Chapter 263

Grandson.

The moment that word came out, the eyes of everyone gathered in front of me went wide as oil lamps.

Something poured down on me—on an entirely different level from the looks I’d felt earlier, when they heard I’d killed the Sword Demon.

“......Grandson?”

“Moon Knight is the Strategist’s grandson?”

“So the rumor was true.”

The shock on their faces wasn’t simple disbelief—it was more like, So it really was true?

‘......So that got out, too.’

Probably from when I went to see Jegal Jin during the chaos. What I’d said back then must’ve spread.

‘Yeah.’

If nothing else, that was always going to spread. I’d used it in a hurry even knowing that, so I had no right to complain.

‘But for him to bring it up himself...’

I didn’t expect Jegal Jin—of all people—to mention it so openly. If he’d wanted it buried, it could’ve been.

‘What’s the angle?’

While I tried °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° to read his intent, my body moved on its own.

I snapped a smile onto my face and bowed my head.

“......I’m Bang Sungyeon of the Blue Moon Sect. It’s an honor to meet you, seniors.”

I lowered my head deep, packing the bow with sharp, proper respect—trying to look composed and humble at the same time.

When I straightened and greeted them, I could feel the air loosen by a fraction.

“To greet the great hero of Henan. Not bad.”

“Good to meet you, young master. Your fame has been reaching us.”

“You’re tall, just like your grandfather.”

[Crazy bastard.]

At the last line, Yoo Cheongil spoke like he was revolted.

[Like what, exactly? He doesn’t look anything like that dried-up stick of a man. That bastard’s eyes must be crooked.]

I’d been thinking something similar, but I didn’t expect him to tear into the man that bluntly.

And while that was happening, someone stepped forward like he’d been waiting for his turn.

“Good to meet you, I am the Sect Master of Taeseong Sect—”

The moment he held out his hand, I cut in.

“You’re Great Hero Geum Yuhan. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“O.......”

The Taeseong Sect Master’s expression brightened at the sound of his name.

“You know me?”

“How could I not know Taeseong Sect of Sanseo? I’ve long heard of the compassionate deeds performed by the Temperament Sword.”

“Ahahaha! You don’t have to go that far!”

He laughed, clearly pleased.

‘Good.’

Seeing the reaction, I nodded to myself.

The Temperament Sword of Taeseong Sect.

By location, you could call them a reputable sect—but compared to the Nine Great Sects and the Beggars’ Union, or the Blue Moon Sect, they were far below.

And the man holding their sect master position wasn’t exactly a martial artist with an overwhelming reputation.

‘Still. He’s here at the Righteous Guidance Conference.’

Not someone I could dismiss.

I shifted my gaze. The next person offered his hand with a look that was almost hopeful.

“Good to meet you.......”

He trailed off. His words came slowly—like he was waiting for something.

‘For me to recognize him.’

That was the momentum I’d created with what I’d done so far.

And it was exactly what I wanted.

I scanned him fast.

‘Purple martial robes. Eyes slanting up, but brows slightly lowered. Over seven cheok tall. Weapon...’

There was no sword at his waist. Maybe he’d left it behind.

‘But if it matches what I’ve seen...’

He was probably a spear user.

“An honor to meet you, Clan Head Song Hyeon of the Songmun Clan.”

I offered the handshake and said it with confidence. Clan Head Song’s lips curled.

He looked satisfied.

Meaning I was right.

After that, more people kept coming up to shake my hand and greet me.

The funny part was that most of them didn’t even introduce themselves.

It felt like a test—how many I knew.

And the way their eyes lingered made it obvious they wanted to be known.

‘Seriously.’

That age bracket’s hunger for recognition was especially strong—and in my situation, they’d crave it even more.

‘The hero of Henan.’

It was embarrassing, but that was the name they were using for me.

And on top of that, I was a junior generation kid.

Worse, a junior generation kid who looked like the most promising one around—and I was telling them it was an honor to meet them.

Even if it was just smooth talk, there were plenty of people here who would feel good from that alone.

The murderous atmosphere that had filled the hall because of the Righteous Guidance Conference loosened, little by little.

And along with that—

‘......I build connections here.’

That was the advantage I had to take.

Getting leverage out of people I’d normally never even lay eyes on.

There wasn’t a better time to use this method than right now.

“Ahaha... How does someone so young understand the world this well?”

“So they call you Moon Knight. You really do have the makings of a hero.”

“Certainly... with the one who taught you, and your grandfather... you couldn’t not turn out exceptional.”

The vibe was good.

Watching them, I rolled my eyes slightly.

‘Maybe I can shave off some of the enemies this way?’

If you get called the hero of Henan at this age—and you’ve even been handed the epithet Moon Knight—

There’s a high chance you’ll collect pointless jealousy and enemies.

This wouldn’t erase all envy, but I judged it would help.

“Strategist. You have a fine grandson.”

“With a grandson like this, why have you waited until now to let the world know?”

“If his surname isn’t Jegal, then he’s not your blood grandson, is he?”

“Family matters are always full of this and that.”

Jegal Jin answered in an even tone.

Watching him, I narrowed one eye.

‘......Even now.’

Why introduce me as his grandson so suddenly?

That was the question.

‘This man. Even in a situation like this, he’s squeezing benefit out of me.’

He’d made sure my actions would profit him too.

He used a rumor that was already circulating—confirmed it—and took control of the atmosphere.

If I made a good impression here, it would reflect well on Jegal Jin as well.

But there was one problem.

‘If that’s the case......’

Did Jegal Jin predict I’d use this approach here?

Or—

‘Was it a gamble?’

A gamble that I’d find a way to pull profit out of the room no matter what?

I couldn’t tell what he’d been thinking.

But I could tell one thing.

‘Even if he dies, he won’t take a loss.’

Jegal Jin was the kind of man who would extract gain in any situation.

Impressive.

I was honestly admiring him when—

“Moon Knight, was it.”

A heavy voice poured into the room.

Hoo.

The mood changed in an instant.

The martial artists who’d been smiling around me stiffened and took a half-step back.

And through the gap they opened, someone approached me.

‘Here he comes.’

The one I’d been watching for.

I faced the middle-aged man and gave proper respect.

“An honor to meet you, Clan Head Peng.”

Clan Head of the Hebei Peng Clan—Blade Absolute Peng Wooseong.

He walked up with a smile.

“Why won’t you call me by my epithet? I’m disappointed.”

“You’re too famous, sir. I judged it wasn’t necessary.”

“Haha. I felt it earlier too—you really know how to coat words with honey.”

He laughed out loud, but I measured the awl hidden inside that laugh.

‘Not like the Black-Grand Saber.’

Not like that simple-minded bastard who only stared straight ahead.

This one—

A bear’s body with a fox’s fangs.

‘A man full of ambition.’

I didn’t know how far his eyes reached, but he was clearly aiming high.

And he wasn’t even trying to hide it.

“When I first saw you, I wondered how someone with such a miserable body became a hero. I didn’t really believe the talk about you killing the Sword Demon, either.”

His narrowed eyes raked over me.

“Truth is, I still don’t believe the Sword Demon part. But seeing how things are now... I’m thinking you must’ve had a method.”

“.......”

For a moment, my smile almost cracked.

Because what he was saying was really damn foul.

[I still don’t believe the Sword Demon part.]

—Your skill doesn’t look that impressive.

[But seeing how things are now... I’m thinking you must’ve had a method.]

—Judging by how good you are at politics, you probably got that epithet and your situation that way too, didn’t you?

That was the implication.

‘Ah. This old man is irritating.’

I’m not a fan of people like this.

And of course I run into him here.

“Thank you for thinking well of me.”

For now, I just smiled.

I didn’t expect him to needle me so openly.

He’d said it so blatantly that even the others could tell.

“So my son lost to you... He’s not the type to lose. Must’ve let his guard down again, that idiot.”

Even bringing up the Black-Grand Saber’s defeat, he didn’t seem to think I’d won through skill.

‘Wow.’

This man really doesn’t sit right with me.

The Black-Grand Saber was dumb, but at least he was clean about it.

This one—

‘Blunt and sharp.’

Like the kind of blade that, if it cuts you wrong, leaves poison behind.

I wanted nothing to do with him.

‘This won’t be easy.’

He already didn’t think well of me.

And there wasn’t much I could do about that right now.

Besides—

‘I don’t even want to.’

The instant I realized that, I was sure of one thing.

I needed to avoid getting tangled up with him.

“Let that be enough, Clan Head Peng.”

Thousand-Mile True Sight stepped between us.

“It isn’t pleasant to look at.”

“Haha.”

Blade Absolute gave Thousand-Mile True Sight a low laugh.

“So you’re blocking me because he’s your grandson? Ah. Of course. That makes sense. Fine. I went too far. I’ll stop here.”

He stepped back slightly.

“I apologize for going too far. I was venting because my disappointment in the Alliance has grown.”

He looked like he was acknowledging it, but his attitude was still sour.

“My son got dragged into this mess and nearly died. Surely I’m allowed this much anger, yes?”

At the mention of the Black-Grand Saber, Jegal Jin’s face tightened slightly.

Because the Black-Grand Saber had thrown himself in to stop the Sword Demon.

“I’m not pleased with the conclusion of the Righteous Guidance Conference either. But if that was the best option, I’ll accept it. However.”

Blade Absolute erased the smile from his eyes and looked at Jegal Jin.

“As for whether the Peng Clan can continue to maintain a good relationship with the current Martial Alliance... I think we’ll need to watch that for a while.”

Leaving those words behind, he turned and walked away.

Jegal Jin let out a quiet sigh.

“......Hmm.”

He showed a hint of discomfort—but only for an instant.

Then he turned back to the remaining people.

“Thank you for coming. I’d like to speak longer, but... given the circumstances, it seems we have no room to begin a banquet. Allow me to offer respect like this.”

Jegal Jin clasped his fists and bowed with formal courtesy.

When the Strategist bowed, the others hurriedly returned the gesture.

They wouldn’t leave immediately, but once the conference was over, there was no reason for so many martial artists to linger here.

As they departed, what remained were the White King and a few others.

Only then did Jegal Jin speak to the White King and the rest.

“This side is mostly wrapped up. I’ll go handle the other side.”

The other side.

The moment I heard it, I knew.

‘The Namgung Clan’s issue.’

The Sword King would’ve been waiting for the conference to end.

Jegal Jin had to deal with him.

Just as I was about to move—

“Blue Moon Sect Master,”

Thousand-Mile True Sight spoke.

“Yes.”

“......!”

When did he appear...?

I hadn’t sensed a thing, but Moon-Thread Sword was already standing at Jegal Jin’s side.

“There’s no need for an escort right now, so—as I said earlier—please take care of what we discussed.”

“Understood.”

Jegal Jin left with the unit leaders, and the White King followed.

The White King glanced at me once before going, but—

He left without a word.

And then Jegal Jin and the others were gone.

I was suddenly left alone, and I frowned.

“......Um.”

Moon-Thread Sword beside me started to speak—

“Follow.”

Instead of explaining, Moon-Thread Sword began walking.

“Huh? Ah—yes.”

I followed for now.

If he was moving because of what Jegal Jin had said, there had to be a reason.

We moved without exchanging a single line.

Not long after, we arrived somewhere.

Martial artists were on guard, spilling battle aura.

Security so tight it was absurd.

But the moment Moon-Thread Sword appeared, they subtly cleared a path.

“Go in.”

With permission granted, I entered the residence with Moon-Thread Sword.

A little farther in, a room appeared, and Moon-Thread Sword opened the door.

RRRRAK—!!

The door slid open, and what I saw made me let out a hollow breath.

“......Ha....”

Lying there—

Was Divine Spear.

His entire body was wrapped in bandages.

And his breathing was shallow—so thin it looked like it could snap at any moment.