Chronicles of the Mad Demon - Chapter 56

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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 56. Between Confidence and Recklessness (1)

 

“Phew.”

 

After splashing water several times on his sweat-soaked body, he finally felt like he could live again.

 

Hong In asked while wiping his body with a towel.

 

“What about the kids?”

 

“They’ve all collapsed.”

 

Sure enough, countless swordsmen could be seen collapsed in the distance at the training ground.

 

A displeased expression appeared on Hong In’s face.

 

“Don’t you think the kids’ skills seem worse than before?”

 

Gu Wol bowed his head.

 

“It must be that Squad Leader’s martial arts have improved.”

 

“Improved, my foot. I’m just doing what I always do.”

 

Though he said that, Gu Wol’s flattery wasn’t bad, as his face was filled with satisfaction.

 

“Since today’s training is over, I’d like to have a drink.”

 

“If I may speak out of turn, Squad Leader.”

 

“I know, you bastard. You’re saying to lay low for now.”

 

He spoke to a squad member nearly ten years older than himself as if addressing a younger brother.

 

Even so, Gu Wol’s expression didn’t change one bit. In fact, if you went by age alone, there was no one in the Red Sword Corps younger than Hong In.

 

“Still, having a drink should be fine. Shall we go out for a bit?”

 

“The Family Head has given orders to stand by.”

 

“It’s an inspection of Wuhan. This is within the Squad Leader’s authority.”

 

Even if he were a Great Master rather than a Squad Leader, the Family Head’s orders would take priority, which he couldn’t possibly not know.

 

Gu Wol didn’t bother to bring up that point.

 

“Since there’s no need to stand out, you should wear undercover clothing.”

 

Hong In frowned.

 

“How annoying.”

 

Whether he wore a uniform or undercover clothing made no difference.

 

Gu Wol knew this. Hong In wasn’t annoyed; he simply wanted to wear his uniform.

 

Of course, it wasn’t because he liked the uniform more.

 

‘They say there are no weak sons under a strong father.’

 

Hong In was overflowing with confidence in everything and loved to show himself off.

 

‘I suppose it’s natural.’

 

With talent superior to the Grand Young Master, he had already surpassed his older brother at the age of eighteen.

 

Naturally, he couldn’t help but overflow with confidence. He was also at an age when his blood ran hot.

 

‘Rather, it’s more surprising that he’s endured silently until now.’

 

At least back then he knew to fear his father, but now things were different.

 

Gu Wol, who sighed inwardly, said.

 

“At the very least, we must inform the Great Master.”

 

Hong In’s expression changed completely.

 

“It doesn’t matter.”

 

His face was utterly cold.

 

“You said it was the Squad Leader’s independent authority. I’m even the Squad Leader of the Red Sword Third Unit.”

 

Even though he said that, he would eventually report to the Grand Young Master, who was the Great Master. More precisely, it would be a notification.

 

He wanted to say that there was nothing good about having a power struggle with the Grand Young Master, but he couldn’t easily bring himself to say those words.

 

“I’ll go get dressed first, so you get ready too.”

 

“Understood.”

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Second Young Master.”

 

A Swordsman approached from the distance.

 

His gait was like flowing water. Even with his upright posture, there was no swaying of his shoulders at all. He was a Master.

 

“What brings the Martial Sword Pavilion Master here?”

 

He was Lee Jong Baek, third in the Hong Clan Sword Family hierarchy and head of the Martial Sword Pavilion that oversaw all military groups within the sword family.

 

He was two ranks above Hong In, but since this was a private setting, they only used respectful language with each other.

 

“The Family Head has summoned you.”

 

“Me?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

Hong In clicked his tongue.

 

“Understood. I’ll go right away.”

 

Lee Jong Baek turned around without a word. He didn’t open his mouth unless it was necessary.

 

A short while later.

 

When he went to the luxurious pavilion with lanterns lit all around, Hong Jun Ak was drinking alcohol.

 

“Father.”

 

“You’ve come.”

 

“Yes. I heard you were looking for me.”

 

“Come up.”

 

Hong In climbed up to the pavilion and knelt across from Hong Jun Ak.

 

Hong Jun Ak glanced at his son and handed him an empty cup.

 

“Did your training go well?”

 

“Yes, it did.”

 

“Have a drink.”

 

What’s this about?

 

Though he was inwardly puzzled, Hong In immediately lifted his cup to receive the alcohol.

 

“Do you know what this alcohol is?”

 

“Isn’t it Sichuan Five Grain Liquor?”

 

“You know it well. Do you drink often?”

 

“Not often, just occasionally. Of course, this is the first time I’ve had something with such a fine aroma.”

 

“Have a drink.”

 

Hong In turned his head and drank the alcohol, making a “keuk” sound and frowning. It was quite strong, as much as the aroma was good.

 

Hong Jun Ak spoke in a blunt voice.

 

“A swordsman must be able to emit sharp aura even while sleeping. Until one reaches a level that everyone acknowledges as a master, one should not frequently indulge in alcohol.”

 

“I will keep that in mind.”

 

Though he answered respectfully, his eyes remained on the cup. He probably wanted to drink one more cup.

 

Hong Jun Ak clicked his tongue inwardly.

 

‘There’s no weight in his voice.’

 

At first, he thought about educating him more firmly.

 

But he gave up. He had worked hard all this time and actually produced results, and he knew that pushing too hard would only break him.

 

Was that why? Thinking that his father had acknowledged him, his son had become so confident that he was now even arrogant.

 

Ga Suk’s words came to mind.

 

‘I believe that when arrogance trips him up, real competitive spirit will emerge.’

 

Though he was someone struggling within his grasp, those words alone had touched his heart.

 

That’s why he had called his son to this place.

 

“Your martial arts haven’t improved lately.”

 

Hong In flinched involuntarily.

 

“It’s because my talent is lacking.”

 

Hong Jun Ak chuckled.

 

“You don’t say that your effort is lacking.”

 

“That is…”

 

“I have acknowledged your talent. At least in terms of talent alone, there shouldn’t be anyone near Wuhan who could match you.”

 

“…”

 

“In the end, it’s lack of effort.”

 

He tried not to, but ended up lecturing again.

 

Hong In was dissatisfied in his own way.

 

‘How can I possibly put in more effort than this?’

 

From morning, he practiced Heart Method and commanded the Red Sword Third Unit’s formation training. After lunch until evening, he engaged in swordsmanship training, and after dinner, he did another half hour of intense physical training.

 

No matter how he thought about it, it wasn’t lack of effort. Of course, he didn’t think his talent was lacking either.

 

“Effort is…”

 

Reading the dissatisfaction on his son’s face, Hong Jun Ak was about to lecture again but closed his mouth.

 

‘Tsk, experience is important after all.’

 

Increasing intensity and investing time?

 

That’s only natural.

 

To become a true master, training that transcends common sense is necessary. For some, it might be climbing ten thousand cliffs, for others it might be meditation, and for yet others it might be calm swordsmanship training.

 

But to find what training suits you, you must first know what you currently lack.

 

And that’s something no one can teach you.

 

‘Ga Suk is right. In the end, you only learn when you’re tripped up.’

 

Filling his son’s cup again, Hong Jun Ak said.

 

“Two days ago, I sent someone to Ten Swords Gate.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“The sect leader and elder daughter are ruined, and one elder has gone missing. Public opinion is at its worst too. The businesses that contracted with Ten Swords Gate will probably start looking around soon.”

 

“…!”

 

“Soon we’ll be able to acquire several major businesses that Ten Swords Gate had monopolized.”

 

“I, I see.”

 

He was pleased that Father had informed him about the progress of affairs. He had only heard about family matters through his older brother before, never directly like this.

 

Naturally, pride welled up within him.

 

‘As expected, Father has been acknowledging me.’

 

Of course, I’m better than that bookworm brother of mine.

 

Both as a son and as the next family head.

 

“Fortunately, your brother has been skillfully manipulating the sect leader’s second daughter.”

 

Hong In’s eyes trembled slightly.

 

“…I see.”

 

“Why? Do you want to try it too?”

 

“Yes, I do.”

 

It wouldn’t be simple arrogance.

 

Hong Jun Ak knew that his second son wasn’t some clueless youngster. Though he had many shortcomings, he hadn’t raised him thoughtlessly.

 

It was all due to youthful vigor.

 

“The Ten Swords Gate matter will be handled by your brother.”

 

Hong In lowered his head.

 

He doesn’t hide his frustration. No, he can’t. His cultivation is still lacking.

 

Hong Jun Ak knew that his second son had strange feelings toward Hwang In Hwa.

 

It wasn’t romantic affection between man and woman, but closer to a desire for dominance. Like viewing her as an interesting toy to play with.

 

‘It won’t go that far.’

 

When he grows bigger and learns more, he won’t care whether he keeps three wives or takes four concubines.

 

But it wasn’t time for that yet.

 

“Instead, I intend to assign you a different task.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“You must have heard about Moyong Bi.”

 

Hong In’s eyes, which had been filled with anger, sparkled like starlight.

 

“I heard he defeated Hwang Gyu in a direct confrontation.”

 

Hong Jun Ak’s eyebrows tensed.

 

“Even so, he was someone who divided Wuhan with this father. Watch your language.”

 

“I apologize.”

 

Again, it was just words.

 

Though he apologized, he didn’t think he had made a mistake.

 

At least this temperament was fine. If he could just learn to wear a mask, he thought it would be better to maintain such resolve until death.

 

“I’ll ask you directly. Do you have confidence you can defeat Sect Leader Hwang?”

 

Hong In, who was about to answer immediately, soon closed his mouth and pondered.

 

The time for consideration was brief.

 

“Honestly, I’m not confident.”

 

A smile finally spread across Hong Jun Ak’s face.

 

“Yes, at your current level, he’s a difficult opponent to defeat.”

 

“But if I had just three more of my squad members, I think we could capture him.”

 

“That’s reckless. Hwang Gyu’s martial arts are not to be taken lightly. If he draws his Ten Secret Swords on top of that, the entire Red Sword Third Unit would need to mobilize to subdue him.”

 

Hong In’s face turned red.

 

“He was that strong?”

 

“Moyong Bi captured that Sect Leader Hwang alone. And they say he overwhelmed him from start to finish.”

 

Hong In raised his head again.

 

“That can’t be possible.”

 

Hong Jun Ak nodded.

 

“That’s what the rumors say. I also don’t think Moyong Bi overwhelmed Sect Leader Hwang.”

 

“It must be so.”

 

“What’s important is that, either way, Moyong Bi crushed Sect Leader Hwang in a one-on-one fight.”

 

Hong In bit his lips.

 

“…He must have used some trick, or there might have been hidden assistance.”

 

“Of course that’s possible.”

 

In fact, Hong Jun Ak didn’t rule out that possibility.

 

Whether he had hidden his martial arts all along or grown rapidly in a short time, overwhelming Hwang Gyu with that age and body was nearly impossible.

 

“Still, I think it would be difficult for you to win right now.”

 

“…”

 

“It means he’s someone who could trample your reputation as the one closest to being Wuhan’s top late-stage expert.”

 

Hong In’s face flushed red with anger.

 

This was enough to stoke the flames.

 

“Three days ago, I sent a letter to the Moyong Family. To be precise, I sent it to Moyong Bi.”

 

“Yes…?”

 

Perhaps thinking of that time made him feel unpleasant, as Hong Jun Ak’s expression wasn’t good either.

 

“I said I’d buy him a drink, thinking to see his face and how much he’d grown, but that bastard immediately refused.”

 

Hong In shook his head as if he couldn’t believe it.

 

“Isn’t that crazy bastard insane? How dare he refuse Father’s…”

 

“He either has something to rely on, or he might be a deeply calculating fellow.”

 

“Calculating?”

 

“Doesn’t it mean he wants to try a tug-of-war against the Main Family? Regardless of whether he has real power, just trying to pull once shows tremendous audacity.”

 

That was certainly true.

 

But Hong In didn’t want to acknowledge it.

 

“He’s just an arrogant bastard acting cocky. He seems to have gotten lucky and learned a trick somewhere, but isn’t it natural for those who lived with nothing to act like kings when they get their hands on a thousand gold?”

 

“That’s why I’m thinking of sending you.”

 

“Yes?!”

 

Hong Jun Ak’s lips curved upward.

 

“Go directly to the Moyong Family and bring Moyong Bi to the Main Family House.”

 

“…!”

 

“Of course, since I’m the one extending the invitation, you just need to bring that fellow along.”

 

Hong In’s eyes sparkled to an almost burdensome degree.

 

“That’s all it takes?”

 

“That’s all it takes. But will he really move so easily?”

 

“Well…”

 

“If he doesn’t move, that’s fine too. We’ll invite Moyong Bi, but if he refuses to accept the invitation to the very end, then he must have his own thoughts about it.”

 

“…”

 

“Shall I go personally and examine what kind of person this Moyong Bi fellow is?”

 

Hong In grinned broadly.

 

“Would it be alright if I depart tomorrow?”

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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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