Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: A Tiger, Not a Kitten
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“Favoritism! How dare the master of Hyeseimjeong speak such nonsense to the Cult Leader!”
So Seol-ok-su abruptly shouted at Yeo Ju-rin.
But Yeo Ju-rin ignored her, keeping her gaze fixed on Dam Un-cheon as she continued.
“The Cult’s branches are spread throughout the Central Plains.”
“And?”
“From merchant guilds and escort agencies to martial sects… their accumulated wealth and power probably amount to thirty percent of the Cult’s total, or perhaps even more.”
At Yeo Ju-rin’s words, all the leaders gathered at the banquet nodded in agreement.
“Everyone knows that these inspection missions given to the disciples are ultimately a way to consolidate power for the future.”
“Continue.”
“But entrusting the inspection of the Central Plains branches to the Third Young Master is no different from handing the Central Plains branches over to him, is it not?”
“Hmm, is that how it is?”
“Of course. Never before has a disciple been singled out and dispatched for a Central Plains inspection. Everyone will believe the Third Young Master is basking in the Cult Leader’s favor.”
As Yeo Ju-rin spoke, Dam Un-cheon, who had been burying his head in his chair in contemplation, finally opened his mouth after a long while.
“I see. So that’s why you think I’m favoring the third one?”
“That is correct.”
“...”
“Furthermore, this isn’t a problem limited to the Central Plains branches. The factions within our own territory will also see him differently once they learn he has been given this mission.”
“You mean he’ll gain followers?”
“Yes. It will create cracks in the power bases the other disciples have built. The Third Young Master will gain everything through the Cult Leader’s backing without any effort of his own. If that is not favoritism, what is?”
“Mmm… that makes sense. I suppose I was so overjoyed by Un-bi’s achievement that my thinking was shortsighted.”
Dam Un-cheon nodded, agreeing with Yeo Ju-rin’s words all too easily.
“But the fact that Un-bi defeated Hyeok is truly a surprising and commendable feat.”
“Indeed. We acknowledge that as well. He has shown great prowess, so it is only natural that he should be rewarded.”
“Right.”
As it seemed Yeo Ju-rin’s persuasion was working, the faces of the leaders, except for So Seol-ok-su, brightened.
“But there’s a problem. I happened to mention the inspection to Un-bi before the duel, didn’t I? Isn’t that right, Un-bi?”
“...Pardon? Ahaha, yes, well.”
“...”
At Dam Un-cheon’s words, Neung Un-bi laughed awkwardly and scratched his head.
Why was this damn Cult Leader suddenly dragging him into this?
It was almost like he enjoyed messing with people…
It was annoying enough that he kept flip-flopping between sending me and not sending me.
Thanks to him, everyone’s eyes were now focused on Neung Un-bi.
Stop staring, you bastards. You’re going to burn a hole in my face.
I’m not the one who decided this! I may be the subject of the conversation, but I’m being used too!
Just look at that man, at the Cult Leader’s expression.
It’s utterly sinister!
“Hmm, what to do? As a Cult Leader and a Master, I have my pride. I can’t take back what I’ve said…”
“...”
The crowd began to murmur as the Cult Leader kept changing his tune.
Just then, Dam Un-cheon let out a sound of realization, as if he’d thought of a good idea.
“Oho! Yes, that should work.”
“What…?”
“You’re all worried that Un-bi will gain too much, too easily, under my protection, aren’t you?”
“...”
No one answered, but from their expressions, it was clear they were all of one mind.
“Don’t worry about that. I intend to send him, but I won’t provide any support.”
“Pardon?”
“I will only entrust him with the inspection mission. I’ll send along a few guards, including Wang Cheon, but as you all said, we must consider fairness.”
“...”
A sudden silence fell over the hall at the completely unexpected bombshell.
The power of the Central Plains branches amounted to thirty percent of the Demonic Cult.
It was a truly formidable force. If Neung Un-bi were to bring the Central Plains branches under his command, he would instantly acquire immense wealth and military power.
It was also clear that this would have a massive impact on the succession race.
However, there was the Cult Leader’s condition.
Send him, but provide no support?
“Do you mean… you will not intervene?”
“That’s right.”
“No matter what happens?”
“Of course.”
Even after repeated questions for confirmation, Dam Un-cheon simply smiled and nodded, throwing Yeo Ju-rin’s mind into turmoil.
His backing would still be there. But the public declaration that he would not intervene, no matter what, was crucial.
It was tantamount to saying, ‘Kill him if you can.’
Could it be true?
No, it didn’t matter if it was true or not.
Neung Un-bi was a sapling. And his victory over Wi Ji-hyeok would be the cornerstone of his rising fame.
He had to be dealt with, one way or another.
And now, the Cult Leader was offering them a dangerous deal.
He would give them the Central Plains in exchange for his disciple’s life.
It was an opportunity she couldn't miss.
If left alone, a sapling becomes a great tree. The Cult Leader’s will would be carried on once more.
At the same time, the power of the family clans and the Elder Council that had long supported the Demonic Cult would be suppressed.
He had to be cut down early.
Even if she had to agree to him being given the Central Plains, wasn’t this too good an opportunity?
A golden opportunity… to kill him before he could claim the Central Plains.
“You can’t!”
As Yeo Ju-rin’s thoughts deepened, So Seol-ok-su, Seon Hwa-yeon, shot to her feet, opposing it like a wildfire.
She was so furious her cheeks were trembling.
It was only natural.
Because the Central Plains were dangerous?
Of course, the Central Plains had long raised the banner of demon extermination.
Whenever the Demonic Cult grew rampant, the forces of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions, who were usually at each other’s throats, would unite as if by agreement to stop them.
All to keep from losing their own territories.
However, that was only when the Cult’s intention to conquer the Central Plains was clear.
The Demonic Cult’s branches? No one saw them as a major problem.
While their combined strength was thirty percent of the entire Cult, that was only when they were gathered in one place.
The Orthodox and Unorthodox factions believed they could easily pick off the forces scattered across the Central Plains if they put their minds to it.
So, unless a major incident occurred, they wouldn’t bother. The risks outweighed the rewards.
It would be no different from burning down the whole house to catch a flea.
Furthermore, if they were to carelessly attack a branch and incur Dam Un-cheon’s wrath, a storm of blood would sweep through the Central Plains.
The same was true for the Demonic Cult. They wouldn’t recklessly invade the Central Plains just because one branch was attacked. Losses would be incurred on both sides.
Thus, the Demonic Cult moved in secret, and the Orthodox Faction didn’t search too hard.
And even when disputes arose, various negotiations took place behind the scenes before it ever escalated to war.
They would determine fault, demand compensation, and comply with it.
That was precisely why the Sixth Elder of the main cult was always busy without a moment's rest. He was in charge of what could be called foreign relations.
But for the Central Plains to harm a disciple of the Cult Leader?
It was unthinkable.
It would be impossible unless they were actively seeking a war.
In fact, the Orthodox Faction would go out of its way to prevent it. If the Cult Leader’s disciple died on their land, they would not escape responsibility.
In other words, as long as Neung Un-bi didn’t start a fight or cause a major incident, nothing in the Central Plains would harm him.
But what if the Cult Leader sent Neung Un-bi out and refused to intervene at all?
Everyone knew that Neung Un-bi’s opponents—those who wanted to make the other disciples the next Cult Leader—would make their move.
“Cult Leader! Absolutely not!”
“...”
As So Seol-ok-su loudly voiced her opposition, those who had remained silent until now began to argue back.
“So Seol-ok-su, why are you so angry?”
“Indeed. A moment ago, you were scolding us for supposedly trying to clip the Third Young Master’s wings.”
“The Cult Leader has already made his decision…”
The tables had turned in an instant.
So Seol-ok-su was against it, while the other leaders were for it.
“You people! Do you think I don’t see your dark intentions!”
“...”
“If the Third Young Master goes to the Central Plains like this, you will relentlessly target his life! I will never allow it!”
So Seol-ok-su shouted, her eyes blazing with a murderous light.
“Cult Leader! This cannot happen. Why are you trying to send the Third Young Master to his death! Third Young Master, you must speak up now. Say you can’t do it! That you won’t! Say it!”
“...”
Her glare was now fixed on Neung Un-bi.
Why was she threatening him?
But hearing her out, it did sound rather dangerous.
It was obvious that these people, who were singing songs of approval right in front of him, would seriously start aiming for his life.
But on the other hand, he felt it might be a good thing.
An inspection? What was the big deal?
It was an excuse to go anywhere in the Central Plains.
Even better, the Cult Leader had said he wouldn’t place any surveillance on him other than Wang Cheon and the Lunar Eclipse Unit.
Hmm, so what should I do?
If I do it, I’ll be risking my life. If I don’t, who knows when another chance to escape the Demonic Cult will come…
As the debate raged between the two opposing sides.
“Then there are no objections.”
“Cult Leader!”
“...”
“I object! Please, reconsider. No, if you will not help him, then at least permit me to help. You already know that I, that our Snow Mountain Manor, supports the Third Young Master, do you not?”
At So Seol-ok-su’s earnest plea, Dam Un-cheon turned his head with an indifferent expression.
“Object… Do you have the authority?”
“Pardon?”
“You are the acting head, not the head of the family. You are merely one of the elders.”
“Cult Leader!”
Seon Hwa-yeon shot up, unable to contain her anger, but Dam Un-cheon resolutely ignored her.
But Seon Hwa-yeon was no ordinary person.
“Cult Leader! Are you really going to do this? Are you truly determined to send the Third Young Master to his death!”
Dam Un-cheon stared intently into Seon Hwa-yeon’s glaring face, then drained his cup and spoke.
“Listen, So Seol-ok-su.”
“...”
“I am raising a tiger, not a kitten.”
At his chilling voice, Seon Hwa-yeon fell silent, as if her words had been choked off.
From the beginning, as the Cult Leader had said, she had no right to object. Her authority as acting head was limited to deciding the course of the Snow Mountain Manor.
“Then I’ll take it that everyone agrees. I will soon issue an order to the Lunar Eclipse Pavilion, so you are all informed.”
“We will bear it in mind.”
At Dam Un-cheon’s words, everyone except So Seol-ok-su replied respectfully.
Such cold politeness. Why not just advertise that you’re going to kill me?
Neung Un-bi could only watch the scene, dumbfounded.
But one question arose in his mind.
“Excuse me, Master?”
“What is it? Do you have something to say?”
When Neung Un-bi called him, Dam Un-cheon replied with the gentle expression of a master.
“That, uh, Central Plains inspection mission.”
“What about it?”
“I haven’t said I’ll do it yet, though?”
That was right.
While they were all bickering amongst themselves, Neung Un-bi hadn’t gotten a single word in.
“Haha, Un-bi.”
“Yes.”
“This is an order.”
“An order?”
“That’s right. Not a request, an order. Not from your Master, but from your Cult Leader. Do you understand?”
“Then, by any chance… do I have the right to refuse?”
“Refuse? Hahaha! This boy, your jokes have certainly improved.”
“...”
“In the dozen or so years since I became Cult Leader, that is the first time I’ve heard such an audacious joke.”
Neung Un-bi wanted to throw his drink in the face of Dam Un-cheon, who was now patting his shoulder while letting out a hearty laugh.
Still, human psychology was a funny thing.
He just had to ask the questions on his mind, especially when the person who could answer was right in front of him.
“What if, just hypothetically, I refuse and say I don’t want to do it?”
“Haha, what a thing to say. I know my third disciple would never defy his Master’s orders, but… since you asked, I’ll answer.”
*Crunch!*
“...”
The cup in Dam Un-cheon’s hand shattered.
Not into pieces, but into dust that scattered away.
“I wonder if that answers your question?”
“...”
It does, Master.
Your heartfelt, physical demonstration has filled me with motivation.
Neung Un-bi just smiled.
This… was non-negotiable.
If he resisted now, he’d be dead here long before he could get assassinated in the Central Plains.
“Drink.”
“...Yes.”
And so, the drinking party went on, and the people grew drunk.