Chapter 404
Chapter 404
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 404
Chapter Title: Stained (3)
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Hao Sect Leader Mok Yeom-yak.
Confirming the seven characters written on the flags of the fishing boats that had appeared in a flock, Eon Jeong-ung opened his mouth with a hardened expression.
"...Why is the Hao Sect Leader here."
In contrast, Cheon Jang-ho clapped his hands with delight.
"Brother Yong-un has all sorts of connections with the Hao Clan! You've come to help us, right?!"
Eon Yong-myeong also brightened up and chimed in.
"Jang-ho's right. Remember when Brother was kicked out of our family? Mother gave him some silver, and he used it to help Tae-ho's escorts. It's a well-known story that everyone knows, so Father knows it too. It looks like you've come to our aid right on time when we were in a bind."
The story of Eon Yong-un being expelled was like a sore spot for Eon Jeong-ung, so he usually clammed up whenever it came up.
But not today.
Eon Jeong-ung shot a sharp gaze toward the Hao Clan's fishing boats.
"But it's the Hao Sect Leader. The Night Moon Lord... the one called the Master of the Night. That means we shouldn't take her lightly, but it also means she doesn't reveal herself personally."
The Hao Clan was different from ordinary sects.
Even compared to the righteous sects of the Orthodox Alliance or the black path factions aligned with the Demonic Alliance.
"The reason they can maintain relations with both the righteous and demonic factions is because the Hao Sect Leader doesn't move."
Sometimes, a being that exerts deterrence by doing nothing at all.
The moment such a being moves, the organization called the Hao Clan, which is precariously balanced on the edge of conflict, comes under suspicion as well.
They can no longer maintain neutrality and are forced to pick a side.
"Yong-un's ties with the Hao Clan aren't insignificant. However, that flag says Hao Sect Leader. How many disciples does the Hao Clan have in total?"
"......"
"......"
"...Too many to count. She's a woman who shoulders so many lives that even estimating is impossible."
Before the lifeline of that vast number of Hao Clan disciples, the connection with Eon Yong-un couldn't even be called significant.
It was unlikely she'd decide on a matter involving the life and death of so many for the sake of a single tie.
With that, Eon Jeong-ung continued without relaxing his vigilance toward the horizon.
"They might have come as enemies. I don't want to teach you to be suspicious, but that's how the world works. The jianghu is a ruthless place where yesterday's friend can become today's foe."
At Eon Jeong-ung's words, Paeng So-jin nodded.
"...I agree with Uncle. The Hao Clan's help for Yong-un up until now could be seen as individual actions or those of a single branch. But now that Mok Yeom-yak's name is out in front, we have to set aside the connection with Yong-un. For now, we should go on alert."
As the faces of the Eon family brothers hardened at the words of those two, Cheon Jang-ho spoke up again.
"Tsk. Now that you mention it, yeah."
Paeng So-jin barked an order at Cheon Jang-ho.
"If it seems that way, then move! You too, Pig and Yong-myeong. Hurry and tell the Red Dragon Palace people and the Haenam Sect disciples to get on alert!"
Just as those struggling to salvage the wrecked ships gathered together and assumed alert positions,
The Hao Clan's fishing boats, now right in front of them, all turned and dropped anchor in unison.
Kkiiigiii-kik.
Martial artists poured out from the cabin of the ship flying the Hao Sect Leader's flag,
Followed by a woman in a veiled bamboo hat who stepped out and spoke.
"Are you the North Hebei Fist Hero?"
"Yes. Eon Jeong-ung at your service. The flag says Hao Sect Leader. Pleased to meet you."
Eon Jeong-ung politely cupped his fists, and the woman lifted the veil on her bamboo hat and replied.
"Mok Yeom-yak. Truth be told, this isn't our first meeting as the Heavenly Maiden... but whatever. More importantly, come aboard quickly."
Toward Mok Yeom-yak, Eon Jeong-ung once again cupped his fists politely and asked.
"Forgive me, but may I first hear why you've appeared here and what you mean by that?"
"No?"
"...Pardon?"
As Eon Jeong-ung wore a blank expression at the response,
Mok Yeom-yak smiled faintly and spoke.
"Stubborn as ever, whether in your youth or now."
"......"
"Oh, not a criticism. I mean you're upright... Aren't the Eastern Path Society folks in a hurry right now?"
With that opener, Mok Yeom-yak scanned the fully alerted North Hebei group.
"To be direct: the Heavenly Maiden has come to aid the Dragon Boy. I understand your caution since we're part of the Demonic Alliance, but time is short. Local fishermen say the tide will change soon, so board first."
"......"
"You don't have many options, do you? Board first, and if something seems off, you can show off your skills on deck. It won't be too late."
Mok Yeom-yak's words made sense.
Eon Jeong-ung made his decision immediately.
"Very well, we'll impose on you. Everyone, board ship."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ As the Hao Clan's fleet carrying the North Hebei group began heading toward the Southern Frontier,
Eon Jeong-ung sought out Mok Yeom-yak, still standing at the bow, and bowed.
"...We are grateful for the Hao Sect Leader's decision."
At Eon Jeong-ung's courteous gesture, Mok Yeom-yak lightly nodded and replied.
"Doesn't seem like something to be thanked this much... but it's not unpleasant receiving such courtesy from the famed righteous family head."
"No, we were in dire straits. Thanks to you, we've shed a great worry."
"You look like you have more to say to this Heavenly Maiden?"
"For the Eastern Path Society, it's gratitude... but is it alright? This battle's outcome is uncertain."
"He seemed certain."
"...Pardon?"
Mok Yeom-yak, making Eon Jeong-ung blank again, smiled faintly and spoke.
"Your eldest son said it. That they'd win."
"...Pardon?"
At Mok Yeom-yak's words, Eon Jeong-ung thought of Eon Yong-un.
'So he must have contacted them.'
After all, the timing of the Hao Clan's fleet was too perfect to be coincidence.
'And he boasted they'd win, that kid.'
As a father, he nearly laughed at Eon Yong-un's boldness, comparable to a tiger's gall,
But as the North Hebei Fist Hero, Eon Jeong-ung spoke his conviction.
"Demons are tenacious. No one can predict how this century-old war will end."
"...Keep going."
"Moreover, the Demonic Alliance Leader, Eastern Purity Chief Baek Gwang-ho, won't take kindly to your movements. This decision could lead to the Hao Clan's destruction. Are you alright with that?"
At Eon Jeong-ung's words, Mok Yeom-yak gave a dry laugh and began her tale.
"Our lives have always been perilous."
"......"
"And the Hao Clan doesn't get destroyed. My knowledge is limited, but we've always dealt in dirty, lowly affairs. We'll continue to do so. The Hao Clan will persist. At most, this puts me and my adopted children at risk."
Pausing, she pointed to her guards and continued.
"Those kids all said the same. The courtesans said we must repay favors."
"......"
"The coachmen and porters said helping the Dragon Boy keeps business good."
"......"
"The fishermen and boatmen gathered these ships. Oh, the servants and errand boys said with someone like the Dragon Boy glaring fiercely, no one from righteous or demonic will mess with us. For a moment, I wondered if I was the Hao Sect Leader or the Murim Alliance Leader."
"...Ahem. Khm."
"Looks like your eldest has thoroughly won them over."
Smirking, Mok Yeom-yak turned her gaze back to Eon Jeong-ung.
"This life of mine isn't that precious. I've been treated as sect leader thanks to the ties embracing these pitiful souls. If a courtesan pushed to the back room or slums can live in luxury thanks to him, that's the resolve we must have."
As Eon Jeong-ung, who had been silently listening, parted his lips again,
"...Sect Leader."
Mok Yeom-yak gazed at the distant Southern Frontier land and asked Eon Jeong-ung.
"Being a parent is never easy."
"...I agree."
The two, staring at the horizon, had smiles on their faces.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Two days after deciding to accept the Blood Fiend's invitation.
Hooruk!
Jeong Yeong-i on my shoulder, Jeokgal Seolji and Nangong Yun arrived at our camp.
From Dangang-gu, through Jeomcheong and Naman Beast Palace, back here.
I greeted the two who must have worked hard.
"Good work."
Jeokgal Seolji and Nangong Yun looked awkward and replied.
"Nothing compared to you, Lord Yong-un. Moreover, we didn't cleanly wrap up at the Beast Palace, which is regrettable. If it had gone better, the encirclement of the Blood Cult would be tighter."
"Sorry. Things turned out this way, so only you and Jeokgal Seolji could come from the Southern Frontier forces."
"We expected that. Northern and Southern routes' forces are coming properly. For now, just you two are worth a thousand troops."
At my response,
Nangong Yun cleared his throat awkwardly, lips twitching.
"Ahem. A thousand troops. But where's Yeong-i? This guy's always missing at times like this."
"Couldn't fit trivial details in the letter. Yeong-i and Eun So-jeo are in the Hong Army."
With that opener, I summarized what happened while apart.
"...That's how it went."
"So the Hong Army's not just nominally but truly battle-ready. In such a short time. As expected of you, Lord Yong-un."
"Result of everyone's efforts, especially Cheol-i did great. How's the situation where the Heaven Machine Wonder Mountain elder is?"
"There's a delta in the midstream of Nanchang River; Demon Brain's Heavenly Demon Divine Cult forces are camped there, about three hundred men? Grandfather's holding them down."
From Jeokgal Seolji's words, I read Jeokgal Cheok's scheme.
"...Leaving the apparent escape route open plants 'if worst comes' complacency in the Blood Cultists' minds?"
"You caught on just from 'holding them down.' Yes, exactly."
"Got it. Anyway, we respond to the Blood Fiend's invitation in two days, and you'll both come. Get in top condition."
The two days passed in a flash.
We packed camp and headed to the Northern River lands.
From the opposite direction we entered, the Blood Cult elites appeared.
Flat Heaven Ox Demon Army.
Mixed Wild Rat Demon Army.
Earth-Shifting Tiger Demon Army.
The demons following the three Cult Protector Kings exuded sharp killing intent, even driven to their own doorstep.
At the ghostly aura emanating from them, Woo So-rung swallowed dryly.
"Heup."
Eun Ha-seong spoke as if ventriloquizing.
"...This is a battle of auras. You've been through thick and thin with Brother Yong-un, why falter now."
"...I thought since we beat Blood Wind Squadron, but seeing them feels different. Look, sweat's beading on your neck too."
"...Blood Fiend's coming out. I knew Brother's guts were outside his belly, but taking this on."
As their mutterings continued briefly,
A vicious demonic aura incomparable to the advance demons blanketed the area,
"He's coming."
A sharp-featured middle-aged man in blood-red robes descended before us, walking on air.
Whoooosh-
The intense bloody scent from the middle-aged man wrinkled all our brows.
"...What kind of blood smell is this strong."
At that moment,
Master chimed in.
- It's not just stinging the nose. The blood stench clinging to that guy's soul is vicious. Dizzying for a moment.
'I feel it faintly too. Screaming resentful energies... Looks like he just absorbed vital blood.'
At the resentful energies pricking my skin, my hand instinctively reached for Regret,
But I barely stopped and stared straight at Jin Gwang-ryang, opening my mouth.
"Eon Yong-un here."