Chapter 35
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: The Worst, Not the Strongest (3)
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The world of the demonic path is one where the strong survive.
The strong are revered, and the weak are devoured. Both the strong and the weak recognize this as a matter of course. It is different from the world of the righteous factions, which values principles like loyalty and chivalry more than simple martial prowess.
However, the survival-of-the-fittest principle of the demonic path—or more precisely, the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon—had its own merits.
It was a world where even the kin of the strong were weeded out if they were weak. Conversely, it meant that as long as one had ability, they could be treated with respect regardless of their origins.
This was precisely why Wi Hongryeon, a descendant of the Wi clan—a martial family from Hunan Province that had tormented the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon until its last breath before being annihilated—could become the commander of the Berserk Demon Unit, the most fearsome combat force in the Inner Sanctum.
Seo Ryang recalled the document So Yeonsim had given him.
‘Wi Hongryeon. Age thirty-two. Inducted into the Cult at nine, showed promise within five years and was transferred to the Inner Sanctum. Due to her astonishing talent and fierce nature, she was scouted for the Berserk Demon Unit at twenty. Later, she engaged in a life-and-death duel with the previous commander by mutual agreement. After a battle of over three hundred exchanges, she emerged victorious, promoted to commander at the age of twenty-eight.’
Just a few simple pieces of information were enough to tell what a relentless person she was. Beyond her martial arts, one could not forge such a brilliant history without extraordinary courage and drive.
‘An interesting one.’
Wi Hongryeon looked at Do Wigyeong.
“My apologies. I’ll apologize on his behalf.”
Do Wigyeong waved his hands frantically.
“N-No, not at all!”
“But it seems the proprietor knows this fellow?”
“Yes! He stops by the establishment for a meal every now and then.”
“Did he come this month as well?”
Do Wigyeong tilted his head.
“This month…”
In that instant, the Vice-Commander, Cha Gwang, glared at him. Do Wigyeong’s face turned pale once more.
Wi Hongryeon’s eyes deepened.
*Crack!*
“Ugh!”
Cha Gwang fell flat like a frog.
“Who do you think you’re glaring at?”
“*Cough!* C-Commander! That’s not what I…”
“This bastard came, didn’t he? Right?”
“Well…”
“I told you to be on standby at your quarters until the company dinner this month, didn’t I? You dare to ignore a standby order?”
“P-Please, listen to what I have to…”
*Crunch.*
Wi Hongryeon clenched her fist. From the woman’s fist, an intimidating pressure comparable to that of a powerful guardian deity pulsed out.
“It has been a while since your last thrashing, hasn’t it? If you thought I’d go easy on you because it’s the day of our dinner, you’re sorely mistaken.”
She swung her fist.
*Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!*
Cha Gwang’s body convulsed repeatedly under the barrage of punches.
There were no screams. Not only was it painful, but Cha Gwang also knew that yelling and screaming would only earn him a worse beating.
Wi Hongryeon’s pupils gradually turned red.
The way she ran her tongue over her lips was like a viper flicking its tongue.
“A fine job for a Vice-Commander. When are you going to throw away that third-rate hooligan nature of yours!”
*CRACK!*
Do Wigyeong’s jaw dropped.
That was definitely the sound of a bone breaking, wasn’t it? Did she really just snap his bone? On the day of their company dinner, no less?
Wi Hongryeon snorted.
“Get up.”
*Fwoosh!*
Cha Gwang shot up from his spot. He desperately wanted to collapse and pretend to be dying, but he didn’t dare.
“You think I went too far?”
“Not at all!”
The answer came out reflexively.
Seo Ryang, who had been watching the scene with great interest, could sense the sincerity in Cha Gwang’s reply.
‘I suppose it’s only natural.’
In any organization, insubordination was grounds for immediate execution. Getting away with just a broken arm was a bargain, and then some. In fact, it was surprising to see Wi Hongryeon’s leniency in ending it there.
“I’m ending it here because I don’t want to ruin the mood for the others. If you pull this shit again, I’ll really wring your neck.”
Cha Gwang’s face went pale. Wi Hongryeon had never once broken a promise she made.
“I-I will keep that in mind!”
Only then did Wi Hongryeon’s expression soften.
“Bring the men in.”
Cha Gwang staggered out the door.
“You bastards! Get in here!”
At the same time, the members of the Berserk Demon Unit swarmed in. They must have heard the sounds of the beating from outside, as none of them dared to utter a word as they made their way up to the second floor.
Wi Hongryeon shouted.
“What’s with you lot? Is this a funeral? Why the long faces on a good day for a company dinner? Hurry up and order some drinks!”
The members of the Berserk Demon Unit were clearly simple-minded folk. At Wi Hongryeon’s cry, Jamiru instantly became boisterous.
“Hah, how long has it been?!”
“I haven’t seen alcohol in half a year…”
“Aaargh! I’m going to drink until it comes out of my ears today!”
It was a true unleashing.
Amidst all kinds of laughter, the second to fourth floors were occupied by the members of the Berserk Demon Unit.
Wi Hongryeon spoke to Do Wigyeong.
“You received the payment for the dinner in advance, right? Give the men whatever they want. If they’re satisfied, I’ll throw in another two hundred nyang.”
For the proprietor, these were words worthy of a deep bow, but Do Wigyeong’s complexion was still not good.
Wi Hongryeon tilted her head.
“Proprietor.”
“…”
“Hey! Proprietor!”
“Gasp! Yes?!”
“Why are you just sitting there in a daze? You need to get moving.”
Beside them, Cha Gwang was glaring. His eyes urged him to hurry up and do as the commander said.
Just then, the cooks emerged from the kitchen carrying food.
The cooks, not the waiters, were bringing out the food. This bizarre situation made Wi Hongryeon and Cha Gwang blink.
Do Wigyeong quickly gestured with his eyes.
“Hurry, hurry and serve it to him!”
Uh… I wasn’t expecting this level of subservience.
While the two were taken aback, the tense cooks headed for the window seat on the first floor. They didn’t spare Wi Hongryeon or Cha Gwang a single glance.
The gazes of the two also followed the cooks.
“The dishes… are ready.”
Seo Ryang nodded.
“You could have just done as you always do. There’s no need for all this.”
“Not at all!”
“And the alcohol?”
Do Wigyeong quickly approached the cooks and pulled out two bottles of liquor from his robes.
“This is Wuliangye from Sichuan. It’s from a recent acquisition, and its rich aroma is truly superb.”
Transporting Wuliangye all the way from Sichuan must have been no small feat. Do Wigyeong had even brought out his hidden treasure.
Seo Ryang scratched his head.
“You really don’t have to go this far.”
“Not at all! On the contrary, it is my honor…”
“A strongly scented liquor doesn’t pair well with simple food.”
“Gasp!”
Do Wigyeong prostrated himself on the floor.
“P-Please kill me!”
“Huh? No, I was just saying… Please get up. I appreciate the gesture. A milder liquor will do.”
“Yes, yes!”
Do Wigyeong scrambled back into the kitchen.
Wi Hongryeon frowned.
‘What’s with that guy?’
Seeing her expression, Cha Gwang’s face flushed red. He seethed as he approached Seo Ryang. His swagger was confident, but his broken left arm dangled pathetically.
“Hey, you there!”
Seo Ryang glanced at Cha Gwang.
“Me?”
“Who else is here but you, you bastard!”
In that moment, the bodies of the cooks and waiters froze solid.
Wi Hongryeon felt the atmosphere on the first floor turn from chilly to icy cold.
Seo Ryang smiled.
“What about me?”
“Are you part of the Inner Sanctum?”
“Well… you could say that.”
“Don’t you know the Berserk Demon Unit has booked this whole place today, you punk?”
“Booked it, or did the proprietor just kick everyone out because he was scared?”
“What?!”
“Did you formally book this place? Is there an official document or something?”
“…Look at this guy.”
Seo Ryang snorted.
“You guys have your dinner, and I’ll enjoy mine. Is there a problem?”
“This son of a bitch, really!”
*Chiiik!*
A hazy shimmer rose from Cha Gwang’s body. His demonic energy was surging with rage.
A peculiar light flickered in Seo Ryang’s eyes.
‘Quite impressive.’
He was skilled enough to be called a peak master without question.
Of course, he wasn’t at a level that would impress Seo Ryang. To the eyes of a supreme master who had been counted among the Ten Great Masters Under Heaven, one punk was much like another.
The key was his spirit.
Though he had a hot-headed and rash temperament, he was clearly the type to achieve results beyond his skill level once a battle began.
That probably wasn’t limited to just Cha Gwang. Most of the Berserk Demon Unit likely possessed that same tenacious and fierce disposition.
Cha Gwang growled.
“Since it’s a good day, I’ll let you off once. Get lost, now!”
Considering the Berserk Demon Unit’s infamous reputation, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to draw his sword right then and there. In his own way, Cha Gwang was showing mercy.
Naturally, it had no effect on Seo Ryang.
“I’m not fond of brawling either, so I’ll let you off just this once.”
“What?!”
“Whether you raise hell or not, you guys just play amongst yourselves. Got it?”
“…You son of a bitch!”
*Click!*
Cha Gwang’s hand went to his waist. He looked ready to draw his saber and swing it at any moment.
It was then.
“Stand down.”
“Commander?”
“Don’t act rashly. Stand down.”
Cha Gwang hesitated before backing away. What could he do? It was an order from his commander, who was like the heavens to him.
Wi Hongryeon approached Seo Ryang’s table.
Seo Ryang looked up at her.
*Squeeze.*
Hidden inside her sleeve, Wi Hongryeon’s hand tightened.
‘He’s strong?’
The eyes of the man looking up at her were like colorless, transparent ice. She couldn’t read what he was thinking at all.
‘His martial power… I can’t tell. But he’s by no means weak.’
He appeared to be in his mid-twenties at a glance. That was due to his build; judging by his face alone, one could believe he was barely of age.
‘He doesn’t seem to be of ordinary status.’
Everyone here, from the proprietor to the cooks, was mindful of this young man. He was likely a man of considerable standing.
Wi Hongryeon stared intently at Seo Ryang. And Seo Ryang looked up at Wi Hongryeon.
The corners of Seo Ryang’s lips curved up smoothly.
“My neck hurts. If you have something to say, sit down.”
Wi Hongryeon’s eyelid twitched.
Cha Gwang’s mouth opened reflexively.
“Is this crazy bastard tired of living?!”
Neither Seo Ryang nor Wi Hongryeon even looked at him. Cha Gwang’s breathing grew increasingly ragged. Still, being in front of his superior, he didn’t dare act any more rashly.
Wi Hongryeon’s lips parted.
“Who are you?”
“Are we introducing ourselves now?”
“You seem to know that we are the Berserk Demon Unit.”
“It’d be harder not to. You all look like you’ve lost your minds.”
*Ssssssk.*
Killing intent radiated from Cha Gwang’s body. He was on the verge of exploding.
Wi Hongryeon’s eyes deepened.
“You didn’t seem reckless enough to pick a fight first. Was I mistaken?”
“That’s hilarious. You guys were the ones who started it, not me.”
“…”
“And I said, if you have something to say, sit down and say it.”
“Why should I listen to you?”
“Because my neck hurts?”
Unconsciously licking her lips, Wi Hongryeon’s pupils slowly began to glow with a red light.
“You’re making an uninteresting choice.”
In response, Seo Ryang’s smile widened.
“We’ll have to see who it’s uninteresting for, won’t we?”
Just then, Do Wigyeong, emerging from the kitchen, shouted with a deathly pale face.
“Commander!”
Wi Hongryeon glanced at him.
Normally, he would have immediately lowered his gaze, but Do Wigyeong was desperate now. He had just realized that with the atmosphere being so volatile, he hadn’t had a chance to explain who that man was.
“Y-You cannot treat him that way!”
*Clang!*
Cha Gwang swiftly drew his sword and placed it on Do Wigyeong’s shoulder.
“Hic!”
“What did you say?”
Do Wigyeong swallowed hard.
“…You cannot treat him that way.”
Cha Gwang smiled coldly.
“Give me thirty reasons why not. Then I’ll let you live.”
It meant he would kill him on the spot for any nonsense. Do Wigyeong squeezed his eyes shut.
“He is the Third Young Master of our Cult!”
“…?”
“He-He is the Cult Leader’s disciple!”
“…!”
Wi Hongryeon and Cha Gwang stared at Seo Ryang in shock.
Seo Ryang shrugged.
“Twenty-nine reasons left, proprietor.”