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 Chapter 129 – Reunion (2)

Not long ago, in the Crimson Orchid House located on the eastern outskirts of the outer city…

The Crimson Orchid House was famous for its hard-to-obtain fine liquors and its exceptionally talented and beautiful courtesans. Within it, there was a grand and luxurious guest room called Yearned Promise.

As the name suggested, the Yearned Promise guest room was a place that received only distinguished guests. It was a place that entertained only those from renowned clans and clans within the Heaven and Earth Society or those of the Great Clan Leader rank or higher.

As such, the courtesans of the Crimson Orchid House all yearned to go to Yearned Promise and entertain the distinguished guests to form connections.

Even if they couldn’t become the primary consort, quite a few had entered as concubines through Yearned Promise.

However, this time, the competition was particularly fierce.

It was because of a rumor that a guest of the Clan Leader rank from the Heaven and Earth Society had made a reservation after a long time.

[Phew.]

Go Chan, who had possessed Ha Chae-rin, had somehow managed to be included in the group of entertainers.

Due to the competition with the other courtesans, he had wanted to change his approach.

He had invested too much time to give up and leave now.

-Swish.

Go Chan quietly waited for his turn.

The most special time in Yearned Promise was when the courtesans would showcase their talents or arts one by one in front of the distinguished guest.

-Ding~! Ding~!

Currently, a courtesan was dancing in front of the distinguished guest, fluttering her long sleeves to display her skills.

In Go Chan’s hand was a geomungo*.

(*T/N: A traditional Korean six-stringed zither)

Since he had passed the audition by playing the geomungo when entering the Crimson Orchid House, he intended to do the same this time.

However, the problem was that someone had already played the geomungo before him.

‘Damn it.’

To be honest, the skills of the courtesan who had played the geomungo before him were a level above his own.

After all, he was originally an assassin, not a musician.

‘I can’t miss this opportunity.’

He knew that the rank of Clan Leader was quite high within the Heaven and Earth Society.

If he could gain access through such a person, he would be able to enter the inner region of the Heaven and Earth Society.

However, not only Go Chan but the other courtesans were also desperate to catch the eye of this esteemed guest.

‘What a fate, to have to compete with courtesans in this.’

No, it was hard to call it fate.

Having died and become a spirit, what fate was there to speak of?

It was the pitiful destiny of a bound spirit.

Just then, a rough voice could be heard from inside.

[Next!]

As soon as the voice ended, the courtesan who had gone inside earlier came out with a disappointed expression.

It seemed she had tried her best to seduce the guest but failed and was in a bad mood.

However, this was already the sixth courtesan like this.

‘Strange.’

Originally, even if it was the distinguished guest-only Yearned Promise, they wouldn’t call for additional courtesans beyond the set number.

But there were 10 courtesans waiting, including himself.

16 courtesans were waiting for the distinguished guest.

Thanks to that, he was able to be included in that number without issue, but just how high of a position must this person hold for the Madam to put in so much effort?

[It’s my turn.]

Just then, a courtesan stepped forward.

She appeared to be in her mid-twenties and was the courtesan who had challenged Go Chan.

As she was about to enter, the Madam whispered something in her ear in a low voice.

Go Chan observed this closely.

The body he possessed, Ha Chae-rin, had learned the art of lip-reading, so he could roughly guess the words just by the shape of the lips.

[He’s the disciple of the Five Kings. The Five Kings. This is your last chance.]

‘!?’

At the Madam’s words, Go Chan’s eyes widened.

He knew they were paying special attention, but the person inside right now wasn’t just of the Clan Leader rank but a disciple of the Five Kings, known as the high-ranking executives of the Heaven and Earth Society?

Go Chan couldn’t hide his inner surprise.

‘The Five Kings…’

The Five Kings of the Heaven and Earth Society were masters recognized as the strongest, leaving aside political affairs and looking at the entire martial world.

And one of their disciples is here?

He wasn’t sure if this would be alright.

‘Will I be discovered with Ha Chae-rin’s concealment technique?’

The Four Great Assassins, as their title suggested, possessed a concealment technique that allowed them to hide their energy.

Of course, that concealment wasn’t perfect.

Because it involved inserting needles into several acupuncture points to block the energy channels.

Currently, Go Chan had lowered his energy to the level of a second-rate using the concealment technique.

If he completely blocked the energy channels, it would be difficult to react when a dangerous situation occurred.

‘This is troublesome.’

Even the rank of Clan Leader was high, but if he got entangled with a disciple of the Five Kings, he might lose this body.

While he was worrying like that…

[Tsk!]

The courtesan who had gone in earlier came out with a puffed-up face.

It seemed she was told to leave right away, even though she hadn’t been inside for long.

[He likes young girls, doesn’t he?]

[…]

It seemed she was kicked out immediately because of her age.

The Madam looked at her with pity and then gestured to Go Chan.

It was already his turn.

[Don’t upset his mood too much, and if he seems displeased, come out right away.]

[… I will.]

It seemed too late to change the plan.

With a slightly nervous expression, Go Chan entered the Yearned Promise, the distinguished guest room.

Inside, a somewhat rough-looking man in his early thirties with short facial hair was sitting in a relaxed posture, drinking from a bottle.

-Gulp, gulp!

The manly-looking man put down the empty bottle on the table and looked at Go Chan.

His gaze swept over him from top to bottom.

For a moment, Go Chan felt goosebumps all over his body.

The way he was assessing his entire body as if appraising him made Go Chan almost blurt out a curse without realizing it.

‘Damn it. It’s disgusting.’

Soon, the corners of the man’s mouth could be seen slightly twitching.

It seemed he was pleased with Go Chan’s appearance.

The man opened his mouth.

[Your face is quite pretty. Show me the talent you possess.]

‘Ugh.’

Go Chan barely suppressed his inner thoughts and calmly replied.

[Yes, sir.]

Even speaking with his own mouth, the goosebumps wouldn’t subside.

But he had to endure it.

To get to his master’s side, he needed to enter the inner region of the Heaven and Earth Society.

-Ding!

Go Chan sat on a chair and placed the pick on the strings of the geomungo.

Before he could even play properly, the man raised one eyebrow and then waved his hand, signaling him to put it away.

‘What’s with this bastard?’

For a young man, he was unexpectedly picky, unlike his hearty appearance.

He seemed to be the owner of a personality that was fussy about many things, unlike his open and generous appearance.

Just then, the Madam came out, knocking on a bamboo cane, and said,

[I apologize. Prepare the next girl right away…]

[No. Stay outside.]

[Pardon?]

[I want to see something else in this girl.]

[… I understand.]

The puzzled Madam went back inside the waiting room.

He had tried to showcase his musical talent, but the man who had refused it was now telling him to stay, saying he wanted to see something else?

While thinking that, the man spoke.

[Girl. I see you have learned martial arts.]

‘… So that’s what it was.’

As expected of a disciple of the Five Kings, he immediately noticed that Go Chan had learned martial arts.

Since he had deliberately blocked his energy channels to reveal a second-rate level, he had expected a high-level expert to notice.

However, Go Chan found it difficult to gauge this man’s skill level.

He could only surmise that he was at least a master of the Peak Realm.

At his words, Go Chan recited the lines he had prepared in advance.

[It’s just a small skill I learned from my late father. It’s merely enough to protect myself from ruffians, so please don’t think too highly of it.]

[You learned it from your deceased father?]

[My father was a low-ranking warrior within the association.]

[Oh? Is that so?]

The man showed interest in Go Chan’s words.

Within the Heaven and Earth Society, third-rate and second-rate martial artists were abundant, so it wasn’t particularly surprising, but a courtesan learning martial arts seemed to be perceived differently.

[Even if he was low-ranking, for the child of a warrior of the great Heaven and Earth Society to live as a courtesan in such a place… It’s truly a pitiful fate.]

[…]

It would be good to show a teary-eyed look here, but the situation itself was so uncomfortable that it was difficult for Go Chan to put on such an act.

Just then, the man chuckled and said,

[… Did you think I would comfort you like that? The world is full of people in hardship. Becoming a courtesan was your choice, so isn’t it ridiculous to expect comfort?]

[Your words are just, sir.]

There was no need to act unnecessarily.

But then, the man suddenly shrugged his shoulders and said,

[But they say life brings a few strokes of luck.]

[…]

[If your meager martial arts can pique my interest, I shall accept you as one of my people.]

[As one of your people?]

[My so-called guards are all dull men, so it’s been a bit lonely. Wouldn’t it be pleasing to the eyes to have a pretty girl like you?]

‘Look at this?’

Not as a concubine but as a guard?

For a man with a rough way of speaking and who said he wouldn’t offer comfort, he was showing generosity in a peculiar way.

He didn’t seem to be as narrow-minded as he had thought.

Rather, it worked out well.

He had been at a loss as to what to do if he entered as a concubine, but this might actually be better.

However, he became curious about this fellow’s identity.

[Sir, before I demonstrate my skills, may I ask your esteemed name?]

[My name?]

[If you’re saying you might accept a lowly… servant like me, how can I not know your esteemed name?]

At Go Chan’s question, the man gulped down a bottle of liquor and said,

[You mean me? Hahahaha!]

-Thud!

The man, who had laughed heartily, picked up something that had been placed on the floor and lightly lifted it.

It was none other than…

‘An ax?’

It wasn’t the kind of ax used to chop firewood but a massive ax that could split a person in half with a single strike.

Seeing this, someone among the Five Kings came to Go Chan’s mind.

‘Axe-Destroying King (破斧王) Ho Taegang.’

He was known as a supreme master who had slaughtered countless experts of the righteous faction with a single ax.

And he was one of the Eight Stars, regarded as the greatest masters of the martial world.

Realizing who his master was, Go Chan unconsciously swallowed his saliva, and the man revealed his identity.

[I am Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan.]

***

‘Damn it.’

Guard Go Chan, who had possessed Ha Chae-rin’s body.

Go Chan couldn’t lift his face due to extreme embarrassment.

By demonstrating his dagger-throwing skills, he had managed to become a guard of this man, Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, who had come as a distinguished guest to the Crimson Orchid House.

However, although his title was a guard, this fellow was treating him almost like a concubine.

Not only did he make him wear clothes that revealed his chest, but he also had him pour drinks all day by his side.

‘This is driving me crazy.’

He had been going along with the fellow’s tune, enduring it until he could find his master, Mok Gyeong-un, but to think he would end up showing such an embarrassing sight.

He wanted to immediately remove Ho Jong-hyeok’s arm that was wrapped around his waist.

-Kekekeke. That fellow’s soul is that of a man, isn’t it? The way he’s acting, he’s completely become a wench.

Cheong-ryeong laughed at Go Chan’s appearance.

Mok Gyeong-un also found it somewhat unexpected, but in fact, he had no particular feelings about it.

Rather, his gaze was drawn to the curly-haired youth with a radiant appearance and those around him.

They were all exceptional experts, not ordinary people.

Just then, the escort warrior assigned by the Shadow Clan Master hurriedly whispered,

“Young Master, you must quickly pay your respects. The one at the very front is Young Master Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.”

‘Jang Neung-ak?’

Ah, so that curly-haired man was one of the three disciples of the Society Leader, the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society, Jang Neung-ak?

He had heard from the Corpse Blood Valley Master, Lee Ji-yeom.

[Aside from the senior disciple, Young Master Na Yul-ryang, it would be difficult for me to describe the appearances of the second and third disciples as I haven’t seen them. However, according to rumors, it would be best to be cautious if you meet the second young master.]

He remembered that his reputation wasn’t very good.

He had heard that he had a tyrannical temperament, wanting to obtain anything he desired.

Just from his outward appearance, he didn’t particularly seem that way.

In any case, there was nothing good about clashing with this person right now, so Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands in greeting and bowed his head to show respect.

“Greetings to Young Master Jang Neung-ak.”

As he greeted like that, there was no response.

Rather, Jang Neung-ak seemed to have no interest and tried to pass by Mok Gyeong-un and the escort warrior.

‘Is that fortunate?’

It might be better for him not to be interested.

However, it became a bit troublesome.

It seemed difficult to take Go Chan away right away as he was with the entourage of Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.

So, he was about to ask through voice transmission who the person with him was, but…

-Tap!

At that moment, Jang Neung-ak, who had passed by, stopped.

Then, turning his head, he said,

“You just now… I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Who are you?”

‘…’

He had hoped he would pass by, but he stopped and asked.

Mok Gyeong-un turned his body and replied while maintaining his posture of greeting with clasped hands.

“I am Mok Gyeong-un, disciple of the Shadow Clan Master.”

“Shadow Clan Master?”

“Yes.”

“Is there a guy named Mok Gyeong-un among the Shadow Clan Master’s disciples?”

“This is the first time I’ve heard of it. Under the Shadow Clan Master… Wait, Young Master, isn’t this brat that guy?”

‘That guy?’

What are they talking about?

At that moment of confusion…

-Swish!

Suddenly, in Mok Gyeong-un’s lowered gaze, a pair of legs appeared in front of him.

“Hoh, so you’re that guy.”

The owner of the voice was none other than Jang Neung-ak.

Based on the vast energy emanating from him, Mok Gyeong-un had estimated that he was quite strong, but his movement was extremely fast.

He was already standing right in front of him.

“You… You’re the hostage of the righteous faction who passed the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates with the highest score this time, aren’t you?”

At his question, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

Not much time had passed since the discipleship ceremony at Corpse Blood Valley had ended.

Yet how did this person already know about him?

While he was thinking that…

-Tap! Swish!

Jang Neung-ak lifted Mok Gyeong-un’s chin with the folding fan he was holding in his hand.

Then, smirking, he said,

“I only feel like you’re at the beginning of the peak realm, so how could a guy like you have gotten the highest score at the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates?”

What should he say in response here?

While he was pondering, Cheong-ryeong’s voice rang in his ears.

-Lower your head as much as possible. This isn’t the time to clash in terms of strength or influence.

The opponent was the second disciple of the Society Leader.

As he was aiming to be the next Society Leader, he held considerable influence here.

If he carelessly displeased him, his ankles could be grabbed before he could even attempt anything.

Naturally, Mok Gyeong-un had that level of discretion.

Thus,

“It was merely good luck. Thank you for looking upon me favorably…”

Right at that moment…

In the blink of an eye, Jang Neung-ak’s index and middle fingers were poking Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

In that fleeting moment, Mok Gyeong-un made a judgment.

‘A test.’

This was clearly a test.

Jang Neung-ak considered his martial prowess to be around the early-stage of Peak Realm, so he had doubts.

Therefore, he was now testing him to reveal his true skills.

Here, Mok Gyeong-un’s choice was simple.

“Ugh.”

Mok Gyeong-un blinked and closed his eyes, only slightly flinching his body.

Naturally, he wouldn’t be able to dodge, and if he kept his eyes open, it would be considered strange, so he did his best to pretend to be an inferior martial artist.

-Thwack!

In front of Mok Gyeong-un, who had his eyes closed, Jang Neung-ak’s two fingers stopped by a hair’s breadth.

Jang Neung-ak, who had stopped his fingers like that, chuckled.

A woman in her early twenties with thick lips, wearing red clothes, who was one of his companions, also laughed and said,

“It seems he doesn’t live up to the rumors, Young Master.”

“It appears so.”

Jang Neung-ak also nodded as if he had a similar opinion and withdrew his hand.

Fortunately, it seemed he had successfully deceived him.

-Well done, mortal.

Cheong-ryeong also thought that Mok Gyeong-un had handled himself well this time.

However…

“For someone flinching in surprise, his heartbeat is exceptionally calm, Young Master.”

“What?”

Jang Neung-ak turned his head and looked at someone.

There stood a middle-aged man with long hair, his eyes covered with a black cloth and leaning on a bamboo cane.

He had the calmest energy among them.

It felt like a clear lake, but could he possibly be a blind man?

While he was thinking that…

“If my subordinate’s ears are not mistaken, the person in front was not surprised at all, Young Master.”

“…Not surprised at all, you say?”

With those words, Jang Neung-ak turned his head and glared at Mok Gyeong-un with sharp eyes.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un licked his lips slightly.

He had tried his best to act, but it seemed the situation was becoming troublesome.

Chapter 130 – Ability (1)

The second disciple Jang Neung-ak, one of the candidates for the next Society Leader.

There were many conflicting opinions about his background, and many who took issue with his disposition and conduct.

However, despite his overflowing greed, those who acknowledged Jang Neung-ak believed that his skill would once again establish the Heaven and Earth Society as a pillar of the Central Plains.

Like the senior disciple Na Yul-ryang, Jang Neung-ak had built up quite a significant force.

It was estimated that its size amounted to 30% within the Heaven and Earth Society.

Among such a force, there were the next-generation powerhouses who formed the backbone, and Jang Neung-ak referred to these subordinates of his as follows:

‘Five Mountains Alliance.’

Five enormous mountains.

It literally meant his five cherished subordinates.

Jang Neung-ak, who enjoyed ranking and ordering, regularly had his subordinates compete against each other to determine a new ranking and encourage competition.

As a result, five powerhouses were determined, and they were the Five Mountains Alliance.

Excluding Jang Neung-ak, there were a total of five people present.

Except for the female guard accompanying Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, everyone from the Second Mountain to the Fifth Mountain was gathered.

Most people assumed that Ho Jong-hyeok, a disciple of Axe-Destroying King Ho Taegang, one of the Eight Stars of the Central Plains and one of the Five Kings, would be either the First Mountain or the Second Mountain, but the reality was different.

‘Second Mountain, Wi Maeng-cheon.’

Despite being a blind man who had lost his sight, he was a powerhouse who contended for the position of the First Mountain.

And among the members of the Five Mountains Alliance, he was the only one who was not from the Heaven and Earth Society but brought from outside, and he possessed an ability that everyone avoided as much as his martial prowess.

It was his hyper-senses that had developed after losing his sight.

Among them, his hearing was by far the most exceptional.

[A useful talent.]

Jang Neung-ak highly valued Wi Maeng-cheon’s auditory ability.

That’s because Wi Maeng-cheon could read other people’s emotions or discern the truth from lies with this absurd level of hearing.

-Thump! Thump! Thump!

‘… It’s steady.’

Wi Maeng-cheon had been carefully listening to this person’s heartbeat since first seeing him.

Normally, he wouldn’t pay attention to everyone he didn’t know.

However, it started because of the guard beside him.

[Young Master, you must quickly pay your respects. The one at the very front is Young Master Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.]

From this conversation alone, Wi Maeng-cheon learned that one of the approaching individuals was meeting his lord, Jang Neung-ak, for the first time.

Usually, when someone was referred to as a disciple of the Society Leader, their heartbeat would noticeably change due to emotional fluctuations during their first meeting, unless they were executives.

However…

‘It’s too steady.’

There was not the slightest change in the heartbeat.

It just kept beating, thump, thump, and it could be said to be too regular to this extent.

Even when sleeping, if one had a restless dream, the heartbeat would change, so how could it be this steady?

To this degree, it was almost at the level of a highly trained assassin.

However, even an assassin’s heartbeat would have variations.

‘Who is he?’

In any case, he was also someone Wi Maeng-cheon was seeing for the first time.

Since Wi Maeng-cheon was blind, he distinguished others through their footsteps, heartbeats, or habitual sounds they made.

But this person was someone whose voice he was hearing for the very first time.

‘He maintains his composure even after seeing the Young Master…’

His martial prowess, sensed through his energy, was around the beginning of the peak realm, which was unusual for someone who was at best a senior warrior or a Great Clan Leader, considering his young age.

And Wi Maeng-cheon realized that Mok Gyeong-un was definitely extraordinary through Jang Neung-ak’s test.

Although he had lost his sight, he knew how precious eyes were to people.

Therefore, when someone aimed for their eyes, he could confirm that most people’s heartbeats would become incomparably larger than usual.

However…

-Thump! Thump! Thump!

‘… Just what is this guy?’

How could the sound be exactly the same as before?

Judging from the sound of movement and reaction, it seemed like he flinched in surprise, but there was not the slightest change in his heartbeat.

It was as calm as if he were doing daily activities.

‘What is this?’

This was the first time he had encountered someone like this.

Nothing represented emotions as well as the sound of the heart.

But how could this be possible?

After a moment of puzzlement, Wi Maeng-cheon could be certain of one thing.

“If my subordinate’s ears are not mistaken, the person in front was not surprised at all, Young Master.”

“… Not surprised at all, you say?”

At Wi Maeng-cheon’s words, Jang Neung-ak turned his head and glared at Mok Gyeong-un with sharp eyes.

He trusted Wi Maeng-cheon’s judgment, as he possessed excellent ability in reading others.

“You… Were you really not surprised?”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un waved his hands and said,

“… How could that be possible? My eyes were about to be poked, so how could someone not be surprised…”

-Tap!

At that moment, Jang Neung-ak placed the head of his folding fan on Mok Gyeong-un’s chest.

Although he didn’t possess hyper-senses like Wi Maeng-cheon, he could discern heartbeats through a medium without directly touching with his hands.

Soon, Jang Neung-ak snorted and opened his mouth.

“This guy is completely interesting.”

“What? Don’t tell me Maeng-cheon’s words are true?”

The woman with thick lips and red clothes asked as if intrigued.

Then, Jang Neung-ak swept the folding fan up from the chest to Mok Gyeong-un’s chin and said,

“Is it because he has guts? Or is he hiding his skills?”

Jang Neung-ak’s eyes seemed to pierce through Mok Gyeong-un.

Seeing his appearance, Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

He thought he could deceive him with just facial expression management and appropriate acting, but that blind man seemed more troublesome than expected.

It was his first time encountering someone who listened to heartbeats.

-Mortal, stay calm. Even if his hearing is abnormally sharp, your true skills haven’t been exposed.

Cheong-ryeong spoke to Mok Gyeong-un.

The situation was different from when they were in Corpse Blood Valley.

If he made an enemy of the Society Leader’s disciple, it could go beyond being annoying, and his chances of avenging his grudge might become remote before he could even attempt anything.

‘This guy shouldn’t act out rashly.’

Although he had been with him all this time, Mok Gyeong-un’s actions were unpredictable.

That’s why she was concerned.

In a situation where they weren’t fully prepared, the answer was to suppress one’s emotions.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.

“I heard you are one of those closest to the Society Leader.”

“Hm?”

At those words from Mok Gyeong-un, one of Jang Neung-ak’s eyebrows slightly rose.

It seemed he wasn’t too displeased with what he had just said.

Mok Gyeong-un continued,

“The master who taught me said that one must remain calm even in front of a tiger to survive.”

At his words, the corners of Jang Neung-ak’s mouth slightly curled up.

Unlike his appearance, he seemed to be someone who knew how to speak eloquently.

Referring to him as a tiger meant elevating him as an entity beyond one’s capacity, and saying that he maintained composure to survive was lowering himself.

In response, Jang Neung-ak said,

“You seem quite capable in handling yourself.”

“Even if I have guts, if the Young Master decides to, you can kill someone like me at any time, so how could I act recklessly?”

“You’re not foolish. Yes, those who know how to handle themselves tend to have longer lifespans.”

-Zing!

Mok Gyeong-un glanced at the folding fan touching below his neck.

Although there was nothing sharp, the aura emanating from the point of contact seemed ready to pierce his neck at any moment.

As expected of a disciple of the Heaven and Earth Society’s leader, he was no ordinary person.

“… I will keep your words in mind.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s answer, Jang Neung-ak chuckled, removed the folding fan from his neck, clasped his hands behind his back, and stepped away from Mok Gyeong-un.

Could this quietly pass?

While thinking that, Jang Neung-ak walked a few steps forward and said,

“But you know, while it’s good that you can handle yourself, if your skills don’t back it up, you can’t have this level of composure. Don’t you agree, Maeng-cheon?”

“That’s right, Young Master.”

“This Young Master thinks that the hostage, you bastard, are hiding your skills as much as your composure. I don’t know in what way or by what method, though.”

At this, Mok Gyeong-un lowered his head and stance and said,

“How could that be possible? I don’t meet the level of your expectations.”

“Someone who doesn’t meet expectations wouldn’t have gotten the highest score at the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates for no reason. Don’t you agree, Jong-hyeok?”

-Gulp, gulp!

At that question, Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, downed the liquor from the bottle, wiped his lips with his sleeve, and replied,

“If you say he got the highest score with his current skills, it would be impossible unless he possessed heaven-bestowed luck or there was corruption within Corpse Blood Valley.”

“This Young Master shares the same thought.”

-Shing!

At that moment, the blind Wi Maeng-cheon slightly pulled out his bamboo cane as if drawing it.

Then, a sharp blade hidden inside was revealed.

“It’s a matter that can be easily revealed if we test him. Young Master, please leave it to me. I will verify it.”

At those words, the red-clothed woman with thick lips also stepped forward.

“Hohoho. I will do it. I want to see if his skills match his handsome face.”

Seeing the two eager individuals, Jang Neung-ak chuckled, shook his head, and then spoke to the muscular giant who had been silent all this time, with a rough beard reminiscent of Zhang Yide[1].

“Jeo Mo-pal.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“I want to see this friend’s true skills.”

“Yes, my lord.”

It was as soon as those words ended.

-Bam!

The man who had been still, no, Jeo Mo-pal, suddenly moved.

Possessing a swift movement that didn’t match his giant stature, Jeo Mo-pal instantly tried to strike down on Mok Gyeong-un’s head with his interlocked hands.

-Swish!

In response, Mok Gyeong-un utilized his footwork and spread his body backwards.

Then, Jeo Mo-pal, with his arms lowered from the strike, charged forward like a wild boar.

His momentum seemed like it would crush anything.

However, despite this momentum, Mok Gyeong-un maintained his composure and continued to widen the distance using his footwork.

-Tap tap tap!

“Hmph!”

At this, Jeo Mo-pal stamped his foot on the ground, leaving a deep imprint, and extended his fist towards Mok Gyeong-un, who was increasing the distance.

-Boom!

At that moment…

-Whoosh!

A white light flickered from Jeo Mo-pal’s fist, and an invisible, heavy force rushed towards Mok Gyeong-un’s face.

This was none other than Fist Wind.

As the Fist Wind infused with qi flew towards him, Mok Gyeong-un found it difficult to dodge, so he crossed his arms and immediately assumed a defensive stance.

-Whoosh!

As the Fist Wind struck his crossed arms, Mok Gyeong-un’s body was pushed back about six steps.

-Tremble!

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed at his trembling arms.

As he had somewhat guessed based on the energy Jeo Mo-pal was exhibiting, his martial prowess had indeed reached the pinnacle of the peak realm.

However, in terms of the strength infused in his fists alone, it was even higher.

It seemed he possessed external and internal energy that was nearly at the transcendent realm.

‘This won’t do.’

It seemed difficult to properly face this man with his concealed skills.

However, if he fully revealed his skills, it would turn out as Jang Neung-ak wanted.

‘No other choice.’

It would be better to take a few hits and dodge moderately.

His pride wasn’t particularly hurt by this.

It was better to be hit a few times and avoid it than to get involved in troublesome matters right away.

That was when it happened.

-Bam!

Jeo Mo-pal’s fist, which had instantly closed the distance, struck Mok Gyeong-un’s face, causing his head to turn sideways and collide with the ground.

-Bang!

‘Phew.’

This hurts a bit.

But this level of pain was nothing.

Mok Gyeong-un could endure even worse than this without letting out a single groan.

At that moment, Jeo Mo-pal, who had driven Mok Gyeong-un’s head into the ground and turned him upside down, kicked his abdomen with a qi-infused kick.

-Thud!

-Whoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un, who was hit in the abdomen, was pushed back while arching his back like a shrimp.

Seeing this, Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk. He’s done for. Done for.”

When he saw Mok Gyeong-un’s footwork, he had guessed that he would be at the late-stage peak realm, but seeing him being helplessly beaten, he wondered if he wasn’t even at that level.

Jeo Mo-pal might be the lowest among the Five Mountains, but he was an expert with skills approaching the transcendent realm.

When such a skilled person seriously unleashed his martial prowess, how could he be a match even if he was the top scorer at Corpse Blood Valley?

“Hmm.”

‘Is this all he’s capable of?’

Disappointment mixed in the eyes of Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.

He had expected him to show as much as he had hoped for to some extent, but seeing him being pummeled like that, his expectations were gradually fading.

Well, even if he had hidden his skills, it was virtually impossible for him to be a match for Jeo Mo-pal of the Five Mountains anyway.

“That’s enough. Now…”

He was about to tell him to finish it moderately, but…

“His heartbeat is still steady.”

“What?”

“Please leave it to me instead.”

-Whoosh!

With those words, someone leaped out.

It was none other than Wi Maeng-cheon, the Second Mountain.

-Shing!

Wi Maeng-cheon, who had drawn the sword hidden in his bamboo cane, instantly flew and slashed at the neck of Mok Gyeong-un, who was being beaten by Jeo Mo-pal.

He unleashed his killing intent to the maximum and showed the momentum to sever the neck in a single stroke.

-Swish!

The moment the blade was about to touch the neck…

-Clang!

-Whoosh!

‘!?’

At that instant, Jeo Mo-pal’s eyes widened.

Mok Gyeong-un had lightly grasped the fist Jeo Mo-pal was throwing with his left hand and had somehow parried Wi Maeng-cheon’s sword with a kick.

“You bastard…”

He was about to say that he was indeed hiding his skills, but Mok Gyeong-un, as if Jeo Mo-pal wasn’t even in his concern, looked at the blind Wi Maeng-cheon and said,

“I was letting myself get hit, yet you’re making things difficult.”

“What the hell are you saying?”

This damn rat bastard was arrogantly saying that he had been letting himself get hit by Jeo Mo-pal?

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jeo Mo-pal’s anger surged, and he tried to shake off his grabbed fist and send Mok Gyeong-un’s face flying with his other fist.

However…

-Crack!

“Ugh!”

-Thud!

At that moment, along with a groan of pain from Jeo Mo-pal’s mouth, his grabbed right wrist was twisted backwards, and he was forced to kneel on one knee on the ground.

‘Th-this bastard’s energy technique…?’

Jeo Mo-pal couldn’t hide his shock.

This bastard’s energy technique was surpassing his own, which was close to the transcendent realm.

Chapter 131 – Ability (2)

‘Will this be alright?’

Guard Go Chan, who had possessed Ha Chae-rin, had an uneasy look in his eyes as he watched the fight beside Ho Jong-hyeok.

He was well aware of Mok Gyeong-un’s skills before coming here.

Although he possessed a strange power, he was merely at the second-rate level, so it was questionable whether he could endure against such a monstrous fellow.

However…

-Thud!

‘!?’

Jeo Mo-pal of the Five Mountains Alliance, the Fifth Mountain, was forced to kneel with his right wrist twisted.

Seeing his state, Go Chan couldn’t hide his inner shock.

No, it hadn’t even been a full month, so just what had happened?

Was Mok Gyeong-un originally this strong?

“… Indeed, my judgment was correct.”

The blind Second Mountain, Wi Maeng-cheon, opened his mouth while his sword was still locked.

He had no intention of actually beheading Mok Gyeong-un, but he had created a momentum that seemed like he would slash with maximum killing intent.

As a result, Mok Gyeong-un revealed his true skills.

This was quite surprising.

‘He has surpassed the peak realm.’

It exceeded expectations.

He had thought that he might be at the pinnacle of peak realm at most.

However, if he could block his sword strike in an instant and overwhelm Jeo Mo-pal with his internal energy, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he had reached the beginning of the Transcendent Realm.

“With what skill did he…”

-Woo!

‘!?’

The blind Wi Maeng-cheon frowned.

Although their swords were locked, a very faint resonance transmitted to his ears, grating on them.

Then, he felt cracks forming on his sword.

At this…

-Clang!

Wi Maeng-cheon used a sword technique to deflect Mok Gyeong-un’s sword.

As the sword was deflected, Mok Gyeong-un’s body slightly floated back and was pushed back about five steps.

Then, Wi Maeng-cheon touched and felt the blade of his sword with his fingers.

‘The Bamboo Sword is cracked.’

Although it was wrapped in bamboo, it was a renowned sword created by the hands of a skilled craftsman.

Such a Bamboo Sword had developed hairline cracks from a single clash?

Just what kind of sword was it?

-Clap clap clap!

At that moment, the sound of someone clapping could be heard.

The one clapping was none other than the Society Leader’s second disciple, Jang Neung-ak.

With the corners of his mouth stretched to his ears, Jang Neung-ak was looking at Mok Gyeong-un with a satisfied gaze.

“Yes, this is exactly what this Young Master wanted to see.”

The martial prowess that had passed the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates with the highest score, despite being a hostage of the righteous faction.

There was no way it could be shoddy.

Even though he didn’t know how he concealed his energy, if he could withstand the sword of Wi Maeng-cheon, the Second Mountain, it was certain that he had surpassed the peak realm.

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un spoke with a troubled expression.

“You’re really making things difficult for me.”

He had tried his best to conceal his skills.

But to think it would be exposed in this way.

‘How annoying.’

If it weren’t for that blind man, he wouldn’t have been discovered like this.

Through this, Mok Gyeong-un learned one thing.

Nothing was ever perfect.

Even if the energy of death, the “death qi,” was an energy that living humans couldn’t sense through their perception, if there were people who could discern the opponent in such strange ways, he needed to be even more cautious.

-That blind mortal bastard is a troublesome variable.

Cheong-ryeong also clicked her tongue at this result.

Not revealing one’s skills was the most ideal, but now that he had been exposed, they might have to change their plans depending on how that Jang Neung-ak responded.

At that moment, Jang Neung-ak approached and spoke.

“Concealing one’s skills in the martial world is quite common. However, for someone not even in his prime to surpass the peak realm is very rare.”

‘Rare?’

At Jang Neung-ak’s words, Ho Jong-hyeok, the Great Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, clicked his tongue.

Even he, who had been praised by his father for possessing outstanding martial talent, was only able to enter the Transcendent Realm when he was almost thirty.

Of course, even that had earned him the admiration of those around him.

But for a guy who was only 17 or 18 years old to have entered the Transcendent Realm, he deserved to be called a genius.

‘… I understand why he hid his martial prowess.’

A sharp awl pierces through the handle.

A moderately outstanding talent might receive hospitality from those around, but if it surpasses that, it becomes the target of wariness and jealousy instead.

Mok Gyeong-un’s talent clearly belonged to the latter.

Whether it was his own judgment or the order of his master, the Shadow Clan Master, hiding his skills was probably out of concern for that.

Jang Neung-ak spread his arms wide and said to Mok Gyeong-un,

“I like you.”

“…”

“I’ll be straightforward. Swear loyalty to this Young Master.”

“Swear loyalty?”

“Yes. This Young Master wants talented individuals like you. Those talents are equivalent to this Young Master’s power.”

That would be natural.

The more strong martial artists he had as subordinates, the more solidified his position as the Clan Master’s successor would become.

Jang Neung-ak approached right in front of Mok Gyeong-un and continued,

“This Young Master does not demand loyalty without compensation. If you swear loyalty, I will promise you wealth and honor befitting it.”

“Wealth and honor…”

“Yes. Furthermore, if this Young Master becomes the pinnacle of this association, you will get to enjoy even more together.”

At Jang Neung-ak’s words, Cheong-ryeong said to Mok Gyeong-un,

-It doesn’t seem like you have a choice.

The most ideal situation was to build strength under the Shadow Clan Master and observe the situation.

However, now that his skills had been exposed, that had become difficult.

If he refused here, the likelihood of being kept in check or getting involved in troublesome matters would increase, so the second-best option was to build strength under Jang Neung-ak.

However…

-Tap!

Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands in greeting to Jang Neung-ak and said,

“I apologize. Although it’s a very tempting offer, it seems difficult for me to follow the Young Master right away.”

-Huh?

Cheong-ryeong was puzzled by Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

Since his hidden strength had been exposed, it would have been a safe choice to enter under Jang Neung-ak’s command to avoid troublesome matters.

But if he refused here…

“You can’t follow this Young Master?”

As expected, Jang Neung-ak’s expression changed in an instant.

One of his eyebrows twitched and rose, seeming displeased.

It was as expected.

‘Just what are you thinking, mortal?’

Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue inwardly.

The Society Leader’s second disciple was one thing, but each and every one of his subordinates was not an ordinary master.

Therefore, it was best not to provoke them.

‘He never moves in a safe manner as advised.’

At that moment, Jang Neung-ak poked Mok Gyeong-un’s chest with his folding fan and said,

-Press!

“Do you know what that means right now?”

“Well? I’m not sure what it means.”

“What?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jang Neung-ak’s eyes turned completely cold.

How dare a mere hostage from the righteous faction not only refuse the Young Master’s offer in this way but also talk back?

-Press!

Jang Neung-ak poked Mok Gyeong-un’s chest even harder with the folding fan and said,

“Have you forgotten who is standing in front of you?”

“How could that be possible? You are Young Master Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.”

“Yet you seem to be ignoring this Young Master’s offer.”

“No way. I merely conveyed that it would be difficult for me to accept the Young Master’s offer right away.”

“Do you think you have the option to refuse?”

“If you want to have the Shadow Clan under your command, I don’t think you’ll force it unreasonably.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jang Neung-ak’s eyes sharpened.

Seeing his appearance, the red-clothed woman with thick lips pressured Mok Gyeong-un.

“Hey, do you really have a death wish? A mere hostage from the righteous faction, to the Young Master right now…”

-Swish!

Jang Neung-ak raised his hand, stopping her pressure.

Then, he chuckled and said,

“You’re certainly different, perhaps because you’re a hostage from the righteous faction.”

“Pardon?”

“If you were from this place, you wouldn’t respond to this Young Master’s offer like you did. Rather, you would be afraid of going against this Young Master’s temper.”

“…”

“But you are extremely audacious against this Young Master.”

Jang Neung-ak found this Mok Gyeong-un interesting.

He thought that if he applied some pressure, he would crawl in on his own.

Considering his position as a hostage from the righteous faction and how big of an opportunity it was to establish such a connection within the Heaven and Earth Society, if he had the slightest awareness, he would have no choice but to follow.

But he responded like this.

“Yes, that’s right. This Young Master wants to have the Shadow Clan under his command. For that, I want you to become this Young Master’s person and serve as an important catalyst.”

Jang Neung-ak revealed his true intentions.

Then…

“I would like that too, but as you know, I just became the Shadow Clan Master’s disciple.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I wasn’t chosen, but I became the Shadow Clan Master’s disciple as a benefit of being the top scorer at Corpse Blood Valley, so will he trust me that much?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jang Neung-ak’s eyes narrowed.

He also had a cunning side, so he immediately understood what Mok Gyeong-un meant by saying this.

“… Keep talking.”

“Before even properly learning martial arts or building trust, if the Shadow Clan Master finds out that I, a hostage from the righteous faction, entered under the Young Master’s command, how will he view me?”

“…”

“If I were the Shadow Clan Master, I would rather suspect and distance myself from a hostage from the righteous faction who had just entered the Society and was trying to approach wealth and power too quickly.”

With these words, Mok Gyeong-un lowered his voice and whispered so that only Jang Neung-ak could hear,

“It doesn’t matter if you take me as a subordinate right away, but if that happens, you won’t be able to obtain everything you desire. Is it really beneficial to take me as a subordinate now?”

‘!?’

Jang Neung-ak’s lips slightly twitched.

‘Look at this guy.’

He received a rather refreshing shock from Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

His interest in Mok Gyeong-un being a hostage from the righteous faction was only a small part, and his goal was to take Mok Gyeong-un as a subordinate and use this opportunity to bring the Shadow Clan under his command as well.

He had rushed because his forces were still inferior to the Senior Disciple.

But this guy was beyond imagination.

‘Cunning.’

He was reading even the parts that Jang Neung-ak had not considered.

As this guy said, if he accepted him as his subordinate right away, the Shadow Clan Master’s mind would be filled with suspicion.

If that happened, it would become difficult to fully bring the Shadow Clan under his command.

‘Hmm.’

Jang Neung-ak looked straight at Mok Gyeong-un.

He had thought he was an impudent fellow for rejecting his offer, but after this conversation, his thoughts had completely solidified.

He wanted to make this guy completely his.

-Tap!

Jang Neung-ak removed the folding fan that had been poking Mok Gyeong-un’s chest.

And he also spoke in a whispering voice,

“You have a point. Fine. It’s regrettable, but for now, I’ll just back off. I hope you build a close trust with the Shadow Clan Master.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un gave a light smile.

Jang Neung-ak also chuckled as if their thoughts had aligned, then clasped his hands behind his back and turned around.

“Young Master?”

“Let’s go back and have a generous drink.”

At these words, most of his subordinates couldn’t hide their puzzlement.

He’s just leaving without any results?

It was quite different from usual.

However, they had to follow their lord’s order, so they withdrew without a word.

Of course, the Fifth Mountain Jeo Mo-pal, who had suffered an injury to his wrist, was the same.

“…”

On the other hand, the blind Wi Maeng-cheon, who had overheard the conversation they whispered with his extraordinary hearing, stopped for a moment and found the situation unsatisfactory.

‘Excessively cunning.’

Without causing a commotion with his three-inch tongue, he made his lord withdraw in a pleasant manner.

He even made it so that no conclusion was reached.

His cunning aspect made Wi Maeng-cheon more wary than his outstanding martial arts.

However, since his lord seemed to be very pleased with him at the moment, he would withdraw for now but keep a close eye on him.

As they all left, Mok Gyeong-un sent a voice transmission to Cheong-ryeong with a smile.

-I’ll have to kill that blind man first.

Chapter 132 – Ability (3)

As they all withdrew, Mok Gyeong-un sent a smiling voice transmission to Cheong-ryeong.

-I’ll have to kill that blind man first.

-… I knew you’d say that.

Cheong-ryeong had expected this cunning fellow to naturally say that.

Clicking her tongue, Cheong-ryeong said,

-You handled it relatively well, but what about that guy?

That guy.

She meant Go Chan, who had possessed Ha Chae-rin.

Wasn’t the original purpose to come out and retrieve him?

At that question, Mok Gyeong-un sent a voice transmission.

-I already instructed Guard Go Chan through voice transmission to monitor them.

-Monitor? Hoh.

It seemed like a good decision.

Although they were withdrawing for now due to his three-inch tongue, it was certain that they would get involved again in some way.

If Go Chan naturally played the role of a monitor at a time like this, it would be easy to handle whatever happened later.

-Since he doesn’t seem to dislike being possessed by a wench’s body, he should do well.

‘Was that so?’

Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.

He remembered Go Chan constantly frowning and not even being able to make eye contact with him.

Anyway, since he had told him that he would change his body to a man’s soon, he thought Go Chan would diligently carry out the task.

Then, Cheong-ryeong said,

-Still, unlike our concerns, you handled it well with your mind.

She had been worried that Mok Gyeong-un might act rashly without considering the consequences, as he often took unexpected actions while they were together.

But unlike these worries, he seemed to have gained some composure now.

However…

-Since there are eyes watching.

-Yes, there’s also that eunuch-like fellow assigned by that mortal, so it’s best to be cautious.

-It’s not just that.

-Not just that?

-Yes.

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un glanced at somewhere.

Then, he chuckled and headed back to the Shadow Clan’s estate.

As Mok Gyeong-un disappeared like that, two individuals revealed themselves behind a wall about ten jang away.

One was a short man with a goatee, and the other was a woman wearing a bamboo hat and a veil.

The short man said to the woman,

“Young Lady, that Mok Gyeong-un kid seems to have clashed with the Second Young Master, so why are you letting him go?”

The woman in the bamboo hat, whom the short man addressed as “Young Lady,” was none other than Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader.

“Well…”

“Pardon?”

At the man’s question, she gave a vague answer.

Just an hour ago, she had learned from an informant that Mok Gyeong-un, whom she had met at the Corpse Blood Valley report, was a hostage from the righteous faction and had scored the highest at the Corpse Blood Valley gates, and she was caught in a strange feeling.

‘Righteous faction?’

Why was the talent she had coveted from the righteous faction?

Thinking carefully, in the Central Plains martial world, there was no martial family with the surname “Mok” (木) except for the Yeon Mok Sword Manor.

‘Mok Gyeong-un…’

He was a talent she had coveted enough to entrust him with her identity tag, but his true identity was really unexpected.

Because of this, she had felt quite regretful after hearing this information.

‘Did I do something unnecessary?’

At that time, she had given him the tag because she liked him, but now that she heard he was a hostage from the righteous faction, she thought it might hold her back.

But what could she do about something she had already given?

So, she wanted to meet Mok Gyeong-un again and judge whether he would be helpful to her or not.

Even if he was a hostage from the righteous faction, since he had passed the Corpse Blood Valley gates with the highest score and became the Shadow Clan Master’s disciple, he was in a position she couldn’t easily let go of.

But coincidentally, while going to find Mok Gyeong-un, she saw him talking with her second senior brother.

‘… He’s really like a thorny issue.’

Seeing that her second senior brother also coveted him, she thought so.

A thorny issue.

It referred to a part of a chicken’s rib that had little meat, making it regrettable to eat or not to eat.

Right now, Mok Gyeong-un’s existence was like that to Wi So-yeon.

If she recruited him right away, it would be burdensome for her, who needed to gather more support forces, since he was a hostage from the righteous faction.

But seeing that he had become the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, who was in charge of information and spies, and even her second senior brother Jang Neung-ak was eyeing him, it was regrettable to simply let him be taken away.

To her, the short man said while looking at something,

“Putting that aside, is what he said earlier true?”

“What?”

“Didn’t Young Master Jang Neung-ak say something about that hostage from the righteous faction surpassing the peak realm?”

At his words, Wi So-yeon’s eyes narrowed behind the veil.

They had hidden at a distance and suppressed their presence to the maximum, so they couldn’t properly see or hear.

However, she had also heard Jang Neung-ak’s words.

[For someone not even in his prime to surpass the peak realm is very rare.]

‘Strange.’

This point was indeed questionable.

She had met Mok Gyeong-un at the Corpse Blood Valley report just two days ago.

At that time, she had directly assessed Mok Gyeong-un’s martial prowess and even confirmed his level by directly touching his hand.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s martial prowess at that time was at most at the pinnacle of peak realm, even being generous.

‘He definitely wasn’t hiding his skills.’

But how did he receive an evaluation of surpassing the peak realm in just two days?

This made her suspicious.

There was no way Jang Neung-ak, the Society Leader’s second disciple, would make up a story about someone he was meeting for the first time.

“Young Lady?”

At the short man’s call, Wi So-yeon quietly opened her mouth.

“… I’ll have to confirm it myself.”

There was nothing faster than experiencing it with one’s own eyes.

If he had really surpassed the peak realm in such a short period, he was someone she had to recruit regardless of his background.

***

Seok Jung, the Shadow Clan’s escort warrior, guided Mok Gyeong-un to his lodging within the estate.

Since he had become a formal disciple, the treatment from the Shadow Clan was assured.

They allowed him to use an entire separate residence with a garden by himself, and there were four escort warriors and two attendants guarding the place.

However, seeing them, Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘They’re all monitors.’

The attendants were also learning martial arts, despite being called attendants.

Thanks to that, Mok Gyeong-un clearly recognized that they were all playing the role of monitoring his every move.

-He must have been quite dissatisfied.

At Cheong-ryeong’s words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

It was annoying, but he understood.

Even if he was the Shadow Clan Master, it didn’t seem like he would easily let go of his suspicions just because he had accepted him as a disciple.

Monitoring was a natural course of action.

It would probably continue for a while until the suspicions were completely dispelled.

-What level are they?

-The two attendants are third-rate, and the four escorts are all first-rate warriors.

In the eyes of Mok Gyeong-un, who had opened the Ghost Eye, their levels were clearly visible.

It wasn’t difficult to estimate their martial prowess just by the size of their energy.

-Even if their martial prowess is low, it will be difficult to move freely with so many monitors.

-We shouldn’t do that.

-Shouldn’t do that, huh.

He must have something else in mind.

While inspecting the separate residence like that, Seok Jung clasped his hands in greeting to Mok Gyeong-un and said,

“My task is finished, so I will take my leave now.”

“Ah, you said your name was Escort Seok Jung?”

“Yes.”

“I have something to quietly ask you, so could we talk for a moment?”

“Pardon?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Escort Seok Jung couldn’t hide his puzzlement.

However, since there were many monitors watching around, even if they had some conversation inside, it didn’t seem like it would cause any particular problems.

Escort Seok Jung sent a light hand signal to the escorts guarding the separate residence and followed Mok Gyeong-un into the room.

-Creak! Thud!

After closing the door, Escort Seok Jung naturally asked Mok Gyeong-un, who was sitting at the round table,

“What did you want to say?”

“You’ll report about me, right?”

“… Pardon?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s sudden question, Escort Seok Jung was momentarily stunned and then belatedly asked back.

He wondered what question Mok Gyeong-un would ask, but he didn’t expect him to be so blatantly direct.

In response, Seok Jung pretended and answered,

“What do you mean by that?”

“Since it’s just the two of us, you can speak honestly. You’re going to report, aren’t you?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Escort Seok Jung’s expression stiffened.

Did this guy call him into the room separately to ask him not to report?

If that was the case, it was a huge miscalculation.

Seok Jung spoke in a serious tone,

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I only follow the orders of the Clan Master.”

“Yes, you would. But don’t do that.”

“… Just what are you saying?”

“It’s exactly as you heard. Even if you continue to monitor me in the future, only report to Master what I allow you to report.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Seok Jung’s eyes sharpened.

The Clan Master had told him to thoroughly monitor Mok Gyeong-un because he was a hostage from the righteous faction, and he now understood why.

Just what kind of guy was he?

If he knew that Seok Jung was monitoring him under the Clan Master’s order, he should have restrained himself or not treated him recklessly.

-Tap!

Escort Seok Jung clasped his hands in greeting to Mok Gyeong-un and said,

“I will pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. However, if you continue to force such things on me, I will have no choice but to…”

“You’ll regret it.”

What? Regret it?

This guy was truly arrogant beyond measure.

Although he was a formal disciple, if the Shadow Clan Master changed his mind at any time, he could be expelled.

Yet was he trying to threaten him, the monitor, right now?

At this, Escort Seok Jung, unable to endure it any longer, turned his feet and said,

“I can’t listen any further. I will take my…”

-Swish!

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un stretched out his hand.

In that instant…

-Whoosh!

“Huh?”

The body of Escort Seok Jung, who had tried to go outside, was forcibly pulled by an invisible force.

He tried to resist by drawing up his internal energy, but it was useless.

-Thud!

In an instant, Seok Jung, who had flown forward, fell to the floor.

-Thud!

“Ugh!”

Mok Gyeong-un stepped on Seok Jung’s back with his foot.

-Press!

“Ack!”

He had seen Mok Gyeong-un fighting against the subordinates of the Clan Master’s second disciple earlier, so he was aware that he was no match for him.

But what was this?

Could it be that Mok Gyeong-un had just pulled him using the Void Grasping technique?

‘Impossible.’

To be able to pull a person using the Void Grasping technique, one had to be a master who had nearly reached the pinnacle-stage of Transcendent Realm.

The pinnacle-stage of the Transcendent Realm meant being a supreme master at the level of the Five Kings.

Of course, this wasn’t a proper Void Grasping technique.

It was one of the eight techniques of the Destruction Fist, the “Seizing” technique.

“J-Just what…”

“Shh. Be quiet. If you make too much noise, those outside who want to eavesdrop will get curious.”

“…”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Seok Jung shut his mouth.

He had previously signaled the escort warriors guarding outside to stay close in case of emergencies.

So now, all the escorts and attendants were right next to the separate residence.

Seok Jung calmly said,

“… Knowing that, why are you doing this to me?”

“Why, you ask? Are you asking because you don’t know?”

“Even if you are a master who I can’t handle, I only serve the Shadow Clan…”

-Shing!

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un drew his sword from the leather scabbard.

Seok Jung swallowed his dry saliva, perhaps feeling tense from the brilliant and sharp aura flowing from the blade.

Was this person really someone who had nothing to lose?

There were monitors outside, yet he even drew his sword, so was he really going to…

-Swish!

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un grabbed the blade and placed the hilt of the sword, the handle, against Seok Jung’s sword.

Just what was he doing? At that instant…

-Whoosh!

‘!?’

Seok Jung blinked his eyes.

What just happened?

Feeling a dazed sensation, he couldn’t remember what had happened for a moment.

It was like the feeling of waking up from sleep.

Then, Mok Gyeong-un’s voice was heard,

“You have a humble desire. You want to marry your lover, who is also from the escort group, build an estate in the outer city, and live happily…”

‘!?’

Seok Jung’s eyes widened.

What?

How did this bastard know that?

To the perplexed Seok Jung, Mok Gyeong-un pressed his back with his foot and said,

“But if that lover dies, that humble wish will also be shattered.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Seok Jung, momentarily enraged, tried to push off the floor and stand up.

However…

“Ugh…”

It was impossible since he was inferior in internal energy from the beginning.

To him, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said,

“I hope you don’t waste your energy on needless acts.”

“You… you! If you do such things…”

“Isn’t it entirely up to Escort Seok Jung’s efforts to make sure I don’t want to do such things?”

“…”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s threat, Escort Seok Jung tightly shut his mouth.

He had to endure unconditionally right now.

This guy was someone the Clan Master should never have accepted as a disciple.

He made up his mind to pretend to submit and then immediately go to the Clan Master to report.

However…

-Swish!

There was a sound coming from the window side.

It was a sound like the paper on the window being pierced, and…

-Tap!

Escort Seok Jung’s eyes shook crazily at the butterfly-shaped accessory that fell in front of him.

It was the accessory he had given to his lover as a gift.

“Th-This is…”

To the perplexed Seok Jung, Mok Gyeong-un bent his waist and whispered in his ear,

“Next time, instead of an accessory, you’ll see your lover’s severed head. Do you understand?”

‘!!!!!!!’

The moment he saw Mok Gyeong-un’s face, Seok Jung felt like his heart was stopping.

Although he was smiling, the moment he met Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes filled with malice, his spine turned cold, and he wanted to vomit out everything inside him right away.

“You look like you’re about to cry. Did someone bully you? There, there. Get up.”

-Pat pat!

Mok Gyeong-un lightly patted his back and then helped him stand up.

And to the pale-faced Seok Jung, he said,

“Just inform Master that the Society Leader’s second disciple came to visit, but I politely declined, so they left. Leave out any stories about who I fought or whatnot. Understand?”

“… Y-Yes, I understand.”

“Good. Then go ahead.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Seok Jung tried to hurry outside.

But his legs were trembling, making it difficult to walk properly.

Only by circulating his internal energy throughout his body was he barely able to walk out the door.

As he went out like that, he saw the escort warriors and attendants waiting right in front of the separate residence in case of emergencies.

Seok Jung asked them,

“Did the Young Master happen to come out while I was with him?”

“What do you mean by that? Weren’t you continuously conversing inside?”

“That’s right. No one came out, so did something happen inside?”

‘!?’

At the escorts’ words, Seok Jung’s expression stiffened.

Judging from their reactions, it seemed Mok Gyeong-un had never come out at all.

But how did he bring this butterfly-shaped accessory?

He had no idea what was going on.

-Shudder!

Seok Jung felt goosebumps all over his body.

What kind of ghost-wailing situation was this?

He knew the wish he had been longing for without even saying it?

He brought the accessory he had given to her without even going outside?

It was hard to believe if all of this was real.

“Escort Seok. What kind of conversation did you have inside to make you like this?”

“… N-Nothing much was discussed.”

“But why?”

“I’m just feeling a bit unwell.”

Seok Jung couldn’t say anything.

If he was someone who could do such strange and frightening things while sitting still, it seemed he could do anything as he had warned.

‘I can’t say anything. Anything at all.’

Seok Jung had no thoughts other than wanting to leave this place right away and catch his breath.

“… I’m done with my task, so I’ll be going now.”

With those words, Seok Jung hurriedly left the separate residence.

Seeing his appearance, those who were puzzled about what had happened approached Mok Gyeong-un, who had come out of the separate residence.

And with a smile, he said,

“You all must be working hard. Since you’ll be with me from now on, shall we have a cup of warm tea together?”