Chapter 433 : Birthday Banquet (1)

Chapter 433: Birthday Banquet (1)

Gwan Changgi always had high expectations whenever Eum Sajeok brought him a gift, because he had never once been disappointed.

He was used to receiving rare and high-priced presents from him, so it was only natural to expect something exceptional.

At times, the Third Young Master would bring him something he truly needed, as if he could read his mind.

Knowing Eum Sajeok’s cleverness, Gwan Changgi held him in great affection.

To know what someone truly needed, one had to observe their words and actions carefully and pay attention to even the most mundane aspects of their life.

Eum Sajeok’s perceptiveness in that regard was unmatched by any of the other disciples.

Gwan Changgi believed this quality alone made him someone who, even if he could not become the top, could always rise to second place no matter where he went.

“Come in.”

The Demonic Master spoke as he looked at the Second Master seated on the Throne Mat.

“Happy birthday, Master. This is a gift I have prepared.”

With that, he held out a long wooden case.

Though the wooden case might appear cheap at first glance, the Third Young Master had never once given a disappointing gift, so he didn’t expect anything shabby.

Click!

As Gwan Changgi opened the wooden case and saw the scroll inside, his curiosity was piqued.

“Let’s take a look, shall we? Seems like a painting.”

Paintings were more of Il Taegong Ok Ilhwa’s interest—Gwan Changgi didn’t care much for them.

But since it was a gift from the always-impressive Third Young Master, his curiosity was naturally stirred.

As he unrolled the scroll and examined the painting, Gwan Changgi’s face shifted to one of astonishment.

“Isn’t this Jo Chun-do by Gwak Hui? Is it genuine?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Hohoho!”

Even though he wasn’t interested in paintings, Gwan Changgi could still recognize a valuable piece. He was surprised by its rarity—then, all of a sudden, an idea clicked perfectly into place in his mind.

‘Il Taegong loves paintings and has occasionally mentioned this Jo Chun-do. If I use this as bait to lure him in, then catch him off guard and strike with the Thousand Blood Dagger… the ambush will succeed.’

Il Taegong, above all else, had a tendency to become utterly absorbed when viewing art.

He would undoubtedly become entranced by Jo Chun-do, and if struck at that moment, there was no way he could block the Thousand Blood Dagger. Gwan Changgi’s calculation was precise.

It almost felt like the heavens were urging him to kill Il Taegong—his whole body trembled with chills.

“You should’ve given this to your First Master who enjoys paintings. Why bring it to me?”

“I recently came across it and thought it would make a fine birthday gift. And as you know, Master, you are my true teacher. How could I offer something this precious to First Master while excluding you? All three of my masters have taught me martial arts, but only you have passed on a supreme technique to me. Naturally, something this valuable should be yours.”

He was referring to Gwan Changgi having passed on his sect’s secret technique, the Dark Ice Yin Art.

“Hohoho, among my disciples, you alone understand proper conduct!”

Gwan Changgi nodded with great satisfaction.

He even called him “Jeok-ah,” using a friendly tone. That’s how pleased he was in this moment.

“Do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it!”

Seeing into Gwan Changgi’s heart, Eum Sajeok smiled faintly.

But to Gwan Changgi, it appeared as a smile born from joy at his master’s happiness. He found it endearing.

“You’ll soon come to realize that following me is the best choice you could’ve made. Now go on. I must take time to admire this painting.”

Throwing a word of praise to the clever Eum Sajeok, he issued a gentle dismissal.

As the Demonic Master exited Gwan Changgi’s residence, he felt a massive storm was about to sweep through the Heavenly Demon Sect.

In truth, Gwan Changgi’s desire for a quiet birthday celebration stemmed from a decision he had made—to eliminate Il Taegong.

For his birthday banquet, he invited only Il Taegong, the Great Young Master Ok Girin, First Young Master Yang Gwak, and Third Young Master Eum Sajeok.

It was the perfect opportunity to eliminate both Il Taegong and the Great Young Master.

Il Taegong had no choice but to accept the invitation to Gwan Changgi’s birthday banquet.

Feeling uneasy about heading alone to Gwan Changgi’s residence, Great Young Master Ok Girin said,

“Father, it seems too dangerous for just the two of us to go to Gwan Changgi’s place.”

“I’ve gone there alone on occasion. We’re simply having a birthday meal.”

“I’ve received intel that Gwan Changgi’s recent actions have been unusual.”

“He’s been holed up in his residence. What’s so unusual about that?”

Il Taegong also received regular reports about Gwan Changgi’s movements but didn’t feel the level of concern his son did.

“Gwan Changgi is known for his cautious and secretive nature. Isn’t it strange that he canceled the birthday banquet and only invited us?”

Il Taegong burst into hearty laughter at his son’s words.

“My son, Gwan Changgi may be ambitious, but he lacks decisiveness. That’s why he’s lived as my second-in-command all these years. Such a man doesn’t act recklessly. He won’t make a move unless it’s perfect. There’s no need to worry. Once you become the heir, we’ll isolate him within the sect. You needn’t concern yourself. I’ve already made all the necessary plans.”

At his father’s reassurance, Ok Girin let out a sigh of relief.

With the death of the Third Taegong, Gwan Changgi was the most obstructive force remaining in his path.

However, with his father present, he was confident Gwan Changgi wouldn’t act rashly, and so he relaxed.

“Still, wouldn’t it be better to bring guards?”

“If I brought guards, it would only signal that I was wary of him, which wouldn’t be ideal. Besides, it’s poor form to attend a birthday banquet with an escort. He used to come alone to my birthday gatherings too, leaving his personal guards behind.”

Though he voiced concern, Ok Girin didn’t believe Gwan Changgi was plotting something during such a time.

He merely wanted to stay cautious, just in case—like the saying goes, ‘even a thousand thoughts can contain one mistake.’

“I understand.”

Soon, the two arrived at Gwan Changgi’s pavilion.

Gwan Changgi had already come out to greet Il Taegong.

“Welcome.”

Il Taegong noted that the bodyguards who normally hid in the residence were absent, and he nodded approvingly.

It was a gesture of consideration—Gwan Changgi had dismissed all the guards stationed in his pavilion.

It wasn’t surprising—this was how it always was when he came to visit.

“Now then, happy birthday.”

When Ok Ilhwa called Gwan Changgi his younger brother, Gwan Changgi smiled and responded.

“Elder Brother, please come in. I’m always grateful that you remember this junior’s birthday.”

As Gwan Changgi bowed, Yang Gwak, who had been standing behind him, stepped forward.

“I greet you, First Master.”

Eum Sajeok also bowed his head after Yang Gwak paid his respects.

“I hope you’ve been well, sir.”

Seeing Eum Sajeok still treating Il Taegong with respect, the Great Young Master smiled faintly.

The Great Young Master already considered Eum Sajeok fully his own man.

Even after entering the Heavenly Demon Sect, Eum Sajeok would occasionally provide information on Yang Gwak and assist him, earning complete trust.

Gwan Changgi led the group to the banquet table.

“Now, this is your elder brother’s gift.”

Ok Ilhwa offered his present.

“Thank you, Elder Brother.”

He presented a golden turtle as he spoke.

“From now on, may you live a long life without mishap. One must abandon greed to live long—do not overreach any further.”

Gwan Changgi bowed his head and replied,

“Understood, Elder Brother. This junior has no greed, so I will likely live a long life.”

Even in this moment, as Il Taegong disguised his intent beneath words of goodwill, Gwan Changgi scoffed inwardly.

‘Hmph, did you think I’d always be cleaning up your messes? Today is your funeral day.’

The Three Taegong of the Heavenly Demon Sect were all descendants of elders, and they had been rivals for a long time.

Despite the rivalry, Ok Ilhwa had risen to become the Supreme Leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect but established the Three Taegong title and placed Gwan Changgi and Lee Kangmin beneath him.

Normally, a Supreme Leader might eliminate such potential threats or strip them of power within the sect, but he embraced them both.

It was a strategy to strengthen the overall power of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Through a system of competition, he sought to elevate the sect’s strength and raise outstanding successors through shared discipleship.

Thus, while they addressed each other as sworn brothers, rivalry still simmered deep in their hearts.

Even when one of the Three Taegong died, they felt little sorrow, and the constant vigilance between them stemmed from that same reason.

As Gwan Changgi looked at the golden turtle, he suddenly seemed to remember something and placed the gifts from Yang Gwak and Eum Sajeok on the table.

“Elder Brother. These are gifts from the disciples, but I believe they would suit you better than me.”

When he pulled out the scroll, Ok Ilhwa politely refused.

“What are you saying? How can you offer me your own birthday gift?”

“It simply doesn’t suit this junior. It’s a painting—one from the Song Dynasty, at that.”

“Is that so?”

The mention of a painting piqued Ok Ilhwa’s interest.

Chwarururuk!

As Eum Sajeok unrolled the scroll, he nearly held his breath.

It was to avoid inhaling the powdered Dragon Bone hidden in the painting.

As Jo Chun-do by Gwak Hui unfolded before their eyes, Ok Ilhwa’s eyes widened in awe and admiration.

“Oh! Isn’t this Jo Chun-do? Who brought this precious piece?”

With a pleased smile, Gwan Changgi replied,

“The Third Young Master brought it.”

“Sajeok did?”

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

Ok Ilhwa shot Eum Sajeok a reproachful glance for not having brought it to him personally, then returned his gaze to the painting.

“Hoho! The painting still overflows with vitality. It’s been well-preserved.”

As Ok Ilhwa gazed intently at the artwork, Gwan Changgi quietly said,

“Elder Brother. This is something Yang Gwak brought—you should take a look.”

As he opened the ivory box, he glanced subtly at Ok Ilhwa’s reaction.

Still completely absorbed in the painting, Ok Ilhwa remained unaware.

‘This is it!’

It was the first time Gwan Changgi had seen Ok Ilhwa so unguarded in front of him.

He was always cautious around Gwan Changgi, never letting down his guard, but now, captivated by Jo Chun-do, he had let his attention wander—there would be no better opportunity.

“This is extremely valuable.”

As he reached for the Thousand Blood Dagger, Ok Girin grew wary and called to his father.

“Father, Lord Gwan is holding something precious—it looks dangerous.”

Though his son warned him, Ok Ilhwa didn’t even turn his head.

At that moment, Gwan Changgi gripped the Thousand Blood Dagger and stabbed Ok Ilhwa in the side.

Thwack!

The dagger lodged itself into Ok Ilhwa’s side.

“Urgh!”

Even though he was distracted, Ok Ilhwa had maintained his Protective Energy just in case—after all, this was Gwan Changgi’s residence, and essentially enemy territory.

Still, the cold sting of metal sinking into his side shocked him.

“You bastard!”

Ok Ilhwa pulled out the Thousand Blood Dagger and counterattacked Gwan Changgi as he moved in for another strike.

Thud!

But the dagger pierced straight through Ok Ilhwa’s qi-infused hand.

“Ah!”

With Ok Ilhwa’s right hand skewered, Gwan Changgi brought the dagger down in one swift motion.

Riiip!

Like tearing cloth, Ok Ilhwa’s right arm was split from palm to elbow.

At the blade’s terrifying sharpness, Ok Ilhwa leapt backward.

“Cowardly wretch!”

The Great Young Master, Ok Girin, sent a burst of energy as he struck toward Gwan Changgi’s chest.

But just then, Yang Gwak abruptly rose and struck the Great Young Master’s back.

Thwack!

Struck from behind so suddenly, the Great Young Master couldn’t defend in time and was sent crashing forward.