Chapter 76: Futility (1)

“So, how was it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ha ha, you know what I’m talking about.”

“……?”

“Are you trying to be evasive? One of your countless virtues, Lord Wonju, is your unfiltered honesty. Are you finally planning to discard one of your virtues?”

Soyeonshim sighed.

“I think I’ve said this before. When you suddenly change the subject, it confuses the other person.”

“Hmm?”

“Moreover, you don’t even properly explain what the new topic is.”

“Oh?”

“Anyway, I understand that you’re tired of the usual pleasantries about how you’ve been. So, what do you mean by ‘how was it’?”

“Ah?”

“……”

“Yes. Well, now that I think about it, I did seem a bit abrupt.”

Not just a bit.

Soyeonshim inwardly sighed. On the surface, he seems very clean-cut, but sometimes he can be quite troublesome.

‘Well, to be fair, it’s hard to call it “sometimes.”’

In the Heavenly Horse Sect, the Sect Leader is on par with a deity. It’s only natural that he would be difficult to deal with.

However, he isn’t complicated. The Sect Leader is not someone to be complicated with, but someone to be trusted.

Soyeonshim was currently facing the most complicated and perhaps the most fearsome person in the sect.

“You’re talking about the Third Young Master.”

“……”

“How was he? Haven’t you been meeting him quite often lately?”

Soyeonshim’s eyes sharpened.

“Did you know?”

“Ahaha. It just happened that way.

This position as Chief Military Officer is one where it’s hard to find any fun, so I’ve been keeping my ears open to what’s happening in the world.

I live by listening to this and that, and it’s quite an interesting life.”

He laughed heartily, but it was hard to tell if he was genuinely enjoying it or just pretending.

Soyeonshim, who had been staring at the middle-aged scholar, took a sip of tea.

“Do you like the tea?”

“I’m not particular about the type of tea. But I didn’t know you drank gulsong tea.”

“I’ve recently developed a taste for it. At first, I wondered why people drank it, but after a while, it turned out to be quite good.”

“It’s good to drink before bed.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much to do before bed.”

The scholar, who had been looking a bit down, soon grinned.

“So, how was the Third Young Master?”

“You’re persistent.”

“Yes, indeed. A ruthless tyrant! One of the top executioners in the sect! He’s shown a lot of change recently, hasn’t he?”

“……You’re quite bold to speak so disrespectfully.”

“So what? They say that cursing the royal family in their absence is not a crime.”

“It is a crime.”

“Maybe not?”

“You’re right.”

“Does it matter whether it’s right or wrong? Anyway, how was the Third Young Master? The conversation must have been quite engaging, right?”

“It’s engaging, so we meet often.”

“Kha! This is quite interesting.”

“What’s so interesting?”

“It can’t help but be interesting. Isn’t it said that Lord Wonju, who is known for not easily opening up, has become close enough to the Third Young Master to make some kind of deal?”

“……!”

“Hmm, I’d like to meet him in private.”

Soyeonshim’s face visibly stiffened.

“How did you know?”

She didn’t bother to deny the scholar’s words. She knew that if she wanted to, she could see through the truth of his words.

Or rather, he already knew everything.

The scholar chuckled.

“How I know isn’t important.”

“To me, it is.”

“Hmm. The real question is, how much support will the Joyful Garden, which maintains neutrality, provide to the Third Young Master in the future?”

“I’ll make it clear: the Joyful Garden will not get involved in the political struggles among the successors.”

“You’re leaving room for Lord Wonju to get involved personally.”

Soyeonshim’s eyes narrowed. Even she, who was skilled at maintaining composure, was quite angry.

“Even if that were the case, it’s not your concern, is it?”

The Joyful Garden handles the financial administration of the sect. As a group that wields the purse strings, it has significant power.

What about the Military Department?

The Military Department is responsible for security and defense.

A group that concentrates the military power of an organization is naturally very strong.

Especially in the Heavenly Horse Sect, which values the survival of the fittest, the status of the Military Department is immense and more powerful than any other organization.

However, even the Military Department cannot treat the Joyful Garden lightly. For matters involving funds, everyone except the Sect Leader must get approval from the Joyful Garden.

Therefore, the conversation between the head of the Military Department and the head of the Joyful Garden is generally peaceful.

They know that attacking each other would only result in mutual harm.

Thus, Soyeonshim’s reaction was quite unusual.

The middle-aged scholar, Hoyoseong, smiled and replied.

“It seems I’ve upset Lord Wonju again.”

“Yes, quite a bit.”

“Ahaha, I apologize. You know, it’s a bit awkward to say, but I’m someone who can be unpredictable. Thanks to that, I sometimes cause misunderstandings.”

Hoyoseong clasped his hands. His relaxed smile was still there, but a more serious demeanor was now evident.

“Lord Wonju is right. It’s not really my business.

Even if I had the authority, I know how much Lord Wonju cares for the sect. There’s trust on both personal and professional levels.”

“I appreciate your understanding.”

“So, I became curious.”

“About what?”

“Why did Lord Wonju, who is so loyal and principled, send the Third Young Master out of the sect without a word to me?”

Soyeonshim’s hand tightened on the teacup.

Hoyoseong shook his head.

“I hope you don’t take this as a threat or a taunt.

I’m not trying to send you to the Legal Affairs Department for ignoring the sect’s rules and systems. I believe you have your reasons.”

That’s right. If he had intended to, Soyeonshim would have been summoned to the Legal Affairs Department before this conversation even began.

“This is pure curiosity.”

“Yes, you’re right. I see it clearly.”

“Why are you so curious about the Third Young Master?”

Hoyoseong winked playfully.

“Curiosity. Really.”

Soyeonshim scrutinized Hoyoseong’s face, trying to gauge his sincerity.

But no matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t tell.

Among the many people she could read, Hoyoseong was one of the few who remained ambiguous.

“I don’t have much to say.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s hard to say much about him without meeting him in person. Of course, that’s true for most people.”

“Do you mean there’s something inexplicable about him?”

“……”

Hoyoseong grinned. The seriousness he had shown just moments ago was gone, and his playful demeanor was back.

“Even more interesting. I’ve never seen Lord Wonju speak like this.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Anyway, you can see him whenever you want……”

“So, I’d like to meet him. When the Third Young Master returns to the sect, I’ll treat him to a cup of tea.”

Soyeonshim, who had been quietly observing him, stood up.

“I’ll send the Intelligence Unit’s annual budget before the date you mentioned.”

“Indeed, you’re straightforward.”

“I hope there won’t be any more conflicts with the Military Department in the future.”

It was a suggestion that they should focus on their respective domains.

Hoyoseong shrugged.

“Is that what you mean? Why would I want to be at odds with the Joyful Garden? I’m a peace-loving person, after all.”

Soyeonshim bowed.

“Then, that’s it.”

It was a somewhat abrupt ending. Hoyoseong waved his hand with a smile.

After Soyeonshim left, he propped his chin on his hand.

“Hmm, I’m really curious now.”

He had never seen Soyeonshim react like that. He was glad he hadn’t mentioned the Chief Military Officer, as it might have been too much of a provocation.

Of course, it didn’t matter whether he mentioned it or not. Soyeonshim wasn’t stupid enough to let personal displeasure affect her official duties.

“A successor who rapidly grew after escaping from the Demon Realm and is now showing unprecedented actions?”

Hoyoseong’s smile deepened.

The smile, which resembled that of a mischievous child, hid a monstrous presence that only Icheon could understand.

“This is why I grumble but still do the job of Chief Military Officer. Whenever I feel bored, something exciting always happens.”

He finished the remaining tea.

“Well, let’s take care of the rest of my work before my entertainment arrives!”

His neck felt hot. After the conversation with Soyeonshim, Hoyoseong felt that his life in the sect was becoming interesting again.

* * *

Crack!

A bolt of red lightning streaked across the ground and shot up the hill. The slope was so steep that it looked like he was flying over a cliff.

Bang!

Xueliang, who had stepped on the top of the hill, soared into the air.

The eyes of Xueliang, hovering in the air, and Zheng Yilong, standing on the hill, met with sparks flying.

“Hahaha!!”

Xueliang burst into a wild laugh.

Seeing his opponent up close intensified his anger, and the uncontrollable rage triggered a laugh. Xueliang’s laughter was chilling.

Zheng Yilong’s eyebrows twitched.

‘Where did such a demon come from?’

Whoosh!

He had no time to think further. The young demon’s descent, which had been gradual, suddenly accelerated.

Bang!

Zheng Yilong’s eyes widened.

By releasing his inner energy in mid-air, he achieved an explosive burst of speed. It was a technique that even top-notch experts could hardly mimic.

Xueliang swung his great sword.

Bang! Crack!

A sword mark as long as a yard appeared on the ground. Cracks spread like spider webs around the split earth.

Zheng Yilong, who had evaded the sword with a subtle movement, showed a look of pure surprise.

‘This guy?’

How much terrifying force must he have used to leave such a mark? In the Righteous Heaven Alliance, it was rare to find someone with such sword power.

Xueliang’s face twisted into a fierce expression.

“So, if you die with one strike, I’ll be too disappointed!”

‘Disappointed?’

What? Does he know me?

Boom!

There was no time to speak.

Despite delivering such a powerful blow, Xueliang didn’t even take a breath before charging again. His body was full of energy, and the might of his swinging great sword was truly terrifying.

Zheng Yilong instinctively swung his sword.

Clang! Boom! Bang!

The two swords collided, sending off a brilliant shower of sparks.

Zheng Yilong was already impressed by the momentum and power, but when the swords actually clashed, he was even more astonished.

‘Such strength!’

Clang! Boom! Bang!

With a ruthless explosion of sound, Zheng Yilong was forced to step back.

He wasn’t particularly shocked, but he needed time to assess his opponent.

And Xueliang had no intention of giving him that time.

Crack! Boom!

He approached by spinning and repeatedly stomping the ground, then swung his great sword again.

It was a divine movement, full of overwhelming pressure.

It was astonishing how quickly he could swing such a large sword, but even more impressive was the movement that had become one with the sword.

A white sword aura flickered on Zheng Yilong’s sword.

Bang!

Xueliang took a few steps back. In contrast, Zheng Yilong only took one step back.

Considering that Xueliang had initiated the attack, it was clear how skillfully Zheng Yilong had responded. It also showed the purity and solidity of his inner energy.

Zheng Yilong spoke.

“There’s no need for conversation when you’re emitting such killing intent. But I’m curious. Who are you?”

Xueliang grinned.

Despite taking a hit, his fighting spirit was undiminished. If anything, he seemed to think it was only natural and was emitting even more fiery killing intent.

“Find out with that dog-like sword of yours!”

Rumble.

A threatening sound accompanied the dark shadow demon energy, which quickly condensed within his body.

The flashy aura had disappeared, but the atmosphere became even more intense. He was preparing to open the Jizheokguan Gate.

Zheng Yilong’s eyes widened.

Xueliang roared.

“Give me your legs, you bastard!”

Crack!

The first level of the Dark Shadow Demon Technique was fully activated.

The Jizheokguan Gate was opened.