Chapter 139
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: Demons and Ghosts (4)
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Mok Gang-in drained his cup and nodded.
“Not bad.”
But it wasn’t particularly good, either. The liquor of the Central Plains was too fragrant. He didn’t mind the strength, but it seemed it would take quite some time to get used to this unique aroma.
He glanced to his side.
An old man was lying there. Though his breathing was faint, his naturally large frame made him look quite robust.
The old man was none other than Hong Gwan, Lord of the Red Snake House.
Mok Gang-in’s eyes glinted.
“A pity.”
He was genuinely disappointed.
Taking control of the Red Snake House had been far easier than expected. If its lord hadn't been in this state, it certainly wouldn't have been so simple.
While it was welcome from the perspective of minimizing troop losses, as a swordsman, it was a shame.
“I was hoping for a good fight with the head of one of the Seven Demonic Houses.”
Of course, he never thought he would lose.
It would be the same even if the lords of the Seven Houses were stronger than the rumors suggested. They were undoubtedly rare martial artists in the martial world, but they were still just snakes in a small pond who had yet to reach the next wall.
Mok Gang-in was a master who had reached the very precipice of the wall of transcendence. He stood before the Pinnacle of the Demonic Path, as it was known in the demonic sects, or the Realm of Creation, as it was called in the orthodox martial world—the wall of Great Enlightenment, Stepping to the Apex, Reaching Creation.
That realm was, quite literally, the world of transcendents. The Ten Great Masters of the martial world and the Nine Great Demonic Lords of the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon were masters of this Heaven Beyond Heavens.
Of course, just because Mok Gang-in had reached the precipice of the wall didn't mean he could break through it and enter that world immediately.
In fact, it was more likely he would fail to cross it. Overcoming that wall required an effort far greater than all the blood, sweat, and tears he had poured into his training thus far.
That was why people called it the realm of the chosen.
“The Lord of the Red Snake House would have been of some help.”
But his face remained impassive. The Palace's mission was more important than his personal growth.
Setting down his empty cup, he rose and opened the door.
A man in his fifties was prostrated before the door.
“The Seven Star Sword Lords?”
“There is no word yet, sir.”
A strange light flickered in Mok Gang-in’s eyes.
*Drip.*
A cold sweat trickled down the older man’s neck.
“Send Soha.”
“...!”
The older man, Geummun, asked cautiously.
“Vice Palace Lord. If we send the Young Lord on such a task, the Palace Lord will be furious…”
“...”
“My apologies. I will deliver the order.”
*Swoosh.*
Geummun vanished like smoke.
Mok Gang-in stepped out and walked toward the rear garden, where about thirty swordsmen stood in formation.
The energy emanating from the swordsmen was truly astonishing. It was no exaggeration to say that the sharp aura each one projected was comparable to that of an elder from a great sect.
Mok Gang-in spoke.
“Are the preparations complete?”
One of the swordsmen stepped forward.
“They are nearly finished. We estimate it will take another two hours.”
“Make it one.”
It was an unreasonable demand, but no one questioned it. The swordsman bowed his head.
“As you command.”
The swordsman turned and said.
“Assist the Sword Guard Unit in finishing the work. Move out.”
*Swish.*
The swordsmen moved with incredible agility. Even without using movement techniques, they disappeared from sight with tremendous speed.
Mok Gang-in’s eyes shone fiercely.
“Your progress is impressive.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Does the new martial art suit you?”
“Yes. It did not conflict greatly with our Palace’s original arts.”
“Continue to observe it.”
“Yes, sir.”
Mok Gang-in raised his head and looked up at the sky.
It was still bright.
*Plenty of time.*
Once the Red Snake House was turned into a deathtrap, all that remained was to lure in their delicious prey.
*It will be a difficult life for a while.*
Living in the Central Plains would likely bring many hardships. Still, it was a necessary step for the Palace’s expansion and its complete entry into the Central Plains.
And for himself as well.
“Has there been any word from the Righteous Heaven Alliance?”
“Not yet, sir.”
“Is that so?”
Mok Gang-in’s gaze turned cold.
“The new martial arts for the men are one thing, but do not let your guard down for even a moment when monitoring the movements of the Righteous Heaven Alliance.”
“Understood.”
“You may go.”
After dismissing the commander of the Flowing River Sword Unit, Mok Gang-in was left alone in the rear garden.
*The Alliance Leader… he’s no ordinary man.*
The plan to take over the Red Snake House and then use the Tang Clan's deadly poison to wipe out the moths drawn to the flame was not particularly surprising.
However, he had been quite astonished by the plan to entrust that task to the Sword Palace, then bring the Palace’s swordsmen into the Alliance to sway public opinion in their favor.
*He used us without committing his own forces.*
It was an unpleasant position to be in. But neither Mok Gang-in nor any other swordsman of the Sword Palace felt any dissatisfaction with this arrangement.
Because once this was over and they entered the Central Plains, they would become heroes who had shattered one of the pillars of the demonic faction. This would instantly quell any simmering public outcry.
In other words, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Moreover, the Righteous Heaven Alliance had provided them with several rare swords and a few martial arts manuals as payment for their services.
*He’s skilled in politics and knows how to handle people.*
It was a way to expand the Righteous Heaven Alliance's power, gauge the strength of the Sword Palace, and deal a significant blow to the demonic martial world all at once.
*I must never let my guard down.*
He had joined hands with a very dangerous partner. But the rewards would be just as great.
Lost in thought, Mok Gang-in paced in that spot for a long time.
An hour later, the commander of the Flowing River Sword Unit returned.
“Vice Palace Lord. All preparations are complete.”
“I see.”
“And a message has arrived from the Righteous Heaven Alliance. They say the path has been well-paved and they will send a guide by the Hour of the Rat in two days.”
A glint flashed in Mok Gang-in’s eyes.
“Good.”
Everything that could be done had been done. Now, all that was left was to lure the fools who would become moths to the flame and eliminate as many of them as possible.
“Spread the information throughout the demonic martial world. The Red Snake House has been taken over by an unknown group.”
“Yes, sir!”
A small smile touched Mok Gang-in’s previously impassive lips.
“I can smell the blood already.”
***
“Dammit.”
A look of displeasure crossed Soha’s face.
“Sending me on such a trivial errand?”
Honestly, he could understand why.
Among the Sword Palace swordsmen who had taken over the Red Snake House, not a single one was idle. Each person was diligently performing their role, so the only one left was him, the Young Lord.
Yes, he understood. But understanding and being upset were two entirely different matters.
“Mok Gang-in… enjoy yourself while you can. I’ll soon teach you your place.”
He might be the second-in-command of the Sword Palace, but to give orders to him, the young master?
It was truly infuriating. His father had sent him here as part of his training to become the next Palace Lord, not to take orders from the Vice Palace Lord.
Soha glanced back.
“Do you two find me amusing as well?”
The two swordsmen accompanying Soha remained silent.
Soha, who had been fuming with bloodshot eyes, finally took a deep breath.
“Damn it, forget it. What did I expect?”
He complained about everything, but he was also an exceptionally skilled swordsman. A clear and tranquil mind was essential for a swordsman, so he couldn't stay angry forever.
Calming himself, he pushed off the ground again.
*Thump!*
His speed was incredible.
Once he committed to his movement technique, he galloped like a swift horse. All the while, he maintained a fluid posture, ready to deflect any incoming sword at a moment’s notice. It was a testament to his mastery as a swordsman.
The swordsmen following him were the same. Though not as skilled as Soha, they demonstrated their peak abilities without reservation.
How long had they been running like that?
*Hmm.*
*Thud!*
Approaching a tree, his eyes gleamed.
*They changed direction here.*
The footprints of the Seven Star Sword Masters were very faint and consistent. It was because they were all masters.
However, another set of footprints was irregular. The person had been severely injured.
One of the swordsmen spoke.
“The tracks seem to be about four hours old, Young Lord.”
“I know that!”
Soha’s face contorted with irritation.
He tried to maintain his composure, but every time he saw the footprints, his anger flared.
“Seven Stars, you useless bastards. Can’t even catch one damn woman, making me go through this trouble?”
It was then.
“Damn woman?”
“Hah!”
*Fwoosh!*
Soha and his swordsmen instantly created distance, their eyes snapping to where the voice had come from.
A tall young man stood there amidst a thicket of bushes.
His face was handsome enough to inspire jealousy. His tall, dignified build was quite pleasing to the eye.
What was surprising was the number of weapons the young man carried. He had over five large sabers, a three-foot-long broadsword, and a pair of identical-looking twin swords of different colors—a total of four blades strapped to him.
*Chiiing!*
The swordsmen drew their blades with a fierce aura, and Soha also lowered his posture, ready to draw his sword.
Soha’s eyes sharpened.
“Who are you?”
The young man, Seo Ryang, had a curious glint in his eyes.
“Quite impressive.”
His posture and aura were first-rate. He didn't look to be even thirty, yet displaying such skill was no easy feat.
“A bit stiff, but not bad. You’re skilled enough that most masters wouldn’t last more than a few exchanges.”
To hear such words from a young man who looked younger than him.
Normally, Soha’s temper would have led to a string of curses. He was not accustomed to being insulted, compared, or evaluated.
But he couldn't bring himself to speak.
*Gulp.*
Soha swallowed without realizing it.
*...He’s strong?!*
Just appearing without him sensing his presence was amazing enough. Furthermore, the man's eyes, which shifted subtly between languid and indifferent, were armed with a powerful glint that was difficult to meet.
*A master. An incredible one at that…!*
But his surprise had only just begun.
*Rustle.*
Another man emerged from the bushes.
Soha’s eyes widened. The swordsmen, too, couldn’t hide their shock.
*What?*
There was another one?
No, that wasn’t all.
*Rustle. Rustle.*
The sound of footsteps came from beyond the bushes.
At least a hundred people were there. Each one was a master, exuding a valiant and heavy aura.
Soha couldn't believe it.
*How?!*
One person, he could understand. Even two, he could accept.
But he hadn't sensed the presence of so many martial artists, even though they were moving about. Listening closely, he realized they were moving so openly that even an ordinary person untrained in martial arts would have noticed them.
“Who are you people?”
Soha turned his gaze to Seo Ryang.
Seo Ryang’s eyes glinted.
“Aha, now I see…”
The sharp energy emanating from Soha was quite familiar.
“You guys with those morons?”
“...Morons?”
Seo Ryang nodded to Ma Dongpil, who held up the Hyoum Sword.
“Are you with the owner of that sword?”
“...!”
An undeniable look of shock appeared on Soha’s face.
That sword was definitely one of the treasures sent by the Righteous Heaven Alliance, and it was the very sword bestowed upon the Seven Star Sword Lords before they attacked the Red Snake House.
“How do you have that sword?!”
“So you are.”
Seo Ryang nodded.
At the same time.
*CLAAAANG!*
A deafening roar split the air as the three men were sent flying.
They had instinctively raised their swords to block, but all three blades were neatly snapped in two. Two of them collapsed, bisected just like their broken swords.
The one who survived by a stroke of luck, Soha, was not dead, but his upper body was a shredded mess. It was a truly terrifying saber wind.
“Keoheok!”
The blood he coughed up soaked the ground.
Severe internal injuries and wounds so deep that bone was visible. He was in a state where death might have been preferable.
Soha looked up at Seo Ryang with trembling eyes.
A demon who had, at some point, drawn a sword as large as a man was now looking down at him.
“...!”
Soha finally understood. Why he hadn't felt their presence.
The overwhelming aura radiating from the young man before him had spread throughout the forest, confusing his senses.
*Such incredible…!*
A single person’s energy covering an entire forest? It was a level of mastery he had never even heard of.
Seo Ryang crouched down in front of Soha.
“The victim didn’t know much. About the current state of the Red Snake House. Or how it was attacked.”
“Cough!”
“That level of martial arts at your age… you must be someone important.”
“...?”
Seo Ryang smiled, his teeth gleaming white.
“If you want to die peacefully, you’ll have to answer my questions properly. All of them. Got it?”
Two hours later.
Seo Ryang and Ma Dongpil arrived at the main gate of the Red Snake House.
*Vwooooom!*
Drawing his Dragon Scale Saber, Seo Ryang roared.
“You thief leader! Get your ass out here right now!”
*Craaaash!*
The newly built main gate of the Red Snake House was once again shattered.