"Gasp! Huff! Huff!" Wei Honglian exhaled roughly, her trembling eyes fixed on Seo Ryang. '...What the hell?' Seo Ryang, with both hands raised and a bright smile on his face, looked almost cheerful. There was no trace of majesty, killing intent, or madness. But she remembered the aura from moments ago. It wasn’t just dense demonic energy—it carried a fundamentally different, terrifying presence. She had felt the breath of extreme demonic power, something only the ancient demon elders of the Yuanlao Council could possess.
'What is this guy?' When demonic energy reaches its peak, it stands at the boundary between the innate and the acquired. The acquired energy gained through internal cultivation begins to transform into something higher.
Energy is the smallest unit that constitutes all things. When the quality of energy changes, a person's mind and body naturally undergo transformation. That’s why those who reach the peak of demonic power exude an otherworldly aura.
The fact that Seo Ryang didn’t radiate that unique aura meant he hadn’t reached the peak. After all, reaching the peak of demonic power isn’t something one achieves simply by having superior demonic energy.
'But... that aura from earlier...' Wei Honglian had only felt such an aura once before. It was from one of the ancient demon elders, an absolute powerhouse who had shown her an insurmountable wall. Seo Ryang’s aura was so overwhelming that it reminded her of the Iron Sword Demon Lord.
'Has he really reached the peak of demonic power? At his age?' Impossible! As Wei Honglian denied the reality, she suddenly felt the flow of demonic energy coursing through her body. Her complexion changed drastically. 'Why has the quality of my demonic energy increased...?' She looked at Seo Ryang. He had been grinning at the approaching Black Crow Guards but turned his head upon sensing her gaze. His eyes narrowed, and he growled softly, "If you cause trouble in front of those masked guys, you’re dead."
Wei Honglian lowered her head deeply. By then, the Black Crow Guard’s Seventh Captain had approached Seo Ryang and let out a sigh. Though his face was masked, his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. "We meet again after half a day." "Indeed." "Would you care to explain the situation?"
Seo Ryang’s eyes sparkled. 'Explain?' He quickly glanced around. Ma Dongpil, nervously watching the Black Crow Guards; Wei Honglian, her head bowed; Song Kyung, foaming at the mouth and unconscious; and the Demon Subduing Unit members lined up after the battle. Not to mention the utterly ruined Zimiru and the countless traces of combat.
'With such a chaotic battle, why did they only arrive now?' Seo Ryang tilted his head as the Seventh Captain took another step forward. "Young Master." "Wait a moment." Seo Ryang activated the Heavenly Net Six Senses and the Divine Eye. Instantly, his senses sharpened like blades. His already clear vision became even sharper, every smell pierced his nose, and even the faintest sounds became distinct. He even sensed the traces of the wind with his heightened touch. Seo Ryang smiled. 'Look at this.'
'I was about to grab the Demon Subduing Unit Leader and toss him aside, but now things are different.' The Red Veil Sect is clever. The problem is, his cleverness is limited to the world of the Divine Sect. In other words, it wouldn’t work on Seo Ryang, who came from a completely different world.
"Hey, masked guy." "...I am the Seventh Captain of the Black Crow Guards." "Right, Seventh Captain." "Speak." "Who gave the order for this operation? Or was it some other command?" "Even if you are the Third Young Master, I cannot disclose the command structure of our headquarters. Please understand." The Black Crow Guards, part of the Punishment Hall, wield immense authority. If it weren’t for Seo Ryang’s status, they would have subdued him immediately.
Seo Ryang nodded.
"Fine. It’s not that important who gave the order."
"Then may we hear the details now?"
"Ah, the details."
"Yes."
"What’s so complicated? Two cats got caught up in a fight between wolves and ended up clashing."
"...What?"
"I was about to discipline our fourth brother, but he hid and started throwing stones. What could I do? I had to dodge."
"...!"
"I dodged, but Wei Daozhu, who was standing there, got hit instead. Unfortunate, isn’t it? If I didn’t know, I’d let it slide, but since I do, I had to come personally."
"So, Young Master, you’re saying..."
"Yes, Wei Daozhu is innocent. If the Demon Subduing Unit Leader came at me with a sword, I couldn’t just stand there and let him kill me, right? It’s self-defense."
The Seventh Captain turned to Song Kyung. Just as Song Kyung was about to speak...
Flash!
A trace of demonic energy flickered in Seo Ryang’s eyes. The supreme demonic energy that had shaken his soul moments ago made Song Kyung’s face pale instantly. The Seventh Captain asked in a low voice, "Unit Leader Song.
Is the Third Young Master’s account true?"
"..."
"Unit Leader Song!"
"...It’s true."
"...!"
"I... I was just following the Fourth Young Master’s orders. I don’t know anything else."
"What orders?"
Song Kyung’s head drooped. He couldn’t bring himself to meet Seo Ryang’s piercing gaze. At that moment, his mind was filled with Seo Ryang’s tempting yet threatening words: "Let’s create a situation where your crime can be minimized."
"Just... to ambush the Demon Subduing Unit Leader and bring him to the Punishment Hall." "Ambush? The Punishment Hall?" "Y-yes. He said you’d handle it once he was brought there." The Seventh Captain’s eyes turned cold. Handle it? He didn’t know what that meant, but it was clear that the Fourth Young Master, Hong Weimen, had some influence over the Punishment Hall.
"Is that statement true?" "..." "Unit Leader Song! Is it true or not?" Song Kyung nodded weakly. He was mentally and physically drained, resigned to whatever would happen. The Seventh Captain’s gaze, even through his mask, turned icy. "If that’s true, you won’t get off with just a demotion." "W-what?!" "No matter who gave the order, a unit leader attacking another unit leader on personal orders is not a light matter. Did you think it would be overlooked?" "...!" "Be prepared to rot in prison for a few years." Song Kyung looked at Seo Ryang in desperation.
Seo Ryang coughed lightly and said, "Seventh Captain."
"Speak, Young Master."
"What crime does the sword bear? It’s the one who wields it who’s at fault."
He was defending Song Kyung. The Seventh Captain shook his head coldly.
"Unit Leader Song is not a sword but a person. Moreover, he’s the leader of a unit."
"There are unavoidable circumstances."
"There may be mitigating factors, but acquittal is impossible."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The Punishment Hall judges by results, not processes. Along with the Law Enforcement Court, we stand at the forefront of upholding the law. No reason can justify overlooking the consequences of one’s actions."
A sinister smile spread across Seo Ryang’s face. "Are you confident that everyone in the Punishment Hall thinks like you, Seventh Captain?" "Of course." "Would the higher-ups who sent you here now judge the same way?" "...What do you mean?" "There’s no such thing as a perfect organization. Some are willing to die for the organization, while others prioritize their own interests over the organization’s honor." The Seventh Captain’s eyes wavered. He understood the implications of Seo Ryang’s words.
"Are you saying..." "Ah, whatever the case, let’s go easy on Unit Leader Song." Seo Ryang was blatantly steering the conversation, but his smile and composure made it sound natural. Song Kyung’s face brightened. He thought Seo Ryang was trying to keep his promise.
The Seventh Captain shook his head. "Young Master. As I said, that’s impossible." "I told you, there are unavoidable circumstances." "The crime has already been committed..." "When someone’s life is on the line, even Unit Leader Song wouldn’t have had a choice, right?" "Huh?" The Seventh Captain looked at Song Kyung, who stared at Seo Ryang with his mouth agape. Seo Ryang was grinning broadly, his playful demeanor contrasting with the storm in his eyes.
"A man of Unit Leader Song’s stature wouldn’t act on someone else’s orders unless he had no choice. Even if it was the Fourth Young Master."
"..."
"It’s not just a simple political scandal. Unit Leader Song isn’t a fool. He knew how serious his actions would be."
"So, Young Master, are you saying the Fourth Young Master had leverage over Unit Leader Song?"
"Exactly."
Seo Ryang looked at Song Kyung and asked, "Right?"
"...!!"
"Seems so. Take him to the Punishment Hall and investigate that part thoroughly."
Song Kyung, who had been gaping like a fish, shouted urgently, "Third Young Master!"
"What?"
"This isn’t what you promised! You clearly said..."
"I said I’d defend you as much as possible. I couldn’t guarantee a full pardon, but I’d create mitigating circumstances."
"...!"
"That’s why I’m trying so hard now. What, did I misjudge? Did you cause all this trouble without any leverage from the fourth brother?"
Song Kyung’s face was a sight to behold. Seo Ryang still wore a relaxed smile, but to Song Kyung, he looked like a devil who had just crawled out of hell.
"I don’t need to know what that leverage is. Either way, I’ve done my part, haven’t I?" "..." "I kept my promise. Do your best." Seo Ryang had deliberately revealed all the truths in front of the Seventh Captain. Even if Song Kyung changed his mind, the Seventh Captain had already heard everything, making false testimony impossible.
Seo Ryang shrugged. "I’ve said all I needed to. Let’s move now. To the Punishment Hall, right? Please skip the ropes. My skin is sensitive, and it hurts when it rubs."
"They should all be at the Punishment Hall by now."
"Indeed. The Seventh Captain is rigid and blunt, but he’s thorough. Even if it’s the Third Young Master, he won’t go easy."
"I’ve heard how capable the Seventh Captain is. That’s why you sent him this time, right?"
"Haha! But he’s not an easy person to use. If he senses even a hint of injustice, he’ll cling to it until he understands. That stubbornness is why I gave up on making him my man."
"I see. You made the right choice."
Though he said so, Hong Weimen inwardly mocked Jin Seongju. He knew that such stubborn people were the most loyal when they became subordinates. Jin Seongju probably knew that too but lacked the ability to recruit him.
"By the way, it’s getting late. Let’s finish this drink and rest. By dawn, the situation you desire will be in place." "I’m reassured." The two laughed heartily.
At that moment. "W-what is this?!" "Come out." Crash! Thud! Urgent footsteps and commotion came from outside the door. Jin Seongju frowned deeply. "Who’s making noise here...?" Bang! The door burst open, and the Black Crow Guards stormed in. At their head was the Tenth Captain, known to be as strict as the Seventh Captain. "You are...?" "Tenth Captain. Given the situation, I’ll skip the formalities." The Tenth Captain held a long rope. "We have orders from above to summon both of you to the Punishment Hall. Let’s go." The two men’s faces hardened.