Chapter 335: I Run a Tavern in Front of the Demonic Cult
Chapter 335: I Run a Tavern in Front of the Demonic Cult
As they neared the house, Yang-in caught hold of Jo Chun-bae’s sleeve.
“Honey.”
“What is it, wife?”
“You should go back. I’ll handle this. Go back and look after the business.”
Jo Chun-bae had married into a poor family as a live-in son-in-law, acting as the son a widow with two daughters never had. Over the years, he had been the pillar of the household, stepping forward to resolve every crisis. It was Jo Chun-bae who had even seen to her younger sister’s marriage.
However, they had never dealt with martial artists before. Anxiety gnawed at her; she was terrified that something might happen to him.
“How could you possibly handle this alone? Stop talking nonsense and let’s go.”
Jo Chun-bae started walking again.
“It’s been quite a while since I’ve visited. I should have come more often.”
Running the tavern made it difficult to visit his mother-in-law as often as he wished. He tried to make up for it by sending living expenses, comforted by the fact that his sister-in-law and her husband lived nearby.
When the two arrived at the house, his mother-in-law, Madam Yun, rushed out to greet him.
“Son-in-law Jo!”
Her aged, skeletal hands were a pitiful sight.
“It must have been a difficult journey.”
She always looked after her son-in-law before her own daughter. It had been that way since the day they married—her own way of showing gratitude and love.
“Mom!”
Yang-in hugged Madam Yun. Her mother had grown painfully thin since they last met.
Inside the house was her younger sister, Yang-seon. Her eyes were so swollen from crying that she was almost unrecognizable.
“Sister... Brother-in-law...”
The moment she saw them, she burst into fresh tears. Yang-in rushed over to embrace her.
They had heard the gist of the situation through a messenger. Yang-seon’s husband, Jong-hak, worked as an escort for the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency. Apparently, he had been caught stealing goods during a transport.
“Where is Jong-hak?”
“He’s being held at the escort agency. An escort told me… they’re going to cut off both his hands in front of everyone…”
Yang-seon couldn’t finish her sentence, overcome by a wave of sobbing.
Jo Chun-bae and Yang-in were stunned.
“Cut off his hands?”
Jo Chun-bae had come knowing this was no trivial matter. Escort agencies were excessively strict regarding internal theft. With so many bandits roaming the roads, they couldn't afford to let their own people touch the cargo. He had closed the tavern and rushed here precisely because he knew the stakes.
But to cut off both hands? That was the severest of punishments. Just what had he tried to steal?
“Sister, Brother-in-law. You know he’s not the kind of person to steal. Someone framed him!”
They knew. The Jong-hak they knew would never do such a thing. There had to be more to the story.
In her desperation, Yang-seon pleaded with her brother-in-law.
“Brother-in-law, you run a tavern right in front of the Demonic Cult, don’t you? Do you know anyone there? If someone from the Cult steps in, they might be able to clear his name!”
People he knew? He knew many. He knew the Young Cult Leader, the Huangquan Pavilion Master, the Demon Monarchs, the Ghost Shadow Squad Leader, the Demon Lords, and even the Heavenly Demon.
But there was no one he could simply ask to help with this. They were VIPs he had served because of the Young Cult Leader. Ordinarily, they were people he wouldn't even be allowed to look at.
The one person he felt comfortable asking was Geom Mu-geuk, given their special bond. But Geom Mu-geuk was away in the Outer Regions.
Nor could he ask the lower-ranking cultists who frequented the Pungryu Tavern to travel for days to his hometown to solve a personal problem. He wasn't that close to them, and even if someone agreed, it wasn't a matter a low-ranking cultist could resolve.
As her husband fell into deep thought, Yang-in scolded her sister.
“What are you talking about? Even if he did know someone, do you want to make this even bigger?”
“No… I’m sorry, Sister. I was just so frustrated I said it without thinking. Don’t mind me, Brother-in-law.”
“It’s alright, Yang-seon. I understand.”
Who wouldn't say such things in this situation? Jo Chun-bae stood up.
“I’ll go to the escort agency.”
Madam Yun took his hand, tears streaming down her face.
“I’m sorry to burden you like this.”
“Don’t say that, Mother. This is Jong-hak we’re talking about. Please wait here; I’ll go and settle this.”
Jo Chun-bae stepped outside, followed by his wife.
“I’m coming with you.”
“It’s fine. Wait here.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Stop saying you’re sorry.”
If anyone should be sorry, it was him, for all the hardships she had endured since marrying him. She was his devoted wife who had believed in him even when they didn't have a single penny to their names.
“Be careful. Don’t overdo it. Jong-hak is important, but you’re more important to me, okay?”
It was a harsh thing to say in front of her sister, but it was the truth. She couldn't imagine a life without her husband.
*
Jo Chun-bae approached the guard at the entrance of the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency and gave a polite bow.
“Good day to you.”
“Who are you?”
“I am the brother-in-law of Jong-hak.”
The escort’s expression stiffened. He clearly knew who Jong-hak was.
“You can’t see him right now.”
“I understand. It’s a cold day, and you’re working hard. Here, please take this.”
He handed over some food and liquor wrapped in paper. He had stopped by a local tavern on his way here.
“I can’t accept this.”
The delicious aroma wafted into the guard's nose. Jo Chun-bae had specifically bought the snacks that martial artists favored most.
“Just keep it and have it when you finish your shift. I’ll leave it right here behind the pillar.”
Jo Chun-bae set the items down. Knowing the hearts of martial artists well, he acted skillfully, giving the man no room to refuse.
“I’d just be grateful if you could tell me if he’s alright. We’re family; we need to know if he’s alive or dead.”
Faced with Jo Chun-bae’s earnest plea, the guard couldn't bring himself to refuse.
“He’s not dead yet, so don’t worry.”
“I heard they’re going to cut off his hands.”
Cutting off both hands was no different from a death sentence. If the bleeding wasn't stopped immediately, he would die before reaching a physician. And even if he survived, what kind of life would he have?
“If he committed a crime, he must be punished.”
“True, quite true. And when is this punishment to be carried out?”
“In six hours. They’re going to gather the villagers and do it then.”
Six hours? Jo Chun-bae’s vision went dark. There was far too little time.
“Now, move along.”
“Sir, please, just let me see his face once.”
Jo Chun-bae subtly showed a banknote in his sleeve. It was for thirty taels.
It was far too much money for a brief glimpse. Jo Chun-bae knew that if one was going to use a bribe, it had to be an amount difficult to refuse.
“There’s someone else guarding him besides me.”
It was a demand for more.
“If you can make it happen, I’ll give the guards there ten taels, and thirty taels for you, sir. Please, just let me see him.”
The escort opened the gate and glanced inside.
“Follow me. Give me the money first.”
“I’ll give it to you once we’re there.”
The escort looked displeased, but greed had already won.
Jo Chun-bae followed him inside. After a brief exchange with the guard at the warehouse, the man gestured for Jo Chun-bae to come over.
“Only for a moment.”
After handing over the forty taels, Jo Chun-bae entered the building.
There, he found Jong-hak collapsed and bound tightly. His face was a mess, as if he had been tortured. He struggled to regain consciousness even when shaken.
“Jong-hak.”
After a few moments, he finally managed to open his eyes.
“Brother-in-law? Brother-in-law!”
“Are you alright?”
“Brother-in-law!”
Tears of injustice flowed from his eyes.
“I didn’t steal it. They framed me!”
As his voice rose, Jo Chun-bae covered his mouth.
“Shh! But why would they frame you?”
“I saw something I wasn't supposed to see...”
Just as he was about to explain, the escort entered and pulled Jo Chun-bae away.
“You have to go. The relief guard is coming.”
He was led back out to the entrance.
“If you breathe a word of this, you’re dead.”
“I understand.”
Jo Chun-bae left the agency, his heart heavy. If it had truly been a case of theft, he might have been able to bribe his way out. But if he was caught in a conspiracy?
Jo Chun-bae quickly rented a carriage and headed for a specific location.
It was a branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, about two hours away.
It was a small branch office, but the cultist at the entrance had a far more terrifying countenance than the guards at the escort agency. The cultist scanned Jo Chun-bae with a cold gaze.
“I am Jo Chun-bae, and I run a tavern in front of the Demonic Cult’s main headquarters.”
“And?”
“I wish to see the Branch Leader.”
“For what reason?”
“I have something to discuss with him personally…”
Shing.
Without a word, the cultist drew his sword.
“Eek!”
Jo Chun-bae let out a yelp. The blade was held right to his throat.
“What business does a mere tavern keeper have with the Branch Leader?”
“My brother-in-law is facing a great injustice. I wish to ask the Branch Leader for his help.”
“You’re insane. Get lost before I kill you.”
The words that he was sent by the Young Cult Leader rose to his throat, but he couldn't bring himself to say them. He didn't dare use the Young Cult Leader’s name in vain. Even if Geom Mu-geuk forgave him, other cultists would not.
He considered offering money, but looking at the man's eyes, it was certain they would just take the gold and still refuse him entry.
This was the reality. This was the true relationship between a tavern owner and a cultist. A relationship where being ignored was the norm, and a blade to the throat was expected. It was only because of the one-of-a-kind Young Cult Leader that he had been able to become a "special" tavern owner.
Jo Chun-bae returned home. Yang-in, who had been waiting anxiously, ran to him. The news he brought was devastating.
“They’re going to cut off Jong-hak’s hands in two hours.”
Jo Chun-bae silently embraced his wife as she sobbed. She didn't see the flash of resolve that crossed his eyes.
*
A crowd gathered at the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency.
The agency intended to carry out the punishment in front of the villagers as a warning. That was their law.
Because Jong-hak’s mute acupoint and movements had been sealed, he appeared passive as he was dragged out, making it look as though he were quietly accepting his guilt.
The man presiding over this was Escort Leader Gong Chan.
“Do you admit to your crimes?”
With his acupoints sealed, Jong-hak could neither answer nor shake his head. But the villagers didn't know that.
Among the murmuring crowd was Jo Chun-bae’s family. They had hired a physician and brought him along. Even if his hands were lost, they intended to treat him immediately to save his life.
“Since he has admitted his guilt, I shall cut off both his hands as a warning to all!”
At that shout, Madam Yun swayed as if she might collapse, and Yang-seon wailed.
“Honey! Honey!”
Jong-hak looked at his wife with eyes full of resentment and sorrow. He had never committed a crime in his life. Bad things always happened in an instant.
Just as Gong Chan drew his sword, Jo Chun-bae stepped forward.
“I am that man’s brother-in-law.”
Every eye turned toward him.
“We have heard nothing regarding the details of this case. I believe you owe us an explanation of what happened, at the very least.”
As Jo Chun-bae stepped out, his family was shocked. They feared he would be harmed as well.
“The investigation is complete. This man tried to steal escort goods, and he is being punished.”
Gong Chan sent a threatening glare, but Jo Chun-bae stood his ground.
“Exactly what was he caught stealing? It’s not as if the goods weren't recovered. To cut off both hands just for an attempt seems far too cruel.”
Yang-in’s hand, gripping Jo Chun-bae’s arm, was trembling violently.
“Cruel, you say?” Gong Chan’s eyes grew fierce.
Jo Chun-bae was not intimidated. What kind of gazes had he seen at the Pungryu Tavern? He sensed that logic would not solve this. In the end, there was only one method left.
“Even the Demonic Cult does not handle matters this way.”
The mention of the Demonic Cult brought a sudden hush over the crowd.
“I know the masters of the Demonic Cult. Please, wait at least until they can come and mediate.”
Gong Chan’s expression froze. The Demonic Cult carried a weight of absolute terror. If they got involved, an entire escort agency could be wiped out in an instant.
“And just who do you know in the Demonic Cult?”
“I know the Huangquan Pavilion Master.”
The air turned cold. The villagers might not have known the name, but the escorts knew exactly what kind of power the Huangquan Pavilion Master held.
“I also know the Demon Monarchs.”
When the Demon Monarchs were mentioned, the silence deepened. He didn't mention the Demon Lords or the Young Cult Leader yet. If he went too far, it wouldn't be believable.
Just then, an escort who knew the family history approached and whispered into Gong Chan’s ear.
“That man runs a tavern near the Demonic Cult.”
“A tavern?”
“It’s a shabby, small-scale place.”
A sneer spread across Gong Chan’s face.
“A mere tavern keeper dares to use the name of the Demonic Cult to threaten me?”
Gong Chan felt a surge of anger at the fact that he had been momentarily frightened.
“If I send word, they will come.”
Having heard he was just a tavern owner, Gong Chan was no longer listening.
“Drag that man here!”
Yang-seon screamed. “No! My brother-in-law only said that because he wanted to save my husband! Please, forgive him!”
In the end, Jo Chun-bae was dragged forward. Jong-hak, unable to move, could only watch with a devastated heart. Jo Chun-bae had been a wonderful brother-in-law, and he felt terrible that Jo was suffering because of him.
“Since you used the Demonic Cult to threaten this agency, I shall cut out your tongue.”
Yang-in and Yang-seon screamed in horror. Madam Yun fell to her knees.
“Please, forgive my son-in-law! Punish this old woman instead!”
Jo Chun-bae, trembling with fear, spoke to Gong Chan.
“Give me time to prove my words. For the sake of the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency, do not be hasty.”
Gong Chan roared. “Shut up! You vermin, still threatening me to the end. I’ll start by taking your tongue.”
“If you touch me, the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult will not let you be!”
He hoped to instill fear, but it only had the opposite effect.
“The Young Cult Leader? You’ve truly gone mad. Fine, let’s say you do know him. Do you really believe the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult would come all the way here to help someone like you?”
Jo Chun-bae shouted that he would, but it was useless. The escorts grabbed both of his arms. They truly intended to do it.
Just then, something pure white landed on Jo Chun-bae’s shoulder.
He looked up. It had begun to snow.
He never imagined his tongue would be cut out here. But he didn't regret it. He couldn't just stand by and watch his kind brother-in-law lose his hands over a lie.
Still, he was afraid. Would he survive? In the distance, he saw his wife’s face as she wailed.
I’m sorry, my dear. I’m so sorry your husband is so powerless.
Just as Gong Chan was about to reach into Jo Chun-bae’s mouth—
Whoooooosh!
The sound of a fierce wind tore through the air.
CRASH!
Something plummeted from the sky and slammed into the training ground.
People screamed, and the Escort Leader and his men drew their swords in a panic. Every eye turned toward the impact site.
It was a man. He lay spread-eagled in the middle of the training ground, gasping for breath. His hair was disheveled, and his entire body was drenched in sweat. Only the sound of his ragged breathing filled the silence.
When Jo Chun-bae realized who it was, he was struck speechless. A look of stunned disbelief slowly gave way to a beaming smile.
His heart overflowed, and his eyes filled with tears. He grit his teeth to keep from wailing aloud, but a sob escaped him nonetheless.
As everyone watched, the man lying on the training ground looked up at the sky and spoke.
“Owner, the first snow is falling.”