The world of the demonic sects is one where the strong survive. If you are strong, you are treated well; if you are weak, you are devoured. Both the strong and the weak recognize this as a matter of course.
Unlike the righteous sects, which value principles and loyalty over mere brute strength, the demonic sects, particularly the Celestial Demon Sect, have their own advantages in this survival of the fittest.
In a world where even the bloodline of the strong can be discarded if they are weak, it also means that as long as one has the ability, they can be treated well regardless of their background.
The reason why Wei Honglian, a descendant of the Wei family, which was the last to torment the Celestial Demon Sect before being exterminated, could become the leader of the notorious Guangma Corps was precisely because of this. Seolang recalled the documents that So Yeon-sim had given him.
"Wei Honglian. Age thirty-two. Joined the sect at the age of nine and showed remarkable talent within five years, becoming part of the internal conflict. With astonishing talent and a fierce temperament, he was selected as a member of the Guangma Corps at the age of twenty. After a life-and-death battle agreed upon with the former leader, he emerged victorious after a fierce struggle lasting over three hundred breaths, and was promoted to leader at the age of twenty-eight."
Just from this simple information, one could tell how ruthless he was. Before mastering martial arts, one could not create such a glorious history without considerable guts and drive. "An interesting fellow," Wei Honglian said as he looked at Dou Weijing.
"I'm sorry. I'll apologize on his behalf," Dou Weijing waved his hand.
"Oh, no!"
"But it seems that Lu Zhu knows this guy?"
"Yes! He comes by the main hall for meals occasionally."
"Did he come this month too?" Dou Weijing tilted his head.
"This month..." At that moment, the deputy leader, Cha Guang, glared at him. Dou Weijing's face turned pale again. Wei Honglian's gaze deepened.
Crack!
"Ugh!" Cha Guang fell over like a frog.
"Who are you glaring at?"
"Cough! L-Leader! It's not like that..."
"This brat came, didn't he?"
"Well..."
"This month, I said to stay put until the feast, didn't I? Did you dare to ignore the order to stay?"
"Please, let me explain..."
Crack.
Wei Honglian clenched his fist. The pressure emanating from her fist was comparable to that of a Vajra.
"Recently, the beatings have been a bit infrequent, haven't they? If you thought I would let it slide just because it's a feast day, you're mistaken."
She swung her fist.
Bang!
Cha Guang's body was repeatedly lifted by the barrage of punches. There were no screams. It hurt, but Cha Guang knew that if he yelled, he would only get hit more.
Wei Honglian's pupils gradually turned red. The way she licked her lips resembled a viper flicking its tongue.
"How can you act like this as a deputy leader? When will you throw away that third-rate, reckless temperament?"
Crack!
Dou Weijing's mouth dropped open. That sounded like a bone breaking, right? Did she really just break a bone? And it was a feast day?
Wei Honglian snorted.
"Get up."
Bang!
Cha Guang immediately stood up. He wanted to roll on the ground, claiming he was dying, but he didn't dare to.
"Do you think this is excessive?"
"No!"
The answer came out reflexively. Seolang, who was watching the scene with interest, could read the sincerity in Cha Guang's response.
'Is this normal?'
In any organization, disobeying orders is a serious offense. If a broken arm is all that comes from it, then it's a bargain. In fact, it was surprising that Wei Honglian showed such leniency.
"I'll let it slide this time because I don't want to ruin the atmosphere for the kids. But if you act up again, I will really take your head."
Cha Guang's complexion turned pale. Wei Honglian had never gone back on her word.
"I-I will remember!"
Only then did Wei Honglian's expression soften.
"Bring the kids in."
Cha Guang staggered out the door.
"You brats! Come in!"
At the same time, the Guangma Corps members rushed in. Perhaps they had heard the sounds of beating from outside, as they dared not utter a word the entire way up to this floor.
Wei Honglian shouted, "What are you all doing? Why do you look so down on such a good feast day? Hurry up and order some drinks!"
The Guangma Corps members clearly had rather simple personalities. At Wei Honglian's shout, the atmosphere in the main hall became lively in an instant.
"Wow, how long has it been?!"
"I haven't seen alcohol in half a year..."
"Ah! I'm going to drink until I choke!"
It was truly a release. With laughter echoing, the Guangma Corps members filled the hall from the first to the fourth floor.
Wei Honglian turned to Dou Weijing.
"You received the feast payment in advance, right? Get them whatever they want. If they're satisfied, I'll throw in an extra two hundred taels."
As the owner, Dou Weijing should have been grateful to the point of bowing, but his expression was still not good.
Wei Honglian tilted her head.
"Owner."
"..."
"Hey! Owner!"
"Huh? Yes?!"
"Why are you dazed? Hurry up and move."
Beside her, Cha Guang glared. It was a look that said, "What are you doing not moving according to the leader's orders?"
At that moment, the kitchen staff brought out the food.
It was not the usual servers but the kitchen staff bringing out the food. Wei Honglian and Cha Guang blinked in surprise at this strange situation.
Dou Weijing quickly gestured, "Hurry, hurry and serve it!"
Um... I didn't expect this kind of lowly treatment?
While the two were feeling uneasy, the nervous kitchen staff headed towards the window on the first floor. They did not glance at Wei Honglian and Cha Guang even once.
The two's gazes followed the kitchen staff.
"The dishes... are ready."
Seolang nodded.
"You could just do it as usual; there's no need for all this."
"No!"
"What about the alcohol?"
Dou Weijing quickly approached the kitchen staff and pulled out two bottles of liquor from his arms.
"This is the Five Liang Liquid from Sichuan. It's a rich aroma, truly exquisite."
Transporting Five Liang Liquid from Sichuan to here must have been no small feat. Dou Weijing had even brought out his hidden treasure.
Seolang scratched his head.
"You really didn't have to go this far."
"No! It's an honor for me..."
"Strong-flavored liquor doesn't go well with light dishes."
"Cough!" Dou Weijing prostrated himself.
"P-Please spare me!"
"Huh? I was just saying... Get up. I will only accept your goodwill. Please bring me a lighter liquor."
"Yes, yes!" Dou Weijing dashed back into the kitchen.
Wei Honglian frowned.
'What is up with that guy?'
Seeing her expression, Cha Guang's face turned red with embarrassment as he approached Seolang. He walked confidently, but his broken left arm dangled awkwardly, making him look quite pitiful.
"Hey, you there!"
Seolang glanced at Cha Guang.
"Me?"
"Who else is here besides you, you brat!"
In that instant, the kitchen staff and servers froze in place. Wei Honglian felt the atmosphere on the first floor turn icy.
Seolang smiled.
"Why?"
"Are you part of the internal conflict?"
"Well... I guess you could say that?"
"You brat, do you not know that the entire Guangma Corps has rented this place today?"
"Did we rent it, or did Lu Zhu scare everyone away?"
"What?!"
"Is it officially rented? Is there even a document left?"
"...Look at you?"
Seolang snorted.
"You all have your own feast; I will enjoy myself as I please. Is there a problem?"
"This brat!"
Ssss!
A white mist began to rise from Cha Guang's body. His anger was boiling over.
Seolang's eyes glimmered.
'Quite impressive.'
At this level, he could be called a peak master without a doubt. Of course, he was not at the level that would catch Seolang's eye. In the eyes of the top masters, this one was that one, and that one was this one.
The essence lay in the spirit.
He had a hot temper and was recklessly impulsive, but once he entered battle, he would surely achieve results beyond his abilities.
Cha Guang growled, "It's a good day, so I'll let it slide this time. Get lost!"
Considering the notorious reputation of the Guangma Corps, it wouldn't be strange for him to draw his sword right there. One could say that Cha Guang was showing some leniency.
Naturally, it had no effect on Seolang.
"I don't have a taste for fighting either, so I'll let it slide just this once."
"What?!"
"I don't care if you cause a ruckus; you all can play among yourselves. Got it?"
"...You bastard!"
Clang!
Cha Guang's hand reached for his waist. He was ready to draw his sword and swing it at any moment.
At that moment.
"Stand down."
"Leader?"
"Do not act recklessly; stand down."
Cha Guang hesitated and stepped back. There was no choice but to obey the leader, who was like the heavens to him.
Wei Honglian stepped forward to Seolang.
Seolang looked up at her.
With a gentle grip, Wei Honglian's hand, hidden in her sleeve, tightened.
'Strong?'
The gaze of the one looking up at him was as clear and transparent as ice. He could not read what she was thinking at all.
'As for her strength... I can't tell. But she is definitely not weak.'
At a glance, she appeared to be in her mid-twenties. That was due to her physique; if one only looked at her face, they could believe she was still in her teens.
'She doesn't seem to be of ordinary status.'
From Lu Zhu to the kitchen staff, everyone present was paying attention to this young man. He must be someone with considerable skill.
Wei Honglian stared at Seolang, and Seolang looked up at Wei Honglian.
Seolang's lips curled into a smooth smile.
"My neck hurts. If you have something to say, sit down."
Wei Honglian's eyelids fluttered.
Cha Guang's mouth opened reflexively.
"Is this crazy bastard trying to get himself killed?!"
Seolang and Wei Honglian did not even look at him. Cha Guang's breathing grew heavier. He was still restrained in front of the leader, but...
Wei Honglian spoke.
"Who are you?"
"Should we introduce ourselves?"
"It seems you know we are the Guangma Corps."
"It would be harder not to know. You all look insane."
Sssss!
Killing intent radiated from Cha Guang's body. He was on the verge of exploding.
Wei Honglian's eyes deepened.
"You didn't seem reckless enough to pick a fight first; was I mistaken?"
"You're joking. Was it you who started it?"
"..."
"And I told you, if you have something to say, sit down."
"Why should I listen to you?"
"Because my neck hurts?"
Unknowingly licking her lips, Wei Honglian's pupils gradually turned red.
"You are making a boring choice."
In response, Seolang's smile deepened.
"We'll have to see who finds it boring."
At that moment, Dou Weijing rushed out from the kitchen, looking pale.
"Leader!"
Wei Honglian glanced at him.
Normally, she would have looked down immediately, but now Dou Weijing was in a hurry. He realized that the atmosphere was so unpredictable that he couldn't even explain who this person was.
"Y-You can't do that to him!"
Clang!
Cha Guang immediately drew his sword and placed it on Dou Weijing's shoulder.
"Ugh!"
"What did you say?"
Dou Weijing swallowed hard.
"...You can't do that."
Cha Guang smiled coldly.
"Give me thirty reasons why not. Then I'll spare you."
It was a clear threat that he would kill him if he spoke nonsense. Dou Weijing shut his eyes tightly.
"He is the third disciple of our sect!"
"...?"
"He is the disciple of the sect leader!"
"...!"
Wei Honglian and Cha Guang were both taken aback and looked at Seolang.
Seolang shrugged.
"Twenty-nine left, owner."