Chapter 418: The Drunken Demon Must Die

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Ice Empress gazed silently out the window. Her heart was so troubled, it seemed Seo Nak's final ploy had succeeded.

Just then, Han Seol entered. "Empress."

The Ice Empress turned towards her. "You've come?"

"I intend to visit the Northern Blood Sect with the Young Cult Leader."

Nodding at her daughter's words, the Ice Empress acknowledged the danger of the situation. Yet, having already decided to trust Geom Mugeuk, she allowed Han Seol to go, believing such experiences would forge her daughter into a true martial artist.

In truth, Han Seol hadn't come merely to report her visit to the Northern Blood Sect. She was worried about her mother, fearing she might have been hurt by Elder Seo.

You must express it in words.

Geom Mugeuk had told her this when she mentioned reporting to her mother, his perception so keen he knew precisely why she sought the meeting.

To express it in words. To her, it felt like a gateway to life and death.

In the past, this meeting would have ended with her mother's reply, 'Yes, go safely,' without even making proper eye contact.

This time, however, was different. Han Seol met her mother's gaze directly.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" the Ice Empress asked.

After a brief pause, Han Seol muttered, "I was wondering if you were alright."

The Ice Empress felt it, sensing the immense courage her daughter had mustered to utter those words. Even amidst the awkward atmosphere, their emotions clearly conveyed to each other.

"Let's have some tea."

"I'll make it today."

Han Seol personally brewed the tea while the Ice Empress sat at the tea table, silently watching her daughter's back. It was the first time her daughter had ever brewed tea for her, and thanks to it, her gloomy mood lightened considerably.

"You've grown up so much."

The moment those words reached her, Han Seol's hands, busy brewing tea, paused. Geom Mugeuk's words echoed in her mind once more.

"If you've raised us to this age, isn't it a child's duty to make you say something like, 'You've grown up so much,' at least once?"

A moment later, Han Seol brought the tea and set it down.

The two of them drank their tea in silence, but the atmosphere was less awkward than the previous time.

"I'm alright," the Ice Empress said.

She truly was alright. Elder Seo's betrayal didn't feel particularly impactful, as she had already suspected him, which was why she had allowed the demonic practitioners into the palace.

Han Seol felt relieved, as there was no hint that her mother was deliberately hiding her pain.

"That's a relief. Then I'll be going."

She tried to get up before things became awkward again.

"Wait a moment."

The Ice Empress rose from her seat, retrieving a set of protective armor she had prepared.

"This is the Heavenly Palace Armor. Wear it when you go."

The Heavenly Palace Armor was a protective armor passed down as a treasure of the North Sea Ice Palace.

Surprised by the unexpected protective armor, Han Seol felt an even greater surge of emotion.

"If they use the Self Destruction Art right before you, with no time to dodge, trust in the Heavenly Palace Armor and protect only your face with the Headwind Ice Wall technique. Then you'll be able to avoid severe injuries."

Her mother's worry for her daughter conveyed itself to Han Seol, causing her voice to tremble slightly as she bid farewell.

"I will handle it as you instructed. T-Then, I'll be going."

Han Seol descended from the Empress's chambers, clutching the Heavenly Palace Armor. She should have properly expressed her gratitude, but she had been too flustered, surprised, and moved to properly convey her thanks before leaving.

The change in their relationship brought her joy, but also worry.

Even Elder Seo, whom her mother had known for so long, had betrayed her. Humans were fickle, their intentions changing between sitting down and standing up.

She feared she might hurt her mother, or that she herself might be hurt, having lived for so long without considering others' feelings.

Ha Jyeol entered the secret chamber containing the tank. Today, as always, he felt the calculated chill that could only be sensed in this space.

The Blood King remained submerged in the bloody water of the tank. Once the one with the Extreme Cold Body Constitution arrived, the grand ritual would be completed, and he would emerge. To have to deliver such news with only two days left…

"Elder Seo is dead."

At Ha Jyeol's report, the Blood King, still submerged in the tank, snapped his eyes open.

"He was defeated by the Drunken Demon."

A low, deep resonance emanated from within the bloody water. "The Drunken Demon? I suppose he should be heavily injured by now?"

The Blood King assumed the Drunken Demon wouldn't be unharmed, guarded as he was by blood practitioners capable of using the Self Destruction Art.

"No, the Drunken Demon is unharmed. The Young Cult Leader and the Ice Empress were also present, and I presume they blocked the Self Destruction Art through a combined defense."

The Blood King's expression, submerged in the bloody water, hardened terrifyingly.

It took immense money and time to cultivate even one blood practitioner capable of using the Self Destruction Art. Moreover, Seo Nak was someone who had spent a long time meticulously working to completely take over the Ice Palace.

The bloody water in the tank felt as if it was growing even colder as the submerged Blood King slowly began to rise to the surface.

SPLASH.

He emerged from the bloody water, which streamed from his outstretched arms and body. The blood qi emanating from his eyes was so intense, not even his own disciple dared meet his gaze.

"I will not let the Drunken Demon live."

Ha Jyeol prostrated himself before the tank, as if bowing. "Please restrain yourself, Master!"

The Blood King's movements paused briefly. His cold gaze fixed on Ha Jyeol.

"The great undertaking is right before you. You only need to endure for two more days," Ha Jyeol begged.

Bloody water dripped steadily from the Blood King's body.

Ha Jyeol knew that it was hard for his master to endure even four hours out of the tank, much less two days. His Master was a man of blood, and that blood boiled like lava and froze like a glacier.

He desperately pleaded, "Please, just wait two more days. They haven't realized our true intentions yet. Seo Nak's death was discovered only because they were searching for the culprit who killed the Brewmaster of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar. Please, postpone the Drunken Demon's punishment until two days from now."

The Blood King silently looked down at Ha Jyeol.

SPLASH.

He submerged himself back into the bloody water, closing his eyes and saying nothing. In two days, the accumulated rage he had suppressed today would erupt, and the Drunken Demon would surely die.

Ha Jyeol's eyes hardened, revealing his resolve. "Even if it means sacrificing everyone in the Northern Blood Sect, I will definitely make sure everything goes smoothly for the next two days."

Emerging from the secret chamber, Ha Jyeol immediately returned to Yang Seok's residence, where Yang Seok waited at the entrance as he was about to enter the building.

"Where have you been again?"

"My apologies. I've just met with the Sect Leader."

Whenever he left his post, he always used the Sect Leader as an excuse.

Yang Seok was displeased with him, and not merely because he frequently left to meet his father. His father treated Ha Jyeol with an inexplicable caution, and a subtle secrecy existed between the two, always leaving Yang Seok with a bad feeling.

"It's alright. I understand you."

Yang Seok had now decided to change his strategy.

"Here, take this. It's for your hard work so far."

Yang Seok handed him an envelope.

Ha Jyeol took it, opening it to find three hundred tael banknotes inside. This was a considerable sum for his efforts. "I cannot accept this."

"It's my sincerity, so take it." Yang Seok insisted.

Ha Jyeol, feigning reluctance, finally accepted the banknotes.

Yang Seok intended to make Ha Jyeol his own man, using him to, in turn, uncover his father's intentions.

I should have done this sooner. Who doesn't like money?

Yang Seok regretted his oversight. His anger at his father, who was monitoring him, had prevented him from acting rationally. If his father gave Ha Jyeol a thousand taels, he would give two thousand.

"I look forward to working with you in the future."

"I will serve you with utmost loyalty."

Just then, a subordinate arrived to report a visitor.

"The Princess of the Ice Palace has arrived."

"She's here already?"

Although the Princess had said she would return, he hadn't expected her to come so soon.

"Is anyone accompanying her?"

"Yes, she came with a young man."

Yang Seok immediately realized the young man was the Young Cult Leader. The Princess had said she would bring him when she returned, and it seemed she truly wanted to resolve the conflict with the Young Cult Leader as quickly as possible, given how haughty he was rumored to be.

"Let's go."

Yang Seok led the way. He was eager to see what kind of person the Young Cult Leader was.

Ha Jyeol's expression, as he followed, was rigid.

The Demonic Cult is here already?

The Demonic Cult's movements were faster than he expected.

How long has it been since Elder Seo was killed? And they're targeting Young Lord Yang already?

They hit the mark. He would have done the same.

Ha Jyeol was also curious about the Young Cult Leader, who moved with such swiftness, so his steps quickened as he followed Yang Seok.

Han Seol waited in the reception hall with Geom Mugeuk. Unlike her previous visit, today they had a clear plan and strategy.

Han Seol usually didn't get nervous over trivial matters, but today she felt a tremor. She looked at Geom Mugeuk, who showed no signs of nervousness at all.

"Aren't you nervous?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded, asking in return, "Do you know why you're trembling so much?"

"Why?"

"Because you're trying too hard to do well."

His words were true. She definitely wanted to execute the plan perfectly.

"What if you're not perfect? Even if I make a mistake, the Young Cult Leader will handle it. Try to adopt that mindset. Then you won't be nervous at all."

Even without consciously adopting that mindset, just hearing Geom Mugeuk's words made Han Seol feel a little more at ease.

"Martial Artist Lee said that you would never send her to her death. However, if you'll die in her place, will you still not do it? Even if the Demonic Cult falls?"

Geom Mugeuk smiled, gazing at her. "That's right. I still won't do it. If my life depends on killing a subordinate who likes me so much, what's the point of living? It's the same for our Cult. If the survival of our Cult hinges on the life or death of one woman, it's better for it to be destroyed."

Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk, then turned her head towards the window, averting her gaze. "You're not bluffing!"

I can tell he's telling the truth. That's why it makes me even more annoyed.

Just then, the door opened, and two figures entered. Ha Jyeol stood guarding the entrance while Yang Seok walked towards the two, greeting them brightly.

"Princess, welcome."

"I've come to visit again because I have an esteemed person to introduce." She introduced Geom Mugeuk. "This is the Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult."

Yang Seok bowed respectfully. "I am Yang Seok of the Northern Blood Sect. It is an honor to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you, I am Geom Mugeuk."

Yang Seok cautiously observed Geom Mugeuk. He was the type to mercilessly beat up anyone who nearly bumped into him on the street, but towards opponents stronger than himself, he always made sure to be polite and cautious.

What is this guy?

Geom Mugeuk was far younger and more handsome than he had imagined. He had expected someone rugged and fierce-looking.

"I heard the Young Cult Leader is personally investigating the death of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar Brewmaster."

"That investigation is already complete."

"Complete?" Yang Seok had not yet received any news about it.

"The culprit was Elder Seo."

"Surely you don't mean Elder Seo Nak?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Yang Seok was startled, but Geom Mugeuk could tell from his reaction that he was unaware of this fact. It was clear the Northern Blood Sect Leader was not sharing all information with his son.

"What happened to Elder Seo?"

"He's dead."

Yang Seok couldn't believe it. "If that were true, the North Sea should be in an uproar."

But why is it so quiet?

"Because we're not the type to work by spreading rumors."

Unable to believe Geom Mugeuk's words, Yang Seok looked at Han Seol. When he asked her with his eyes, asking if it was true, she gave a single nod.

Beginning with the announcement of Seo Nak's death, Geom Mugeuk slowly started to set the mood.

"Your younger brother sought out someone with the Extreme Cold Body Constitution, do you know why?"

Yang Seok was flustered, not expecting Geom Mugeuk to ask so directly. "I know nothing about that matter," he claimed.

"You seem to be a very fortunate man. You didn't even know what your younger brother, who was vying for succession, was doing, yet you became the successor."

Yang Seok's expression hardened, knowing it was a sarcastic remark, but Geom Mugeuk continued to provoke him.

"Indeed. You became the successor thanks to us."

Yang Seok suppressed his anger with effort, speaking in a low voice. "Regardless of the reason, my younger brother died because of a demon from your Cult. How can you treat me like this?"

His words were polite, yet pointed, as if asking, 'Is it alright to act like this after killing someone?'

Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned cold.

"Are you sure he died because of us? When he was released, he didn't seem like someone who would die at all. His desire for life was immense. Yet he committed suicide merely because he was kidnapped? Doesn't that strike you as odd?" Geom Mugeuk stared intently at him, then added, "Did you perhaps kill him?"

The atmosphere naturally tensed.

Han Seol interjected, "That's a baseless accusation."

"When searching for a culprit, isn't the first thing to consider who benefited most from the death?"

"Even so, it's not something to be handled based solely on suspicion."

In this situation, with Han Seol taking his side, Yang Seok's favorable impression of her naturally grew. All of this was Geom Mugeuk's pre-planned scheme: he would press, and Han Seol would defend.

Geom Mugeuk now moved to the next stage, walking towards Ha Jyeol, who stood at the reception hall's entrance. Geom Mugeuk had witnessed Ha Jyeol using the Blood Art on a servant, so he knew Ha Jyeol was directly connected to the Blood King.

As Geom Mugeuk suddenly approached him, Ha Jyeol secretly channeled his inner arts. He had observed Geom Mugeuk from a distance, but he couldn't get a clear sense of his opponent. It couldn't be an overwhelming skill, so he was only getting a strange feeling.

Geom Mugeuk came right up to him and asked, "What's your name?"

"It's Ha Jyeol."

Geom Mugeuk stared silently at Ha Jyeol. "The scent of blood is strong."

Has he figured out my identity? Ha Jyeol tensed, ready to strike at any moment.

"You were a mercenary before becoming a bodyguard, weren't you?"

At that question, Ha Jyeol felt relieved. The remark about the scent of blood didn't mean he had realized Ha Jyeol practiced the Blood Art, but rather that he didn't seem like a typical bodyguard.

"Among various martial artists, I truly like bodyguards and mercenaries. You happen to be both."

"Thank you for thinking highly of me."

While Geom Mugeuk engaged Ha Jyeol, Han Seol proceeded with the most crucial part of today's plan.

She let out a soft sigh and sent a telepathic message to Yang Seok. [I apologize, I shouldn't have brought him.]

Her words sounded as if she were saying, 'I thought you could handle that Young Cult Leader, but it seems even you can't do anything about him.'

Yang Seok's pride was wounded, but he couldn't curse at the Young Cult Leader, nor could he challenge him to a fight.

As his emotions grew complicated, Han Seol carefully sent another telepathic message.

[And I've debated several times whether I should tell you this…]

[What is it you wish to say?]

[I accidentally overheard the Young Cult Leader talking with the Drunken Demon.]

Thanks to her earlier defense of him, Yang Seok subconsciously felt that Han Seol was on his side.

[Tell me.]

But Han Seol continued to hesitate.

[It's alright, please tell me quickly.]

After seeming to deliberate until the very last moment, Han Seol spoke cautiously. [Try not to be surprised when you hear this.]

However, words that Yang Seok couldn't help but be surprised by flowed from her lips.

[The information I gathered from them suggests that the Northern Blood Sect Leader is considering someone else as his successor, not Young Lord Yang.]

His father was considering someone else as successor? It was like a bolt from the blue.

[They also said the purpose of acquiring the Extreme Cold Body Constitution was related to this new successor.]

With truth and falsehood mixed, Yang Seok was thrown into confusion. He couldn't dismiss it as nonsense, for he had killed his younger brother right in front of his father, and his father had watched without stopping him. His family was that kind of family, after all.

[Did they say who it was?]

Han Seol's gaze slowly drifted towards the reception hall entrance, towards the person currently engaged in conversation with Geom Mugeuk.

[They said it was Ha Jyeol.]