Chapter 110
Chapter 110
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Chu Wol's Secret
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It wasn't a bad deal for Paeng Jin-pyeong either. Taking Jo Seol-yeon into the family meant bringing the Henan Escort Bureau under the Paeng family's wing. In other words, it gave them two of the Ten Great Masters at their command.
"And since Lord Chu Wol said so as well..."
Paeng Jin-pyeong nodded at the mention of Chu Wol. He was a vital figure to the Paeng family—and that wouldn't change anytime soon.
"Come to think of it, Lord Chu Wol expressed a desire to meet the Henan Escort Bureau group."
"Oh? I'm quite curious myself. I'd love to hear what he makes of them."
Paeng Cheol-yeong let out a faint chuckle at Paeng Jin-pyeong's words.
"Me too."
Paeng Cheol-yeong was eager to know what evaluation Chu Wol would give Jo Seol-yeon. In truth, the entire matter of proposing to her had been Paeng Cheol-yeong's secret request to Chu Wol.
Knowing Chu Wol wouldn't recommend her without meeting her first, Paeng Cheol-yeong had pulled a few strings.
Fortunately, Chu Wol had obliged, leading to this moment. Paeng Jin-pyeong trusted Chu Wol's word implicitly. It was a testament to how much aid Chu Wol had provided the Paeng family.
In any case, Paeng Cheol-yeong felt a thrill of anticipation. Jo Seol-yeon was no ordinary woman—at least not in his eyes. Otherwise, how could he have fallen for her so deeply?
That made him all the more curious about Chu Wol's assessment. The man was known for his cool, objective judgment.
The place where Chu Wol resided within the Paeng family estate was deep in the inner gardens. A quaint pavilion stood amid scenery infused with subtle elegance—that was his abode.
Chu Wol never ventured outside the Paeng estate. It kept him from gaining any notoriety. Besides, he hadn't sought refuge here all that long ago. All in all, there was little reason for the world to know of him.
Even within the Paeng family, few knew of his existence. The inner gardens were accessible only to direct bloodline members. And since his quarters were tucked away in the deepest part, even family residents rarely crossed paths with him.
One person stepped into that cozy sanctuary.
"What a man of refined taste."
Paeng Mi-ryeong murmured with a faint smile. She was the one who visited most often.
She had personally overseen the decorations at Chu Wol's direction. Naturally, she felt attached. Especially since he seemed pleased with it.
"Lord Chu Wol, it's me. May I come in?"
Without waiting for a reply, Paeng Mi-ryeong entered the pavilion.
The interior was even more spartan than it appeared from outside. The pavilion was essentially one large room, with a simple bed on one side, a desk and chair nearby.
Chu Wol sat at the desk, intently sketching on a large sheet of paper.
"I'm here, you know."
Paeng Mi-ryeong approached with an 'I knew it' expression.
Only then did Chu Wol look up and smile warmly at her.
"Ah, Lady Paeng."
"Oh, come on, calling me that again. Just Mi-ryeong is fine."
She spoke in a playfully coquettish tone. Anyone who knew her would have fallen over in shock. She wasn't the type to act cute with anyone.
"How could I possibly?"
Chu Wol kept smiling as he replied. Paeng Mi-ryeong blushed faintly at the sight.
"Anyway, what brings you here today?"
She sighed inwardly at his question. The distance between them never seemed to shrink. But she refused to give up. This was the first man to steal her heart just by looking at him.
Hiding her feelings, Paeng Mi-ryeong reached into her bosom and pulled out an object. A pill the size of a baby's fist.
"I got my hands on a fine elixir this time."
Chu Wol nodded as he eyed the pill in her palm.
"Heavenly Yin Pill."
"I heard your former martial arts were based on Yin energy. So..."
A wry expression crossed Chu Wol's face.
"No need. I can't accept it."
"Why? It's just from me..."
He cut her off mid-sentence.
"It would be poison to my current body. I appreciate the gesture, Lady Paeng, but I must decline."
Her eyes flickered at his words. Tears threatened, but she held them back. She tucked the pill away. If it was poison to him, she couldn't possibly give it.
"S-sorry. I didn't know..."
"Nonsense. I know your heart well enough—don't take it to heart."
His words melted her resolve like spring snow.
After that, she lingered by his side, chatting for a good while. Precious time to her.
Nearly an hour passed before Paeng Mi-ryeong departed. Chu Wol sighed once she was gone.
"Hah... She's a reminder of my pathetic state, that gracious lady."
He muttered as he wheeled his chair aside. Large wheels were attached to it. Rolling toward the window, he savored the garden view for a moment.
A bottle of liquor always sat on the windowside table. He took a quiet swig.
"Hah, damn it all."
As he emptied the bottle and cursed, a figure appeared silently behind him—like rising from the floor.
"So here you are."
Chu Wol's eyes widened like saucers at the voice. His chair slowly turned. Their gazes met. The intruder continued.
"Moon Shadow."
It was Blood Shadow. Chu Wol—no, Moon Shadow—stared at him in undisguised shock.
"Impressive tracking skills. I figured I'd rot away here forever, trapped without a way out."
Blood Shadow scowled at Moon Shadow's words.
"What happened?"
Moon Shadow raised his arms slightly.
"As you see."
As Blood Shadow's expression hardened, Moon Shadow smirked and went on.
"Some bastards ambushed me. I thought I was pretty good, but they were no joke. Got me good—dantian shattered, half my body paralyzed. But the Paeng family showed up just in time and saved my neck."
Blood Shadow's face softened as he nodded.
"The Lord is quite worried about you."
Moon Shadow's expression tightened at 'Lord.'
"Figured as much. I had a mission, after all."
"It's not about the mission. You know how much he values you."
Blood Shadow approached and placed a hand on Moon Shadow's chest.
Woooong.
Vast internal energy surged from Blood Shadow's palm. An overwhelming force churned through Moon Shadow's insides. He gritted his teeth against the pain.
"Hmm, hard to say. We should return to the Lord first. He'll figure something out."
Moon Shadow shook his head. No one knew his condition better than he did.
Irreversible—that much he knew. Those villains had been ruthless.
"No use. It's for the best, anyway. I'll stay here. With your skills, you can visit anytime—no issue there, right?"
Blood Shadow's face twisted.
"You planning to abandon the cult?"
"As if. I owe the Lord too much to repay. I'm just saying this is a fine hideout."
Blood Shadow sighed and shook his head. It wasn't his call anyway. He pulled a thick book from his bosom.
"Take this."
The book floated from his hand and landed softly on Moon Shadow's lap.
Moon Shadow's eyes bulged at the title on the cover.
"Heavenly Qi Formation Compendium!"
Blood Shadow continued calmly, undeterred.
"Thanks to you, we unearthed it. Excavation isn't fully done, so that's all for now—but we'll retrieve most of the artifacts soon."
Moon Shadow barely heard him, trembling hands slowly turning the cover of the Heavenly Qi Formation Compendium.
The essence of the Heavenly Qi Master's formations. To Moon Shadow, a priceless treasure beyond measure.
Blood Shadow sighed at the sight.
"Hoo, hopeless case. I'll come back in a few days. To hunt those bastards down."
With that, Blood Shadow vanished. No one in the Paeng estate detected his coming or going. Well, one person did—but he paid it no mind.
Moon Shadow delved deeper into the compendium.
Blood Shadow sought the Blood Demon immediately after. Tracking Moon Shadow hadn't been hard, but he'd dawdled deliberately to avoid suspicion.
He entered the Blood Demon's quarters. The man sat quietly reading, as always.
Kind face, faint smile, pages turning softly... A stranger might find it admirable.
"Lord, I'm back."
Blood Shadow bowed deeply. Only then did the Blood Demon look up.
"How'd it go?"
"Seems he's made peace with it."
"They didn't suspect?"
"Impossible. They're completely unconnected to the cult."
The Blood Demon nodded in satisfaction.
"Good call entrusting it to you. Well done."
Blood Shadow bowed in thanks at the praise.
"Now, time to catch those vermin. They deserve payback for chaining Moon Shadow. Heh heh heh."
A chill ran down Blood Shadow's spine at the gentle laugh.
"As you command."
His form dissolved like smoke. The Blood Demon gazed at the spot briefly before returning to his book.
"Heavenly Qi Formation Compendium, eh? Magnificent. Truly magnificent. This'll keep me busy for a while. Heh heh heh."
His laughter filled the room. Soon, only the sound of turning pages remained.
Dan Hyeong-u's group was escorted to Chu Wol's residence the day after arriving at the Paeng estate.
The Paeng family was in an uproar over Jong Chil. The Sword King denied it, but Jong Chil was his disciple. There'd never been a whisper of the Sword King taking one before.
That made him the first. Mistreating such a figure had everyone on edge.
Especially since their sparring farce had nearly cost lives—and word might reach the Sword King. The family head and elders were sweating bullets. At this rate, they'd not only fail to gain what they wanted but risk making an enemy of him.
The Paeng family head had left everything to Chu Wol. He trusted the man to resolve it. He had to.
The group followed the courteous Paeng warriors deep into the inner gardens.
"Ho, what fine scenery."
The Sword King remarked upon seeing it. It closely matched his tastes.
Even the Sword Demon nodded in approval—high praise indeed. The others didn't share the sentiment.
"Feels like some stuffy old guy's place."
Umun Hye's words drew nods from Tang Moon-young and Yeom Hye-mi. It didn't suit young ladies' preferences. But Jegal Lin wore a wholly different expression.
"Truly astonishing. This confirms it."
The group turned to her. Jegal Lin scanned about with wide eyes.
"The one who designed the Paeng family's formations. No doubt. It looks like a simple garden, but arrays are embedded here. Quite impressive ones."
If Jegal Lin was impressed, it was extraordinary. The group now saw their surroundings anew.
"Haha, as expected of the Hundred Peaks' heir. Sharp eye."
The pavilion door opened, revealing a man.
A man seated in a wheeled chair—Chu Wol. The group was mildly surprised but said nothing.
"Don't just stand there—come inside."
They entered at his invitation. The escorting warriors withdrew quietly.
The spartan interior surprised them once more.