Chapter 64: Sect Opening Ceremony (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 64: Sect Opening Ceremony (4)
“...You dared to deceive me.”
“I-it’s not a lie, Strategist! Please, believe me!”
Looking at the man prostrated on the ground, Elder Baek Wi-hyang, the Third Strategist of the Martial Alliance, felt his insides boiling with rage.
Whether the spy had seen it or not, the prisoners from the Guangxi Branch were alive.
From Branch Leader O Ja-seo, who had offered himself as a sacrifice, to Deputy Branch Leader Gwak Cheol—they were all still breathing.
‘What on earth happened?’
He couldn't make head or tail of it.
Judging by the spy’s reaction, it didn't seem like he had colluded with the Blood Cult. The way his face turned beet-red as he desperately tried to explain himself made it seem like he was the one who had been tricked.
‘Could the Guangxi Branch bastards have helped them?’
No matter how much he thought about it, it made no sense for over fifteen hundred prisoners to successfully fake their deaths and deceive everyone.
Regardless of the reason, a preemptive strike had become difficult.
“Strategist! Truly...”
“Be quiet.”
Baek Wi-hyang rebuked him sharply.
If the man kept shouting, it would be obvious that they had been plotting behind the scenes. He wanted nothing more than to cut down this incompetent spy right now, but he couldn't do so with so many eyes watching.
‘There isn't a single useful soul among the branch members. Tsk.’
His plan to shake the Blood Cult through information manipulation and espionage had completely fallen through.
No, it was worse than that. He had made a fool of himself. He had confidently announced that the prisoners were dead to boost morale, only for this to happen. What a disgrace.
‘...It’s one of two things.’
There were only two choices left in this situation.
Either accept the negotiations with the Blood Cult to maintain the Alliance’s prestige and the trust of his brothers, or fight regardless of the consequences.
However, the latter was practically impossible. There were too many eyes watching, including government officials.
‘I have no choice.’
He had to at least play the part of accepting the negotiations.
Baek Wi-hyang’s expression shifted a full hundred and eighty degrees as he shouted in a joyful voice.
“Rejoice! Our brothers of the Alliance are alive! As the Alliance’s strategist, I will do whatever it takes to bring them back!”
It was hypocrisy in its purest form.
Wi Jisang, the Branch Leader of Hunan Province, sent a message via Sound Transmission with a worried voice.
[Strategist. Are you truly going to accept the negotiations?]
Baek Wi-hyang replied with a cold, thin smile.
[Once we have the prisoners back, we can overturn the negotiations whenever we please.]
—Hey. How does it feel?
I didn't know how to answer the Lesser Conversation Sword’s question.
This was the first time in my life I had ever ridden in a four-man palanquin, the kind used by high-ranking officials.
A four-man palanquin is carried by two people in the front and two in the back. Unlike standard enclosed litters, this one was open at the top, allowing a view in all directions. Sitting atop it felt like being on a horse; the view ahead was wide open.
—It’s a symbol of success.
It felt more like a symbol of a heavy burden.
The Venerables had insisted that it would look undignified for me to simply walk, so I got on, but having all eyes on me felt embarrassing. I never thought this evil ghost mask would be so helpful in hiding my face.
—Kuh. This is great.
I don't know why you’re acting so triumphant.
—You’re yapping like a lady enjoying her husband’s success. Little brat.
—What did you say!
At the Blood Demon Sword’s provocation, the Lesser Conversation Sword lost its temper again and started screaming. They had been quiet for a while, but now they were at it again. My head was ringing, so I eventually blocked their voices out.
‘There are so many of them.’
I thought there were many cult members when they gathered, but seeing nearly twenty thousand warriors of the Martial Alliance was truly a sight to behold.
However, my eyes were fixed on only one person.
‘Elder Baek Wi-hyang!’
I didn't expect to see him here.
Then again, he held the position of External Strategist, in charge of external political affairs. Since Chief Strategist Zhuge Won-myeong was dead, Sama Jung-hyeon, the Internal Strategist, couldn't leave his post, so it was only natural for Baek Wi-hyang to be the one moving.
Thump! Thump!
My heart beat rapidly.
Seeing the man who had killed me in my past life to hide the secret of the Sword Immortal’s treasure caused a murderous intent to surge from deep within my chest. I found it harder to control my emotions now than when I had seen Mo Yong-su.
—Stay calm, Un-hwi.
The Namcheon Iron Sword restrained me.
I knew. I wasn't so foolish as to ruin everything because of anger.
‘...It won't be long, Baek Wi-hyang.’
When the time came, I would grant him a death as miserable as he deserved.
Behind him, I saw several familiar faces. They were branch leaders from various provinces; the two from Guizhou and Guangdong would later be promoted to the Alliance’s main headquarters to serve as Hall Masters and Elders.
When we reached the midpoint for the negotiations, the cult members lowered the palanquin.
The gazes and auras of the Venerables were ominous. It was only natural. They were facing one of the strategists of the Martial Alliance, not just a branch leader. Was there any high-ranking member of our cult who didn't want to kill him?
The atmosphere was so cold it was a miracle a fight didn't break out immediately.
Baek Wi-hyang spoke first.
“I know pleasantries are meaningless between us, so I shall skip them.”
“Hmph! The feeling is mutual.”
My master, Bizarre Hae Ak-cheon, snapped back. Seeing his massive frame, several branch leaders looked intimidated, watching him with wary eyes.
“Bizarre One. So you were alive after all.”
“How could I go peacefully while leaving you lot behind? Kehehe.”
“It is my eternal regret that I failed to kill you back then.”
“You talk big for someone with a thin neck that would snap the moment I laid a hand on it.”
“.......”
Baek Wi-hyang’s face twitched. At times like this, Master’s way of speaking was incredibly refreshing. Seeing Baek Wi-hyang struggle to maintain his composure due to his pride made me feel much better. He hadn't changed at all since my past life.
Then, Baek Wi-hyang turned his gaze toward me, sitting in the palanquin.
“...Are you the current Blood Demon?”
I hadn't opened my Upper Dantian, but perhaps because I arrived in the palanquin, he addressed me as the Blood Demon immediately.
“I am.”
I replied, my voice disguised.
Baek Wi-hyang’s lips curled into a slight smirk.
“Now I understand.”
“Understand what?”
“Why you lot are clinging to something as ill-suited as negotiations.”
At his words, the expressions of the Venerables turned icy one by one. If he intended to provoke them, he had succeeded.
Baek Wi-hyang shrugged and continued.
“If it were the previous Blood Demon, who was barely human, he wouldn't have bothered with negotiations; he would have simply started a war. But looking at you, it seems those days are over.”
[He is provoking you on purpose.]
The voice of Fourth Blood Star Do Jang-ho echoed in my ears via Sound Transmission.
I knew. He was a hypocrite wearing the mask of the Orthodox Faction. Since they couldn't attack first due to the prisoner situation, he was likely trying to provoke us into making the first move. He was as cunning as ever.
Baek Wi-hyang smiled at me.
“I ask out of curiosity, but why do you hide your face with a mask? Is it because the blood of the Blood Demon has grown thin? Or is it because you lack the courage to even show your face...”
He stopped mid-sentence, flinching as he looked at someone.
It was the First Venerable, Blood Breaking Sword Emperor Dan Wi-gang.
As Dan Wi-gang, who had broken through the wall, openly released his suppressed aura, the surrounding air grew heavy with pressure.
‘!!!’
The branch leaders of the Martial Alliance looked at Dan Wi-gang with tense, shocked faces. Since he had revealed his aura intentionally, they must have realized it clearly.
That Dan Wi-gang had reached the realm of a Superhuman.
“Strategist Baek. I shall ask you a question as well. If this old man were to draw his sword, how many moves do you think it would take to kill everyone here?”
At the mention of "moves" rather than "techniques," the expressions of Baek Wi-hyang and the branch leaders hardened. It sounded arrogant, but given the aura he was projecting, they likely felt it was entirely possible.
Baek Wi-hyang, who had stopped his provocation and remained silent under the pressure, finally spoke.
“...So you had a hidden card.”
“Did you think the Cult would reveal itself again without a single card in hand?”
At my words, Baek Wi-hyang let out a faint groan. Then, he spoke to me.
“State your conditions for the return of the prisoners.”
He was a cunning man, but he was quick to assess the situation. Now that he knew there was a warrior in the realm of a Superhuman on our side, he realized that even with superior numbers, a victory wouldn't be guaranteed if a war broke out.
It was time to state our demands.
“Disband the forces of each branch gathered here and return home.”
Baek Wi-hyang’s expression didn't change much. He seemed to have expected this level of demand. After exchanging glances with the branch leaders as if contemplating, he nodded.
“If the prisoners are returned safely, we shall do so.”
“There is one more thing.”
“One more? I believe the current condition is already a sufficient price for the prisoners.”
“That is your opinion.”
At my words, a deep furrow appeared between Baek Wi-hyang’s brows. Regardless, they were the ones in a disadvantageous position. Baek Wi-hyang, staring at me with a scowl, finally opened his mouth.
“...I will listen and then judge whether to grant the request. Speak.”
“Right here, in the name of the Martial Alliance, acknowledge the Cult as the master of Guangxi and publicly announce your congratulations on our sect’s opening.”
‘!!!’
Hearing this, the faces of Baek Wi-hyang and the branch leaders twisted fiercely.
It was only natural. The moment they announced that, it would be equivalent to the Martial Alliance officially recognizing the resurrection of the Blood Cult. A violent reaction was expected.
“We’ve been patient, but this is too much!”
“Do you wish to settle this right here and now?!”
The branch leaders, who had been suppressed by the First Venerable’s power, began to voice their displeasure.
In response, my master, Hae Ak-cheon, smashed his boulder-like fists together in provocation.
Boom! Boom!
“I’m fine with fighting right now. Kehehe. I’d love to snap your necks while I’m at it. Ah! Of course, that’s only if you don't care what happens to the prisoners. Hahahahaha!”
Master was the perfect embodiment of a villain. After all, in the eyes of the world, we were evil, and they were the Orthodox Martial World that protected justice, were they not?
Baek Wi-hyang spoke to me in a low, grounded voice.
“You are crossing the line, Blood Demon.”
“If you do not grant the conditions, there will be no return of prisoners.”
“...Do you truly think the Alliance won't abandon the prisoners and attack you?”
Baek Wi-hyang took a hard line. I chuckled and replied.
“Since you sent a spy to tell the prisoners to commit suicide, I suppose you’re ready to discard them at any moment.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Baek Wi-hyang flatly denied it. Admitting it here would put him in a difficult position, so of course he would deny it.
“But what should we do? All the prisoners saw the spy you sent. What do you think will happen if they spread this fact far and wide?”
At those words, his expression turned icy in an instant. He took a deep breath and then spoke in a low voice.
“Whew. As expected, one cannot have a decent conversation with your kind.”
He was finally showing his true colors. He was the type of man whose hidden side emerged the moment things didn't go his way. He smiled thinly and said,
“Blood Demon. If what you say is true, we need only claim that the prisoners turned traitor and joined the Blood Cult before we dispose of them.”
“All of the surviving prisoners? Those are not words that should come from a strategist of the Martial Alliance.”
“You seem to be relying on those foolish people watching from afar, but for someone called the Blood Demon, you are pathetically laughable. Hahahaha!”
Bursting into mad laughter, he sneered at me.
“Do you think the people of the Central Plains will believe the words of you lot, the public enemies of the martial world? And if there are no 'traitorous' prisoners left, what do you have?”
He looked at the First Venerable, Dan Wi-gang.
“Blood Breaking Sword Emperor? No matter how strong a Superhuman who has crossed the wall may be, do you think he can handle the nearly twenty thousand warriors of this Alliance?”
He shook his head and spoke to me in an overbearing voice.
“Blood Demon. I have fought your kind for over twenty years. Did you think a mere brat like you could outmaneuver me with your little schemes? There is only one choice for you here. Return the prisoners and enjoy your briefly extended lifespan. Do you understan—”
“Hahahahahahaha!”
Laughter burst out before he could even finish. As I laughed like a madman, Baek Wi-hyang frowned in confusion.
I stopped laughing and said to him,
“They say birds hear the words of the day and mice hear the words of the night, but this is truly a sight to behold.”
“What?”
I glanced slightly behind me and said,
“How did it sound to you?”
At that moment, a man in black martial robes wearing a bamboo hat walked out from behind the Venerables. The man reached up and pulled at the skin near his ear. As the skin tore away, a hidden face was revealed.
“A human skin mask?”
One of the branch leaders couldn't hide his shock at the face revealed beneath the mask. It was No Yeonjeok, the Branch Leader of the Guangdong Martial Alliance.
As Baek Wi-hyang looked on in confusion, No Yeonjeok seemed at a loss before quickly offering a fist-and-palm salute.
“Judge, sir! Why are you in a place like this?”
“Judge? A Judge!”
Baek Wi-hyang’s eyes widened until they seemed ready to tear.
The identity hidden beneath the human skin mask was none other than Judge Lee Seok. Who could have guessed that a government official was hiding among the Venerables?
“H-how is the Judge here?”
The Martial Alliance maintained a friendly relationship with the government due to various intertwined interests. Baek Wi-hyang was so flustered he even began to stutter.
Judge Lee Seok stepped up beside me and spoke.
“The Cult Leader here said he would show me the negotiations between martial artists, so I followed along. I must say, I am deeply disappointed in the Martial Alliance.”
“Judge, sir. I believe there has been a misunderstanding. This was merely a bit of exaggeration to gain a more favorable position in the negotiations...”
“Exaggeration... I was under the impression that the Martial Alliance was a place that revered justice. But listening to your 'exaggeration,' it doesn't seem that way at all.”
At Judge Lee Seok’s cold words, Baek Wi-hyang was left speechless. It wasn't that he was afraid of a single official. He was panicked because he knew that if rumors spread from the mouth of a neutral official, it would be disastrous.
“Even after twenty years of scheming, it seems it was all for nothing.”
“You bastard!”
At my words, Baek Wi-hyang glared at me with eyes full of fury. He must have resented me for bringing an official. Shall I drive in the final stake?
“Earlier, you said the Cult has nothing if we exclude the prisoners and the Blood Breaking Sword Emperor?”
I opened my Upper Dantian and began to circulate the Blood Heaven Great Achievement Art.
In that moment, Baek Wi-hyang and the branch leaders couldn't take their eyes off the changes occurring in my body.
“His hair...”
Their expressions hardened at the red haze rising from my entire body. They probably thought I was a Blood Demon who only knew how to use his head, but sensing an aura comparable to the Eight Great Masters must have been staggering.
Baek Wi-hyang, who had been exploding with rage just moments ago, was now swallowing hard.
I spoke to him, infusing my voice with overwhelming pressure.
“Since you say you have no interest in the lives of the prisoners, shall we test which side will be annihilated?”
As if they had been waiting for my signal, the Venerables released their suppressed auras all at once. At the sudden surge of killing intent, the branch leaders of the Alliance hurriedly reached for their weapons.
It was a touch-and-go situation.
Then, with a heavily distorted face, Baek Wi-hyang forced himself to speak.
“...I congratulate your cult on its opening.”
He mumbled the words so quietly I almost burst out laughing.