Chapter 90
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: Red-Faced Spear Ghost (3)
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Despite the old man’s sudden and cheerful greeting, Jinmyeong was filled more with questions than with warmth.
“Why did you stop me? It was a chance to kill him.”
This was the first question that came to mind.
Just as Jinmyeong was about to attack the Red-Faced Spear Ghost, the old man had blocked him.
“Because at your level, you cannot catch him.”
“If you were to help me…”
“Is there a need for that?”
The old man had saved Jinmyeong’s life, but that was all.
He had no intention of joining forces with Jinmyeong to fight the Red-Faced Spear Ghost.
“Then why are you here?”
“For a reason similar to yours.”
“A similar reason…”
Jinmyeong was here because Maeng Yo had requested his help. But there was no way Maeng Yo and the old man were close enough for that.
“Not that. Isn't there someone you're looking for right now?”
“Ah!”
Only after hearing the old man’s words did Jinmyeong remember Ju Hyein, Prince Yeong’s daughter.
Since the Heaven-Shattering Society had attacked Prince Yeong, and the Red-Faced Spear Ghost was one of their leaders, there had to be a connection.
“But if the Spear Ghost had moved himself, he could have captured Prince Yeong directly…”
A master of the Red-Faced Spear Ghost's caliber possessed the skill to pierce the throats of Dun Escort before he could even react.
“You fool. Do you really think they were after Prince Yeong's head?”
The old man clicked his tongue.
“If Prince Yeong dies, who will move the Emperor to start a war?”
From the beginning, the targets had been Ju Baekjin and Ju Hyein.
However, since Ju Baekjin was with Prince Yeong and under the protection of Dun Escort, only Ju Hyein was abducted.
“For something of that level, there was no need for the Spear Ghost to act personally.”
“Then why is he here?”
If that were the case, the Red-Faced Spear Ghost didn't need to get involved.
He could have simply ordered his subordinates to abduct Ju Hyein.
“Who knows. Perhaps he was targeting you from the start.”
From the moment Jinmyeong appeared, the Red-Faced Spear Ghost had seemed extremely pleased.
As the old man said, it was possible he had been waiting here to ambush Jinmyeong.
‘It means there’s a spy from the Heaven-Shattering Society among Prince Yeong’s inner circle.’
He had already known this, but now he was more certain.
It meant they didn't just know Prince Yeong was going on an outing, but that he was heading precisely to the Myeonghwa Pavilion, where Jinmyeong was.
A confidant close enough to know the exact destination.
“Then the princess must be here.”
Jinmyeong and Shin Yehyang began to move to search the mountain stronghold.
“You’re on death’s door.”
The old man, who had remained behind, spoke as he looked at Maeng Yo, who was slumped beside him.
Then, he took something from his robes and tossed it to Maeng Yo.
“Apply this. It should help.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m not giving it to you because I like you.”
It was simply in his nature not to ignore an injured person.
Their conversation ended there. An almost suffocating silence hung between Maeng Yo, who silently applied the medicine, and the old man, who stood quietly, waiting for Jinmyeong’s return.
‘Found her.’
In the meantime, Jinmyeong had located Ju Hyein.
The stronghold itself wasn't large, so after checking a few buildings, he found Ju Hyein collapsed on the floor.
‘He killed everyone else.’
The Heaven-Shattering Society had killed everyone in the stronghold.
Not just the bandits, but also all the people they had kidnapped.
And Ju Hyein was tied up amidst the corpses, trembling uncontrollably.
“Are you alright?”
“Mmph!”
Jinmyeong removed the gag from Ju Hyein’s mouth.
“Q-Quickly, get me…”
“Yes. Please wait just a moment.”
“I can’t stand being in a place like this for another second. Get me out of here now!”
She ordered Jinmyeong, her eyes filled with terror.
In the end, Jinmyeong struck one of her pressure points.
‘She might be noisy the whole way back.’
Jinmyeong lifted her limp body into his arms and went outside.
“It seems you found her.”
The old man remarked as Jinmyeong emerged with Ju Hyein.
At the sound of his voice, Shin Yehyang, who had been looking around, also returned.
“Why?”
She stared at Jinmyeong holding Ju Hyein for a moment, then quickly turned her head away.
Jinmyeong looked at Shin Yehyang with a bewildered expression.
“Hehehe. You clueless fool.”
Watching Jinmyeong, Maeng Yo let out a laugh.
“What are you talking about? Don’t get any stupid ideas.”
“Do you really think it’s a stupid idea?”
“Yes.”
Jinmyeong nodded without hesitation at Maeng Yo’s words.
Jinmyeong was no fool.
He knew what Maeng Yo was implying.
‘That’s ridiculous.’
He just believed it was something that could never happen.
‘There was no catalyst for it.’
Of course, a person didn't need a specific reason to like someone, but still, there had been no event that would make her see him as a man.
‘Let’s not get the wrong idea.’
Besides, hadn't he seen it all over the internet? Stories of guys who imagine they've already had kids and raised a family the moment a woman is slightly nice to them.
‘It might just be a meme, but the saying that men tend to misunderstand has been around for ages.’
Perhaps because he had seen such things online, Jinmyeong decided not to jump to conclusions.
What if he misunderstood and made his relationship with Shin Yehyang awkward?
For Jinmyeong, who had to meet with Shin Yehyang frequently due to his relationship with the Mad Demon, their current dynamic was just right.
“Can you move?”
“This much is fine.”
Despite the hole in his stomach, Maeng Yo shot up to his feet.
No blood was flowing from the wound that should have been bleeding profusely.
It seemed the medicine the old man gave him was effective.
“Where are you going?”
“Hm? I intend to follow you.”
“All of a sudden?”
Jinmyeong looked at the old man with an expression of disbelief.
“I don’t even know who you are, elder.”
“Call me Yakno.”
The old man, Yakno, stated flatly.
“But I still don’t know your identity.”
“Hmph. Thanks to me, you all saved your lives, did you not?”
“That is true, but…”
As Yakno said, if he hadn't appeared suddenly, all three of them would have died.
“So, I’ll impose on you for a bit. I've heard your establishment is quite grand. Shouldn't I get something in return for saving your life?”
“…I understand.”
In the end, Jinmyeong couldn't refuse Yakno’s company.
After all, it was true that he had saved him.
“May I ask one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Elder, are you unaffiliated with the Heaven-Shattering Society?”
Jinmyeong asked Yakno as they used their movement techniques to return to the Myeonghwa Pavilion.
Yakno stared at Jinmyeong quietly.
“Why do you ask such a thing?”
“I thought you might be part of a group that opposes the Heaven-Shattering Society.”
He had thought so because the Red-Faced Spear Ghost had shown hostility toward Yakno.
Of course, he didn't know if Yakno truly belonged to an organization or if he acted alone.
But given how large and powerful the Heaven-Shattering Society was, he thought it would be difficult for an individual to fight them.
“I cannot tell you.”
“……”
“Isn't that right? You have a secret or two of your own, don't you?”
“Of course, but…”
The fact that Jinmyeong knew a certain amount about the future.
To be precise, the secret that this was the world of a novel, and he was someone who had entered it.
It was a secret he could tell no one.
But under Yakno’s gaze, Jinmyeong felt as if that very secret was being exposed, and he couldn't breathe.
“So, I cannot tell you. Or you can accept the condition I offered before.”
Only after Yakno turned his gaze away did Jinmyeong feel like he could breathe again.
“The condition about becoming your disciple?”
“Yes. Stop lingering in that Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and come to me.”
At Yakno’s words, Shin Yehyang flinched and looked at Jinmyeong.
“It’s a chance to heal your body. Now there’s no one to interfere…”
Back then, the Mad Demon had suddenly appeared and interfered with Yakno, but now, there was no one to stop him.
However, Shin Yehyang had already inserted herself between Yakno and Jinmyeong, interrupting their conversation.
“Master Jin has a contract with us.”
“This time, it’s that little brat’s daughter who interferes.”
Yakno clicked his tongue and turned his head away.
Just when the Mad Demon’s interference was gone, he was now being thwarted by his daughter, a fact that made him scowl.
“Then I will ask no more.”
In the end, Jinmyeong decided not to question Yakno any further.
And so, they ran without rest and arrived at the Myeonghwa Pavilion.
However, Maeng Yo, whose body was not in good shape, collapsed as soon as he arrived.
“Oh! You really brought her back!”
Prince Yeong looked overjoyed as he took Ju Hyein from Jinmyeong.
“I had no choice but to touch Her Highness’s person.”
“That is of no concern.”
Prince Yeong dismissed Jinmyeong’s words as if they were nothing.
He had saved his daughter’s life; what did that matter?
“Or perhaps you could marry my daughter?”
“Pardon?”
Everyone stared in shock at Prince Yeong’s words.
Even Shin Yehyang, who rarely showed any change in expression, looked at Prince Yeong in bewilderment.
“Haha. It was a jest, so do not be so alarmed.”
It seemed the joy of getting Ju Hyein back had caused a joke to slip from Prince Yeong’s lips.
“But why isn’t she waking up?”
“There is nothing wrong with her body. She has only fainted and will wake up soon.”
“Thank you. I will be sure to reward you for this.”
“Thank you.”
Prince Yeong immediately took Ju Hyein up to their guest room.
“…Thank you.”
After Prince Yeong left, Dun Escort approached Jinmyeong and spoke.
“You’re welcome.”
“Truly, thank you.”
Dun Escort thanked Jinmyeong several times.
He knew that words alone were not enough to express his gratitude, but he felt frustrated, not knowing how else he could possibly repay him.
“You are truly amazing!”
Ju Baekjin, who approached Jinmyeong with Dun Escort, had sparkling eyes.
Jinmyeong, who had appeared out of nowhere, defeated the masked men, and brought back his sister, seemed incredibly heroic.
“Could you come to the royal residence sometime later?”
“Yes. I will.”
“Great! It’s a promise!”
At Jinmyeong's reply, Ju Baekjin beamed and followed Dun Escort to the guest room.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Indeed.”
Only after Prince Yeong’s party had all gone did Yang Jeon approach him.
“By the way, this gentleman is…”
“He is the one who saved my life, so treat him well.”
Jinmyeong entrusted Yakno to Yang Jeon and immediately returned to his bedroom.
For some reason, he was so exhausted he didn't want to move anymore.
‘Haa. In any case, I’ve made him indebted to me.’
He could have died, and he was utterly exhausted, but in the end, he had managed to gain Prince Yeong’s favor.
‘Still, I hope they leave soon.’
Although he had created a debt, he wanted nothing more to do with Prince Yeong's party.
Their authority was so immense that just being around them felt draining.
Prince Yeong, who knew little of martial arts and had the gentle air of a next-door neighbor, still exuded a natural majesty that continuously overwhelmed Jinmyeong.
He felt he now understood why they said kings were born, not made.
‘I have a feeling I’ll get even more entangled.’
He had suddenly become entangled with the Heaven-Shattering Society. It was so much earlier than expected that he was flustered.
‘This won’t do.’
Moreover, masters like the Blood Hand Demonic Lord and the Red-Faced Spear Ghost were targeting him.
Driven by the thought that he needed to become stronger, Jinmyeong’s gaze fell upon the place where the Great Rejuvenation Pill was stored.
‘Just a little rest…’
Jinmyeong dismissed the thought of absorbing the Great Rejuvenation Pill right away, lay down on his bed, and closed his eyes.