Chapter 208 : Jaseung, Accepts
Chapter 208: Jaseung, Accepts
Forty-Seven was in a state of excitement as he ascended the mountain using Lightness Arts.
It was the first time in fifteen years since becoming a spy for the Asura Demon Sect that he had encountered such monumental information. If the obtained intelligence proved true, he would achieve the greatest merit. He estimated it would be the most incredible information within the last decade.
As Forty-Seven reached near the summit, his movements grew even more cautious. He felt the eyes of surveillance everywhere.
‘I’ve found the right place!’
Instead, he rejoiced.
Befitting a special grade spy of the Asura Demon Sect, he possessed rich experience and great skill as a secret agent.
At times he crawled along the ground, and at others he threw his body through the air, thus avoiding the surveillance net.
Eventually, after breaking through the spiderweb-like monitoring net, Forty-Seven arrived at his target destination.
He hid himself among the bushes and stared at a clearing a short distance away.
Buildings made of wood were lined up around a large open space. Since it was located deep within such a high and rugged mountain, it seemed unlikely that anyone would discover this place.
About a hundred warriors stood in that clearing.
And a man stood before them, speaking in a loud voice.
“All training has ended, and you’ve become true warriors.”
Indeed, the aura of the men gathered there was extraordinary. At a glance, it was clear their skills were not ordinary.
Most were peak level experts. They were sharpened as keenly as a single weapon.
The man’s voice was heard again.
“The day of the great cause will soon dawn. When that time comes, you will enjoy the glory of cutting off the Cult Leader’s head with your own proud hands.”
Immediately, a thunderous voice replied.
“We will offer our loyalty with our lives.”
Forty-Seven was so shocked that he thought his heart would jump out of his mouth. The information he had obtained beforehand was true.
It wasn't just a sign of rebellion. A hundred peak experts were openly talking about assassinating the Cult Leader.
Forty-Seven began to move again. He had to find out who the leader was, if nothing else.
He approached even closer with the most secretive movements he could manage.
He succeeded in climbing onto the roof of the building closest to where the man was. It was thanks to his life risking guts.
The moment he confirmed the man’s face from there, Forty-Seven was ten times more surprised than when he had confirmed the rebellion earlier.
It was someone he knew.
The figure standing before the crowd was none other than Do Cheolgi. There was no way Forty-Seven wouldn't recognize Do Cheolgi, who was Yeo Su-in’s right hand.
Forty-Seven stared at Do Cheolgi intensely once more. No matter how he looked at it, it was unmistakably Do Cheolgi.
Do Cheolgi looked at the lined up men and said loudly.
“Through this joint operation with the Murim Alliance and the Black Way Alliance, we will completely crush the Old Demon!”
Forty-Seven quietly climbed down from the roof. Since he had confirmed the content of the conspiracy and the identity of the opponent, there was no need to stay here any longer.
With the mindset that he would die if caught, he disappeared with the most secretive movements he was capable of.
There was one person watching that sight. A person who could monitor Forty-Seven’s movements without being detected, it was none other than Mook Young. Since the operation began, he had been flaunting his specialty by appearing here and there like a ghost.
Once he saw that Forty-Seven had completely disappeared, Mook Young made a bird sound with his mouth.
Chirp, chirp.
Then, the masked man standing near the fake Do Cheolgi responded to that sound.
Chirp, chirp.
The masked man who made the bird sound in response was Mujin.
“The bastard has gone back.”
At Mujin’s words, the fake Do Cheolgi let out a sigh.
“Whew. I thought I was going to die from my nerves trembling.”
“You did well.”
Mujin patted the fake Do Cheolgi on the shoulder. The person who played the role of Do Cheolgi was a subordinate of the Divine Sword Regiment. They had chosen someone with the most similar build and voice to Do Cheolgi and put on the human skin mask created by Master Go.
After dismissing the hundred men, one person walked out toward Mujin. It was Gyobeom, who was commanding the Berserk Dragon Army.
The people here were a mix of some warriors from the Berserk Dragon Army and those Gyobeom had specially selected. They were the warriors of the Dark Heaven Army.
Mujin said to Gyobeom.
“In a few days, the demons will raid this place.”
“I’ve already made thorough preparations in advance.”
The Berserk Dragon Army was originally a secret organization created by combining the Berserk Starving Ghouls and the Red Dragon Army.
And the Dark Heaven Army was an organization composed of those who had committed vicious crimes; originally, they were planned to be assigned the role of cutting off the enemy’s main bases and supplies after infiltrating the rear during war.
From both organizations, only those with particularly bad criminal records were picked out and organized into a new Berserk Dragon Army. They intended to use all of them as disposables.
“Most of them will die fighting or commit suicide. I’ve placed suggestions so that even if they survive, they will confess that the mastermind is Yeo Su-in. It’s a new method of the Demonic Cult’s confession technique where the suggestion won't be detected.”
“You’ve put in a lot of effort.”
“Not at all. It’s something that obviously had to be done.”
“By all means, please hide yourself well before the incident occurs, Expert Gyo.”
“Don't worry. I still have many kids to raise after all.”
“Then I’ll leave everything to you, Expert Gyo.”
A peculiar smile was fixed on Mujin’s face as he turned away.
They would have no choice but to be fooled. Because they would never think that anyone would plot a conspiracy by mobilizing so many experts as sacrificial pawns.
Mujin’s eyes flashed sharply as he thought of Yeo Su-in.
“You’ll soon find out exactly who you dared to touch.”
* * *
Two days later in the morning, people from the Murim began to flock near the Murim Alliance. Heroes gathered to see the figure coming from the Demonic Cult.
Cheers erupted as a carriage approached from a distance.
“Waaaaaaa!”
Three carriages came to a stop at the entrance of the Murim Alliance.
The New Ten Demon Kings got out from the front and back carriages, and Yeo Su-in got out from the middle carriage.
The person who met him was Sa Jo-pyeong, the Chief Strategist. He, who was officially the second in rank of the Murim Alliance, had come out to meet him.
The surroundings grew quiet as Yeo Su-in stepped down from the carriage. The gazes directed at him were a mix of novelty, fear, hatred, and curiosity.
Everyone just stared at him without even making a sound of breathing.
It was likely that someone would step forward and spit out insults like ‘You Demonic Cult bastard! Where do you think you are coming to?’, but the intimidation of being the successor of the Asura Demon Sect didn't allow for even a single small jeer.
Yeo Su-in waved his hand toward the heroes.
But no one responded to that greeting. They just stood there tensely, staring at him.
Sa Jo-pyeong stepped forward and greeted him with a cupped fist.
“You’ve worked hard coming such a long way. I am Sa Jo-pyeong, in charge of the Murim Alliance’s strategy.”
“I’ve heard much of your high reputation, Strategist Sa. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Yeo Su-in’s attitude was polite.
“Those are words I should be saying. It is truly a great honor to meet the young hero representing the Divine Cult in person like this.”
“Your praise is excessive.”
“The Alliance Leader is waiting. Please come inside.”
“Let’s do that.”
The two walked inside.
The warriors of the Murim Alliance and the New Ten Demon Kings walked behind them.
Only after they all disappeared did the place become noisy with belated impressions of Yeo Su-in.
Major figures of the Murim Alliance, including Lee Jaseung, were waiting for him in the guest hall.
Since it was a highly formal occasion, the atmosphere was very solemn.
Yeo Su-in bowed politely as if they were meeting for the first time.
“It is my first time meeting you, Alliance Leader.”
“Welcome, Young Master Yeo.”
The two sat down facing each other. To record this historic moment, a painter captured the images of the two on the side.
“You’ve put in much effort to come such a long distance.”
“Not at all. The scenery on the way today was so beautiful that I arrived without realizing how much time had passed.”
They were exchanging greetings with smiles, but their eyes were colder than anything.
After various small talk, the serious conversation began.
The one who opened fire first was Yeo Su-in.
“The Black Way Alliance are like insects eating away at the Murim. I believe that exterminating them this time is the way for the sake of Jianghu.”
The corners of Lee Jaseung’s mouth curled up coldly. He could tell that Yeo Su-in was intentionally speaking ill of the Black Way Alliance.
Lee Jaseung said with a laugh.
“It’s refreshing to hear the phrase ‘way for the sake of Jianghu’ from your cult’s mouth.”
Those who heard Lee Jaseung’s words as a joke burst into laughter.
Yeo Su-in also took it naturally.
“Our cult has been a bit radical until now, yes.”
Laughter erupted here and there again.
Yeo Su-in asked seriously.
“Will you strike the Black Way Alliance together with our cult?”
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Lee Jaseung.
It was the moment Yeo Su-in had been waiting for so long. The very moment to thoroughly mock Lee Jaseung as he struggled to make excuses while hiding his embarrassment!
Then Lee Jaseung’s single sentence echoed through the hall.
“Let’s do it.”
Yeo Su-in’s eyes widened.
“What did you just say?”
“I said let’s do that.”
Yeo Su-in stared blankly at Lee Jaseung. He was dazed for a moment by Lee Jaseung’s expression, which was too serious for a joke. The people with them also wore surprised expressions.
Most of them had expected Lee Jaseung to naturally refuse. Joining hands with the Demonic Cult to strike the Black Way Alliance was truly a monumental event that would shake the history of Jianghu.
Hitting everyone in the back of the head once more, Lee Jaseung said vigorously.
“Let’s join forces with our Alliance and drive those wicked Unorthodox Factions out of this world.”
Of course, the person who was hit the hardest was Yeo Su-in.
Several Murim Alliance figures cheered and clapped. There were still many people who looked bewildered.
At Lee Jaseung’s declaration, everyone’s gaze turned to Yeo Su-in.
Yeo Su-in gave an awkward smile.
‘What on earth is he plotting?’
Lee Jaseung spoke to Yeo Su-in in a joking tone.
“Why are you making such a face? Was your proposal perhaps just to test me?”
Yeo Su-in shook his head and said.
“How could that be? I was just momentarily surprised by your spirit since you responded so readily.”
Lee Jaseung approached and reached out his hand.
“Let’s achieve a new history together!”
Yeo Su-in shook that hand with a reluctant feeling. He truly hadn't dreamed he would end up holding hands with Lee Jaseung here.
‘You crazy bastard! Do you really mean to strike the Black Way Alliance with your own hands?’
Of course, knowing that couldn't be the case, Yeo Su-in’s anger rose to the top of his head.
Instead of mocking him, he had been mocked back.
Lee Jaseung, while holding hands, turned to everyone there and said.
“Our Alliance and the Asura Demon Sect will join forces to subjugate the Black Way Alliance! Let this fact be known to the entire world, so the heroes of the Central Plains can unite as one.”
Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
When Lee Jaseung returned to his office after finishing the meeting, Dan Woobin was waiting.
“You did well.”
“How will that bastard act now?”
“He’ll be confused. It must have been a matter he thought I would never accept.”
That would be the case. Because his weak point had been accurately pierced.
Dan Woobin continued.
“Once the work on Captain Mu’s side succeeds, the Demonic Cult will be turned upside down.”
“Even so, will Yao Hong believe his treason?”
“The evidence will be so clear that even the Cult Leader will be shaken. On top of that, the Great Demon will push aggressively.”
Dan Woobin’s following words were significant.
“Even if a fight doesn't break out between the two, this operation will hold very important significance.”
“For example?”
“Even if things go wrong and a situation arises where the Alliance Leader has to get rid of the bastard, the Cult Leader won't be able to start a war for that revenge.”
Lee Jaseung thought that would be the case. Even if it was a cherished successor, starting a Great War of Orthodox and Demons for one person’s revenge was by no means an easy decision.
But what if it was a disciple who might have plotted treason?
He wouldn't start a war for such a disciple.
Dan Woobin had accurately pinpointed another key point of this operation.
“Excellent.”
At Lee Jaseung’s praise, Dan Woobin wore an embarrassed expression.
“Embarrassingly, it’s a praise I haven't heard in a long while.”
Just then, a voice came from behind.
“If you know that, you should work harder!”
Looking back, Mujin was opening the door and entering.
The fact that he threw a joke as he entered showed that the operation had succeeded.
Dan Woobin said with a joyful face.
“Now we’ve driven the Great Piece into a corner.”
The full scale fight that would decide life and death had begun.
Mujin said suggestively.
“Don't let your guard down. He's such a crafty bastard that he might make two eyes and end up living.”
According to the rules of Go, if you make two eyes, you live.
Dan Woobin replied confidently.
“Don't worry. I won't allow him even a single eye.”
Lee Jaseung, who had been listening to the conversation between the two, finally stepped forward.
“It doesn't matter even if we give him two eyes.”
Mujin asked with a puzzled expression.
“Why is that?”
“Because there is a proverb that says if the Great Piece lives after making two eyes, that game is lost.”
But Dan Woobin wasn't satisfied with that.
“Still, wouldn't it be more exhilarating to just catch him?”
“Yes, that would be good.”
Lee Jaseung replied with a smile.
Lee Jaseung himself didn't know the result of this match yet.
But he knew at least one clear fact.
That sometimes, rather than dying while fighting exhilaratingly, barely living with two eyes after being chased and chased can be much more miserable.