My Friend Called Cheonma
'How?'
Dang Seo-ha's trembling eyes fixed on Mu Yun. The man who had swiftly decapitated the last remaining foe and turned back around.
'He took down two Cho-jeol-jeong experts in one go.'
Before leaving Chim-ju, she had guessed Mu Yun's realm at best to be mid-Jeol-jeong. Yet in just a few months, he had changed so dramatically. The only one she could ask right now was the guy standing before her.
"Bangju… how did this happen?"
Yeon Sa-gu's voice came out hesitant and awkward. It pissed him off to hype up the guy who always beat him senseless.
"What do you mean? My skills?"
"Yeah."
"He's always been like that. You just didn't know."
"…And who the hell are you?"
"I'm the ju of Hao mun in Chim-ju."
"How do you know the bangju's skills?"
"I've been beaten to a pulp by that bastard hundreds of times over three years. Only an idiot wouldn't know."
"Why hide it?"
"Did you ever ask? It's common knowledge in Chim-ju now anyway."
"Everyone knows?"
"Ah! Well, not to that level, of course. Anyway, stuff happened."
"…?"
Mu Yun, fresh from finishing the job, had a question of his own.
"Where are the other members? Why are you alone?"
Dang Seo-ha wanted to ask the same—and she was even more curious.
"You… what the hell are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Those guys were Cho-jeol-jeong."
Mu Yun's puzzled gaze shifted to Yeon Sa-gu.
"Did you just yap useless crap the whole time?"
"…!"
A brief exchange of rough explanations followed between them. Dang Seo-ha, who had been dazed for a while, shook her head vigorously. This wasn't the time.
"Right! You're heading to Nae-yang, yeah?"
"Yes."
"Perfect. The members are meeting up there. Let's go together."
"Are they okay?"
"Those guys only had numbers—they won't catch up. Safe once we reach Nae-yang. I sent a messenger hawk to Hyeong-sanpa ahead, so we're linking up there."
"Got it. Let's go."
A little later, as they fully escaped Chim-ju, Dang Seo-ha cautiously brought it up. She'd heard the gist, but had a ton of questions.
"That person who passed on the Jin-gyeong—you learned from them?"
"Yes. I hid it due to circumstances."
"…Can I ask?"
Mu Yun took a moment to organize his thoughts.
'What if I run into Maelma Dan in Nae-yang?'
Originally, he'd planned to travel with them and prove he wasn't a demon. Since they hadn't come, he'd only intended to scout this time. But now, things had changed. First, he needed to give her a suitable explanation. She was trustworthy.
"My main house is in Nae-yang."
"Huh? Really? Then why were you in Chim-ju?"
"Had some issues, but I'm settling them this time."
"What kind?"
"I'll explain once I see the situation. Might have a favor to ask, though."
"From me?"
"Yes."
A pleased smile crept onto Dang Seo-ha's face.
"The sooner I can repay my debt, the better. Spill it—I'll help with anything from my lifesaver."
"It won't be a burden."
Something suddenly occurred to Dang Seo-ha.
"Even better then. Oh! Did Seo-yeon stop by?"
"Yes. Wrapped up well, and she left today."
"Today? Then you could've… Ah! What am I saying? Anyway, glad it worked out."
Mu Yun still had his request.
"When we meet the members, about what happened earlier…"
"Keep it under wraps?"
“Well, I am black path, after all.”
"Got it. If it comes up, I'll check with you first."
"Thanks."
The woman's eyes sparkled with fresh curiosity. She figured Mu Yun was early thirties.
'Mid-Cho-jeol-jeong at that age?'
Even mixing internal and external arts like Yeon Sa-gu blabbed, it was beyond common sense. Even in her Dang family—no, orthodox sects, or the entire jianghu—few matched.
“A guy like that leading a black path gang? There’s got to be a story.”
Dang Seo-ha shook her head. Blunt and straightforward like Yeon Sa-gu, she simplified things.
'I'll find out.'
And so the trio set off. As the two similar types chattered nonstop, Mu Yun's eyes grew deeper and heavier. He still hadn't decided in his heart. About his family. Light sighs and distant stares became frequent on the road. Yet the fresh smiles they drew from him increased too. The pair bickered, then burst into laughter in an instant. It took just one day.
"Pfft! Five years and she's still waiting? What a joke."
"Argh, seriously! Ha Yu-bin's like that!"
"Hey! All guys have the same eyes. If she's as pretty as you say, you think men would've left her alone?"
"Ugh, dude! I swear! Don't believe me, come to Changsa with me and see!"
"Yeah! We're passing through anyway."
"I told you! Can't go right now!"
"Then why?"
"Reasons. Anyway, soon as Chim-ju's done, we're going."
"You're such a moron. Hey, don't you wanna marry her? What if you drag it out too long?"
"She'll wait."
"Ha! You're delusional. Women, man—out of sight, out of mind. Different from when she's around. Believe another woman."
"…You don't seem like a woman."
"You little shit! Hey! I got a girlfriend too!"
"Was that too harsh? Fine, I'll say you do."
"…Wanna die?"
"Why's it acting up! I'm a martial artist on par with the Divine Dragon!"
"Cut the bullshit."
"Jeez! Ask him."
Dang Seo-ha's gaze turned to Mu Yun.
"For real?"
"No idea. Never saw it."
A barrage of curses flew into Mu Yun's ear right after.
"Hey, you bastard! Speak straight!"
"Did I see it? The fight, or that Namgung Sa-hyeon guy?"
"…!"
It was always like this. They had worries too. He knew how much Yeon Sa-gu liked Ha Yu-bin, how much he missed her. She'd offered to join this trip, but he'd refused. Said he'd go after Chim-ju. He vented by slipping it into jokes. Still hard for Mu Yun. Today, their pouts looked different. Minor worries buried under self-effacing smiles. To Mu Yun, they shone like he owned the world. For those moments, he forgot everything else. Those smiles pierced his heart full. That's why they felt essential. These friends. Their whining today was rain washing away chest knots. That freshness transferred over.
A few days later, in the mountains near Nae-yang. Hyeong-sanpa, Hyeongju Murim Alliance branch, and Maelma Dan's encampment.
"Daju, this was imprudent."
Hyeongju Murim Alliance branch chief Nam Il-do had no choice but to say it. The visible results demanded it.
Hyeong-sanpa elder Geon-cheon's head nodded slightly too.
"I feel the same. No demonic qi no matter how we check."
Daju Jeong Won's eyes facing them held no tremor.
"It was certain then. I swear on my sect."
"From my reporting position, proof is needed now. Yet even you can't confirm it anymore, Daju."
"It seems an improved demonic art. Must take him to HQ for verification."
Branch chief Nam Il-do frowned.
"He's Wolgeommun's young master. Eldest of Guangdong's top sapha. If wrong—who bears the fallout?"
"I'll take responsibility."
"Listen, Daju. If it goes south, Wolgeommun and even Sado-ryeon will mobilize. Your sect and the Alliance dragged in. You don't know the repercussions?"
"You're in charge here—I'll follow any decision. But my conviction stands."
Then Hyeong-sanpa elder Geon-cheon stepped in carefully.
"Let's do this. The assault victim is clear—hand to officials. Woman's unharmed, light sentence. Wolgeommun stays quiet."
Branch chief Nam Il-do's voice was firm.
"I agree. Observe till today—no anomalies, that's the call. Daju and the three divisions stay till HQ orders. That's an order."
"…."
Same time, Maelma Dan encampment.
Deputy Daju Paeng Jung-ho's bright smile turned to one woman. Days of worry, but her rushing figure showed no awkwardness.
'Thank goodness.'
Dang Seo-ha, who ran right up, opened her mouth.
"Everyone okay?"
"Yeah. You too?"
"Wolgeommun chased, but shook 'em."
"Good. Relieved."
"Where's Daju-nim?"
"In meeting—quick greet. He worried a lot."
"Got it. Got companions, so I came first."
"…?"
Moments later, Daju Jeong Won's tent.
"Ha! Didn't expect you here. Good to see you."
"Long time."
"Heard. Business in Nae-yang?"
"Yes. Stopped to greet."
"Well done. Was curious. Anything new?"
"Jin-eon seems effective."
Daju Jeong Won's eyes lit up.
"How much?"
"Not sure. Haven't encountered demons since."
Dang Seo-ha cut in.
"Daju-nim. Check the captive yourself?"
Jeong Won's deep sigh carried current worries.
"Not hard. But issue arose."
"What?"
"Thought demon then. Now, neither I nor Hyeong-sanpa elder can judge."
Dang Seo-ha's eyes widened.
"What? There was clear madness then?"
"Yes. But faded—sane now. Only assault charge sticks."
Dang Seo-ha tilted her head. She'd caught Pung Se-baek. That madness, from experience, was pure demon.
"No way."
Daju Jeong Won's gaze went to Mu Yun. Nothing to lose.
"Still wanna try?"
"Sure. Curious myself."
Mu Yun's eyes deepened.
'Madness fades?'
After Hunma stage where instinct devours reason—impossible. Brief then gradual fade.
'That drug.'
The one Seol Do-seung and Seomun family warrior took. Time to check. And decide next.
"More checks?"
"Just a moment."
Wolgeommun young master of Shaogzhou, Pung Se-baek, didn't hide his irritation. But inwardly, he scoffed.
'Search all you want. See what you find.'
Drug lasted about half a month. Ignoring father's warning, triple dose—faint inspiration hit. If not for surging lust charging out.
'Why was that bitch there.'
Both bitches. The one he assaulted, and Dang Seo-ha who appeared.
Pung Se-baek stuck out his arm. With cold smile and venom.
"Go ahead again. I was drunk and erred, but I'm still sapha heir. Punishment's for Shaogzhou officials—not Alliance meddling. Won't let it slide back home."
"Just following rules and law."
"Whatever. Hurry and leave. What's this time?"
"Stay still."
"…?"
Mu Yun approached.