Chapter 414: The Young Cult Leader is Asleep

TL: FoodieMonster007

"We've met three times?"

Han Seol had no recollection of seeing Yang Seok, the eldest son of the Northern Blood Sect, three times. She only remembered meeting him once before.

"Today makes it the fourth."

"I apologize. My memory isn't the best."

"No, it's understandable. You're a very busy person."

Yang Seok's pride was secretly wounded, but he acted magnanimous and hearty.

He was fond of Han Seol. And who wouldn't be? What young man living in the North Sea wouldn't be fond of her? Acquiring such a beauty would also mean gaining the North Sea Ice Palace, the most prestigious sect in the area.

She was, however, an ice beauty. He had never heard of her giving her heart to anyone.

"But what brings you here today?"

Han Seol first offered her condolences. "I heard about your younger brother. You must be deeply saddened."

"I'm not well, but I'm coping."

Yang Seok was secretly puzzled. This cold Princess wouldn't have come because of my younger brother. Wait, maybe…?

"I heard you're investigating the demons and the death of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar Brewmaster these days. Is it going well?" he asked.

"I'm looking into various things, but it's not easy," Han Seol replied.

On her way here, she had considered various approaches. How could she approach Yang Seok without arousing his suspicion? She had decided to frame her visit as an investigation into that incident, and thankfully, he had brought it up first.

"Do you perhaps know anything about that incident?"

"I'd like to help, but I know nothing."

Han Seol sighed lightly. "Are you aware that demons are present in the palace?"

"How could I not know? My younger brother died because of them."

Of course, if he were to speak his true feelings, it would be this: Thanks to those demons, I was able to get rid of my troublesome younger brother.

"The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult is committing all sorts of atrocities. He's pressuring us to quickly produce evidence for this incident too."

Yang Seok now clearly understood why Han Seol had sought him out.

…Isn't this an opportunity for me?

She was someone who wouldn't even spare him a glance, despite his desire to grow closer.

"I'll help with anything I can," he said eagerly.

While Yang Seok tried to make a good impression on Han Seol, Chan stood guard outside the guest hall where the two were.

Ha Jyeol walked towards the area.

Chan glanced at him indifferently, but in truth, he was observing Ha Jyeol carefully. Given his profession, he had encountered countless bodyguards throughout his life.

When he first saw Ha Jyeol, the man had possessed all the distinct characteristics of a bodyguard. His wary footsteps, his quick glances surveying his surroundings, his persistence in discerning even hidden weapons when observing an opponent, and his bloodshot eyes revealing chronic fatigue. He was, in essence, a bodyguard personified.

But he left his post?

After accompanying Yang Seok here, Ha Jyeol had briefly left his post once Yang Seok entered the guest hall. Even though this was inside the Northern Blood Sect, it was truly unexpected for someone guarding the successor, of all people, to leave his post.

What if an accident occurred in the meantime? What if a sudden fight broke out with the Princess? While these were unlikely scenarios, a bodyguard was precisely the kind of person who worried about things others wouldn't. It was an even more incongruous action for a bodyguard who appeared outwardly perfect.

Chan almost wanted to ask what could possibly be more important than guarding the successor. Of course, Chan couldn't have known that Ha Jyeol had returned the way he came to claim the blood of a maidservant as his own.

Just then, Ha Jyeol subtly looked up at the building.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

He definitely sensed something.

Chan also scanned his surroundings, but there was no one. Even when he raised his qi and searched more actively, he felt no presence nearby.

If he sensed something I couldn't, does that mean he's stronger than me? Then why did he pretend to notice nothing? Does he not care that the Princess of the Ice Palace is visiting?

Though various things bothered him, Chan didn't show it outwardly.

Meanwhile, conversation was in full swing in the guest hall. Of course, Yang Seok was primarily speaking, and Han Seol was listening.

Until she arrived here, Han Seol had worried if she could pull off such an act, but once she started, it proved easier than she expected. She even wondered if she might have a talent for deceiving others.

"I have one question."

"What is it?"

"How did your younger brother get involved with the Demonic Cult?"

Yang Seok's expression flickered for a moment, but he quickly replied nonchalantly, "Princess, you know, don't you? Those Demonic Cult bastards are like a pack of wolves, always trying to get involved and extort something."

Exactly. I had thought all demons were like that too.

"That's right, and the ones who came this time are truly strange. Would you meet the Young Cult Leader with me next time?"

Han Seol knew Yang Seok hadn't been entirely truthful, but she made plans for their next meeting.

This decision was entirely due to Lee Ahn. When handling a previous matter, at a moment of choice, Lee Ahn had said, 'We've done enough; let's leave the rest to Geom Mugeuk.'

The result had been surprisingly good, so this situation was in the same vein. Han Seol didn't want to keep meeting this person alone.

Yang Seok interpreted her proposal as a request for his help in dealing with the Young Cult Leader.

"Excellent. The North Sea sects should unite their strength."

"Thank you. Then I'll take my leave for today."

Yang Seok hesitated. He was reluctant to part with her. He never imagined a day would come when he'd share such a pleasant atmosphere with the North Sea Ice Palace Princess. Thanks to those Demonic Cult bastards, his younger brother was gone, and now he even entertained the pleasant fantasy of perhaps marrying a pretty wife.

Han Seol departed, accompanied by Chan. As they left, Chan glanced at Ha Jyeol. The man was still a perfect bodyguard, yet Chan continued to feel a sense of incongruity.

Once the two had left, Yang Seok said to Ha Jyeol. "She's a cold yet charming woman."

"If you put your tongue on ice, it tends to stick."

Yang Seok stared coldly at Ha Jyeol. He neither trusted nor liked him. Ha Jyeol was a bodyguard his father had assigned to watch over him.

Sometimes, seeing him put Yang Seok in a bad mood. Despite Ha Jyeol's consistently polite demeanor, there were strangely moments when he provoked Yang Seok. This was one of them.

Where does this insolent fellow get off telling me to be careful? Watch your own tongue, before I cut it off.

Just then, a martial artist rushed over to Yang Seok. "The Sect Leader is looking for you."

"I believe we can draw in the Princess."

Yang Seok reported his interaction with Han Seol to the Northern Blood Sect Leader.

"The Princess came to find something out through you."

"I suspect as much. I will, in turn, use her to gather information from their side."

The Northern Blood Sect Leader nodded. "Always be cautious."

"I'll keep that in mind."

As Yang Seok prepared to withdraw after his report, the Northern Blood Sect Leader detained Ha Jyeol. "You, stay a moment."

Yang Seok exited first. He disliked such moments. His father would listen to his entire report, then try to confirm it once more with that fellow. He would surely receive some report from his father regarding Han Seol. His father was, in any case, overly suspicious.

Trust your son a little!

However, reality unfolded completely differently from his expectations.

Once his son had left, the Northern Blood Sect Leader opened a secret door behind the main hall and led Ha Jyeol inside.

There was a space there meant only for the two of them. Within that space was a small hall. It was a bizarre and eerie place, decorated entirely in red. A strong scent of blood also permeated the air.

Upon entering the hall, the relationship between the two men reversed. Ha Jyeol's aura was different from when he was outside. A subtle, blood-red energy emanated from his eyes and body, so terrifying that merely being in the same space felt daunting.

"Still haven't found it?" Ha Jyeol demanded.

The Northern Blood Sect Leader replied courteously, "No, I just received word. My men have finally found someone with the Extreme Cold Body Constitution and are escorting them here."

Ha Jyeol's expression brightened considerably, as this was truly the news he had been waiting for. "How long will it take?"

"They will arrive in three days."

"Three days!"

This was the first time Ha Jyeol had shown such a joyful expression. It underscored how crucial the search for the Extreme Cold Body Constitution was to him.

"Now that you've found the Extreme Cold Body Constitution, keep your promise."

Instantly, a crimson energy burst forth from Ha Jyeol's eyes.

"Ugh! Stop!"

The Northern Blood Sect Leader let out a terrified scream. Red circles appeared on either side of his forehead, swelling as if about to burst.

"Please spare me!" he pleaded desperately.

If they swelled just a little more, the blood vessels in his head would burst, killing him.

The perilous moment, as if on the verge of explosion, continued until the crimson energy in Ha Jyeol's eyes finally subsided. With that, the Northern Blood Sect Leader's swollen skin also receded.

"The promise will be kept when the Extreme Cold Body Constitution is brought before me."

"Understood."

The Northern Blood Sect Leader was secretly anxious. Would Ha Jyeol truly keep his promise once he obtained what he desired?

He had fallen prey to Ha Jyeol because of his greed. Greed had created a weakness, and that weakness had allowed something terrible into his blood.

Yes, ruin always stemmed from greed. Yet, it was also greed that had allowed him to reach this point.

The Northern Blood Sect Leader considered even this a part of the process. He would surely survive, just as he always had.

Ha Jyeol spoke calmly. "Until then, you must prevent those Demonic Cult bastards from making any moves."

"Don't worry. Haven't those Demonic Cult bastards been tied down under the Ice Palace's surveillance because of a massacre?"

A surprising statement flowed from Ha Jyeol's lips. "The Young Cult Leader was here today. The sensation was very subtle, but if it could evade my perception, it must have been him."

The Northern Blood Sect Leader quickly said, "I will inform Elder Seo immediately. Perhaps this unauthorized outing of his could be an opportunity. We only need three days."

The Northern Blood Sect Leader bowed respectfully, then swiftly exited the room.

As he turned, his eyes held a formidable resolve, ready to face destiny. Life or death would be decided in three days. No, perhaps this phrase expressed his true feelings more accurately.

Who dies, and who lives?

Meanwhile, Ha Jyeol, left alone, manipulated the back wall. He pressed, pulled, and pressed again in specific spots. As he carefully operated the mechanism, the door slid open, revealing another space.

A secret room within a secret room.

Inside was a massive tank. It was a special tank, made of ice that could only be crafted in the North Sea, allowing one to see inside. The tank was filled with blood-red liquid. All sorts of medicinal compounds were mixed within that blood.

A bizarre scent, one no ordinary person would ever have encountered, wafted strongly from it. Only the Drunken Demon would recognize that scent as the alcoholic fragrance of the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine.

A man was submerged within the tank. Normally, nothing should be visible within blood, yet strangely, his entire body was clearly discernible. It was truly a mystical sight.

He possessed long limbs, fantastic muscles, a truly perfect physique, as if sculpted by a master craftsman. What particularly drew the eye was the man's hair.

His hair was red like blood. His body, bathed in blood, created a mystical atmosphere unlike anything seen elsewhere in the world.

Ha Jyeol spoke to the man in the tank. "Master, I have finally acquired a specimen with the Extreme Cold Body Constitution."

The red-haired man submerged in the blood-red liquid snapped his eyes open and exuded an overwhelming presence that completely overshadowed Ha Jyeol.

Appearing young but by no means youthful, he was none other than the Blood King. Ha Jyeol was the his sole disciple, having inherited his martial arts.

The Blood King smiled. As he rejoiced, the blood-red liquid also seemed to rejoice with him, beginning to bubble and form blood droplets.

However, there was also unwelcome news.

"Another order has been issued for your return."

The Blood King snorted. "We will not return. Not even if it means staining the entire North Sea with blood."

Even from within the blood, his words were clearly audible, low yet resonating with deep power.

Seo Nak, leading the Ice Palace martial artists, stormed into Geom Mugeuk's residence.

Lee Ahn blocked the doorway. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Where is the Young Cult Leader?"

"He is currently asleep."

A sneer flickered across Seo Nak's face. "I received a report that the Young Cult Leader left his residence."

Lee Ahn's heart sank. If his unauthorized departure from the residence was revealed, the situation would become serious.

"That must be misinformation. He's asleep right now."

As she tried to close the door, Seo Nak extended a hand to stop her. Lee Ahn was determined not to back down, but Seo Nak had come with a clear intention.

"Step aside. If you obstruct the verification of the Empress's orders, that too will be an act of defiance against her command."

Seo Nak pushed his way inside with his masters. Unable to fight Seo Nak, Lee Ahn reluctantly retreated.

Seo Nak stared at the bulge on the bed.

"See? The Young Cult Leader is asleep. So everyone, please withdraw."

Lee Ahn diligently acted, even lowering her voice, but it didn't work on Seo Nak.

"I don't see a pillow."

This implied that a pillow had been placed to create the bulge. He seemed to have arrived already certain that Geom Mugeuk was not there.

"You, pull back the blanket yourself." Seo Nak ordered Lee Ahn.

Lee Ahn glanced at the Drunken Demon, but he simply gazed out the window with a carefree expression.

This isn't the time for that!

She wanted to scream, but he likely had no clever solution in this situation either.

"Hurry! Do you dare defy the Empress's orders so impudently?"

Despair settling in her heart, Lee Ahn reluctantly walked towards the bed and pulled back the blanket.

"!"

Everyone present froze.

Geom Mugeuk was lying there, hugging a pillow.

"In this cold North Sea, are you trying to take away my blanket too? Even when you see me hugging a pillow to sleep?"

Seo Nak's face flushed with embarrassment. "W-What in the world? Why are you…?"

Everyone was surprised, but the most astonished person at that moment was Lee Ahn.

Young Master, why are you here?

It was a miracle she didn't scream.