Chapter 222

Tang Qing left the hall with his hands clasped behind his back just like that.

The Tang family warriors hurriedly cupped their fists and saw Tang Qing off.

The atmosphere changed rapidly due to Tang Qing’s attitude that had changed to a bewildering degree.

Jin Ja-gang felt as if he had moved from one blade’s edge to another blade’s edge.

There was almost no information about Tang Gui-ok.

Even though she was the Tang family head, she had almost no presence, being overshadowed by Tang Qing.

However, when Tang Qing had been unable to control his anger and exploded just moments ago, it was Tang Gui-ok who had stopped Tang Qing.

If Tang Gui-ok was a figurehead as the world believed, she absolutely could not have taken such action. Moreover, Tang Gui-ok had even opened a path for Tang Qing to escape with just one word.

She was definitely not someone who could be underestimated.

Jin Ja-gang regulated his breathing and prepared to raise Mad Blood Heaven technique at any time.

When Tang Qing’s figure disappeared, Tang Gui-ok watched Jin Ja-gang with a leisurely expression.

There was no uncomfortable gaze at all. It was an expression with warmth like that of his maternal grandfather Son Wi-hak who remained in Jin Ja-gang’s old memories. Even though they were looking directly into each other’s eyes, no awkwardness was felt.

Tang Gui-ok, with a wrinkled face that made it hard to believe she was younger than Tang Qing, spoke to Jin Ja-gang in an aged voice.

“How long are you going to keep doing that?”

Jin Ja-gang remained silent, unable to understand Tang Gui-ok’s intention.

Tang Gui-ok waved her hand.

“Leave only the Soul Seizing Chamber Master, everyone else withdraw.”

The Tang family warriors and martial artists immediately carried out Tang Gui-ok’s command, which was somewhat unexpected, without any resistance. They showed courtesy to Tang Gui-ok and began withdrawing in an instant. Even the archers guarding the walls all stood up at once, cupped their fists, and quickly disappeared.

Only the two warriors who had to carry Tang Gui-ok’s chair and Soul Seizing Chamber Master Tang Sang-yul remained in their positions.

“There’s nothing to be wary of. I intend to let you go.”

Jin Ja-gang’s eyes became even sharper.

“I’m not worthy of receiving kindness without reason.”

“From your position, you would think it’s kindness without reason, but from my position, it’s a natural proposal.”

Tang Gui-ok smiled at Jin Ja-gang’s retort.

“I’m different from elder brother. I’m someone who makes it my principle to protect and preserve so that the family’s regulations don’t go awry. Do you know what that means?”

Jin Ja-gang could answer immediately.

“That’s why you sent the people away.”

“How clever. I’ll praise you for that.”

The actions Jin Ja-gang was currently taking were shameful matters that the Tang family had to hide. It was something that wouldn’t be good to be known in detail, not only to the world but even within the Tang family.

Therefore, Tang Gui-ok had immediately reduced the watching eyes.

It was the opposite of the reason Jin Ja-gang had deliberately waited until the Tang family warriors gathered in large numbers.

“Elder brother said he would dramatically elevate you to successor and he has the will and power to do so, but if such a thing happened, it would be no small headache for me. Because the family has clear hierarchy, order, and regulations.”

The reason King of Hell Tang Qing had entrusted this to Tang Gui-ok was clearly revealed.

Tang Qing already knew how it would be handled if entrusted to Tang Gui-ok.

However, Jin Ja-gang couldn’t relax his tension. Since the watching eyes had decreased, he couldn’t know what Tang Gui-ok might do instead. Promises made with words could be overturned in an instant.

Tang Gui-ok looked at Jin Ja-gang as if asking whether this wasn’t enough.

“If you still can’t trust me, tell me what you want. Seeing that you won’t leave even though I said I’d let you go, it seems you have something else you want.”

Jin Ja-gang gripped the Soul Seizing Thread tightly so as not to let it go and answered.

“I want to leave this place together with Miss Ha-ran.”

Tang Gui-ok thought for a moment, then said.

“It’s possible.”

“Are there conditions attached?”

“Ha-ran broke the rules and must be punished. You passed the test so you have the right to choose, but Ha-ran does not. As Tang family blood, she must naturally take responsibility.”

“What should I do?”

“You can take Ha-ran with you, but pursuit teams from our family will soon follow. Since you’re clever, you might perhaps shake off the pursuit teams and live quite normally for a long time. But you should know that you can never escape our pursuit for life while you live. Even if it takes decades.”

Tang Sang-yul standing beside Tang Gui-ok raised his chin and looked at Jin Ja-gang with an arrogant expression. It was an implicit expression that he would meet Jin Ja-gang then.

Master of the Soul Seizing Chamber.

Sending pursuit teams was precisely his duty.

Tang Gui-ok continued speaking.

“It seems elder brother made some kind of deal regarding you, so if you’re lucky, only your punishment might be delayed. But Ha-ran can never escape our family’s bonds.”

Jin Ja-gang looked directly into Tang Sang-yul’s gaze and asked Tang Gui-ok.

“Is there another way?”

“If you are recruited into our family and say you’ll take Ha-ran as a reward, it would be permitted. I guarantee that.”

Only then did Jin Ja-gang understand the meaning of Tang Qing’s earlier words telling him to kill Ha-ran or take her as he pleased.

“I don’t particularly like that.”

“Of course you wouldn’t want to become a Tang, so you wouldn’t even consider that side. I already know that.”

Tang Gui-ok had accurately seen through Jin Ja-gang’s heart. Actually, anyone could tell from looking at Jin Ja-gang’s attitude.

Jin Ja-gang didn’t deny it and answered.

“That’s correct.”

“Then the remaining method is only the first one. Can you accept it?”

Jin Ja-gang stared at Tang Gui-ok for quite a while, then slowly lowered the Soul Seizing Thread’s ring.

Whirrrr.

The Soul Seizing Thread began winding up.

The Soul Seizing Thread was being released from the hostages’ necks.

“It was an easier condition than I thought. I’ll accept it.”

At that moment, Tang Sang-yul’s eyes flashed. Tang Sang-yul looked Jin Ja-gang up and down, taking in Jin Ja-gang’s appearance as if he wouldn’t forget it.

Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Sang-yul while completely winding up the Soul Seizing Thread and storing even the ring.

Not long after the Soul Seizing Thread was released, Tang Ha-ran came up the stairs from the underground Jeol-ok. Tang Ha-ran was still wearing wedding clothes.

Tang Ha-ran was surprised to see Jin Ja-gang covered in blood, then seeing that there were no others besides Tang Gui-ok around, she guessed the situation.

“Great-aunt…”

Tang Ha-ran pressed her lips tightly shut.

Having betrayed the family and even escaped from prison, there was nothing she could say.

But Tang Gui-ok was different.

Tang Gui-ok extended her hand to Tang Ha-ran with a warm face.

“I wanted to personally put this on you on your wedding day, but the situation turned out like this.”

In Tang Gui-ok’s hand was a jade ring. Tang Ha-ran approached Tang Gui-ok with a hardened face. She knelt and received the ring from Tang Gui-ok.

“It’s a jade ring made by a craftsman in the capital, so if you sell it, it will be more than enough for travel expenses for the time being. Live happily.”

It was very paradoxical for someone who was sending pursuit teams, making it chilling.

Tang Ha-ran seemed to feel this too, as her face had turned pale. However, Tang Ha-ran nodded firmly with effort.

“I will do so, great-aunt. Thank you.”

Tang Gui-ok’s eyes narrowed as she smiled.

“Now you two may go. After one hundred days…”

Then Tang Ha-ran put strength in her stomach and answered.

“No. It’s not necessary. I won’t betray this person even if it takes not one hundred days but one thousand days.”

As a member of the Tang family, if one does wrong, it must be corrected within one hundred days. The only way Tang Ha-ran could return to the Tang family was to kill Jin Ja-gang and retrieve the Soul Seizing Thread within that time.

However, Tang Ha-ran was blocking any possibility of return from the beginning by giving up that only opportunity.

“Even if your will is so, it’s the same. We could move the timing up a bit, but there’s no need to do so.”

Tang Gui-ok asked Jin Ja-gang.

“Well then. Where do you plan to go now?”

Jin Ja-gang answered without fear.

“First, I’m thinking of going to Qingcheng Mountain.”

Tang Gui-ok nodded, then said to Tang Sang-yul.

“Soul Seizing Chamber Master. It seems these children need time, and I’d like them to be able to reach Qingcheng Mountain safely. Can you do that?”

“If it’s an order.”

Jin Ja-gang felt a strange pride as a great family from Tang Gui-ok’s words. It was like proclaiming that no one but them could touch Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran. So rather, even while thinking of killing them, they stood in a position of protecting Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran until they themselves stepped forward.

Tang Sang-yul put his hand in his chest, then took out one long bamboo slip.

Whoosh!

The bamboo slip flew and stuck at Tang Ha-ran’s feet. On the bamboo slip painted yellow, red letters were written here and there.

Tang Ha-ran’s expression became haggard.

“King of Hell’s Slip!”

Tang Ha-ran was looking at the King of Hell’s Slip while biting her lips.

“You know its meaning well.”

It was Jin Ja-gang who responded to Tang Sang-yul’s words. Jin Ja-gang pulled out the King of Hell’s Slip and broke it into two pieces without even reading it.

“Since there are many competitors, you’ll have to work hard.”

Following Zhuge family’s death warrant, now even the King of Hell’s Slip.

Jin Ja-gang let out a hollow laugh.

It truly was a tiresome life.

Tang Sang-yul put a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth.

“The vigor of young blood is truly good to see. That’s also something you can only do now. When you meet me outside, it will be somewhat different from now. Most people can’t even think of moving because their legs give out.”

Jin Ja-gang stared at Tang Sang-yul.

“Didn’t you see the threat I made just now?”

It was clear mockery that such a threat was laughable. Killing intent quickly rose and disappeared in Tang Sang-yul’s eyes.

“Heh heh heh. To shake even the Soul Seizing Chamber Master, how impressive.”

Tang Sang-yul bowed his head.

“I apologize.”

Jin Ja-gang responded with a different meaning.

“Think nothing of it.”

Tang Gui-ok laughed.

“Now, stop and go. Those who must leave should leave quickly. I’ll cheer for and bless you two from afar.”

However, Tang Ha-ran couldn’t think of moving. She was in a dazed state that looked somewhat overwhelming.

Expulsion from the family she had belonged to since birth.

And now Tang Ha-ran had become an enemy of the family and was being pursued.

The wretchedness of her circumstances from that gap would be something she’d have to overcome herself for the time being.

Especially because she knew the Tang family better than anyone.

Jin Ja-gang took Tang Ha-ran’s hand. Tang Ha-ran looked at Jin Ja-gang.

“Let’s go.”

Tang Ha-ran slowly nodded.

Jin Ja-gang took Tang Ha-ran’s hand and led her toward the Suhua Gate that led out of the Jeol-ok compound. Truly, no one blocked the two of them.

Tang Gui-ok seemed to have no interest in the two people now. As if the two weren’t there, she immediately gave orders to Tang Sang-yul.

“Six out of twenty-three died, so seventeen remain. Handle it.”

Jin Ja-gang was surprised by Tang Gui-ok’s sudden words and looked back.

Tang Sang-yul was cracking his neck left and right making “crack” sounds as he entered the underground prison..

Tang Ha-ran shouted.

“Great-aunt!”

Tang Gui-ok said without looking back.

“Whether one likes it or not, finishing things is also an adult’s duty. We can’t leave those who betrayed by communicating with the enemy as they are.”

Tang Gui-ok slowly turned her head, still wearing a leisurely yet warm smile!

“Ahhhhh!”

“Ahhh!”

From when Tang Sang-yul entered the underground prison, screams could be heard continuously.

Jin Ja-gang could smell the thick scent of blood from Tang Gui-ok’s smile.

“Am I seeing wrong? You don’t seem to dislike it very much.”

Tang Gui-ok’s eye-smile deepened. All the wrinkles on her face were smiling.

Tang Ha-ran’s voice trembled.

“Smiling Blade…”

Or Laughing Blade.

A blade hidden within a kind smile like a neighborhood grandmother.

Though different in nature from Tang Qing, Tang Gui-ok was also one person leading the Tang family.

In some aspects, she could never be considered inferior to Tang Qing.

Executing traitors as an example even at the cost of some loss.

That was the family head’s way of maintaining and strengthening the unity of the huge family that was the Tang family.

Jin Ja-gang using prisoners as hostages and killing them, and the Tang family disposing of prisoners themselves were clearly different.

From now on, even if someone acted like Jin Ja-gang again, the prisoners wouldn’t cooperate with them. And furthermore, at the Tang family’s resolute response that didn’t avoid inconvenience and loss, the prisoners would rather become frightened and want to cooperate with the Tang family.

Jin Ja-gang could feel to his bones what kind of people he had to face at this moment.