Chapter 89 Jan Hon Do
Shwaaah—
Splash!
Shwaaah—
Splash!
What had looked like nothing more than a sheer cliff just a step ago was now a vast lake. Lake might be underselling it—this thing was practically a sea. The crashing waves alone told the story.
“I had no idea a place like this existed in the Second Demon Realm.”
Tak Horak drawled in his usual boastful tone. I didn't show it, but I was thinking the same thing.
“It's hidden by a formation at all times... We only knew it was off-limits. Who would've thought it was here.”
Sa Wol murmured with a distant look in her eyes. Made sense—she'd often played around the hills of the Second Demon Realm with her brother, so she might have some related memories.
I gathered the energy of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art in my eyes. My vision zoomed in, and tiny specks appeared far in the distance.
That's Jan Hon Do.
It looked off right away.
The weather up to where we stood was perfectly clear. Yet that island alone was shrouded in dark clouds. If this were a novel, it'd be something like, Kim Dong Yun shuddered with an inexplicable unease at the sight of the ominously gathered storm clouds.
I can do this.
With somewhat unreliable Tak Horak and the dependable Sa Wol by my side, plus my core strength greatly upgraded thanks to Cheol Mu Geuk, I was in a solid spot.
After discussing with Pa Cheon, we'd concluded I could now hold my own against a Peak realm expert. Assuming a fair one-on-one exchange, of course.
Anyway.
“It's been a while.”
A burly, hairy middle-aged giant approached with arms spread wide in welcome.
I stared at him wordlessly. With the Heavenly Demon Divine Art's energy still surging, it was more like glaring. The giant met my eyes and forced an awkward smile.
“I-it's been a while, sir. I'm here to guide you to the island.”
The giant was Hwang So Gun, the induction boat captain who'd led us when we first entered the cult.
“I've heard the stories, induction captain.”
“Pardon? What sto—”
“Loose tongues get pulled in the Divine Cult. Isn't that right?”
“Well, yes, but?”
“And yet your loose tongue has been bragging about ties to the Sado family. Tell me—do you truly have any connection to me?”
Hwang So Gun dropped to his knees at my words.
“F-forgive me! Mercy, please!”
“No second chances.”
“Thank you! Thank you!”
He bowed so low it was practically kowtowing.
Before, I'd needed to lay all sorts of groundwork for a scene like this. Now, a few words sufficed. My standing in the cult had skyrocketed, plain as day.
[Yokai.]
What?
[You're not one to stir needless trouble, so there must be a reason you crushed Hwang So Gun. Why?]
To pry info out of him, obviously.
The Mad Demon Six Families were ranked, and we'd been slotted last—whether intentionally to screw us or not, who knew. Either way, I needed to know who'd arrived first, who they'd brought, and the lay of the land.
“Lead the way.”
“Yes, sir!”
Hwang So Gun waved, and a small boat glided to the shore. Not as massive as the induction ship, but big enough for dozens.
“Please board.”
I climbed aboard with Sa Wol and Tak Horak.
“I'll get you to Jan Hon Do in comfort. This lake has channels—follow them, and we'll arrive in about half a shichen.”
Hwang So Gun stuck to me like a personal secretary, chattering away.
The boat shot forward just as he said.
“A question.”
“Ask away.”
“Who did the other families bring?”
Maybe it was the intimidation—I'd preempted his usual sleazy haggling. Now he was spilling like a faucet, even inventing details if needed.
“First, the Gu Eum Kwak family—”
“I've got Kwak and Cheol families covered. Tell me about Chu, Jin, and Hyeok.”
“Right away! Starting with Il Wol Chu family!”
Il Wol Chu: family head Chu Tae Su, young master Chu Mok Jin, guardian elder Chu Dae Yeop.
Eum Hyeol Jin: family head Jin Yeong Ryeong, young master Jin Bi Yun, Eum Hyeol Corps leader Jin Gi Ryeong.
Jeok Yong Hyeok: family head Hyeok Mun, young master Hyeok Gon, Red Dragon Corps leader Hyeok Song.
My take on those names?
I'm gonna mix 'em all up.
Novels always had those stretches packed with names, leaving you hopelessly confused about who was who. Names are trickier to track than you'd think.
Problem was, these weren't lightweights. Every one sounded like a heavy hitter—no room for half-assed listening.
Anyway.
[All bringing heirs and direct kin, as expected.]
To prevent leaks, probably.
[You'll draw some side-eye.]
They'd all brought people cleared for the Six Families' secrets—young masters, direct lines. Me? Just subordinates.
Not that they were just subordinates to me, but that's how it'd look.
I'm already under scrutiny. A little more won't change much. Better to go in informed and safer.
Pa Cheon hummed a short vibration of agreement.
After that, Hwang So Gun rattled off trivia like, “Hyeok family folks are all wild-haired maniacs, and yeah, it's true.” I did glean something juicy: a weird scent off the Chu family's guardian elder...
By the time I'd sorted the intel, Jan Hon Do loomed ahead.
It wasn't huge. Per Hwang So Gun—roughly Yeouido-sized in Korean terms. Big in our world, sure, but in Murim Return's scale? Backyard territory.
Mist thickened as we neared. I glanced at Sa Wol, half-worried, but she just looked mildly uncomfortable—no devilish frenzy like before. Super Peak made a difference.
“We're here. Please disembark.”
I nodded and stepped off, clapping Hwang So Gun's shoulder on the way—carrot after the stick. It worked; he bowed ecstatically.
A stone-paved path stretched from the dock.
“Follow this to the meeting hall. See you in three days. Let's go!”
Hwang So Gun shoved off and vanished.
Whew.
I steadied my breath inwardly.
They say a dragon's pool and tiger's den. This was it. From the lineup, six Super Peak experts. Chu specialized in shamanism over martial arts, so maybe seven—but factor in their full power, and it hit eight.
Faking high-level mastery amid that wouldn't be easy.
But I had to pull it off.
I shifted the Heavenly Demon Divine Art's energy to my chest. Tension melted away, replaced by bold confidence.
“Let's go.”
“Yes, family head.”
“Yessir!”
We walked. Others might've flown with lightness skill, but I couldn't—not with a carriage or mount waiting either.
Gonna catch hell for this.
About an hour in.
“That must be the meeting hall.”
A five-story pavilion stood alone.
Someone leaned on the third-floor railing, arms crossed.
A young man my age.
[Red dragons plastered everywhere. Tacky as hell—classic Hyeok family.]
Not one or two—small dragons, medium, huge, the whole robe was a dragon fest.
I focused my inner sight. He was glaring down at me, displeased.
Clearly something irked him...
— Hyeok family young master, Hyeok Gon. Divine Cult ranking 107, known Peak realm entry-level.
Sa Wol's telepathic message hit.
Pa Cheon. Can I take him? Or at least look dominant?
[Easily. Hyeok guys are hot-blooded idiots. Provoke right, he'll bite.]
Then...
A plan sparked.
Better to start the chaos myself than bumble in and get jumped. Hyeok family's elitism meant no love lost anyway.
[Full demon mode.]
Pa Cheon's words rang as I stepped forward.
This distance is perfect.
Hyeok Gon peered down.
There was Sado Hwan, the Sado family's new head.
Arrogant prick...
Late as hell—didn't care they'd been assigned last—and strolling like it was a casual walk. If you're late, hustle with lightness skill, no?
That guy's Super Peak?
Hyeok Gon knew of him—from Sado Gwang's birthday banquet, as young master attendee.
Back then, Sado Hwan was a clown, a puppet. Couldn't even stand straight, helpless against a cripple's words.
His gait now screamed it.
A true warrior's steps embodied footwork principles. Each stride held martial logic.
Sado Hwan's? Zero. Probably couldn't use lightness skill, just walking.
Super Peak? No way. People don't change core nature. The unchosen never ascend.
Super Peak is glimpsing the great Red Dragon, comprehending its essence—reserved for the worthy.
Even peeking could drive you mad without perfect mind-body harmony.
That's why he still trained relentlessly.
Test him.
Not mere cult rivalry. Hyeok family's chosen supremacy plus youthful bravado.
“Late, and out for a stroll?”
Hyeok Gon called down.
Sado Hwan, plodding along, looked up.
Eye contact fueled Hyeok Gon's rage.
Like staring at an object. As if he didn't register.
From below, yet looking down on him.
“Insolent—!”
Hyeok Gon's robe billowed. Red energy gathered in his palms with a crackle—
“!?”
Gone. Only a dark blue afterimage lingered.
What the—
Before thought finished.
Something cold pressed his nape.
A sword, surely.
Chills ran through Hyeok Gon. Moved before he detected it.
“Illusory... form...”
“Needed a guide. Perfect timing. Take me inside.”
Hyeok Gon trembled in humiliation. The cold bite lingered. Dared not resist or look—might sever his throat.
He turned slowly, opening the pavilion door.
The third-floor door burst open. All eyes inside locked on Sado Hwan and Hyeok Gon.
“...!”
“?”
“Gon!”
“...Hah.”
“Hahaha!”
A rainbow of reactions erupted.
Savoring them, Sado Hwan spoke lowly.
“Sorry for the delay. Sado family head, Sado Hwan.”
“All good, Sado head.”
Cheol Mu Geuk chuckled.
“But maybe remove that fan from his throat? Kid's gonna cry.”