The God of Death and the God of War - Chapter 52

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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 52

 

A dilapidated manor on the outskirts of Changsha.

 

The manor, originally forcibly taken from its owner by Yachu and then forgotten and abandoned by Yachu himself, had recently begun bustling with activity again.

 

Old and crumbling parts were repaired, and the storage rooms and warehouses that had been covered in dust were also cleaned out completely.

 

Daily necessities were stocked, and servants came and went.

 

No matter how you looked at it, it was an ordinary manor, but.

 

‘This time I’ll increase the ratio of white spirit grass and lower the ratio of snow flower powder…’

 

A woman wearing spectacles carefully shook a reagent bottle.

 

Her appearance was reverent and pious, as if making some kind of wish.

 

Finally, when the woman finished mixing and poured the solution onto a stone beside her.

 

Hissss…!

 

Only smoke rose, but the stone remained unchanged.

 

There was no change.

 

To be precise, there was no desired change.

 

“Sigh…”

 

Hae-yeon let out a weary sigh and slumped into her chair.

 

Around her were various research tools including reagents, medicine bottles, porcelain mortars and pestles.

 

Though everything was newly purchased, the fact that they were already well-worn showed just how serious Hae-yeon was about her research.

 

‘Can I really do this…’

 

Jeok-un had ordered her to extract rock salt from waste stone.

 

He had told her all the raw materials needed to make the reagent, and had even personally procured them for her.

 

Now only one thing remained.

 

Based on the raw materials, she needed to find the proper mixing ratio and create the reagent.

 

‘How many times have I failed now…?’

 

She was losing confidence.

 

At first, she thought something might be missing from the ingredients.

 

But Daeju had confirmed multiple times that nothing was missing from the materials.

 

Which meant she had to create the solution using only these materials.

 

‘Who on earth created something like this? Or rather, discovered it?’

 

If such a person existed, they would be a genius of the ages.

 

Surely they would be an ancient prodigy who could even toy with the heavens.

 

‘If I discover it, would I stand alongside such a prodigy?’

 

Hae-yeon imagined herself being watched warily by the Martial Arts Alliance, courted by Sadocheon, and feared by Heukpaesong, but soon her expression became dejected.

 

‘It’s been almost a month now…’

 

Nearly a month had passed since Jeok-un entrusted her with this task, but she still hadn’t come close to the answer.

 

Thinking of the kindness Jeok-un had shown her made her feel guilty and ashamed, to the point where she couldn’t face him.

 

In truth, neither Jeok-un nor anyone else had rushed or pressured Hae-yeon, but she blamed herself while digging herself into a hole of self-reproach.

 

“Haah…”

 

Just as she was about to sigh again from her frustration, she heard a voice beside her.

 

“Oh my, it seems even Senior Hae is having a hard time.”

 

“…!”

 

Startled, she looked to the side and saw a face that had become quite familiar.

 

It was Go Bok-gil.

 

She had been so focused on her research that she hadn’t noticed him enter.

 

After exchanging greetings, Go Bok-gil looked around at the reagents and materials scattered throughout the room and spoke.

 

Unlike the awkward Hae-yeon, Go Bok-gil was quite natural, as if they had known each other for years.

 

“So if you mix these things just right, that magical solution will appear with a ‘ta-da’?”

 

“That’s right. The problem is not knowing how to mix them…”

 

“Haah.”

 

This time Go Bok-gil let out a deep sigh.

 

Actually, Go Bok-gil hadn’t come to comfort her.

 

He had only come to vent his own complaints.

 

“Salt smuggling…”

 

When he first heard about extracting rock salt from waste stone, he had simply been amazed.

 

How far did the mysteries of nature extend?

 

No, perhaps it should be called the mystery of Jeok-un rather than nature.

 

But when he heard about secretly selling that rock salt, that is, engaging in salt smuggling.

 

‘Aaaah!! Absolutely not!’

 

Go Bok-gil had rolled around on the floor trying to dissuade Jeok-un.

 

Of course, Jeok-un didn’t even pretend to listen.

 

That’s when it started.

 

Go Bok-gil would occasionally come like this to recite his complaints alone before leaving.

 

“Ugh, this man has really gone completely mad… How could he get involved in salt smuggling…”

 

“Member Go. I’m just saying this in case, but you need to watch your words.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Since Member Go is also deeply involved, if we’re discovered, you’ll be treated as a ringleader.”

 

“…?!?!”

 

Watching Hae-yeon casually say such chilling words with an indifferent expression, Go Bok-gil’s face changed as if he was about to cry.

 

Because she wasn’t wrong.

 

Right after returning from the abandoned mine with Hae-yeon, Jeok-un had immediately called Go Bok-gil to set up this laboratory.

 

He had also procured mountains of reagent materials and stored them in the warehouse.

 

He hadn’t forgotten about personnel arrangements either.

 

Using the excuse that Hae-yeon hadn’t fully recovered yet, he had removed her from the duty roster.

 

Thanks to this, Hae-yeon was holed up here concentrating on research under the pretext of focusing on recovery.

 

“But can these useless-looking stones really become salt? I really don’t know…”

 

“Even if it seems absurd, he’s not someone who lies.”

 

Hae-yeon’s expression was full of conviction.

 

Go Bok-gil was sad that he couldn’t find words to refute her.

 

“Tsk, you’re right about that too, Senior.”

 

“…I told you to stop calling me Senior.”

 

“Hmm, then Senior Officer?”

 

“…”

 

“Phew, anyway, I’m worried. For now, we’ve dug up all the waste stones and piled them up.”

 

Go Bok-gil was mining waste stone according to Jeok-un’s orders.

 

The mined waste stone was naturally stored in the manor storehouse.

 

Since there was so much waste stone in each abandoned mine that it was already overflowing, there was still plenty of waste stone remaining.

 

‘If we had really paid money to hire miners, this would definitely be a failed business.’

 

Salt smuggling was a crime that the state severely punished as treason.

 

Naturally, they couldn’t hire miners, nor did they intend to.

 

So what they got as substitutes were the pathetic forces of Yachu and the No-ga brothers.

 

They were criminals imprisoned in Sadocheon’s jail, whom Jeok-un had extracted through a deal with the Maengju.

 

It was so-called labor reform, but while it sounded nice to call it labor reform, in reality they were unpaid workers.

 

“Even now, the townspeople mock Daeju, asking why he’s using prisoners to dig up useless stones instead of gold. Sigh, really, at this rate…”

 

Go Bok-gil’s complaints made Hae-yeon’s expression darken.

 

To solve this problem as quickly as possible, she needed to succeed in synthesizing the solution.

 

Just as worry clouded Hae-yeon’s face at that thought.

 

“Hey, Go Bok-gil.”

 

“Eek!”

 

Someone called Go Bok-gil from behind, and Go Bok-gil was startled.

 

At this moment, in this place, it was the voice he absolutely didn’t want to hear, ranking number one.

 

“Good to see you.”

 

Sure enough, behind him stood Jeok-un, grinning like one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

 

“I wondered where you were slacking off, and here you are?”

 

“D-Daeju-nim. That’s not, not it.”

 

“Right, it’s about time I started working you hard. Don’t you think?”

 

“H-Hae sunbae! Then please call me again next time, I’ll be going now!!”

 

Go Bok-gil chose to flee for now.

 

Even if it wouldn’t reduce his guilt, it would be better than getting beaten up right away.

 

Jeok-un clicked his tongue while watching Go Bok-gil’s retreating figure.

 

“Tsk, I’ll have to catch that guy sometime and give him a proper thrashing.”

 

“…Greetings, Daeju-nim.”

 

When Hae-yeon hesitantly offered her greeting, Jeok-un showed a pleasant smile completely different from how he treated Go Bok-gil.

 

“Oh, right. It’s been a while. How’s it going, is the work progressing well?”

 

“…!”

 

When he casually asked about progress along with his greeting, Hae-yeon’s heart sank.

 

Should she lie and make excuses? She hesitated with her lips.

 

“…To be honest, I still can’t get a grasp on it.”

 

Hae-yeon soon reported the truth.

 

“Really? How far along are you?”

 

“There was some progress initially, but now there’s almost no advancement…”

 

“Hmm.”

 

As Hae-yeon’s expression grew even darker, Jeok-un glanced at the experimental equipment scattered messily behind her.

 

Then he said casually.

 

“No, just try a little more.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“From what I can see, you’re almost there.”

 

“??”

 

Hae-yeon blinked her eyes.

 

It was incomprehensible.

 

“Wh-what’s your basis for that…?”

 

Hmm, basis.

 

If Jeok-un told the truth, it would be like this.

 

‘When you make that expression, it usually comes out within a day or two.’ he would say.

 

But since he couldn’t say that, he decided to tell her in a different way.

 

Swoosh.

 

Suddenly Jeok-un pointed his finger at his own eyes.

 

“This.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

As Hae-yeon was confused, Jeok-un puffed out his chest confidently and said.

 

“Hehe, my eye for talent is always accurate.”

 

“?!”

 

“I’ve never been wrong even once.”

 

What is this…?

 

Just as Hae-yeon was about to let out an exasperated sigh, Jeok-un patted her shoulder and said.

 

“So it doesn’t matter if it takes a little longer. You’ll definitely succeed.”

 

“…!”

 

“Take it easy and give it a try.”

 

Hae-yeon’s eyes widened for a different reason.

 

Her heart swelled and her eyes grew moist.

 

Though it was meant to reduce pressure, it was still touching.

 

“Well, it is really important though, so I’d appreciate it if you could succeed just a little bit faster.”

 

“Pfft.”

 

It was completely different from his reliable appearance moments before, so Hae-yeon couldn’t help but laugh.

 

Seeing that, Jeok-un felt her burden had lifted somewhat, and stretched with a refreshed feeling.

 

It was Jeok-un’s signal that he was about to leave.

 

“I’m going. Well then, keep up the good work.”

 

“Yes, Daeju-nim. Please go safely.”

 

And so the research lab became empty after both Go Bok-gil and Jeok-un disappeared.

 

The quiet and serene research lab felt slightly different.

 

“Hm?”

 

Something was placed on the desk.

 

It was sweets.

 

Probably left behind discreetly when he came earlier.

 

Feeling Jeok-un’s thoughtfulness, Hae-yeon naturally took one and bit into it lightly.

 

“Shall I give it another go.”

 

Hae-yeon’s eyes lit up as she threw herself back into the experiment.

 

The sweet in her mouth was quite sweet.

 

* * *

 

On a night when the bright full moon hung alone in the middle sky.

 

A single boat drifted on Dongjeong Lake.

 

Though it appeared quite peaceful, those who knew martial arts would see it differently, as knowledge reveals what others cannot see.

 

The deck was full of warriors with protruding solar plexus points, and around them, warriors skilled in water techniques guarded like an iron wall above and below the water surface.

 

What they were protecting was a small pavilion built in the center of the vessel.

 

It was the two people having a private meeting inside.

 

“They say the mountains and lakes of Dongjeong Lake are like a conch on a white silver tray. Those words are truly fact.”

 

An elderly man spoke.

 

He seemed to have never learned martial arts, as there was no such energy about him.

 

But the presence and aura the man himself possessed was extraordinary.

 

Naturally so. The old man was the owner of Geumhwang Sangga, Geumjon Oh Chu-baek.

 

“If I had known Master Oh would be so pleased, I should have invited you much earlier.”

 

The warrior having a private meeting with the old man, Doyecheon, said with a gentle smile.

 

Though his words and actions were sociable, Doyecheon’s head was full of questions.

 

‘What’s the reason this old man came all the way here?’

 

Oh Chu-baek was not a simple merchant.

 

Geumhwang Sangga was one of the top three trading companies under heaven, and its owner was someone that even castle lords or commanders couldn’t order around carelessly.

 

He was a wealthy man who could buy an entire castle if he wanted to, so how could anyone look down on him just because he was a merchant.

 

‘Could it be because of revenge?’

 

Doyecheon had been secretly communicating with Oh Chu-baek.

 

The reason was revenge, as mentioned before.

 

Since he had stepped forward saying he would chew the flesh and bones of Jeok-un who killed his daughter and grandson, it was appropriate for Doyecheon to step forward personally to match his status.

 

‘But we’ve been communicating well through letters until now, why so suddenly? Even risking the danger of coming to Sadocheon’s territory?’

 

As could be seen from Geumhwang Sangga being connected to the Jegal Family through marriage, Geumhwang Sangga basically belonged to Jeongpa.

 

For the head of such a family to meet directly with Sadocheon’s second-in-command was certainly condemnable.

 

If this matter were exposed, he would have to pay a considerable price, yet he came despite that risk?

 

“Bucheonju, do you know this?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Oh Chu-baek, who had been leisurely contemplating the night scenery of Dongjeong Lake, suddenly spoke.

 

“With the money I have, I could fill this entire lake and turn it into land. It wouldn’t even be that difficult.”

 

“…!!”

 

Oh Chu-baek slowly turned around.

 

The leisurely gaze that had been observing the lake disappeared, leaving only madness and rage in its place.

 

“Even if ten thousand people condemn me, I will do what is necessary. I have lived this way, and thus I have become who I am today.”

 

“…!”

 

The moment a strange light flickered in Doyecheon’s eyes.

 

“Therefore, I intend to give all those funds to Bucheonju.”

 

An unexpected statement followed that even he hadn’t anticipated.

 

“If I can kill the man who murdered my beloved daughter and grandson, I’m prepared to bear everything, even becoming a traitor to Jeongpa.”

 

“!!”

 

At this point, Doyecheon was certain of Oh Chu-baek’s true intentions.

 

It meant he would stake everything, even if it meant facing condemnation from ten thousand people or becoming a traitor who abandons Jeongpa.

 

Making enemies of all beings in Jeongpa.

 

Even for Geumhwang Sangga, this was no easy choice.

 

‘This can’t be shown through letters.’

 

Actions instead of words, was it?

 

Truly befitting the Golden Lord.

 

Just as he was acknowledging Oh Chu-baek, the face of a man soon to meet death flashed through Doyecheon’s mind.

 

‘Heh heh, Jegal Jeokun. You dared to touch me, but you never would have imagined it would turn into a blessing for me instead.’

 

If he joined hands with Oh Chu-baek, he could obtain financial power incomparable to the secret funds he had lost.

 

“With funds enough to fill this entire place, I can certainly obtain what I desire.”

 

What he desired was only one thing.

 

Sadocheon alone.

 

“Then when might I be able to obtain what I desire?”

 

To Oh Chu-baek’s question, Doyecheon smiled coldly and said.

 

“Seven days. After that, I’ll have that man brought alive and kneeling before you, sir.”

—————
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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