Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: The Red Dragon Hall
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#031 The Red Dragon Hall
“The leader of the Beggars’ Sect? What are you talking about…”
Seriously, why bring up the Beggars’ Sect out of nowhere?
They went under ages ago.
“You were that close and you didn't know? Do you really expect me to believe that?”
“Forgive me for interrupting, but Yong Ma-san and I are merely acquaintances, not close friends.”
We only made a deal for him to cooperate with the Outer Hall's business. It was never a friendly relationship.
“Is that so?”
Jeok Sa-jung gave a cryptic smile, pulling a piece of paper from his robes and reading it aloud.
“For mere acquaintances, Yong Ma-san visits your house quite often. Three hundred times in the last six months, to be precise.”
That's because he comes over for breakfast and dinner every day.
“What's more, he has assisted you on missions.”
That was because Myo Hyang asked him to…
“And most importantly, the Two Immortals Gang has recently started helping the Outer Hall.”
That's in exchange for a discount on his meals.
“Will you still deny it?”
This is driving me insane.
Jeok Sa-jung's aura grew thick and suffocating.
My entire body trembled from the killing intent emanating from the supreme master known as the Crimson Blood Reaper.
“...But it's really not true.”
“You must think I'm a pushover.”
Clatter.
Jeok Sa-jung rose from his seat, drawing a short sword tinged with red.
It was the Demon-Slaying Sword, the sacred artifact of the Red Dragon Hall.
To draw the sacred artifact of his house meant he intended to use it, no matter the circumstances.
I focused all my attention on his hand.
The moment he moved, I was prepared to bolt.
And just as I expected.
Fwoosh.
Jeok Sa-jung's hand blurred, and then his entire form vanished before my eyes.
“...!”
At the same time, I thought.
‘Behind me!’
If he was launching a surprise attack, it was highly likely he would move to the direction a person has the most trouble perceiving.
And my judgment was correct.
When I spun around, I saw Jeok Sa-jung.
He stared at me with surprised eyes.
I had pinpointed his location, but that didn't mean I could charge at him.
Jeok Sa-jung was a master of the world's most insidious and dangerous killing sword arts.
If I attacked, I was certain I wouldn't last three moves before my head was lopped off.
So, the method I chose was…
Krumble. Baam!
…to maintain my distance and unleash the Explosive Death Force straight ahead.
With a sound like a thunderclap, every piece of furniture in the office was sent flying.
The windows and the door to the hallway shattered, creating an opening.
Jeok Sa-jung, shrouded in his protective energy, stood there unfazed.
I hadn't managed to damage him, but I wasn't disappointed.
Rumble.
My attack wasn't aimed at him from the start.
It was merely a ploy to buy time and create space.
Fwip.
I executed the War King Step and shot forward like a lightning bolt.
My goal was to escape through the broken window.
I didn't know why Jeok Sa-jung was doing this, but right now, I had to run.
It was my only way to survive.
However, my attempt ended in failure.
Thump.
Something grabbed me and dragged me back inside.
Threads extending from Jeok Sa-jung's hands were wrapped tightly around my body.
‘Celestial Silkworm Thread!’
The raw material for the Celestial Silkworm Robe, a precious artifact, it was the strongest thread in the world.
“Kuh!”
The warriors of the Red Dragon Hall would be swarming here any second.
I couldn't afford to waste any more time.
I gathered my true energy and swept my hand from left to right.
This was a technique of the War King Arts, the Ultimate Death Force.
Although its short casting time meant it wasn't very powerful, it was the perfect move to use right now.
Slice. Boom!
The Ultimate Death Force shot out like a thunderbolt, instantly severing the Celestial Silkworm Thread.
Even then, the force didn't lose its power and shot toward Jeok Sa-jung.
Seeing this, a look of pure astonishment crossed Jeok Sa-jung's face.
“Not bad.”
A red aura formed around the blood-colored short sword, glowing so brightly it illuminated the entire room.
An ability exclusive to those who have reached the pinnacle of martial arts.
It was Sword Aura.
Jeok Sa-jung swiped the aura-clad short sword horizontally.
Shwaaa.
“...!”
At the same moment, the remaining force of the Ultimate Death Force completely dissipated.
He had traced the exact path of the Ultimate Death Force with his sword, neutralizing its energy.
It was a chillingly precise sword strike.
“Dammit!”
I hastily retreated.
You can only put up a fight if you're a match for your opponent. This was like throwing an egg against a rock.
Thud. Thud.
Two masked warriors from the Red Dragon Hall entered through the window and blocked my path.
Their ability to move without a sound was just what you'd expect from those of an assassin's gate.
I was completely cornered.
Seeing no chance of winning if I resisted further, I retracted my true energy and relaxed my stance.
“Old man, what in the world are you trying to do?”
I asked sarcastically.
Even if he was the Hall Master of the Red Dragon Hall, I had no intention of showing respect to an enemy trying to kill me.
Instantly, killing intent flared from the warriors.
“Hey, watch your mouth—!”
Whack!
“Gah!”
I slammed my fist into the eye of the one who grabbed my shoulder.
Then, just as I aimed a kick at the groin of the man next to him.
Shing.
“Enough.”
Jeok Sa-jung's short sword was suddenly at my neck.
“What do you want?”
“Your relationship with Yong Ma-san.”
“I already told you. We have no relationship.”
“I'll believe you. In exchange, bring me his head.”
“What?”
A simple demand.
But it was also a demand I could never accept.
“That's insane.”
“If you find it difficult to do it yourself, just lure him out. We'll take care of the rest.”
“Don't give me that bullshit.”
“You said you have no relationship, so why refuse?”
It wasn't because I'd grown fond of him.
There was nothing that could be called loyalty between us.
It's just that.
“You want me to kill someone else just to save myself? You may have lived your lives that way, but that's not my style.”
The very act of killing someone because I was being blackmailed didn't sit right with me.
“Even if it means you die right here, right now?”
“But the two men in front of me will definitely die with me.”
I showed Jeok Sa-jung the small pill in my hand.
“A poison pill?”
“Yes. A pill that releases a cloud of deadly poison smoke with just a slight infusion of internal energy.”
For the record, it was a hangover cure made by Cheong So-so. Its dark color just happened to make it look exactly like a poison pill.
“Is that from the Green Dragon Hall?”
“I traded a token of gratitude for it.”
“I see.”
Jeok Sa-jung fell silent.
Then, he sheathed his short sword and…
“Pffft, puhahahaha.”
He suddenly started laughing like a madman.
Even the two masked men began to laugh along with him.
“Relax. I'd heard so many praises about you that I got curious and decided to test you.”
Jeok Sa-jung explained the whole situation. The masked man whose groin I'd almost kicked ripped off his mask and approached.
“Kwahahaha, Young Brother's fists are as legendary as they say. To think the Third Young Master was almost taken down in one blow.”
It was Yang Jeong, the Gungye I fought alongside on Mount Jeomchang.
“Don't be like that, Uncle Yang. I'm already upset enough about getting beaten by my junior.”
The other man was Jeok Hwa-ran's older brother and the Third Young Master of the Red Dragon Hall, the Annihilating Sword, Jeok Sam.
Jeok Sa-jung came over to a bewildered me and put an arm around my shoulder.
“Let's go have a drink.”
* * *
The drinking party that followed had more people than I expected.
At first, I was on edge, annoyed at being deceived, but as the cheerful atmosphere continued, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
The people of the Red Dragon Hall were open and high-spirited.
Well, it made sense. Otherwise, the Hall Master's youngest granddaughter wouldn't be able to run a brothel.
Despite being eighty years old, Jeok Sa-jung drank strong liquor one after another, mingling freely with everyone.
“Ahem, I poured you that drink a while ago. Haven't you finished it yet?”
“Oh! This unworthy junior has made a mistake. I'll empty it right away.”
I downed the rest of the liquor in my cup in one go. Jeok Sa-jung laughed heartily and refilled it for me.
“I'm sorry about what happened today. That Lord Yang over there wouldn't stop praising you. I couldn't contain my curiosity.”
“It's quite all right. Thanks to you, I was able to witness the martial arts of the Red Dragon Hall Master firsthand, so I should be the one thanking you.”
Witnessing the skills of a supreme master up close was like a small stroke of serendipity.
And I, too, learned a lesson from today's fight.
‘From now on, I should carry some pepper powder with me.’
If things get dangerous, I can at least throw that.
I keenly felt the need to have a trump card to save my life.
“The more I see of you, the more I like you. How could I not have known of a talent like you?”
“Kuhuhu, well, it's not too late now that you know, is it?”
“That's true.”
Jeok Sa-jung, his face flushed red, drained his cup.
“Goodness! Hall Master, you must consider your age! Drinking like that will cause you trouble.”
Seeing this, Yang Jeong tried to stop him in a loud voice.
“Quiet! I'm not dead yet, you bastards!”
Seeing such a complete lack of formality, I burst out laughing again.
As the atmosphere mellowed, Yang Jeong approached with a liquor bottle.
“How about taking this opportunity to move to the Red Dragon Hall?”
“That's right, just come on over. I'll give you the best treatment in all of Nine Dragons Fortress.”
Jeok Sa-jung added.
“That's a shame. This humble one was recently promoted…”
“How much do you make?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked how much you make. I'll give you three times that—no, four times.”
It was an extraordinary offer.
‘Four times nine taels is thirty-six taels!’
In modern terms, that was a fortune.
With this money, I could achieve my dream of a life of debauchery even faster.
‘Should… should I go?’
I was so flustered it was hard to think straight.
Work-life balance? It's important.
But thirty-six taels was too much money to refuse for the sake of work-life balance.
If Bukgung Baek heard the amount, he would surely send me off with his blessing.
No, he might even slip me an envelope, asking me to secure a position for him too.
Just as I was about to accept Jeok Sa-jung's offer.
Clank.
The doors to the banquet hall burst open, and a group of people poured in.
Every one of them was covered in blood.
The stench of blood filled the hall the moment they appeared, a testament to the great slaughter they must have committed.
It was the Crimson Blood Unit, composed of the young martial artists of the Red Dragon Hall.
A man shrouded in the same thick killing intent as Jeok Sa-jung had been earlier slowly walked forward.
“Grandson reports, I have returned after completing Grandfather's command.”
It was the First Young Master of the Red Dragon Hall, the Red Dragon Sword, Jeok Il.
“It took you longer than I expected.”
“The remnants fled into the desert, which caused a delay. We hunted them down to the very last man. No one will ever use the name 'Blood Demon Brigade' again.”
“I see. Good work. Will you have a drink?”
“No, thank you. The men are all exhausted, so we will retire to rest.”
“Do as you wish.”
Jeok Il gave a silent, formal bow and left the banquet hall.
As I watched him leave, Jeok Sa-jung spoke to me.
“How about it? Doesn't it make your heart race?”
“...Pardon?”
At what part?
“If you join the Red Dragon Hall, you'll be working with that boy. Traveling the world, slaughtering our enemies. Hah, just the thought of seeing blood makes my mouth water. If I were ten years younger, I'd be out there killing them myself.”
What kind of crazy talk is this now?
After hearing Jeok Sa-jung's bloodthirsty words, I started to see the others in the hall in a new light.
“So I thrust my sword in deep, and he starts trembling and pisses himself! You should have seen it, Captain.”
“If you twist the third move of the Bloodletting Sword like this when you stab, you can inflict prolonged agony instead of killing them instantly.”
“What a groundbreaking technique. Truly amazing.”
“You're just figuring that out now? Kehkehkeh.”
The people of the Red Dragon Hall weren't just informal; they were insane.
The pleasant banquet had somehow turned into a forum for discussing murder.
I wanted to escape this den of murderous fiends as quickly as possible.
“So, have you made your decision?”
Jeok Sa-jung asked subtly. He was undoubtedly asking for my answer to his recruitment offer.
“I am endlessly honored that you think so highly of this humble one… but I have many subordinates I'm responsible for, so it would be difficult for me to change my affiliation to the Red Dragon Hall.”
Driven by desperation, a surprisingly eloquent excuse flowed from my lips.
Jeok Sa-jung nodded agreeably.
“Hah! What a shame. If you ever change your mind, just let me know. A talent like you is always welcome.”
Yeah, not happening. Never. Not even if you beat me to death.
“Ah. Ha. Ha. I see. I'll keep that in mind.”
I subtly rose from my seat and cupped my fist in my palm.
“It's getting late, so I must be on my way. I will never forget how kindly you've treated this unworthy junior.”
“Feel free to drop by anytime.”
“Farewell, then.”
Just as I made my excuse and tried to leave the banquet hall.
“I'll see you out.”
Jeok Sam approached.
“Ah, no need, Senior. I can find my own way out.”
“I know. I know my Junior Jin is a master. Still, I can't just let a guest who came all the way to our home leave without an escort, can I?”
“I-I-I see.”
I couldn't think of an excuse to refuse.
After leaving the Red Dragon Hall and walking for a bit, Jeok Sam spoke to me.
“By the way.”
“Yes?”
“Did you really not know he was the leader of the Beggars' Sect?”
“Was that actually true? I thought it was a lie to test me.”
In response to my question, Jeok Sam chuckled and replied.
“You really didn't know. Well, I suppose that's possible. We only found out recently ourselves.”
“Didn't the Beggars' Sect fall over a hundred years ago?”
“That's right.”
“Then why would the Beggars' Sect Leader suddenly appear now? And of all places, in Nine Dragons Fortress, where the Red Dragon Hall is based.”
They went under and were torn to shreds ages ago. I couldn't understand what they hoped to gain by coming here now.
“Ah, that? I'm not certain, but I have a guess.”
“What is it?”
“One of the reasons the Beggars' Sect fell was because they were betrayed by the Red King's Gate.”
“...”
“Well, just keep that in mind. And try to keep today's events a secret. No, wait, he probably already knows, so it doesn't matter. Say what you want. Ah, if you are going to talk to him, pass this along too.”
He continued with an enigmatic smile.
“Tell him we're watching.”
Watching Jeok Sam's retreating back, I made a vow.
‘I must never get involved with the Red Dragon Hall again.’
I decided I wouldn't even go near the Red Blossom Pavilion for a while.