Chapter 377: Flattery in Peaceful Ears
Chapter 377: Flattery in Peaceful Ears
“What are you looking at so intently?”
Madam Yun, Jo Chun-bae’s mother-in-law, approached a young man who was staring fixedly at a corner of the safe house’s courtyard.
The young man was watching a small insect crawling through the flower bed. He was someone she hadn't seen once during her entire stay. Since he remained silent, his eyes locked on the bug, Madam Yun offered a polite apology.
“Did this old woman disturb you? I’m sorry, Master Martial Artist.”
Madam Yun was courteous to everyone working at the safe house. She treated the martial artists, the attendants, and the maidservants with equal respect. It wasn't out of fear, but genuine gratitude.
She had lived a life of nothing but hardship, but lately, she was enjoying a life of incredible comfort. Every meal consisted of rare delicacies, and new clothes were brought to her regularly. It was the first time in her life she had ever worn silk. She had even slept in late and taken naps—luxuries she had never known. How could she not be grateful to the people here?
As Madam Yun turned to leave, the young man finally spoke.
“It’s called a Dragon Poison Bug. It’s an insect found only in this region.”
“Ah, I see.”
Madam Yun walked over and crouched down beside him. He looked young, but his aura and voice carried a strange maturity. When the bug crawled away and disappeared into the grass, Madam Yun noticed the young man’s waist.
“Those coin pouches are quite cute.”
The young man was wearing several pouches, each embroidered with the animals of the twelve zodiac signs. Usually, only merchants in the marketplace wore so many pouches at once. Of course, since she had met him here, he couldn't be a simple merchant.
Then, the young man said something unexpected.
“I’ve eaten your son-in-law’s cooking before.”
Madam Yun was startled. “How?”
“I live near there as well.”
“Oh, is that so? Please visit often in the future! Our Jo is truly kind and diligent.”
Madam Yun was delighted to hear he was a customer of her son-in-law’s tavern.
“Are you hungry, perhaps? There’s food in the kitchen; shall I go get you some?”
Because he looked so young, she assumed he performed odd jobs around the estate. Even if he was a martial artist, she figured he was of a lower rank.
“I’m fine.”
“Nonsense, you’re at an age where you should eat plenty. Just wait a moment.”
Madam Yun hurried toward the building. Watching her go, the young man muttered to himself.
“I’m well past that age.”
A moment later, Madam Yun returned with a tray of food. However, the young man was gone.
“Where did he go so fast? He should have waited just a bit.”
She felt a lingering sense of disappointment. Just then, Jo Chun-bae walked out.
“Mother, aren't you hungry? Shall I set the table for you?”
His mother-in-law was always trying to feed him whenever she saw him.
“I’m fine. Besides, I should be the one taking care of your meals.”
“No, you’ve been busy taking care of others your whole life. You should rest well while you can.”
Aren't you the same, Mother? You’ve suffered much more than I have.
While staying at the safe house, Jo Chun-bae had gone through several stages of psychological change. At first, he was bewildered but happy. He only wished his children, who lived far away after marriage, could have been there with them.
But as the days passed, he grew anxious. Is it okay for me to enjoy such luxury? Is it okay to leave the tavern empty for this long?
Eventually, he reached a point of "whatever happens, happens" and began to rest deeply. Above all, he was satisfied that his mother-in-law, his wife, and his sister-in-law’s family were living comfortably. It wasn't as if he could leave just because he wanted to, anyway.
“But what is that food for?”
“There was a young man here who caught my eye, so I was going to give it to him. But he left already.”
“Who was it?”
“A cute and handsome young man.”
Jo Chun-bae tilted his head. There was no such young man here.
“Oh, he said he’s been to your shop before.”
“What? My tavern? That can’t be right.”
At that moment, the young man returned. His hands were full of herbs whose names were unknown.
“Your knees seem to be in very poor condition, Elder.”
“When you get old, everything hurts. But how did you know my knees were bad?”
Her knees were a chronic source of pain.
“If you brew these and drink them, it will be easier for you to walk.”
“Oh, you shouldn't have! Thank you, thank you so much.”
Madam Yun was so moved she didn't know what to do.
“Our Master Martial Artist isn't just handsome, he's kind. Here, put those down and eat this.”
Madam Yun treated the young man as if he were her own grandson. Watching this, Jo Chun-bae turned ashen, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. He was so shocked he couldn't speak.
His mother-in-law was currently patting the Poison King on the back, telling him to eat a lot. She was even saying how rare it was to find such a kind young man these days.
“Aaaah! You can’t!” Jo Chun-bae screamed.
The Poison King and Madam Yun both looked at him.
“Jo, what’s wrong with you?”
At Madam Yun’s question, Jo Chun-bae bowed deeply to the Poison King.
“Oh, heavens! Poison King!”
The Poison King had even left his name on the tavern wall; how could Jo not recognize him? Belatedly realizing the young man was a person of noble status, Madam Yun panicked.
“Oh, my! I didn't recognize such a precious person. Please, kill me!”
The Poison King stopped Madam Yun from prostrating herself on the ground and handed her the herbs.
“I cannot accept something so precious.”
“I’m giving this to you because I am indebted to your son-in-law, so do not worry about it.”
After saying that, the Poison King walked straight into the building.
When he had arrived yesterday, he had heard from the demonic cultist managing the safe house that Jo Chun-bae’s family was there. He had intentionally not revealed his presence so they could stay comfortably. They would have been given the best room, and he knew that if Jo Chun-bae found out he was there, Jo would try to give up the room. Not only that, but Jo would feel a great deal of pressure.
So, without announcing his arrival, he had spent two days quietly in the guest hall with his subordinates. Furthermore, because the Poison King knew that Geom Mu-geuk cherished Jo Chun-bae, he had bolstered Jo's prestige in front of his mother-in-law.
“Thank you, thank you so much, Poison King!”
Jo Chun-bae was deeply moved when the fearsome Poison King gave him the herbs and left.
“Jo, I don't know if I’ve made a terrible mistake.”
“No, Mother. If you had, would he have given you something so precious?”
“He is truly a grateful person.”
She bowed toward the building the Poison King had entered. “What luxury I’m enjoying thanks to you.”
“I will brew the herbs for you.”
Jo Chun-bae’s heart raced as he took the herbs. Herbs given directly by the Poison King? His hands trembled. He was careful not to let even a single leaf fall.
There was one person he missed. All this happiness and joy were gifts from him.
“Young Cult Leader, please return safely. When you return, I will—!”
It was then.
“What will you do for me?”
Jo Chun-bae turned in surprise to see Geom Mu-geuk entering. After leaving the Unorthodox Path Alliance, Geom Mu-geuk had run like the wind using Rapid Speed Step.
“Young Cult Leader!”
At his shout, the Poison King, who had entered the building, opened a window and appeared.
“You arrived sooner than expected.”
“I ran like the wind because I missed you, Poison King.”
“You probably missed the tavern owner there more.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled at Jo Chun-bae. “Of course, I missed our owner as well.”
Jo Chun-bae was overjoyed to see Geom Mu-geuk return safely. A wave of relief washed over him. It was the relief of finally stepping back onto solid ground after floating through a dreamlike fantasy.
“I don't know how I can ever repay this grace.”
“There will be a way.”
“Pardon?”
“A precious guest will visit the tavern later, so please show off your skills then.”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s meaningful gaze, Jo Chun-bae blinked, looking confused. He hadn't said such a thing even when a Demon Lord was coming. Who on earth was coming that he would say that?
In the meantime, Madam Yun and the rest of Jo Chun-bae’s family came out to welcome Geom Mu-geuk.
“Thanks to you, my family has made memories we won't forget even in death. Thank you, Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-geuk took Madam Yun’s hand and spoke with a warm gaze. “Please stay healthy, Elder.”
Once it was decided they would leave the safe house the next day, Jo Chun-bae prepared dinner that evening. He wanted to personally serve food to those he was indebted to. He served wine and dishes not only to Geom Mu-geuk, the Poison King, and the Poison Fangs, but also to the martial artists, attendants, and maidservants of the safe house.
While Jo Chun-bae was showing off his skills, his wife expressed her gratitude to each person who had looked after them. The Poison King sat eating, lost in his own world. Sangseon, who was sitting next to him, poured wine for Geom Mu-geuk instead.
“I thank you for many things.”
The Poison King was changing after meeting Geom Mu-geuk, and that change was something Sangseon had long hoped for. Being here instead of the Thousand Poison Forest, gathering herbs with the Demon Buddha, and eating together—these were things that would have been impossible in the past.
“I should be the one thanking you. By coming with me this time, we overcame a great danger.”
“Please visit the Thousand Poison Forest sometime when you return.”
“Next time. I plan to visit the Murim Alliance right after greeting my father.”
“You’re going to turn the Murim Alliance upside down this time, I see.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed at Sangseon’s joke. “How could I? It’s a simple matter of meeting the Murim Alliance Leader and asking for one favor.”
Then, the Poison King spoke up abruptly. It seemed he had been listening all along.
“Will it really be that simple?”
At the Poison King’s words, Geom Mu-geuk emptied his wine cup. He didn't know the answer to that himself. He wondered how Jin Pae-cheon would take it. This was something neither he nor the Murim Alliance Leader had ever experienced before.
When the pleasant dinner ended, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Jo Chun-bae.
“It’s time to go back.”
It was the moment the most splendid vacation of Jo Chun-bae’s life came to an end.
*
Upon returning to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Geom Mu-geuk stopped by the Heavenly Demon Hall first.
“Father, I have returned.”
His father greeted him from his usual seat. “I heard you went and stirred up the Unorthodox Path Alliance?”
“That’s a misunderstanding. I didn't even step forward; I just watched. Though I’m sure you’ve received all the reports from Tongcheon Pavilion.”
Geom Mu-geuk told his father about what had happened at the Unorthodox Path Alliance. As he always had, he tried to tell his father directly like this. It didn't matter if his father already knew everything. By speaking truthfully, it wasn't a report—it was a conversation.
“I believe the mastermind is still out there.”
As long as his father didn't let his guard down, it would be fine. Even if everyone else in the world grew complacent, as long as he and his father remained vigilant, they could stop it.
“They might try another trick, so you and I must keep a close watch.”
He emphasized that they must not let go of the tension.
“Simply defending is not the only way.”
It meant he would find and eliminate them first—his father’s way. He must have already given the order to the Chief Strategist.
“If we can do that, it would be the best way.”
But given the meticulousness the enemies had shown so far, they wouldn't be easy to find.
“Oh, and I’ve invited the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader to the Pungryu Tavern.”
He said it casually on purpose. His father showed no reaction. Unable to look his father in the eye, he muttered with his head bowed.
“I know you dislike the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader, but once you actually meet him, he might turn out to be a surprisingly decent person. And also…”
Since there was still no reaction, he cautiously raised his head to look at his father. His father’s gaze said exactly this: You know what you’re doing, don't you?
Normally, he could have stopped by the Murim Alliance on his way back and handled things there first. But he thought it was important to tell his father even now. He had to get permission, read his father’s mood, and if his father said no, he would have to persuade and negotiate. There was a big difference between telling him now and saying, "This is how it turned out."
His father’s lips slowly curled up into a smirk, as if he could see right through him. It was a derisive smile he hadn't seen in a long time. Seeing it, a sense of relief finally washed over Mu-geuk.
Ah, I’m home.
His father likely already saw through his reasons for inviting the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. Indeed, his father did not ask for the reason.
“The Murim Alliance won't just sit still, will they?”
“That’s why I’m going to go to the Murim Alliance Leader and tell him myself.”
“Do you think Jin Pae-cheon will accept that?”
Like the Poison King, his father did not see this task as easy. Of course, Mu-geuk had one thing he was counting on.
“I have allies on the Murim Alliance’s side as well. There are two of them there.”
*
“Master!”
The Fist Demon was looking up at the cliff he was trying to tear down.
“You’ve come?”
Mu-geuk wanted to bring Bi Sa-in here and joke around. He wanted to say, Look, your face is cute compared to my Master’s.
“I’ve just returned after finishing the business with the Unorthodox Path Alliance. I’m coming straight to you after seeing my father.”
After making sure his master knew he had prioritized him, Mu-geuk stood beside him and looked up at the cliff.
“Is this cliff, by any chance, still growing?”
At the Fist Demon’s questioning gaze, Mu-geuk looked at the cliff again and answered. “Somehow, it seems to have become even larger and higher.”
A strange light flickered in the Fist Demon’s eyes. “Is it not that you have grown?”
Mu-geuk could guess what he meant, but he asked as if he didn't know. “Shouldn't the opponent feel more trivial the more I grow?”
“That’s only for the low-rates. First-rate masters see their opponents more accurately as they grow.”
That was likely why true masters were humble. Had his realm of martial arts risen as he achieved Great Achievement in the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art? The cliff truly felt more magnificent.
“Then this cliff must look even more formidable to you, Master.”
“Since I hear flattery in my peaceful ears, someone must have truly returned.”
“It’s not just flattery that’s returned. I have a gift here as well.”
The Fist Demon recognized the gauntlets Mu-geuk handed him.
“The Combat God!”
“You recognize them.”
“Anyone who has mastered fist techniques couldn't possibly not know this item. Where did you get this?”
“I received it as a gift from the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.”
The Fist Demon wore a bewildered expression for a moment, then nodded as if to say, If it’s you, I suppose that’s possible.
“Why are you giving me something that was given to you?”
“Would the Combat God want to be on my hands? Or would it want yours, Master?”
Since he had always lived with bare fists, Mu-geuk thought he might say he didn't need them, but he accepted them readily.
“Yes, I’ll need them to tear down this cliff.”
Indeed, Mu-geuk wasn't the only one growing. He could tell by the way his master accepted them without letting pride get in the way. The Fist Demon was also growing. And he could see why the Combat God was considered the best among gauntlets. They were highly elastic and fit the Fist Demon’s large hands perfectly.
“I think I finally understand the saying that every treasure has its rightful owner. They suit you perfectly.”
The Fist Demon clenched his large fists in front of Mu-geuk, which served as his way of saying thank you.
Yes, everyone had to get stronger like this. If the other side plotted in the shadows, they would grow stronger like this under the sunlight. Let’s see who wins.
*
After bidding farewell to the Fist Demon, Mu-geuk entrusted the Sun and Moon Sword to his guards and immediately left the Main Cult. Since he had to leave again right away, he decided to greet the other Demon Lords after returning from the Murim Alliance.
“You’re going to leave us behind again, aren't you?”
Jeok-yeon, the head of the guards, had now reached a state of enlightenment regarding this.
“I’ll have to do that this time as well.”
Jeok-yeon tried to sway him with a self-deprecating look that said, We are truly useless men, but it didn't work on Mu-geuk. Finally, Jeok-yeon shouted.
“Just know this. If something happens to you, Young Cult Leader, we all die too.”
Yes, if something happens to me, we’ll all die anyway.
“If you want to follow me, get stronger! More! More!”
Passing through Ma Clan Village, he saw the Pungryu Tavern. In the shop that had opened after a long time, people from the marketplace were gathered, talking with Jo Chun-bae. How much he must have to say?
Owner, don't do it yet. Because the real boast is still to come.
He used Rapid Speed Step and dashed toward the Murim Alliance. Even as he flowed through the world like light, he could see it. The flowers by the roadside were beginning to show their buds.
Spring was coming.