The Dan sisters were startled and flustered.
They truly had never expected the Young Cult Master to personally arrange positions for them.
Dana looked at Seo Daeryong with a dazed expression.
His face was filled with emotion as he expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk.
“Young Cult Master, thank you.”
It was all thanks to Geom Mugeuk that he had been able to come this far. And now, Geom Mugeuk was willing to step forward for the woman he loved—and even for her younger sisters.
“Don’t get moved just yet! You might only be asked to shovel horse dung in the stables!”
Dana answered energetically.
“If it is something the Young Cult Master commands, I will do anything. Even if you told me to clear corpses every day instead of horse dung, I would do it.”
Her two sisters shouted together.
“Just leave it to us.”
They were sincere. They were already deeply grateful simply because the Young Cult Master of the Demonic Heavenly Cult was personally looking after them.
“Then follow me.”
The first place Geom Mugeuk headed was the Ghost Shadow Unit, led by Ian.
The First Squad Leader, Cheongmyeon, came out to greet him.
“Young Cult Master! I heard that you had returned.”
All the warriors of the Ghost Shadow Unit came out and paid their respects. Perhaps they had been devoted to their training during that time, for their presence was even sharper than when Geom Mugeuk had first seen them.
After examining them, Geom Mugeuk’s gaze returned to Cheongmyeon.
He did not ask how things had been going lately. Instead, he asked:
“Are you happy?”
Cheongmyeon had chosen the path of an ordinary squad leader instead of remaining the Extreme Evil Little Demon’s personal disciple.
His eyes, visible through the mask, smiled pleasantly.
“Yes.”
That brief answer was enough. Geom Mugeuk could feel that Cheongmyeon was satisfied with his life.
“I fought alongside the Little Demon this time.”
Geom Mugeuk deliberately mentioned the Extreme Evil Little Demon. Would avoiding the subject really make Cheongmyeon forget him? Rather, Geom Mugeuk believed that speaking naturally was the better thing to do for him.
“I survived thanks to the Little Demon.”
An unmistakable longing passed through Cheongmyeon’s eyes.
“Thank you for bringing me the news.”
After sharing that long-awaited reunion, Geom Mugeuk revealed the reason he had come today.
“Today, I’ve come to recommend a new recruit to the Ghost Shadow Unit.”
Since this was Geom Mugeuk’s first recommendation, Cheongmyeon looked surprised as he glanced at the three women who had come with him.
The person Geom Mugeuk had chosen was Danyeon.
“Youngest Miss!”
Danyeon was startled, never imagining that he would call for her.
“Me?”
“Youngest Miss, the Ghost Shadow Unit is my direct organization, and the place where my heart serves as its commander. It is also where Cheongmyeon, whom I trust, serves as First Squad Leader.”
“Are you trying to place me in such an important organization?”
Geom Mugeuk nodded.
“I believe the Ghost Shadow Unit will suit you, given your lively personality. From now on, the Ghost Shadow Unit will travel throughout the Central Plains carrying out missions. What do you think? Would you like to give it a try?”
Danyeon was surprised that Geom Mugeuk had understood her personality so well.
Her gaze shifted from Geom Mugeuk to the warriors of the Ghost Shadow Unit. Cheongmyeon, wearing his blue mask, and the warriors standing behind him all possessed an extraordinary presence. She would not merely be a wandering martial artist anymore. She would become an elite warrior of the Demonic Cult.
“Can I really do it?”
“That is something neither I nor the First Squad Leader over there can know. Only you can know the answer. Youngest Miss, can you do it?”
For all the importance of the matter, she did not take long to decide. What stamped the seal on her decision was neither some vague hope that she wanted to do well nor some vague confidence that she could.
It was the path she had walked until now. The past she had overcome—the harsh life of a wandering martial artist—made the decision for her with a resounding bang.
Danyeon respectfully clasped her hands toward Cheongmyeon and bowed.
“If you will accept me, I will do my very best.”
Geom Mugeuk thought that the youngest was clever. Since he had brought her there, Cheongmyeon would have no choice but to accept her. Yet she was still asking for his permission.
“You have the Young Cult Master’s recommendation, but there will be no special treatment.”
“That is exactly what I want.”
Cheongmyeon accepted her with a pleased expression.
“Report here starting tomorrow.”
“Thank you!”
“Thank the Young Cult Master. We are shadows who exist solely for the Young Cult Master.”
Danyeon clasped her hands toward Geom Mugeuk and spoke energetically.
“Young Cult Master, thank you.”
Dana and Danbi bowed their heads at the same time.
“Thank you so much for looking after our sister.”
A mischievous glint crossed Geom Mugeuk’s face.
“It’s not because of you two, but because of our youngest miss. Now, Youngest Miss, will you still send dishes to my father?”
Danyeon smiled sheepishly, her expression making it clear that she could not give up that one thing.
“That’s too cruel! Youngest Miss!”
Danyeon’s heart pounded. It did not feel real. Neither speaking so casually with the Young Cult Master of the Demonic Cult nor entering the Ghost Shadow Unit.
She had known that a new life would begin, but she had never imagined that everything would change so suddenly on her first day in the Demonic Heavenly Cult. She had not even finished unpacking her belongings.
How could Geom Mugeuk fail to understand her complicated feelings? He added some warm encouragement.
“The wind has already begun to blow, so our Youngest Miss must steer the sails well.”
* * *
“Thank you. You saved my life.”
Jong Hwa, an investigator of the Yellow Springs Pavilion, bowed respectfully.
While arresting a cult member who had committed corruption, the man had suddenly swung his sword and tried to take the investigator hostage, putting everyone in great danger.
Fortunately, the newly appointed Third Commander of the Execution Unit responded swiftly and saved his life.
“This is excessive force, you bastards! You’re all getting fired!”
The cult member, who had been stabbed by the sword during the process, began shouting. Terrified and drunk, he had no idea what he was doing.
“This is nothing. There will be all sorts of bastards from now on.”
At Jong Hwa’s words, the Third Commander nodded.
After Jong Hwa and the execution warriors arrested the criminal and departed first, the Third Commander was left alone and let out a sigh.
Then a voice came from behind him.
“Do you already miss the Jeongan Branch?”
He spun around in surprise and saw Geom Mugeuk walking toward him with Seo Daeryong and the Dan sisters.
“Young Cult Master?”
“It has been a while, Branch Leader Kang. No—Third Commander Kang.”
He was Kang Dal, the Jeongan Branch Leader of the Demonic Heavenly Cult. After making a great contribution by saving the Dan sisters and catching the attention of Geom Wujin, he had been appointed Third Commander of the Execution Unit.
There were three commanders under the Supreme Commander, and he had been appointed commander of the Third Unit. Being transferred from a regional branch to command an execution unit of the Yellow Springs Pavilion was an unprecedented promotion. It was a reward from Geom Wujin, who had recognized his judgment and ability to handle affairs.
He had been filled with worry when he was appointed and came to the main headquarters. Extraordinary appointments always brought gossip and dissatisfaction.
But this time, not a single word of gossip or complaint arose.
On the day of his appointment, Geom Wujin had personally visited the Yellow Springs Pavilion. In front of all the execution warriors, he praised Kang Dal for his great contribution and personally appointed him commander.
Kang Dal would never forget the sight of the Cult Leader walking through the open doors into the place where he had been assigned, not until the day he died.
After respectfully greeting Geom Mugeuk, Kang Dal formally paid his respects to Seo Daeryong as well.
“I will serve you with complete loyalty from now on.”
Seo Daeryong was now his direct superior.
Although this was the first time they had met in person, Seo Daeryong had already received the report of Kang Dal’s appointment as an Execution Commander.
“I believe that you will perform admirably, Commander Kang.”
“I will do my utmost not to disappoint you.”
When the two had finished exchanging greetings, Geom Mugeuk told Kang Dal why he had come.
“Please accept one new recruit into the Third Unit of the Execution Division.”
“As it happens, we were just about to replenish our personnel.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at his second sister, Danbi.
“The Second Miss is calm and rational, so I believe she is suited to being an execution warrior. What do you think? Would you like to try it?”
She had been prepared to do anything, from serving as a low-ranking warrior to handling menial chores. How could she dislike becoming an execution warrior of the Yellow Springs Pavilion?
“Thank you so much.”
Danbi’s martial arts ability was also sufficient for the position.
The Dan sisters were sincerely moved—not only by being entrusted with important positions, but also by Geom Mugeuk’s consideration in taking each of their personalities into account. In truth, that was the most important part.
What if the position the Young Cult Master arranged for them did not suit them? Since it was not something they could simply quit, it would have been truly painful.
Danbi respectfully greeted Kang Dal.
“I look forward to working with you, Commander!”
“It is even more pleasant since we have met before.”
Kang Dal smiled. In truth, he had risen so far because the Dan sisters had come to his branch.
The Young Cult Master, the Pavilion Lord of the Yellow Springs Pavilion, and the Dan sisters.
Their connection continued even after coming to the main headquarters.
And so Geom Mugeuk had found positions for the second and third sisters.
“There is no position for the eldest sister.”
Naturally, there was a reason Geom Mugeuk had made this decision.
“First, I want the two of you to have plenty of time together.”
The two of them liked each other and had come all the way to the main headquarters together. But if Dana took on a new position, she would be busy and distracted adapting to the work.
“For the time being, take your time and enjoy yourselves. Go out together, buy yourselves delicious food, adjust to the Cult, and look after your sisters.”
Seo Daeryong’s entire body trembled at Geom Mugeuk’s thoughtfulness.
‘There is no way I can be more moved by the Young Cult Master. I’ve already used up all the emotion in my life on him, haven’t I? But how am I supposed to bear it if he keeps doing this?’
He truly felt that way. That was why the following question came out naturally.
“What are you going to do later?”
“Do what?”
“You’re already this handsome and impressive while you’re young. What will you do later?”
“If I end up shabby, boring, and unimpressive, you can tell people this: Our Young Cult Master used up all the handsomeness in his life during his twenties! So please understand him.”
Kang Dal and the Dan sisters laughed along with Seo Daeryong.
Geom Mugeuk sincerely hoped that Seo Daeryong and Dana would succeed. But he knew that it was not something he could make happen by interfering.
“If a life spent as a wandering martial artist has brought you all the way to the main headquarters alongside the Pavilion Lord of the Yellow Springs Pavilion, then I believe you must have a destiny of your own. Follow wherever that destiny leads you.”
Dana bowed respectfully.
“I will never forget the grace you have shown us.”
Only now could she understand why Seo Daeryong spoke of the Young Cult Master whenever he opened his mouth. Geom Mugeuk was simply that kind of person.
“Then let’s all meet at the Pungnyu Tavern this evening! Commander Kang, you come too!”
* * *
Geom Mugeuk went straight to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“Elder!”
When he ran into the courtyard, someone was already there.
“Young Cult Master, whenever you return from outside the Cult, this is always the first place you come.”
The woman tending the flower garden straightened her back. Her makeup-free face and pure white hair now suited her perfectly. She was the Ilhwa Sword Venerable.
“I like you best, Elder. Have you been well, Sword Venerable?”
The Ilhwa Sword Venerable smiled brightly and nodded. Her presence had grown even gentler, so it seemed her training had not stopped.
At that moment, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon walked out of the storehouse and spoke.
“Lies, every word!”
Even so, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon could not hide his pleased expression.
“Elder!”
Geom Mugeuk ran over and tried to embrace him, but as always, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon used his footwork to evade him.
Holding the hoe he had brought from the storehouse, he squatted down beside the Ilhwa Sword Venerable and began digging into the earth.
Geom Mugeuk watched the two of them tend the flower garden for a moment.
What did they feel toward each other?
There was at least one thing he could sense. They were not forcing themselves to draw closer. They simply looked at each other from exactly that distance.
Perhaps that distance was what protected the two of them.
As he worked the hoe, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked:
“How did it go?”
“I came back from the brink of death. If Vice Alliance Leader Bi and Commander of the Demon-Slaying Unit had not been there—and especially if the Little Demon had not been there—I would have died.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s hands stopped briefly, then began moving again.
“It’ll only get harder. The more of them you kill, the more viciously and powerfully they’ll strike back.”
“You have to protect me, Elder.”
“Don’t think about making an old man work for you. Just train hard.”
From now on, Geom Mugeuk intended to work truly hard. He was not the only one whose pride had been wounded when the Seven-Star Nine Fire Demon Art had failed to work.
“Sword Venerable, I think we need to restart our sparring partnership.”
The Ilhwa Sword Venerable smiled.
“I’m always happy to.”
Just then, two people entered the courtyard.
They were Seo Daeryong and Dana. Since they had returned from outside the Cult, they had come to greet his master. Geom Mugeuk had brought Dana along so that he could introduce her as well.
“Master, I’ve returned.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon rose and walked toward Seo Daeryong.
His worried gaze swept over his disciple’s body.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Then that’s enough.”
Geom Mugeuk was not the sort of person who would simply watch this happen.
“No, even if he is your first disciple, aren’t you showing him too much favoritism? I was in greater danger!”
As though he had not heard him, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned his gaze toward Dana.
“Who is this young lady?”
“She is Miss Dana. She came to the main headquarters with me this time.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Seo Daeryong with an expression that asked what he meant. Seo Daeryong did not know how to explain it and merely flushed red.
Dana was nervous. She truly wanted to make a good impression on Seo Daeryong’s master, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. Her heart was pounding even harder than when she had been surrounded by enemies.
At that moment, the Ilhwa Sword Venerable rose and walked toward them.
“Why even ask?”
She looked at Seo Daeryong and Dana. Seeing the fresh, budding affection between two people who could barely even look each other in the eye, she smiled naturally.
‘I was like that once, too.’
Seo Daeryong introduced the Ilhwa Sword Venerable to Dana.
“She is the Ilhwa Sword Venerable, one of the Martial Venerables of our Cult.”
Dana stared at her in surprise. There was no one who wielded a sword who did not know her.
The woman who had risen to the rank of Martial Venerable with a single sword.
To Dana, the Ilhwa Sword Venerable was a particularly special person. Even after coming here, she had been the Martial Venerable she most wanted to meet after the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, Seo Daeryong’s master.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
Dana’s voice trembled. Her admiration for the Ilhwa Sword Venerable was plainly visible on her face, and so her first impression passed with flying colors.
“It couldn’t have been easy for a woman to resolve to devote herself to our Cult.”
Perhaps it was because Dana was in love with Seo Daeryong, who wore a greatsword at his waist. The Ilhwa Sword Venerable was reminded of her own youth.
“What do you like about him so much?”
Since it was the Ilhwa Sword Venerable herself who had asked, Dana answered honestly.
“I like his pure nature, which is unlike that of a martial artist.”
The Ilhwa Sword Venerable nodded and turned back toward the flower garden. Then, at the sight of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Daeryong standing side by side with greatswords strapped to their backs, she suddenly turned around and asked:
“Could it be that Pavilion Lord Seo…”
Had she guessed what the question would be? The Blood Heaven Blade Demon quickly cut her off.
“Let’s not stand around here. We should go inside. I happen to have some good tea.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon took Dana inside, followed by Seo Daeryong.
The Ilhwa Sword Venerable smiled as she recalled that distant day.
“Just like master, just like disciple!”