WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
Chapter 48: Guest of Blood-Nurturing Valley (2)
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“Urgh!”
The saber blade dented as Go EunJae was hurled back nearly several jang.
‘Ah!’
It was fortunate that the mad old man had been nearby.
Still, Evil Heaven had been some distance away. How had he appeared at such a perfect moment?
Just as I was wondering about that...
Whoosh!
A black shadow sprang from the bushes.
The figure struck Go EunJae in the back with a palm as he flew away from Evil Heaven's fist force.
Thump!
“Huh.”
It had seemed like an attack, but it was not. The figure who had suddenly appeared seemed to have dispersed the fist force within Go EunJae's body through palm force.
The fact that Go EunJae stopped in midair made that clear.
“Pant, pant! Th-thank you, Master.”
‘Master?’
Go EunJae called the person who had saved him Master.
Did that mean this man was the Second Venerable One, Chaotic Blade Demon Emperor Seo GalMa?
His graying hair was neatly combed back, and unlike Evil Heaven, he carried himself with dignity.
Rustle!
At that moment, a group emerged from the bushes Seo GalMa had come from.
There were four people in all.
What was surprising was that, apart from one person carrying a long saber, the other three wore red sashes.
- Why are you surprised?
‘...They are all Brigade leaders.’
If blue sashes denoted Squad leaders, red sashes denoted Brigade leaders.
Even though there were few of them, they had brought formidable strength.
I had no idea what this was about.
Swish!
Chaotic Blade Demon Emperor Seo GalMa placed his hands together and gave Evil Heaven a fist-and-palm salute.
“Brother Hae. It has been a long time.”
He spoke as though greeting an old friend.
Evil Heaven answered in an indifferent voice.
“Brother Seo.”
He was considerably more respectful than when he dealt with the Sixth Blood Star, the Blood-Hand Witch.
Of course, that lasted only a moment.
“It has only been four years, so what do you mean, a long time? What brings you here? Don't tell me you came because of the letter I sent?”
His personality had not changed.
His particular rough manner remained the same no matter whom he faced.
“Hohoho, indeed. But it seems there has been a misunderstanding.”
Seo GalMa gestured toward Go EunJae, who was panting from the aftereffects of the fist and palm forces.
He was indirectly bringing up the fact that Evil Heaven had laid hands on his disciple.
- What do you mean, laid hands on him? He was the one who started it.
I agreed.
Just as I wondered whether I should explain, Evil Heaven spoke.
“Hmph! What misunderstanding? Brother Seo's disciple attacked this lord's disciple. If this lord had not seen it, he would certainly have been injured.”
Seo GalMa responded as if it were nothing.
“Such things can happen between young people training in martial arts. Since this old man's disciple has spent all his time shut away in a cave, he must have felt competitive toward Brother Hae's disciple.”
Perhaps because he held the same rank as a Venerable One and possessed formidable martial prowess, he did not yield in the slightest.
If anything, he responded with ease.
But Evil Heaven was not a man who would ever lose a battle of momentum.
“Oh? So that young man insulted this lord because of it?”
“Insulted Brother Hae?”
Seo GalMa shot Go EunJae a sharp look.
Go EunJae waved his hands and hurriedly explained.
“Th-that is not it. How could I insult a Venerable One? I merely thought that your disciple was disgracing you through his inferior martial prowess...”
He was really trying to drag me through the mud.
With his master nearby, he was saying whatever he pleased.
But he had yet to understand Evil Heaven.
“You have not been beaten enough.”
“Gasp!”
Evil Heaven's face hardened as he strode toward Go EunJae.
Then something unexpected happened.
Smack!
The young man with the long saber on his back seized Go EunJae by the back of the head and slammed his face into the ground.
- Oh. His nose must be crushed.
They showed no mercy even though they had come together.
The young man raised his voice as if ensuring everyone heard him.
“When Master is speaking, where did you learn the insolence to begin making pathetic excuses?”
After rebuking him, the young man rose and respectfully gave Evil Heaven a fist-and-palm salute.
“Elder, please forgive my junior martial brother's rudeness.”
“Junior martial brother?”
At Evil Heaven's question, the young man kept his salute and answered.
“I am Ho GeumWon, Master's first disciple.”
‘Ho GeumWon?’
- Why? Does he become famous too?
‘...I don't know.’
- You don't know?
As far as I knew, Go EunJae was Seo GalMa's only disciple.
Yet this Ho GeumWon had introduced himself as Seo GalMa's first disciple.
- Huh? Is he a hidden disciple?
If he had been hidden, there was no reason to reveal his identity.
More likely, something had happened over the past ten years.
For example, he might have lost his life.
- Why?
‘Look at that expression.’
Go EunJae, whose face had been pressed into the ground, glared at Ho GeumWon with murderous eyes.
That alone showed they were not fellow disciples on good terms.
Even the orthodox path struggled with conflicts between successors and fellow disciples. How could the Blood Cult, which belonged to the evil path, be any different?
If anything, it would be worse.
Then Seo GalMa spoke.
“Brother Hae. I apologize for my disciple's rudeness. He seems to have learned a sufficient lesson, so how about we end this here?”
He took a step back.
Unlike his disciple, Seo GalMa was a reasonable man.
It did not seem he intended to use this as an excuse to fight Evil Heaven.
[Hmph. If you had been strong enough to beat that arrogant brat yourself, none of this would have happened.]
Evil Heaven's sound telepathy reached my ear.
He had stepped in when necessary, but it seemed he was dissatisfied that I had fallen short of Seo GalMa's disciple.
I could not help feeling slightly wronged.
Officially, I had only been a disciple for one year, while Seo GalMa's disciples had surely trained for at least several years.
- Then why didn't you reveal your strength?
At SoDam Sword's words, I denied it inwardly.
‘...It is too soon.’
It was still time to hold back.
Even if I opened my Central Dantian and dealt with him, it would only make others wary.
Even if I had crossed the wall of Advanced, the Blood Cult was filled with countless masters.
Until I possessed unquestionable strength, holding back was the answer.
[I am sorry to have disappointed you.]
“Tsk, tsk.”
Evil Heaven clicked his tongue at my sound telepathy.
After looking at me with displeasure, Evil Heaven turned to Seo GalMa.
“Forget that. Why did Brother Seo bring his disciples all the way here? If it was truly urgent, you could have sent someone or come alone.”
Coming alone would have been understandable, but Evil Heaven had a point.
I too was curious why the Second Venerable One, Seo GalMa, had personally come here.
There was certainly some purpose behind it.
Seo GalMa smiled.
“This old man has come to arrange a marriage.”
Evil Heaven frowned at the wholly unexpected words.
I too could not understand what Seo GalMa meant.
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“Exactly what I said.”
“You are being frustrating. Whom are you trying to match?”
At Evil Heaven's irritated question, Seo GalMa gestured toward his disciples, then extended a hand toward the Main Hall.
“I came to arrange a match for the young lady.”
‘!!!’
Though I had suspected it, the words from his mouth still left Evil Heaven and me dumbfounded.
He had come to arrange a marriage between his disciples and Baek Ryeon Ha.
I glanced at her.
- Her eyes are as wide as saucers.
She too seemed utterly shocked.
* * *
This was the conference room in Blood-Nurturing Valley's Main Hall.
Evil Heaven sat on the left side of the long table with his disciples, Song JwaBaek, Song WooHyun, and me. Across from us sat Chaotic Blade Demon Emperor Seo GalMa and his disciples, Ho GeumWon and Go EunJae.
At the head of the room hung a bamboo blind, behind which sat the owner of a slender silhouette.
Before it stood Han BaekHa, the Blood-Hand Witch, along with five disciples whose faces were covered with silk veils.
One of those five disciples was Baek Ryeon Ha.
‘Whew.’
The atmosphere in the conference room was truly dreadful.
I could tell just by seeing Song JwaBaek dart his eyes about helplessly.
Bang!
Evil Heaven slammed the table with a fierce expression.
“You call that something worth saying?”
He was furious because of what Seo GalMa had said.
Seo GalMa had told Baek Ryeon Ha to give up seeking the position of lord for the greater good.
Of course, that was not all.
“What did you say? Say it again!”
“You heard correctly. Brother Hae. For the unification of the main cult, the young lady should not cause division and should instead produce an heir.”
Seo GalMa spoke without batting an eye.
He was truly remarkable.
Though he was more formal than Evil Heaven, he did not speak indirectly.
As a result, the expressions on the Blood-Hand Witch and her disciples' faces were no joke.
They were visibly holding themselves back.
Evil Heaven, however, was not.
“You know the young lady possesses greater legitimacy, yet those words still come from your mouth, Seo GalMa?”
“Calm yourself, Brother Hae.”
“Calm myself? Would you not be enraged in my place? You say that if the young lady marries your disciple and promises to bear an heir, you will protect her? Ha! You must be desperate to die by this lord's hand.”
The room's air instantly grew heavy, filled with life energy.
As Evil Heaven drew out his power in earnest, it became difficult to breathe.
It seemed the table might flip at any moment and his fist would strike Seo GalMa's face as he sat there calmly.
“Brother Hae... I did not come here to fight you.”
“I do not want to hear it.”
“Think rationally.”
At Seo GalMa's words, Han BaekHa, who had silently listened until then, spoke.
“What exactly are you asking us to think rationally about, Second Venerable One?”
Her voice was as cold as ice.
Perhaps wary of Evil Heaven, Seo GalMa did not take his eyes off him as he answered.
“Since everyone already knows, I will say it. The First Venerable and four Blood Stars have already decided to support Miss HyeHyang as lord. That alone is a majority in the Council of Venerables and Stars. Though the Third Venerable One has not yet made their position official, they have also said their heart already leans that way.”
The Third Venerable One was Blood Death King Gu JeYang.
If two Venerable Ones and four of the Seven Blood Stars stood together, the tide had already turned considerably.
“Did Brother Hae not say earlier that you had yet to decide which of the two young ladies to support?”
Evil Heaven merely glared at him.
That was an affirmation.
“Sixth Blood Star. I ask you this. Who has clearly expressed their intention to support Miss Baek Ryeon Ha?”
The Blood-Hand Witch, Han BaekHa, did not answer either.
Anyone could see that they were at a disadvantage.
At most, there were probably two or three supporters.
And they would likely be two Blood Stars, not Venerable Ones.
“What would happen if I too were to support Miss Baek HyeHyang in this situation?”
“So you are threatening Miss Ryeon Ha now!”
“Threatening... Whew.”
Seo GalMa sighed.
Then he struck the brown saber case resting against his chair with his palm.
Clang!
The long saber marked with a unique pattern slid halfway out of its case.
His intention not to tolerate any more was clear.
Seo GalMa spoke with sharp eyes.
“Do I, Chaotic Blade Demon Emperor Seo GalMa, seem like a man who would harm my lord's daughter, Evil Heaven?”
He too appeared ready to swing his saber at any moment.
“You draw your saber like that and deny it? Fine. Let us have a go, then!”
Evil Heaven shifted forward.
Then Han BaekHa, the Blood-Hand Witch, hurriedly intervened.
“What disgraceful conduct is this before the young lady!”
At her cry, the two men, who had seemed ready to fight at once, stopped.
It was stranger that such unrestrained men were mindful of Baek Ryeon Ha.
Was it their lingering loyalty to the former lord?
“Whew. Whew.”
Hearing faint breathing beside me, I glanced over to see Song JwaBaek regulating his breath while even breaking out in a cold sweat.
I understood. Even my palms had grown damp.
The pressure these two emitted was difficult even for Advanced masters to endure.
Then the five veiled disciples standing behind the Blood-Hand Witch turned toward the other side at once.
Everyone was puzzled.
Then a voice echoed through the room.
[Second Venerable One. Fourth Venerable. No, Uncle Seo. Uncle Hae.]
Thud!
At her call, Evil Heaven and Seo GalMa simultaneously withdrew their power, turned toward the bamboo blind, and respectfully knelt on one knee.
- Her voice is echoing through the entire room.
‘It is Six Directions Voice Transmission.’
Six Directions Voice Transmission.
It was a technique more difficult than sound telepathy.
It caused the voice to echo in every direction, making it impossible to determine the user's location.
The five had probably turned at once to prevent anyone from seeing movement in the speaker's throat.
I had known her internal energy was considerable, but she could even use Six Directions Voice Transmission.
Or had her internal energy grown stronger than before?
[Would it be all right if I called you both as I did in the past?]
Baek Ryeon Ha asked through Six Directions Voice Transmission.
“Of course.”
“Please call us whatever makes you comfortable.”
[Then I will speak to Uncle Seo first.]
“Please do.”
[Uncle Seo. You have decided to support my elder sister as lord, so why are you telling me to marry one of your disciples?]
Seo GalMa raised his head.
“To protect you, young lady.”
[Protect me?]
“And to prepare for the future.”
[What do you mean?]
“If we speak only of legitimacy, I too would wish to support you, young lady. But the main cult, which stands on the verge of revival, needs a stronger leader.”
That was an undeniable truth.
It was also why Evil Heaven had not readily declared his support for her.
[...You mean my elder sister should be lord instead of me.]
“I am sorry. But this is a measure to protect you, young lady, and preserve the main cult's legitimacy.”
[Does having an heir preserve its legitimacy?]
“Yes. That is why the other Venerables and Blood Stars have not clearly stated their intentions so far. But if, for the main cult's unity, you give up the position of lord and focus on producing an heir, we will have grounds to prevent Miss HyeHyang from purging you.”
Seo GalMa presented his reasoning.
He was claiming a justification for protecting Baek Ryeon Ha.
In a way, his method was not entirely wrong.
If things proceeded as he said, it might unite the divided Blood Cult behind the two candidates for lord and prevent the purge of her and her supporters.
Grit.
Evil Heaven ground his teeth.
“Stop spouting pretty words.”
“...You still think so.”
“Ha! Fine. Let us say every word you said is right. Then why must she marry one of your disciples? Is it not because you want to insert your influence into that person's bloodline?”
Evil Heaven sharply pointed it out.
Everyone's gaze turned to Seo GalMa.
Seo GalMa sighed, shook his head, and spoke.
“Then who would be qualified?”
“What?”
“Among the Venerables and Blood Stars who remain neutral, if one were to name a successor qualified to become the young lady's spouse, they would naturally have to come from one of the Venerables' lines. But the other Venerables already support Miss Baek HyeHyang. Does that not leave an obvious answer?”
Seo GalMa turned to look at Song JwaBaek, Song WooHyun, and me, then gave a faint laugh.
It was an unmistakable sneer.
‘Ha...’
Now I understood why Go EunJae had attacked me.
He had muttered that his master's worry had been unnecessary.
In the end, he had confirmed that my ability fell short of Go EunJae's and his fellow disciple's.
And he had fiercely warned me not to step forward recklessly, even if this situation arose.
- What an irritating bastard.
Go EunJae curled the corner of his mouth as he looked at me.
His expression seemed to say Baek Ryeon Ha belonged to him.
- Aren't you angry?
SoDam Sword was making more of a fuss than I was.
I was only human, so of course I did not feel good about it.
I had never thought of Baek Ryeon Ha romantically in the first place, but his attitude still displeased me.
But I had to judge this situation calmly.
It was not a situation where I should recklessly step forward...
“Khahahahahahahaha!”
At that moment, Evil Heaven let out a mad roar of laughter.
Seo GalMa frowned at his behavior, looking puzzled.
After laughing for some time, Evil Heaven's expression turned serious.
“An obvious answer? You think that one with a face all smashed up is suited to be the young lady's spouse?”
He pointed at Go EunJae's face.
After being slammed into the ground, his nose and several other parts of his face had turned blue with bruises.
“Was that not punishment for his rudeness toward you, Brother Hae?”
“Insult, my ass. Tell your disciple to keep his cock in check.”
“Goodness! Brother Hae! You have truly crossed the line...”
“A man who ogled the Blood-Hand Witch's disciples thinks he can become the young lady's spouse? Even birds passing by would laugh.”
‘!!!’
Go EunJae's face stiffened at the devastating remark.
‘Ha!’
I had wondered when Evil Heaven had heard it, but it seemed he had seen Go EunJae licking his lips.
Seo GalMa glared fiercely at Go EunJae.
Go EunJae was so flustered that he could not meet his master's eyes or even lift his head.
- One eliminated.
SoDam Sword snickered.
As it said, after such utter humiliation, Go EunJae would never become Baek Ryeon Ha's spouse.
Trying to salvage the situation, Seo GalMa hastily looked at the bamboo blind.
“Please forgive my second disciple for his immaturity. I will strictly reprimand him. But my eldest disciple, GeumWon, is not lacking as the young lady's spouse...”
Then Evil Heaven cut him off.
“Hey, Seo GalMa.”
“?”
“Why do you think only your disciples are worthy to become the young lady's spouse?”
‘!?’
At those words, not only Seo GalMa but Song JwaBaek and I looked at Evil Heaven in surprise.
What was this old man saying?
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