Chapter 888: Who Is the Front Row For?

TL: FoodieMonster007

A single carriage sped along the road. Inside were Commander Yong Jamyeong of the Milky Way Trading Company and his eldest son, Yong Jinhu.

"Are we really going to the Demonic Cult Young Cult Leader's wedding?"

"Yes, we are."

No matter how many times Yong Jinhu asked, the answer was the same. At first, he thought his father was teasing him, but that did not seem to be the case.

Crucially, their only bodyguard was Baekchong, who sat in the driver's seat. Baekchong was a key figure who had helped his father build the Milky Way Trading Company and was the martial artist his father trusted most, but this was the first time only Baekchong had accompanied his father on a trip.

"Don't tell me our Trading Company has joined hands with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?" Yong Jinhu asked, afraid his father would say yes. The thought of allying with the Demonic Cult was something he did not even want to imagine.

Fortunately, his father shook his head. "No. This visit is purely personal for me. I'm bringing you along not as a representative of the company, but as my son. I want to introduce you to the Young Cult Leader."

Yong Jamyeong then told his son a secret he had never mentioned before.

"In my youth, I was caught in a trap set by a colleague and nearly lost my life. A martial artist who didn't reveal his name saved me. I only recently learned that he is the current Demonic Cult Leader."

Yong Jinhu was stunned. The Demonic Cult Leader is Father's savior?

"Even so, if you attend the Young Cult Leader's wedding, word will surely spread throughout the jianghu," he argued.

"Indeed it will."

"When this becomes known, many of the sects and companies we do business with will cut ties with us. Ah, perhaps you'll attend while wearing a bamboo hat to hide your identity?"

There was no way his father did not know of such consequences, and it was common to attend murim events without revealing one's identity.

Yong Jamyeong shook his head. "I plan to attend without hiding who I am."

Yong Jinhu was puzzled. His father was a merchant above all else. Regardless of the man being his savior, why would he be willing to endure such a huge loss?

"I'm sure they'll understand even if you hide your identity. Where else would they find a guest as distinguished as you, Father?" Yong Jinhu said, proud that his father was the head of the world's greatest trading company.

"People much more distinguished than I will be there."

"How could there be anyone like that?"

Yong Jamyeong thought of Geom Woojin, then of his son, Geom Mugeuk. Both were extraordinary individuals. "To people like them, I could hardly be considered the most honored guest."

Yong Jinhu snorted. Having grown up watching his father always receive the best treatment, he could not accept those words.

Yong Jamyeong sighed, "I hope attending this wedding will be an opportunity for you to broaden your narrow perspective."

Unfortunately, none of his three sons had an aptitude for the merchant world. However, if they lacked the talent for making money, he hoped they should at least have an eye for people. Therefore, he brought his eldest son, who showed some potential, praying it would be a good experience for him.

Soon, the carriage arrived at its destination.

Yong Jinhu took a deep breath and stepped out. The scene unfolding before his eyes startled him.

They were near the main gate of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Countless magnificent carriages were parked along the massive wall.

It was the first time Yong Jinhu had ever seen so many in one place. People were getting out of carriages, just arriving, or talking with acquaintances. There were truly countless people there.

Large-framed martial artists stood guard everywhere. Their intimidating aura was so strong that even he, with his shallow martial arts skills, could tell they were no ordinary warriors.

Baekchong whispered to him, "Don't stare at them. They are the warriors of the Divine Cult's Demonic Army."

Yong Jinhu had heard of the Demonic Army from the experienced Baekchong, who was well-informed about the murim and had especially studied everything he could about the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult for this visit. They were the very same force said to be unstoppable if they charged forward with their massive frames.

Suddenly, someone recognized Yong Jamyeong and greeted him. "Commander Yong!"

"Chairman Geum."

It was none other than the Golden Manor Master Geum Ahju, the wealthiest man in Fujian and one of the top ten merchants in the Central Plains. The two knew each other well, with Geum Ahju being Yong Jamyeong's senior in the merchant world.

Geum Ahju smiled. In the past, Geom Mugeuk had saved his daughter and grandson, receiving a bundle of treasures larger than himself in return. That connection had continued, and they too had been invited to the wedding.

"This is my daughter and my grandson," he introduced.

Geum Ahju's daughter, Geum Sayeon, and his grandson, Yang, had come as well. Yang, who had been just a little kid when Geom Mugeuk saved him, had grown up quite a bit.

"How did you come to be here?" Geum Ahju asked, surprised by Yong Jamyeong's attendance. The Milky Way Trading Company dealt with the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions. Attending the wedding of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult must have been a burden for them.

Yong Jamyeong spoke honestly. "The Demonic Cult Leader saved my life a long time ago."

"What a coincidence!"

"Why do you say that?"

"We also owe our lives to the Young Cult Leader."

"Ah, I see."

Listening from the side, Yong Jinhu was confused. Why do these top merchants owe their lives to the most fearsome people in the world, the Demonic Cult Leader and the Young Cult Leader?

He looked around and saw not only Geum Ahju but many other recognizable faces. They were not on his father's level, but they were still giants of the merchant world.

Even that person is here? The Demonic Cult really is something else, to make all these people come.

Just then, a member of the Demonic Army walked over. Yong Jinhu thought he would escort his father in first, but the Demonic Army member mer delivered an unexpected message and turned away.

"Those who have arrived, please enter now."

The people who had been talking began to walk toward the main gate, naturally forming a line.

Yong Jinhu was offended. They're making my father walk in with all these people?

The sight of his father waiting in line to enter a place felt incredibly unfamiliar to him. Wherever he went, his father was always the main character, but now he was just one among many guests.

This is how they treat my father?

"The Demonic Cult must be doing this on purpose to intimidate the Milky Way Trading Company," he growled quietly.

Yong Jamyeong scolded, "That's because you haven't met the Cult Leader and the Young Cult Leader yet."

"What kind of people are they?"

"If they wanted to intimidate someone, they wouldn't resort to a method as petty as this."

Besides the merchants, Jo Cheonbae and his wife, Yang In, also stood in line. Dressed in new clothes, the couple were very excited and happy, but they walked quietly amidst people of immense status, worried that they might catch someone's eye and cause a repeat of yesterday's incident.

However, someone strode up to them. It was none other than Demonic Army General Jang Ho.

"Welcome, Boss," Jang Ho greeted.

Jo Cheonbae and Yang In bowed their heads. ""Greetings, Demonic Army General!""

The people around them held their breaths. The general of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's elite Demonic Army, whom they had only heard stories about, was standing right before their eyes.

Martial artists from sects that followed the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult respectfully clasped their hands, conveying their long-held admiration.

Jang Ho returned their greeting before turning back to Jo Cheonbae and Yang In. "The Young Cult Leader has ordered me to escort you two personally. Please come this way."

"W-We're fine…"

"But I, who received the order, will not be fine if I don't do as I'm told to. Let's go."

"Oh my!"

Jang Ho led the two of them out of the line and went inside first. As per Geom Mugeuk's request, he had prepared seats for the innkeeper couple between himself and Seo Daeryong. Among all the VIP seats today, this was where the couple would be most comfortable.

Yong Jinhu was puzzled by this special treatment that even the Commander of the Milky Way Trading Company did not receive. "Who are they to be treated like that? They must be incredible masters, right?"

Yong Jamyeong smiled. "They're probably more ordinary than anyone else here."

"What?"

"If you knew what kind of person the Young Cult Leader is, this wouldn't seem strange at all."

Because Yong Jamyeong knew Geom Mugeuk, the special treatment for this couple, who looked as though they had not learned a single martial art, did not feel strange at all. Instead, he thought it was just like Geom Mugeuk.

Behind them, Geum Ahju and Geum Sayeon also nodded and exchanged a glance. The Young Cult Leader they had experienced was also an exceptionally special person.

Soon, they passed through the main gate and entered the grounds of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Yong Jinhu's eyes widened. Before them stretched a wide avenue, large enough for twenty carriages to pass side by side. Colossal demonic statues stood on both sides of the road like gatekeepers, gazing down with fearsome, arrogant eyes. Beyond them, the avenue and magnificent buildings stretched out endlessly, their ends out of sight.

Was this really made by human hands?

The giant demonic statues were so lifelike that it felt as if they could move at any moment and trample everything underfoot. Just being there was intimidating.

It was not just him. The other first-time visitors were also overwhelmed by the scene.

After walking for a while, they reached the wedding ceremony venue—the largest training ground in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

VIP seats were prepared for the guests in front of the ceremony area. Outside this central area, a tiered, semicircular seating area was built like the audience seats of a duel arena, capable of holding countless people.

Members of the Demonic Army guided the invited guests to their designated seats.

Yong Jinhu was surprised to find that his father was not in the first row, but the third.

Not even the second row, but the third?

Once all the external guests were seated, the guests of honor arrived.

A group of martial artists entered in formation, led by a beautiful woman in elegant clothes. Following her were the Demon Swords.

"It's the Flower Sword Supreme!" Baekchong exclaimed.

Yong Jinhu was startled. It was the first time he had ever seen the Sword Supreme he had only heard stories about.

She's such a beautiful woman!

He felt like he was looking at a single flower blooming in the snow.

The Demon Swords took their seats in one section of the audience, and the Flower Sword Supreme came forward and sat in the second row.

So the second row is for the Demon Supremes. Then who is the front row for?

Just then, a group of martial artists entered from the opposite side amid roaring cheers.

Baekchong informed him again. "It's the Blood Heaven Blade Demon!"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, with a giant dao on his back, led the way, followed by the Blade Fiends.

If the Demon Swords were disciplined, the Blade Fiends were rough and free-spirited. In the past, the two groups would have jeered at each other, but not anymore. As the Flower Sword Supreme and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon grew close, their relationship had improved as well.

The Blade Fiends took their seats in the audience section, and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon sat next to the Flower Sword Supreme.

"Woaaah!"

This time, the Demonic Buddha entered at the forefront, emitting a golden radiance even brighter than usual. Behind him, the Mad Monks chanted in unison, offering prayers to bless the wedding as they walked.

Baekchong warned, "They are Demonic Monks who would tear you limb from limb while you're still alive if you mistake them for mere baldies."

Yong Jinhu nodded blankly. Even without Baekchong's warning, it was obvious at a glance that they were no ordinary monks.

Next to appear were the Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme and the shamans.

As they entered, Yong Jinhu felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. "I suddenly feel dizzy."

Baekchong infused a stream of qi into Yong Jinhu's back. "It's the ghostly energy of the shamans. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly."

Only then did Yong Jinhu's expression relax. It was this potent even when they were not intentionally releasing their ghostly energy. The thought of what it would be like if they actually did was terrifying.

Next, a group of people wearing ornate masks entered.

"They are the Faceless Warriors from the Valley of Evil."

At the mention of the Valley of Evil, Yong Jinhu averted his gaze without realizing it.

Today though, the Faceless Warriors were different from usual. They, who always gathered in small, squatting groups, were today properly dressed and walking in confidently with ornate masks.

"That must be the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon."

"That's right."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon at the very front also wore an ornate mask today, not his usual white one.

Yong Jinhu had heard much about the infamy of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, and his body trembled instinctively. The fear that ordinary martial artists felt for him was completely different from that of the other Demon Supremes.

In truth, however, there was no need to be so afraid today. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon wore a brighter smile than ever before, overflowing with enough magnanimity to forgive anyone for almost any mistake.

The Faceless Warriors were the same. As they were particularly close to Geom Mugeuk, the Valley of Evil was in a festive mood.

The Seventeenth Bridge and the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior were especially joyful. Since they had not yet married, the Young Cult Leader's wedding had a great influence on them.

"Are their masks always that ornate?"

Baekchong generously displayed what he had studied. "I've heard that the Faceless Warriors have several masks. That one is probably the Happy Ghost Mask, used for festivals and banquets."

This time, a handsome young boy led a group of demonic practitioners in.

"Look at their waists."

They wore pouches on their waists. Each wore a different number, like four, five, six, or seven. Only the handsome boy at the front wore twelve pouches.

"Don't tell me…?"

"Yes, that's right. They are the Poison Fangs led by the Poison King. With a single gesture from them, all the guests here would be annihilated in an instant."

Yong Jinhu was more shocked by the fact that the Poison King looked so young. He looked much younger than himself.

"Ohhhh!"

This time, a loud noise was accompanied by the strong smell of alcohol. They were the Drunken Demon and his Drunken Guests. The Drunken Demon had allowed his Drunken Guests to drink to their heart's content today.

"What if they make a mistake? Why are they already drunk?"

"I've heard that the more drunk they get, the clearer their minds become. They won't make any mistakes from being drunk."

STOMP, STOMP…

Next, the Iron Fists of the Eastern Fist Garrison marched into the grounds in attire that revealed their muscles. The more of their bare bodies they revealed, the more it was considered a sign of respect. The bride's father, the Fist Demon, did not come out with them, so the person leading them was Cheon Sohwi.

And so, the Eight Demon Supremes and their subordinates all took their seats. It was bustling, and laughter erupted from all over.

The guests feasted their eyes. It was a moment to see people they had never seen in their entire lives. They were seeing the Demon Supremes and their elite subordinates up close, and they could feel anew just how precious this occasion was. When they returned home, they would surely boast to everyone, with much exaggeration.

Baekchong was surprised by the unexpected atmosphere. He had expected it to be much heavier and darker than this. He thought they would use this opportunity to make a statement to everyone, like 'We are the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!'

He expected the shamans to emit their ghostly energy, the Iron Fists to brandish their fists, and the Poison Fangs to raise poisonous smoke. He thought the Faceless Warriors would sneer coldly, killing intent would flow from the swords of the Demon Swords and Blade Fiends, the Mad Monks would chant death prayers, and the Drunken Guests would act like rowdy drunks.

However, the atmosphere was positively festive. Everyone was laughing and talking. They were enjoying themselves as if they were at a party, so much so that they did not even feel like demonic practitioners.

RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE!

Just then, five carriages entered the venue. Not only Yong Jinhu, but all the guests were puzzled.

Every guest here walked, but carriages are being allowed this far in? Who in the world are they?

On the five carriages approaching them, a blue wolf was painted on each one.