Chapter 560: Since the Wind Has Already Blown
Chapter 560: Since the Wind Has Already Blown
The Dan sisters were shocked and bewildered.
They truly hadn't expected the Young Cult Leader to personally arrange positions for them.
Dan-ah looked at Seo Dae-ryong with a dazed expression. With a face full of emotion, Seo Dae-ryong expressed his gratitude to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Thank you, Young Cult Leader.”
It was all thanks to Geom Mu-geuk that he had been able to reach his current position. And now, the man was personally stepping forward for the woman he loved—and even for her younger sisters.
“Don’t get emotional yet! For all you know, the job might be shoveling horse dung in the stables!”
At that, Dan-ah spoke up vigorously.
“I will do whatever the Young Cult Leader commands. Even if it’s not horse dung but hauling corpses every day, I’ll do it.”
The two younger sisters shouted in unison.
“Just leave it to us!”
They were sincere. The mere fact that the Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult was personally looking after them filled them with immense gratitude.
“Then follow me.”
The first place Geom Mu-geuk headed was the Ghost Shadow Squad, led by Lee An.
Blue Face, the 1st Team Leader, greeted Geom Mu-geuk.
“Young Cult Leader! I heard the news of your return.”
All the warriors of the Ghost Shadow Squad came out and bowed politely. Perhaps because they had been devoted to their training, their auras felt even sharper than when he had first seen them.
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze shifted from the warriors back to Blue Face. He didn’t ask how he had been lately. Instead, he asked a single question:
“Are you happy?”
After all, Blue Face was a man who had chosen the path of a mere team leader over being the top disciple of the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon.
The eyes behind the mask crinkled in a pleasant smile.
“Yes.”
That short answer was enough. Geom Mu-geuk could feel that the man was living a life he was satisfied with.
“I fought alongside Lord Smiling Demon this time.”
Geom Mu-geuk intentionally mentioned the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon. Would Blue Face have forgotten him just because the name was avoided? Rather, Geom Mu-geuk believed that speaking naturally was the better way to treat him.
“I survived thanks to Lord Smiling Demon.”
A flicker of irrepressible longing passed through Blue Face’s eyes.
“Thank you for bringing news of him.”
After sharing their brief reunion, Geom Mu-geuk revealed the purpose of his visit.
“I came today to recommend a new recruit for the Ghost Shadow Squad.”
Since it was Geom Mu-geuk’s first recommendation, Blue Face looked at the three women with a surprised expression. The person Geom Mu-geuk chose was Dan-yeon.
“Youngest Miss!”
Dan-yeon was startled, never imagining she would be called.
“Me?”
“Youngest Miss, the Ghost Shadow Squad is my direct organization, and it’s where my heart—the Squad Leader—resides. It’s also where Blue Face, whom I trust, serves as the 1st Team Leader.”
“You’re putting me in such an important place?”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded.
“I thought the Ghost Shadow Squad would suit the Youngest Miss’s lively personality. From now on, the Ghost Shadow Squad will be roaming the Central Plains to carry out missions. What do you think? Will you give it a try?”
Dan-yeon was surprised that Geom Mu-geuk had accurately grasped her personality.
Her gaze moved from Geom Mu-geuk to the Ghost Shadow warriors. Blue Face in his blue mask and the warriors lined up behind him all possessed extraordinary momentum. She would no longer be a ronin, but an elite warrior of the Demonic Cult.
“Can I do it?”
“That’s something neither I nor the 1st Team Leader here knows. Only the Youngest Miss would know. Can you do it?”
Despite the importance of the role, her hesitation didn't last long. What sealed her decision wasn't a vague hope to do well or a baseless confidence that she could. It was the footprints of her past. Her history of surviving the harsh life of a ronin made the final decision for her.
Dan-yeon bowed politely to Blue Face, performing a fist salute.
“If you will have me, I will do my absolute best.”
Geom Mu-geuk thought the youngest was clever. Since he had brought her personally, Blue Face would have to accept her regardless, yet she was still asking for his permission.
“Even though it’s the Young Cult Leader’s recommendation, there will be no special treatment.”
“That is exactly what I want.”
Blue Face accepted her with pleasure.
“Report here starting tomorrow.”
“Thank you!”
“Direct your thanks to the Young Cult Leader. We are shadows that exist only for him.”
Dan-yeon performed a fist salute toward Geom Mu-geuk and spoke vigorously.
“Thank you, Young Cult Leader.”
Dan-ah and Dan-bi bowed at the same time.
“Thank you so much for taking care of our sister.”
A mischievous glint flashed across Geom Mu-geuk’s face.
“It wasn’t for you two, but for our Youngest Miss. Now, Youngest Miss, even after this, do you still intend to send your cooking to my father?”
Dan-yeon gave a bashful smile, her expression saying that was the one thing she couldn't give up.
“You’re too much, Youngest Miss!”
Dan-yeon’s heart was pounding. It didn't feel real—chatting informally with the Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult and joining the Ghost Shadow Squad.
She knew a new life was beginning, but she hadn't expected things to change so suddenly on her first day at the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. She hadn't even finished unpacking her bags.
How could Geom Mu-geuk not know her complicated feelings? He added a warm word of encouragement.
“Since the wind has already blown, you must steer the sail well, Youngest Miss.”
* * *
“Thank you. You saved my life.”
Jong Hwa, an investigator of the Huangquan Pavilion, bowed politely.
In the process of arresting a cultist who had committed corruption, the situation had turned extremely dangerous when the criminal suddenly swung a sword and tried to take the investigator hostage. Fortunately, the newly appointed 3rd Division Leader of the Execution 3rd Squad had responded quickly and saved his life.
“This is excessive force! You bastards! You’re all dead meat!”
The cultist, who had been stabbed during the struggle, screamed. Terrified and drunk, he didn't even realize what he had done.
“This is nothing. You’ll encounter all sorts of lunatics from now on.”
The 3rd Division Leader nodded at Jong Hwa’s words. After Jong Hwa and the enforcement warriors left with the prisoner, the 3rd Division Leader, left alone, let out a sigh.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
“Do you miss the Jing'an Branch already?”
Startled, he turned around to see Geom Mu-geuk, Seo Dae-ryong, and the Dan sisters walking toward him.
“Young Cult Leader?”
“It’s been a while, Branch Leader Gang. Or should I say, Captain Gang.”
He was none other than Gang Dal, the former leader of the Jing'an Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Having performed a great service by saving the Dan sisters and catching Geom Wu-jin’s eye, he had been appointed as the 3rd Division Leader of the Execution Squad.
There were three captains under the Chief Captain, and he had been assigned as the leader of the third division. Moving from a regional branch leader to an enforcement captain of the Huangquan Pavilion was an unprecedented promotion. It was a reward from Geom Wu-jin, who highly valued his judgment and efficiency.
He had been worried when he first arrived at the headquarters. Unprecedented promotions always invited gossip and resentment. However, this time, there wasn't a single word of complaint.
On the day he was appointed, Geom Wu-jin had personally visited the Huangquan Pavilion. In front of all the enforcement warriors, he had praised Gang Dal’s great service and personally appointed him as captain. Gang Dal would never forget the moment the doors opened and the Cult Leader walked into the place where he was to serve.
After bowing politely to Geom Mu-geuk, Gang Dal also formally paid his respects to Seo Dae-ryong.
“I will serve you with all my loyalty.”
Seo Dae-ryong was now his direct superior. Though this was their first time meeting in person, Seo Dae-ryong had already received the report of his appointment as an enforcement captain.
“I trust that Captain Gang will do well.”
“I will do my best not to disappoint you.”
Once their greetings were over, Geom Mu-geuk told Gang Dal the reason for his visit.
“Please take a new recruit into the third division.”
“I was actually just about to supplement our numbers.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the second sister, Dan-bi.
“The second Miss is calm and rational, so I believe she’ll be well-suited for the role of an enforcement warrior. What do you think? Will you try it?”
She had been prepared to be a low-ranking warrior or even do menial chores, but an enforcement warrior of the Huangquan Pavilion? How could she not be pleased?
“Thank you so much.”
Dan-bi’s martial arts skills were also more than sufficient for the role. They were grateful for being entrusted with such important responsibilities, but the Dan sisters were truly moved by Geom Mu-geuk’s consideration for their individual personalities. In fact, that was the most important part.
If they were placed in roles that didn't suit them just because the Young Cult Leader had arranged it, they wouldn't be able to quit, which would have been agonizing.
Dan-bi bowed politely to Gang Dal.
“I look forward to working with you, Captain!”
“It’s even better to see a familiar face.”
Gang Dal smiled. In truth, his rise in status was thanks to the Dan sisters visiting his branch. The Young Cult Leader, the Huangquan Pavilion Master, and the Dan sisters—that connection was continuing even here at the headquarters.
Geom Mu-geuk had arranged positions for the second and third sisters, but then he said:
“There is no position for the eldest Miss.”
Naturally, there was a reason why Geom Mu-geuk made this decision.
“First, I want the two of you to have plenty of time together.”
The two of them loved each other and had come all the way to the headquarters together. But if Dan-ah took on a new job, she would be too busy and distracted adjusting to it.
“For the time being, take your time and enjoy yourselves. Go out together, eat delicious food, get used to the Cult, and look after your sisters.”
Seo Dae-ryong trembled at Geom Mu-geuk’s thoughtfulness.
‘I can’t possibly be any more moved by the Young Cult Leader. I’ve already used up all the emotion of my life on him, haven't I? So why does he keep doing this?’
He felt this sincerely. That was why such a question naturally escaped his lips.
“What are you going to do later?”
“About what?”
“You’re so cool while you’re young, so what are you going to do later in life?”
“If I’m pathetic, boring, and uncool then, you tell people this: ‘Our Young Cult Leader used up all the coolness of his life in his twenties! So let’s be understanding.’”
Seo Dae-ryong, Gang Dal, and the Dan sisters all laughed. Geom Mu-geuk sincerely hoped things would go well for Seo Dae-ryong and Dan-ah. But he knew that wasn't something he could force by intervening.
“If your life led you from being a ronin to following the Huangquan Pavilion Master all the way to the Main Cult, I believe you have a destiny of your own. Follow where that destiny leads.”
Dan-ah bowed deeply.
“I will never forget the grace you have shown me.”
Only now did she understand why Seo Dae-ryong talked about the Young Cult Leader every time he opened his mouth. Geom Mu-geuk was that kind of person.
“Then, I’ll see you all at the Pungryu Tavern this evening! Captain Gang, you come too!”
* * *
Geom Mu-geuk headed straight to see the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“Elder!”
When he ran into the yard, someone was already there.
“Young Cult Leader, you always come here first whenever you return from a trip.”
The woman tending the flower garden straightened her back and stood up. It was the One Flower Sword Venerable, whose makeup-free face and snow-white hair now suited her perfectly.
“Because I like you the most, Elder. Have you been well, Sword Venerable?”
The One Flower Sword Venerable smiled brightly and nodded. Seeing that her aura felt even softer, it seemed her training had never ceased.
Just then, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon walked out of the storehouse and spoke.
“Lies!”
Even as he said it, he couldn't hide his pleased expression.
“Elder!”
Geom Mu-geuk ran to hug him, but as always, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon used his footwork to dodge. He took the trowel he had brought from the storehouse, squatted down next to the One Flower Sword Venerable, and began digging in the dirt.
Geom Mu-geuk watched the two of them tending the garden for a moment. What were they feeling for each other? He could sense at least one thing. They weren't trying to force themselves closer; they were looking at each other from exactly that distance. He thought that perhaps that specific distance was what was protecting the bond between them.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked while working the soil.
“How was the mission?”
“I barely made it back alive. If it weren't for Young Alliance Leader Bi and the Demon Extermination Squad Leader—and especially Lord Smiling Demon—I would have died.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s hand paused for a moment before moving again.
“It will only get harder. The more you kill them, the more viciously and strongly they will retaliate.”
“You have to protect me, Elder.”
“Don’t think about exploiting an old man and just train hard.”
He truly intended to work hard from now on. It wasn't just the Heavenly Demon Soul in his dreams whose pride had been wounded because the seventh stage of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art hadn't worked.
“Sword Venerable. I think we need to resume our sparring sessions.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable smiled.
“I’m always happy to.”
Just then, two people entered the yard. They were Seo Dae-ryong and Dan-ah. Since they had returned from the mission, they had come to pay their respects to the Master. He had brought Dan-ah along to introduce her as well.
“Master, I’m back.”
At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon stood up and walked toward Seo Dae-ryong. A worried gaze swept over his disciple’s body.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Then that’s enough.”
Geom Mu-geuk wasn't one to just watch that.
“Hey, even if he’s your top disciple, isn't this too much discrimination? I was in much more danger!”
Ignoring him, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned his gaze toward Dan-ah.
“And who is this young lady?”
“This is Miss Dan-ah. She came to the Main Cult with me this time.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Seo Dae-ryong with an expression asking what he meant by that. Seo Dae-ryong didn't know how to explain and simply turned red.
Dan-ah was nervous. She really wanted to make a good impression on Seo Dae-ryong’s master, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. Her heart was pounding harder than when she had been surrounded by enemies.
Then, the One Flower Sword Venerable stood up and walked toward them.
“Why even ask?”
She looked at Seo Dae-ryong and Dan-ah. Seeing the fresh awkwardness of a couple who could barely look each other in the eye, a smile naturally formed on her face.
‘I had times like that too.’
Seo Dae-ryong introduced the One Flower Sword Venerable to Dan-ah.
“This is the One Flower Sword Venerable, a Demon Lord of our Cult.”
At those words, Dan-ah looked at her in surprise. No one who used a sword was ignorant of her name. A woman who had reached the position of Demon Lord with a single sword—to Dan-ah, the One Flower Sword Venerable felt special. Even before coming here, she was the Demon Lord she had wanted to see most, second only to Seo Dae-ryong’s master.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
Dan-ah’s voice trembled. Since her admiration for the One Flower Sword Venerable was plain on her face, her first impression was a success.
“It couldn't have been easy to decide to join the Cult as a woman.”
Was it because she was in a relationship with Seo Dae-ryong, who carried a great blade? It reminded her of her own youth.
“What do you like so much about him?”
When the One Flower Sword Venerable herself asked, Dan-ah answered honestly.
“I liked his pure heart, which is unlike that of a typical warrior.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable nodded and turned back to the garden. Then, seeing the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Dae-ryong standing side by side with great blades on their backs, she suddenly turned back and asked.
“By any chance, Pavilion Master Seo…”
Did he guess what the question was? The Blood Heaven Blade Demon quickly cut her off.
“Let’s not do this here; let’s go inside. I happen to have some good tea.”
As the Blood Heaven Blade Demon led Dan-ah inside, Seo Dae-ryong followed. The One Flower Sword Venerable smiled, recalling a day from long ago.
“Like master, like disciple.”
