Chapter 54. Can't Stand Being Watched (4)

Hong Weimin was flustered.

'Zhuugong? True form? Didn’t know?'

In a brief moment, myriad thoughts filled his mind.

'Is that the real appearance of the Chief of the Criminal Law Hall?'

Previously, when he had the appearance of an old man, he seemed extremely ordinary, but his easy-going personality stood out.

But not now. He looked much younger, with a strong and rugged appearance, but his tone was blunt and his eyes were indifferent.

Moreover.

"…You haven’t practiced the Dark Arts?"

Gao Gu nodded.

"Yes."

When he had the appearance of an old man, there was no trace of internal energy at all. So, he thought it was either that he hadn’t practiced internal energy at all, or that he had mastered a martial art that could hide his energy.

But it wasn’t the case. Gao Gu had never practiced the Dark Arts from the beginning.

'Is that even possible?'

He is a high-ranking official in the inner sect of the Cult, not the outer sect, and yet he hasn’t practiced the Dark Arts? Does that make sense?

At that moment, Xuliang spoke.

"Quite an interesting martial art."

A glint of interest flashed in Gao Gu’s eyes.

"Can you identify my martial art?"

"Of course not. But I can tell what it’s a combination of."

"…."

"It’s definitely based on the Dark Arts. But it’s mixed with the orthodox techniques of the righteous sects. And it’s a perfected orthodox martial art that has been refined over several generations."

Gao Gu’s expression remained unchanged, but the faintly rippling energy betrayed his surprise.

"Remarkable."

This was an acknowledgment that Xuliang’s words were true. Hong Weimin’s expression visibly hardened.

The fact that the Chief of the Criminal Law Hall hadn’t practiced orthodox Dark Arts was surprising, but what was even more surprising was that Xuliang had identified something that Hong Weimin couldn’t.

He had always prided himself on his discernment, but it seemed he was not the best.

Xuliang’s face showed interest.

"Quite an ambitious attempt. Impressive."

"It was quite a struggle."

"It’s not a martial art that can be easily modified. Reconstructing a perfectly completed martial art requires the skill of a Grand Master. There’s a hidden powerhouse in our Cult."

Xuliang also knew how difficult it was to create a martial art, as he had personally created the Dark Shadow True Magic Art. It was easy to create if you were lucky, but creating a martial art was a difficult task otherwise.

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Compliment? It’s a straightforward evaluation."

"Then it’s a compliment. It was just luck."

"You’re quite perceptive."

They exchanged words that were understandable but hard to grasp. Hong Weimin’s mood, which was already bad, plummeted.

Gao Gu sat down.

"If you’ve set the stage, you should start the show. I’d like to move from personal talk to official matters."

Xuliang’s eyes sparkled.

"Agreed."

Indeed, this guy is different.

Not only his martial arts but his personality and tendencies were different from the ordinary demons of the Cult.

Even though the position of Chief of the Criminal Law Hall is significant, treating the disciples of the Cult leader this way is clearly disrespectful. However, despite his treatment, there was no sense of rejection.

On the contrary, it felt comfortable and familiar. It felt normal to have such a relationship.

'A unique guy.'

Xuliang, who had drained his cup in one go, refilled it.

Gao Gu spoke bluntly.

"I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve gathered the two of you here because of the conflict between you a while ago."

Hong Weimin frowned. It wasn’t because the topic was brought up in front of him.

"The interrogation is over, and everything is settled. Is there anything else you want to say?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"I want to hear a promise that you won’t cause any more trouble."

Hong Weimin said, sounding incredulous.

"Are you calling that a talk?"

"Yes."

"I’ve never wanted any trouble. But even if I did, what right do you have to tell me what to do?"

"…"

"You have no authority to force us to do anything."

That’s true. The disciples of the Cult leader, without any official positions, have no authority to enforce public matters, but conversely, they have no reason to take orders from anyone except the Cult leader.

Even the Nine Great Demon Lords of the Elder Council can’t command the disciples of the Cult leader. At most, they can make a request.

Gao Gu nodded.

"Your words are correct. I have no authority to force you to do anything."

"Then why…"

"You have no authority to command anyone either. But you used the weaknesses of the True Demon Lord to control him like a puppet."

"…!"

"I believe you know better than anyone that the world doesn’t run solely on visible positions, identities, and relationships."

Hong Weimin’s eyes turned red.

Except for Xuliang, he had never shown such a fierce reaction to anyone. It also meant that he was on the defensive.

"Are you threatening me now?"

"Yes."

The answer was so matter-of-fact that it left him speechless.

"The Criminal Law Hall, along with the Law Enforcement Hall, protects the Cult’s laws on the front lines. But it’s different from the Law Enforcement Hall."

"…"

"The Law Enforcement Hall is an organization that can do anything to protect the Cult, but it can only act passively. It focuses on self-cultivation."

"…"

"The main hall is different. The Criminal Law Hall is an organization that actively protects the Cult. It punishes those who violate the law and, in special cases, makes judgments. It can do anything to protect the Cult, just like the Law Enforcement Hall."

Gao Gu’s eyes, which were already indifferent, gradually became transparent, like looking at a piece of glass.

"I have no right or authority to force you to do anything as the head of the Criminal Law Hall. But as an individual who actively protects the Cult, I can offer you a new experience that you’ve never had before."

"…"

"I don’t want to create such an unpleasant situation. I believe you understand."

He couldn’t openly plot something, but secretly causing trouble was entirely possible.

Hong Weimin’s cheeks trembled. He had never experienced such a threat in his life.

Gao Gu glanced at Xuliang.

Chomp chomp.

Xuliang was stuffing his cheeks with the snacks that had been brought out, looking quite happy.

"What do you think, Third Young Master?"

"Chomp chomp, huh? What are you talking about?"

"…If you didn’t hear what I just said, I’m willing to repeat it."

"Oh, the promise not to cause any more trouble?"

"Yes."

Xuliang drained his cup of wine. He swallowed all the food in his mouth and smiled.

"Sure, why not?"

"…"

"What’s so difficult about it?"

"Just to be clear, I’m not joking…"

"I’m serious."

"…"

"Who wants to be at odds with the Criminal Law Hall? I don’t either. Most importantly, I don’t want to get into a mud fight with anyone. Living in peace is the best, you know."

Hong Weimin was speechless because of Gao Gu, while Gao Gu was speechless because of Xuliang.

"By the way, this wine is quite good. I’ve never tasted it before. What’s its name?"

"I made it myself."

"You’re quite skilled. Do you sell it?"

"…"

"Never mind if you don’t."

Gao Gu, who had been staring at Xuliang, nodded.

"If Third Young Master wants, I’ll send a few bottles to your residence."

"Thank you. I’ll pick out a few gifts to send to you. I’m not sure if I have any, though."

"That’s fine."

"Hehe, if you give, you must receive. Don’t worry, I’ll send you something you’ll like."

It was a meaningful statement, but Gao Gu didn’t pay attention.

"What about you, Second Young Master?"

"…"

"Even if you don’t want to, that’s fine."

Hong Weimin, with bloodshot eyes, stood up.

"I won’t forget this humiliation."

"I’ll take that as your agreement."

Rattle! Bang!

Hong Weimin left the room without looking back.

Xuliang clicked his tongue.

"That guy must have been quite tormented."

He had intended to get back at him, but he was restrained by the Chief of the Criminal Law Hall. Naturally, he couldn’t feel good about it.

People show their true selves when pushed to their limits. Hong Weimin was clearly a smart person, but he had a fiery temper.

'If not him…'

That appearance might have been an act.

Gao Gu also stood up.

"That’s all I have to say. Do you have anything else to add?"

"No. I enjoyed the wine."

"I’ll call a carriage for you. I’ll also send a few bottles of wine. You’ve worked hard for four days."

"I appreciate it. I’ll take the carriage."

Xuliang stood up.

He glanced at Gao Gu.

"Is there something on my face?"

"There’s one thing I’m curious about."

"…?"

"I understand how ingenious the Zhuugong is, but was there a reason to transform your body to receive us?"

"…"

"I don’t think you have a hobby of testing people or a playful personality."

"Must I tell you?"

"I asked because I want to know. If you don’t want to say, that’s fine."

Gao Gu shook his head.

"I won’t say."

"Understood. Rest well."

Xuliang left without any hesitation.

As the door closed, Gao Gu sat down again.

His eyes, which had been indifferent and transparent, gradually darkened.

"…Strange."

It had been a long time since he encountered someone so hard to read.

It had been a long time since he was so flustered.

And…

'Familiar.'

It had been a long time since he saw someone who reminded him of himself when he first ventured out into the world with the dream of changing the world.

"At least he’s not a bad person."

* * *

Hong Weimin, who had refused the carriage and walked home, had a blank expression. The intense emotions he had shown in Gao Gu’s room were gone.

'Strange.'

He was clearly out of control earlier. He was genuinely angry.

But the last expression he showed was a calculated act. He wanted to show Xuliang that he could endure and think deeply.

If he showed that side, the guy would surely take precautions.

'Why has he changed so much?'

After returning from Gaozhu Lin, they had clashed three times, and twice they had met face to face.

He couldn’t believe the change in Xuliang.

While the environment can change a person’s character, Xuliang’s change was too drastic. They say a person changes after a near-death experience, but this was different.

'He hasn’t practiced the Yulong Mountain Art. He’s practiced another Dark Art. Could it have caused the change in his character?'

It’s not impossible, but it’s almost impossible.

Practicing a Dark Art that emphasizes movement over stillness can make anyone more aggressive.

However, Xuliang had changed to a degree that made the word 'change' seem inadequate. It was as if he had become a different person.

Most importantly, a Dark Art that could change a person’s character so drastically would be a low-level Dark Art. But the dark energy he emitted was very advanced.

'I can’t understand it.'

Hong Weimin shook his head.

Regardless, Xuliang had changed, and the situation was deteriorating. He had to find a way to overcome the current difficulties.

Others wouldn’t know about the Chief of the Criminal Law Hall’s mediation. If this continued, his position would become very precarious.

'I can’t just sit here. There are many ways, but I mustn’t act rashly this time.'

Rumble.

A murderous intent flashed in Hong Weimin’s eyes.

'I need to strike slowly and surely.'

The threat from the Chief of the Criminal Law Hall didn’t bother him. If he had been the type to yield to such threats, he wouldn’t have become a disciple of Liang Shang.

'Just wait a little longer. A proper response will come soon.'

At that moment,

"That guy, his eyes are filled with murderous intent, as if he’s ready to crush someone."

Startled, Hong Weimin turned his head.

In the distance, Xuliang was sitting lazily under a large tree, drinking wine.

"Come here, brother. I’ll pour you a cup of wine."