Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: Audience with the Patriarch
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Following the guidance of the gate guard warrior, Hyeonjin took the lead, while Cheonyu and the other three Plum Blossom Sword Guards followed behind, carrying the coffin containing the Black Tiger Demon's corpse.
'Pretty impressive, huh?'
Cheonhwi, bringing up the rear of the group, darted his eyes around here and there.
'Even compared to the Five Great Families of the Divine Cult, this place wouldn't fall short at all.'
The Nangong Family's manor boasted vast courtyards and antique pavilions everywhere, proclaiming its long history.
Just looking at it made one guess how much money and manpower had been poured into it, revealing the extent of the family's prestige.
As the group passed through the expansive courtyards and corridors of the vast manor, they encountered Nangong Family servants coming and going with laughter and chatter.
"Are they guests?"
"But those uniforms..."
In an instant, their laughter cut off.
With that, their gazes sharpened and pierced through the group like arrows.
"Not exactly a welcoming atmosphere."
The group whipped their heads around in surprise at Cheonhwi's sudden remark.
"Am I wrong?"
"Hwi."
Cheonyu quickly approached.
He glanced at the gate guard before covering his mouth with an index finger and whispering softly.
"You need to watch your mouth here."
"Why? Because this is the Nangong Family?"
"Yeah. Because it's the Nangong Family... You don't seriously know and did that on purpose, do you?"
"Their eyes rub me the wrong way."
Cheonhwi glared at those watching them.
Their stares were too blatant.
"Like we're some kind of spectacle... Mmph."
Sensing the gate guard's glare, Cheonyu hurriedly covered Cheonhwi's mouth.
"Shh. Be quiet."
Cheonyu said, glancing around nervously.
In truth, he had felt that atmosphere too. No, he was certain everyone in the group had.
But what could they do?
This was the Nangong Family territory—an enemy land.
Speaking out might just bring harm upon themselves.
Cheonyu leaned close to Cheonhwi's ear, who was frowning, and whispered.
"We'll talk about it later."
Looking into Cheonyu's earnest eyes, Cheonhwi grabbed his hand and pushed it away.
He felt deeply uncomfortable.
Who would have ever imagined they'd be treated like this by the Nangong Family?
But he held back for now.
The group's piercing gazes were directed at him.
A moment later, the group was led to a detached annex.
"Please wait here for a while."
The moment the group entered the annex, the gate guard left after saying that.
"That's as good as outright snubbing us."
"I see."
Hyeonjin smiled faintly at the perceptive remark.
He had somewhat anticipated this upon visiting the Nangong Family.
The Murim Alliance and the Bicheon Society were sworn enemies, after all.
But the extent was worse than expected.
"...For now, let's unpack our things."
Hyeonjin deliberately changed the subject.
Complaining here wouldn't change anything. They had no choice but to complete the mission quickly and return to the Murim Alliance.
It was then.
Creak—
Suddenly, the annex door opened, and a sharply featured middle-aged man entered with a heavy scent of incense.
Spotting the group, he approached and lightly bowed toward Hyeonjin.
"I am Chief Steward Namgung Jinsu."
As the group's brows furrowed at the rude gesture that didn't even include a proper fist salute,
"I am Hyeonjin of Mount Hua."
Hyeonjin returned the salute properly.
"So you're the Great Hero of the Crimson Plum."
A glint appeared in Namgung Jinsu's eyes upon hearing Hyeonjin's title, then vanished.
"I heard you brought the Black Tiger Demon's corpse. Is that true?"
"Yes. And we also have a separate letter from the Murim Alliance."
Hyeonjin pulled a letter from his bosom and handed it to Namgung Jinsu, who was narrowing his brows.
"It's from the Vice Commander of the Murim Alliance."
"Indeed."
Namgung Jinsu took the letter with a reluctant expression, read it, and tucked it into his sleeve.
"I've confirmed it."
Namgung Jinsu nodded.
"Then follow me, all of you."
Hyeonjin's eyebrows twitched.
"Follow you? What do you mean?"
"The Patriarch is waiting."
At the abrupt words, the group, unable to even unpack, followed the steward.
How long had they been walking?
Suddenly, the group sensed something off.
The Nangong Family manor, which had been bustling with people moments ago, was now eerily quiet.
There wasn't a single soul passing through the corridors, creating a desolate atmosphere.
As if reading the silence and mood akin to the calm before the storm,
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards, led by Hyeonjin, heightened their tension and followed the steward ahead.
"This is the place."
The steward stopped.
At the end of what seemed like an endlessly long corridor, a grand door made of antique wood welcomed the group.
[Azure Heaven Grand Hall]
As the Plum Blossom Sword Guards tensed upon seeing the grand hall, the gate guard pushed open the closed door.
Creeeak—
The door slowly opened, and faint light leaked through the gap.
"Enter."
Hyeonjin pierced through the light first, and the moment Cheonhwi entered last,
"Is that the Black Tiger Demon's corpse?"
"To think the Plum Blossom Sword Guards came all this way."
Voices came from left and right.
'They're all here.'
He scanned the hall with half-lidded eyes.
It had been less than a quarter of an hour since their arrival was announced, yet the hall was filled with many people dressed in splendid light blue and white martial robes.
'Feels like those with nothing better to do pull this stunt often.'
Normally, one would meet privately or chat lightly over a small table.
So why summon them to the grand hall and fill it with family members?
'Just dying to show off.'
Cheonhwi smirked as he swept his gaze over them.
Their stares held no goodwill. Rather, they brimmed with wariness and hostility.
'Still, it's intriguing. Who'd have thought I'd see the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families, once so united, turning against each other.'
It was quite the spectacle.
'The Demon Brain would have cheered if he were alive.'
In the past, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had tried every trick to divide the orthodox factions but never succeeded once.
Yet now they were split in two.
And hostile toward each other, no less.
"Martial brother, what are you doing?"
Then, Gugyeomwi's whispering voice tickled his ear.
Snapping to attention, he realized he had stopped walking, creating quite a distance from the group ahead.
"Hurry up."
At Gugyeomwi's urging glance, Cheonhwi resumed his halted steps.
After a few steps,
The group ahead stopped.
"Patriarch. I've brought the guests."
No sooner had the steward's voice ended than,
"Welcome."
A stiff voice came from above.
Lifting his head, a man sat upon a massive jade throne atop the stairs.
His appearance was extraordinary.
Clad in splendid silk robes adorned with luxurious ornaments, and beside the throne leaned a sword decorated with all manner of jewels.
The man, flaunting his authority brazenly, rose from the throne and straightened his back.
"I am Patriarch Namgung In."
His attitude and gaze were overbearing.
Yet Hyeonjin showed no intimidation, offering a courteous salute.
"I am Hyeonjin of Mount Hua."
At that moment, the Azure Heaven Grand Hall stirred.
"Crimson Plum...?"
"The Crimson Plum came all the way here."
Then, the steward ascended the stairs and cautiously handed a letter to Namgung In.
"A letter from the Murim Alliance."
Namgung In's expression shifted constantly as he read, soon hardening rigidly.
"A transaction, is it..."
Muttering softly, he stood.
"I wish to confirm if this is indeed the Black Tiger Demon's corpse."
"The corpse is right here."
At Hyeonjin's glance backward,
Thud—
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards set down the coffin.
One of them then opened the closed lid, and the stench of death wafted out thickly.
"Is that the Black Tiger Demon's body?"
Killing intent surged here and there.
'They must have been bitter enemies.'
Cheonhwi felt a malice and hostility toward the group incomparable to what they directed at the Black Tiger Demon, piquing his curiosity about their connection.
'A grudge between the Nangong Family and someone who cultivated Blood Sect techniques. Interesting.'
Then, Namgung In stepped forward.
Descending the stairs slowly, step by step, he passed Hyeonjin and approached the coffin, peering down slowly.
"...The face is identical to that bastard's."
His voice dripped with viscous killing intent.
Soon, he whipped his head around, looked at Hyeonjin, and opened his mouth.
"Who killed this one?"
"We did."
"...You lot did?"
Namgung In questioned incredulously, his face saying he couldn't believe it.
"Yes."
"Hard to believe."
It sounded dismissive.
But Hyeonjin brushed it off smoothly.
"Believe it or not, he was undoubtedly one who cultivated the Blood Energy Technique, and he admitted himself to being the Black Tiger Demon."
"He cultivated the Blood Energy Technique, you say."
Namgung In glared at the corpse for a moment.
"Heavenly Wind Squad Leader."
"You called?"
A stern-faced middle-aged man appeared like the wind and knelt on one knee.
"Examine this corpse."
"Understood."
The Heavenly Wind Squad Leader closed the coffin's lid.
At the same time, four men materialized like a mirage, hoisted the coffin onto their shoulders, and kicked off.
Whoosh!
They vanished in an instant, and Namgung In looked at Hyeonjin and the group.
"Then you may return to the annex."
It was no different from an order to leave.
Hyeonjin and the Plum Blossom Sword Guards bristled momentarily but bit their lips, unable to voice complaints.
This was the Nangong Family.
The jaws of the tiger.
With no choice, Hyeonjin turned and addressed the Sword Guards.
"Let's head back."
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards ground their teeth.
Rage boiled at the utter disregard, but what angered them more was their own silence.
As Hyeonjin and the Sword Guards passed him, Cheonhwi muttered.
"This is why I hate dealing with ungrateful wretches who don't even recognize favors."
It was a small voice.
But those nearby heard it clearly.
"...!"
The group froze like statues.
Praying desperately that it went unheard, they glanced at Namgung In, but he, who had been ascending the stairs, halted.
"Hold on."
Twisting his head, Namgung In fixed Cheonhwi with a cold glare, eyes sharp.
"What did you just say?"
"He heard that?"
Cheonhwi turned around as he spoke.
He then met Namgung In's eyes squarely, a sly smile spreading across his lips.
"Narrow-minded with sharp ears, I see."
"Martial brother!"
"...!"
"Hwi!"
Hyeonjin and the Sword Guards cried out in alarm, eyes bulging.
The opponent was the Patriarch of the Nangong Family.
Here, he could dictate their lives at will.
And yet, provocation?
They rushed to stop him, but
"Fine, I'll say it again, so open your ears wide and listen carefully."
Cheonhwi didn't stop.
"D-don't say it..."
"M-martial brother!"
"Don't do it!"
The horrified Hyeonjin and Sword Guards tried desperately to intervene, but Cheonhwi's lips parted first.
"This is why I hate dealing with ungrateful wretches who don't even recognize favors."