Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 178 – Jang Neung-ak (2)

“What? Mok Gyeong-un?”

Jang Neung-ak’s expression turned strange.

He was just about to go and protest to his eldest brother Na Yul-ryang for interfering and trying to take Mok Gyeong-un away from him.

But now Mok Gyeong-un has come on his own?

What was going on?

‘…Should I consider this fortunate?’

On the other hand, Ko Yeon-hu, the grand leader of the First Mountain Hegemon Fist Group, who had tried to dissuade his lord, Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, inwardly let out a sigh of relief.

It wasn’t the time to clash with the Eldest Young Master in terms of power or in any aspect.

But while feeling relieved, Ko Yeon-hu also became puzzled.

So…

“My lord, something seems strange.”

“Strange, you say?”

“Yes. Didn’t Young Lady Seo say that the Eldest Young Master mentioned it would be a waste to give him away before striking her acupoints?”

At his words, Jang Neung-ak also nodded inwardly in agreement.

If he hadn’t heard those words, he would have gladly gone to welcome Mok Gyeong-un right away.

So Jang Neung-ak pondered for a moment and asked, “What do you think happened?”

At that question, Jeo Mo-pal of the Five Mountains Geo-am Fist, who had reported Mok Gyeong-un’s arrival, answered.

“Since he came here on his own, isn’t it to pledge loyalty to you, my lord? Why are you reacting like this?”

At his words, Ko Yeon-hu said, “It seems the Eldest Young Master has made contact with Mok Gyeong-un.”

“What? The Eldest Young Master?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m concerned.”

“Concerned about what?”

“Perhaps Mok Gyeong-un has had a change of heart.”

At those words, Jeo Mo-pal raised his voice with a fierce look in his eyes.

“No. After my lord has treated him so favorably, how could he have a change of heart? If he does such a thing, I, Jeo Mo-pal, will break his legs.”

At those words, Jang Neung-ak shook his head and waved his hand.

“Stand down. It’s too much for you.”

“Pardon?”

“Leader Ko or Leader Ho would have to step up to handle him.”

At Jang Neung-ak’s words, Jeo Mo-pal spoke with a frown and a disappointed tone.

“If it’s because of my confrontation with him last time, I didn’t use my full strength then. I also underestimated him, thinking he was a novice. This time, I’ll properly…”

Ko Yeon-hu, the First Mountain, cut off Jeo Mo-pal’s words.

“He defeated Woo Ho-rang.”

“What?”

Jeo Mo-pal’s eyes widened.

What was this about?

Was the Woo Ho-rang he was referring to the same one he knew?

“Surely you don’t mean Woo Ho-rang, the grand leader of the Giant Watchtower Group?”

“Who else would I be talking about?”

‘!?’

Jeo Mo-pal was momentarily dumbfounded.

There were rumors that Mok Gyeong-un’s martial prowess was higher than expected, but weren’t the Five Tigers considered the best among the late-stage disciples in terms of strength, excluding the executives of the Heaven and Earth Society?

And one of the Five Tigers, Woo Ho-rang, was defeated by Mok Gyeong-un?

“That means…”

“We can consider Mok Gyeong-un as a new member of the Five Tigers.”

“Gasp!”

Jeo Mo-pal clicked his tongue.

As he closed his mouth, Seo Hye-in, the leader of Grass Smoke Group, who had been sitting up on the bed, cautiously spoke.

“Young Master, why don’t you meet him first?”

“Meet him, you say?”

“Yes. If Mok Gyeong-un had truly changed his mind and joined the Eldest Young Master, would there be any reason for him to come all the way here again?”

“Hmm.”

At her words, Jang Neung-ak nodded his head.

What she said made sense.

So Jang Neung-ak asked Jeo Mo-pal, “Did he come alone?”

“Yes. He came alone. There doesn’t seem to be anyone accompanying him.”

“Alone…”

In that case, he should meet him first and judge.

If he had betrayed him and changed his allegiance to his eldest brother, it would be best for him to be prepared.

Of course, if he came to pledge loyalty to him, he would receive appropriate treatment.

“Prepare the banquet table.”

“Pardon?”

“Depending on his answer, it will be determined whether it will be a punitive drink or a rewarding drink.”

***

Mok Gyeong-un, following Jeo Mo-pal, was walking through the estate.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes flashed with interest.

Compared to the side of Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader, this side seemed more systematic.

Wi So-yeon’s estate wasn’t that large in scale and felt more like a place for acquaintances, while this place had a well-established hierarchy.

The energies felt from various places and the number of masters were also considerable.

Seeing this, one could guess how much effort the second disciple Jang Neung-ak had put in to become the Society Leader.

As they walked for a while, Mok Gyeong-un spoke up.

“I’m starting to become familiar with the layout of the estate, but how long are we going to keep walking in circles?”

“…What? You noticed?”

“The estate may be large, but not to the extent of walking for nearly a quarter-hour, right?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jeo Mo-pal chuckled.

Then he stopped walking and said, “Well, I didn’t have any ill intentions, so there’s no need for suspicion.”

“Is that so?”

“My lord just said he’s preparing a banquet for you, so I was just giving you a brief tour of the estate.”

“A banquet?”

“That’s right.”

“You’re making me feel burdened.”

“It’s just a casual gathering for drinks.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“The preparations should be almost done, so I’ll guide you to the reception room.”

“I would appreciate that.”

With that, they resumed walking.

As they headed towards the reception room, Jeo Mo-pal spoke without looking at Mok Gyeong-un.

“Did you really defeat the Giant Watchtower Group Leader?”

“Giant Watchtower Group Leader?”

“I’m talking about Woo Ho-rang, Young Lady Wi So-yeon’s loyal subordinate.”

“Ah, you mean him.”

“Yes. Did you really defeat him?”

“You seem curious about that.”

“Of course I’m curious since I only heard about it. Moreover, aren’t I the only one among us who has properly fought against you?”

At that time, Jeo Mo-pal didn’t consider Mok Gyeong-un to be above him.

He thought he had simply let his guard down for a moment.

But if he had truly defeated Woo Ho-rang, one of the Five Tigers, the situation would be completely different.

“So you wanted to confirm it?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jeo Mo-pal stopped walking.

Then he turned around and said, “Confirm? Of course, I have a burning desire to confirm it. But if you really defeated Woo Ho-rang, I’m definitely not a match for you.”

“Then what’s the reason behind this question?”

Mok Gyeong-un asked with a bright smile.

Contrary to his smile, the atmosphere was close to not refusing a fight if it came to it.

At that, Jeo Mo-pal’s eyes flashed with interest.

‘…So it’s true.’

Unlike the last confrontation, this was Lord Jang Neung-ak’s base.

In a place like this, one would usually feel intimidated to some extent, but the fact that he showed such confidence meant his skills backed it up.

Realizing this, Jeo Mo-pal said with a grin, revealing his yellowish teeth.

“I became curious.”

“Curious, you say?”

“Yes. Whether you will take the vacant position of the Second Mountain or the position of the First Mountain from Ko Danju.”

“Ko Danju? That person is…”

“Ko Yeon-hu, the grand leader of the Hegemon Fist Group. You must have heard of him.”

Of course, he had heard of him.

Mok Gyeong-un had familiarized himself with the loyal subordinates of the second disciple Jang Neung-ak through the Shadow Clan.

If Woo Ho-rang was Wi So-yeon’s right-hand man, Ko Yeon-hu was Jang Neung-ak’s right-hand man.

And like Woo Ho-rang, Ko Yeon-hu was also one of the Five Tigers.

“He’s known to be unmatched in close combat among the Five Tigers.”

“Bol-mo… No. Since you’re from the Amjong, it would be strange if you didn’t know even this. Anyway, I look forward to it.”

With those words, Jeo Mo-pal turned around and walked away.

Looking at his back, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

Eventually, they arrived at the garden of the reception room.

‘Oh?’

The garden, illuminated by hexagonal lanterns on all sides, was bright, and a considerable feast was prepared, considering it was prepared within a quarter-hour.

Even the lovely maids, who had been summoned at some point, were ready to serve the drinks.

The rumors about the second disciple Jang Neung-ak enjoying elegance seemed to be true.

‘He must be in high spirits.’

Did he prepare this gathering with the conviction that he would pledge loyalty to him?

But it wasn’t just Jang Neung-ak and his loyal subordinates at this gathering.

As if all the subordinates of Jang Neung-ak who had reached the Transcendent Realm or above had gathered, they filled the lower seats.

There were about twenty of them.

They were all sitting upright in front of the banquet table, waiting silently.

Compared to Wi So-yeon, he definitely had a more organized force and system.

At that moment, the sound of Cheong-ryeong’s laughter reached Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.

-Puhahaha! Human, look over there.

At the head of the banquet table was Go Chan, who was possessing Ha Chae-rin.

Dressed lavishly, Go Chan was seated next to Ho Jong-hyeok, the grand leader of the Third Mountain Destruction Clan, as if he were his wife.

As soon as his eyes met Mok Gyeong-un’s, he lowered his head, feeling embarrassed.

-It seems he has fully adapted.

-It appears so.

Well, it seemed he was carrying out the orders given to him well.

He had wondered if he would do well due to the awkwardness, but unexpectedly, perhaps a woman’s body suited his constitution.

Judging by the smile that never left the face of the Third Mountain Ho Jong-hyeok as he placed his hand around Go Chan’s waist, he must have taken a great liking to him.

Meanwhile, Jang Neung-ak, who was sitting at the head of the table, laughed loudly and said, “Hahaha! You’re here.”

In response, Mok Gyeong-un lightly bowed to him with his hands clasped together.

“Mok Gyeong-un greets the Young Master.”

It was a respectful greeting.

However, at this greeting from Mok Gyeong-un, the eyes of Ko Yeon-hu, the grand leader of the First Mountain Hegemon Fist Group, who was sitting at the head of the table, narrowed.

‘…This fellow?’

He didn’t mention his affiliation.

When greeting a superior, it was customary to mention one’s affiliation even if they knew each other.

But Mok Gyeong-un didn’t do that.

For some reason, it bothered Ko Yeon-hu.

Meanwhile…

“Come closer to the head of the table.”

Jang Neung-ak ordered Mok Gyeong-un to come closer.

So Mok Gyeong-un passed the lower seats and approached closer.

As they approached where they were sitting, Jang Neung-ak extended his hand, signaling him to stop.

Mok Gyeong-un stopped in his tracks.

Then Jang Neung-ak spoke with a smile on his lips.

“This banquet was prepared for you. Do you like it?”

“It’s lavish.”

“Yes. If there was more time, I would have prepared an even more extravagant feast.”

“Thank you.”

“No. There’s no need to thank me yet.”

“Pardon?”

“The start of the banquet will be determined by your answer.”

The smile on Jang Neung-ak’s face, which had been present until just now, changed to a blank expression.

In an instant, the cheerful atmosphere sank.

It showed that everything could change depending on Jang Neung-ak’s mood.

So Mok Gyeong-un parted his lips.

“My answer?”

“That’s right.”

“…”

“You came here without even meeting Young Lady Seo, whom this young master sent, which means you must have made a decision in your heart, right?”

At Jang Neung-ak’s words, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Well… you could say that.”

-Thud!

At that moment, Jeo Mo-pal, who had just sat down at the head of the table, slammed his wine cup on the table and said, “Mok Gyeong-un. Does this gathering seem like a joke to you? Show respect to my lord and answer properly.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head and said, “I did answer properly.”

“What?”

“Jeo Mo-pal. Be quiet.”

As Jeo Mo-pal’s voice rose, Ko Yeon-hu, the First Mountain, stopped him.

Jeo Mo-pal closed his mouth with a slightly flushed face.

He could overlook Mok Gyeong-un acting rudely towards him, but he couldn’t forgive disrespect towards his lord.

Meanwhile, Jang Neung-ak spoke again.

“There’s no point in prolonging this conversation. It will only tire our mouths. I’ll just ask you directly. The rest can be heard later.”

“…”

“Did you come here to pledge loyalty to this young master?”

At Jang Neung-ak’s straightforward question, everyone’s gaze turned towards Mok Gyeong-un at once.

His answer would determine whether this would be a banquet or not.

Jang Neung-ak still viewed it positively.

After all, since Mok Gyeong-un had fought against Woo Ho-rang, Wi So-yeon’s right-hand man, he had already fallen out with them.

The only variable was his eldest brother.

Depending on this guy’s answer, he could tell whether he had sided with his eldest brother or not.

Meanwhile, Mok Gyeong-un parted his lips.

“Before that, there’s something I’d like to say first.”

“What?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Jang Neung-ak’s eyes turned sharp.

This guy didn’t answer his question.

Not only that, but he wanted to say what he had to say first?

Feeling offended, Jang Neung-ak scoffed.

“You’ve become arrogant.”

“Arrogant, you say?”

“After defeating Woo Ho-rang, one of the Five Tigers, and making contact with my eldest brother, has your nose grown high?”

“That’s completely separate.”

“Separate?”

“Yes.”

“Separate… Fine. I’ll give you another chance. Answer this young master’s question first.”

At Jang Neung-ak’s question, Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head as if in a difficult position.

Then he said, “I apologize, but I think I need to speak first.”

-Thud!

As soon as those words left his mouth, murderous intent and energy surged from various directions.

The loyal subordinates were enraged by Mok Gyeong-un’s rudeness.

Of course, Jang Neung-ak, the person in question, also had an unpleasant expression.

His eyes had turned cold.

Everyone was gauging Jang Neung-ak’s reaction.

If he gave the order, they were in an atmosphere ready to subdue Mok Gyeong-un at any moment.

-Swish!

At that moment, Jang Neung-ak poured alcohol into a cup and shook his head.

Then he downed the cup in one gulp and turned his head towards Ko Yeon-hu, the grand leader of the First Mountain Hegemon Fist Group, and said, “This is perfect timing. Why don’t we establish the hierarchy for the newcomer and determine who is suitable for the First Mountain position?”

-Tak!

“I accept your order, my lord.”

At Jang Neung-ak’s words, Ko Yeon-hu, the First Mountain, stood up from his seat.

He understood what Jang Neung-ak’s intention was.

As Ko Yeon-hu, the First Mountain, got up from his seat and descended from the head of the hall, everyone’s gaze turned towards him.

‘He’s sending Ko Danju.’

‘Does he really consider that guy to be at the level of the Five Tigers?’

‘Are we going to witness a confrontation at the level of the Five Tigers?’

Curiosity gleamed in everyone’s eyes.

Apart from being annoyed by Mok Gyeong-un’s rudeness towards their lord, it was an opportunity to see the martial prowess of Ko Yeon-hu, Jang Neung-ak’s oldest loyal subordinate and right-hand man, after a long time.

As Ko Yeon-hu approached Mok Gyeong-un, he said, “You made a mistake. Why don’t you apologize to my lord now and answer his question?”

At his suggestion, Mok Gyeong-un spoke with a troubled tone, “Ah, that seems difficult.”

-Roar!

As soon as that answer ended, tremendous energy burst forth from Ko Yeon-hu, the First Mountain.

Ko Yeon-hu, seemingly in a bad mood, glared at Mok Gyeong-un and said, “Since you’ve avoided answering the question about loyalty three times, can I assume you have other intentions?”

In response to that question, Mok Gyeong-un replied with a bright smile, “You keep asking, so I have no choice but to answer. Yes, that’s right.”

“What?”

-Grit!

Was this guy now ridiculing their lord and them?

For a moment, they were dumbfounded.

Then why had he come here in the first place?

Could it be that after meeting with the Eldest Young Master, he received some secret orders and was trying to play tricks?

If that was the case, it was unforgivable.

Ko Yeon-hu spoke in a murderous voice, “Draw your sword immediately.”

“My sword?”

“It’s the last mercy I’m giving you. If you don’t draw your sword right now, you won’t be able to do anything in this place…”

-Kwang!

Before he could even finish his words.

Mok Gyeong-un had already grabbed Ko Yeon-hu’s head with one hand and smashed it straight into the floor.

Ko Yeon-hu’s head and body, with his face buried in the floor, twitched and trembled.

Mok Gyeong-un spoke to him with a sneer, “Show mercy to those inferior to you.”

‘!!!!!!!!!!’

At the unexpected result, the surroundings were instantly filled with silence.