Chapter 112
Chapter 112
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 112
Chapter Title: Martial Emperor and Heavenly Demon
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Suddenly, Jegal Lin found herself wondering what Chwi Wol truly thought of Dan Hyeong-u.
"What do you make of Young Master Dan, Lord Chwi Wol?"
Chwi Wol's eyes lit up at Jegal Lin's abrupt question.
"Are you referring to Dan Hyeong-u?"
As Jegal Lin nodded, Chwi Wol paused in thought before speaking.
"Well, it's hard to say for sure after just one day, but he seemed like someone hiding tremendous power."
Jegal Lin's eyes widened slightly at Chwi Wol's words. You couldn't tell Dan Hyeong-u was strong just by looking at him. It was impossible to even sense that he practiced martial arts, let alone gauge the extent of his strength.
"He also feels like he carries some great secret. In any case, he's beyond what I can assess with my own abilities."
Jegal Lin was genuinely impressed by Chwi Wol's judgment. Recalling her own first meeting with Dan Hyeong-u, she realized Chwi Wol's evaluation was extraordinarily perceptive. It was as if she possessed eyes that pierced through everything in the world.
Seeing Jegal Lin's surprise, Chwi Wol gave a wry smile inwardly. Even she was quite confused right now.
Her cool assessment of Dan Hyeong-u painted him as utterly ordinary—a quiet man who simply enjoyed his food.
What Chwi Wol had said about Dan Hyeong-u stemmed from her knowledge of the Blood Cult's investigations. Since she knew everything the Blood Cult had uncovered about him, her evaluation was only natural.
In truth, Chwi Wol had approached meeting Dan Hyeong-u with high expectations. She thought learning something about him might aid the cult in dealing with him.
But she had gained nothing. Only the vague sense that he might be a truly terrifying individual.
Hearing Chwi Wol's assessment of Dan Hyeong-u allowed Jegal Lin to sort out her feelings. Or rather, to read her own heart clearly.
'My heart has been drifting toward him.'
Jegal Lin realized her feelings were flowing toward Dan Hyeong-u. She couldn't pinpoint when it started, but the sentiment was unmistakable.
She looked at Chwi Wol with grateful eyes. Without her, Jegal Lin might have wandered in confusion for much longer. Of course, Chwi Wol had no idea what role she'd played.
"I think I'll take my leave for today."
Chwi Wol looked startled at Jegal Lin's words.
"It's still so early..."
The sun hung high in the midday sky. From Chwi Wol's perspective, she had planned a deep discussion on formations with Jegal Lin today. Jegal Lin's sudden departure threw her off balance.
"I need some time alone to think. I'm sorry."
Jegal Lin's tone was resolute. Chwi Wol could only shake her head helplessly.
"No helping it, then. If that's what you wish, Lady Jegal... We'll arrange another time."
"Yes, I'd like that."
With those words, Jegal Lin left Chwi Wol's quarters. She headed straight for where her companions were staying. A sudden, overwhelming urge to see that someone gripped her.
Chwi Wol watched Jegal Lin's retreating figure with a bittersweet gaze, then let out a deep sigh.
"Hoo... A bit regrettable, but nothing to be done now. Time will sort it out anyway."
Her expression brightening once more, Chwi Wol turned her chair around and retreated inside, pulling a booklet from her bosom as she went. It was the Heavenly Mechanism Formation Diagram. Excitement sparkled in her eyes.
The group stayed at the Paeng family manor for three days. Tremendous efforts were made to persuade Jo Seol-yeon during that time, but her mind remained unchanged.
In the end, the group departed. Only Jegal Lin and Dan Hyeong-u had gained anything from their stay.
The Paeng family honored their initial promise, offering to escort them all the way to Yoneung, but Jegal Lin firmly refused.
She could feel Paeng Mi-ryeong's glaring eyes, but showed no sign of it. It was just a misunderstanding, after all—it would clear up soon enough.
Thanks to Jegal Lin's steadfast refusal, no one from the Paeng family could accompany them. Paeng Cheol-yeong insisted on joining, but even he backed down before Jo Seol-yeon's unyielding attitude.
The group left the Paeng family manor behind and resumed their journey toward Yoneung.
"Heh heh, this is truly unexpected. Even Lord Chwi Wol was utterly helpless."
Paeng Cheol-yeong gave a wry smile at Paeng Jin-pyeong's words.
"I'm still not up to that level yet..."
"No, I don't think that's the issue."
Paeng Jin-pyeong glanced at Paeng Mi-ryeong as he spoke.
"Mi-ryeong, what's troubling you? Did something not sit right?"
"No, Father."
Paeng Mi-ryeong shook her head, but Paeng Jin-pyeong didn't buy it.
"Heh heh, I know you better than anyone. Come now, what's on your mind? Surely not because of Lord Chwi Wol?"
Paeng Mi-ryeong jumped in surprise and stared at him.
"Heh heh, why so startled? Anyone who knows Lord Chwi Wol can see you have feelings for her. Heh heh heh."
Paeng Mi-ryeong's face flushed red. She'd been so focused on winning Chwi Wol's heart that she hadn't paid attention to her surroundings.
"Father, really..."
"Heh heh, no need to worry. Lord Chwi Wol's interest in that girl is purely about formations. So just carry on as usual without concern."
Paeng Mi-ryeong blushed at her father's words but felt relieved. At the same time, she marveled at how perceptive Paeng Jin-pyeong was—bordering on frightening.
"Well then, time to tackle the next matter. Cheol-yeong."
Paeng Cheol-yeong's eyes gleamed as he looked at his father.
"You should pay a visit to the Moyong family."
"Pardon?"
Stunned by the sudden directive, Paeng Cheol-yeong soon nodded eagerly.
"Understood. I'll do that."
"Inform them that this gathering of the Five Great Families should be held there. I'll handle contacting the others. You'll represent our Paeng family this time."
Paeng Cheol-yeong's chest swelled with pride. Representing the family carried profound weight, and it would bolster his standing immensely.
"Then I'll take my leave to prepare."
"Go ahead."
Paeng Jin-pyeong nodded, inwardly noting his son's urgency.
"And what about you?"
After sending Paeng Cheol-yeong off, Paeng Jin-pyeong turned to Paeng Mi-ryeong. She startled briefly, then beamed at him before slipping away.
Her destination was obvious.
"Tsk tsk. Such demanding children."
Paeng Jin-pyeong grumbled as he watched his two children depart, though a gentle smile softened his features.
Chapter 5
Martial Emperor and Heavenly Demon
From the moment they left the Paeng family manor, Jong Chil urged the carriage onward a bit faster. There was no strict time limit, but he wanted to wrap things up as quickly as possible. Especially since it concerned Dan Hyeong-u—he aimed to give his all.
Jong Chil's skills had deepened during this journey. Though his carriage-driving had improved more than his martial prowess.
As the group raced toward Yoneung, the Heavenly Demon's party, having left Heavenly Demon Castle, was passing through the middle of Gansu Province. Meanwhile, the Martial Emperor's group, departing Martial Emperor Castle, wandered a similar area.
"This doesn't feel right."
The Heavenly Demon halted abruptly and muttered. His subordinates, including the Blood Path Guest, eyed him curiously.
"What's wrong?"
The Illusion Demon spread his senses outward, wondering if someone was lying in wait.
But no matter how far he extended them, nothing triggered. There were no hidden threats nearby.
"My instincts are screaming."
"Wait, since when do you trust hunches..."
The Blood Path Guest clamped his mouth shut mid-sentence. The Heavenly Demon's eyes gleamed coldly. Past experience with lightning from loose lips silenced him instinctively.
Demonic energy surged from the Heavenly Demon's body.
As it spread, his subordinates tensed.
"Instincts were right. We split up here."
The Illusion Demon looked puzzled.
"Wouldn't dividing our forces make us more vulnerable?"
His concern was valid. They were only four strong. Splitting up would just scatter their power without gain.
The Heavenly Demon was the world's top expert, and the others formidable, but numbers could overwhelm even them.
The Heavenly Demon shook his head at the Illusion Demon's words.
"I know your worry, but follow my lead for now."
He divided the group: himself with the Blood Path Guest, and the Illusion Demon with the Demon Archer separated.
"Keep your distance and trail us. Handle any issues yourselves."
The Illusion Demon and Demon Archer bowed respectfully. By the time they straightened, the Heavenly Demon and Blood Path Guest had vanished.
"What in the world is going on?"
The Demon Archer muttered, and the Illusion Demon shook his head.
"Nothing we can do but obey. He wouldn't say it lightly."
They concealed themselves and cautiously followed the pair's trail. Alone, they felt uneasy—though unbeatable against a single foe, the Martial Alliance could be trouble.
No telling how many Golden Demon Arts practitioners they had.
Unlike their comrades, the Heavenly Demon and Blood Path Guest raced openly, broadcasting their presence. Their speed was blinding—like they wanted to be found.
The Blood Path Guest hesitated at first but soon relaxed. Overthinking wasn't his style.
After some time, the Heavenly Demon stopped again. This time, even the Blood Path Guest understood why.
A crowd of people blocked their path.
"Found you at last."
The voice made the Heavenly Demon's brow twitch.
"No ordinary foe."
The Heavenly Demon was startled by the aura emanating from the man before him—an unprecedented pressure and power.
"I am Choi Geuk."
Only then did the Heavenly Demon nod. This opponent merited standing before him.
"Never expected to encounter the Martial Emperor here."
The Heavenly Demon spoke calmly, but the Blood Path Guest beside him couldn't. The Martial Emperor alone was daunting, and he had thirty warriors—each radiating extraordinary killing intent.
The Heavenly Demon scowled, assessing the situation. He was confident against the Martial Emperor alone, but victory wasn't guaranteed. The man was that formidable.
The others were no pushovers either. Some rivaled the Blood Path Guest. With the original four, they might have managed—but not now.
"Body's itching for a fight, but not the time."
The Heavenly Demon muttered.
Hearing this, the Blood Path Guest launched himself without hesitation. The Heavenly Demon stomped powerfully, soaring after him.
Not forgetting, he swept his hand toward the Martial Emperor's warriors. A massive mass of qi hurtled forth, exploding amid them.
Boom—!
The startled warriors urgently channeled inner energy to block it. Seizing the opening, the Heavenly Demon and Blood Path Guest fled far away.
The Martial Emperor stared incredulously in the direction they vanished. He hadn't anticipated a retreat. Caught off guard, pursuit was impossible. Glancing back, he saw several subordinates injured internally.
He wanted to send the wounded back, but couldn't risk it—they'd be helpless against the Heavenly Demon.
Demons defied orthodox reasoning. Predictable only in their unpredictability, even slaughtering the weak without mercy.
"No choice."
It would slow them, but he'd bring the injured along. Initially, he'd hoped to avoid fighting the Heavenly Demon, but now circumstances favored him. The demon was nearly alone—an opportunity.
The Martial Emperor led his men in a leisurely pursuit. No need to rush. The Martial Alliance was surely mobilizing too.