“The Branch Master of the Demonic Cult is behind the escort caravan robbery?”
At the mention of a name that should never have come up, Geom Mugeuk’s aura turned cold.
“Branch Master Yeo agreed to handle the aftermath so that this matter wouldn’t grow any larger.”
As the Branch Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church’s Hunan Branch, he was a man with enough power in this region to make such a promise.
“What proof is there that he was involved?”
“Proof… There is none. He isn’t the sort of person who leaves evidence behind in matters like this. I am the witness.”
The moment I Eom uttered Yeo Sogwang’s name, he crossed a bridge from which there was no return. He had to abandon Yeo Sogwang and find a way to survive on his own.
“What if you’re slandering the Branch Master?”
“Then you may kill me.”
Judging by his attitude thus far and that desperate look in his eyes, he was telling the truth. In fact, it was not particularly shocking or surprising.
When he had first regressed, it was easy to understand if one thought of the Demon Lords. He had used the Demon Army for his own personal gain and amassed wealth. If until now he had merely kept the inside under control, the time had come to keep the outside under control as well.
“How did you learn about the Hunan First Escort Agency’s caravan this time?”
“I have one of my men among their escort leaders.”
“Who?”
“Yang Dae-nam.”
Once I Eom’s mouth had opened, he did not hesitate.
“Let’s start with what was plundered from this caravan.”
“Please, follow me.”
I Eom rose from his seat. His body felt heavy. He realized that, at some point, the inner power in his dantian had been suppressed.
‘I was subdued without even realizing it.’
I Eom realized that his opponent’s martial prowess far surpassed the realm of ordinary experts. The reason he had killed the Blood-Hand Sword with a single strike from a chopstick was certainly not because the Blood-Hand Sword had let his guard down. Perhaps he could have killed the Blood-Hand Sword with nothing more than a small wooden skewer used to pick one’s teeth.
‘He’s far stronger than Branch Master Yeo.’
His strength was one thing, but he showed not the slightest trace of fear toward Yeo Sogwang. A Branch Master of the Demonic Cult was a person of great power. Just who was this man?
When I Eom activated a mechanism hidden in the bookshelf, the wall revolved, revealing a secret chamber.
Inside were three fairly large chests, filled to the brim with gold and other valuables.
When Geom Mugeuk saw the wealth they had stolen, he became angry with both I Eom and Yeo Sogwang. This was worse than a group of penniless men committing a crime in hopes of striking it rich.
Both men already possessed considerable wealth, and there were countless ways for them to make money without resorting to such deeds. Yeo Sogwang in particular must have received a substantial amount of tribute from here and there.
And yet they had committed something like this?
Without revealing the anger rising within him, Geom Mugeuk asked calmly,
“Did the Blood-Hand Sword accomplish this alone?”
“Chief Escort Yang leaked the route in advance, which made things easy. We were able to set a trap beforehand and launch a surprise attack.”
“You even chose a despicable method.”
I Eom, who had been eagerly informing on everyone, shut his mouth and cautiously watched Geom Mugeuk’s expression.
“You have plenty of money. Why did you do something like this?”
“……”
“Not going to answer?”
“Money is… better the more you have, isn’t it?”
“If it were money you earned.”
I Eom could say nothing and lowered his head. He wanted to speak honestly. In a martial world where everyone preyed upon everyone else, wasn’t the one who got robbed simply an idiot? You think the same way, don’t you? You hypocritical bastard! He wanted to shout those words.
Geom Mugeuk left the chamber and issued an order to Jeok Yeon, who had been waiting in the corridor.
“Bring in the people in charge of the Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion in this region immediately!”
“Yes, understood!”
I Eom was startled when he heard that. Through his dealings with Yeo Sogwang, he had heard enough to know that the Yellow Springs Pavilion and the Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion were core organizations of the Demonic Cult. He was summoning the heads of such core organizations just like that?
At that moment, I Eom’s gaze fell upon Jeok Yeon’s chest. When he had first seen him, he had noticed only the evil spirit. But now he could also see the shield surrounding it.
‘Could it be?’
He had once caught a glimpse of this symbol during a drinking party.
‘The Heavenly Demon Palace Guard?’
I Eom’s gaze turned toward Geom Mugeuk.
‘Then this man is… N-no way… the Young Cult Master of the Demonic Cult? Uwaaaah!’
I Eom’s heart sank. He had truly fallen into the worst possible predicament.
His legs gave out, and he prostrated himself flat against the floor.
“Please spare me! I failed to recognize such an exalted person!”
No matter how deeply I Eom bowed and begged, Geom Mugeuk’s gaze remained cold.
As if to prove that I Eom’s guess was correct, the Demonic Cult members in charge of the Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion arrived like the wind.
Geom Mugeuk handled the matter without hesitation.
First, he explained the incident to the officials in charge. He informed them that, because the Branch Master of the Hunan Branch was involved, they could not use the men from that branch, and therefore the Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion had to take action.
After finishing his explanation, Geom Mugeuk gave his first order to the special investigator from the Yellow Springs Pavilion.
“First, return the stolen escort goods and the Blood-Hand Sword’s corpse to the Hunan First Escort Agency and explain the situation. Also, deal with the escort leader named Yang Dae-nam, who leaked the information about this caravan.”
“Understood.”
I Eom watched the proceedings with a pounding heart when Geom Mugeuk turned to him and said,
“And send that man to the main cult and lock him in the prison.”
The prison of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church? I Eom’s vision went dark.
“No! Please, spare me!”
Geom Mugeuk asked indifferently,
“Did you really think you could commit such a grave offense and simply get away with it?”
“That’s why I confessed everything!”
“And that’s why I haven’t killed you, is it not?”
I Eom was rendered speechless. What he needed at a time like this was a bribe. But judging by the order to return the escort goods, it did not seem as though that would work either.
Geom Mugeuk gave him a choice.
“Fine, then choose! Do you want to go to our prison? Or do you want to go to the Hunan First Escort Agency?”
I Eom knew that both choices meant certain death.
“Please, spare me! I only came up with the plan!”
“This isn’t your first time doing something like this, is it?”
“It is.”
I Eom’s voice trembled, and he could not meet Geom Mugeuk’s gaze.
Could it really be his first time? Even when the Blood-Hand Sword brutally killed the cooks who had been dragged there, he had merely stood by and watched. That alone was enough to guess at the kind of life he had led.
“Of the three, you’re the worst of them all, in my opinion.”
Geom Mugeuk thrust out his fist without hesitation.
Baaam! Crack!
I Eom’s chest was shattered, and he died instantly.
Rumble!
Everyone there was startled by the sound of thunder that rang from the fist. It was as if the heavens themselves had passed judgment.
Geom Mugeuk continued issuing orders.
“Dismantle Wind-and-Water Manor, and distribute all the money obtained from it among the families of those who died this time.”
“Understood.”
He had wanted to help the families of the victims, but there was another reason the matter had to be handled in precisely this way.
“The Hunan First Escort Agency belongs to one of the orthodox sects, does it not?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
In some regions, the Heavenly Demon Divine Church held greater influence, while in others the Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance held sway. Naturally, the closer a region was to the main cult, the stronger its influence, and the farther away it was, the weaker it became.
Hunan Province was a place where the Heavenly Demon Divine Church’s power was strong.
But that did not mean every sect in the region followed and supported the Demonic Cult.
Though fewer in number, there were still many sects that followed the orthodox or unorthodox factions. Even here in Hunan Province, the Martial Alliance had branch altars and branches, and the same was true of the Unorthodox Alliance.
“Notify the Martial Alliance so there are no misunderstandings. Tell them that we will deal with Yeo Sogwang ourselves.”
The Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion maintained frequent contact with the Martial Alliance, so they would handle it properly.
“For the time being, place this village under special protection. It is where my guard’s mother lives.”
Jeok Yeon had been watching Geom Mugeuk handle the matter both decisively and meticulously from the side. Seeing this, he thought to himself:
The Young Cult Master truly was not a position that just anyone could fill.
After finishing his work, Geom Mugeuk went to Hwasun, who had been resting and waiting in the guest room.
“It’s all finished. Let’s head back now. I want to eat the food my mother makes.”
Hwasun felt relieved at those words. From Geom Mugeuk’s bright expression, she could tell that everything had been resolved successfully. The heart that had been pounding anxiously until the very end finally began to settle.
“Of course I should make it for you. Naturally, I should.”
“I told you to speak more comfortably.”
“I cannot do that. This is more comfortable for me, Young Master.”
When they went outside, the escort warriors once again formed a protective formation around Hwasun.
When they reached the carriage, Geom Mugeuk said to Samho and Hwasun,
“Only the two of you should ride in the carriage.”
Hwasun looked bewildered.
“So you can have a private talk with your son after such a long time apart. Come on, get in. We’re leaving.”
Geom Mugeuk climbed onto the driver’s seat. Samho protested that he could not do that, but the matter was settled with a single word from Geom Mugeuk:
“It’s an order.”
The carriage carrying Hwasun and Samho began heading toward the village.
How long had they been traveling?
Laughter could be heard from inside the carriage.
It was the most pleasant sound Geom Mugeuk had heard since leaving the cult.
Geom Mugeuk had no memories of his mother at all. She had died when he was very young. That was why, on days like this, he sometimes missed her.
‘Mother, your sons are living well without fighting one another.’
The succession struggle that had ended without bloodshed between him and his brother had also been for the sake of their late mother.
The carriage arrived at Hwasun’s inn.
When Hwasun stepped down from the carriage and saw her inn, she finally felt that she had returned safely.
Geom Mugeuk treated her warmly, like a son.
“Mother, we’re hungry!”
Hwasun rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen.
Geom Mugeuk and the escort warriors were able to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared with a mother’s care for the first time in a long while. Her cooking was truly delicious.
Hwasun was delighted to see her son eating with his companions.
Overlapping with that scene was the memory of him coming home with the neighborhood children when he was young, all of them crowding into her house to eat.
‘When did you grow so much?’
Her little boy had become a grown man and was now eating with his companions. Her heart swelled with pride and emotion.
After cleaning out a bowl of rice, Geom Mugeuk said to her,
“I’d like to bring you to the main cult and eat the meals you make every day.”
She felt relieved. With her son serving such a good superior, she felt she no longer needed to worry about him.
She brought over more rice and side dishes.
“Young Master, you must have another bowl! I put in extra meat, too.”
Geom Mugeuk beamed at her words.
“I’ll cherish your son more than the other fellows!”
She laughed at his joke, and the guards laughed along with them.
Hwasun was sincerely grateful to Geom Mugeuk. She did not know in detail how the matter at the manor had been handled, but she could feel that it had been resolved because of him.
‘Thank you, Young Master.’
* * *
Geom Mugeuk and his party stayed there for another four days.
They should have left the next day, but he wanted to give Hwasun and Samho, who had reunited after three years, more time together.
Samho devoted himself to his filial duties to his heart’s content.
On the third day, he even took his mother to a nearby temple. They ate delicious food along the way and admired the scenic views. When his mother’s legs began to hurt, Samho carried her on his back.
When her son asked whether she would come live in Maga Village, she shook her head. She did not want to become a burden to her son, nor did she want to leave the hometown where she had spent her entire life.
Four days later, Geom Mugeuk and his party said a reluctant farewell to Hwasun and set off toward the Hunan Branch.
During a brief rest, Samho came to Geom Mugeuk.
“I heard that you ordered our hometown village to be placed under special protection.”
Jeok Yeon must have told him.
“Of course I did. From now on, visit your mother more often. That is an order, too.”
Samho felt it keenly this time. He had been far too neglectful of his mother, using his busy schedule as an excuse.
“Thank you so much. I will never forget the grace you have shown me.”
“Thanks to you, I got to eat my fill of your mother’s delicious food. I’m the one who should be grateful.”
When their rest ended, Jeok Yeon sat in the driver’s seat, saying that he would drive the carriage himself.
“I’ll travel as quickly as possible.”
“Let’s go slowly. We’re not in a hurry.”
Jeok Yeon asked with a puzzled expression,
“Shouldn’t we hurry?”
“Why?”
“If he realizes that his corruption has been exposed, might he not flee?”
There was no chance of that. The Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Penetrating Pavilion did not handle matters so carelessly. At least until they arrived, they would ensure that he knew nothing.
“Resign as Branch Master because of this incident? That would be unlikely. But if he did, that would be punishment enough in its own way. He’d spend the rest of his life regretting and lamenting it. Still, that won’t happen.”
I Eom had said that Yeo Sogwang had left no evidence of his involvement in this matter. There was no reason for him to become frightened and flee preemptively.
“They’re all men consumed by greed. They can’t distance themselves from this mass of avarice.”
And so the carriage traveled leisurely toward the Hunan Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Church.
* * *
Yeo Sogwang was staring out the window.
He had a comfortable, good-natured appearance and did not look like a member of the Demonic Cult at all.
“Have we still received no word from Chief Steward I?”
At Yeo Sogwang’s question, Hwang Pyo, his right-hand man, answered,
“Not yet.”
They should have received word that the goods had been sent, but there had been no news from I Eom.
“Could it be that he has begun harboring other intentions?”
Yeo Sogwang firmly shook his head.
“He isn’t that kind of man.”
Besides, the blade they had used this time was the Blood-Hand Sword. Yeo Sogwang had chosen that greedy bastard precisely because of the possibility, however remote, that something might go wrong. No one would dare harbor other intentions when dealing with that man, for he was not easy to handle.
“What of the Young Cult Master?”
“He is running later than scheduled.”
“He’s trying to engage in a battle of wills. He learned bad habits from a young age.”
“Have you heard the rumors? They say that the Second Young Master, who became the successor this time, is truly extraordinary.”
“Of course he is.”
Even so, Yeo Sogwang remained at ease.
“Even so…”
He was still merely a young man brimming with youthful vigor. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, the rashness that came with his age was unavoidable. Yeo Sogwang intended to gently melt him down with sweet words.
He would show the young man exactly how he had risen from an ordinary martial artist to become a Branch Master.
“So come quickly, Young Cult Master.”