Chapter 176: Lewd Yokai After School (42)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 176: Lewd Yokai After School (42)
Exhaling dark red flames, the Black Flame Horse galloped relentlessly through the canyon. The wind whipped past my ears, and massive boulders blurred by in an instant.
"Kyaaah! This is so fast!"
Baek Mi-ho, sitting in front of me, shouted with excitement, her tail swishing back and forth. She seemed to be savoring the sensation of cutting through the night wind with her arms spread slightly.
In contrast, Han Chae-yeon, clinging to my back, was white as a sheet.
"Ugh… It's… so fast… I think I'm going to be sick…"
Her stiff hands were desperately clutching the hem of my clothes.
I chuckled and pulled on the reins. The Black Flame Horse's speed increased even more.
"Just hang on a little longer. Since we're going anyway, it's better to get there as fast as possible, right?"
"B-But… this is… ugh…!"
Han Chae-yeon curled up in despair. Baek Mi-ho, on the other hand, still looked thrilled.
"Heehee! This is so much fun! The Black Flame Horse is the best!"
As we raced through the canyon, I quickly scanned our surroundings. I could feel the energy of yokai beasts all around. I reminded myself that this was an area teeming with Black-Rank and higher yokai beasts, and I didn't let my guard down.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, a massive figure leaped out from the darkness.
"Hold on tight!"
CRASH!!
A giant yokai beast, large enough to fill the canyon, blocked our path. A yokai with skin that looked like it was made of rock appeared.
"Seo-yun! It's a Black-Rank yokai beast!"
I opened my mouth.
"Show me what a Spirit-Grade yokai can do."
Hee-hee-hee-neigh!
The Black Flame Horse let out a fierce cry. It wasn't a simple neigh. The air around it distorted as dark red flames erupted from its entire body.
"Grrrr…"
The yokai growled menacingly and crouched down, but it was too late.
BOOOOM!!
The moment the Black Flame Horse stomped its hooves, the ground was instantly engulfed in fire. Dark red flames enveloped the entire canyon, sweeping over the predator.
"Kieeeeeeek!!"
Even the yokai beast with its rock-like skin couldn't withstand the blaze. The Black Flame Horse's fire wasn't ordinary flame. The predator's body slowly turned red-hot as smoke rose from it, as if its life force was being drained away.
Zzzzzzing!!
The flames seeped into the yokai beast's body, burning it completely from the inside out.
Crack!
Its massive body collapsed to the ground, crumbling into burning ash and scattering. Only a scorched mark remained where it had stood.
I patted the Black Flame Horse's neck, satisfied.
"It seems you can handle an opponent like this with ease."
Han Chae-yeon muttered in a daze.
"I've only seen a Spirit-Grade yokai a few times myself… but it's as incredible as they say."
Baek Mi-ho's eyes sparkled as she stroked the Black Flame Horse's mane.
"Wow! As expected of the Black Flame Horse!"
The Black Flame Horse snorted in satisfaction and started moving forward again. I surveyed the area and said, "There might be stronger ones ahead. Let's not slow down. Keep going."
The dark red flames lit our path as we raced swiftly through the canyon.
*
After leaving the canyon, we rode for several more hours. A village began to appear through a misty bamboo forest.
Fox-fires floated in the air, emitting a faint blue glow, and the quiet sound of a flowing stream spread through the silence of the night.
At a glance, it was a village with a dreamlike and mystical atmosphere.
"We're here! This is Baekyo Village!"
Baek Mi-ho's voice was filled with excitement. I looked around at the village scenery. The atmosphere was completely different from Black Moon Village. Unlike the dark and chaotic Black Moon Village, Baekyo Village was filled with a quiet, mystical energy.
"This is a pretty cool place."
Han Chae-yeon nodded in agreement.
"It's so mystical."
We rode the Black Flame Horse slowly through the bamboo forest.
The closer we got to the village, the stronger the flow of yokai power I could feel from all around became.
Then, beyond the bamboo forest, a wide plaza opened up, and I could see traditional houses lined up in neat rows.
This was Baekyo Village.
At that moment, the yokai in the village spotted us and began to whisper among themselves.
"Isn't that Lady Mi-ho…?!"
Seeing me and Han Chae-yeon on the Black Flame Horse, the fox yokai gave us wary looks.
Their reaction was interesting, but Baek Mi-ho just smiled nonchalantly as if she didn't care.
"They all seem surprised."
I chuckled and said, "Looks like it. More importantly, where's your house?"
Baek Mi-ho pointed her finger at a large mansion situated in the center of the village.
"That's my house over there."
A traditional house, elegant yet imposing, situated at the highest point. The strongest yokai energy emanated from that place.
"My mother will be there. She manages everything in Baekyo Village."
For some reason, Baek Mi-ho seemed a little nervous.
I looked at her and asked, "Your mother, is she strict?"
"Hmm… I don't know if strict is the right word. Hehe."
Baek Mi-ho hesitated, her words trailing off. Han Chae-yeon chuckled and added, "Not strict, but… a little eccentric."
Their words made me look forward to meeting Baek Mi-ho's mother as we moved on.
Following Baek Mi-ho's lead, we walked toward the center of the village.
Even amidst the tranquil scenery, I could feel the gazes of the villagers on us.
"It's been a while since a human came here…"
"Oh my, did Lady Mi-ho bring them?"
The fox yokai whispered as they watched us. I paid them no mind and headed for the mansion.
The massive mansion was clearly visible even from a distance.
With its charming garden, graceful eaves, and delicate decorations, anyone could tell it was the center of the village and the home of its most important figure.
Unlike her usual self, Baek Mi-ho kept her lips tightly sealed. I could see the nervousness on her face.
I glanced at her and asked lightly, "Why are you so nervous? This isn't like you."
Baek Mi-ho peeked at my side.
"…Seo-yun, you won't be disappointed, will you?"
"Huh? Disappointed about what?"
"…"
She said nothing and just sighed.
Han Chae-yeon smirked.
"You'll be really surprised when you see her."
"That just makes me more anxious," Baek Mi-ho grumbled, shaking her head.
Finally, we were in front of the mansion.
In the yard, I could see neatly trimmed trees and a gently flowing pond. The tranquil atmosphere was thick with a powerful yokai energy.
Just then, the door opened.
Click.
At the same time, a calm yet dignified voice called out.
"Baek Mi-ho."
A calm voice, but by no means light.
We naturally turned our gazes.
A single woman was walking out from inside the mansion. She had long, silver hair that flowed down her back and sharp, yet somehow soft, eyes that left an impression. The traditional attire, a harmony of white and red, further accentuated her presence.
She certainly resembled Baek Mi-ho, but the difference was…
'She's huge…'
I had imagined an elegant fox yokai, but instead, a stout, middle-aged woman stood there. Her chubby cheeks and generous figure couldn't be hidden even under the traditional clothing. However, the aura she exuded was anything but ordinary.
"Hohoho~ My daughter! I haven't heard from you in a while, but you've finally come home!"
Baek Mi-ho's mother spread her arms wide and laughed welcomingly. In that moment, she was the very picture of a benevolent mother.
"Mom!"
Just as Baek Mi-ho was about to approach, her mother snatched her cheek with lightning speed and lifted her up.
"Urk…!"
"You little brat!! What are you so happy about, running over here so cheerfully?! Coming home without any notice!"
The strength coming from her plump forearms was considerable. Baek Mi-ho's face began to contort.
"Aaaahk… I'm sorry!!! It hurts! Mom… it hurts!"
Baek Mi-ho's face grew increasingly swollen as her mother held on tight and shook her.
"Honestly, you just make me worry! At least call, you thoughtless girl! Do you have any idea how worried your mother was?!"
"Aaaahk!! I get it! I get it!! Mom!! My face is gonna explode!!"
Only then did her mother chuckle and let go.
Baek Mi-ho, who had fallen to the ground, clutched both cheeks, tears welling in her eyes.
"Ugh… Isn't this too much for my first time back in a while?"
But her mother's expression remained stern.
"If you go to the human world, you should at least keep in touch. You know I can't go there often. Honestly. But—"
Her gaze shifted to me and Han Chae-yeon.
"Han Chae-yeon. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
In that instant, the air changed subtly.
"It's been a while, Lady Yeo-ju."
"So, what brings you here? Didn't you say you were going to Europe with that guy?"
"Well, things happened, and I ended up staying here."
"It seems you have a story to tell."
"Haha…"
An awkward laugh escaped Han Chae-yeon. The woman called Yeo-ju tore her gaze from Han Chae-yeon and looked at me.
I felt a sharp energy, completely different from her stout appearance.
"So. And who the hell are you?"
I bowed my waist slightly and greeted her politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jin Seo-yun."
Baek Yeo-ju still scanned me with a sharp gaze. A faint light glinted in her eyes.
"Hmm… peculiar. Your body is overflowing with yang energy, and… I smell the stench of blood on you…"
"Mom! That's because Seo-yun defeated yokai and yokai beasts on his way here!"
Baek Yeo-ju smirked at her daughter's words.
"For that to be the reason, the smell of blood is soaked in too deep. As if you're someone who has long enjoyed slaughter."
She slowly approached and circled around me.
"Moreover, several pure energies are mixed within you. You seem to possess a rather unique power."
"It just ended up that way."
Baek Yeo-ju narrowed her eyes with interest and crossed her arms.
"My daughter has brought home an interesting man."
She raised her hand slightly. The air trembled faintly.
—Swoosh.
An invisible energy began to envelop me. A heavy pressure washed over me, as if she were testing me.
"Mom! What are you doing?!"
Baek Mi-ho cried out in surprise and tried to stop her, but Baek Yeo-ju simply gestured with her hand, holding her daughter back.
"Oh? No reaction."
I looked at her without any particular agitation.
"I didn't feel any killing intent from you, so I saw no reason to react."
Baek Yeo-ju narrowed her eyes and chuckled.
"Huhu, interesting. A normal human would have fainted by now."
As she lowered her hand, the heavy energy pressing down on the air vanished in an instant.
I met her gaze nonchalantly.
Baek Yeo-ju observed me with interest, then crossed her arms and let out a sigh.
"Well, whatever. I'll stop playing around."
Then her gaze returned to Baek Mi-ho.
"More importantly, my daughter. What have you been up to all this time? Your yokai power has grown immensely since I last saw you."
At Baek Yeo-ju's words, Baek Mi-ho shrugged and smiled brightly.
"Yep! I already have six tails!"
"Aigoo~ I'm so proud of you, my daughter~"
Baek Yeo-ju stroked Mi-ho's head with a pleased expression. But soon, she furrowed her brow in confusion and asked again, "But how did you get six tails already? You definitely only had one before."
"Hehe… well…"
Baek Mi-ho glanced my way, her cheeks blushing. Baek Yeo-ju followed her gaze, glanced at me once, and then the corners of her mouth lifted.
"My daughter, it looks like you've been sucking your boyfriend's essence dry, haven't you?"
Baek Mi-ho's face turned beet red as she squirmed.
"Hehe…"
"You're not even trying to hide it. Aigoo. To think my youngest has grown up so much."
Baek Yeo-ju nodded with interest and turned her gaze to me.
"By the way, for a mere human, you don't look drained at all, but perfectly fine. I suppose you're no ordinary man?"
I shrugged and gave a short reply.
"I don't lose to anyone when it comes to that."
Baek Yeo-ju flinched for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"Hohoho! You've got some nerve! I like it! Alright, everyone, let's go inside! My daughter has returned after a long time, so I must treat you all properly!"
We followed her into the mansion.