Chapter 318
Chapter 318
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 86
>Chapter Title: Half Human, Half Monster (4)
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“You... I don’t know what you want, but if you’re a talent with such monstrous—no, exceptional—martial prowess, even compared to that traitorous old fool, His Lordship would surely want to bring you in and pay any price for it.”
Yi Gwang’s words, spoken by the scarred middle-aged man, made Ouyang So, the head of the Ouyang Clan, stiffen.
This was a situation he hadn’t anticipated at all.
He had swallowed his pride, disregarding the clan’s future and his hard-earned reputation, just to save his own skin. And now this monster wanted to join their organization.
It was maddening.
If no one had been around, that would be one thing, but this was happening right in front of Yi Gwang, a high-ranking executive. There was no taking back his words now.
‘What should I do?’
If Yi Gwang turned on him alongside this monster, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
No, even the monster alone could kill him.
Ouyang So’s mind grew chaotic.
With his arm broken and his vital energy damaged, escape was difficult.
‘Damn it.’
He was truly caught between a rock and a hard place, with no idea what to do.
Then his eyes met Yi Gwang’s.
The man, still unable to move his lower body, looked at him with a meaningful curl of his lips before speaking to Mok Kyung-un.
“Sickle Murder Ghost. You say you want to join the organization. Can you do one thing for us first?”
“I haven’t gotten what I want yet, and you’re already making demands.”
“It won’t be hard for you. And once you’re one of us, it’s something you’ll have to do anyway.”
“What is it?”
“Execute the traitor.”
“Traitor? Ah.”
Yi Gwang glared at Ouyang So, his killing intent plain.
Ouyang So, who had been racking his brain for a way out, shouted desperately at Mok Kyung-un.
“Hey! Even if I surrendered to you, I did so prepared to face the organization’s wrath. Isn’t targeting me now going too far?”
Before the words even finished, Yi Gwang snapped.
“Going too far? You sly old fox! How thick is your face to say something like that?”
“W-what?”
“We recruited you and treated you well, and you betrayed us—and now you brag about it? Tsk tsk. This is all karmic retribution for you.”
“Treatment? Ha!”
Ouyang So reacted as if incredulous at the sarcasm.
He seemed about to say something but clamped his mouth shut.
Right now, the monster’s response was what mattered.
But then,
“So you want me to kill him? I haven’t even officially joined yet, and you’re piling on the work.”
“Bear with us. Strictly speaking, you bear some responsibility for his betrayal, don’t you?”
“I suppose so.”
“I’ll make sure to report your merits to His Lordship. So, right now...”
He didn’t finish.
-Pat!
With no other choice, Ouyang So kicked off the ground and unleashed his lightness skill in the opposite direction from them.
As Ouyang So fled, Yi Gwang yelled.
“Catch that traitorous old man!”
His booming shout sent two of the few remaining masked men hurriedly flying toward Ouyang So’s direction.
‘No. These guys?’
It wasn’t meant for them, yet they chased after him. Ouyang So was bewildering.
Traitor or not, those subordinates couldn’t catch him.
‘Could it be?’
Yi Gwang clicked his tongue.
On second thought, they weren’t really chasing to capture him.
With most masked men dead or covered in blood on the ground, and Ouyang So fleeing, the situation looked hopeless to anyone.
They were using the pursuit as an excuse to slip away naturally.
Yi Gwang shouted at Mok Kyung-un, who was standing by casually.
“Sickle Murder Ghost! If we let that old man escape, the organization’s secrets will be exposed. Then you might not get what you want.”
“Man, you’re a real pain in so many ways.”
-Sruk!
Finally, Mok Kyung-un moved.
His figure blurred and vanished like mist. Yi Gwang ground his teeth.
If only his lower body worked, he’d have chased and beheaded the traitor himself.
But anxiety gnawed at him inwardly.
If the Sickle Murder Ghost caught Ouyang So, great. But if he let him go on purpose, His Lordship might punish him with death.
‘He has to catch him.’
Otherwise, he was in real trouble.
* * *
-Papapapat!
Despite his arm twisted so badly the bone protruded, Ouyang So— the Venom Master of Eight Poisons, a transcendent expert who had surpassed the wall—raced through the underbrush at astonishing speed with his lightness skill.
His pace outstripped a horse at full gallop.
The surroundings blurred past as he poured everything into the flight.
Even in his youth, he’d never run this desperately, but to survive, he had no choice.
‘Yi Gwang can’t even walk right now. If I can just shake off that monster...’
There’d be a sliver of hope.
Even as he ran, he scattered all his hidden weapons and poisons along the path to hinder pursuit.
‘!?’
But Ouyang So’s face soon hardened.
He’d only been watching behind him.
Yet ahead, in the direction he was fleeing, a figure appeared.
‘Damn it!’
Instinct told him it was Mok Kyung-un.
Desperate, Ouyang So hurled poison-infused qi at the figure.
-Chwaaaa!
Then he veered sharply east.
It was a stopgap, but he had to try something.
The qi blast carried the power of his Eight Poisons at the tenth star, so it should buy a moment—
-Pak!
Five steps ahead, a hazy shadow formed.
It solidified instantly.
‘No way!’
“Wasting your effort.”
It was Mok Kyung-un.
Ouyang So grimaced and clicked his tongue.
He’d surpassed the wall of the wall, yet the gap was this vast?
No matter what he did, it was like the Buddha’s palm.
Resigned, Ouyang So stopped, slumping in defeat.
“You done resisting?”
“What’s the point? Are you just toying with an old man?”
“Of course not.”
Mok Kyung-un shrugged.
Ouyang So looked exasperated, then spoke in a pleading tone.
“Hey. I still cling to life, so I surrendered, even ready to face the organization’s backlash. Isn’t this too much? Do you really have to kill me to be satisfied?”
“Shame, since you’re so attached to life. I wasn’t planning to kill you.”
“......”
Right. It was Yi Gwang’s demand.
Ouyang So pleaded.
“Then please, just let me go? No matter what Yi Gwang says about the organization, a man’s word is worth a thousand gold. How can you go back on yours?”
“Well, situations change.”
“A true gentleman would—”
“I’m no gentleman, and I never thought my words were gold.”
“......”
His words fell on deaf ears. Ouyang So was speechless with frustration and despair.
Nothing worked on this guy.
He’d expected some mercy or propriety, but that seemed hopeless.
‘So this is the end.’
He’d abandoned his pride and begged, yet here he was.
He hadn’t ended it with poison, but there was one thing he desperately wanted to achieve.
It seemed impossible in this life.
Resigned, Ouyang So collapsed to the ground and murmured with closed eyes.
“Aaah. I never get to settle the score.”
“Settle the score? With what?”
“Why tell you? You won’t spare me anyway.”
Ouyang So refused to grovel further.
He’d thrown away his pride already. No point sucking up when death was certain.
Mok Kyung-un smirked.
“Who knows? No one’s watching. Maybe I’ll take pity.”
“......You already broke one promise. Why should I trust you?”
“If we’re splitting hairs, you broke faith with the organization to save your skin. Why should I trust you?”
“That’s...”
Ouyang So started to argue but shut his mouth.
Even if he had reasons, it wouldn’t convince him.
“No, you’re right. Even on the brink of death, I surrendered easily and spilled secrets. I’m the untrustworthy one.”
“Good to know.”
“......”
The kid had a sharp tongue.
Irritated but powerless, Ouyang So endured. Then Mok Kyung-un spoke.
“But I am curious. You betrayed them easily, ignoring the consequences, for your life. Why follow them at all?”
“What’s it to you?”
Mok Kyung-un smiled faintly.
“To decide whether to kill you.”
“Decide based on that? You take my life too lightly!”
Ouyang So scowled in outrage.
Mok Kyung-un crossed his arms, eyes indifferent.
“Is it just about your life’s weight? Better remember who holds the power over it.”
-Hic!
It was uncanny.
No qi released.
Yet a chilling blade seemed at his throat.
Ouyang So swallowed dryly without thinking.
This kid, half his age—no, a third—why this presence, this pressure?
Then it hit him.
‘......A leader’s vessel?’
This guy was born to rule.
Age irrelevant, a ruler’s vessel leads and commands.
Ouyang So inwardly marveled.
It wasn’t just strength making him shrink.
As he pondered, Mok Kyung-un said.
“No words? Choosing death?”
Ouyang So hesitated, then spoke.
“It might sound like an excuse now, but it was to repay a debt.”
“Debt?”
“Yes.”
“What kind?”
“My granddaughter had an incurable illness. They saved her with a rare herb called brocade canopy grass.”
“Brocade canopy grass? That ultra-rare plant from frigid snowfields?”
‘This kid?’
Ouyang So was stunned by Mok Kyung-un’s herb knowledge.
Brocade canopy grass was obscure, unknown even to most western region or central plains apothecaries.
He’d only found it seeking a cure for his granddaughter.
Yet this boy knew it. His knowledge was no joke.
What was his true identity?
Mok Kyung-un stroked his chin.
“Anyway, you traded her life for that hard-to-get herb and joined them.”
“......Yes. No choice. It doesn’t grow naturally in the west or central plains. I searched for years without luck. I needed their help.”
“Family’s life, sure. But doesn’t that mean you shouldn’t betray them?”
“You’re right. But I repaid them fully. Nearly a decade of service, dragged around with the grass as hostage.”
Mok Kyung-un asked puzzled.
“Not just once?”
“No. She needed it periodically. I don’t know their source, but they supplied steadily. I had no choice but to pay the price.”
A hint of resentment colored Ouyang So’s voice.
His granddaughter’s life held hostage forced him along, but he despised most of their deeds.
Even more when his poisons killed innocent civilians, not just martial artists. He’d grown desperate to cut ties.
Seeing this, Mok Kyung-un’s lips twitched.
“So ultimately, you chose your life over hers.”
Ouyang So bristled.
“What do you take me for? Even leashed by them, my herb knowledge ranks top three across central plains and west.”
“Hoh. Did you find a substitute for brocade canopy grass?”
“......You’re sharp.”
Ouyang So nodded, impressed.
“Exactly. Over ten years, I analyzed the remaining grass and created a replacement.”
“You were quietly preparing to break away.”
“Yes. This job was meant to be the last. Settle with that bastard Dang In-hae, then vanish with my household.”
“......Settle meaning with the Thousand Poisons Hand, Dang In-hae.”
“We’ve clashed forever without resolution. It lingered as regret, so one last bout.”
The Venom Master of Eight Poisons Ouyang So and Thousand Poisons Hand Dang In-hae were acknowledged rivals by all in the central plains.
They’d always been aware of each other, sparring endlessly.
Mok Kyung-un’s gaze grew odd at Ouyang So’s pure regret.
-Why the doubt?
Cheongryeong asked Mok Kyung-un.
He shrugged.
-Dunno.
-Maybe you can’t grasp it, but having a lifelong rival is enviable.
-Really?
-Of course. Even for me, someone worthy... Never mind. Your call on killing him, but consider the fallout.
-Got it.
Ouyang So, relieved to unburden his secret, looked refreshed and asked.
“So, what’ll you do with me?”
Mok Kyung-un stroked his chin.
“Hmm. Too wasteful to just kill you.”
Ouyang So’s face brightened.
“Then you’ll honor the promise and let me go?”
“That’s easy, but then your desired showdown’s off since you’re fleeing, and your household’s at risk. Fine with that?”
Ouyang So’s expression hardened.
Sure, he’d live now, but the organization would hunt him relentlessly, targeting his still-unfled household.
His original plan for a quiet exit was ruined.
What now?
Overwhelmed, he sighed.
“Haa......”
Mok Kyung-un said.
“But it’s not impossible.”
“There’s a way?”
“Yes. If you just die, it’s solved.”
“What?”
Ouyang So was dumbfounded at Mok Kyung-un’s reply.
He’d hinted at a solution, only to say death fixes it?
To his bewilderment, Mok Kyung-un smirked slyly.
“It’ll hurt—a lot—like skin being peeled. But bearable for freedom from them?”
‘!?’
* * *
-Shwaaaa!
The rain had lightened but still poured steadily.
Yi Gwang of the Second Realm glanced anxiously toward Ouyang So’s escape direction.
It made no sense.
The old man’s granddaughter was essentially a hostage, making betrayal unlikely.
He’d thought survival might force surrender, but Ouyang So wasn’t so small-minded.
Why grovel so desperately? Even flee?
As he pondered, someone emerged from the brush.
-Splash! Splash!
Wading through pooled rainwater, it was Mok Kyung-un.
Yi Gwang’s eyes flicked to something in Mok Kyung-un’s right hand.
His lips curled up.
‘Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!’
Simple reason.
Mok Kyung-un held Ouyang So’s severed head.
Tongue lolling, horrific in death.
‘This guy’s the real deal.’
He’d feared release or failure.
Yet he’d cleanly beheaded and brought it back.
At grandmaster level despite his youth, he’d casually caught and executed the traitor.
‘Perfect.’
His Lordship would be pleased, despite losing Ouyang So. A superior talent gained.
“This enough?”
-Thud! Splash!
Mok Kyung-un tossed the head near Yi Gwang.
Tongue out, face blank as if unaware of death. Yi Gwang was inwardly impressed.
His growth was still baffling, but incredible.
Even a transcendent expert fell like this.
“You’ve done well. His Lordship will praise your merits.”
“No need for praise. Just give me what I want.”
“Don’t worry. As long as it’s not prying into His Lordship or hindering operations, he’ll grant it.”
“Good.”
“Of course.”
“Then this is useless now.”
With that, Mok Kyung-un approached and—
-Kwachik!
“W-what are you—”
No time to stop him. Mok Kyung-un crushed Ouyang So’s head underfoot.
Yi Gwang was speechless.
He’d planned to verify the head himself.
Now pulverized, impossible.
Dumbfounded by the rash act, Yi Gwang inwardly clicked his tongue.
‘Ha!’
He’d berate a subordinate, but this boy—grandmaster at under twenty—had monstrous potential.
His Lordship would favor him surely.
No point souring ties over this, starting from bad blood.
“Problem?”
“......No.”
Seeing him yield silently, Mok Kyung-un’s lips twitched.
He’d predicted this.
Ouyang So was now “dead” to them, no body to check.
Mok Kyung-un recalled Ouyang So’s horrified face.
* * *
Ouyang So had recoiled.
[Y-you’ll flay my face?!]
[Yes.]
[You mean it?]
[Yes. Painful, sure, but sacrificing one face for freedom from them? Cheap price.]
[No, how’ll you fool Yi Gwang with just skin? Without the head, he won’t buy it.]
[Found something useful.]
Mok Kyung-un fetched a severed head from afar.
He’d spotted two fleeing masked men while chasing, beheading them instantly.
[What with that?]
[Cover it with your face skin.]
‘!!!!! ’
Ouyang So was aghast.
[You know human skin masks?]
[Yes. Not hard. Easier with living skin.]
Ouyang So was beyond words.
How far did this kid’s skills go?
* * *
Flaying terrified him, but it was his only path to freedom. Ouyang So accepted, though with a price.
Yi Gwang was fooled. Plan succeeded.
Then Yi Gwang broached cautiously.
“Now we’re practically family. Can you fix my lower body?”
He gestured to it.
While Mok Kyung-un chased, he’d tried expelling the invading qi.
Some success, but meridians still blocked.
“Easy. But first, info on the one I want?”
Yi Gwang frowned.
Joining, yet bargaining with his legs?
Suspicion rising, he said.
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Not yet.”
Yi Gwang’s eyes narrowed.
He’d been thrilled at such talent, pushing doubts aside.
Now doubts grew.
What if faking to get info? Disaster.
Cautiously,
“Fair enough. But same here. What if you kill me after getting it?”
“You said flexibility.”
“How can I trust that?”
“I killed your poison expert as requested. You’re making this tiring.”
Mok Kyung-un exuded light pressure.
Yi Gwang paled slightly.
“Then prove once more.”
“How?”
“First, send the Sacred Flame Spirit Lord via your men. I’ll stay here five days, needing your help anyway.”
Mok Kyung-un inwardly scoffed.
Smarter than expected.
Hedging bets.
Yi Gwang stared.
Refusal meant lies about joining.
‘How’ll you play it?’
“Fine if that proves it.”
Mok Kyung-un shrugged casually.
Yi Gwang puzzled.
‘......Overthinking?’
The kid kept complying.
Plus,
“Send now?”
Mok Kyung-un withdrew his qi aura, gestured, and called.
“Bring the elder here.”
His men, guarding the lodgings, hesitated puzzled but soon Seo Chun-yi brought the Sacred Flame Spirit Lord over.
Then something intriguing.
Seeing Yi Gwang, the Sacred Flame Spirit Lord darkened, as if recognizing him.
Yi Gwang too.
“Sacred Flame Spirit Lord. Long time.”
“......”
She averted her eyes, silent.
Yi Gwang smirked, summoning surviving masked men.
As they approached, he said.
“Where’s the prophecy item?”
“......”
She clamped her mouth tighter.
Yi Gwang shook his head low.
“Think we couldn’t find Elder Protector Jang—no, Elder Moon?”
‘!?’
Mok Kyung-un’s eyes sharpened instantly.
‘Moon......Elder?’
Grandfather’s name.