their conversation.
It had been… unusual.
If Muk Yeon had grandchildren, Gu Yangcheon would be younger than them.

And yet…
‘He’s different.’
Gu Yangcheon wasn’t like the typical young prodigies who brimmed with ambition and arrogance.

There was no youthful fervor in him—only cold, sharp eyes.
Even his speech was violent and blunt, nothing like a righteous sect disciple.
He was aggressive, unpredictable, and seemed ready to destroy anything that didn’t go his way.

And yet—
‘It’s all calculated.’
The arrogance masked meticulous control.

His words, though reckless, were purposeful—designed to provoke reactions and measure responses.
His gaze never settled.
He looked directly at people while keeping track of the entire room.

He saw the forest even as he studied each tree.
Everything about him seemed intentional.
‘He’s interesting.’

Muk Yeon found himself entertained for the first time in years.
Despite their differences, he sensed a certain similarity between them.
‘If only…’

If Gu Yangcheon hadn’t already stepped onto the path of martial arts, Muk Yeon might have taken him as a disciple.
That’s how much potential he saw in the young man.
But—

‘It’s a shame.’
That would never happen.
Because Gu Yangcheon clearly had other plans.

“Did you notice?” Muk Yeon said suddenly, looking at the Sword Emperor.
“Notice what?”
Muk Yeon recalled the earlier exchange.

—What’s your connection to the Heavenly Demon?
The question had been direct.
The Heavenly Demon, who led the attack on Hanam.

An unknown force.
No one knew his strength, his followers, or his true motives.
Muk Yeon had asked the question to see Gu Yangcheon’s reaction.

He had denied nothing.
He’d looked uncomfortable, sure—but he never denied it.
And that’s what lingered.

“Gu Yangcheon never said he wasn’t connected to the Heavenly Demon.”
Even in his irritation, he hadn’t outright rejected the accusation.
It could have been a coincidence.

But—
“I’m certain.”
Muk Yeon set down his teacup.

“We need to keep a close eye on him.”
He would watch Gu Yangcheon—by any means necessary.
Meanwhile—

Outside the Martial Alliance, Gu Yangcheon was walking away.
He paused, glancing back toward the building.
“Yeah.”

His voice was low, almost amused.
“I’ll have to kill him.”
Muk Yeon.

Gu Yangcheon had already decided—he would kill the old man.
And he would do it soon.