Chapter 106
Chapter 106
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Wow, Doing Something Like This? (1)
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In a certain inn in Henan.
A noblewoman who looked far from ordinary at first glance sat sipping tea, protected by men with swords at their waists.
The other patrons, intimidated by their presence, fled before even placing orders, leaving the innkeeper sighing heavily. He wanted to chase them out but lacked the courage.
His face, which had brightened at the thought of whether the next customer would leave or stay when the door opened, clouded over again.
An old man had flung the door open and strode inside without a care for the men's glares.
"Welcome..."
The innkeeper's face soured once more. The elder greeted the noblewoman and took a seat across from her.
The innkeeper tuned out their conversation, but if he'd listened closely, he would have realized no sound leaked outward.
"Now, no one outside will overhear our words."
"To wield a qi barrier like this... You've advanced another step without me noticing."
"Advanced? It's just a bit more finesse."
As the woman—Young Ho-kyeong—poured tea into the empty cup, she spoke.
"So, Second Elder, what brings you here?"
"Hoo..."
The elder—Demonic Cult's Second Elder—caught his breath and replied.
"As the Young Cult Leader knows, the Cult Leader strictly forbids meaningless clashes with the Righteous Factions."
"Indeed."
It was something even Young Ho-kyeong had found deeply frustrating until now.
"However, it seems some of the agents we planted in Hebei are dissatisfied with that policy and acting on their own."
"What?"
Young Ho-kyeong's eyes flashed with fury as she shot back.
To a Demonic Cult disciple, the Cult Leader was the heavens themselves. No matter one's dissatisfaction, defiance was unacceptable.
If truly discontent, the proper way was to challenge head-on and break that will...
"Remote orders won't make them listen. I came to control them myself, and since the Young Cult Leader is in Henan... I apologize, but..."
"No, I'm glad you came. Those traitors must be dealt with by my hand."
The Demonic Cult ran on absolute obedience.
Defying the Cult Leader's will was as good as signing one's death warrant—no excuses.
Unless one left the cult or defeated the Cult Leader in challenge, that fact remained unchanged.
"I've seen all there is to see here anyway. I'll gladly accompany you."
"Thank you, Young Cult Leader."
Mindful of onlookers, the Second Elder didn't bow but expressed his gratitude politely.
No one could guess what lay behind that kindly, wrinkled smile.
Something's still off.
Last night, I'd felt a pleasant sensation, but I couldn't recall it clearly.
I distinctly remembered a nice fragrance, yet the maids swore they hadn't placed anything like that.
'And one more thing.'
The face of that middle-aged vice principal kept popping up, even though I had zero interest. That itchy feeling at the back of my head lingered all day.
Peng Wol's explanation made sense enough, but it didn't explain my unease.
He was the head of a department in the Inspection Office—think high-ranking local police chief.
'I want to let it go, but it keeps nagging me.'
Peng Wol said it came from Yang Ha-jeong's family side, so maybe she'd know more?
Having tea time with her sounded great, but I worried bringing up an awkward topic might make her avoid me.
Eh, I'll just go see her.
"I'm sorry, young hero. Madam is out with the family head."
For real...
I couldn't muster a word to the politely bowing maid and retreated from the matriarch's quarters.
I'd slotted about a week for this, figuring no chance of running into Sword Saint or Absolute anyway.
Realistically, seducing a married woman in a week without blackmail was a tall order.
'Don't rush, just lay the groundwork—that's the plan, and it's right...'
But I couldn't help feeling impatient.
I couldn't just extend my stay indefinitely either. Tang Hye-won's due date loomed closer by the day.
Eon So-young couldn't show her face publicly anyway, but I'd be at Tang Hye-won's side for the birth.
Plenty of time left, but premature labor was a risk...
"Brother Kang, what are you doing here?"
It was Peng Wol. He eyed me curiously, loitering by the matriarch's quarters.
"Oh, yeah. I came to see Lady Peng, but she's out."
No way he suspected I was hitting on a hot MILF; he just nodded understandingly.
"Probably out with Father. Something about visiting her brother in the military."
"The maid said the same, with the family head."
"If you're just bored and visiting Mother, want to watch me train the disciples?"
"...Can I? Isn't it rude to peek at others' training...?"
"Training? It's just instruction. Except for those learning formations, they barely coordinate."
The dispatched disciples' Wind and Cloud Swordsmanship was basic, so no big deal showing it.
I followed Peng Wol and asked,
"The ones heading out on dispatch, right?"
"Yeah. About half the first-rate disciples."
I'd hit first-rate inner energy in a week of training, so I got it—second-rate already strengthened the body with qi.
Peak experts were core assets anyway. Sending half their regular forces showed Peng Family's resolve.
"Deputy Minister, good to see you again."
The vice principal observing training in the grand drill hall gave a curt nod—rude as hell—then resumed watching the disciples drill.
...What a jerk?
'Do I just hate this guy?'
Not much to like, sure—arrogant attitude. But he held a position warranting it.
A local police bigwig wouldn't bow to a corporate newbie like me.
'Why the hate?'
I didn't think I was that petty...
"Haat!"
I tilted my head, watching the 8-form Wind and Cloud Swordsmanship demo.
Definitely inferior to Five Tigers or something—no contest.
Even a decent expert could dodge or block it all.
Tap, tap, tap.
The vice principal drummed his fingers beside me, watching Peng Wol direct the disciples.
'But weirdly... in rhythm?'
Every time I imagined dodging the forms, his fingers tapped right at the recovery timing.
What the hell? No martial aura visible.
I'm busy chasing MILF tail—why obsess over some random ajusshi?
Ah, I wanna see Yang Ha-jeong.
Purify my polluted brain with MILF vibes.
"Thanks, brother-in-law. I'll repay this favor."
Peng Mu-do and Yang Ha-jeong had visited her younger brother, a military officer in Hebei, to butter up ties with the government.
Business done, withdrawing, she spotted her brother handing over pricey silk liquor.
Yang Ha-jeong accepted it graciously.
"No big deal. Does the wife fancy liquor?"
Hardly. Since Peng Wol's heavy drinking started, booze was practically taboo for the couple.
Peng Mu-do enjoyed moderate toasts but avoided excess.
"It's a gift from my brother."
"I see."
Peng Mu-do shrugged at her casual reply.
Their carriage soon reached Peng Family grounds, and the couple parted to their quarters as usual.
Always the same. Their marriage was political; from youth, Peng Mu-do focused solely on using Yang Ha-jeong to untangle government strings on Peng Family.
Maybe that's why. She carefully took the liquor—something she'd never cared for—back to her quarters.
Potent stuff, perfect for someone specific.
Like the young man monopolizing a guest house in guest-shy Peng Family.
"Me, Madam?"
"Yes. Thought you might be interested..."
Back in her quarters, Yang Ha-jeong heard from her maid that Kang Yun had visited.
See? He felt affection for her. Reason unknown, but he'd come without cause otherwise.
Peng Wol would be tied up late as acting head, overseeing disciples.
Odd he'd even spared two days to ply Kang Yun with drinks.
'Would this look suspicious?'
Knowing his favor was one thing; accepting her unusual actions naturally, another.
But her burning desire left no choice.
'Last time, just the last... Just look at it, just look...!'
Really, just look. Satisfy curiosity, done.
Missing the chance days ago, fleeing with tail tucked, was her mistake.
"Thank you. I'll enjoy it, Madam."
As Kang Yun bowed gratefully, Yang Ha-jeong clenched her fist inwardly.
She ordered maids outside to prepare a liquor tray, turning away to cycle qi and cool her flushed face.
Yang Ha-jeong had forgotten the possibility she'd anticipated the moment Kang Yun nodded.
Completely oblivious to his suspicious side-eye.