Chapter 100: I’ve Met Them (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 100: I’ve Met Them (2)
At the same time.
Deungjeong Inn, located just outside the walls of the Martial Alliance.
Famous for its Dongpo pork, the establishment was always bustling with customers.
At a window seat, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man and a young woman in her early twenties with beautiful eyes sat waiting.
The middle-aged man, pouring himself a cup of liquor, spoke in a gruff tone.
"It’s too crowded."
"I told you, it’s because the food is that good, Father."
"I see."
The man gave a short reply and downed his drink.
He wasn't particularly fond of crowded places, so his expression had been sour ever since they entered the restaurant. However, since his only daughter had insisted on coming, he couldn't refuse.
Just then, a waiter approached their table carrying a large tray.
"Thank you for waiting!"
On the tray were a plate of Dongpo pork and two bowls of duck broth noodles.
The middle-aged man nodded as he caught the scent of the pork.
"The aroma isn't bad."
"Right? And where is the order I asked you to pack for me earlier?"
At the woman's question, the waiter pointed toward the kitchen.
"It might get cold, so our chef is keeping it in the steamer. Just let us know when you're leaving. Please, enjoy your meal!"
The busy waiter hurried back to the kitchen.
Once he was gone, the middle-aged man spoke with a look of disapproval.
"You didn't come here to give your father a taste; you came to look after that brat."
"Oh, come on. It’s for both of you. The Young Master likes this Dongpo pork too."
"You aren't a married woman yet."
"Hehe. Father, you aren't jealous, are you?"
"Hmph!"
At her teasing, the man’s brow furrowed, and he silently drained another cup. Then, he reached for a piece of Dongpo pork with his chopsticks.
The woman watched him with expectant eyes.
As he chewed the meat, she saw one of his eyebrows twitch upward and cheered inwardly.
"It’s delicious, isn't it?"
"……"
Her father was a man who couldn't lie. He was a self-proclaimed gourmet with a very picky palate, so seeing him silently continue to reach for the pork was enough to satisfy her.
As they ate, she asked, "Father, you aren't going into the fortress with me, are you?"
"That brat is more than capable of protecting you on his own."
"There you go again, calling your son-in-law 'that brat.'"
"Hmph."
Despite his attitude, she was happy. It was because her lover had earned her father's recognition. Being accepted as a son-in-law was one thing, but being acknowledged for his martial prowess felt special. Otherwise, her father would never have let her enter the Martial Alliance fortress alone.
"Hehe, I get it. Still, I packed some for 'them' too, so take it with you when you head back. Woo-hyeon will love it."
"You’re working your father hard."
"Who else would I ask but my father?"
The man snorted at her words.
As they were enjoying their meal, a group of people entered the inn and took a table near them. They were martial artists, judging by the sabers and swords at their waists. In fact, the inn was overflowing with martial artists even without them. People from various sects and clans had flocked here for tomorrow’s Great Leader election and the Grand Martial Assembly.
The new group began to chatter loudly after placing their orders. Naturally, their conversation drifted toward the father and daughter.
"Did you hear? They say the Lesser Sword Immortal has reappeared."
"No, is that true?"
"That’s what they say. The rumor has already spread all over the fortress."
"Wow. Then we’ll get to see the Lesser Sword Immortal at tomorrow’s assembly."
"Most likely. I heard he’s the youngest among the current Six Great Experts. We’ll finally see his face."
The woman’s shoulders puffed up with pride as she listened. She felt as if the talk about the Lesser Sword Immortal was about herself.
But as she was basking in that pride…
"But did you hear the other part? They say the Lesser Sword Immortal came with an incredible lady hero."
"A lady hero?"
"Yeah. They say she has such great martial prowess that even Moyong Hye, one of the Three Flowers, couldn't even budge against her. Some say she’s a master from the Bota Gate."
At that, the woman’s hand instinctively reached for her cup. She moved quickly out of a sudden sense of unease, and as expected, her fears were realized. She really shouldn't have left him alone.
She gulped down her drink.
"Oh, really? Then is that lady hero the Lesser Sword Immortal’s woman?"
"Seeing how she clings to him and acts all cute, everyone’s saying she must be his fiancée."
"Pfft!"
The woman sprayed the liquor she had been holding in her mouth.
Crack!
Not only that, but the cup in the middle-aged man’s hand shattered into pieces.
The people around them stared in confusion. Regardless, the woman jumped to her feet.
"Father. I have to go right now."
The middle-aged man rose with her, his face terrifyingly grim.
"I’m coming too."
‘……That man is the Blood Demon.’
So Yeong-yeong was beyond flabbergasted.
The man who was transcending the Blood Cult to become the leader of the entire Evil Faction had walked right into the heart of the Orthodox Martial World—the Martial Alliance—and become a candidate for the Alliance Leader.
‘What do I do?’
She was in a terrible bind. If this fact were revealed, the Martial Alliance would be turned upside down. The impossible situation of the Blood Demon becoming a candidate for the Alliance Leader had become a reality. If he weren't her brother, this would be a major incident she’d have to report immediately.
She looked at Namgung Ga-hee, who was letting out constant exclamations of awe.
‘I can’t even tell her.’
This wasn't something she could discuss with anyone. She had no idea what that man was thinking.
‘Is he really planning to swallow the Martial Alliance whole?’
If that were the case, brother or not, he was no different from the worst mastermind in the martial world. If her brother became the Alliance Leader, it would be like handing the Orthodox Martial World over to him without a single battle. Even if he was her brother, it was utterly ridiculous.
‘No. This isn't right.’
She felt she had to stop him. She had barely managed to understand him becoming the Blood Demon and the son-in-law of a villain, but this was crossing the line. There had to be a limit. She could understand if he wanted a truce with the Orthodox Faction, but the Blood Demon as the Alliance Leader was simply wrong.
[Eek! Yeong-yeong! If things go well, won't you be the sister of the youngest Alliance Leader in history?]
Unaware of her inner turmoil, Namgung Ga-hee was making a fuss. If he weren't the Blood Demon, it would be a situation to be proud of, but from Yeong-yeong's perspective, she felt like she was walking a tightrope. She worried about what would happen if her brother’s identity were exposed.
Just then, Lee Jeong-gyeom spoke to Taoist Master Hoyang again.
"Then, if the Lesser Sword Immortal So Woon-hwi wins the final match tomorrow, he will become the leader of this Alliance."
At those words, the Second Elder, Plum Blossom White Sword Hoyang, nodded.
"That is correct."
Buzz, buzz!
Everyone present couldn't hide their shock. The outcome was uncertain, but the youngest Alliance Leader in history might truly be born. Naturally, this became the talk of the town among the current Hall Masters and Vice Hall Masters, who were the next generation of the Alliance.
"Is the Lesser Sword Immortal really going to become the leader?"
"If that happens, it’ll be insane."
Reacting to their comments, Jin Yong, the grandson of Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon, raised his voice in disbelief.
"Don't talk nonsense. No matter how strong So Woon-hwi has become, do you really think he can beat my grandfather—no, the Vice Alliance Leader—or the former Alliance Leader?"
Some Hall Masters nodded in agreement. While becoming a candidate was impressive, the other candidates, Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun and First Sword of Wuhan Baek Hyang-muk, were men who had stood at the peak of the martial world for a long time. It was hard to imagine such peerless masters losing.
Then, Taoist Master Hoyang spoke.
"Hmm…… I intended to reveal this at tomorrow’s assembly, but I suppose it can't be helped."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The Vice Alliance Leader has withdrawn his candidacy."
Everyone was baffled. Jin Yong, the Vice Alliance Leader’s grandson, found it even harder to understand. Recently, his grandfather had yearned for the position of Alliance Leader more than anything. There was no way he would give it up so easily.
"That can't be! Why would the Vice Alliance Leader suddenly give up the position?"
At his protesting tone, Hoyang sighed and answered as if he had no choice.
"The Vice Alliance Leader has already fought the Lesser Sword Immortal."
"Fought? Then don't tell me……"
"Yes. The Vice Alliance Leader was defeated."
"!!!"
The room fell into a silence far deeper than before. A major event they hadn't known about had occurred. Only seven months ago, the news of Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun and the Lesser Sword Immortal fighting to a draw in an informal duel at an inn was still being talked about. But in just seven months, the hierarchy had been clearly established.
It was only natural for everyone to be shocked.
"……That’s impossible."
Jin Yong was so stunned he couldn't accept the fact. He couldn't believe the grandfather he respected and followed had lost to a novice who had been in the martial world for less than two years.
Namgung Ga-hee was so excited she shook So Yeong-yeong as if it were her own success.
[Yeong-yeong! Your brother might really become the Alliance Leader. What do we do? Huh? Yeong-yeong?]
So Yeong-yeong, however, was dazed. If he had even defeated Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, he was practically standing right in front of the leader’s seat.
‘……What am I going to do?’
He might actually become the leader at this rate.
The guest quarters reserved for VIPs within the Martial Alliance.
After returning from the main hall, I was having dinner and talking with Seol Baek. After hearing my story, she let out an exclamation.
"How on earth did you do it? Does that mean the Blood Lord is moving exactly as you want?"
"You don't need to know that."
There was no need to tell her that the Evil Connection Sword was controlling him. Although my trust in her had grown, I had no reason to reveal all my cards.
At my answer, Seol Baek spoke in a hurt tone.
"I guess you still can't trust me."
"It’s not like you’ve told me everything either."
"That’s part of our deal."
"Are you planning to keep your mouth shut until we meet Gyeongwang?"
At my words, she suggestively licked her chopsticks with her tongue.
"There’s a faster way, you know. If you spend a passionate night with me right now, I can tell you."
……Sigh.
She’s persistent. She tries to seduce me the moment there’s even a slight opening. I ignored her and shoved food into my mouth, signaling I wouldn't engage.
Seeing my reaction, Seol Baek muttered regretfully.
"I don't know why you insist on taking the long way when there’s such an easy one."
"Why are you so persistent?"
"I like you."
"……"
"What’s wrong with wanting the man I like?"
When she puts it like that, I really have nothing to say. If she wanted to revive the North Sea Ice Palace and have an heir, Gyeongwang was a perfectly good alternative, yet she continued to court me so blatantly. It was baffling.
Why did she like me this much? It was strange, but continuing this conversation would only give her more openings. I had to change the subject.
"Do you have any idea why that guy is doing this, even calling in the former Alliance Leader?"
She chuckled at my question. She probably saw right through my intention.
"I don't know. Even if I’m his confidant, I don't know everything that’s going on."
She knew the general situation, but she didn't know exactly what the Golden Emperor was plotting. That Golden Emperor bastard was truly thorough. He didn't even reveal his full plan to his few confidants.
—Or maybe he’s hiding it.
The voice of the Namcheon Iron Sword echoed in my head. Well, that might be true too. I didn't fully trust Seol Baek either. That’s why I had taken several precautions of my own.
Clack.
Seol Baek set down her chopsticks.
"More importantly, you shouldn't let your guard down."
"My guard?"
"I know you’re trying to use the Blood Lord as bait, but do you really think he won't notice?"
"If he isn't here, like you said, he won't notice immediately."
The Evil Connection Sword had the ability to bewitch people. Furthermore, I had taught her some of the techniques from the Transformation Eye Scripture, so even if she hadn't mastered it like I had, she was capable of deceiving enemies. That’s why I trusted her with the task. And though Seol Baek didn't know it, I was sharing vision with the Evil Connection Sword through the power of Prison Torture, preparing for the moment they made contact.
"Anyway, we’ll find out what he’s up to tomorrow."
He knew I had appeared, and by now, he’d know one of his bases had been destroyed, so he wouldn't show himself recklessly. What exactly did he do to the former Alliance Leader? According to her, they had recently succeeded in refining the Illusion Demon Poison to a level where it could brainwash even masters in the Realm of Superhumans. Fortunately, they had exhausted most of their supply in doing so.
Since the Blood Lord was dead, they might target the Tang Family’s Vice Head, Dang Woo-jung, as a replacement. I had placed plenty of Beggar’s Sect members around him, so we’d see how that played out.
Just then, I sensed a presence outside. Seol Baek must have sensed it too, as she looked toward the door just as I did. Soon, someone burst in without even knocking.
"You damn broth—ah!"
It was none other than So Yeong-yeong. I had recognized her unique energy immediately. Yeong-yeong was about to scream when she saw me with Seol Baek and clamped her mouth shut.
"Oh, Yeong-yeong."
At Seol Baek’s greeting, Yeong-yeong laughed awkwardly.
"Ahaha. You were here too, Sister."
"I was having dinner with your brother. Is the emergency meeting for the Hall Masters over?"
At that question, Yeong-yeong glared at me with fire in her eyes. What did she hear there to make such a terrifying face?
Yeong-yeong’s sound transmission rang in my ears.
[Are you crazy?]
[Crazy?]
[Are you really trying to become the Alliance Leader?]
Ah. I hadn't told her on purpose, but she found out. Since her sect was the Orthodox Hengshan Sect and she belonged to the Phoenix Hall of the Martial Alliance, I had planned to delay telling her until after tomorrow’s decision match.
[Yeong-yeong. First, listen to me.]
[There’s nothing to listen to! You’re the Blood Demon! Besides, you killed the current leader, Great Hero Jeongcheon, and now they’re electing a new one—how can you even think about stepping into that position?]
How on earth was I supposed to explain this? To explain everything, I’d have to tell her about the Golden Emperor. I had to convince her that the Martial Alliance must not fall into his hands. Seeing Yeong-yeong huffing with indignation, it seemed I couldn't delay it any longer.
"Seol Baek. Please leave us for a moment."
Seol Baek nodded. As she stood up, she smiled at Yeong-yeong.
"Don't be too hard on your brother. Even if you’re his sister, I don't like anyone picking on my man."
"What?"
It was a warning laced with steel behind a smiling face. Yeong-yeong looked flabbergasted. This woman was saying this because she didn't think Yeong-yeong was my biological sister.
[Ha! Did you hear that, Brother?]
'……'
If they stayed together, things were going to get really exhausting. But I couldn't exactly let her wander far within the Martial Alliance either. First, I’d tell Yeong-yeong about the Golden Emperor, and then I’d have to tell her Seol Baek’s true identity.
Just as Seol Baek was about to head out the door…
‘!?’
I bolted upright. It was because of the presence approaching and the sword cry ringing in my head.
Yeong-yeong asked me in confusion, "Brother, what’s wrong?"
Similarly, Seol Baek’s sound transmission reached me.
[Someone is approaching. No, is it multiple people?]
She was also frowning, sensing something unusual. I knew exactly who those presences were because of the Voice of the Sword in my head, but she didn't. One of them was capable of completely concealing their energy even from Qi Sense.
‘Ah……’
It was still a long way from the time we were supposed to meet, and this wasn't the meeting place. Yet, they had entered the Martial Alliance fortress.
[……It’s a peerless master capable of completely controlling their energy. What should we do?]
I shook my head at Seol Baek’s question and warned her.
[No matter what happens, stay absolutely still. Don't say a word.]
[Huh?]
She tilted her head, likely because she had never seen me give such a stern warning.
Thud!
The door swung open. The one who threw it open was a middle-aged man with a face I’d never seen before. A young woman followed behind him.
Yeong-yeong shouted in annoyance at the sight of them.
"Who are you people? How can you just burst in without knocking!"
……You’re one to talk. But that wasn't the point. I grabbed Yeong-yeong as she tried to go and protest.
"Yeong-yeong."
"Let go, Brother."
"……It’s my Father-in-Law and Sama Yeong."
"!!!"
At my words, Yeong-yeong’s eyes widened as she was about to rush them. Even though their faces were hidden by human skin masks, I could hear the Voice of the Sword, so I identified them instantly.
Yeong-yeong spoke with a face full of tension.
"……The Moon Evil Sword?"
I nodded. Yeong-yeong turned pale as if her soul had left her body. It seemed she was overwhelmed now that her 'Father-in-Law,' who was infamous as one of the Five Great Villains, was standing right in front of her.
Hearing their identity, Seol Baek frowned and looked at me. She must have realized why I told her to keep her mouth shut.
The woman I presumed to be Sama Yeong looked at Seol Baek with cold eyes and called out to me.
"Young Master."
‘Sigh……’
This is driving me crazy. Where do I even begin to untangle this?