Chapter 43
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Confrontation (1)
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“Whoa, this is fancy.”
That was Seo Ryang’s first remark upon being shown to the special suite.
“It’s plastered with gold. What a waste of money.”
Wi Hongryeon's assessment was not just harsh, but outright rude.
“……”
Ma Dongpil stood silently with his eyes closed.
Unlike Seo Ryang's residence, which was large but desolate, Hong Wi-mun's quarters were incredibly lavish.
Wi Hongryeon glanced at Seo Ryang.
Seo Ryang kept looking around, as if everything was fascinating. There was no trace of resentment or jealousy on his face.
“Young Master.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“How about decorating your own residence in this style, Young Master?”
Seo Ryang stuck out his tongue as if he were about to vomit.
“Are you crazy? Even if I were rolling in money, I could never live in a place like this. The novelty would wear off fast. How could I even get food down my throat feeling this uncomfortable?”
Wi Hongryeon grinned.
“I knew you'd think so.”
“Isn't it obvious?”
It wasn't obvious.
At least, the rulers Wi Hongryeon had seen all indulged in luxury. No, many didn't even recognize their extravagance as such.
In that respect, the Third Young Master was certainly different. He seemed to have a simple nature, preferring comfort.
Wi Hongryeon frowned.
“By the way, why isn't the Fourth Young Master here yet?”
Less than a quarter of an hour had passed since they were shown to the suite. Her impatience was truly sky-high.
Ma Dongpil spoke, his eyes still closed.
“He will come when the time is right.”
“Anyone could say that. Still, shouldn't he hurry when his superior has arrived?”
“I advise you to watch your words. There are many listening ears.”
“At least, none that my senses can detect.”
At her simple-mindedness, interpreting a warning for the future as a comment on the present, Ma Dongpil closed not only his eyes but his mouth as well.
Just then, Seo Ryang spoke.
“He's not coming. Not anytime soon.”
“Pardon?”
“I said, he won't be here anytime soon.”
Ma Dongpil's eyes snapped open. Wi Hongryeon also looked at him in surprise.
Seo Ryang scratched his head.
“I've seen a certain old man pull this stunt so many times, I know the routine. They rarely rush to greet an unannounced guest.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“To put it simply, it's a power play. We weren't invited, and we showed up without notice, so they're going to take their time to 'prepare'. Basically, it's their way of saying, 'Tough luck, you'll just have to wait.'”
Of course, that old man was the Alliance Leader of the Righteous Heaven Alliance. Officially, he was always late to seize the initiative in conversations. Unofficially, he enjoyed watching others suffer.
Wi Hongryeon's brow furrowed as much as it could. With the diagonal scar across her face, her scowl made her look like a vicious criminal.
“How dare he do that when the Third Young Master is here?”
“I may be the Third Young Master, but we're both disciples of the Cult Leader, aren't we? If I were one of the Nine Demonic Masters, maybe it'd be different, but as it is, he has no reason to accommodate us, does he?”
He said it so calmly that it sounded completely nonchalant. Wi Hongryeon hesitated.
Ma Dongpil spoke.
“Young Master, what will you do then?”
“What do you mean, 'what will I do'?”
“Should we send a message, telling him to come quickly...?”
“Why bother?”
“Pardon?”
Seo Ryang leaned back in his chair. It was so soft and plush it felt like lying on a bed.
“Hey, let's be real, when else will we get to relax in a place like this? It's not so bad to enjoy a day of fine food and lodging in such a fancy place.”
He even mentioned lodging. He truly seemed to think they might be in for a very, very long wait.
“If you're hungry, why don't you call someone and order some food?”
Ma Dongpil shook his head.
“I'm fine...”
*Ting!*
The one who pulled the cord hanging from the ceiling was none other than Wi Hongryeon. Ma Dongpil stared at her intently.
Wi Hongryeon said shamelessly.
“On second thought, the Young Master is right. When else will I get to eat a meal in a place like this? I might as well eat and sleep here while I have the chance.”
“That's right.”
A moment later, a servant entered. Though not dressed in silk, his attire was far too luxurious for a mere servant.
“You called?”
Wi Hongryeon immediately reeled off a list of dishes.
She ordered a series of strongly scented dishes for this room with only one window. Ma Dongpil spoke up.
“The Young Master doesn't like strongly scented food. If you're going to order, you should...”
Just then, Seo Ryang raised his hand.
“Order whatever you want. I don't mind.”
Wi Hongryeon shot a triumphant scoff at Ma Dongpil. Seeing no other choice, Ma Dongpil sat back down.
Seo Ryang looked up at the ceiling.
His eyes grew deep, lost in thought.
‘What would the old man have done?’
He was a terrible old man he wouldn't want to meet even in his dreams, but surprisingly, there were things to be learned from him in situations like this.
After becoming the Alliance Leader, his main role was receiving guests, but before that, the old man had traveled extensively.
Countless people were ruined by that old man who had traveled far and wide to gain power.
What if I were the Alliance Leader? What if Hong Wi-mun were one of the countless enemies the old man had crushed?
And what would happen if I adapted the old man's methods to my own style?
“Commander Wi.”
Wi Hongryeon flinched. The Third Young Master, who had always called her 'this wench' or 'that wench', had finally addressed her by her proper title.
Seo Ryang grinned.
“A few dishes won't be enough, will they?”
“Pardon?”
“Order a few barrels of liquor, too! Let's have a real feast!”
Wi Hongryeon's mouth stretched into a wide, almost comical grin. It was a strange sight.
“If that is what the Young Master wishes.”
* * *
“They ordered food and liquor?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Hmm.”
Hong Wi-mun replied curtly, puffing on a pipe that emitted red smoke with an unconcerned expression.
In contrast, Shin-hoe's face was tense.
“What on earth are they thinking?”
“Seo Ryang?”
“...Yes, sir.”
“I wonder. I never expected him to come at me like this. And with the Commander of the Berserk Demon Unit, no less.”
Despite his words, he seemed quite relaxed. It wasn't an act; he genuinely looked at ease.
“They're just unannounced guests who barged in during 'business' hours. There's no reason for me to drop everything and rush to meet them, is there?”
“Of course, sir.”
“Give them what they want. If they want liquor, give them liquor. If they want food, give them food.”
A faint purple glow flickered in Hong Wi-mun's eyes and then vanished.
“I need to see just what his limits are now.”
* * *
“*Hic!* I'm druuunk.”
Wi Hongryeon's face was flushed red.
Ma Dongpil clicked his tongue.
“You've polished off eleven bottles of Fenjiu in two hours. It'd be stranger if you weren't drunk.”
No, before that, the fact that she could drink that much was a marvel in itself.
The vast continent had its share of heavy drinkers, but to down eleven bottles of Fenjiu—bottles longer and thicker than a grown man's forearm—was something else.
“*Phew!* By the way, Young Master, you're truly amazing.”
Was it because they had a common enemy? Ever since they had decided to come here, Wi Hongryeon had been surprisingly friendly toward Seo Ryang. Now that she was drunk, she was bound to be even more amicable.
Seo Ryang tilted his head and emptied his cup.
“What is?”
“I mean, how can you drink just as much as me and still be so sober?”
“Good question. I'm wondering that myself.”
It was beyond amazing; it was baffling. Even he knew his tolerance for alcohol wasn't normal.
He vaguely suspected it had something to do with the spiritual energy of the Solitary Bamboo Forest, but he couldn't be sure.
Staring blankly at Seo Ryang, Wi Hongryeon grinned and spoke.
“Young Master, do you know how I got this scar on my face?”
“You told me earlier. You got it while beating up some lecherous rogue who was passing by.”
“This scar, you see, I got it when I encountered a spiritual cat beast in the Tian Shan mountains of the northwest. It swiped me with its front paw, *bam*! and...”
“Dongpil! Take care of her. I think she's starting to lose it.”
Ma Dongpil discreetly moved next to Wi Hongryeon.
“Commander Wi. Let's get you to bed.”
“Ah, get away! I'm not drunk!”
“Anyone can see you're completely wasted.”
“Hey, this punk?”
Now she was acting like his superior. Ma Dongpil repeatedly etched the character for patience in his mind.
“The Young Master is watching.”
“Who doesn't know that? I'm talking to the Young Master right now!”
“Please, sober up.”
“I told you, I'm fine!”
Classic drunk behavior. Seo Ryang chuckled and poured her another drink.
“Yeah, drink up. Drink until you're completely out of your mind.”
“Huh? That's dangerous, you know?”
“What is?”
“Usually, when guys... ah, I'm not talking about you, Young Master.”
“I know, you brat. So what?”
“Usually, when guys try to get a woman drunk, it's because they want to... you know... with the drunk woman...”
“Hey! Stop drinking!”
“Hehe.”
“What is with this woman? Pick a side, just one! Dammit, this is so frustrating.”
Everyone has their own drunken habits, but one thing is constant: they act differently than usual. While her tolerance was extraordinary, when drunk, Wi Hongryeon seemed no different from an ordinary person.
How long did the lively, boisterous drinking party continue?
“Dongpil.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“How long have we been here?”
Ma Dongpil glanced at the window.
“Seeing as the sun is about to set, it seems half a day has passed.”
“Right?”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Then I guess it's about time to start.”
“Pardon?”
Seo Ryang calmly stood up.
Ma Dongpil's expression turned uneasy. There was something unusual about the aura the Young Master was giving off.
“What are you planning to do? If you just tell me, I can...”
“No, I have to do this myself.”
“Pardon?”
“I'm going to try modifying that crazy old man's cheap tricks in my own way. If it works, great. If it doesn't, well, too bad.”
“I don't quite understand what you mean...”
*Chaaang!!*
It was the crisp sound of a blade being drawn, clear enough to refresh the ears of anyone who heard it.
The sound was so clean that Ma Dongpil couldn't help but be impressed. Even the drunkenly groaning Wi Hongryeon's eyes snapped open.
As Seo Ryang gazed down at the long, smooth blade, his eyes slowly turned cold.
He recalled the words of the Alliance Leader.
-Seizing the initiative isn't that complicated, really. People who worry about saving face might seem to have the upper hand at first, but they inevitably crumble under the limits they set for themselves. On the other hand, someone who is honest and pushes forward relentlessly may be ridiculed, but they can advance without limits. When fighting for control, being brutally honest is always the best way.
A lesson given to the First Young Master of the Righteous Heaven Alliance. Seo Ryang had overheard it all while in hiding.
He intended to use that very method in his own way.
“I'm infamous for being a tyrant anyway, right?”
“Pardon?”
“Then shouldn't I act like the foul-tempered tyrant I am and raise a little hell?”
In that instant, Ma Dongpil's face went pale, while a thrill of excitement flashed across Wi Hongryeon's.
*Wuuuuung!*
A terrifying demonic energy instantly concentrated on the blade.
Seo Ryang let out a vicious smile.
“It's been a while since I've drawn my blade.”
He swung the blade.
*Flash!*