Chapter 83 - The Old Monster's Rooftop Room (1)
Ri Han arrived at the airport.
He was a man in his early thirties with a solid build and handsome features.
The World Murim Alliance Leader Tae Cheon-gi had three disciples in total, and Ri Han was the youngest.
The position of Murim Alliance Leader wasn't hereditary. It was democratically elected every ten years by the votes of martial artists. Even so, the title of being the previous leader's disciple was a powerful weapon in the next election.
In any case, all three disciples faithfully carried out their respective duties, and the third disciple, Ri Han, was traveling the world accomplishing great feats.
The fact that he had entered Korea without escorting martial artists should have made front-page headlines in the jiangho newspapers, but no one knew he had arrived.
He had contacted the Korean government and the Korea Murim Alliance in advance, asking them to let him enter quietly. Otherwise, Murim reporters would have been camped out at the airport.
As he exited the arrival hall, Baek Sang-du walked up beside Ri Han and naturally fell into step with him.
"This is the man Mr. Park introduced."
Baek Sang-du treated him politely, behaving appropriately for his age.
"Up to the parking lot. Ask what you want."
"I want to know about Jang Cheon."
The name Jang Cheon might have made anyone pause, but Ri Han kept walking, responding nonchalantly as if it were nothing new.
"They dig and dig, and eventually come to me asking about Jang Cheon. But it's better not to know."
"What do you mean?"
"Just what I said. The less you know, the better. And if you happen to find out, stay far away."
"What if I still want to know?"
"He's far stronger than you think. You might figure you can find a weakness and try something, but that's a mistake. You absolutely can't kill him. That's the answer I give everyone who asks."
Baek Sang-du knew all about Ri Han. As befitting Tae Cheon-gi's disciple, he had world-renowned martial prowess. It was a bit surprising that even he would speak this way.
"Since Mr. Park introduced you, here's some advice: back off from Jang Cheon. If you're his enemy, he's probably hunting you right now. He might even be right under your chin."
A few steps later, Ri Han turned back and asked,
"Am I really Jang Cheon's enemy?"
"And if you are?"
"Just saying goodbye. Everyone who's come to me asking about Jang Cheon... I never see them again."
Ri Han flashed a bright smile and waved.
"Adios, amigo!"
Watching Ri Han stride away, Baek Sang-du snorted softly.
"Who do you think doesn't know that, you punk?"
He knew full well how strong Jang Cheon was. That's why he'd come—to uncover any weakness.
But what was with this reaction?
Especially that last farewell—it really got under his skin.
"Maybe I should just suck him dry."
Of course, the last hundred years hadn't just made him more ill-tempered.
Baek Sang-du's eyes gleamed with caution.
"He's really that formidable, huh?"
A call came in from Night.
"The tracking team reported in."
"What'd they say?"
"Sorry to say, but it'll take time to track him. He's moving carefully, avoiding witnesses and CCTV, so chasing him just from black box footage on regular buildings or private cars isn't easy."
"We need more solid support."
"Shall I dispatch our agents?"
Jang Cheon pondered briefly before replying.
"No, don't."
A covert tracking team was fine, but he had no intention of exposing SGC's security agents outright.
One person came to mind who could help with this situation.
"There's a better way. I'll call you back."
Jang Cheon met with Director Jeong Yeong-gi of the Intelligence Agency.
They met at a teahouse near the agency that Jeong Yeong-gi frequented.
"How's this place? Nice atmosphere, right?"
"Yes, the tea aroma is wonderful."
It was a fusion teahouse serving both coffee and traditional teas.
"I used to have a mental block about places like this. Coffee's coffee, traditional tea's traditional tea. But I adapted quick. These days, I find it convenient. Coffee when I crave it, tea when I want that."
Jang Cheon smiled. He always felt good meeting Jeong Yeong-gi—like catching up with a laid-back neighborhood brother.
"How've you been?"
"You probably know the gist."
"Haha, I only hear about the stuff I figure you handled. So, what's up?"
"Looking for someone."
"Who?"
Jang Cheon explained about Baek Sang-du. Jeong Yeong-gi knew of him.
"Baek Sang-du's alive?"
The agency had him listed as dead.
"Yes. Take a look at this photo."
Jang Cheon showed a recent picture of Baek Sang-du. Jeong Yeong-gi was startled.
"How'd he get so young?"
"I figure he's killed hundreds over the years with Black Spirit Art, absorbing their essence."
"A monster."
"A century-old demon."
No telling what chaos this Baek Sang-du could unleash if he went berserk.
"How can I help?"
"I know the agency can access real-time CCTV from every public institution nationwide. With facial and behavioral recognition analysis."
"Right."
"If you spot his movements, contact this number. It's the team I hired to pursue him."
Jang Cheon handed over the tracking team leader's number.
"Got it."
Jeong Yeong-gi agreed without hesitation. He immediately sent the photo and number to S, ordering full cooperation.
A guy sucking people's essence dry? The agency had every reason to take him down first.
"Thanks for coming to me."
"I should be thanking you."
They chatted over tea for another ten minutes before Jang Cheon left first.
Then S's voice came through his earpiece.
"At least today, I have to agree with the director."
"What do you mean?"
"Thinking of someone like Baek Sang-du roaming and killing... maybe this world does need Jang Cheon."
Jeong Yeong-gi smiled faintly.
"No need to beat yourself up. Even with guys like Jang Cheon, the world's got problems. That's why we—you and me—are needed too. Now, prioritize this and report back."
"Yes, sir."
Jeong Yeong-gi gazed out the window. As always, the world beyond the glass looked peacefully serene.
"Miss, you look happy."
Queen smiled at Ben's words.
"Do I?"
"Must've enjoyed your date with Mr. Jang."
Queen nodded. No one else, but she was always honest with Ben.
"It was really fun. Glad I came to Korea."
"I'm relieved."
Especially hearing "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" from Jang Cheon's lips—it had been amusing and joyful.
"Thanks to Lee Yeon too."
"Lee Yeon?"
"She influenced me wanting to change. I was going to tell her everything, actually."
"And?"
"Something made me hesitate. Worried she'd misunderstand—like Jang Cheon is mine, don't touch."
"Isn't that the truth?"
Queen's eyes widened.
"You really think so?"
"Yes. Aren't I your number one supporter for you and Mr. Jang?"
"You've never said that before."
"That's why I'm saying it now."
Ben's smile was unchanged, but it felt different.
"Worried Lee Yeon might misunderstand?"
"Yes."
"Don't worry. Good energy attracts good energy. People too. Anyone connected to Mr. Jang must be good. She won't misunderstand, and if she does, it'll be the kind needed for your future relationship. Trust Mr. Jang's judgment. And your fate."
Ben's warmth toward her flowed through.
"Thank you, Ben."
Ben gave a kindly smile.
Lately, watching Queen's efforts to change stirred various thoughts in Ben.
Was he some perfect human? Humans must strive to improve until death. In that sense, he had the least time left. He didn't know how many days remained.
'I'll make the effort too, miss.'
She was the reason for his final years.
"Oh, I'll step out briefly. Tell Team Leader Kwon for me."
"Sure, go ahead."
Someone entered the secret room where Ri Han waited.
Ri Han bowed politely.
"Long time no see, Ben."
Surprisingly, it was Ben.
"Ri Han, how have you been?"
"As the youngest disciple, just running errands."
"Hardly—with your feats around the world."
"You're too kind."
"How's the Leader?"
"Doing great. As stubborn as ever."
"Hahaha."
After greetings, Ben asked,
"So, why'd you want to meet?"
Ri Han had come to Korea secretly to see Ben. He broached carefully.
"The Leader wants to meet Jang Cheon."
"Why not contact him directly?"
Ri Han smiled, implying Ben knew why.
A similar smile touched Ben's lips.
"Relationships are tricky."
"Please mediate, Ben. Seems the Leader really needs to see him."
"How urgent?"
"Sooner the better, but not critical."
"Understood. I'll speak to Mr. Jang at the right time."
Ri Han bowed deeply.
"Thank you."
"Right there."
Jang Cheon stood on the rooftop with Night, gazing at the building across the way.
A rooftop room sat atop a three-story building.
Peeling paint on the railing, weathered ping-pong table in the yard, red rubber tub by the iron gate, dish-shaped satellite antenna and tangled cables on the roof—nothing unusual for a rooftop room.
"He rented that rooftop room."
SGC's tracking team, with the agency's help, had finally pinpointed Baek Sang-du.
"Look at this photo."
It was Baek Sang-du caught on an illegal parking enforcement vehicle. Hood pulled low, walking right in front of their building.
"He signed a one-year lease."
"A whole year?"
"Even drew up a contract with the landlord. Fake ID, of course."
Completely unexpected. When tailing someone, you check hotels, motels, saunas, PC bangs first—expecting constant movement.
"But signing a formal lease? No one suspects. Who thinks a fugitive would do that?"
"This guy's no ordinary bastard."
"Any spot in this building to watch from?"
"Fourth floor has a baduk parlor open late. Pose as a customer."
"Good. Thanks for the hard work."
"Nah, the teams did it. Already paid bonuses. Drinks once it's done?"
"On me."
"Looking forward to it."
Night left, and Jang Cheon immediately called Phone.
"Phone, gear up."
"Yes, boss."
"Opponent's a Black Spirit Art master. Just in case, swing by The Bullet and grab that. I'll call ahead."
"Got it."
Hanging up, Jang Cheon's gaze fixed on the rooftop room. Empty with the owner away, yet an eerie tension hung in the air.