Chapter 890: We'll Meet Again Soon (Part 5)

[fixed]

The air was stifling. Or, more precisely, from the moment he set foot in this grand arena [not sure], taking a breath in and out became increasingly difficult for Hwang Se-ak. 

Hwang Se-ak (黃世鄂) was by no means a man faint of heart. If he were, he would never have been able to establish the massive martial arts sect known as the Danjuhui ['Red Pillar Sect'] (丹柱會) in Gangbuk ['Gangbuk' = region north of the Yangtze River] where the powerful Ten Great Sects and Five Great Families openly roamed with eyes narrowed in hostility.

However, his unyielding spirit and determination had dwindled to nothingness from the moment he set foot in this arena. 

As he swallowed a dry gulp, he fixed his gaze upon the surroundings.

The expression "lavish" existed solely to describe a place like this.

The ceiling and walls were adorned with red and white silk that caught the eye. Expensive ornaments and elegant ceramics were packed in every corner. Even the columns rising at the center of the arena were intricately engraved with golden motifs.

He couldn't be certain that even the Imperial Palace where the Emperor resided could match this grandeur.

But what had truly made Hwang Se-ak feel out of place wasn't this extravagant arena. 

With each careful step, Hwang Se-ak made his way forward, filled with trepidation. When he reached the end of the red silk carpet spread across the floor, he knelt on one knee.

Then, swallowing a dry gulp, he slowly raised his head. His gaze ascended the tall staircase before him and finally reached a man seated on a jeweled throne.

Struggling to calm his trembling voice, Hwang Se-ak spoke.

"The Danjuhui's leader, Hwang Se-ak, greets Ryeonju-nim." ['Ryeonju' = Lord of the Evil Tyrant Alliance]

He deeply lowered his head, and it was only then that the figure seated on the throne came into view.

The endless expanse of colorful silk adorned with gold embroidery, an array of vibrant gemstones, and a pale, almost porcelain-like complexion were accompanied by an indescribable sense of languor in the posture and expression of the figure.

If one saw this person and didn't know who the person in front of them was, they didn't deserve to reside in the current Kangho.

The Lord of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

The Supreme Ruler of all.

'Paegun Jang Ilso.'

Hwang Se-ak's heart pounded like a drum.

When had he first heard of Jang Ilso's name? Fifteen years ago? Twenty years ago? His memory wasn't precise, but it was somewhere around that time.

At first, Jang Ilso was nothing more than a nameless rogue making a name for himself in Guangxi. But soon, he had risen to fame throughout Gangnam, founded the Myriad Man Sect, and ascended to the position of the faction leader.

It hadn't been long since the title of 'Four Great Evils' had been added to the name of the Myriad Man Sect...

'The Evil Tyrant Alliance's Ryeonju.'

He could say with certainty that, in such a short time, there was no one else in the world who had elevated their status as much as Jang Ilso had.

"Hmm."

The moment a faint sigh escaped Jang Ilso's lips, Hwang Se-ak instinctively hunched his body. He couldn't bring himself to meet Jang Ilso's gaze.

Three years ago, Jang Ilso, who was the sect leader of the Myriad Man Sect, was an existence he dared not face. But the current Jang Ilso had become an incomparable figure compared to those times.

In just three years.

In just those three years, Jang Ilso had subjugated all the evil sects of Gangnam under his command. Those who resisted were mercilessly killed, and those who tried to flee had their backs pierced by blades.

What was deemed absolutely impossible, the unattainable feat of uniting the various factions, had now been accomplished against all odds.

Three years ago, Jang Ilso was merely one of the leaders of the Four Great Evils, but now, he commanded even the leaders of the Four Great Evils as his subordinates. He was undeniably the ruler of the Evil Sect forces.

"Hwang Se-ak..."

The moment his name left Jang Ilso's lips, Hwang Se-ak bowed even deeper. He tried to sneak a glance upward at Jang Ilso but was prevented by the imposing staircase.

Flutter.

In Hwang Se-ak's ear, he heard the sound of Jang Ilso's long robe fluttering.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Then, the distinct sound of Jang Ilso slowly descending the stairs resonated. Beads of sweat began to flow down Hwang Se-ak's back.

'I should have come a bit earlier.'

If Hwang Se-ak had known that the Evil Tyrant Alliance would completely take control of Gangnam, he would have rushed forward to him right away, kneeled down, and pledged loyalty. However, Hwang Se-ak couldn't fully trust the Evil Tyrant Alliance and he hesitated to make a decision.

The consequence of that hesitation was the current situation.

He must now wait entirely at the disposal of Jang Ilso, giving up everything. Even if Jang Ilso were to cut his throat for being delayed in pledging loyalty, Hwang Se-ak wouldn't dare to rebel. Everything he possessed was at the fingertips of Jang Ilso.

Tap. Tap.

Descending the stairs with a leisurely pace, Jang Ilso approached Hwang Se-ak. The jingling sound of dangling jewels, the rustling of a large robe, and the delicate sounds of silk shoes stepping on the ground seemed like music from hell.

"Stand up and lift your head."

"..."

At the voice coming directly above, a shiver ran down Hwang Se-ak's spine.

It felt like a venomous snake was slithering up his back. No, it might be more akin to the sensation of a sharp razor lightly grazing his neck.

"Hurry."

Hwang Se-ak slowly stretched his legs and stood up, lifting his head. His trembling eyes met the eyes of Jang Ilso, who stood right in front of him.

He forcibly held back the dry swallow that almost happened involuntarily.

The eyes of Jang Ilso were light in color yet infinitely deep, making it impossible to discern what thoughts or emotions were running through them. Hwang Se-ak realized that Jang Ilso was someone he dared not read.

He couldn't even begin to guess what emotions or thoughts were present at this moment, whether Jang Ilso's appearance signaled goodwill or hostility. It was clear that Jang Ilso was a presence beyond his comprehension.

There was only one thing that someone facing such a distinctly superior being could do.

"I, I am a little late, Ryeonju-nim. P-please, punish this foolish one!"

It was surrendering everything and seeking mercy.

At that moment.

The end of Jang Ilso's red lips gently curled up.

"....A little?"

In that chilling tone devoid of any discernible emotion, Hwang Se-ak felt the blood in his entire body run cold.

"To say it's a little late is quite an understatement. Don't you think so?"

Hwang Se-ak's fingertips started trembling. All the notorious rumors he had ever heard about Jang Ilso flashed through his mind. How cruel he could be. How merciless. How much of a demonic presence he was.

"R-Reonju...."

Jang Ilso chuckled, smiling.

"It's fine. It's okay. Everyone is like that. Entrusting your body without a second thought is just foolish attachment. It's human nature to slowly test and decide their hearts."

"T-Thank you..."

"But you know."

At that moment, Jang Ilso's eyes narrowed like those of a snake.

Gradually, he reached out and lightly grasped Hwang Se-ak's face.

"I'm not interested in humans."

He didn't exert much force. His outstretched fingers simply covered the face. However, at that moment, Hwang Se-ak felt as if his face was being torn apart by a giant beast, consumed by a terror akin to being bitten.

"Hu..."

Between the fingers covering his face, Jang Ilsu's eyes became visible. The eyes that had been quiet until a moment ago were now boiling with indescribable intensity.

"With that shallow mind of yours, you must have constantly pondered whether it was beneficial to follow someone like me, yes? I don't like people like you. If I'm even a little cornered, the first ones trying to stab me in the back are those like you."

Hwang Se-ak's face turned a ghastly pale.

He knew he wouldn't be welcomed, but he never thought Jang Ilso would openly persecute him like this. The moment he sensed Jang Ilso's clear enmity, his entire body froze, and a chill ran down his spine.

"How about it? Should I entertain someone who's contemplating sticking a knife in my back? Or is it better to eliminate him right here, to get rid of any threats? Which one is the better choice? What do you think?"

Hwang Se-ak's entire body began to tremble like a leaf. Jang Ilso's face, which sported a smirk at the corner of his mouth, was the very sight of pure terror. It seemed like he could snap his neck or break it at any moment.

"Lo-loyalty! I'll be loyal! I'll become a dog if you want me to! I'll lick your feet if you want me to!" 

It must be reiterated that Hwang Se-ak was by no means a meek or servile man. If his opponent were anyone but Jang Ilso, he wouldn't have uttered such words, even if a knife was at his throat.

However, it had been a while since his mind had been filled with an indescribable terror.

"An opportunity! I'll show my loyalty to you if you grant me the opportunity."

"Hmmm."

With a desperate cry, Hwang Se-ak shouted again, and Jang Ilso slowly lowered the hand that had been clutching Hwang Se-ak's face. This time, he lightly gripped Hwang Se-ak's neck.

"Wrong."

"..."

The color drained from Hwang Se-ak's face. The hand that Jang Ilso had on his neck tightened slightly, as if restraining the impulse to break that neck right now.

No words could convey a clearer warning than this. Hwang Se-ak's clothing clung damply to him from the sweat.

At that moment, Jang Ilso opened his mouth with a significant expression.

"I don't want humans, and I don't want dogs either. Dogs may be loyal, but they are stupid."

"T-then..."

"I'll ask, Hwang Se-ak."

"..."

"Can you protect my back?"

Hwang Se-ak nodded feverishly.

"Y-yes, I can! I will stake my life to protect you."

"No matter what happens?"

"Definitely! I will be the shield that protects you, no matter what."

Jang Ilso silently gazed intently at Hwang Se-ak. For Hwang Se-ak, it felt like an agonizingly long time before Jang Ilso's lips curled into a smirk.

"Good."

"..."

"Remember, Hwang Se-ak."

"Yes, yes, I will, Ryeonju!"

"Whatever you did before joining the Evil Tyrant Alliance means nothing from this moment on."

"..."

"Remember one thing: you are willing to die for me, and for me alone. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand, and I'll remember."

"Wrong answer."

Jang Ilso's long nails gently tapped Hwang Se-ak's cheek.

"Can you do that?"

Hwang Se-ak's eyes trembled, but only briefly. They filled with determination.

"I can and will."

"...In that case."

A subtle smile graced Jang Ilso's lips.

"I, too, will die for you."

With a pallid face, Hwang Se-ak nodded slowly. It seemed that his expression pleased Jang Ilso. As if the previous events were all a mere misconception.

"Alcohol!"

"Yes, Ryeonju-nim!"

Attendees hurriedly approached with a tray containing bottles and cups.

"Hmm."

With a smile, Jang Ilso picked up a glass and began pouring in alcohol.

Slosh.

After filling to glass to its brim, Jang Ilso grasped Hwang Se-ak's neck with his long, slender nails.

A shiver coursed through Hwang Se-ak as the nails lightly scratched his skin, but he dared not flinch. He stood there like an ice sculpture, waiting for Jang Ilso's verdict.

Drip.

Blood trickled down his neck. Jang Ilso removed a drop of blood from Hwang Se-ak's skin and let it fall into one of the cups.

Splash.

Another drop fell into the other glass.

Swish!

With a swing of his hand, Jang Ilso flicked away Hwang Se-ak's blood and used his nails to draw blood from his own finger. This time, droplets of Jang Ilso's blood fell onto a glass.

Thud.

Mixing the blood with both glasses, Jang Ilso smiled and extended one glass toward Hwang Se-ak.

"Drink."

"I, I couldn't possibly..."

"This is..."

Jang Ilso paused for a moment.

As if he was ensuring Hwang Se-ak would remember the words that followed.

"One day, the blood you spill for me, and the blood I spill for you."

"..."

"What will you do?"

Hwang Se-ak, slightly biting his lip, accepted the glass that Jang Ilso offered. Without any hesitation, he downed the drink in one gulp.

"Good."

Jang Ilso also drank from the remaining cup, a look of satisfaction on his face.

"From this moment, the name 'Danjuhui' no longer exists. Only Hwang Se-ak of the Evil Tyrant Alliance remains."

Hwang Se-ak knelt and bowed deeply. He lowered his head to the ground with a gesture of deep respect.

"I offer this life to you, Ryeonju-nim."

"A truly splendid gift."

Jang Ilso patted Hwang Se-ak's shoulder, and a warm smile graced his face. It was as if the previous moments had been nothing more than a misconception.

"Let's go. One cup of alcohol is not enough. Tonight, we'll drink until dawn."

"Yes!"

"Good. I'm in a very good mood. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Jang Ilso's hearty laughter resonated throughout the hall.

It was the moment when Gangbuk's Danjuhui became part of the Evil Tyrant Alliance...No, it was the moment when it sword complete allegiance to Jang Ilso.