Chapter 542: No One Gets Out of Here Alive Today

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon stood alone in the rear garden of the Thousand Flower Palace.

Geom Mugeuk went to his side and stood next to him.

"It will be cloudy tonight."

Just as the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon said, the moon was hidden by clouds and could not be seen.

"My night vision is good, so I'm fine."

At Geom Mugeuk's words, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's gaze fell upon him. Geom Mugeuk was looking up at him, his face bright under the dark night sky.

"There's something I need to tell you."

It was something that the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, if no one else, needed to know.

"It seems the ultimate target of the mastermind wasn't the Young Alliance Chairman, but the Thousand Flower Palace."

Surprisingly, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon wasn't surprised. Perhaps, aside from the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman, he was the one who best knew the value of the Thousand Flower Palace.

"If the Pavilion Master was framed for the attempted assassination of the Evil Alliance's Young Alliance Chairman, all the dozens of Thousand Flower Palaces across the Central Plains would be forced to close. The mastermind probably intended to use their vast funds to either take over the Thousand Flower Palace or open new brothels to seize the territories."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had said it before. The amount of money the Thousand Flower Palace earned was enormous.

Now, having expanded with an incomparable number of brothels since then, the current value of the Thousand Flower Palace would be beyond words.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon didn't show his anger. However, Geom Mugeuk could feel it. He was furious. These were the ones who tried to kill his woman and steal the Thousand Flower Palace.

"It seems they planned this to secure funds after their financial source in Shaanxi was cut off."

"But of all people, they ran into you, Young Cult Leader."

"It's thanks to the Dan Sisters asking for help from our Cult's intelligence division."

If she had made a different choice, the outcome would have been completely different from what it is now.

Come to think of it, his connection with the Dan Sisters was deep. Not only was he able to save Yeo Jong, but he also formed a deep bond with Seo Daeryong.

"Perhaps it's a connection brought about by Director Seo."

Geom Mugeuk gave the credit to Seo Daeryong.

"There's something Director Seo has hung in his room like a family heirloom. Do you know what it is?"

Naturally, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon gave him a look that said he didn't know.

"It's the mask you gave to Director Seo as a gift, Smiling Demon."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon stared at Geom Mugeuk without a word.

Geom Mugeuk said with a smile. "I believe that's how our fates are connected."

Just then, the sound of people bustling about could be heard from beyond the wall.

"It seems the Vice Captain of the Hundred Prosperities Trading Company has arrived."

Geom Mugeuk began to unwind the Top-Quality Heavenly Silk wrapped around the hilt of the Black Demon Sword.

"One thing I can't understand is that they sent the Vice Captain even though they knew our Cult was involved. That's why we need to be careful."

He handed half of the Top-Quality Heavenly Silk to the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon. This time, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon accepted it without refusal.

The two men took off their upper garments on the spot and wrapped the silk around their hearts, abdomens, and other vital parts of their bodies.

"Be careful, Smiling Demon."

"You be careful too, Young Cult Leader."

The two men looked at each other.

"Let's show them who they tried to mess with."

Through the eyeholes of the mask, the Smiling Demon's eyes smiled coldly.

Pyeong Wi, the Vice Captain of the Hundred Prosperities Trading Company, stepped into the Thousand Flower Palace. A dozen or so of his subordinates followed behind him. He could have brought more, but there was no point in increasing the number of dogs in a place teeming with tigers and wolves.

"Welcome, Captain Pyeong."

Yeo Jong came out to the main gate to greet him personally. Jin Haryong stuck close behind her, fulfilling her promise to protect her until death.

"The guest has already arrived."

"A precious guest, I see. I trust the preparations were made without a hitch?"

"Don't you worry."

Yeo Jong led them inside.

The Thirteen Evil Wolves stood in front of the main building of the Thousand Flower Palace. The First Wolf observed Pyeong Wi and his subordinates with sharp eyes.

The Trading Company's martial artists, wary of the Thirteen Evil Wolves, took up positions at the building's entrance and in the surrounding area.

The First Wolf let them do as they pleased. He could have prevented them from entering in the first place, but he didn't. It was based on the judgment that it was better to keep them in sight and under surveillance.

Moreover, inside, martial artists from the Demon Slaying Brigade were moving about like workers, maintaining an ironclad defense.

A space to entertain the distinguished guest had been prepared on the first floor of the Thousand Flower Palace. In the wide space encircled by the private rooms, today's banquet was set. There were ornate folding screens, high-quality tables and chairs, and a feast of delicacies prepared by the Thousand Flower Palace's chefs, so lavish it looked like the table would break.

Bi Sayin was seated at the head of the table.

"Greetings, Young Alliance Chairman."

"It's been a while."

Pyeong Wi bowed respectfully and offered a clasped hands greeting. Bi Sayin returned the greeting lightly.

"I heard you declined my offer to escort you."

"I did so because I dislike hassle."

"Allow me to pour you a drink."

"Receive my drink first."

Bi Sayin poured the drink first, then filled his own cup. He made sure Pyeong Wi couldn't even touch the bottle. After all, the only thing he could do was use poison.

"Thank you for inviting me like this."

"I've wanted to host you for a long time."

The two men toasted and emptied their cups.

"The Thousand Flower Palace is famous for its many beautiful courtesans. Since we've rented the entire place today, let's bring them all in and enjoy ourselves!"

The reason Pyeong Wi had specifically requested this wide space was so he could have all the courtesans surround them.

As Pyeong Wi was about to call for the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman, Bi Sayin stopped him.

"Wait. Before that, I have something to say to you, Vice Captain."

"Please, speak."

"I heard something strange on my way here."

Bi Sayin stared intently into Pyeong Wi's eyes. When that face, already frightening to look at, glared at him, Pyeong Wi felt truly scared.

"It was information about a plan to ambush me here, at the Thousand Flower Palace."

"Who would dare plot such a thing?" Pyeong Wi's surprised expression was quite convincing.

"They said it was you."

Pyeong Wi demanded, his face defiant. "Who on earth said that?"

Just then, a voice came from behind.

"Me."

Geom Mugeuk strode over and sat down. Then, skipping the unorthodox greetings, he got straight to the point.

"We're holding a grand banquet here today. It will be a festival attended by my friends and everyone here. But it's not a banquet for you."

Pyeong Wi's expression hardened. However, he wasn't afraid. He had already anticipated this situation.

"Today's banquet will be for our Trading Company."

At his confident words, Bi Sayin asked. "Let me ask just one thing. Back when you withdrew from Guizhou, why did you spread the rumor that you were the ones who paid the money?"

For a moment, Pyeong Wi's expression twitched.

"Did you say rumor?" Though polite, his words were clearly accusatory. "That money was paid by us, the Hundred Prosperities Trading Company."

After speaking, he added, his voice rising as if in anger. "Did we not pay it?"

He had a look in his eyes that said he truly believed it.

"Because of that, our Trading Company's fortunes declined, and the Trading Company's master even fell ill from anger. For someone of the Young Alliance Chairman's status to lie so shamelessly."

It was clear he had resolved to die.

Bi Sayin didn't get angry or make excuses, simply staring at him. To Pyeong Wi, it might have looked like an admission of his words, but to Geom Mugeuk, it was the image of his blunt friend who wouldn't bother with excuses.

"My friend may be from the unorthodox sects and seem heartless and shameless, but at least he's not the kind of petty friend who would claim to have given something he didn't."

Of course, Pyeong Wi didn't believe him.

Geom Mugeuk looked at Bi Sayin and said. "I think I know what they exploited."

Bi Sayin understood what Geom Mugeuk meant. It meant that someone within the Hundred Prosperities Trading Company had embezzled the money. Someone in a position to deceive even this Vice Captain. And someone who could use this man.

"Who is it that can deceive even you?"

At Geom Mugeuk's question, just as he was about to choke back the words 'What bullshit is this!', Pyeong Wi flinched in surprise. The image of one person who could currently do such a thing came to his mind.

[I'm counting on you, Vice Captain.]

The back of the Trading Company master's wife, who was watching over his sickbed. He also recalled her dazed expression after the Trading Company master fell ill, as if she were possessed by something. And the unusual venom in her eyes as she begged for revenge.

What a ridiculous thought!

Soon, Pyeong Wi glared coldly at the two of them. "You shameless bastards! You're acting disgustingly to the very end!"

In contrast to his agitation, Geom Mugeuk was calm. "Fine. As you say, what did you trust to come to a place swarming with villains like this?"

"Not your conscience, at least."

"What did the person who sent you say? Did they say they'd come rescue you if you got the Young Alliance Chairman drunk like this?"

"They won't be coming to rescue me."

Pyeong Wi said with a meaningful look in his eyes. "Because they said no one will get out of here alive today."

It was at that very moment that Geom Mugeuk's and Bi Sayin's eyes met.

SWOOOOOOOSH!

A mournful sound of wind came from far away. In the darkness, a black palanquin was cutting through the air, flying towards them.

As if gliding on an invisible silk road, the palanquin flew smoothly without making a sound.

SHAAAA.

Where the palanquin passed, flowers and trees withered, and insects and birds fell to the ground. It was as if all surrounding life vanished, turning the world black and white.

From the lanterns held in the hands of four black-clad figures flying alongside the palanquin, a ghastly blue light flowed out like a will-o'-the-wisp.

The Faceless Warriors, who had been hiding around the Thousand Flower Palace, revealed themselves from all directions.

On the roof of the Thousand Flower Palace, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon watched the scene with his arms crossed. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon gave no order to block or attack.

The Faceless Warriors watched the palanquin pass with cold eyes. A suffocating, dreadful energy was flowing out from inside the palanquin.

The gazes of the Faceless Warriors turned back to where the palanquin had come from. The palanquin was not the only thing that had come here today.

At the end of the road, the darkness was filled with something. Just as the sinister energy seemed to be growing.

They all opened their eyes at once. What could be seen in the darkness were countless eyes.

A white rim was visible around every pupil. It gave off a truly bizarre feeling.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon knew. He knew what kind of martial arts one had to learn to have eyes like that.

The Dark Night Divine Art. It was a martial art that could only be used at night, allowing one to display skills far beyond their original martial arts. In return, once this martial art was learned, one could never see the sunlight again.

They let the palanquin pass, but they did not let the others through. The Faceless Warriors all dismounted and lined up to block them from approaching.

Some of the Faceless Warriors were squatting on tree branches, and others stood on the wall, looking down at them.

The smiling eyes within the masks showed no fear at all. It didn't matter who the opponent was or where they came from. Whether their pupils had white rims or yellow rims, it was the opponent who should be afraid.

Because the place they came from was the Valley of Evil.

The palanquin descended into the front courtyard of the Thousand Flower Palace. The light from the lanterns held in the hands of the four black-clad figures bewitched the hearts of those who saw it.

KEUK!

A martial artist from the Trading Company who was near the palanquin stared at the light, approached as if possessed, then vomited blood and collapsed. The one among them with the weakest inner arts was the first to be affected.

They backed away from the palanquin.

Instead, the person standing before them was Jin Hagun, who had been carrying a wine bottle. Jin Hagun stared at the palanquin with somber eyes. Subordinates of the Demon Slaying Brigade surrounded the palanquin, taking their positions. The presence of the four figures standing at the corners of the palanquin was extraordinary.

WHOOOOSH.

A strong wind blew, throwing open all the doors on the first floor of the Thousand Flower Palace.

The moment he saw the palanquin, Geom Mugeuk knew who his opponent was.

The Sixth King of the Twelve Zodiac Kings. The Queen of Darkness, Heuk Sarin.

The one among the Twelve Zodiac Kings known to be the weakest during the day and the strongest at night. She was a woman, but by using the power of darkness, she became the true ruler of the night, whom no one dared to challenge.

Her martial arts were like a treasure buried deep in the darkness, unknown to anyone.

Finally, a woman's voice came from the palanquin. "So, all those who will rule the future murim have gathered."

It was a captivating voice that could sway a person's soul. At her voice, one of the Trading Company martial artists who had retreated started walking toward the palanquin.

Jin Hagun struck the acupoints of the man passing by him and tossed him back. Then he sent a telepathy message to his subordinates.

[Her voice is imbued with an energy that controls the mind. Everyone, focus your minds and raise your inner arts to resist.]

Geom Mugeuk responded to her words. "Aren't you the ones trying to rule the future murim? It seems you're trying harder than we are."

The woman's laughter came from inside the palanquin. It was a clear, gentle laugh that pleased the listener's heart. However, her laughter shook the mind more powerfully than her words.

"As expected, Young Cult Leader, you recognize me at a glance."

"Who are you?" Geom Mugeuk asked, feigning ignorance.

"I am a sinful soul who cannot live in the light."

"Then you've met the right person. Am I not the former Sanzu Hall Director? I handle sinners well. Would you like a consultation? You might turn over a new leaf in a month."

"As rumored, you are indeed a pleasant person, Young Cult Leader."

"I could live more pleasantly if it weren't for you people."

The woman laughed softly. "I am well aware that you, Young Cult Leader, are deeply involved in our affairs. Thanks to you, several plans have been changed."

After regressing, so much had changed. We grew stronger, and they grew weaker. He couldn't know what effect this change would have on Hwa Mugi. Why was he silent? Would he appear at that future time as destined, or would he appear earlier? Or perhaps later? It was truly impossible to know.

"Your plans will keep changing. As you can see, we're younger and more vigorous than you, aren't we? If we keep blocking you again and again, you'll be the ones to grow old and die first."

Nearby was Bi Sayin, and in the courtyard far away was Jin Hagun. The three of them looked at each other.

The woman still spoke in a soft and captivating voice. "What a shame. That I won't be able to see this wonderful friendship any longer."

And this confidence was not about herself.

"There is someone here who has been dying to see our Young Cult Leader."

Geom Mugeuk flinched in surprise. It was a truly unexpected statement.

The palanquin door began to open slowly. The inside of the palanquin, covered by a beaded curtain, was dark. Even with the Divine Eye Technique, which could pierce any curtain, the inside was not visible. In other words, it meant a special dark art was being used within.

In a silence so still it seemed no one was breathing, everyone's gaze was fixed on that spot.

"……"

With a metallic sound, a man's hand emerged and parted the beaded curtain. Poisonous energy rose from the blackened, dead skin on the back of the hand, and a chain glowing with a blue light was tightly wrapped around it, as if to suppress that energy.

The man's face emerged from between the parted curtains. His face was even more horrific. It was blackened, burned, and twisted. Only his two intense eyes shone coldly.

"It's been a long time."