Chapter 031 : Moyong
The Heavenly Demon, Hyeokryeon Hwi, recalled Hyeokryeon Yeom who had readily said he would leave without even raising a question at the command to leave for the Ice Palace.
“Did he really say it was a wedding gift?”
“I mentioned it because I thought it would be good if it were a wedding gift. It seems they haven't reached that stage yet.”
“I will deduct the cost of the teacup from the Strategist’s monthly salary.”
At those words, Sa Ma-ui smiled bitterly.
He had spoken once to lighten the serious atmosphere, but he couldn't even recover his principal.
“Right, did he say Yeom is doing well?”
“Yes. It seems the Ice Palace Lord trusts him quite a bit. He said he entrusted him with the squad that escorts the Young Palace Head.”
“The scoundrel Third Young Master operating a squad.”
“I had many worries, but it seems they were groundless.”
“What does the Strategist think?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean what do you think about the fact that Yeom, who lived as a scoundrel, was living normally as soon as he went to the Ice Palace.”
“Wouldn't it be one of two things?”
Either his appearance at Our Cult was entirely fabricated, or due to some opportunity, he was able to spread his wings at the Ice Palace.
It was the opinion of the Strategist, Sa Ma-ui.
“Which probability looks higher between the former and the latter?”
“Well… It is the former.”
Hyeokryeon Yeom absolutely must not reveal his prominence within the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
Sa Ma-ui was clearly aware of that reason.
Knock knock knock-
“Cult Leader. Young Master Hyeokryeon Geuk has visited.”
‘…Geuk?’
The eyes of the Heavenly Demon, Hyeokryeon Hwi, settled coldly.
“Come in.”
As the door to the Cult Leader’s Hall opened, a heavy demonic qi covered the corridor in an instant.
From the center of that energy, a man with a frame like a mountain slowly entered.
It was the Heavenly Demon’s eldest son, Hyeokryeon Geuk.
“It has been a long time, Cult Leader.”
As befitting a man predicted to be the next Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, demonic qi spread out every time Hyeokryeon Geuk took a step.
No warmth could be felt at all in those cold eyes.
The eyes of the Heavenly Demon, Hyeokryeon Hwi, who was watching that figure, slowly cooled down.
It was because the image of the third son, Hyeokryeon Yeom, who contrasted clearly with this guy, shimmered before him.
That contrast, rather, made Hyeokryeon Hwi’s heart turn cold.
‘To survive… has he been deceiving the world all this time?’
Hyeokryeon Geuk is a child with great ambition.
If the second or third son had revealed their prominence from a young age, he would have tried to trample them before the bud could even grow.
“It has been a long time. What is the matter?”
“I stopped by because I heard the news that a gift arrived from the Ice Palace. I was also curious about the current situation of Yeom who left for the Ice Palace. Does it say Yeom is doing well at the Ice Palace?”
Outwardly, he looked like a desirable older brother looking after his younger brother to anyone who saw.
However, Hyeokryeon Hwi noticed Hyeokryeon Geuk’s intention.
‘Is there no spy planted by Hyeokryeon Geuk in the Ice Palace?’
In Hyeokryeon Hwi’s eyes, it seemed the reason Hyeokryeon Geuk visited the Cult Leader’s Hall was to acquire information regarding Hyeokryeon Yeom.
Currently, there is only one thing Hyeokryeon Geuk wants.
‘Geuk probably hopes I will formally invest him as the Young Cult Leader.’
But the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Cult Leader, Hyeokryeon Hwi, was not unaware that that moment would be the moment of ruin.
Tssst-
The demonic qi wrapping Hyeokryeon Geuk’s whole body rippled like waves.
It is the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
The demonic qi emitted by the Heavenly Demon Divine Art predates upon other energies.
Evidence that he has already learned the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, which is passed down only to the Cult Leader’s direct heir, up to eight stars.
A martial art that could not be taught to the third son Hyeokryeon Yeom and the second son Hyeokryeon Mu.
So Hyeokryeon Mu and Hyeokryeon Yeom could not learn the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
‘If time passes like this…….’
It was clear that Hyeokryeon Geuk would complete the Heavenly Demon Divine Art to twelve stars and become the strongest Heavenly Demon among the successive Cult Leaders.
And if that happens.
‘He will try to erase the second and third sons from the world.’
Hyeokryeon Geuk was a guy who would do that and more.
“Well, this gift is also a formal gift exchange, so I do not know well.”
Therefore, he speaks a lie.
“Is that so? He should please stay quiet in the Ice Palace, though.”
“Since he will marry the Young Palace Head anyway, Yeom is no longer a person of Our Cult.”
If only that happens, wouldn't Hyeokryeon Geuk also let Hyeokryeon Yeom live?
“Has the wedding date been set?”
“Not yet.”
“Oh, that is fortunate. Because I couldn't give a single gift to my younger brother before he underwent the wedding ceremony.”
“A gift?”
At Hyeokryeon Hwi’s question, Hyeokryeon Geuk answered while smiling.
“Yes, as the eldest brother, shouldn't I fulfill the duty of a brother? Isn't that so, Strategist?”
Sa Ma-ui glanced at Hyeokryeon Hwi and then spoke.
“Yes, there wouldn't be a problem with just fulfilling a duty, but…….”
“The Strategist says so, but I am curious what the Cult Leader’s thoughts are.”
At the appearance of Hyeokryeon Geuk wearing a smile all over his face, Hyeokryeon Hwi’s eyebrows twitched.
Hyeokryeon Hwi did not like the way Our Cult was running recently.
It is because a significant number of forces of Our Cult are gradually passing into Hyeokryeon Geuk’s hands.
Even if that were so.
The attitude Hyeokryeon Geuk is showing right now,
“…Geuk, your attitude has been arrogant since a while ago.”
It was not an attitude to show to the Cult Leader.
Hyeokryeon Hwi released his energy and began to crush Hyeokryeon Geuk.
Ku-o-o-
Flinch.
At this, Hyeokryeon Geuk’s knees trembled for a moment, but he soon endured it and maintained the smile he had forced.
Seeing that appearance, Hyeokryeon Hwi’s expression hardened.
‘Does this mean he has grown this much already.’
Although it is said he cannot exert as much power as before due to an injury suffered in the past, he did not think Hyeokryeon Hwi would endure it.
The fact that he has climbed to a level to endure this momentum means his growth rate is faster than what Hyeokryeon Hwi anticipates.
Soon, Hyeokryeon Hwi released his momentum.
“Well, fine. Try doing as you wish.”
As if he had waited for those words, Hyeokryeon Geuk maintained his smiling face and took a clasped hands greeting as he continued his words.
“Yes, then I should convey the Cult Leader’s will to Yeom and the Ice Palace Lord, right?”
“What does that…….”
“I want to send a return gift. I would appreciate it if you would permit it.”
Hyeokryeon Hwi’s eyes flashed at Hyeokryeon Geuk’s answer.
He had been aiming for this from the beginning.
Hyeokryeon Hwi could not find a justification to refuse Hyeokryeon Geuk’s proposal.
***
Days of training with Seol Ye-rin continued to find clues about the Extreme Yin Body.
I, Hyeokryeon Yeom, practiced the Sword Venerable’s Snow Wind Sword.
Seol Ye-rin practiced the Demon Queen’s Cold Snow Secret Realm.
While the two of us were immersed in mastering martial arts, time began to flow like running water.
I had left the task of grasping the movements of the Elders to the Small Snow Squad for the sake of ferreting out the traitor.
However, after I visited the Council of Elders, the Elders stayed indoors and did not move.
Then one day.
“Go to Liaoning Province."
It was the news that a merchant from the merchant guild for the Cold Iron transaction mentioned last time is visiting the North Sea.
Although we swept away most of the horse bandits, remnants must still remain.
Bringing the merchant safely to the Ice Palace avoiding their eyes.
That was the instruction of the Ice Palace Lord, Seol Baek-ho.
“I will go too.”
The Young Palace Head, Seol Ye-rin, also declared she would go out of the Ice Palace at the fact that I was heading to Liaoning Province.
“Right, go and come back.”
“Even if Father opposes… Pardon?”
She thought Seol Baek-ho would naturally refuse Seol Ye-rin’s request.
It was an easy permission to the point Seol Ye-rin tilted her head.
“Is it… okay even if I go?”
“Of course. Wouldn't the Small Snow Squad Captain take responsibility.”
Grin.
The expression of the smiling Seol Baek-ho contained the meaning that if the Young Palace Head, Seol Ye-rin, were to get hurt even a little, he would break my legs.
“We will return safely.”
“Right. Go and come back.”
After receiving permission thoroughly, I headed to Liaoning Province with the Small Snow Squad.
Since it’s going out for an outing outside the Ice Palace after a long time.
Even more, since we came close to the Central Plains this time, Seol Ye-rin did not show it, but she seemed quite excited.
“Have you heard who we have to bring?”
“I received the portrait and personal information from the General Manager.”
It was quickly proven who General Manager Seol Su-hyeok trusted most in the Small Snow Squad.
We began to hear Wi Ji-yeong’s explanation while moving.
“First, the ones we have to bring are the Moyong Clan merchant guild Leader’s son and his escort. Two people.”
“Only two people?”
“Persuading those two to sell the Cold Iron as expensively as possible is the second mission.”
“Even the Cold Iron sales… we have to do it?”
“Yes, Young Master. And one more thing remains.”
“What is it?”
“The Moyong Clan merchant guild is a guild operated by the Moyong Clan. Since it is also a sect belonging to the Five Great Clans among the Orthodox sects, he said it would be good to inform them of the Ice Palace’s robustness as well.”
The moment I recalled why we have to inform the Moyong Clan of the Ice Palace’s robustness,
‘Certainly…….’
Memories of my past life began to emerge one by one.
‘The Five Great Clans.’
Among them, if it’s the Moyong Clan, it is a martial family but a family that became more famous for its merchant guild than its martial arts.
Because the one who came to be called the Merchant King was produced from the Moyong Clan.
‘Since when did the Moyong Clan’s Merchant King start being called the Merchant King?’
I didn't remember the details.
Anyway, there was no one who didn't know that the Ice Palace’s long-standing cherished desire is to prepare a base in a warm place.
In other words, the place the Ice Palace wants to establish a base is precisely the Central Plains.
And in order to migrate to the Central Plains.
‘Massive money and massive authority and power would be needed.’
However, the Central Plains Murim of the current era would not be able to view the Ice Palace that way.
The disconnection due to the horse bandits would be the biggest factor.
And also because it has been a long time since the martial artists of the Ice Palace haven't roamed about the Central Plains.
-Kneuk kneuk, how did the Ice Palace become like this?
-Why are you being like this?
-Back in my day, if I appeared in the Jianghu, the Jianghu people trembled in fear.
-Oh my, that is exactly the same as me.
-Then it seems the problems started to arise from when problems arose with the Ice Crystal.
Listening to the conversation of the Martial Gods, it seems the Ice Palace also had a glory of the past.
Now I had to recreate that glory of the past.
“Everyone confirmed the three things to keep in mind, right?”
“We confirmed it but… are we leaving right away like this now?”
As I nodded my head with an indifferent expression, Baek Mu-yong muttered.
“I was wondering in which era we would get to Liaoning Province again.”
Certainly, the distance is far.
“How long would it take if we go by movement arts?"
-Kneuk kneuk, you should cover it in two days.
-If it’s this number of people, three days?
Combining the words of the Sword Venerable and the Demon Queen, it means it takes two to three days to get to Liaoning Province by movement arts.
“I will pack food ingredients and come!”
Dash, seeing Wi Ji-yeong taking Tae Un-seo and leaving, I looked back to the side.
“Surely, you aren't taking the Young Palace Head too, right?”
“We have to take her.”
The moment it gets delayed even a little, we end up emptying our spots for seven days round trip.
Considering Seol Ye-rin’s current health condition, the Extreme Yin Qi could flare up again if I am not there.
When I explained regarding this matter to Eun Bin,
“…It can’t be helped. I will bring her.”
Like that, taking even Seol Ye-rin, we ran for two days and nights continuously and were able to arrive at the border of Liaoning Province.
“Here.”
“Thanks.”
Seol Ye-rin handed cold frozen water to everyone.
Her Ice Arts almost reminded one of a refrigerator.
The two days coming to Liaoning Province were very peaceful.
Why?
Because we only performed movement arts to death.
‘Thanks to that, the control of energy improved a lot.’
Running until the night deepened, consuming Inner Qi to the limit.
If one of the party members collapsed from exhaustion, we took a rest.
The Small Snow Squad kept up with this forced march.
The person I was most worried about was Wi Ji-yeong.
‘I looked down on the maid from the Demonic Cult too much.’
We performed movement arts endlessly, but Wi Ji-yeong actually encouraged Tae Un-seo and ran without giving up.
-I didn't know running was such a good thing.
Seol Ye-rin even really liked performing movement arts.
Perhaps because it was her first time running like this, a smile was built occasionally on her expressionless face.
Seeing that appearance, what I thought was.
‘She is a monster.’
To think she can smile while running like that.
Stamina is good and she is even beautiful.
If it were modern times, she was a talent that a running crew would welcome with open arms.
Baek Mu-yong ran very comfortably saying he had run with White Night many times.
Unexpectedly, the one who ran worst was precisely Eun Bin.
“It, it is a disgrace, huff, huff.”
Laughter came out at the fact that even Eun Bin, who later becomes a Killing Star, is bad at running.
“The Third Young Master doesn't seem very tired?”
“Uh, not really.”
My stamina was on the good side from my first life.
Since martial arts were grafted onto good stamina, I came to possess steel stamina that doesn't get tired easily.
“Looking at you sometimes, I think you are really amazing.”
Suddenly Seol Ye-rin threw out a compliment.
It seemed she thought a lot while running.
The amazing one is Seol Ye-rin.
It requires tremendous courage for a person who only stayed at home to come out and roam around.
Right now Seol Ye-rin was struggling to live her best.
“Rather than me, the amazing one is…….”
Just as I was about to tell her it is Seol Ye-rin.
-I see them over there.
The Sword Venerable’s voice was heard.
“It seems to be those people.”
Flutter-
People holding flags symbolizing the Moyong Clan outside Liaoning Province came into view.