Chapter 54
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: I Can't Stand Leaving Things Unfinished (4)
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Hong Wi-mun was stunned.
‘Bone Shrinking Art? His true form? I didn’t know?’
In that brief moment, a myriad of thoughts flooded his mind.
‘Is that the Head of the Hall of Punishments’ true form?’
Before, in his elderly guise, he had seemed utterly ordinary, though his easygoing nature stood out.
But not now. He was much younger and had a stronger presence, yet his tone was blunt and his gaze was indifferent.
Moreover.
“…You haven’t practiced the Demonic Arts?”
Go Gu nodded.
“That is correct.”
In his elderly form, Hong Wi-mun hadn’t felt any internal energy from him at all. He had assumed Go Gu either hadn’t trained in internal arts or had mastered a technique that concealed his aura.
But that wasn’t it. Go Gu had never practiced the Demonic Arts in the first place.
‘Is that even possible?’
He was a high-ranking official of the Divine Cult, and from the Inner Sanctum no less, not the Outer. How could he not have learned the Demonic Arts? Did that make any sense?
Just then, Seo Ryang spoke.
“What a fascinating martial art.”
A flicker of light appeared in Go Gu’s eyes.
“You can recognize my martial art?”
“Of course not. But I can tell what you’ve combined.”
“…”
“The foundation is clearly Demonic Arts. You’ve mixed in Divine Arts from the Righteous Faction. And not just any, but orthodox martial arts perfected over several generations of refinement.”
Go Gu’s expression remained unchanged, but the faint ripple in his aura betrayed his surprise.
“Impressive.”
It was an admission that Seo Ryang’s words were true. Hong Wi-mun’s face hardened noticeably.
More surprising than the fact that the Head of the Hall of Punishments hadn’t learned orthodox Demonic Arts was that Seo Ryang had recognized it at a glance, while he himself had not.
He had prided himself on having an eye second to none.
A look of interest appeared on Seo Ryang’s face.
“That couldn’t have been an easy endeavor. It is quite remarkable.”
“It was indeed a great deal of trouble.”
“It’s not an art with obvious room for change, either. Reassembling a completed martial art, with nothing to add or subtract, is impossible without the skill of a Grandmaster. To think a hidden master of our Cult was right here.”
Having created the Dark Shadow True Demonic Art himself, Seo Ryang knew just how difficult this was. He had been lucky to create his art with ease; otherwise, creating a new martial art was something one wouldn’t even dare to attempt.
“You flatter me.”
“Flatter you? It is an honest assessment.”
“That is why it is flattery. I was simply lucky.”
“Spoken like someone who knows.”
The two exchanged words that were understandable, yet difficult to fully grasp. Hong Wi-mun’s already sour mood plummeted to the depths.
Go Gu sat down.
“If you’ve set the stage, you ought to start the show. Let us cease the personal talk and move on to official matters.”
Seo Ryang’s eyes gleamed.
“Let’s.”
This man was definitely different.
It wasn't just his martial arts; his personality and disposition were unlike those of an ordinary member of the Divine Cult.
No matter how high the position of Head of the Hall of Punishments was, treating the Cult Leader’s disciples this way was clearly disrespectful. Yet, for some reason, it didn’t feel offensive.
On the contrary, it felt comfortable, familiar. It almost felt as if this kind of relationship was the norm.
‘A peculiar fellow.’
Seo Ryang, having downed his cup in one go, refilled it.
Go Gu spoke bluntly.
“I will not beat around the bush. I have brought you two here because of the recent conflict between you.”
Hong Wi-mun frowned. It wasn’t because the topic was brought up to his face.
“The interrogation is over, and the matter has been settled, as I understand it. Is there something else to be said?”
“There is.”
“What is it?”
“I wished to hear your pledge not to cause any further trouble in the future.”
Hong Wi-mun spoke as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
“Are you serious right now?”
“I am.”
“I have never particularly sought conflict. But even if I had, what authority do you have to order me around?”
“…”
“You have no authority to force anything upon us.”
He was right. The Cult Leader’s disciples had no official titles and thus no authority to carry out official duties, but by the same token, they had no reason to take orders from anyone but the Cult Leader.
Not even the Nine Great Demonic Elders of the Council of Elders could command the Cult Leader’s disciples. A request, perhaps, but not a command.
Go Gu nodded.
“The Fourth Young Master is correct. I have no authority to force anything upon you.”
“If you know that, then why…”
“The Fourth Young Master also had no authority to command anyone. Yet you held the True Demon Commander’s weakness over him and used him like your own limb.”
“...!”
“I trust that the Fourth Young Master, of all people, knows that the world does not operate solely based on official titles, status, and relationships.”
Hong Wi-mun’s eyes became bloodshot.
He had never shown such a fierce expression to anyone other than Seo Ryang. It was a sign of how cornered he felt.
“Are you threatening me right now?”
“I am.”
The reply was so matter-of-fact that it left him speechless.
“The Hall of Punishments, along with the Hall of Protectors, upholds the Cult's laws on the front lines. But our nature is different from that of the Hall of Protectors.”
“…”
“The Hall of Protectors is an organization that will do anything to protect the Cult, but it is one that can only act passively. In other words, it is an organization focused on defense.”
“…”
“This Hall is different. The Hall of Punishments actively protects the Cult. We mete out punishment to those who break the law and, in special cases, even oversee judgment. This is because, like the Hall of Protectors, we will do whatever it takes to protect the Cult.”
Go Gu’s already indifferent eyes grew increasingly transparent, like looking at glass beads.
“As the head of the Hall of Punishments, I have neither the right nor the authority to force anything upon you. However, I, as an individual who actively seeks to protect the Cult, can offer you both a new experience you have yet to encounter.”
“…”
“I am saying this because I, too, do not wish to create such an unpleasant situation. I trust you understand.”
He was saying that while he couldn’t openly plot something, he could certainly make their lives difficult in secret.
A muscle in Hong Wi-mun’s cheek twitched. Never in his life had he been threatened in such a manner.
Go Gu glanced at Seo Ryang.
*Munch, munch.*
Seo Ryang was stuffing his cheeks with the side dishes a servant had brought out at some point. Judging by his expression, he seemed quite happy.
“What are your thoughts, Third Young Master?”
“*Chew, chew.* Huh? About what?”
“…If you did not hear what I just said, I am willing to repeat myself.”
“Ah, the part about not causing any more trouble?”
“That is correct.”
Seo Ryang drained his drink with a flourish. With that one cup, he washed all the food in his mouth down into his stomach, then grinned widely and said.
“Sure, why not.”
“…”
“What’s so hard about that?”
“Just in case, I should mention that I am not joking right now…”
“I’m being serious.”
“…”
“Who would want to be on bad terms with the Hall of Punishments? I’m the same way. Besides, I have no desire to grab someone by the collar and roll around in the mud. Living peacefully is the best, I say.”
If Hong Wi-mun was left speechless by Go Gu, then Go Gu was left speechless by Seo Ryang.
“By the way, this liquor is delicious. I’ve never had it before. What’s it called?”
“It is a liquor I brewed myself.”
“You have quite the skill. Are you thinking of selling it?”
“…”
“If not, never mind.”
Go Gu, who had been staring at Seo Ryang, nodded his head.
“If the Third Young Master wishes, I will have a few bottles sent to your residence.”
“I’ll gladly accept. I’ll pick out a few gifts to send you as well. If I have any, that is.”
“That is not necessary.”
“Hey now, if something comes, something should go. Don’t you worry, I’ll send you something you’ll absolutely love.”
It was a rather meaningful statement, but Go Gu paid it no mind.
“The Third Young Master has spoken. What about the Fourth Young Master?”
“…”
“It is fine even if you have no intention of agreeing.”
Hong Wi-mun, who had been glaring at the two with bloodshot eyes, shot up from his seat.
“I will not forget this humiliation.”
“I will take that as your agreement.”
*Slide! Bang!*
Without a backward glance, Hong Wi-mun left the room.
Seo Ryang clicked his tongue.
“Looks like that guy has been through a lot.”
He had been planning to pay him back properly, only to be stopped by none other than the Head of the Hall of Punishments. Of course, he wouldn’t be in a good mood.
A person’s true nature comes out when they are pushed to their limits. Hong Wi-mun was certainly a smart man, but he was also a man with a fiery temper.
‘Or if not that…’
That appearance, too, could have been an act.
Go Gu also rose from his seat.
“I have said all I needed to say. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”
“Nothing. The drink was excellent.”
“I shall call a carriage to ensure you have a comfortable journey home. I will also have a few bottles of liquor loaded onto it. You have endured much these past three days.”
“I don’t refuse goodwill. I’ll gratefully take the ride.”
Seo Ryang stood up.
He stared at Go Gu for a moment.
“Is there something on my face?”
“There’s one thing I’m curious about.”
“…?”
“I understand how exquisite the Bone Shrinking Art is, but was there a reason to go so far as to alter your body to greet us?”
“…”
“You don’t seem to have a hobby of testing people, nor a playful personality.”
“Must I tell you?”
“I’m asking because I want to hear it, am I not? If you don’t want to say, you don’t have to.”
Go Gu shook his head.
“I will not say.”
“Alright. Rest well.”
Seo Ryang walked out as if he hadn’t a single lingering attachment.
Once the door closed, Go Gu sat down again.
His indifferent and transparent eyes, which had been unreadable, gradually darkened.
“…Strange.”
It had been a long time. A person this difficult to read.
It had been a long time. A time he had been this flustered.
And…
‘Familiar.’
It had been a long time since he had seen someone who carried a similar scent to his younger self, back when he had rushed out into the world with dreams of glory.
“At least, it’s not a bad impression.”
***
Walking back to his residence after refusing the carriage, Hong Wi-mun’s face had become expressionless. The fierce look he had shown in Go Gu’s room was gone without a trace.
‘Strange.’
A moment ago, he truly couldn’t control himself. He had been genuinely furious.
But the demeanor he showed at the very end had been a calculated act. He didn’t want to show Seo Ryang a patient and thoughtful side.
If he showed such a side, that bastard would surely prepare for something.
‘Why has he changed so much?’
They had clashed three times since returning from the Solitary Bamboo Forest, and twice they had met face-to-face.
Still, he couldn’t believe it. This change in Seo Ryang.
One’s personality can change with their environment, but Seo Ryang’s change was too extreme. People say that coming back from the dead can change a person, but this was something else.
‘He didn’t learn the Dragon Toppling Mountain Art. He learned a different Demonic Art. Could that have caused a change in his personality?’
That wasn’t impossible, but it was close to it.
Anyone who learns a Demonic Art that pursues motion over stillness can become more belligerent.
But Seo Ryang had changed to the point where using the word ‘change’ felt inadequate. It was as if he were a different person.
Above all, a Demonic Art that could alter a person’s personality to that extent would be a low-grade one. But the demonic energy he had emitted was of a very high level.
‘I can’t understand it.’
Hong Wi-mun shook his head.
In any case, Seo Ryang had changed, and the situation was worsening. He had to find a way to overcome this current predicament.
Others would not know about the Head of the Hall of Punishments’ request for mediation. If things continued like this, his own standing, having been on the receiving end of continuous attacks, would surely be diminished.
‘I can’t just stand by. There are many ways. But this time, I must not act rashly.’
*Woooong.*
Killing intent flickered in Hong Wi-mun’s eyes.
‘Slowly, I must deliver a sure and decisive blow.’
Despite the threat from the Head of the Hall of Punishments, he was completely unfazed. If he were the type to yield to such threats, he would never have become Lee Cheonsang’s disciple.
‘Just you wait. A grand reciprocation will be coming your way soon.’
It was then.
“That fellow’s eyes are dripping with killing intent. Looks like he’s about to go bury someone.”
Startled, Hong Wi-mun turned his head.
Far in the distance, Seo Ryang was leaning languidly against a large tree where his carriage was parked, drinking.
“Come on over, little brother. Let your big brother pour you a drink.”