The God of Death and the God of War - Chapter 40

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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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Evil Hegemon Martial God

 

Chapter 40

 

While there are many types of natural disasters, they can be roughly classified into two categories.

 

Those that occur at similar times and can be predicted, like typhoons and floods.

 

And those that are completely unpredictable, like earthquakes and tsunamis.

 

The so-called Yachu Incident that occurred at Seungwan-ru by Hamga Lake in Changsha was a disaster that struck without warning, like an earthquake or tsunami.

 

As the name suggests, the Yachu Incident referred to the event where Jidong Tak, who had controlled the nights of Changsha and was commonly called ‘Yachu,’ met a gruesome death overnight.

 

In times when countless people die daily, those who questioned what the fuss was about over one rich man’s death fell silent upon seeing the devastation at the site of the Yachu Incident.

 

This was because the four-story Seungwan-ru, Changsha’s largest giru, had collapsed while simultaneously wiping out countless subordinates who followed him.

 

Anyone who set foot in Changsha was shocked by this incident without exception.

 

Surprisingly, all of this was a ‘man-made disaster’ caused by a single person.

 

Jeok-un.

 

* * *

 

“That bastard must be severely punished!”

 

“Right! Those are truly wise words!”

 

Sadocheon was in an uproar.

 

Naturally, it was because of the Yachu Incident.

 

“That crazy bastard who can’t tell heaven from earth and runs wild! Jegal Jeokun must be severely punished!”

 

“Exactly! That madman caused this catastrophe and is now passed out drunk in his quarters!”

 

Among them, some insisted that Jegal Jeokun, who caused this incident, should be severely disciplined.

 

They claimed that the Yachu Incident had caused massive chaos and damage to Sadocheon.

 

“Seungwan-ru, a famous landmark of Changsha, collapsed and its owner died! All the innocent workers there died too!”

 

“That’s not all! This madman killed my innocent subordinate!”

 

Those who pushed hardest for severe punishment were the Bucheonju faction led by Heukryeong Daeju.

 

The Bucheonju faction argued that ‘Jegal Jeokun, who killed the innocent commoner Jidong Tak without reason, should be greatly punished.’

 

“Yachu may have had a grand title, but he was an innocent commoner living in Changsha.”

 

“Do you know how much tribute he has paid to our Sadocheon all this time?”

 

“Ha, the budget was cut to a quarter when Geumwol-dae was disbanded, and now this incident… This is treason! Treason!”

 

“Moreover, he arbitrarily swallowed up all of Yachu’s businesses as if they were his own! So enviable! Ah, no. So terrible!”

 

When they heard that Jeok-un had taken over all of Yachu’s businesses, they were practically foaming at the mouth.

 

When these petitions and appeals reached the head of the Execution Squad, Hu Seong answered without changing his expression.

 

“We are investigating, so wait.”

 

That was all.

 

But when the complaints continued, Hu Seong spoke in an ice-cold voice.

 

“According to the Execution Squad’s investigation, the relationship between several Oecheon units including Heukryeong-dae and the owner of Seungwan-ru was close to a master-servant relationship.”

 

“Also, Wudun, the deputy leader of Heukryeong-dae, tried to forcibly take away a member of Baekya Division on orders from the owner of Seungwan-ru.”

 

“Reports indicate he also had conflicts with the leader of Baekya Division for this reason. Is such a person truly an innocent commoner without any suspicious aspects?”

 

“…”

 

When the collusion between Yachu and the Oecheon units, which had been hidden by Bucheonju’s power, was revealed, the Bucheonju faction couldn’t help but flinch.

 

Just as time was dragging on sluggishly.

 

New information about Jidong Tak was revealed by the coroners who handled Yachu’s autopsy, causing the situation to change rapidly once again.

 

“The innocent commoner Jidong Tak has been identified as the lustful demon Jijung-yeong. Do you still intend to defend him to the end?”

 

“…”

 

Not a single person from the Bucheonju faction could open their mouth.

 

While there are many differences between the righteous and evil paths, they have one thing in common.

 

That there is at least a minimum line that shouldn’t be crossed.

 

They don’t abandon their humanity for martial arts or exploit others’ vital essence.

 

Those who do such things are called ‘demons’ and become objects of contempt and elimination by both righteous and evil paths.

 

And among demons, lustful demons were the most despised category.

 

“No way, there are other people worth protecting, why protect a lustful demon!”

 

“I’d rather starve! I don’t want to eat rice bought with money from a lustful demon!”

 

As soon as news spread that Yachu was a former lustful demon, neutral faction members who had remained quiet rose up.

 

Most neutral faction members were single-minded individuals with no interest in factional fights or power.

 

But they all commonly hated having their pride as members of Sapa damaged.

 

With even the neutral faction joining in, creating a complete pandemonium, all of Jidong Tak’s assets were quietly transferred to Jeok-un, and the Bucheonju faction gained nothing substantial.

 

…But not everyone ended up in chaos.

 

‘I should investigate the mastermind behind Jijung-yeong.’

 

This incident allowed Execution Squad leader Hu Seong to directly observe the impure currents within Sadocheon.

 

* * *

 

Like inside Sadocheon, reactions were divided throughout Changsha as people debated the Yachu Incident.

 

However, among them, the reaction of the common people who worked under Yachu was generally unified.

 

-If things continue like this, we can make a living…!

 

-I’m so happy!

 

It was overwhelmingly positive.

 

“…But did he really say we only need to pay this much tribute?”

 

“That’s right! That youngest son of Goga-jang works under the Baekya Division leader and collects money. He only took less than half of what was originally collected!”

 

“Oh my, how gracious, how gracious!”

 

“Phew, I’m just happy that I don’t have to hide my daughter every time tribute is due…”

 

All the businesses Yachu managed came into Jeok-un’s hands, and Jeok-un reduced the tribute he collected from them to almost half.

 

The merchants and common people of Changsha, who had suffered under Yachu’s murderous extortion, were bewildered but couldn’t help feeling deeply moved.

 

However, the reactions of martial artists were split exactly in half.

 

“Hahaha, was his name Jeok-un? I heard he’s from Jeongpa, but he has quite a refreshing side!”

 

“I was there too, and it was very satisfying to see him beat up Yachu!”

 

Those who knew of Yachu’s misdeeds and those who actually witnessed Jeok-un destroying Yachu and collapsing Seungwan-ru acknowledged Jeok-un.

 

Though the process was somewhat violent and cruel, it had the distinctive scent of Sapa members like themselves.

 

But there were just as many who clicked their tongues and looked down on him.

 

Tsk, people who live thoughtlessly and comfortably. Calling it refreshing when a bastard acts like a bastard.”

 

“Do they even know how much damage was done to Sadocheon?”

 

“He probably wanted special treatment from Yachu, and when he didn’t get it properly, he threw a tantrum. Refreshing my ass.”

 

Pessimistic views were inevitable.

 

Since he had tortured Yachu to death in broad daylight, his madness felt like a bomb that could explode at any moment.

 

But whether they liked or disliked and were wary of Jeok-un, there was one thing everyone agreed on.

 

“Hehe, but seeing how horribly he trampled Jijung-yeong to death, he must really hate lustful demons.”

 

“Of course. That’s why he crushed both his balls, isn’t it?”

 

“Hahaha! Right, not just the jewels but he crushed the stick too and made him swallow it through his throat!”

 

The fact that Jeok-un despised lustful demons to a maddening degree.

 

“The Baekya Division leader is vicious too. He used pressure points to prevent him from fainting, made him swallow everything to the end, then let him taste the ultimate pain before killing him!”

 

“Ha, it feels like years of indigestion have been completely cured!”

 

“Good! Let’s have a drink! To the Mad Wolf who brought divine punishment upon Yachu, that piece of trash! Cheers!”

 

“To Yachu’s severed lower parts and crushed jewels! Cheers!”

 

“Hahahaha!”

 

Before anyone knew it, Jeok-un’s nickname had changed.

 

No longer Jegal Breaking Dragon.

 

But ‘The Mad Wolf Who Crushes Balls.’

 

While people were laughing and chatting about Yachu’s miserable death as drinking snacks.

 

A notice was posted on the wall of Sadocheon.

 

[ The criminal Jegal Jeokun is confined to Noe-ok. ]

 

-Sadocheonju, Dokgo Cheon.

 

* * *

 

Contrary to expectations that he would be imprisoned in Noe-ok again and suffer greatly, Jeok-un was quite peaceful.

 

‘Good, this matter is roughly wrapped up for now.’

 

He lay comfortably in the dungeon, lost in thought.

 

Unlike before when all his limbs were bound, only his right leg was chained.

 

This was partly because the guards were afraid of Jeok-un and didn’t dare approach him, but even if that weren’t the case, there were orders from their superior to keep him loosely confined since he had the power to escape on his own anyway.

 

‘Now that the secret of Yachu being the Hori Saekma has been revealed, Hu Seong must have caught wind of it too. Then it won’t be long before he finds the connection to Bucheonju.’

 

Jeok-un didn’t care at all about being imprisoned in the dungeon, accurately predicting the actions of Execution Squad Leader Hu Seong.

 

After all, he knew that his imprisonment here was just for show.

 

A crude charade created to allow the Bucheonju faction to step down.

 

Within two days, Dokgo Cheon would summon him and release him completely.

 

“…Sir? You are listening to me, aren’t you, Daeju?”

 

‘Hm?’

 

Just then, Go Bok-gil’s earnest voice reached him.

 

When he turned his head, he could see the fellow’s tearful face outside the iron bars.

 

“Of course I’m listening.”

 

“Sob. Please, just give me one servant. It’s hard for me alone to manage all the businesses…”

 

All of Yachu’s businesses that Jeok-un had taken control of were being managed by Go Bok-gil.

 

Befitting someone who had dominated Changsha’s nights, there were quite a few dirty and filthy operations, but he embraced them all without discrimination.

 

‘If I don’t take control, another Yachu will appear.’

 

If he didn’t do this, it was obvious that Bucheonju would plant another Jidong Tak.

 

So Jeok-un entrusted the management to Go Bok-gil and reduced the tribute money to just a symbolic amount.

 

He had absolutely no intention of tormenting ordinary citizens to extort money.

 

“Just wait a little. Soon you’ll have a servant.”

 

“Really? Who is it?”

 

“There is someone.”

 

Jeok-un asked Go Bok-gil, whose eyes had brightened.

 

“But how did you manage to get in here? Did you slip money to the guards?”

 

“No, sir.”

 

“Hm? Then.”

 

“One of the guards here stepped forward to help.”

 

“Hm?”

 

Jeok-un looked puzzled at Go Bok-gil’s explanation.

 

There was absolutely no reason for him to help them.

 

Then Go Bok-gil scratched the back of his head and spoke up.

 

“Well, it seems the guard’s family suffered terrible things at Yachu’s hands several years ago.”

 

“…!”

 

“Before I even asked, he quickly stepped aside and told me to hurry in.”

 

“…I see.”

 

Jeok-un smiled bitterly.

 

If only he could have regressed a little earlier, it would have been good.

 

The regret didn’t easily leave his expression.

 

Seeing his sincere appearance, Go Bok-gil also felt moved without realizing it.

 

‘…Really, he’s a completely different person from when he was destroying Yachu.’

 

Meanwhile, Go Bok-gil quickly changed the subject.

 

“Ahem, but how did you really know about it?”

 

Go Bok-gil whispered secretly.

 

Though there was no one listening, since it was such a big matter, his words instinctively came out cautiously.

 

Jeok-un also returned to his usual demeanor and said.

 

“Was it there properly?”

 

“Yes, it was insane. The confiscated assets of the No-ga fellows would look pitiful in comparison.”

 

When the commotion continued, Jeok-un had given Go Bok-gil an order.

 

To secretly move to a certain location and retrieve what he had mentioned.

 

“They’re completely laundered. There should be no problem using them as is.”

 

“All promissory notes, right.”

 

“Yes, all issued by Manguenjeon.”

 

Manguenjeon was the most credible exchange house in the Central Plains.

 

Some even valued Manguenjeon’s promissory notes higher than silver ingots due to storage and circulation reasons – they had the highest trustworthiness in the Central Plains.

 

“But whose slush fund is this?”

 

“Who knows.”

 

At Go Bok-gil’s question, Jeok-un grinned.

 

‘Doyecheon, that bastard’s eyes will shed tears of blood.’

 

That’s right. These promissory notes were all slush funds created by Doyecheon.

 

The location Jeok-un had sent Go Bok-gil to was a storage facility known only to Yachu and Doyecheon.

 

‘Since it’s Sadocheon’s lifeblood money that was embezzled. It’s right for me, who will soon become Sadocheon’s master, to recover it.’

 

Through his memories from before regression, Jeok-un knew exactly the location disguised as an ordinary place in Changsha’s marketplace and where things were stored.

 

Since Doyecheon had personally told him just before dying by his hand, there was no way it could be wrong.

 

Good, he had met Hyeol-hu and secured all the initial funds.

 

“Now I can begin in earnest.”

 

“…Pardon? Begin what?”

 

When Go Bok-gil tilted his head.

 

Jeok-un grinned and answered.

 

“Taking all the wealth of Sadocheon and Changsha into my hands.”

 

“!!”

 

Go Bok-gil seemed shocked, only blinking his eyes.

 

But he would be even more surprised in the future.

 

Through the abandoned mines he had purchased with his own hands, he would sweep up even more money than what Goga-jang had accumulated.

 

“But, Daeju, with such a large sum of money, won’t the person who lost it stay quiet?”

 

“Tsk. Bok-gil, you always break the mood at crucial moments.”

 

“I’m, I’m sorry…”

 

“Look, speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives.”

 

“Pardon? Cao Cao? Why that widow plunderer… Hk!”

 

Go Bok-gil trailed off.

 

No, it would be more accurate to say he swallowed his words.

 

But he had no choice.

 

The moment Cao Cao was mentioned.

 

Swoosh!

 

Rumble!

 

Suddenly, like a crashing wave, a powerful aura covered the entire underground dungeon.

 

Go Bok-gil’s face turned completely pale, drained of all color from that overwhelming presence.

 

Jeok-un slowly turned his head to look toward the passage beyond, shrouded in darkness.

 

There, a person’s figure was slowly taking shape.

 

“I never expected we’d meet like this—”

 

As a voice filled with suppressed deep anger echoed.

 

The treacherous hero of troubled times.

 

And Sadocheon’s undisputed second-in-command.

 

“Nice to meet you, Baekya Daeju.”

 

Bucheonju, Doyecheon appeared, revealing his presence with full intensity.

—————
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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