“Huu.”
Thanks to the messenger from the Dark Dragon Sect, Hyeok Gi-rin, who was freed from I-seol, let out a sigh of relief.
At first, Hyeok Gi-rin was puzzled by I-seol’s approach, but soon realized her intentions.
‘She’s trying to use me as a stepping stone to target Senior Ho.’
Once he understood that, Hyeok Gi-rin decided to turn I-seol’s scheme to his advantage. He resolved to spend time with I-seol, focusing her attention on him.
‘Hmm…’
However, that determination soon wavered.
I-seol, who had approached with the intention of targeting the Yongji Maeng, began to feel a sense of familiarity towards Hyeok Gi-rin.
Living away from her sect among men, it was only natural for I-seol to develop an attachment to Hyeok Gi-rin, who was at a similar level and age.
Caught off guard by I-seol’s attitude, Hyeok Gi-rin couldn’t get a grip on his feelings.
Innately good-natured, Hyeok Gi-rin initially approached I-seol for his own goal, but he started to feel guilty about her genuinely friendly demeanor.
‘I’m already deceiving her as a subordinate and guest, let alone using schemes to keep her away from Senior Ho…’
Every time he faced I-seol, his conscience pricked at him, but he couldn’t simply allow her to keep looking at Ho Cheon-an!
Maintaining this indecisive attitude, Hyeok Gi-rin sensed that the time was approaching when he would have to make a decision one way or another.
“Thank you for your hard work, Master.”
“…Yes, it was indeed a laborious task.”
Hyeok Gi-rin shot a glare at Ho Cheon-an, disguised as Yongji Maeng. What on earth did he do to make the “Best Beauty in Yunnan” fall for a mere wandering martial artist so quickly? As he contemplated the cause, it dawned on him that it was Ho Cheon-an’s behavior that was causing him this conscience trouble, making his words sharper.
“By the way, didn’t you avoid eye contact earlier?”
“Ahem…”
Hyeok Gi-rin’s internal struggles deepened as he recalled how Ho Cheon-an averted his gaze whenever he looked his way!
Feeling the intensity of Hyeok Gi-rin’s gaze, Ho Cheon-an hurriedly spoke.
“First, there’s a matter I wish to discuss. Let’s talk while the messenger is away, now that Dokgo I-seol has stepped out.”
A future plan, perhaps? Hyeok Gi-rin nodded. While Ho Cheon-an was indeed irritating, he still needed to accomplish his infiltration purpose.
‘Right, I suppose if I achieve my purpose and leave quickly, everything will be resolved…!’
Excited by this tidy solution, Hyeok Gi-rin smacked his palm with his fist and asked Ho Cheon-an.
“So, what’s the next plan?”
“I’ve planted seeds in Okgyo, but we need more time for that to grow. Since things have been going smoother than expected, I’d like to plot something else.”
“Something else?”
“Yes. While others might not know, I suspect you understand what those seeds mean, Master.”
“Indeed.”
Hyeok Gi-rin nodded. Ho Cheon-an left out the details, but he had a hunch about what Ho Cheon-an was aiming for in Okgyo.
‘That’s certainly not something a martial artist would come up with.’
Shaking his head at the thought, Hyeok Gi-rin recalled Ho Cheon-an’s original aim. Ultimately, Ho Cheon-an’s goal was to disrupt Sadoryeon’s organization while thwarting the emergence of a vanguard for the attack on Sacheon.
Pondering for a moment, Hyeok Gi-rin finally spoke.
“Right, not only providing strength to the Sokryeong Sect but also weakening the power of the sects belonging to Sadoryeon wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Exactly.”
“Hmm.”
Hyeok Gi-rin looked at Ho Cheon-an anew. Ho Cheon-an had to stay here as I-seol’s subordinate for now, yet he claimed there was a way to weaken the other sects belonging to Sadoryeon?
‘To be a genius in some matters, and yet completely oblivious in matters of relationships…’
With a sigh, Hyeok Gi-rin realized the fairness and indifference of heaven all at once. Seeing the confused expression on Ho Cheon-an’s face as to why he sighed, Hyeok Gi-rin sighed again and said.
“Haa, alright then. So what’s this method?”
“I plan to support Dokgo I-seol.”
“…What?”
“To be precise, I want to make her the sect leader of the Dark Dragon Sect.”
* *
Hyeok Gi-rin rubbed his forehead, looking utterly dumbstruck.
“Haa, my head is throbbing. What on earth is wrong with the master? A true expert when it comes to complicating matters!”
“Um, it shouldn’t be that daunting or complicated.”
“No!”
Hyeok Gi-rin patted his chest, exasperated.
“Yongji Maeng, the Lord is calling for you.”
He felt momentarily guilty for staring so intensely at Ho Cheon-an, but still, this was I-seol’s summons. With a sigh, he followed I-seol into a private meeting.
“Father has called for me. Surely we are to discuss the results of this matter.”
He looked at I-seol. Her becoming the sect leader would be the best situation for him since she appeared to lack any support or foundation within the Black Dragon Sect.
If I-seol ascended to the position of sect leader, she would become a strong contender.
Ultimately, the sect governing the paths of action would be the Dark Dragon Sect, aligned with the intentions of the Black Cloak Dokgo Yeongcheon. Therefore, those opposed to Dokgo Yeongcheon wouldn’t last long in the Dark Dragon Sect, and many would naturally wish to flock under I-seol’s banner.
A new heir; while I-seol was establishing her foundation to take control of the sect, her faction would clash with that of her three siblings.
A great upheaval in the power structure of the sect was inevitable, leaving little room to focus on outside troubles.
“I wish to hear your opinion on how to respond.”
“Before that, I have something I’d like to confirm.”
Meeting I-seol’s gaze, he asked.
“Do you intend to become the sect leader?”
Currently, I-seol’s demeanor wasn’t exactly brimming with the drive of someone aiming for the sect leader position. Isn’t there a saying, if one doesn’t want to be peaceable, that’s just how it is? Even if I devised a strategy to elevate I-seol as sect leader, it’d all be meaningless if she lacked the will.
I-seol met his gaze for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts before she spoke.
“Certainly.”
After hesitating, she continued.
“Regardless of my maternal family’s influence or constraints, I won’t indulge in trivial talks. I won’t deny that I had ambitions to become the deputy sect leader, yet the disparity of power forced me to half-abandon that dream, and I’ve been here instead. When the time is right, I planned to gather my subordinates and break away.”
I-seol looked at him with firm eyes.
“However, as a leader, it leaves me with little conscience to simply waste the opportunity you and the newcomers have created through your hard work. Since you all have put in the effort, I too intend to give it my utmost.”
“Is that so?”
It seemed her determination was resolute.
“Alright, Yongji Maeng. Do you have any good suggestions in preparation for tomorrow’s call?”
“Yes.”
I answered I-seol’s question.
“If tomorrow the family head inquires about your accomplishments, say you did nothing.”
I-seol’s eyes widened in surprise.
* *
The sect leader of the Dark Dragon Sect, the Black Cloak Dokgo Yeongcheon, gazed at his four humbled children.
“I’ve heard quite a rumor that Okgyo is in chaos these days.”
“Yes, all sorts of riffraff are running amok, tarnishing the name of the Sokryeong Sect.”
“Indeed. You all should use the current situation of the Sokryeong Sect as a cautionary tale. The Sokryeong Sect, without any sense of shame, chose to preserve its power. While strength is undeniably the most crucial aspect that the outcast factions must possess, never forget where that strength originates from.”
“Golden words! I shall engrave them upon my bones!”
“Hmm.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon nodded. The four bowed slightly, sensing that their father was in a good mood today.
‘He usually strictly controls his emotions…’
‘It seems he takes great pleasure in the Sokryeong Sect suffering.’
“Now then, Idu, share the latest news with me.”
“Yes!”
Idu responded with vigor, realizing that while his father was speaking in riddles, it was obvious they had gathered here to ascertain the results of the twenty new recruits.
“Among the Sokryeong Sect martial artists, we’ve captured two peak-level fighters, one elite, and a total of six remnants. Additionally, we created fictitious groups called the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun factions to stir up chaos on the streets…”
“Yoran.”
“We captured ten of the Sokryeong Sect martial artists and gathered ten tokens as evidence. We’ve formed White Death Faction and Black Death Faction…”
“Dae Mak.”
“We have dealt with the martial artists of the Sokryeong Sect… for the Power Law Society and Each Law Society…”
Everyone was caught up in the chaos of his words. It was entirely understandable.
Seohwa Sect. And the Great Dark Sect.
Knowing of the existence of Seohwa House, Dokgo Yeongcheon’s children, though not aware of the name Great Dark Sect, recognized the fact that I-seol had created the illusions of the Seohwa Sect and the Great Dark Sect.
If an opponent was using good tactics, then it was only reasonable for at least Dokgo Yeongcheon’s other children to keep pace and imitate that rivalry dynamics.
Thereafter, Dokgo Yeongcheon’s children devised various strategies, yet they couldn’t come up with a sharp plan that would succeed amid the engaging chaos in Okgyo.
“Alright, I understand.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon merely accepted their reports in silence.
“Lastly, I also wish to hear about I-seol’s current situation. I feel there’s likely to be some intriguing tales.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon regarded Dokgo I-seol with undisguised anticipation.
Seeing her father display such eagerness, I-seol contemplated her next move. Currently, if she disclosed her achievements, it would surely score points for her.
[If dad asks about achievements tomorrow, just say you did nothing.]
Recalling Yongji Maeng’s advice, I-seol was caught in a dilemma.
Should she follow Yongji Maeng’s suggestion?
Or should she adopt a similar attitude to her siblings?
Should she risk everything for a possible windfall?
Or make the safer choice like the others and secure a certain gain?
‘Gambling… gambling…’
A slight smile crept across I-seol’s face. What was she hesitating for?
Challenging the position of deputy sect leader that she had almost given up on itself was a gamble. Instead of preparing for a stroll, she needed to be ready to leap for that deputy role.
‘I have been foolish.’
As she met her father’s gaze, I-seol noted the envious stares from her three siblings. But she envisioned a particular scene instead.
[Next]
The sight of Yongji Maeng crushing his opponent without even a single mistake.
[Simply continuing the interrupted gamble.]
Even amidst unreasonably absurd situations, the way he casually shook two halves of broken dice within a container.
Gambling. Yes, gambling.
With a smile, I-seol declared.
“I have done nothing.”
As she said this, I-seol processed her thoughts. If competing for the position of deputy sect leader was gambling, then she must trust Yongji Maeng’s words about the art of merging the split dice.
A moment of silence fell over the family quarters at I-seol’s words. Dokgo Yeongcheon’s expression hardened, and noticing this change, the other three shrank back, anxiously watching the scene.
Only I-seol, who had resolved all her inner turmoil, calmly met Dokgo Yeongcheon’s gaze.
“I-seol.”
“Speak, Father.”
“You said you did nothing?”
“Yes.”
“Dokgo I-seol, the sect leader of the Dark Dragon Sect and known as the Black Cloak, I shall ask you one last time: do you officially declare that you have no affiliation with the Seohwa Sect or the Great Dark Sect, which have caused the chaos in Okgyo?”
With a clear irritation now displayed on his features, the other three siblings swallowed hard, sensing the unease in the air. No matter how much this matter should officially be kept under wraps, it originated from the hands of the supreme being of the Dark Dragon Sect, the Black Cloak, Dokgo Yeongcheon.
Although I-seol had a reason to deny her actions here, it was not an official setting, and taking such a stance among family members felt like a declaration of rebellion against Dokgo Yeongcheon.
Dokgo Yeongcheon was someone who rarely revealed his emotions. Seeing the daughter he had taken such pride in showing rebellion against him was bound to cause deep furrows in his brow.
“Yes.”
Yet as she bowed her head outwardly, I-seol held her ground fiercely.
The atmosphere within the family quarters was as heavy as lead, as if a weight had been placed in their lungs.
“I understand your intentions.”
Dokgo Yeongcheon waved his hand emotionally.
“Everyone, disperse.”
“Honor!”
As such, the audience with Dokgo Yeongcheon concluded in that chilling atmosphere. Noticing their father’s foul mood, the other three, who would normally exchange jests, simply left with faint smiles on their faces.
“Believe it.”
Only I-seol, wearing a perplexed expression, silently mumbled as she gazed towards Seohwa House.
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