Text

Read AloudReady

VoiceSpeed

Chapter 157: v7c7 - Old Hounds (4)

Volume 7 Chapter 7 – Part 7 Old Hounds (4)

Read it only at Nineheavens.org

===================
Yang O-dan, pierced by black thorns and soaring into the air, floundered.

If it were an ordinary person, it would not be strange even if their breath had been cut off ten times already.

Possessing internal energy alone makes one no different from a being that has transcended humans, so that persistent life force was only natural for his boundary.

But now, that superhuman life force was instead making him feel the terrible pain for a longer and more extended period.

“Argh! Arghhhhh!”

Each time he struggled in the air, blood splattered from the pierced wounds.

Each time he screamed unable to withstand the intense pain, he spilled blood from his mouth as well.

“….”

The former patriarchs were looking up at that sight, some slumping down, some kneeling, and some fallen over.

The distorted forest covered the sky.

While black mist covered all directions, pale-blue ghost fires danced everywhere, and the sun turned its head away.

And Yang O-dan danced in the air.

A deep, deep terror was carved directly into the minds and the souls of those watching that sight.

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

Beneath the mask, the Dark Venerable’s mouth tore wide, creating something like a smile.

Now it was turn to carve a sight they would never forget even in death.

The former patriarchs saw the Dark Venerable slowly rising into the air.

As if to herald the end of the execution ritual, he floated in front of Yang O-dan and spread both hands.

On those hands, ferocious claw-like black nails glinted, reflecting the ghost fires in the air.

“…Gasp!”

Along with the sound of someone catching their breath, the Dark Venerable’s figure rotated to the point that it could not be properly seen with the eyes.

And the result of that rotation was gruesome.

A rain of blood poured from the air, and pieces of flesh and organs splattered.

The faces and entire bodies of the former patriarchs, who had been staring blankly at the air, were showered with that blood, flesh, and pieces of organs as they were.

That blood entered the mouth of the one who had opened it without knowing, and fallen pieces of flesh and organs stuck to his forehead.

Some rolled around screaming, some jumped up from their seats, and some rubbed their faces frantically with both hands.

Hundreds of large and small black hands rising from the ground wriggled in bizarre shapes toward the air as if to welcome that rain.

The black mist laid on the earth flicked its tongue and contorted its body as if cheering.

The ghost fires danced as they swept in all directions as if unable to contain their excitement, and even the trees blocking all sides trembled, unable to contain their pleasure.

“….”

And in the air, the Dark Venerable looked down upon the great sinners along with the ghost fire burning even more fiercely.

His wrath was overflowing like an active volcano.

‘All of them are the culprits of the Northern War…’

Once the interests of all Sixteen Families aligned precisely, the resolution of war was made so swiftly.

And the result of that war, as everyone knew, was called a ‘victory’ by the Imperial Court, but in reality ended in a result with neither winner nor loser.

If one only weighed the gains and losses, it would not be unreasonable to call it a virtual ‘defeat.’

‘But the aftermath of the war did not stop there.’

Ridiculously, during the execution of the war, the wealth of the entire Central Plains nation grew even larger.

International trade repeatedly generated surplus after surplus day by day, and giant families and giant merchant groups hit a jackpot of money from the war bonds the Imperial Court printed as if pouring them out back then.

But they were the only ones who enjoyed the war boom.

Amidst the large and small crop failures that continued every year, independent farmers chose to hand over their land and become tenant farmers.

The giant families and giant merchant groups, overflowing with money, were able to purchase land even more recklessly.

‘The Emei Sect being able to acquire land in Chongqing rapidly was also concentrated around this time.’

As a result, the large plantations, which were already increasing, grew even more, and countless tenant farmers began to be kicked out under efficient management.

The young men who returned from the front lines, and the expelled tenant farmers, needed jobs.

They gathered to cities, and to more cities, in search of jobs.

The megacity Luoyang, which possessed slums on a scale difficult to compare with other cities in the first place.

Now, the slums of Luoyang reached a scale that could not find a precedent in the history of any dynasty established on this land.

And that aftermath was progressing in real-time even at this very moment.

‘I sent letters to them again and again.’

Before they resolved on war, Yeon So-hyeon sent letters pleading with them to stop their war, time and again.

But they all ignored them.

Because the illusion of the political benefits to be given upon victory was far too sweet compared to Yeon So-hyeon’s ‘bitter words.’

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

It was neither to protect the nation nor to protect their families.

The conscripts who died miserably on the front lines, longing for their hometowns.

Those who somehow returned alive, but died afterward amidst terrible labor.

Their families, who had already died in the harsh life of the poor.

The original urban poor who died as the lives they had somehow endured collapsed due to the newly inflowing poor.

Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of ‘vengeful souls’ clamored for revenge.

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

The sky trembled, and the earth heaved.

[Please, revenge…! A terrible death to them…!]

A child riding on the shoulders of the Dark Venerable whispered in his ear.

[Would there have been another way for me? If I had not taken my own life, would a happy future have been waiting? Should my brother, who returned after suffering on the battlefield, at least live?]

The child named Yeong wept.

Those hot tears fell on the Dark Venerable’s shoulder.

[Still, I wanted to eat the meat porridge my brother brought for the last time…]

Yes.

They all had to be killed.

They all had to be devoured in this spot.

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

They had to remain in the hell created by the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens, in the most terrible pain even within that hell.

Until their souls were completely consumed…!

[I thought the Medicine Fairy would protect us…]

For what reason did he try to keep them alive?

[Will you keep alive those who created such terrible results to satisfy their greed?]

They all had to die right now.

Next, those who clung to such people also had to be killed.

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

And after that…, after that….

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

Kill, and kill, and kill.

[Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!]

A desperate scream burst out from the mouth of the Dark Venerable, Yeon So-hyeon.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Along with that scream, a wild wind blew to the point that one could not open their eyes.

That storm swept away all the demonic energy mist that had been raging on the floor at once.

The ghost fires shattered and crumbled as if destroyed, and the trees that had tangled to cover the sky returned to their places.

‘Get lost! Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens!’

Beneath the mask, Yeon So-hyeon’s eyes opened wide.

The true qi of the Dual Principles Mind Art, which had reached its peak, was throbbing frantically as if it were alive.

‘It is I who live my life and create my destiny!’

Yeon So-hyeon raised both hands and ‘tore off’ the mask covering his face.

The mask, which clung to his facial skin, trying not to fall off until the very last moment.

Only after that mask representing the Dark Venerable finally ripped off Yeon So-hyeon’s facial skin did it detach.

‘I did not enter a contract to be ruled by the likes of you!’

The ‘illusions’ of the countless vengeful souls that had filled all directions began to scatter, screaming in unison.

[Arghhhhhhhh-!]

Even the last illusion of the vengeful souls shown by the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens vanished.

In that spot, only Yeon So-hyeon stood firmly stepping on the earth with his own two legs.

“….”

Yeon So-hyeon looked up at the sky with a face drenched in blood.

On the clear spring sky, the sunset was slowly casting its shade before he knew it.

His truly superhuman strength of will thus suppressed the ancient demonic entity, the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens, ‘once again.’

The blood stopped at the wound on his skinless face, and the wound was healing little by little.

“….”

He lowered his gaze and looked down upon the great sinners of the world.

He looked at them creeping on the floor like the most trivial and dirty bugs with a gaze full of contempt.

How should the punishment for the all too massive sins committed by these former patriarchs, who possessed immense power, be carried out?

That was the greatest topic in Yeon So-hyeon’s time of endurance and pain.

And within him, the decision had already been made.

If he killed them like Yang O-dan just like this, the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens would squeeze them with constant pain.

But by doing so…

…it would not be of any help to this world.

Even if these fellows suffered, those who had already died and whose souls had long since scattered could not be satisfied.

Even if these fellows disappeared, the lives of those for whom every living moment currently was no different from hell would not improve.

“Master.”

Approaching before he knew it, Chief Maid Jeong-ah lifted Yeon So-hyeon’s black fine silk coat and draped it over his shoulders.

To attend to her master, she had struck the sleeping acupoints of the butler who was welcoming and monitoring her, and utilized the blind spots of the mansion’s warriors with her dragon eyes.

“…!” “…!”

Startled at her appearance, the former patriarchs looked around frantically and also faced each other.

Although all the scenery they had seen had already returned to normal.

Although all the blood that had been showered over their entire bodies had been absorbed by the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens.

The state of the destroyed garden remained as it was.

The empty space of the single person who had disappeared from among them came across creepily realistic.

It still felt as if the screams shrieked by Yang O-dan were ringing in their ears, the fishy smell of that blood and flesh was caught by their noses, and that lukewarmness was felt on their skin.

To them, Yeon So-hyeon said with a smile.

“Did everyone watch my coordination well?”

Watching Yeon So-hyeon’s skin slowly heal, the former patriarchs nodded like madmen.

“We saw it! We did see it!”

He continued speaking calmly and brazenly, like his unique temperament.

“I hope there will not be a need to coordinate like this again next time.”

“Of course! Surely there must not be!”

Yeon So-hyeon chuckled.

The former patriarchs laughed along with him.

“Ah, hahahaha.”

“Hahaha…”

Only then did they realize they were rolling on the floor and rose from their spots awkwardly.

Yeon So-hyeon slowly crossed his arms and looked at them.

How did they understand the story the Dark Venerable had recited?

“Ha, haha. Indeed, when the Eldest Young Master told us not to do it, we should not have even dreamed of something like war.”

“Indeed it is so. Of course.”

“We should not have let that fellow Yang O-dan show off and hold the baton at the Imperial Palace.”

“Certainly. He was a fellow who had to take ‘responsibility for the defeat,’ haha.”

“In the first place, we should have handed over the command rights to the Grand General of the North early in the war…”

“For such a fellow to already try to scheme behind the back, not even knowing the grace of the Eldest Young Master who gave us this good opportunity again. Tsk, tsk.”

‘As expected.’

Yeon So-hyeon shook his head inwardly.

‘They do not even feel how many people suffered because of what they did.’

Whether it was innate or acquired, they did not possess anything like empathy.

Therefore, they…

…thought he had slaughtered Yang O-dan to hold him responsible for the defeat in the Northern War, which Yeon So-hyeon had told them not to do, and for the sin of harboring other thoughts today.

‘Before repenting for their sins, they do not even feel guilt in the first place.’

It was exactly as Yeon So-hyeon had expected.

And that side was actually more convenient.

“Haha! My, oh my. Although that fellow was old, he was still a fellow who reached his boundary in his own right, yet the Eldest Young Master’s divine might is astonishing!”

The former patriarch of the Yue Family, which was a military family just like the Yang Family, burst into a forced hollow laugh.

“Furthermore, to read the heavenly secrets and look inside the minds of people…”

“Indeed. Only to an unstoppable degree can you show schemes imbued with such divine calculation-like strategy.”

In doing so, they cast timid glances stealthily, as if demanding some answer from Yeon So-hyeon.

“Hmm. According to what I read of the heavenly secrets, soon the Yang Family and the Min Family will abruptly announce their wedding ceremony and declare an alliance.”

Of course, it was a fact that existed in the memories of his previous life.

“Indeed…”

“I see.”

The old devils cleared their throats, nodding their heads.

That crucial decision between powerful families would not change just because a former patriarch had “merely” gone missing.

They would watch in the future and become convinced whether Yeon So-hyeon really looked into minds and read the heavenly secrets.

Even while exchanging words with each other like that, the old devils did not utter a single word about the appearance Yeon So-hyeon had shown.

Had they ever not heard information about the Dark Venerable?

In any case, it was clear they would not receive a proper answer even if they asked Yeon So-hyeon, and there was no room for them to utilize this information.

And above all.

“If it is the Eldest Young Master, we can certainly trust and follow the future plans.”

“Indeed, to prevent this many old folks from only thinking of themselves and moving in the future, it has to be someone of the Eldest Young Master’s caliber.”

“That divine might and that strategy! Are you not indeed the perfect coordinator? Hahaha.”

They had finished the calculation that Yeon So-hyeon, who was even the Dark Venerable rather than just a strategist, was more reassuring and profitable as an ally.

Since they were those who would hold hands right away if only profit was guaranteed, even if the opponent were not the Dark Venerable but a demon worse than that.

Although the fear of the Dark Venerable was deeply embedded in their minds down to the subconscious realm, their principles of action and character had not changed in the slightest from before.

‘It is the same as in Dong Ga-hyu’s time.’

It was the same result already confirmed experimentally during the time of the Northern War merchant, Dong Ga-hyu.

“Now, now. Everyone quiet! The Eldest Young Master has already brought us many profits.”

“That is right. Then, it is our turn to realize what the Eldest Young Master desires.”

Agreeing, everyone looked at Yeon So-hyeon with smiles full of goodwill.

“Then first.”

Yeon So-hyeon’s mouth opened.

“Before I state my demands, let us discuss the future handling of the former patriarch of the Yang Family, who has ‘gone missing for some unknown reason.'”

Yeon So-hyeon gave them his first “instruction.”

“Indeed!”

At those words, the old devils flicked their tongues and began to discuss from how to handle that disappearance to how to exploit it.

“Since the number of administrators has decreased by one, our influence will also grow larger.”

“Excellent.”

For them, Yang O-dan was already an abandoned existence, and not a single person harbored regret.

“Then, handling this like this…”

“If we do that, they will move like this, and…”

On the contrary, they were merely engrossed in finding a way to punish the Yang Family that had joined hands with the Min Family.

‘It feels like watching old hounds joyfully tearing apart the corpse of what used to be their companion.’

By the time the dusk settled, the old devils presented the schemes they had established to Yeon So-hyeon.

Yeon So-hyeon readily agreed.

“An excellent scheme.”

Originally, it was a transaction where Yeon So-hyeon presented schemes and they granted Yeon So-hyeon’s requests.

But they were already stepping forward and handling tasks on their own that Yeon So-hyeon did not necessarily have to do.

Instead of merely conducting transactions with Yeon So-hyeon to find power, they had voluntarily stepped forward to maintain a relationship overflowing with sincerity and dedication.

“Now, then, next is…”

Yeon So-hyeon began to deliver instructions to his “hounds.”

The old hounds sat huddled together, listening attentively to their master’s instructions.

“The above are the things the lords can do before you leave Luoyang.”

The instructions were delivered.

Everyone nodded.

“Of course, we must accomplish at least that much.”

“Only then will the Eldest Young Master also be more satisfied with this transaction and give us even better schemes in the future, will you not?”

Everyone agreed, laughing good-naturedly.

Judging only by those expressions, to the point that no one could tell what had happened here just a moment ago.

* * *

The empty yard of the Gongson Family.

Yeon So-hyeon boarded the steel carriage Jeong-ah opened for him.

“Then, I look forward to working with you in the future as well.”

Yeon So-hyeon said from his seat, through the open door.

“Oh dear, we look forward to working with you indeed.”

“Since it is getting dark, I hope you have a safe trip back.”

The former patriarchs gathered their hands and bowed their heads in unison to greet him.

It was an unprecedentedly polite attitude.

Seeing this, who could recall the appearance of them bullying and extorting Yeon So-hyeon just a few hours ago?

“Ah, and.”

Everyone looked at Yeon So-hyeon with puzzled faces.

“You must start the matters I mentioned right away, correct?”

Exhausted from draining their physical and mental strength, the old devils, who had been filled with thoughts of taking a rest for now, raised their heads abruptly.

“Of course!”

“No doubt about it!”

Once the carriage Yeon So-hyeon rode passed through the main gate, they exchanged glances for a moment.

“I will leave Luoyang right away to accomplish what you mentioned.”

“Indeed. Since I must see the Governor of Henan Province.”

“Then, I should go see the Governor of Luoyang.”

“Since the Eldest Young Master said that the Gong Family would have kept the Governor of Luoyang and high-ranking officials of Luoyang waiting.”

“Good. Then, come with me right away!”

Their chests swelled with thoughts of showing off their power to the officials right this instant.

And they were drooling, expecting greater influence to arise as a result of their movement.

Yeon So-hyeon’s fourteen old hounds began to run.

* * *

Yeon So-hyeon had said this to Se-ah, the Lord of the Crescent Moon Pavilion, after crushing the Black Bone Gang.

‘It does not matter what form I take. Whether it is the Swordless One Yeon So-hyeon, the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, or the Dark Venerable.’

He entered a contract with the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens to fulfill his responsibilities and duty.

‘Since I have decided to fulfill my duty, everyone who has responsibility must take responsibility.’

And that was why he rejected the path of destruction led by the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens.

He was rejecting it even now.

‘Responsibility.’

These former patriarchs of the Sixteen Imperial Capital Families would also be made to take responsibility by Yeon So-hyeon.

In the future, they would not even harbor doubts if it was Yeon So-hyeon’s instruction.

They would merely move according to Yeon So-hyeon’s purpose and instructions.

‘They will now devote their entire remaining lives to me.’

Their power would be used for Yeon So-hyeon to change the world.

And as much as they changed the world, the influence and reputation of the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon would also grow.

Lacking mercy or guilt, they would thus atone to the world before they knew it.

Until that final moment they met their end at the hands of Yeon So-hyeon.