Chapter 744: Even a Peace Treaty Wouldn't Get This Much Effort
Chapter 744: Even a Peace Treaty Wouldn't Get This Much Effort
The waiter led Geom Mu-geuk’s group to their seats.
Walking behind him, Geom Mu-geuk asked, “First time in a place this packed, isn't it?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable both nodded. To be honest, they had only entered because they were with Geom Mu-geuk; under any other circumstances, why would they ever stand in line for such a crowded establishment?
The One Flower Sword Venerable spoke up, offering a comment to lighten the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s mood.
“My brother isn't the type to stand in line, even if it led to a treasure vault.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon felt a flicker of pleasure at being called 'Brother,' and equally satisfied by her accurate assessment of his character.
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk wasn't one to let the comment slide.
“If there’s a line like that, please call me! I’ll stay up all night for it! I’ll show up three days early and lay out a mat!”
The One Flower Sword Venerable laughed. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon stole a glance at her; it had been a very long time since he had seen her laugh so freely.
“Coming through!”
A waiter darted past them, balancing a tray in both hands.
His movements were nimble, almost as if he were using a light body technique. From every corner of the room, voices shouted for more liquor or more dishes. Even in the midst of this chaos, the waiters reacted and moved with incredible agility.
“Those men are the true heroes of this battlefield,” Mu-geuk remarked.
Following behind, Ji Han was busy observing Geom Mu-geuk.
A man who saw everything and meddled in everything—this was his master. He was someone who even took notice of a passing waiter.
Just then, they spotted the man and woman who had cut in line earlier.
Four escort warriors stood guard around their table. It seemed excessive, but the man clearly wanted to show off, and the woman seemed to enjoy the attention.
Geom Mu-geuk’s group was led to a table a short distance away from them.
“Now then, leave the ordering to me.”
Geom Mu-geuk ordered a large portion of Five-Spice Pork.
“And two bottles of your finest liquor.”
“As you can see, we’re very busy, so the food might take a while, sir.”
“Just tell them to make it delicious! I have very distinguished guests with me!”
“Yes, sir! Right away!”
Watching the waiter dash off happily with the silver coin Geom Mu-geuk had pressed into his hand, Ji Han thought to himself:
How could he possibly know how distinguished these guests are? If the owner knew, he’d hang a sign next to the main plaque: 'The place visited by the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Demon Lords.' The line would probably grow ten times longer.
“I finally get to taste it!”
“It’s just Five-Spice Pork. How good can it be?”
“You won't say that once you've tried it. You might even ask to come back later.”
Mu-geuk’s words carried his hope that the two Demon Lords would indeed want to return.
In the meantime, the liquor arrived first along with some simple snacks. Geom Mu-geuk poured drinks for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable in turn.
“Thank you, truly.”
It was a sincere expression of gratitude. Throughout this journey, the two of them had followed his lead. There must have been times when they were reluctant or uncomfortable, yet they were showing him what true elders were like.
Accepting the drink, the One Flower Sword Venerable also expressed her sincerity.
“No, I should be the one thanking you.”
Geom Mu-geuk had brought her all this way just for the Five-Spice Pork she loved.
She had experienced many emotions in her life—joy, sorrow, profound movement, emptiness, anger, and regret. But among all those emotions, there was one she hadn't felt much.
Fun.
Had there ever been a time in her life when she thought something was purely, simply fun?
“This journey is quite fun.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
This time, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon poured a drink for Geom Mu-geuk.
“Take it.”
Trickle.
The clear sound of the liquid hitting the cup, as always, carried the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s feelings. For arranging this...
Thank you.
After receiving his drink, Geom Mu-geuk poured for Ji Han and Tae-su.
“A cup for my subordinate. And another for the Benevolent Gentleman who stole my heart.”
Tae-su gave a lopsided grin at Mu-geuk’s phrasing, suddenly realizing he had forgotten his own predicament. He had worried that they would dispose of him the moment he revealed the location of the Sword Tomb and helped them pass the mechanisms, but lately, such thoughts hadn't even crossed his mind.
Have I lost my mind because I'm about to die?
He couldn't help it. His companion was the kind of man who would hold his glass high and shout such things.
“Now, for our Five-Spice Pork!”
Ji Han and Tae-su shouted along loudly.
“For the Five-Spice Pork!”
Because they spoke so loudly, someone from across the room shouted back.
“Who’s making all that racket?”
It was a table of martial artists who looked like troublemakers at a glance. The moment the words left the man's mouth, Geom Mu-geuk shouted back.
“Our apologies! We’ll drink quietly!”
Because of Mu-geuk’s immediate apology, they didn't press the matter further.
Mu-geuk lowered his voice and said, “We endure everything until the Five-Spice Pork arrives! Absolutely no bloodshed! Now, cheers!”
After that whispered toast, they all drained their first cups.
“Kaaah, the liquor tastes amazing! Come out already, Five-Spice Pork!”
However, instead of the pork, something else popped up. An irritated voice erupted from the entrance of the inn.
“Move it, you bastards!”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze shifted toward the door. A man with fierce eyes stood at the entrance, scanned the interior, and began walking toward their section.
Geom Mu-geuk quickly turned his head back and whispered, “Don't look that way! Don't make eye contact!”
Even if he told them to look, would they? The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable simply refilled each other's cups, not giving the approaching man a second thought.
Fortunately, the man wasn't heading for Geom Mu-geuk’s table. He walked toward the couple who had cut in line earlier.
The woman was startled when she saw the man approaching. Soon, her expression turned venomous. Her gaze was just as sharp and bitter as the man’s fierce eyes.
“What are you doing here?”
“You dumped me just to marry this pathetic cripple?”
At the man’s words, the expression of the man with the woman hardened instantly. As much as his pride was wounded, the order he gave his guards was equally chilling.
“What are you doing? Cut off his limbs and throw him out.”
The escort warriors immediately blocked the way.
“Just like a coward. Hiding behind your subordinates to bark?”
“It’s because you’re a piece of filth not worth dealing with personally.”
It seemed they knew each other. The surrounding customers began to get up and leave. Food was good, but one's life was more important.
Geom Mu-geuk sighed at the sight. The man had caused trouble at the entrance, and now he was about to start a fight inside.
“Does it have to be today of all days?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't miss the chance to tease him.
“Is it ever easy to have a meal when you’re on the move?”
He was implying that Geom Mu-geuk always brought a storm of blood wherever he went.
Regardless, he had to stop it. The moment blades were drawn, things were smashed, and bodies started appearing, today’s business was over.
While everyone watched the confrontation in tense silence...
“Wait a moment!”
As Geom Mu-geuk stepped forward, the intruder reacted coldly.
“Who the hell are you?”
“As you can see, I’m a customer at the next table.”
“Then just eat your damn food. Why are you meddling?”
The man was seeing red and couldn't perceive anything else. He failed to notice the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s presence, which was as imposing as a great blade, or the One Flower Sword Venerable’s untouchable aura.
“I have something to tell you quietly.”
As Geom Mu-geuk approached, the man stepped back and reached for his sword. But before he knew it, Mu-geuk was standing right beside him, whispering in his ear. To everyone else, it looked as if the intermediate movements had simply been skipped.
Geom Mu-geuk and the man both looked toward the Blood Heaven Blade Demon at the same time. It was obvious to anyone that Mu-geuk was talking about him.
The man’s expression shifted rapidly. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head, wondering what kind of nonsense Mu-geuk was spouting now.
When the whispering ended, the man, who had looked ready to flip the entire place upside down, quietly left. He didn't even look back at the woman.
When Geom Mu-geuk returned to his seat, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked, “You were talking about me, weren't you?”
“I was.”
“What did you say?”
“I told him that the gentleman over there is a Great Demon who once turned the Murim into a sea of blood, and that he’s recently come out of a long seclusion. I also mentioned that you’re the type to tear people’s limbs off while they’re still alive.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked with an incredulous look, “And he believed that?”
“He took one look at your face and believed it instantly.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't know whether to laugh or be angry. He took a sip of his liquor and said, “You chased him away with other words, yet you used me as an excuse!”
“I also said this: 'He’s been single for a very long time, so he especially hates lovers’ quarrels. He’ll start by peeling the skin off anyone making a scene.' The moment he heard that, he bolted.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable laughed as she listened to the conversation.
Geom Mu-geuk could feel the change in the Blood Heaven Blade Demon—or rather, his effort. Usually, when he visited the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, the man wouldn't play along with jokes like this. The fact that he was entertaining them today was likely for the One Flower Sword Venerable’s sake. He wanted to see her laugh even one more time.
Yes, please laugh that much.
Then, the man who had cut in line approached Geom Mu-geuk.
“What did you say to that man?”
He should have been grateful for the help, but his tone was confrontational. The woman was visible behind him; it was clear she was curious and he had stepped forward to find out.
Ji Han wondered if the Young Cult Leader would deal with him kindly even in this situation. If it were him, he would have started with an insult. How dare you be so rude after being saved from danger?
This time, Geom Mu-geuk didn't tell a story about tearing off limbs.
“My uncle and aunt over there have been married for thirty years.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable widened their eyes at the unexpected lie.
“That very spot is where my uncle proposed.”
At the word 'proposal,' the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s eyes flickered slightly.
“I told him they came here to eat the Five-Spice Pork they had back then to reminisce. He said it reminded him of his own parents and decided to let it go just for today.”
“That guy said that? I find that hard to believe.”
“Doesn't everyone have their own hidden stories?”
With that, Geom Mu-geuk changed the subject.
“I heard at the entrance that the two of you are getting married. Congratulations. You truly look well-suited for each other.”
The man’s expression softened more at the compliment than the congratulations.
“I’m sure the two of you will return here together after many years have passed. Ah, I’m envious.”
How could anyone pick a fight after hearing that? Especially since he had just chased the other guy away. The man returned to his seat, and Geom Mu-geuk sat back down.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked accusingly, “Do I look like the kind of person who would propose in a noisy place like this?”
The One Flower Sword Venerable answered for him.
“You also looked like a Great Demon who tears off limbs.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed loudly at the banter. But the pleasant atmosphere was short-lived as another brawl broke out in the inn. The rowdy martial artists from earlier had started a fight with the customers at the next table.
Without turning around, Geom Mu-geuk covered his face and sighed.
“Ah! I’ve eaten Stalactite Immortal Moss and Immortal Peach Spirit Fruit, but is eating Five-Spice Pork really this difficult?”
Geom Mu-geuk jumped up and ran toward the fight. Since he had gone to intervene, there was no way a proper fight would break out.
Those trying to draw their swords scowled. No matter how hard they pulled, their swords wouldn't budge, as if they were stuck in their scabbards. One man who had already drawn his sword found himself sheathing it against his own will.
“What the—!”
“What kind of trick is this!”
In the middle of the chaos, Geom Mu-geuk was busy saying this to one person and that to another. He moved back and forth, talking earnestly.
Watching him, the One Flower Sword Venerable remarked, “It looks like he’s mediating a truce between the Murim Alliance and the Unorthodox Path Alliance to stop the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War.”
“He wouldn't work this hard even for a peace treaty. Why is he doing this for people who would turn to dust if he just blew on them?”
“It’s his terrifying obsession with making sure we eat that Five-Spice Pork.”
The two of them laughed together. With a bit of exaggeration, they had laughed more on this journey than they had in their entire lives.
Fortunately, the 'Great War' was halted just before it began. Whatever Geom Mu-geuk had said, the men were now reconciling, laughing, and sharing drinks.
Geom Mu-geuk returned after helping the waiter clean up the spilled food and broken bottles under the table.
“I asked the waiter if fights like this happen often.”
“And what did he say?”
“He’s been a waiter for seven years, and he says he’s never seen a day with this many accidents.”
“I told you, it’s because of you!”
“Is it really because of me? Or is it because of a terrifying Great Demon?”
Geom Mu-geuk and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon argued over whose fault it was. Meanwhile, other customers sat at the neighboring table. As soon as they sat down, they brought up a certain topic.
“Have you heard the rumor? Someone with the treasure map to the Sword Tomb is passing through Jiangxi toward Zhejiang Province.”
“I heard the Hunan region is in an uproar because of that map.”
“People are flocking from all over the Central Plains. Now Jiangxi is about to be turned upside down too.”
Ji Han was startled to hear their conversation. He had definitely applied the Soul Tracking Incense correctly to Manak Sanin’s corpse. That corpse should be moving toward Shaanxi. Yet the rumors were following them, not heading toward Shaanxi.
“How did this happen?”
To Ji Han’s question, Geom Mu-geuk replied, “It seems someone wants the entire Murim to move because of this treasure map.”
Ji Han thought of the man in the bamboo hat who had visited him. He suspected it might be the man who had told him to apply the incense to the map. Tae-su was also shocked. He had merely snatched the treasure map, but the situation was spiraling out of control.
In the meantime, the waiter brought the food.
“It’s finally here! Even if a war breaks out right now, we have to eat this!”
The Five-Spice Pork was finally laid out on the table. The freshly boiled meat was neatly sliced, emitting wisps of steam, with chopped green onions sprinkled on top. The five scents of star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and Sichuan pepper mingled with the rich aroma of the meat to stimulate the appetite.
“Now, you two go ahead and try it first.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon yielded the first bite to the One Flower Sword Venerable.
“You eat first.”
The moment the One Flower Sword Venerable picked up her chopsticks, the surroundings began to fall silent.
A chilling aura that had started from the inn’s entrance spread throughout the interior. The aura alone was enough to tell that a formidable master had arrived.
Then came a cold sentence, laden with heavy internal energy. It was a statement more unpleasant to hear than a threat to kill everyone.
“Everyone, put down your chopsticks!”
Watching the steam rise from the Five-Spice Pork, Geom Mu-geuk sighed.
“Ah! You really should eat it before it gets cold.”