Chapter 418: The Drunken Demon Must Die
Chapter 418: The Drunken Demon Must Die
The Ice Palace Master stared out the window in silence.
The turmoil in her heart was proof enough that Seo Nak’s final scheme had succeeded.
Han Seol entered the room.
"Palace Master."
"You’ve come?"
The Ice Palace Master turned toward her daughter.
"I plan to accompany the Young Cult Leader to the North Blood Sect."
The Ice Palace Master nodded. She knew the situation was dangerous, but she had already resolved to trust Geom Mu-geuk and let her go. She believed her daughter would grow into a true martial artist through such trials.
In truth, Han Seol hadn't come just to report her departure. She was worried about her mother—concerned that she might have been wounded by Elder Seo’s betrayal.
— Be sure to put it into words.
Those were the words Geom Mu-geuk had said to her when she mentioned she was going to see her mother. He was so sharp-witted that he had already seen through her real reason for the visit.
Putting it into words.
To her, those words felt like a daunting gateway between life and death.
In the past, this meeting would have ended with her mother simply saying, "Yes, have a safe trip," without their eyes even meeting.
But this time was different. Han Seol looked her mother straight in the eye.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
After a brief pause, Han Seol spoke. "I was wondering if you were alright."
The Ice Palace Master felt it—the immense courage it had taken for her daughter to speak those words. Even in the awkward atmosphere, their emotions finally reached one another.
"Let’s have some tea."
"I’ll prepare it today."
Han Seol brewed the tea herself. The Ice Palace Master sat at the table and watched her daughter’s back in silence. This was the first time her daughter had ever brewed tea for her. Because of that, the gloom in her heart lifted considerably.
"You’ve grown up."
The moment she heard those words, Han Seol’s hands paused. Once again, Geom Mu-geuk’s voice echoed in her mind.
— Since she raised you to this age, isn't it a child's duty to let her say, "You've grown so much," at least once?
A moment later, Han Seol brought the tea and set it down. The two drank in silence, though it was far less awkward than before.
"I am fine," the Palace Master said.
She truly was. Elder Seo’s betrayal didn't feel particularly special to her. It was because she had already suspected him that she had allowed the demonic cultists into the palace in the first place.
Han Seol felt relieved, seeing that her mother wasn't merely masking her pain.
"I'm glad. Then, I shall be going."
She tried to stand before things became unnecessarily awkward again.
"Wait a moment."
The Ice Palace Master rose and brought out something she had prepared. It was a set of protective armor.
"This is the Heavenly Palace Protective Armor. Wear it."
The Heavenly Palace Protective Armor was a legendary treasure passed down through the generations of the North Sea Ice Palace. Han Seol was stunned by the unexpected gift, but she was even more moved by the sentiment behind it.
"If someone triggers the Self-Destruction Art right in front of you before you can dodge, trust in the armor and use the North Wind Ice Veil to protect only your face. You should be able to avoid serious injury that way."
Her mother’s concern was palpable. Han Seol’s voice trembled slightly as she gave her farewell.
"I will do exactly as you said. I'll be back soon."
Han Seol left the Palace Master’s hall carrying the armor. She felt she should have expressed her gratitude more properly, but she had been too flustered and moved to say anything more.
While she was happy about the change in their relationship, she was also worried. Even Elder Seo, whom her mother had known for decades, had betrayed her. Human hearts were fickle; people felt one way when they sat down and another when they stood up.
She was afraid of hurting her mother, and afraid of being hurt herself. It was the result of living for so long without considering another person’s feelings.
*
Ha Gyeol entered the secret chamber containing the tank.
The artificial chill unique to this space greeted him once more. The Blood King was still submerged in the tank of blood. Once someone with an Extreme Cold Body arrived, he would complete the Great Regression Art and emerge. There were only two days left, yet Ha Gyeol had to deliver grim news.
"Elder Seo is dead."
At Ha Gyeol’s report, the Blood King’s eyes snapped open beneath the surface.
"He was killed by the Drunken Demon."
A low, deep resonance vibrated through the blood. "And the Drunken Demon?"
Since Blood People capable of the Self-Destruction Art had been guarding the area, the Blood King likely assumed the Drunken Demon wouldn't have escaped unscathed.
"The Drunken Demon is unharmed. The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult and the Ice Palace Master were with him. I suspect they neutralized the Self-Destruction Art through a combined attack."
The Blood King’s expression hardened terrifyingly. It took an enormous amount of wealth and time to raise a single Blood Person capable of the Self-Destruction Art. Furthermore, Seo Nak was a vital asset who had spent years infiltrating the Ice Palace. The Blood King’s rage was only natural.
The blood in the tank grew even colder. Then, the submerged Blood King began to rise slowly to the surface.
Splash!
He rose from the gore, crimson liquid dripping from his long arms and torso. The blood energy radiating from his eyes was so intense that Ha Gyeol could hardly dare to look at him.
"I will not leave the Drunken Demon alive."
Just as he was about to step out of the tank, Ha Gyeol prostrated himself.
"Please endure, Master!"
The Blood King’s movements paused. His cold gaze fell upon Ha Gyeol.
"The Great Work is right before you. You only need to endure for two more days."
Blood continued to drip from the Blood King’s body. Ha Gyeol knew that even if only an hour remained instead of two days, this was a man who would not normally wait. His master was a man of blood—blood that boiled like lava and froze like a glacier.
"Please, wait just two days. They haven't noticed us yet. Seo Nak was only discovered because they were searching for the culprit who killed the Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains. Please, postpone the retribution for two days."
Ha Gyeol pleaded desperately. The Blood King looked down at him in silence.
Sssshhh.
He submerged himself back into the blood. He closed his eyes and said nothing more. In two days, he would emerge with all the suppressed rage of today added to his fury. The Drunken Demon was as good as dead.
Ha Gyeol’s eyes hardened with resolve.
"Even if I have to sacrifice everyone in the North Blood Sect, I will hold out for these two days."
*
After leaving the secret room, Ha Gyeol returned straight to Yang-seok’s quarters. As he was about to enter, Yang-seok was waiting for him at the entrance.
"Where have you been again?"
"My apologies. I was visiting the Sect Leader."
Whenever he was away, he always used the Sect Leader as an excuse. Yang-seok eyed him with displeasure. It wasn't just because he frequently left to see his father; his father treated Ha Gyeol with a strange sort of caution, and there was something secretive about the two of them. Watching them made him feel uneasy.
"It’s fine. I understand."
Yang-seok had decided to change his tactics.
"Here, take this. It’s for your hard work lately."
Yang-seok handed him an envelope. When Ha Gyeol opened it, he found three banknotes worth a hundred yang each. It was a large sum for a simple reward.
"I cannot accept this."
"It’s a token of my sincerity, so take it."
Yang-seok insisted, and eventually, Ha Gyeol accepted the notes, pretending to be swayed. Yang-seok intended to make Ha Gyeol his own man and use him to find out what his father was thinking.
I should have done this sooner.
Who didn't like money? Yang-seok regretted his past actions. He had been so angry at his father for spying on him that he hadn't acted rationally. If his father gave Ha Gyeol a thousand yang, he would give him two thousand.
"I’ll be counting on you from now on."
"I will serve you with unwavering loyalty."
Just then, a subordinate arrived to report a visitor.
"The Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace has arrived."
"She’s here already?" Yang-seok asked. She had said she would return, but he hadn't expected her so soon. "Is anyone with her?"
"Yes, she came with a young man."
Yang-seok instinctively knew the young man was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. He had heard the Young Cult Leader was incredibly arrogant; it seemed she really wanted to resolve the conflict as quickly as possible.
"Let’s go."
Yang-seok led the way, eager to see what kind of man the Young Cult Leader was. Following behind him, Ha Gyeol’s expression was grim.
The Demonic Cult is here already? Their movements are faster than expected.
And they’re planning to target Young Master Yang?
They had made the right call. He would have done the same. Ha Gyeol was also curious about this fast-moving Young Cult Leader, so he quickened his pace.
*
Han Seol was waiting in the guest hall with Geom Mu-geuk. Unlike her previous visit, they had a clear strategy today. Han Seol, who usually didn't get nervous, felt her heart racing.
She looked at Geom Mu-geuk. He didn't look nervous at all.
"Aren't you nervous?"
Geom Mu-geuk nodded and asked back, "Do you know why you're so nervous?"
"Why?"
"Because you're trying too hard to do a good job. So what if you mess up a bit? Just think, 'Even if I make a mistake, the Young Cult Leader over there will handle it.' Try that mindset. Then you won't be nervous at all."
Even without consciously adopting that mindset, just hearing him say it made Han Seol feel more at ease.
"That martial artist said... that you would never give an order for your subordinates to die. If you don't give that order, you'll die. Would you still refuse? Even if the Cult falls?"
Geom Mu-geuk smiled. "That's right. I still wouldn't give it. What's the point of living a life where I have to kill a subordinate who likes me that much just to survive? The same goes for the Cult. If its existence depends on the life or death of a single woman, it's better off falling."
Han Seol stared at him for a moment before turning her head toward the window. "I'm not bluffing!"
"I know," she whispered. "That’s why it’s even more annoying."
Just then, the door opened and two men entered. Ha Gyeol stood guard near the entrance, while Yang-seok walked toward them with a bright greeting.
"Young Palace Master, welcome."
"I’ve come again because there is a distinguished guest I'd like to introduce to you. This is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult."
Yang-seok bowed politely. "I am Yang-seok of the North Blood Sect. It is an honor to meet you."
"Nice to meet you. I am Geom Mu-geuk."
Yang-seok carefully observed him. While Yang-seok was the type to mercilessly beat a servant for a minor slight, he showed a polite side toward those stronger than himself.
What’s with this guy?
Geom Mu-geuk was much younger and more handsome than he had imagined. He had expected someone rugged and menacing.
"I heard the Young Cult Leader is personally investigating the death of the Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains."
"That investigation is already over."
"It’s over?"
"The culprit was Elder Seo."
"Surely you don't mean Elder Seo Nak?"
"Who else would it be?"
Yang-seok was shocked. Geom Mu-geuk could tell from his reaction that he hadn't known. It was clear that the North Blood Sect Leader was not sharing information with his son.
"What happened to Elder Seo?"
"He’s dead."
Yang-seok couldn't believe it. "If that were true, the North Sea would be in an uproar."
"We aren't the sort to make a scene while we work."
Since he couldn't fully trust Geom Mu-geuk, Yang-seok looked at Han Seol. She gave a single, solemn nod.
Starting with the news of Seo Nak’s death, Geom Mu-geuk began to slowly set the trap.
"Your younger brother was looking for someone with an Extreme Cold Body. Do you know why?"
Yang-seok was flustered. "I know nothing of that matter."
"You seem like a very lucky man. You became the successor without even knowing what your brother, your rival for the position, was up to."
Yang-seok’s expression soured at the sarcasm, but Geom Mu-geuk continued to provoke him.
"Then again, you became the successor thanks to us."
Suppressing his anger, Yang-seok spoke in a low voice. "Whatever the reason, my brother died because of your Cult's practitioners. How can you say such things to me?"
"Are you sure he died because of us?" Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes turned cold. "When we released him, he didn't look like someone about to die. He had a great desire for life. Yet he committed suicide just because he was kidnapped? Don't you find that a bit strange?"
Geom Mu-geuk stared at him intently. "Tell me, did you kill him?"
The atmosphere instantly turned icy. Han Seol stepped in to stop him.
"Those are words without evidence."
"When looking for a culprit, shouldn't one first look at who benefited most from the death?"
"Even so, it's not something to be handled based on mere suspicion."
When Han Seol took his side, Yang-seok’s favorable impression of her grew. This was all part of the plan. Geom Mu-geuk would push, and Han Seol would defend.
Geom Mu-geuk moved to the next step. He walked toward Ha Gyeol, who was standing at the entrance. Because Geom Mu-geuk had witnessed Ha Gyeol using Blood Arts previously, he knew the man was directly connected to the Blood King.
As Geom Mu-geuk approached, Ha Gyeol secretly circulated his internal energy. He couldn't get a read on the man. He didn't think the opponent's skill could overwhelm his own, yet he was left with a strange, unsettling feeling.
Geom Mu-geuk stopped right in front of him. "What is your name?"
"It is Ha Gyeol."
Geom Mu-geuk stared at him for a moment. "You reek of blood."
Did he realize my identity? Ha Gyeol tensed, ready to strike.
"You lived as a ronin before becoming an escort warrior, didn't you?"
Ha Gyeol felt relieved. The comment about the scent of blood wasn't about the Blood Arts, but rather his rough background.
"Among all martial artists, I really like escort warriors and ronin. You happen to be both."
"Thank you for the kind words."
While Geom Mu-geuk dealt with Ha Gyeol, Han Seol was carrying out the most important part of the plan. She let out a soft sigh and sent a voice transmission to Yang-seok.
— I’m sorry. I shouldn't have brought him.
To Yang-seok, it sounded like: I thought you’d be able to handle him, but I guess you can't help it either.
Yang-seok’s pride was stung. But he couldn't exactly challenge the Young Cult Leader to a fight here. As his emotions became complicated, Han Seol sent another cautious transmission.
— And... I’ve been debating whether I should tell you this...
— What is it? Please, tell me.
— I happened to overhear the Young Cult Leader talking to the Drunken Demon.
Because she had defended him earlier, Yang-seok now viewed Han Seol as an ally.
— Tell me.
After appearing to struggle with the decision, Han Seol spoke tentatively.
— Please don't be shocked. According to the information they found, the North Blood Sect Leader is considering someone other than you as his successor.
It was like a bolt from the blue.
— They said the purpose of seeking the Extreme Cold Body is also related to this new successor.
With facts and lies intertwined, Yang-seok was thrown into confusion. He couldn't simply dismiss it. He had killed his brother right in front of his father, and his father had just watched. That was the kind of family they were.
— Did they say who it was?
Han Seol’s gaze slowly drifted toward the entrance of the guest hall—toward the man who was currently being held in conversation by Geom Mu-geuk.
— They said it was Ha Gyeol.