〈Chapter 186〉Part 1, Chapter 9, 20
‘Cheongnyeon transformed the Black Flame Dragon and took down the S-Rank Monster Water Monkey.’
With the consecutive defeat of two S-Rank Monsters, Earth Dragon and Water Monkey, all eyes once again turned to Cheongnyeon.
-Can he really transform at will as long as he has a monster core?
Due to his nonchalant attitude towards the monster corpses, people caught on that the ‘core’ was truly the key.
-The sudden disappearance of the Black Flame Dragon… wasn’t it actually transforming back after converting into a core?
After heated debates, some came close to the correct conclusion. However, since Cheongnyeon didn’t reveal the truth, it remained mere speculation.
No one thought about the existence of the Flame Giant Jo Deokbae, assuming the Black Flame Dragon had merely transformed into human form.
-How did the summit go? They couldn’t possibly take both cores, right?
People began discussing the outcome. Having killed two S-Rank monsters and secured their cores, there needed to be serious discussion about ownership.
-During Cheongnyeon’s Blazing Phoenix Revival (lol), did the summit keep going?
-I’m an association staff member; someone who knows Cheongnyeon stepped in for the meeting. Yuhwangsook almost got into a scuffle!
-Mo Taegyeong just keeps smiling. Is his soul gone or something?
They all hoped the summit would conclude quickly.
If this drags on, the Heuk Jeon-jal might really reach Beijing. The core is no big deal to give up if they’d just hurry up and deal with the wave of those cockroach-like scorpions.
The association evacuated residents independently, but without the Party Chairman Jucheok’s or the de facto ruler’s approval, large-scale evacuations were difficult given the country’s nature.
Everyone’s attention was on the closed-door summit room, which was nearing its end.
It all changed when a ghost arrived.
***
The battle between the Black Flame Dragon and Water Monkey where they only lobbed restraining shots from afar dragged on similarly in the summit. The young insurance broker brought by Seok Harang under guarantee was surprisingly dominating negotiations against Central Party HQ.
“Are you asking for the monster core, or control over the monster that can be manipulated using the core? Since the core was obtained through Cheongnyeon’s special ability, claiming ownership is quite bold. Cheongnyeon was officially invited here.”
“But these were monsters on Chinese soil. While we might concede the core itself, everything else is another matter. If you leave for Korea without any follow-up measures, what do you think other countries will do regarding inviting Cheongnyeon?”
Association representative Yuhwangsook suddenly found himself leading negotiations on behalf of Central Party HQ. Mo Taegyeong sat silently, leaving everything to the Tianzi while maintaining a smile.
Yun Yuhwa (Yu Jun) says: The core belongs to the hunter.
Yuhwangsook argues: As it was caught on Chinese land, negotiations with Central Party HQ are necessary.
As they argued, faces turning red,
“Hmph.”
Huan Long simply kept smiling until Phoenix left to hunt Water Monkey.
“The two captured cores, we shall concede them. We thank you sincerely. Now, how about the Heuk Jeon-jal swarm? Would Cheongnyeon be able to hunt them? It might be too much now.”
Huan Long spoke fluently. Only Seok Harang noticed the spectral youth whispering beside him, while Baeg Cheongyoung subtly relayed the full conversation between Phoenix and him.
“…Yes. Both the Black Flame Dragon and Cheongnyeon need rest after pushing themselves.”
“That, then we must prepare rooms immediately! Huangshu sir!”
“There’s no need to panic.”
Just then, the Tianzi who’d been sitting like a screen finally chimed in, but Yu Huangshu, sharpened by the summit, cut him off instantly and resumed negotiations with Yun Yuhwa (Yu Jun).
“In that case, our association and Central Party HQ will deliberate on handling the Heuk Jeon-jal swarm.”
“Yes. The cores of Water Monkey and Earth Dragon belong to Cheongnyeon.”
Though Huan Long Dan had taken the Earth Dragon’s core, Phoenix generously overlooked Bai Qingying’s trolling.
“So, Cheongnyeon will take the cores of Earth Dragon and Water Monkey upon returning home.”
“Yes. …We will formally send an official document through the association regarding reviving monsters using cores to operate like the Black Flame Dragon.”
“Feel free to do so.”
The hard work falls on the association. Those in the summit room summarized the core issue briefly, drafted an agreement, and decided to announce it via proxies.
“Then, let’s move to the next agenda item.”
The relay of summits continued. What was once a duel between Yu Jun and Yu Huangshu now became an international disagreement—Seok Harang versus Yu Huangshu over global issues.
“I’ll take the lead from the Round Table. Not exactly a Dimensional Gate, but still a catastrophe-level event.”
“Is Lady Seolhwaling stepping in personally?”
“Yes. Let’s finish the job while we’re here. Oh, by the way, do you know how the distribution works for monsters handled by the Round Table?”
“…Of course. Doesn’t the Round Table take 10% of the cores from the monsters they hunt?”
“Yes. 10%.”
Although the Round Table operates for world peace, it doesn’t do so for free. With travel expenses, food, etc., they claim 10% of the shares from the monsters they hunt upon dispatch requests.
“So, if I step in, I’ll clean up everything at once, won’t I?”
“Lady Seolhwaling, wouldn’t it be wise to show magnanimity?”
Huan Long gently proposed to Seok Harang. Bowing first, Mo Taegyeong (Huan Long)’s attitude shocked Tianzi and Yu Huangshu, while Seok Harang shrugged and accepted the proposal.
“Yes. Understood. I’ll sit this one out. I’ll wait in the rear guard line, and you guys figure it out.”
“Yes. Understood. Then…”
Huan Long’s gaze shifted to the Tianzi, who, though scared, didn’t tremble as before.
“What thoughts do you have?”
“Master Chairman must make the decision based on our Bureau of Monster Management’s opinion.”
Huan Long bowed humbly to seek advice.
“To combat the swarm heading toward our capital, it seems the time has come for all peoples, not just ours, to unite globally.”
“…In other words?”
“Yes.”
Following Feng Hyo’s instructions, Huan Long analyzed the speed and route of the Heuk Jeon-jal swarm to create the optimal defense line.
Wuwei, also known as the city beneath the ancient lake.
“If we rush here, we should meet just before a day passes.”
Qinghai Lake. Huan Long aimed to establish a defensive line at China’s largest saltwater lake.
“Hmm.”
Tianzi calmly nodded and stood up.
“I will declare it myself.”
Raising magical power, Tianzi showed strong resolve. Though declaring ‘requesting international support’ for the first time on the global stage could hurt pride, it seemed insignificant to Tianzi.
“Huangshu sir, prepare. Please assist wholeheartedly, Director.”
“A, understood!”
“Hmph. Of course.”
Huan Long, Baeg Cheongyoung, Seok Harang, and Yun Yuhwa bitterly smiled at Tianzi’s naive enthusiasm.
-He’s really going to do it.
-He probably will.
-He’s pushing it.
-In any case, he’s full of bravado.
“I will stand before all heroes of the Party and every person in the world!”
Tianzi made an official announcement.
* * *
A little later. Above Beijing.
“Land.”
I landed again where I had revived the Black Flame Dragon. People had already gathered around the square, but none dared approach me easily due to the Black Flame Dragon’s fierce glare.
“Welcome back, Cheongnyeon.”
Huan Long personally greeted me. Central Party HQ members and association staff looked busy, and Huan Long’s presence here surprised me greatly.
“Yes. I’ve returned.” [How did the summit go?]
“You’ve worked hard traveling far. Please come inside.” [It’s over. I heard Yu Jun sorted everything out.]”
Walking side by side with Huan Long, thanks to Mo Taegyeong’s influence, our path naturally parted. We casually chatted as spiritual entities.
[Essentially, only the Heuk Jeon-jal swarm remains. Can you handle it yourself?]
[Can’t we use Xiao Lin? Collecting them individually is such a hassle…]
[I don’t plan to send Seok Harang either. It’s not SS-class timing yet. We need to give opportunities to many people.]
There were too many Heuk Jeon-jal for any one individual or faction to monopolize. Giving everyone a chance to participate would divert harsh gazes. Although SS-class could easily exterminate them, the Heuk Jeon-jal weren’t particularly strong individuals.
[With more spoons than cake pieces, everyone should get a taste, shouldn’t they? Then, let’s ask: how do we shift the foolish crowd’s focus?]
[Hmm, killing them all?]
Huan Long offered the simplest and cleanest answer, but it wasn’t what I wanted.
[Killing each one would take too much time and effort…]
[Ugh, it’s troublesome. Then… Then just let them criticize and ignore it?]
[Exactly. Let me tell you the answer. The solution is redirecting dissatisfaction horizontally rather than vertically.]
I subtly covered my mouth. The topic was about the Heuk Jeon-jal.
“Ah, I see. Regarding the Heuk Jeon-jal, we’ve decided to request aid from various countries… By the way, Director Mo, how did you coordinate? Many places responded positively, right?”
“Chairman Tian set a very ‘bold’ standard. Any Heuk Jeon-jal caught by Chinese ESPers belong to China, but we won’t interfere with those caught by foreign ESPers. Does that explain it, Cheongnyeon?”
“Wow, that’s…”
Whether to call it daring or shortsighted, it aligned with my intended direction, so I continued explaining to Huan Long.
[It’s like placing a piece of cake on the floor for beggars under the table.]
[…You’re truly trash.]
Huan Long clearly disliked my plan, but I didn’t care.
[This is a scheme based on human greed and jealousy. People’s eyes will shift. Not to the seven slices of cake on the table, but to the single slice right in front of them.]
[And when they start eating, they’ll fight. Naturally, the resentment will…]
[Be directed at whoever eats the most. Meanwhile, they won’t even notice the seven slices on the table have disappeared.]
“Ho ho.”
“Hmph.”
Regardless of whether the plan was trashy or not, Huan Long seemed uninterested in stopping it. Spiritually speaking, humans were trivial anyway, and the ensuing squabbles among heroes over cores amused him.
“Cheongnyeon!”
“……Ah, Chairman Tian.”
From the opposite corridor, Tianzi cheerfully ran over. The one entity even Mo Taegyeong’s face couldn’t block had intercepted us. I greeted him with a polite smile.
“I’ve heard you made a great decision. It must have been tough.”
“Not at all. Watching you inspired me.”
My actions? Tianzi patted his chest and grinned widely.
“Your courage declaring you’d protect people while rushing out of the summit! I was moved by your bravery and decisiveness.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Hmph.”
Huan Long chuckled, turning his head. I inconspicuously nudged his side with magic. Despite my lukewarm response, Tianzi paid no mind.
“And I realized something. Instead of endless debates about the monstrous threats facing humanity, immediate action is what’s truly needed!”
Tianzi grabbed my hand, eyes sparkling. This brat…
“Blazing Phoenix Revival! So incredibly inspiring!”
“…….”
Fine. Let’s kill him. Should we just make Huan Long chairman?
“…It hurts.”
I quietly muttered, barely suppressing my rising anger. Tianzi jumped back in shock as Huan Long stepped forward.
“I was guiding Cheongnyeon to a resting place. After a long flight, he must be tired. Let’s discuss further later.”
“Ah, yes! Yes! …Cheongnyeon, I apologize for my rudeness! I’ll atone later!”
It was awkward seeing the leader of a nation bow deeply to me. Yet, the warm atmosphere around us felt like a cheesy youth romance drama.
“Chairman Tian, shouldn’t you be somewhere else right now?”
“……! Cheongnyeon, I’m truly sorry! I’ll see you when I return!”
Tianzi left, running down the corridor. I waved away the scattered magic with my hand and followed Huan Long to the ward.
“Isn’t Chairman Tian quite decent? Ho ho.”
“Before I sew his mouth shut… Tsk tsk.”
[Before I sew his mouth shut, get lost.]
“……Hmm.”
Huan Long’s expression soured. Fortunately, no one else was around except us two.
