Chapter 418 : The Drunken Demon Must Die

Chapter 418: The Drunken Demon Must Die

The Ice Palace Master silently gazed out the window.

Judging by how unsettled she felt, it meant Seo Nak’s final scheme had worked.

That was when Han Seol entered.

“Palace Master.”

“You’ve come?”

The Ice Palace Master turned toward her.

“I plan to go with the Young Cult Leader to the Northern Blood Gate.”

At her daughter’s words, the Ice Palace Master nodded.

She already made up her mind to send her, trusting Geom Mugeuk, even though she knew it would be dangerous. Her daughter would grow into a true martial artist through such experiences.

In truth, Han Seol hadn’t come just to report that she was heading to the Northern Blood Gate. She was worried about her mother. Concerned that she might have been hurt because of Elder Seo.

—Make sure you put it into words.

That was what Geom Mugeuk had said when she told him she’d be going to report to her mother. He was sharp enough to know exactly why she wanted to see her.

Putting it into words.

To her, it felt like facing the gate between life and death.

In the past, the meeting would’ve ended with her mother replying, “Very well, go and come back safely,” without even making proper eye contact.

But this time was different.

Han Seol looked her mother straight in the eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

After a brief pause, Han Seol spoke.

“I was wondering if you’re all right.”

The Ice Palace Master felt it—how much courage her daughter had mustered just to say those words. Even in the awkward atmosphere, their emotions reached one another clearly.

“Let’s have some tea.”

“I’ll make it today.”

Han Seol brewed the tea herself. The Ice Palace Master sat at the tea table and quietly watched her from behind. It was the first time her daughter had brewed her tea. Thanks to that, the gloom in her heart lightened a little.

“You’ve grown up.”

At those words, Han Seol’s hands, in the middle of pouring tea, paused for a moment. Geom Mugeuk’s words resurfaced in her mind.

—At our age, if they raised us, don’t you think it’s our duty as children to get them to say something like, ‘You’ve really grown’?

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

The two of them drank the tea in silence. It was less awkward than the first time.

“I’m fine.”

She truly was fine. Elder Seo’s betrayal didn’t come as anything special. She had already suspected him—that’s why she allowed the demons into the palace in the first place.

Because her mother wasn’t forcing herself to hide the pain, Han Seol felt relieved.

“I’m glad. Then I’ll get going.”

Just before the moment became awkward, she tried to rise.

“Wait just a moment.”

The Ice Palace Master stood up and brought out something she had prepared. It was a suit of protective armor.

“This is the Heavenly Palace Guard Armor. Wear it.”

The Heavenly Palace Guard Armor was a treasured heirloom passed down in the Northern Sea Ice Palace.

Han Seol, caught off guard by the unexpected armor, was even more moved by the gesture.

“If someone uses the Self-Annihilation Technique right before your eyes and you don’t even have time to dodge, trust in the Heavenly Palace Guard Armor and use the Northwind Ice Veil technique to shield only your face. That should help you avoid critical injuries.”

Han Seol could feel her mother’s concern reaching her. That was why her voice trembled slightly as she gave her farewell.

“I’ll respond just as you instructed. Then, I’ll be on my way.”

Han Seol left the Cult Leader’s Hall carrying the Heavenly Palace Guard Armor. She should have properly expressed her gratitude, but she had been so flustered, startled, and moved that she ended up leaving without saying it well.

The shift in their relationship made her happy—but also worried.

Even Elder Seo, whom they had known for so long, had betrayed her mother. People’s hearts changed so easily between the time they sat down and when they stood up again.

She was afraid of hurting her mother. Afraid of being hurt herself, she had spent too much of her life without considering the hearts of others.

*         *         *

Ha Gyeol stepped into the secret chamber that housed the water tank.

The carefully calculated chill that could only be felt in this space was present again today.

The Blood King remained submerged in the tank of blood. Once the one possessing the Extreme Cold Constitution arrived, the great art would be completed, and he would emerge from that place. Only two days remained now, and yet this was the news he had to deliver.

“Elder Seo is dead.”

At Ha Gyeol’s report, the Blood King’s eyes snapped open within the tank.

“He was killed by the Drunken Demon.”

Then came a low, deep rumble from within the blood.

“The Drunken Demon?”

The guards stationed there were blood warriors trained in the Self-Annihilation Technique, so he had assumed the Drunken Demon wouldn’t have survived either.

“The Drunken Demon is unharmed. The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult and the Ice Palace Master were present as well. Based on what we’ve gathered, it seems the three of them joined forces to block the Self-Annihilation Technique.”

The Blood King’s expression, submerged in blood, hardened with terrifying intensity.

It took an enormous amount of time and money to raise even a single blood warrior capable of using the Self-Annihilation Technique.

Moreover, Seo Nak had been carefully cultivated over a long period for the purpose of taking over the Ice Palace completely. The Blood King’s fury was more than justified.

The blood in the tank seemed to grow even colder.

And then, the Blood King slowly began to rise to the surface.

Chwaaahhh—

He emerged from the blood.

Blood poured down from his long outstretched arms and body. The blood energy radiating from his eyes was so intense, it was unbearable to look directly at him.

“I will not let the Drunken Demon live.”

Just as he was about to come out immediately—

Ha Gyeol dropped to the ground before the tank, bowing as if in worship.

“Please endure, Master!”

The Blood King’s movements paused. His cold gaze turned toward Ha Gyeol.

“You are on the verge of completing the great endeavor. Just endure two more days.”

Blood dripped down from the Blood King's body, falling in heavy drops.

Ha Gyeol knew. Even if only an hour remained, not two days, his master would never hold back. His master was a man of blood. That blood boiled like molten lava, and froze like a glacier.

“Please, just wait two more days. They still haven’t realized what we’re doing. Seo Nak was exposed during their hunt for the culprit who killed the Former Master Brewer of the Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard. Please, delay your vengeance until two days from now.”

Ha Gyeol earnestly pleaded with his master.

The Blood King looked down at Ha Gyeol without a word.

Chwaaaahhhh—

He sank back into the blood once again.

He said nothing, eyes closed. And now, with his fury built up from today as well, in two days’ time, the Drunken Demon would surely die.

Ha Gyeol hardened his gaze and showed his resolve.

“Even if I have to sacrifice everyone in the Northern Blood Gate, I’ll hold out for two days.”

*         *         *

After exiting the secret chamber, Ha Gyeol headed straight for Yang Seok’s residence.

Just as he was about to enter the building, Yang Seok was already waiting at the entrance.

“Where have you been this time?”

“I’m sorry. I was reporting to the Gate Master.”

Whenever he left his post, he always used the Gate Master as an excuse.

Yang Seok disliked that about him. It wasn’t just because he frequently left to meet with his father.

There was something strangely cautious in the way his father treated Ha Gyeol, and something oddly secretive between the two of them. Watching them together made him uneasy.

“It’s fine. I understand you.”

Yang Seok had now decided to change tactics.

“Here, take this in appreciation for all your hard work.”

He handed over an envelope. When Ha Gyeol opened it, he found three bills worth a hundred nyang each. It was quite a lot of money to be called a reward for hard work.

“I can’t accept this.”

“It’s a gesture of goodwill. Please take it.”

Yang Seok insisted, and in the end, Ha Gyeol accepted it with feigned reluctance.

Yang Seok intended to make Ha Gyeol his man—someone he could use to reverse-engineer his father’s thoughts and gain insight into his plans.

‘I should’ve done this sooner.’

As if there was anyone who didn’t like money. Yang Seok regretted it. He had let his emotions get the better of him, angry at his father for spying on him, and had failed to act logically. If his father gave one thousand nyang, he’d give two thousand.

“I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

“I will serve with unwavering loyalty.”

Just then, a subordinate arrived and reported that a guest had come.

“The Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace has arrived.”

“She’s already here?”

She had said she’d return, but he hadn’t expected her to come so soon.

“Did she bring anyone with her?”

“Yes, she came with a young man.”

Yang Seok instinctively realized that the young man was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. She had said she would return with the Young Cult Leader, after all. Rumor had it the Young Cult Leader was brazen and arrogant—she must truly be eager to resolve their conflict as soon as possible.

“Let’s go.”

Yang Seok took the lead. He was eager to see for himself what kind of person the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult really was.

Behind him, Ha Gyeol’s expression had hardened.

‘The Demonic Cult’s already here?’

Their movements were faster than expected. It hadn’t been long since Elder Seo was killed.

‘And they’re already targeting Young Master Yang?’

It was a sound move. He would have done the same.

Ha Gyeol, also curious about this swift-acting Young Cult Leader, quickened his steps to follow Yang Seok.

*         *         *

Han Seol waited in the guest hall with Geom Mugeuk.

Unlike her previous visit, they now had a concrete plan and strategy laid out.

Han Seol was someone who didn’t get nervous easily, no matter the situation, but today she felt nervous.

She looked over at Geom Mugeuk. He showed not even the slightest sign of tension.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Geom Mugeuk nodded slightly and asked in return,

“Do you know why you're so nervous?”

“Why is that?”

“Because you want to do too well.”

He was right. There was a definite desire to make the plan succeed through flawless acting.

“So what if you mess up a little? If I make a mistake, the Young Cult Leader over there will handle it. Just think like that. Then you won’t feel nervous at all.”

Even without consciously shifting her mindset, just hearing Geom Mugeuk’s words made Han Seol feel more at ease.

“A martial artist once said this: ‘You’ll never issue an order for someone to die.’ But if you don’t give that order, you’ll die. Even if it means the Demonic Cult falls—would you still not give that order?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled and looked at her.

“That’s right. I still wouldn’t. If I have to kill a subordinate who likes me that much just to survive—what’s the point in living? Same goes for the Cult. If the fate of the whole cult depends on the life or death of a single woman, then it deserves to fall.”

Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk, then turned her head toward the window to avoid his gaze.

“You’re full of it!”

I know. That’s why it bothers me even more.

Just then, the door opened and two people entered.

Ha Gyeol stood by the entrance, and Yang Seok walked up to them with a bright greeting.

“Young Palace Master, welcome.”

“I came again because I wanted to introduce someone important to you.”

She introduced Geom Mugeuk.

“This is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.”

Yang Seok offered a formal greeting.

“I’m Yang Seok of the Northern Blood Gate. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Geom Mugeuk.”

Yang Seok cautiously observed Geom Mugeuk.

He was the type who would ruthlessly beat down anyone who so much as brushed against him on the street, but in front of someone stronger than himself, he displayed courtesy and caution.

‘What the hell is with this guy?’

Geom Mugeuk was far younger and more handsome than Yang Seok had expected. He had imagined someone rough and brutish.

“I heard the Young Cult Leader is personally investigating the death of the Former Master Brewer of the Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard.”

“That case is already closed.”

“It’s closed?”

Yang Seok had yet to hear any news about it.

“The culprit was Elder Seo.”

“You don’t mean Elder Seo Nak, do you?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Yang Seok was shocked. But Geom Mugeuk could tell from his reaction—he truly hadn’t known. It revealed that the Gate Master of the Northern Blood Gate hadn’t shared all the information with his son.

“What happened to Elder Seo?”

“He’s dead.”

Yang Seok couldn’t believe it.

“If that were true, the entire Northern Sea would be in an uproar.”

Then why is everything so quiet?

“We’re not the type to do things while spreading rumors.”

Unable to believe Geom Mugeuk’s words, Yang Seok looked toward Han Seol. When he asked with his eyes whether it was true, she gave him a single nod.

With the revelation of Seo Nak’s death, Geom Mugeuk began carefully steering the atmosphere in his intended direction.

“Your younger brother was searching for someone with the Extreme Cold Constitution. Do you know why?”

Yang Seok hadn’t expected such a direct question, and he was caught off guard.

“I don’t know anything about that.”

“You’re quite a lucky man. Even while your younger brother was fighting for succession and doing who-knows-what, you still ended up the heir.”

Knowing it was a jab, Yang Seok’s expression stiffened, but Geom Mugeuk continued prodding him.

“Then again, you became the heir thanks to us.”

Suppressing his rising anger, Yang Seok spoke in a low voice.

“Whatever the reason, it was because of your cult’s demon that my younger brother died. And yet, this is how you treat me?”

Polite, but laced with accusation. You killed someone—how can you act like this?

“He died because of us?”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned cold.

“When we released him, he didn’t look like someone ready to die. He had a fierce will to live. But he committed suicide just because he was kidnapped? Doesn’t that seem strange to you?”

Geom Mugeuk stared at him, then asked flatly,

“Are you sure you didn’t kill him?”

The atmosphere instantly turned cold.

Han Seol intervened to stop him.

“There’s no evidence for that.”

“When tracking a killer, don’t you start with the person who benefited most from the death?”

“Even so, that’s not enough to condemn someone based on suspicion alone.”

Seeing Han Seol take his side in this tense moment naturally increased Yang Seok’s favor toward her.

All of it had been part of Geom Mugeuk’s plan from the beginning. He would play the aggressor, and Han Seol would defend.

Now, Geom Mugeuk moved on to the next step.

Geom Mugeuk began walking toward Ha Gyeol, who stood at the entrance of the guest hall.

He had witnessed Ha Gyeol use Blood Arts on a servant before—so he already knew Ha Gyeol was directly connected to the Blood King.

As Geom Mugeuk suddenly approached him, Ha Gyeol quietly drew up his internal energy. He had observed Geom Mugeuk from a distance, but still couldn’t get a solid read on him. Surely, he wasn’t strong enough to overwhelm him—yet there was something strange about him that Ha Gyeol couldn’t shake.

Geom Mugeuk came right up to him and asked,

“What’s your name?”

“Ha Gyeol.”

Geom Mugeuk stared at him for a moment.

“You reek of blood.”

Did he recognize me? Ha Gyeol tensed up, ready to strike at any moment.

“You were a wanderer before becoming a guard, weren’t you?”

At that question, Ha Gyeol relaxed slightly. The remark about the blood scent wasn’t from recognizing the Blood Arts—it was that he didn’t look like a typical bodyguard.

“I really like guards and wanderers out of all kinds of martial artists. You happen to be both.”

“Thank you for the kind words.”

While Geom Mugeuk was distracting Ha Gyeol, Han Seol proceeded with the most critical part of today’s plan.

With a small sigh, she sent a sound transmission to Yang Seok.

—I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him.

The words sounded as though she were saying: I thought you’d be able to handle that Young Cult Leader from the Demonic Cult, but it seems even you can’t help it.

Yang Seok’s pride took a hit. But he couldn’t very well lash out at the Young Cult Leader or demand a duel.

As frustration swirled in him, Han Seol carefully sent another message.

—I’ve debated over and over whether I should tell you this…

—What is it?

—I overheard something between the Young Cult Leader and the Drunken Demon.

Because she had defended him earlier, Yang Seok’s unconscious mind now aligned her as being on his side.

—Tell me.

Still, Han Seol hesitated.

—It’s fine. Please, just say it.

After one last moment of apparent hesitation, Han Seol cautiously revealed it.

—Please don’t be too shocked when you hear this.

But the words that followed were ones Yang Seok simply couldn’t hear without being shocked.

—According to what I overheard, your father is considering someone else—not you—as the next successor of the Northern Blood Gate.

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

—They also said the purpose behind seeking someone with the Extreme Cold Constitution was tied to this new successor.

With a mix of truths and lies tangled together, Yang Seok found himself thrown into confusion.

He couldn’t outright reject it as nonsense. After all, he had killed his own brother right in front of their father. And their father hadn’t tried to stop it. That’s the kind of household they were.

—Did they say who it is?

Han Seol’s gaze slowly turned toward the entrance of the guest hall. That man, currently being cornered and questioned by Geom Mugeuk.

—They said it was Ha Gyeol.