Yi-gang had been in the Forbidden City for quite some time now.

Recently, he received a letter from Baek Ryu-san.

It was about the whirlwind that had arisen in the Murim Alliance and Jianghu.

The biggest issue facing the martial world was the movements of the Unorthodox Union.

The Evil Cult was a threat with difficult-to-discern depths, but the Demon Cult was a disaster that clearly needed preparation for the future.

Compared to those two, the Unorthodox Union was less dangerous, but it was an imminent threat.

The unorthodox sects affiliated with the Unorthodox Union were spread throughout the central plains.

They were mostly insignificant and lacked a sense of camaraderie, but their sheer numbers were the most troublesome aspect.

They picked fights with the sects of the Murim Alliance from all sides, making it a very troublesome situation for the orthodox Murim.

Baek Ryu-san had shared this related story.

-The Nine Spear King So Jin-gong and West Sky Castle have decided to ally with the Murim Alliance. Don’t worry about this place and take care of yourself instead.

It was a letter filled with concern for Yi-gang.

It also mentioned his maternal family.

Baek Ryu-san’s stance was no different than before.

‘You are the most important, so it’s alright to oppose your maternal family. The Baek Noble Clan is not so weak,’ was the gist of it.

-Watching the Demon Cult’s movements is more important than the Unorthodox Union.

If it had been earlier, Baek Ryu-san would not have spoken such things.

A son born with meridian blockage disease was a frail and worrisome being, not someone to be trusted with responsibilities.

However, the son who returned from Mount Wudang as a Supreme Peak master had become a reliable figure at some point.

-It’s not something to say to you in Beijing. Just think about it for now. Let’s meet in Kaifeng after everything is over.

Nonetheless, Baek Ryu-san seemed relieved that Yi-gang was outside the whirlwind of the martial world.

「It’s not necessarily the case.」

‘Exactly.’

Could Baek Ryu-san have guessed that the Demon Cult had reached out to the imperial court?

It’s unclear what the Seven Great Immortals were aiming for, but whether they revived the Heavenly Demon or not, it wouldn’t be good for the Central Plains.

Originally, if the Demon Cult’s invasion were large-scale, the government forces would also step in.

No matter how much the martial world was supposed to be untouchable, indiscriminate chaos must be prevented.

But if the Seven Great Immortals were to control the Ministry of War using the emperor, then that expectation could not be upheld.

‘Anyway, we have to stop those bastards from the Seven Great Immortals.’

That’s what Seong Yeok-ju and King Gye-yeong wanted.

Yi-gang pretended not to be interested, but in fact, it was an important matter to him as well.

Yi-gang fiddled with the Flood Dragon’s heart he had kept in his pocket.

It wasn’t called a heart for no reason; it felt strangely warm.

Instead of immediately consuming the Flood Dragon’s heart, Yi-gang decided to store it for a while.

「Anyway, it’s far from enough to connect your major meridians. It would be better to use it in a crisis.」

The fullness of Qi felt from it was less compared to other elixirs.

However, true to a dragon’s heart, the spiritual energy it contained was overwhelming compared to ordinary elixirs.

If consumed and possessed by Zhang Sanfeng, it could show the same majesty as during the previous White Monkey Demonic Hand incident.

‘It’s a hidden weapon.’

「It would be good to think of it that way.」

Yi-gang pondered for a moment.

Then he asked Zhang Sanfeng something he had been curious about, ‘Are you trying to prevent the resurrection of the Heavenly Demon?’

At first, that’s what he thought.

Because the Heavenly Demon was a terrifying being like no other in the world, Zhang Sanfeng intended to prevent his resurrection.

But the more he talked with him, the more he felt it was slightly different.

Zhang Sanfeng seemed to be assuming that he would meet the Heavenly Demon someday.

Too proactive to be just preparing for a potential situation.

「…Not really.」

“…”

He was not surprised by the unexpected words. Yi-gang quietly waited for Zhang Sanfeng’s words.

「Perhaps that is… an unavoidable matter.」

‘Do you see it as inevitable?’

「Just as people must eventually die. The Heavenly Demon will certainly resurrect. Probably soon.」

It sounded like fate or destiny.

Zhang Sanfeng was not trying to prevent the resurrection of the Heavenly Demon.

「However, I will simply stand against him when he returns.」

That was Zhang Sanfeng’s resolve.

However, Yi-gang still had lingering questions.

The Heavenly Demon had tried to leap across centuries by even tearing his soul apart.

What could be the reason? What did he intend to achieve upon his return?

「I don’t know either.」

Even Zhang Sanfeng didn’t know exactly.

「However, perhaps I cannot just leave it be.」

Yet, Zhang Sanfeng believed that one day he would inevitably have to confront the Heavenly Demon.

‘If the Sage says so, I will take it as such and prepare accordingly.’

「You trust me.」

‘Well…’

It was slightly different from trusting.

He didn’t truly believe that he would face the Heavenly Demon. He was just seriously preparing for the possibility.

Assuming the worst-case scenario ensured no regrets in the future that would eventually come.

That was the lesson Yi-gang had learned through his life.

Then, a disturbance from behind disrupted Yi-gang’s focus.

Behind him, the Crown Prince and the Honorable County Princess were practicing the Azure Dragon’s Demon Breaking Roar.

“Get out!”

“Go away!”

Previously, it was all about screaming almost in terror. But at some point, they began to practice the Azure Dragon’s Demon Breaking Roar verbally.

It’s not for nothing that the high monks using Lion’s Roar shout ‘Ha!’, and Go Yo-ja from Kunlun shouts ‘Svāhā!’

Language has power. It was the same when using sound arts.

Vivid cries that were hardly befitting for royalty were resounding loudly in Yongzhao Palace.

“Die!”

“Fatheeeer!”

Indeed, the voices began to imbue with internal energy.

At first, he was embarrassed to roar, but at some point, he began to enjoy it.

It felt as if the rage inside was melting away.

Even now, his veins were bulging in his neck, but his face was smiling.

However, such moments didn’t last long.

A few days ago, startled by a resounding noise, Queen Yuye hurried over and set a time limit.

Perhaps it was because of that commotion.

Yi-gang noticed someone’s approach a bit too late.

“…Aunt?”

The one who had come looking for Yi-gang was Seong Ji-an.

Her expression was stiffer than when they had first met.

Her face felt distant, but that was to be expected.

“I received your help last time.”

“…”

He had requested the layout of the Imperial Palace Armory.

In the process, an undeniable conflict arose.

Although it would not have been strange for them to curse, Seong Ji-an instead smiled.

It was a fresh smile that, to anyone’s eye, seemed free of any pretense.

“No, it’s something I can do. Because we’re family.”

“Of course, we are family.”

Yi-gang also smiled in response. His smile, too, looked sincerely clear.

An awkward silence followed.

The one to break the silence would seem more eager.

Seong Ji-an was aware of this but couldn’t help but speak.

“The Senior Grand Secretary has called for you.”

“I see.”

“He’s waiting, so let’s go together.”

She had come here to relay the call from Seong Yeok-ju.

However, Yi-gang did not nod.

“That’s difficult. I’m currently teaching Their Highnesses the Crown Prince and the County Princess.”

Seong Ji-an felt it was absurd because Yi-gang was leisurely sitting and resting at the moment.

“…That can wait.”

“No. After that, I must stay by their side to protect them….”

Yi-gang spoke as if he wasn’t sorry at all.

Seong Ji-an’s eyes widened slightly.

“Your maternal grandfather has called you. He wants to hear your story directly.”

The words ‘your story’ were slightly emphasized.

It must have been Seong Yeok-ju himself who procured the layout of the Imperial Palace Armory. Seong Ji-an’s tone conveyed disbelief that her maternal grandfather had requested a conversation first and was being rebuffed.

But Yi-gang’s face remained calm.

Zhang Sanfeng also had an expression of approval.

「Really, it has gone just as the Priest predicted.」

‘My maternal grandfather is a smart man.’

Yi-gang had anticipated this situation.

Knowing Seong Yeok-ju was clever, he would rather have a discussion than take offense at his grandson’s defiance.

And being wise, he would also try to take the initiative rather than be led by Yi-gang.

Yi-gang’s guess had indeed been accurate.

“I have made a promise to King Gye-yeong. That should be the priority, shouldn’t it?”

“…”

“Today I don’t have time, so let’s meet another time. If you inform me in advance, I will make time.”

Finally, Seong Ji-an showed her anger.

“This is not the martial world where you wielded your sword, Yi-gang.”

“Well, I wonder.”

In Jianghu, strength determined everything, and one could either submit or dominate—there was no third option.

“I think this place is no different.”

Yi-gang considered this place to be the same as Jianghu.

Seong Ji-an quietly hardened her expression and left again.

「Are you sure this is okay? Being so rigid like this….」

‘It has to be okay. And it will be.’

Yi-gang reassured Zhang Sanfeng’s concern.

And Yi-gang was right.

The next day, the Senior Grand Secretary Seong Yeok-ju came to visit in person.

Seong Yeok-ju came dressed in a round-collared red robe.

As with the official robes of high-ranking officials, it was splendid.

Upon closer inspection, the fabric was silk, with elaborate patterns embroidered on it.

On the chest was an embroidered bird surrounded by clouds, and he wore a hat to further display his authority, making his power clearly felt.

Seeing Seong Yeok-ju like that, Yi-gang thought again.

This was the armor of officials.

Just as generals wore ornate armor and headed into battle, officials donned their official robes in preparation for combat.

Though wearing official robes didn’t stop a sword from cutting, in some ways, it had an effect greater than armor.

Especially in situations like now, where it suppressed the opponent’s spirit.

“Did you want me to come in person?”

Seong Yeok-ju was different from Seong Ji-an.

Unlike Seong Ji-an, who showed traces of raw emotion, Seong Yeok-ju’s gaze toward his grandson held not a hint of humanity.

Even when they first met, it wasn’t like this. At that time, it seemed as though he was feeling regret while thinking of his daughter.

But now, it was clear that he had steeled his heart as well.

If his heart were a lake, he had frozen its surface solid so that nothing beneath could be seen.

“As you wished, I have come to see you personally.”

“Well done.”

“…What did you say?”

How should one deal with such a person?

The method was simple. Throw a stone to break the frozen surface of the water.

“I was thinking it might be time to go back. After all, I’m just a mere warrior, not an official. Life in the Imperial Palace is hard to adapt to.”

“Are you being obstinate?”

“Is that what you think?”

“As expected, I must have been a fool to expect anything from someone so young and inexperienced. But did you think such reckless behavior would be tolerated here?”

Seong Yeok-ju clearly seemed displeased.

“You have already received the title of Crown Prince’s Teacher. Do you think promises, especially those with the imperial family, can be taken lightly? Do you think your paternal family can protect you?”

“Then, will you protect me, Grandfather?”

“You insolent boy!”

Seong Yeok-ju’s voice grew louder.

Whether it was due to the word “Grandfather” or the content of his words, it was unclear.

But it was clear that his emotions were stirred.

“It’s not that I’m tired of my duties and want to leave.”

“Then what is it?”

“If the contract was unfair from the beginning, wouldn’t it have to be annulled?”

Perhaps the words “unfair contract” sounded too abstract to Seong Yeok-ju.

While he remained silent, Yi-gang continued speaking, “Grandfather, you’ve hidden too much from me.”

King Gye-yeong and Seong Yeok-ju planned to eliminate the Seven Great Immortals to secure the Emperor’s safety.

However, they never informed Yi-gang or the Baek Noble Clan of these plans from the start.

“…The secrecy of the matter left us no choice.”

Seong Yeok-ju’s excuse suggested that Yi-gang’s suspicions were entirely correct.

“You might have thought of me as a sharp sword, but I am not an object.”

“…”

“My father and the clan also feel the same.”

Seong Yeok-ju tightly closed his eyes.

It wasn’t because he was moved by Yi-gang’s words.

It was because he had heard these words before.

It was what his daughter had said when he refused to approve her marriage.

—I am not your property, Father.

As memories from the past muddled his mind, Yi-gang continued speaking, “…There’s a high probability that the Seven Great Immortals are associated with the Demon Cult.”

“…!”

Seong Yeok-ju’s lips twitched slightly.

Although he heard it from Seong Ji-an, if it’s true, it’s indeed a very dangerous situation.

“If those people of the Seven Great Immortals are high-ranking members of the Demon Cult, then Grandfather and King Gye-yeong would have failed.”

“…”

“Then, you would all be dead.”

Yi-gang said it just like that.

The possibility was high.

If the Baek Noble Clan hadn’t sent a master upon Seong Yeok-ju’s request or if someone other than Yi-gang had come and followed orders without thinking, they might have been caught off guard.

It could have led to King Gye-yeong and Seong Yeok-ju’s families being accused of treason and executed.

In that case, the Baek Noble Clan would have been in danger as well.

“As an honor flower disciple of the Azure Forest and the eldest son of the Baek Noble Clan, I can confront the Seven Great Immortals. However, I do not wish to be used like this,” Yi-gang declared.

Seong Yeok-ju felt all the strength drain from his body.

It wasn’t that Yi-gang had persuaded him.

He had already considered the possibility of failure from the start and had prepared several contingency plans.

What drained his strength was the presence of Yi-gang standing before him.

In his grandson, he saw his deceased daughter.

It was undeniable.

Speaking his mind, intelligent, and capable of becoming completely emotionless at certain points—he was exactly like his daughter.

Seong Yeok-ju acknowledged that Yi-gang was someone he could not keep within his grasp.

“…What do you want?”

This was the moment Yi-gang had been waiting for.

Yi-gang nodded.

“Let’s make a proper contract again. I want detailed and clear information.”

“That is not something easily shared.”

“How can you plan something big with someone who doesn’t even know the details of the task?”

Yi-gang waved his hand.

“I made sure no sound could escape.”

Even the birdsong that could be heard outside was no longer audible.

His grandson’s Qi techniques appeared truly otherworldly to Seong Yeok-ju. He barely managed to hide his amazement.

“…Very well. I will do so.”

“However, it may be difficult for me to handle this alone. Especially if they are indeed the entire Seven Great Immortals.”

“Isn’t that different from what you said earlier? I can gather more martial artists, but…”

“The allies I mentioned are not just those who are skilled in martial arts.”

Seong Yeok-ju couldn’t fully trust the martial artists he would gather.

“We need the help of my sect.”

“The Azure Forest… But the numbers must not be too great.”

Seong Yeok-ju accepted the need for the Azure Forest’s help.

He, too, was aware of the significance of the Azure Forest.

It was the most crucial condition, so Yi-gang felt relieved internally.

“I understand that the goal is to rescue His Majesty the Emperor.”

“That is correct.”

“But, what is the purpose for which I and my sect should act?”

This was where the detailed negotiations began.

Seong Yeok-ju sighed.

“What reward do you want?”

Yi-gang smiled slightly.

It was a smile that seemed to say he had been waiting for this moment.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep