The next day, a Tongcheongak warrior came running directly to me.

“Here is the information you requested on the Tianhe Sect and Soyabang.”

According to him, they had even opened a temporary Tongcheongak branch near the Honam branch to quickly provide me with intelligence. This was the power of the Little Pill Master.

I examined the materials the Tongcheongak warrior handed me.

“The Tianhe Sect is quite large.”

I already knew it was a major faction, but its scale and substance were impressive.

“Yes, it is truly the greatest sect in Honam. Four members in the main school, four in the Satan Alliance, two in the Murim Alliance. They maintain neutrality while interacting with that much influence.”

There were factions like Tianhe that meticulously maintained neutrality and steadily grew their power. Mostly large sects like Tianhe.

“What projects did Ye Sogwang pursue with them?”

“We are investigating that, but nothing has been uncovered yet. Both Pill Master Ye and the Tianhe leader handled matters very secretly.”

If even Tongcheongak’s intelligence couldn’t uncover it, outside investigation seemed impossible.

“Understood. Pause that investigation for now and instead research the succession structures of those two sects. When the current leaders step down, find out who will inherit their clans and which successor is most favorable to us.”

“Understood.”

After the report, the Tongcheongak warrior left, and I immediately summoned Jeok-yeon.

“The banquet?”

“Tonight.”

“Select fifty skilled warriors from the Honam branch and have them wait near the banquet hall.”

“Understood.”

Jeok-yeon left, and I silently stared out the window.

‘While you make perfect deals, the very children who should be perfect are becoming the worst.’

Today too, the young men and women of the Mushinhwe were laughing, drinking, and making noise at the banquet hall.

At their center was Seo Cheong of the Tianhe Sect.

This group was maintained strictly by the logic of power. The greatest influence came from family status, followed by individual martial skill.

Seo Cheong was the apex predator who ranked at the very top in both categories and was the head of the Mushinhwe.

The Mushinhwe’s second-in-command was Seok Pung of Soyabang.

But Seok Pung drank in a corner seat, not beside Seo Cheong.

They used to be close like inseparable friends, but recently Seo Cheong’s attitude toward him had changed. Somehow cold, making their relationship awkward.

“Brother, pour me a drink too.”

“Drink up with me.”

Seo Cheong was surrounded by many beauties but wore a disinterested expression.

Lately, drinking and women no longer entertained him. He craved something fierce and stimulating. Honestly, he felt a desire to kill someone.

A few months ago, he had a dispute with warriors from Yonghwabang. Seo Cheong lost patience and cut them down. Three died that day — his first killings.

He and Seok Pung secretly buried the bodies.

Since then, he wanted to kill people. The thrill at the moment of stabbing a person was unforgettable. Afterward, he killed two more.

The first was a middle-aged woman walking at night. She wasn’t skilled in martial arts, but unable to resist the urge, he impulsively cut her down. He ransacked her clothes to make it look like a robbery and left.

His heart did not race faster than the first kill. So, a few days later, he killed another. This time a low-ranking warrior from the Cheonma Sin Gyo Honam branch. Perhaps he shouldn’t have killed him? This time, his heart raced even faster than the first kill.

Once he tasted blood, an uncontrollable desire to slaughter awoke.

After finishing his drink, Seo Cheong stood and bumped Seok Pung as he left. Whether accidental or intentional, Seok Pung was annoyed.

Seok Pung realized when Seo Cheong’s attitude had changed. It was because of his own careless words. Drunk, he had casually brought up Seo Cheong’s killings of the Yonghwabang warriors. Hearing those words, Seo Cheong’s eyes completely changed. Damn! The grudge was lasting too long.

Seo Cheong was returning from the outhouse when he noticed someone practicing movement techniques in a secluded spot.

There had been someone practicing the same techniques recently. “What’s a liquor carrier practicing martial arts? Let’s have him duel with Seok Pung and break him,” he thought.

Bored, Seo Cheong motioned for his group. They came rushing, exchanging mischievous glances as they looked at the youth training in movement.

“Hey.”

Seo Cheong called out; the young man turned.

Seo Cheong was startled. It wasn’t the face he expected. He had expected something clumsy and innocent, but it was a handsome young man — Geom Mugeuk.

“Who are you?”

Though a liquor carrier, he had an inexplicable dignity and grace. Certainly not the demeanor of a mere worker.

“Then who are you?”

Geom Mugeuk asked back, and laughter burst from the surrounding crowd. Everyone was eager to see how this person who irritated Seo Cheong would fare.

“Strong pride? Well, pride is a warrior’s life.”

Seo Cheong mentioned pride — his usual tactic. Stir the fire with pride, and the opponent always rushes in like a moth to flame. Especially effective when many eyes are watching.

“You came out like a man, so show your skill. How about a duel?”

“With who? You?”

Laughter erupted again. No one among Honam’s later generation warriors could defeat Seo Cheong.

“You’re not on my level.”

Seo Cheong gestured to Seok Pung to face him.

Seok Pung’s expression stiffened. Again, just like last time.

Does a kid like that match my level? But making him face such a guy was meant to openly insult Seok Pung in front of everyone.

“I fought last time, so this time…”

“You do it!”

Seo Cheong cut him off coldly. With so many watching, Seok Pung’s pride was hurt. But he had to endure—not because of skill but because of Tianhe Sect’s prestige.

Then Geom Mugeuk asked Seok Pung,

“Then who are you?”

“I am Seok Pung of Soyabang.”

Geom Mugeuk exaggeratedly praised.

“Oh! I heard Soyabang’s heir is a remarkable talent. The best later generation warrior in Honam! It’s you! An honor!”

Seok Pung was stunned by the unexpected compliment. It had been a long time /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ since anyone praised him publicly, especially lately.

Then Geom Mugeuk tilted his head, muttering to himself,

“Ah, wait? If you’re the best in Honam, why take orders from someone else?”

Seok Pung’s expression hardened. Whether sincere or mockery, it was a proper provocation.

Now Geom Mugeuk turned to Seo Cheong.

“You’re impressive. Having Soyabang’s heir under you. Who are you?”

As the praise shifted from Seok Pung to Seo Cheong, Seok Pung’s face flushed red. Seo Cheong’s smirk made his anger flare.

“Shut up! What do you know to talk so recklessly?”

Seok Pung lunged at Geom Mugeuk.

“If you attack me like that, you admit you’re his subordinate.”

Seok Pung froze mid-motion.

Geom Mugeuk began shaking him. Seok Pung was the one rushing into the kindling of pride blazing like a bonfire.

Looking around, Geom Mugeuk said,

“Seems true. Everyone’s eyes treat you as that friend’s subordinate.”

Seok Pung looked around.

Someone should have said they were friends, not superior and subordinate, but everyone was too wary of Seo Cheong to speak up.

Seo Cheong stepped forward.

“Why get swayed by that bastard’s scheming?”

Seok Pung got even more annoyed hearing Seo Cheong say “swayed.” Then Seo Cheong said something more aggravating.

“Stop whining like a girl and duel that weird guy already.”

He knew exactly how much those words would anger a person and said them on purpose.

Geom Mugeuk asked Seok Pung.

“But if you really fought, would you win against that guy?”

“!”

That was the question someone hoped for but could never answer.

“You’re holding back because Soyabang is weaker than Tianhe, right?”

It was true. If they fought seriously, Seok Pung believed he could beat Seo Cheong. He had a better build and didn’t think his martial arts were inferior.

Silence fell. After a moment, Seo Cheong broke it.

“Why don’t you deny it?”

Seok Pung remained silent.

Seo Cheong’s gaze grew cold.

“You’re not going to speak?”

Seo Cheong spat out harsh words.

“Look at this bastard, he must really think so.”

In truth, Seok Pung wasn’t silent because he couldn’t speak but because he wouldn’t.

His mouth wouldn’t open. It was strange. It wasn’t that his acupoint was suppressed, but it felt like invisible forces pressed his jaw and crown from below and above. He thought it was because he was so angry at Seo Cheong.

Seo Cheong grabbed his collar.

“Did you really think so?”

Bam!

Seo Cheong’s fist turned Seok Pung’s jaw. The pressure holding him vanished.

“N-no, that’s not it…”

Bam! Bam!

Fists hit Seok Pung’s face repeatedly. Seok Pung, shocked he was being hit, grew furious.

Ducking the fourth punch, Seok Pung threw one back.

Bam!

Seo Cheong had no idea Seok Pung would counterattack and flew back, crashing to the floor. He opened his eyes wide.

“Damn! Are you crazy?”

Seok Pung was even more shocked and confused. His fist had flown out unknowingly. He felt some invisible force had acted, but he believed his long-held anger had finally exploded.

Seok Pung shouted,

“You bastard! Stop underestimating people!”

Words he had held in for a long time finally burst out.

Seo Cheong rose with murderous intent.

“Looks like Mr. Seok has had many complaints.”

Seok Pung felt both fear and relief, but the fear began growing.

‘Damn! Crazy bastard! What on earth did you do?’

He knew Seo Cheong was cruel. Since there were many watching, Seo Cheong would surely go all out.

Then a sharp whisper came to him.

―Need some help?

The whisper was from Geom Mugeuk.

Seok Pung had completely forgotten the man’s existence. After all, today’s trouble had started because of him. Annoyingly, the man was standing with his arms crossed, watching the situation.

―He’ll cripple you under the excuse of a duel. The same trick you often use.

―Who are you?

―Don’t want help? Then don’t bother.

Seo Cheong cleared the space around and created an arena.

“Mr. Seok, I challenge you to a duel. You’re not going to run away like a coward, right?”

Seok Pung was anxious.

―How will you help?

―Expose all the evil Seo Cheong has done! Then I’ll help.

―Then you’re really trying to kill me.

―Isn’t it the same now?

Seok Pung felt the murderous intent rising in Seo Cheong’s eyes. He thought Seo Cheong might actually kill him. The man lived by pride and death. Having been hit in front of others, he would at least cut off a limb.

On the other hand, if Seok Pung fought back and killed or injured him, it would be a problem. If they touched the Tianhe heir wrong, the sect would not just stand still.

Cornered, Seok Pung looked at Geom Mugeuk. This mess started because of him, but no one cared. He was a devil. Maybe that was why he trusted him.

Just as Seo Cheong was approaching, Seok Pung shouted loudly,

“You killed the Yonghwabang warriors you had a dispute with recently and buried their bodies.”

A heavy silence fell. Until then, it was only an interesting scene, but now the situation turned serious.

Seok Pung shouted again.

“You stabbed a passerby to death and even killed a demon!”

Words he had told Seo Cheong when they were close poured out.

Seo Cheong decided to kill Seok Pung and looked around.

“No one believes that nonsense, right?”

Only heavy silence flowed. Some made awkward smiles meeting Seo Cheong’s gaze.

“Of course no one believes it!”

“No one believes it.”

Seo Cheong was triumphant. Even if someone did believe it, no one would dare speak of today’s events.

Then a voice rang out through the banquet hall.

“I believe it.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Geom Mugeuk.

Seo Cheong’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Alright, suppose you believe that nonsense. So what?”

Seo Cheong asked, and Geom Mugeuk smiled.

“This?”

Geom Mugeuk snapped his fingers at the door.

The door slowly opened.

Creak.

Jeok-yeon entered first.

Bodyguard warriors followed, then fifty demons from the Honam branch lined up behind.

“What the hell are these bastards?”

Those nearby tried to block, but were mercilessly beaten by Jeok-yeon and the bodyguards and sent flying.

Someone recognized the mark on Jeok-yeon’s chest.

“The demonic sect! Demons!”

At his shout, everyone froze.

Only then did they see the demon markings engraved on their chests.

Screams erupted everywhere. Some trembled, some dropped to their knees, some tried to escape through windows but were caught, some hid under tables. It was pure chaos.

Even Seo Cheong was shocked.

‘They really are demons!’

No matter how arrogant he was, he wasn’t loud enough to face the demonic sect.

Geom Mugeuk ordered his subordinates.

“Since Seok Pung has revealed all his crimes, lock Seo Cheong in the dungeon and begin interrogation.”

Seo Cheong reflexively shouted.

“Who the hell do you think you are!”

Jeok-yeon bared cold demonic energy and shouted sharply.

“Watch your tongue! You face the Little Pill Master of Cheonma Sin Gyo!”

Seo Cheong was terrified by those words. Seok Pung and the others were also shocked.

Someone quickly dropped to their knees, and the rest followed.

“Spare me!”

Everyone begged for mercy.

In the commotion, Seo Cheong stood dazed, muttering,

“…Little Pill Master of Cheonma Sin Gyo? Why? Why would the Little Pill Master come here?”

Geom Mugeuk slowly walked toward him and said,

“You’re not on my level, but how about a duel anyway?”