Chronicles of the Mad Demon - Chapter 43

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 43. The Virtue of Transactions (3)

 

“Red Sword Third Unit came?!”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

Deep tension also appeared on the Divine Physician’s face.

 

“Three of them came, and the Squad Leader came personally.”

 

Hwang In Hwa was startled.

 

“Hong In?!”

 

Hong In, the Squad Leader of Red Sword Third Unit, was the Sword Family Head’s second son and a master who competed for the title of Wuhan’s greatest Late-Stage Expert.

 

How else could there be rumors that he might even be stronger than Hong Myeong, who was both the leader of the Red Sword Corps and the Young Family Head?

 

“Where are those bastards now?”

 

“They’re having a private meeting with the Sect Leader.”

 

“This isn’t the time for that. I need to go see.”

 

“Young Miss, the Sect Leader said…”

 

Myeong sighed. It was because Hwang In Hwa, who had already finished adjusting her appearance, was walking toward the door.

 

Except for Hwang Gyu, who was both the Sect Leader and her father, there was no one in the sect who could stop Hwang In Hwa.

 

In the end, Myeong headed to the Sect Leader’s Office together with Hwang In Hwa.

 

Clatter.

 

Just then, the outer door leading to the Sect Leader’s Office opened and three swordsmen walked out.

 

Hwang In Hwa unconsciously swallowed.

 

‘It really is Red Sword Third Unit.’

 

Their atmosphere was completely different.

 

The feeling that the air suddenly became heavy. Yet also sharp. She could feel a cutting aura that was difficult to approach carelessly.

 

It was a murderous aura she had never felt even from the elders within the sect.

 

“Hmm?”

 

The man standing in the center looked at Hwang In Hwa and smiled.

 

“It’s been a long time.”

 

Hwang In Hwa spoke with a dignified expression.

 

“Squad Leader Hong came personally.”

 

“You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you.”

 

Hwang In Hwa didn’t miss the slight admiration hidden within that cold voice.

 

And even a strange longing.

 

Hwang In Hwa’s chin lifted slightly.

 

There was no man who wasn’t interested in women, and only someone who knew how to play with such men’s interest could be called a real woman.

 

At least, that’s what Hwang In Hwa thought.

 

“Squad Leader is still the same.”

 

“Why don’t you call me big brother like before?”

 

“I can’t do that. This is an official meeting.”

 

Hong In raised the corner of his mouth as if amused.

 

“There’s no official business that would connect you and me.”

 

It was a remark that touched her pride, but Hwang In Hwa didn’t get excited.

 

She was confident that she knew Hong In’s personality well from before. He deliberately pretended to keep his distance from objects of his desire. Because he enjoyed making the other person anxious.

 

And Hwang In Hwa was the same way.

 

“Squad Leader’s tongue is still as sharp as ever.”

 

“I’m being rational.”

 

“But your eyes seem far from rational?”

 

“Do they truly appear that way?”

 

“I won’t go far. If there’s a chance later, I’ll treat you to tea.”

 

Hwang In Hwa quickly turned her head away.

 

Though she deliberately acted cold, she was confident that Hong In’s pride would have cracked a little.

 

“Tea?”

 

Hong In chuckled and turned around.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

Hong In’s steps as he left with his Squad Members showed not a trace of lingering attachment.

 

Hwang In Hwa was inwardly flustered. Normally Hong In would have made another provocative remark at this point, but he just left.

 

‘He’s improved quite a bit, hasn’t he?’

 

It seemed she wasn’t the only one who had grown during their time apart. She tried hard to maintain her composed attitude.

 

Myeong sighed inwardly.

 

‘What on earth is this all about?’

 

From what he could see, Hong In had no interest in Hwang In Hwa.

 

To put it bluntly, it was just simple interest toward a pretty woman, far from romantic affection between a man and woman. But Hwang In Hwa didn’t seem to think so.

 

‘How frustrating.’

 

She probably didn’t come here for any important business, but just to show Hong In her face.

 

And one more thing.

 

“Please send word that I wish to see the Sect Leader.”

 

She spoke loudly enough for Hong In, who hadn’t gone far yet, to hear everything.

 

Her intentions were transparent. It was to give the impression that she would be handling official business with the Sect Leader from morning.

 

A moment later.

 

The Gate Guard Officer opened the door.

 

Myeong followed Hwang In Hwa toward the Sect Leader’s Office.

 

“Father.”

 

Hwang Gyu, his gaze fixed on a letter, asked calmly.

 

“What is it?”

 

Myeong instantly felt a chill run down his spine.

 

Though his voice was calm, he could instinctively tell that Hwang Gyu was in an extremely bad mood.

 

“I heard the Red Sword Third Unit came.”

 

“Didn’t you see them yourself?”

 

“Yes, I saw them.”

 

“So what is it?”

 

Hwang In Hwa felt an inexplicable uneasiness.

 

‘Is he in a bad mood?’

 

In fact, her intuition wasn’t bad. It was just that her excessive pride and self-love made her natural perceptiveness useless.

 

“Why did the Red Sword Third Unit come to the Main Family House? Don’t tell me the Hong Clan Sword Family is suggesting we join hands?”

 

Unexpectedly, Hwang Gyu’s reaction wasn’t bad.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“Did that really happen?”

 

Hwang Gyu’s eyes deepened as he gazed intently at his daughter.

 

“Do you know the current situation of the Main Sect?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“You don’t know.”

 

Hwang In Hwa was flustered but tried to act confident.

 

“I’m sorry. I don’t know.”

 

Rather than pretending to know something she didn’t, it was better to confidently admit ignorance.

 

Though it wasn’t wrong, Hwang Gyu felt bitter.

 

‘How truly frustrating.’

 

If you only learn what you’re taught, no matter how well you do, you’ll only be second-rate.

 

Even if your father, leader, or superior doesn’t teach you, you must actively try to learn.

 

Not as a member of an organization, but for yourself. Only you can raise your own value. Even if you’re stuck at the bottom now, if you increase your worth, you can become first-rate anywhere.

 

‘How can she be so confident?’

 

Being honest is better than lying? That’s just basic.

 

Ji Hwa wouldn’t have acted like this.

 

Even without anyone telling her, if there’s something she doesn’t know, she’ll find out by asking even ordinary warriors. If she doesn’t know something she should, she won’t even open her mouth and will listen carefully to what others say.

 

Endless curiosity. An attitude of always trying to sensitively read the organization’s atmosphere. That was why he favored his eldest daughter.

 

‘I didn’t even spoil her that much.’

 

Should this be considered just natural disposition or talent?

 

Hwang Gyu struggled to suppress his anger.

 

“I sent Ji Hwa and the Flame Sword Elder to the Moyong Family. Along with my personal guards.”

 

“What?!”

 

“The three people who left yesterday evening still haven’t returned.”

 

Hwang In Hwa unconsciously swallowed dryly.

 

She realized this was a situation where her father couldn’t possibly be in a good mood.

 

“Don’t tell me… they were defeated by that bastard Moyong Bi?”

 

Hwang Gyu didn’t answer.

 

He wanted to scold her, asking if he would have so many worries if he knew that, but now wasn’t the time to get angry.

 

“Bad rumors about the Main Sect are spreading on Market Street.”

 

“Bad rumors?”

 

“Rumors that the Main Sect was backing the Black Tiger Gang.”

 

“…!!”

 

“There are even rumors that the reason Ji Hwa and the Flame Sword went to the Moyong Family was for revenge over the Black Tiger Gang incident.”

 

“That, that’s…”

 

“The Main Sect’s intelligence network has been moving since dawn to suppress the rumors, but it’s not easy. Too many people are sharing the rumors, so we can’t even trace the source.”

 

That’s exactly why rumors are so terrifying.

 

Once they spread among the masses, they don’t easily fade unless there’s a ‘result’ that follows the ‘process’ of the rumor.

 

At best, rumors naturally die down over time, but the problem is that Ten Sword Gate would suffer great losses during that period.

 

“Could this possibly be…?”

 

Hwang In Hwa’s voice trembled slightly.

 

“Are these rumors spread by the Moyong Family?”

 

Hwang Gyu’s eyes sparkled.

 

“What makes you think that?”

 

“I have no proof, but it’s too coincidental. Moyong Bi destroyed the Black Tiger Gang, and the next day the Main Sect sent Elder Sister and the Elder. Then rumors immediately spread.”

 

“…”

 

“It feels too perfectly orchestrated to be a coincidence.”

 

Hwang Gyu’s sharp gaze softened slightly.

 

‘His potential isn’t bad.’

 

If he could just temper his pride a bit, he might grow into a talent comparable to Ji Hwa. Seeing this, it seemed he was indeed his seed after all.

 

“I think the same.”

 

“Then I believe we should take active measures.”

 

“That would be true if we only look at the surface phenomena.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I mean we need to make a decision before actively protesting.”

 

“What do you…?”

 

“Ji Hwa and Salt Sword have gone missing. What does this mean?”

 

Hwang In Hwa’s face darkened.

 

“Th-that’s…”

 

Since it wasn’t a question expecting an answer, Hwang Gyu immediately continued.

 

“It means the Main Sect’s operations have been halted since the Black Tiger Gang’s destruction.”

 

“…?”

 

“It’s unlikely that Moyong Bi’s martial arts are impressive enough to overwhelm three people. It also doesn’t make sense that the Moyong Family’s power exceeds our expectations.”

 

“Then?”

 

“The greatest possibility would be third-party intervention.”

 

“Third party?!”

 

Honestly, Hwang Gyu didn’t want to think this far either. The reason was too simple.

 

But after considering various possibilities and eliminating the unlikely ones, he ultimately arrived at the conclusion of third-party intervention.

 

“Dark Shadow, whom we sent to the Moyong Family, hasn’t returned either.”

 

Hwang In Hwa’s mouth fell open.

 

“Even if his strength was insufficient, Dark Shadow should have been able to escape without difficulty. Yet he hasn’t returned, which means he’s either dead or captured.”

 

“…”

 

“Do you think the Moyong Family has that kind of power?”

 

It would be more believable to say a cat had bitten a large wolf to death.

 

Hwang In Hwa could understand why her father was considering third-party intervention. Nothing else could explain it.

 

“A third party is backing the Moyong Family. In the end, we must consider that backing as part of the Moyong Family’s power.”

 

“Don’t tell me the decision Father mentioned is…”

 

Hwang In Hwa gulped nervously.

 

“All-out war?”

 

Hwang Gyu, who had been quietly watching his daughter, handed her the letter he had been reading.

 

Hwang In Hwa respectfully received and read the letter, her eyes widening in shock.

 

“This is?”

 

“That’s right. The Hong Clan Sword Family has extended their hand to the Main Sect.”

 

“Why at this point in time?”

 

“They too have caught wind of the rumors.”

 

“…!”

 

“The Hong Clan Sword Family had two choices. One was to actively attack the Main Sect by backing the Moyong Family and swaying public opinion—essentially a declaration of war. The other is…”

 

“As written in this letter, they want us to hand over several major businesses in exchange for dealing with the Moyong Family—negotiation, in other words.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

They’ll blow your nose for you, so pull out a couple of foundation pillars.

 

“The Hong Clan Sword Family has nothing to lose. They can fabricate reasons for attack easily enough. But if the Main Sect steps forward, we’d have to give up a lot.”

 

“We have nothing to lose either. The Hong Clan Sword Family couldn’t possibly know about the third party’s existence, and even if they did, we could weaken their forces.”

 

A smile appeared on Hwang Gyu’s face for the first time.

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Good thinking…”

 

“At the same time, we should send someone to check on Ji Hwa’s safety.”

 

Hwang In Hwa’s expression stiffened slightly.

 

But only for a moment.

 

“Yes, we should.”

 

Hwang Gyu let out a sigh.

 

“This is truly frustrating. I’ve never felt this frustrated while running the Main Sect.”

 

Hwang In Hwa felt self-conscious for no reason.

 

Frankly speaking, if she hadn’t been lurking around the Black Tiger Gang, things wouldn’t have flowed this way. Father surely knew this too.

 

“Anyway, given the situation, don’t act rashly and go to the Financial Affairs Pavilion to review the work your Elder Sister was handling…”

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Sect Leader!”

 

The face of the Swordsman who rushed in without notice was filled with urgency.

 

Hwang Gyu’s eyes twisted with an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

 

“What’s happened now!”

 

“M-Moyong Bi has appeared in the marketplace!”

 

“What?!”

 

“That’s not all! Moyong Bi is restraining Young Miss Ji Hwa along with several Fire Sword Group members!”

 

Hwang Gyu shot to his feet.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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