Chapter 194
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 194
Chapter Title: An Inhuman Path (8)
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On the way back to his residence, Seo Ryang was lost in thought.
‘A true demon, devoid of even the barest shred of morality?’
Seo Ryang scoffed.
‘Interesting.’
There were many in the world stronger than him, but few had seen as many faces of humanity as he had.
Back when he was assassinating all sorts of martial artists under the command of the Righteous Heaven Alliance’s leader, most of them were scum who didn’t even deserve to be called vicious. The Alliance Leader and the bastards he killed were all cut from the same cloth.
The only difference was that the Alliance Leader was smarter.
‘I don’t know how reckless you are, but unless you’re on the old man’s level, you won’t be able to lay a single scratch on me.’
The truth is that the strong don't win; those who win are strong.
He had lived for decades in a world governed by that truth—a world that was fierce, cheap, and utterly savage. Whatever Jin Gwan-yong threw at him, at least he wouldn't be caught off guard.
“Hm. I’m here.”
The sight of his distant residence was a welcome one.
“What a pain it was getting here.”
The Cult Leader, Jin Gwan-yong… he was sick and tired of it all. If he hadn't healed his internal injuries, he might have collapsed from exhaustion by now.
Seo Ryang quickened his pace, only to be met with a dumbfounding scene the moment he entered his residence.
“Hah!”
*Thwack!*
“Guuuh!”
A woman went tumbling to the ground with a bizarre groan.
“That makes forty-two times. Let’s stop.”
“S-stop, my ass, you bastard! I’ll land a hit on you yet!”
“It won’t happen even if you try a hundred more times.”
“Just one more time is all I need!”
“I’ve heard that forty-two times now.”
“You son of a bitch!”
*Fwoosh!*
Wi Hongryeon charged forward at high speed, swinging her Howling Tiger Sword.
The arc traced by the sword was surprisingly practical. A simple yet hard-to-dodge sword line, it was clear her martial arts were rooted in the principle of a single, decisive strike.
However.
‘It’s no use.’
Seo Ryang's simple prediction immediately became reality.
*Clang!*
A soft, upward strike sent the Howling Tiger Sword flying.
*Thud!*
“Gak!”
A gentle push from a palm sent Wi Hongryeon soaring through the air before she crashed to the ground. Though it was a gentle palm technique, Ma Dongpil’s martial arts were as unyielding as any, so the impact was inevitable.
“Forty-three times. Let’s really end it now.”
“Y-you cheap bastard! Using palm techniques in a swordsman's duel?”
“Have you already forgotten you tried to poke my eyes out with your fingers just a moment ago?”
“Shut up, you punk!”
Wi Hongryeon ground her teeth.
“I’m not going back until I leave a single sword mark on your body!”
It was an obsession of terrifying proportions. Ma Dongpil clicked his tongue at Wi Hongryeon’s madness.
Just then, Seo Ryang walked between the two.
“This looks interesting.”
“Young Master!”
“Huh?!”
Ma Dongpil’s face lit up as he approached Seo Ryang.
“You’re late.”
“Yeah, something came up. What are you two doing?”
“Ah… I was sparring with Commander Wi…”
Seo Ryang snorted.
“A spar? I guess you call getting your ass handed to you forty-three times in a row a spar?”
Ma Dongpil scratched his head with an awkward expression.
Wi Hongryeon grumbled.
“You’re here.”
“Well, listen to that tone.”
“Why the surprise?”
Seo Ryang chuckled. He figured it couldn't be easy living with a mouth that could grumble in any situation.
“Stop wasting your energy and get some rest. Clear your head. You’ll never touch a single hair on Dongpil’s head like that.”
“I don’t want to!”
“Do it.”
“…”
“Do it.”
“…Fine.”
Wi Hongryeon plopped down, muttering to herself. He could hear things like, ‘I could’ve finished him with just one more round,’ and ‘This is so frustrating I could die.’
Even if he didn't want to hear it, she was too loud to ignore. Seo Ryang shook his head.
“Do you think you can break a rock by whipping it with a switch?”
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“What do you mean? You’ll never beat him, not in a million years.”
“…”
“If you don’t like it, then get stronger, fast.”
“You think I don’t know that?”
It meant she was well aware that she couldn't defeat Ma Dongpil. Still, Wi Hongryeon was being rather honest in front of Seo Ryang.
“You can’t land a single blow because you’re trying to showcase your strengths in a mere spar.”
“Then?”
“You have to fight the kind of battle that suits you if you want to even touch a single hair on his head.”
“And what’s that?”
“What are your strengths?”
“Beating people up?”
“How do you beat them up?”
“Like I’m trying to kill them?”
“Then do it with the intent to kill.”
Wi Hongryeon’s eyes sparkled.
Beat him with the intent to kill? It sounded like a joke, but it was the truth. Ever since she first picked up a sword, she had never once engaged in a practice spar.
It was a continuous series of battles fought not to win, but to kill.
Someone accustomed to life-or-death struggles, where combatants wagered their hearts to see who could seize the other’s first, was unlikely to perform at their best on a gentle stage where they merely compared martial skills.
*Shing!*
Drawing her Howling Tiger Sword, she lowered her stance.
“You! Let’s go again—!”
“Enough.”
“Why!”
“I told you to rest. Do it later. You don’t even realize how much your internal injuries have accumulated.”
Wi Hongryeon ground her teeth before sitting down with a thud.
“One more round after I’m done circulating my energy.”
Ma Dongpil shook his head.
“No.”
“Why!”
“I will not fight with you anymore. Just know that.”
“You cheap bastard. You’re just going to call it quits after winning?”
As if he couldn't be bothered to deal with her, Ma Dongpil turned his head away.
Wi Hongryeon fumed for a moment before closing her eyes. She had to tend to her internal injuries, after all.
Seo Ryang sighed.
“Why is she here messing around instead of reorganizing her unit?”
“I do not know, sir.”
“In any case, you’ve been through a lot because of one crazy lunatic.”
“…”
The words ‘It was nothing’ should have come, but they didn't. His mental exhaustion had reached its peak.
“Have you eaten?”
“The timing’s a bit off. Let’s just have dinner later.”
“Understood.”
“By the way…”
Seo Ryang turned his head to look at the stone wall. There, sitting with a straight posture, was Yeo Sangrin, staring blankly at him.
“What are you doing over there?”
“The weather is nice.”
Seo Ryang looked up at the sky. Filled with dark clouds, it could hardly be called nice, even as a pleasantry.
“Isn’t this a common sight in the North Sea? I thought it was a region where it snows heavily.”
“It doesn’t snow as much as you’d think.”
“Really? Well, alright.”
Seo Ryang started walking toward his room.
Just then, Yeo Sangrin stood up.
“Would you happen to have a moment?”
Seo Ryang glanced at Yeo Sangrin. Beneath her calm expression, he could see a hint of tension.
“I’m going to wash up, so let’s have some tea. Dongpil! Ask Aeng-hwa for some tea… Huh? Where is Aeng-hwa? She’s usually the type to run over and jump for joy.”
“She is asleep.”
“Sleeping? Must be really tired.”
“Yes. She has a bit of a cold…”
Ma Dongpil let out a dry cough. Yeo Sangrin lowered her head as if embarrassed.
Seo Ryang blinked.
“Did something happen?”
That evening.
Seo Ryang rolled down his raised sleeves and spoke.
“It was a bit much to bring it from the dining hall, so I just whipped something up with the ingredients we have. Go on, eat.”
Yeo Sangrin’s eyes widened. Ma Dongpil, who had been fidgeting uncomfortably, was at a loss for words.
“Oh? This is amazing!”
Wi Hongryeon, sitting unabashedly, chewed on a piece of meat.
“Ah, this is great! I can feel my strength returning already.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“But when did you learn to cook? It can’t be easy to get this kind of flavor.”
Seo Ryang shrugged.
“I’ve just tried it once in a while. I made a lot, so eat as much as you want.”
“Yes, sir!”
Wi Hongryeon hugged a plate larger than her bowl and began to eat in earnest.
Following her lead, Ma Dongpil cautiously picked up some food and couldn't help but marvel.
“This is incredible, Young Master.”
“Thanks.”
The two of them had eaten all sorts of strange creatures in the Solitary Bamboo Forest. But back then, even Ma Dongpil hadn't known Seo Ryang had a talent for cooking.
It was only natural; the only seasoning they had was salt. The only cooking methods available were steaming or making soup, so he never had a chance to show off his real skills.
Seo Ryang glanced at Yeo Sangrin.
“I made about thirty servings, so don’t worry and eat up.”
Thirty servings for just four people? Wasn't that a bit much?
Yeo Sangrin blushed and said.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“Sure.”
And so, the four of them began their quiet yet boisterous meal.
While eating, Ma Dongpil asked.
“By the way, Young Master, where is Geumho…?”
“Why ask something so obvious? He’s probably out in the nearby mountains, hunting down a few poor deer.”
“Ah, yes.”
He wanted to ask about the Tiger King too, but he held back. He figured he’d get a similar answer.
After calmly emptying her plate five times, Yeo Sangrin cleared her throat.
Seo Ryang looked at her, puzzled.
“What? Are you full already?”
“What? Ah, no.”
Only after she said it did she realize it wasn't something to be so proud of.
With an awkward expression, Yeo Sangrin straightened her posture. The timing was a bit random and there were many people around, but she felt she had to say what was on her mind.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Hm? Oh, right. Think of this as your home and make yourself comfortable.”
“Yes. And…”
“What is it?”
“I have something to tell you separately.”
Seo Ryang nodded.
“Go on.”
Yeo Sangrin subtly glanced around.
Catching her gaze, Ma Dongpil rose from his seat.
“Please, speak amongst yourselves. Commander Wi, let’s get up.”
“*Munch, munch.* Huh? I’m not done eating yet…”
“Let’s go.”
Just then, Seo Ryang shook his head.
“Why get up? Sit.”
“Sir? But…”
Seo Ryang smiled and looked at Yeo Sangrin.
“Everyone here is my person. I don’t really hide anything from them. And I plan to keep it that way.”
“…”
“If you have something to say, feel free. It doesn’t matter if they know anyway.”
It seemed she had made the atmosphere awkward because of her. Yeo Sangrin bowed her head.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things uncomfortable.”
“I know.”
“Then, I will speak.”
Yeo Sangrin’s eyes shone like stars.
“I would like to ask what I can do to help you, Third Young Master, become the future successor of the Divine Cult.”
“…*Cough!*”
At the sudden bombshell, Wi Hongryeon let out a choked cough. Ma Dongpil, who was about to pick up his chopsticks again, froze solid.
A look of interest appeared on Seo Ryang’s face.
“You want to help me?”
“That is correct.”
“Does this mean you don’t intend to remain a mere symbol of our contract?”
Yeo Sangrin nodded vigorously.
“Our palace, or more accurately, my older brother who will be the next Palace Lord, has formed an alliance with you, Third Young Master. Therefore, it is only natural that I, as a person of the Ice Palace, should help you.”
Seo Ryang nodded.
“That’s a good mindset. But it’s not a situation where I particularly need any help. Besides, I don’t even know the extent of your abilities.”
“I see.”
“And there are plenty of people, both inside and outside the Divine Cult, who will help me. Wouldn’t it be better to discuss what happens after I become the successor?”
To discuss what happens after he becomes the successor. His words were filled with immense confidence.
After staring at Seo Ryang for a moment, Yeo Sangrin bowed her head.
“Understood. Then, whenever you need my help, please let me know…”
“Ah, there is one thing I’m curious about.”
“Yes?”
Seo Ryang propped his chin on his hand and asked.
“That Vitreous Latent Power Grand Art, or whatever it’s called.”
“!”
“What in the world is that? Explain it to me.”
“…Did my brother not tell you?”
“No. It seemed like he had something to say, but he kept hesitating. From the looks of it, I have a rough idea.”
Yeo Sangrin’s expression hardened slightly.
“The fact that my brother did not speak of it means there was no need to. However, since you are asking, Third Young Master, I will tell you.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“The Vitreous Latent Power Grand Art is an inhuman grand art, born from the blood-soaked history of our palace.”
“An inhuman grand art?”
“And, in a broader sense, it is a grand art related not only to the Beast Palace but also to your esteemed cult.”
Seo Ryang’s eyes gleamed.
Related to the Beast Palace and the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon. The only thing the two groups had in common was that they were major powers south of the Yangtze River.
Yeo Sangrin asked.
“By any chance, does a martial art similar to an essence-absorbing demonic art exist in the Divine Cult?”