Chapter 559: He’s Even More Handsome Than the Doll!
Chapter 559: He’s Even More Handsome Than the Doll!
Han Seol followed closely behind Geom Mu-geuk.
As they passed, warriors bowed respectfully to him. She could see it in their eyes—a deep sense of trust and unwavering loyalty.
Perhaps influenced by the events at Ma Clan Village, she found herself constantly comparing Geom Mu-geuk’s leadership to her own. Until now, she had never really noticed how the warriors of the Ice Palace looked at her. Or rather, she might have seen it, but she hadn't cared enough to remember. For the first time, she was curious about what kind of look was in their eyes.
They stepped inside the Heavenly Demon Hall.
Han Seol’s heart hammered against her ribs at the thought of meeting the Demonic Cult Leader for the first time. Just then, a voice transmission from Sa Han reached her.
— Do not be nervous! We will protect you.
In truth, the Twin Frost Swords were the ones who were more anxious. They had never imagined they would stand before the Heavenly Demon in their lifetime.
In the distance, she saw Geom Wu-jin seated upon the Grand Tutor’s Chair. Seeing him sitting alone in the vast expanse of the Heavenly Demon Hall, Han Seol felt he looked strangely unfamiliar, yet solitary.
Walking along the central path, Geom Mu-geuk spoke in a booming voice.
“Father! Your son has returned after completing his mission.”
His voice echoed loudly through the hall.
Geom Wu-jin might have thought no one could see him from such a distance, but using his New Eye Technique, Geom Mu-geuk saw a faint smile touch his father’s lips. He was clearly pleased by his son’s return.
Arriving before the Grand Tutor’s Chair, Geom Mu-geuk looked up at his father. Their eyes met.
“Seeing you, Father, it finally feels as though I have truly returned to the Main Cult.”
To feel such a sense of relief upon seeing his father... Considering how things were when he first regressed, this was something he could never have imagined.
Han Seol looked up at Geom Wu-jin in silence. His gaze shifted toward her.
‘He’s even more handsome than the doll!’
The actual appearance and presence of Geom Wu-jin were things a mere doll could never hope to capture. She had assumed the doll was a beautified version because he was the ‘Heavenly Demon,’ but the real man was far more striking. She had expected someone with a terrifying, monstrous countenance.
Moreover, it was only after standing close to him that she realized this space wasn't large at all. Geom Wu-jin’s presence filled the entire hall to the brim.
Geom Mu-geuk introduced her.
“This is the Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace.”
Of course, since word had been sent to Tongcheon Pavilion in advance, the Cult Leader already knew she was coming.
Han Seol bowed respectfully.
“I am Han Seol. It is a great honor to meet such a dignified personage.”
“You have worked hard to travel such a long distance.”
“Thanks to the Young Cult Leader, I enjoyed the sights of the Central Plains on my way here.”
The Twin Frost Swords, who had accompanied her, also bowed.
“We are the Twin Frost Swords. We greet the Supreme Master of the Divine Cult.”
“I have heard much of your reputation.”
The two of them were feeling a much more intense pressure than Han Seol. The moment their eyes met Geom Wu-jin’s, they felt as if their entire bodies were freezing. Even though he hadn't released any particular aura, his mere presence overwhelmed them.
At the moment Sa Han tried to push back against that pressure—
Swoosh.
Slice.
The whistle of wind was followed by the wet sound of flesh being cut.
Sa Han looked down at his chest. It was drenched in blood. Beside him, a long crimson thread was also drawn across So-bing’s chest. Sa Han turned around. He saw the back of Geom Wu-jin, who had already cut through them and passed by.
Sa Han looked down at his sword again. It was drawn only about a span’s length.
‘This is the difference in skill between the Heavenly Demon and me!’
But all of this had occurred only within Sa Han’s imagination.
He was accustomed to reading an opponent’s aura to simulate a battle; usually, reality mirrored his visions perfectly. If he had tried to fight the Heavenly Demon today? The result would not have been much different from that vision.
‘A single strike!’
He knew the Demonic Cult Leader was strong, but he hadn't expected this level of sheer weight.
Geom Wu-jin spoke to the three of them.
“Rest comfortably within the Cult before you depart.”
Han Seol and the Twin Frost Swords gave a fist salute.
“Thank you.”
Geom Wu-jin then spoke to Geom Mu-geuk.
“See to their needs well.”
“Yes, Father. I shall come to see you again later.”
He had much to tell his father, but that would have to wait until they were alone.
After bidding farewell to Geom Wu-jin, Han Seol and the Twin Frost Swords left the Heavenly Demon Hall with Geom Mu-geuk.
“Phew.”
The moment they stepped outside, Han Seol let out a long sigh. She had only gone in to say hello, but her entire body felt achy as if she were coming down with a fever. It was the result of extreme tension.
Sa Han’s expression was stiff. Seeing him, So-bing could guess what kind of scenario her husband had imagined and how it had turned out.
“What did you think of my father?”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Han Seol answered honestly.
“He was truly magnificent.”
“Don't you start too. I’ve been losing the popularity contest to my father lately.”
“It’s understandable.”
“That’s cold!”
Geom Mu-geuk guided them to the guest hall where the most prestigious visitors stayed. It was so well-decorated that one might wonder if a guest room should even be this luxurious.
“You’ve worked hard traveling so far, so please get some rest. I’ll see you this evening at the Pungryu Tavern.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, a subordinate arrived to report. Before going to the Heavenly Demon Hall, Mu-geuk had ordered a subordinate to find out if Lee An had returned.
“The martial artist Lee An has not yet returned.”
A flash of disappointment crossed Han Seol’s face at the report.
“I might have to leave without seeing her.”
This, too, was a strange feeling of regret. She had never felt disappointed about failing to meet someone before.
The subordinate then added, “Ah, and the Huangquan Pavilion Master has just returned.”
“Did he come alone?”
Geom Mu-geuk knew that Seo Dae-ryong’s fate depended on the answer to this question.
“No. He arrived with several women.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s face brightened instantly. Once the subordinate finished his report and withdrew, Han Seol asked, “What is it that makes you so happy?”
“It seems my right hand has finally found his spring.”
She looked puzzled, unable to understand the idiom, but instead of explaining, Geom Mu-geuk made an unexpected suggestion.
“How about staying at the Main Cult until Lee An returns?”
Not only Han Seol but even the Twin Frost Swords were surprised by the offer.
“Is there any urgent reason for you to return to the North Sea immediately?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then there’s no reason you can’t, is there?”
“Isn't it strange? For the Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace to stay at the Divine Cult.”
“Just think of it as visiting a friend’s house.”
He had used the word 'friend' back at the Heavenly Flower Pavilion, and here he was, calling her one again.
“Do you truly consider me a friend?”
It was a cautious question, but the answer came easily.
“I do.”
“But we don't know much about each other, do we?”
“Where in the world are there friends who know everything before they start? You become friends if the feeling is right. In fact, the more you know, the harder it is to become friends.”
Han Seol couldn't find a reply. She had never had a friend before.
“Think about it. If we try to become friends when we’re older, we weigh all sorts of things. What did they do in the past? What’s their personality like? How are they when they drink? Do they hold grudges? How greedy are they? If even one thing doesn't sit right, it feels uncomfortable and you can't befriend them. But when you’re young, it’s the opposite, isn't it? Even if you dislike everything else, you can become friends if you connect on just one thing.”
“Then what did you connect with me on?”
Then, words she never expected flowed out.
“Because you are as refreshing as a breeze from the North Sea.”
Han Seol’s eyes widened slightly.
“If I say ‘let’s go to the Main Headquarters,’ you’re the type to go. If I say ‘let’s meet at the Unorthodox Path Alliance,’ you’re the type to go. If you’re buying dolls, you buy them all. I thought it would be nice to have at least one friend who lives according to their feelings. Especially since I’m the type who has too many worries and concerns. Well then, rest well and I’ll see you later.”
As Geom Mu-geuk left the guest hall, Han Seol stood dazed for a moment.
We connected because I’m as refreshing as the wind? I’m a friend who lives according to my feelings?
These were words she was hearing for the first time in her life. And they didn't sound bad at all.
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk’s suggestion didn't sit well with the Twin Frost Swords.
“You must not stay at the Divine Cult for long.”
Han Seol asked him back, “Are you afraid the Young Cult Leader is plotting something?”
“Even if he isn't, this place is the most dangerous dragon’s den in the Murim. We don't know what might happen.”
Han Seol walked to the window. She could see Geom Mu-geuk’s back as he walked away through the guest hall’s flower garden. Come to think of it, she really had come all this way trusting only that man.
“In the midst of the mountain of blades and forest of swords that is the Central Plains, isn't this place actually somewhere we can rest for a while?”
At those words, the Twin Frost Swords looked at each other. Lately, the Han Seol they had known since she was a child felt like a stranger. She used to be a woman who blew cold winds and would leave a place immediately if she felt even slightly uncomfortable.
Sa Han said to her, “Do not trust the Young Cult Leader too much. In the end, he is still a demonic practitioner. No—before that, do not trust people in general.”
Han Seol turned back to the two of them and asked, “Don't you two trust each other?”
“Well, that’s...”
Just as Sa Han was trying to find a way to persuade her, So-bing spoke up.
“However long it may be, just enjoy yourself while you’re here.”
Sa Han looked at So-bing.
— It’s the Young Palace Master’s first trip to the Central Plains, isn't it?
After sending that voice transmission to her husband, So-bing spoke in a calm tone. It wasn't necessarily directed only at Han Seol.
“When else would we ever get a chance to visit the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?”
*
“Is this where we’re going to live from now on?”
The youngest, Dan-yeon, asked in a trembling voice, awed by the magnificent majesty of the Demonic Cult Headquarters.
Dan-ah was also trembling, though she tried to act as if nothing were wrong. She looked at Seo Dae-ryong beside her. She had come to the Demonic Cult Headquarters trusting this one man. And she had brought her two younger sisters with her.
Seo Dae-ryong looked at Dan-ah and said, “From now on, this is home. Come, let’s go inside.”
Seo Dae-ryong entered through the main gate with them. The ones guarding the gate were terrifying demonic practitioners whom it was difficult even to make eye contact with. They bowed respectfully to Seo Dae-ryong.
“Oh, Brother-in-law! You look impressive!”
At Dan-yeon’s whisper, Seo Dae-ryong’s shoulders squared with pride. As they entered through a smaller gate—
“Waaaaah!”
Dan-yeon shouted without realizing it. She was startled by a massive statue of an evil ghost.
“It looks so scary.”
“Scary? From now on, it’s the being that protects us.”
Hearing those words, the Dan sisters truly felt that their fates had changed. The three women walked toward the inner court, constantly looking around in admiration. The scale was truly overwhelming.
Among those passing by, demonic practitioners who recognized the Huangquan Pavilion Master bowed their heads respectfully. Seeing that most people were the ones to greet him first, the Dan sisters gained a new appreciation for Seo Dae-ryong’s status. They had vaguely known he was someone important, but this was the moment they confirmed with their own eyes that he was truly a high-ranking official of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
Seo Dae-ryong first brought them to his residence. Since the maidservants had kept it clean, the house was spotless despite his long absence.
“Stay here for the time being.”
As it was the residence of the Huangquan Pavilion Master, there were several rooms.
“Sister-in-law, pick whichever room you like!”
The term 'sister-in-law' now rolled off Seo Dae-ryong’s tongue naturally. Of course, he only called the youngest one that, as she took his jokes well.
“The house is so nice!”
Dan-yeon, who was happily going from room to room, said to her second sister, “I’ll give you first pick of the rooms. Which one do you want?”
Knowing better than anyone how much her second sister wanted to settle down, she told her to pick her favorite room first.
A sense of relief washed over Dan-bi’s face as she lay on the bed of the room she had chosen and looked out the window. She had stayed in better places many times, but no matter how good they were, they weren't home. Now, this was her home and her room.
Watching Dan-bi, Dan-yeon smiled. In truth, she wasn't as desperate to settle down as her sister. She still preferred traveling around the Central Plains, but she didn't show it for the sake of her sisters.
Once the rooms were chosen, the three sisters gathered in one place. Dan-ah bowed her head to Seo Dae-ryong to express her gratitude.
“Thank you.”
“What are you saying? I’m the one who’s grateful that you trusted me and followed me here.”
Dan-ah had made a resolution on her way here.
“We won't be a burden to you, Pavilion Master. You don't need to overexert yourself worrying about us. We can start as the lowest-ranking warriors. We’ll take the test and enter formally.”
She had heard that the Huangquan Pavilion was the institution that enforced the laws of the Demonic Cult. She was worried that if he used his power as the Pavilion Master to place them somewhere, it might cause problems. She was confident she could survive on her own somehow. They were women who had overcome the hardships of a ronin’s life, after all.
“Don't worry about us, Brother-in-law! If all else fails, we can just do menial chores.”
Just then, someone spoke.
“We can’t have that for such precious guests.”
The four of them turned in surprise to see Geom Mu-geuk standing at the door.
“Young Cult Leader!”
The Dan sisters hurriedly greeted him.
“We greet the Young Cult Leader.”
They had met Geom Mu-geuk at the inn and at the branch office. Seo Dae-ryong ran over to him.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“I’m fine.”
Seeing him still looking out for him in front of Dan-ah, Seo Dae-ryong said, “You can speak comfortably now. We’re going to be seeing each other constantly from now on.”
Geom Mu-geuk gave them a bright smile and said, “Welcome.”
“We shall serve you with all our loyalty from now on.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Seo Dae-ryong. Seo Dae-ryong laughed sheepishly but provoked him with the expression of a winner. Geom Mu-geuk played along with his desire to joke around for the first time in a while.
“You dare to find love before your Young Cult Leader?”
“Well, I am a bit older than you.”
The two of them looked at each other and laughed. Geom Mu-geuk said to Dan-ah, “You have excellent taste in men.”
Dan-ah smiled, and Seo Dae-ryong waved his hand, telling him not to say such things. However, the look in Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes said, ‘Please, say a little more.’
“In the past, Pavilion Master Seo said that the Cult would not change. The transformation of our Cult began the moment he spoke those words to me. Perhaps it was because he wanted to bring the three of you here.”
The three women didn't quite understand what he meant, but Seo Dae-ryong felt a lump in his throat at the memory. He was so grateful to Geom Mu-geuk, who always said that change had begun because of him.
Geom Mu-geuk said to the three women, “If it weren't for you this time, things would have been truly dire.”
After all, it would have led to the death of the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master.
“Since you have performed such great deeds, you cannot start as low-ranking warriors. I intend to prepare positions for you.”
As if he had specific roles in mind for each of them, Geom Mu-geuk said to the three sisters, “You’ve been together your whole lives, so how about practicing being apart for a bit?”