Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The faint chirping of insects echoed along the quiet mountain path. It was the hour when the twilight lingered, just before the moon rose.

The blue forest was bathed in an orange glow from the setting sun, the light gradually dimming as darkness prepared to take over.

In this serene forest, Ilcheon Sword walked calmly, his steps measured.

He scanned his surroundings as he moved. There was almost no sign of life. The silence was so profound that it felt unnatural.

Even more unsettling was the subtle, almost imperceptible tension that gnawed at his senses, setting his energy detection on edge.

He raised a hand to rest on the hilt of his sword, drawing steady breaths as he heightened his awareness. For some reason, he felt it was necessary.

'Ominous.'

Was it because night was falling? Or was it something about this forest itself?

The forest, pristine and serene, inexplicably exuded a sense of unease.

How could it be so quiet?

The only sound was the faint chirping of insects. There was no cry of animals, not even—

'Not even the aura of beasts.'

Every forest carried traces of killing intent, however faint, emanating from the magical creatures that roamed within. Yet here, not even the distinct energy of such beings was present.

Could this be due to excellent regional management? Impossible. Even the main branch or the Shaolin Sect couldn't completely eradicate magical creatures in Henan. Sichuan, with its comparatively weaker forces and broader territory, couldn't possibly be this clean.

Which could only mean—

'Something is here.'

Something unknown existed in this area.

Whether it was a formation or a unique environment created by a spiritual artifact, Ilcheon Sword couldn't be certain. But whatever it was, it was enough to keep him on high alert.

He walked cautiously, his senses sharp.

The twilight dimmed, and the sky darkened. Soon, the moon would rise to its peak.

The chirping of the insects grew louder, piercing the stillness.

Finally, after some time, a voice broke the silence.

"You've arrived."

The speaker was Dae Hwan, the head of the Celestial Stream Sect, who greeted Ilcheon Sword at their meeting point.

"You've had quite the journey. It must have been tiring."

Dae Hwan spoke with a wrinkled smile, but Ilcheon Sword's expression only darkened further.

"What is this about?"

"Ah, you seem upset."

"Of course, I am. A mere heretic dared to summon me as if I were at their beck and call."

"Hahaha."

Dae Hwan laughed heartily, unbothered by Ilcheon Sword's biting tone. The laughter only deepened Ilcheon Sword's scowl.

"Do you find me amusing?"

"Oh, forgive me. I wasn't laughing out of mockery... It's just—"

Dae Hwan's gaze wavered for a moment, as though recalling someone.

"There's quite a difference, you see. It's easier to talk to you."

"What are you implying?"

"Take it as a compliment, nothing more. Pay it no mind."

Was this an insult? Or was he being compared to someone? The ambiguous tone grated on Ilcheon Sword even more.

'How dare a heretic compare me to someone else.'

The mere thought was enraging, yet he held his composure. For now, Dae Hwan was a tool he needed to use.

Once he had gotten what he needed, Ilcheon Sword intended to dispose of Dae Hwan without leaving a trace. That was his plan.

Noticing Ilcheon Sword's simmering anger, Dae Hwan smiled faintly and asked, "I was curious if the item I provided was of use."

Ilcheon Sword clicked his tongue in response, prompting Dae Hwan to chuckle lightly.

"It seems the results were satisfactory, though I heard there were some... complications."

"...Complications?"

"You know what I mean. I heard the Poison King visited the branch recently."

"..."

Just how much does this man know? Even from their first meeting, Dae Hwan seemed far better informed than expected.

"Don't concern yourself. I'm handling it."

"Of course, someone of your caliber in the Azure Dragon Division would manage it well. Still, I thought I'd ask since unforeseen variables often lead to worry."

"I said I'd handle it, didn't I?"

Ilcheon Sword's tone turned sharper, his aura pressing down as though he'd strike at any moment if unnecessary words followed. Sаmplе frоm Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе—rеаd mоrе оn М&VLЕМРY&R.

Seeing this, Dae Hwan raised his hands and stepped back slightly.

"It seems I've made quite the misstep."

As Dae Hwan retreated, Ilcheon Sword slowly lowered his energy, issuing a warning.

"There won't be a next time."

"Understood."

"Now, explain clearly why you called me here."

"Ah, about that... It's somewhat related to what I just mentioned."

"Related, you say?"

The connection to the earlier discussion piqued Ilcheon Sword's curiosity. Seeing this, Dae Hwan seized the moment to continue.

"Today, I heard the Star King requested reinforcements from the branch."

"...!"

Ilcheon Sword's eyes widened at the unexpected revelation. Reinforcements?

'Reinforcements?'

Though caught off guard, he quickly pieced together the situation and let out a faint laugh.

"So, that fool did his job well, it seems."

"Hmm?"

"Don't concern yourself. It seems the prey has walked into the trap."

"Did you do something?"

Indeed, Ilcheon Sword had planted false information through Mun Do-hyuk. Judging by this, it seemed the man had executed his orders effectively.

Still, one thing lingered in his mind.

'If reinforcements were requested, it means they're planning something.'

The information he leaked should have only hinted at something small, yet the Star King was already mobilizing forces. That suggested he was preparing for a fight.

'What a reckless fool.'

Rather than verifying the information, the Star King appeared ready to charge in headfirst. It was impulsive but beneficial for Ilcheon Sword.

Although the approach was aggressive, it played perfectly into Ilcheon Sword's hands.

As his thoughts reached this conclusion, a faint smirk crept onto his face.

"Hmm..."

Dae Hwan observed Ilcheon Sword with a subtle expression.

"You seem to have something in mind."

"I told you already—I can handle this."

"So, you're certain no assistance is necessary?"

Dae Hwan tilted his head as he asked, causing Ilcheon Sword to hesitate momentarily.

Did he truly need no assistance? As he considered the newly revealed information, an idea began to form.

And so, doubt shrouded Ilcheon Sword's thoughts.

Could he really rely on the help of heretics? As the Azure Dragon Division's leader and a blade of the Murim Alliance, was this truly the right course of action?

These were the questions that weighed on him.

"Think carefully, Ilcheon Sword. This isn't something that requires much deliberation."

Dae Hwan, leader of the Celestial Stream Sect, knew precisely how to exploit Ilcheon Sword's hesitation.

"You've already allied with us once. What's the point of second-guessing now?"

"..."

"And as for your concerns—those too are unfounded."

Dae Hwan stepped closer, the soft sound of his footfall breaking the silence. The narrowing distance caused Ilcheon Sword's hand to grip the hilt of his blade.

Despite the subtle warning, Dae Hwan continued to close the gap. When he was close enough, he leaned in to whisper.

"After all... isn't it enough if no one ever finds out?"

"..."

"Don't you think so?"

As long as no one knew. As long as it remained a secret between the two of them, nothing else mattered.

Ilcheon Sword clenched his fist tightly.

Dae Hwan's words were true.

'...If no one knows.'

If no one, not even the instigator himself—Dae Hwan—knew the full extent of the plan.

As the thought crossed his mind, Ilcheon Sword's gaze darkened.

Yes. That would suffice. That was enough.

Calming himself with this rationalization, Ilcheon Sword released a surge of his killing intent and spoke.

"...Do you want to die? Step back."

"Tsk."

Feeling the sharp pressure of the killing intent, Dae Hwan retreated, his hands raised in mock surrender.

For a fleeting moment, Ilcheon Sword entertained the thought of killing him then and there.

The conclusion came swiftly.

'Not now.'

Dealing with him would come later. Dae Hwan was not a weak opponent, and fighting him now would introduce far too many uncertainties.

It would be best to wait until all matters were resolved, the timing optimal, and a proper justification was established.

For now, he had to endure it, no matter how repulsive it felt to associate with this filth.

In the end, no one would know.

"In any case, the reason I called the Azure Dragon Division leader here was nothing more than to say we can offer greater assistance depending on the circumstances."

"..."

"You seem to have much to think about. Take a few days to ponder this deeply."

Dae Hwan added with a sly tilt of his head.

"Though, I doubt there's much time left."

At the same time, he pulled a letter from his robe and handed it to Ilcheon Sword.

"This contains the location of our next meeting. There's no set date, but let me know, and I will arrange it as you wish."

Ilcheon Sword silently examined the letter, his gaze gradually lifting to the night sky.

Night had fully descended, but the moon was nowhere to be seen.

Staring into the dark sky, he finally spoke.

"Tomorrow. I'll decide by tomorrow."

"Take all the time you need."

"And."

Swish!

A sharp breeze brushed past, slicing through Dae Hwan's hair. Strands of his hair fell cleanly to the ground.

"Your words seem shorter than last time."

"..."

Momentarily flinching, Dae Hwan quickly composed himself, forcing a polite smile as he responded.

"My apologies. I thought we'd grown closer... It seems I was mistaken. I beg your pardon."

"Know your place. If this were under normal circumstances, the only conversation I'd have with a heretic like you would be with my sword."

"Understood. I'll be more careful."

Ilcheon Sword cast a sharp glare at Dae Hwan before turning his back and walking away. His stride made it clear he was leaving.

"Azure Dragon Division Leader."

Dae Hwan's voice stopped Ilcheon Sword in his tracks. Turning back, his expression conveyed his irritation clearly.

"I apologize, but may I ask you something?"

The chilling intensity of Ilcheon Sword's gaze made it clear he was ready to strike at any trivial question.

Unfazed, Dae Hwan asked, "Do you remember all of your subordinates' names?"

"...What?"

Ilcheon Sword frowned at the unexpected question. What was he trying /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ to say?

Did he remember all of his subordinates' names? All of them?

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh, it's purely out of curiosity. I wondered if someone as exceptional as the leader of the Murim Alliance would remember all their subordinates."

"I remember them."

"Oh?"

Dae Hwan reacted with mild surprise, but Ilcheon Sword added coldly,

"The useful ones, at least."

Without waiting for a response, Ilcheon Sword disappeared into the darkness.

Once all traces of Ilcheon Sword vanished, Dae Hwan's face twisted into a scowl.

"That bastard... Acting as if his words carry the weight of the heavens. Damn fool."

His polite expression dissolved, replaced by an ugly sneer.

"Looking at his attitude, he's hardly in a position to despise heretics."

His tone, now crude, sounded jarring compared to before.

"Just talking to him has already worn me out."

Crack! Crack!

Suddenly, a grotesque sound erupted from Dae Hwan's body.

Muscles twisted, bones shifted, and his face contorted rapidly.

Sssshhhk!

In mere moments, his stature shrank, and his appearance transformed entirely.

"Hah... Damn it."

The figure now radiating an eerie blue glow from his eyes was none other than Gu Yangcheon.