Hong Weimen was flustered.
‘Bone Shrinking Art? His true appearance? I didn’t know?’
In that brief moment, countless thoughts flooded his mind.
‘Is that the true appearance of the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall?’
Before, when he appeared as an old man, he looked extremely ordinary, but his easygoing personality stood out.
But now, it was different. He looked much younger, his features sharper, but his tone was blunt, and his gaze was indifferent.
Moreover...
“...You haven’t practiced demonic arts?”
Gogu nodded.
“That’s right.”
When he appeared as the old man, there was no trace of internal energy at all. So, Hong Weimen had thought that perhaps he hadn’t cultivated internal energy or that he had mastered a martial art that concealed his energy channels.
But that wasn’t the case. From the beginning, Gogu hadn’t practiced demonic arts.
‘Is that even possible?’
A high-ranking member of the Divine Sect, and not just any outer sect member, but an inner sect member, hadn’t practiced demonic arts? How could that make sense?
At that moment, Seoryang spoke up.
“What a fascinating martial art.”
A glint of interest flashed in Gogu’s eyes.
“Do you recognize my martial art?”
“Of course not. But I can tell what it’s composed of.”
“......”
“The foundation is definitely demonic arts. But you’ve mixed in orthodox divine arts. And not just any orthodox arts, but ones that have been perfected over several generations.”
Gogu’s expression remained unchanged, but the faint ripple in his energy channels betrayed his surprise.
“Impressive.”
He was acknowledging that Seoryang’s words were true. Hong Weimen’s expression visibly stiffened.
It was more shocking that Seoryang had instantly recognized what he couldn’t, rather than the fact that the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall hadn’t practiced orthodox demonic arts.
Hong Weimen had always prided himself on his discerning eye, believing he was second to none in that regard.
Seoryang’s face showed interest.
“It must have been an incredibly difficult endeavor. Truly remarkable.”
“It was quite the struggle.”
“It’s not a martial art with obvious room for change. To reassemble a completed martial art without adding or subtracting anything requires the skill of a Grandmaster. It seems there’s a hidden powerhouse in our sect after all.”
Seoryang, having personally created the Shadowless Demonic Art, knew just how difficult such a feat was. He had been lucky to create it easily, but otherwise, attempting to create a martial art was nearly impossible.
“You flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery. It’s an honest assessment.”
“Then it’s still flattery. I was just lucky.”
“You’re quite the know-it-all.”
The two exchanged words that were understandable but not easily so. Hong Weimen’s mood, already not great, plummeted further.
Gogu sat down.
“Since the stage is set, it’s time to get to the point. Let’s move from personal talk to official matters.”
Seoryang’s eyes gleamed.
“Agreed.”
This guy was definitely different.
Not just in martial arts, but in personality and disposition, he was unlike the ordinary members of the Divine Sect.
No matter how high the position of the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall was, treating the sect leader’s disciples like this was clearly disrespectful. Yet, for some reason, it didn’t feel offensive.
In fact, it felt comfortable and familiar. It felt like this kind of relationship was the norm.
‘He’s a unique guy.’
Seoryang, who had emptied his cup in one go, refilled it.
Gogu spoke bluntly.
“I won’t beat around the bush. The reason I’ve called you both here is because of the recent conflict between the two of you.”
Hong Weimen frowned. It wasn’t because such a topic was brought up directly.
“The investigation is over, and everything’s been settled, hasn’t it? Is there something else you want to say?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“I want to hear your promise not to cause any more conflicts in the future.”
Hong Weimen looked incredulous.
“Are you serious right now?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve never wanted to cause conflict. But even if I did, what right do you have to tell me what to do?”
“......”
“You have no authority to impose anything on us.”
He was right. The sect leader’s disciples, having no official positions, had no authority to handle public affairs, but conversely, they had no reason to take orders from anyone other than the sect leader.
Even the Nine Great Demonic Elders of the Council couldn’t give orders to the sect leader’s disciples. At most, they could make requests.
Gogu nodded.
“You’re right. I have no authority to impose anything on you.”
“Then why are you...?”
“You also had no authority to command anyone. But you used the Demon Lord’s weakness to make him your puppet.”
“......!”
“This world doesn’t run solely on titles, status, or relationships. I believe you, more than anyone, understand that.”
Hong Weimen’s eyes turned bloodshot.
Except for Seoryang, he had never shown such intense emotion to anyone else. It showed just how cornered he felt.
“Are you threatening me now?”
“Yes.”
The matter-of-fact answer left him speechless.
“The Punishment Hall, along with the Law Enforcement Hall, protects the sect’s laws on the front lines. But our nature is different.”
“......”
“The Law Enforcement Hall is an organization that will do anything to protect the sect, but it’s also an organization that can only act reactively. In other words, it’s an organization focused on defense.”
“......”
“Our hall is different. The Punishment Hall actively protects the sect. We punish those who break the laws and, in special cases, even handle judgments. Like the Law Enforcement Hall, we’ll do anything to protect the sect.”
Gogu’s previously indifferent gaze gradually became transparent, like glass.
“As the head of the Punishment Hall, I have no authority or qualification to impose anything on you. But as an individual who actively protects the sect, I can offer you a new experience you’ve never had before.”
“......”
“I also don’t want to create such an unpleasant situation, so I’m saying this. I trust you understand.”
It was a clear message: while he couldn’t openly scheme, he could certainly make life difficult in subtle ways.
Hong Weimen’s cheek twitched. In all his life, he had never been threatened like this.
Gogu glanced at Seoryang.
Seoryang was busy stuffing his cheeks with snacks that had appeared out of nowhere. He looked quite happy.
“What do you think, Third Prince?”
“Munch munch, huh? What are you talking about?”
“......If you didn’t hear what I just said, I’m willing to repeat it.”
“Ah, you mean not to cause any more conflicts?”
“Yes.”
Seoryang downed his drink in one go, washing down the food in his mouth. He grinned broadly.
“Sure, why not?”
“......”
“What’s so hard about that?”
“Just to be clear, I’m not joking...”
“I’m serious.”
“......”
“Who would want to make enemies with the Punishment Hall? I’m no different. Most importantly, I have no desire to roll around in the mud with anyone. Living peacefully is the best, right?”
If Hong Weimen was left speechless by Gogu, Gogu was left speechless by Seoryang.
“By the way, this wine is delicious. It’s my first time trying it. What’s it called?”
“It’s a wine I brewed myself.”
“You’re quite skilled. Any plans to sell it?”
“......”
“If not, forget it.”
Gogu, who had been staring at Seoryang, nodded.
“If the Third Prince wishes, I’ll send a few bottles to your residence.”
“I’ll gratefully accept. I’ll also pick out a few gifts to send you. Not sure if I have anything good, though.”
“That’s fine.”
“Heh, what comes must go. Don’t worry, I’ll send something you’ll like.”
It was a rather meaningful statement, but Gogu didn’t pay it any mind.
“The Third Prince has spoken. What about you, Second Prince?”
“......”
“It’s fine if you don’t agree.”
Hong Weimen, his eyes bloodshot, stood up abruptly.
“I won’t forget this humiliation.”
“I’ll take that as agreement.”
Thud! Bang!
Hong Weimen left the room without looking back.
Seoryang clicked his tongue.
“That guy must’ve been really pushed to the edge.”
He had been planning to pay him back, but being stopped by none other than the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall naturally left him in a bad mood.
When pushed to the limit, a person’s true nature shows. Hong Weimen was clearly a smart man, but he also had a fiery temper.
‘Or maybe...’
That display was also an act.
Gogu also stood up.
“That’s all I have to say. Do you have anything else to add?”
“No. The wine was good.”
“I’ll have a carriage prepared for your journey home. I’ll also send a few bottles of wine. You’ve had a rough three days.”
“I won’t refuse your kindness. I’ll gratefully take the ride.”
Seoryang stood up.
He stared at Gogu for a moment.
“Is there something on my face?”
“There’s one thing I’m curious about.”
“......?”
“I can see how exquisite the Bone Shrinking Art is, but was there a reason you transformed your body to meet us?”
“......”
“You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys testing others or has a playful personality.”
“Do I have to tell you?”
“I asked because I wanted to know. If you don’t want to say, that’s fine.”
Gogu shook his head.
“I won’t say.”
“Understood. Rest well.”
Seoryang left without a hint of hesitation.
As the door closed, Gogu sat back down.
His previously indifferent and transparent gaze gradually darkened.
“......Strange.”
It had been a long time since he’d met someone so hard to read.
It had been a long time since he’d felt so flustered.
And...
‘It feels familiar.’
It had been a long time since he’d encountered someone who gave off a similar aura to his younger self, when he had dreamed of storming the world.
“At least it’s not a bad impression.”
Hong Weimen, who had refused the carriage and was walking home, had already regained his composure. The intense expression he had shown in Gogu’s room was nowhere to be seen.
‘Strange.’
Clearly, he had lost control earlier. He had been genuinely angry.
But the expression he showed at the end was somewhat calculated. He didn’t want to appear too patient or thoughtful in front of Seoryang.
If he showed such a side, that guy would definitely prepare something.
‘Why has he changed so much?’
They had clashed three times since returning from Gojuk Forest, and twice they had met face-to-face.
Still, he couldn’t believe it. Seoryang’s change.
While it’s said that one’s personality changes with their environment, Seoryang’s transformation was too drastic. People say that dying and coming back to life changes a person, but this was beyond that.
‘He didn’t practice the Dragon Transformation Art. He practiced a different demonic art. Could that have caused the change in his personality?’
It wasn’t impossible, but it was close to it.
Practicing a demonic art that pursues action over stillness can make anyone more aggressive.
But Seoryang had changed to the point where the word “change” felt inadequate. It was as if he had become a different person.
Moreover, a demonic art that could alter one’s personality to such an extent was a low-level art. But the demonic energy he emitted was of an extremely high level.
‘I can’t understand it.’
Hong Weimen shook his head.
In any case, Seoryang had changed, and the situation was worsening. He had to find a way to overcome this crisis.
Others wouldn’t know about the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall’s mediation request. If things continued like this, his position would become increasingly precarious.
‘I can’t just sit still. There are many methods. But this time, I must not act rashly.’
Hong Weimen’s eyes gleamed with killing intent.
‘Slowly, I’ll deliver a decisive blow.’
Despite the Hall Master’s threat, he wasn’t concerned. If he could be cowed by such threats, he wouldn’t have become a disciple of the Heavenly Demon.
‘Just wait. Soon, a grand retaliation will come.’
At that moment.
“That guy, the killing intent in his eyes is so thick it could drown someone.”
Startled, Hong Weimen turned his head.
In the distance, Seoryang was lazily sitting by a large tree, drinking wine after parking his carriage.
“Come here, little brother. This foolish older brother will pour you a drink.”