The Namgung Clan
Jang Su-ryeon's words sounded like praise, but they were actually incredibly uncomfortable to hear.
How much effort had the original Baek Yeon, and now I, poured into acting like a ruthless, tyrannical Young Sect Leader?
Third Manager Song Mu-gyeong had even sacrificed himself to help maintain this facade.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The Sect Leader's reaction was equally cold.
It hadn't been long since he had dismissed the suspicion that the Young Sect Leader was merely acting cruel to hide his weakness.
Hearing such talk again was bound to displease him.
"Take this morning, for instance. He requested wound salve from the butler. Do you know what this child did with it?"
Ah, crap, I thought.
I had overlooked the fact that Jang Su-ryeon had eyes and ears planted all over the Sun and Moon Sect.
"I heard he healed the broken leg of a tiny baby bird. Pitying and loving such a small, fragile creature... What a remarkably tender heart he has."
She was a far more terrifying woman than I had anticipated.
She was pretending to praise me while completely throwing me under the bus right in front of the Sect Leader.
"And after treating the baby bird's leg, he smiled and said, 'Ahem, see that you live well.' He is not just kind-hearted; is he not the most adorable child?"
"Wow, Brother! You're practically an angel!"
Naturally, as the Sect Leader listened, his expression hardened.
He looked as though he firmly believed that the world would end if a soft-hearted Young Sect Leader ever took over the Demonic Cult.
Sigh...
An internal sigh escaped me.
The moment had come where I had no choice but to unleash my inner demon.
"Hahaha."
"Young Sect Leader, what do you find so amusing?"
"I am merely embarrassed that Mother has discovered my little hobby."
The Sect Leader cast a questioning gaze my way, silently demanding an explanation.
"I was the one who caught that bird and snapped its leg in the first place. Only then did I treat it."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Simply killing weaklings is boring. It is far more entertaining to grant them the hope of survival before snatching it away. My words at the time meant exactly that: See that you live well... until you die by my hands once more."
It was a complete lie, of course, but even I got goosebumps from how utterly diabolical the concept was.
Jang Su-ryeon, who had sought to cast doubt on my ruthlessness, was visibly taken aback.
But the most important thing was the Sect Leader's reaction.
The Sect Leader, who had maintained a blank face until now, seemed to find my answer right up his alley. A deeply satisfied smile spread across his face, wearing an expression that practically said, 'That's my boy.'
But I wasn't done yet.
"My Lady. What do you think?"
When I looked at Baek So-cheong and addressed her as "My Lady" once more, not only her face but everyone else's instantly froze.
Believing she had been insulted by me yet again, Baek So-cheong glared at me and asked,
"What do you mean by that?"
"I am asking if I also appear to be an adorable, kind-hearted child in your eyes, My Lady."
"Of course. How could I possibly think otherwise?"
Baek So-cheong's sharp words cut through the air.
"First calling me 'My Lady' in private, and now addressing me as such even in front of our parents. For the Sect Leader's illustrious legitimate son, the Young Sect Leader himself, to show such courtesy to a lowly thing like me... if that is not a testament to your magnificent virtue, then what is?"
Her cold, sarcastic lashing out sounded less like anger and more like profound sorrow.
In fact, tears were welling up in Baek So-cheong's eyes.
I couldn't say a word. I just had to stand there and take her resentment and accusations.
All for the sake of... gaining the Sect Leader's approval.
"Baek Yeon!!"
But then, something unexpected happened.
"There is a limit to your arrogance! How dare you address your own sister as 'My Lady' in my presence!"
The Sect Leader roared in anger, causing the atmosphere to grow incredibly tense.
"I apologize, Father."
The apology slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it.
Yet, the one whose face was twisting in the most displeasure was none other than Jang Su-ryeon.
Despite her attempts to paint me as a sweet child, she had just witnessed exactly how twisted the Young Sect Leader could be.
For the time being, at least, no one would dare raise suspicions about me being a "good boy" again.
"Mother, Father just called Brother arrogant! Isn't that wonderful?"
"Hyeon, shut your mouth!"
As for Sister... I'll just have to clear up the misunderstanding and apologize to her someday.
The servants at the Sun and Moon Sect Headquarters had been busily moving about since early morning.
Servants carried tables and chairs, maids diligently swept and polished the floors, and banners of the Sun and Moon Sect—rarely seen on ordinary days—were hung from the walls and pillars of every pavilion.
Even the guarding warriors looked visibly tense.
Even the fire-keepers, who managed the kitchen fires, were being summoned here and there, running around in a frenzy.
It was as if they were preparing for the arrival of an incredibly important guest.
While walking near the rear garden, I observed the commotion and turned to Yeongho Bin.
"Yeongho Bin, what is the meaning of all this?"
"It appears the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan is scheduled to arrive this afternoon, My Lord."
Yeongho Bin was exceptionally quick when it came to gathering information on the inner workings of the Sun and Moon Sect.
Sometimes he even knew things before I, the Young Sect Leader, did.
"Why is the Namgung Patriarch coming here?"
The Namgung Clan was a family of immense history, power, and reputation, representing the prestigious orthodox factions in this world.
It seemed rumors of the Namgung Patriarch's visit had been buzzing throughout the sect for some time now.
Though I, for one, hadn't heard the actual reason behind it.
Yeongho Bin scanned our surroundings to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice.
"My Lord. This is merely a mix of rumors and my own speculation, but..."
"Speak."
"It seems the spy from the Murim Alliance, who attempted to harm you twice, is somehow connected to the Namgung Clan."
"What?"
"I heard that the spy you captured previously confessed to who was pulling the strings. Based on that confession, the Sect Leader and the Left and Right Guardians of Light have taken action."
The Murim Alliance attempting to assassinate the Young Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult was already a massive ordeal.
But for the Namgung Clan, a core pillar of the Alliance, to be directly involved?
Was a war between the Orthodox and Demonic factions about to break out over this?
No, if that were the case, the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan wouldn't be visiting in person.
Yeongho Bin continued in a whisper meant only for my ears.
"My Lord. If the Namgung Clan's visit is indeed related to this incident, it means both sides wish to resolve this through dialogue. Since their crime is severe, we will likely extract a massive compensation from them."
To be honest, I had been secretly worrying about how things would unfold after surviving two assassination attempts.
Even as an extreme introvert, experiencing near-death experiences made it impossible not to feel angry at the Murim Alliance.
But I certainly didn't want a full-scale war to erupt because of it.
If they could resolve the conflict through negotiations and guarantee my safety, nothing could be better.
However...
"What a pity."
"...?"
"They dared point a blade at me. I would much rather march out this instant, decapitate the Leader of the Murim Alliance, and claim my revenge."
My words carried, reaching the ears of several nearby warriors and servants.
They visibly flinched at my declaration of wanting to take the Alliance Leader's head.
"I am deeply moved by your magnificent spirit, My Lord!"
Yeongho Bin bowed deeply, clasping his hands with a face full of awe.
By the way...
Will I be given some new task once the Namgung Patriarch arrives?
The delegation from the Namgung Clan arrived that very afternoon.
At the very front rode the current Patriarch of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Jin-yu.
Behind him followed about twenty warriors carrying the clan's banners, with carriages and wagons trailing in the rear.
Representing the Sun and Moon Sect, Sect Leader Baek Mumyeong personally stepped forward to greet the Namgung Patriarch.
The Namgung procession came to a halt in the vast courtyard before the Great Sun and Moon Hall.
As the Patriarch's horse stopped, the members of the Namgung Clan dismounted and knelt.
With dignitaries from both sides lined up, the Sect Leader and the Namgung Patriarch stepped forward simultaneously.
Standing behind the Sect Leader, I watched them with bated breath along with everyone else.
It was an incredibly tense moment.
This was a face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the greatest factions representing the Demonic and Orthodox paths of the Jianghu.
Moreover, considering the recent friction, it felt as though a fight could break out at any second.
"Sect Leader Baek. Thank you for the invitation. It has been a long time."
"Patriarch Namgung. You have traveled a long way. I appreciate your effort."
Contrary to my expectations, Namgung Jin-yu and Baek Mumyeong exchanged rather ordinary greetings.
I hadn't known they were already acquainted, but given how long both giants had reigned over the Jianghu, it wasn't particularly surprising.
The two of them locked eyes, staring at each other with heavy, meaningful gazes for a long moment.
"Sect Leader Baek. I deeply regret the recent series of events. Our clan also feels a sense of responsibility for what transpired."
"The grievances of the Jianghu are not easily unraveled with mere words. Since you have made this difficult journey, let us speak openly and resolve this between us."
What kind of conversation would take place between these two titans of the martial world?
How much evidence did Sect Leader Baek possess regarding the incident, and what would he demand from the Namgung Patriarch?
And would the Namgung Patriarch accept those demands?
My heart pounded at the realization that my very fate hung on the negotiations about to unfold between them.
"Please have your retainers rest in the guest pavilion. We have prepared a banquet in your honor, and we would be pleased if you would attend."
"Thank you."
Though Baek Mumyeong was feared as the bloodthirsty, ruthless King of Ten Thousand Demons...
He showed no lack of courtesy when hosting the Namgung Patriarch.
In any case, judging by their exchange, the rumors circulating through the sect seemed to hold some truth.
Yet, both parties maintained their manners and expressed a willingness to negotiate.
Perhaps the Sun and Moon Sect didn't possess definitive proof that the Namgung Clan was the mastermind behind the plot.
"Then, Patriarch Namgung, let us move to a more private setting to converse."
Sect Leader Baek dismissed the Left and Right Guardians of Light, as well as the Palace Lords, and entered the Great Sun and Moon Hall accompanied only by the Namgung Patriarch.
As the two walked away, the tension in my chest slowly began to dissipate.
Contrary to my worries, nothing dramatic had occurred.
While the situation could shift at any moment depending on the outcome of their negotiations, we had at least passed the immediate hurdle.
But then...
"Young Sect Leader. I am here to deliver the Sect Leader's command."
Right after the two leaders departed, the Sect Leader's wife, Jang Su-ryeon, approached me.
"Yes, Mother."
"You are to attend the banquet held for the Namgung Clan's retainers this evening."
"Yes..."
"Your sister and Hyeon will also be present. However, as the Young Sect Leader, you will be the one hosting the gathering."
"I understand, Mother. Do not worry."
Though I had tensed up momentarily at the mention of the Sect Leader's command, I replied with confidence.
A simple banquet is nothing.
I've spent nearly two months training my mind and body since reincarnating into the Demonic Cult.
I even survived a brush with death just recently.
Wait, but...
Thump. Thump.
Something was wrong.
A banquet.
A gathering packed with strangers, and of all people, the incredibly awkward retainers of the Namgung Clan.
And on top of that, Sister So-cheong, whom I had just deeply offended...?
Host a banquet? Me?
That's stuff only extroverts do...
This was, without a doubt, the single greatest crisis in my life as an introvert.
Back in college, my heart would feel like it was about to explode just waiting for my turn to give a simple toast during membership training.
What am I even supposed to say? What if I get nervous and start stuttering like an idiot?
Thump. Thump.
The more these thoughts raced through my mind, the more my heart—which had been perfectly calm just moments ago—began to hammer uncontrollably against my ribs.
It was beating just as wildly as it had when I was facing down an assassin.