Chapter 130
Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Cult Leader's Office—
Today, an emergency meeting of the top ten highest-ranking officials in the cult was in progress.
Only the Cult Leader, the Vice-Leader, and the Grand Elder of the Council of Elders could convene a <Top-Level Emergency Meeting>, and the one who had issued the summons today was the Vice-Leader, Wi-ji Chan.
"Hmm..."
"This is truly formidable content."
"It's nothing short of astonishing!"
The figures in the hall each read through the attached documents, which were all prepared with the same content.
It was material that Wi-ji Chan had prepared in advance to facilitate a smooth meeting and aid understanding.
The moment they read the material, everyone's eyes were colored with astonishment.
"Vice-Leader. Is this content true?"
"I can't believe it..."
"I heard the White Lotus Cult caused trouble at the Martial Alliance. Wasn't their leader the Rain and Heavenly Demon Sword, No Yeong-myeong?"
"No. According to the information from our Assassination and Espionage Unit, No Yeong-myeong is not the Cult Leader of the White Lotus Cult, but the Vice-Leader."
"Hah! To think a master like No Yeong-myeong would be someone's subordinate."
"Who on earth could command a man like No Yeong-myeong?"
The opinions of the members flowed freely.
Most were filled with curiosity about the White Lotus Cult Leader who had No Yeong-myeong as a subordinate.
"If the predecessor of the White Lotus Cult is the Blood Cult, and they can use No Yeong-myeong as a Vice-Leader, wouldn't it have to be the Blood Demon, Tae Ho-gong?"
"Hoho. Elder Beon. The Blood Demon Tae Ho-gong already met his end at the hands of the God of War long ago. Surely, a dead man couldn't have been resurrected and returned?"
A deep gloom appeared on their faces.
The more they pondered, the more the matter plunged into obscurity.
It was then.
"Cult Leader, and all you Elders. The parts you have mentioned are important, but there is something even more important."
Wi-ji Chan stood up and addressed the members.
"What is it, Vice-Leader?"
"Although I did not record it in the report, I discovered a very important fact while acting as a spy for the White Lotus Cult."
"..."
"That is, the White Lotus Cult is restoring and producing demonic creatures, and the power of those demonic creatures is on par with the power of our cult!"
It was a startling statement.
If the speaker had not been Wi-ji Chan, the members would have snorted in derision.
But knowing that Wi-ji Chan would not lie, the complexions of the members turned pale.
"Vice-Leader. That statement could be very dangerous depending on the matter. Are you truly saying that the demonic creatures of the White Lotus Cult that you witnessed are on par with the power of our cult?"
The Cult Leader and his father, Wi-ji Gang, opened his mouth with a stern expression.
"How can I measure it precisely, but demonic creatures are, by nature, an asymmetrical force. It was not simply at the level of jiangshi or human-faced spiders. There were giant imugi whose names I didn't even know, and monsters with indistinct forms. Moreover, terrifying creatures reminiscent of 'hell's messengers' were sealed away as far as the eye could see."
'Hah...!'
'They must be artificial monsters created through the sinister necromancy and demonic creature manufacturing techniques of the unorthodox path.'
'The situation is serious!'
The elders' expressions hardened even more.
The Cult Leader, Wi-ji Gang, also seemed to be engulfed in turmoil, stroking his beard and furrowing his brow.
Then, he suddenly approached Wi-ji Chan, patted his shoulder, and said in a low voice.
"If the Vice-Leader says so, it must be true. You have suffered much, acting as a spy and obtaining intelligence in the midst of such sinister people."
It was clearly an unexpected encouragement.
Moreover, Wi-ji Gang was usually a person stingy with praise.
Therefore, Wi-ji Chan couldn't help but be inwardly surprised.
But everyone in the hall sympathized with the Cult Leader's words.
"You are right. The Vice-Leader's contribution is not small."
"Since our cult was the first to obtain this information, we will be able to prepare one step ahead."
"Vice-Leader. You have suffered much."
At the repeated praises, Wi-ji Chan's face turned red.
But considering the seriousness of the matter, he immediately changed the subject.
"Thank you for the encouragement. However, I believe now is not the time to discuss merits. You will be even more surprised, but I clashed with the guardian fallen monks in the process of escaping the White Lotus Cult after confirming the demonic creatures. Their martial arts are presumed to be based on Xizang esoteric Buddhism, and they displayed not just simple internal and external skills, but also mysterious arts. This proves that the White Lotus Cult possesses a truly formidable 'military power' even without relying on demonic creatures."
"Then, what you're saying, Vice-Leader, is?"
"Our cult must immediately form an elite force and subjugate the White Lotus Cult's temple in Gansu."
Wi-ji Chan's eyes flashed with strong enthusiasm.
However, the thoughts of the Cult Leader and the elders were different.
"Vice-Leader."
"Yes, Cult Leader."
"Your thoughts are certainly reasonable. If such demonic creatures were to be released into the world, the martial world would be engulfed in a bloodbath. But for that very reason, we cannot act rashly."
"Cult Leader! What do you mean by that? Now, while the demonic creatures are sealed, is the perfect time for subjugation. If we miss this timing, it will become uncontrollable..."
"Vice-Leader!"
The Cult Leader cut off Wi-ji Chan's words.
"I'm not saying we should just stand by. As you said, we will subjugate the White Lotus Cult. But we must set that timing very cleverly."
"Cult Leader!"
"It is because of the Orthodox martial world."
The moment he heard those words, Wi-ji Chan's heart sank.
He had never thought that his father would drag the Orthodox martial world into this to weigh the pros and cons.
"If our cult and the White Lotus Cult were to wage an all-out war, which group would benefit? It's the Orthodox Path weaklings. It's obvious they will aim to reap the benefits of our conflict. Our cult must step in at the most appropriate time and take the great cause, the justification, and the practical benefits all at once."
At that, the elders added one by one.
"This old man thinks so too."
"The stronger the White Lotus Cult's power, the more our cult must be cautious. If we clash head-on with such fellows, the damage will be immense."
"As the Cult Leader said, let's watch the situation and move at the most appropriate time!"
'Ah...!'
Wi-ji Chan was so confused that he didn't know what to say.
'How could the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, which possessed the greatest power in the world and was worthy of the saying 'unrivaled under the heavens'!'
If his grandfather were alive, a completely different scenario would have unfolded.
Because the Heavenly Demon, Wi-ji Un, was a person who did not look before he leaped.
But his father was different.
His father not only had high martial arts skills but was also a man with a scholar's disposition, skilled in strategy and tactics.
"Cult Leader. There is a saying that a bad move is made after long deliberation. If we leave them be, not only the entire martial world but also innocent people will be deceived and suffer immense damage."
Wi-ji Chan once again passionately argued with his father.
However, his argument only served to provoke his father's anger.
"You are the Vice-Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Although the dark side of our cult has been diluted to this day due to the revision of the rules by your father, the former Cult Leader, our cult was a group that offered human sacrifices to the Demon God just two generations ago. Do not forget your duty."
Simultaneously.
[Chan-ah. When the meeting is over and night falls, come to my quarters.]
His father's telepathic message was imprinted in Wi-ji Chan's ear.
'Father...'
Wi-ji Chan could only nod his head with a gloomy expression.
However.
'This time, I will not easily bend my will!'
He had no intention of backing down.
***
The next day, at the Moyong Family Estate—
—Uncle Dol-seok! Ah, there! Yes. Clean up that hideous thing over there!
—Uncle! I told you no! What's with those shabby clothes? You have that silk robe that Young Lady Yuk gifted you before. Please wear something like that!
—Chief Steward! You are the face of the family, the face! On a day like today, you should wear some gold accessories. Aish! You're someone who knows well without me having to say it!
So-ah's nagging, which had started at the crack of dawn, continued even now, with the sun high in the sky.
'Ugh... do we really have to go this far...'
'Anyway, that So-ah brat is so fussy!'
'Who can stop the Young Master! Who!'
Moyong Baek, Yeon So-so, and the chief steward clicked their tongues.
But they had learned repeatedly that listening to So-ah's words would bring them good fortune, so they had no choice but to follow, even if it was reluctantly.
"Master... are you being so particular because of my father's visit?"
Yi Baek asked So-ah, who was busy managing and supervising the maintenance of the family estate.
"...Huh? Well, it's not really like that, but."
"If that's the case, Master. You really don't have to do this."
"You're saying such frustrating things, you punk! Who is your father? He's one of the wealthiest men in the world. Our family has to look good too for it to be a match!"
So-ah chided his disciple, who was spouting soft words.
But it didn't take long for him to realize why Yi Baek had said such a thing.
"He's... he's here, he's here! Young Master Jin!"
The worker, Uncle Dol-seok, rushed to So-ah and shouted...
'Could it be... that person?'
Before the eyes of the people, a middle-aged man of small stature and simple clothes, who looked utterly ordinary, had entered.
'The greatest chaebol magnate in the Central Plains...'
'Is that ordinary?!'
No.
This was beyond the category of ordinary.
The word 'ordinary' is only established when one's appearance matches their status.
For one of the top three chaebols of the Central Plains to appear alone without a single common attendant was a sight far from ordinary.
"It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Lee Kun-hee of the Lee family of Shandong. I am sorry to have left my lacking son in your care and only now come to see you."
***
Moyong Baek escorted Chairman Lee Kun-hee to the largest reception room and did his best to entertain him, serving the best dishes made by the head chef of <Cheong-a-ru>, whom he had invited in advance, and even bringing out Geumjoncheong wine.
In the hall were Moyong Baek, So-ah, Yeon So-so, the chief steward, Chairman Lee Kun-hee, and Yi Baek.
"Hoho... I don't know what to do with myself, having Chairman Lee of the Lee family of Shandong visit this humble place."
"You are too kind, Family Head. It is an honor for me. Hohoho."
Thus, Chairman Lee Kun-hee exchanged greetings, and when his eyes met So-ah's, they suddenly sparkled strangely.
"You must be the renowned Great Hero Jin. I am Lee Kun-hee of the Lee family of Shandong."
"Renowned! Haha. And the title of Great Hero is too much for me! Moreover, to receive such a title from you, who are called one of the top three chaebols of the Central Plains, I am utterly overwhelmed! Hahaha."
'Ugh...'
'His social skills are... amazing.'
'Isn't that a bit too much?'
The people trembled as they watched So-ah.
As expected.
Wasn't So-ah smiling with a cheerful face as if he was about to fly with joy?
'What to do with him... what to do.'
'Is that really one of the Ten Great Masters of the Orthodox Path?'
'Young Master... who on earth are you...'
But Chairman Lee Kun-hee, as if he was pleased with So-ah's welcome, spoke frankly with a good-natured face.
"To be honest, I was very worried. I am not a martial artist, and the only thing I know how to do is make money, so I was worried that I would be an uninvited guest. But to be welcomed so cheerfully, I am deeply moved."
At that.
"The only thing you know how to do is make money! To say such a thing while possessing that thrilling ability. Hahaha! It's disappointing. Isn't there a saying that among all the abilities that exist in the universe, the ability to make money is the best?"
Truly, filled with conviction to the point of bursting, So-ah gave Chairman Lee Kun-hee a thumbs-up.
"Kehkehkeh! Young Hero Jin! You are a truly delightful person!"
"Anyone in the world would have no choice but to be delightful in front of Chairman Lee. Haha. Hahaha!"
Although it was getting more and more ridiculous, the two seemed to hit it off strangely well.
"By the way, looking at our Baek-ie, I don't know how to repay your kindness. The frail fellow seems to have become a lump of muscle now. Hoho."
Chairman Lee Kun-hee's gaze swept over his son, Yi Baek, and then returned to So-ah.
"He has suffered much. A body like that? Not just anyone can make it. You have to make medicinal water by pouring in heaps of ex.pen.sive. medicinal herbs every day and repeatedly have him recover his body in that medicinal water to create such a sturdy body. We are sparing no blood, sweat, and budget to make our lovely disciple Baek-ie a master. Hahahat!"
In that moment, the chief steward became certain of one thing.
'Chairman Lee... a few pennies won't do. Hoho! Hohoho!'
The eyes of So-ah, the master of negotiation, sparkled with intelligence.
(End of Chapter)