The Ruler of Darkness

Book 8: Chapter 3

The underground passage that Su-ran, Guard Cheongho, and Jung-ah, two members of the Spring of Luoyang sect, descended with the girl was different from the one that led directly to the lowest hall.

“From here, we will assist with the guidance.”

Two armed shrine maidens politely greeted Jung-ah.

“Thank you. Please guide us to where my master, the Eldest Young Master, is.”

The two armed shrine maidens bowed in response and began leading the way. Jung-ah followed them and spoke to Su-ran and Guard Cheongho.

“This place is the headquarters of the House of Compassion. Unless you are a member of the House of Compassion, even invited guests must always move with a guide in this area.”

“Yes, we will keep that in mind.”

“We won’t cause any trouble.”

Since they had no intention of causing any incidents from the beginning, they could readily make that promise.

[…Since when did the equipment level of the House of Compassion’s armed shrine maidens become so high? It’s almost the same as the high-grade equipment of the Sword House’s warriors!]

[That’s not all. Their cultivation levels also seem to have increased. The last time I met the armed shrine maidens, their cultivation wasn’t at this level.]

[Could this change also be due to the Eldest Young Master who has ended his seclusion?]

[…There’s no other explanation.]

But their surprises were only beginning.

“This is the main passage of the headquarters.”

The wide passage, reminiscent of the main streets of Luoyang, was bustling with numerous people and the handcarts they were pulling.

“What are those…?”

Beyond the people, the first thing that caught their eye was the large crates stacked on one side of the passage.

The crates were stacked high along one side of the passage, stretching so far that the end was not visible.

It was an enormous amount of supplies, both in quantity and value.

The laborers were loading those crates onto handcarts and transporting them.

“These are supply goods. They are to be moved from here to each branch of the House of Compassion.”

The armed shrine maidens provided detailed explanations that they would not have normally disclosed to outsiders, following Yeon So-hyeon’s orders.

“All of these are purchased at near-cost prices from the large farms and factories directly or indirectly operated by the Sword House, thanks to the grace of our leader, the Eldest Young Master.”

Jung-ah added an explanation.

“The Eldest Young Master plans to enable the House of Compassion to directly produce these goods in the future.”

“Some items have already entered production. Simple clothing is a prime example, where the poor are given the opportunity to weave at home and receive compensation.”

“…….”

Su-ran and Guard Cheongho struggled to find words to say.

The shock was greater for Su-ran, who had been working as a solver in the slums before Guard Cheongho.

The House of Compassion she knew was an organization that barely managed to operate based on the reputation and faith in the Saintess of Herbs, relying on donations from the Eldest Young Master and others.

When each branch received a budget allocation from the headquarters, the branch heads had to use their resourcefulness to barely maintain operations with that meager budget.

But the House of Compassion she knew no longer existed.

“…Come to think of it, this passage is a waterway, isn’t it?”

Guard Cheongho looked down at the floor and asked.

In the center of the wide passage, there was a long crack running along the passage, and through that crack, one could hear the rough sound of water flowing along the waterway below.

“That’s right.”

Guard Cheongho asked the armed shrine maiden who had answered.

“Then, if heavy rains fall in the summer and the water level rises, won’t this place also be submerged?”

“That won’t happen.”

The armed shrine maiden smiled.

“Because not long ago, under the guidance of our leader, the Eldest Young Master, the House of Compassion secured a mechanical device that can divert and control the flow of the waterway.”

“What…?!”

The underground waterways of Luoyang were a crucial facility that went beyond the simple role of sewage and water supply, maintaining a constant water level in the artificial lakes and grand canals.

Therefore, the control facilities of the underground waterways were excessively regulated by the government.

To secure a mechanical device for the underground waterways…

“The mechanical device we secured is a reserve device secretly built by the previous dynasty in preparation for emergencies, and unlike the ones controlled by the government, it can only control a small portion of this area.”

“But thanks to that, we can now use the waterways of the headquarters as a space without worry.”

No matter how small a portion it may be, how and by what means did the Eldest Young Master obtain the reserve mechanical device that even the government couldn’t find?

What exactly is the Eldest Young Master trying to turn the House of Compassion, which used to be a mere charity organization for relief, into?

The minds of the two members of the Spring of Luoyang became confused.

“Wait a moment!”

Su-ran exclaimed.

“The underground waterways of Luoyang are even more dangerous than the Five Sins factions! If you expand your territory like this…!”

The armed shrine maiden nodded.

“You’re right. The underground waterways are where all the ‘darkness’ of Luoyang accumulates. Originally, a clash with that darkness would have been inevitable. But….”

The other armed shrine maiden showed a meaningful smile.

“Because we hold control over the nearby waterways.”

“The waterways connecting from the outside to the headquarters are practically blocked.”

“Ah…!”

The armed shrine maiden pointed ahead.

“Now, let’s go. He is currently working up ahead.”

***

One of the large spaces in the House of Compassion’s headquarters territory in the underground waterways.

Following the guidance of the armed shrine maidens, Su-ran and Guard Cheongho entered with Jung-ah, and their footsteps came to a halt.

“……!”

In the spacious area, with limited lighting to maximize concentration, children were sitting in rows, immersed in practicing martial arts.

Even at a rough estimate, there were over a hundred children.

Unlike typical young children, none of them were making a fuss or chattering.

And in the midst of that tranquility, there was someone who held their attention.

“Just focus on feeling the qi! Originally, the foundation of qi circulation and breathing was to align human existence with the great nature, not merely to cultivate internal energy.”

The owner of the clear voice was none other than the Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.

“It’s not just about focusing on feeling the qi flowing around you. It’s about becoming a part of the great nature.”

Under his guidance, the children were introspecting their inner selves according to the breathing techniques while simultaneously feeling the external flow.

“…Not merely to cultivate internal energy, but to become a part of the great nature.”

Suddenly, Guard Cheongho’s eyes deepened.

Although it was a teaching for the children, he too was reminded of things he had been overlooking.

‘The Eldest Young Master’s knowledge is truly remarkable…! The rumors that he displayed skills worthy of being called a Divine Seat in the Valley of Sins may not be just empty rumors.’

At that moment, Su-ran was surprised for a different reason.

“Are all these children members of the House of Compassion…?”

The armed shrine maiden also nodded in response to her whispered question and answered in a small voice.

“That’s right. They are children born with the talent to sense and manipulate qi but have lost their parents and are under the care of the House of Compassion.”

“Under the guidance of our leader, such children are gathered and specially trained.”

“They are children with exceptional faith.”

Su-ran swallowed her saliva and asked.

“Is this also something that started recently?”

“Yes.”

“These children are now at the stage of awakening their qi, and the guidance for those who can already be called martial artists is done separately.”

Su-ran realized how the level of the armed shrine maidens could have improved.

And at the same time, she was shocked.

‘The House of Compassion is now starting to independently cultivate its own forces…!’

She looked at the children numbering over a hundred.

‘These children are still young, but what about in the future when time passes…?’

In her mind, she envisioned a scene where the children in front of her grew up, and new children continuously filled the vacancies.

“By any chance….”

At that moment, Guard Cheongho, who had briefly grasped the realization, asked cautiously.

“If the Eldest Young Master is imparting the martial arts of the Sword House to the House of Compassion, won’t there be big problems later?”

Upon hearing those words, Su-ran also looked at the armed shrine maidens in surprise.

“If they find out that their martial arts are being spread outside, the Sword House won’t stay still even if it’s something directly done by the Eldest Young Master, right?”

The armed shrine maidens smiled brightly.

“We appreciate your concern, but that won’t happen.”

“The martial arts that our leader bestows upon the House of Compassion are all martial arts that have no direct connection to the Sword House.”

Su-ran and Guard Cheongho recalled the fact that the Sword House possessed a vast collection of martial arts from other sects.

“If the original sect that owns the martial arts picks a fight…?”

Jung-ah answered decisively.

“All the martial arts being passed down to the House of Compassion are martial arts personally created by my master, the Eldest Young Master, based on his studies of Buddhist and Taoist practices.”

Su-ran and Guard Cheongho’s mouths gaped open.

“The martial arts…?”

“He created them himself…?”

At that moment, Yeon So-hyeon’s lecture ended.

From a distance, he slightly bowed his head toward Su-ran and Guard Cheongho.

Seeing his gesture, they hurriedly bowed deeply in return.

However, the Eldest Young Master did not come in their direction but turned his body and headed towards the next passage.

“I apologize to both of you….”

Jung-ah asked for understanding from Su-ran and Guard Cheongho.

“The Eldest Young Master already has a backlog of scheduled tasks, so I would appreciate it if you could wait a little longer.”

Upon hearing those words, the two of them quickly waved their hands.

“No, no! It’s only natural for us to wait since we came suddenly without a prior appointment!”

“We can wait as long as needed!”

If they had heard this right after arriving, they might have felt a bit disappointed inwardly.

However, having witnessed all these scenes beforehand, there could be no dissatisfaction.

The Eldest Young Master’s status in their minds had already significantly changed from before.

Even if they had to wait for days to meet him in this place, he was undoubtedly someone they had to meet, even if it meant waiting willingly.

“Both of you can wait in the guest room or take a further look around the headquarters, but rather than that….”

Jung-ah suggested.

“How about directly watching the Eldest Young Master handle his work by his side?”

Those words made the two of them jump with excitement.

“W-would that really be alright?”

“Wouldn’t we be a disturbance?”

Jung-ah shook her head.

“It’s fine. Please come this way.”

She led the two of them, with the armed shrine maidens at the forefront.

[Hey, guard! I told you, didn’t I?! It’s a jackpot! The Eldest Young Master was a jackpot!]

[Unbelievable. To think there would be a day when your instincts are right.]

At the dull sound, those who were guiding ahead turned around.

Next to Guard Cheongho, who was hopping on one foot while holding his shin, Su-ran hurriedly waved her hand.

“Hehe, it’s nothing. You don’t need to pay attention to it.”

Then she slapped Guard Cheongho’s back.

“You punk! I told you to watch your step since it’s dark!”

“Y-you damn brat….”

Following those who had started guiding again, the two of them exchanged close-range sound transmissions.

[The Elder Sister of the Crescent Moon Pavilion’s words about the Eldest Young Master’s abilities were not an exaggeration. Just as she said, the reason the Crescent Moon Pavilion grew so rapidly was because of the Eldest Young Master!]

In response to her excited transmission, Guard Cheongho, who was walking with a limp, replied.

[Just from what we have confirmed so far, it’s clear that he is a possessor of fearsome abilities.]

[Even if the Eldest Young Master has no intention of joining the Spring of Luoyang, we must establish a cooperative relationship with him! Guard Cheongho! Don’t you dare cause any trouble!]

[You’re the one who always causes trouble!]

At that moment, the footsteps of those guiding ahead came to a halt.

It was in front of an iron door, just high enough for a person to pass through without lowering their head.

“Beyond this is the Eldest Young Master’s office.”

Upon hearing those words, the two of them quickly tidied up their attire.

Once they had finished their preparations, Jung-ah showed a smile.

“The Daseollang members will also be inside.”

Hearing that, Su-ran exclaimed.

“Daseollang?! The famous Daseollang?! They are meeting with the Eldest Young Master?! I heard rumors that they had arrived in Luoyang!”

Guard Cheongho also shouted.

“The number one beauty of Sichuan, Sanggwan Nanhwa…!”

It wasn’t just his imagination that the gazes of the armed shrine maidens looking at him turned a bit pitiful.

“Ahem.”

Jung-ah, who had shown a small smile, spoke to them.

“This is still a secret to the world, but the current leader of Daseollang is the Eldest Young Master.”

“……?!”

At that moment, the door opened slightly, and a person wearing the maid uniform of the Wongakjeong poked her head out.

“Head Maid. The Master says you can come in now.”

The armed shrine maidens waited outside, and only the two of them followed Jung-ah through the crack of the door.

***

The space was wider than expected, and as it seemed to be located in the basement of an old city building, sunlight was streaming in through the high windows.

There were already many people inside.

They were standing or sitting with their backs against the wall, focusing on the meeting.

“…Thus, the relocation of the residents of Hodu Village is proceeding smoothly, and guiding them to the designated village…”

Jung-ah led Su-ran and Guard Cheongho through the crowd, and they were able to carefully pass through the people and sit on empty chairs.

With no one blocking their view, their gazes naturally turned to the person sitting at the desk.

‘That person is….’

‘The Eldest Young Master?’

Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon was sitting with his back to the sunlight, looking through documents and listening to the report.

His posture was somewhat relaxed, but the occasional glances he cast over the documents were sharp.

“…That is all.”

“Good.”

Nodding his head, he put down the document and turned his gaze to the guests.

Under that gaze, the two of them unconsciously straightened their postures and swallowed their saliva.

“I would appreciate it if the guests could wait a little longer.”

“Yes!”

“Of course.”

As Yeon So-hyeon turned his head, the two of them simultaneously sighed inwardly and looked at each other.

Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

Although he appeared young and had an average build, the presence he exuded without restraint was unrivaled.

“Next.”