Chapter 219
Chapter 219
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 219
Chapter Title: An Unwelcome Alliance
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Sigh, what rotten luck.
This was my second time at the Night Guest, and I'd run into that bastard both times.
It wasn't like we had planned to meet, and it wasn't like I came here often, so why did I have to run into him every single time I showed up?
“What brings you here?”
“What do you mean? It’s not like I’m somewhere I shouldn’t be.”
“I heard First Senior Brother already left. You seem to be taking your time, Senior Brother.”
“I was just about to leave myself. But how could I go without seeing my beloved junior brother’s face?”
“Beloved, my ass.”
Neung Un-bi jeered openly, but Yeo Jin-gang didn't seem to care in the slightest.
“I hear you killed the Sword Emperor?”
“…”
“A truly magnificent feat. You’ve done a great service for the Demonic Cult.”
Yeo Jin-gang approached the table and took the seat Wang Cheon had just vacated.
“I don’t recall inviting you to sit.”
“Is our relationship so distant that I need an invitation to sit with you?”
“…”
What’s with this guy?
Why the hell is he suddenly acting so friendly?
“You two may leave. I have something to discuss with my junior brother.”
“Yes?”
As Yeo Jin-gang waved his hand dismissively, Wang Cheon and Ju Seung exchanged uneasy glances.
“Ahem! Did you scoundrels not hear me!?”
“Ah, that’s not it…”
Seeing them hesitate, Neung Un-bi waved a hand.
“Go on.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The two, who had been lingering, bowed their heads at Neung Un-bi’s command and respectfully withdrew.
“Tsk, tsk. Servants these days are so clueless… You must have your hands full.”
As Yeo Jin-gang clicked his tongue at the sight of Wang Cheon and Ju Seung leaving only after receiving an order, Neung Un-bi smirked.
And him?
If he had any sense, his own Guard Captain, Chu Seong-gyun, should have withdrawn as well.
So it’s fine for his guy, but not for mine? What kind of rule is that?
But it was too much of a hassle to even say it.
Whatever.
As Neung Un-bi filled his cup with a bored expression, Yeo Jin-gang, who had been clicking his tongue, stared somewhere with a bewildered look on his face.
At the end of his gaze was… Hyang-i.
*Gulp, gulp. Chomp, chomp.*
Regardless of whether Yeo Jin-gang was watching, Hyang-i was continuously downing her drink and stuffing her face with side dishes.
“Hah, and who is this?”
“…”
“She looks like a maid, but I’ve never seen such a novel little bitch.”
The moment she said that, Hyang-i’s hand, which had been reaching for her cup, froze.
“What? Bitch? Did you just call me a bitch?”
“...!”
Her eyes turned cold, the corners of her lips twitching upward.
*Thud!*
Neung Un-bi urgently grabbed her hand as she was about to draw a dagger.
[Hyang-i!]
[Let go…]
[Endure it. He’s always like this.]
[Let go. I’m going to rip that smirking mouth of his so he can smile forever.]
[He’s my senior brother.]
[I know. Yeo Jin-gang, the Cult Leader’s second disciple, the eldest son of Hyesimjeong.]
Ah, so she knows.
True, a girl who’s willing to slit the Cult Leader’s throat wouldn’t hesitate to tear his disciple’s mouth.
But if she did, all hell would break loose.
Did he think Hyang-i would stop at just tearing his mouth?
If Yeo Jin-gang died before the Ascension Ceremony even began, he might not even get a chance to challenge for the throne.
[Still, endure it. For my sake… I’m begging you.]
Neung Un-bi tried to stop her, a cold sweat running down his spine.
As if his desperation got through to her, Hyang-i, who had been glaring at Yeo Jin-gang with a trembling hand, finally let go of the dagger.
“Ahem, Hyang-i.”
“…”
“You go join Wang Cheon and Ju Seung.”
At Neung Un-bi’s words, Hyang-i gritted her teeth, glared at Yeo Jin-gang, and shot up from her seat.
“That, that bitch!”
“Senior Brother!”
Neung Un-bi grabbed Yeo Jin-gang’s sleeve as he was about to stand up as well.
“…She is someone I cherish.”
“What?”
“And a comrade-in-arms who has been through life and death with me since the Central Plains.”
At those words, Yeo Jin-gang stared intently at Neung Un-bi.
“Someone you cherish?”
“That’s right.”
“Ahem! Well then… I suppose it can’t be helped. If she’s someone my junior brother cherishes.”
“…”
“But is that your type? Her face is quite cute, but she looks rather young.”
“...!”
Hearing that appalling remark, Neung Un-bi immediately glanced toward Hyang-i.
He could feel a chilling aura from here. Wang Cheon and Ju Seung were desperately holding her back.
“My lady! Please, have a drink!”
“Here are some snacks!”
“…”
Only after the two men clung to her, diligently placating her with alcohol and snacks, did Hyang-i finally calm down and sit.
Relieved at the sight, Neung Un-bi glared at Yeo Jin-gang.
This son of a bitch!
Like they say, a dirty mind sees dirt everywhere. Are you even human? Is that all you hear? I said comrade, comrade-in-arms!
I barely managed to save your life, and now you’re spouting nonsense from that loose mouth of yours!
Fearing what else might be said, Neung Un-bi hurriedly erected a sound-blocking barrier around them.
“Senior Brother!”
“…Hm?”
“We’re both busy men. It would be best if you just stated your business.”
“Hm, shall we? Yes. We have a productive discussion ahead of us. We can’t let some insolent maid ruin the mood.”
Hearing that, Neung Un-bi thought it was a very good thing he’d put up the barrier.
Otherwise, there might have been a funeral at Hyesimjeong.
A string of them, at that…
“Sigh… Alright, what is this ‘productive discussion’ you mentioned?”
Neung Un-bi asked, finally calming his startled heart.
There was no way this man came to see him for no reason.
And what good terms were they on that he would even act friendly?
He must want something from him.
“Here, pour me a drink.”
“Alcohol?”
“Of course. Hasn’t it been a while since we had a proper drink, on this historic occasion of my junior brother’s return after breaking through the Orthodox Faction’s fierce pursuit?”
This was getting even more suspicious.
Wasn’t this man more cunning than a snake?
But Neung Un-bi found his antics amusing, so he chuckled and filled his cup.
“Well, thank you for putting it that way. I thought you came here to curse me out for blowing up all the Central Plains branches.”
“What nonsense are you spouting? Who would say such a thing? I’ll rip their mouth apart right now!”
He was overacting.
“Just state your business. I know you wouldn’t visit me out of the blue. Frankly, we’re not exactly in a position to be sitting together and chatting, are we?”
“…You rascal.”
At Neung Un-bi’s words, Yeo Jin-gang smirked and nodded.
“Fine. No need to beat around the bush.”
“…”
“I heard you only secured two branches from your trip to the Central Plains?”
“And?”
“Do you think that’s enough?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I also heard the only talents by your side are warriors.”
Neung Un-bi felt like he instantly knew what Yeo Jin-gang wanted to say.
Hyesimjeong, the group where the Demonic Cult's greatest minds gathered.
Their military power was not insignificant. They were filled with masters who ranked among the best of the Six Families.
But Yeo Jin-gang was not one of them. Compared to the other disciples, his martial prowess was somewhat lacking.
No, it was quite far behind. The only reason he could hold his ground was because of his strategic mind, capable of handling even large-scale wars.
But in a one-on-one fight?
“So… you want to use me as your sword?”
“You catch on quick.”
“…”
“For now, everyone thinks First Senior Brother has the greatest power. But what do you think would happen if my mind and your strength, the strength that killed the Sword Emperor, were combined?”
“What about it?”
“Don’t play dumb.”
“…”
“I will fill what you lack. In return, you will fill what I lack. Together, the two of us will become the masters of this Demonic Cult.”
Yeo Jin-gang's eyes sparkled, as if he was getting excited by his own words.
Neung Un-bi stared at his face for a long time before nodding and stroking his chin.
“Not a bad proposal.”
“Right! Of course, it’s not bad. No, it’s a truly great proposal.”
“But who would be on top?”
“What?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? If you and I join forces, someone has to be in the higher position.”
“Well, that’s obviously…”
“If I’m on top, I’m in.”
“What?”
“If I become the Cult Leader, I’ll make you the Grand Marshal of the Demonic Cult. How about it?”
“…”
As Neung Un-bi made his counter-proposal, Yeo Jin-gang’s face hardened.
“Do you not understand your current situation?”
“I know. Why wouldn’t I?”
“And yet…”
“Heh heh, hey, Yeo Jin-gang.”
The cold laugh and the sudden informal address made him flinch.
“You see, I’ve been screwed over so many times that I’m sick and tired of clever bastards like you.”
“…”
“Sure, it might be nice to have a smart guy under me. But not you. So, if you’re done with your drink, get the hell out.”
“…You bastard.”
“Don’t call me a bastard. It makes me want to snap the neck of whoever says it, just like someone else I know.”
As Neung Un-bi smiled, Yeo Jin-gang felt his breath catch in his throat.
The Tyrant's Asura Art subtly manifested.
The ferocious killing intent of a savage beast contained within it constricted Yeo Jin-gang’s entire body.
“You… bastard…”
“There’s that word again.”
“…”
“Yeo Jin-gang. You should have just stayed in seclusion and built up your strength like the First Young Master.”
“Ugh…”
“Pathetic fool. You should be grateful. The Ascension Ceremony hasn’t started yet.”
Neung Un-bi overturned his cup and slowly stood up.
Yeo Jin-gang remained frozen, staring straight ahead with wide eyes.
Neung Un-bi patted his shoulder and was about to leave.
“Third Young Master.”
“…”
“My lord’s business is not yet finished.”
Yeo Jin-gang’s Guard Captain, Chu Seong-gyun, who had remained by his side, placed a hand on Neung Un-bi’s chest, blocking his path.
“Move.”
“Third Young Master.”
“You’re not moving?”
“If you would just stay a little longer…”
The moment Chu Seong-gyun put pressure on his chest, Neung Un-bi grabbed his wrist and twisted.
*Crack!*
“Argh!”
Chu Seong-gyun fell to his knees, crying out in pain. Neung Un-bi looked down at him with a look of pity.
“Tsk, you should have just stayed put. Why get involved for no reason? You have a death wish…”
“Guuh…”
“Next time, it’s your neck.”
Neung Un-bi released his wrist and started walking again. At that moment, Yeo Jin-gang’s guards, who were inside the Night Guest, all released their fearsome auras.
“These bastards!”
Simultaneously, Wang Cheon, Ju Seung, and the Lunar Eclipse Squad, who had been watching the situation, all rose to their feet.
“Wang Cheon!”
“…?”
At Neung Un-bi’s call, Wang Cheon whipped his head around.
“Who told you to step up?”
“…”
“Stand down.”
“…Yes.”
A single, concise command was all it took. They all knew that the current Neung Un-bi did not need their help.
*Step, step.*
Neung Un-bi slowly walked toward the entrance.
“Gah!”
“Kuh!”
With each step, an immense pressure radiated from him, causing Yeo Jin-gang’s guards near the entrance to let out pained groans.
*Thud.*
Soon, the guards could no longer endure it and began to collapse one by one.
The moment he channeled the Tyrant's Asura Art, the space within the Night Guest became Neung Un-bi’s domain. Those crushed by his power looked as if they were respectfully kneeling and bowing their heads to the departing Neung Un-bi.
“Hyang-i.”
“Huh?”
“Stop eating.”
“Hmph.”
Hyang-i, who had been devouring food and drink without a care for what others were doing, pouted and got up from her seat.
Of course, she carefully took the bottle of wine she was drinking with her…
Finally reaching the entrance, Neung Un-bi turned his head and looked at Yeo Jin-gang.
“Senior Brother, let’s meet next on the battlefield. Take good care of that head of yours until then. So I can cut it off myself.”
“…”
Only after Neung Un-bi left without waiting for a reply did the pressure crushing the inside of the Night Guest disappear.
“Gasp, gasp…”
Blocked breaths burst forth, and the few warriors who had been holding on collapsed on the spot.
*Crack.*
The cup in Yeo Jin-gang’s hand shattered, his face contorted into the ugliest expression possible.
“Just you wait…”
That was all he could say.
* * *
“Hyang-i.”
“What?”
“Let’s go. To that place, Evil Spirit Valley.”
“Huh?”
At Neung Un-bi’s words, spoken as they left the Night Guest and headed for the Lunar Eclipse Pavilion, not only Hyang-i but everyone else by his side was startled.
“Without even hearing what kind of place it is?”
“I don’t need an explanation. What does it matter? If a bastard like the Second Young Master is aiming for the throne… I can’t stand by and watch that.”
“True.”
Hyang-i nodded, but Wang Cheon vehemently objected.
“My lord! You can’t!”
“Why? Is it a place I shouldn’t go? Is it forbidden?”
“That’s not it, but…”
“Then what? Does making Evil Spirit Valley my base violate the rules of the Ascension Ceremony?”
“That’s not it either, but…”
“Then it’s settled.”
“My lord!”
“This is the only way. I’ll go, no matter where it is. As long as I can get my hands on the Demonic Cult.”
As he spoke, Neung Un-bi’s eyes shone with a piercing blue light.