Swordless Demonic Path

Chapter 98 : Tracking (3)

Pududuk!

A carrier pigeon that had flown from Hwahwaru headed for the brothel, and a carrier pigeon from the Hao Mun flew towards the gambling house.

A pigeon that had flown into the five-story pavilion located in the innermost part of the brothel delivered good news.

-Yeon Jeok-sim, residing in the Jiangxi Demonic Lord's residence.

Il-hu, who had confirmed the contents of the carrier pigeon, hurriedly informed the brothel of the news.

Jo-rim, as soon as she received the contents of the carrier pigeon, hurriedly headed for Jin Sa-wol.

Jin Sa-wol and Bi-sun were sitting together in a wide study.

"I never thought I'd send the Wudang Sect back with money."

"Money is necessary."

Jin Sa-wol smiled.

The Wudang Sect was a huge sect. It was inevitable that a huge amount of funds would be needed to run the sect.

Until now, Jo Han-yu had solved that part to some extent, but now Jo Han-yu was gone.

Just by having Woo Jeong-bong and Jo Geom-ok at the inn, a considerable amount of money went into the Wudang Sect, so there was no reason to oppose.

It was a great benefit to the Wudang Sect for the two to be here rather than returning to Wudang Mountain to train.

Not only that, but if they built a relationship with the Wudang Sect through the two and helped each other in necessary parts, their relationship would become even deeper in the future.

If they had the Namgung family and the Wudang Sect on their backs, there would be no major problems in running the inn.

"Someday, we might become enemies with the Martial Alliance. Is it okay to have a deep relationship?"

If the fact that he had killed Namgung Yu entered the ears of the Martial Alliance Leader, all the relationships so far would be ruined.

"There are no eternal secrets."

Jin Sa-wol also seemed to understand that.

"If there is no betrayal."

At Jin Sa-wol's words, Bi-sun smiled.

Just then, Jo-rim came into the room. She sat in an empty chair and held out the carrier pigeon she had brought.

"I've located Yeon Jeok-sim."

Jin Sa-wol, who had received the carrier pigeon that Jo-rim had held out, calmly read its contents and then burned it in the lamp.

Then he turned his gaze to Jo-rim.

"What's the exact location of the Jiangxi Demonic Lord?"

"I don't know the exact location, but I only know that it's in the hilly area of the northeastern part of Guyeon Mountain. It's a deep mountain valley, so it won't be easy to find."

"We'll leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? We could go after the inn's doors open."

"A quick battle. We have to move before then."

At Jin Sa-wol's answer, Jo-rim did not oppose.

If Yeon Jeok-sim went to the main headquarters of the Demonic Cult, it would not be easy to chase him. He had to be eliminated before then.

"If Brother Bi and Sister Jo are here, there's no problem in entrusting the inn."

Although Jin Sa-wol showed strong trust, it could sound different to others.

"It sounds like you're telling me to just work like a cow."

As if she didn't dislike the word 'sister', Jo-rim said so and smiled.

Bi-sun sighed.

"It's not something to be happy about. Because we really have to work like cows. To manage this huge inn... Haa... My head hurts."

At Bi-sun's sigh, Jo-rim shook her head. Jo-rim had no particular difficulty in running the brothel. It was because she had been running it all along.

Compared to that, Bi-sun was worried first because it was his first time in the position of steward.

"I'll help you from time to time, so don't worry."

At Jo-rim's words, Bi-sun showed a relieved expression. Then, as if he had remembered something, he looked at Jin Sa-wol and said.

"The Luoyang side also knows that you've taken over the inn. They said they don't seem to like it."

"Why? They should be happy that I've taken over the Gangnam Grand Inn."

When Jo-rim asked with a puzzled expression, Bi-sun picked up a teacup.

"Luoyang wants us to be under them rather than creating our own power. But Sa-wol moved against their will."

Hearing Bi-sun's words, Jin Sa-wol drank tea.

It was something he had expected.

It was the difference between becoming a hand and foot or becoming the head. Jin Sa-wol wanted to be the head, and now he was fully qualified to do so.

Now, he just needed to increase his hands and feet. It was enough to share the same will with Luoyang.

There was nothing difficult.

"Tell Luoyang I'll go next time."

"Alright."

They were the ones who had taken care of him when he was in trouble. So it was natural to show his face.

On top of that, he was also curious about the news of Na Hyungi, who was training his martial arts.

* * *

When you cross the Yellow River to the north of Luoyang, high mountains stretch wide in a row. It was the border to enter Shanxi Province.

Wangyu Mountain, located at the southern end of Shanxi Province, was a place famous for its beautiful scenery.

The area around Wangyu Mountain was rugged and deep, with hundreds of peaks and valleys.

Among them, in the deep part of Hoeryong Valley, which was rarely visited by people, there was a small basin.

In the basin, a dozen or so houses were lined up, and several caves were opening their mouths between the rock walls in the back.

In one of those caves, a young man with a long beard was sitting cross-legged.

It was Na Hyungi of the Na family.

His long black hair, which had not been trimmed for a long time, covered his knees and the ground.

"Hoo..."

Na Hyungi, who had finished his breathing, let out a deep breath, gathered his internal energy, and then opened his eyes.

A bright light overflowed from his eyes.

He took out a small grain pill from the basket next to him, swallowed it, and then closed his eyes again.

'Not yet.'

Although his internal energy had increased greatly, it was not enough to leave the cave. It was still very lacking.

A little away from the cave, Ha Shin-hak was standing. He looked at Na Hyungi's cave for a long time and then turned his body.

A satisfied smile briefly crossed his face.

Shim Cheong-cheong ran up to Ha Shin-hak, who was walking, and then chattered.

"It's already been a year since Brother Na entered the training cave. How can he not show his face for a year? If it were me, I would have run out because I was bored..."

"A person who feels lacking finds even the time to sleep a waste. Since Hyun-gi's start was late, he is trying to make up for that difference by running without a moment's rest. Just leave him."

"Will he be alive?"

"He's alive."

At Ha Shin-hak's answer, Shim Cheong-cheong smiled brightly as if she were relieved.

* * *

By the time the news of Jin Sa-wol reached the Demonic Cult, a major incident had also occurred in the Demonic Cult.

Cheon Woo-rin's son had died of an illness. At the sudden incident, everyone in the Demonic Cult was surprised, and the atmosphere became heavy.

Right now, the matter of Jin Sa-wol was also not important.

The grandson of the Cult Leader had died.

Among them, the ones who were most heartbroken were Dokgo Hye and the Cult Leader, Cheon Yu-myeong.

Cheon Yu-myeong had visited his home once a month to see his grandson and then returned. But one day, he heard the news that his grandson had suddenly died, so how great must the shock have been?

That day too, Cheon Yu-myeong was sitting in front of the coffin silently, as if he had fallen into a demonic state.

Next to him, Dokgo Hye and the members of the family were sitting with emaciated faces.

Cheon Yu-myeong sat like that for a long time and then stood up from his seat.

"Where is the father?"

Although Cheon Yu-myeong asked, Dokgo Hye shook her head.

Cheon Yu-myeong, as if angry, turned his gaze to Cheon Mun-jung, who was standing at the door.

"He's coming now."

At Cheon Mun-jung's words, Cheon Yu-myeong, who had gone outside, looked at the burly man who was running from a distance.

Although he was tall and had a sturdy build, his belly was protruding, and the sight of it jiggling was not good.

What was more offensive to the eye was his red face.

Cheon Woo-rin, who saw Cheon Yu-myeong, bowed his head with a startled face.

"I'm sorry."

"Did you drink?"

At Cheon Yu-myeong's angry voice, who had smelled the alcohol, Cheon Woo-rin could not give any answer.

Cheon Yu-myeong closed his eyes for a moment and tried to hide his anger.

In the meantime, Cheon Woo-rin hurriedly went inside and headed for the coffin. Seeing his son lying down, he wailed and mourned.

But no matter how much he mourned, his dead son would not come back.

* * *

A few days later, Dokgo Hye was standing blankly in the investigation hall of the Cheon family, looking at her son's memorial tablet.

"Since you're dead, there's no joy."

Her muttering eyes had been bloodshot for a long time, to the point where she was worried that a blood vessel might burst.

After how long had passed, Dokgo Hye, who was trembling her shoulders, lost consciousness and collapsed on the floor.

Thump!

The startled attendants ran over at the sound of the collapse, supported Dokgo Hye, and moved her to a room.

Dokgo Hye's complexion, who was lying in the bedroom, was extremely pale.

Cheon Woo-rin, who had entered the room, sat next to Dokgo Hye and held her hand.

"I think I've been neglecting you all this time. I'm sorry. I understand that you're sad, but you'll die if you keep this up."

Dokgo Hye, who saw Cheon Woo-rin's face, frowned without realizing it. A low footstep was heard in her ear.

Swish!

Dokgo Hye pulled her hand that Cheon Woo-rin was holding and turned her head.

"Go out."

"We can just make another child, so you have to find your health first. So that we can be like before again..."

"Is that what you should be saying to me right now? Get out! Make a child with the courtesans."

As Dokgo Hye, who had jumped up, showed her killing intent, Cheon Woo-rin swallowed his dry saliva and stood up.

In Cheon Woo-rin's eyes, he saw Dok-hye's body, who was only wearing a nightgown.

Since it was a see-through dress, her curvy body stimulated Cheon Woo-rin's eyes.

"What I mean is..."

"Go out."

As Dokgo Hye picked up a sword, Cheon Woo-rin closed the door with a face full of anger and went out.

As he went out, the room became quiet.

Cheon Woo-rin, who had left the yard, saw Cheon Yu-myeong coming towards him and hurriedly bowed his head.

"Father."

"Is my daughter-in-law okay?"

"She's full of energy."

"Did you fight?"

"I'm sorry."

Cheon Woo-rin answered and then walked away with hurried steps. As he moved away, Cheon Yu-myeong shook his head and entered Dokgo Hye's room.

At the sound of the door opening, Dokgo Hye came out, shouting.

"Why did you come again! Don't come!"

She, who was shouting loudly, opened her eyes wide when she saw Cheon Yu-myeong standing there.

Cheon Yu-myeong also opened his eyes wide when he saw Dokgo Hye, who was only wearing a nightgown.

Cheon Yu-myeong hurriedly turned his head. Dokgo Hye was also startled, covered her body, and went inside.

"I'm sorry, Father."

Dokgo Hye spoke in a loud voice, then put on a robe and came out.

Cheon Yu-myeong sat at the tea table in the tea room.

Soon, Dokgo Hye approached from the side and poured him tea.

"I came because I heard you had collapsed."

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Not at all."

Dokgo Hye spoke in a low voice and then sat in a chair. Her pale face and the beautiful skin inside the robe, beyond her jade-like neckline, came into Cheon Yu-myeong's eyes.

"I heard that the relationship between the two of you is not good. But I hope you two will go back to how you were before."

"I will try. But he likes courtesans and wine more than me."

Dokgo Hye's shoulders, who had lowered her head, looked slender. It was a pitiful and sad appearance, as if she needed to be hugged.

Cheon Yu-myeong sighed at the appearance that felt fragrant with a woman's scent.

"I'll keep him in check."

"Yes."

Dokgo Hye answered in a weak voice and then raised her head. Cheon Yu-myeong, whose eyes met hers, looked at her face for a moment and then stood up and went outside.

As Cheon Yu-myeong went out, Dokgo Hye, who was sitting in a chair, took off her robe and then entered the room.

Killing intent flashed in her eyes and then disappeared.

* * *

Early in the morning, a small carriage with a cloth roof slowly came out through the main gate of the inn.

The person sitting in the driver's seat was Woo Jeong-bong, who was wearing a bamboo hat, and behind him, Jo Geom-ok and Jin Sa-wol were sitting with the luggage.

"Do I really have to go? I'm having fun..."

Woo Jeong-bong grumbled and recalled the courtesans of the brothel.

Jin Sa-wol said.

"We're on our way to kill Yeon Jeok-sim. It's dangerous even for the two of us."

"So, that's what I'm saying. Why do we have to go to a dangerous place?"

"If we don't go, our inn will be ruined. The Alliance Leader told us to catch him within a year."

"Why are we doing that? The Martial Alliance is full of guys who can do it."

"It's for the brothel."

At that one word, Woo Jeong-bong put aside his complaints and gripped the reins.

"Then we have to go."

(End of Chapter)