Book 14 Chapter 14

The Absolute Command

"The Seven of Macheon pay their respects to the Lord."

The respect that the Seven of Macheon showed to the Great Young Master was not ordinary. After all, it was impossible for kowtowing, with one's whole body bent and forehead touching the ground, to be a common courtesy. It was a ritual that existed only between a sovereign and his subject.

Yet, their eyes were not filled with shame or servility, but with awe for the being before them. It seemed that the fist-and-palm salute they had performed outside a moment ago was an act done with others' eyes in mind.

"Rise!"

At his command, they all stood up in unison. The Great Young Master looked at their faces once and said,

"You endured well."

He seemed to be referring to the incident with Bi Ryuyeon. Even though the seven's attack had been completely ineffective and returned to nothing, he was not angry. In a way, it was a humiliating defeat for the seven he had trusted, yet he neither showed annoyance nor anger. Of course, he had no intention of punishing them.

He already knew the reason why.

"We are not permitted to break the seal without the Lord's permission,"

replied Ma Geom Ik Choo Myung, the leader of the Seven of Macheon, a man with a physique as sturdy as steel, in a voice devoid of emotion. If his words were true, it was astonishing. They had not yet revealed their true skills. They were saying they had not gone all out.

Seemingly satisfied with the answer, Bi nodded.

"Now is not the time for you to reveal your true strength. Wait a little longer. The time will come soon."

He spoke in a firm and resolute voice.

"We will wait for that time."

The seven bowed in unison and replied.

"Preparations?"

The Great Young Master asked abruptly. But the answer came immediately.

"Everything is proceeding smoothly."

This was answered by Chil Ryeon Chang Jong Ri Choo.

"There will be no disruptions to the plan."

"Well done!"

The Great Young Master praised them.

"Your praise is too much."

"When does it start?"

"From the day after tomorrow."

An immediate answer returned.

"As scheduled!"

The fact that there were no disruptions to the schedule pleased him. He had been worried about several unforeseen incidents during the plan's progress.

"Be mindful of those around you!"

"We will keep it in mind."

The Seven replied simultaneously.

"Kyo Ok!"

The Great Young Master called out one name.

"Yes, Lord! Please command me."

The only woman among the seven, dressed in crimson silk, replied in a demure voice. Her gorgeous silk robe, which bloomed like a hundred flowers, her lustrous black hair tied up to emphasize her delicate shoulders, her provocatively full figure, and her moist, deer-like eyes that held a magic capable of captivating a man's soul as they were quietly cast down. From both stillness and motion, she exuded a sensual aura that could capture any man. Because of this, in addition to her nickname, Blood Heart Orchid, she also had a fearsome moniker, Selling Soul, Buying Fragrance (one must sell their soul to buy the fragrance).

"What do you think of that man, Bi Ryuyeon?"

"Are you referring to that ruffian who blocked the Lord's path?"

He nodded.

Blood Heart Orchid Kyo Ok's voice, imbued with absolute loyalty, also carried a peculiar allure that made a man's heart pound. Despite its brevity, it simultaneously held a tender longing that resonated with a man's heart and a magic that allowed him to revel in conquest. It was impossible to produce such a voice naturally. Only after undergoing rigorous training could one speak in such a tender, song-like voice. (She had already surpassed the stage of consciously doing so.) Only then could one seduce men, consciously or unconsciously, when necessary. This was how she had learned at the Cheon Gi Yeon. Unlike Na Ye Rin, she was a being of artificially cultivated demonic sound itself.

"Capture him!"

The Great Young Master commanded in a simple sentence.

There was no need to say or hear what should be used to accomplish this task. When dealing with men, there was no weapon more powerful than her body.

The Great Young Master Bi was not someone with a soft and yielding mentality who hesitated about the means to achieve his goals. If he had harbored such a complacent and weak thought, he would not have reached this position.

"Is he that much of a person to be concerned about?"

Kyo Ok asked with genuine surprise. As far as she knew, the unremarkable youth was the first person to cause her lord so much concern. She was not the only one surprised. All the Seven of Macheon were astonished by the Great Young Master's unexpected attitude.

"Do I have to entrust you with that judgment?"

The Great Young Master's quiet question instantly turned her face pale.

"I was presumptuous! Please forgive my rudeness."

Her voice trembled. It was the shadow of fear hidden behind blind loyalty and obedience.

"Even if their powers are sealed, he evaded all seven of your Seven Transformations and Illusions attack. And yet, do you disregard him?"

"He was merely as swift as a slippery loach,"

exclaimed one of the three. Then, the Great Young Master's eyes turned cold.

"I hope you do not truly believe that."

His words were like a sharp chisel.

"Elements that have the potential to become a sudden variable must be eliminated in advance. Kyo Ok!"

"Yes, Lord!"

"I entrust this to you. Guide him!"

To use any means necessary to seduce him and lead him into the swamp of corruption was the goal and mission she had been trained for since birth. However, honestly, she was not particularly inclined to deal with this particular opponent. Unlike those she had dealt with so far, he was too…

"Are you dissatisfied?"

A quiet question. Yet, a chilling coldness ran down her spine. Her complexion, which had been pale as blood drained away from her body, made her realize she knew what she had to do.

"No. I will accept the order."

Rebellion? Refusal? These words were not in her vocabulary. They were forbidden words that could only be associated with the most gruesome death.

A forbidden taboo!

Cold sweat, beaded like dew, trickled down her cheeks and dripped onto the floor.

"Capture his soul and find out everything within him."

Blood Heart Orchid Kyo Ok had no right to refuse his command. He was the true master who controlled both her body and mind. Her mission was absolute obedience…

"With my life!"

That was the only answer permitted to her.

"For a new rebirth!"

As the Great Young Master began, everyone echoed his words.

"For a new rebirth!"

It was as if it were a prayer or an incantation.