“Reporting the completion of the mission, Third Squad Leader Ma Dong-pil of the Enforcement Division.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
Yi Gun-seong smiled as he praised Ma Dong-pil.
“You’ve endured so much over the past eight months. Truly, you’ve done well.”
“Not at all. It was an honor to serve by your side, Young Master.”
Ki-yang, standing nearby, also wore a pleased smile.
It was an awkward feeling to feel proud of a man in his thirties. But what could they do? To both of them, Ma Dong-pil was like a younger brother. He had returned after completing a mission that would have been difficult for anyone to accomplish, and he couldn’t have looked more admirable.
‘And he’s even managed to control his killing intent.’
The murderous aura that had been present just a few days ago had completely vanished, as if washed away. On the other hand, the internal energy he now exuded was beyond imagination.
“Did you have some sort of fortuitous encounter?”
“Huh?”
“Your internal energy has increased significantly compared to before. Although it’s still at a latent level, it will be of great help to your future growth.”
Yi Gun-seong’s face was filled with genuine admiration.
Ma Dong-pil made an awkward expression. He hadn’t reported the method of refining and consuming the Spirit Bamboo to create a pure elixir, so it was natural that the two wouldn’t know.
As a squad leader, he had the authority to omit unnecessary information. At first, he had debated whether to report this part or not, but in the end, he decided to omit it. It wasn’t because he wanted to keep it a secret, but because it was related to the Third Young Master’s martial arts.
There was no need to risk leaking information about the next sect leader candidates. No matter how unlikely, every organization has its vulnerabilities. While matters related to daily life could be overlooked, such sensitive information was better known by as few people as possible.
“I had a fortuitous encounter of my own. It was all thanks to the Third Young Master.”
“Thanks to the Third Young Master?”
“Yes. This matter is related to the Third Young Master, so it’s difficult for me to elaborate.”
Yi Gun-seong waved his hand.
“Of course, that’s how it should be. It’s right for you to keep it to yourself. The important thing is that you’ve completed your mission well. Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Ki-yang chimed in subtly.
“By the way, Senior. Squad Leader Ma has been through a lot. Shouldn’t we give him some time off?”
Yi Gun-seong nodded.
“I was thinking the same. How about a full month of rest?”
Ma Dong-pil shook his head.
“There must be tasks I can share. I don’t want to burden others.”
“No, you need to rest when it’s time to rest. This mission of yours was something no one else could have taken on. You’ve earned the right to rest.”
“Then I’ll take three days off.”
“Still as stubborn as ever. Fine, take ten days to recuperate and then return. No more compromises.”
“Yes, understood.”
Ki-yang clicked his tongue.
“Most people would be thrilled to have time off, but you look like you’re full of complaints. Do you dislike the Senior’s consideration?”
“Ah, no, that’s not it.”
Ma Dong-pil flusteredly waved his hands.
Amused by his reaction, the two burst into laughter.
Yi Gun-seong stood up cheerfully.
“Alright! Let’s have a drink together after so long. I want to hear directly how you’ve been over there.”
“Ah……”
“Why? Do you have something else to do? Even if you do, hold it off for today.”
“I’m sorry. The Third Young Master asked me to have a drink with him as a final gesture……”
Yi Gun-seong and Ki-yang exchanged glances.
‘The Third Young Master?’
After waking from his Qi Deviation, there had been rumors that he had become slightly more amiable, but they had thought his dangerous nature hadn’t changed.
“It seems you’ve grown quite close to the Third Young Master.”
“He endured much hardship due to my inadequate protection.”
Ki-yang’s eyes sparkled.
Ma Dong-pil’s face was filled with gratitude and guilt. It seemed this honest junior truly cared for the Third Young Master.
Yi Gun-seong, who had been quietly observing him, nodded readily.
“If the Third Young Master said so, then of course you should go. Wait a moment.”
After a while, he returned with some tea leaves.
“If he went out of his way to find this in such a rough place, he must really like it. Take this with you. I happened to acquire some high-quality tea leaves.”
“Ah……”
“I’m sure the Young Master will be pleased.”
Ma Dong-pil awkwardly accepted the tea leaves.
He couldn’t bring himself to tell the proud face before him that the Young Master didn’t enjoy tea—in fact, he disliked it.
“Go on now. And tell him that if I find more good tea leaves in the future, I’ll send them his way. Haha.”
Ma Dong-pil internally apologized to Yi Gun-seong as he carefully tucked the tea leaves into his robe.
‘I’m sorry, Squad Leader.’
I’ll have to use these tea leaves myself.
“Huuu.”
The smoke wafted out through the window.
Sinhye spoke with concern.
“Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
“I hesitate to say this, but……”
“What is it? Speak.”
“For the sake of your health, wouldn’t it be better to stop smoking?”
Hong Wi-mun chuckled as he tapped his pipe.
“I’ve been smoking a bit more lately, haven’t I?”
“Even if you can expel the toxins with your internal energy, it’s still not good for your body.”
“I’ll quit when it’s time. I appreciate your concern.”
“……Yes.”
Hong Wi-mun took another deep puff from his pipe. Thick smoke filled the room.
After a moment of hesitation, Sinhye spoke again.
“Young Master.”
“Speak.”
“May I ask why you sent ‘them’ away again?”
Hong Wi-mun looked out the window.
The once clear blue sky had now turned red with the setting sun.
Through the hazy smoke, he savored the dreamlike sunset before speaking.
“Sinhye.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“That guy has changed a lot.”
Sinhye tilted his head. The answer seemed somewhat out of place for the question.
“His body has improved tremendously.”
“…….”
“He’s grown taller, and his frame seems more robust than before. I don’t know what happened in the Bamboo Forest, but it seems he’s regained his former martial prowess.”
“……!”
“Well, I’m not curious about the method. The fact that he’s recovered remains unchanged. The problem is……”
Hong Wi-mun tapped his pipe as he spoke.
“He’s become ambiguous.”
“…….”
“He’s clearly the same person, but…… he feels like someone else now.”
It was a feeling that couldn’t be explained logically. And what had triggered this unpleasant feeling was the look in Seo-ryang’s eyes at that time.
A look that seemed to know everything.
A unique gaze that blended the ferocity unique to demons, the transparency of a ghost, and the indifference of an emotionless puppet. It had unsettled him.
Hong Wi-mun turned his head and said.
“To be honest, how much stronger he’s become isn’t my main concern.”
A lie.
Sinhye knew. That statement wasn’t the Young Master’s true feelings.
But he didn’t show it. He also realized that Hong Wi-mun was quite troubled.
“The problem is that I don’t know how he’ll react when ‘they’ are sent.”
Sinhye shook his head.
“Didn’t you already know how the Third Young Master would react, and how he would respond?”
“I did, until yesterday.”
“…….”
“But today is different. I’m not sure what kind of reaction will come from him.”
Until now, the Young Master had always proven his insight through results. Naturally, he would be right this time as well.
But Sinhye was curious. Why had the Young Master started thinking this way?
Sinhye, who had been quietly observing him, bowed his head.
“‘They’ are expected to react quite strongly. How should we handle it?”
“Pacify them with money. They’re as obsessed with money as they are with grudges. No need to bother too much.”
“But to give money to those who don’t deserve our attention seems somewhat……”
“If they were worth our attention, I would have added something more to the money.”
“…….”
“Just the mention of Seo-ryang’s name makes them foam at the mouth. They’ll be useful someday, but that’s all they’re good for. If necessary, take them to a decent brothel and let them blow off some steam.”
“Understood.”
He wasn’t sure if that would be enough. They had waited for days, resolved to endure any hardship, only to be called back just before the Third Young Master entered. The anger and despair they must have felt was unimaginable.
Huuu!
A large amount of smoke drifted out the window.
“And send a letter tomorrow evening inviting them to dinner.”
“Huh? To whom……?”
“The Joyful Court Master.”
“……!”
Sinhye’s face stiffened.
“Young Master, the Joyful Court Master is dangerous……”
“Sinhye.”
“…….”
“…….”
“……I will obey.”
Sinhye, who had bowed deeply, left the room. Hong Wi-mun carelessly tossed his pipe aside.
The relaxed smile he always wore was gone, replaced by a cold, hardened expression as a chilling killing intent swirled around him.
“If the wildcat has turned into a venomous snake, then I’ll have to change my bowstring as well.”
“You’re here?”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“You’re late, kid. I thought you’d starve to death. Sit down quickly.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ma Dong-pil hastily apologized and raised his head to look ahead.
A table laden with a feast, and seated on either side were Seo-ryang and Aeng-hwa.
Aeng-hwa’s face was pale. It was clear she had been agonizing over whether it was appropriate to share a table with the Young Master.
‘It’s understandable.’
Among the demonic sect members, the Third Young Master was the least concerned with formalities. Even the first time he had called Ma Dong-pil, he had addressed him as “Mr. Ma.”
Seeing this scene and not being flustered at all showed that he had grown quite accustomed to it.
“Not sitting? Don’t want to eat?”
“Ah, no!”
Ma Dong-pil hurriedly sat down and looked at Seo-ryang.
Seo-ryang already had chopsticks in hand.
“Let’s taste it first.”
After chewing on nothing but wild game for over eight months, the aroma of fine food was intoxicating. Honestly, even the deep camaraderie with Ma Dong-pil couldn’t make the wait any easier.
Soon, the three began to eat.
Seo-ryang was aggressive from the start, while Ma Dong-pil began with decorum but gradually picked up speed.
They were both large men, it had been a long time since they’d eaten such fine food, and most importantly, they hadn’t eaten anything all day. The two devoured the dishes like men possessed.
Aeng-hwa nibbled nervously, glancing at the two. She was so uncomfortable that the food wouldn’t go down.
“Cough! This is it! This is what it means to live, Dong-pil.”
“It’s an incredible feast, Young Master.”
“But this, it’s all good, but don’t you think the portions are a bit lacking?”
“That might be the case.”
Aeng-hwa internally screamed. She had prepared enough food to feed three or four grown men, and they were saying it wasn’t enough. The sheer voracity of the two was dizzying.
She stood up awkwardly.
“I-I’ll bring more.”
“Huh? No, it’s fine……”
“Yes!”
“Thank you.”
The storm of eating continued for half an hour.
Seo-ryang patted his stomach contentedly, while Ma Dong-pil licked his lips. Aeng-hwa, who had been busy bringing food and clearing plates, finally relaxed and began eating her noodles.
“Now that we’re full, let’s have a drink.”
Bang!
Seo-ryang opened a bottle of Yukcheon Sinju.
Instantly, Ma Dong-pil’s eyes sparkled. Aeng-hwa glanced at him before slurping her noodles again.
“Take it.”
“I-I’m honored.”
“Nonsense.”
The liquor poured smoothly. The fragrant aroma of the alcohol filled the room.
Even Aeng-hwa’s eyes widened, and the little fox sleeping on the bed twitched its nose. The aroma was so exquisite that even non-drinkers and animals reacted.
“You’ve worked hard all this time.”
“Not at all. It was an honor to serve you, Young Master.”
“Kid, stop with the flattery.”
“I mean it.”
“Alright, thank you.”
The two downed their drinks in one go.
Seo-ryang’s face showed admiration, while Ma Dong-pil looked like he might faint. The unimaginable taste of Yukcheon Sinju left both of them dazed.
“Ah, this is good. Hey! By the way, what are you going to do next? Are you going to escort someone again?”
“…….”
“Ma!”
“Gasp! Ah, yes! Did you call, Young Master?”
“You’ve completely lost it. Is it that good?”
“Of course!”
“I thought so. You looked like you wouldn’t feel pain even if stabbed.”
“Ah…… but what did you ask me earlier……?”
“Never mind. Have another drink.”
“Yes!”
The two finished the Yukcheon Sinju in no time.
Ma Dong-pil stared blankly at the empty bottle and glass. If the Young Master hadn’t been there, he might have licked them clean.
Seo-ryang chuckled.
“Aeng-hwa, can you bring a few more bottles? Any kind is fine.”
“Yes!”
Aeng-hwa quickly moved.
Seo-ryang patted Ma Dong-pil’s shoulder.
“Snap out of it. You’ll pop your eyes out.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Today, let’s drink until our tongues are tied. Let’s crawl on all fours, shall we?”
“It would be an honor, Young Master.”
“You’re really something. You’re so radiant.”
Ma Dong-pil made an awkward expression.
“Then before the drinks come, let me ask you something. I might not be able to ask once my tongue gets tied.”
“Ask away.”
Seo-ryang’s eyes gleamed.
“Where should I go to get the sect’s organizational chart and relationship map? Or rather, who should I meet?”