Let's Give It a Try, Pig
Jeong Gwang was searching for Sang So-un, the disciple of the Sima Lian Lord known as the Evil Elephant.
According to Jao, one of his former subordinates, he'd come to Hebei Province to accomplish some grand scheme.
The moment Jeong Gwang heard that, Hebei Pang Clan sprang to mind.
With Pang Su-gwan elevated as the Murim Alliance Leader, striking at the Pang Clan would be the surest way to dampen the alliance's momentum.
Upon arriving at the Pang Clan, Jeong Gwang caught wind of their grand celebration and pieced it together.
They're planning to assassinate all the influential guests here to congratulate the Pang Clan.
Of course, they'd frame it on the Pang Clan itself.
That way, the Pang Clan's power would crumble, and the Murim Alliance would take a hit too.
At first, Jeong Gwang suspected Paeng Gang-ung of colluding with Sima Lian.
It was that lingering evil qi he'd sensed from the man.
In the martial world, martial arts were more precious than life itself. Betraying one's clan for superior techniques was commonplace.
And then there was power.
From what Jeong Gwang had seen, Paeng Gang-ung fell short of his younger brother Paeng Gang-hwi in every way.
He might lead now, but it was obvious he'd fall behind soon enough.
Paeng Gang-ung must have felt it too.
A man with such a thirst for power couldn't easily relinquish the heir's seat.
Still, it was a bit of a stretch as a hypothesis.
Paeng Gang-ung's character wasn't inherently vile.
No matter how desperate he was for martial prowess and authority, he wasn't the type of degenerate to commit such familial treason and doom his own house.
Jeong Gwang only confirmed it after witnessing Paeng Gang-ung practicing the Four Emptiness Arts.
Paeng Gang-ung was just a pawn on the chessboard.
Sang So-un would be the one pulling his strings.
Whether Paeng Gang-ung willed it or not.
If that's all there was to it, I could handle it routinely.
But then the Crown Prince showed up unannounced at the Pang Clan.
All the guests combined couldn't compare to his value.
If Paeng Gang-ung strikes the Crown Prince...
The Emperor and Crown Prince wouldn't sit idly by.
The Pang Clan would face total annihilation.
The Murim Alliance wouldn't escape unscathed either.
For Sima Lian, it's an opportunity too good to pass up.
Of course, only if they were mad enough to pull it off.
Getting caught would mean Sima Lian's end.
Unfortunately, Sang So-un was plenty mad.
Hell, even I'd play that card.
If it succeeded, what a jackpot.
If it failed, just bail solo.
But where the hell is he?
Jeong Gwang spread his qi sense, probing the surrounding energies.
He was trying to detect the evil qi of Sang So-un, the Evil Elephant he'd encountered at Iron Blood Manor.
With so many people around, it took quite a while.
As he sifted through the auras, Jeong Gwang's brow twitched.
...Nothing?
He closed his eyes fully, amplifying his sense to catch even the faintest trace.
But still.
Well, well?
No sign of Sang So-un's qi.
He has to be here.
Jao had described Sang So-un as suspicious and cunning, skilled in wicked sorcery.
Jeong Gwang had sensed it himself.
That unique evil qi radiating from him proved it.
People like that never trusted their underlings.
They had to lead and verify personally to feel secure.
With so many masters from the righteous sects here, he wouldn't bring subordinates, obviously.
Even Jeong Gwang wouldn't.
Getting spotted early meant retreating without a fight.
He might have brought underlings trained in orthodox arts as spies for the righteous factions, but those were irrelevant now.
The priority was nabbing the ringleader.
Problem was, the ringleader wasn't pinging on his senses.
So the pig's hiding his qi.
Sang So-un's senses were sharp enough to detect even the demonic qi of the Thousand Transformations Disguise Bone Shrink Demonic Art.
But that didn't mean he could conceal his own evil qi.
Maybe he's got some exotic artifact.
Nothing else explained it.
Just to be sure, Jeong Gwang asked Yeokcheon-gyeong.
Can't find him?
...Yeah.
Having warned it sternly beforehand, there was no way it was lying.
A treasure that can blind even this guy's eyes...
A smile crept onto Jeong Gwang's lips.
Then I just have to take it.
Pretty nice compensation, right?
He'd already gained plenty from the Pang Clan visit; snagging that too would be icing on the cake.
Guess I'll wait for the pig to work his sorcery.
No matter the artifact, unleashing sorcery would stir his evil qi.
Grab him then.
Jeong Gwang stroked his fist while listening to the Crown Prince's speech.
Baek Seung-mu, spotting it, panicked and sent a transmission.
Senior Brother! What are you planning now?
Nothing much.
Doesn't look like nothing! It looks huge!
Jeong Gwang was impressed.
Junior Brother, your instincts have sharpened. Worth dragging you around.
Sigh... Please spare me. Just tell me what's going on.
Jeong Gwang even transmitted to Jao.
Listen up, Jao. The pig might attack the Crown Prince.
...!
Before the two could gasp in shock, Jeong Gwang continued.
Don't worry. I'll stop it.
Baek Seung-mu and Jao exchanged glances, then nodded.
They'd silently agreed not to ask how Jeong Gwang planned to do it.
It's bound to be some insane method. No point inquiring.
Better to stay quiet for now.
Jeong Gwang caught their thoughts and chuckled softly.
Jao, fearing Jeong Gwang might be up to mischief, hurriedly transmitted.
W-what should we do?
When it goes down, protect Su-bin.
Baek Seung-mu and Jao's eyes widened.
Whatever happens, the hall will descend into chaos.
Protecting young Lady Pang is obvious...
But Jeong Gwang issuing such a straightforward order?
Baek Seung-mu swallowed hard and transmitted.
Senior Brother, please be careful.
Careful? You know me.
Jeong Gwang grinned, and Baek Seung-mu forced a smile back.
But...
...Damn it.
The unease lingered.
Even for Jeong Gwang, diving into something involving the Crown Prince carried risks.
...Can't talk him out of it, though.
If the Crown Prince got hurt, it'd shake the entire martial world—and the realm itself.
Baek Seung-mu blamed his own low cultivation.
He should be lending a hand, not sitting this out.
Need to train harder.
As he steeled himself, Jeong Gwang was thinking something else.
Any moment now.
The Crown Prince's speech was wrapping up.
"...I've talked too long while you all should be enjoying the feast. I'll step down now—have a great time."
"Waaaaah!"
The Crown Prince cupped his hands to the crowd and turned.
Paeng Gang-ung guided him toward the stairs.
"This way, Your Highness."
"Much appreciated, Young Master."
As the Crown Prince stepped toward Paeng Gang-ung, his deputy commander, trailing a step behind, spoke up.
"Young Master, I'll escort him. Why don't you head down first? I know it's improper, but duty calls—your understanding would be appreciated."
The Imperial Guard was an elite force protecting key royals, commanding immense prestige.
The second-in-command carried even more weight.
When such a figure politely requested, Paeng Gang-ung accepted without hesitation.
Especially with everyone watching—it was face-saving.
"Of course. Please do."
Paeng Gang-ung cupped his hands and stepped back a few paces.
The Crown Prince and deputy descended the stairs to Jeong Gwang's table.
Once seated, the Crown Prince met Jeong Gwang's gaze.
"Something on your mind?"
"Nah."
Jeong Gwang shrugged and shifted his eyes to Paeng Gang-ung.
The deputy butted in, so he missed his shot.
Pushing through anyway wouldn't have been bad.
Failed assassination? Just the attempt would drown the Pang Clan in blood.
Jeong Gwang pictured Sang So-un's pudgy face.
Cautious bastard. Or too greedy.
Aiming for the perfect moment to maximize impact.
Then the timing was obvious.
When Paeng Gang-ung comes over here.
Sure enough, Paeng Gang-ung was approaching with a wine bottle and cup.
Proper host etiquette—and the Crown Prince was the top guest.
Jeong Gwang started to transmit to the deputy and the three Imperial Guard experts, then stopped.
Warning them about Paeng Gang-ung? Chaos would erupt.
They'd draw swords on the spot.
He glanced at Pang Man-so instead.
The elder was already looking his way.
Jeong Gwang transmitted reassurance.
Don't worry. I'll handle it quietly.
"... ."
Come on, that look. Trust me a bit. If the Pang Clan falls, Su-bin does too. You think I'd let that happen?
"... ."
Plus, I've got tuition payments coming.
Pang Man-so finally nodded faintly.
Jeong Gwang chuckled and downed a cup.
He'd checked the food and wine for poison right away—no issues.
Hmm, not bad at all. Gotta snag a few bottles later.
As idle thoughts faded, Paeng Gang-ung reached the table.
He bowed to the Crown Prince and offered the bottle.
"Your Highness, allow me to pour you a cup."
"Haha, thank you."
Paeng Gang-ung began filling the Crown Prince's cup.
Standard host-guest protocol—even the deputy couldn't intervene.
Suddenly, Yeokcheon-gyeong vibrated in Jeong Gwang's bosom.
Woooong!
Told you to preview it, and you're quick!
Jeong Gwang sensed the evil qi simultaneously with Yeokcheon-gyeong.
It was Sang So-un's qi from Iron Blood Manor.
He snapped his head around—there, far off, sat a beggar smeared with grime-sweat on his face.
Ha. Smart play.
Bone shrinking could be hidden under clothes, but face-altering sorcery couldn't fool Jeong Gwang's eyes.
But a face caked in filth? Even he couldn't make it out clearly.
Figured it'd be some veiled noblewoman or masked monk. A beggar, huh.
No time for musings.
Jeong Gwang heightened all his senses, focusing on the line connecting Sang So-un and Paeng Gang-ung.
He felt an alien energy approaching—subtle enough that even he barely caught it.
Hard to see clearly. Slice it with my sword?
Nah.
Swinging a qi-infused blade would blow everything up.
The hall would turn into pandemonium instantly.
Plus, how to explain randomly performing a sword dance? "Are you insane?"
Tough to clean up for the Pang Clan too.
He'd collect payment later.
Jeong Gwang opted for the optimal move in a flash.
Hey! Time to work! Shine it!
Yeokcheon-gyeong freaked.
This demon knew everything about it.
No choice but to respond on reflex.
Yeah!
Jeong Gwang drew Yeokcheon-gyeong and pointed it at Sang So-un.
A dazzling light shot from the reflective surface—visible only to him—revealing the form of Sang So-un's sorcery.
What a shape.
A sticky tangle of evil qi threads racing toward Paeng Gang-ung's head.
A smile formed on Jeong Gwang's lips.
Let's give it a try, pig.
Pure demonic power naturally devoured petty evil.
Out of past-life habit, Jeong Gwang stirred his demonic qi to consume it—but paused.
Wait. Even subtly, that might not fly.
The deputy and three Imperial Guards were masters.
They'd sense demonic qi for sure.
Too messy.
Sang So-un's evil qi was slipping into Paeng Gang-ung's mind.
Jeong Gwang went simple.
Block it.
Yeah!
Yeokcheon-gyeong didn't flinch anymore.
It just swiftly followed orders.
It extended its yin qi straight into Paeng Gang-ung's head.
Right after Paeng Gang-ung downed the Crown Prince's poured wine in one gulp.
Like Jeong Gwang's, only the victim sensed Yeokcheon-gyeong's yin qi.
No one around noticed—but Sang So-un's evil qi did instantly.
How could it not sense something devouring it?
A fierce battle erupted inside Paeng Gang-ung's mind.