Chapter 113
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: A Shattering Shell (3)
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Hong Sang-ho’s face was truly a sight to behold.
After a quick glance at him, Wi Hongryeon bowed her head to Seo Ryang.
“Inspector. It was the Cult Leader’s command to inspect the Red Snake House first. Is it permissible to change course midway?”
“Who’s changing course? They’re saying there’s nothing to inspect.”
“Then how should I write the report?”
Seo Ryang scoffed.
“Write it exactly as it happened. That they clearly hold the Cult in low regard, seeing as they’re trying to dismiss the escort unit with the excuse of internal construction. What’s more, the Second Lord came out instead of the House Lord, right? That says it all, doesn't it?”
Wi Hongryeon readily accepted his words.
“Understood. I will draft the report as such and send it immediately.”
“Hmm? You’re sending it right away?”
“Yes. Based on my experience as an inspection escort, organizations that receive an unfavorable judgment tend to exhibit rather dangerous behavior. I believe it's best to report immediately to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.”
“Do they even have the guts? They’ll get torn to shreds if they try anything.”
“It’s better to take the easy way if we can.”
“Well, you’re right about that, Commander Wi. Alright, draft the report and fire it off to the inner sanctum immediately.”
“I accept your command.”
The conversation flowed effortlessly, as if rehearsed. The relentless, fluid exchange left Hong Sang-ho and the members of the Red Snake House unable to collect their thoughts.
Just as Seo Ryang was about to board the carriage without a backward glance.
“Wait!”
All eyes turned to Hong Sang-ho.
Hong Sang-ho spoke in a forcedly calm tone. Though his face was beet red, it didn’t sound calm at all.
“Acting Inspector, please calm yourself.”
He insisted on the title ‘Acting’ Inspector, despite Seo Ryang's official title being Special Inspector. While not technically wrong, it irked Wi Hongryeon.
Seo Ryang frowned.
“What’s he saying?”
“You haven’t even heard our side of the story yet, have you? What kind of conduct is it to cut me off and handle things as you please, Acting Inspector?”
“My kind of conduct.”
“…”
“And what more is there to say? You were all glaring with menacing demonic energy in your eyes, weren’t you? If you were me, would you even want to exchange a single word?”
The Second Lord was the second most powerful figure in the house, after the Lord himself. And he was much older, yet Seo Ryang kept addressing him so informally. This was all happening in front of the house’s warriors.
A fire burned in his gut, but Hong Sang-ho tried to maintain his composure.
“Training just ended. It is my subordinates' mistake for not having calmed their demonic energy. I apologize on their behalf.”
“Training?”
Seo Ryang’s eyes flashed at the absurd excuse.
“Is that true?”
“…It is.”
*Slam!*
The carriage door slammed shut.
Seo Ryang strode toward Hong Sang-ho.
Hong Sang-ho’s eyes wavered. A strange pressure emanated from Seo Ryang, who walked toward him casually, without any discernible aura.
“Second Lord.”
“Speak.”
“Let’s set aside flimsy reasons like ‘I don’t like the look in your eyes’ and ‘there’s nothing to hear.’”
*Click.*
Seo Ryang placed his right hand on the hilt of the Seven Nights Saber. Since it was sheathed at his right hip, it didn't seem like he intended to draw it, but it was enough to create a sense of intimidation.
“Are you looking down on the Cult Leader?”
“H-how can you say something so absurd!”
“If not that, then what?”
A subtle dignity began to settle on Seo Ryang’s ice-cold face.
“As you said, I am an Acting Inspector. But as the one in charge of this inspection, who do you think I am here in place of? This organization, the Special Investigation Unit, is merely a temporary creation.”
“!”
“Tell me.”
Hong Sang-ho’s eyelid twitched.
He couldn't bring himself to speak. Giving that answer could easily brand him a traitor.
Seo Ryang stared at him for a moment, then roared.
“Speak!”
*Vwoooom!*
A powerful demonic energy infused his voice as it spread in all directions.
For demonic practitioners, the demonic energy of Seo Ryang, who was on the cusp of the Supreme Demon realm, was nothing short of terrifying. Moreover, the sheer density of his demonic energy was already impressive enough to be considered on par with that of a Supreme Demon practitioner.
Hong Sang-ho opened his mouth without realizing it.
“The… the Cult Leader.”
The corners of Seo Ryang’s mouth lifted.
A cold smile on a face as harsh as a northern blizzard. Seeing it, Hong Sang-ho felt his heart drop.
“Let’s re-establish our relationship.”
“…”
“What did you say at first?”
Hong Sang-ho gritted his teeth.
But he had no choice. Seo Ryang’s thunderous shout had drawn everyone’s attention.
Protect his pride, or protect the future of his house?
Hong Sang-ho bowed his head.
“I am the Second Lord of the Red Snake House. It is an honor to receive the Cult’s Inspector.”
Simultaneously, the demonic practitioners behind him bowed their heads in unison.
“It is an honor!”
Seo Ryang’s eyes gleamed.
“And next?”
“…With all due respect, the outer compound of our main house is under construction, so we cannot accommodate a large escort unit. We have prepared a temporary place for them to rest comfortably. Inspector, please come inside, and we will guide the others to their temporary lodging.”
Seo Ryang scoffed.
“Hey, Commander of the Berserk Demon Unit.”
Wi Hongryeon bowed her head.
“Yes, Inspector!”
In that instant, Hong Sang-ho’s face turned pale.
He wasn't the only one. All the warriors of the Red Snake House who heard Seo Ryang’s words stared at Wi Hongryeon in shock.
They knew the name Wi Hongryeon, but none of them had ever seen the Commander of the Berserk Demon Unit in person. They never imagined that the notoriously infamous commander would be a woman who looked to be barely thirty.
The gap between rumor and reality was that great. It was also why they had assumed the escort unit was composed of warriors from the Hall of Protectors or the Hall of Punishments.
“Want to rest a bit at the temporary lodging? I’m sure they built it well enough, but since it’s temporary, you’ll have to put up with some inconvenience.”
Wi Hongryeon flashed a crazed smile.
“If it's too inconvenient, I suppose we can make a few minor demands.”
“You’re not going to cause trouble, are you?”
“I, Wi Hongryeon, have never caused trouble in my entire life.”
It was as good as saying she was about to cause a whole lot of trouble.
Seo Ryang cocked his head.
“Second Lord.”
“…Yes.”
“Can you handle it? Even I can’t control them.”
No kidding. The rumor that Wi Hongryeon, Commander of the Berserk Demon Unit, had talked back to the Iron Sword Demon Lord, one of the Nine Great Demon Lords, was famous even in the demonic martial world.
Hong Sang-ho chewed his lip repeatedly. He was so anxious and nervous that his lower lip was starting to look ragged.
Seo Ryang snorted.
“Clear the way.”
The practitioners of the Red Snake House instantly parted to the left and right.
Taking a step forward, Seo Ryang sighed.
“These guys have lost their minds. You didn't even open the gate? What the hell is this?”
“Th-that is…”
“Tsk.”
Seo Ryang’s fist moved in an instant.
*Flash! Crash!*
The large, thick main gate shattered and scattered into pieces.
Without batting an eye, Seo Ryang walked on and said.
“Get a new gate while you’re at it with the construction.”
“…”
“Oh, and bill it to the Cult Leader. I don't have any money.”
*Rumble.*
Led by Seo Ryang, followed by Ma Dongpil, Wi Hongryeon, and the carriages of the Berserk Demon Unit, the group entered the Red Snake House.
***
“An incident like that happened?”
“Yes.”
“The Second Lord must be quite upset.”
“With his temperament, his pride must have been deeply wounded.”
*Trickle.*
A man in his sixties, half-reclining as he poured tea.
This was Hong Gwan, the current Lord of the Red Snake House and father of Hong Wi-mun and Hong Yeorin.
“So, where have you lodged our guests from the Cult?”
“They have been shown to the Gyosagak Pavilion in the outer court.”
“Hmm, can’t be helped.”
The Gyosagak Pavilion was where the Red Snake House hosted its most esteemed guests. If Hong Sang-ho had handled them properly, it might have been different, but since he failed, opening the pavilion was inevitable.
“Truly unruly. Even for the second-in-command of a house, to force his way in so recklessly.”
“Perhaps…”
“Hmm?”
A gaunt, middle-aged man, Jang U-hwi, spoke.
“He may be a deceptively difficult person to deal with.”
“Who? The Third Young Master?”
“Indeed.”
Hong Gwan chuckled.
“I didn't know you’d be concerned about such a greenhorn, Chief Steward Jang.”
“He is one of the talents personally chosen by the Cult Leader. Though he is young, he is not one to be taken lightly.”
“I’m not taking him lightly. But I don’t see him as an opponent to be particularly tense about either.”
“But…”
“Chief Steward Jang.”
“Yes, House Lord.”
“Don’t be so nervous. The recent rumors about the Third Young Master are certainly impressive. If even half of them are true, he is undoubtedly a great talent.”
Hong Gwan tapped his temple with his index finger.
“But just because one is gifted in martial arts doesn’t mean they’re smart. The cunning of an old man is hard to overcome with mere experience.”
Jang U-hwi agreed with his words. He agreed, but he was still uneasy.
Hong Gwan was a cautious man, but he had a tendency to underestimate the young. As the eldest son of the house, he became the lord without difficulty. His life had been a smooth path since birth, so it was natural he wouldn't feel threatened by a wet-behind-the-ears youngster.
Jang U-hwi, on the other hand, was a man who judged people by their results. Having lived a rough life and experienced all sorts of things, he always considered the ‘variables.’
That was how he earned recognition for his abilities as Hong Gwan’s confidant. It was why he became the chief steward of the Red Snake House despite his martial arts not even reaching the first-rate level, let alone the peak.
“Did he not ask about me?”
“He cut off the Second Lord mid-explanation. It is believed he has not yet heard.”
“So?”
“He said he would first recover from his travel fatigue.”
Hong Gwan smiled. It was a handsome smile that must have swayed many a maiden’s heart in his youth.
“He’s aggressive, but not stupid, I see. He could have pressed for answers out of curiosity.”
“Indeed.”
“Tell the master of the Gyosagak Pavilion that I am recovering from an illness. And tell them I will formally invite them this evening.”
“I will relay the message. Ah, and…”
“Hmm?”
“What if he decides to start the inspection first?”
Hong Gwan smiled.
“If the boy has any sense, he absolutely won’t. But if he does, let him. I’d rather he did.”
“Understood.”
Jang U-hwi exited.
Sipping his tea, Hong Gwan couldn't suppress a laugh.
“That brat, he certainly is intriguing.”
Just then, a woman emerged from behind a folding screen. A beautiful woman in her thirties with a seductive aura.
“Aren’t you being too harsh?”
“Hmm?”
“He’s the one who ruined your son. Aren’t you angry?”
Hong Gwan scoffed.
“I don’t want to think of a fool who lost in a trivial fight as my son. If it was for the sake of the house, he should have died gloriously. What’s he planning to do in that state, neither dead nor alive?”
“How cold.”
“A snake’s blood is cold and tasteless. Even if he’s my own child, I have no desire to care for one who’s outlived his usefulness.”
“Hee hee.”
The woman laughed and massaged Hong Gwan’s shoulders.
“So, when will you have your treatment?”
Hong Gwan, who had been scoffing and speaking so callously, laughed heartily as if none of it happened.
“Anytime is fine. Please, don’t overexert yourself.”
“Oh my, shouldn’t I be saying that to you?”
A hearty laugh and a sultry giggle echoed through the room.
A moment later, the two laughs turned into heavy moans, circling the snake’s den.