Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 669

Adjusting (5)

Lee Hyun-joo’s body trembled.

She remembered.

How terrifying that man was.

During the fierce power struggle between the Yeongnam Assembly and the General Assembly, the name that was more frequently mentioned than even Kim Seok-il was Lee Hyun-soo.

How many people had been sacrificed by his devilish schemes?

Even now, with the General Assembly and the Yeongnam Assembly merged into one, many people still harbored resentment from that time and showed hostility towards Lee Hyun-soo.

And now, Lee Hyun-joo was facing such a man.

“It seems you need to be a bit more aware of your position. Do you really think you’re in a position to negotiate with me right now?”

“If you don’t know, I’ll tell you. No matter what you say or what you propose, I have no intention of accepting it. Negotiations are for equals. It seems you haven’t grasped your reality yet, but I have no intention of indulging your tantrums.”

“You…”

“If you want to have a conversation…”

Lee Hyun-soo curled up the corner of his mouth.

“Lay all your cards on the table and wait for my decision. Who knows, if I’m in a good mood, I might consider it.”

She clenched her fist tightly.

Humiliation.

It was a humiliation that shook her entire being.

Mentally, she was aware of her situation. She had come here determined not to waver, no matter how humiliating the words she might hear, but actually hearing such words in front of her was something she found hard to endure.

Especially for her.

How could someone who had lived her entire life in the shadow of Lee Joong-gul ever have heard such blunt words?

As a child, she had been loved by everyone around her, and as an adult, she had lived with more recognition than her actual abilities warranted.

For her, the harsh winds of reality were an unbearable pain.

‘But it’s only natural.’

She had finally stepped into reality.

The reality she had to face now was just a bit harsher than others because of how comfortably she had lived until now. So, she shouldn’t blame anyone.

“Then, what should I do?”

Lee Hyun-joo looked directly at Lee Hyun-soo and said,

“Should I kneel before you? Or should I crawl on the ground and bark like a dog? Would you throw me a bone then?”

“Not bad.”

Lee Hyun-soo looked at Lee Hyun-joo with calm eyes.

‘She’s bold.’

An ordinary person wouldn’t be able to endure this situation.

A woman who had lived like a princess was suddenly stripped of all her authority and driven out of the clan. Yet, this woman was quickly grasping reality and trying to live a new life.

He had tried to shatter her clumsy resolve, but even when struck with a hammer, she didn’t waver and glared back with venom.

He had to admit it.

‘She could be useful.’

Lee Hyun-soo’s mind began to race. Clearly, Lee Hyun-joo’s existence was more valuable when utilized than suppressed. If Lee Hyun-joo were to firmly support Kang Jin-ho and move under his banner, even the Lee Joong-gul supporters hiding in the shadows would eventually have to accept reality.

Yet, was he being so harsh because of his antipathy towards Lee Joong-gul, or was it something else?

“But I don’t feel like going that far. Tell me, what information do you have for me?”

“Lee Sung-hwi is targeting Kang Jin-ho.”

“Lee Sung-hwi?”

Lee Hyun-soo’s eyes widened slightly.

Lee Sung-hwi, Lee Sung-hwi…

It was a name he couldn’t not know. Even if it wasn’t Lee Hyun-soo, who knew more about Lee Joong-gul than he did himself, who wouldn’t know Lee Sung-hwi, Lee Joong-gul’s favorite disciple?

Lee Joong-gul was known for not taking disciples easily, and Lee Sung-hwi was the disciple he had taken in his later years. In other words, Lee Sung-hwi was the most likely candidate to become the next head of the General Assembly. Though that was a story for the distant future.

After being captured by Kang Jin-ho and escaping from the General Assembly’s prison, there had been no news of him. And now, his name was appearing here?

“Hmm.”

Lee Hyun-soo scratched his chin thoughtfully.

“That’s a nostalgic name. Did you meet him?”

“Yes. He came looking for me.”

“There should have been people watching you.”

“He came anyway.”

“…I should make them write a report.”

Lee Hyun-soo shook his head, as if displeased. What was the point of surveillance if this was the result?

“So, this Lee Sung-hwi is targeting Kang Jin-ho?”

“Yes. Judging by his tone, it seemed like something was already underway. According to him, the reason why… my father fell so easily was because he didn’t properly cooperate with him. I don’t know what that cooperation is, though.”

“Hmm…”

Lee Hyun-soo nodded.

He knew that the cleanup hadn’t been perfect. And it didn’t need to be perfect. Attacking an enemy with full force was against the art of war.

“I knew they would be preparing something separately, but I didn’t expect Lee Sung-hwi’s name to come up. Lee Sung-hwi alone wouldn’t have been able to change the tide, so that means there’s someone else connected to him.”

Lee Hyun-soo seemed to ponder for a moment before opening his mouth.

“Japan, or China. But with his skills, it would have been impossible for him to gain their cooperation?”

“There’s one more person who went missing.”

“…Kim Seok-il, is it?”

“He was practicing demonic arts.”

“It feels like solving a riddle. A very nasty and malicious riddle, though.”

Lee Hyun-soo leaned back in his chair.

‘Kim Seok-il and Lee Sung-hwi…’

It was an unexpected combination. The two of them were like water and oil, unable to mix. But he had to admit that was just a fixed idea.

Who would have imagined that the day would come when Lee Hyun-soo would be working like this in the General Assembly? If there was a common goal or medium, past grudges didn’t matter.

Their common goal was obvious. It must be Kang Jin-ho.

‘Initially, they failed. But they’re still targeting him. Then…’

Lee Hyun-soo’s face hardened.

China.

If it was Kim Seok-il, he would be targeting Kang Jin-ho now that he was in China.

Because he wouldn’t be able to receive any support from the General Assembly.

Moreover…

‘This could be more dangerous than I thought?’

They didn’t even need to mobilize their full force to eliminate Kang Jin-ho. Just causing a ruckus and letting the people around know that Kang Jin-ho was there would be enough to make the Hongwang Group move.

A borrowed knife strategy [using an enemy to attack another enemy].

If it were Lee Hyun-soo, that’s the method he would choose.

“That’s good information.”

Lee Hyun-soo jumped up from his seat.

“Go back. I acknowledge the value of your information. I’ll decide on your treatment soon. So…”

“No.”

Lee Hyun-soo turned to look at Lee Hyun-joo.

She was looking at Lee Hyun-soo with her eyes wide open.

“If I go back now, I’ll be forgotten and neglected. I don’t trust you that much. If you acknowledge the value of my information, then change my treatment now. Isn’t that the natural order of things?”

Lee Hyun-soo felt a strange sensation.

‘This is unfamiliar.’

In the past, he had been called the brain of the Yeongnam Assembly, the devil of the Yeongnam Assembly. There were many who worked under him, doing what he instructed, but none of them ever talked back to Lee Hyun-soo.

The same was true in the General Assembly.

The only ones who would object to his opinions or challenge him were his superiors. But Lee Hyun-joo was arguing back at him, even though she was aware that she was not in a higher position than Lee Hyun-soo.

A slight displeasure.

And…

Lee Hyun-soo quickly opened his mouth.

“Do you know how to use a computer?”

“Fortunately, I haven’t devolved that much. I’m not at the level of using stone tools.”

“I’m asking if you can handle office work.”

“Do you think my grandfather was good with computers?”

“…Probably not.”

“Then who handled all those secret documents and ledgers? He was someone who couldn’t even trust his own family.”

After thinking for a moment, Lee Hyun-soo nodded.

“I’ll give you a chance. I’ll give you work. If you can handle it perfectly, I’ll guarantee your position. Even if Kang Jin-ho doesn’t like it, I’ll push it through.”

Lee Hyun-joo’s eyes lit up.

“However, there are a few conditions.”

“Tell me.”

“First, move your accommodation. It’s hard to keep an eye on you. I’ll arrange a room for you in the nearby dormitory, so live there.”

“I accept. No, rather, I would like to ask for that.”

“Second, if your abilities don’t meet my standards, you’ll be kicked out immediately.”

“I’m prepared for that.”

Lee Hyun-joo’s eyes sparkled. Seeing that, Lee Hyun-soo smiled wryly.

‘She won’t be easy to handle.’

Someone who is too eager is bound to cause trouble. Especially since Lee Hyun-joo thinks her life depends on this, her passion was bound to be excessive.

However, there was still enough room to use her.

‘She’s quick to grasp reality.’

If Lee Hyun-soo were in Lee Hyun-joo’s position, he wouldn’t have been able to move like this. Lee Hyun-joo was now walking the optimal path to change her life.

It would be very difficult and arduous, but if she succeeded, she might be able to break free from the shackles of being Lee Joong-gul’s granddaughter.

“Third, try to contact Lee Sung-hwi. I need more information.”

“That’s impossible. I drew a clear line. I said I would live in the General Assembly. If Sung-hwi has any sense, he won’t come looking for me again.”

“You were hasty.”

“Yes. But it was an unavoidable choice. If I said I could contact Lee Sung-hwi now, you would secretly keep suspecting me.”

“That’s also true.”

‘She’s quick-witted and perceptive.’

Lee Hyun-soo admitted it.

This woman was too valuable to throw away like this. From the beginning, wasn’t Kang Jin-ho’s principle not to give up practical benefits for the sake of reputation? And that was also Lee Hyun-soo’s principle.

“Lastly…”

Lee Hyun-soo looked at Lee Hyun-joo quietly and said,

“Let’s get this straight first. I don’t like you.”

“Just the fact that you’re Lee Joong-gul’s granddaughter makes me want to lock you in a room and make you eat snacks all day. I’ll find fault with everything and try my best to cut you off, so be prepared.”

“It’s the same for me. Let me tell you in advance. I will definitely bring you down and take your place. So, be careful.”

“Heh heh.”

Lee Hyun-soo chuckled lightly and nodded.

“Go to the lounge and have a coffee. It’ll take some time to prepare your workplace and position.”

“Okay. And…”

“Hmm?”

Lee Hyun-joo bowed and expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”

“I know it’s not easy for you to look at me objectively. I respect your abilities.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

Lee Hyun-soo’s face flushed slightly at the unnecessary flattery.

“Of course, I think you’re the worst as a human being, though.”

“Just pick one, just one.”

“Then.”

As Lee Hyun-joo was about to leave, Lee Hyun-soo called out to her.

“Ah, I forgot to mention the most important thing. This is essential.”

“Yes?”

As Lee Hyun-joo turned her head, Lee Hyun-soo grinned.

“If you want to work with me, change your name. I feel like I’m having a Gestalt collapse since earlier.”

“…You crazy bastard.”

It was a clean and firm assessment.

As Lee Hyun-joo went outside, Lee Hyun-soo rubbed his face.

“I don’t know why I have to clean up this mess while listening to such things.”

Lee Hyun-soo’s gaze turned to the distant view outside the window.

To a very distant place.