Chapter 267: You're Not on My Level

TL: FoodieMonster007

The next day, a martial artist from the All-Knowing Hall rushed over.

"Here is the information you requested on the Heavenly Peace Sect and the Clean Night Gang."

He explained that the All-Knowing Hall had opened a temporary branch near the Hunan Branch just to provide me with information quickly. This was the power of the Young Cult Leader.

I examined the documents the martial artist handed me.

"The scale of the Heavenly Peace Sect is quite considerable."

I knew it was a large sect, but its size and internal stability were substantial.

"Yes, it's undeniably the number one sect in Hunan. They maintain neutrality by interacting with our Cult, the Evil Alliance, and the Murim Alliance in a four-four-two ratio."

Other sects besides the Heavenly Peace Sect also maintained thorough neutrality while building their own power. It was mostly large sects like the Heavenly Peace Sect that did so.

"What was the business you were pursuing with Yeo Sogwang?"

"We're investigating that matter, but we haven't uncovered anything yet. Both Commander Yeo and the Heavenly Peace Sect Leader handled things very secretively."

If the All-Knowing Hall's intelligence network couldn't find it, an external investigation seemed impossible.

"I see. Pause that investigation for now and look into the succession structures of the two sects. Investigate in detail who will inherit the family when the current Sect Leader steps down, and which successor would be most advantageous to us."

"Understood."

After the martial artist from the All-Knowing Hall left, I immediately called for Cheokyeon.

"The banquet?"

"It is this evening."

"Select fifty of the most skilled martial artists from the Hunan Branch and have them stand by near the 연President."

"Understood."

After Cheokyeon left, I stared silently 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 Martial God Society laughed, chatted, and drank at the 연President.

At their center was Seo Cheong of the Heavenly Peace Sect.

This gathering was maintained strictly by the logic of power. The greatest influence was one's family, followed by one's personal martial arts skill.

Seo Cheong was a predator who belonged to the highest tier in both categories. He was the Chairman of the Martial God Society.

The second-in-command was Seok Pung of the Clean Night Gang.

However, Seok Pung was not drinking beside Seo Cheong, but in a corner.

They were once as close as inseparable friends, but recently, Seo Cheong's attitude toward him had changed. Seo Cheong treated him coldly for some reason, and their relationship had naturally grown awkward.

"Orabeoni, give me a drink too."

"Pour it yourself."

Many beautiful women surrounded Seo Cheong, but he wore a bored expression.

Lately, drinking wasn't fun, and playing with women wasn't fun either. He needed something hot and stimulating. To be honest, he wanted to kill someone.

A few months ago, he had fought with some martial artists from the Yonghwa Bang. At that time, Seo Cheong couldn't hold back and cut them down. He killed three people. That was Seo Cheong's first murder.

He and Seok Pung, who had been with him, secretly buried their bodies.

It started after that day. The day he started wanting to kill people. He couldn't forget the thrill of stabbing a person. He killed two more people after that.

The first was a middle-aged woman walking on a road at night. She knew no martial arts, but he couldn't resist the sudden urge and impulsively cut her down. He rummaged through her belongings to make it look like a bandit attack and then left.

His heart didn't beat as fast as the first time. So, a few days later, he killed another person. This time, it was a low-ranking martial artist from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Hunan Branch. Was it because he killed someone he shouldn't have? This time, his heart pounded even faster than during his first murder.

Once he tasted blood, an uncontrollable desire for slaughter awakened within him.

Seo Cheong drained his cup and stood up. As he left his seat, he bumped into Seok Pung. It was unclear if it was an accident or intentional, but Seok Pung felt displeased.

Seok Pung knew. He knew when Seo Cheong's attitude had changed. It was because of his own slip of the tongue. While drunk, he had carelessly brought up the story of the Yonghwa Bang martial artists Seo Cheong had killed. He had mentioned it lightly, saying something like, 'Those bastards back then,' but he knew he had made a mistake when he saw the look in Seo Cheong's eyes completely change. Damn it! He's holding a grudge for way too long.

Seo Cheong was returning from the latrine.

He noticed someone practicing movement arts in a secluded corner.

Not long ago, another guy had been practicing movement arts just like that. A guy who just carries liquor has the audacity to practice martial arts? So he had made the man duel Seok Pung and had him crushed.

Thinking this was a good way to cure his boredom, Seo Cheong beckoned to his companions. They swarmed over. Upon seeing the young man practicing, they exchanged mischievous glances as if they had found a new toy.

"……"

At Seo Cheong's call, the young man practicing movement arts turned around.

Seo Cheong was startled when he saw him. It wasn't the face he expected. He had anticipated a somewhat foolish and naive face, but this was a handsome Young Lord. It was none other than Geom Mugeuk.

"Who are you?"

For someone who just carried liquor, he had an air of dignity and grace. His reaction was not that of a mere worker.

"And who are you?"

When Geom Mugeuk asked back, the crowd erupted in laughter. Their faces filled with anticipation, eager to see what would happen to the person who had gotten on Seo Cheong's nerves.

"You've got a lot of pride, huh? Then again, for a martial artist, pride is life."

Seo Cheong mentioned pride. It was a method he always used. If he gently fanned the flames with pride, his opponent would always jump in like a moth to a flame. It worked especially well when many eyes were watching, like now.

"Since you're acting like a man, you should show off your skills. How about a duel?"

"With whom? You?"

The crowd burst into laughter again. Among the prodigies of Hunan, no one could defeat Seo Cheong.

"You're not on my level."

Seo Cheong gestured with his eyes to Seok Pung, signaling for him to be the opponent.

Seok Pung's expression hardened. It was the same last time, and now again.

Am I on the same level as a brat like that? Making him fight such a person was a blatant attempt to humiliate him in front of everyone.

"I did it last time, so this time…"

"You do it!"

Seo Cheong cut him off coldly. With so many people watching, Seok Pung's pride was wounded. However, he had to endure it. Not because of skill, but because of the Heavenly Peace Sect's power.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk asked Seok Pung.

"Then who are you?"

"I am Seok Pung of the Clean Night Gang."

Geom Mugeuk exclaimed with exaggerated admiration.

"Oh! I heard the successor of the Clean Night Gang was an outstanding talent. The number one prodigy in Hunan in terms of skill! So it was you! It's an honor!"

Seok Pung was bewildered by the unexpected reaction. It had been a very long time since someone had praised him in front of so many people. Especially recently.

Then, Geom Mugeuk tilted his head and muttered as if to himself.

"Ah, or maybe not? If you're the most skilled in Hunan, there's no way you'd take orders from someone else, right?"

In that instant, Seok Pung's expression stiffened. Whether the words were sincere or intentionally mocking, they were a perfect provocation.

This time, Geom Mugeuk spoke to Seo Cheong.

"You must be amazing, ordering around the successor of the Clean Night Gang like a subordinate. Who are you?"

The praise directed at him was instantly transferred to Seo Cheong, and Seok Pung's face flushed red. Seeing Seo Cheong's sly smile made his anger surge even more.

"Shut up! What does someone like you know to be spouting such nonsense?"

Seok Pung was about to lunge at Geom Mugeuk.

"If you attack me like this, you'll really be admitting you're that man's subordinate."

Seok Pung flinched and froze.

Geom Mugeuk began to rattle him. Now, Seok Pung was the one jumping into the blazing bonfire of pride.

Geom Mugeuk looked around and remarked.

"It really seems to be true. Everyone's looking at you like you're that guy's subordinate."

Seok Pung looked around.

Someone should have stepped up and said they were friends, not in a superior-subordinate relationship, but everyone was too busy watching Seo Cheong's reaction to say anything.

Instead, Seo Cheong stepped forward.

"Why are you getting swayed by that bastard's attempt to drive a wedge between us?"

Seok Pung was even more irritated by Seo Cheong, who used the expression 'getting swayed' while trying to stop him. The words that followed were even more annoying.

"Stop whining like a little girl and just duel that weirdo already."

He knew full well how infuriating such words were, yet he said them on purpose.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk asked Seok Pung.

"But hey, if you two really fought, you'd win, right?"

"!"

It was a question he had desperately wished someone would ask, and at the same time, a question he could never answer.

"You're just putting up with it because the Clean Night Gang is weaker than the Heavenly Peace Sect, aren't you?"

It was true. If they fought seriously, he was confident he could beat Seo Cheong. Seok Pung had a better physique, and he didn't think his martial arts were inferior in any way.

A silence fell over the place. A short while later, Seo Cheong broke the silence.

"Why aren't you denying it?"

However, Seok Pung said nothing.

Seo Cheong's gaze turned cold.

"You're not going to say anything until the end?"

Still, Seok Pung remained silent.

Harsh words spilled from Seo Cheong's mouth.

"Look at this bastard. You really think that, don't you?"

In truth, Seok Pung wasn't just not speaking, he couldn't speak.

His mouth wouldn't open. It was strange. His mute point certainly hadn't been sealed, but it felt as if some invisible energy pressed down on his jaw and the crown of his head. He thought it was probably because he was so angry at Seo Cheong.

Seo Cheong grabbed him by the collar.

"You really thought that?"

POW!

Seo Cheong's fist snapped Seok Pung's jaw to the side. In that instant, the pressing force vanished.

"Th-that's not it…"

POW! POW!

Fists rained down on Seok Pung's face. Not expecting to be hit, Seok Pung's anger flared to its peak.

Dodging the fourth punch, Seok Pung threw a punch of his own.

POW!

Not expecting Seok Pung to fight back, Seo Cheong was sent flying. Lying on the floor, Seo Cheong's eyes widened.

"How dare you! Are you crazy?"

Seok Pung was the one who was more surprised and flustered. His fist had flown out without him realizing it. This time, too, some invisible force had been at work, but Seok Pung believed it was his long-suppressed anger finally exploding.

Seok Pung roared.

"You bastard! Stop looking down on people!"

The words he had held back for so long finally burst out.

Seo Cheong got up, radiating killing intent.

"It seems our Young Lord Seok has had many complaints until now."

Seok Pung felt both fear and relief at the same time. However, the fear gradually began to grow.

Damn it! You crazy bastard! What have you done?

He knew very well how cruel Seo Cheong was. Especially with everyone watching, the man would surely come at him to see it through to the end.

It was then. A stream of telepathy reached him.

"Shall I help you?"

The one who sent the telepathy was Geom Mugeuk.

Seok Pung had completely forgotten about his existence. Come to think of it, today's incident had happened because of him. Annoyingly, the man was watching the situation with his arms crossed.

"That guy will use the duel as an excuse to cripple you. With that same method you two often use."

"What are you?"

"Don't want my help? Then don't take it."

Seo Cheong pushed the onlookers back to create space.

"Young Lord Seok, I request a duel. Surely you won't run away like a coward, will you?"

Seok Pung's mind raced.

"How are you going to help?"

"Reveal the evil deeds Seo Cheong has committed! Then I'll help you."

"He'll really try to kill me then."

"It's the same now, isn't it?"

Seok Pung felt the killing intent rising in Seo Cheong's eyes. He thought he might really be killed. The man lived and died by his pride, and he had just been hit in front of everyone. He was the type to at least cut off a limb.

On the other hand, killing or injuring Seo Cheong in the fight would also be a problem. If he messed with the successor of the Heavenly Peace Sect, they wouldn't just let it go.

Driven into a desperate corner, Seok Pung looked at Geom Mugeuk. This whole thing had started because of him, yet no one was paying him any mind. He was like a demon. Perhaps that was why he felt he could trust him.

Just as Seo Cheong was approaching, Seok Pung shouted loudly.

"A while ago, you murdered the Yonghwa Bang martial artists you fought with and buried their bodies."

In an instant, a dead silence fell. Until now, it had just been an interesting event, but now the situation had become serious.

Seok Pung shouted again.

"You also stabbed a passerby to death, and you even killed a demonic practitioner."

All the things he had told Seo Cheong when they were close were now pouring out.

Seo Cheong, resolving to kill Seok Pung no matter what, looked around and spoke.

"None of you believe that nonsense, right?"

Only a heavy silence filled the air. A few who met Seo Cheong's gaze laughed awkwardly.

"Of course we don't believe it!"

"We don't believe it."

Seo Cheong was triumphant. Even if they did believe it, no one would dare speak a word of what happened today.

Just then, a single phrase echoed through the 연President.

"I believe it."

The one who spoke was Geom Mugeuk. Everyone's gaze turned toward him.

The corner of Seo Cheong's mouth curled up.

"Alright, let's say you believe that nonsense. So what are you going to do about it?"

To Seo Cheong's question, Geom Mugeuk smiled and replied.

"Something like this?"

Geom Mugeuk pointed to the door and snapped his fingers.

Then, the doors began to open slowly.

CREAAAK.

The first person to step inside was Cheokyeon.

The bodyguards followed him, and behind them, fifty demonic practitioners from the Hunan Branch filed in.

"Who the hell are these bastards?"

Those nearby tried to block them but were mercilessly beaten and thrown aside by Cheokyeon and the bodyguards.

Someone recognized the emblem on Cheokyeon's chest.

"It's the Demonic Cult! They're demonic practitioners!"

At his shout, everyone froze.

Only then did everyone see the demonic emblem engraved on their chests.

Screams erupted from all over. Some trembled uncontrollably, some immediately dropped to their knees, some were caught trying to escape through a window, and others hid under tables. It was utter chaos.

Even Seo Cheong was shocked.

They're really demonic practitioners!

As haughty as he was, he wasn't so bold as to raise his voice in front of the Demonic Cult.

Geom Mugeuk spoke to his subordinates.

"Since Seok Pung has revealed all his crimes, lock Seo Cheong in the prison and begin the investigation."

Seo Cheong shouted reflexively.

"By whose authority! You bastard!"

At that, Cheokyeon revealed his cold demonic qi and roared.

"Watch your mouth! This is the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!"

At those words, Seo Cheong was utterly astonished. Seok Pung and the others were horrified.

Someone quickly dropped to his knees, and all the others followed suit.

"Please spare us!"

Everyone cried out to be spared.

Amid the uproar, Seo Cheong stood blankly, muttering with a dazed 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're not on the same level, but shall we have a special duel?"