SYM 111

The Prince’s residence was located within the city, but in terms of size, it was merely a small manor.

Cheong-un surveyed the residence, shaking his head at how the imperial family always built such large houses. Even the imperial palace in the heart of Beijing was monstrously huge.

Third Prince’s residence had several gardens, large and small, and Cheong-un liked the one near the pond the most. He thought that when he returned to Mount Cheon, he would dig a lake next to his residence and create a garden.

Cheong-un slowly walked around the lake. Unidentified insects chirped loudly.

Although Cheong-un had joined hands with Third Prince, he did not completely trust him.

It wasn’t that Third Prince had done anything particularly suspicious; Cheong-un was simply like that. He used people as tools but never trusted them.

Rustle.

He sensed someone behind him.

Cheong-un had noticed his presence from the moment he first entered the garden, but he turned around as if he had just realized it.

It was Third Prince.

“I was taking a walk, but I’m not sure if I’m disturbing you.”

“Your Highness.”

Third Prince looked much better than when Cheong-un had first seen him, probably because he had taken a nap.

“This is all Your Highness’s property, so how could you be disturbing me? I was merely borrowing and admiring Your Highness’s property for a moment.”

Third Prince chuckled as he looked at Cheong-un. He was truly good at saying things that were different from his true feelings.

However, those who spoke differently from their true feelings were abundant in the imperial palace. He had spent his entire life seeing such people.

“I have lived in the imperial palace my whole life and grown up seeing the people of the imperial palace. I know very well what kind of eyes those who stand above others have. To have eyes that dominate while standing above others, yet to be able to smoothly wag your tongue. I wonder what Father Emperor would say if he saw you.”

Cheong-un smiled at Third Prince.

Seeing that smooth smile, Third Prince shook his head as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have.

“You are truly a frightening person. You’re disgustingly like my brother.”

“Even if I know Martial Arts, am I not still someone under the Emperor’s grace?”

“I have some idea of your identity. Just tell me what I should tell Father Emperor.”

Third Prince glanced at Cheong-un and spoke in a slightly softened tone.

Who would dare to call himself the best in the Martial World in front of a prince?

Although Cheong-un had not revealed his identity himself, he was the only one in the current Central Plains Martial World who had the ability to track the Hongbaek Sect with his own strength, without the help of the Martial Arts Alliance or any other forces.

The leader of the Demonic Sect, Heavenly Demon Cheong-un.

“If Your Highness says so.”

Cheong-un subtly released his aura, which he had been hiding.

It wasn’t a full release of his aura, and it wasn’t particularly threatening, but even that was enough to make Third Prince’s complexion turn slightly pale.

At the same time, Eunuch Jang, who was standing silently behind Third Prince like a shadow, placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Eunuch Jang was specially sent as Third Prince’s guard for this mission. Eunuch Jang’s small eyes narrowed even further.

“There’s no need to be so wary. Is there any reason for me to be at odds with Third Prince right now? I was just trying to greet you. Your Highness, if this matter is resolved well, all I desire is for the Emperor’s boundless grace to reach Mount Cheon.”

“…Ha!”

Third Prince let out a light, hollow laugh at Cheong-un’s words. His tongue was as smooth as the old ministers in the imperial palace.

The reason why the Demonic Sect, which once dominated the Central Plains, ended up living in a corner of Mount Cheon was due to the conflict with the imperial family.

The imperial family, which viewed the Demonic Sect as a rebellious group, had sent Imperial Guards to suppress the Demonic Sect.

No matter how skilled a martial artist was, they could not fight against hundreds of people at once. The Demonic Sect was eventually defeated by the Emperor’s Imperial Guards, and its power greatly declined.

Since that day, the Demonic Sect had always been looking for an opportunity to advance into the Central Plains, but it always kept an eye on the imperial family. The reason why the Demonic Sect could not easily come to the Central Plains was partly because Mount Cheon was remote, but more so because it was conscious of the imperial family.

What Cheong-un had just said was ultimately urging them not to designate them as rebels even if they came to the Central Plains.

Third Prince became truly afraid of Cheong-un.

There was no reason to fear someone who was simply good at using a sword. A sword was a tool, so it could be wielded.

However, a martial artist who cleverly used his head and could wag his three-inch tongue like a politician was a dangerous person.

“I have already spoken to Father Emperor about that. Even if you and your family come to the Central Plains Martial World, the Emperor will look after you.”

“Your grace is boundless.”

Cheong-un finally got the answer he wanted and smiled brightly. It was the moment when the Demonic Sect’s long-cherished wish was fulfilled.

“In a way, I should thank Jeong-hyeon. Thanks to him, I have the opportunity to show Your Highness and the Emperor my loyalty.”

“Yes, so please resolve it thoroughly. As you already know, the imperial family wants to resolve this matter quickly. No one will be held responsible for any unavoidable incidents that occur during the process. I believe you are smart enough to understand what I mean.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I will do my best to quickly eliminate the rebellious group.”

Cheong-un deliberately referred to the Hongbaek Sect as a rebellious group.

Third Prince nodded, seemingly satisfied with those words.

Rebels.

It was a term used to refer to those who dared to revolt against the Emperor. The phrase “suppressing rebels” implied that any illegal activities would be condoned.

The Emperor was very displeased that his eldest son’s mother was involved with the Hongbaek Sect.

He would depose Imperial Noble Consort Gyeongsun as soon as this matter was resolved.

“When you leave, I will send ten Eastern Depot members and twenty Brocade Guard members with you. When will you depart tomorrow night?”

“Your Highness, I am sorry to say, but I will not be departing tomorrow.”

Third Prince’s eyebrows twitched greatly.

Was he losing confidence now that he was about to face the leader of the Hongbaek Sect? Or did he need some preparation?

Father Emperor wanted the Hongbaek Sect to be dealt with as soon as possible. Third Prince composed his uncomfortable feelings and opened his mouth.

“Then when are you planning to depart? There is no time. If it is delayed, the lives of the common people cannot be guaranteed.”

Cheong-un smiled brightly as he looked at Third Prince.

It was ridiculous that Third Prince, who was least interested in the lives of the common people, was urging him to depart while mentioning the common people.

“I will depart right now.”

“Didn’t you say tomorrow night earlier?”

“Isn’t it possible that the Hongbaek Sect has eyes and ears everywhere? If someone overheard, they would have already reported that it was tomorrow night. We can strike right now without giving them a chance to prepare.”

Was this the leader of the Demonic Sect?

Third Prince looked at Cheong-un, unable to hide his surprised expression.

“Wait a minute. The antidote hasn’t arrived yet. Eunuch Jang, have you received any word that the antidote has been received at the city gates?”

“I am sorry, but I have not received any word yet.”

Third Prince, who had said that he would take responsibility for both the antidote and the captured hostages, became flustered.

“Your Highness. Those who have been drugged and brainwashed often react to certain sounds. In other words, there is an instrument that controls them. What I saw was a flute, but they may be using a different instrument in Beijing. Even if we destroy that instrument, they will not be able to control the hostages.”

“There’s an instrument that controls people?”

“Yes. It was a scene I happened to see while tracking the Hongbaek Sect. When they started playing the flute, people started moving in a daze. So, if we just take away that flute, nothing major will happen.”

After hesitating for a moment, the prince nodded.

From the imperial family’s point of view, even if all one thousand kidnapped hostages died, it was much more important for this matter to be resolved quietly.

“Alright. Then your people will be responsible for finding and dealing with the flute. I will take care of the leader.”