Chapter 37: Older Brother
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 37: Older Brother
Just as the Ice Palace has its Five Great Families, the Demonic Cult also possesses five exceptional families.
There is the Thunder Demon Family, the clan of the Thunder Demon who had attacked Hyeok Ryeon-yeom before he left the Ice Palace.
The Hyeok Ryeon Demon Family, the clan of the Heavenly Demon Hyeok Ryeon-hwi, which has produced the Heavenly Demon for generations.
The Dokgo Demon Family, the clan of the Myriad Enemy Sword Demon.
The Heonwon Demon Family, the clan of the Jincheon Blade Demon.
And the Yayul Demon Family, the clan of the Soft Jade Poison Demon.
Beyond these, various other families existed within the Demonic Cult. Each family possessed its own independent demonic art that they cultivated.
For instance, the Bare Hand Demon Art.
‘The Bare Hand Demon Art should definitely be the exclusive martial art of the Bare Hand Demon Empress.’
It was the signature technique of the Sosu family, which had been one of the Five Great Demon Families in the generation before Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was born. Why was Han Seol-bi using it?
“How is it that you’ve mastered that martial art?”
“What’s wrong with the Bare Hand Ice Art?!”
The Bare Hand Ice Art?
It was a name different from the martial art Hyeok Ryeon-yeom knew. However...
‘That demonic qi.’
Others might not have noticed that demonic energy cloaked in cold air, but Hyeok Ryeon-yeom, who carried the bloodline of the Heavenly Demon, could not fail to recognize it.
“...What is the relationship between the Cold Blood Han Family and the Sosu Demon Family?”
“Sosu Demon Family? Stop talking nonsense and draw your sword already!”
From the look of it, Han Seol-bi truly seemed to believe the Bare Hand Demon Art was the Bare Hand Ice Art.
‘I’ll have to dig into the Cold Blood Han Family.’
He needed to find out why a martial art of the Demonic Cult was being passed down as if it were a family technique of the Ice Palace.
‘The more information I gain that my past self didn't know...’
The more clearly Hyeok Ryeon-yeom would be able to redraw the future.
Regardless, ‘What do I do with this reckless brat?’
At a time when he needed to check on Moyong Geum’s safety as quickly as possible, Han Seol-bi was a major nuisance. Yet, he couldn't exactly kill her.
“If I draw my sword, it will not end without blood being spilled. Do you still insist I draw it?”
—Since she’s learned the Bare Hand Demon Art, why not just make it so she can’t use her hands anymore?
—Master, isn't that a bit too harsh?
—You say that because you don't know. The Sosu is a wicked thing. A girl who learns that demonic art is bound to become a witch...
Wuuuung—
Just as the Sword Venerable and the Demon Empress began their bickering, the sword Flame Extreme let out a low hum. The cry of the blade reached Han Seol-bi’s ears as well.
Ch-ch-ch—
Soon, flames began to rise from Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
‘Butterflies?’
Butterflies made of fire began to fill the air around Han Seol-bi.
“Ho, it seems I’ve stumbled upon quite an interesting sight!”
It was then. At the sound of a familiar voice, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom turned toward the source.
“Young Master Moyong.”
Jang Baek-rim and Moyong Geum were watching the two of them.
Startle—
Realizing that outsiders other than Hyeok Ryeon-yeom had appeared, Han Seol-bi’s hands quickly returned to their original color.
“Hm? Were you not about to fight?”
“We were merely having a conversation. Isn't that right, Lady Han?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
Seeing Han Seol-bi speak while hurriedly hiding her hands, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom sensed there was some underlying circumstance.
“I thought you were resting at your quarters, Young Master Moyong. What brings you all the way out here?”
“I had some unsettling dreams. A walk is the best thing for clearing one's head.”
Rustle—
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom sensed the presence of the Black Shadow Unit warriors following Moyong Geum nearby.
‘Bold of him.’
Moyong Geum looked like an Orthodox martial artist to anyone. If he had encountered a demon artist while wandering the palace grounds like this, a difficult situation could have arisen.
“If your business is finished, Lady Han, you may return.”
Since he had confirmed Moyong Geum was safe, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom thought it best to send Han Seol-bi away.
However...
“I-I’m not finished talking yet...”
“Take up the rest of your conversation with the Young Palace Lord.”
“Now, now, since things have turned out this way and I’m feeling a bit peckish, why don't you join us for dinner, Lady Han?”
Sparkle, sparkle!
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom sighed at the sight of Moyong Geum’s twinkling eyes. Since Moyong Geum was the one who would facilitate the flow of funds for the North Sea Ice Palace, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom had no choice but to go along with his wishes.
*
And so, a dinner meeting was suddenly decided.
“How did you know there was an inn inside the palace?”
“Well... I used to visit quite often in the past.”
According to him, he had frequented the Ice Palace like it was his own home while following the Merchant Group Leader of the Moyong Merchant Group.
Jingle—
Somehow, the four of them—Han Seol-bi, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom, Jang Baek-rim, and Moyong Geum—ended up having dinner together.
“Welcome!”
As they opened the door to the inn and stepped inside, a familiar face greeted Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
“Weizhi...”
—Shh!
Weizhi Young, disguised as a server, appeared before Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
“How many in your party?”
“There are four of us, but...”
—Young Master, I’m sorry I couldn't tell you in advance!
“I’ll show you to this table over here!”
—I only received word half an hour ago and rushed here. Don't be shocked, but an envoy from the Demonic Cult sent by the First Young Master is currently staying at this inn!
What in the world...
Upon hearing Weizhi Young’s Secret Voice Transmission, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom quickly scanned the surroundings. He didn't sense any demonic qi.
—What happened?
“What do you plan on eating, Captain?”
He stopped the telepathic conversation because Moyong Geum, who had taken a seat, spoke to him.
“Ah. I’ll just have the flour noodles.”
“Then two orders of dumplings and two orders of flour noodles, please.”
“Yes! Understood!”
As he watched Weizhi Young hurry into the kitchen, he noticed something else.
‘...Tae Un-seo?’
The face of the man cooking in the kitchen was familiar.
‘Come to think of it...’
“Check, please.”
“Yes.”
He hadn't noticed when they walked in, but the person handling the payments was Baek Mu-yong. He looked quite natural acting as the innkeeper. The fact that even Baek Mu-yong was here meant...
“Slurp. Tastes terrible.”
The customer sitting at a corner table was Eun-bin.
—Deputy Squad Leader. This was your doing. I didn't know you’d mobilize the members and take on a mission behind my back.
—I apologize. It was an order from the higher-ups...
—Higher-ups?
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was the Captain of the Little Snow Unit. However, there was exactly one other person who could issue orders to the unit.
‘The Young Palace Lord?’
Seol Yerin was not in this room. He could be certain of that because his Extreme Yang Qi, which naturally reacted when he was near her, remained silent. That meant Seol Yerin had sent the Little Snow Unit instead of coming herself.
‘Just who is this envoy...’
“Captain?”
Startle—
“Ah, my apologies.”
“Your expression doesn't look good. Is something the matter?”
“No. I think I’m just hungry.”
The moment he said it, he realized he’d made a mistake. If the cook inside was Tae Un-seo...
‘I need to get out of here fast.’
He felt like he had to escape the inn before the food came out. Otherwise, he might actually have to eat Tae Un-seo’s cooking.
Glug, glug—
Just then, Moyong Geum poured some water and handed it to Han Seol-bi.
“Has your mood improved a bit, Lady Han?”
“...Thank you. If it weren't for you, Brother Moyong, I would never have come to a place like this with him.”
Today was a continuous series of surprises.
“...You two were acquainted?”
“Many things happened between us during our childhood.”
They said a merchant had to build a wide network of connections; it seemed Moyong Geum’s talent had been exceptional since he was young.
“I see.”
“May I ask you a question as well, Captain?”
Glug, glug—
This time, he asked while pouring water for Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
“Yes. Go ahead.”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was about to take a sip of the water Moyong Geum had given him when...
“Since when have you and the Young Palace Lord been... involved with each other?”
“Pfft!”
“Young Master! You scoundrel!”
He instantly spat out the water he was drinking. At that, Jang Baek-rim placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“It’s fine.”
Moyong Geum found a handkerchief and began to wipe his face.
“I am sorry.”
“No, no, mistakes happen.”
It was incredibly difficult to focus. He had to figure out who the Demonic Cult envoy in the inn was, and he had to think about why the Young Palace Lord had deployed the Little Snow Unit here. On top of that, the thought of having to leave before Tae Un-seo’s food arrived was making him break into a cold sweat.
In such a situation, the sudden, blunt question had forced the water out of his mouth.
“This is the first time I’ve seen you look flustered.”
If it was noticeable, it was a problem. He circulated his Extreme Yang Qi to clear his mind.
Whoosh—
A warm breeze radiated outward from Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
“Ho.”
Now his head felt a bit clearer.
‘First, I have to get out of here.’
Come to think of it, Moyong Geum still didn't know that Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was the third son of the Demonic Cult Leader. If they happened to run into the envoy, everything would surely be exposed.
‘I have to draw their attention somehow and get them outside.’
Was there a way? A way to naturally lead the two of them out...
“Why are you curious about that?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m asking why you are so curious about whether the Young Palace Lord and I are involved.”
His attitude changed in an instant. It felt as if the air in this specific space was growing hot enough to sizzle. Only then did Moyong Geum realize he had made a blunder.
Out of jealousy that Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was the chosen partner of the Ice Palace’s precious jewel, he had failed to show proper consideration. His opponent was the man who would become the Young Palace Lord’s husband—the matrilocal son-in-law of the North Sea Ice Palace. To avoid any issues with future trade with the Ice Palace, Moyong Geum actually needed to treat him with great respect.
Having quickly finished his mental calculations, Moyong Geum opened his mouth.
“If I have offended you...”
Just as he was about to say he was sorry...
Thump, thump.
Someone was seen walking down from the second floor of the inn. With every step the man took, the surrounding air grew heavy, as if he were consuming the space itself.
The moment he realized the man was walking down, Moyong Geum forgot what he was saying and stared at him. It felt as if everyone in the room was focused solely on the man’s footsteps.
‘What in the...’
Long, silver-white hair swayed along the stairs. Just by appearing, the man displayed an incredible magnetic presence.
“Well now, I smelled a familiar scent and came down to find you really were here.”
He was a beautiful man. A high bridge of the nose, a sharp jawline, and deep purple eyes that glowed in the shadows. His skin was pale yet vibrant, and charming creases formed at the corners of his mouth when he smiled. The man’s voice resonated softly, vibrating through the entire inn.
Gulp—
The sound of Han Seol-bi swallowing hard could be heard clearly. The man was looking directly at the Captain of the Little Snow Unit, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom, as he spoke.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom seemed to let out a sigh at the sight. Suddenly, Moyong Geum’s brow furrowed naturally.
‘Another handsome guy next to a handsome guy?’
Moyong Geum found it quite irritating that another person had appeared who dominated the room with his looks rather than his martial arts.
“Pardon my intrusion, but who might you be, young hero?”
Since Hyeok Ryeon-yeom didn't acknowledge the man, Moyong Geum asked point-blank. At that, the man stepped closer and spoke.
“I am called Hyeok Ryeon-mu. I am the second son of the Great Leader who rules the glorious Heavenly Demon Cult. And I am this fellow’s older brother. Though we have different mothers, of course.”
“Captain Hyeok Ryeon’s... older brother?”
No, wait. What did he just say?
The Heavenly Demon Cult?
The people of the Demonic Cult often referred to their organization as the Heavenly Demon Cult. Which meant...
“The youngest son... of the Heavenly Demon?!”
At the unexpected situation and realization, Moyong Geum’s sly expression crumbled instantly.