Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: The Beggars (2)
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"I need to step out for a bit."
The calm announcement split the room's reactions sharply.
While Cheol Woo clenched his fist as if he'd been waiting for those words, and the lightning-quick one seemed indifferent either way, most faces darkened. Especially Sima Ho, who hadn't fully recovered from his injuries, and Sima Hyeon, who'd been too busy tending to his ailing siblings— their expressions looked particularly grim.
"Do you really have to go?"
Sima Hyeon asked, his voice laced with worry.
"I do. It's already too late as it is."
"But this guy's not fully healed yet, and Jin-a's only just starting to pull herself together."
Sima Hyeon glanced pityingly at Sima Ho's empty sleeve.
Sima Ho had lost his arm to the Hongikbang thugs. His physical wounds had healed somewhat, but the mental shock lingered. His once wildly energetic personality had turned more introverted, and he'd grown much quieter.
The head of Clear Heart Clinic, who'd poured everything into saving Sima Ho's life when death loomed so close, said it was temporary and he'd improve with time. Still, it hurt to see him like this every time.
"So many people died. The physicians who gave their all for their patients, the apprentices diligently learning medicine under them—they all lost their lives. Countless patients who trusted Clear Heart Clinic's doctors and fought their illnesses perished. Families who nursed them, holding onto hope that they'd one day recover... they died too."
Everyone fell silent at Sima Geon's words.
"As you all know, most of them were our neighbors. Old Man Hwang from Uga Village, who was thrilled this year because the harvest looked promising. Brother Cheon-nam, who never lost hope despite constantly coming to Clear Heart Clinic for his sick daughter, treating it like home. Old Man Wang, who sold salt right next to the butcher shop—he died that day too, along with the little girl who helped her mom with business by day to support her ailing father and nursed him by night. Every morning, seeing her little brother smile sadly and say his sister went to heaven... I can't even look up without feeling guilty."
Sima Geon shook his head weakly and downed several cups of liquor in a row.
"Don't blame yourself too much. It wasn't because of something you wanted."
Sima Geon gave a bitter smile at Hahu Gok's words.
"It's not because we wanted it, but it's a fact that it happened because of us."
"Still, the gold you brought helped a lot of people. Clear Heart Clinic's even being rebuilt."
"If only money could bring back the dead."
Sima Geon grasped Sima Ho's empty sleeve.
"But there are just too many things money can't buy back."
"I'm fine."
Sima Ho forced a smile.
"Yeah. You'll be okay in no time."
Sima Geon stroked Sima Ho's head with warm eyes, then turned to Sima Hyeon, who was sighing heavily.
"We can't just let those bastards off the hook—for their sake, if nothing else. And for the future, we need to handle this properly."
"What do you mean?"
"As you heard, it started with the Green Forest bandits. The son of their overlord, who controls the Eighteen Green Forest Strongholds, died by our hands. Sure, it happened while they were raiding, but those aren't the type to think rationally. The key point is they hold a grudge against us now, and they could pull something like this again anytime."
"So you're not going after Hongikbang—you're targeting the Green Forest?"
Hahu Gok asked in surprise, having assumed they'd head straight for Hongikbang.
"Hongikbang comes first, but this time, I'm planning to settle things with the Green Forest too."
"You're insane! The Green Forest isn't some pushover. Even Hongikbang alone won't be easy. Don't you know what kind of force backs them?"
"You mean the Yangtze River Water Alliance?"
"Exactly. You can't underestimate the pirates. The Yangtze's power holds up against any sect in the martial world."
"Doesn't matter."
"Hey! Don't take it so lightly."
Hahu Gok raised his voice.
"Elder, don't worry too much. Nobody hits and runs better than we do. Heh heh heh! Even a head-on clash wouldn't be a problem. Quit fretting over nothing and let's drink. The side dishes are killer."
Cheol Woo grinned slyly and held out his cup.
"You think you can take on the Green Forest like that? Their power's no joke. They might even be stronger."
Cheol Woo glanced at his siblings and smirked.
"Do you think unifying the Demonic Cult was a walk in the park? This is nothing compared to that."
Hahu Gok's eyes widened at the mention of unifying the Demonic Cult. Everyone knew the centuries-divided Demonic Cults had recently united under the Heavenly Demon Cult.
But Cheol Woo's words subtly implied they were key players in that unification war.
'Well, with their skills, it's possible.'
Even after gaining enlightenment with Sima Geon's help and growing incomparably stronger, Hahu Gok still couldn't guarantee victory over Cheol Woo. And Sima Geon treated even Cheol Woo's prowess like child's play—he was a monster.
"You won't listen no matter what I say, huh?"
Sima Geon silently offered his cup in response to Hahu Gok's question.
"Isn't there anything we can do to help? Our clan got dragged into their mess, regardless of their intentions."
"We're good. Elder, please watch over the siblings here. We can't have a repeat of last time."
"That's a given."
"That'll be enough. I heard you're already dealing with headaches from Songmyeong Province."
"Did this one tell you?"
Hahu Gok shot Hahu Yeon a displeased look, as if he'd blabbed unnecessarily.
"Yes. The Heavenly Demon Cult demanded an appropriate apology and compensation from the Hahu Clan over Songmyeong Province, right?"
"Yeah. What a joke."
"What's that about? The Heavenly Demon Cult to the Hahu Clan? Why?"
Cheol Woo asked with wide eyes, and Hahu Yeon glanced at Hahu Gok before speaking.
"The Red Dragon Group's heir died in Songmyeong Province."
"Heir? Oh, that guy. He got wrecked by the boss—what's the problem?"
"They seem to have lumped it in because I was there."
"Are they idiots? What's there to brag about in that?"
Cheol Woo retorted incredulously.
"And it's actually working—that's the problem."
"What kind of bullshit is that?"
"I don't know the details, but things are getting complicated. There's talk in the Martial Alliance too. Some are friendly toward us, others not so much."
"The Martial Alliance? Ha! Everywhere's full of crap this year."
"Sorry our issue caused you trouble."
Sima Geon bowed his head.
"Why are you apologizing? Even after we said the Red Dragon Group had nothing to do with it, the Martial Alliance dragged their feet instead of responding firmly. Actually, screw blaming them. It's just schemers using this chance to screw over our clan."
Sima Geon was mildly curious who was trying to undermine the Hahu Clan but didn't pry. He figured it was like the factional struggles within the Heavenly Demon Cult—just power plays in the Martial Alliance.
"Anyway, you're set on going."
Sima Hyeon said with a resigned sigh.
"Yeah. Like I said, it's already late. No more delays. If not for Jin-a, I'd have left Songmyeong Province right away."
"Did you tell Jin-a?"
"I will. Tomorrow."
"She'll be shocked. Worried too."
"She'll worry, but she'll handle it. That kid's got stronger will than any of us."
As Sima Hyeon frowned, Sima Geon soothed him.
"She's endured her Heavenly Punishment all this time. Must've been agonizing, but she never showed it much. Overcoming that creeping fear of death isn't easy. And even before fully recovering, why do you think she's studying medicine so hard?"
Sima Hyeon shook his head.
"She wants to help rebuild Clear Heart Clinic."
"What? The building's already going up."
"Does putting up a building mean it's rebuilt? It needs patients coming in and physicians to treat them before we can call it fully restored."
"So the kid's blaming herself."
Hahu Gok sighed.
"Yes. Seems she's trying to do her part for the innocent victims, in her own way. Different from mine."
"What a commendable child."
Hahu Gok nodded approvingly and emptied his cup with pleasure.
"When do you plan to leave?"
Sima Ho asked.
"It'll take a few days at least. Got the butcher shop to sort out too."
As Sima Geon's gaze turned to him, Hahu Gok firmly shook his head.
"Not this time."
"Haha! I'll leave the shop to the second son. But I'd appreciate your help, Elder."
"That much, sure."
Hahu Gok, who'd been wary of getting stuck with the butcher shop again, nodded readily.
"Whew! House'll be empty as a ghost town once everyone's gone."
A sigh escaped Sima Ho and Sima Hyeon's lips. Cheol Woo slapped his back with a laugh.
"You think it'll feel empty without us three? Well, I fill up any room just by existing. Don't be too sad, though. At least the cramped place'll feel spacious."
"Those two are leaving too."
Cheol Woo followed Sima Hyeon's gaze to Gwa Yu and Yong Jung, quietly exchanging drinks in the corner.
"What? Why you guys?"
"Can't stay forever. Wounds are healed, and we got the recall notice right on time."
Gwa Yu spoke calmly, but his face was full of regret.
"Blood Shadow Forest, right?"
"Yes."
"And once you're back, it's killing people..."
"Shut it."
Sima Geon clamped Cheol Woo's mouth shut.
"Thanks for everything. Drop by whenever you miss us. You're always welcome."
"Yes, Big Brother."
Gwa Yu replied with a bright face.
"Not at night. Come during the day."
Gwa Yu's expression twisted slightly at Cheol Woo's words.
"And loosen up that face. Kid like you looking all serious all the time makes you look old."
Cheol Woo plopped a hand on Gwa Yu's head.
"You really think this mug looks the same age as the youngest?"
Laughter erupted everywhere, flushing Gwa Yu's face red.
He shot a quick glare at Hahu Yeon, who was laughing loudest, then muttered softly.
"That's rich coming from you, Brother Cheol Woo."
"Heh heh heh! This punk."
Cheol Woo ruffled Gwa Yu's hair roughly.
"What about you? Didn't you say you wanted to stay here? Changed your mind?"
Sima Geon asked Yong Jung.
"No. But I feel like I should go back at least once."
"You sure? Leaving the organization you swore to isn't as simple as it sounds."
"I reported the situation roughly. Got permission too."
"Still..."
Yong Jung brushed it off lightly, but Sima Geon—who'd suffered long to leave the Heavenly Demon Cult—couldn't hide his concern.
"I dropped a hint through the Beggar Clan earlier, so don't worry too much, both of you. For the clan's face alone, nothing big'll happen."
Sima Geon relaxed at Hahu Gok's words, and Yong Jung—who'd known nothing of it—bowed with a brighter face.
"Thank you, Elder."
"Thanks, nothing. Looks like we're done talking, so let's drink..."
Hahu Gok, just reaching for his cup, whipped his head around.
"Looks like we have a guest."
At Sima Geon's words, Cheol Woo shot to his feet.
"Pretty urgent for a guest."
Cheol Woo flung the door open roughly.
"Brothers...!"
With a short cry, Manchu stumbled inside, collapsing weakly. At the same instant, Cheol Woo's massive frame flew back like a spring.
Snatching five flying daggers aimed at Manchu in one motion, Cheol Woo glared at the startled weirdos and bellowed.
"What the hell are you bastards?!"