Chapter 164
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 164
Chapter Title: A Wind from the Northern Sea (4)
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The fingertips, thrust out like lightning, were imbued with a vicious killing intent. They seemed poised to pierce through Seo Ryang's neck in a single breath.
But.
“…”
“…”
Both men simply stood still, their expressions stiff.
Yeo Gang-hui asked.
“Why did you not evade?”
“Because there was no need to.”
“Why is that? I certainly imbued it with killing intent.”
“Forced killing intent never contains true conviction.”
A smile formed in Yeo Gang-hui's eyes.
“You are remarkable. Even if one knew, a warrior's instinct would be to dodge or block.”
“I dislike moving inefficiently.”
Seo Ryang frowned.
“So, what was the point of that meaningless attack if you weren't serious about fighting?”
Without answering, Yeo Gang-hui relaxed his stance and stepped back a dozen paces.
His eyes, as he looked at Seo Ryang, grew sharp. A chill settled into his captivating gaze, doubling its eeriness.
He opened his mouth.
“The Ice Soul Heavenly Dipper Hand is one of the five supreme arts of my palace. In destructive power, it rivals the Shaolin Temple's Hundred-Step Divine Fist, and in the profundity of its energy, it is no less than the Wudang Sect's Taiji True Qi.”
“I asked why you attacked, and you're spouting all this useless nonsense?”
“Now, I'm coming again.”
“Good grief.”
*Whooosh.*
The spreading chill instantly dominated the area.
*Sssshhh.*
The weeds sprouting from the ground froze white. Unable to withstand the wind, the frozen weeds crumbled with a dry, crackling sound.
*Whoooosh!*
A bone-chilling wind. Above his flowing white hair, a small, white orb formed. The orb, shimmering like a star, absorbed the surrounding moisture and gradually grew in size.
The glittering orb resembled the brightest star, the North Star. In that moment, it became clear why the character for "Heavenly Dipper" was in the name of the martial art.
“This time, I'm coming for real.”
It was the start of an abrupt duel. Seo Ryang's face soured.
“Fine. But this is the last time you test me.”
A flicker of gratitude crossed Yeo Gang-hui's face.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
From what Yang Jeong had said, the Third Young Master was clearly a demon with no mercy for his enemies. Although he had made a proposal, Seo Ryang was still indulging his whims. He couldn't be more grateful.
Having risen from the bench, Seo Ryang extended his hand.
“Come.”
*Whoosh.*
Yeo Gang-hui's body was suddenly right in front of Seo Ryang. It didn't seem like he had moved particularly fast, yet he had closed the distance in the blink of an eye.
*Fwoom.*
The orb floating above his head flashed, and Yeo Gang-hui's delicate hands were enveloped in a pure white brilliance.
Seo Ryang, who had been watching Yeo Gang-hui's movements intently, threw a punch.
*'Ugh?!'*
Yeo Gang-hui's eyes widened. Before he could even unleash the blow of his Ice Soul Heavenly Dipper Hand, his opponent's fist had already driven into his chest.
*Kra-koom!*
“Keuk!”
Yeo Gang-hui's body shot backward frantically.
White vapor rose from his entire body. The chill he had gathered was dissipating at a frightening speed.
*'What incredible power!'*
The pressure from that single punch had cracked the Heavenly Dipper Orb. In this state, he couldn't draw out the true power of the Ice Soul Heavenly Dipper Hand.
“It's certainly a martial art comparable to the Hundred-Step Divine Fist, but…”
Yeo Gang-hui looked at Seo Ryang with trembling eyes.
Withdrawing his fist, Seo Ryang tilted his head and spoke.
“Isn't its weakness too obvious? The time between casting and attacking seems a bit long.”
“…”
“Of course, it's not a flaw in the art itself, but seems to depend on the practitioner's level of mastery.”
Yeo Gang-hui's pupils trembled even more noticeably.
“In that case, Third Young Master, in your opinion, what would happen if I were to master this art?”
“Hmm.”
After a moment of thought, Seo Ryang lowered his stance.
“Watch closely.”
*Swoosh.*
Seo Ryang moved slowly.
An incredibly slow movement. It was like watching the Wudang Sect's Taijiquan.
Yeo Gang-hui, who had been watching Seo Ryang with puzzlement, wondering what kind of martial arts demonstration this was, suddenly saw his eyes go wide.
*Thwump!*
He hadn't imbued it with internal energy, nor had he focused strength in his muscles, yet a resounding sound echoed through the air.
“What do you think?”
“It's… incredible.”
“It's a martial art called the Heavenly Demon Thunderclap Fist that I started learning recently. I'm only at the introductory stage, so it doesn't have its full power, but you can tell it's a high-level art, can't you?”
“Yes. The movements are simple, but they fully embody the principle of suppressing myriad changes with pure simplicity.”
“You have a keen eye.”
“Not at all.”
“That Ice Soul-something hand art you performed is similar. Like the Thunderclap Fist, it's a typical hard-style art that sacrifices variation for destructive power. The only difference is that the Thunderclap Fist concentrates on a single point, while your hand art focuses on spreading power in all directions.”
“You are correct.”
Seo Ryang pointed to his own bruised eye socket.
“This is a mark of honor I received from fighting a master of the Thunderclap Fist without internal energy. The difference in our levels is truly clear. Nevertheless, in a pure hand-to-hand fight without internal energy, I was pushed back.”
“Ah, so that's why…”
“It means the martial art itself is of an exceptionally high level. Your hand art is the same. Assuming you master it, you won't be pushed back by anyone of similar skill.”
In short, it was an outstanding martial art.
Yeo Gang-hui bowed his head.
“Thank you for your assessment.”
“So, what was the reason for showing me that martial art out of the blue?”
“I thought it was the only way I could see a move from you, Third Young Master.”
“Hm?”
“If I had asked you to show me your martial arts, would you have readily agreed?”
“I wouldn't have. I hate moving unnecessarily.”
“Even someone who doesn't mind a bit of trouble wouldn't easily reveal their martial arts.”
“I suppose so.”
“We must know how sharp each other's swords and spears are to be of help to one another.”
Seo Ryang's face hardened.
“Those are loaded words.”
He could have gone to the Cult Leader to propose an alliance, but instead, he came to him for help. He didn't know how the rumors about him had been twisted, but no matter how he looked at it, this wasn't an efficient approach.
And yet, this Yeo Gang-hui had spoken of being helpful to 'each other.' He didn't mean the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon and the Northern Sea Ice Palace, but 'you and I.'
Yeo Gang-hui continued in a serious voice.
“I wish to pursue an alliance between the Divine Cult and the Ice Palace. And…”
“…”
“I would like for you and I, Third Young Master, to form an alliance as well.”
“…The two of us form an alliance?”
“That is correct.”
“What's the point of that?”
“If the young masters who will carry the mantle of future leadership form an alliance, wouldn't that offer many advantages when we eventually take control of our respective organizations?”
For a moment, surprise flickered in Seo Ryang's eyes.
*'Well, look at this guy.'*
That's right. Yeo Gang-hui's true purpose wasn't just to rescue his younger sibling.
It was a proposal to help each other become the leaders of their organizations while simultaneously rescuing his sibling. In other words, he wanted to establish a common front.
“You are undoubtedly a remarkable person, Third Young Master. But you haven't been designated as the next successor yet.”
“…”
“I will be your strength. Any kind of strength you need.”
“So I, in turn, must help you?”
“That is correct.”
“Was coming here to save your sibling just an excuse?”
Yeo Gang-hui shook his head firmly.
“It doesn't matter if you refuse my proposal. Rescuing my sibling is my priority, more so than seizing power. If I can save my sibling, I don't mind becoming your enemy.”
Seo Ryang thought for a moment.
Then, he nodded.
“So, the two of us will act as a bridge to form an alliance between our organizations, helping each other to easily seize future leadership. You intend to create a favorable public opinion.”
“That is correct.”
Seo Ryang let out a smirk.
“For a guy who looks like you, you've got a surprisingly fiery side.”
His tone was different from before. It was as if a superior was speaking to a subordinate.
The listener might have been offended, but Yeo Gang-hui showed no sign of it.
“I hear that often.”
“But isn't this a losing deal for you? I'm just the Third Young Master, but you're the Young Palace Lord, right? You must have already been named the next Palace Lord.”
“I have been designated as the next Palace Lord, but there are many who dislike me.”
“You want to get rid of your political rivals?”
“That is correct.”
“And not with your own strength?”
“Drawing you in to eliminate my rivals is also a demonstration of my capabilities.”
“You've got a silver tongue.”
“Not as much as you, Third Young Master.”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“So that's why you came to me instead of the Cult Leader. You planned to join hands with the disciple currently making the biggest name for himself in the Cult and shake things up.”
Yeo Gang-hui bowed his head once more.
“I apologize for dragging this out. However, I needed time to find out what kind of person you are. I hope you understand.”
“I understand.”
“What will you do? Will you move forward with me?”
“There's one thing I want to confirm.”
“Please, speak.”
Seo Ryang tilted his head.
“You may not trust me, but I don't trust you either. It's easy to call it an alliance, but isn't it a relationship that could be broken at any moment?”
“That is also true.”
“There needs to be a definite guarantee. What do you have in mind?”
Yeo Gang-hui smiled.
It was a smile so beautiful it could make anyone who saw it dizzy.
“Since ancient times, there has been an easy way to seal an alliance between nations.”
A short while after Seo Ryang left.
“Ahem.”
Yang Jeong walked out from the bamboo forest.
Yeo Gang-hui greeted him with a fresh smile.
“You're here?”
“Ah, yes.”
Yang Jeong sat on the bench.
His expression was quite peculiar. It seemed like admiration mixed with a hint of dissatisfaction. Overall, he looked troubled.
Yeo Gang-hui licked his lips.
“So you heard everything?”
“Huh? Ah, well… it just sort of happened.”
“It's fine. It's a truth that will be revealed eventually anyway.”
“That's true, and as I said, we've retired from the front lines. We only move when a job comes our way. We have no intention of getting involved in other matters. Nor should we.”
Yang Jeong's eyes hardened.
“But will you be alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“An alliance with the Third Young Master… isn't that dangerous?”
“Dangerous?”
“Isn't it a one-sided, disadvantageous contract? What will you do if the Third Young Master simply decides to break his promise?”
“Haha, you are a demon of the Divine Cult, Senior, yet you worry about me.”
“Ahem! I've never exchanged a single word with the Third Young Master. On the other hand, I've made your acquaintance, Young Palace Lord.”
Yeo Gang-hui gazed toward the entrance of the Solitary Bamboo Forest.
It was as if he could see the lingering image of Seo Ryang's back, long since gone.
“I think I understand why the demons of the Divine Cult look at the Third Young Master with such admiration.”
“…?”
“He will never break his promise. He may grumble on the outside, but I'm certain that once he considers someone a true ally, he's the type of person to treat them better than necessary.”
“Is there a reason you think so?”
“Yes.”
A faint smile graced Yeo Gang-hui's face.
“Because I realized the Third Young Master's goal is something greater than just seizing the position of successor.”
***
“You've returned, Young Master.”
“Yeah.”
Seo Ryang, who was about to pass Ma Dongpil, blinked his eyes.
“What happened to your face?”
“Ah, this is…”
Ma Dongpil slightly lowered his head. His left eye was also bruised black and blue.
Seo Ryang let out a hearty laugh.
“That foxy old man really gave it to both of us.”
“…”
“Go ask Aeng-hwa to get you an egg.”
“Ah, yes.”
A short while later, Seo Ryang reemerged, neatly dressed.
“Where are you going?”
“Out.”
“I will accompany you.”
“It's fine. I'll have to wait there anyway.”
“Pardon?”
Seo Ryang looked up at the sky.
A dense demonic energy flickered in his stark black and white pupils.
“I must go see the Cult Leader.”
Beyond the clear sky, dark clouds seemed to be gathering.