I Will Become a Phoenix More Noble Than the Emperor - Chapter 15

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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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15.

At that clear and correct answer, the spark of suspicion in Byeon Jang-chun’s eyes was instantly extinguished.

Superhuman.

That was precisely the secret and dangerous commodity being sold in this Maehwagak, and the very reason On Gang had been captured and brought here.

By whatever means they had used, this Maehwagak had discovered a method to suppress Superhumans, kidnapping them and selling them as toys for the wealthy.

That was exactly why there were no real trees, sunlight or moonlight, dirt ground, or ponds around Maehwagak. It was to prevent the captured Superhumans from using their abilities to escape.

The Superhumans they captured were naturally dangerous and expensive, so they didn’t sell them to just anyone. If this matter leaked to the outside world, not only Maehwagak but Byeon Jang-chun himself would be a dead man.

Those who bought Superhumans here would also not survive if this fact was revealed, so they didn’t carelessly divulge this information to just anyone.

So if he knew that much, he had truly been introduced by a regular customer of Maehwagak.

Having gained certainty, Byeon Jang-chun grinned and took his time.

“Since you came knowing that much, you probably know this too… we collect advance payment before showing our goods. It’s a matter of trust, so please understand.”

At those words, Seon-o pulled out a bundle from his pocket with an unimpressed expression.

“Will this be enough?”

Byeon Jang-chun received the bundle with both hands and quickly peered inside.

Seeing the gold ingots packed inside, Byeon Jang-chun’s eyes widened and sparkled, then he immediately changed his attitude. Byeon Jang-chun called over a nearby Hajol, handed over the bundle, then turned back to Seon-o with a bright smile.

“Please come this way.”

His voice having instantly become gentle, he guided Seon-o to the underground area at the end of the hallway.

Seon-o leisurely moved his steps as if he had done this several times before, then casually opened his mouth.

“But how do you catch Superhumans?”

“Haha, everyone who visits our Maehwagak is curious about that point. Whether such a method really exists.”

“Surely they’re not just novices who’ve barely awakened as Superhumans, or idiots whose limit is stirring up a single breeze?”

“How could that be? Don’t worry. What we deal with are intermediate Superhumans who could handle several monsters on their own.”

Though this was information he already knew, Seon-o pretended to be interested and raised the corners of his mouth.

“My goodness, how do you capture such Superhumans? I’ve heard stories but find it hard to believe.”

“We have our own methods. Please understand that it’s classified information we can’t disclose. But our method is precise and certain, never failing. The person who introduced you must have explained.”

“Yes, of course I heard about it. Don’t they resist?”

“Of course, patience is needed to tame those guys. The stronger their mental fortitude, the longer they resist.”

‘Taming Superhumans…?’

At the unexpected words, Seon-o’s eyes hardened.

“Taming sounds interesting. How do you tame them?”

“If you follow the methods we teach you, you can brainwash those fellows.”

Having completely dispelled his suspicions, Byeon Jang-chun spilled secrets freely while laughing with apparent joy. However, Seon-o couldn’t bring himself to laugh along and clenched his trembling fists.

‘Brainwashing…?’

The fact that there was a method to brainwash Superhumans was something he hadn’t known. There was no such setting in the original work.

Seon-o had simply thought they only knew some method to neutralize Superhuman powers.

“After patience, you’ll truly be able to taste sweet fruit. Using a Superhuman as a subordinate – what a thrilling thing that is! You could even use them as bodyguards if needed.”

At those words, Seon-o realized a shocking fact.

‘It wasn’t just about owning them as trophies.’

In the original work, it was described that they gradually suppressed the Superhuman’s Yin Power and finally damaged it so they could no longer use Yin Power.

Because of this, Seon-o had no choice but to have doubts while reading the novel.

“Why would there be any reason to buy a Superhuman who’s no longer even a Superhuman as a slave? Isn’t this a plot hole?”

The novel explained this reason as the inferiority complex of non-Superhuman nobles.

Those who had money and status but could never become Superhumans and thus couldn’t have admiration and honor were resolving their innate inferiority complex by toying with Superhumans in such ways.

However, only after entering this place did Seon-o discover the true reason.

‘If they’re not damaging Yin Power but rather brainwashing them for use, then paying such a fortune makes sense.’

At the same time, Seon-o’s prospects became even more bleak.

The On Gang of the original work had to face this unidentified force while competing in the Phoenix Competition.

‘No, it’s not an unidentified force but the Yin Cult.’

Perhaps the undisclosed final trial was to defeat the Yin Cult and discover the source of this power. In any case, as long as the Yin Cult was the main villain of the novel, the Yin Cult would continue to be involved in the competition.

‘This is maddening.’

After descending the fairly deep stairs for quite a while, the dreamy atmosphere of the upper floor completely disappeared and a gloomy, cold aura pervaded.

“Yes, being able to use Superhumans as subordinates… That would truly be thrilling…”

Seon-o quietly agreed while looking around his surroundings. This separate space where no music or laughter could be heard anymore had corridors branching off in multiple directions like a maze.

‘It’s obviously an underground prison.’

The person Seon-o was looking for was surely imprisoned somewhere in this place. On Gang had also come here to rescue him, but was caught by those guys and ended up trapped in this prison.

‘It just so happened that the place where On Gang was imprisoned was right where that Superhuman was.’

Seon-o’s heart became slightly anxious. Thanks to coming here as a guest, he didn’t have to be imprisoned, but because of that, he couldn’t find the prison where that Superhuman was locked up.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t anticipated this situation, but if things went this way, he would have to buy time until they arrived.

Unaware of Seon-o’s inner thoughts, Byeon Jang-chun smiled sluggishly and whispered.

“As it happens, I’ve just acquired a very fine specimen, and I’m delighted to be able to present it to such a beautiful Young Lady.”

Byeon Jang-chun guided Seon-o to the crossroads in the middle. When they reached the end of the hallway, they could see the door of a solitary cell tightly locked. Byeon Jang-chun took out a key and unlocked the padlock at the end of massive chains while explaining.

“This is a Superhuman caught a few days ago. He’s young and fresh, so you’ll surely like him.”

The excited Byeon Jang-chun spoke as if describing fish and grinned, so Seon-o, who met his eyes, forced a bright smile.

At that moment, the chains came loose and the door finally opened.

Then they could see a man kneeling on the cold stone floor with his head deeply bowed. The man, who had been subdued with both hands tied behind his back, had something wrapped around his long neck.

‘He really is human. These crazy bastards.’

Upon confirming that sight with her eyes, the area around her chest seemed to grow cold.

Seon-o held her breath and looked at him intently.

Was he sleeping? Or had he fainted?

Then Byeon Jang-chun shouted loudly.

“You bastard. Raise your face. The one who will become your master has arrived. You must make a good impression on this person to escape this cold place. Hurry!”

Only at that noisy voice did the man’s body move slightly. It seemed he hadn’t fainted after all. Seon-o bowed her head a little more and narrowed her eyes to get a better look at the man.

How long had he been tied up? She worried whether he might be injured, but couldn’t show it.

Amid Seon-o’s concern, the dark brown-haired man slowly raised his head.

Finally, a beautiful and splendid face that didn’t suit this cold underground prison was revealed.

Seon-o’s eyes widened greatly upon seeing that familiar face.

It was a face she had never even imagined meeting in this place.

‘Bujingak!’

His gaze also turned toward Seon-o.

“….”

A strange silence continued.

The man quietly gazed at Seon-o’s trembling eyes, which couldn’t hide her momentary bewilderment, then soon smiled gently.

“Hello, Master.”

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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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