No matter how I look at it, it’s strange.
Hugo seriously analyzed the current situation.
“Let’s— think objectively. About myself, Ha Seung-hoon.”
For now, his identity was that of a guest of the Zhuge Family.
Trusted enough to be invited to a meeting like this to assist a family he owed a debt to.
“My skills are at the threshold of the peak. Given my early twenties, that’s an incredibly high level.”
Even those who have talent in martial arts usually reach their peak in their thirties, and if one lacks talent, they might never reach that level. Considering this, it was remarkable.
So, is that the reason?
“… It seems a bit weak for that.”
Though rare, the world is vast, and there are many geniuses, so it wasn’t impossible for there to be someone who matched or even surpassed it.
Right off the bat, the Young Head of the Namgoong Family rose to the same level in his mid-twenties.
While he was secretly treating the rare illness of a royal descendant under the care of the Zhuge Family and the Shaolin Temple, it was likely not known yet since the security was well-managed.
In that case, that reaction must be…
“Did they discover my identity?”
On the way to the venue for the opening ceremony of this meeting.
Hugo averted his gaze with a wry smile, avoiding the sparkling eyes watching him from a distance, filled with anticipation regarding something.
No matter how you look at that curious gaze, it was beyond what one would send to a talented peer.
Well, if it was just that, one might think it was merely interest directed towards someone more gifted than their own older brother…
“Adding that reaction to it, though.”
Near the blooming garden of his thoughts was Namgoong So-ran, sending thrilling gazes, with the one suppressing her excitement, the Young Master Namgoong Hwang.
Could he be a properly trained future head? He seemed calm on the surface, hiding his emotions, but Hugo’s senses, far beyond typical peaks, could not be deceived.
“They’re on guard against me. And that’s quite excessive.”
This wasn’t the jealousy felt towards someone superior or the competitive spirit toward a rival.
Rather, it was the perspective one would hold when facing a dangerous factor whose future actions were unpredictable.
Observing him, tense for immediate response should anything occur at any time or place, Hugo felt certain.
They likely knew something about him already.
“… It’s not like I have no guesses.”
Hugo, exhaling slightly, recalled a previous encounter.
The Grand Chief of the Namgoong Family, one of the legendary supreme masters from the last generation.
After meeting with the Sword Saint Namgoong Woo, he had faced the gaze of someone dissecting him entirely, as if scrutinizing every detail.
It was rude to emit a presence towards a first-time opponent who was just gauging him, so he didn’t perceive any special flow of energy then. Yet, thinking of the significant difference in levels between himself and the other, it wasn’t strange for them to have figured out his identity by some means.
After all, that opponent was a martial artist of the Current Realm, transcending human limits.
“I thought I was being cautious considering that, but it seems that was insufficient for the Current Realm.”
In the past, Harley had a record of identifying Awakened Ones just through a handshake, so he always kept in mind the possibility of his identity being exposed to a master.
Though he never expected it to unfold like this…
“Ha Gongja, are you alright? Do you have any worries?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”
“If you’re not feeling well, you can go inside and rest.”
“Hahaha, I shouldn’t do that on the first day. When else would I meet such incredible people if not at a gathering like this?”
“… We have plenty of time ahead…”
“Still, there is some symbolism to it.”
Hugo shook his head, jesting at the comment from Zhuge Jung-hyuk, who was accompanying him.
In truth, a meeting like this simply involves the practical leaders of each faction exchanging information and discussing major matters, rather than all gathering for discussions or grand banquets.
It was just a setting to allow interaction and camaraderie among those wanting to exchange ideas for a set period.
“Well, it’s a gathering hosted by a temple, so having a party would be a bit awkward.”
So, the opening ceremony was merely a formal procedure, but it couldn’t be ignored entirely as it was a tradition.
Moreover, since it was the first day, everyone participating in this reunion would congregate, making it a prime opportunity to gauge the current political climate.
“Right, for now, let’s focus on the work here first. It doesn’t seem like the Namgoong Family intends to publicize my identity just yet… Well, to be honest, it wouldn’t matter much if it got out.”
Since the Zhuge Family already knew, a perfect secret was impossible.
Given this treatment situation, the Shaolin Temple might also have an inkling.
If they were really concerned about such things, High Elf Harris and the barbarian warrior Harley would have disguised themselves more thoroughly before entering.
Having rationalized things like this, Hugo turned his head with a more relaxed mindset when his gaze met that of Zhuge Jung-hyuk, who was looking at him curiously.
“Do you have something to say?”
Feeling a bit uncomfortable due to his demeanor, Hugo asked first, prompting a hesitant Zhuge Jung-hyuk to cautiously open his mouth.
“… Uh, when did you get close to Namgoong So-jo?”
“…”
“No, as far as I know, you two didn’t seem to have much interaction. Suddenly becoming so friendly after the first day seems… Hmm, I have no particular intentions. I’m just curious about what happened.”
Hugo narrowed his eyes at his chatter.
“I don’t even know, dude.”
The Young Master was becoming increasingly shaky.
*
As initially suspected, the opening ceremony ended simply without any special events.
The leaders of each faction began to converse amongst themselves and disappear somewhere, leaving the others to freely roam the designated area, interacting with each other.
They could hold discussions, spar in a separate area, or simply return to their lodgings to rest.
It was truly just a space provided for socializing.
Reaching an understanding through various means was deemed beneficial for mutual harmony.
Of course, since a gathering of different age groups, dispositions, hobbies, and martial arts levels was bound to occur, there was a potential for conflicts to arise.
Nevertheless, the fact that this meeting had continued despite those side effects meant there had been more successful outcomes.
A significant contribution to that policy was indeed the networking among the junior figures who would be the future foundation of the current situation.
“Amitabha, I am Kongjin. I want to express my gratitude once more to the benefactors who have traveled this far to be here.”
“No need to mention it. When else would we have the chance to visit the Shaolin Temple, the great pillar of Murim?”
“That’s right. Now that I’ve come out to this vast world, I feel ashamed that I was like a frog in a well. I finally understand why our elders would say those things.”
“Hahaha! I feel the same way! I thought my brother was the greatest talent in the Central Plains, but it broadened my perspective! Oh, by the way, I’m Peng Wonso from the Peng Family! It’s a pleasure!”
In this gathering primarily composed of mature adults, there weren’t that many younger junior figures.
Naturally, they gravitated toward where their peers were, mingling and introducing themselves.
“By the way, it seems that the Mo Yong Family and the Gunlun Sect aren’t participating. I wish I could have seen them this time.”
“Ah! I know about the Mo Yong Family. Their closest association is with our Peng Family, so I sometimes hear news about them. A large band of bandits has been wreaking havoc in Liaoning, so they’ve been busy making preparations for it. Their activities in Hebei are also quite hectic.”
“Oh, with such vast distances, we can’t really offer any help. We can only pray for their victory.”
Though some present had mutual acquaintances due to proximity, most were meeting for the first time, leading the conversations to be cautious and polite.
The Murim Alliance Meeting occurred once every 4 to 5 years.
This was rarity for those from distant backgrounds to familiarize themselves, so everyone showed keen interest and actively engaged in exchanges.
However, just like anywhere, there was bound to be a problematic character.
“They’re probably too busy fighting among themselves out in the borderlands. I hope they continue ignoring us.”
At that moment, a suddenly drab voice cut through the air, and silence fell abruptly.
But even amid such a dull atmosphere, the culprit, a brash character from the Sichuan Tang Clan, brazenly lifted his chin, scanning the area.
“… Speaking of which, it seems that the Gaebang Clan hasn’t come this time. Yet I heard they had representatives present during the last meeting.”
“Considering their situation, it’d be difficult for them to come.”
“… Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.”
The crowd’s response to his words was to simply ignore them.
Everyone had been thoroughly trained by their respective factions not to create friction, fearing unnecessary scrutiny should they speak out of turn.
“Isn’t that a good thing? Those beggars would just bring their filthy stench with them. If we go outside now, beggars are everywhere, how can they even learn martial arts?” Tsk.
Of course, the fool dragged into an unwanted gathering didn’t care for such intricacies at all.
He was shattering the expectations of the elders who had hoped exposure to the broader world might transform him, inadvertently showing his ruinous behavior.
Since he had appeared to grow quietly while with the adults on the way here, this added to the disappointment he caused.
“What a typical cliché. It’s always that kind of guy who causes problems later.”
Hugo observed the scene from a short distance with a serious expression while stroking his chin, nodding slowly.
His cliché detection system was going off after such a long time.
It felt as if one or two foreshadowings were being laid down.
“I have a bad feeling. Something feels like it’s about to go off at any moment.”
His main purpose for following this meeting was to collect as much information and insight about each region as possible.
At the same time, there was a strategy to build friendly relations with each faction and expand his influence.
Yet now, that unshakable foreboding was creeping up, refusing to let him move forward.
Though his physical skills were not too high, his mental acuity had already reached an immense level, so disregarding that instinct wouldn’t be beneficial at all…
“Ha Gongja! What are you doing all alone here?”
Just as he was lost in such thoughts.
That unease materialized into reality with Namgoong So-ran’s bright voice as she approached with a beaming expression.
Her remark drew the attention of those around them, all turning to look their way.
Among the younger talents, a beautiful woman could hardly avoid becoming the center of attention, and the men gathered there also found themselves watching her unconsciously.
Especially with the small ratio of women here, she naturally became the focal point while interacting with everyone.
Having hesitated to approach in that male-dominated social circle, the first to show attention was Namgoong So-ran, who stood at the center…
“Oh, no.”
Among those gazes was that of the Sichuan Tang’s ruffian, who had just been causing a stir earlier.
Hugo let out an internal sigh, involuntarily shutting his eyes.
“Oh right! Gongja, you haven’t introduced yourself to these folks yet, have you? This is Huang Bo Yun from the Huang Bo Family, and over here is a member of the Ami Sect…”
“U-uh, it’s nice to meet you, So-hyeob.”
“Amitabha.”
She eagerly introduced the women she had been socializing with.
While he appreciated the gesture, he wished she had chosen the timing better as he wore an awkward smile, but suddenly their eyes met—
“Ah, it was intentional.”
Her eyes sparkled with interest.
In those beautifully dark eyes lay a strange favor, filled with an intention that he would not be allowed to just sit quietly.
“Given my true objectives, this isn’t bad at all.”
In their own league, where being just ‘a guest of the Zhuge Family’ wouldn’t suffice to mix with them on equal terms, having a lady of a prestigious family directly introduce his connections was tremendously helpful.
“Alright, utilizing this would be more efficient. This actually works out well.”
Dealing with that fool who was scowling was really not a hard job.
Having made up his mind, Hugo painted a bright smile on his face toward those looking at him.
“In the first place, where were you…”
But just as he was about to respond to the Tang Clan member’s intending remarks.
_Buzzz—_
An abruptly rising commotion erupted from outside.
Simultaneously, an unexpected announcement rang out from the inside.
“They say it’s from the Gunlun Sect!”
This remark captured not just the attention of the junior figures but those elsewhere gathered as well, all their eyes turning in unison toward that direction.
“The Gunlun Sect?”
“How did they make it all the way here?”
“It must have cost them greatly to traverse such a distance, why were they so intent?”
That was hardly surprising.
The Gunlun Sect, certainly one corner of the Nine Factions and One Alliance, was located in Qinghai Province, far on the outskirts of the Central Plains.
Considering the complicated geography, the distance from the Gunlun Sect to Shaolin Temple would be more than ten times that of the Zhuge Family.
Thinking of how much fighting it likely took just for the Zhuge Family to arrive here would lead one to be dumbfounded.
Moreover, it was a constant battlefront famously known for fierce clashes with the Demon Cult.
“Wait.”
However, upon hearing that news, Hugo’s previously tickling sense of crisis expanded dramatically.
In the next moment, he realized he had been terribly mistaken.
“Why did I assume the source of my unease was merely the junior infighting?”
In reality, their jealousy posed no threat to him whatsoever.
Naturally, with any physical action they could take, a crisis would never arise, so why should he feel uneasy?
“If that’s the case…”
That meant the source of the foreboding feeling lay elsewhere.
For instance…
[“All units prepare for battle! All Raohan are to your positions!”]
A voice imbued with internal energy echoed thunderously within the premises.
And at the same time…
_Boom—!_
With a colossal explosion shaking the air, an overwhelming wave of demonic energy began to erupt, sending shivers down Hugo’s spine.
