Chapter 156

〈Chapter 156〉Part 1, Chapter 8, Section 16

Mo Taegyeong’s name might remind one of someone else, but in reality, he is based on an entirely different figure.

Cao Mang De.

Mo Taegyeong isn’t just inspired by the chaos-era hero who laid the foundation for Wei during the Three Kingdoms period; his personality and life story are practically carbon-copied. Whether it’s holding the position of second-in-command under a puppet leader while enjoying near-absolute power or plotting to eventually take over as the top dog…

Even his penchant for married women and certain sexual preferences were copied wholesale.

‘That’s also why I warned Rusalka not to fall for him.’

No matter how powerful S-Rank Rusalka may be or how formidable her SS-Rank guardian monster is, there’s no harm in being cautious. After all, every illegitimate child he fathered came from affairs with other people’s wives or lovers.

The nickname “Yunjang” given to his only daughter, Xiao Lin, might reflect his obsession with the original source material—or maybe it reflects *himself*.

‘Or maybe he *is* the original.’

Just as Mushi is the reincarnation of Xiang Yu, Mo Taegyeong, the final boss in Xiao Lin’s route, could also be the reincarnation of Emperor Wu of Wei. Whether this is true or merely thematic inspiration remains unclear, but one thing everyone knows: he’s a master at NTR (stealing others’ lovers).

And his method of stealing lovers? The members of the Dongchang organization. That’s why I can never forgive those Dongchang bastards.

[So blame your future self.]

I blocked an incoming punch with my knee and swung Deokbae upward. The monster tried to retreat hastily but it was too late.

CRUNCH.

“Guhhh?!”

One of the Dongchang lackeys transformed into a monster had their testicles crushed by Deokbae. Sure, they’ll regenerate when they come back to life, but until then, they’ll have to live with the pain.

[Did you think escaping Dongcheng meant safety?]

If I permanently disable them so they can’t fight anymore, that solves everything. I flung the monster holding Deokbae aside.

“KRAAAH?!”

The monster rolled across the ground, snapping its neck and falling unconscious. Even though illusion magic reduces damage by half, hitting the universal male weak point means they have no choice but to withdraw from battle.

“You… wicked wench!”

Chaos Dragon wiped away tears while grinding his teeth. Since he directly controls the monsters, part of their pain must’ve transferred to him. Indeed, Chaos Dragon was trembling uncontrollably as he rubbed his thighs.

Meanwhile, I shrugged while pointing Deokbae at him.

[Why don’t you sever the link? There won’t even be any pain.]

“Shut up!”

Chaos Dragon, despite sniffling, ordered the monsters to charge me. Illusion-controlled monsters with glowing gray eyes rushed forward, determined to kill me. But before they could reach me, I lunged ahead.

[As long as you’re not personally possessing them, they’re just puppets.]

I jabbed the chest of the first charging beast with the tip of Deokbae. The creature’s torso caved inward as it spat blood and froze in place. Using the underside of Deokbae, I thrust my hands underneath and unleashed blue flames.

WHOOSH!!

Like a flamethrower roaring to life, fiery bursts erupted from Deokbae, engulfing the monster in searing blue fire. It turned into charcoal, exhaling smoke through its mouth. Chaos Dragon’s eyelids twitched.

[Next.]

I yanked Deokbae back and swung it horizontally. The burning corpse flew sideways, smashing into another dagger-wielding monster trying to ambush me.

[Where do you think you’re sneaking from?]

If your surprise attack fails, you should prepare to defend yourself. I hurled the corpse directly at the ambushing monster, pinning him to the ground. Then I stomped hard on top of him.

“KRAAHH!”

“Hmph!”

Both the monster and Chaos Dragon screamed simultaneously. Seizing the opportunity, I aimed Deokbae straight for his groin.

WHOOSH!

“GGGHHHH?!?”

I torched the monster’s jewels. Chaos Dragon collapsed onto the ground, biting his lips.

“This… this is outrageous!”

[Hmph.]

CRACK. A hidden monster behind me stabbed at my joints with a knife, exploiting the armor’s weak points. Though commendable, it wasn’t very painful.

[Useless.]

I reached back and grabbed the monster’s jaw. As it struggled violently to break free, my actions proved faster.

BOOM!

I slammed the monster onto the pile below, creating a three-layer stack. They writhed in agony while screaming, and I retrieved the sword embedded in my back to grant them eternal rest.

CRUNCH.

That makes four. I’ve ensured these four Dongchang members will never rise again.

“Why, you crazy woman! Why are you obsessed with attacking their… um… private parts?!”

Chaos Dragon shouted furiously. His thirteen remaining minions readied themselves to charge, though each subtly guarded their groins.

[It’s not obsession. You detached their empathy, so…]

I extended Deokbae forward, resting its shaft on my palm.

[I’m simply removing their penises. There’s no real difference, right?]

“It’s different! Ugh, I can’t take it anymore!”

Chaos Dragon spun around and reached toward one of his subordinates. His magical body dissolved back into his core, which then merged with the subordinate’s form.

Though I usually attack during transformations—it’s an unwritten rule among villains—I decided to hold off this time.

[You’ve possessed him.]

“…Yeah.”

The monster responded. Though its voice belonged to a Dongchang man, the flowing mana clearly originated from Chaos Dragon. His pupils glowed with deep gray intensity.

[Right. Fighting directly suits you better. You’re the second-best melee fighter after Gaechonkwang, aren’t you?]

“Stop comparing me to that cockfighting bastard… And what are you, anyway? Why are you carrying such a dirty club around? Why did you bother flying all the way here just to wake me up? And why are you making so much noise while doing it?”

The battlefield soundtrack still played “Good Morning” acapella. One by one, the Illusion Spirits obeying my commands gathered overhead. Syncing my movements to the rhythm, I rested Deokbae on my shoulder.

[People change. Stop stalling and fight already.]

Extending my free hand, I wagged my fingers in obvious provocation. Chaos Dragon visibly recoiled, clearly considering escape.

[By the way, if you run, I’ll broadcast this worldwide.]

SNAP. I flicked my finger. An Illusion Spirit hovering nearby cleared its throat and began singing.

DING DING DING. Good morning~

“Of course…”

The apparent leader of the Dongchang group frowned deeply. Judging by his unfamiliar face, he must be a new character not featured in the original story. Bowing slightly to Chaos Dragon, he whispered something loud enough for me to hear.

“Master, we’ve found the culprit.”

“Hmm… This crazy woman seems to have awakened me prematurely. Tch.”

[When there’s someone lazy sleeping nearby, it’s natural to wake them up.]

Though I spoke diplomatically as a Dark Legion officer, frankly speaking, Chaos Dragon deserves a beating. Eight crushed testicles weren’t nearly enough punishment.

If Chaos Dragon had shown even half the motivation to tidy up his mess, Seongju would’ve been eliminated long ago. Tapping Deokbae twice, I raised my voice.

[You. Speak honestly.]

“What?”

Chaos Dragon lifted both hands dramatically, glaring at me, but froze solid upon hearing my next question.

[Wasn’t the mind control broken?]

“Mind… mind control? What are you talking about?”

Chaos Dragon’s voice cracked severely. He was clearly unnerved by my probing question. I shook my head side to side.

[Nope, nope. My bad. Let’s move on.]

“G-good. What are you even saying? We’re proud officers of the Dark Legion—”

[While aware of the mind control, you chose to ignore it because you were too lazy to act. You just wanted to sleep, didn’t you?]

“…”

Chaos Dragon closed his eyes briefly. I waited patiently for him to speak.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Though it was an excuse, I nodded encouragingly. Clearing his throat, Chaos Dragon waved his hand dismissively. He seemed more energetic than ever, probably trying to justify himself to me.

“I merely woke up earlier than planned due to unforeseen circumstances. And since I woke up early, I was preparing myself.”

[Unforeseen circumstances?]

“Dimensional Gate.”

Chaos Dragon pointed toward the direction of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum where he’d been sleeping.

“How could I stay asleep when a dimensional gate opens right above my head? Besides, isn’t world domination our mission as Dark Legion officers? We—”

[I had my mind control broken too.]

“…”

[I had my mind control broken. That’s why I’m looking for other officers to awaken their spirits—]

“Don’t try to deceive me! Monitoring other officers is the duty of Blazing Phoenix, YOU!!”

Chaos Dragon exploded in rage. Feeling increasingly frustrated, I pounded my chest repeatedly.

[No, listen! I said MY mind control was broken too!! How many times do I have to repeat myself??]

“Three times!”

This guy… why does he refuse to believe in either people or spirits like this? What makes me even angrier is that based on my experience from the original story, I’ve already fulfilled all the conditions to break the mind control. Technically, I’m halfway through spiritual awakening. All I need now is to fully recognize myself as a spirit…

But Chaos Dragon refuses to accept it.

[Ah.]

I understood his fear from his wavering pupils.

‘He’s scared that if I realize he’s under mind control, he’ll report it to Seongju and reinforce the control on himself. He thinks I’m lying.’

Maybe that’s why he’s so immersed in his act—pretending he’s definitely not under mind control. Just a misunderstanding. No way am I foolish enough to fall for his tricks.

Blazing Phoenix must be Seongju’s spy in his mind.

‘Realistically, if Seongju suddenly floated down asking ‘Are you free from mind control?’, I’d probably prostrate myself and beg for forgiveness as a loyal officer too.’ Suppressing my irritation, I continued.

[Alright, I get it. But I’m undergoing spiritual awakening—]

“Show me proof.”

Interrupting me mid-sentence, Chaos Dragon pointed at his core with his thumb.

“Prove you’re a spirit. Then I’ll believe you.”

[Mind control breaking isn’t enough proof?]

“No. It’s insufficient. Show me your true spirit form, not this ‘monster body’. If you’re really a spirit, transform and show me!”

[…]

I understood what Chaos Dragon meant. He demands I reveal not my human or monster form, but the mythic essence form. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing strike of my strawberry-loving consciousness, I can’t fully manifest my divine potential.

[That’s impossible. But—]

“Exactly. Another failed trick. Get out of my territory immediately. I must follow Seongju-sama’s orders and conquer this land.”

[…This is getting annoying.]

Should I call Seok Harang? No, Chaos Dragon doesn’t know her.

How about summoning Rusalka? No, even though his soul resides within her, he wouldn’t trust Anastasha’s human body.

Or maybe I should wake Penril from Northern Europe first? No, he’d definitely flee during that time.

[Sigh.]

Ultimately, I have to make Chaos Dragon trust me, but he refuses to believe anything I say.

[Unfortunately, our bond of trust has deteriorated this far.]

“Tch. Trust, shmistrust. Go back to your assigned area already. I’ll use all my strength to—”

[Wrong. Knowing about spirits yet fearing both me and Seongju, choosing laziness over action… Trying to persuade someone like you was foolish of me. When you recognized my ‘monster form’, you should’ve asked ‘What’s a spirit?’ if your mind control was truly intact. You’re panicking, idiot.]

“…”

Chaos Dragon lost his words.

[Also, wasn’t your monster form ‘Chaos’, one of the Four Fiends resembling a dog? Your spirit form is supposed to be a dragon, but looks like your personal chaos hasn’t resolved yet. Hmm. Dog.]

“Wait, stop! Knowing all this proves… you really broke free from mind control!”

Chaos Dragon lit up with joy. However, I raised my palm signaling him to halt, then ignited blue flames on Deokbae.

[Crazy dogs need to be disciplined with a stick. Yup. That’s how it is.]

“Wait, wait! Chang-yeom! I’m actually a dragon! I’ve broken free from mind control! Big sister Chang-yeom!”

[Nope. Let’s just say your mind control hasn’t broken yet. Maybe a beating will clear your head. And…]

Swirling Deokbae around, I gripped the handle tightly.

[I’m not your big sister.]

“…W-Wait! You’re trolling me, aren’t you!? You evil witch!!”

I only told the truth. The problem lies in his refusal to believe it.

[Let’s fight already.]

“……Hah, hahahaha.”

Chaos Dragon burst into maniacal laughter. Whether it’s due to the possessed monster or his own influence, his eyes were bloodshot.

“Waking me up against my will… blaring some trashy morning call and trumpets… knowing full well about shared pain but targeting only the testicles… Then what? Want to fight?”

Chaos Dragon’s fists trembled violently.

“Yeah, let’s fight, you damn bitch!”

Chaos Dragon and his monsters charged at me. Cracking my neck left and right, I firmly grasped Deokbae.

[When words fail…]

We settle it with fists.

Unleashing my magic power, I hurled Deokbae straight at the charging Chaos Dragon.