Chapter 134
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: There's No Set Time for Learning (4)
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“This concludes the Special Inspector's report to date.”
Lee Cheonsang nodded.
Ho Yoseong gave a short bow.
“If that is all, I will take my leave...”
“What do you think?”
“Pardon?”
“I'm asking for your opinion, as the Grand Marshal, on the Third's handling of the matter.”
Ho Yoseong scratched his head.
“Hmm... To be honest, he did a good job.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. He was a bit aggressive, but the results exceeded expectations. Are the leaders of the Seven Houses not all dragons and tigers, difficult to face? The Inspector's martial arts are formidable, but he couldn't have achieved this much with strength alone.”
Lee Cheonsang nodded again. It was hard to tell if he was agreeing with Ho Yoseong or if it was just a habit.
“Since you've asked, I'll say this—it was particularly impressive how he used the Giant Whale House's forces to seal the Fighting King House.”
“Was it?”
“Yes. The order to seal the Fighting King House was by no means easy. In fact, we had planned to press them hard, using their opposition to the sealing as a pretext.”
Ho Yoseong's gaze had turned serious.
“The Lord of the Giant Whale House is no pushover. He's a man difficult to suppress with either force or persuasion. To convince someone like that to pressure the Fighting King House... for this, at least, he deserves praise.”
“I heard the Lord of the Giant Whale House himself didn't do much at the Fighting King House.”
“Yes. But involving him at all was a great achievement in itself. Without the Lord of the Giant Whale House, the probability of the Fighting King Lord resisting would have skyrocketed.”
Draining his cup, Lee Cheonsang leaned back into the grand chair with a languid motion.
“So you're saying he excels not only in martial arts but also in wit.”
Ho Yoseong smiled faintly.
“Yes. I knew he was capable, but I didn't realize to what extent.”
“But it seems you don't think of the Third as just a talented individual.”
Ho Yoseong, who had been smiling, let out a deep sigh.
“That's right.”
“Do you think he's dangerous?”
“Extremely.”
“Why?”
“Because his purpose is not visible.”
A glint appeared in Lee Cheonsang's eyes.
“Purpose?”
“Yes. Countless cultists have been sent on missions. There were those who succeeded and those who failed. Reading their reports, regardless of their success, you can sense their individual motives.”
“…”
“Those who move solely for the mission's success, those who are displeased with the mission. Those who prioritize survival over the mission, those who try to line their own pockets during the mission—everyone has their own purpose.”
“And you're saying you can't see that in the Third?”
“That's right. To be precise…”
Ho Yoseong sighed.
“He's completely unpredictable.”
It must have been frustrating. He was a man whose true nature was difficult to discern, even for the man called the greatest mind in the Divine Cult of his time.
‘Perhaps it's only natural.’
Didn't the Cult Leader himself say it? That he didn't fully understand the Third Young Master's true character.
He was a man that even the Demonic God, who sat on the throne of the heavens and looked down upon the world, could not see through. If he could evade the divine eye, it was natural that he wouldn't be caught by the mere insight of a mortal.
Lee Cheonsang shook his head.
“That's not it.”
“Pardon?”
“Saying he's unpredictable just means you're overestimating him.”
*Whoosh.*
As if poured by an unseen hand, a cup filled to the brim with wine floated up and settled into Lee Cheonsang's palm.
“The boy has finally made up his mind.”
“Sir?”
“He wouldn't have acted so proactively otherwise.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, don't you? That he was an outsider until he left for the inspection.”
Ho Yoseong nodded.
It was an undeniable fact. The Third Young Master was a more astonishing cultist than anyone, but he didn't quite fit into the Divine Cult.
Because he had amnesia? Because he had become strong enough to shatter common sense?
No.
The Third Young Master found the environment of the Divine Cult itself awkward. He was almost excessively familiar with those he befriended, but he maintained a strict distance from everyone else.
“He didn't properly assimilate into the main cult, so he displayed words and actions unbefitting a cultist and was steeped in uncult-like ideology. If he weren't my disciple, he'd be rotting in the Thunder Prison by now.”
“But even if he were to assimilate, I don't think the Third Young Master's words and actions would change much.”
“True. The point is, where are the eyes of the boy who once watched the world outside the Divine Cult now turned?”
Ho Yoseong, who had been pursing his lips, asked abruptly.
“What exactly has he made up his mind to do?”
“I don't know. I can only infer that the boy who was an outsider in the main cult now intends to truly spread his wings.”
“Just as I looked into the motives of the mission operatives after receiving their reports, you, Cult Leader, have been watching the Third Young Master's gaze.”
“Indeed.”
He said it was an inference, but he was clearly certain.
“You said the inspection of the Seven Houses is over?”
“That is correct. It concluded with the Demonic Sword House.”
“Any word on his return?”
Ho Yoseong smacked his lips.
“Since it's over, he should be returning immediately. To be honest, the report didn't say when he would return.”
A faint smile formed on Lee Cheonsang's lips.
“Is that so?”
“Ahem? Seeing that expression on your face, Cult Leader, it seems something is about to happen.”
“…”
“Were my words a bit flippant? My apologies. The Third Young Master has left me quite bewildered...”
“Did you say *they* have currently stopped moving?”
It was a sudden question, but Ho Yoseong understood perfectly.
“Yes. They're in the southwest of Honam and have remained in the same spot for ten days.”
“They'll be moving soon.”
“They will.”
Ho Yoseong let out a great sigh. It was a sigh not of frustration, but of relief.
“Still, it's a relief for the Third Young Master. He must be tired from his journey, and now he won't have to clash with them needlessly.”
“…”
“Honestly, I was very worried. I thought that if he clashed with them, even the Third Young Master could be in danger. Now that the job is done, all he has to do is return…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…and that should be that.”
Ho Yoseong's face hardened.
“Cult Leader, surely not?”
Lee Cheonsang shook his head.
“I don't know either.”
Ho Yoseong shot up from his seat.
“I'll send a message immediately. Tell him to take a detour on his way back. Now that the inspection of the Seven Houses is complete, there's no need for him to clash with them.”
“Leave it.”
Ho Yoseong flinched at the unexpected words.
Refilling his cup, Lee Cheonsang continued calmly.
“If their paths cross, they will fight. If they don't, he will return without incident.”
“Cult Leader. The Third Young Master is currently acting as an Inspector.”
“Is there a problem?”
“A big problem. The position of Inspector carries the symbolic weight of acting on your behalf, does it not? If the Third Young Master clashes with them now... it could start a war.”
Lee Cheonsang smiled faintly.
Ho Yoseong, who had been staring at him, let out a deep sigh.
“So that's what you wanted from the beginning.”
“I don't particularly want it. I just don't wish to avoid it if it is destiny.”
Ho Yoseong was surprised. He never thought Lee Cheonsang would use the word 'destiny'.
‘But, Cult Leader. Isn't that not destiny, but simple negligence?’
After a moment of thought, Ho Yoseong bowed his head.
“I will invoke the authority to permit the Head of the Hall of Punishments to leave the cult.”
“Permission to leave is under the authority of the Office of the Grand Marshal. Do as you see fit.”
Ho Yoseong felt it anew. This was why Lee Cheonsang was terrifying.
He knew why Ho Yoseong was sending out the Head of the Hall of Punishments, yet he told him to do as he pleased. He didn't care at all, even though he knew it was a direct challenge to this 'destiny'.
“I will take my leave now.”
“Do so.”
And with that, Ho Yoseong left the grand hall.
After draining his cup, the smile had vanished from Lee Cheonsang's face.
“Still not enough.”
A monologue of unknown meaning.
“But that is why I trust you.”
As Lee Cheonsang poured another cup, the illusion of a devil flickered across his face.
“Do not fear the consequences, Grand Marshal Ho.”
***
“Phew! It's finally over.”
Wi Hongryeon's face was exceptionally bright, as if a great weight had been lifted.
“There were a few things here and there, but thankfully, we finished well. You've worked hard, Young Master.”
Seo Ryang chuckled.
“To hear you say that... that medicine must really be working.”
“Hey, there you go again. Don't say things that'll make a person feel bad. It came from the heart, truly from the heart.”
“I know. You worked hard too.”
“Khahaha!”
Hearing a laugh more boisterous than any great general's, he couldn't help but wonder if this person was really a woman.
“Dongpil, you worked hard too.”
“Not at all, Young Master.”
Ma Dongpil was still perfectly respectful. Considering the time they'd spent together, one might expect him to relax a little, but he showed no signs of it.
“But, Young Master.”
“Hm?”
“That... hostage we took from the Red Snake House, what will you do with her? We've taken some measures, but if we leave her for a few more days, she'll be in danger from a high fever.”
He meant that if they were just going to leave her, it would be better to kill her, and if they planned to take her to the Divine Cult, it would be better to give her proper treatment now.
Seo Ryang silently turned his head toward the window.
The carriage was fast, and the scenes that flashed by were like precarious lanterns.
His expression grew increasingly serious.
‘It's hard, truly making up my mind.’
Now that he had realized the path he must take, what he must do for true freedom.
He knew how to proceed, but he hadn't had time to think about the specifics. In other words, he had been running without a plan until now.
‘One thing is certain, at least.’
A sharp glint appeared in Seo Ryang's eyes.
‘I must become the successor.’
He had no intention of becoming the Cult Leader. But he had to become the successor.
One might think they were ultimately the same, but from Seo Ryang's perspective, it was a completely different matter.
Becoming the successor would make his voice within the cult incomparably stronger. From then on, he would begin the successor's training to become the next Cult Leader and gain the authority to actually command the Divine Cult's forces.
‘I don't need to become the Cult Leader. No, in fact, sitting on the Cult Leader's throne might even create restrictions.’
Lee Cheonsang's words echoed in his ears.
- I am a man. A man, but I am called a god. As such, I have no choice but to strive to possess the qualities of a god.
The Cult Leader is a god. As a god, he can do anything, but there are also qualities he must possess because he is a god.
Lee Cheonsang was, without a doubt, the strongest under heaven. Even someone like him was still striving to become a god.
One who reigns over all demons but does not rule them.
Seo Ryang thought that position didn't suit him. It was a problem on a completely different level from becoming the successor.
Seo Ryang shook his head.
‘That's too far in the future. Right now, just thinking about what I need to do is overwhelming.’
So then?
“…First, I suppose I'll have to stop by the Red Snake House.”
Ma Dongpil and Wi Hongryeon looked at Seo Ryang with puzzled eyes.
“Hongryeon.”
“Yes? Ah, yes!”
“Stop by the branch first and treat the prisoner. After she's treated, head back to the Divine Cult ahead of me.”
“What about you, Young Master?”
“Dongpil and I have a place to stop by. I've already asked the Lord of the Giant Whale House for a favor, so it won't be dangerous.”
“Where are you going?”
“The Red Snake House.”
“What?!”
Seo Ryang stood up. The carriage was so large that even the tall Seo Ryang didn't hit his head on the ceiling.
He patted Wi Hongryeon's shoulder.
“Thanks for accepting my offer. Wait until I get back for the real pandemonium to begin.”
Seo Ryang said to Ma Dongpil.
“Let's go.”
*Clatter! Whoosh!*
There was no time to stop him. He threw the door open and leaped out, and in the blink of an eye, only the Inspector's armband was left where he had been.
Ma Dongpil immediately followed after him.
Wi Hongryeon shouted.
“Young Master!!”
In an instant, Seo Ryang, Ma Dongpil, and Geumho were disappearing into the distance.