Chapter 336: I Like the Dishes My Son-in-Law Makes
Chapter 336: I Like the Dishes My Son-in-Law Makes
Geom Mu-geuk lay there for a moment, watching the snow fall from the sky.
Except for the brief intervals spent replenishing his internal energy, he had run the entire way here without a single moment’s rest.
Thanks to that desperate sprint, his Rapid Speed Step had broken through the limit of the tenth star and entered the eleventh. He had taken his first step toward the grand achievement of the twelfth star. He couldn't help but wonder just how fast the Rapid Speed Step would be once it reached that final, ultimate stage.
Of course, more joyful than any breakthrough was the fact that he had arrived in time. Geom Mu-geuk thanked the heavens. Thank you, truly. He also thanked Jo Chun-bae. Thank you for holding on.
As if responding to his gratitude, the falling snow landed softly on Geom Mu-geuk’s face, hands, and body.
After lying there for a while, staring up at the gray sky, Geom Mu-geuk pushed himself up.
Until that moment, everyone present had simply been staring at him—this man who had literally dropped from the heavens.
Geom Mu-geuk smoothed his disheveled hair. Seeing his face, which was far younger than expected, looks of pure shock spread across the crowd.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jo Chun-bae. Tears were streaming down the man's cheeks.
‘That man is my standard for the Demonic Path. Only when tears no longer flow from his eyes will my own path be truly established.’
Jo Chun-bae couldn't even find his voice.
“How… how…”
He truly hadn't imagined in his wildest dreams that Geom Mu-geuk would appear here.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at him and offered a small smile. “I came to see the owner.”
The moment he heard those words, Jo Chun-bae’s emotions surged violently.
“I went for a drink, but the doors were closed.”
Jo Chun-bae was deeply moved. The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult had rushed all this way, across a vast distance, just for him.
‘Young Cult Leader!’
He couldn't think of what to say. He was just grateful—so incredibly grateful. He didn't even need to speak; his tears and his expression were already more than enough of an answer.
Gong Chan, the escort leader who had been trying to cut out Jo Chun-bae's tongue, stepped forward.
“Who might you be, young hero?”
If he was merely an acquaintance of an innkeeper, he couldn't be anyone significant. And yet, this young man’s entrance had been far too flamboyant to ignore.
At first, it looked as if he had fallen from the sky. It was an impact that would have severely injured even a master, yet he looked perfectly fine. How was that possible?
The problem was that the youth didn't look like he had trained in martial arts at all. There was no way someone so young could have reached the state of Return to the Natural State.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't bother answering Gong Chan’s question. Instead, he walked over to Madam Yun, Jo Chun-bae’s mother-in-law, who was still prostrate on the ground.
“Please stand up, Mother. Your sons-in-law will be fine now.”
Geom Mu-geuk gently helped Madam Yun to her feet, then did the same for Yang-in and Yang-seon.
“Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Geom Mu-geuk, the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
A heavy, suffocating silence instantly fell over the training ground.
The moment he heard those words, Gong Chan was so shocked he nearly stopped breathing. The surrounding escort workers were also too stunned to speak.
Clang.
One of the workers was so startled he dropped his sword, but no one paid him any mind.
If Jo Chun-bae hadn't mentioned earlier that the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult wouldn't let this slide, they would have thought they had misheard or that the man was insane.
But the very Young Cult Leader Jo Chun-bae had spoken of had truly dropped from the sky.
Naturally, Gong Chan refused to believe it.
“That’s a lie! There’s no way the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult would come here alone looking like that!”
His clothes were filthy with dust, his body was soaked in sweat, and his hair was a complete mess. To any observer, he didn't look like the most powerful youth in the world.
Geom Mu-geuk offered an explanation to the three women.
“Please forgive my unsightly appearance; I came in a great hurry. I rushed here the moment I heard that the family of someone I like and respect was in danger.”
He looked at Jo Chun-bae, making it clear that he was the person he liked and respected.
Normally, he would have handled the matter without revealing his identity. But he revealed it today for Jo Chun-bae’s sake. He wanted to show the man's family. He wanted his wife, his mother-in-law, and his siblings-in-law to see that the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult had rushed here specifically to save him.
This was Geom Mu-geuk’s consideration and respect for Jo Chun-bae, who had always welcomed him with an unchanging heart.
Because that sentiment reached him, Jo Chun-bae grit his teeth and suppressed his rising emotions.
“Mother, I like the food and liquor your son-in-law makes best of all. Even my father, the Heavenly Demon of our Cult, travels just to taste his cooking and drinks. He is a truly precious person to me and to the Cult.”
Madam Yun was so shocked and moved that she didn't know what to do. She looked at her son-in-law, then at Geom Mu-geuk. Then at her daughter, then back to her son-in-law.
Not knowing what to say, she could only repeat, “Such a noble person, such a noble person…” In truth, she didn't fully grasp the weight of the title Young Cult Leader. She simply felt that he must be someone very, very important.
On the other hand, Jo Chun-bae’s wife, Yang-in, was truly astonished.
She had heard many stories about the Young Cult Leader from her husband. But inwardly, she had thought he was exaggerating. She figured the Young Cult Leader might have visited the inn, but could he really be that close to her husband?
Her husband had said the Young Cult Leader treated him like a friend. She had thought, ‘No way.’ But that "no way" was now a reality unfolding before her eyes.
“I greet the Young Cult Leader.”
Yang-in tried to prostrate herself again, but an invisible force held her up.
The younger sister, Yang-seon, pleaded, “Please save them. Please save my husband and my brother-in-law.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled to reassure the three women and then turned toward Jo Chun-bae. Even while talking to them, he had been emitting multiple strands of Qi, perceiving even the slightest movement behind his back.
Until then, two escort workers were still holding Jo Chun-bae’s arms, and a dagger was held in Gong Chan’s hand. They were in a state of confusion, wondering if this was truly the Young Cult Leader.
“He’s an impostor!”
Gong Chan had reached his own conclusion. This had to be a scheme cooked up by Jo Chun-bae and this young punk to save Jong-hak. The way he had crashed into the training ground earlier must have been because his skills were lacking and his landing was clumsy. Thinking that way, everything clicked into place.
“You were only going to lose your tongue and hands, but now it looks like your head is coming off.”
The three women screamed as Gong Chan prepared to plunge the dagger into Jo Chun-bae’s neck.
Geom Mu-geuk thrust both hands out simultaneously.
First, the left hand produced an astonishing result.
Whoosh!
The two escort workers holding Jo Chun-bae were blown backward. An invisible, violent force had sent them flying.
It looked as if they had simply been tossed away, but it was a move that displayed the ultimate principle of martial intent. In that brief moment, the hands gripping Jo Chun-bae were forced open, leaving Jo Chun-bae in place while only the two men were blown away. Furthermore, the two workers who were sent flying landed and stood back up without a single injury.
His right hand showed an even more miraculous feat.
Ting!
A sharp metallic sound rang out.
Everyone’s eyes turned to the dagger Gong Chan was holding. The blade had been snapped clean in half.
Startled, Gong Chan threw the broken hilt to the ground.
Sure, one could blow people away by emitting palm force. But to break a dagger with telekinesis?
Others might have thought he threw a hidden weapon to break it, but only Gong Chan knew the truth. Nothing had been thrown. The dagger had simply snapped.
When Gong Chan, who had been distracted by the broken dagger, looked up, Geom Mu-geuk was already standing right in front of him. The moment their eyes met, Gong Chan’s body froze, overwhelmed by an inexplicable sense of dread.
Only then did he realize.
‘He really is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult!’
Even so, he still couldn't understand. The Young Cult Leader had come in person to save an innkeeper? Looking like this? Alone? Why on earth?
As Geom Mu-geuk took another step closer, Gong Chan cried out in terror.
“Agh!”
Geom Mu-geuk simply suppressed his demonic acupoints with a light touch. He didn't beat him or threaten him. Once the full story of this incident was revealed, there would only be those who lived and those who died. He already had a feeling which side this man would fall on.
“Didn't you hear me? I am the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s tone was calm and polite. It wasn't out of consideration for Gong Chan. It was for Madam Yun, Yang-in, and Yang-seon.
Geom Mu-geuk looked around. Even though he hadn't released any demonic energy, the hearts of the escort workers shriveled under his overwhelming presence.
The workers threw their swords to the ground. They bowed their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. It didn't matter if he was a fake; they didn't have the courage to challenge such a master.
Only then did Madam Yun, Yang-in, and Yang-seon truly realize that the Young Cult Leader had come.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to the nearby workers.
“Bring five comfortable chairs.”
Without a word, the workers rushed off to fetch them.
Geom Mu-geuk then released Jong-hak’s mute and demonic acupoints.
“Thank you, thank you so much.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled at the emotional Jong-hak.
“Direct your thanks to your older brother.”
Jong-hak’s tearful gaze turned toward Jo Chun-bae. Even before the Young Cult Leader arrived, Jo Chun-bae had stepped forward to save him.
“I truly married into the right family.”
At Jong-hak’s words, Jo Chun-bae and the family laughed through their tears.
After speaking, Jong-hak coughed painfully.
Geom Mu-geuk quickly sat Jong-hak down, placed a palm on his chest, and injected a stream of internal energy.
His body was badly damaged from the severe beating, but fortunately, the injuries weren't crippling. He would recover after resting for a while.
After soothing his internal injuries, Geom Mu-geuk led him to where his wife was standing.
“Dear!”
“I thought you were going to die!”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m just so glad. I’m so glad.”
The family embraced Jong-hak and wept together.
The villagers watched the scene. Geom Mu-geuk hadn't sent them away on purpose. He had to show them Jong-hak being cleared of the false charges. Even if he left, these people had to continue living here.
That was why Geom Mu-geuk handled this matter carefully. Not letting emotions lead, but staying calm, composed, and thorough.
Among the watching escort workers, there were those who knew Jong-hak’s character. They had found the situation strange. It was odd for Jong-hak to touch the cargo, and they felt the punishment of cutting off both hands was far too excessive.
In the meantime, the workers returned with the chairs.
After lining them up, Geom Mu-geuk had Jo Chun-bae and his family sit.
“Please, sit comfortably here.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you may sit.”
He sat Madam Yun in the most comfortable chair and had the rest of the family sit as well.
As Jo Chun-bae sat, his heart pounded with a different kind of tension.
Then, his wife, Yang-in, who was sitting next to him, gently took his hand. Her hand was trembling too. Jo Chun-bae tried his best to master his fear. He had people to protect by his side.
Yang-in mouthed the words to him:
‘You’re wonderful, dear.’
Jo Chun-bae squeezed her hand tighter. He was glad his life was spared, but he was even happier that he could protect his family. He was overjoyed to be recognized by his wife and her family.
‘Thank you, Young Cult Leader.’
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Jo Chun-bae.
“Now, let’s hear what happened.”
Jo Chun-bae calmly explained the situation.
“My younger brother-in-law is an escort worker here at the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency. During this latest trip, he was framed as a thief and was on the verge of having both hands cut off.”
Jo Chun-bae even relayed what he had heard when he met Jong-hak. Since Geom Mu-geuk was someone who could predict ten things from hearing one, he grasped the core of the issue even from the brief explanation.
“So, it’s not that he touched the cargo, but that this mess started because your brother-in-law saw something.”
Geom Mu-geuk asked Jong-hak, “What did you see?”
Jong-hak looked at Gong Chan and said, “I happened to see Escort Leader Gong meeting a man in secret. Back then, the look he gave me was so sharp it scared me. I thought the matter had passed, but when we returned from the trip, I had become a thief. No matter how much I think about it, that’s the only reason I would be framed.”
“Was the person Escort Leader Gong met someone you knew?”
“No, it was the first time I’d seen him. But that man had a large mole on his forehead.”
That mole must have been the source of the trouble. It wasn't just that he met someone, but that he met someone with a mole.
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Gong Chan. He was merely glaring at Jong-hak with a hardened expression. He was full of regret.
‘I should have killed him and made it look like an accident back then.’
The reason he couldn't was that he had to report to someone within the agency. He had been told never to handle even the smallest matter alone and to always report it.
The subsequent handling of the matter was also an issue.
He had suggested killing the whole family and making it look like a bandit raid. But the other person had said that if they were going to kill him anyway, they should make it beneficial to the agency. If they cut off his hands and didn't stop the bleeding, he would die soon enough—it would establish discipline in the agency and kill the man at the same time. He had thought it was killing two birds with one stone.
Geom Mu-geuk approached Gong Chan and asked, “Why would the fact that you met someone lead to this man’s hands being cut off? Just who was it? If you speak honestly, I will spare your life.”
Though he would still cut off his hands and tongue.
Because he didn't know what was left unsaid, Gong Chan’s eyes wavered.
It was then.
The door to the agency building opened, and someone walked out.
“Stop right there.”
The middle-aged man who appeared had a grand physique and an intense gaze. He was none other than the leader of the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency, Woo So-chu. He was a man who possessed a formidable aura for a mere agency leader.
“I am the Agency Leader, Woo So-chu.”
He had stayed hidden until now, only to appear at the decisive moment.
“Since a noble guest has arrived, I shall invite you inside. Please, come in.”
Geom Mu-geuk politely declined.
“My people are out here, so that would be difficult. Let’s talk here. The snow is falling, and the atmosphere is quite nice.”
Woo So-chu took Geom Mu-geuk’s refusal as an act of oppression.
“No matter if you are the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, is it right to oppress an agency of the Orthodox Faction like this?”
“Ah, so the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency was on the side of the Orthodox Path? Seeing how you framed a man to cut off his hands, I thought you were from the Unorthodox Faction.”
Woo So-chu’s expression stiffened slightly.
“If you touch us, the Murim Alliance Leader will not forgive you.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked up at him and smiled.
“Have you ever met the Murim Alliance Leader?”
Woo So-chu couldn't answer. He had seen him from a distance while attending a large event, but he had never had a private audience with the Alliance Leader.
“I thought as much. You only say such things because you haven't. If the Murim Alliance Leader knew you were trying to cut off the hands and tongue of an innocent man, your heads would have already been smashed by his hands. Now then, stop with the empty threats and come down here.”
Geom Mu-geuk walked over the freshly accumulating snow and stood before Jo Chun-bae’s family. He lightly brushed the snow off Jong-hak’s shoulder and spoke.
“You defend your person, and I shall defend mine. Let us settle the right and wrong of this matter here upon this pure white snow.”
Woo So-chu remained where he was, looking down at Geom Mu-geuk.
“It seems you haven't grasped the situation because I’ve been treating you with courtesy, but the person standing before you right now is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult who almost lost a friend. So…”
Geom Mu-geuk, who had been polite throughout, added in a low, cold voice.
“Come down while I’m still speaking nicely, Woo So-chu.”