The Heavenly Demon Cult’s Strongest Maid - Chapter 168
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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 168
Courtyard in front of the Jipbeobdang Hall of the Martial Arts Alliance.
From early morning, members of the Dark Four and Cheolhyeoldae had gathered there, waiting for someone.
They were fully prepared to depart for investigating the bloodbath that occurred at the Namgung Family in Anhui Hefei today.
“Leader Jeong-seon, haven’t you heard anything in advance?”
“I’d like to ask Leader Baek the same thing. Who exactly is coming as our superior?”
Cheolhyeoldae Leader Jeong-seon was honestly dissatisfied with the current situation.
She could understand the joint operation with the Dark Four given the circumstances.
But not knowing who would command them until the day of departure – did that make any sense?
“There are rumors that they’re not even affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“What? Is that even possible?”
“I heard the Alliance Leader personally selected them, but I’m not certain. That’s all I heard in passing from a friend in the military department.”
I can only hope they’re a good person. Amitabha.”
At Dark Four Leader Baek I-gyeom’s words, Jeong-seon rather aggressively chanted the Buddhist invocation.
She was a disciple of the Amipa sect leader and also the successor who would lead the next generation of Amipa.
“Is everyone gathered?”
“General!”
While the Dark Four and Cheolhyeoldae were chattering about their mysterious new superior, General Jegal Mun-gi appeared before them.
“Originally, the Alliance Leader intended to come personally, but urgent business arose, so I came instead. Please understand.”
The Dark Four and Cheolhyeoldae under Jipbeopdang were particularly important organizations within the Martial Arts Alliance.
They were tasked with covert operations and surveillance, and when any problems arose in the martial arts world, they were the first to be dispatched for investigation.
Therefore, only those who passed verification of situational judgment abilities, outstanding martial arts skills, and ethical consciousness could be selected as members.
Being selected for the Dark Four and Cheolhyeoldae was itself a source of pride for them.
The fact that General Jegal Mun-gi mentioned asking for understanding showed how much he recognized and considered both sides.
“I’ll get straight to the point without delay. Let me introduce the special commissioner who will command the Dark Four and Cheolhyeoldae on this mission.”
“Special commissioner?”
“Isn’t that a special title that requires all alliance members except the Alliance Leader to unconditionally follow orders?”
“As far as I know, there have only been a few instances in Martial Arts Alliance history?”
The murmuring was growing louder.
“Someone’s coming over there!”
“A woman?”
Even from a distance, they could see a slender figure with long hair fluttering in the breeze. As the distance gradually closed, the entire area became as quiet as death.
“…Leader?”
Baek I-gyeom’s narrowed eyes widened with surprise in an instant.
“Leader! Lady Dang!”
He jumped up and down like a child in joy, shouting.
“Lady Dang means…?”
Seeing Baek I-gyeom making a fuss, a woman naturally came to mind for all the Dark Four members.
Tian Shou Du Hua Dang Ying Ling, who 17 years ago was framed as the main culprit for massacring Sword Cry Manor and became a public enemy of the martial arts world.
A master of hidden weapons and poison arts who still held the qualification of being the youngest Dark Four leader.
They knew that she had recently been cleared of false charges and removed from the wanted list.
However, for the Dark Four members, Dang Yeong-ryeong was first imprinted in their memories for a different reason.
Because their leader Baek I-gyeom had countless times mentioned that he owed her countless lives during his rookie days, and all the investigation methods he still used effectively were learned from Dang Yeong-ryeong.
Incidentally, Baek I-gyeom was also someone who believed in her until the end, saying she could never be such a person, even when Dang Yeong-ryeong was branded a public enemy.
“Nice to meet you for the first time. I am Dang Yeong-ryeong.”
Dang Yeong-ryeong stood beside Jegal Mun-gi and cupped her fists toward the assembly.
Everyone seemed surprised by her unexpected appearance and showed no reaction.
Only Baek I-gyeom was grinning broadly with joy.
“Well then, exchange greetings and depart quickly to begin the investigation. I wish you all good fortune in martial arts.”
Jegal Mun-gi bowed silently to Dang Yeong-ryeong as if his work was done and left the scene.
“Lady Dang!”
Baek I-gyeom ran toward Dang Yeong-ryeong as if he had been waiting.
He was beside himself with joy at meeting someone he respected again.
“Baek I-gyeom.”
Dang Yeong-ryeong keenly felt the passage of time.
“When did that little guy become a leader?”
When she first heard the news at Chim-neok Hall, Dang Yeong-ryeong felt indescribable pride.
“Lady Dang, no, Special Commissioner Dang seems just the same!”
“Really?”
“Yes! Your characteristic confident atmosphere is still there!”
“Only that remains the same?”
“Your beauty is still the same too!”
At Dang Yeong-ryeong’s playful question, Baek I-gyeom giggled like a fool in response.
“I’m not one of Jungwon’s Three Beauties for nothing.”
Fighting back tears that threatened to come from their long-awaited banter, Dang Yeong-ryeong turned toward the Cheolhyeoldae leader.
“Amitabha!”
When their eyes met, Jeong-seon loudly chanted the Buddhist invocation.
She was indeed the female warrior of Amipa as rumored.
With her pale shaved head and prayer beads around her neck, her entire being conveyed firmness.
“Nice to meet you for the first time? I am Cheon Su-dok-hwa Dang Yeong-ryeong.”
“This humble monk is called Iron Guanyin Jeong-seon.”
“Though it won’t be for long, please take care of me during this time.”
Jeong-seon bowed her head and pressed her palms together.
“I’m well aware of your reputation. I look forward to learning much from you. Amitabha.”
Though they would only work together temporarily, Jeong-seon’s demeanor somehow instilled trust.
“Attention for a moment!”
After finishing greetings with each leader, Dang Yeong-ryeong shouted with inner energy.
Her voice instantly dominated the surroundings, and all the members’ gazes turned to her at once.
“Before departing for the Namgung Family, there’s something I want to say.”
Dang Yeong-ryeong looked around at the members, observing each person’s expression.
“The Namgung Family is a clan with great power and authority. You’ll feel considerable pressure during the investigation. But remember this. We are the Dark Four! We are Cheolhyeoldae!”
Dang Yeong-ryeong spoke with an unwavering attitude.
“There’s no need to fear just because it’s the Namgung Family. Our purpose is clear. To reveal the truth and establish justice!”
Dang Yeong-ryeong’s voice grew stronger and stronger.
“If the investigation becomes difficult or interference is severe, never act independently. In such situations, always find me through your leaders. That’s exactly why I’m here with you. Understood?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“If we trust each other, there’s nothing we can’t do! So don’t be scared!”
The last words were what Dang Yeong-ryeong always used to shout during her days as Dark Four leader.
“Let’s not be scared!”
When Baek I-gyeom shouted in response, all the Dark Four members followed and repeated it.
“We are Cheolhyeoldae!”
“Let’s not be scared!”
The cheering spread to Cheolhyeoldae as well.
Thus, voices burst forth at full volume in the courtyard in front of Jipbeopdang for quite some time.
When the red sunset was deeply cast across the western sky, we arrived in Anhui Hefei.
I looked around and warned.
“Remember this. Absolutely! Absolutely! We must not be caught by Grandmother! Got it?”
As I waved my hands for emphasis, Eok I-geon, Yu-un, Cheon-gang, and Seo-ryeon all nodded their heads.
But for some reason, mischievous smiles were blooming on all their faces.
“This isn’t the time to be smiling like that! If we get caught, it’s really over!”
When I glared at them, they finally wiped the smiles off their faces.
“Should we find lodging on the outskirts then?”
At Cheon-gang’s question, I pondered for a moment before shaking my head.
“They say it’s darkest under the lamp. I think it would be better to stay near the Namgung Family. What do you think?”
“Do as you wish.”
Once Eok I-geon agreed, that settled it.
“While we’re at it, let’s go somewhere with good noodles.”
“Yes, yes! Noodles sound great.”
I knew he was going to say that.
“You’ll have rice balls too, right?”
“Of course.”
The noodles and rice balls combination had become our standard lately.
I was slightly worried we might be consuming too many carbohydrates, but once addicted, there was nothing we could do about it.
So we asked around and found an inn that served excellent noodles. It was a decent size and in a location we quite liked.
“Welcome!”
As we entered, the waitress greeted us with a bright smile.
“Do you have five rooms, or one room with three beds and one room with two beds?”
“Hmm, instead of that, how about the annex? Hehe!”
The waitress quickly looked over our attire and recommended the annex.
We were all dressed in light martial robes – did she smell money or something?
“It’s a bit expensive, but since it’s a private building, it’ll be very convenient for all of you to use together.”
Of course it would be convenient since it’s a private building.
“We’ll take it.”
To avoid catching Grandmother’s attention, the annex might be better just in case.
The private building behind the inn, surrounded by a small thicket, was cozy and clean.
There was one room on each side of the central hall, and it was well-equipped with necessary items.
“What would you like to do about meals?”
The waitress asked after showing us around the rooms.
“Bring us all types of noodles, as much as you want. And plenty of rice balls too, please.”
“Yes, yes! I’ll prepare everything quickly and bring it right over!”
When Cheon-gang handed her some coins, the waitress grinned from ear to ear and rushed out.
Finally, we were alone in the annex.
Yet my voice came out as quietly as an ant crawling.
“How should we get the Honcheon Technique into the Namgung Family?”
Does anyone have a plan?
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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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