Chapter 425 – Finding a Path of Life in the Path of Death (4)

The old man blinked his eyes.

Tears formed in his dry eyes, bringing back focus to his previously blurry vision. Then he could see the surrounding scenery again.

A look of surprise appeared on the old man's face.

"You can see me."

Being able to see the opponent while they cannot see you was the Thousand Li Soul Exchange Great Technique.

The Thousand Li Soul Exchange Great Technique required tremendous preparation and time. First, a vessel capable of soul exchange was needed, and enormous time and effort were required to raise that vessel.

Nok Su-bing was a suitable vessel for deploying the Thousand Li Soul Exchange Great Technique. Discovering her near Kunlun Mountain was great fortune. So he devoted his heart and soul to raising her and expanding the vessel. And he had to use it to see Dam Ho directly. He never expected Dam Ho would try to approach his true form through her though.

The Thousand Li Soul Exchange Great Technique was a dark art that placed enormous burden on the soul. Because of this, once deployed, the vessel could never be used again, which was a disadvantage.

Nok Su-bing, whom he had devoted his heart to raising, could never be used again. Still, the old man didn't think it was a waste. Because it was worth it.

"How much did he see?"

The old man muttered indifferently. But he didn't look very concerned. Just glimpsing the outer shell a little couldn't reveal the true essence.

"Was it this much? Fis Demon. Yes, this much would deserve to be called Demon Sage."

He approached the window and opened it wide. Then the blocked air rushed in all at once, bringing in sounds from outside.

"That way!"

"Stop those bastards!"

Through the window, Demon Cult martial artists could be seen running with fierce momentum. And also the young talents of the Martial Alliance being chased by them.

A faint smile appeared on his face covered in wrinkles like old tree bark.

"It's getting more and more interesting."

Boom boom boom!

In the distance, Jang Jin-myeong and Gang Wi could be seen fighting.

The place where he stood was the Demon Cult's main base. And people called the old man Blood Elder.

Blood Elder stood there for quite a while, watching the fight between Jang Jin-myeong and Gang Wi.

In terms of martial arts, Jang Jin-myeong was clearly superior.

No matter how much Gang Wi was one of the Four Great Commanders of the Demon Cult, he was slightly behind Jang Jin-myeong in years of training, martial prowess, and experience. But this was the Demon Cult's main base – no different from Gang Wi's own front yard.

Above all, time was on Gang Wi's side. As time passed, countless troops would support him, and Jang Jin-myeong would inevitably become isolated. Naturally, psychologically Gang Wi was relaxed while Jang Jin-myeong was being pursued.

That small difference made up for the gap between the two.

'Hurry!'

Jang Jin-myeong bit his lips hard.

He had pushed through with an operation that many opposed. Naturally, he had to take all the responsibility for it.

Taking responsibility was fine. He had volunteered to be the suicide squad leader with that resolve. But failing to produce the desired results was problematic.

'Quick victory, I stake everything on this one move.'

Without hesitation, he drew up all his power. Then sword cry burst from the sword in his hand.

Whoooosh!

Along with the sword cry, sword energy swept forth.

Instantly Gang Wi's eyes gleamed with killing intent.

"Good!"

He could feel pressure on his skin that was fierce enough to make flesh tremble and terrifying enough to crush souls. That's why he was even more pleased. He had been looking forward to such a fight for a long time.

A fierce battle where one mistake could cost his life.

Swoosh!

His sword became light and collided with Jang Jin-myeong's sword.

Claaang!

Instantly the space where the two were fighting exploded.

Eun So-cheong suddenly looked back.

The intense energy wave from behind made her hair and clothes flutter.

"What?"

"It's the aftermath of absolute masters clashing. Just focus ahead. You don't have the luxury to worry about that."

The one who answered was Hae So-wol.

With Eun So-cheong in the middle, Hae So-wol and So Cheon were running on the left and right.

Their entire bodies were covered with minor wounds.

No matter how they were masters who stirred the martial world, there were too many enemies. Moreover, this was the middle of enemy territory. It was a land of death that didn't tolerate even an inch of carelessness, so Hae So-wol and So Cheon's nerves were razor sharp.

Behind them, about ten suicide squad martial artists were following. They were ones who usually got along comfortably with So Cheon and Hae So-wol. When the crisis struck, they instinctively followed the two.

Hae So-wol's eyes shone sharply.

"This way!"

She led the group as if she knew the way.

Hae So-wol had completely picked up Eun So-cheong and carried her, while So Cheon protected them. And behind them, about ten more martial artists followed.

"It's the Martial Alliance suicide squad."

"Block them!"

Demon Cult elites blocked their path.

They were emanating fierce killing intent, but their numbers were significantly fewer than elsewhere. Because they had been dispersed to block other suicide squads.

Instantly So Cheon shot forward like an arrow and spread both palms wide. Then powerful palm force shot forward.

It was Great Prajna Palm, a secret technique of Shaolin Temple.

Whoooosh!

Tremendous force swept past in front of So Cheon.

It was Great Prajna Palm that So Cheon deployed with determination. Because he was prepared to break the killing precept, it displayed even more fierce power.

The Demon Cult martial artists caught in Great Prajna Palm flew like autumn leaves in the wind. Among them were martial artists who stood firm on both legs, but there weren't many such people.

"Amitabha! Now!"

At So Cheon's signal, the suicide squad martial artists following behind shot forward. They unleashed deadly techniques on those swept up by Great Prajna Palm.

"Arrgh!"

"Gah!"

As countless people died, the Demon Cult's formation collapsed.

Hae So-wol and the suicide squad charged through that gap. They quickly distanced themselves.

"Stop them!"

"Chase them quickly!"

Those who belatedly came to their senses began pursuit, but the distance between them was gradually increasing.

Hae So-wol bit her lips hard.

"Just a little more to go."

She recalled the conversation she had with Cho Yeon-woon last night.

―In the east of the outer fortress, one of the old Martial Alliance halls called Sacred Heart Hall still maintains its original form. If problems arise, definitely go there.

She still didn't know why Cho Yeon-woon said that. But she trusted Cho Yeon-woon.

He usually enjoyed making frivolous remarks, but that didn't mean he spoke nonsense. And these were words he earnestly entreated. That's why Hae So-wol was acting according to Cho Yeon-woon's words.

It was the Demon Cult's main base built on the ruins of the fallen old Martial Alliance. Many things had changed and countless new halls had been built, but the basic framework hadn't changed.

Because Hae So-wol remembered the old Martial Alliance, she could find the path to Sacred Heart Hall without difficulty. But the path to Sacred Heart Hall was never smooth.

Like ants pouring out of an anthill, countless Demon Cult masters crawled out and blocked their path.

"Aaaah!"

"Gah!"

Not only Demon Cult masters but also suicide squad martial artists following behind Hae So-wol died.

"Amitabha!"

So Cheon struggled desperately to protect them somehow, but he couldn't protect all those many people by himself.

Stab!

"Ugh!"

A young martial artist stabbed in the belly by a spear rolled his eyes.

His name was Jo Si-yul, a promising talent from the Namchang Mok Family. He had particularly strong chivalric spirit, so he applied to the suicide squad without hesitation.

Until he participated in the suicide squad, he harbored dreams of achieving glory by accomplishing great deeds. But the reality that faced him was harsh.

Jo Si-yul's eyes glazed over from the extreme pain starting in his belly.

He could only see the blurry backs of his departing comrades.

'Take me with you too. Please!'

Slash!

At that moment, along with a sharp cutting sound, darkness came to Jo Si-yul.

"These damn bastards!"

A Demon Cult master who belatedly appeared at the scene swung his whip greatly to shake off the blood.

Under his feet rolled Jo Si-yul's headless body. He had blown off Jo Si-yul's head with his whip.

His name was Yoon Gwang.

Heavenly Kill Divine Whip Yoon Gwang.

He was an absolute master belonging to one of the Demon Cult's Seven Great Demons.

When Military Advisor Sang Han-cheon said there would be uninvited guests, he had scoffed. He had suspicious thoughts about what brazen person would dare attack the Demon Cult's main base. But Sang Han-cheon's words became reality, and the Demon Cult's sacred land was being trampled by Martial Alliance scoundrels.

Yoon Gwang could absolutely not tolerate that fact.

How hard had they worked to establish this main base in Central Plains?

How many had sacrificed to occupy this place, and now it was being trampled by the Martial Alliance again?

Yoon Gwang was furious.

He pursued Hae So-wol, So Cheon and others who were distancing themselves, along with his subordinates.

"I'll kill them all."

His killing intent dominated the area.

"Ugh!"

The first to react to Yoon Gwang's killing intent was So Cheon.

His spine tingled and his heart beat violently. So Cheon realized the one pursuing was an absolute master.

"Amitabha!"

Sacred Heart Hall was just a little further. But at this rate, they would definitely be caught by Yoon Gwang before they could even reach Sacred Heart Hall.

So Cheon exchanged glances with Hae So-wol.

"Go ahead first. I'll block him."

"But…"

"Amitabha! I'll follow right behind. You don't need to worry too much."

"If it looks unfavorable, immediately retreat."

"I understand."

So Cheon nodded and fell back.

"You bastard!"

As soon as he fell to the very back, Yoon Gwang's whip flew with terrifying momentum.

Clear sword energy was formed on Yoon Gwang's whip. He had created whip energy.

"Amitabha!"

So Cheon lightly extended his fist toward the whip. It was Hundred Step Divine Fist, one of Shaolin's secret techniques.

Boom!

With a thunderous sound, both So Cheon and Yoon Gwang's bodies shook simultaneously.

Blocked by So Cheon, Yoon Gwang erupted with killing intent and shouted:

"A Shaolin monk."

Crack crack crack!

The whip in his hand danced.

Blood Whip Wild Dance.

The secret technique that made Yoon Gwang called Heavenly Kill Divine Whip was unleashed. So Cheon also unleashed Shaolin's secret techniques to confront him.

Boom boom boom!

The rough energy waves generated by their collision caused walls to collapse and halls to shake.

Meanwhile, the suicide squad led by Hae So-wol arrived in front of Sacred Heart Hall. But the moment they arrived at Sacred Heart Hall, Hae So-wol and others had no choice but to despair. Because countless masters were already positioned in front of Sacred Heart Hall.

At a glance, hundreds of masters were forming a wall. In contrast, the number of young talents led by Hae So-wol was only about ten. Most of them were wounded and exhausted.

The corners of Hae So-wol's eyes trembled. She instinctively thought it was impossible to get past the wall with all these people.

Then a middle-aged martial artist walked out from the Demon Cult side.

At the appearance of the martial artist emanating sharp momentum that seemed to cut skin, Hae So-wol frowned deeply.

'A master. An absolute one at that…'

The martial artist was barehanded. Instead, calluses protruded sharply from both fists, reminiscent of spears. A man whose two fists were like spears – Hae So-wol could easily deduce his identity.

"You must be Swift Wind Divine Fist Yi Seon-chang, great hero."

"Correct!"

The barehanded martial artist nodded. At this, Hae So-wol's expression became even darker.

Swift Wind Divine Fist Yi Seon-chang was one of the Seven Great Demons.

Three years ago, Dam Ho had killed a considerable number of the Seven Great Demons, greatly diminishing their prestige, but the fact that the Seven Great Demons were absolute masters hadn't changed.

"Phew!"

Hae So-wol sighed and put down Eun So-cheong. The only one here who could face Yi Seon-chang was herself. The rest would only face death if they tried.

"Sister?"

"When I break through the path, you run straight to Sacred Heart Hall."

"But…"

"I'll follow right behind. You trust me, right?"

"Yes!"

Eun So-cheong nodded. In her eyes, a hazy moisture had already formed.

She knew too. The fact that Hae So-wol was staying with the resolve to die. And if she stayed, the probability of death was higher than survival.

'What is that stupid brother doing at a time like this?'

She resented Cho Yeon-woon who wasn't there.

Then Yi Seon-chang showed a cold smile.

"Do you think things will go your way?"

When he raised his hand, hundreds of martial artists lined up behind him stepped forward.

Yi Seon-chang had high pride as a martial artist.

If it were up to him, he wanted to confront and subdue Hae So-wol in one-on-one combat. But he also had to give opportunities to the subordinates lined up behind him.

The anger of those whose territory was trampled had to be released in time. Otherwise, it was likely to become a bigger problem later.

Now was the perfect opportunity to let them vent their anger.

"Tch!"

Hae So-wol's expression contorted.

She hadn't expected Yi Seon-chang, one of the Seven Great Demons, to act this way.

"Attack!"

"Waaaah!"

When Yi Seon-chang's order fell, the Demon Cult masters all shouted in unison and charged.

It was when grim expressions appeared on the faces of Hae So-wol and the suicide squad.

Boooom!

An explosion occurred in the middle of Sacred Heart Hall, and blazing red flames swept through the area.

"What!"

Hae So-wol quickly embraced Eun So-cheong and deployed protective energy. The suicide squad masters who saw the scene head-on also quickly drew up their power or hid behind nearby cover to avoid the flames.

Conversely, because the explosion occurred from behind, a considerable number of Demon Cult masters couldn't respond in time and were engulfed in flames.

"Aaaah!"

"Save me!"

Demon Cult martial artists with their bodies on fire rolled on the ground screaming desperately.

"This can't be!"

Yi Seon-chang's face contorted with rage at the sight. At the moment of explosion, he deployed protective energy to avoid the fire, but his subordinates couldn't do the same.

Many casualties occurred, and they were all people Yi Seon-chang cherished. That's why his anger pierced the heavens.

"Who are you?"

He shouted toward the center of the explosion.

Then a man revealed himself breaking through the flames. The moment she saw his faint form, Eun So-cheong shouted:

"Brother!"

"Are you okay? Little one."

His voice pierced Eun So-cheong's ears. Instantly tears welled up in Eun So-cheong's eyes.

A dragon drunk and wandering through clouds descended through the flames. ​

The Tang Family Main House’s secret armory was opened wide for Jin Ja-gang.

The Tang family’s most skilled craftsmen had all gathered in front of the workshop waiting for Jin Ja-gang.

But more surprisingly, craftsman Beon Woo, who had lost both legs, was in front of them.

Beon Woo prostrated himself on the ground with tears streaming down his face to greet Jin Ja-gang.

“When I heard you defeated King of Hell, I immediately rushed here hoping to be of some help.”

Jin Ja-gang helped Beon Woo up.

“As promised, Soul Seizing Hall Master met its end along with Master Beon’s name. There was no private resentment, so he left a message saying he was sorry.”

“Thank you. Thank you.”

The workshop supervisor bowed his head to Jin Ja-gang and said.

“We’re on standby by the family head’s orders. However… time is urgent, so it will be difficult to craft new weapons.”

But Beon Woo pushed the case he had brought in front of Jin Ja-gang.

“I had prepared this in advance to give to my benefactor someday.”

Jin Ja-gang opened the case.

Inside was a pair of thin jade bracelets with a subtle luster flowing across their surface.

At first glance they looked like Soul Seizing Thread rings, but if they were ordinary Soul Seizing Thread, Beon Woo wouldn’t have struggled to bring them here in his condition.

Jin Ja-gang picked up the jade bracelets. Surprisingly, the bracelets had several small holes that weren’t visible.

Beon Woo said.

“Seeing your eyes, you’re no longer the person I knew before. Now you should be able to use this too.”

Jin Ja-gang unfastened the Soul Seizing Thread rings and changed to the jade bracelets. After putting his hands down, he instantly activated the internal energy of Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunder Toad Art.

Pop pop pop!

Instantly Soul Seizing Thread extended from the bracelet holes and made ten holes in the floor. Like before, one side’s black thread was invisible while the other side’s white thread showed as a thin strand.

Beon Woo was amazed.

“I knew you could handle it. It’s several times more durable than the original Soul Seizing Thread and the black and white threads you’ve been using. It’s stronger than sword energy and will hold up against sword force for a while.”

Truly an item made with the best craftsman’s utmost effort.

“This was made solely for my benefactor. I took the liberty of naming it. This is no longer Soul Seizing Thread.”

Beon Woo bowed his head again and announced with an emotional tone.

“It’s Asura Sutra.”

Jin Ja-gang retrieved the Asura Sutra’s black and white threads embedded in the floor. It was truly seamless. Not only the wearing comfort but also the feeling of internal energy flowing through the threads was incomparably smoother than before.

“I like it. I’ll use it well.”

Jin Ja-gang handed over the Soul Seizing Thread he had been using to Beon Woo and entered the armory. All kinds of weapons were cleaned and hung up.

There were also over hundreds of types of hidden weapons. But hidden weapons you’re not familiar with are worse than useless. Jin Ja-gang preferred ordinary-looking needles. He selected needle cases of different lengths and gathered them.

The workshop supervisor followed Jin Ja-gang in and recommended one more thing.

“I don’t know about other things, but I strongly recommend you take this.”

It was a vest made by connecting several palm-sized thin turtle shells.

The workshop supervisor carefully removed Jin Ja-gang’s outer garment and put the vest on his bare skin inside. The turtle shells stuck to his skin and wouldn’t come off as if they had always been there. When he put his outer garment back on, it was thin enough not to show easily and wasn’t uncomfortable.

“It’s the shell of a thousand-year-old turtle. It’s impervious to swords and will provide a lifeline in desperate moments.”

For Jin Ja-gang who didn’t use protective energy, this was truly necessary equipment.

When Jin Ja-gang finished arming himself and left the armory, not only the workshop supervisor but all the craftsmen bowed their heads to Jin Ja-gang.

They didn’t know the detailed circumstances. Nevertheless, they could tell that Jin Ja-gang had risked his life for their sake.

No one in the martial world would have the guts to attempt what Martial Alliance Leader Master Haewol had failed at. Especially when it was obvious they would bear all kinds of infamy and notoriety.

So they couldn’t help but respect Jin Ja-gang who had stepped forward for this task…

* * *

The palanquin carrying Mang Ryo arrived in front of the Tang Family Main House.

Sim Hak trembled. They were trying to stick their mouths into a tiger’s den without any support, even in an almost unarmed state.

But unlike Sim Hak, Mang Ryo seemed excited.

“Where… shall we go?”

Mang Ryo dragged Sim Hak out of the palanquin and sent the bearers away after paying them generously.

Of course, having palanquin bearers wouldn’t help if problems arose. But keeping the palanquin on standby versus sending it away represented completely different mindsets!

“Are you crazy? Crazy? Are you insane!”

Sim Hak struggled while his nape was gripped by Mang Ryo’s hand.

“You said you’d handle the Tang family but you came to die! Came to die!”

But Mang Ryo laughed heartily while carrying Sim Hak to the front gate of the Tang Family Main House.

Then he took a deep breath and shouted with internal energy.

“I killed Haewol! I killed Haewol!”

Mang Ryo’s voice thundered throughout the Tang Family Main House, making Sim Hak turn pale.

Mang Ryo stood there glaring at the tightly closed main gate with excitement, raising the corners of his mouth.

“I know you’re still here. My eye is tingling. Come on, come out quickly. Quickly.”

The sound of bolts being opened was heard and the Tang Family Main House’s main gate began to open heavily.

And finally.

Jin Ja-gang revealed himself.

Mang Ryo threw Sim Hak aside. He opened his single eye wide and stared at Jin Ja-gang. He was so focused that he went from grinning to drooling.

Jin Ja-gang walked out and stared directly at Mang Ryo.

Mang Ryo shouted.

“I killed Haewol!”

Jin Ja-gang just looked at Mang Ryo without saying a word in response.

Mang Ryo kept smiling while glaring at Jin Ja-gang.

“You cunning thing. You made contact with Yangtze River Sword Sect while being called gambling dragon in Chongqing, and that was coordinating with Haewol, wasn’t it? Huh? Did you think you could escape my eye?”

Jin Ja-gang remained silent.

“But what now? Now Haewol is dead and your only breakthrough has disappeared.”

Mang Ryo shook his head as if pitying and shrugged his shoulders, his gestures exaggerated.

Moreover, his tone was chillingly affectionate. Like a friendly neighborhood grandfather speaking warmly, Mang Ryo said.

“Soon salt mixed with Five Path Fatal Pills will be released into the martial world. Since salt is so scarce, it will spread rapidly, and then chaos will break out everywhere. Of course, if you trace the cause back, the Tang family will eventually be pointed out as the culprit.”

Mang Ryo pointed at the high walls and gate of the Tang Family Main House.

“Then all of this that you have will turn to ashes and disappear in an instant. The reliable family and wealth that guards your back. Your beautiful wife and your only bloodline about to come into this world. All of it will become bubbles and disappear!”

Suddenly Mang Ryo’s expression changed completely.

“Just like me ten years ago!”

Mang Ryo huffed and puffed then forced a gentle smile while extending his hand toward Jin Ja-gang.

“The boats loaded with salt are anchored not far from here. If I don’t return within one hour, the boats will depart. Then those boats will spread to various places in the Central Plains. But you see, conversely, depending on what you do, something different from expected might happen.”

Mang Ryo trembled his shoulders as if the thought thrilled him.

“For example, all the boats carrying salt could disappear without a trace. People would think the boats sank after encountering unexpected storms. Then you would be able to protect the Tang family. You could enjoy everything you have now as if nothing happened.”

Sim Hak shouted in surprise from the side.

“What on earth are you talking about, Advisor Mang!”

Mang Ryo glared with eyes that seemed ready to shoot flames and yelled at Sim Hak.

“Don’t interfere at important moments when you’re just a spectator, you worthless brat! Say one more word and I’ll tear your mouth apart.”

Sim Hak’s complexion turned pale and he shut his mouth. But soon he stood up and finished what he wanted to say.

“The, the boats number in the hundreds and there are even masters from Demon Cult and Northern Heaven unorthodox sect, so what can you do! Stop talking nonsense right now and let’s go back! If Prefect Baek wakes up and learns of this, you’ll be in big trouble!”

Mang Ryo opened his eyes wide and said.

“Originally half the boats were supposed to go to the Yellow River and only the other half through the Yangtze River. But I brought all the boats to the route going through the Yangtze River. What do you think that means?”

Sim Hak thought for a moment then his eyes widened.

“Yangtze River Pirates?”

“Correct.”

Mang Ryo moved quickly and put both thumbs in Sim Hak’s mouth to pry it open.

“Then as promised since you spoke, I’ll tear your mouth.”

Sim Hak let out a terrible scream.

“AAAAAH!”

Sim Hak rolled on the ground holding his torn cheeks and spitting blood.

Mang Ryo took out silk cloth to wipe his hands and threw it away.

“Just like I had connections with Shandong unorthodox sect, I have some ties with the Yangtze River Pirates. No matter how skilled the people on the boats are, if water-dwelling folk decide to attack seriously, they can’t protect the boats.”

Sim Hak writhed and screamed rolling on the ground.

“How dare you do this to me! To me!”

Mang Ryo kicked Sim Hak as if he was noisy.

Only then did Jin Ja-gang open his mouth.

“What do you want to say?”

“Tsk tsk, still haven’t come to your senses? I’m trying to help save the Tang family and you like this. Then you should ask more politely.”

Mang Ryo mimicked Jin Ja-gang’s voice with a gentle and earnest tone.

“What should I do for you? Like that.”

Jin Ja-gang didn’t follow Mang Ryo’s words.

He just asked back with an even indifferent face.

“What do you want?”

“Tsk.”

Mang Ryo clicked his tongue and said.

“You see, after losing everything to you, I’ve lived thinking only of days like today. Do you know what that is? I wanted to receive a sincere apology from you for ruining my future. That’s all.”

Mang Ryo raised his hand in invitation.

“Just that. That’s what I want.”

“So what is that?”

Jin Ja-gang’s tone was still blunt, but Mang Ryo intuited that he had finally reached the moment he wanted.

He took a deep breath. His chest swelled with emotion. Now the moment he had longed and longed for had come.

Mang Ryo even trembled slightly as he pointed to the ground with his finger.

“Come here.”

Step! Jin Ja-gang moved without any hesitation and approached right in front of Mang Ryo.

Jin Ja-gang looked up slightly at Mang Ryo from right in front and asked.

“And then?”

Mang Ryo’s heart felt like it would burst.

“Kneel. Crawl. Kiss my feet and sincerely apologize. For taking away my eye, my legs, and everything I had.”

“Is that the answer?”

“And have the Tang family’s best horse and carriage ready. So I can return in time.”

Jin Ja-gang asked back.

“Then that’s it?”

Mang Ryo unconsciously nodded hastily.

“Yes yes, that’s all. How about it? You can do it, right? Huh? Just swallow your pride and kneel once, and you’ll be able to protect everything I lost. Huh?”

Thump! Thump!

His heart beat wildly.

Jin Ja-gang would bow his head, kneel, and kiss his feet. Then he would step on Jin Ja-gang’s head and grind it into the dirt. Still Jin Ja-gang couldn’t resist. He would want to protect what he had!

He would spit and mock to his heart’s content!

He would laugh and curse!

But even if Jin Ja-gang did that, he wouldn’t do as promised.

Of course!

He had come to see Jin Ja-gang despair miserably in the first place, to laugh at him as he grabbed the rope thrown down from despair and harbored hope only to have that too turn to despair, not to receive an ‘apology’ or anything from Jin Ja-gang!

But at that moment.

Jin Ja-gang looked at Mang Ryo with a strange expression.

It was a really strange expression in Mang Ryo’s opinion.

It wasn’t an expression of fear, sadness, anxiety, or anger.

It wasn’t contempt or mockery either.

Just puzzlement.

“What?”

Mang Ryo was briefly confused about why Jin Ja-gang was making that expression. It wasn’t the expression one should make in this kind of situation normally.

Jin Ja-gang asked.

“Do you really believe our relationship would be settled with just that much?”

“…”

Mang Ryo couldn’t answer.

He felt a dirty and uncomfortable feeling that couldn’t be explained in words.