Chapter 191

Arietta Morgan was waiting for Han Kangyoon’s instructions while exorcising the rampaging Specters, as previously arranged with him.

However, upon hearing the news that Han Kangyoon had been imprisoned in Yangcheolkoong, she judged that things had gone awry and began to act alone.

The first person she contacted was Shin Noeul of the Jeokhwadan.

“…That’s roughly how it happened.”

“If Han Kangyoon is truly innocent, then it means someone orchestrated this from behind.”

Shin Noeul owed a debt to Han Kangyoon and Arietta. Therefore, after entrusting the Jeokhwadan’s tasks to its members, he joined Arietta to search for information.

As a result, they were able to capture several strange circumstances.

“If my guess isn’t wrong, the one currently wielding power in the Cheong Family seems to be Cheong Soha.”

“……”

Upon hearing Shin Noeul’s conclusion, Arietta finally recalled something Han Kangyoon had mentioned in passing.

“…Come to think of it, he did say Cheong Soha wasn’t a definite ally.”

One didn’t need to think hard to understand. Ultimately, those words had become reality.

If this was the case, to save Han Kangyoon, they would inevitably have to make an enemy of Cheong Soha.

“Let me say this in advance: she is frighteningly strong. I probably wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“…To that extent?”

In Arietta’s view, Shin Noeul was a powerful individual with quite outstanding skills.

At the very least, among those she had seen with her own eyes, he ranked near the top.

“You remember the fight with the Cat-Head Serpent, right?”

“…Yes, of course.”

“If it were Cheong Soha, she would have taken it down alone in less than ten minutes.”

Arietta blinked.

Shin Noeul, also a Special-Rank, wouldn’t be mistaken in his assessment. If so, then Cheong Soha was essentially an opponent they couldn’t handle by force.

“…This is troublesome.”

“To oppose Cheong Soha, we need more cards on our side as well. Moreover, the enemy isn’t just Cheong Soha alone.”

Naturally.

She had her faction’s followers and closely allied forces.

Though the reason for targeting Han Kangyoon was unknown, with their current strength, they stood no chance.

“…Then, would the Azure Dragon be of help?”

“You know the Azure Dragon’s whereabouts?”

“Yes. A junior from the Academy has it with her.”

It was a statement hard to believe rashly, but in the current situation, Arietta had no reason to lie.

Thus, the two tracked Cheong Joohwa’s movements and eventually reached the hideout where Yoo Haon’s group was hiding.

“…Roughly convinced?”

Upon hearing Arietta’s story, Yoo Haon’s group realized that the worst-case scenario they had been speculating about until just moments ago had come true.

“So, in the end, that Cheong Soha really is the enemy? Damn it, we’re in big trouble.”

Baek Eunseo clutched her head with both hands. She was a direct descendant of the Baek Family, which was in a competitive relationship with the Cheong Family.

Naturally, she had heard countless times about the dangers of Cheong Soha, their highest authority.

“Rumors say she can use over ten Grand Arts……”

It was an utterly absurd statement.

Even a first-rate Exorcist would find it difficult to master one Grand Art in a lifetime, yet she could use that many.

However, with the name Cheong Soha attached, it didn’t seem entirely impossible.

“…So, to confirm, is the Azure Dragon here?”

“Yes. It’s listening even now.”

At Cheong Joohwa’s words, gazes focused from all directions. This, too, was merely a surprising secret to Yoo Haon’s group.

Feeling somewhat resentful, Baek Eunseo poked her shoulder.

“Hey, why didn’t you give any hint when fighting the Howling Dragon Shark? I really thought I was going to die.”

“Well, that. It felt a bit inappropriate to use it recklessly in front of everyone. Of course, I subtly received help.”

“Ah, was that mysterious Art Formula summoning lightning perhaps?”

Originally, Cheong Joohwa had maintained a somewhat distant attitude with the group, as she mainly hung out with Han Kangyoon, but through various battles, they had now become close enough to be called comrades.

“Then the reason the Cheong Family sent Exorcists was also because of the Azure Dragon Joohwa possesses.”

At Yoo Haon’s words, calmly sorting out the situation, everyone nodded.

Anyway, with the Azure Dragon, one of the Cheong Family’s symbols, on their side, they could at least form a semblance of a force to confront them.

“…Junior mentioned a person named Baek Soyool from the Baek Family is also an ally. Is contact possible?”

“Ugh, of all people, that older sister? I’ll try to pass on the message.”

Both Arietta and Yoo Haon’s group needed to join forces as much as possible now.

Just as they were about to share information with each other, a woman revealed herself from the entrance. It was Shin Noeul.

“Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I think you need to hear this.”

“…What’s going on?”

“I just received new news from an acquaintance.”

The words Shin Noeul then uttered to everyone contained shockingly impactful content.

“It’s war. Cheong Soha has demanded submission from the other Elders.”

Thus, the situation was entering yet another new phase.

Crash!

“What kind of outrage is this!”

At the current time, at the stronghold of Cheong Jonghoo, the 9th Elder of the Cheong Family, Elders who had raised a banner of rebellion against Cheong Soha’s will had gathered to discuss countermeasures.

“His momentum is unusual. He seems genuinely intent on taking the Cheong Family into his own hands.”

Unlike his previous demeanor, Cheong Soha was mobilizing all his resources to pressure the Elders. He showed an attitude willing to wage war if necessary.

“Several Elders have already lowered their tails. The only ones left are those gathered here and the 4th Elder.”

The 4th Elder, Cheong Kibeom, had always been one to carry out his own will, distanced from the family.

He wouldn’t easily side with Cheong Soha, but it was also unclear whether he would oppose him.

“What kind of foolish mistake is he making at a time like this……”

Not only was his radicalism an issue, but the timing was also bad. The world was currently in great turmoil due to the aftermath of the re-emerged Night Parade of One Hundred Specters.

“Perhaps that’s precisely why. He likely intends to settle things decisively during this chaotic period.”

“Regardless, this isn’t something we can just sit back and watch.”

True. That’s why they had set aside their pride and even called those they didn’t usually get along with to create this gathering.

“What is there to ponder? There are five Elders here alone. If we just push forward, even the master of the Azure-White Sword would have no recourse.”

“…It’s not that simple.”

The one who voiced opposition was the 5th Elder, Cheong Kilyeong, who had previously clashed with Cheong Soha over the Cheong Joohwa incident.

“Why is someone so confident in their own strength acting so frightened?”

“To be honest, even when we joined forces back then, we couldn’t handle Cheong Soha alone.”

“What? That’s embarrassing to hear.”

At the words of the hardliner 8th Elder, Cheong Kanghoon, the 9th Elder, Cheong Jonghoo, laid down the law.

“Watch your words. Even if you had been there, nothing would have changed.”

“…Is that woman really to that degree?”

With two Elders speaking so decisively, Cheong Kanghoon’s momentum inevitably waned somewhat.

Beside him, Cheong Kilyeong, calmly stroking his beard, continued.

“In this old man’s opinion, at least three, and if certainty is required, four Elders would need to join forces to subdue Cheong Soha.”

“However, if we tie up that many personnel against Cheong Soha alone……”

“We’ll lack the hands to deal with the other Elders who chose submission. That’s why I said it’s not easy.”

Amidst this situation, Cheong Doyool, who had remained silent until now, spoke.

“…Reinstate Cheong Woondo as an Elder.”

“That madman? I heard he had already fled to a foreign country.”

“I didn’t mention it separately, but I have him with me now.”

Displeased reactions followed from here and there. However, despite that, no objections were raised.

The former 6th Elder, Cheong Woondo, was an unfortunate genius who had attained the Elder position solely through his skill.

He would undoubtedly be a useful piece in the upcoming war.

“Ahem, if you’re confident you can control him, I won’t stop you.”

“…It’s not the best plan, but in a situation like this, there’s no choice.”

Ultimately, a conclusion was reached. The Elders would also stand firm and pour all their strength into striking Cheong Soha.

And for that, there was something absolutely necessary.

“Unfortunately, at this point, we do not possess even one item that can be called a symbol of the Cheong Family.”

For a position commanding many followers, this was an element that couldn’t be overlooked.

It was crucial not only for legitimacy in the struggle for family hegemony but also for morale in battle.

“Therefore, first, by any means necessary, we must obtain the Azure Dragon.”

“But isn’t the Azure Dragon under Cheong Soha’s……?”

“The Azure Dragon’s suitable vessel is currently hiding to avoid Cheong Soha’s grasp. Probably due to some reason, their relationship has soured.”

So, this was a golden opportunity for the Elders.

Thus, an unprecedented struggle for the hegemony of the Cheong Family was finally about to begin.

“Even though I was away only briefly, the unfolding situation seems unusual.”

“It looks that way to my eyes as well.”

Having unofficially left Yangcheolkoong with Haekaram, I gathered as many rumors spreading everywhere as possible through reconnaissance Shikigami.

The result was as expected.

Jinmyeong Daesa had already completed all preparations and, to first firmly seize control of the Cheong Family, had declared war on the Elders in Cheong Soha’s name.

“Well, since everything is unfolding exactly as you said, there seems to be no more room for doubt.”

Haekaram, wearing a goblin mask, jumped down from a tree and gestured to me.

“So, is it really possible?”

Though not visible, I somehow sensed a smile full of interest from behind that mask.

In response, I recalled the false identity I had previously given her by way of explanation and lifted the corner of my mouth.

“Yes. No matter what anyone says, I am officially recognized by Cheongwoon-nim and am the successor who inherited all his knowledge.”

There’s a saying that crisis always brings corresponding opportunity.

I, too, had not repeatedly prepared for the current situation merely to pass through it safely.

‘Considering future events, the power of the Cheong Family is also indispensable.’

Therefore, taking this opportunity, I intend to swallow the Cheong Family whole.

And the first key to that is currently in my hands.

I took out the frame part of the Cheonghongyeong contained within the Formless Pouch and directed the moonlight into its empty center.

“Are you ready?”

“Just because I received a favor once, you’re getting quite cheeky.”

“Then I’m glad.”

One of the latent abilities of the Cheonghongyeong is to locate the remaining three major Cursed Tools through the use of a special Art Formula.

And now, the Cheongsimok possessed by Cheong Joohwa and Cheong Soha’s Azure-White Sword should react.

“Both are approaching each other.”

“That must mean the war has already begun.”

Since Jinmyeong Daesa also knows Cheong Joohwa has the Azure Dragon, he naturally wouldn’t leave her alone.

“Let’s depart.”

Now, the time for an irreversible decisive battle has come.