Pung Yeoryang continued with a deeply worried expression.
“Hiding it won’t solve anything. He’ll find out eventually, won’t he?”
“Whether he finds out now or later, it’s all the same,” Hyeok Gongbaek replied.
“You’re really…” Pung Yeoryang began, concern evident in his voice.
“It’s fine. It’s alright,” Hyeok Gongbaek said, offering a calm smile. “The moment he knows, it’ll cause him pain, won’t it? Then it’s better to delay that moment as long as possible.”
He patted Pung Yeoryang’s shoulder, who was looking at him with worry. “Now, let’s see how much our grandson has changed.”
Hyeok Gongbaek could hardly believe his eyes.
His grandson, Hyeok Sojin, once pessimistic and indifferent to everything, had become a mature warrior with a commanding presence and stern gaze.
“Grandfather,” Hyeok Sojin said.
In the past, he would have rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
But now, he stood tall and bowed respectfully.
“Hohohoho,” Hyeok Gongbaek burst into hearty laughter at the sight of Hyeok Sojin’s dignified demeanor.
Wasn’t this a presence and composure unimaginable in the past?
At that moment, Bu Eunseol, standing beside him, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Bu Eunseol, disciple of the Nangyang Pavilion, greets Elder Sect Leader.”
“You’ve worked hard,” Hyeok Gongbaek said, placing a hand on Bu Eunseol’s shoulder with an expression of deep emotion. “Despite the unreasonable conditions I imposed… you’ve done far more than I asked.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head calmly. “Not at all, sir.”
“Hohoho,” Hyeok Gongbaek laughed heartily again.
In life, one occasionally meets a noble person. To Hyeok Gongbaek, Bu Eunseol was exactly that.
“Let’s not linger here. We’ve prepared a banquet. Let’s move to another place.”
Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin stepped out of the Mountain River Sanctuary and headed to the Silver Radiance Pavilion, where the banquet was set.
Walking side by side with Bu Eunseol and surveying the surroundings, Hyeok Sojin’s jaw dropped. “It’s changed a lot. The faction, I mean.”
Thanks to the funds from the Affectionate Blossom Sect, Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s resources were incomparably richer than before. Everything old and worn had been replaced with new, and young maids and servants were hired to attend to the demonic masters residing in the Peach Blossom Paradise.
“Sect Leader,” young passersby said, bowing deeply as they saw Hyeok Gongbaek.
Not only had they recruited young demonic masters with substantial financial backing, but they had also taken in young disciples to learn the various martial arts of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
“Sit here,” Hyeok Gongbaek said, seating Bu Eunseol at the head of the table and personally pouring him wine.
As they entered the banquet hall, a large table laden with delicacies and fine wine came into view. Seated on either side were young warriors—the future hall leaders and Leaders who would guide Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
Surveying the room, Bu Eunseol looked puzzled. “I don’t see the elders of the Peach Blossom Paradise.”
“Hahaha. You’re the only one who’d look for those old folks,” Hyeok Gongbaek said with a low chuckle. “How could we just accept the generosity of the Affectionate Blossom Sect without giving back?”
“Then…” Bu Eunseol’s eyes lit up as if realizing something, and Hyeok Gongbaek nodded.
“I sent them to the Affectionate Blossom Sect to teach their martial arts directly.”
Knowing the situation at the Affectionate Blossom Sect well, Hyeok Gongbaek had ordered the demonic masters of the Peach Blossom Paradise to pass down their skills.
Though aged and weakened in power, they still had the strength to teach.
If the demonic masters, a treasury of martial knowledge, imparted their skills, the disciples of the Affectionate Blossom Sect would see their martial prowess soar in a short time. Moreover, passing down the knowledge and experience gained from battles would enrich their understanding without needing to venture into the martial world.
“That was a difficult decision, Sect Leader,” Bu Eunseol said.
Heaven and Earth Severing Sect had traditionally been a closed-off faction, avoiding interaction with any of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Hyeok Gongbaek smiled faintly at Bu Eunseol’s words. “It’s all thanks to you for opening the way.”
He let out a deep sigh. “Our faction was part of the Ten Demonic Sects purely out of necessity. This was the only place for sick and weakened demonic masters to reside.” His voice carried deep regret. “But thanks to you, exchanges between factions have begun. And the results are what you see now.”
Factional exchanges.
Unlike personal bonds, when factions open their hearts to each other, filling gaps and offering mutual support, the growth that follows is immeasurable.
“Sect Leader,” said Yun Yeop, the True Guard Leader, entering the banquet hall cautiously and whispering to Hyeok Gongbaek.
Hyeok Gongbaek’s expression shifted slightly as he listened, then he shook his head. “No need to let them in. Send them away.”
“But…” Yun Yeop hesitated.
“Hahaha. Brother Hyeok, why are you turning away your little brother?” A middle-aged man with an average build and a goatee entered the banquet hall.
He looked like a common ruffian, but he was Yu Hyeoksim, the Blood Cauldron Star, one of the top ten poison masters of the Hell's Blood Fortress. Though roughly the same age as Hyeok Gongbaek, his fearsome poison techniques kept him youthful.
“How did you get in here?” Hyeok Gongbaek asked, frowning.
Even if Yun Yeop, the True Guard Leader, couldn’t stop him, wasn’t Pung Yeoryang, the Mad Master, whose skills rivaled his own, guarding the entrance?
“Hahaha. Of course, I explained the situation to Brother Pung,” Yu Hyeoksim said.
“Situation?”
“I told him I brought a precious gift for Brother Hyeok.” Yu Hyeoksim extended his wide sleeves, clasping his hands, and a small wooden box appeared in them.
“I heard you’ve been searching for the Crimson Pipe Leaf and the Azure Flower,” he said.
Hyeok Gongbaek’s eyes wavered.
Only his close friend, Pung Yeoryang, knew of this within the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
“That’s right. From Brother Pung’s perspective, your safety is what matters,” Yu Hyeoksim added.
Hyeok Gongbaek waved his hand, scanning the surroundings. “We’re holding a banquet here. Let’s talk elsewhere.”
“Haha, fine by me.”
Hyeok Gongbaek glanced at Bu Eunseol and said in a low voice, “I’ll step out for a bit. Keep drinking.”
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol replied calmly, nodding.
As Hyeok Gongbaek and Yu Hyeoksim left the banquet hall, Bu Eunseol spoke softly. “Sojin.”
“Yes?”
“Go stand by Elder Sect Leader’s side.” Bu Eunseol’s gaze was profoundly serious.
“There’s no need to worry,” Hyeok Sojin said, forcing a smile despite sensing something amiss. “Though the Ten Demonic Sects don’t interact much, our relations with the Hell's Blood Fortress aren’t that bad.”
“Stand by him,” Bu Eunseol repeated in a low voice. “So Elder Sect Leader doesn’t make a wrong decision.”
Inside the Mountain River Sanctuary’s office, a small wooden box sat on a large table meant for receiving guests.
It was the box Yu Hyeoksim had brought.
“It’s not for free, is it?” Hyeok Gongbaek said, eyeing Yu Hyeoksim sharply. “Name your terms.”
“It’s simple,” Yu Hyeoksim said with a genial smile. “Just promise to remain neutral in this successor struggle.”
“What?” Hyeok Gongbaek’s eyes narrowed.
“Bu Eunseol must never become the successor of Majeon. That’s our fortress’s decision.”
“Hohohoho,” Hyeok Gongbaek laughed heartily, then stopped abruptly. “Are you telling me to break my word?” His eyes seemed to flash with purple lightning.
But Yu Hyeoksim maintained a relaxed expression. “Supporting a successor can always be withdrawn, can’t it?” A faint smile played on his lips. “I hear your grandson has become an excellent successor candidate. But doesn’t he still need your guidance and touch?”
“…”
“This falls within the scope of the successor struggle. Our fortress will take responsibility for everything that follows,” Yu Hyeoksim said in a subtle tone. “Doesn’t Heaven and Earth Severing Sect care little about who becomes Majeon’ successor? Now that your grandson has come to his senses, shouldn’t you be by his side to ensure he becomes a great Sect Leader?”
“Hm,” Hyeok Gongbaek grunted.
“Your inner energy has already reached the Realm of Heaven. If you recover, you could live another forty or fifty years at least,” Yu Hyeoksim said, pointing to the wooden box with a sinister look. “There are only two Azure Flowers in the martial world, and right now, only our fortress possesses one.”
“Hm,” Hyeok Gongbaek let out a low groan and rose from his seat.
In truth, his condition was grave. Without the Crimson Pipe Leaf and the Azure Flower—rare elixirs and treasures—he could not sustain his life.
Only Pung Yeoryang knew this.
To others, he had simply collapsed from overexertion. Yet somehow, the Hell's Blood Fortress had learned of it and was now bargaining with the Azure Flower.
“Hm,” Hyeok Gongbaek groaned again, turning to gaze at the crescent moon outside the window.
If he rejected Yu Hyeoksim’s offer, he wouldn’t live to see that crescent moon become full.
“If you think of your beloved grandson and the future of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect… shouldn’t you choose practicality over pride?” Yu Hyeoksim pressed.
“Hm. If I recover, living past a hundred wouldn’t be surprising,” Hyeok Gongbaek mused.
“Exactly, Brother Hyeok,” Yu Hyeoksim agreed.
“But do you think I’d cling to my remaining years, break my word, and live in disgrace?” Hyeok Gongbaek said, staring down at Yu Hyeoksim with a solemn gaze.
“Leave.” His eyes gleamed with a radiant light.
In the past, even if faced with a mountain of blades, he would have killed Yu Hyeoksim and taken the box. But now, his body was far from normal, and Yu Hyeoksim had brought four hundred poison masters with him.
He couldn’t yet burden Hyeok Sojin with such danger.
“As expected, Brother Hyeok, you’re a leader Heaven and Earth Severing Sect can be proud of,” Yu Hyeoksim said, giving a thumbs-up and smiling cryptically as he looked outside. “But I wonder if your grandson shares the same opinion.”
Hyeok Gongbaek’s eyes widened in shock.
He hadn’t sensed Hyeok Sojin’s presence, which Yu Hyeoksim had detected? His body was not only unwell but his inner energy had drastically diminished.
Whoosh.
A faint whistling sound preceded the entrance of a tall shadow into the office.
Hyeok Sojin, who had been eavesdropping from the roof, entered immediately upon being discovered by Yu Hyeoksim.
His eyes were low and heavy as he stepped into the office. “Grandfather.”
“It’s nothing. I’m just a bit unwell,” Hyeok Gongbaek said.
Yu Hyeoksim interjected, “Didn’t you know? Elder Sect Leader is afflicted with the Bone-Seizing Terminal Disease, where his energy channels are hardening.”
Hyeok Sojin’s vision darkened.
The Bone-Seizing Terminal Disease.
It was a condition where the brain’s meridians gradually clogged, initially slowing movements and reactions. As it worsened, muscles and joints turned to stone, rendering the body completely immobile.
‘Has heaven taken my parents and now seeks to take my grandfather too?’ Hyeok Sojin clenched his fists.
What sin had the Hyeok family committed to face such punishment from the heavens?
“The only cure for the Bone-Seizing Terminal Disease is the Crimson Pipe Leaf and the Azure Flower,” Yu Hyeoksim said. “There are only two Azure Flowers in the martial world. One was lost by the Affectionate Blossom Sect, and the other is held by our fortress.”
Hyeok Sojin’s sharp gaze swept over Yu Hyeoksim. “So, you’re here to kill Brother Bu?”
“I’m only asking you to withdraw your support,” Yu Hyeoksim said with a genial smile. “If you promise to withdraw your support, I’ll hand over the Azure Flower immediately. Elder Sect Leader will recover, and… he’ll stay healthy for decades.”
Hyeok Sojin bit his lip.
Most martial artists afflicted with the Bone-Seizing Terminal Disease took their own lives. No one wanted to become a living mummy, paralyzed but still breathing.
“As with our palace, the demonic path always operates on practicality, doesn’t it?” Yu Hyeoksim said, smiling. “Hot-blooded loyalty is fine, but what’s most important is the life of your kin.”
Purple light flared in Hyeok Sojin’s eyes.
In the past, he would have attacked without thinking.
But now, he was different.
From Bu Eunseol, he had learned to stay calm, assess situations quickly, and make the best decisions.
“Brother Hyeok, from your expression, it seems your grandson has a different opinion,” Yu Hyeoksim said.
“You’re mistaken,” Hyeok Sojin replied, forcing composure though purple lightning flickered in his eyes. “My opinion is the same as my grandfather’s.”
“Hm. If that’s the will of both of you, there’s nothing to be done,” Yu Hyeoksim said, his reaction surprisingly compliant, as if he’d expected it. “Well then, until next time.”
Seeing Yu Hyeoksim leave as if nothing had happened, Hyeok Sojin felt a surge of killing intent.
If he mobilized Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s masters, he could kill him on the spot. But that would spark an all-out war with the Hell's Blood Fortress. Moreover, killing a master of the Ten Demonic Sects without cause could bring sanctions from Majeon.
“Well done,” Hyeok Gongbaek said, nodding as Yu Hyeoksim left. “The moment we negotiate with someone like him, our faction is doomed.”
A faint smile graced his lips.
In the past, Hyeok Sojin would have accepted the offer to save him or lost his temper and attacked Yu Hyeoksim.
But now, Hyeok Sojin was looking at the bigger picture, like a true faction leader.
If they betrayed a factional promise for such a petty scheme, Hyeok Gongbaek might survive, but Heaven and Earth Severing Sect would never stand as one of the ten pillars of the demonic path.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I didn’t know…” Hyeok Sojin said, biting his lip.
“What would telling you change? It would only prolong your pain,” Hyeok Gongbaek said with a faint smile.
“There’s no need to worry,” Hyeok Sojin said, clenching his fists tightly. “Now that I know where the Azure Flower is, I’ll do whatever it takes to…”
As he spoke, an inexplicable sense of unease flashed through his mind.
It was like grasping an unknown object only to feel filthy water oozing out.
“They planned this from the start,” Hyeok Sojin realized, his eyes widening as he finally saw through Yu Hyeoksim’s sinister scheme.
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