The Heavenly Demon Cult’s Strongest Maid - Chapter 341
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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 95
At last, all four factions had gathered in Luoyang.
Though the formal talks had not yet begun, the fact that they had assembled in one place without major conflict was significant.
The Cheonma Sect, which had entered Luoyang under the watchful eyes of the crowds, had shown no particular movement since settling into the inn prepared by the Martial Arts Alliance.
Because of this, Alliance Leader Yeon Un-jang paced his temporary office, unable to even sit at his desk.
A message should have arrived by now, yet there was nothing. This uncharacteristic delay was burning him up inside.
“Alliance Leader.”
Just then, the door opened with footsteps, and the person he had been waiting for appeared.
“Ah, Chief Strategist Jegal! Has there been any word?”
“Yes, they have sent word that they wish to meet with Cheon Shin-mun first before the formal talks begin.”
Jegal Mun-gi hurriedly reported in response to Yeon Un-jang’s urgent question.
“With Cheon Shin-mun?”
“Though the Demonic Sect designated Cheon Shin-mun as mediator, there has been no direct exchange between them. Naturally, they would want to meet and make their own judgment.”
From the Demonic Sect’s perspective, requesting mediation from Cheon Shin-mun was essentially a gamble.
They had made this decision based solely on hearing about the precedent of four-faction talks.
Of course, underlying this was the Demonic Sect’s characteristic arrogance.
“Has Tak Moonju arrived?”
“I have not yet received word.”
Yeon Un-jang let out a short sigh.
“Cheonsin Bosal will have a hard time without Tak Moonju.”
Though Prince Lee was there, in Yeon Un-jang’s view, he was not the type to take the lead.
He was generally indifferent, and it seemed that Seolha, Tak Moonju’s granddaughter, was the one coordinating everything overall.
Regrettably, for now they had no choice but to entrust everything to that child.
If the Martial Arts Alliance stepped forward before the talks even began, things could go awry.
The Demonic Sect was a massive and dangerous variable that could explode in any direction.
Not a single misunderstanding, not even a speck of suspicion could be left behind, so it was best to maintain strict boundaries.
“Cheon Shin-mun’s influence in Gangho has already become tremendous. Now is the time they must bear that weight.”
“That’s true.”
If they could overcome that pressure, the sect would grow even greater.
Conversely, if they could not handle it, they would fade away and be forgotten like flowers that bloom for only ten days.
For now, watching and waiting was the only answer.
“Have the Demonic Sect’s representatives been identified?”
“We will likely only know once the talks begin.”
“Don’t strain yourself trying to find out.”
If unnecessary conflicts arose from such efforts, that would be a bigger problem. They must not forget that their purpose for gathering was solely because of the Hyeol-cheon-hoe.
“Understood.”
“Still, surely Hyeolsan Manoe didn’t come?”
There was no way the Demonic Sect’s chief strategist wouldn’t have come to the four-faction talks.
“The meeting between you and Hyeolsan Manoe should be quite anticipated.”
The confrontation between Cheon-gi Susa Jegal Mun-gi and Hyeolsan Manoe Gong Pae-cheon could perhaps become the biggest talking point of these talks.
At that moment, the main gate of the inn where the Cheonma Sect was staying finally opened.
And from within, the Ma-in wearing black windbreakers emerged once again.
Their formation, perfectly aligned in rows and columns without a single misstep, was intimidating in itself.
“…Fifty.”
On a tile roof not far away.
Yang Chun, crouched down and wearing rags for clothes, squinted his eyes.
If he couldn’t find out who had come as the Demonic Sect’s representative, given his personality, he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
‘Ho!’
It was then that two men walked out with a time gap between them.
One wore practical martial clothes, the other scholarly robes.
The aura they emanated was quite sharp as well.
‘That one is the Demonic Sect’s chief strategist, Hyeolsan Manoe Gong Pae-cheon.’
Yang Chun’s gaze first fell on the man in scholarly robes.
‘Then is the young one next to him the representative?’
In appearance, both looked to be at most in their mid-to-late forties.
Yang Chun’s prediction that Tak Joong-hak, Cheonma’s master, would participate in the talks was thus proven wrong.
‘Hmm, the Demonic Sect sent quite young fellows.’
Yang Chun pursed his lips as if inwardly displeased by this fact.
The two men simultaneously raised their heads to look up at the tile roof where Yang Chun sat.
The man in scholarly robes, presumed to be Gong Pae-cheon, respectfully cupped his hands toward him.
Meanwhile, the man beside him merely smiled slightly.
‘Could that fellow be Cheonma’s successor?’
Since so little was known about the Demonic Sect, Yang Chun was extremely curious about this man’s identity.
“Let’s go.”
At the man’s command, the waiting Ma-in all headed toward the pavilion where Cheon Shin-mun was staying.
Yang Chun also followed them, leaping across rooftops.
‘What are they doing?’
The dozens of Ma-in who arrived at Cheon Shin-mun’s pavilion quickly surrounded the area.
They acted with indescribable confidence, as if anyone wanting to enter or leave the pavilion would need their permission.
Yang Chun felt momentarily irritated, wondering what kind of important conversation they planned to have that required such measures.
“Tch.”
Eventually, watching the two men enter the pavilion with their remaining subordinates, Yang Chun retreated.
No matter how curious he was, approaching any closer would be dangerous.
“But still… that old fool made such a fuss about his granddaughter, yet he’s nowhere to be seen? Isn’t he worried even though the Demonic Sect has invaded Cheon Shin-mun?”
What kind of connection was that?
To Yang Chun, Tae-won and Gak-yeon were nothing but burdens.
He had taken care of things in his own way because they were supposedly their granddaughter, but it seemed like only he was anxious, which hurt his feelings deeply.
“Still, she’s their granddaughter, so nothing bad will happen, right?”
Yang Chun kept grumbling but couldn’t bring himself to leave the vicinity.
“It’s quite chaotic outside.”
“The Martial Arts Alliance must be quite worried.”
“Is the Demonic Sect really that frightening?”
The Bongwang-dae members who had been watching the street from the window reported on the atmosphere.
Though they were all far from the pavilion, even I could feel them watching with concern.
‘This makes me feel a bit sorry…’
Somehow, an image was being painted of us as a small, weak sect being oppressed by the Demonic Sect.
“Lower the curtains!”
At Seo-ryeon’s command, the Bongwang-dae members lowered the curtains to cover the windows.
And as if waiting for this, the Ma-in who had entered the pavilion knelt on one knee before me and Prince Lee, offering their respects.
“We greet Prince Lee.”
“We greet First Miss.”
It was fortunate that the situation inside couldn’t be seen from outside.
“You must have had a difficult journey coming so far.”
As written in the letter, those who had come representing the sect were Lord Sim Ui-cheon of the Demonic Sim family and Gong Grandfather.
Behind these two, I could see Lord Sim’s retainers, Gwihongak’s soldiers, and the problematic Yeom-wang-dan.
Including the members outside, the Yeom-wang-dan’s numbers were considerable.
What were the chances that Eok Mun was among them?
‘Of course, one hundred percent.’
Even if not right now, I’ll definitely find out.
So stay tense and wait for it.
“Lord Sim, I’ve prepared a seat upstairs. Please go ahead.”
“Yes, Prince Lee.”
Perhaps to give Grandfather Gong and me some time, Eok I-geon took Lord Sim upstairs first.
At times like this, you can see he has good sense.
“Grandfather Gong!”
I casually moved next to Grandfather Gong and showed my delight.
“You’re feeling alright, aren’t you?”
Since we were outside Hyuun-jae, Grandfather Gong spoke formally to me.
“As you can see, I’m so perfectly fine it’s troublesome. What about Grandmother? Did she worry about me a lot?”
“You already know that without me having to say it, don’t you.”
“Then why did you plant a spy!”
In my surge of emotion, my voice got louder.
“You even gave Yun Ha-ram a carrier hawk! Huh?”
If not for that, there would have been no reason for Grandmother to worry.
Not only that.
The grandfathers wouldn’t have come to Wuhan in a group either.
So all of this was Grandfather Gong’s fault.
“Well… I couldn’t put my mind at ease… I apologize.”
When I glared at him with all my might, Grandfather Gong finally apologized.
Oh.
Don’t I know?
How worried he must have been about his immature granddaughter to give such orders.
“Tch.”
I pouted my lips and linked arms with Grandfather Gong.
“More importantly, our baby aunt is growing up healthy, right?”
“Don’t worry about that. Father-in-law and elder brother are taking very good care of her.”
It was obvious without even seeing.
Heh, they must be making all kinds of fuss.
Though Am-jon Grandfather always says his great-granddaughter is the best, I knew he secretly takes better care of Grandmother.
And I’m a filial great-granddaughter who pretends not to notice.
“Lord Gong.”
It was while I was chatting about this and that with Grandfather Gong as we climbed the stairs.
Eok Hwi-gyeom, who had been anxious and restless for the past few days, suddenly appeared.
“Third Prince, what perfect timing to meet you.”
Grandfather Gong greeted Eok Hwi-gyeom warmly upon seeing him.
“…Why?”
“I have something to deliver to you.”
“To me…?”
As if sensing some unease, Eok Hwi-gyeom hesitated and stepped back.
“Hey, don’t be scared and straighten your back!”
Yang Ha-rin, who was standing firmly behind Eok Hwi-gyeom, pushed the guy forward with a nudge.
“This is a letter written personally by the Cult Leader.”
What Grandfather Gong handed to Eok Hwi-gyeom was actually a letter from Master.
“Ah, from Father?”
Eok Hwi-gyeom’s complexion instantly turned pale and his pupils shook wildly.
That’s what you get for running away from home.
No, actually, getting captured by the bandit uncles before that was the bigger problem?
Since Cheonma’s son committed such an embarrassing act, knowing Master’s personality, he probably won’t let it slide.
“L-Lord Gong.”
“Please speak.”
“Do I really have to go to Manma Geukryeonbang?”
“…Pardon?”
“Huk!”
Though Grandfather Gong asked back wondering what he meant, Eok Hwi-gyeom was already in despair mode before even opening the letter.
‘Are you crying?’
How different he is from his older brother Eok I-geon.
I patted the guy’s shoulder encouragingly and went upstairs with Grandfather Gong.
“Eok Hwi-gyeom! Won’t you stop that?”
Yang Ha-rin’s sharp voice echoed behind us like a reverberation.
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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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