Heavenly Inquisition Sword

Chapter 327: The Hound is Unleashed

The Yoomyung Cult members who headed north journeyed to Mount Pungji to reunite with their leader.  Conversely, the three hundred cultists who took the southern route vanished without a trace.  Most people, however, remained unaware of the Yoomyung Cult’s north-south split. This was partly due to the cult’s secrecy and also because the Secret Operations Division disappeared after the Heaven and Earth Alliance dissolved.

With the alliance’s demise, the Murim world descended into an era of chaos reminiscent of the Warring States period. The Seven Great Sects and Four Great Families, once somewhat secluded, now flung their doors wide open, eagerly accepting any disciples with exceptional talent, fearing they’d fall behind. Smaller clans and factions followed suit.  As they recruited disciples and competed to maintain or expand their territories, clashes became commonplace. Amidst this turmoil, the Chambers of Commerce also engaged in fierce competition for market control.  The primary issue was the lack of any organization mediating conflicts between the smaller clans and the commerce houses.  While rumors circulated about the formation of an orthodox alliance, it was repeatedly postponed for unknown reasons.

Meanwhile, the Yoomyung Cult, the undisputed victor of the war, appeared completely relaxed. They declared Mount Pungji a sacred site and avoided involvement in Murim affairs. Even rumors of their human sacrifices subsided, perhaps a conscious effort to maintain a low profile.

——————-

Shanxi Province. Jiaoqu County. Seonnyeo Temple, Mount Pungji.

Before the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors sat three members of the Great Demon Generals: Ungjaegwi (Demon of Illusion), Martial Mountain Maiden, and the Lunar Fairy.  With an empty expression, Ungjaegwi asked, “So, there will be no more Heavenly Demon Kings in this era?”

“It seems so,” the Holy Mother replied.

“Incredible!” exclaimed Ungjaegwi. “The apostates tried to persuade us using the Heavenly Demon King’s decrees, saying any of us could become one if we followed them…”

The three generals exchanged disheartened glances.  Each had secretly dreamt of becoming the next Heavenly Demon King, a dream now shattered.  With a Heavenly Demon King having already appeared in this generation, they would have to wait until the next era for another to arise.

The Holy Mother added with a wry smile, “Not a thousand, nor ten thousand heads could bring about the appearance of King Yama. There is only one King Yama in the Mingfu (Underworld), and he is already united with me.”

“Ah…” A gasp of astonishment escaped Ungjaegwi’s lips. With the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors as the Heavenly Demon King, the Yoomyung Cult was essentially complete. Had the apostates known this, they would never have betrayed their leader.

Martial Mountain Maiden shook her head in frustration.  “Alas! Because of the apostates’ greed, more innocents will continue to die.” The thought of the four Great Demon Generals competing for human sacrifices was a bitter irony.

The Lunar Fairy cautiously asked, “Leader, to subdue the apostates, wouldn’t it be necessary to have more Great Demon Generals?”

“There is already a hound destined for that task,” the Holy Mother responded.

“A hound?”

“Yeon Jeokha of Nokrim has pledged to do it for me.” The Holy Mother emphasized the word “pledged.”

The Lunar Fairy, surprised, looked at her leader. She knew well the meaning of that word from the Holy Mother: a promise that couldn’t be broken.  However, it was the choice of Yeon Jeokha that troubled her most.

“But… he is an enemy of our cult. Will it be safe to trust him?”

At the Lunar Fairy’s doubt, the Holy Mother smiled slightly.  “I know you destroyed the Waryong Manor. But he was also an enemy of the Waryong Manor, so don’t worry.”

“Forgive my impertinence, but let us not forget that many of our followers died at his hands.”

“We have killed countless people in the world. If we follow your logic, then the entire world should consider us enemies.”

“Ah, that’s not what I meant…”

“Do you truly desire Yeon Jeokha’s death, or would you prefer another Great Demon General?” The Holy Mother looked intently at the Lunar Fairy, who hastily lowered her head.

“How could I question the leader’s judgment? I only wish for the empty places left by the apostates to be filled…”  It was clear she desired more Great Demon Generals. While the generals knew how the titles were granted, the final decision rested with the leader.

“Do you have someone in mind?”

“Yes, among my Demon Warriors, there’s someone named Baek Miju with exceptional talent.”

“Baek Miju?”

“She was the wife of the Waryong Manor’s owner.”

“My, you took in someone from the family you destroyed?”

“She is a woman full of resentment, abandoned by her own family. Of her own accord, she came to me and became one of the Demon Warriors.”

“What is her relationship with Yeon Jeokha?”

“She is his stepmother.”

“What a curious coincidence. Very well, you have my permission.”

“Thank you, Leader. 천상천하 유아독존 삼계개고 아당안지 (In the heavens and on earth, only I am supreme. All the worlds suffer, but I will relieve them).”  Lunar Fairy, with a deep bow, thanked the Holy Mother. With this approval, it was only a matter of time before Baek Miju became one of the Great Demon Generals.

—————–

Henan Province. Kaifeng. Namyeon Inn, Hwasang Village.

Yeon Jeokha and Shim Tong, accompanied by Wola and Geuma, returned to the inn.  Although Nam Su-gyeong, the innkeeper, was concerned about the young women, she didn’t dare refuse them. Besides Yeon Jeokha owning half the inn, he was a highly respected expert in the Murim. It was well known that even Nok Dampil, a Sambo Gang leader, had built a hut near the inn to be close to Yeon Jeokha. Experts from the Cheonhwa Gang and Sambo Gang also frequently visited, trying to win his favor.  How could Nam Su-gyeong refuse the girls Yeon Jeokha brought?  Luckily, Yeon Jeokha assigned them tasks within the inn, justifying their presence. Though given an extra room, the two extra pairs of hands were welcome, especially for Sang Do, the young waiter, who enjoyed working alongside girls his age.

Shim Tong spent his mornings and evenings teaching martial arts to Wola and Geuma. The rest of the day, everyone collaborated on inn work, including Shim Tong himself. He had settled into a small room behind the inn and helped at the counter with Nam Su-gyeong. For someone whose dream was to open a tavern, working at the inn seemed like perfect training.

Meanwhile, Yeon Jeokha’s routine remained unchanged. He spent his days meditating near Efficient Cliff, also known as Suicide Rock. Around midday, Nam Su-gyeong went to fetch him for lunch. The sound of footsteps caused Nok Dampil, dozing under a nearby tree, to straighten up. Ignoring Nok Dampil, Nam Su-gyeong approached Yeon Jeokha, who sat at the cliff’s edge with his eyes closed.

“Young Master Yeon, it’s lunchtime. Young Master, can you hear me?”

Only on her second call did Yeon Jeokha slowly open his eyes.  “Is it already time?”

“Did you fall asleep?”

“How could I sleep in a place like this? Do you want me to fall and die?”

“Then why didn’t you hear me?”

“Ahem! I was at a deeper level.”

“Bah! If you were at such a high level, you should react to the slightest noise. What would you do if an enemy attacked you from behind?”

“If there were murderous intent, I would have noticed it already.”

Yeon Jeokha stood and dusted his clothes. While his answer was logical for a martial arts expert, Nam Su-gyeong only looked at him with confusion.

As they walked back to the village, Yeon Jeokha asked, “Has there been any news from my uncle?”

“No, none.”

“How are Wola and Geuma doing? Are they working well?”

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it! They are so efficient, it surprised me! Although they seem like girls from noble families, I don’t know if it’s right to make them work so hard.”

“Don’t worry. As long as they live at the inn, make them work as much as you can.”

“Understood.”

Upon reaching the inn, Shim Tong greeted them with a wide smile.

“What are you laughing about? You’re giving me chills.”

“I’ve found the perfect place to open the tavern.”

“Where?”

“A fabric shop in the village is closing because they’re moving to Kaifeng. I thought we could turn that place into the tavern. The backyard is spacious and would be ideal for martial arts practice.”

“How much are they asking?”

“They’re asking 3,500 nyang, but they’re willing to sell it for 3,000.”

“That cheap?” It seemed cheap, likely because the village was small. In Kaifeng, the price would easily be two or three times higher.

“But I’m not sure a tavern would thrive here in Hwasang Village. The village is small, and I don’t know if we can make a living.”

With a doubtful face, Shim Tong looked at Yeon Jeokha. He didn’t expect to get rich, but he at least wanted to make a living without worries.

“There’s no tavern in the village, right?”

“No, not even one. It’s a very small village.”

“Then what are you worried about? You’re an old man with only two disciples in your charge. Are you really afraid of starving to death?”

“It’s not that, but since we’re going to start, I at least want to earn enough to support ourselves.”

“Let me ask you something. Do you want to make money or simply do what you’ve always wanted until the last day of your life?”

“Obviously, the latter.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Tell the shop owner to prepare the contract. I’ll buy the place. Besides, you said there are more merchants passing through Hwasang Village now, right? If Geuma plays the zither occasionally, the tavern will be full of customers.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Are you going to buy it or not? Do it while I have the money. You know how I am. I might spend it all on my cousin’s wedding.”

“Yes, of course I’ll buy it!” Shim Tong quickly stood up. The possibility of Yeon Jeokha spending all his money elsewhere worried him.

Around lunchtime, the shop owner arrived with the contract. Yeon Jeokha handed Shim Tong the 3,000 nyang needed to complete the transaction. When everything was settled, Shim Tong’s smile was wider than ever.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Yeon Jeokha took out another 1,000 nyang and handed it to him.

“You can’t turn a fabric shop into a tavern as is. Hire carpenters to do some renovations and prepare a room for Wola and Geuma. If they’re going to work, they should at least have a decent place to stay.”

“Thank you, Young Master. I won’t forget this kindness.”

“Pay me back every coin you earn. If you don’t, I’ll go to the tavern every day and act like a problematic customer.”

“Hehe, Young Master, you can drink for free all you want. Please come every day!” Shim Tong wished Yeon Jeokha would visit frequently. He wanted his disciples to learn as much as possible.

“Forget it. When you finish the renovations, you and your disciples are responsible. Each on their own. And don’t think of coming crying if you don’t have customers.”

“Don’t you know that the tavern and the inn are like one? If my tavern fails, your inn will also suffer. If I prosper, you will too.”

“Are you threatening me? Get going and get to work.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll go right away.” Shim Tong, exaggerating his bow, quickly left the inn.

After watching them, Nam Su-gyeong asked with concern, “Young Master, are you sure this will be a good idea?”

“Why?”

“Hwasang Village doesn’t have many people. Kaifeng seems like a better place to open a business.”

“My friend, consider that old man’s age. If he waits for a suitable place in Kaifeng, he might die before he achieves it. He doesn’t want to make money; he just wants to do something he’s always wanted. When it comes to those things, it’s better to do it as soon as possible. Doesn’t my case prove it?”

“You’re right.” As Nam Su-gyeong nodded, a man in his forties entered the inn and spoke respectfully, “I am Song Guncheong, head escort of the Daelim Escort Agency in Jeongju. I bring something for Young Master Yeon of the Namyeon Inn. Is he available?”