Negotiation - 2
The Tang Clan's leader, prepared to respond, found himself trembling uncontrollably under the overwhelming force of Mookhyang's gathering energy. He stammered, barely able to speak. "We… we will accept your terms."
To everyone's shock, the immense pressure that had been building up around Mookhyang vanished in an instant, as if it had never been there. Normally, it takes time to draw in energy to its peak, and even more time to calm it down, but Mookhyang had done it almost instantaneously. This clearly indicated that Mookhyang had not even been using his full power. In contrast, Okryeongin was still slowly releasing her gathered energy, relaxing her tensed muscles.
"Good," Mookhyang said, satisfied. "Then this is where we part ways. The sect leader will also be pleased with your decision."
With that, he called out, "Guk!"
"Yes," responded a man who entered the room carrying three packages wrapped in cloth.
Mookhyang received the bundles from Guk and instructed him, "Go to Elder Dongbang and tell him to return to the sect. I will follow shortly. You are to return with him."
"Understood!"
In a flash, Guk leaped away with exceptional speed, disappearing from sight in an instant. The gathered crowd gasped in awe, recognizing his skill. Based on his speed alone, they realized he was no lesser than any of them. As one of the personal guards of the vice leader, it was expected that there would be something extraordinary about him.
Mookhyang then handed the three bundles to the Tang Clan leader. "These are the promised manuals, all original copies. However, please note that our sect retains perfectly copied versions, which I hope you understand."
He reached into his robe and produced a gold note. "This is a gold certificate issued by a reputable trading company, worth one hundred taels. I would appreciate it if the reconciliation could be finalized today. I've already informed the leader of the Zhilenghui, and he was quite pleased."
Mookhyang handed over the promised items without hesitation, leaving the Tang Clan leader slightly bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
"I would appreciate it if we could continue to maintain amicable relations in the future," Mookhyang added. "If the incident with our sect hadn't occurred, we likely wouldn't have reached such a favorable outcome. With that, I will take my leave. Farewell."
With those final words, Mookhyang turned to depart, leaving the others in a state of stunned silence.
Mookhyang respectfully clasped his hands towards the gathered crowd and then turned to Okmaehwa. "I almost forgot to return this to you," he said. Reaching into his robes, Mookhyang pulled out all the items he had previously taken from her. Among them was an empty purse. "I'm afraid there's no money left in your purse. I made a donation on your behalf to a poor temple, praying for your good health. Rest assured, you'll never suffer any harm from aphrodisiacs as long as you live."
As Mookhyang turned to leave, his teasing remark enraged Okmaehwa. In a flash, she drew her sword and lunged at him. However, her blade came to a sudden stop, unable to pierce Mookhyang's body as if it had struck an invisible barrier. Startled and humiliated, Okmaehwa shouted, "What kind of sorcery is this?"
Mookhyang smiled. "Always quick to blame sorcery, aren't you? It's not sorcery. Ask your grandfather—he'll explain what this is." With that, Mookhyang, wearing a mischievous grin, walked out of the room.
Okryeongin, who had been silently watching, quickly followed him. "Are you leaving already?" she asked.
"Of course," Mookhyang replied. "Like I said before, I'm a troubleshooter of sorts. I only get involved when there's something the sect can't handle. Now that the issue is resolved, it's time for me to leave."
"What will you do when you return?" she asked curiously.
"What else? I'll train. If you want to become an expert like me, just train every day for 30 years without rest. Maybe then you'll reach my level."
"I can't do that," Okryeongin sighed. "Not even my sister, who loves martial arts, would go that far."
"I've lived my whole life like this," Mookhyang said. "Now that my task is done, it's back to training."
"Do even experts like you still need training?" she asked, surprised.
"I'm still at the level you people call the Profound Realm. But as a man, don't I have to experience the Life and Death Realm at least once?"
"Can't you visit our sect sometime? My grandfather would be thrilled to meet you," she suggested.
Mookhyang burst into laughter. "Hahaha!"
Okryeongin frowned slightly. "Why are you laughing?"
"Your grandfather is one of the pillars of the orthodox world, and I'm the vice leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect. What do you think he would like about that? You naive girl, you should be glad if he doesn't try to kill me on sight like your sister does."
"That's only because you keep teasing her every time you meet," Okryeongin protested.
"Even without me around, you can continue mastering the Scarlet Demonic Sword, right?" Mookhyang asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"Good. Then next time we meet, let's have a proper duel. I hope you won't perform such a sloppy sword dance again."
With that, Mookhyang turned towards his group and called out, "Let's go!"
Union with the Dark Demonic Sect
When Mookhyang returned to the sect, there was an unusual stir throughout the entire organization. He sent Sagoonsa to investigate, and it seemed that something significant was about to happen. Upon his return, the sect leader immediately called for a secret meeting, gathering the core experts within the sect. Everyone sat in order of rank at the long table, tense with anticipation. The sect leader instructed Elder Hyeok Moosang to explain the situation.
"The topic of today's discussion concerns the leader of the Dark Demonic Sect, Heuksalmaje Jang Ingeol, who once left our sect. He has attempted various means to dominate the martial world but now realizes that his strength is insufficient. He seeks to merge the Dark Demonic Sect back with ours. Currently, the Dark Demonic Sect has about 5,000 members, with roughly 2,000 of them being at the expert level. Jang Ingeol wishes to integrate his followers under the title of vice leader of our sect. We are here to discuss how to handle this."
As Hyeok Moosang explained, Phantom Shadow Demon Gu Yangun, who had been observing him with a gloomy gaze, asked a question. Gu Yangun had been promoted nine years earlier to captain of the Celestial Demon Blood Sword Squad and was a trusted, exceptional elder.
"If we accept the Dark Demonic Sect, wouldn't it be like letting a tiger into our home?"
"I've considered that as well. When Jang Ingeol left, he took about 1,000 experts with him. In a short time, he increased that number fivefold. Their strength is formidable, and our sect had to spend a great deal of time replenishing the lost members. Properly absorbing them could bring us great benefits, but if they harbor dual intentions, we could face catastrophic consequences."
The chief elder angrily interrupted, "There's no need to accept them! Outsiders are unaware of our internal workings, so a sudden rebellion is unlikely. But if they rise up from within, we would face an uncontrollable crisis."
"Chief Elder's point is valid, but in light of the current turmoil in the martial world, their 5,000-strong force is a tempting offer. At least 1,000 of them are formidable experts. We must consider that. Instead of absorbing them all at once, we could dissipate their power gradually... or after the merger, we could eliminate Jang Ingeol, ensuring the rest of their forces are fully integrated into our sect."
"How do you suggest we dissipate their power?"
"We could divide them into several combat groups after they join us, preventing them from consolidating into a single faction. If they try to rebel, the damage to our sect would be minimized."
"Ah, so you're suggesting splitting them into 10 or 20 units and distributing them?"
"Yes, that's the idea. What do you all think of this approach?"
"The problem is, even if we divide them, we'll have to give some troops directly under Jang Ingeol's command. And even then, there's no guarantee they won't secretly plot a rebellion."
"What if we only allow Jang Ingeol to bring in 300 experts under his direct command, and we divide the remaining 4,700 into 20 groups, dispersing them across our various branches? We can gradually gain control of their commanders without Jang Ingeol knowing. No one in our sect values loyalty—everyone submits to strength. This approach ensures they can't easily revolt."
The sect leader nodded in agreement. "That seems like a sound idea."
"And if Jang Ingeol shows any signs of rebellion, we can swiftly eliminate him. No matter how strong he is, he won't stand a chance against you, sect leader."
Others agreed, noting that while Jang Ingeol was among the Four Heavenly Kings, he wouldn't be able to withstand an attack from two of them working together. Given that the sect now had three members of the Four Heavenly Kings, plus the newly appointed vice leader Mookhyang, they felt confident they could handle Jang Ingeol.
Five months later, the Dark Demonic Sect officially merged with the sect. Jang Ingeol was elevated to vice leader, and his 300 personal experts were incorporated into the central sect under the title "Sasa Blood Corps," distinguishable by their red uniforms, chosen for easier surveillance. The remaining members were secretly distributed across various established and exposed branch locations, ensuring they couldn't assess the full power of the sect.
Additionally, the Dark Demonic Sect's stronghold, along with its five branches, as well as its businesses, including trading posts and brothels, were either thoroughly destroyed or concealed and sold off. The proceeds were invested in new ventures, cutting off any financial escape route for the Dark Demonic Sect's members should they attempt another split. Furthermore, the sect absorbed their martial arts manuals and weapons. Jang Ingeol personally offered several martial arts scrolls to the sect leader.
"These are some extraordinary manuals I've painstakingly gathered, sect leader. Please accept them," Jang Ingeol said.
The sect leader examined the manuals, which were titled "Blood Coagulation Divine Palm," "Returning Soul Stiff Corpse Great Law," and "Blood Coagulation Ghost Claw." He slowly responded, "These are unfamiliar techniques. How did you acquire them?"
"I came across the Blood Coagulation Ghost Claw by chance. I then developed the more advanced Blood Coagulation Divine Palm from it, transforming a claw technique into a palm technique, which is even more powerful. These techniques cause blood to coagulate upon contact, leading to inevitable death. Once hit, it's nearly impossible to recover."
"Incredible."
"The Returning Soul Stiff Corpse Great Law combines demonic techniques from our sect and sorcery from the Blood Sect. Those who master it can nearly become immortal, with their bodies regenerating to an astonishing degree. Even if their limbs are severed, they can reattach them almost instantly. However, their recovery is slower if struck by divine weapons like the Emperor's Heavenly Demon Subjugation Sword. There are a few other weaknesses, but they aren't significant."
"Amazing. Has anyone mastered these techniques?"
"Over a thousand have learned them, but only about 300 have reached five-star mastery, the ones I've brought with me. If their true energy is unleashed on someone, the victim's flesh will rapidly decay. Even a minor wound can later prove fatal."
"Remarkable. You've reached what level?"
"I've reached nine-star mastery. Sect leader, you should consider learning it yourself."
"That's a good idea. Thank you."
Despite initial concerns, Jang Ingeol's integration into the sect went smoothly. The sect leader entrusted the twelve newly acquired demonic techniques from the Dark Demonic Sect to Mookhyang for review. Mookhyang examined them meticulously, struck by their ruthless and strategic methods—particularly their ability to prolong the victim's suffering before death. Some of these techniques had elements of sorcery, which made it difficult for Mookhyang, who had only trained in traditional martial arts, to fully grasp them.
Contrary to expectations, the merger proceeded seamlessly, and Jang Ingeol's status within the sect grew as he resolved several key issues. His 300 experts, while comparable to other elite fighters, proved particularly deadly against lesser-skilled martial artists, showcasing near-immortal bodies and a variety of sorcerous techniques that allowed them to slaughter large numbers of weaker opponents with ease.
Birthday Guests - 1
Almost eight months had passed since Jang In-gyeol joined the Demon Sect, and autumn had arrived. That day, Mookhyang was lost in thought as usual in the pine forest. At that moment, a strange figure approached Mookhyang, concealing its appearance. As it came within three meters, Mookhyang, who had been gazing at the distant mountains through the pines, suddenly released a powerful energy towards the figure. The figure, shocked, tried to evade it, but Mookhyang's energy surged toward him at an incredible speed, cutting his body in half. As Mookhyang slowly approached the man, he looked at Mookhyang in disbelief.
However, something strange happened. Despite being cut in half at the waist and bleeding, his wounds gradually began to heal, and by the time Mookhyang reached him, they were almost completely closed. The man prostrated himself before Mookhyang.
"The sect leader calls for you."
Mookhyang coldly replied,
"Who are you?"
"I am a subordinate of Vice Leader Jang In-gyeol. The sect leader wanted to summon you, and Vice Leader Jang sent me to notify you."
Mookhyang sensed that this man was a master who had learned the Ghost Soul Rejuvenation Technique. Is he trying to test me with such a lowly technique? Mookhyang had seen the technique but abandoned it due to various issues, although he had grasped its weaknesses. The Ghost Soul Rejuvenation Technique exhibits its greatest power when the opponent attacks with weapons like swords or sabers, as the wounds are small and easily healable. However, if struck by something like a mace, the injuries would be massive, requiring a long time to recover. Especially if struck in the head, where the skull could shatter, recovery would be impossible, risking one's life.
"Hmph! I don't like it when someone hides near me. Consider yourself fortunate that I didn't smash your head. If I find anyone hiding near me again, I will turn their skull to dust."
The man sweated coldly as he responded,
"I will remember that."
Upon greeting the sect leader, he found the sect leader conversing with Jang In-gyeol, who welcomed Mookhyang.
"Welcome. You must know this person, right? Jang In-gyeol."
"How have you been, Vice Leader Jang In-gyeol?"
"And you? It's an honor to meet the best master of our sect. It's been a while since you've appeared at official events, so it's nice to finally meet you."
"I apologize."
After their greetings, the sect leader spoke,
"Actually, I called you because I have a favor to ask of you."
If the technique is utilized, it can quickly heal wounds back to their original state. Moreover, it can turn the body into something as tough as a wooden log, making it difficult for most blades to penetrate. A weakness would be that it loses its regenerative power when attacked by divine weapons capable of subduing evil, like the Imperial Demon-Subduing Sword. Other techniques may exist, but they aren't particularly effective in causing significant harm.
"That's impressive. Is there anyone who has mastered this technique?"
"Over a thousand have learned it. However, among them, only three hundred have achieved five stars or higher, and they are those I brought this time. When this technique is used to release vital energy, those affected quickly begin to rot away. Even a master must be cautious, for a minor injury can become critical."
"Impressive. It aids the user and can deal fatal injuries from even slight wounds… To what extent have you cultivated it?"
"I have achieved nine stars. I think it would be good for you to try cultivating it as well."
"That sounds good. Thank you."
Although Jang In-gyeol joined the Demon Sect, contrary to the concerns of the sect's leadership, no significant issues arose. The sect leader had Mookhyang review twelve new techniques acquired from the Dark Demon Sect, which Mookhyang examined in detail. He was astonished by some of the shocking attack methods and intricate defense strategies, as well as the brutal techniques designed to inflict suffering on opponents until death. Some of these techniques had magical elements akin to those of the Blood Sect, and for Mookhyang, who had only trained in orthodox martial arts, it was impossible to learn them.
Contrary to expectations, the fusion between the Dark Demon Sect and the Demon Sect proceeded smoothly, and as Jang In-gyeol resolved several incidents, his status within the Demon Sect began to rise. Particularly, the three hundred masters led by Jang In-gyeol exhibited extraordinary strength in battles against the majority of lower-tier martial artists. They possessed bodies nearly as tough as zombies and utilized various unique techniques to massacre many opponents with low energy levels.
"What is it?"
"This time, the Martial Alliance Leader, Ok Cheong-hak, has sent an invitation to our sect for his 140th birthday. I just can't figure out that guy's intentions. We've never exchanged greetings with the Martial Alliance before, so I have no idea why he's doing this all of a sudden. But since it's the Martial Alliance Leader's birthday, we can't just send anyone... So, I decided to send my granddaughter."
"..."
"However, this child is so unruly that no matter how many skilled practitioners are around, they can't control her. So..."
"Wouldn't it be fine if Vice Leader Jang In-gyeol accompanies her? I believe Han Yeong-yeong sees Vice Leader Jang as a mouse before a cat."
"I asked Vice Leader Jang, but he flatly refused. You must have heard about it, right? He dotes on her as his only granddaughter, but she has no manners. That's why I called you. You must do this."
Mookhyang had never met Han Yeong-yeong, but he had heard the dirty rumors about her. She was the best at being unruly, beating her subordinates at will, and more... The urge to say that there was no need to escort such a girl rose in his throat, but he couldn't ignore the sect leader's pleading gaze.
"I'll do it."
"Haha, thank you. If you're going, I can rest easy."
"When do we leave?"
"In three days. I will prepare everything. As for the escort..."
"Four would be enough. Also, it's a hassle to carry a gift, so if it's not something very important, please leave it at the post office so that it can be delivered about a day before we arrive."
"If that's easier, then I will do it that way."
Han Yeong-yeong was the granddaughter of Han Jung-gil and currently the daughter of the sub-sect leader. According to the Heavenly Demon Sect's regulations, positions such as sect leader and sub-sect leader can only be held by those with exceptional martial skills. Even the children of the sect leader have no real power unless their martial skills are strong enough to occupy a position themselves.
However, that doesn't mean the sect leader's relatives do not wield power. A typical example of this in the demon sect is Han Yeong-yeong. She was a beautiful girl who read many books and was intelligent, and at her age, she had acquired exceptional martial skills that were quite extraordinary. But she had a fatal weakness: perhaps due to being treated too precious, she was utterly arrogant.
At the age of twenty-three, with her martial skills, one could only imagine how much she had mastered. No one could beat her or oppress her, so they would shy away from her as if afraid of stepping in dung. Those unfortunate enough to cross paths with her had to endure great torment. Even the chief elder had lost the beard he had nurtured for thirty years to her antics, so there was no need to mention anyone else. This uncontrollable young lady was likely out and about today, looking for prey.
Three days later, when Mookhyang met Han Yeong-yeong, she was indeed a beautiful young lady as the rumors suggested. However, seeing her scan him with her cunning eyes made Mookhyang feel quite uncomfortable. He ordered Nan and Juk to drive the carriage while Mae and Guk rode alongside for protection, then climbed into the carriage with Han Yeong-yeong and her companion. It was her first experience in the outside world, so Han Yeong-yeong was distracted by the new sights and did not bother Mookhyang.
But that didn't last long...
While Mookhyang was deep in thought with his eyes closed, she secretly gathered her energy and struck at Mookhyang's pressure points. However, the scream that erupted was not from Mookhyang, but from Han Yeong-yeong.
"Ahhh!"
Mookhyang glanced at her as she clutched her painful hand and leisurely spoke.
"You're quite vicious with your hands. If you had just stayed quiet, I would have done the same, but since you started this first, don't blame me."
Mookhyang blocked her pressure points, feeling irritated.
"Ambushing others to cause trouble is my style. It's not something a girl like you should use. So... what now?"
While Mookhyang was thinking for a moment, the horrified Han Yeong-yeong shouted.
"Did you really think you'd be safe after doing this? Let me go."
No matter how much Han Yeong-yeong screamed, Mookhyang considered it for a moment and clapped his hands exaggeratedly.
"If it's a journey we must undertake, it should be comfortable. With you two taking up space in the carriage, it's inconvenient. Hey! Is the town far?"
"We'll arrive in two angles."
"Then bring a big box that can fit two girls."
"Understood."
"Understood."
After buying a box in the next town, Mookhyang drilled holes in it to let them breathe and stuffed the screaming Han Yeong-yeong and her companion inside. He sealed their blood points to quiet them and tied the box to the back of the carriage. Then he comfortably traveled to the next destination, humming a tune.
When evening arrived, Mookhyang reached the town and took the two girls out of the box. As he released their pressure points, Han Yeong-yeong's hand flew toward him. She slapped Mookhyang's cheek and shouted.
"You bad guy!"
However, Mookhyang's cheek didn't change color, and the one who felt pain was Han Yeong-yeong's hand. Mookhyang smiled and immediately slapped Han Yeong-yeong's cheek four times. The sound of the painful strikes echoed as Han Yeong-yeong staggered, and Mookhyang cruelly dragged her into a restaurant. After taking a seat, he called the server.
"Hey, bring me seven plates of dumplings and four bottles of strong liquor! And if you have fresh vegetables, bring them too."
"Understood."
Then Han Yeong-yeong complained loudly.
"Dumplings? I won't eat that! Hey, what's the best dish here?"
Mookhyang pinpointed her pressure point so she couldn't say anything further and looked at the server.
"Don't mind what this girl says and quickly bring the food."
"Understood."
Mookhyang left Han Yeong-yeong, who was immobilized at the table, and enjoyed his food. When the companion seated next to her tried to release Han Yeong-yeong's pressure point, Mookhyang glared and said quietly.
"Do you also want to have your pressure points blocked?"
At Mookhyang's words, she became like a mouse before a cat and silently ate the food. After enjoying the meal and drink with his subordinates, Mookhyang grabbed Han Yeong-yeong's waist like a sack and went to the inn. He booked two rooms, putting Han Yeong-yeong and her companion in one room with their pressure points blocked and had his men guard them while he went to rest in the other room. Since Mookhyang rarely slept, it didn't matter how small the room was.
The next morning, Mookhyang released their pressure points. Although Han Yeong-yeong glared at him, she could only threaten him verbally and couldn't do anything more. After enduring a long rant from her, Mookhyang made an annoyed face, as if he could no longer tolerate it, and she quickly shut her mouth. Her next actions were obvious without needing to say anything.