Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Following Yeo Jeonghye’s instructions, Youngho and his group first headed toward the Murim Alliance.

Youngho stared ahead with a bored expression and spoke.

“Do we really have to go now?”

Yeo Jeonghye looked at him as though she were watching a childish brat.

“The Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance said that if you don’t want to see me explode in frustration, you should resolve it quickly.”

“Then I guess I don’t have to resolve it quickly?”

“If Fifth Young Master says that, I was told to inform you that it is the Lord of the Unorthodox Alliance’s command, and that when you return to the Unorthodox Alliance, you will have to serve as a sparring partner.”

“……Just let it slide this once.”

“That’s not possible.”

“How much do you want?”

“This matter involves personal feelings, so I can’t grant absolution with money this time.”

“……Isn’t it usually the other way around?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

Yeo Jeonghye hummed to herself, clearly delighted that she had managed to land a blow on Youngho for once.

Youngho groaned and turned to Kang Hosan.

“Hosan. We’ll rest a bit before moving.”

“Yes.”

Yeo Jeonghye did not stop him. If he had been alone, it would have been one thing, but he was currently leading injured men.

When Kang Hosan loudly announced a break to the Asura Squad, the members let out sighs and collapsed where they stood.

“Ah! My whole body aches!”

“You’re whining about aching just because you got punched in the face?”

“What are you talking about? You puked after getting hit in the stomach.”

“You bastards, I had a hole punched through my abdomen. And you’re bawling over a mere fist?”

“What did you just say, you bastard?”

“Shut up and rest.”

“Yes!”

At Youngho’s single word, the Asura Squad members immediately began circulating their qi.

Youngho also sat on a rock and said,

“We’ll move a little slower. We were supposed to depart two days later anyway.”

“Then why are you bringing the Asura Squad at all?”

“In case we end up fighting.”

“It’s hard to believe that from someone who tried to stop the Orthodox–Demonic War last time.”

“That was because I wasn’t sure we could stop it even if we gave it everything.”

“And now you can stop it no matter what?”

“Of course.”

“Ha…… Very well. We’ll depart in two quarter-hours.”

“Half a shijin.”

“……Understood.”

That was fortunate enough. Yeo Jeonghye had expected at least one shijin of rest, but Youngho had become more considerate compared to the past.

“I’m not being considerate.”

‘Mind-reading?!’

“Sorry, but to me, you look like someone who keeps leaking your emotions everywhere.”

“…….”

Yeo Jeonghye said nothing more, and at last, Youngho’s group arrived at the Murim Alliance.

“Halt!”

Youngho searched for the entrance to enter the Murim Alliance. As expected, a gatekeeper stepped forward to block him.

“State your name and affiliation.”

“Youngho, Unorthodox Alliance.”

“Youngho, Unorthodox……?”

The gatekeeper’s complexion first turned pale, then bluish, and finally dark as death.

Forcing his voice up from deep within his dantian, the gatekeeper spoke.

“Mad Black Sword Ghost?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“What brings you here…?”

“You were the ones who sought me out first.”

The gatekeeper repeatedly swallowed dryly as he glanced at the Asura Squad behind Youngho, who were radiating a vicious aura.

“Ah, they got into a brawl near the Mount Hua Sect recently, so they’re a bit sensitive. Some of them nearly died.”

“You don’t mean… you encountered the Mount Hua Sect in Shaanxi?”

“That’s right.”

Anyone hearing that would misunderstand. Yet it was not entirely false.

He had indeed encountered Mount Hua, but they had not fought them—they had fought the Demonic Cult.

They had been injured, but not by Mount Hua—rather, by the Demonic Cult.

However, the gatekeeper, unaware of the full circumstances, could only think his life was forfeit.

If they had fought Mount Hua, then a mere gatekeeper like himself would surely be regarded as beneath notice.

As the gatekeeper seemed on the verge of fainting, Youngho let out a faint chuckle.

“I can go in, right? I already received permission from the Murim Alliance Leader.”

The gatekeeper could only nod blankly.

Youngho gave his shoulder a couple of light pats as a gesture of appreciation and entered.

Muyeon watched the gatekeeper with pitying eyes.

‘That guy really has a nasty sense of humor.’

It was fortunate that the gatekeeper’s mental fortitude was strong. Once more, she keenly felt the weight of Youngho’s title—Mad Black Sword Ghost.

Upon entering, Youngho sensed countless gazes turning toward him.

Clicking his tongue, he said,

“Stop lurking in the shadows and come out. I need a guide to show me where the Murim Alliance Leader is.”

There were an enormous number of martial artists within the Murim Alliance. And though this was supposedly the heart of the Orthodox Sect, a surprising number of assassins loitered near Youngho.

However, Youngho’s gaze was fixed on a single spot.

At that moment, wind suddenly began to blow before him. It was fierce enough to make anyone blink, yet Youngho continued staring straight ahead.

Soon, a man appeared before him, cupped his fist in greeting, and spoke.

“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time. Mad Black Sword Ghost, I am Gojeong.”

“Gojeong…….”

Youngho looked at the green spear strapped to his back and said,

“Could it be Flowing Wind Spear?”

“Flowing Wind Spear!”

At that moment, Jongpal widened his eyes in shock.

Gojeong smiled benevolently, clearly pleased that someone recognized him.

“I did not expect Mad Black Sword Ghost to know my title.”

Youngho let out a faint laugh.

“How could I not? After all, you are one of the Ten Great Masters Under Heaven.”

At once, the Asura Squad began murmuring among themselves.

“One of the Ten Great Masters Under Heaven?”

“I think I’ve heard of him! They said to beware the owner of the green spear as steadfast as a pine tree!”

“But was there really one of the Ten Great Masters Under Heaven in the Murim Alliance?”

“Ahem!”

When Horyeung cleared his throat once, the murmuring ceased in an instant.

Of course, the Asura Squad members made no sound—they were already conversing through Voice Transmission.

Youngho looked at Gojeong with an intrigued smile.

“The rumors severely underestimated you. At this level…….”

“I apologize for interrupting, but the Murim Alliance Leader wishes to see you at once.”

“Do I have to go alone?”

“If you wish, a few may accompany you.”

“Alright.”

Youngho decided to take Horyeung, Muyeon, Kang Hosan, and the siblings Kang Chowon with him.

“Hyeon-gang. Keep the brats safe.”

“I’m the one who needs protection, though?”

“You’re a physician. Don’t tell me you can’t even protect your patients.”

“Sigh… Understood.”

“Good.”

Once preparations were complete, Gojeong led Youngho’s group to the Murim Alliance Leader, while the Murim Alliance members escorted the Asura Squad elsewhere.

Youngho sent a Voice Transmission to Muyeon.

–Memorize everything inside the building. They must have prepared a formation.

–I know.

Muyeon’s eyes were already sweeping over even the faintest water stains on the walls.

Standing before the door, Gojeong spoke.

“Mad Black Sword Ghost has arrived.”

“Enter.”

At those words, the door opened on its own, even though Gojeong had not pushed it.

Sensing the killing intent emanating from within the room, Youngho whistled lightly.

“This is quite the welcome. Hard to believe this aura is meant for a mere Junior Disciple.”

“You insolent brat!”

As Peng Dokpyeong rose from his seat and shouted, Hwangbo Ranghyeon immediately moved to calm him.

In truth, Peng Dokpyeong’s reaction was only natural. The others were merely maintaining composure for the sake of their status as Clan Heads or Sect Leaders.

Knowing this, Youngho could only laugh.

He casually pulled out a chair and sat down.

“So, what was the reason for summoning me here?”

Han Yonghu’s eyes widened briefly at Youngho’s uncharacteristic tone, but he soon resumed his impassive expression.

‘There must be some circumstance.’

Otherwise, that clever boy would not provoke them without cause.

With an indifferent look, Youngho addressed him.

“Murim Alliance Leader, I don’t have much time. Shall we get to the point?”

“So be it.”

“H-How dare you!”

Youngho turned toward the man pointing a finger at him.

“Peng Clan, is it? Well, the Peng Clan is famous for its foul temper.”

“What did you say?!”

As Peng Dokpyeong seemed ready to leap forward, Hwangbo Ranghyeon looked at Youngho with an awkward expression.

“My apologies. He is quite agitated at the moment.”

“Don’t stop me! Today I will avenge Soye!”

“Your daughter must have been injured. Was it severe? It wasn’t my doing, so I have no concern, but I’ll offer my regards.”

“Because of you, a crack marred Soye’s jade-like skin! Pay for this humiliation with your life!”

At that, everyone except Youngho wore awkward expressions.

“Wasn’t it just a scratch from a blade, Master?”

“No, Brother. They said there was an explosion. It was probably debris from the pavilion.”

“Surely the Peng Clan Head isn’t this enraged over something like that?”

Muyeon nodded as though it were entirely plausible.

“Peng Dokpyeong is exactly that kind of man. He dotes on his daughter excessively.”

They had whispered softly, believing it unheard, but unfortunately for them, everyone present was a master of the Transformation Realm.

Whether they wished to or not, they heard every word.

Peng Dokpyeong’s face flushed red as if it would burst.

“I’ll grind you to death!”

Shiver—!

In that instant, Peng Dokpyeong felt as though a razor-sharp blade had been placed at his throat.

No matter how seasoned a martial artist was, anyone would tense if a sword stood before their eyes.

Even more so if it was wielded by someone far stronger.

Peng Dokpyeong instinctively stepped back.

A chilling sensation crawled up his spine, and cold sweat streamed down his back.

He immediately looked toward Youngho.

Yet Youngho remained seated in his place, unmoving, while the others regarded Peng Dokpyeong with peculiar expressions.

Some even seemed to mock him, but Peng Dokpyeong noticed none of it.

He had no such composure to spare.

With a trembling voice, he spoke.

“Y-You did that?”

“Did what?”

“No… That was a foolish question. It must have been you.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

After a low groan, Peng Dokpyeong said,

“My apologies. I was too agitated just now.”

When Peng Dokpyeong suddenly apologized, Hwangbo Ranghyeon was startled.

He prided himself on knowing Peng Dokpyeong well, having been close friends for years.

Never once had Peng Dokpyeong bowed his head before anyone.

‘What did he do?’

Hwangbo Ranghyeon stared at Youngho with suspicion, but Youngho lightly ignored the gaze.

“After spending so much time with the Orthodox Sect lately, I’ve been seeing all sorts of unpleasant sights.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Are you aware that the Demonic Cult sent ten absolute-level masters to Shaanxi?”

Bang!

Just as Myeongjeong was about to shut Youngho up, Han Yonghu shot to his feet so forcefully that his chair toppled backward.

“What did you say?”

“Exactly as I said. Not quite at your level, Murim Alliance Leader, but I encountered ten demonic practitioners in Shaanxi who were far stronger than the Plum Blossom Sword Queen of Mount Hua.”

Han Yonghu’s blazing gaze turned toward Myeongjeong.

Myeongjeong had only told those present that Youngho had been in Shaanxi—he had not mentioned the Demonic Cult at all.

“Is this true, Sect Leader?”

Sweat beading on his brow, Myeongjeong nodded.

“Hah!”

Han Yonghu exhaled in disbelief.

Though not fully, he knew Youngho’s temperament to some degree.

Thus, he deduced that Youngho must have thwarted the Demonic Cult’s scheme. And beyond that……

‘Mount Hua must have committed a grave offense against Youngho.’

It was absurd. A faint laugh escaped him involuntarily.

Youngho raised one corner of his lips.

“One side curses me after I helped them, and the other calls me the culprit without even knowing the full circumstances.”

With cold eyes, he met Han Yonghu’s gaze.

“Murim Alliance Leader, I am not my Master.”

Gulp.

At those words, Han Yonghu swallowed dryly. A frigid aura, like the blade winds of the Northern Sea, emanated from Youngho’s entire body, cold enough to freeze one to the bone.