Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Yeongmong was the first and last Strategist in the history of the Slaughter Heaven Sect.

‘Well, that’s no longer true now.’

At a future that had clearly changed from before his Regression, Yeongho formed a faint smile.

When Yeongho became the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance before his Regression, the Slaughter Heaven Sect had been enjoying an unprecedented golden age in its history.

There were largely two people responsible for their revival.

‘First, thanks to Yeongmong, many assassins were raised far more efficiently.’

And the second was……

‘The Killing King.’

Despite being an assassin, he had broken free from the ordinary Transformation Realm and stepped into the ranks of the Absolute.

That man had been the Killing King.

‘Though even then, he had been merely so-so to me.’

Still, Yeongho remembered that he had been quite skilled.

The Killing King had attempted to assassinate him dozens of times. Which meant he had survived dozens of encounters with Yeongho.

Escaping alive from Yeongho, who had been the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance, was already an extraordinary feat. But that alone was not the reason Yeongho acknowledged him.

‘He definitely reached me.’

Though it had been nothing more than a cut in his clothing, the Killing King’s attack had touched his body.

Among the troublesome assassins, the only one Yeongho had ever acknowledged was the Killing King.

‘Is he still in the Slaughter Heaven Sect?’

Most likely. The Slaughter Heaven Sect usually took in young orphans and raised them into assassins, and the Killing King—who had once been such an orphan—would likely be slowly nurtured even now.

There was a high probability he was being raised in the Sect’s true Assassination Outpost, the one that trained assassins, rather than this place that merely accepted assassination commissions.

‘If he’s already capable of taking assassination requests here, then he’s far beyond the level of a Junior Disciple.’

Though that was unlikely.

Yeongho looked at Yeongmong and spoke.

“By the way, aren’t you going to release your martial arts?”

“That is…….”

“I already know you’re a woman. Why not just release it?”

Yeongmong seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding.

Crack, creak—crunch!

The sound of bones grinding echoed out, and Yeongmong’s frame gradually shrank.

‘She really mastered Bone-Contraction well.’

Bone-Contraction was a martial art that allowed one to alter their skeletal structure. Assassins often used it to shrink their bodies to disguise themselves as someone else or infiltrate narrow spaces.

However, enlarging one’s body with Bone-Contraction could practically be considered an entirely different martial art. It was not a matter of realm or difficulty, but of having to endure literal bone-shaving pain as the bones expanded.

Soon, returning to her original body, Yeongmong lowered her head and spoke.

“I greet you, my Lord.”

Yeongho stared at Yeongmong for a moment before speaking.

“You look younger than I expected.”

“I am forty this year.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. More importantly, the assassins who were outside will be returning soon.”

“You already said that earlier.”

“Among them, there is exactly one child I wish to take.”

At Yeongmong’s serious yet resolute expression, a glint flashed in Yeongho’s eyes.

“What’s his name?”

“Do you think an assassin would have a name?”

“My mistake. Fine. I’ll grant your request.”

Yeongmong had not expected Yeongho to agree so readily, and a faint look of confusion crossed her face.

Yeongho let out a snicker.

“What? Do I know your thoughts too well?”

At Yeongho’s teasing tone, Yeongmong made an awkward expression before nodding.

“Yes. Honestly, that is true.”

“I don’t know you well.”

“…….”

As Yeongmong remained silent, still somewhat withdrawn, Yeongho clicked his tongue.

“Still, I know your capabilities well.”

Bringing over a chair, Yeongho sat down and spoke.

“Then let’s see just how sharp the eyes of our Unorthodox Alliance’s Strategist are.”

The assassins returned to the Assassination Outpost roughly one every Quarter-Hour.

And over the course of two Shijin, the number of assassins Yeongho beheaded was precisely four.

Sitting in his seat, Yeongho yawned and said,

“The last one is the one you want, right?”

“That is correct.”

At that moment—

Ssaeak!

With the sound of a sword slicing through the air, Yeongho’s hand moved like lightning. His hand slithered like a serpent and seized the incoming blade.

Revealing his white teeth in a grin, Yeongho’s gaze shot toward the man dressed in black.

“Not bad.”

Yeongho, who had caught the black-clad man’s sword with his bare hand, showed a look of surprise. At some point, the black-clad man had already released his sword and retreated far away.

Feeling a chill he had not experienced in a long time, Yeongho unconsciously touched his own neck.

“Yeongmong, is that the one you were talking about?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

Though clearly startled by the sudden situation, Yeongmong quickly regained her composure and hid her trembling hand as she spoke.

“Come here, Number 7.”

At Yeongmong’s gentle tone, the black-clad man hiding within the shadows flinched.

“……Have you betrayed us?”

At the black-clad man’s words, Yeongmong nodded.

“Yes.”

“I understand.”

The black-clad man soon revealed himself and spoke.

“Who are you?”

“Yeongmong’s superior.”

“Are you going to kill me?”

“Let’s not state the obvious. You already know, don’t you? How this situation is unfolding.”

For a fleeting instant, the black-clad man’s eyes trembled.

Even as he wavered, Yeongho paid it no mind and spoke.

“I am Yeongho, the fifth disciple of the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“……I know.”

“I figured. You tried to kill me too, after all. Yeongmong.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to raise this one?”

“I assume you mean teaching him martial arts?”

“Yes.”

“That, I cannot do.”

“Then may I introduce a good Master to this one?”

“If you would do that, I would be most grateful.”

When Yeongmong readily accepted, Yeongho nodded.

“Good. Shadow, teach this one a lesson.”

At that instant, Yeongho’s shadow rippled.

Chilling—!

Realizing too late the identity of the monster hiding within the shadow, Number 7 immediately tried to distance himself from Yeongho—

But Shadow had already taken his rear position and brought his hand down like a blade, as if to shatter Number 7’s neck.

Ssaeak!

However, the strike narrowly missed as Number 7 twisted his body. Just as he tried to take a stance to counterattack—

Thud!

Shadow unleashed a Spinning Kick and drove Number 7 back. Number 7 crossed both arms to block the kick, but his entire body went numb, and his eyes widened.

As Number 7 quickly regained his stance, Shadow nodded and said,

“Young Master, may I raise this child?”

“This is the first time you’ve asked me for something. Do as you see fit.”

Shadow stepped forward and spoke to Number 7.

“From now on, your name is Black Shadow. Discard the name Number 7 and grow accustomed to Black Shadow.”

“I understand.”

At Shadow’s swift and decisive action, Yeongho let out a whistle.

Black Shadow understood his situation well. Even amid the rapidly unfolding circumstances, he adapted quickly and soon realized how he should act.

“You know how to hide within shadows, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then from now on, follow me while concealed.”

“I understand.”

Shadow and Black Shadow bowed deeply to Yeongho before melting into the shadows.

At the pleasant sight of Master and disciple, Yeongho smiled.

“I never thought Shadow would take in a disciple. I figured he’d die without ever raising even one. Congratulations, Yeongmong. The one you cherish seems to possess remarkable talent.”

‘As expected of the future Killing King?’

Yeongho kept those final words to himself as he glanced at Yeongmong.

Perhaps still shaken by the swift battle that had just occurred, Yeongmong spoke in a considerably subdued voice.

“……Thank you.”

“Then it’s time to return to the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“There is a place nearby that buys and sells horses. Let us go there.”

“Hm? Why ride a horse? You’ve learned martial arts.”

“Pardon? That is true. However, the distance from here to the Unorthodox Alliance is quite considerable….”

“That’s not a problem. Objectively, it may be far, but to me, it’s not that distant.”

“What do you mean—!”

Yeongho lifted Yeongmong into his arms and sprinted up the cliffside. Leaping a height that seemed no less than Five Zhang in an instant, he became a streak of light and dashed across the plains.

Yeongmong could not conceal her shock at Yeongho’s terrifying speed.

Even while carrying her, he ran at such velocity—yet he did not even appear to be moving that quickly.

His expression was nothing but relaxed.

Perhaps having no strength left to be astonished, Yeongmong completely relaxed her body. Noticing her state, Yeongho let out a faint chuckle.

‘He may be lacking as a Strategist, but he’d be perfect as a Chief Aide…….’

To be precise, she could fulfill the role of a Strategist well enough, but she was better suited to assisting one.

A Strategist was someone who wrung their brain dry to devise brilliant plans, while a Chief Aide helped ensure those plans were realized.

If Chief Aide Cheongsol were to encounter Yeongmong, he would likely speak of receiving the grace of three lifetimes and express boundless gratitude.

Yeongmong’s abilities surpassed even the Chief Aide who had served him before his Regression.

‘Would that mean taking that guy’s position?’

No—he might actually welcome it. Namdo Cheon, who had been the Chief Aide of the Unorthodox Alliance before the Regression, had nearly gone mad from overwork.

‘If there are two of them, the work will be handled better.’

Given Namdo Cheon’s personality, he likely would not dislike Yeongmong.

While gaining a capable Chief Aide was a joyous matter, Yeongho had gained something even more valuable.

‘To think the future Killing King was here…….’

He had not expected the Killing King to be here. He had known the boy showed promise from a young age, but to already be accepting assassination commissions……

It was a coincidence beyond coincidence, yet it worked in Yeongho’s favor.

Even now, he was an exceptional assassin. But if he trained under Shadow, he would become even more outstanding—perhaps even stronger than he had been before his Regression when he was known as the Killing King.

‘I should thank the Sect Leader of the Slaughter Heaven Sect.’

Since he had been given such a great gift, Yeongho would repay the Sect Leader with something equally significant.

He did not yet know how the board would unfold from here.

Still, Yeongho envisioned the game board he would create until the very end.

A vast board—one that might even seem inefficient to some.

Lost in such thoughts, Yeongho arrived at the Unorthodox Alliance by early evening.

Yeongmong swallowed hard.

“Th-this is…….”

“Welcome to the Unorthodox Alliance.”

Gesturing for Yeongmong to follow, Yeongho surveyed the surroundings.

‘The atmosphere is strangely quiet.’

No matter how late it was, this was still an hour that should have been lively.

Yet wherever Yeongho walked, not only were all the lights extinguished, but it was so silent it seemed not even a rat scurried about.

‘Did Hanryeong pull some kind of trick?’

That was the most likely possibility, but—

‘It doesn’t really matter.’

Unconcerned, Yeongho headed toward the Alliance Lord’s office.

“Stop.”

A guard blocked Yeongho and spoke.

“I must inspect your belongings…… Ah, Fifth Young Master. Is the person behind you your companion?”

“Yes.”

“Must she enter as well?”

“Yes. Hurry and conduct the inspection.”

Relieved by Yeongho’s still-benevolent demeanor, the guard let out a quiet sigh and began searching Yeongmong.

Though an unfamiliar man was patting down her body, Yeongmong showed no displeasure.

She understood that the guard was merely fulfilling his duty to check for dangerous items, with no impure intent.

If anything, his excessive caution in trying to be considerate made her feel more uncomfortable.

“Finished?”

“Yes. You may enter.”

Receiving permission, Yeongho nodded and knocked on the door.

“Enter.”

At the drained voice coming from inside, Yeongmong could not hide her puzzlement.

‘Isn’t this the Alliance Lord’s office? Why does his voice sound so lifeless?’

Her question was soon answered easily when she came face-to-face with the owner of that voice.