Chapter 678: It’s been a long time!

Jureureuk.

The tea that spilled from the desk soaked the floor.

Above it, blood dripped drop by drop.

The room, devoid of any light, was pitch black, and the only sounds were ragged breaths and someone’s groans.

“Kkeu…euk…kkeueu…kkeuk…”

The source of the groans was Beirongdaeju Beomdong.

Beomdong lay collapsed on the floor, blood flowing from his hands and mouth.

“Heuk…kkeu…”

His eyes were filled with shock and terror.

His body trembled as if terrified by something, and someone knelt before the trembling Beomdong.

The owner of the blue glow.

Gu Yangcheon’s blue eyes flashed in the darkness, meeting Beomdong’s gaze.

Due to the deep darkness, his expression wasn’t clearly visible, but Beomdong could tell.

That Gu Yangcheon was smiling at him right now.

Kkwaak.

“Keuk-!”

He grabbed Beomdong by the hair and forcibly lifted him.

“About being framed, you know… people who haven’t experienced it don’t know. It’s really infuriating.”

“Huuk…Huk…”

Beomdong wanted to say something, but his mouth was so torn up inside that he couldn’t even speak properly.

“They say I did it when I didn’t. Even when I say I didn’t, they don’t believe me. What’s worse, they demand proof.”

His laughter deepened.

At the same time, Beomdong felt like he couldn’t breathe.

Gooooooo—-!!!

An immense killing intent began to envelop the room.

“You son of a bitch.”

Gu Yangcheon’s pupils split vertically.

“Why the hell do I have to prove this?”

“Keureuk…th…that…”

“I didn’t do it. I have to prove I didn’t do it? Why?”

At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Beomdong tried to say something while enduring the pain, but…

Huuk-! Kwaang-!

“Keohyeok!”

Gu Yangcheon didn’t listen and slammed Beomdong’s head into the floor.

“Why the hell do I have to do that, you bastard?”

“Keuheueuk.”

“Investigation rights? Investigation rights, my ass. What bullshit. Bring it here, let’s see.”

The investigation rights issued by the Alliance.

What difference would it make even if I brought them?

“Those things are useless against the Nine Great Sects and the Four Great Families anyway.”

The power of investigation rights changes depending on one’s position.

If a direct descendant of the Namgung or Moyong families caused trouble, the investigation rights would have been useless.

That was the kind of power the Alliance held.

It meant their influence changed based on position, all under the guise of upholding justice.

It was truly a futile endeavor.

“But, do you think you can use them on me?”

That might be possible.

The value of the Gu family was considered below that of the Nine Great Sects or the Four Great Families in the eyes of the world.

However.

“Bring it. Then I’ll show you.”

Whatever it was, it would be meaningless.

“Just try bringing it.”

His voice, growling with rage, unleashed its energy.

Wooooo.

As the energy swirled within the room, the furniture vibrated.

“Keureuk…kkeuk…”

Under the crushing pressure, Beomdong’s mind began to crumble.

“Please… st…stop…”

He grabbed Gu Yangcheon’s pant leg as if pleading.

It felt pathetic, but he couldn’t help it.

Death would come if this continued.

Beomdong intuitively realized this.

‘Just what kind of monster is this….’

He knew Gu Yangcheon was a master when they last met, but this was far more intense than what he felt then.

There were rumors that Soyeomra had reached the Hwagyeong realm before even reaching the age of majority, but…

No one could believe it.

No, they didn’t believe it.

How could they believe it?

There had never been such a genius in history. The youngest officially recognized Hwagyeong master by the Alliance was the Shaolin’s Divine Dragon (神龍).

However, seeing Soyeomra…

‘Was he hiding his power…?’

Beomdong turned his head even while being crushed.

Why was Soyeomra not displaying such power, even possessing it?

The information about Divine Dragon reaching Hwagyeong surfaced about a year ago.

If Soyeomra had reached Hwagyeong earlier, as the rumors suggested, he should have appeared long ago.

He, until now…

No, even now, he deliberately avoided showing himself.

What could be the reason? Just as Beomdong pondered this question…

“Impressive, aren’t you?”

“…!”

At Soyeomra’s voice, Beomdong flinched.

“Even in this state, you’re still thinking. Must be feeling quite relaxed?”

“That’s…”

Udeudeuk-!

“Kkeuaaaak!”

Beomdong’s left pinky finger twisted into an unnatural shape.

“Kkeueuk…”

As he trembled, enduring the pain, Soyeomra continued speaking to Beomdong.

“The Sect Leader was like that before, too.”

His voice was incredibly calm.

Which made it even more chilling.

“Even while others were dying, he’d be thinking like this. Back then, I thought he was figuring out how to survive.”

Soyeomra’s touch left Beomdong’s pinky finger and moved to his ring finger.

“Doesn’t seem like it, though. What could it have been? Perhaps the Sect Leader knows?”

“Wh…what are you talking about…”

Udeudeudeuk.

His ring finger shattered.

“Kkeup!”

Just as Beomdong was about to scream again…

Kwak-!

Soyeomra clamped his hand over Beomdong’s mouth.

“This isn’t particularly important, so let’s move on. You’re being noisy, so shut your mouth. If you scream again, next time it won’t be your fingers, it’ll be your neck.”

As if to emphasize his words were true, his other hand touched Beomdong’s neck.

“If you understand, nod your head.”

“…”

He nodded.

Beomdong slightly nodded his trembling head.

Only then did Soyeomra remove his hand from Beomdong’s mouth.

Jjaak-!

“…!”

He slapped Beomdong’s cheek.

His head snapped sideways, his cheek turning red.

Even then, Beomdong didn’t scream.

He just endured the flowing blood and stared at Soyeomra.

Seeing that, Soyeomra smiled and nodded.

“You’re listening well.”

“…”

“With this, I’ll let the earlier remarks slide.”

Seuk.

Soyeomra straightened his bent body.

“Originally, I planned to toy with you, tear you apart, burn you, and leave no trace. Unfortunately, you’re still useful.”

The words spoken in his dry voice were chillingly cold.

Moreover, Beomdong could tell those words were sincere.

It was because his blue eyes were filled with killing intent.

‘This… what is this….’

Is that the gaze of a young man who barely passed the age of majority?

No, could he really be a descendant of a righteous, prestigious family?

‘He’s a monster.’

Beomdong inwardly concluded.

‘That man is a monster.’

Soyeomra was a monster.

And a monster with power, at that.

Otherwise, one couldn’t do this to the Alliance’s Sect Leader in the middle of Honam.

This wasn’t an easy feat, even with great power.

Kkiiik.

Soyeomra picked up a chair lying on the floor and sat down in front of Beomdong.

Then, crossing his legs, he looked down at Beomdong.

His gaze was sharp.

Blue eyes shining in the darkness. Even with the slit pupils within.

Meeting that gaze made one’s head instinctively want to turn away.

To avoid his eyes.

Soyeomra, who had been watching Beomdong, then let out a soft chuckle.

“So now, shall we forget our mutual ill feelings and have a pleasant chat? I have a proposal for you, Sect Leader.”

His tone had changed.

Seeing that, Beomdong found himself swallowing dryly.

‘…Forget ill feelings?’

That was impossible to believe.

Soyeomra’s eyes told him everything. The man still intended to kill him.

“Since speaking must hurt, please keep your mouth shut. I’ll ask questions in a way that makes it easier for you to answer, Sect Leader.”

“…”

“What did you say earlier when you understood?”

…He nodded.

“Good. Alright then, let me make the first proposal.”

Soyeomra smiled broadly and spoke to Beomdong.

“First. Do not speak of what happened today to anyone.”

“…”

“It doesn’t matter where you say you fell or what you did to get injured, just don’t talk about it. Our Sect Leader has a tight lip, so you’ll be fine, right?”

His mouth was torn to shreds, the back of his hand was gone, and two fingers were mangled.

He wanted him to say he fell down the stairs? And Beomdong, a master like him?

It was an absurd request, but Beomdong couldn’t point it out.

“Second. Stop sending people around uselessly. Should I cut off their heads and send them back to make you stop?”

“…!”

At the subsequent words, Beomdong’s eyes widened.

He had already sent a few people to figure out Soyeomra and those around him.

Did he even notice that?

“I won’t tell you to go back to your Sect Leader and stop paying attention. That seems too petty. Let’s just stick to this. You can do this much, right?”

“…”

What exactly did he mean by ‘just this much’?

Beomdong couldn’t understand a single word Soyeomra was saying.

Having come this far, there was no turning back.

He knew the opponent had noticed, and knowing what power Soyeomra possessed and how violent he was, he couldn’t just stay put.

“If you don’t like it, you can shake your head. But.”

Looking at Beomdong, Soyeomra added.

“Then, I’ll kill your subordinates outside along with you, Sect Leader. Don’t worry about traces. I hate leaving them, so I get rid of them well.”

Hearing that, Beomdong finally realized.

A considerable amount of time had passed, yet his Beirongdae subordinates hadn’t come to support him.

The fact that they hadn’t arrived yet, when they should have come much earlier…

‘…No way.’

It meant something had happened.

Beomdong’s eyes trembled intensely.

What on earth was happening?

Just as questions and anxiety tightened around his throat…

Looking at Beomdong, Soyeomra added.

“If you’re still having trouble deciding, would it help if I mention the Sect Leader’s daughter in Honam?”

“…!”

At Soyeomra’s words, Beomdong’s breath hitched.

The fact that Beomdong’s daughter was in Honam was something even the Alliance’s leadership knew little about.

As he was in the intelligence department, all personal information had already been processed and filed away.

Soyeomra had somehow retrieved such information and presented it before Beomdong.

“Wh…what…”

Just as Beomdong tried to cover it up, pretending it wasn’t true…

“Sending your daughter to school in Honam must cost quite a bit. You shouldn’t be lingering here like this, should you? Your daughter is already seven years old.”

“…”

Kkuuk.

This was far more detailed and precise information.

Hearing this, Beomdong finally clenched his fist.

“Ho…how…”

“How I know isn’t very important. What’s important right now is you, Sect Leader.”

“Ho…how could someone from a righteous sect… bring up family…!”

Ttak.

Soyeomra ignored Beomdong’s words and flicked his fingers lightly, causing blue flames to swirl in the room.

Soon, the darkness vanished, and the view brightened.

“Righteous sect? Bullshit.”

As if hearing something disgusting, Soyeomra dug into his ear with his pinky finger and said.

“Having seen it myself, I get it now. When you fight assholes, you can’t be the decent one; you have to be the bigger asshole.”

He said this while looking at Beomdong.

Unlike the now-brightened room, his blue eyes seemed to have grown even darker.

“Let’s just make the choice cleanly. Nod if you agree. Shake your head if you don’t.”

“…”

Now that it was brighter, the smile he wore was even clearer.

“I’ll count from one to five starting now. If you don’t answer within that time, I’ll assume you refuse, okay?”

After saying this, Soyeomra raised his hand.

And slowly began to fold his fingers down…

“One… Five.”

“I… I’ll do it!”

With fingers skipping the sequence in an instant, Beomdong quickly nodded.

He said one to five, but only counted one and five.

Hearing the answer, Soyeomra wore a satisfied expression.

“That’s a good choice. Saving yourself, saving your subordinates, and saving your daughter. A very good choice.”

“…”

After that, he stood up from the chair he was sitting on.

Then, leaving Beomdong behind, he walked towards the door.

Beomdong looked at him strangely.

Is it really over just like this?

Leaving only a warning not to speak, without any seals or anything?

Beomdong, unable to believe it, looked at Soyeomra, but…

“I’m too lazy to see you out, so please leave on your own.”

He casually grabbed the door and opened it.

Kkiiik.

As the closed door opened, the outside became visible.

“…!”

Beomdong’s eyes widened like saucers as he looked outside the door.

Nearly ten people were lying collapsed on the field in front of the residence.

All those who had fallen were wearing white martial uniforms embroidered with crimson thread.

Meaning they were warriors of the Beirongdae.

“…Oh, my.”

How could these people, who should have been ambushing from a distance, be lying collapsed there?

As Beomdong groaned at the bizarre situation…

He saw someone standing before them.

It was a woman with a rather petite build and short hair.

Judging by her hair alone, it was hard to tell if she was male or female, but her features and chest confirmed she was a woman.

She held a stick taller than herself and was watching a butterfly fluttering nearby.

Her gaze, which had been focused on the butterfly for a long time, shifted towards Soyeomra, perhaps sensing his presence.

“Whoa!”

As soon as she saw Soyeomra, she ran towards him with a bright smile.

“I did everything you told me to!”

She ran towards Soyeomra like a puppy seeing its owner.

Seeing that, Soyeomra asked.

“Did you kill them all?”

It was too chilling a question to be considered a greeting.

Even more astonishing was the woman’s answer.

“No! I was going to kill them, but I didn’t. The Cult Leader told me not to!”

“Right. Good job.”

“I did good? I did good! If I did good, I should get a reward. Yeah, what should I ask for? What should I ask you to do!?”

The woman, excitedly rambling on her own…

“Yeah!”

“Hmm?”

“Now you’ll really mate with me-.”

She tried to say, as if expecting a reward, but her words couldn’t finish.

Kwaang-!

“Kkeok!”

Before she could finish, Soyeomra punched her squarely in the head.

With a rough whistling sound, the woman’s small head shook.

Teolseok!

The woman collapsed onto the floor, seemingly having lost consciousness.

It was a single blow.

…Is she dead?

Beomdong, watching, briefly had that thought, but seeing the fallen body tremble, it seemed she wasn’t dead.

“Damn it, this is why I didn’t want to call her. Just seeing her makes me annoyed.”

Soyeomra waved his hand as if utterly fed up.

“Nahi.”

“Yes. Master.”

“Get her out of here. When she wakes up, gag her, tie her up, and keep her stashed in a corner until I leave.”

“Understood.”

At Soyeomra’s command, the woman beside him took the fallen one and disappeared.

After letting out a deep sigh, Soyeomra turned around.

He met Beomdong’s eyes, which were filled with bewilderment.

“What are you doing?”

“…?”

“Are you just going to stand there blankly?”

Just as he wondered what he meant, Soyeomra pointed at the Beirongdae members lying on the floor and said.

“I need to eat, so take these people and get lost.”

Hearing that, Beomdong checked the number of people.

It looked like at least nine people.

Did he mean he should take all of them?

As bewilderment crossed Beomdong’s gaze, Soyeomra continued speaking.

“Or, would you prefer I make you, the Sect Leader, exit this life?”

“…”

“If we’re talking about ease, that would be easier.”

Soyeomra said that with a deep frown.

Hearing this, Beomdong had to hastily clear away his subordinates despite his injuries.