The next day, a Tongcheonggak martial artist came straight to me.
“Here are the documents regarding the Cheonhwamun and Soya Bang that you requested.”
According to him, in order to provide me with information quickly, they had opened a temporary Tongcheonggak branch near the Honam subdivision. Such was the power of the Young Cult Leader.
I looked over the documents the Tongcheonggak martial artist presented.
“The scale of the Cheonhwamun is considerable.”
I had known it was a large sect, but its scale and depth were substantial.
“Yes, it is truly the foremost sect in Honam. Four in the main sect, four in the Sadomaeng, two in the Martial Arts Alliance. It preserves its neutrality while interacting with this degree of influence.”
It was not just the Cheonhwamun. There were sects that maintained their neutrality so thoroughly while growing their own power. Mainly the larger sects, like the Cheonhwamun, did this.
“What was the business you had been pursuing with Yeo Sogwang?”
“We are investigating that matter, but have yet to uncover it. Both Faction Leader Yeo and the Cheonhwamun Sect Leader handled the affair extremely secretly.”
If Tongcheonggak’s information network could not uncover it, an external investigation seemed impossible.
“Very well. Pause that investigation for now and look into the succession structures of the two sects. When the current sect leader steps down, who will inherit the clan, and which heir would be favorable to us—investigate this in detail.”
“Understood.”
After the Tongcheonggak martial artist finished his report and left, I immediately called for Jeogyeon.
“The banquet?”
“It is this evening.”
“Select fifty of the skilled martial artists from the Honam Branch and have them wait near the banquet hall.”
“Understood.”
After Jeogyeon left, I silently gazed out the window.
‘While you were making your perfect deals, your children—who should have been the most perfect—were becoming the worst.’
* * *
Today, as always, the young men and women of the Musinhoe were drinking, laughing, and chatting in the banquet hall.
At their center was Xu Qing of the Cheonhwamun.
This was a gathering maintained purely by the logic of power. The greatest influence came from one’s family, and next was one’s personal martial prowess.
As a predator who stood at the very top in both regards, Xu Qing was the leader of the Musinhoe.
The second-in-command of the Musinhoe was Xi Feng of the Soya Bang.
But the second-in-command, Xi Feng, was drinking in a corner rather than in the seat beside Xu Qing.
They had once been as close as could be, but recently Xu Qing’s attitude toward him had changed. He had grown cold for some reason, and naturally, the relationship had become strained.
“Brother, give me a glass too.”
“Pour it yourself.”
There were many beauties around Xu Qing, yet he wore a listless expression.
Lately, drinking was no fun, and playing with women was no fun either. He needed something intense, something stimulating. Honestly, he was feeling a desire to kill someone.
A few months ago, he had quarreled with some Yonghwabang martial artists. Unable to control himself, Xu Qing had cut them down. Three people died then; that was Xu Qing’s first murder.
He and Xi Feng, who had been with him, secretly buried the bodies.
It began after that day. The wanting to kill someone. The thrill of the moment he stabbed a person would not be forgotten. Afterward, he killed two more.
The first was a middle-aged woman walking at night. She was someone who knew no martial arts, but unable to resist the sudden urge to kill, he impulsively cut her down. He rummaged through the woman’s belongings, staged it to look like bandits had attacked her, and left the place.
His heart did not race as fast as it had when he killed for the first time. So a few days later, he killed another. This time, it was a low-ranking martial artist from the Honam Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Perhaps because he had killed someone he shouldn’t have? This time, his heart raced even faster than at his first murder.
Once he had tasted blood, an uncontrollable desire for slaughter awakened.
Xu Qing emptied his cup and rose from his seat. As he walked out, he bumped against Xi Feng. Whether it was accidental or deliberate, Xi Feng could not tell, but he felt displeased.
Xi Feng knew. He knew when the attitude had changed. It was because of his slip of the tongue. While drunk, he had carelessly brought up the matter of the Yonghwabang martial artists Xu Qing had killed. It had been a passing remark—“those bastards”—but seeing Xu Qing’s eyes change completely at that moment, he had realized his mistake. Damn it! The grudge was dragging on far too long.
It was on Xu Qing’s way back from relieving himself in the privy.
Someone caught his eye, practicing footwork in a secluded corner.
There had been someone practicing footwork in the same manner not long ago. A liquor servant daring to train in martial arts? So he had made Xi Feng duel the man and crush him.
Thinking it was perfect timing to alleviate his boredom, Xu Qing beckoned to those with him. The group that crowded over exchanged mischievous glances, having found a new toy in the young man practicing footwork.
“Hey.”
The young man practicing footwork turned around at Xu Qing’s call.
Upon seeing him, Xu Qing startled. It was not the face he had expected. He had anticipated something dull and naive, but before him stood a handsome young gentleman. It was Geom Mugeuk.
“Who are you?”
For someone who looked like a liquor servant, there was an inexplicable dignity and bearing about him. Indeed, his response was not that of a laborer.
“Then who are you?”
When Geom Mugeuk asked back, laughter burst from around them. Their expressions showed they were already looking forward to seeing what would happen to someone who had provoked Xu Qing’s nerves.
“Prideful, aren’t we? Well, for a martial artist, pride is life itself.”
Xu Qing touched on pride. It was a method he always used. If he gently fanned the flames of pride, his opponent would always leap in like a moth to fire. The more eyes watching, as now, the better it worked.
“You came out like a man, so you should show your skill. How about a duel?”
“With whom? With you?”
Then laughter erupted again from the surroundings. Because among the younger generation of Honam, there was no one who could beat Xu Qing.
“We aren’t on the same level.”
Xu Qing shot Xi Feng a look that said, *You face him.*
Xi Feng’s expression hardened. It had been the same last time, and it was the same now.
Was he really on the same level as such a whelp? Yet making him face such a person was clearly meant to humiliate him in front of everyone.
“I did it last time, so this time—”
“You do it!”
Xu Qing cut him off coldly. With so many eyes watching, Xi Feng’s pride was wounded. But he had to endure. Not because of a difference in skill, but because of the Cheonhwamun’s prestige.
Then Geom Mugeuk asked Xi Feng,
“Then who are you?”
“I am Xi Feng of the Soya Bang.”
Then Geom Mugeuk exclaimed with exaggerated admiration.
“Oh! I have heard that the heir of the Soya Bang is a remarkable talent. That his skill makes him the top junior in all of Honam! So it was you! It is an honor!”
Xi Feng was bewildered by the unexpected reaction. It had been truly ages since someone had praised him like this in front of everyone. Especially lately.
Then Geom Mugeuk tilted his head and muttered as if to himself.
“Ah, or am I wrong? If you have the skill to be the best in Honam, you wouldn’t take orders from others, would you?”
In an instant, Xi Feng’s expression stiffened. Whether it was sincere or an intentional mockery, it was a perfect provocation.
This time, Geom Mugeuk spoke to Xu Qing.
“You are impressive. Commanding the heir of the Soya Bang as your subordinate. Who are you?”
The praise that had been directed at him shifted to Xu Qing in an instant, and Xi Feng’s face reddened. Seeing Xu Qing snicker, his anger flared even more.
“Shut up! What does a wretch like you know to run your mouth so freely?”
The very moment Xi Feng tried to rush at Geom Mugeuk—
“If you attack me like this, you are practically admitting that you are his subordinate.”
Xi Feng’s movements halted with a start.
Geom Mugeuk began to shake him up. Now Xi Feng was the one leaping into a blazing bonfire of pride.
Geom Mugeuk looked around and said,
“It seems to be true indeed. Everyone is looking at you with eyes that regard you as that friend’s subordinate?”
Xi Feng looked around.
Someone needed to step up and say they were friends rather than a superior and subordinate, but everyone was reading Xu Qing’s mood and could not say so.
Rather, it was Xu Qing who stepped forward.
“Why are you swayed by that punk’s sowing of discord?”
Xi Feng found Xu Qing, who was trying to stop him while using the word “swayed,” even more irritating. What followed was even more irritating.
“Stop sulking like a girl and duel that strange fellow first.”
He said this fully knowing how angry such words would make a person.
Then Geom Mugeuk asked Xi Feng,
“But if you really fought, you could beat him, right?”
*“!”*
It was something someone desperately wanted to be asked, yet also a question that absolutely could not be answered.
“You endure because the Soya Bang is weaker than the Cheonhwamun, right?”
It was the truth. If they fought properly, Xi Feng was confident he could beat Xu Qing. He had the better physique, and he did not think his martial arts lagged behind in the slightest.
Silence fell over the spot. A moment later, it was Xu Qing who broke it.
“Why don’t you deny it?”
But Xi Feng said nothing.
Xu Qing’s gaze grew cold.
“You won’t say anything to the end?”
Xi Feng still remained silent.
Vulgar words spilled from Xu Qing’s mouth.
“Look at this bastard. He must really think so?”
In truth, it was not that Xi Feng would not speak now, but that he could not.
His mouth would not open. It was strange. He was clearly not being suppressed at an acupoint, yet it felt as though some invisible force was pressing down on his jaw from below and his crown from above. He thought it was because he was so angry at Xu Qing.
Xu Qing grabbed him by the collar.
“Did you really think that?”
*Smack!*
Xu Qing’s fist turned Xi Feng’s jaw. In that instant, the force pressing down on him vanished.
“Th-that’s not—”
*Smack! Smack!*
The fist struck Xi Feng’s face in rapid succession.
Xi Feng, who had never imagined he would be struck, was furious to the very tips of his hair.
Dodging the fourth punch, Xi Feng threw a fist of his own.
*Smack!*
Having never expected Xi Feng to counterattack, Xu Qing was sent flying and crashed to the ground. Lying on the floor, Xu Qing’s eyes widened.
“How dare you! Have you lost your mind?”
The more surprised and flustered one was Xi Feng. His fist had flown out of its own accord. Once again, some invisible force had acted, but Xi Feng believed it was his long-suppressed rage exploding.
Xi Feng bellowed.
“You bastard! Stop looking down on people!”
The words he had held back until now burst out.
Xu Qing rose from his seat, radiating killing intent.
“It seems our young master Xi has harbored quite a few grievances until now.”
Xi Feng felt both fear and relief simultaneously. But gradually, fear began to grow.
*Damn it! Crazy bastard! What the hell did he do?*
Xi Feng knew full well what a cruel bastard Xu Qing was. Even with eyes watching, the bastard would try to finish him off.
Then, a voice transmission flew to him.
*—Shall I help you?*
The one who sent the voice transmission was Geom Mugeuk.
Xi Feng had completely forgotten his existence. Now that he thought of it, today’s incident had happened because of him. Annoyingly, the bastard was watching the situation with his arms crossed.
*—He’ll use the duel as an excuse to cripple you. With that method you guys often use.*
*—Who are you?*
*—Don’t want help? Suit yourself.*
Xu Qing cleared those around him and made space.
“Young Master Xi, I challenge you to a duel. Surely you aren’t going to run away like a coward?”
Xi Feng’s heart raced.
*—How would you help?*
*—Expose Xu Qing’s evil deeds! Then I’ll help you.*
*—Then he’ll really try to kill me.*
*—Isn’t that the case now, too?*
Xi Feng sensed the killing intent blooming in Xu Qing’s eyes. He realized Xu Qing might truly kill him. A man who lived and died by his pride had been struck in front of people. At the very least, he would try to sever an arm or a leg.
Conversely, if he fought back and killed or injured Xu Qing, that would also be a problem. If he mishandled the heir of the Cheonhwamun, they would not let it go.
Pushed into a life-or-death corner, Xi Feng looked at Geom Mugeuk. This had started because of him, yet no one was paying him any attention. He was a devil-like bastard. Perhaps that was exactly why Xi Feng felt he could trust him.
Just as Xu Qing approached, Xi Feng spoke in a loud voice.
“A while ago, you killed the Yonghwabang martial artists you quarreled with and buried their bodies.”
In an instant, silence flowed over the place. Until now, it had been merely an interesting occurrence; now the situation had become serious.
Xi Feng shouted again.
“You stabbed a passing traveler to death, and even killed a demonic agent.”
The words he had shared when they were close were now pouring out.
Resolved to kill Xi Feng without fail, Xu Qing looked around and said,
“There’s no one who believes that nonsense, right?”
Heavy silence was all that filled the place. A few who met Xu Qing’s eyes smiled awkwardly and said,
“Of course we don’t believe it!”
“We don’t believe it.”
Xu Qing was triumphant. Even if they believed it, there would be no one who dared speak of today’s events aloud.
Then, a single voice echoed through the banquet hall.
“I believe it.”
The one who spoke was Geom Mugeuk. Everyone’s gaze turned toward Geom Mugeuk.
The corners of Xu Qing’s mouth curled up.
“Fine, let’s say you believe that nonsense. So what are you going to do about it?”
To Xu Qing’s question, Geom Mugeuk replied with a smile.
“Something like this?”
Geom Mugeuk pointed at the door and flicked his finger.
Then the door began to open slowly.
*Creeeak.*
The first to enter was Jeogyeon.
Bodyguard martial artists followed, and behind them, fifty Honam Branch demonic agents filed in.
“What the hell are these bastards?”
The ones nearby tried to block them, but they were ruthlessly beaten by Jeogyeon and the bodyguards and sent flying.
Someone recognized the emblem emblazoned on Jeogyeon’s chest.
“It’s the Demon Cult! The demonic agents!”
At his cry, everyone froze.
Only then did they all see the fiendish emblem carved on the intruders’ chests.
Screams erupted everywhere. Some trembled, some watched on their knees, some tried to flee through the windows only to be caught, some hid under tables. It was a veritable cauldron of chaos.
Even Xu Qing was startled.
*They really are demonic agents!*
Arrogant as he was, he was not someone who could act big in front of the Demon Cult.
Geom Mugeuk spoke to his subordinates.
“Xi Feng has exposed all the crimes, so take Xu Qing to the dungeon and begin the investigation.”
Xu Qing reflexively shouted.
“Who do you think you are! You bastard!”
Then Jeogyeon roared, unleashing a cold demonic aura.
“Mind your tongue! He is the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”
At those words, Xu Qing was shocked to his core. Xi Feng and the others were also terrified.
Someone hastily knelt, and the others all knelt as well.
“Please spare us!”
Everyone shouted for their lives.
Amid that uproar, Xu Qing stood blankly, muttering with a vacant expression.
“...The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? Why? Why would the Young Cult Leader come here?”
Geom Mugeuk slowly walked toward him and said,
“We aren’t on the same level, but shall we have a special duel?”