Who are the front row seats for in the 888th episode?
A carriage was speeding along.
The two people riding in the carriage were Yong Ja-myeong, the leader of the Galaxy Merchant Guild, and Yong Jin-hu, the eldest of his three sons.
“Are you really going to the wedding of the Young Leader of the Demonic Cult?”
“Yes.”
No matter how many times he asked, the answer was the same. At first, he thought his father was making fun of him.
But it seemed that wasn’t the case. Crucially, the only escort was Baek-chong in the coachman’s seat. Baek-chong was a key figure who had co-founded the Galaxy Merchant Guild with his father and was the warrior his father trusted the most.
This was the first time that Baek-chong had accompanied his father’s procession alone.
“Surely our merchant guild hasn’t joined hands with the Heavenly Demon Cult, has it?”
Yong Jin-hoo was afraid that his father might say so. The idea of joining hands with the Demonic Cult was something he didn’t even want to imagine.
Fortunately, Father shook his head.
“No. This visit is strictly my father’s personal visit. I am taking you along as my son, separate from the merchant guild. I want to introduce you to the Young Master.”
Yong Ja-myeong told his son a secret story from the past that he had never told him before.
In my youth, I fell into a trap set by a colleague from the upper realm and nearly lost my life. At that time, a martial artist who did not reveal his name saved me. I recently learned that he is the leader of the Demonic Cult of that era.
Yong Jin-hoo was shocked. The Leader of the Demonic Cult was the benefactor who saved his father’s life?
“Even so, if Father attends the Young Cult Leader’s wedding, the news will surely spread throughout the martial arts world.”
“I suppose so.”
“If this becomes known to the world, many sects and merchant groups that do business with us will cut off ties.”
Father couldn’t possibly be unaware of such results.
“Are you perhaps planning to attend wearing a bamboo hat to conceal your identity?”
After all, it was common to attend martial arts events without revealing one’s identity.
However, Yong Ja-myeong shook his head.
I intend to attend without hiding my identity.
Yong Jin-hoo was puzzled. Leaving aside the fact that the other person was his savior, his father was a merchant no matter what anyone said. Was his father willing to accept such a huge loss? Why on earth?
“They will understand even if I hide my identity. Where could you find a guest as precious as my father?”
Yong Jin-hoo took pride in the fact that his father was the head of the greatest merchant guild in the world.
“People more precious than me will come.”
“There’s no way such people exist?”
Yong Ja-myeong thought of Geom Woo-jin. He also thought of his son, Geom Mu-geuk. Both of them were truly extraordinary people.
There’s no way I’m the best guest to them.
Yong Jin-hoo, who grew up watching his father receive only VIP treatment, could not accept those words.
I hope attending this wedding ceremony will be an opportunity to broaden your narrow perspective.
None of the three sons had any talent for business.
If they didn’t have the knack for making money, they should at least have a good eye for people. The reason I brought along the eldest son, who at least showed some promise, was that I hoped it would be a good experience for him.
Eventually, the carriage arrived at its destination.
Yong Jin-hu took a deep breath and stepped out.
The next moment, Yong Jin-hu was startled by the sight unfolding before his eyes.
It was near the main gate of the Heavenly Demon Cult. Countless carriages were lined up along the cult’s massive wall. These were magnificent, large carriages; it was the first time Yong Jin-hoo had ever seen so many in one place.
People getting off carriages, people just arriving, people chatting with acquaintances—there were truly countless people there.
Large-bodied warriors stood here and there around the area. Their terrifying aura made it clear to even someone of my meager martial arts skills that they were no ordinary warriors.
Baekchong spoke in a low voice.
“Do not look at them; they are demons of the new religion.”
Yongjinhu had also heard about the demon army. They were the very demon army that no one could stop when they charged in with those massive bodies.
The experienced Baekchong possessed extensive knowledge and insight into the martial arts world, and in particular, he had done everything possible to study the Heavenly Demon Cult in preparation for this expedition.
Just then, someone recognized Yongjamyeong and greeted him.
“Dragon Clan Leader!”
“Golden Clan Leader.”
He was none other than Geum Ah-su, the wealthiest man in Fujian and the head of the Golden Merchant Guild, one of the top ten merchants in the Central Plains.
In the past, Geom Mu-geuk saved his daughter and grandson and received a treasure bundle larger than himself in return. That connection has continued to this day, which is why they, too, were invited to this wedding.
The two knew each other well, and Geum-a-su was Yong-ja-myeong’s senior in the upper class.
Here are my daughter and grandson.
Geum Asu’s daughter, Geum Sayeon, and grandson, Yang-i, also came along. Yang-i, who was just a little kid when Geom Mugeuk rescued him, had grown up considerably in no time.
How did you come here?
Geum Ah-su was surprised by Yong Ja-myeong’s attendance. The Galaxy Merchant Guild, the greatest merchant guild in the world, was a guild that dealt with both the Righteous and the Evil. It must have been a burden for them to attend the wedding of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
Yong Ja-myeong spoke honestly to Geum Ah-su.
“In my youth, I owed a life-saving debt to the Leader of the Demonic Cult.”
“What a coincidence.”
“What is the reason?”
“We, too, owe a life-saving debt to the Young Leader.”
“Ah, I see.”
Yong Jin-hoo, who was listening from the side, couldn’t understand. You owed a life-saving debt to the world’s most fearsome Demonic Leader and Young Leader, respectively?
Yong Jin-hoo looked around. Not only Geum Ah-su, but many other recognizable figures were visible.
Though not quite on the level of his father, they were still heavyweights of the merchant world who naturally made one think, “He’s here?”
Of course, there were more martial artists than merchant figures. They were leaders vying for regional supremacy.
The Demonic Cult is truly formidable; to think they managed to bring all these people here.
Just then, the Demon Lord walked toward the place.
Yong Jin-hu thought he would take his father away first.
However, the Demon Lord delivered words he had never expected and left.
Those who have arrived, please enter.
The people who had been talking walked toward the main gate. A line naturally formed heading in that direction.
You’re saying you’ll make Father walk with these people?
Yong Jin-hoo found it incredibly strange to see his father standing in line to enter somewhere.
Wherever they went, his father had always been the center of attention, but now he was merely one of many guests.
You treat your father like this?
Yong Jin-hu spoke in a low voice.
“The Demonic Cult is undoubtedly trying to deliberately crush the spirit of the Galaxy Merchant Guild.”
Yong Ja-myeong said to his son.
“That is because you haven’t met the Leader and the Junior Leader yet.”
“Just what kind of people are they?”
“If they were trying to intimidate someone, they wouldn’t resort to such a trivial method.”
Among those standing in line were Jo Chun-bae and his wife, Yang In. Dressed in their new clothes, the two were overjoyed and excited, yet amidst the people of immense status, they walked quietly without saying a word.
They were worried that if they were spotted by someone, something like what happened yesterday might happen again.
Someone walked briskly toward them.
“Welcome, innkeeper.”
The person who approached them was none other than the Demon Lord Jang Ho.
Jo Chun-bae and Yang In bowed their heads in greeting.
Lord Demon!
At the mention of the name “Demon Lord,” the people around held their breath. The leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult’s elite demon army, whom they had only heard about in stories, was standing right before their eyes.
The warriors of the sects following the Heavenly Demon Cult bowed respectfully, conveying the respect they had long held for him.
After Jang Ho bowed and accepted their greetings, he spoke again to Jo Chun-bae and Yang In.
“The Young Master ordered that you two be escorted with special care. Come here, please come out and go.”
“We are fine.”
“I am not fine, having received the order. Let’s go.”
“Oh dear.”
Jang-ho led the two out and went inside first. Following Geom Mu-geuk’s instructions, the two prepared a seat between himself and Seo Dae-ryong. It was the most comfortable spot for the two of them among the VIP seats today.
Yong Jin-hoo was puzzled by the special treatment that even the head of the Galaxy Merchant Guild did not receive.
“Who are they to be treated like that? They must be formidable masters, right?”
Yongjamyeong said with a smile.
“He is probably the most ordinary person here.”
“What?”
“If you knew what kind of person the Young Cult Leader is, he wouldn’t look strange at all.”
Since Yong Ja-myeong knew what kind of person Geom Mu-geuk was, he did not find the special treatment of those two, who looked like they hadn’t mastered a single stroke of martial arts, strange at all. On the contrary, he thought it was typical of Geom Mu-geuk.
Geum Ah-su and Geum Sa-yeon, who were standing behind, also nodded and looked at each other. After all, the Young Cult Leader they had experienced was also an exceptionally special person.
Eventually, they passed through the main gate and entered the Heavenly Demon Cult.
Yong Jin-hoo’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Directly ahead lay a grand avenue wide enough for twenty carriages to pass side by side with room to spare. On both sides of the road stood colossal statues of demons.
Standing like gatekeepers, the statues glared down with terrifying and arrogant eyes.
Beyond them stretched endlessly, with the avenue and magnificent buildings visible at an end.
This thought naturally crossed my mind.
“You mean this was made by humans?”
The giant demon statues erected everywhere were so lifelike that they seemed ready to move and trample them at any moment. Just being there was enough to make one feel intimidated.
Furthermore, the others visiting the Heavenly Demon Cult for the first time were also overwhelmed by the scene inside.
After walking for quite a while, we arrived at the wedding hall.
It was the largest training ground of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
Seats for the guests were arranged in front of where the ceremony was to be held. There were seats for the invited guests, and behind them, seating was provided for the residents of Maga Village to sit freely.
Outward from the center, forming a semicircle, there were steps where many people could sit, much like the seating area for an unarmed spectator.
The demon soldiers escorted the invited guests to their assigned seats.
Yong Jin-hu was surprised to learn that his father was in the third row, not the first.
Not the second, but the third?
As the outside guests took their seats in the central area, the entry process began in earnest.
A group of warriors entered in formation. Leading the way was a beautiful woman dressed in elegant attire.
Following behind her were demon swordsmen.
I am Ilhwa Geomjon!
Yong Jin-hu was startled by Baekchong’s words. It was the moment he saw the Sword Master for the first time, whom he had only heard about.
So she was such a beautiful woman!
It felt just like seeing a single flower blooming in the snow.
The demon swordsmen took their seats on one side of the audience seating arranged on all sides, and Ilhwa Geomjon stepped forward and sat in the second row.
‘The second row is the Demon Lords’ seat.’
Then Yong Jin-hoo was puzzled.
Then who are the front row seats for?
Just then, a group of warriors entered from the opposite side with a shout.
Baekchong informed them again.
I am the Blood Heaven Demon!
Blood Heaven Daoist, with a greatsword on his back, led the way, followed by the Dao Demons. While the demon swords were disciplined, the Dao Demons were rough and unrestrained.
In the past, they would have jeered at each other given their strained relationship, but they did not do so anymore. As Ilhwa Sword Venerable and Blood Heaven Daoist became close, their relationship also improved.
The demons also took their seats in the audience, and Blood Heaven Demon sat next to Ilhwa Sword Venerable.
This time, Mabul led the way, emitting a golden glow. Behind him, the light monks walked forward, chanting in unison to bless today’s wedding.
These are demon monks who will be torn to pieces alive if you mistake them for mere rogue monks.
Even without Baekchong’s warning, it was obvious at a glance that they were no ordinary monks.
Today, the radiance of Mabul was shining even brighter.
The next people to appear were the Soul-Seopmajon and the demon sorcerers.
As soon as they appeared, Yongjinhu felt dizzy.
I suddenly feel dizzy.
Baekchong injected a stream of internal energy into Yongjinhu, whose internal energy was shallow, through his back.
This is the demonic energy of the sorcerers. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
Only then did Yong Jin-hoo’s face relax. If it was this intense even without deliberately emitting demonic energy, the mere thought of what would happen if he actually did was terrifying.
Next, there were demons entering wearing fancy masks.
They are the faceless men of the Valley of Villains.
At the mention of the Valley of Villains, Yong Jin-hu involuntarily averted his gaze.
The maskless men were different from usual. They, who usually huddled in small groups, were walking in confidently today, properly dressed and wearing elaborate masks. Today, they were perfectly normal!
“That person must be a wicked soma.”
“That is correct.”
Even the Extreme Demon standing at the very front was wearing a flashy mask today instead of his usual white mask.
Having heard enough of the notoriety of the Extreme Demon, Yong Jin-hoo trembled involuntarily. The fear ordinary martial artists felt toward the Extreme Demon was completely different from that felt toward other Demon Lords.
However, in truth, there was no need to be so afraid today.
Geukak Soma was smiling brighter than ever. He was overflowing with the generosity to forgive anyone, no matter how significant their mistake.
The same was true for the masked dancers. As they were exceptionally close to the sword dance drama, the Valley of Villains was in a state of celebration today.
The Seventeen Sect and the Crescent Moon masked dancers were particularly delighted. Since they had not yet been married, the Young Sect Leader’s wedding today had a profound impact on both of them.
Are their masks originally that fancy?
In response to Yong Jin-hu’s question, Baek-chong spared no effort in demonstrating what he had studied.
“I have heard that the maskless people have various masks. That mask is likely the Hwanrak-gwi-myeon, used at festivals or banquets.”
This time, a handsome young man came in leading a group of demons.
Look at their waists.
They were wearing pouches around their waists. Four, five, six, seven. The number of pouches each wore was different. Only the handsome boy at the very front was wearing exactly twelve pouches.
“Surely not?”
“Yes, that is correct. They are the Poison Fangs led by the Poison King. With a single wave of their hand, the wedding guests will be annihilated in an instant.”
Yong Jin-hoo was more shocked by the fact that the Poison King looked so young. He looked much younger than himself.
This time, a strong smell of alcohol wafted in along with loud noises.
They were none other than Chwima and the guests. Chwima allowed the guests to drink to their heart’s content today.
“What if he makes a mistake? Why is he already drunk?”
Baekchong resolved Yongjinhu’s curiosity.
“I have heard that the more they get drunk, the clearer their minds become. They won’t make any mistakes while intoxicated.”
This time, the Iron Fists of the Donggwon Sect appeared in muscle-revealing attire.
The more their bare bodies were exposed, the more it was seen as a sign of respect.
The bride’s father, Gwonma, did not come out with them. Therefore, the person standing at the very front was Cheon So-hee.
And so, Palmazon and his subordinates all took their seats.
It was noisy, and laughter erupted from all around.
The guests were having a feast for the eyes. It was a moment of seeing people they had never seen in their lives. They were looking at the Demon Lords and their elite subordinates.
They realized anew just how precious this occasion was. When they returned, they would surely tell everyone stories that were exaggerated upon exaggeration.
Baekchong was surprised by the unexpected atmosphere.
He had expected it to be much heavier and darker than this.
He thought they would use this opportunity to let everyone know.
We are the Heavenly Demon Cult!
So, the demon sorcerers knew how to emit demonic energy, the iron-fisted ones swung their fists, and the poisonous ones soared poisonous smoke. The maskless ones sneered coldly, killing intent flowed from the swords of the demon swords and slaying demons, the mad monks chanted prayers of death, and the drunkards ranted and raved.
But it was bright. They were laughing and chatting. They were enjoying themselves as if they were at a festival. So much so that they didn’t feel like Mine at all.
It was right then.
Dudududududu.
Five carriages began to enter the place.
Not only Yong Jin-hu but all the guests were puzzled.
All the guests here walked here, and a carriage is coming all the way in? Who on earth is it?
All five large carriages approaching the place had blue wolves painted on them.
