The Strange Kidnapper and the Hostage - 3
"How should I handle this?"
"We'll concede where we can. As long as the other side's demands aren't too arrogant. We can't keep the Asura Demon Slaughter Squad out for too long just to deal with something like the Sichuan Tang Clan. The Demon Sect has many enemies, and we need powerful forces to suppress them. You may not understand this fully yet—honestly, even Mookhyang doesn't know much—but there are many hidden organizations. Because of them, the Demon Sect doesn't want to engage in an all-out conflict with the orthodox sects. However, if the conflict can be resolved quickly, we're allowed to use any means necessary. If things go wrong, we'll assassinate all the leaders on the other side first, then unleash the Asura Demon Slaughter Squad for a surprise attack to finish them off. How's that? Pretty smart, huh?"
At Mookhyang's confident tone, Okryeong retorted with a sullen expression.
"That's absurd. Do you really think their leaders will fall so easily?"
"If I take action personally, it's more than possible. That's why the sect leader sent me here."
Okryeong responded sarcastically, "You're full of confidence, aren't you?"
"I'm always overflowing with confidence. Right now, I'm invincible in the martial world."
Despite her mocking tone, Mookhyang's proud self-praise left Okryeong speechless.
"For heaven's sake..."
What an utterly foolish guy. How did someone like him become the vice leader?
As night fell, Sagunja returned. When they all greeted Mookhyang, Okryeong, who was watching from the side, couldn't hide her curiosity. She had been taught that the people of the Demon Sect were all vicious, with sinister energy emanating from them, like Jiryung, the master of the Demonic Intelligence Hall. However, she sensed nothing of the sort from Sagunja. In fact, they seemed more like people from an orthodox sect, with only their high level of martial arts giving away anything about their capabilities.
At this moment, Ma spoke up.
"There was a fierce battle three days ago. After our investigation, we discovered that behind the Tang Clan stand the Zhongli Clan and the Zhuge Clan. The heads of those two clans are sworn brothers, so when the Zhongli Clan got involved, the Zhuge Clan followed suit. The Tang Clan is renowned for their hidden weapons and poisons, which have caused significant damage on our side. If we don't act soon, the losses will increase. This is the report of our investigation. We've thoroughly analyzed the opposing forces."
Mookhyang skimmed through the report.
"Has this been sent to the Human Butcher?"
"Yes, we also sent it to Elder Dongbang. Elder Dongbang said to inform you that they are ready to move out anytime on your orders."
Nan, who was standing nearby, added, "Based on what I've learned through the Flying Shadows Unit, it seems that nearby orthodox sects are also monitoring the situation and considering getting involved. It's also known that the Martial Alliance has already sent people to this region."
"The Martial Alliance, too?"
"Yes. Although we haven't fully identified their objective, it has been confirmed that Plum Blossom Sword, along with 50 highly skilled masters, has departed for the Tang Clan. The sect leader has ordered us to resolve this matter swiftly before the Martial Alliance intervenes."
"Guok, have you prepared the item I asked for?"
"Yes."
"How many volumes did the sect leader give?"
"Three volumes."
"Is it certain that these three are lost to the Tang Clan?"
"Yes, that's what we've been told."
"Understood. I'll head to the Tang Clan tomorrow morning to negotiate. Hall Leader, please support the negotiations if they proceed favorably. I'd like to see some results for my efforts."
"Yes, thank you for your hard work."
"Let's rest early tonight and depart tomorrow. Juk!"
"Yes."
"Prepare a simple gift with the Hall Leader for the negotiations."
"Understood."
"You are dismissed."
Negotiation - 1
The next morning, Mookhyang's party left Jiryunghoe early and hurried toward the Tang Clan. By the time they arrived, it was past noon. Upon arrival, they requested a meeting with the clan leader, which was granted. An elderly master guided Mookhyang's group to a building called Taecheongdang. As Mookhyang observed the building, though not large, it was impressively majestic, with a plaque inscribed in grand strokes reading "Taecheongdang."
At this moment, the elderly man who had led them spoke.
"They are waiting for you inside. You cannot take your weapons with you, so please hand them over to me."
"Understood. Hand over your swords," Mookhyang instructed as he gave both his Mookhon Sword and Okryeong's sword to Juk.
"You all wait here. Lan, give me the gift."
When Lan handed over the prepared gift to Mookhyang, he led Okryeong inside. Inside, seven people were waiting for them. On one side were six chairs, and opposite, seven chairs. Everyone stood up to greet Mookhyang and his companion.
To Mookhyang's surprise, among the seven seated individuals, one was the woman he had teased on his way to Sichuan. As she stood up with a face full of anger, she glared at Mookhyang. He stared at her briefly before bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha, they say enemies always meet on a narrow bridge. It's been a while, Miss Ok."
The woman's anger flared as she drew the sword from her waist.
"Hmph! You scoundrel! Because of your trickery, I had to chew on that bitter medicine three times! According to the Tang Clan Leader, it wasn't an aphrodisiac at all. How dare you play with me? I will make sure to tear you apart..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Mookhyang coldly interrupted.
"It seems reconciliation is impossible today. I guess I'll have to kill everyone and settle this quickly."
Simultaneously, a blue aura surged from Mookhyang's previously empty hand. The length of the energy reached three feet, burning intensely like a blazing rod. Upon witnessing this, the onlookers gasped in shock and hurriedly drew their swords.
"A Soul Sword..." one of them muttered.
Mookhyang, indifferent to their reactions, coolly declared,
"Don't hold this against me..."
With that, Mookhyang's figure shot forward like lightning. His first target was the insolent woman, Miss Ok. As Mookhyang rushed toward her with incredible speed, Miss Ok hastily retreated, and two men beside her swiftly leaped forward to intercept Mookhyang's energy. The collision between their swords and Mookhyang's energy created a fiery spark, and the next moment, the two men spewed blood and were flung backward.
Just as Mookhyang was about to launch another energy strike toward his target, Okryeong blocked his path. Mookhyang gazed at her coldly.
"Move."
"Please, don't do this. Can't we resolve this through words instead of resorting to force? We came here to resolve things peacefully, didn't we? And you told me to handle everything. So why?"
"Can't you see the situation? They were the ones who drew their swords first. What, did you expect me to just offer my neck and say, 'Go ahead, kill me'?"
As Mookhyang and Okryeong were conversing, a muscular man nearby, realizing there might still be hope for a peaceful resolution, interrupted their conversation.
"Hey, great warrior, we didn't gather here to fight. Let's calm down and try to resolve this with words."
The reason the man stepped in so eagerly was that, after witnessing Mookhyang's martial prowess, he realized that even if everyone in the room attacked together, they stood no chance against him. The Soul Sword technique was a supreme martial art that even the renowned orthodox master Gu Huijou had deemed theoretically possible but practically unattainable. If someone had mastered it, they would be stronger than Gu Hui himself, not weaker. Thinking that there was nothing to lose by hearing Mookhyang out, the man sought to engage in conversation.
At this moment, the man who had been flung into the wall earlier, only saved by his protective internal energy from smashing through it, coughed a few times, spat out blood, and stood up.
"We came here to resolve things peacefully, so let's settle this with words."
He glanced at his beloved sword, which had luckily remained undamaged. Had it not been a treasured blade, it would have been split in two. He saw that the man next to him was also rising to his feet, his cherished sword having similarly avoided destruction.
At that moment, someone burst through the door, followed by about fifty subordinates with swords drawn.
"Master, are you alright?"
The muscular man who had just urged for a peaceful resolution spoke up.
"There was a slight misunderstanding, so everyone, calm down and withdraw."
"Yes, sir. We will step back."
The well-groomed man, who had a scholarly appearance despite his strong build, waited until his subordinates had left before turning to Mookhyang.
"I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Tang Jintian, the leader of this place. Please, everyone, take a seat."
As Tang Jintian sat down, Mookhyang realized there was no need for further disruption, so he withdrew his energy and took a seat as well.
"Aren't the others outside coming in?"
"Oh, they are all my subordinates. They are not skilled in unarmed combat, so I came in alone. Plus, someone needed to guard our swords and this young lady's sword as well. Come, sit down too."
Okryeong sat next to Mookhyang, who formally introduced himself.
"I am Mookhyang, vice leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect, entrusted by Jiryunghoe to mediate this situation. And this is Miss Okryeong, who will be discussing matters on our behalf."
The man glanced at Okryeong's face and seemed momentarily puzzled, while the expressions of everyone else in the room also turned peculiar. Although Mookhyang couldn't quite grasp the reason, he assumed it had something to do with her being a sister to the woman he had previously encountered.
The introductions continued from the other side.
"This is Jong Liyoungwu, the Conqueror Blade of the Jong family."
The man who had been knocked back earlier clasped his hands in greeting.
"And this is Jegal Gi, the Conqueror Sword of the Jegal family."
"I wouldn't call myself a 'conqueror,' but I must say, your martial arts are truly astonishing."
The man who had been flung back earlier respectfully bowed once more.
"And this is Lady Okmaehwa of the Plum Blossom Sword from the Murim Alliance."
However, Lady Okmaehwa did not acknowledge Mookhyang, still breathing heavily from the shock of the previous encounter.
"And this is my son, Tang Ingeol. He may not seem impressive in your eyes, but in the martial world, he is considered quite a talented individual."
Despite the situation, Tang Jintian couldn't help but boast a little about his son before moving on to introduce the next two people.
"Those two are the Outer Commander, Yi Jung, and the Inner Commander, Tang Pyeong. Now, let us proceed with the discussion. Bring the tea."
At his command, three attendants entered, placing tea on the armrests beside each person's chair. Mookhyang handed a small gift to one of the attendants.
"This is a small token of my respect. I would be grateful if you could accept it. I've discussed things thoroughly with Miss Okryeong, so please consult with her."
Tang Jintian looked at Mookhyang with some curiosity before asking.
"Miss Okryeong is the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader. Even if she comes to an agreement, do you think your sect would accept it?"
"That won't be a problem. I have explained everything to Miss Okryeong, so you can discuss it with her. I came here solely to ensure her safety."
At this, Okryeong calmly spoke.
"The Heavenly Demon Sect understands that this conflict between Jiryunghoe and the Tang Clan has escalated unnecessarily due to pride. Can't we just call a truce?"
In response, the Inner Commander spoke in a grave tone.
"That is not possible. The damage our clan has suffered so far is substantial. We expect some compensation for the losses we've endured."
"And if no compensation is provided, what then?"
At this, Lady Okmaehwa coldly interjected.
"Then there's no point in continuing this discussion."
The Outer Commander added his voice to the matter.
"We would have no choice but to engage in another prolonged conflict."
Tang Jintian supported their stance, adding more to the conversation.
"Fifty additional experts from the Murim Alliance have joined us, and over a hundred masters from the Jegal and Jong families have also arrived. Moreover, three nearby factions have promised to send their disciples for the next clash. We believe the leader of Jiryunghoe must offer a formal apology to the Tang Clan and compensate for the damages we've incurred."
Mookhyang spoke quietly but clearly.
"Can you tell me the names of those factions?"
Tang Jintian looked puzzled as he asked, "Why do you ask?"
As the atmosphere tensed, the person seated next to Mookhyang, Okryeongin, answered in his place.
"Mookhyang, the vice leader, arrived here leading the Surama Strike Force."
Those seated in front of them were shocked. The Surama Strike Force—wasn't that the most elite force of the Heavenly Demon Sect? Bringing them to such a minor conflict... and this fight wasn't even directly related to the sect.
Trying to regain composure, the Tang Clan Master asked Mookhyang, "Is what Okryeongin says true?"
"It is."
"Are you threatening us?"
Okryeongin interjected again, "It's not a threat. Right now, the Heavenly Demon Sect doesn't want this pointless battle to drag on. If it continues, it will tarnish the sect's name. The sect leader has ordered us to negotiate and end this peacefully, but if we must resort to force, we are to end it swiftly without mercy."
"No matter how formidable the Surama Strike Force may be, it's not easy to take down both the Tang Clan and the Two Great Families at once."
"If negotiations fail, Vice Leader Mookhyang has made it clear that he will kill all of you first. Then, the Surama Strike Force will move in to eliminate the rest, who will be disoriented without their leaders. There is no falsehood in what I'm saying. However, if we come to a peaceful resolution, gifts will be exchanged, and public apologies will be made. The Heavenly Demon Sect is willing to offer more, ensuring neither side loses face. This must be resolved quickly."
The Tang Clan Master, still skeptical, replied, "I don't understand why your sect is in such a rush. The reason we, the two families, joined forces was because your sect got involved in the first place. Now, after all this time, you suddenly want to end it quickly or threaten to destroy us. Can you explain why?"
Mookhyang, calm as ever, opened his mouth. "Are you familiar with the Dark Demon Sect?"
At that, Lady Okmaehwa answered confidently, "Yes, we know. According to the information we've gathered, it seems to be a faction of the Blood Sect. There are nearly 5,000 members, and many are skilled warriors, making it difficult for us to gather more intelligence."
Mookhyang corrected her, "The Dark Demon Sect isn't a faction of the Blood Sect. It was formed by 1,000 disciples who broke away from our sect. One of the Four Great Kings you mentioned, Black Death Demon Lord Jang Ingeol, leads about 1,000 skilled fighters and formed this group. We've been monitoring their actions closely while also dealing with other hidden forces like the Asura Blood Sect. The Heavenly Demon Sect has its hands full managing these unseen threats. A few years ago, a large number of women were abducted, and we suspected a group was practicing a sinister demonic technique, so we sent the Celestial Blood Sword Force beyond the Great Wall to eliminate them. After destroying the group, we found out they were merely human traffickers and withdrew. In any case, we are too preoccupied with these hidden enemies. That's why the sect leader ordered us to mediate negotiations with you, and if that fails, we will attack swiftly and return the Surama Strike Force to the sect."
Lady Okmaehwa smirked, "But now that we know, a surprise attack won't be so easy, will it?"
Mookhyang smiled and turned to Okryeongin. "It seems your sister took too much of that medicine this time. Why would I leave and come back just to fight again? Frankly, destroying the Tang Clan is something I could do with just myself and the Four Gentlemen. The Surama Strike Force is currently preparing to destroy the Jegal Family and the Jongli Family. By the time word of the Tang Clan's destruction reaches them, they'll already be finished."
As he finished speaking, Mookhyang's sword flew into the room. It hovered before him for a moment before he grabbed it and fastened it to his waist. "It seems you know nothing about me. In our sect, no one is allowed within two zhang of the sect leader while carrying a sword. Many sect leaders in the past have been assassinated that way. I am the only exception to that rule. Even the sect leader knows that whether I have a sword or not, if I decide to kill, I can send them to hell immediately. So, what will it be? Peace or battle?"
The Tang Clan Master, his face stiffening, responded, "You do realize this is a complete threat, don't you?"
Mookhyang answered curtly, "I'm not advising anything that would disadvantage you. In fact, it's beneficial. If you agree to peace, the Heavenly Demon Sect will give you 2,000 silver coins. You just need to show respect in return. We could give 1,000 silver coins to each faction directly, but that would look bad publicly. Instead, you can give 1,000 of the coins we give you to the Jiryung Society, and they'll be pleased. Additionally, as a token of goodwill, the sect will return three lost martial arts manuals belonging to the Tang Clan. That's my final offer. Discuss it amongst yourselves."
Turning to Okryeongin, he said, "Wait outside."
"Why? What's happening?"
"If a bloodbath begins, the Four Gentlemen will protect you."
"If the Tang Clan refuses, will you start a massacre?"
Mookhyang gave a slight nod in response. Okryeongin, looking saddened, shook her head. "That can't happen. I'll stay and help my sister fight alongside you."
Okryeongin slowly stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Lady Okmaehwa. Watching this, Mookhyang smiled. "With the sword style I taught you?"
"Yes, thank you for everything you've done for me."
At that moment, Okryeongin's sword flew into the room, stopping right in front of her. Mookhyang used his true energy to return the sword to her hands. "If you want to fight, you'll need a sword. Once it starts, I'll make sure to send you to the afterlife first. It's the least I can do."
"Thank you."
Though speaking in hushed tones, everyone present could hear Mookhyang and Okryeongin's conversation. Mookhyang appeared relaxed, absentmindedly caressing his sword, while Okryeongin stood calmly, watching him. After a long silence, Mookhyang finally spoke.
"The time we spent together wasn't long, but I truly enjoyed it. It's a shame we met under these circumstances. We could have been great friends..."
As the scene unfolded, despite the lighthearted exchange between Mookhyang and Okryeongin, the atmosphere in the room shifted to a tense and foreboding one. The onlookers, initially distracted by their jokes, were now witnessing the buildup of immense inner energy radiating from Mookhyang. His sheer power was unmistakable, and the air around him seemed to shift, as though even the winds were drawn to his overwhelming aura.
Simultaneously, Okryeongin, who had been laughing moments ago, now matched Mookhyang's seriousness. She, too, began gathering her inner energy at an alarming rate. Her hand rested on her sword, ready to draw at any moment. It was as if their casual conversation had been a prelude to a deadly confrontation. Mookhyang's earlier words, spoken in jest—"The only thing I can do for you is to send you to the afterlife first"—suddenly seemed all too real.
Those present could no longer dismiss the threat. The seven who had remained, watching the events unfold, understood with a chilling clarity that Mookhyang's casual demeanor had been masking his lethal intentions. His gathering of inner energy was not for show—he was prepared to unleash his full strength, and it was evident to all that in an instant, he could strike down Okryeongin and perhaps everyone else in the room. This was no longer a negotiation or a battle of words; it was a moment teetering on the edge of annihilation.