Chapter 51. Can't Stand Being Watched (1)

“Cough! Pant! Pant!”

Wei Honglian, breathing heavily, looked at Xuliang with trembling eyes.

‘...What is it?’

Xuliang, with his hands raised, was smiling, looking as cheerful as ever. There was no trace of any majesty, murderous intent, or madness.

But she remembered the aura from just a moment ago.

It wasn't just a dense concentration of demonic energy; it was a fundamentally different, alien presence, a terrifying aura. The kind of aura that the Great Demon Lords of the Council might emit, the breath of an ultimate demon (極魔).

‘What is this human?’

When a demon reaches the ultimate level, their qi (氣) stands at the boundary between innate (先天) and acquired (後天) qi. The artificial acquired qi obtained through internal cultivation begins to undergo a high-level transformation.

Qi is the smallest unit that constitutes all things. When the quality of qi changes, the body and mind naturally undergo transformation as well. Therefore, those who have reached the ultimate demon level invariably exude an otherworldly aura that transcends humanity.

Given that this unique aura was not felt, it was clear that Xuliang had not reached the ultimate demon level. Achieving the ultimate demon level is not simply a matter of having superior demonic energy.

‘But... the aura just now was definitely...’

Wei Honglian had only felt such an aura once before.

One of the Great Demon Lords, the absolute powerhouse who first showed her an insurmountable wall.

Xuliang's aura was so overwhelming that it reminded her of the Iron Sword Demon Lord (鐵劍魔尊).

‘Could he really have reached the ultimate demon level? At his age?’

No way!

As Wei Honglian, who had been denying reality, suddenly felt the flow of demonic energy coursing through her body, her expression changed.

‘Why has the quality of demonic energy improved...?’

She looked at Xuliang.

Xuliang, who had been grinning at the approaching Black Robe Guards, turned his head upon sensing her gaze.

He immediately narrowed his eyes and growled.

“You, if you cause trouble in front of these masked guys, you'll die.”

Wei Honglian bowed her head deeply.

The Seventh Captain of the Black Robe Guards, who had approached Xuliang, sighed. Despite being masked, the sound was loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I see you again after half a day.”

“Indeed.”

“Could you explain the situation?”

Xuliang's eyes sparkled.

‘Explain?’

He quickly looked around.

Madongphi, who was looking at the Black Robe Guards with a tense face, Wei Honglian, who was bowing deeply, Song Jing, who had fainted foaming at the mouth, and the Zhenma Team members lined up after sheathing their swords.

Moreover, the Zami Hall, which had become a mess, and the numerous traces of battle.

‘Why didn't they come earlier if there was such a noisy battle?’

Seeing Xuliang tilt his head, the Seventh Captain took a step forward.

“Sir.”

“Wait a moment.”

Rumble.

Xuliang activated the Heavenly Net Six Passages, the Supreme Gate.

Instantly, his senses became as sharp as a blade. His already clear vision became even sharper, the smell of everything stung his nose, and even the slightest sounds were heard clearly.

Whoosh.

Xuliang, who could read the traces of the wind with his heightened senses, smiled.

Look at these guys?

‘I was thinking of grabbing the Zhenma Team leader by the collar and sending him flying, but if they come like this, it's a different story.’

Hong Weimin is a smart kid.

The problem is that his intelligence is limited to the world of the New Sect. In other words, it doesn't apply to Xuliang, who came from a completely different world.

“Hey, masked sir.”

“...I am the Seventh Captain of the Black Robe Guards.”

“Right, Seventh Captain sir.”

“Please speak.”

“Dispatch? Or something, dispatch? Who gave you the order?”

“No matter how much you are the Third Young Master, I cannot disclose the command structure of our organization. Please understand.”

The Criminal Law Hall, especially the Black Robe Guards, has an overwhelming presence. If the opponent wasn't the Third Young Master, they would have subdued him long ago.

Xuliang nodded.

“Alright. It's not really important who gave the order.”

“Then can we hear the details now?”

“Ah, the details.”

“Yes.”

“What's so complicated? Two cats got involved in a fight between wolves.”

“...What?”

“I thought about giving our Fourth a taste of the rod. But this guy was hiding and throwing stones. What could I do? I had to dodge first.”

“...!”

“I dodged, but the Zhenma Team leader, who was standing there, got hit instead. It's a pity. If I didn't know, I could have let it go, but now that I know, I can't just leave it. So I came here myself.”

“So, according to what you're saying...”

“Yes, the Zhenma Team leader did nothing wrong. When the Zhenma Team leader came with a sword, I couldn't just offer my neck and die, right? It's self-defense.”

The Seventh Captain turned his head to Song Jing.

Just as Song Jing was about to speak...

Flash!

A demonic aura flashed in Xuliang's eyes.

The supreme demonic aura that shook his soul just a moment ago made Song Jing's face pale instantly.

The Seventh Captain asked in a low, grave voice.

“Song Team Leader. Is what the Third Young Master said true?”

“...”

“Song Team Leader!”

“...It's true.”

“...!”

“I, I only followed the Fourth Young Master's request. I don't know anything else.”

“What kind of request?”

Swoosh.

Song Jing's head bowed involuntarily. He couldn't dare to look at Xuliang's piercing gaze.

At that moment, his mind was filled with Xuliang's tempting threat: "Let's create a scene, and I'll do my best to mitigate your punishment."

“It was just... to attack the Guangma Team Leader and bring him to the Criminal Law Hall.”

“Attack? Criminal Law Hall?”

“Yes. If I brought him to the Criminal Law Hall, you would take care of it.”

The Seventh Captain's eyes turned deadly.

Take care of it? Whatever it means, it's enough to interpret that the Fourth Young Master, Hong Weimin, has some influence over the Criminal Law Hall.

“Is what you just said true?”

“...”

“Song Team Leader! Is it true?”

Song Jing nodded weakly, his spirit broken. He was now resigned to whatever would happen.

The Seventh Captain's eyes turned extremely cold, even through the mask.

“If what you said is true, you, it will be hard to resolve this with just a demotion.”

“What, what do you mean?!”

“Even if you are a superior, the leader of a combat team attacking another team leader on a personal request is not a matter that can be easily overlooked.”

“...!”

“Prepare to rot in prison for a few years.”

Song Jing looked at Xuliang with an urgent expression.

Xuliang cleared his throat and said.

“Seventh Captain sir.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“What's the sword's fault? The one who wielded it is at fault.”

He was defending Song Jing.

The Seventh Captain shook his head coldly.

“Song Team Leader is not a sword but a person, a leader of a team.”

“There are situations where one has no choice.”

“While there may be room for consideration, an acquittal is impossible.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The Criminal Law Hall is an organization that speaks through results, not processes, and stands at the forefront of protecting the sect's laws alongside the Law Enforcement Hall. They will not overlook the consequences of any actions, regardless of the reasons.”

A sinister smile spread across Xuliang's face.

“Do you really believe that everyone in the Criminal Law Hall thinks like you?”

“Of course.”

“Would the superior who sent you now also think the same?”

“...What do you mean?”

“There is no perfect organization in the world. Some people are willing to risk their lives for the organization, while others prioritize their own interests over the organization's honor.”

The Seventh Captain's eyes wavered, realizing the significance of Xuliang's words.

“What do you mean...?”

“Anyway, let's give Song Team Leader a break.”

Xuliang was deliberately changing the subject, but his smile and ease made the conversation sound very natural.

Song Jing's face brightened, thinking that Xuliang was trying to keep his promise.

The Seventh Captain shook his head.

“Sir, as I said, that is impossible.”

“You said it yourself. There are situations where one has no choice.”

“The crime has already been committed...”

“Would the Zhenma Team Leader have any choice if his life was threatened with a weakness?”

“Huh?”

The Seventh Captain looked at Song Jing. In contrast, Song Jing gaped at Xuliang.

Xuliang was grinning widely, looking mischievous, but his eyes were stormy.

“Why would a person as high as the Zhenma Team Leader move at someone else's command? Even if it's the Fourth Young Master.”

“...”

“It's hard to see it as simple political corruption. The Zhenma Team Leader is not a fool. He must have known the severity of the situation he was creating.”

“So, you're saying that the Fourth Young Master held a weakness over the Zhenma Team Leader and forced him to act...?”

“Exactly.”

Xuliang looked at Song Jing and asked.

“Right?”

“...!!”

“It seems to be true. Take him to the Criminal Law Hall and verify this part as well.”

Song Jing, who had been opening and closing his mouth like a fish, shouted desperately.

“Third Young Master!”

“What?”

“Hey, that's not what you promised! Sir, you clearly...”

“I promised to do my best to defend you. Even if I can't mitigate the punishment, I promised to create room for consideration.”

“...!”

“So, I'm trying my best now, right? What, did I get it wrong? Did you cause such a fuss without any weakness being held over you by the Fourth?”

Song Jing's face was a sight to behold.

Xuliang still had a relaxed smile, but to Song Jing, he looked like a demon who had just crawled out of hell.

“I don't need to know what the weakness is. I've done my part, haven't I?”

“...”

“I kept my promise. Do your best.”

Xuliang deliberately revealed all the truths in front of the Seventh Captain. Even if Song Jing changed his mind, it was too late since the Seventh Captain had already heard everything.

Xuliang shrugged.

“We've said everything we needed to. Let's move now. We're going to the Criminal Law Hall, right? Please, no ropes. My skin is sensitive, and it hurts when it's rubbed.”

* * *

“They should have been transferred to the Criminal Law Hall by now.”

“That's right. The Seventh Captain, though strict and taciturn, is thorough in his work. He wouldn't show favoritism even to the Third Young Master.”

“I know the Seventh Captain is thorough. That's why you sent him this time, right?”

“Haha! But he's not someone to be used easily. If he thinks an order is even slightly unjust, he will hold onto it until he understands. Because of his stubborn nature, I decided not to make him one of my people.”

“You did well.”

Though he said it, Hong Weimin was secretly mocking Jin Chengzhu. He knew that such stubborn people, when made subordinates, would remain loyal to the end.

Jin Chengzhu probably knew this as well. He just lacked the ability to recruit him.

“Anyway, it's very late. How about we finish with this last drink and rest? When the sun rises, the painting you want will be ready.”

“Thank you.”

The two men looked at each other and burst into laughter.

At that moment.

“What is this?!”

“Come out.”

Crack! Bang!

The urgent footsteps and commotion outside the door.

Jin Chengzhu frowned.

“What scoundrel is making noise...”

Bang!

The door burst open, and the Black Robe Guards rushed in.

At the forefront of the Black Robe Guards, who were emitting a menacing aura, stood the Tenth Captain, known for his strictness, on par with the Seventh Captain.

“You...?”

“I am the Tenth Captain. Given the situation, I will skip the formalities.”

Rustle.

The Tenth Captain held a long rope in his hand.

“The order from the upper ranks is to summon both of you to the Criminal Law Hall. Let's go.”

The faces of the two men hardened.