Chapter 65
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: The Operation Begins (5)
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Chomp, chomp, chomp.
“Is it good, you little rascal?”
`Arf!`
Seo Ryang stroked Geumho's head as it frantically devoured the lamb piled on the plate.
After eating all that meat, it drank every last drop of water from the bowl. Geumho's once-slender belly instantly puffed up.
Seo Ryang muttered with a wry expression.
“What in the world is your stomach made of? You eat so much, yet it's flat again in less than half a day. And it's not like you're running around all the time either.”
Thud.
Geumho flopped onto its back and let out a long yawn.
Watching Geumho quietly, Seo Ryang felt its shoulders and front legs. Geumho purred contentedly, its tail wagging gently as a bonus.
“...Definitely not an ordinary fox.”
It wasn't just because of its large ears and a tail as big as its body.
He'd noticed it before, but its skeletal structure was different. It wasn't just its behavior that resembled a cat; its very frame was closer to a feline's than a canine's.
Seo Ryang gently pressed Geumho's paw.
A claw, hidden behind the fur, poked out. Though still a pup with small, transparent claws, the tips were sharply curved like a cat's.
“So it really is a mystical beast.”
Its body possessed the sturdiness of a dog or wolf and the flexibility of a cat, all at once. Yet, it didn't seem mismatched; it looked harmonious.
Seo Ryang's eyes grew serious.
“What are you, really?”
Its very skeleton was extraordinary.
Of course, it wasn't strange for such an animal to exist. The world is vast, after all. There were likely many creatures even more peculiar than this one.
But there was another reason why Seo Ryang began to seriously ponder Geumho's nature.
Whoosh.
A faint red demonic energy rose from his hand.
Even as the terrifying demonic energy swirled before its eyes, Geumho just kept yawning. It seemed sleepy after its meal.
‘Curious.’
Its lack of reaction was highly suspicious.
Demonic energy is a product of defying nature. Whether human or animal, it's normal for one's body to stiffen upon encountering such an unnatural aura.
And yet, Geumho showed no signs of tension. On the contrary, it even nuzzled its face against Seo Ryang's hand, rubbing vigorously as if finding the demonic energy comforting.
Seo Ryang's pupils turned red.
Vwoooom!!
As he increased the output, the demonic energy emanating from his hand intensified. The crimson aura, now glowing hot, crackled and surged menacingly.
Geumho lifted its head and looked up at Seo Ryang.
Zzzzzzzing.
The fierce sparks of lightning vanished without a sound as they touched Geumho's body.
‘No, it didn't just disappear.’
The corners of Seo Ryang's mouth lifted.
‘Was it absorbed?’
Thinking back, it had been strange from the moment they first met.
Now was one thing, but even back then, Seo Ryang's body was incredibly well-trained. Moreover, he had been on guard, his demonic energy protecting him like armor.
A hand that would have been fine even if bitten by a wolf had bled from the bite of a mere fox pup. He'd dismissed it in the heat of the moment, but thinking about it now, it was extraordinarily strange.
‘It's a mystical beast, for sure. If other mystical beasts are like the monsters from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, then what is this one?’
Ssssh.
As he withdrew the demonic energy, Geumho once again rubbed its face against his hand.
Staring blankly at Geumho, Seo Ryang scratched his head.
“I just don't get it. It's clearly not dangerous, and it's true that it's fond of me, but...”
Not knowing its true nature was unsettling.
After a moment of thought, Seo Ryang shook his head.
“Let's just watch it for a while.”
Worrying about it wouldn't give him answers. It seemed best to just keep raising it comfortably, as he had been.
‘Huh?’
Seo Ryang stroked his chin.
“Hmm...”
Wait a minute, what should I do about this?
‘I'm leaving.’
Not just going out for a bit, but possibly leaving for good.
If the transport unit went to an area with a safe house, he could somehow fake his death and disappear without a trace.
Of course, since he didn't know the destination, the chances of that happening were slim.
In the end, he had to think of this one trip as a way to gauge the Cult's reaction. If it went well once or twice, he could test the waters and then, at a decisive moment, just slip away.
But if the opportunity arose, he might leave immediately.
“It feels a bit wrong to leave it behind.”
`Arf!`
“Hm? Do you know what I'm talking about?”
`Arf!`
“Hmm.”
Seo Ryang licked his lips.
“Traveling with a fox would make me stand out a bit, but...”
Well, I can just carry Geumho in my arms while I run.
Still, we've bonded over this time. I took it from its home in the Solitary Bamboo Forest on a whim; abandoning it irresponsibly isn't something a decent person would do.
“Let's go together.”
`Arf!`
Geumho leaped up and wagged its tail furiously. Its bulging belly jiggled with every wag.
This part seems more like a dog than a cat.
“Haha, you dog-like creature.”
Seo Ryang stood up from his seat.
“Alright, let's get ready.”
He donned a pure white outer robe over his comfortable black martial arts uniform and put on a bamboo hat.
Just then, Aeng-hwa's voice came from outside the door.
“Young Master. Should I clear the dishes now?”
“Oh? Oh, yes.”
Creeak.
Aeng-hwa's eyes widened as she opened the door and entered.
“Oh my, Young Master. Are you going out?”
“...”
“Young Master?”
Seo Ryang pursed his lips.
He had grown as fond of Aeng-hwa as he had of Geumho. Aeng-hwa's reaction when he returned from the Solitary Bamboo Forest had been quite touching.
If an opportunity to escape arose... he would have to leave without even saying goodbye to Aeng-hwa.
‘It can't be helped. I can't ruin my life over a bond that's only just formed.’
It was a natural thought, even if it didn't feel good.
Seo Ryang ruffled Aeng-hwa's hair. Her expression became as crestfallen as her now-messy hair.
Seo Ryang smiled.
“Aeng-hwa.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“While I'm gone, don't skip your meals and take care of yourself. Got it?”
“Are you going somewhere far away?”
“Hm? Well...”
A long journey toward freedom, you could say?
Pushing aside the silly thought, he gave a vague answer.
“Yeah, I'm going deep into the inner court to train.”
“Train? Not here?”
“I'm looking for some new stimulation in a different environment.”
“Will you be gone long?”
“Who knows. If I'm quick, I could be back within half a month, but if it takes longer...”
I might never come back.
“Anyway, I'm going, so take care. I'll take Geumho with me.”
“Oh, you don't have to.”
“It wants to come, so what can I do?”
“Hmph... I understand.”
Aeng-hwa lowered her head.
“I'll make sure to manage your residence perfectly until you return!”
“...”
“...”
“Alright. Don't work too hard.”
“Hehe.”
After patting Aeng-hwa's head one more time, Seo Ryang left through the door.
“Have a safe trip!”
...Sorry, but please don't say that.
***
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Only a day had passed, but Juhwa's complexion had clearly brightened. Color had returned to her pale face, and she seemed more energetic.
However, she was still not back to normal. Although she had circulated her true energy through meditation, her vital essence had been considerably damaged.
It would take a month to cultivate her vital essence and acclimate her body to the new technique, and at least half a year to restore her body to its former state.
So Yeonsim sighed.
“I'm sorry. You're suffering because of me.”
“Not at all. I think of it as a good opportunity to get some fresh air.”
She was usually a woman of few words. She was trying her best to reassure So Yeonsim.
Juhwa recalled Seo Ryang's face.
‘Was that the Third Young Master?’
She had seen the Third Young Master's face several times in the past. But yesterday, she hadn't recognized him.
It wasn't because she was disoriented, but because his aura was so different from the Third Young Master she had seen before.
‘Was it just prejudice?’
The face of the Third Young Master she'd seen back then was the very picture of ruthlessness. Moreover, he was notorious as a tyrant of the age.
But what was the Third Young Master she met in person like?
‘...Even more terrifying.’
At first glance, one might think he was playful and gentle. But Juhwa sensed a powerful presence hidden within his clear eyes.
An oppressive aura far more frightening than the heads of the inner court factions, like facing one of the Nine Great Demonic Lords of the Elder Council.
‘It wasn't a delusion. The Third Young Master is definitely hiding something.’
Juhwa had recognized Seo Ryang's true nature, something no one but Lee Cheonsang had seen. It showed just how sharp her insight was.
“Yes, since things have turned out this way, recover quickly and come back.”
“I'm sorry. I should be starting my work soon.”
“Don't say such things. The first step is to get your body back to normal, then you can start slowly.”
So Yeonsim took out a neatly folded piece of paper from her robes.
“This is an exit permit stamped with the seal of the Lord of the Garden. It serves as proof of the Third Young Master's identity. Once you leave the Cult, you won't need it to return.”
“I understand.”
“The journey to the region bordering Jiangxi Province will be long and tiring. Don't skip your meals. Understand?”
“Don't worry, My Lord.”
So Yeonsim couldn't hide her unease.
‘Nothing will happen, right?’
This anxiety wasn't just because she thought of Juhwa as a daughter.
She thought of Seo Ryang.
‘Third Young Master...’
A man adept at banter, who speaks with a light tone, yet possesses a dazzling, sharp insight that cuts to the core of things.
He was a young man who had lived less than half her life, yet he seemed strangely experienced. At times, he felt like her contemporary, or even older.
And on top of that, his incredible demonic energy and its delicate control.
‘Has there ever been a candidate who displayed such ability in both insight and skill?’
Perhaps the First Young Master could be compared.
‘But that's not the problem.’
A shadow of worry fell over So Yeonsim's face.
‘It's ominous.’
An ominous, unsettling feeling that trouble would always erupt wherever he went.
She hadn't realized it when he was involved with Hong Wi-mun. She was too preoccupied and had only felt puzzled by his human side.
But after the incident was resolved and she went to his residence herself. When she made that request that wasn't quite a request.
She had thought, ‘This isn't right.’
She had also thought it better to eliminate the debt on the spot, not knowing what the person who granted her favor might demand later.
Just then, Seo Ryang had proposed a deal, and she had rashly accepted.
‘I shouldn't have done that in the first place...’
“My Lord.”
Startled, So Yeonsim looked at Juhwa.
Juhwa was giving a faint smile. It was a smile she normally wouldn't show even if she tried, so it came out looking a bit awkward.
“I'll be on my way.”
“...You should.”
Having finished all their preparations, the two of them went outside.
Outside, about thirty cultists in green robes stood in formation, and behind them were five carriages.
“Where is the Hall of Protectors?”
“They are waiting at the main gate of the outer court.”
“Understood. And...”
So Yeonsim looked at the rearmost carriage.
“Is the physician in that one?”
“Yes.”
She looked at Juhwa.
Juhwa bowed to So Yeonsim and then walked toward the carriage.
Creeaak.
The carriage door opened. Inside, Seo Ryang sat with his arms crossed, wearing a bamboo hat.
Juhwa bowed her head.
“I'll be in your care.”
“Likewise.”
Thud!
As the carriage door closed, So Yeonsim shouted.
“Transport unit, depart now!”
“As you command!”