Chapter 401: I’m Sorry, but This Is Just the Beginning.
Chapter 401: I’m Sorry, but This Is Just the Beginning.
The three hostages froze as the voice drifted in from outside.
The correct answer?
If they had any wits about them, they knew a rescue team wouldn't have knocked so politely. They would have smashed the door off its hinges and stormed in.
Crucially, Lee An’s face was now radiant with joy.
Damn it! It’s one of theirs!
Yang Jung let out a heavy, ragged sigh.
But who could it be for her to look that happy?
Creak.
As the door swung open, Lee An threw herself toward the figure standing in the threshold.
“Young Master!”
Without a second thought, she lunged into Geom Mu-geuk’s arms.
“I missed you!”
She had hugged him several times before, but never had she been as relieved or as genuinely happy to see him as she was today.
Yes, the correct answer had arrived!
Actually, what did it matter if he was the "wrong" answer? It was Geom Mu-geuk. In this impossible situation, the man who always appeared at the perfect moment had arrived.
Watching this, the trio felt a surge of terror at the arrival of a newcomer, yet they also felt a strange, misplaced envy toward the man.
Who is he that this beautiful woman welcomes him so?
Looking at his face, he was a young and strikingly handsome man.
Belatedly, Lee An noticed the Drunken Demon standing behind Geom Mu-geuk, watching her with a dry expression.
“Ah! Lord Drunken Demon!”
Startled, she pulled away from Geom Mu-geuk, her face flushing crimson.
To think that the woman who, until moments ago, had been debating whether to cut off their arms or their heads could look so bashful!
However, that wasn't the problem for the three captives.
Drunken Demon?
The three men looked at each other in bewilderment. Their expressions screamed, I must have misheard that, right? There was only one Drunken Demon they knew of.
Hoping they were wrong, their gazes shifted back to the man.
The handsome, middle-aged man didn't exude a particularly overwhelming aura, yet he possessed a presence that seemed to pull one’s gaze in like a vacuum. They took in his somewhat decadent air and hollow eyes, and then their eyes fell upon the wine bottle hanging from his waist.
If nothing else, they knew one thing for certain: the Drunken Demon’s unique weapon was a wine bottle.
We didn't mishear!
Their hearts turned to ice.
A Demon Lord is here? Here? Why?
In the Murim, the terror inspired by a Demon Lord was truly immense. When the Drunken Demon glanced at them, the three men immediately lowered their heads, desperately avoiding his gaze.
The Drunken Demon looked at Geom Mu-geuk. His eyes seemed to say: I might get picked on by you, but this is who I am to the rest of the world.
Geom Mu-geuk gave him a thin smile. Knowing that the man wasn't feeling great despite his composed exterior, Mu-geuk tried to smile at him more often.
Geom Mu-geuk turned to Lee An. “Who exactly were you trying to save?”
“As expected! You knew without me even telling you.”
Lee An explained how she had ended up here. It had all started when she happened to meet a village woman while on her way to find Gwi Ryeongja’s sister, Seo Jin.
“…I heard her story while getting a glass of water, and that’s how I ended up here. I suppose it turned out to be a very expensive glass of water.”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded. This incident was a perfect illustration of who Lee An was as a person.
She hadn't thrown herself into danger simply because she was a guard or to save him. She had done it because she was the kind of person who couldn't turn away.
“Was handling things like this always so difficult? Whenever I watched you, Young Master, you always settled things so quickly that I thought it would be easy.”
Lee An sighed as she looked at the three men she had kidnapped. It had felt fine up until she brought them here. She had thought she could just make a clean hostage exchange and leave with the rescued people.
“How was I to know? That he would even abandon his own child. I was honestly contemplating just killing these three and leaving.”
Those words, which she didn't truly mean, were intended for the three captives to hear. No matter how she handled them, she needed to maintain an atmosphere of fear.
Now, Geom Mu-geuk took over the situation.
“Can I leave the rest to you?” she asked.
“Please, take over!”
It was Geom Mu-geuk; what was there to worry about? Even if he ruined everything—though that was impossible—it wouldn't matter. That was the kind of presence he was to her.
Geom Mu-geuk approached the three men and whispered softly.
“You guys really would have been in trouble if I hadn't come. That pretty lady over there… you have no idea how scary she is with her ‘snip-snip.’”
From behind him, Lee An spoke up. “I can hear everything.”
At that moment, the three men were all thinking something similar.
Who is this young man? Is he the Drunken Demon’s subordinate?
It didn't seem that way. Given that the woman called him ‘Young Master,’ he seemed to be of high status…
But no matter how they looked at him, he didn't seem to have trained in martial arts at all. His appearance and vibe were exactly like that of a scion from a prestigious family. But a noble scion consorting with a Demon Lord and committing such acts?
Regardless, their task was set. Yang Jung decided he had to use this variable to survive somehow.
I’ll use this guy to stay alive.
Yang Jung asked politely, “Who might you be, Young Hero?”
Suppressing the urge to scream ‘And who the hell are you?’ he behaved as courteously as possible.
“I am the savior who will spare your lives.”
It was an incomprehensible statement, but since he was offering to let them live, Yang Jung seized the opportunity.
“If you spare me, I will grant you whatever you desire.”
“Anything?”
“Yes. If you want money, I will give you money. If you want martial arts, I will pass on my sect’s techniques. If you want fame, I will see to it that you gain it.”
He began making reckless promises, unsure if he could even keep them. His life was on the line; what wouldn't he say?
Behind them, Lee An gave a faint smile. To think he was offering money and martial arts to him. Moreover, even if you combined everyone in their sect, their fame wouldn't even come close to his.
“Can’t I have all three?”
“I shall give you all three!”
But soon, Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes turned suspicious.
“But didn't your father refuse the hostage exchange? Would such a man really give up money and hand over martial arts?”
“That is…!”
Truly, this was the most shameful and infuriating part of Yang Jung’s life.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk made a casual suggestion.
“How about this instead? Tell us where the people we need to save are being held. Then we’ll go rescue them. After that, we can just let you go. Our goal is to save those people anyway.”
The moment she heard that, Lee An realized it.
Ah! That was the correct answer.
Coaxing the information out of them to find where the captives were held and rescuing them directly.
Why didn't I think of something so simple?
It was a plan that should have obviously come first. Yet, surprisingly, she hadn't thought of it.
Exchange this side for that side. Once her mind was fixed on that, no other thoughts occurred to her. Her opponent was a cold-hearted man who would even abandon his child, yet she had been stuck on the idea of a fair exchange. No wonder the situation hadn't gone as planned.
If Geom Mu-geuk hadn't come, she would have been kicking her blankets in regret much later, wondering why she hadn't thought of that.
As expected, I feel at ease when I’m with the Young Cult Leader.
Just then, Lee An’s eyes met the Drunken Demon’s. He wore an expression that seemed to say, ‘I know exactly how you feel.’
Right now, he could watch comfortably like this, but what if he were with a reckless Young Cult Leader? What if he had to follow around and clean up after a troublemaker? He didn't even want to think about it.
“You want to live, don't you?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s persuasion was also for Lee An’s sake. He knew she desperately wanted to save the woman’s husband and the others.
The problem was that even if they released Yang Jung, the North Blood Sect would never release their captives. If they were going to let them go, they would have agreed to the hostage exchange in the first place.
According to Lee An, they had gathered people with unique constitutions, so they were likely conducting some kind of experiment. They were undoubtedly plotting something that shouldn't be revealed to the outside world.
After some deliberation, Yang Jung spoke cautiously.
“They’ve likely moved those people already.”
He was already halfway persuaded.
“But you know where they would have moved them, don't you?”
Of course, Yang Jung had a few places in mind.
“Even if I tell you, the guard will be too tight for you to rescue them.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to the Drunken Demon and said, “Didn't you hear who this is earlier?”
Yang Jung’s heart began to thud. He was terrified of the Drunken Demon, and he was afraid that he would eventually confess.
“Besides, isn't it better for you if we go there and get caught? Why? Are you afraid of being treated like a traitor? You can just say it later—that you told us the location to lure us into a trap.”
Geom Mu-geuk even provided him with an escape route.
“If I really tell you, will you let us go?”
“I’ll let you go.”
“How can I trust that?”
“Because I am promising you that I will.”
Looking at those clear eyes and that kind, handsome face, it felt like he would surely keep his word. But how could one trust someone based on looks alone? Come to think of it, he still didn't even know who this man was.
As the hesitation dragged on, Geom Mu-geuk turned away coldly.
“Then just die. What are you doing? Kill all three of them!”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s command, Lee An drew her sword and stepped toward the three men. When a thick, unhesitating killing intent surged toward them, Yang Jung shouted in desperation.
“I’ll talk!”
In the end, Yang Jung confessed the location. He didn't just give one place, but several likely locations.
“If the location you gave is correct, you’ll wake up in your own room at the North Blood Sect.”
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three streaks of Finger Wind flew out simultaneously, striking their acupoints. They fell into a deep sleep instantly.
Of course, he had no intention of just letting them go even if the location was correct. He had to strike a deal with the Ice Palace first to get what he needed from them.
And that wasn't all. There was still the matter of retribution for whatever the North Blood Sect was plotting.
Lee An let out a sigh and said, “Why couldn't I think of this from the beginning?”
“Even if you had, it wouldn't have worked back then.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
“He wouldn't have breathed a word. He would have denied everything to the end. And you’re not the type to torture someone.”
“Ah! He confessed because he realized his father had abandoned him!”
“Exactly.”
“I didn't think of that part either! Why does the answer always seem to elude me!”
Lee An looked at Geom Mu-geuk with newfound admiration.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't miss the chance to show off.
“That look of deep respect in your eyes… it always feels good to see.”
After that bit of banter, the three of them stepped outside.
Outside, the snow that had briefly stopped was now falling heavily.
“I’m certainly seeing my fill of snow.”
Lee An looked up at the sky with a bright face. Geom Mu-geuk felt once again that Lee An suited winter very well.
Lee An ran out into the snowy yard.
Watching her run around like an excited puppy, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to the Drunken Demon.
“Brother, you handle the rescue of those people. I’m going to meet the Young Palace Master.”
The Drunken Demon nodded silently and walked off into the snow without a word.
Lee An, who had been running around, stopped for a moment to watch him. Was it because she had never really seen his back before? Or was it because of the heavy snow? For some reason, the sight of the Drunken Demon walking alone into the snow seemed lonely to her.
“Is this really a problem that can be solved with just the words ‘you handle it’?”
“Why do you think a Demon Lord is called a Demon Lord?”
“Thanks to you, I’m finally free!”
Lee An flopped down onto the snow.
Geom Mu-geuk looked up at the snowy sky and said, “I’m sorry, but this is just the beginning.”
* * *
At Geom Mu-geuk’s message requesting a meeting, Han Seol arrived at the designated spot with Chan.
Two people were waiting there.
The moment Han Seol saw the woman standing with Geom Mu-geuk, she had a premonition. That woman, wearing a bamboo hat and a veil, was the subordinate who had kidnapped the North Blood Sect Leader’s son.
The subordinate was a woman.
The two were talking comfortably. Even from a distance, she could feel the ease of their relationship. They seemed like friends, or perhaps siblings.
He really has no sense of authority.
It was the same with the Drunken Demon, and it was the same now.
Naturally, the thought occurred to her that the rumors and achievements of the Young Cult Leader might have been exaggerated. The Demonic Cult was more than capable of fabricating such things.
As Han Seol approached them, Lee An gave a polite fist salute.
“Greetings to the Young Palace Master.”
Han Seol acknowledged the greeting with only a slight tilt of her head. Her expression made it clear that a subordinate was merely a subordinate.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't sense bluntness or a sense of superiority in her attitude. What he felt now was emptiness.
“Why did you ask to meet?”
At Han Seol’s question, Geom Mu-geuk got straight to the point.
“I will return the North Blood Sect Leader’s son.”
Hoping that things might unexpectedly go well, Han Seol asked calmly, “Of course, there are conditions?”
“Naturally.”
“State them.”
“First, my subordinate who kidnapped them must not be held responsible.”
Han Seol’s gaze flickered toward Lee An before returning to Geom Mu-geuk.
“I’m not sure the North Blood Sect will accept that.”
She said that, but the North Blood Sect would have no choice but to accept. One could blame and curse a storm that blew in, but one couldn't charge head-on into it out of anger.
“Fine. I accept. Where is Young Master Yang?”
“There is one more condition.”
“What is it?”
“Allow us to stay at the Ice Palace. I wish to stay for a while and investigate the death of the Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains.”
Han Seol refused firmly.
“Our palace does not permit outsiders to stay.”
“Those are my only two conditions.”
“This is not a decision for me to make. I will discuss it with the Palace Master and let you know.”
Just as Han Seol was about to turn away, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
“I think you could decide something like this yourself. Why not make the decision and then persuade the Palace Master? As the Young Palace Master, surely you have this much authority?”
It was a provocation, if anything, but Han Seol didn't let her pride get the better of her.
“I do not have such authority.”
“Take this opportunity to claim it.”
Han Seol’s gaze turned cold.
“Isn't your ulterior motive a bit too transparent?”
“I consider it an opportunity for the Young Palace Master.”
“What kind of opportunity?”
“An opportunity to officially negotiate with the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. The Palace Master will also take note of the process and the result. In fact, she might even be expecting it—to see you handle this matter proactively.”
Suddenly, Han Seol imagined herself making that report.
I made this decision on my own. Please trust and support me, Mother.
If she said that, how would her mother react?
That was the problem. It was completely unpredictable. She still didn't truly know what kind of person her mother was.
“I will contact you again.”
She was about to turn away once more when it happened.
“May I say something?”
Lee An, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. She slowly removed her bamboo hat and veil.
For a moment, Han Seol couldn't take her eyes off Lee An’s face. It wasn't that she was marveling at her beauty.
A single thought occurred to Han Seol.
She is a person of a different nature than I am.
When had she ever thought such a thing? Had it been a long time ago, about her mother?
At the same time, a doubt arose. Why was she thinking this while looking at a mere subordinate of the Demonic Cult’s Young Cult Leader? Why was she feeling such a deep resonance? She couldn't understand it herself.
“What is it you want to say?”
It was the moment the gazes of the two women—one cold, one warm—met for the first time.