Chapter 338: In a Place Where You Can't Die Even If You Want To
Chapter 338: In a Place Where You Can't Die Even If You Want To
"Three!"
Having finished his countdown, Geom Mu-geuk brought his sword down without a moment's hesitation.
"It’s not a mole!" Woo So-chu screamed in desperation.
Swoosh.
The descending blade halted mid-air.
Slash.
A thin line of blood trickled from a shallow cut on Woo So-chu's wrist. Fortunately, only the skin had been nicked; the bone remained intact.
This lunatic! He was actually going to do it!
Woo So-chu’s heart turned to ice. It was the first time in his life he had experienced such raw terror—a testament to just how sheltered and comfortable his life had been until now.
"It’s not a mole?" Geom Mu-geuk asked.
"That thing on his forehead—it’s not a mole, it’s a tattoo."
"A tattoo? What kind?"
Woo So-chu hesitated.
"One. Two—"
This time, the answer burst out before the count reached three.
"A snake’s head!"
"A snake?"
"A snake’s head is engraved on his forehead! It’s black, so I... I must have mistaken it for a mole!"
There was only one place in the Murim where madmen gathered with snake heads tattooed on their brows.
"Is it the Black Snake Unit?"
At the mention of the Black Snake Unit, the escorts and the villagers alike turned pale. Jong-hak, in particular, felt goosebumps break out over his entire body as he realized the significance of what he had seen.
The Black Snake Unit was a group belonging to the Unorthodox Faction, notorious for committing every atrocity imaginable. Even among the villains of the Unorthodox Path, they were infamous for their cruelty.
"Did you accept a commission from the Black Snake Unit?!"
Woo So-chu hung his head, unable to answer.
The escorts' expressions hardened. One middle-aged man among them couldn't contain his outrage and shouted, "Agency Head, is that true?"
Woo So-chu looked up and glared at him. His thoughts were plain to see in his eyes: No matter what I’ve done, how dare a lowly wretch like you question me?
He was truly beyond redemption.
The other escorts also glared at Woo So-chu with cold, judging eyes. Accepting a commission from the Black Snake Unit, of all places? It was a stain on their honor.
Finally, unable to endure the scrutiny, Woo So-chu barked back, "It was all for the sake of the agency! What do you lot know? Shut your mouths!"
Geom Mu-geuk lightly tapped Woo So-chu's wrist with the flat of his sword.
Woo So-chu, who had been shouting at his men, jumped in fright. "Don't cut it! Please!"
The escorts sighed at the pathetic sight. They felt a deep sense of shame for ever having served such a man as their leader.
"What is the cargo?" Geom Mu-geuk asked.
"I don't know."
"Impossible. No matter how blinded by greed you are, a man like you wouldn't have joined hands with the Black Snake Unit without knowing what you were transporting."
Geom Mu-geuk raised his sword high.
"One. Two..."
"I don't know! I really don't!"
"Three."
Swoosh.
Slice!
The blade passed through his wrist like a hot knife through butter.
Thud.
The moment he saw his hand fall to the ground, Woo So-chu’s eyes bulged. He hadn't truly believed it would happen.
Spurt!
As blood sprayed from the stump, Woo So-chu let out a blood-curdling scream. "Aaaaaagh!"
The onlookers turned their heads and closed their eyes.
Jo Chun-bae and Jong-hak, however, kept their eyes wide open. If Geom Mu-geuk hadn't intervened, that hand on the ground would have been Jong-hak’s.
The spurting blood suddenly stopped. Geom Mu-geuk had fired a finger-wind to seal his pressure points.
Just as Woo So-chu was about to hurl resentful curses at Geom Mu-geuk—
Slowly.
His severed right hand was lifted into the air by an unseen force.
Woo So-chu was scared out of his wits. "No! Stop! You lunatic, stop!"
Geom Mu-geuk began counting again. "One. Two!"
Woo So-chu shrieked the answer. "Children!"
A sudden, heavy silence fell over the area. It was an answer no one had expected.
"The cargo is children?"
"Yes... Children put into a trance with the Turtle Breathing Technique. They were placed in boxes, and I was to move them to the designated location."
Using the Turtle Breathing Technique induced a sleep like death, allowing living beings to be transported like inanimate objects for several days. They had likely camouflaged the boxes by filling the top with soft goods. It was a way to move many children quickly without drawing attention.
"Please... take me to a physician," Woo So-chu pleaded desperately, clutching his severed hand. Only someone like the Demon Doctor would be able to reattach it now.
Geom Mu-geuk’s reaction remained icy. "Why did they entrust this to you? They could have used an Unorthodox agency, or the Black Snake Unit could have moved them themselves. Answer quickly if you want to leave."
"I asked the same thing! They said the Murim Alliance had caught wind of them and was monitoring their movements."
Geom Mu-geuk remembered. He had heard stories of the Black Snake Unit kidnapping children with exceptional martial potential and selling them for massive sums. He recalled the incident happening much later than this, however.
"They said the Demon Extermination Squad Leader of the Murim Alliance was personally investigating, so they were keeping a low profile."
The Demon Extermination Squad Leader was Jin Ha-gun, the grandson of the Murim Alliance Leader. Geom Mu-geuk’s previous meeting with him had changed Jin Ha-gun’s trajectory. As his fate changed, the fate of the Murim was shifting as a result.
"Please! Please take me to a clinic!"
"I still have questions."
"I’ll answer them at the clinic!"
"No. Answer here."
Woo So-chu’s eyes filled with uncontrollable hatred.
"How much extra money did you receive?"
"Ten times the usual rate."
After answering, Woo So-chu felt the crushing weight of the gazes fixed upon him.
He turned his head to see everyone staring at him. The villagers, the escorts—they all had families. They were fathers raising children, and they were children to someone else. Their gazes were filled with pure loathing.
"I thought you all would be different..."
Before Woo So-chu could finish his sentence—
Swoosh.
Slice!
This time, without even counting, Geom Mu-geuk severed his other hand.
Watching the blood spray, Woo So-chu screamed until his voice cracked. Having lost both hands, he was on the verge of losing his mind.
"This is what you were going to do to that man," Geom Mu-geuk said coldly. "And at least he was guilty of something. You? You sold children."
Screaming, Woo So-chu tried to use his chin to press his own pressure points to stop the bleeding. As he thrashed about like a madman—
Rumble! Boom!
A clap of thunder rang out like divine punishment.
Thwack!
Geom Mu-geuk’s punch slammed into his face. His features caved in, and Woo So-chu collapsed backward, his breath cut short. Geom Mu-geuk didn't even allow him a final word.
Jo Chun-bae and his family were shocked and bewildered, yet profoundly relieved.
Geom Mu-geuk sent the villagers home first. "You may return now. And since this involves the Black Snake Unit, it would be best to keep quiet about today’s events for the time being."
Since it involved such a dangerous group, no one would spread the word even if they were paid to do so.
Once they had all left, Geom Mu-geuk turned to the escorts. "Which of you should I speak with regarding the agency’s affairs?"
The escorts' eyes turned toward one man. He was the one everyone respected, the one who had first questioned Woo So-chu.
"I am Escort Leader Hwang Won."
"You will serve as the temporary Agency Head for the time being."
"I shall."
Normally, Geom Mu-geuk would not have interfered with the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency any further, but since Jong-hak worked there, he decided to take an interest in their future.
"Lend me about a dozen Yellow Dragon Escort uniforms."
"May I ask why?"
"As you heard, the cargo is to be received at Clear Water Forest in three days. I intend to take warriors from the Cult's branch and rescue those children."
"Won't word of what happened here reach them?"
"If it does and they don't show up, there's nothing I can do. But if we reach Clear Water Forest before the news does, we can at least save the children in this shipment."
Hwang Won stared intently at Geom Mu-geuk and asked, "Why are you trying to save them? You are..."
The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Aren't your people supposed to be more cruel than those Unorthodox bastards?
He didn't say it aloud, but the sentiment was clear. The answer he received was surprising.
"Because they are children. Even if we ignore others, shouldn't we at least save the children?"
If it weren't for the actions Geom Mu-geuk had shown today, they would never have taken his words at face value. But the escorts had seen everything.
"May we discuss this among ourselves for a moment?"
"Go ahead."
After a brief discussion, Hwang Won reached an unexpected conclusion.
"We will go to Clear Water Forest with you. If they don't see familiar faces, they'll be suspicious. They might not show themselves at all."
Several escorts stepped forward. Not all of them, but a few had volunteered.
"It could be dangerous," Geom Mu-geuk warned.
"We know."
"Then why are you coming?"
"We are warriors of the Orthodox Faction. Though we spend our days carrying other people's goods, we are still men of the Path. We cannot turn a blind eye to an opportunity to save kidnapped children."
And though they didn't say it, they felt a strange confidence that if this Young Cult Leader was with them, they could succeed.
"Please help us restore the reputation of this agency, which our former head dragged through the dirt."
"The Black Snake Unit might retaliate later."
It seemed they had already considered that as well.
"As soon as we rescue the children, we will inform the Murim Alliance and ask for their protection."
"Very well. Let’s do that."
Geom Mu-geuk accepted their request. Having them along would certainly make the infiltration easier. After obtaining a set of escort clothes and changing, they promised to meet at Clear Water Forest in three days.
Geom Mu-geuk borrowed a carriage from the agency. "Now, please get in. We have somewhere to go."
He ushered Madam Yun, Yang-in, Yang-seon, Jo Chun-bae, and Jong-hak into the carriage.
"I'll drive," Jong-hak offered, stepping forward despite his injuries.
Geom Mu-geuk declined. "Tend to your wounds. If you don't treat them properly now, you'll suffer for the rest of your life."
He forced Jong-hak into the carriage.
Jo Chun-bae and his family sat facing each other. In the quiet of the carriage, they finally felt the relief of having escaped the crisis safely.
The voice of the man who had made this miracle possible drifted in from the driver's seat. "We’re heading out."
*
The carriage traveled for half a day without rest.
Entering a forest path, the carriage sped along, carving a trail where none existed, before finally coming to a stop.
"You'll have to get out and walk for a bit."
Geom Mu-geuk led them into the woods. After walking for a while, they reached a place shrouded in thick, unnatural mist.
"From here on, please follow exactly where I step."
The women didn't know why, but Jo Chun-bae and Jong-hak understood immediately. They were passing through a high-level formation.
Geom Mu-geuk walked slowly, out of consideration for the elderly Madam Yun. Following his guidance through the formation, they found a manor situated where a winter waterfall created a magnificent, frozen view.
A middle-aged man greeted them with a respectful bow. "Welcome."
Jo Chun-bae could sense that this man was a master of the Demonic Cult.
The snow-covered scenery of the manor was breathtaking.
"I've never seen such a wonderful manor before," Yang-in whispered.
"Me neither, sister," Yang-seon added in awe.
Jo Chun-bae asked Geom Mu-geuk, "Where is this?"
"This is a safe house of the Cult. It’s not just any safe house; it’s a special one that only those ranked Demon Lord or higher can use. It is a place where you couldn't die even if you wanted to."
Everyone was startled. They hadn't expected Geom Mu-geuk to bring them to a stronghold of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—and a high-ranking one at that.
"Since the Black Snake Unit is involved, I thought it best to be cautious. Please rest here comfortably until this matter is resolved."
Geom Mu-geuk was taking absolute care of the Jo family's safety, eliminating even the slightest possibility of danger.
"How could people like us stay in such a precious place?"
"Because you are friends of the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."
"Just how much more do you intend to move me?" Jo Chun-bae asked, his voice thick with emotion.
"I'll be expecting free appetizers at the Pungryu Tavern."
Jo Chun-bae was so humbled he didn't know what to do. It was a debt of gratitude he couldn't repay even if he cooked for the rest of his life.
The reason Geom Mu-geuk had brought them here wasn't just for safety, however.
"When was the last time you went on a trip?"
Jo Chun-bae was flustered by the question. He didn't even need to think about it. He gave his wife a sheepish look.
"Then, has there ever been a time the owner closed the tavern just to rest?"
"Never."
He had closed for family matters, but never just for himself. He had opened the doors every single day without fail. He opened when he was sick, and he opened when he was exhausted.
"Young Cult Leader? Surely...?"
"Yes. Consider this a trip, and think of it as a long-overdue vacation. Please, rest well."
Jo Chun-bae was so overwhelmed with emotion that his mind went blank.
"For me, this is as easy as moving my mouth. It’s not that big of a deal, so don't feel burdened. I’ll come to get you once the work is finished."
Before leaving, Geom Mu-geuk relayed several instructions to the middle-aged martial artist via voice transmission. Finally, he gave a command.
"Treat these people as you would treat me."
The middle-aged man bowed respectfully.
In a flash, Geom Mu-geuk became a distant dot and vanished.
Jo Chun-bae and his family stood still, watching him go. The middle-aged man managing the place guided them with a kind smile. "Please, come inside."
"Oh, yes, of course."
The family entered the manor. From the carpets on the floor to the furniture and every painting on the walls—everything was precious and luxurious.
"I've never seen a place like this in my life," Yang-in murmured.
As they passed by the open kitchen, they saw a cook preparing dishes that looked like they belonged in an imperial palace.
The manager prepared three separate rooms: one for Madam Yun, one for Jo Chun-bae and his wife, and one for Jong-hak and Yang-seon.
"Is it really okay for us to be here?" Yang-in asked.
Jo Chun-bae shook his head. "I don't know either."
Yang-seon helped Jong-hak lie down on a bed with crisp, white, fluffy blankets. "Don't worry about anything now. Just rest."
A physician from the safe house soon arrived to check Jong-hak's pulse and provide medicine.
Moved by the gesture, Yang-seon said with a bright smile, "My brother-in-law was right. This is a moment that will never come again."
Jo Chun-bae and Yang-in entered their own room. Madam Yun had insisted that her eldest son-in-law take the largest one.
The two sat on the bed, staring blankly out the window. A storm of a day had passed. Jo Chun-bae felt as if he were in a dream.
"To think a day like this would come in my life," Yang-in said softly.
"Indeed."
In the distance, the sunset was glowing beautifully. He couldn't remember the last time they had sat side-by-side to watch the sunset.
"You've worked so hard all these years, dear."
Today, those words hit home more than ever. Yes, that one sentence was enough. It was the lack of these simple words that often turned precious hardships into a living hell.
"You've worked hard too," Jo Chun-bae replied. He knew how fiercely his wife had lived, raising the children and handling the tavern's burdens.
Just then, a maidservant knocked at the door. "Dinner is ready."
The two sat in a daze for a moment, caught in this surreal reality. Then, Jo Chun-bae stood up and reached out his hand to his wife.
"My lady, shall we go to dinner?"
Yang-in smiled and took her husband's hand. It was the first vacation of their lives.
"Then shall we go eat a meal someone else cooked for us? I'm going to eat a lot."