Demonic Cult Disciples (2)

"Finally," Ma Jeong muttered as his gaze fell upon the grand imperial palace below, its towering structure visible against the horizon.

Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon decided it was best to stay hidden. They put away their flying tool and quieted their energy, making sure no one could sense them.

They didn't want to risk drawing attention, especially if the Demonic Cult had spies nearby. Wi Soyeon had suggested this plan—she didn't want any innocent to get hurt because of them.

Quietly, they flew toward the imperial palace. When they got close, they used their divine sense to check the area. When they sensed no cultivator was around the imperial palace, Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon let their energy flow freely again, no longer holding back.

In an instant, an invisible force spread through the air, pressing down on the imperial palace. For a moment, everything went still, as if the world itself had paused in fear of their presence.

Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon stood quietly, side by side, with Wi Soyeon positioned slightly behind Ma Jeong. The air around them was still, heavy with unspoken tension.

Moments later, the Baihu Emperor emerged, followed by a group of his ministers. Their faces were etched with worry, and their steps were hurried as they approached Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon.

The Baihu Emperor's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon. For a moment, he seemed frozen, his expression a mix of shock and deep thought. But then, without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed deeply.

His voice was urgent as he spoke. "Lady Wi, you must leave! The Demonic Cult has sent their disciples. They've taken my youngest daughter."

"What…?"

Wi Soyeon muttered as her eyes widened in disbelief. This was not the Demonic Cult, Wi Soyeon remembered. Demonic Cult was a place where strength was respected and weak was despised. That was the law of the Demonic Cult.

However that doesn't mean that the Demonic Cult went around kidnapping mortals. They even showed disdain towards this kind of things. After all, what was the use of bullying the mortals who cannot even protect themselves.

On top of that, the news struck her like a blow because, she knew the young princess well, she was a bright and kind-hearted girl. During her stay in the Baihu Kingdom, after she lost her cultivation, she truly felt despair.

It was the young princess of the Baihu Kingdom, who made her smile during the darkest time of her life. For a moment, she could only stare at the emperor, her mind racing. 

Ma Jeong glanced at Wi Soyeon, noticing the tension etched across her face. Though she remained silent, he could tell how much she cared for the young princess. Her concern was written plainly in her expression, even if she didn't voice it aloud.

"Ahem."

Ma Jeong cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. His voice, firm and commanding, echoed through the air, drawing everyone's attention. "I have come this time to resolve the crisis in the Baihu Kingdom," he declared. "You need not be overly anxious."

His words hung in the air, leaving both Wi Soyeon and the Baihu Emperor stunned. Wi Soyeon turned to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise.

Ma Jeong's face was calm, a confident smile playing on his lips. It was as if the Demonic Cult meant nothing to him—a mere nuisance unworthy of his worry.

His demeanour was steady, almost reassuring, as if he had already seen the end of the crisis before it had even begun.

Wi Soyeon's eyes lingered on Ma Jeong, her thoughts swirling like a storm. Why is he going this far for me? she wondered, her gaze growing more complicated as she studied him.

Though she had agreed to become his subordinate, her heart hadn't fully surrendered. To her, it was only a temporary arrangement—a way to bide her time until she regained her cultivation and could stand on her own again.

A flicker of doubt crossed her mind. Could it be that he's just like the other men? The thought wasn't far-fetched. Wi Soyeon was well aware of her own beauty. After all, she hadn't been called the number one beauty of the Eastern Continent without reason.

Many had sought her attention, drawn by her looks rather than her strength or character. Was Ma Jeong any different? Her expression softened, but her heart remained guarded. She wasn't ready to trust him completely.

"On behalf of the people of the Baihu Kingdom, I thank the immortal!" the Baihu Emperor exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement and relief.

Though he didn't know who this young man standing before him was, he could sense his extraordinary presence.

The fact that Wi Soyeon, a figure of immense power and reputation, remained silent and showed no objection to his words told the emperor that this young man was no ordinary person. He must have the strength and status to back up his bold declaration.

In the grand hall of the palace, everyone fell to their knees, their heads bowed in reverence. Their hopes, once dim, now rested entirely on Ma Jeong. They looked to him as their saviour and their last chance to overcome the crisis.

"Everybody, rise," Ma Jeong said calmly, raising his hand. An invisible force spread through the room, gentle yet firm, lifting the Baihu Emperor and his officials to their feet.

"Immortal, if you have any requests, please let us know. We are at your service," the Baihu Emperor said respectfully, his tone filled with gratitude and deference.

Ma Jeong nodded slightly. "Arrange a place for Wi Soyeon and me to stay," he instructed calmly.

"Of course! This way, please!" the emperor replied eagerly, gesturing toward the grand entrance of the imperial palace. He led the way, his demeanour humble and attentive.

Throughout the exchange, Wi Soyeon stood silently, her expression cold and unreadable, like a sheet of ice. But beneath that icy exterior, she had already made a decision: once she found the person responsible for the kidnapping, she would personally ensure their end. 

******

The Jade Phoenix Palace was a place of luxury and comfort. It stayed warm in winter and cool in summer. The Baihu Emperor had spent a fortune and many years building it. It was his favorite place to stay, but now, he offered it to Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon without hesitation.

"Step back. If I need anything, I'll call for you," Ma Jeong said.

"It is my honor to serve the immortal," the Baihu Emperor replied respectfully. He didn't dare stay longer. With a quick bow, he left the room.

The door creaked shut behind him, leaving Ma Jeong and Wi Soyeon alone in the grand hall.

Ma Jeong casually dropped onto a reclining chair made from a thousand-year-old tree. He reached for the grapes on the fruit plate and started eating them with enjoyment. At that moment, he looked completely relaxed, a stark difference from his earlier commanding presence.

"Who do you think the Demonic Cult sent, Soyeon?" he asked, his tone casual.

Wi Soyeon bowed her head respectfully and replied, "I think the Demonic Cult has only sent their disciples. After all, for a mortal kingdom like this, there's no reason to send an elder-level powerhouse."

"Only disciple level? That's disappointing," Ma Jeong muttered, clearly unimpressed.

He had hoped for a stronger opponent. If an elder-level cultivator had come, he could have used the opportunity to boost his cultivation, thanks to his "Stronger against Strong" ability.

But he doubted a mere disciple of the Demonic Cult would have a higher cultivation level than his own. The thought left him feeling a little let down.

For a moment, Wi Soyeon's eyes twitched, a flicker of anger passing through her. No matter her current situation, she was still from the Demonic Cult. Seeing Ma Jeong completely dismiss the power of her former sect was too much for her to ignore.

She had been holding back for a while, but now she couldn't stay silent. "My lord," she said, her voice calm but firm, "I think you shouldn't underestimate the disciples of the Demonic Cult. Even if their cultivation might be lower than yours, they carry many divine treasures and life-saving artifacts. These could cause problems, even for someone as powerful as you."

Ma Jeong raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Oh, is that so? I hope you're correct," he replied, his tone light and almost teasing.

Wi Soyeon looked at him, her expression unreadable. Inside, she couldn't help but sigh. Dealing with Ma Jeong's confidence—or perhaps overconfidence—was proving to be more challenging than she had expected.

************

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