Chapter 109
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Within Relationships and Connections (4)
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“Acting External Inspector General and Head of the Special Investigation Bureau?”
“That is correct.”
His jaw dropping unconsciously, Seo Ryang read the characters written beneath a beautifully drawn orchid.
“What is this? This official title is long, complicated, and sounds like it'll earn me nothing but death glares.”
Ho Yoseong took a sip of tea and said with a smile.
“We shorten it to Special Inspector.”
“It's shorter, but it sounds twice as intimidating.”
“The title alone gives you a pretty good idea of the job, doesn't it?”
“It gives me such a good idea that I don't understand it at all. Why on earth are you giving me this position? Aren't succession candidates forbidden from holding official titles?”
A succession candidate held the highest status within the Divine Cult, but that status wasn't a testament to their abilities.
Their high standing came from being chosen by the god. They were individuals whose potential to become the cult's strongest had been officially recognized.
This was precisely why candidates weren't given official titles. Not only were their abilities unproven, but it was also a measure to prevent the collapse of the organizational structure.
If even one of them held a title, all sorts of power-hungry insects would flock to them.
“That's why the word 'Acting' is in there. It's a temporary position, so it's fine.”
“It may be temporary, but isn't the very fact that I've held a title, even once, a problem?”
“Why?”
“Because the pests will flock to me regardless. It'll affect the succession battle, won't it?”
“Pests always flock to those with high status and great power. Is that really so surprising? The cult's leadership deals with it almost daily.”
“The problem is my status.”
“Well, I admit it's a concern. Still, you can't refuse to ferment the bean paste just because you're afraid of maggots. That would be absurd.”
*Damn it, what's he talking about? He looks like he's having the time of his life.*
Seo Ryang narrowed his eyes.
“'Refuse to ferment the bean paste just because you're afraid of maggots'... That sounds rather meaningful.”
“You think so?”
“What's this nasty premonition I'm getting that this particular batch of bean paste will be teeming with an unusual number of maggots?”
“I wonder. Why do you think that?”
“Just seeing our Grand Marshal's bright and clear face gives me that impression. No matter how I look at it, I feel like I've become the bait tied to a fishhook.”
Seo Ryang grumbled under his breath.
“It's an order from the Cult Leader, so I suppose I have no choice, but I have no desire for a special post that will only bring me endless hardship.”
Ho Yoseong's smile deepened.
Though he was smiling playfully, he was once again marveling at Seo Ryang's astuteness.
*'Incredibly sharp.'*
His intuition was truly a national treasure. He was clearly not skilled in power struggles, so how could he be so perceptive?
*'An extension of his survival instincts?'*
That was possible. Judging from the stories the Cult Leader had told and his demeanor during their first meeting, the Third Young Master's ability to sense danger was second to none.
“I've heard so much about your martial prowess it's made my ears ring. Have you already reached the realm of the transcendent?”
“Well...”
“Among the cult's masters, there are no idle forces available at the moment. Even the First Young Master is still in seclusion.
In the meantime, haven't you, Third Young Master, demonstrated outstanding ability? Naturally, we have no choice but to ask for your help.”
“This isn't a request, it's an order.”
“Be that as it may.”
“Hmph.”
“Speaking of which, it's truly remarkable. To have achieved a level of martial arts comparable to a high-ranking Demonic General at your age.”
“You're changing the subject.”
“My silver tongue seems to have no effect on you, Young Master.”
Seo Ryang tilted his head.
“By the way, when you say Demonic General, are you referring to the One Hundred and Eight Demonic Generals?”
“That is correct.”
“I don't think I've ever seen them.”
“How could that be? Ah! Did you say you lost a significant portion of your memories from before your qi deviation?”
“...Ah, yes.”
For a moment, he had forgotten who he was talking to.
*I must not make a slip-up in front of this man. He wouldn't dare to think I've been reincarnated, but you never know.*
“The One Hundred and Eight Demonic Generals are the cult's finest vanguards. Each and every one is an expert in combat. They all belong to the Division of Divine Generals.”
The Division of Divine Generals...
Seo Ryang recalled the organizational structure of the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon from the documents So Yeonsim had given him.
*'Two Palaces, Two Divisions, Three Halls, Four Armies, Five Brigades, and Six Units.'*
The Two Palaces were the Palace of the Demonic God and the Secret Palace. The Palace of the Demonic God was the Cult Leader's residence and a temple, known to every member of the cult.
However, almost no one knew anything definite about the Secret Palace. Speculation was rampant, with some claiming it was the residence of the retired former Cult Leader, and others that it housed the cult's sacred treasures.
The Two Divisions were the Office of the Grand Marshal and the Division of Divine Generals. If the Office of the Grand Marshal was the cult's brain, the Division of Divine Generals was its sword. They were independent organizations but would merge into one during a crisis.
The Three Halls referred to the Garden of Joy, the Hall of Protectors, and the Council of Elders, while the Four Armies signified the Four-Directional Heavenly Demon Army, the cult's most powerful military force.
Two of these armies were garrisoned internally, while the other two were deployed externally.
The Five Brigades and Six Units were also divided between internal garrisons and external deployments. The difference was that, unlike the Five Brigades, the Six Units were purely combat forces.
Countless other organizations existed, but that was the basic structure.
*'Does that mean the Division of Divine Generals has the highest number of masters among the cult's organizations?'*
Seo Ryang was astonished.
*'Just sending the Division of Divine Generals alone could probably swallow up several major sects.'*
Of course, unless a war broke out, such a thing would never actually happen.
“If you have so many masters, why not choose from the One Hundred and Eight Demonic Generals?”
“They are an emergency force that could be dispatched externally at any moment, and they are also the guardian demons of the cult. It is not appropriate for them to handle matters like this.”
“Tch.”
Ho Yoseong wiped the typically playful expression from his face.
“In any case, the Cult Leader himself has given the order. You must depart in two days, so please prepare.”
An order from the Cult Leader.
Defiance meant immediate execution, even for his own disciple.
*'Come to think of it, that old man...'*
He recalled what Lee Cheonsang had said before.
- Soon, I will give you a command. I think it will be perfect for a starved whelp like you, who sneaks out for a breath of fresh air without reporting, to get your fill.
- Just know that.
*Damn it, so that's what he meant?*
*'Huh? Wait a minute.'*
Seo Ryang blinked.
*'Get my fill of fresh air? Outside?'*
He spoke urgently.
“Grand Marshal. This mission... does it require me to leave the cult?”
Looking hesitant, Ho Yoseong scratched his cheek and said.
“Isn't that obvious? I told you, Acting *External* Inspector General. External, meaning you must go outside the Divine Cult.”
“...!”
“Internal inspections are conducted by the Office of the Grand Marshal with the help of the Black Sun Guard from the Hall of Punishments. Why do you think they came up with the title Special Inspector? It means putting on an armband and patrolling outside... Huh?”
“...”
“Young Master?”
“...”
“Young Master.”
“Gasp! Ah, did you call me?”
“Why are you so dazed?”
Quickly snapping back to his senses, Seo Ryang shook his head.
“It's nothing. I was just thinking about the cold wind outside.”
“Cold wind? The towns below the mountain are bound to be warmer than here.”
“It's just an expression.”
Contrary to his indifferent expression, Seo Ryang's heart was pounding wildly.
*'So that's what he meant? He was going to let me leave the cult?!'*
He truly wanted to burst out laughing.
*'That old man is finally giving me a decent gift!'*
A fine thought to have about the person who had provided the key to evolving his Dark Shadow True Demonic Art into the Nine Hells Demonic Art.
But right now, the minor teachings Lee Cheonsang had bestowed upon him were the furthest thing from Seo Ryang's mind.
His head was completely filled with hope and ecstasy.
*'Fuck! I can get out! I can get out again!'*
Ho Yoseong, who had been staring blankly at Seo Ryang, scratched his head.
“Er, anyway, the task you must perform while wearing the armband of a Special Inspector is...”
“Didn't you bring a separate document with the orders?”
“I did, but.”
“Give it to me.”
“Are you sure you don't need a separate explanation? Of course, it's all written in the document.”
“My job is to take a look around, and if things are a mess, I wreck them. If everything's in order, I give them a pat on the back. Isn't that it?”
“...It would be hard to find a more colorful description than that. You're correct.”
“Then that's settled.”
Seo Ryang held out his hand.
Ho Yoseong took a well-sealed document from his robes and handed it to him.
“There's no need to feel too burdened. The First Young Master has also undertaken missions like this a couple of times.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes.”
Seo Ryang said nothing.
Ho Yoseong, who had been studying his face, rose from his seat.
“If I had the time, I'd suggest we have a drink like before, but I'm a bit busy myself. I should get going.”
“Is that so? Then you should hurry on your way.”
“Yes. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you off. I pray for your safe return to the cult.”
*Return to the cult? Hah!*
“Haha, don't you worry about that.”
Receiving Seo Ryang's less-than-sincere farewell, Ho Yoseong boarded the carriage again.
He muttered with a puzzled expression.
“He seems awfully excited. Is he really that happy about it?”
It seemed the Cult Leader's words were true. He had said the young man felt quite stifled staying within the cult's grounds. Did he really want to leave that badly?
Ho Yoseong gazed out the window.
The faces of countless cult members flickered past amid the rapidly passing scenery.
*'Relationships...'*
Recently, the vertical structure between the Divine Cult and the Seven Demonic Houses has been shaking.
Among those who had served as the cult's hands and feet for hundreds of years, some no longer wished to be ruled by another.
The blatant discomfort shown by the Giant Whale House and the Red Snake House at the Festival of Papiyas was proof of this.
What's more, both houses had offered their own blood relatives to the Cult Leader as disciples.
It was similar to the psychology of wanting to eliminate something one fears.
Just as one might fear a ghost and call upon a skilled shaman to banish it, they too were trying to call upon someone to remove the object of their fear.
*'I can exclude the Demonic Sword House and the Thousand Treasures Golden House.'*
Four of the Seven Houses had participated in this Festival of Papiyas.
Among them, the Demonic Sword and the Thousand Treasures were clean. The Office of the Grand Marshal's own investigation had concluded as much, even before observing their reactions.
*'It's about time to catch them.'*
The god did not move, and the high priests remained silent.
Only now, after enduring that long period of hardship, could they read the killing intent hidden behind the smiles. And the Third Young Master was the perfect blade to eliminate that killing intent.
“You know, that drinking session we had was quite enjoyable, but I couldn't drink my fill.”
Ho Yoseong's gaze deepened.
“When you return safely, let's drink ourselves into a stupor, Third Young Master.”
***
Seo Ryang returned to his residence with a pounding heart, his face flushed red.
*'I'm getting out.'*
I can walk out on my own two feet, proudly, without worrying about anyone's watchful eyes.
The fact that it was Lee Cheonsang's order was a bit concerning, but what did it matter? The important thing was that, unlike before, this excursion was legitimate.
*'Finally...!'*
Because he had been with the transport unit last time, he had returned without properly grasping the surrounding geography, the troop numbers of the branches, or their movements.
But that was fine. It didn't matter how things turned out.
After living in the Divine Cult for over a year, he could finally leave. He could finally savor the freedom he had dreamed of his entire life.
Of course, there was still a lot of groundwork to be laid after he got out.
“Brother?”
“Huh? Ah! Yeomin. You're still here?”
Chae Yeomin tilted her head.
“What's wrong? Are you sick?”
*As if, you little rascal.*
“Hahahaha! Absolutely, definitely, unconditionally not sick!”
“Ah, okay.”
Seo Ryang clenched his fists.
*'Freedom!'*
Seo Ryang trembled with excitement as he planned his hopeful future.
Chae Yeomin watched him with her bright, clear eyes.