Bang!

“Young Master!”

The door opened roughly. Simultaneously, the tobacco smoke that had been flowing in the room rushed out.

Shin Hoe couldn’t care about either his rudeness or how unusually strong the tobacco had become.

“Have you heard? At Purple-Eyebrowed Tower…”

“I heard.”

Whoosh.

Thick smoke mixed with his lightly exhaled breath.

Shin Hoe spoke urgently.

“The situation is not simple. Though everyone’s keeping quiet about it, the very fact that the Third Young Master went there…”

“He was targeting me.”

“What?”

“I’m certain. That bastard is trying to pull something targeting me.”

“How did you…”

The Hong Wi-moon didn’t answer. He just stared at the ceiling with languid eyes.

Shin Hoe swallowed dry saliva.

He’s changed.

Since when?

It had become hard to find a smile on the Fourth Young Master’s face, who used to maintain his smile even if lightning struck before him. His languid posture reminded one of a dangerous viper, and his hazy gaze was full of ambiguity.

“…Should we take measures?”

“Measures? What kind?”

“…”

“The Mad Demon Squad Leader’s mouth isn’t cheap. Rather, if there was a violent confrontation, she’ll keep her mouth even more firmly shut. That’s the kind of person she is.”

“That’s true, but.”

“Though I can’t guarantee it, of course.”

Can’t be certain, can’t guarantee, might deviate from my expectations.

These were the words the now smileless Hong Shin Wi-moon kept using. Unlike the past, he had become someone who couldn’t be certain about anything.

“Even if it turns out that way, we can’t take any particular measures. Nor do we need to.”

“Still…”

“I’d rather the Mad Demon Squad Leader turn herself in.”

“What?!”

This was another unexpected statement.

Hong Shin Wi-moon spoke while tapping his pipe.

“Do you know what’s scarier than truth?”

“…”

“Rumors.”

“…!”

“If I were that bastard, I would have just caused chaos and left. I wouldn’t have made any suggestions to the Mad Demon Squad Leader. And then…”

Hong Shin Wi-moon’s eyes flashed.

“When public curiosity reached its peak, I would spread rumors.”

“Rumors…”

“Rumors like ‘there was some deal between the Fourth Young Master and the Mad Demon Squad Leader’ or ‘turns out the Mad Demon Squad Leader was just a puppet in the Fourth Young Master’s hands.'”

“…!”

“The public doesn’t want mundane conclusions. Even when official truth comes out, they remain skeptical and raise other possibilities. Even more so when no truth has emerged. All sorts of scandals will spread like wildfire in all directions.”

Shin Hoe’s eyes wavered.

Using public desire to destroy reputation was a method often employed by those engaged in political struggles.

But it’s not easy for the target to realize until they actually experience it.

“Shouldn’t we take measures all the more then?”

Hong Shin Wi-moon shook his head.

“I’m saying that’s what I would do. He might be different.”

“But the matter is too serious to just sit back…”

“Don’t worry. If we didn’t know about it that would be one thing, but now that we know, it’s easy for us to cover up rumors.”

“…”

“Rather, we can trace the source of the rumors and expose it, pushing everything onto that side. We just need to watch how the atmosphere flows.”

Shin Hoe couldn’t help but admire him.

As expected, incredible.

Even while appearing increasingly worried lately, Hong Shin Wi-moon’s ability to see one, two moves ahead was admirable.

“So you mean we just need to wait?”

“That’s not quite right either.”

“Pardon?”

Hong Shin Wi-moon stuffed purple tobacco into his pipe, lit it, and took a deep draw.

Whoosh.

Unlike the previous tobacco, quite a fragrant scent wafted from the dreamlike spreading smoke.

“Martial arts focused solely on attack will eventually break down. Attack and defense must always work together. Politics is the same. You must counter-attack while defending to avoid showing your own vulnerabilities.”

“…”

“But that’s not what I’m worried about.”

Hong Shin Wi-moon closed his eyes.

“How did he know?”

“…!”

“The fact that I passed money to the Mad Demon Squad Leader was something nobody knew. Though they say there are no secrets in the world, it shouldn’t have been revealed this quickly.”

“…Could it be the True Demon Squad Leader[1]?”

“Definitely not him. He’s someone who would never reveal anything that could incriminate himself, even if he died.”

Hong Shin Wi-moon closed his eyes.

Could it be Pavilion Master So?

The Internal Military Advisory Department wouldn’t have leaked it. Then the most likely source of information is the Joyous Pavilion.

Was there some deal between them back then?

That would be surprising in its own way. The Joyous Pavilion has historically been an organization that doesn’t get involved in succession struggles.

It will be the same this time too. So Yeonshim isn’t a fool. She absolutely won’t get involved in this fight.

If So Yeonshim gave information to Seo Ryang?

It means the patient who needs saving is that precious to her.

Even before that, it was surprising that So Yeonshim knew about the deal between him and the Mad Demon Squad Leader. If this was true, he must never touch So Yeonshim in the future.

That fox-like woman.

Just then.

“Young Master!”

Shin Hoe frowned at the urgent voice from outside the door.

“What is it?”

“The Mad Demon Squad Leader is heading to the Criminal Court[2] that matches the body and holding it in place.

This was why even people who practiced the same internal martial arts had difficulty sharing energy. Because the nature of energy changes according to a person’s mind and body.

And you’re talking about sharing energy with a beast, not even a person? Nonsense.

Blink blink.

Golden Fox opened its eyes.

His face was perfectly reflected in those eyes clear as obsidian.

But… it’s definitely not an ordinary beast.

It had stayed in Solitary Bamboo Forest, and in the deepest layer where spiritual energy was most concentrated at that. Just enduring such concentrated spiritual energy with an immature body was remarkable in itself.

Moreover, it would disappear without me noticing several times.

Similar to but slightly different from an extremely trained assassin’s concealment technique. While concealment techniques erase presence completely, with Golden Fox you just stop paying attention even while sensing its presence.

Seo Ryang dangled a piece of boiled pork in front of Golden Fox’s nose.

Nom!

Golden Fox quickly chewed the meat.

Though only forearm-sized, it ate a whole plate of meat. It didn’t seem particularly gluttonous, but it was amazing how it ate everything given to it.

“This little one’s belly is so full.”

Seo Ryang flicked Golden Fox’s nose and stood up.

He couldn’t keep holding onto worries without immediate answers forever.

Let’s spend that time more efficiently.

“By the way Dong-pil, your skills have improved?”

“Pardon?”

“Your sword techniques have become quite refined? When you were driving off those mad dogs.”

“Ah, you saw?”

“I could feel it even without seeing. It was the Demonic Protection Sword Style[3], right?”

“Yes.”

“Reducing speed while eliminating openings and mixing in the mysteries of the heavy sword[4]… Well done. Martial arts follow the person too. You modified it to suit yourself well. Good enlightenment.”

Honest joy appeared on Ma Dong-pil’s face. The Young Master, who rarely added words regarding martial arts, had spoken like this. He must have found it quite impressive.

“Since the topic came up, may I dare ask one question?”

“By all means.”

“Is this truly the right path?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ma Dong-pil’s expression became more serious.

“Martial arts biased toward one side will inevitably show their limits. Though I’ve grown temporarily, when I think about whether this direction is truly right…”

“I wondered what groundwork you were laying for your question, but you’re asking something that’s not even a question.”

“Pardon?”

Seo Ryang snorted repeatedly.

“Isn’t demonic arts a biased martial art?”

“…?”

“Being biased means losing balance. At the same time, it means having clear advantages. And since demonic arts are ultimately martial arts that maximize advantages, why do you think your sword technique is different?”

“…!”

“Furthermore, now isn’t the time for you to worry about such things.”

“What do you mean it’s not the time…”

“Change means production. Whether growth or regression, it has meaning in itself. When you should believe in your changing self and advance without hesitation, why are you worrying about such things?”

“I-I see.”

“Believe in yourself. Instead of worrying, run forward without fear. Those worries can wait until you’ve reached your limits.”

Though it might seem like words anyone could say, Seo Ryang’s words resonated deeply with Ma Dong-pil.

Appropriate advice heard at the appropriate time. Rather, because he spoke casually about it, not even a trace of anxiety remained.

Seo Ryang pointed his chin toward the window. A spacious training ground was visible beyond.

“But well, I understand how you feel. Since we’re on the topic, let me see your martial arts. If I spot anything that needs correction, we can tighten or loosen it.”

“I-it would be an honor.”

Though he hadn’t dared ask, it was exactly what he’d wished for. Ma Dong-pil stood up with a broad smile.

Just then.

Bang! Bang!

The sound of pounding on the main gate.

“We’re from the Criminal Court! Third Young Master, please open the door!”

Ma Dong-pil’s eyes widened.

Seo Ryang scratched his head.

“Hmm… I didn’t expect this development?”