Chapter 263 - A Mother's Cooking

“A branch head of the Demonic Cult is behind the raid on an escort shipment?”

At the mention of a name that should never have come up, Geom Mugeuk's qi presence turned cold.

“Branch Head Yeo agreed to handle the aftermath so this wouldn't turn into a major incident.”

As head of the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon's Hunan branch, he wielded enough power in the region to make such a promise.

“What proof do you have of his involvement?”

“There is... no proof. He isn't the sort to leave evidence in matters like this. I am your witness.”

The moment Yi 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 himself.

“And if you're slandering the branch head?”

“Then you may kill me.”

Judging by his behavior so far and the desperation in his eyes, he was telling the truth. In fact, this was neither particularly shocking nor surprising.

It was easy enough to understand when one thought of the Demon Army commander at the time of the regression. He had used the Demon Army for his own purposes to enrich himself. Until now, the focus had been on policing matters within the Cult. The time had come to police its operations outside as well.

“How did you learn about this shipment from Hunan's Foremost Escort Agency?”

“One of their escort leaders is my man.”

“Who?”

“Yang Daenam.”

Now that Yi Eom had started talking, he held nothing back.

“Let's see what you stole from the shipment first.”

“Please, follow me.”

Yi Eom rose from his seat. His body felt heavy. He realized that the internal energy in his dantian had already been suppressed.

'He subdued me without my even noticing.'

Yi Eom realized that his opponent's martial prowess far surpassed that of an ordinary master. The Blood-Hand Sword had not been killed by a single chopstick strike merely because he had let his guard down. Perhaps even a tiny wooden toothpick would have been enough to kill him.

'He's far stronger than Branch Head Yeo.'

His skill was one thing, but he showed no fear of Yeo Sogwang at all. A Demonic Cult branch head was a man of considerable power. Who on earth was this man?

Yi Eom operated a mechanism concealed in the bookcase. The wall swung around, revealing a secret chamber.

Inside were three sizable chests filled with gold valuables.

Seeing the wealth they had actually stolen made Geom Mugeuk angry with Yi Eom and Yeo Sogwang. This was worse than penniless men committing a crime in hopes of one big score.

Both men were sure to possess substantial fortunes already, and they had any number of ways to make money without doing this. Someone of Yeo Sogwang's standing, in particular, would be receiving considerable tribute from all quarters.

And they had still done this?

Keeping his rising anger hidden, Geom Mugeuk asked calmly.

“Did the Blood-Hand Sword carry this out alone?”

“Escort Leader Yang leaked the route to us in advance, which made it easy. We were able to lay a trap and ambush them.”

“Even your methods were despicable.”

Yi Eom, who had been eagerly spilling everything, fell silent and watched Geom Mugeuk's expression.

“You already have plenty of money. Why did you do this?”

“...”

“Aren't you going to answer?”

“Money... isn't more always better?”

“If it's money you earned, perhaps.”

Unable to say a word, Yi Eom hung his head. He wanted to speak honestly. In Murim, where everyone either devoured others or was devoured, wasn't the idiot the one who got robbed? You think the same way, don't you? You hypocritical bastard! He wanted to shout it at him.

Geom Mugeuk left the chamber and ordered Jeok Yeon, who was waiting in the corridor,

“Summon the local officers in charge of Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion. Immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

Yi Eom was startled to hear that. Through his dealings with Yeo Sogwang, he had learned that Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion were core institutions of the Demonic Cult. This man could summon their officers so casually?

His gaze fell on Jeok Yeon's chest. At first, he had noticed only the evil spirit. Now he saw the shield surrounding it as well.

'Could it be?'

He had once heard that symbol mentioned in passing over drinks, too.

'The Heavenly Demon Hall Guard?'

Yi Eom looked at Geom Mugeuk.

'Then this man is... D-don't tell me... the Demonic Cult's young lord? Gaaah!'

Yi Eom's heart sank. He could hardly have run afoul of a worse person.

His legs gave out, and he prostrated himself on the floor.

“Please spare me! I failed to recognize your exalted status.”

No matter how he bowed and begged, Geom Mugeuk's gaze remained cold.

As if to confirm Yi Eom's conclusion, the demonic martial artists responsible for the region from Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion came racing over like the wind.

Geom Mugeuk handled the matter without hesitation.

First, he explained the incident to the officers in charge. He then told them that because the Hunan branch head was involved, that branch's martial artists could not be used; Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion would have to act instead.

Once he had finished explaining, he gave his first orders to the special investigator from Yellow Springs Pavilion.

“First, return the stolen shipment and the Blood-Hand Sword's body to Hunan's Foremost Escort Agency and explain the situation. Tell them to deal with the escort leader named Yang Daenam, who leaked the shipment's details, as well.”

“Understood.”

Yi Eom watched anxiously as this unfolded. Then Geom Mugeuk turned toward him.

“And send that man to the Cult and put him in prison.”

Imprisoned in the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon? Everything went dark before Yi Eom's eyes.

“No! Please spare me!”

Geom Mugeuk asked dispassionately,

“Did you really think you'd get away with committing a crime this serious?”

“But didn't I confess everything?”

“And that's why I haven't killed you, isn't it?”

Yi Eom was speechless. A bribe was what he needed at a time like this. But judging by the order to return the shipment, that was unlikely to work either.

Geom Mugeuk gave him a choice.

“Fine, then choose! Our prison, or Hunan's Foremost Escort Agency?”

Yi Eom knew either choice meant he was a dead man.

“Please spare me! All I did was make the plan!”

“This isn't your first time, is it?”

“It is.”

Yi Eom's voice trembled, and he could not meet Geom Mugeuk's gaze.

How could it possibly be his first time? He had simply watched as the Blood-Hand Sword brutally murdered the cooks brought here. That alone was enough to give an idea of the life he had led.

“In my eyes, you're the worst of the three.”

Without hesitation, Geom Mugeuk threw a punch.

THUD! CRUNCH!

Yi Eom's chest was shattered, killing him instantly.

RUMBLE!

Everyone present was startled by the thunder rolling from his fist. It was as though heaven itself had delivered punishment.

Geom Mugeuk continued issuing orders.

“Dismantle Wind and Water Manor and distribute all the proceeds among the families of those killed in this incident!”

“Understood.”

He wanted to help the victims' families, but there was another reason it had to be handled this way.

“Hunan's Foremost Escort Agency is affiliated with the orthodox factions, correct?”

“Yes, it is.”

In some regions, the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon held greater sway; in others, the Orthodox Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance did. Naturally, each power's influence grew stronger nearer its headquarters and weaker farther away.

Hunan Province was a region where the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon wielded considerable influence.

That did not mean, however, that every sect here followed and supported the Demonic Cult.

Though relatively fewer in number, many sects followed the orthodox or unorthodox factions. The Orthodox Martial Alliance certainly had chapters and branches in Hunan Province, and the same was true of the Unorthodox Alliance.

“Notify the Orthodox Martial Alliance so there are no misunderstandings. Tell them we will deal with Yeo Sogwang ourselves.”

Heaven-Reaching Pavilion had extensive dealings with the Orthodox Martial Alliance, so they would handle that properly on their own.

“Give this village special attention for the time being. My guard's mother lives here.”

Jeok Yeon watched from beside him as Geom Mugeuk handled everything both decisively and meticulously. Watching him, he thought: Truly, not just anyone could be the young lord.

Having finished his business, Geom Mugeuk went to Hwasun, who had been resting in a guest room while she waited.

“It's all over. Let's head back now. I'd like a meal cooked by you, Mother.”

Hwasun felt relieved. His bright expression told her that everything had been resolved. Her heart, which had remained anxious until the very end, finally settled.

“I'll cook for you. Of course I will.”

“I keep telling you, you don't have to be so formal with me.”

“Oh, I couldn't do that. This is more comfortable for me, Young Master.”

Even as they left, the guards maintained their protective formation around Hwasun.

When they reached the carriage, Geom Mugeuk told Number Three and Hwasun,

“Just the two of you should ride inside.”

Hwasun looked puzzled.

“So you can have a little time alone to talk with your son after so long. Come on, get in. We're leaving.”

Geom Mugeuk climbed onto the driver's seat. Number Three protested, but a simple “That's an order” settled the matter.

The carriage carrying Hwasun and Number Three began heading toward the village.

How long had they been traveling?

Hwasun's laughter drifted out from the carriage.

It was the most pleasant sound he had heard since leaving the Cult.

Geom Mugeuk had no memories of his mother at all. She had died when he was far too young. That was why, on days like this, he sometimes missed her.

'Mother, your sons are living well without fighting each other.'

Keeping his struggle with his brother for the succession bloodless had also been something he did for his late mother.

The carriage arrived at Hwasun's inn.

Only when she stepped down and saw her own inn did it truly sink in that she had returned safely.

Geom Mugeuk treated her with the easy affection of a son.

“Mother, we're hungry!”

Hwasun rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen.

For the first time in a long while, Geom Mugeuk and the guards enjoyed a home-cooked meal filled with a mother's care. Her cooking was truly delicious.

Hwasun was delighted to see her son eating with his colleagues.

The sight overlapped with memories of him as a child, crowding into the house with his neighborhood friends for a meal.

'When did he grow so big?'

That little boy had become a grown man, sitting here eating with his colleagues. Her heart swelled with pride and emotion.

After polishing off a bowl of rice, Geom Mugeuk told her,

“I'd like to bring you back to the Cult so I could eat your cooking every day.”

She felt reassured. With such a good superior looking after him, perhaps she needn't worry about her son.

She brought over more rice and side dishes.

“An extra bowl especially for you, Young Master! I've added more meat, too.”

Geom Mugeuk beamed at her words.

“I'll take better care of your son than any of the other fellows!”

She laughed at his joke, and the guards joined in.

Hwasun was sincerely grateful to Geom Mugeuk. She did not know exactly how the affair at the manor had been handled, but she could tell that he was the reason it had been resolved.

'Thank you, young master.'

* * *

Geom Mugeuk's party stayed another four days.

They had originally intended to leave the next morning, but he wanted to give Hwasun and Number Three more time together after their reunion three years in the making.

Number Three made up for all the filial duties he had neglected.

On the third day, he even took his mother to a nearby temple. On their way back, they ate delicious food and admired the magnificent scenery. When her legs hurt, Number Three carried her on his back.

When her son asked whether she would come live in Demon Family Village, she shook her head. She did not want to burden him, nor did she want to leave the hometown where she had lived all her life.

Four days later, Geom Mugeuk's party reluctantly bade Hwasun farewell and set off in their carriages toward the Hunan branch.

During a rest stop, Number Three approached Geom Mugeuk.

“I heard you ordered that my hometown be given special attention.”

Jeok Yeon must have told him.

“Of course I did. Visit your mother more often from now on. That's an order, too.”

This visit had made Number Three realize how badly he had neglected his mother, always using his busy schedule as an excuse.

“Thank you so much. I will never forget the kindness you've shown me.”

“Thanks to you, I got to eat my fill of your mother's delicious cooking. I'm the one who should be grateful.”

When their rest ended, Jeok Yeon offered to drive the carriage himself and took the driver's seat.

“I'll go as fast as possible.”

“Take it slowly. We're in no hurry.”

Jeok Yeon asked with a puzzled expression,

“Shouldn't we hurry?”

“Why?”

“If he realizes his corruption has been exposed, won't he run away?”

There was no chance of that. Yellow Springs Pavilion and Heaven-Reaching Pavilion were not so sloppy in their work. They would ensure that he learned nothing, at least until the party arrived.

“Give up his position as branch head over this? He wouldn't, but if he did, that would be a punishment in itself. He'd spend the rest of his life regretting and lamenting it. But it won't happen.”

Yi Eom had said Yeo Sogwang left no evidence of his involvement. He would not get frightened and flee before anything even happened.

“They're all so full of greed that they can't tear themselves away from this great mass of avarice.”

And so the carriage traveled leisurely toward the Divine Cult of the Heavenly Demon's Hunan branch.

* * *

Yeo Sogwang was gazing out the window.

With his easy, good-natured appearance, he did not look like a demonic martial artist at all.

“Still no word from Manor Master Yi?”

His trusted subordinate, Hwang Pyo, answered his question.

“None yet.”

There should have been word that the goods had been sent, but Yi Eom remained completely silent.

“Could he have other plans?”

Yeo Sogwang shook his head firmly.

“He doesn't have it in him.”

Besides, the blade they had used this time was the Blood-Hand Sword. He had chosen that greedy bastard precisely as a precaution against such a possibility. Dealing with him would be difficult enough; Yi Eom would never dare entertain other plans.

“And the young lord?”

“He's running behind schedule.”

“He wants to play a game of wills. So young, and already he's learned the worst habits.”

“Have you heard the rumors? Everyone says the Second Young Master who recently became the successor is truly extraordinary.”

“Of course he's extraordinary.”

Even so, Yeo Sogwang remained at ease.

“But for all that...”

He was still only a hot-blooded young man. However hard he tried to hide it and pretend otherwise, youth inevitably brought its own rashness. Yeo Sogwang intended to soften him up with sweet words until he melted completely.

He would show him exactly how he had risen from an ordinary martial artist to a branch head.

“So come along, young lord.”