The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

Sprawled on the ground, Yun Hee-Ryeong, or more precisely Isildi, frowned in surprise when Han Ja-Seong and Cheon Ji-Hee made their unexpected appearance.

"How did you two get here...?" Isildi questioned.

"Please, benefactor! Don’t kill her!" Han Ja-Seong exclaimed urgently.

"Please let go of my sister!" Cheon Ji-Hee pleaded.

Seeing the blue sword in Davey's hand, Ja-Seong and Ji-Hee were horrified, and they desperately rushed over to stop him.

"Stay back! This man is a heinous demon! I cannot allow you to be harmed!" Isildi warned.

"He is our benefactor!"

When she heard Ja-Seong’s urgent shout, Isildi’s eyes twitched.

"What? What nonsense are you spouting? You're saying that scoundrel saved you?!" Isildi retorted incredulously.

"Yes! We can continue talking, but please lower your sword first," Ja-Seong pleaded urgently.

"This scoundrel has dealings with the black market and he dares to attack members of the Alliance, and you’re telling me to discuss things with him?!" Yun Hee-Ryeong sputtered, fuming in anger.

The members of the Black Tortoise Unit began to encircle Davey again. Fully intent on breaking through the encirclement, Davey lowered his sword, then lightly flicked it.

"Stop… Please, stop! They are not our enemies!" Ja-Seong desperately attempted to prevent any clash between them.

"Senior sister! Please, calm down! This person is not the demon you think he is ! He saved Hee-Ah and me from dying in the forest and brought us here safely!"

Ja-Seong's appeal momentarily gave Yun Hee-Ryeong pause. She seemed to think about it for a few moments, but then she slowly rose and sheathed her sword.

Then, pointing at the fallen mobsters, including Gum Gi-Yu, Yun Hee-Ryeong commanded, "Arrest those men, then pull out!"

The situation turned rather peculiar—on the one hand, there was a tense standoff, but on the other hand, there were also requests for a ceasefire.

* * *

The Central Martial Alliance's building in this metropolis that was home to the Eastern Merchant Association exuded an impressively tidy aura. It was not luxurious by any means, but its imposing walls gave off a formidable presence.

Yun Hee-Ryeong, the leader of the Black Tortoise unit, was stationed here. Notably, she was the only member of the Heavenrend Sect who had left the sect to work with the Alliance.

She was Han Ja-Seong and Cheon Ji-Hee’s senior sister and their only family left; ironically, at the same time, she was the Princess of the Abyss and had the power to completely destroy their world. And right now, she was the very embodiment of wrath.

Bang!!

"Curse the Ak Rim Sect!!" Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, a sight that led Davey to silently exchange looks with Perserque.

‘Can there really be such a situation?’ Davey sent telepathically to Perserque.

‘How would I know?’

This scenario was somewhat reminiscent of Verdandi's, yet also different.

Verdandi was fully aware of her identity as a Princess of the Abyss, but she had chosen to abandon all connections to her past and fit into the world, adopting a life of seclusion due to some ancient bond. On the other hand, Isildi lived under the mistaken belief that she was human.

Following the demise of Sleesia, the supreme Princess of the Abyss with the power to traverse dimensions, the other Princesses of the Abyss found themselves constrained, unable to venture beyond the Tionis continent. Isildi had undoubtedly crossed into this realm while Sleesia was still alive. However, it seemed that she now believed that she was human, and she was acting as such.

‘Davey. Perhaps, when you killed Sleesia and trapped the Princesses of the Abyss from realms other than Tionis, something went wrong?’

‘And what about Versha?’

The Princess of the Abyss from the Yurgian continent, Versha, known as the source of the curse, was unaffected.

‘She had mental abilities, not physical ones. As for Isildi, she looks to me like nothing more than a muscle brain. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?’

Perserque’s words held merit. Indeed, it could be argued that Princesses of the Abyss with mental abilities were not affected by Sleesia’s death, while those with physical abilities were. However, Davey thought differently. The world was too serene if what she claimed held true.

‘I think you’re right and Sleesia's death has indeed caused issues for the Princesses of the Abyss.’

Nevertheless, he did not consider this the root cause of the current turmoil.

"Ughhhh… Master... Master…" Yun Hee-Ryeong took a long time to calm down, and she sobbed as she clutched Cheon Ji-Hee to her chest. She had been holding onto Ji-Hee since she had heard the distressing news.

"So, what is it that you intend to do?" Yun Hee-Ryeong asked coldly after calming down. She had finally stopped crying and was no longer suppressing her boiling rage.

"I intend to seek vengeance against the Ak Rim Sect," Han Ja-Seong responded.

"You..." Yun Hee-Ryeong paused, as if about to say something, then frowned. She cautiously said, "The Ak Rim Sect is currently shielded by Wol Gye-Woo, the crown prince of the Country of Hwan. Not even the Alliance can afford to engage in conflict with an entire nation."

The government and murim were separate entities. The government had the power to destroy murim if the situation required it, but they generally refrained from intervening in murim’s affairs. Therefore, a relationship of mutual respect was maintained between them.

At this time, the major forces in the Heavenly Central Plains were the Country of Hwan and the Country of Yu. While the Country of Yu had the formidable Martial Alliance, the influence of the Ak Rim Sect was so powerful in the Country of Hwan that it could just as well be called the Country of Ak Rim..

"I don’t care. I cannot forgive those who killed my master!"

The rage in Ja-Seong's voice prompted Isildi to sigh deeply.

"Give it up."

"Senior sister!"

"It may sound harsh, but you’re just too weak. If you try to fight them, you’ll die in vain!"

Isildi's blunt assessment made Han Ja-Seong grit his teeth in frustration.

Of course, she was unaware that Ja-Seong had formed a new dantian, achieving a rate of growth and potential that far surpassed his previous capabilities.

"Leave it to me… I will ensure vengeance is served." Isildi tried to reassure him.

Davey finally intervened. "I doubt that's feasible."

"What?"

"Aren’t you a member of the Martial Alliance? You’re just an employee and you can’t act independently," Davey continued.

There was a fundamental problem here. It seemed odd to use the word “employee” for someone like Isildi, but the fact of the matter was that her status as a member of the Martial Alliance was set in stone.

"What are you implying?" Isildi asked, seeking clarification.

"Don't attempt to deceive a naive child. No matter how angry you are, the Alliance is incapable of engaging the Ak Rim Sect in combat," Davey explained, causing Isildi to furrow her brow.

Turning to Ja-Seong, Isildi inquired, "Han Ja-Seong. What exactly is he?"

The sight was strikingly discordant—it looked like a short teenage girl looking up at a man in his twenties but at the same time talking down to him.

"Senior sister, it's just that—" Ja-Seong stuttered..

Isildi, challenged Davey, "Do you even realize that you're currently detained here as a smuggler of stolen goods?"

"Let's not beat around the bush," Davey responded coolly.

"What?" Isildi was taken aback.

"I'll ask you plainly. The Ak Rim Sect seems like a massive organization, am I wrong?"

Isildi flinched.

"It’s supported by a country. In other words, it has a status similar to that of the Martial Alliance. So let me ask you again: will the Martial Alliance wage war against an entire nation over some unsubstantiated claims that the Ak Rim Sect destroyed the Heavenrend Sect?"

Isildi found herself speechless, unable to counter his logic.

"In the end, you can't do anything as long as you're here," Davey concluded.

His blunt statement visibly upset her.

"No, there is something I can do. If only we could find evidence of their assault…"

"Then, the evidence would be destroyed by the Alliance."

Sadly, the ways of the world are the same everywhere.

Whether it was the Ak Rim Sect or the Martial Alliance, as long as their forces were evenly matched, neither could recklessly, even in the name of justice. This was true even with the bad blood between the Martial Alliance and the Ak Rim Sect.

"He is right, senior sister. The reason I’ve come to you is to ask a favor for Hee-Ah," Han Ja-Seong earnestly spoke.

"Ja-Seong..."

"Please ensure Hee-Ah's safety within the Alliance. I will deal with the Ak Rim Sect by myself," Ja-Seong declared, his determination clear.

Hearing his words, Davey turned to look toward the doorway. "Isn't it about time you showed yourself?"

Everyone in the room was startled and also turned to look at the door.

The door opened, and a scholar in neat attire slowly walked in. He looked dignified, with one hand behind his back and the other holding a feather fan.

"You're quick to grasp the situation. I am Jegal Hwan[1], serving as the strategist for the Martial Alliance." He spoke leisurely, pushing up his glasses as his eyes carefully assessed Davey.

"Weren’t you waiting because there was something you wanted to say?" Davey inquired.

"Indeed. I’ll get to you in a moment. First, Yun Hee-Ryeong of the Black Tortoise Unit.” Jegal Hwan turned toward her.

"Yes, Mr. Jegal?" Yun Hee-Ryeong responded.

Jegal Hwan cautioned her, "Do not act rashly. This is not a matter to be taken lightly…"

"Is the Country of Yu backing the Martial Alliance?" Davey interrupted.

Jagal Hwan paused and looked at Davey. "Indeed. You catch on quickly."

The Ak Rim Sect was supported by the powerful Country of Hwan, and the Martial Alliance was backed by the Country of Yu.

"Give it up. The Martial Alliance will never make a move," Davey stated plainly.

Isildi seemed incredulous at this revelation. "Is what this person says true, Mr. Jegal?"

"If we're to judge logically and rationally, yes. Considering all aspects, there's no immediate way to curb them."

"...."

"In ten years… I will expose their wrongdoings for all to see and diminish their power. Please, wait until then," Jegal Hwan requested.

If Ja-Seong and Isildi began to act rashly now, it would complicate matters for the Alliance. In other words, the victims could only bide their time..

"I refuse."

"Look here. Han Ja-Seong, was it? A gentleman's revenge is not too late even after ten years."

"...."

"The best thing to do right now is to have patience. Or is your desire for revenge so shallow that it cannot endure ten years?"

Facing Jegal Hwan’s reasoning, Ja-Seong couldn’t say anything. He clenched his teeth, trembling in fury at his own powerlessness. Ji-hee’s tears trickled down her cheeks as she struggled to contain her frustration, and Isildi silently suppressed her anger.

Jegal Hwan then changed the subject, acknowledging their efforts. "I heard that you are the one who brought the survivors of the Heavenrend Sect here."

"That's right," Davey confirmed.

"Let me express my gratitude for now," Jegal Hwan said.

"It wasn’t that big of a deal," Davey responded. His smile was met with another smile in return from Jegal Hwan.

Clearly, the inexperienced and impatient Ja-Seong found it difficult to wait.

"I will leave," Ja-Seong announced decisively.

"Han Ja-Seong!" Isildi called out to him.

"If the Alliance refuses to act, I cannot stand idly by while the murderer of my master lives. I will go alone if I must," Ja-Seong declared, his determination clear. He then stormed out.

Yun Hee-Ryeong and Cheon Ji-Hee were taken aback for a moment, but then hurriedly followed him out, leaving Jegal Hwan, Perserque, and Davey alone in the room.

"Don’t tell me you did that for no reason."

Jegal Hwan flinched.

"I can tell what you’re thinking," Davey observed, noting the man’s reaction.

"…Interesting. Then, can you guess what I'm thinking right now?" Jegal Hwan responded.

"You're probably assessing whether I am an unknown spy or something of that kind. Too vague? How about this then? You’re probably wondering whether the man and woman in front of you can be controlled?" Davey said.

Jegal Hwan’s smile faltered.

Davey's insight into what the strategist was thinking was a direct consequence of harnessing Perserque's powers. Her powers enabled him to access not just the strategist's surface thoughts but also the deeper, more concealed ones.

Of course, Davey was able to deduce half of these things even without any supernatural aid, relying purely on his own observational skills.

"Well, to be honest, whether it's about avenging the Heavenrend Sect or dealing with the Ak Rim Sect, I don’t really care. They're all the same in my eyes," Davey stated.

The strategist silently met Davey’s gaze, saying nothing.

"There are two things I want to ask about. Now that things have come to this, consider saving the life of that old man, White Flame Sword Saint, as a favor and answer me."

Jegal Hwan was clearly caught off guard by Davey’s words. He made a strange sound and he looked perplexed.

"I'm not sure what you mean. I received a coded message by carrier pigeon, but it didn’t mention anything about Lord White Flame Sword Saint owing you a debt."

"Well, he does owe me a debt, I saved his life," Davey clarified.

Indeed, if Davey hadn’t locked the red-haired woman’s qi, the old Kwak Do-Young could’ve lost his life when he fought her. Davey’s “clarification,” however, only made the strategist turn more bewildered.

"That is beyond my understanding. Who in this world would dare target Lord White Flame Sword Saint's life?"

"If you don’t know, then you don’t know," Davey replied calmly, pulling out a small booklet from his pocket.

"I got this from a man I think is associated with the Ak Rim Sect. His alias was Savage Asura or something like that."

"Savage Asura!!" The strategist’s eyes widened in shock at Davey’s words.

"This booklet belonged to him. It appears to contain his martial arts secrets. Lucky find, wasn't it? I'll hand it over to you." Davey held out the booklet.

Accepting the booklet without a word, Jegal Hwan scrutinized its contents and grimaced.

"This is the real thing… Are you saying that you killed Savage Asura?" he asked.

"Well, I’m sure that with your keen intellect, you can figure that out. Anyway, with this in mind, you should be willing to share some information, right? There are some things I'd like to hear directly from someone who serves as a strategist for the Martial Alliance," Davey pressed on.

"How about I take this booklet and we forget that you were caught dealing with smugglers…" the strategist began, attempting to negotiate. He was obviously trying to swindle Davey.

Swoosh!!

An instant later, any such thoughts were completely eradicated as an intangible force sliced through the air, severing his earring. The amber ornament dropped to the floor with a thud.

"Hey," Davey called out.

"..."

"I heard the Jegal clan can even divine the secrets of heaven. Can you guess what’ll happen to you right now?" Davey asked.

A cold aura radiated from Davey, causing the strategist’s complexion to turn deathly pale.

1. Jegal is the Korean version of the Chinese name Zhuge, made famous by the Three Kingdoms strategist and statesman Zhuge Liang. Characters with this name are often strategists, as is the case here. ☜