Chapter 6
The envoy shook his head.
“No, that's not it. Our intelligence says the Demonic Cult failed to kidnap Damga's children. Which means we still have a chance. Before those Damga brats return to the safety of their thirty thousand soldiers, we'll snatch them ourselves and deliver the outcome that the Demonic Cult and Prince Togtumur desired.”
“The Demonic Cult failed? Kahahaha! And you want to steal their plan outright? Kehhehehe. What an amusing proposal. But tell me this— if even the Demonic Cult botched a simple kidnapping of some kids, their escorts must've been pretty formidable, eh?”
“Not at all. We confirmed they came down from Baekdu Mountain and entered Liaoning Province just recently. It was only Damga's eldest son, third daughter, and one unidentified young man. The concerning part is the report that the Demonic Cult operative was from the Slaughter Demon Squad.”
“What? Slaughter Demon Squad? And they still failed? Was that mystery man some kind of master?”
“According to our qi-sensing specialist, no. The corpses were too mangled for a detailed investigation, but given the sorcery stone nearby, we're guessing it was the work of Damga's eldest son, Dam Daeryeok.”
“Sorcery stone?”
“Yes. They're mediums for formations, and the ones found on-site were extremely expensive—likely matching Dam Daeryeok's possessions. Rumors also say he's long associated with the Jegal family and excels in formations.”
“Those idiot Demonic Cult bastards! Serves 'em right. Heh heh heh. Anyway, too bad I won't get to see the Heavenly Demon's sour face. Is that all?”
“Yes, that's everything.”
“Then let's talk additional compensation.”
“Please, speak.”
“I've always despised those Demonic Cult pricks who were born from the same womb as us yet shun us. Helping screw them over? I'd do it gladly. But to forge a solid alliance with you lot, maybe Kusila's heir and my daughter should marry or something.”
The envoy, expecting shock at the Blood Demon's words, met his gaze calmly instead.
“Very well. But you must provide firm assistance. We're all gambling here.”
Evidently, Crown Prince Kusila had already considered a marriage alliance, as the envoy spoke without hesitation.
“If that's all, this humble servant will take his leave. I'll await good news. Still, be cautious of that unidentified man, just in case.”
“Ahh~ No worries, head back safely. Give my regards to Kusila. We'll be in-laws soon, after all. Hahahahaha!”
The envoy bowed deeply and withdrew quietly.
As soon as he was gone, the Blood Demon's booming laughter turned icy. He turned to Blood Brain.
“Blood Brain!”
“Yes.”
Blood Brain bowed slightly, ready for orders.
“You heard everything?”
“Of course. I'll dispatch the Lust Killer Squad. Two of the three are men, so aphrodisiacs should make it easy.”
“The Demonic Cult failed. We can't afford to. Handle it yourself.”
“Understood!”
* * *
“Young Hero Tian, is it that good?”
Dam Daeryeok laughed with wide-eyed surprise.
Tian Ailang had already devoured ten plates of dumplings for breakfast.
Last night, with no chef on duty, they'd only had simple wheat noodles—made poorly by an apprentice, so tasteless that Dam Daeryeok and Dam Soyeon barely touched them after one bite. Tian had eaten them enjoyably then, but nothing like this possessed frenzy.
“Yeth, tho delithouth.”
Tian replied with cheeks bulging, spraying crumbs.
“Eww, gross. No one's gonna steal your share, Young Hero Tian. Slow down—you're making me feel stuffed.”
Dam Soyeon thumped her chest, watching him polish off yet another plate in a blink.
Tian gulped down the mouthful with an embarrassed grin.
“Haha, sorry. These dumplings are just too good. Mind if I have more?”
Dam Daeryeok and Dam Soyeon exchanged queasy looks.
“E-eat up. As much as you want.”
No sooner had Dam Daeryeok spoken than the quick-witted apprentice rushed over more. Tian dove back in ravenously.
Then the inn's head chef, spotting this dumpling fiend, asked Tian to sample his new varieties: sweet, spicy, fish-filled.
Tian was hooked. Raised by his grandfather on greens, fruits, and the occasional lake fish, he'd never tasted dumplings before. Even last night's noodles were a delight, but these were another level. The perfect blend of meat and veggies kept his mouth watering mid-bite. Used to raw foods, he was discovering the magic of cooked meals.
After finishing the ordered plates and samples, Tian sheepishly eyed Dam Daeryeok again.
Dam Daeryeok chuckled in disbelief.
“Haha. Want more? Go ahead.”
“Alright.”
Tian nodded and beckoned the apprentice, who swiftly delivered another round.
Watching him, Dam Soyeon's lips curved into laugh lines.
“Ugh... I'm swearing off dumplings for a while...”
“By the way, Young Hero Tian, do you have a destination?”
Dam Daeryeok shook his head at Tian's dumpling obsession and asked.
Tian pondered, mouth still working furiously.
Gulp.
“Haven't really thought about it.”
“Then travel with us?”
Dam Daeryeok's eyes sparkled hopefully. Dam Soyeon nodded eagerly, backing her brother's idea.
“Together?”
“Yes. My carelessness put my sister in danger. I thought I could protect us alone, but that was naive. Would you escort us to our family in Shandong? A master like you would be invaluable. Ah! We'd reward you properly. Consider it an invitation from admirers of the Qi Arts lineage.”
Shandong, huh...
Tian mulled it over. Sounded good. He was heading to the Central Plains anyway, and sticking with the Dam siblings would ease adjusting to this unfamiliar world. Plus, it was a fair exchange.
“Sure, let's do that.”
Dam Daeryeok, who'd been tense, beamed.
Meeting a Qi Arts descendant he'd long admired was precious, but he wanted deeper ties with this man, Tian Ailang. Glancing aside, he saw his sister smiling even brighter and smirked meaningfully.
“Soyeon, you look thrilled that Young Hero Tian's joining us.”
“Huh? N-no, it's not like that!”
His blooming 18-year-old sister, who ignored most men, finally looked girlish—sparking Dam Daeryeok's mischief.
“So you don't want him along?”
“Wh-what? That's not it...”
Dam Daeryeok winked at Tian.
“Forgive my sister if she's not thrilled, Young Hero Tian. Bear with us.”
“Haha, Lady Soyeon doesn't like me much. Can't be helped.”
Playing along, Tian grinned.
“N-no! I-I... Big brother!”
“Aigoo! My sister's out to kill me!”
Dam Daeryeok hammed it up, teasing her. Tian smiled watching the close siblings.
* * *
“Bang Deok~ Do me a favor.”
The bearded man sprawled on his straw mat, scratching his belly, rolled his eyes toward the voice.
“What?”
“Demonic Cult and Blood Cult are stirring. Scout it out.”
Bang Deok, the man on the mat, picked his ear dismissively and rolled over.
“Send the underlings for that crap.”
“Damn it, we sent Jangpali and found his corpse.”
“...”
Bang Deok paused, grumbled, and sat up.
“Jangpali's dead? What, are the Cults gearing for war?”
“The state's prepping for war, yeah—can't ignore the Red Turbans anymore. But this ain't about that. Word is, Slaughter Demon and his squad botched kidnapping a Damga figure.”
Bang Deok gaped.
“Those lunatics charged straight into Damga territory?”
“Nah, they hit while the Damga folk were vacationing at Baekdu Mountain. Slaughter Demon survived, maybe, but the squad's likely wiped out.”
“...”
“And now the Blood Cult's making similar moves. Looks tied to the imperial court.”
“What kinda nonsense is that? Damga can handle their own kidnappings—why fuss?”
“It's big. Both Cults racing to nab Damga people? There must be a reason. Something major. Whatever it is, it'll fatten their bellies—and we can't have that.”
“Sigh... So sniff out the Cults' schemes and sabotage 'em? Investigate that vacationing Damga crew and their circle?”
“Yep. Get close, travel with 'em. Witness it firsthand.”
“Fuck! Babysit some snot-nosed brats?!”
Bang Deok exploded in irritation. The clan leader twitched a brow and smirked.
“Oho~ Never said 'Damga someone' was a brat, but you knew right away. You sneaky bastard!”
“...”
“You're our primed next leader. Get to it. Haha!”
The leader vanished casually after his piece.
“Sigh... Fuck, I just wanna eat and sleep like a bum. Rotten luck.”
Beggar Clan heir-apparent Lying Beggar Bang Deok rolled up his mat, stuffed it into his six-knotted sack, and slung it on his back.
“Ungh!”
He hauled himself up and whistled.
Pheeet—
A hefty dog bounded over from afar.
“Let's go, Dung Dog.”
Woof!
The clan's spirit beast, famed for its nose, wagged excitedly at the rare outing and followed Bang Deok.