Chapter 399: It’s Been So Long Since I Came to See Her.
Chapter 399: It’s Been So Long Since I Came to See Her.
It was a provocative first greeting.
Normally, an invitation to share Ice Wine should have come only after she had formally introduced herself to Geom Mu-geuk and paid her respects to the Drunken Demon.
Instead, she led with those words. She had likely calculated that the Drunken Demon wouldn't find it rude, given that the icebreaker involved alcohol. More importantly, it signaled that she had arrived already knowing exactly who they were.
It was a sharp demonstration of just how formidable the Ice Palace’s information network was here in the North Sea.
If they knew about them, there was a high probability they were also tracking Lee An’s movements. Geom Mu-geuk knew this was by no means a favorable development. While the North Sea Ice Palace wasn't an outright enemy of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, they weren't exactly allies either.
Geom Mu-geuk stared silently at Han Seol. He wondered how much of a gap existed between the rumors of this woman and the person standing before him.
“Are you fond of drink?”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Han Seol looked slightly surprised before answering calmly.
“I prefer drinking alone.”
A faint smile played on the Drunken Demon’s lips at her honest answer. He, more than anyone, understood the allure of a solitary drink.
“Allow me to introduce him,” Geom Mu-geuk said. “This is the Drunken Demon, a Demon Lord of our Cult.”
Han Seol performed a polite fist salute toward the Drunken Demon, showing proper respect.
“It is an honor to meet such a distinguished guest.”
“The rumors were true,” the Drunken Demon remarked. “The Ice Palace’s precious daughter is indeed a beauty.”
“You flatter me.”
Contrary to the rumors of her being a heartless ice beauty, Han Seol didn't seem much different from any other woman her age. But Geom Mu-geuk knew better. Coldness and heartlessness were revealed through one's choices and steel-hardened resolve, not through outward appearances.
He couldn't afford to harbor any preconceptions yet. He didn't truly know what kind of person she was.
Han Seol’s gaze returned to Geom Mu-geuk. “You still haven't answered my question.”
Geom Mu-geuk deferred the decision to the Drunken Demon. “Would you like a drink, Brother?”
For a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed Han Seol’s eyes. If the Young Cult Leader and a Demon Lord were traveling together, the Young Cult Leader should naturally be the one making the decisions—just as she made all the decisions herself, rather than the experts waiting outside.
And yet, this Young Cult Leader was asking for the Drunken Demon’s permission.
The Drunken Demon looked at Han Seol.
Geom Mu-geuk felt the shift in the air. In this moment, the Drunken Demon was no longer the pathetic older brother he usually nagged. There was a world he saw, a perspective gained by reaching the ultimate principles of martial arts and life through the bottom of a bottle. How did she appear to those eyes?
“I can’t refuse Ice Wine,” the Drunken Demon finally said.
At his answer, Han Seol signaled to the warriors standing outside. Her subordinate, Chan, entered carrying a snow-white bottle and handed it to her.
“This is Ice Wine brewed within our palace.”
As she uncorked the bottle, an enchanting fragrance wafted through the air. The other patrons in the tavern, who had been holding their breath, let out collective gasps of awe. There were many varieties of Ice Wine in the North Sea, but the vintage brewed by the North Sea Ice Palace was considered the absolute pinnacle. This captivating scent was unmistakable.
Pour...
Han Seol poured a glass for Geom Mu-geuk first. As the liquid flowed, she recalled the words of her mother, the North Sea Ice Palace Master.
— The Young Cult Leader is no ordinary man.
Han Seol had heard of Geom Mu-geuk’s exploits many times. Was he not the one currently reshaping the entire landscape of the Murim?
— You must deal with him cautiously. Lest you be swallowed whole.
Her mother had never issued such a warning before. It felt as though the Palace Master evaluated the Young Cult Leader even more highly than her own daughter.
Is this man really that incredible? Han Seol wondered.
He looked almost frivolous, grinning at the aroma of the wine. No matter how she looked at him, she couldn't see the overwhelming authority expected of someone who commanded a Demon Lord.
Han Seol poured a glass for the Drunken Demon next. Finally, the Drunken Demon filled her glass.
“I also mostly drink alone,” he noted.
With that, the three of them toasted and downed the Ice Wine.
“Ah, the taste is truly excellent,” Geom Mu-geuk said, genuinely impressed. He had tasted Ice Wine before his regression, but it hadn't been this good back then. As expected, the flavor of alcohol changed depending on the company and the occasion.
“Why do you not suspect it might be poisoned?” Han Seol asked.
At her question, Geom Mu-geuk glanced at the Drunken Demon. Sure, I’m fine because I’m immune to all toxins, but is it okay for you to just gulp it down like that, Brother?
The Drunken Demon answered for him. “I might not notice if you put poison in food or water. But I can detect poison in alcohol even if it’s a Formless Poison. I can tell just by the scent.”
“As expected, your reputation is well-earned.”
This time, Geom Mu-geuk filled Han Seol’s glass. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
He didn't know this woman well in this life. However, he knew the life she had lived in his past. Or rather, to be precise, he knew the death she had met.
Geom Mu-geuk got straight to the point. “I assume there is a reason you came looking for us.”
“Yes, there is.” Han Seol revealed the purpose of her visit. “I believe you are well aware of the North Blood Sect. The second son of the Sect Leader has been kidnapped. Have you heard?”
“I heard the rumors earlier.”
“I believe the one responsible is a warrior of your Cult.”
The atmosphere instantly turned cold and heavy.
“What makes you think so?”
“The kidnapper is so elusive that the North Blood Sect hasn't been able to find a single trace. Even our palace stepped in, but we found nothing. It is the work of someone highly skilled and professionally trained.”
Worried she was like a child playing near the water? Geom Mu-geuk thought. That child is currently building a dam and catching fish. Good job, Lee An.
“But that doesn't mean you can claim it was our Cult’s doing, does it?”
“There is decisive evidence.” Han Seol stared intently at Geom Mu-geuk. “You, Young Cult Leader. You are the evidence.”
Even at this provocative statement, Geom Mu-geuk remained calm. “Why am I the evidence?”
“Because you appeared in the North Sea at such a coincidental time.”
“That is circumstantial at best.”
“Correct. It is evidence that cannot be verified if the Young Cult Leader denies it.”
Geom Mu-geuk could see why Han Seol was considered cold and heartless. As she spoke, she merely conveyed facts, devoid of emotion. Even while voicing her suspicions, her expression and eyes remained perfectly neutral. It wasn't about how much she said; it was the fact that she said everything necessary without a hint of feeling that made her seem so frigid.
“You’re right,” Geom Mu-geuk admitted readily. “I also believe it was my subordinate’s doing.”
“Then it will be easier to talk. This is strictly the territory of our palace. Have your subordinate release the North Blood Sect Leader’s son and hand the subordinate over to us. If the son returns safely, we will mediate the situation and return your subordinate to you afterward.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s expression remained soft, but his refusal was firm. “I cannot do that.”
“What do you mean?”
“If my subordinate kidnapped him, there must be a reason for it.”
“True. There probably is. However, the Murim is a place where the organization’s pretext is more important than an individual’s reason.”
“Could you say the same if it were you who had to be sacrificed for the sake of a pretext?”
Han Seol looked at Geom Mu-geuk and said calmly, “Of course. I would willingly give myself up.”
He could feel that her words were sincere. However, the emotion behind them wasn't a spirit of sacrifice or loyalty. It was emptiness. It was a black hole that felt even larger because she was young and beautiful.
This woman has no lingering attachment to life.
*
Yang Jung could not wrap his head around the situation.
“When were you captured?”
A shocking answer came from Hwang Chu’s mouth. “Two days ago.”
“Then you mean you were captured before us?”
“It seems so.”
Chills ran down the spines of Yang Jung and Ju Gyu. That meant the kidnapper had first neutralized Hwang Chu, their master tracker, before setting the rest of the plan in motion. It was a level of foresight they hadn't considered.
“This was meticulously planned.”
“Who the hell did this? Against the great North Blood Sect... who would dare!”
It was then that a voice drifted from the darkness.
“Isn't the important thing ‘why’ rather than ‘who’?”
It was a woman’s voice—pleasant and clear.
Yang Jung barked out, “Who are you?”
They were in the same room, yet they hadn't even sensed her presence.
Before Yang Jung could spit out an insult, Ju Gyu spoke quickly. “If you release us now, we’ll act as if this never happened. We can just go our separate ways.”
The woman’s laughter echoed. It grew louder as she stepped out of the shadows. Wearing a bamboo hat and a veil, it was Lee An.
“Who are you, young heroine?” Ju Gyu asked politely.
“I am someone who came to save a woman’s husband at her request,” Lee An answered. “I’ve come a long way. I never imagined I’d end up all the way in the North Sea.”
“Who exactly did you come to save?”
“Why? Would you even know if I told you the name?”
Ju Gyu fell silent. He couldn't count how many people they had abducted.
“You lured people from all over the Central Plains by deceiving them with promises of wealth,” Lee An continued. She had done her homework. This wasn't a simple kidnapping ring. They had specifically targeted people with special qualities.
“All those people had unique constitutions, didn't they? What were you gathering them for? To use them as materials for a Great Regression Art? Or were you planning some other evil sorcery?”
Yang Jung and Ju Gyu remained silent.
“I’ve sent word to the North Blood Sect,” Lee An said. “I told them that if they release everyone they’ve taken, I’ll release you.”
Yang Jung’s expression hardened. This operation had been top secret. His father might not release the prisoners just to keep the secret buried. His father was a man who valued the clan more than his own flesh and blood.
In a fit of desperate anxiety, Yang Jung began to rave.
“Do you know what happens if you kill us? My sect will hunt you down. Not just you, but your entire family. Everyone down to your distant cousins will die. They’ll kill your neighbors, too. They’ll find and slaughter everyone who has ever exchanged a single word with you. That’s the only way to ensure this never happens again. So go ahead—try and kill me!”
Lee An stared silently at Yang Jung. When she didn't speak, he thought his threat had worked. He was wrong.
Lee An reached up and removed her bamboo hat and veil.
“Don’t look!” Ju Gyu shouted, squeezing his eyes shut. He feared they would be killed to silence witnesses if they saw her face. Hwang Chu closed his eyes as well.
However, Yang Jung glared at Lee An with his eyes wide open. He was about to curse, but his mouth hung open, the words dying in his throat. The woman who had kidnapped him was breathtakingly beautiful.
Words he couldn't understand flowed from her lips.
“I’m so grateful to you, Young Master, and to the people around you. For being the kind of people who don't care even when faced with such threats.”
Several scenes flashed through her mind.
— You’re the one closest to Lee An? Who are you?
— I am the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
— And you!
— I’m the Huangquan Pavilion Master.
— And you? I heard you even had a drinking party together.
— I am a Demon Monarch.
— And you!
— I’m the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader.
— And you said you’re her stepfather?
— …….
She laughed softly at the ridiculous mental image of her "family" being threatened.
“And I’m so grateful that you’ve allowed me to say these words.” The laughter vanished from Lee An’s face. She stared coldly at Yang Jung. “Tell them to definitely come and kill me. Please, make sure to leave a suicide note begging them to take their revenge.”
*
“I am a person who values my subordinate’s reasons more than the organization’s pretext,” Geom Mu-geuk said.
Han Seol didn't believe him. No matter how noble he sounded, the organization always came first. For the Young Cult Leader of all people to say such a thing... Does he take me for a fool?
“My subordinate isn't the type to do this over a petty insult,” Geom Mu-geuk continued. “She must have witnessed an injustice or been asked for help.”
Han Seol couldn't wrap her head around it. Not Geom Mu-geuk, who defended his subordinate, nor the subordinate, who risked everything to help others. Why do they live such hypocritical lives?
“So you’re saying you cannot comply because you believe your subordinate is in the right.”
“That is correct. My subordinate has lived a hard, exhausting life serving the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. She should at least feel that serving me is worthwhile at times like this.”
Han Seol said flatly, “The North Blood Sect has asked our palace for aid. We have our own position to consider.”
“Then help them.”
“Then that precious subordinate of yours might die. Would you be okay with that?”
Geom Mu-geuk stared intently at Han Seol. “If my subordinate is right and the North Blood Sect’s son is wrong, would you still kill my subordinate?”
Han Seol met his gaze expressionlessly. “Then what if your subordinate is wrong and the North Blood Sect’s son is right? Is it okay to kill her then?”
Geom Mu-geuk gave a faint smile. “In that case, I would have to save my subordinate and escape from here.”
Han Seol looked at him with a hint of disbelief. “I believe I’ve said everything I needed to say. I’ll leave you to your drinks.”
She rose from her seat. This meeting had been productive if only because she had confirmed this was the work of the Demonic Cult.
As she turned to leave, Geom Mu-geuk spoke again. “Actually, there is another reason we came to the North Sea. There is someone we really wanted to meet.”
“Who?”
“The Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains. The Drunken Demon has mentioned many times what a great person she is, so I’ve wanted to meet her for a long time.”
Since this was the Drunken Demon’s primary reason for the trip, Geom Mu-geuk wanted to bring it up.
At those words, Han Seol’s expression hardened.
“What is it?”
Han Seol looked at the two of them with a strange, suspicious flicker in her cold eyes. “Why did you two come looking for the Master at this specific time?”
Geom Mu-geuk realized a wrong word here could lead to a dangerous misunderstanding. Since the Drunken Demon remained silent, Geom Mu-geuk answered for him.
“Every year, the Master sent wine to the Drunken Demon. It didn't arrive this year. We came to see if something had happened.”
After a brief pause, Han Seol said softly, “The Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains took her own life not long ago.”
Clink.
The glass in the Drunken Demon’s hand shattered, wine spilling across the table.
Han Seol looked at Geom Mu-geuk. “Tell your subordinate to return the North Blood Sect Leader’s son.”
With that, she departed.
Silence fell over the two men. The wine dripped from the table onto the floor. Finally, the Drunken Demon, who had been staring at the spill in silence, broke the quiet.
“There is no way she committed suicide.”
He was certain.
“She had more pride in her craft than anyone. She was satisfied with her work. She was a person who knew exactly how many people were made happy by the wine she brewed. There is no way.”
The Drunken Demon knew the Master better than anyone. If he was right, she hadn't killed herself—she had been murdered.
Geom Mu-geuk nodded and emptied his remaining glass. “To think I can no longer taste such good wine.” He set the glass down and clasped his hands in mourning.
The Drunken Demon emptied the remaining contents of the Blood Tear gourd at his waist and filled it with the rest of the Ice Wine. He poured it carefully, not letting a single drop go to waste.
Beyond the flowing, transparent liquid, the Drunken Demon’s reflection wavered. The sorrow and fury burning in his eyes were being sealed into the Blood Tear along with the wine.