Chapter 745: We Move Forward
Chapter 745: We Move Forward
The man who filled the doorway with his massive, intimidating frame was Cheon Dae-ung, the Fire Dragon Unit Leader.
“From this moment on, anyone who moves without my permission dies. Don’t even breathe.”
His voice, infused with potent internal energy, thundered through the room.
Behind Cheon Dae-ung, seven elites of the Fire Dragon Unit filed in. Known as the Seven Fires, they had served as Cheon Dae-ung’s hands and feet for years, possessing notoriously cruel and savage personalities. By the time Cheon Dae-ung had risen to the rank of Fire Dragon Unit Leader within the Evil King Sect, the number of people the Seven Fires had slaughtered exceeded the total headcount of the entire unit.
Having received intelligence, Cheon Dae-ung had rushed here in pursuit, bringing only his elites to maintain maximum speed.
Cheon Dae-ung scanned the interior of the inn with smoldering eyes. Then, his gaze locked onto Ji Han. The moment Ji Han saw him, he instinctively bolted upright from his seat.
“So you really were here.”
Cheon Dae-ung’s words confirmed it. Someone had informed him of Ji Han’s location. Normally, Cheon Dae-ung should have been heading toward Shaanxi in pursuit of Manak Sanin’s corpse.
“A mere hound that does nothing but sniff around dares to pull a stunt like this?”
Ji Han’s pupils quivered. Memories of the habitual contempt and abuse he had endured surfaced, momentarily paralyzing him. At the same time, a surge of foul emotions shook him to his core.
“A wretch like you dares!”
Cheon Dae-ung’s rage exploded at the fact that he had nearly been deceived by Ji Han, of all people. The torrent of abuse he had been suppressing during the journey finally poured out.
“Did your old man teach you to betray the organization that raised you? Right, I bet your father spent his life crawling on the ground sniffing out shit, too. You monstrous bastard, did you really think you could deceive me?”
And whose fault is that?
When Cheon Dae-ung had the audacity to insult his father, killing intent flared in Ji Han’s eyes. Though his father had sent him away to a master at a young age, it was only so that he wouldn't suffer in a destitute household and could seek a better life.
It was then.
“Sit down.”
Surprisingly, the person who spoke with such calm composure was not Geom Mu-geuk, but the One Flower Sword Venerable.
Ji Han looked at her, startled. It was the first time she had spoken to him since they met.
“When we eat, we eat together.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Dazed and bewildered, Ji Han sat back down. Her single sentence instantly quelled the emotions that had been on the verge of being consumed by rage and bloodlust.
The inn fell into a heavy silence as everyone stared at her. She exuded an elegant grace that stood in stark contrast to the menacing atmosphere Cheon Dae-ung was projecting.
The One Flower Sword Venerable was the first to take a bite of the Five-Spice Pork. Because everyone was holding their breath, it felt as if the sound of her chewing echoed through the room. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the flavor.
Soon, her expression brightened.
“It’s delicious.”
Watching this, Cheon Dae-ung was dumbfounded. He had clearly ordered them to put down their chopsticks, yet she was eating as if to spite him. He should have erupted with curses immediately, but the One Flower Sword Venerable’s strangely captivating beauty made him hesitate, curious to see what she would do next.
Geom Mu-geuk looked delighted.
“Ah, what a relief. I was worried the Five-Spice Pork might not taste good after all the trouble we went through to protect it.”
Indeed, he had run here and there, stopping all sorts of fights just to protect this very moment.
The One Flower Sword Venerable offered some to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“Brother, you should try some too.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon also picked up his chopsticks and ate a piece of the pork.
“Not bad.”
For him, this was high praise.
“Eating only noodles at your age will ruin your health. You should eat things like this more often.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable’s gaze turned back to Ji Han.
“Why aren't you eating?”
Though he wasn't in the mood for food, Ji Han picked up his chopsticks.
“I will eat.”
“Good food is meant to improve one's mood.”
Realizing that she was looking out for his well-being, Ji Han was inwardly surprised and moved. He took a bite of the Five-Spice Pork.
“It’s delicious.”
It was a lie. He was so distracted that he couldn't really taste anything.
Just then, Ji Han’s eyes met Geom Mu-geuk’s. Looking at him, Ji Han realized he had momentarily forgotten whose subordinate he had become and who he was with. Freezing up just because he saw Cheon Dae-ung was an insult to Geom Mu-geuk.
“I am sorry.”
As Ji Han bowed his head, Geom Mu-geuk spoke with a smile.
“You were right about him.”
“Pardon?”
“An idiot is truly an idiot.”
Earlier, Ji Han had stopped Geom Mu-geuk from killing Cheon Dae-ung, saying it was better to have an idiot in the enemy camp. And now, that idiot had come looking for them on his own two feet.
Sensing that he had been called an idiot, Cheon Dae-ung unleashed his killing intent.
“If you’re done stuffing your faces, prepare to die.”
Swaaaaaa!
He didn't care if the other patrons in the room were caught in the crossfire. However, his killing intent couldn't reach far; it was blocked by an invisible force. Poong, poong. The killing intent was softly deflected.
Cheon Dae-ung flinched. It felt as if an invisible barrier had surrounded him. In all his years of practicing martial arts, he had never experienced anything like this.
Geom Mu-geuk stood up and walked toward him with a bright smile.
“So you’re my subordinate’s former superior.”
“Former superior?”
“Ji Han is my subordinate now.”
“By whose authority?”
One might have expected him to say "by my authority," but Geom Mu-geuk looked at Ji Han and said, “By his own will.”
It wasn't that he had forced Ji Han to be his subordinate; Ji Han had come to him asking to serve.
Cheon Dae-ung became cautious when his killing intent was blocked. First, he tried to use the power backing him.
“Do you think you can handle the consequences of crossing the Evil King Sect?”
At the mention of the Evil King Sect, the watching customers turned pale. They had guessed Cheon Dae-ung wasn't a good person, but the Evil King Sect? Their atrocities were so infamous that everyone shuddered at the name.
“I can handle it, but I'm worried the other guests might get indigestion.”
Thud.
Before anyone knew it, Geom Mu-geuk had his arm around Cheon Dae-ung’s shoulders.
“Now, now, let’s not do this here. Let’s step outside for a moment.”
The two had been standing a distance apart, facing each other, but suddenly they were side-by-side. To the onlookers, it looked as if the space between them had simply been skipped. Naturally, the most shocked person was Cheon Dae-ung himself, followed by the Seven Fires standing nearby.
“Oh, your muscles are fantastic! I’ve always liked people with good muscle definition.”
Geom Mu-geuk poked Cheon Dae-ung’s forearm with his finger. For some reason, Cheon Dae-ung didn't pull away. Seeing this, the Seven Fires instinctively knew that Cheon Dae-ung had been bested. Their leader loathed it when others touched his body.
The two walked outside. The flustered Seven Fires followed close behind. Watching them go, Ji Han bolted upright.
“I’m going too!”
He couldn't just sit there while his leader went out to fight because of him. As he ran out, Tae-su also jumped up and followed.
“They’re all so young.”
At the One Flower Sword Venerable’s remark, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon silently drank his wine. She refilled his cup.
“Do you miss it?”
She expected him to say "Of course I do." Instead, she shook her head.
“I did, before I met the Young Cult Leader. I regretted the past and longed for it. Back then, I was very angry at my life.”
“And now?”
The One Flower Sword Venerable smiled without a word. There was no need to answer. She was showing her transformation through everything, from her outward appearance to her inner self.
This time, she asked, “Do you have regrets, Brother?”
After a moment of silence, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon finally voiced an emotion he hadn't revealed in thirty years.
“I do.”
It was the One Flower Sword Venerable who broke the heavy silence.
“Let’s come here again. We can wait in line together.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at her with a surprised expression.
“Next time, just the two of us.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon gazed at her quietly before giving a slow, silent nod.
*
Cheon Dae-ung couldn't resist.
He had no idea when his internal energy had been suppressed. Furthermore, the demonic acupoints on his upper body had been sealed, leaving him able to walk but unable to move his arms or torso.
Was it because the shadow of death had clouded his eyes? He was a master! Instead of realizing the truth earlier, he was filled with a different regret.
I was careless!
He had been certain that the masters were the old man and the woman. Geom Mu-geuk was far too young to be considered a master. His behavior was too light, and he talked too much.
Cheon Dae-ung glanced back. Fortunately, his subordinates were following closely. Yes, he could find an opportunity to eliminate the brat.
Meanwhile, Geom Mu-geuk kept talking.
“Everyone came here to wait in line and eat something delicious. Who are you and I to cause a scene in there?”
What is this crazy bastard talking about? Cheon Dae-ung was even more furious that he had been humiliated by someone like this, on top of being betrayed by his "hound."
“But why did you insult my subordinate’s parents like that earlier? It was quite unpleasant to hear. I can usually endure most things, but I can’t stand it when people insult parents.”
“I wasn't insulting yours, was I?”
“If you had, your head would already be rolling around, getting kicked by the busy waiters. Your body would have been cut in half before that. Oh, I’m not saying I would have done it. I’m the type who hates breaking things and killing people in taverns or inns. It’s just that the two people I was with really liked my father. The moment 'your old man' came out of your mouth, your head and body would have gone snap and thud.”
While he spoke, the two arrived at an empty lot behind the inn. As they stopped, the Seven Fires surrounded them with their swords drawn. They couldn't attack recklessly because Cheon Dae-ung was in danger.
Relying on the presence of his subordinates, Cheon Dae-ung asked, “The treasure map—you have it, don't you?”
“That’s right. We have it. Now, let me ask you a question. Who told you we were at this inn?”
Cheon Dae-ung didn't answer.
Crunch.
“Aaaaaagh!”
A scream erupted from Cheon Dae-ung’s mouth. With a light twist, Geom Mu-geuk had crushed and broken one of his shoulders.
“Oops, my apologies. I must have gripped too hard. I got nervous while waiting for your answer. I’ll hold onto this arm while I wait this time.”
As Geom Mu-geuk reached for the other arm, Cheon Dae-ung shouted, “I don't know! I only know he was someone sent directly by the Sect Leader!”
“If you don't know who he is, you should at least describe his appearance.”
“He was wearing a bamboo hat, so I didn't see his face!”
Geom Mu-geuk could guess. It was the same man who had brought the treasure map and told them to apply the Soul Tracking Incense. In any case, he had confirmed the man was connected to the Evil King Sect Leader.
“I broke your arm, so as an apology, I’ll give you a piece of information. Actually, the treasure map you’re looking for was intentionally leaked by the person who sent you.”
“What nonsense is that?”
“You called my subordinate a hound, but you’re the one who’s a hound that knows nothing. Compared to you, my subordinate is someone with a special talent that no one else in the world possesses.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked toward a tree in the back.
“Ji Han.”
Ji Han, who had been hiding behind the tree, revealed himself.
“If you fought these guys, how many could you take?”
“Three, sir.”
The Seven Fires’ expressions hardened into grimaces. A mere hound thought he could handle three of them?
“With your talent, you could handle all seven with just a little more training.”
Geom Mu-geuk had an accurate grasp of the skill levels of both Ji Han and the Seven Fires.
“I’ll show you the way later.”
Ji Han’s heart pounded at the unexpected words. The Young Cult Leader was saying he would personally teach him.
“No need to be so moved. Everyone else is currently resenting me because they’re trapped in a training hell.”
“I would gladly enter such a hell any number of times.”
Cheon Dae-ung seized the moment while Geom Mu-geuk was distracted talking to Ji Han.
“Now!”
Simultaneously, the Seven Fires lunged with the swords they had been aiming at Geom Mu-geuk. The sound of flesh being pierced rang out instantly. Not a single blade missed its mark.
Puk! Pu-uk! Puk! Puk! Puk-puk-puk!
The next moment, the Seven Fires’ eyes widened at the sight before them. The person pierced by the swords was none other than Cheon Dae-ung. Somehow, the two had swapped places. It was as if they had been aiming for Cheon Dae-ung all along.
Since they had all aimed for vital points, Cheon Dae-ung coughed up a torrent of blood and died instantly.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The necks of the Seven Fires, who were still surrounding Cheon Dae-ung with their swords embedded in him, began to go limp. Geom Mu-geuk had moved in a rapid circle, snapping their necks from behind.
The movement was truly like a flash of lightning; all of them had their necks broken before they could even pull their swords out of Cheon Dae-ung’s body. It was over in a blink, the sound failing to keep up with the action.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Cra-crack!
With Cheon Dae-ung dead from sword wounds in the center, the Seven Fires stood in a circle around him, all dead with broken necks. It was a scene so bizarre that anyone who discovered it would find it haunting.
A shiver ran through Ji Han’s entire body. He knew Geom Mu-geuk was strong, but he hadn't realized he was this strong. His skill was worlds apart from Ji Han’s own.
The Young Cult Leader looked at him, his playful demeanor replaced by a deep, serious gaze.
“Don’t look back anymore. We move forward.”
Ji Han performed a deep bow on the spot.
“I will never be trapped in the past again. Thank you.”
Then, a voice shouted from behind.
“Me too!”
As Tae-su appeared and tried to say something, Geom Mu-geuk raised a hand to stop him. Then, as if he already knew what the boy was going to say, he spoke calmly.
“Make your decision after you’ve seen your father.”
Realizing he had been too impatient, Tae-su took a deep, steadying breath.
“Yes, I understand.”
The three of them returned to the inn. When they returned safely, the customers and waiters cheered with bright smiles. Some even clapped.
Ji Han and Tae-su were finally able to eat the Five-Spice Pork and drink wine with peace of mind. A special dish even came out from the kitchen as an extra.
“It’s so delicious.”
Only now could Ji Han truly taste the Five-Spice Pork. Geom Mu-geuk ran to the kitchen and shouted through the serving hatch.
“This is delicious! Please keep this flavor unchanged in the future! There are people who will come looking for it again someday!”
Watching him, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable looked at each other. They had just agreed to come back when it was just the two of them.
He’s like a ghost.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head and held out his cup, and the One Flower Sword Venerable clinked hers against it. What filled their cups wasn't just wine, but a promise.
*
The carriage traveled on and on, finally arriving in Zhejiang Province. During the journey, they saw countless martial artists flocking to Zhejiang. There were masters and novices alike. Some came in groups, others alone. They were gathering like moths to a flame.
When the carriage reached the foot of a mountain, Tae-su finally revealed the exact location of the Sword Tomb.
“The Sword Tomb is here, on Mt. Cheonmok.”
It was Mt. Cheonmok, known as the Eye of Heaven.
“There are ponds on the eastern and western peaks of the mountain. It’s called Mt. Cheonmok because from the sky, they look like eyes.”
Tae-su pointed out the exact entrance.
“The entrance to the Sword Tomb is below that left eye.”