Chapter 28: To the Yikyang So Family (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 28: To the Yikyang So Family (1)
[Heh heh. So that’s how it was?]
I covered my face with my palm at Haeakcheon’s voice echoing in my ears via Sound Transmission.
This made it look like I had planned this in advance.
I was about to send a message back to explain that wasn't the case, but Baek Ryeonha’s voice reached me first.
[You must be very pleased, Young Master. To have such a beautiful woman wanting to serve under you.]
Unlike her usual self, her tone was as cold as midwinter frost.
It seemed she had misunderstood, just like Haeakcheon.
It was the same when I made a mistake with the Illusion Eye; I was on the verge of being permanently branded a certain way.
Should I explain?
-It’s too late. Just accept it.
What do you mean too late? I have to fix this.
-Fix what? When you think it’s too late, it’s already too late.
‘…….’
That left me speechless.
Then again, trying to explain myself in this chilling atmosphere probably wouldn't work anyway.
Sama Yeong had merely expressed her desire to join my unit, yet I felt like I had become public enemy number one.
I had no choice but to put on a thick skin.
Then, Baek Ryeonha spoke in a dry voice.
“The decision is made, then. Young Lady Sama will join Deputy Unit Leader So’s unit.”
-She went from ‘Young Master So’ to ‘Deputy Unit Leader.’
‘…….’
Even though it was early summer, I felt a chill.
As she made the announcement, Seo Gal-ma looked disappointed.
Perhaps he felt it was beneath him to show displeasure toward a junior just because she chose me over him, so he didn't meet my eyes.
“Then, let us prepare to depart immediately.”
“CHUNG!!!”
As soon as her command fell, the Blood Cult warriors moved in perfect unison.
They must have packed their belongings in advance, as they immediately began preparing the procession.
The chain of command was certainly well-established.
-They have Blood Drums inside them; of course they’d obey.
Well, that was true.
Those below the rank of Advanced Warrior were essentially forced to obey.
However, the year spent in Six Blood Valley wasn't just for training; it was a process of awakening them as members of the Blood Cult, so it wasn't an exaggeration to say they were halfway brainwashed.
“Hey!”
Startled, I looked over. It was Song Jwa-baek.
His eyes were smoldering as if on fire.
“What on earth did you do to make Young Lady Sama want to be under you…?”
“Deputy Unit Leader!”
Just as he was about to vent his frustration, Sama Yeong’s voice rang out.
Turning my head, I saw her scurrying toward us.
-She’s like a puppy.
She was like a venomous snake when killing people, yet how could she look so bright now?
However, thanks to what she did with that innocent face, the standing I had built up was shaken, and I was going to be busy cleaning up the mess for a while.
As Sama Yeong approached, Song Jwa-baek’s face flushed red, his anger melting away instantly.
-He’s really fallen for her.
“Yo-Young Lady Sama.”
-Oh boy. Look at him stutter.
Tell me about it. It was like watching a pair of young lovers.
-I guess she really is pretty.
Probably.
She was a peerless beauty, one of the few you could count on one hand.
It wasn't for nothing that the Blood Cult warriors were shooting me jealous glares.
However, I didn't have any particular feelings for her.
-Un-hwi. Are you a eunuch?
‘!?’
If I had been drinking water, I would have spat it out.
-What? Are you really a eunuch?
What kind of nonsense are you talking about?
My heart flutters too when I see someone I like.
It’s just that I realized before my regression that beauty isn't everything.
-Hmm?
I’ve seen many cases where thorns were hidden within beauty.
I felt that poignantly during my time as a spy for the Murim Alliance.
-Did you get dumped?
‘……No, I didn't.’
-You got dumped. Definitely dumped.
Just let it go. Stop teasing me every time you catch a opening.
It’s not because I was dumped.
Among the women in the Murim, those who are truly pure are few and far between.
The more beautiful or high-born they are, the more they tend to weigh mutual benefits when building relationships. I simply realized that external appearance doesn't mean much.
“I did well, didn't I, Deputy Unit Leader?”
Sama Yeong said, her eyes sparkling as if she were openly begging for a compliment.
Should I tell her she did a terrible job?
-She’s the daughter of one of the Four Great Villains, Un-hwi.
The Namcheon Iron Sword warned in a low voice.
Right.
She is the daughter of the Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak, one of the Four Great Villains.
I should endure it.
Still, since I’ve taken her into my unit, I should probably teach her the basics.
“Young Lady. In times like this…”
Just then, Song Jwa-baek interrupted me.
“Young Lady Sama. I am Song Jwa-baek, a fellow disciple of this fellow—no, of Deputy Unit Leader So.”
Having calmed his trembling, he spoke with strength in his voice.
The Lesser Conversation Sword clicked its tongue and whispered.
-That idiot is trying so hard to look charismatic.
Don't tease him too much.
At that age, it’s only natural to want to look good in front of a girl you’ve fallen for.
It’s a time when they are still relatively untainted by the world.
Still, I was curious. To think a guy like this would become infamous as one of the Black-White Twin Ghosts ten years later.
“You’re a fellow disciple of Deputy Unit Leader So?”
She tilted her head.
I think I knew why she was reacting that way.
It was likely because the energy sense emanating from Song Jwa-baek didn't seem to be anything beyond that of a first-rate master.
She must be wondering.
Wait.
Come to think of it, it was strange that she chose me so naturally.
My energy sense should also only feel like that of a first-rate master.
Surely this woman doesn't think I’m some peerless master capable of performing the legendary Void Step, does she?
“Haha. I don't look like it, do I? I look a bit more manly than him.”
The guy flexed his arm muscles to show off.
I think he’s focusing on the wrong thing.
“Ah. Yes.”
She nodded slightly and then turned her gaze back to me, looking uninterested.
“Deputy Unit Leader. Deputy Unit Leader.”
“Just call me once, Young Lady.”
“I only recognized your face here, so I said I’d join your unit. I did well, right?”
Huh?
Was that really all?
Seo Gal-ma was there too.
In fact, if she wanted revenge, he would be more helpful.
Seeing my gaze shift toward Seo Gal-ma, Sama Yeong toyed with a stray hair by her ear and said with a giggle.
“That side seemed a bit scary. One scary person—my father—is enough for me.”
‘Ah…….’
If it were anyone else, I might doubt it, but that actually made sense.
He is one of the Four Great Villains, after all.
Even so, I needed to teach her the basic etiquette and hierarchy of the Blood Cult.
If she made another mistake, I’d be the one in trouble.
Then Song Jwa-baek chimed in again.
“Young Lady Sama. As far as being scary goes, our master is no slouch either.”
He spoke in a whispering, joking tone.
However, Sama Yeong didn't even respond, acting as if she had no interest in him at all.
Her eyes never left me.
As a result, Song Jwa-baek glared at me with smoldering eyes.
……It’s not like I’m the one ignoring you.
“What are you all doing! Stop fooling around and get ready to leave!”
Just then, Haeakcheon, who had been talking with Baek Ryeonha, Seo Gal-ma, and Han Baek-ha in front of the room, barked at us.
Sama Yeong chuckled softly and whispered to me.
“It seems so.”
I wasn't the one who said that.
Two weeks later.
The headquarters of the Hwayue Merchant Group in Kaifeng.
The back garden of a manor filled with flowers.
In the middle of the garden, a woman with red hair, dressed in light military attire, sat cross-legged in a luxurious, comfortable chair, fanning herself with a folding fan.
Surrounded by the brilliant flowers, she looked strangely mysterious.
However, a scene that didn't match her appearance was unfolding before her.
“Huff… huff… that really is all.”
A large, middle-aged man, bound hand and foot with rope, gasped out the words.
His clothes were stained with blood, and his face was covered in bruises, as if he had been severely tortured.
The middle-aged man spoke in a voice full of grievance.
“I carried out the mission even while losing all my subordinates. This isn't right…”
Crunch!
“Aaaaagh!”
Someone’s fingers dug into the man’s shoulder.
Standing behind him was a tall middle-aged man with sharp eyes.
He was the First Blood Star, Thunder Blood Sword Jang Ryong.
“I told you to only answer what you’re asked, Ogal.”
“You… you cruel bastards!”
“It seems you still have the strength to wag your tongue.”
“Ugh. This isn't what we agreed upon!”
“A man who failed his mission and fled alone has no right to expect anything.”
Crunch!
Jang Ryong’s fingers dug even deeper into the shoulder of the man called Ogal.
Since his entire knuckles had sunk in, the pain must have been indescribable.
“Aaaaagh! Stop! Stop!”
“Stop what?”
Jang Ryong smiled thinly.
He looked like he was enjoying the other’s pain.
“Ugh. Please… please show mercy. You never said the Raging Demon Lord would be there.”
Jang Ryong simply ignored Ogal’s plea.
It was as if he had no intention of letting him live from the start.
Then, as if remembering something, Ogal spoke urgently.
“B-But, just as you ordered, Lord Jang Ryong, that brat So Un-hwi, the disciple of the Bizarre, was killed by my junior brother using a suicidal move…”
Snap!
“Guh!”
Before he could finish his sentence, Jang Ryong suddenly snapped his neck with his other hand.
The smile vanished from Jang Ryong’s face after he killed the man.
Right then.
Swish!
‘Hah.’
Something grazed Jang Ryong’s ear, slicing half of it off.
It was a sword with a brilliant pattern, its blade covered in cracks.
Jang Ryong frowned and knelt on one knee toward where the sword had come from.
Thud!
There stood the red-haired woman, Baek Hye-hyang, looking at Jang Ryong with one eyebrow raised in displeasure.
“My Lady.”
“The story is different.”
“It seems there was some misunderstanding.”
At Jang Ryong’s excuse, Baek Hye-hyang let out a short laugh.
“From you?”
“…….”
“What did you say?”
“……I said I would make the Bizarre, one of the Four Venerables, kneel before you, My Lady.”
“And is this it?”
“I am deeply sorry.”
Jang Ryong bowed his head in apology.
However, his bowed face was filled with irritation.
Blood flowing from his severed ear was slowly soaking his shirt.
‘Is it because of that brat?’
He had a hunch.
When the surviving Ogal reported that things had gone wrong because of So Un-hwi’s trickery, Baek Hye-hyang had shown considerable interest rather than anger.
Come to think of it, a year ago, she had also expressed interest, saying someone had blocked one of her strikes.
She was a woman with a possessive streak; she had to have whatever interested her.
‘Could she have taken an interest in him?’
Certainly, if he was that clever, he was a talent she might covet.
It was his mistake.
He had ordered one of the disciples killed to show that he could take away something precious at any time as a warning.
He hadn't expected that person to be someone who had caught her interest.
“The Great Strategist? How laughable.”
Her cold mockery was filled with killing intent.
Jang Ryong’s heart beat faster.
It might have been different in the past, but six months ago, she had already surpassed his capabilities.
Her terrifying rate of growth was frightening.
‘The blood of the Blood Demon…….’
She carried the blood of the Blood Demon more strongly than anyone.
That was why he had supported her, even ignoring legitimacy.
Thwack!
Jang Ryong pulled her sword from the ground, gripped the tip of the blade with his other hand, and held it against the back of his own neck.
“If you want a price, I will give you this head.”
“What a waste. You were quite useful.”
Baek Hye-hyang shook her head.
Then, looking at Jang Ryong, she spoke in a chilling voice.
“Cut the crap and give me the sword.”
“…….”
After a moment’s hesitation, Jang Ryong quietly pulled the sword away from his neck and offered it to her.
Naturally, he had no intention of dying here.
It was merely a performance to appease her anger.
Since the lines of the power struggle were already clearly drawn, she could never discard him.
However, he would have to lie low for a while until her anger subsided.
Just then.
Tatap-tap-tap!
A warrior came running into the back garden.
Kneeling on one knee, the warrior paid his respects to Baek Hye-hyang and reported.
“Peerless Fortress has announced the termination of its alliance with the Murim Alliance.”
“What?”
A startled Jang Ryong stood up.
The event they had been waiting for had finally become a reality.
Jang Ryong looked at Baek Hye-hyang.
The corners of her red lips curled up as she muttered.
“The time has come.”
A month had passed since we left Six Blood Valley.
This was Ganggu County, located in the southeast of Guizhou Province.
A vast manor situated on the western outskirts of Ganggu County.
This was the base established by Escort Unit Leader Jang Mun-woong to build his foundation.
Originally, it was a base Haeakcheon had been preparing to expand his influence, but since he had decided to support Baek Ryeonha, it would serve as the headquarters for the time being.
The subordinates under Blood Hand Witch Han Baek-ha and Raging Demon Lord Seo Gal-ma would also soon wrap up their original bases and gather here.
According to Haeakcheon, Baek Ryeonha had spent nearly ten years wandering the Central Plains.
I heard she had never stayed in one place for long, not just because of the Murim Alliance, but also because of the groups under Baek Hye-hyang who were targeting her.
But the situation had changed now.
She, too, had gathered a certain amount of strength.
With two of the Four Venerables—the Second and Fourth—and two of the Seven Blood Stars—the Third and Sixth—deciding to follow her, the faction was taking shape.
Baek Ryeonha took advantage of this momentum and sent messengers with personal letters to the Third Venerable, Blood King Gu Je-yang, and the Second Blood Star, Shura Sword Yu Baek.
As the termination of the alliance between the Murim Alliance and Peerless Fortress happened sooner than expected, the internal power struggle within the Blood Cult was accelerating in earnest.
I, who had been at the outer training grounds, entered the manor.
-Why did she call us so suddenly?
‘I wonder.’
It was almost like an emergency summons.
Since major matters were usually discussed among high-ranking officials like Haeakcheon, Seo Gal-ma, and Han Baek-ha, the fact that I was called suggested she had some orders for me.
As a result, I, who had been training the subordinates finally assigned to me, was hurrying toward the main building of the manor.
However, on the way to the main building, I ran into someone at a fork in the road.
‘Huh?’
It was Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon.
Upon spotting me, Song Jwa-baek spoke with a disinterested face.
“What? Were you called too?”
That was exactly what I wanted to say.
Seeing that even these guys were summoned, I couldn't guess what was going on.