Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: Subjugating the Blood Sea Gang
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“Old habits die hard, huh? Back to your black-hearted ways already?”
“W-Who the hell are you?”
“Never mind that. Go guard the main gate. Don’t let a single Blood Sea Gang bastard slip out.”
“……?”
Yeom Jin-sang felt like his head was about to explode. What the hell made this guy think he could order him around like a servant in front of his own men?
Part of him wanted to charge in right then and cleave the bastard’s skull with his axe. But unfortunately, the Mountain Hairy Fiend was way beyond him.
He’d seen it just moments ago. The monstrous strength ripping up massive pillar roots and swinging them like a whirlwind. That wasn’t human power.
‘No. That’s not it.’
Whoever he was, he wasn’t an enemy for now. Their forces were barely holding up against the Blood Sea Gang as it was—maybe heaven had sent this savior.
‘Looks like he’s got a grudge against the Blood Sea Gang leader. Let’s use this monster to wipe the bastards out.’
“What’re you standing around for?”
Seeing no sign of movement from Yeom Jin-sang, Heuk Do-san bellowed.
“Got it!”
Yeom Jin-sang turned to his men and shouted.
“What’re you idiots doing? Guard the main gate and the walls! If even one slips out, I’ll have your heads!”
Yeom Jin-sang’s subordinates scattered like lightning, surrounding the Blood Sea Gang thugs.
With the situation sorted, Heuk Do-san finally turned a glare on the Blood Sea Gang leader.
“You the boss of the Blood Sea Gang?”
“Y-Yeah.”
“They say your gang’s got the Black Serpent Crew chief—called Daemang—as an executive. That true?”
“What’s this all about…….”
“Just say yes or no!”
Heuk Do-san’s tone turned blunt and crude. Realizing this was a master he couldn’t handle, the Blood Sea Gang leader, Scattering Light Blade Baek Hongrip of Mount Luo, swallowed dryly and replied.
“He is... but…….”
“Drag him out here. Now.”
“He’s not here right now.”
Heuk Do-san didn’t ask twice. He strode straight toward Baek Hongrip. The pressure was like a mountain bearing down.
Overwhelmed by the immense aura, Baek Hongrip’s men slunk back, clearing a path.
Color drained from Baek Hongrip’s face. He blurted desperately.
“It’s true. I issued the mobilization order, but the bastard’s been gone since early evening. Believe me…… Gah!”
Even as he pleaded, the Mountain Hairy Fiend didn’t stop. Reflexively, Baek Hongrip flicked out his blade tip. He couldn’t just sit there and die.
But it was futile.
Thud! Thunk!
“Gurk!”
A couple dull thumps of flesh, followed by a short scream. Baek Hongrip didn’t even know what hit him before both arms snapped clean off.
His sword was already in the enemy’s hand.
Heuk Do-san grabbed Baek Hongrip by the collar and dragged him to another pillar like a rag. He stacked the man’s hands above his head and stabbed both palms with the stolen blade.
“Hngh!”
Suddenly, Baek Hongrip was nailed to the pillar with short swords through both hands. Blood streamed down, soaking his wrists.
Heuk Do-san spun around, sweeping his gaze over the room. The fierce killing intent pouring from his eyes made everyone step back involuntarily.
“I’m looking for someone. Name’s Heuk Ye-mong, fifteen-year-old girl. You’ve got one incense stick’s time. Bring her to me by then. Be even a breath late, and next I nail the boss’s neck. Harm a single hair on her head, and I nail the boss’s neck.”
The Mountain Hairy Fiend’s ruthless hands and merciless threats threw everyone into panic.
As all stood clueless, Baek Hongrip screamed at the top of his lungs.
“What’re you waiting for? Go grab that dogshit Daemang! Tear Bongrae apart if you have to—bring him now!”
Snapped back by Baek Hongrip’s roar, the Blood Sea Gang warriors scattered.
Moments later, only Heuk Do-san, Baek Hongrip, and Yeom Jin-sang with his men remained in the compound.
The Sea Dragon Gate swordsmen, who’d come for war with the Blood Sea Gang only to get tangled in this mess, all wore baffled looks.
No one knew what was going on. No one dared move, and time dragged on.
Unable to hold back his curiosity, Yeom Jin-sang licked his lips and approached the Mountain Hairy Fiend.
“Uh…….”
“……?”
“You called me Yeom Jin-sang earlier. How’d you know that name……?”
“Rat-faced bastard.”
“……?”
“When’d you gather all those men?”
“Ahem, conversation’s about give and take—no misunderstandings, shows sincerity. You seem to know me well, but I’ve got no clue who you are. Who exactly……?”
“Still glad to see you, Yeom Jin-sang.”
He’d never dreamed he’d say he was glad to see this man again. But it was sincere. Heuk Do-san unwittingly smiled.
Seeing the smile eased Yeom Jin-sang’s fear a bit. But his suspicions grew.
‘Doesn’t seem hostile toward me. Who the hell is he? With that rugged face and those skills, I’d remember if I’d met him. Driving me crazy. And who’s Heuk Ye-mong? Sounds familiar.’
Questions piled up, but Yeom Jin-sang decided to back off for now.
He didn’t seem keen on revealing himself, and pressing in this situation wouldn’t help.
Better to keep talking, draw it out naturally.
“What about the Blood Sea Gang boss…….”
“You planning to take over if I kill him?”
“No need to trouble yourself that much. Just hand him over—I’ll handle it.”
“When’d you set up the Sea Dragon Gate?”
“About a year ago. The Blood Sea Gang wrecked us back then and pushed into Dongyeon Port, but I took it back.”
“Must’ve been tough convincing the old crew. You got a backer?”
Heuk Do-san wondered if Yeom Jin-sang still had ties to Seop Dae-gang.
Someone like Seop wouldn’t deal with him directly, so any connection would be through Hong Gongtak.
Hong Gongtak as a patron would’ve sufficed to reclaim the Sea Dragon Gate. A few of his elites disguised as black thugs would boost their power hugely.
Hong had reason to: use Yeom for dirty work under Shanshi Hong Clan or Ghostly Ten Fiends’ name, plus snag intel from Dongyeon and Bongrae.
But Yeom Jin-sang said something unexpected.
“Money power.”
“Money?”
“These days, money’s your blade and backer. Flash cash, and men flock. Beats any patron.”
He’d used the payout from introducing Bing-seol and Hyeon-gak as seed money to retake Dongyeon Port. The guy had real talent for this.
Then, the doors burst open. Baek Hongrip’s men returned—with Heuk Ye-mong in tow.
She looked like she’d been through hell. Hair a tangled mess, cheeks swollen like bee stings.
But her clothes were still neat as when she left, so no violation.
The wounds were deeper, in her spirit. Dragged by Blood Sea Gang thugs, she barely stood, swaying like she’d collapse any second.
“No injuries?”
Heuk Do-san asked, but Heuk Ye-mong gave no answer. She just turned her head quietly, staring at the ground.
Then another group of Blood Sea Gang warriors dragged in a fat, snake-faced middle-aged man.
The man glanced back and forth between pillar-pinned Baek Hongrip and Heuk Do-san, face full of panic.
“You Daemang?”
“Yeah.”
“Why’d you kidnap that girl?”
“Well…….”
“Wanna test me?”
“My little brother and two men went out early evening to ‘discipline’ her. It’s late, and they’re not back. Told ’em to hurry home with war tonight.”
“So?”
“Felt something off. Grabbed the girl for questioning.”
“Why was her place empty?”
“My men were all mobilized here for the Sea Dragon Gate fight. I caught the wench and…….”
“Wench?”
“Grabbed the girl for questioning, while searching where she last saw my brother.”
“Find anything?”
“Nothing.”
“Why not?”
“She wouldn’t talk. Just wandered the port all night—then we dragged her in.”
Heuk Do-san looked at Heuk Ye-mong. She still hung her head, avoiding his eyes.
She’d been terrified of Daemang and the Blood Sea Gang, yet hadn’t spilled about him.
Maybe that’s why she held her tongue—to protect herself from them.
He turned back to Daemang.
“Your brother’s dead.”
“……!”
Daemang’s eyes bulged. He swallowed hard and asked.
“Did... you kill him?”
“Yeah.”
“Why!”
“Deserved it. Now it’s your turn. Give me one reason I shouldn’t kill you.”
Heuk Do-san’s blunt words shocked everyone. They’d figured it wouldn’t end well when he called for Daemang. But taking his life?
Finally grasping the full story, Daemang’s eyelids twitched. Blood boiled, fists shook violently.
But the Mountain Hairy Fiend before him wasn’t human. He’d sensed it from the first glance.
The empty eyes brimming with killing intent, the overwhelming pressure from his whole body—it was all new.
Rage at his brother’s death mixed with utter helplessness against this foe. Daemang shed tears like a child.
Then Yeom Jin-sang piped up.
“Why show mercy to port-leeching thugs? These brothers’ life work was sucking commoners dry. Especially this one—drowned ten sailors for unpaid gambling debts. Vicious bastard.”
Aren’t you the same port-leeching swordsman? Heuk Do-san found it absurd but let it slide. He strode toward Daemang. The holding Blood Sea Gang men startled back.
Daemang stood alone. His killer instinct hadn’t vanished. No escape left, he whipped out two hidden daggers and lunged at Heuk Do-san.
“Die!”
Thud-thud-thud-thunk!
“Hngh!”
No one saw exactly what happened. The instant Heuk Do-san moved both hands, it was over with dull thuds.
One dagger in Daemang’s side, the other in Heuk Do-san’s hand.
His arms hung limp—probably snapped too.
Heuk Do-san grabbed Daemang’s hair with his left, yanking his head back to bare the neck. Then, before all eyes, he slowly sliced the throat with the right-hand dagger.
“Gurk…….”
Daemang spasmed to escape, but gripped tight, he couldn’t budge.
Blood poured down his neck, soaking his clothes. At the end, the blade jerked out—blood spurted.
Horrified by the Mountain Hairy Fiend’s brutality, everyone shuddered. Heuk Do-san tossed Daemang aside, swept his gaze over them, and said.
“Remember that girl’s name and face. And who’s behind her.”
Done with business, Heuk Do-san fetched a horse tied off yonder. He grabbed Heuk Ye-mong’s waist, hoisted her up, and set her in the saddle.
First time on a horse, she reflexively hunched and clung.
“Don’t fear. Horses sense it and will scorn you.”
Did she understand?
Heuk Ye-mong cautiously straightened, gripping the saddle’s rear pommel.
Heuk Do-san handed her the reins, took the bit, and led the horse slowly.
Everyone just stared as Heuk Do-san rode off with Heuk Ye-mong.
As he exited the compound, Yeom Jin-sang’s shout rang out.
“Don’t leave one standing—kill ’em all!”