Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 430 – Political Situation (3)

It was truly a fortuitous turn of events.

Mok Gyeong-un had thought that recovering Wi So-yeon would be quite challenging.

However, he never imagined that the most difficult condition would be resolved due to an unexpected variable.

‘A variable.’

The corner of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth twitched slightly.

[You’ll certainly feel the difference between having trusted companions by your side and not.]

He had never taken Cheong-ryeong’s words lightly, but fundamentally, he believed that in the very end, he could trust no one but himself.

But who could have predicted that Go Chan, of all people, would play such a crucial role?

Because of this, Mok Gyeong-un became interested in the concept of cause and effect.

-No, fuck. Can you really not hear me?

-Swoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un formed a hand seal with his left hand, grasped the connection linked to Go Chan, and conveyed his thoughts.

-I understand, so wait.

-Gasp! M-Master. Did you perhaps hear what I just said…?

-What did you say?

-Phew.

Go Chan was so flustered that he let out a deep sigh of relief at Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

-N-Nothing at all.

Mok Gyeong-un inwardly chuckled at Go Chan’s reaction.

It could have been the worst obstacle, but since he had made a crucial contribution, he was just overlooking the continuous cursing.

-So what should we do, Master? It’s difficult to tell you the exact location. But if you follow the connection…

-You don’t need to worry about that. Soon… No.

Suddenly, something flashed through Mok Gyeong-un’s mind.

He had intended to simply bring back Go Chan and Wi So-yeon’s bodies, but he realized he could use this situation to his advantage.

So,

-Stay in that state for a while.

-What? Stay? You mean keep doing this?

-Yes.

-…… Huh? Uh? Um… Understood.

What else could he do when told to wait?

Although he felt cramped staying in the coffin, he had no choice but to wait reluctantly, as he couldn’t escape without Mok Gyeong-un’s help anyway.

-Swoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un touched another connection and sent his thoughts along with a hand seal.

-Stop the search for Wi So-yeon. Follow the Diabolic Beast Alyu and secure Cheong-ryeong’s location.

It was a message sent to the Demonic Beast Heumwon.

Even though he wanted to wrap up the Heaven and Earth Society’s affairs as quickly as possible, he couldn’t immediately start searching, so he had sent the Demonic Beast Heumwon, who could traverse the air, in advance.

While Mok Gyeong-un was giving instructions to the ghost servant he had made his familiar, Seop Chun, finding the lack of response strange, spoke up.

“My Lord. If you’re uncomfortable, we can detain her separately for interrogation.”

At these words, Chunchu, the highest-ranking executive of the Secret Society, laughed and said,

“You’re going to interrogate after I’ve surrendered? How discourteous.”

“You find this amusing? I heard that over dozens of our allies died by your hands. It wouldn’t be strange to behead you right now and display your head as a warning…”

“Step aside, young one.”

“What?”

“Even if I’ve been captured, I still have my own standards.”

“Huh?”

Seop Chun’s expression turned incredulous at Chunchu’s sarcasm.

Most of those in the main hall were executives who could be called the lord’s loyal followers.

Although he might lack experience compared to the others here, he believed his loyalty to Mok Gyeong-un was no less than anyone else’s.

-Shing!

Seop Chun half-drew his Mad Dance Sword and spoke with a voice filled with killing intent.

“It seems I need to teach you some manners.”

“Stop.”

At that moment, Ja Geum-jeong, the Subduing-Demon and rogue monk, restrained him.

Others might not know, but he was one of the few in this place who had crossed blades with Chunchu, the highest-ranking executive of the Secret Society.

That’s why he knew her tremendous martial prowess better than anyone else.

Even though his skills had improved tremendously while serving the lord, the opponent was a monster capable of going toe-to-toe with Ou Cheon-mu, the sect leader of Spiritual Sword Sanctuary, who was on par with the Seven Heavens’ great masters.

If they were to fight, Seop Chun wouldn’t last more than a few moves.

“If you say so, my face…”

“Keuheuheu. No need to save face. That woman isn’t an ordinary human to begin with. The only ones here who could face her one-on-one are the master and that old man.”

“Hohoho.”

Ou Cheon-mu, the sect leader of Spiritual Sword Sanctuary, burst into laughter at being called an old man.

He had finally joined in earnest, but this was the first time he had experienced such an atmosphere as a member of a group at his age.

‘To think that crazy monk would swear loyalty to our lord, I’ve lived long enough to see everything.’

Axe-Destroying King Ho Tae-gang inwardly clicked his tongue.

Most of those bearing the title of the Three Madmen were not the type to serve under anyone.

Yet, two of them had come under the command of their lord, Mok Gyeong-un.

This was quite surprising.

The Mad Swordsman Ji-oe was one thing, but what shocked everyone the most was undoubtedly Ou Cheon-mu, the sect leader of Spiritual Sword Sanctuary.

Who could have imagined that he would recruit one of the Seven Heavens under his command?

They had worried about weakening their forces due to the numerous casualties after the internal war, but now there was no need for concern.

They had been replenished with new strength.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.

“Since you surrendered voluntarily, if you give the answers I want, I’ll treat you accordingly.”

“Now we’re talking.”

“Where is the main body?”

“……”

Chunchu was momentarily speechless at Mok Gyeong-un’s direct question.

Judging by his mention of the main body, this man seemed to know more than she had anticipated.

Well, perhaps this was why Mok Gan had gone to such lengths to intervene personally?

“Why are you silent?”

“…… It’s not that I’m silent, I’m just surprised. Seeing that you’ve even figured out that it’s not the main body, it’s no wonder the great Mok Gan felt threatened. Are you really the being from the prophecy? The Heavenly Demon.”

At these words, the executives couldn’t hide their bewilderment.

Not many understood the conversation between these two.

Ignoring this, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.

“Let’s cut out the unnecessary talk. Tell me where Mok Gan’s, no, the Three-Eyes’s real body is.”

“You’re strange. That’s not what’s urgent right now. Wi So…”

-Rumble!

Before she could finish her words.

Her eyebrows twitched under the immense pressure bearing down on her.

An tremendous force was pressing down on her, the pressure so intense that her knees were about to buckle.

-Crack!

Even the soles of her feet began to crack.

‘This man… Is he trying to subdue me with sheer force?’

She could still endure for now.

However, if the force increased any further, she felt she wouldn’t be able to withstand it without revealing her true form as a demon fox, not just her human form.

-Rumble!

As expected, the oppressive force grew even stronger.

Was this man not using his full power when he fought Mok Gan?

To be able to suppress her to this extent with just the energy he exuded while sitting still.

He was so strong that it made her wonder if he was really human.

‘Tch.’

There was no other choice.

If she revealed her true form, she would have to show her ugly appearance instead of this beautiful form.

As someone who loved her current appearance more, she didn’t want that.

So,

-Thud!

‘I’ll play along.’

Chunchu simply knelt down.

Seeing her like this, a glint appeared in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

Having opened his third eye, he could see the demonic energy she was suppressing.

It seemed she was hiding her power as a demon fox, just like the other highest-ranking executive, the deceased Kang Yeom or whoever it was.

Given her tone and behavior, she seemed quite prideful, so what was her intention?

It didn’t seem like she had truly surrendered because her master had been defeated and she was at a disadvantage.

“If your purpose is clear, it’s obvious that you’ll take me to where he is, so there’s no need to track and find him.”

“That’s right. I really like you.”

Kneeling, she licked her lips while showing her cleavage.

Seeing this, Ou Cheon-mu, the sect leader of Spiritual Sword Sanctuary, and Poison King Baek Sa-ha frowned and turned their heads away.

They thought she was truly a bewitching woman.

However, despite her alluring appearance, there was no change in Mok Gyeong-un’s gaze.

Rather,

“I told you to cut out the unnecessary talk.”

“…… You really have a charm that makes me feel motivated after a long time.”

“Sigh.”

-Swoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un slightly raised his sword-formed fingers.

At that moment,

-Flinch!

Feeling the chilling sword energy behind her, she hurriedly tried to move her body forward, but,

-Thud! Thud!

She couldn’t move either forward or backward.

This was because two formless swords that had been created in mid-air intersected and pressed against the back of her neck.

‘What is this?’

Chunchu instinctively knew.

Although she couldn’t see clearly, this sharp energy that had crossed behind her neck and penetrated the floor would be difficult to block even if she returned to her true form.

Chunchu slightly raised her head and looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

‘…… Is it possible?’

Could this man be a worthy opponent to that monster-like Mok Gan?

She had naturally chosen to surrender and pretend to switch sides for his sake, but she wasn’t interested in dying in vain.

Staring intently at Mok Gyeong-un, she opened her mouth.

“Like Kang Yeom or Ghost Blade said, you too might have the potential.”

At the mention of Ghost Blade, Mok Gyeong-un, who had been about to move his sword-formed fingers to pressure her further, stopped.

“Potential? What are you talking about?”

“I’m currently making the biggest gamble of my life.”

“A gamble?”

“That’s right. Mok Gan will find out soon, and when that happens, I’ll pay the price one way or another. Probably in the form of death.”

At her words, a glint appeared in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

Was this woman not trying to pull some trick, but actually surrendering?

Doubt and bewilderment arose simultaneously.

If she were just a third-tier member of the Secret Society, not an executive-level figure, it would be understandable, but she held a high position in the Secret Society.

Moreover, was a non-human being really trying to betray the Three-Eyes and side with him?

While doubt was still stronger, she spoke.

“Listen, this is important. There are only two highest-ranking executives who know Mok Gan’s location.”

“Ghost Blade and Destruction Emperor.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Chunchu furrowed her brow and said,

“Did Kang Yeom tell you that?”

“Yes.”

“…… Acting all noble and ancient, but in the end, he spilled everything. he must have been terribly afraid of dying.”

Chunchu clicked her tongue.

She had thought that Kang Yeom would keep his mouth shut even if it meant death.

However, it seemed true that you only know someone’s true nature when they face a crisis.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke to her.

“If you’re going to repeat the same words as him, you won’t be of much use either.”

“No. I’m not useless. I mean, such a charming woman is offering to be on your side.”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un snorted and said,

“I’m already getting bored. What should I do?”

-Swoosh!

As Mok Gyeong-un slightly moved his sword-formed fingers, the formless swords intersecting at her neck began to move.

Feeling the sharp energy about to cut into her neck, Chunchu clicked her tongue and said,

“You’re really a difficult man to handle. You. Well, fine. Easy men are no fun anyway. But how do you plan to extract Mok Gan’s location from Ghost Blade when you find him?”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un casually replied,

“Do you think he won’t open his mouth?”

“I’m sorry, but he’s different from Kang Yeom or the other highest-ranking executives. He’d rather die than submit to force. That’s why he followed the Society Leader instead of Mok Gan, even at the risk of danger.”

‘He followed the Society Leader?’

Come to think of it, there was a part of Mo Yak’s story that was particularly puzzling.

It was because he got the impression that Ghost Blade was acting according to the Society Leader’s will.

But if this was true, could there be a rift within Mok Gan’s inner circle?

While he was pondering this, Chunchu raised the corner of her mouth and said,

“Now that the Society Leader is dead, there’s only one person who can persuade him.”

“Are you saying that person is you?”

“That’s right.”

“How do you plan to persuade someone who would rather die than submit to force? Do you have some sort of secret method?”

“The best secret method. Because Ghost Blade and I are connected by blood.”

‘!?’