Chapter 115
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: The Shattering Shell (5)
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The inner court of the Red Snake House, the garden behind the Lord’s quarters, was breathtakingly opulent.
A garden in full bloom with rare flowers and exotic plants, an artificial lake, and a grand pavilion large enough to host dozens of people created a scene of brilliant elegance.
Unlike the exterior of the house, which was not much different from any other martial family’s, the inner court was decorated to rival the imperial palace. It felt as if all the power of the Red Snake House was concentrated on its Lord, much like an emperor’s private chambers where all authority resided.
‘It’s similar.’
It reminded him of Hong Wi-mun's residence. Though it couldn't compare to this, that man had also decorated his home quite lavishly.
The style was similar to this place. It seemed the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
A cultist bowed his head.
“The honored guest is awaited at the pavilion over there. I hope you have a pleasant banquet.”
“Alright.”
“And…”
“Yes?”
The cultist pointed to the side.
There stood a small weapons rack.
“Please leave your weapons here before you proceed.”
Wi Hongryeon’s eyes sharpened.
“How dare these….”
“Enough.”
Seo Ryang unfastened his Seven Nights Saber and handed it over.
“We didn’t come here to cause a scene, so why are you getting worked up? Here you go.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“Understanding has nothing to do with it. I may be an inspector, but this is still your house. One must show respect where it’s due.”
A flicker of gratitude appeared on the cultist’s face. Knowing the other party's status, he was well aware of how difficult it was to show such tolerance.
“Then, in this place…”
“Ah, but you’ll need to take good care of that. It’s called the Seven Nights Saber, quite a useful item.”
For a moment, the cultist’s eyes wavered.
He wasn't the only one. All the other cultists who had been keeping a close watch on this area, despite the distance, were startled.
The Seven Nights Saber was the favored weapon of the Seventh Heavenly Demon, one of the greatest in the history of the Divine Cult. It was a demonic blade among demonic blades, one that any cultist, not just a saber wielder, would want to see at least once before they died.
And the Third Young Master possessed such a legendary weapon?
Wi Hongryeon, unfastening her Infant's Fang Sword, snorted.
“Is that all? The sword this stiff here is wearing is the Black King Sword. If you misplace it through poor handling, your entire house will be utterly destroyed.”
The cultist’s face turned pale.
The Black King Sword was one of the Five Great Demonic Swords of the Cult and one of the Ten Great Demonic Swords of the Martial World. If the Seven Nights Saber was famous for its symbolism, the Black King Sword was a legend in its own right.
The cultist instinctively glanced toward the pavilion, as if asking whether he should really be responsible for safeguarding such precious weapons.
Just then, Ma Dongpil spoke.
“My duty is to escort the Inspector. I cannot entrust my sword to anyone for any reason. I ask for your understanding.”
“B-But…”
“The Inspector has shown respect to your house by personally unfastening his own treasured weapon. That should be sufficient proof that we have no ill intentions. However, do not insist that I neglect my duty because of your house’s rules.”
Wi Hongryeon looked at Ma Dongpil with a hint of surprise. She had thought he was just a rigid, rock-hard man, but he was surprisingly eloquent.
The cultist hesitated. Though he was considered quite skilled within the inner court of the Red Snake House, the situation was too burdensome for him to handle alone.
Just then, a deep voice flowed from the distant pavilion.
“Commander Sang, stop making our honored guests uncomfortable and let them in.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
The cultist stepped aside and bowed his head.
“My apologies for the delay. Please, this way.”
And so, the three of them headed toward the pavilion.
Looking around, Wi Hongryeon let out a low whistle.
“It looked impressive from the outside, but this is truly spectacular.”
Among the Seven Demonic Houses, the one that boasted the greatest financial power was the Thousand Treasures Golden House.
But even they probably wouldn't have decorated their garden so lavishly. Moreover, amidst the splendor, there was a subtle, understated taste that prevented it from being overwhelming.
Seo Ryang’s eyes deepened.
‘It truly is a magnificent place.’
For a fleeting moment, he even thought, ‘I’d like to live in a place like this, too.’ It was so beautiful that he almost forgot the warning from his hypersense that had been ringing in his mind for some time.
*Zing. Zing.*
‘Hmm.’
Seo Ryang pressed his temples firmly.
Ma Dongpil asked with a puzzled look.
“Young Master, are you alright?”
“…”
“Young Master?”
“Huh? Oh, yes. I’m fine.”
He said he was fine, but his deeply furrowed brow suggested otherwise.
‘I don’t understand.’
Until now, his hypersense had protected him from countless dangers.
But the hypersense that was on edge now was different from usual. While his previous premonitions had warned of tangible threats, this one was somewhat vague.
‘It’s not so much a threat approaching from the outside like usual…’
Seo Ryang’s eyes trembled.
‘It’s a danger from within myself. It’s not that danger lurks here, but that I myself am the danger.’
It was a truly peculiar warning. Why was he dangerous? And even if he was a threat to someone, was that something to be so anxious about?
‘This is the first time I’ve ever had a warning like this…’
Suddenly, Seo Ryang stopped walking.
‘No.’
On the way here to the Red Snake House after leaving the Cult.
There was a time when he had fallen gravely ill because of his hypersense. That incomprehensible warning had left him drenched in a cold sweat.
‘For some reason, my hypersense is…’
Just then, the deep voice rang out again.
“The view from there is fine, but the scenery from atop the pavilion is a true masterpiece.”
It was an invitation to come up. Seo Ryang, who had paused for a moment, began walking again.
*Whoosh.*
‘Hmm.’
A powerful aura washed over him as he climbed the pavilion steps, one by one.
‘He’s strong.’
It was a formidable presence, palpable even without seeing his face. The formless energy rippling out from this massive pavilion was incredibly sharp and sinister.
Finally, the three of them stepped onto the pavilion.
“Welcome.”
At the far end, an old man seated in the seat of honor stood up.
He had a robust physique that belied his sixties and a handsome face with distinguished, natural wrinkles. His attire was simpler than expected, but it exuded a dignity befitting the head of a house.
A dozen or so elders, Hong Yeorin, and a few other middle-aged individuals were seated to his left and right, but Seo Ryang’s eyes were fixed only on the old man.
A great demonic master who dominated all these people with his presence alone.
‘Incredible.’
He had met Ji Unhoe, the lord of another of the Seven Houses.
Ji Unhoe was a transcendent master. In terms of pure martial prowess, he was half a step above the current Seo Ryang.
But Hong Gwan, the Lord of the Red Snake House, was different.
His aura was even more impressive than that of the lord of the Demonic Sword House, who was said to be the strongest among the Seven Houses. He couldn't be sure, but Hong Gwan projected a stronger presence than even Ji Unhoe.
‘The difference is negligible. Still, he’s definitely stronger than Ji Unhoe.’
For masters, the gap of a single step is immense. It goes without saying that one must pour blood and sweat into training to ascend to that next level.
‘He’s not someone to be taken lightly.’
Hong Gwan spoke with a broad smile.
“I am Hong Gwan, head of the Red Snake House. It is an honor to meet the inspector representing the Divine Cult.”
*Shk!*
The people on either side of him bowed their heads.
There were no thunderous shouts, not even the sound of breathing. The silent greeting itself made it impossible to speak or act carelessly.
Tension appeared on Ma Dongpil’s face, and a faint madness glinted in Wi Hongryeon’s eyes. Their instincts had put them on guard in response to the reception.
Seo Ryang bowed his head.
“Acting External Inspector, Special Inspector Seo Ryang. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Hong.”
Ma Dongpil and Wi Hongryeon looked at him with surprised eyes. It was the first time they had ever seen Seo Ryang take such a deferential stance toward anyone.
Hong Gwan also seemed surprised by Seo Ryang’s greeting.
“You are too polite. You make me feel quite awkward.”
“Had I come as the Third Young Master of the Cult, it would be a different matter. But as I am an inspector, however temporary, I must show the appropriate courtesy.”
In other words, his status as the Third Young Master was higher than that of an inspector, and this deferential attitude was only for the moment.
Hong Gwan burst into hearty laughter.
“What remarkable spirit. They say you are the greatest prodigy of the Divine Cult today, renowned for your valor and martial might. It seems the rumors are not unfounded.”
He expressed his surprise honestly, yet he did not lose his composure.
He wasn’t just a smooth talker. He seemed as accustomed to dealing with people as his well-honed aura suggested.
“Prolonged greetings only increase the awkwardness. We haven’t prepared much, but please, come and dine with us.”
“Very well.”
Seo Ryang walked to the seat opposite Hong Gwan and sat down without hesitation.
A look of puzzlement spread across everyone’s faces. Hong Gwan was no exception.
“Why do you sit there? Will you not join me by my side?”
“This is a strictly official occasion. I will take the seat next to the Lord when I have determined that my duties are complete.”
The puzzlement soon turned to discomfort. He had been invited to a banquet, after all; they felt he was making the atmosphere too rigid.
Hong Gwan nodded his head.
“I understand the inspector’s intentions. In that case, let us have the music after this business is concluded.”
“As you wish.”
A faint demonic energy flickered in Seo Ryang’s eyes.
He responded with a smile, his composure still intact. But Seo Ryang read the condescension in Hong Gwan’s eyes.
‘He’s looking down on me.’
Hong Gwan must be aware that his skills were formidable.
Considering Seo Ryang’s age, he should be utterly astonished. The only reason for such a reaction was one thing.
‘It’s because of my age.’
He dismissed anyone younger than him as insignificant, no matter how outstanding they were or what talents they possessed.
He was the epitome of a stubborn old man, a type seen everywhere under the heavens. But what set Hong Gwan apart from most of them was his own immense ability and position.
‘This isn’t so bad.’
No one likes being looked down upon. But Seo Ryang was genuinely relieved.
That lack of clear judgment, that lack of a cool head, would be his opponent’s weakness and his own weapon. Especially in a situation like this.
“So, Inspector, where do you intend to begin this official inquiry?”
Seo Ryang took a letter from his robes and placed it on the table.
“Hmm.”
Hong Gwan extended his hand.
*Woong.*
With what felt like a gentle breeze, the letter flew into his hand.
The faces of the cultists seated on either side filled with admiration. It was a light, yet not to be taken lightly, display of the Void-Grasping Art.
“What is this?”
“It is a list of departments subject to inspection, prepared by the Main Cult. Please confirm it.”
Hong Gwan smiled as he unfolded the letter.
“The departments subject to inspection have been fixed by agreement between the Divine Cult and the Seven Houses for hundreds of years. So why present such a letter now…”
“…”
“!”
Hong Gwan’s face hardened as he scanned the letter. The composed, leisurely demeanor he had shown until now shattered in an instant.
Seo Ryang extended his hand.
*Woooong.*
The teacup placed next to Hong Gwan floated into the air and, in a moment, was in Seo Ryang's hand. It was a display no less impressive than Hong Gwan’s Void-Grasping Art.
Seo Ryang took a sip of tea and said.
“I know nothing of hundreds of years of history. In any case, please affix your seal to that document.”
“…What is the meaning of this?”
“Is there a problem?”
“Is what is written in this letter true?”
“Are you suggesting I altered an official document on my own authority? I’m afraid I don’t have that much nerve.”
Hong Gwan’s face twisted.
“You want me to affix my seal to this nonsensical letter?”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“Then you should have raised your son better.”
The atmosphere in the pavilion turned icy cold in an instant.