Chapter 267: He’s Not on My Level.
Chapter 267: He’s Not on My Level.
The next day, a messenger from Tongcheon Pavilion arrived in a hurry.
“Here is the data you requested regarding the Heavenly Flower Sect and the Soya Guild.”
According to him, they had established a temporary branch of Tongcheon Pavilion near our Hunan Branch specifically to deliver information to me as quickly as possible. Such was the absolute influence of the Young Cult Leader.
I looked over the documents the warrior handed me.
“The scale of the Heavenly Flower Sect is quite substantial.”
I knew it was a large sect, but its internal stability and sheer size were impressive.
“Yes, they are the undisputed number one sect in Hunan. They maintain their neutrality through a delicate balancing act: four parts of their dealings are with the Main Cult, four with the Unorthodox Path Alliance, and two with the Murim Alliance.”
There were several organizations like the Heavenly Flower Sect that strictly maintained neutrality while quietly expanding their own power. Usually, only the largest and most stable groups could pull off such a feat.
“What was the business venture they were pursuing with Yeo So-gwang?”
“We are currently investigating that, but we haven't uncovered the details yet. Both Unit Leader Yeo and the Leader of the Heavenly Flower Sect handled the matter with extreme secrecy.”
If Tongcheon Pavilion’s intelligence network couldn't find it, external investigation was likely impossible.
“Understood. Halt that investigation for now and look into the succession lines of both sects. Find out who is slated to take over once the current leaders step down, and determine which successor would be most favorable to our interests.”
“Understood.”
After the messenger finished his report and left, I immediately summoned Jeok-yeon.
“The banquet?”
“It is being held this evening.”
“Pick fifty of the most skilled warriors from the Hunan Branch and have them standby near the banquet hall.”
“As you command.”
Once Jeok-yeon left, I stared silently out the window.
While you were busy making perfect deals, the children who should have been your perfect successors were becoming the very worst of humanity.
* * *
Today, as usual, the young men and women of the Martial God Society were drinking, laughing, and chatting in the banquet hall.
At the center of it all was Seo Cheong of the Heavenly Flower Sect.
This gathering was governed strictly by the logic of power. Influence was determined first by family background, and second by individual martial prowess. Seo Cheong was a predator at the top of both categories, serving as the Chairman of the Martial God Society.
The second-in-command was Seok Pung of the Soya Guild.
However, Seok Pung was currently drinking alone in a corner rather than sitting beside Seo Cheong. They had once been inseparable friends, but Seo Cheong’s attitude toward him had changed recently. For some reason, Seo Cheong had become cold and distant, making their relationship naturally awkward.
“Oppa, give me a drink too.”
“Pour it yourself.”
Several beauties surrounded Seo Cheong, but his expression remained indifferent.
Lately, drinking wasn't fun, and women didn't interest him. He needed something hot, something stimulating. To be honest, he felt a growing, gnawing desire to kill.
A few months ago, he had gotten into a dispute with some warriors from the Yonghwa Guild. At that time, Seo Cheong couldn't contain his rage and cut them down. He had killed three people that day; it was his first time committing murder.
He and Seok Pung, who had been with him, secretly buried the bodies.
The urge to kill started after that day. He couldn't forget the thrill of the moment his blade pierced flesh. Since then, he had killed two more people.
The first was a middle-aged woman walking at night. She didn't know a lick of martial arts, but he had been unable to resist the sudden, impulsive urge to end her life. He searched her belongings to make it look like a robbery and fled the scene.
His heart hadn't raced as fast as it did the first time. So, a few days later, he killed again. This time, it was a low-level warrior from the Demonic Cult’s Hunan Branch. Perhaps it was because he had killed someone he shouldn't have, but his heart pounded even harder than during his first murder.
Once he tasted blood, an uncontrollable desire for slaughter awakened within him.
Seo Cheong emptied his glass and stood up. As he left his seat, he bumped into Seok Pung. It was unclear if it was an accident or intentional, but it left Seok Pung feeling foul.
Seok Pung knew exactly when Seo Cheong's attitude had changed. It was because of a slip of his own tongue. While drunk, he had carelessly brought up the Yonghwa Guild warriors Seo Cheong had killed. He had meant it as a lighthearted comment about "those bastards," but the moment he saw Seo Cheong’s eyes change, he knew he had messed up.
Damn it! He’s holding a grudge for way too long.
Seo Cheong was on his way back from the latrine when someone practicing footwork in a corner caught his eye.
Not long ago, there had been another fellow practicing footwork just like that. A mere servant delivering booze having the audacity to practice martial arts? Back then, he had made Seok Pung spar with the guy just to crush his spirit.
Thinking this would be a good way to kill his boredom, Seo Cheong gestured for his companions to follow. The group swarmed over, exchanging mischievous glances as if they had found a new toy in the young man practicing his steps.
“Hey.”
At Seo Cheong’s call, the young man practicing footwork turned around.
Seo Cheong flinched slightly when he saw him. It wasn't the face he expected. He had anticipated someone clumsy and naive, but instead, he saw a handsome young noble. It was Geom Mu-geuk.
“Who are you?”
The man possessed an air of dignity and grace that was far too refined for a mere servant. Indeed, his reaction was not that of a common worker.
“And who are you?”
When Geom Mu-geuk asked back, laughter erupted from the surroundings. The onlookers looked on expectantly, already imagining what would happen to someone who dared to get on Seo Cheong’s nerves.
“Quite the ego you have there. Well, I suppose pride is the lifeblood of a martial artist.”
Seo Cheong brought up pride. It was the method he always used. If you slowly fan the flames of pride, the opponent will always dive in like a moth to a flame. It worked especially well when there were many eyes watching, like now.
“Since you’ve stepped up like a man, you should show us what you’ve got. How about a spar?”
“With whom? You?”
Laughter broke out again. Among the Rising Stars of Hunan, no one could defeat Seo Cheong.
“He’s not on my level.”
Seo Cheong signaled to Seok Pung with his eyes, indicating he should handle it.
Seok Pung’s expression hardened. It was the same last time, and it was the same now. Was a brat like this really on his level? Even so, forcing him to deal with such a person was a blatant attempt to humiliate him in public.
“I did it last time, so this time…”
“Just do it!”
Seo Cheong coldly cut him off. With so many eyes watching, Seok Pung’s pride was wounded. But he had to endure. It wasn't because of skill, but because of the Heavenly Flower Sect’s prestige.
Just then, Geom Mu-geuk asked Seok Pung, “Then who are you?”
“I am Seok Pung of the Soya Guild.”
Geom Mu-geuk let out an exaggerated exclamation of admiration.
“Oh! I’ve heard the successor of the Soya Guild is a brilliant talent. That he’s the top-ranked Rising Star in Hunan in terms of skill! So it was you! It’s an honor!”
Seok Pung was dazed by the unexpected reaction. It had been a very long time since someone had praised him like this in front of everyone—especially recently.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk tilted his head and muttered as if to himself.
“Ah, wait, maybe not? If you’re the best in Hunan, there’s no way you’d be taking orders from someone else, right?”
In an instant, Seok Pung’s face stiffened. Whether the words were sincere or an intentional mockery, they were a perfect provocation.
This time, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Seo Cheong.
“You must be incredible, then. To have the successor of the Soya Guild as your subordinate. Who are you?”
The praise that had been directed at Seok Pung shifted to Seo Cheong in an instant, making Seok Pung’s face flush red. Seeing Seo Cheong smirking only made his anger boil further.
“Shut up! What does a piece of trash like you know to be running your mouth?”
Just as Seok Pung was about to lunge at Geom Mu-geuk, the young man spoke again.
“If you attack me like this, you’re really just proving that you’re that guy’s subordinate.”
Seok Pung froze mid-motion.
Geom Mu-geuk began to shake his resolve. Now, Seok Pung was the one diving into the roaring fire of his own pride.
Geom Mu-geuk looked around and said, “I guess it’s true. Everyone here is looking at you like you’re that guy’s lackey.”
Seok Pung looked around the room. It was a situation where someone should have stepped up to say they were friends and not in a hierarchy, but everyone was too busy reading Seo Cheong’s mood to speak up.
Instead, Seo Cheong stepped forward.
“Why are you letting yourself be swayed by the instigation of a nobody?”
Seok Pung found Seo Cheong’s use of the word "swayed" even more irritating. What followed was worse.
“Stop acting like a girl and just get on with the spar against this freak.”
Seo Cheong knew exactly how much those words would anger someone, and he was saying them on purpose.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk asked Seok Pung, “But seriously, if you actually fought him, you’d win, wouldn't you?”
“...!”
It was a question Seok Pung desperately wanted someone to ask, yet it was also a question he could never answer.
“You’re only putting up with it because the Soya Guild is weaker than the Heavenly Flower Sect, right?”
It was the truth. If they fought properly, he was confident he could beat Seo Cheong. Seok Pung had a better build, and he didn't think his martial arts were inferior at all.
A heavy silence fell over the room. After a moment, it was Seo Cheong who broke it.
“Why aren't you denying it?”
But Seok Pung said nothing. Seo Cheong’s eyes turned cold.
“Are you going to stay silent until the end?”
Still, Seok Pung remained mute. Abuse began to flow from Seo Cheong’s mouth.
“Look at this bastard. You really think so, don't you?”
In truth, Seok Pung wasn't choosing to be silent; he couldn't speak. He couldn't open his mouth. It was strange. His mute acupoint hadn't been struck, but it felt as if an invisible energy was pressing down on his jaw and the crown of his head from above and below. He assumed it was because he was so furious with Seo Cheong.
Seo Cheong grabbed him by the collar.
“You really thought that?”
Thwack!
Seo Cheong’s fist sent Seok Pung’s jaw spinning. In that instant, the force pressing down on him vanished.
“N-no, that’s not it…”
Thwack! Thwack!
Fists struck Seok Pung’s face in succession. Seok Pung, who never imagined Seo Cheong would actually hit him, felt his anger reach its peak. Dodging the fourth punch, Seok Pung threw a punch of his own.
Crack!
Never expecting Seok Pung to retaliate, Seo Cheong was sent flying. As he lay sprawled on the floor, Seo Cheong’s eyes bulged.
“How dare you! Have you lost your mind?”
The one more surprised and flustered was Seok Pung. His fist had flown out almost involuntarily. Again, it felt like some invisible force had acted, but Seok Pung believed his long-suppressed anger had simply exploded.
Seok Pung roared.
“You son of a bitch! Stop looking down on people!”
The words he had held back until now finally burst forth. Seo Cheong stood up, radiating killing intent.
“It seems our Young Master Seok has been harboring quite a lot of resentment.”
Seok Pung felt a mixture of fear and relief. But gradually, the fear began to take over. Damn it! You idiot! What have you done?
He knew exactly how cruel Seo Cheong could be. Especially with so many witnesses, Seo Cheong would try to end him.
It was then that a strand of Voice Transmission reached his ears.
— Want some help?
The one who sent the message was Geom Mu-geuk.
Seok Pung had completely forgotten about the man’s existence. Come to think of it, this whole mess started because of him. Infuriatingly, the man was watching the situation with his arms crossed.
— He’s going to use this spar as an excuse to cripple you. Using that tactic you two use so often.
— Who are you?
— Don't want help? Fine, suit yourself.
Seo Cheong pushed the onlookers back to create space.
“Young Master Seok, I challenge you to a spar. Surely you won't run away like a coward?”
Seok Pung’s heart raced.
— How are you going to help?
— Expose the atrocities Seo Cheong committed! Then I’ll help you.
— Then he’ll really try to kill me.
— He’s going to do that anyway, isn't he?
Seok Pung felt the killing intent blooming in Seo Cheong’s eyes. He realized the man might actually kill him. Seo Cheong was someone who lived and died by his pride; having been struck in front of everyone, he was the type to at least cut off a limb.
Conversely, it was also a problem if he killed or injured Seo Cheong during the fight. If he messed with the successor of the Heavenly Flower Sect, they wouldn't let it slide.
Driven into a desperate corner, Seok Pung looked at Geom Mu-geuk. The man who started all this was being ignored by everyone else. He was like a demon. Perhaps that was why Seok Pung felt he could trust him.
Just as Seo Cheong stepped forward, Seok Pung shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Not long ago, you murdered those Yonghwa Guild warriors you got into a fight with and buried their bodies!”
A sudden silence descended. Until now, it had just been an interesting spectacle, but now the situation had turned grave. Seok Pung shouted again.
“You stabbed a random pedestrian to death, and you even killed a demonic cultist!”
Everything Seo Cheong had told him when they were close was pouring out.
Seo Cheong, resolving to absolutely kill Seok Pung, looked around and said, “None of you believe this nonsense, right?”
Only a heavy silence followed. A few people who met Seo Cheong’s eyes laughed awkwardly and said:
“Of course we don't believe it!”
“We don't believe it.”
Seo Cheong was triumphant. Even if they did believe it, no one would dare speak a word of what happened today.
Then, a single sentence echoed through the banquet hall.
“I believe it.”
The speaker was Geom Mu-geuk. Every eye turned toward him. The corners of Seo Cheong’s mouth curled up.
“Fine, let’s say you believe that nonsense. So what are you going to do about it?”
At Seo Cheong’s question, Geom Mu-geuk smiled and said, “Something like this?”
Geom Mu-geuk pointed toward the door and snapped his fingers. The doors began to creak open slowly.
Creeeeeak.
The first person to step inside was Jeok-yeon. Escort warriors followed, and behind them, fifty demonic cultists from the Hunan Branch filed in one after another.
“Who the hell are these guys?”
Those nearby tried to block them, only to be ruthlessly struck down by Jeok-yeon and the escorts. Someone recognized the emblem on Jeok-yeon’s chest.
“It’s the Demonic Cult! They’re demonic cultists!”
At his cry, everyone froze. Only then did they all see the evil ghost emblem engraved on the intruders' chests.
Screams erupted from everywhere. Some trembled, some immediately fell to their knees, some were caught trying to escape through windows, and others hid under tables. It was utter chaos.
Even Seo Cheong was stunned. They really are demonic cultists!
No matter how arrogant he was, he wasn't bold enough to raise his voice in front of the Demonic Cult.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to his subordinates.
“Since Seok Pung has confessed all the crimes, lock Seo Cheong in the dungeon and begin the investigation.”
Seo Cheong reflexively shouted, “By whose authority! You bastard!”
Then, Jeok-yeon unleashed a cold demonic energy and roared.
“Watch your tongue! You are in the presence of the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”
Seo Cheong was struck with terror. Seok Pung and the others were equally horrified. Someone quickly knelt, and soon everyone else followed suit.
“Please spare us!”
Everyone cried out for mercy. Amidst the clamor, Seo Cheong stood dazed, murmuring with a hollow face.
“…The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? Why? Why would the Young Cult Leader come here?”
Geom Mu-geuk walked slowly toward him and said, “We’re not exactly in the same league, but shall we have a special spar?”