Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: An Unwanted Companion
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“What brings you here?”
Although Neung Un-bi asked with unconcealed irritation, Un Hak remained cheerful.
“What brings me here? All men under heaven are brothers, and our connection is hardly an ordinary one, is it?”
“…”
Right, the four seas. The four oceans of the world. Let’s say it's true that all who live under heaven are one family.
That's what people always say, after all.
But the Demonic Cult and the Taoists?
Not a chance.
We're natural enemies who'd draw swords on sight. What kind of brothers are we?
And a connection? You and me?
What kind of bullshit was that?
“Haha, a man I admire in this vast Central Plains. To suddenly encounter you at an inn where I stopped to rest—this must be the result of brushing past each other hundreds of times in a past life. Amitabha, what could this be if not the Heavenly Ones smiling down upon me?”
Watching him beat the drum and strike the gong all by himself, even drawing his own conclusion with a flourish, Neung Un-bi’s eyes narrowed.
Past life, what?
*You weren't even born in my past life, you bastard.*
Neung Un-bi had no desire to share a table with Un Hak, not even for a moment.
He was a Taoist, and from Mount Hua at that.
*How much grief did I suffer because of that bastard Cheong Jin!*
Setting aside the near-death experience, the nagging in the name of enlightenment was… phew, beyond words.
But this wasn't his house, was it?
Having strictly warned not only Wang Cheon, Ju Seung, and the Sakwoldae, but even Hyang-i, he couldn't very well cause a scene himself.
If the stream is to run clear, its source must be pure, right?
Besides, with Mount Hua just a stone's throw away, there was nothing to be gained from brawling with one of their men.
“Look here, Taoist Master.”
“Haha, we appear to be of similar age. Feel free to call me Un Hak.”
“…”
Seeing Un Hak smile as affably as his words suggested, Neung Un-bi inwardly carved the character for patience.
*Why is this damn Taoist so clingy?*
“Taoist Master Un Hak, my men and I are just here to have a meal and leave. If you have no particular business with us, let's meet some other time.”
He'd said it politely, but the underlying meaning was ‘get lost.’
“Ah! Business! That's right. I did have some business with you, didn't I? Thank you for reminding me. If it weren't for Young Master Neung, I might have forgotten again. This memory of mine, hahaha!”
“…”
Was he stupid, or just clueless?
It seemed he hadn't understood the meaning behind his words.
And he had business? Neung Un-bi could only find it absurd that a Taoist from Mount Hua would have any business with him.
“I heard you are inspecting the Central Plains.”
“…And?”
The man knew his face. Seeing as he knew what happened at the Heavenly Pillar Gate, he must have some grasp of who he was, and therefore couldn't be ignorant of his purpose.
Whether it was interest or obsession, he couldn't tell.
“From what I saw today, it seems you could use some help.”
“Help?”
“That's right. Although the Orthodox and Demonic factions have forged an alliance like brothers, its intentions have not yet fully spread throughout the Central Plains.”
“…”
“There will surely be no small number of people who, not having heard the news, will interfere with your progress.”
“And?”
“It's clear you'll continue to be embroiled in disputes.”
“So, what about it?”
“I will help you.”
“…Pardon?”
“Compared to yours, my fame is but a drop in the ocean, like a firefly before the full moon, but I am fairly well-known in the Central Plains.”
“…”
That much he knew. When they first met at the inn, people's expressions had changed the moment they heard his name.
But… who asked for his help?
“If I vouch for your identity, there will likely be no needless fights.”
“I'm sorry, what are you talking about?”
“Haha, I mean to say I will accompany you.”
“…Accompany me?”
“Oh, you seem surprised. But I don't mind. I've already left my home sect and haven't set a destination, so I will help ensure your path is peaceful.”
“…”
“And don't worry about me being a burden. I'm fine.”
*I'm not fine with it.*
And a Demonic Cult member and a Taoist traveling together?
What kind of nonsense was this between two sides whose enmity ran deeper than that of cats and dogs?
Neung Un-bi studied Un Hak with narrowed eyes.
Helping a Demonic Cult member while traveling away from his sect?
His behavior, which was now bordering on clingy, was highly suspicious.
When he had roamed the Central Plains as an assassin, there was something he always kept in mind.
There is no such thing as kindness without reason, and favors always come with a purpose.
He had lived his entire life with such suspicions, and once he began to doubt, various conjectures immediately raced through his mind.
A fairly renowned Taoist had appeared before him at just the right time while traveling.
And when everyone else shook their heads, he alone had nodded and defended them.
Because he was a meddler?
Because what Neung Un-bi did at the Heavenly Pillar Gate was so righteous it inspired respect?
Not a chance.
The important part here was ‘at just the right time.’
It could be a coincidence, but it could also be an inevitability born of a plan.
A damn Zhuge he once knew had said something like that.
A brilliant strategist does not base their plans on something as uncertain as prediction. They manipulate the situation so the enemy moves as they wish, like a piece on a board.
…That was probably it.
Therefore, the chances were very high that this Taoist named Un Hak's clinginess was all part of a plan.
The intention was likely surveillance.
Behind him, there was surely the Orthodox Murim Alliance or the Mount Hua Sect.
No matter what alliance they had formed, would they really leave a Demonic Cult member alone in their territory?
Who knew what atrocities the villainous Demonic Cult member might commit?
However, they must have judged that watching him secretly was too risky.
The Demonic Cult wasn't called demonic for nothing, was it?
What if they were caught tailing him?
That person would likely cease to exist in this world. They'd be torn to shreds and scattered across a field to fill the bellies of beasts.
Furthermore, how troublesome would it be if the Demonic Cult lodged a protest for spying on someone as important as the Third Young Master?
So, this guy came. To watch him openly.
Just any old lackey wouldn't do; it had to be someone fairly renowned and skilled.
And they must have looked for a peer who could approach him affably and befriend him.
But they chose the wrong actor.
The plan to feign a chance encounter, build a rapport, and even put him in their debt by helping was good, but the one carrying it out was too clumsy.
Of course, his intentions could be pure.
But he had no intention of accepting.
He already had enough baggage; why would he add another one?
A Taoist, of all people?
“Haha, then I'll be in your care…”
“I refuse.”
“…care… pardon?”
“I said, I refuse.”
As Neung Un-bi rejected him flatly without even pretending to think, Un Hak asked with an awkward expression.
“May I ask why?”
“Because you are a Taoist.”
“Pardon?”
“Look here, Taoist Master.”
“…”
“A Taoist and a demonic practitioner traveling together? What kind of joke is that? Even a passing dog would laugh.”
“…A dog would laugh?”
“It means it's that ridiculous.”
“…”
“I will remember only the kindness of the Taoist Master who worries I might get caught in some unfortunate incident. So please, take your leave now.”
At the polite dismissal, Un Hak blinked blankly.
A refusal…?
It was actually quite natural, but still, it absolutely could not happen.
This was a task secretly assigned to him by the Mount Hua Sect Leader at the request of the Orthodox Murim Alliance's chief.
To watch the Demonic Cult member from the side so he couldn't carelessly cause trouble.
The Alliance's strategist had even sent a detailed plan on how to approach Neung Un-bi. He absolutely could not back down like this.
“Haha, Young Master Neung. It seems you still don't know much about the Central Plains…”
“I know. That not a single person will welcome me.”
“…Exactly.”
“Still, I refuse.”
“But I'm offering to help!”
“And I'm saying I refuse!”
“Why?”
“What do you mean, 'why?'? A demonic practitioner accepting help from a Taoist? That's tantamount to abandoning our identity as members of the Demonic Cult.”
“What does that have to do with your identity…?”
“Is it not?”
“…”
“Taoist Master, the Demonic Cult has its own ways.”
Neung Un-bi's tone, wanting to shake off Un Hak, became even more resolute.
“I don't know what orders brought you to me.”
“O-Orders? There's nothing of the sort.”
“…”
His flustered look was so obvious that even if he wanted to believe him, he couldn't.
It was written all over his face. *I came here on orders.*
*Hah, to send someone like this as a monitor….*
Then again. Where would they find a good-natured Taoist of a similar age with outstanding martial arts who could express friendliness to a demonic practitioner?
Un Hak might be a capable Taoist or warrior, but he was not yet mature enough to hide his inner thoughts and act deviously.
No matter how outstanding his martial arts, he was just a Taoist lacking social skills, a young warrior with little experience of the world.
“Look here, Taoist Master.”
“Yes?”
“As I said, whatever orders you've received are none of my business.”
“…”
“But keep one thing in mind. I was ordered by the Cult Leader to inspect the Demonic Cult's branches in the Central Plains, not to fight with the Central Plains.”
“What do you mean…?”
“I'm saying there will be nothing for you or the one who gave you your orders to worry about.”
“…Even so, there will surely be those who pick fights. If by some chance a fight breaks out…”
“We will endure it.”
“Pardon? Endure it?”
“That's right.”
At his decisive tone, Un Hak looked past Neung Un-bi toward Wang Cheon, Ju Seung, and the Sakwoldae.
“How can you guarantee that? You may be the leader of this group, but you cannot perfectly control everyone.”
“…”
At Un Hak's words, Neung Un-bi glanced at his subordinates and smiled faintly.
“I guarantee it.”
“Yes?”
“Not one of us will respond to a fight someone else starts.”
“Do you really think that's possible?”
“For my subordinates, at least, it is. Even if it means losing their lives in the process.”
“…”
Leaning back leisurely in his chair, Neung Un-bi looked at the unconvinced Un Hak and continued.
“Because I ordered them to.”
For a moment, Un Hak almost nodded.
Neung Un-bi's voice was filled with conviction.
Furthermore, those under his command wore expressions that said it was only natural.
An order….
Even for the Demonic Cult, which follows the law of the strong, wasn't this too firm a belief?
And though his speech had suddenly turned informal, it somehow seemed to suit Neung Un-bi better.
“How can you be so certain?”
“Certain? Of course. If I hadn't given them that order, you wouldn't even be sitting in front of me right now.”
“What?”
“That seat can only be taken by someone I permit.”
“…”
In that instant, Un Hak felt as if he'd been struck in the head.
Come to think of it… when he had approached him, the warriors under his command hadn't tried to stop him at all.
Neung Un-bi chuckled and waved his hand as if shooing away a bug.
“If you understand, then be on your way. It seems the waiters have been holding the food, waiting for this conversation to end.”
“…Hmm.”
At Neung Un-bi's words, he turned his head and saw the inn's waiters, each holding plates of food, watching them hesitantly.
However, he was in a position where he couldn't back down.
“Fine! I will withdraw for now, as you say. However, if even the smallest dispute arises before you leave this place, you must not refuse my offer to accompany you. This is the stance of the Orthodox Murim Alliance.”
“…”
As Un Hak, his face slightly flushed, stood and shouted, Neung Un-bi chuckled again and nodded.
*He's finally speaking the truth. That he came on the orders of the Orthodox Murim Alliance.*
But accompany me?
That will never happen.
Wang Cheon and Ju Seung would obey his words, and he would keep Hyang-i close by his side so she couldn't get into trouble.
Meanwhile, the floor below grew noisy.
It seemed new customers had arrived.
Well, a place like an inn caters to transient customers, so the turnover is fast.
In any case, he'd shaken off the annoying Taoist. Now, all he had to do was eat in peace.
“Alright, everyone, let's eat.”
“Yes, my lord!”
Just as a relieved Neung Un-bi was offering food and drink to his subordinates.
Thump! Thump-thump-thump-thump!
With the sound of heavy footsteps climbing the stairs, a group of warriors came up to the second floor.
“What's this now? I saw the Sun and Moon flag outside and had my suspicions, but what gives you Demonic Cult bastards, who are worse than bedbugs, the right to eat here!”
“…”
Bedbugs….
It seems the news hasn't spread very far yet, seeing as these worthless thugs are trying to pick a fight.
But it didn't matter.
I ordered them to endure, so they will endure.
“You damn bastards! Your moronic mothers and fathers might have been happy to birth things like you, but we're different! Get the hell out of here!”
*Huh? H-Hold on… did you just… insult his parents?*
“You motherfucking bastards, are your ears plugged? Did your mommies and daddies teach you to be like this? Get lost, now!”
The moment Neung Un-bi's eyes shot open and he started to rise at the man's voice booming across the second floor.
Whoosh! Craaack!
“…”
Wang Cheon moved like a bolt of lightning.
“You goddamn bastard! How dare you insult my parents! I'll rip your head off!”
Wang Cheon's move was the signal, and the warriors of the Sakwoldae rose after him, exuding a menacing killing intent.
“Amitabha…”
Un Hak, who had risen at some point, looked at Neung Un-bi and broke into a wide grin.
*H-Hey, wait a minute, you punk!*
*He insulted his parents!*
*You have to make an exception for that!*