Chapter: 815
Why is Mokri-seon the schemer?
There are several reasons to make that judgment.
First of all.
“There are many gaps in the information.”
The summary provided was riddled with doubts.
While it’s true that Gyecheonmun is not exactly the cream of the crop when it comes to sects, they were greatly overestimating their interactions with outside personnel.
“He himself even said he looked perfectly fine on the outside.”
So, strictly speaking, it’s reasonable to be suspicious.
Whether it’s the “first night’s top” or the “top of the teeth”—I’m not sure about the exact name, but it’s at least seven occasions over the course of two weeks.
That’s how often Gyecheonmun and that group come into contact.
At first glance, it seems excessive…
But the important part here is.
“They’re being overly sensitive and precise about that number.”
From the information they sent, it seems they were digging stubbornly for every last detail.
Especially since they added in tactics like tailing, it indicates they were operating with considerable risk.
The problem is.
“The justification for going that far is flimsy.”
There was no solid reason for Gyecheonmun to act excessively suspect.
No matter how much I looked, I couldn’t see it.
As I said earlier, were they being hypersensitive because they suspect Gyecheonmun is linked to a group that’s part of the “Sapha” faction?
That could be a possibility.
As Mokri-seon remarked, it’s currently a time when the Tang family has ceased its activities.
Therefore, what’s left are the Murim Alliance and the Amipa… As it stands, even the leader of the Amipa, Kwon Seon, is currently absent.
In this situation, it might be wise to remain cautious.
“Then what about Earwax?”
That guy, Dangdeok, has similar stories.
Are they linking him with the Demonic Cult simply because of similar appearances? That’s a bit of a stretch, too.
Of course, since rumors about the Demonic Cult are starting to circulate throughout the Central Plains, could it be that they approached the rogue Guiakchang—who allegedly killed the Tao King and fled—with caution?
No, it’s more a forced connection than anything else.
Even regarding our Cheongryongdae.
“They said Cheongryongdae would be late, but I wasn’t disappointed at all.”
Should I consider it a slight if I feel ignored? No.
Look at it objectively. It’s Cheongryongdae’s first outing, and they have little experience. Not to mention, just look at me—the main character—you’ll get it.
A guy who just stepped up from the ‘lower’ ranks.
At a time when I wasn’t even sure about my own abilities, I asked Bonmyeong for help, and bam! This kid just shows up out of nowhere.
“No matter how strong I’m known to be, that’s a different story.”
So in that context, Cheongryongdae decided to tag along.
So, what does that mean, normally?
“You’d think people would cheer or feel relieved.”
It’s natural to prefer a more seasoned and skilled Major over an inexperienced one, so I don’t take it negatively. That would be the expected reaction.
From that perspective, how might the branch manager’s behavior have been?
“I felt relieved.”
Yeah, there was relief. But…
“I was relieved that the Blue Dragon Lord didn’t come.”
The Blue Dragon would arrive a bit later.
Mokri-seon reacted to that statement. The reaction was subtle, but undeniably a mixture of relief.
It’s strange.
Why did Mokri-seon care so much about Cheongryongdae being late?
And, on the flip side…
“Did he seem a bit uneasy because he thought I was actually doing my job right?”
It’s a difference that you wouldn’t notice unless you’re focused.
The heightened awareness allowed me to perceive even those emotions.
This continued even after that.
When I asked for the complete information rather than just an overview.
And when I announced I was going to head straight back to work rather than take a break.
Mokri-seon’s responses were peculiar, to say the least.
“Such small changes, it could just be me being overly sensitive.”
I could see myself mistaking these points because I was being vigilant.
In some respects, you could view it that way.
However, there was another reason I was confident that Mokri-seon was indeed the schemer.
“Fortunately, I recognized him as soon as I saw him.”
Regardless of his actions or reasoning, he’s someone I’d met once in a past life.
Mokri-seon, the Five-Year Dirty Demon.
In my previous life, he was the master of the Heavenly Gate who’d fallen into darkness, along with that demonic guy who stuck close to him.
That guy was indeed him.
“I had totally forgotten.”
The fact that the Sacheon Branch manager had become a demon. I hadn’t even thought of it until now.
It was a fact I’d completely overlooked, considering how many people have switched sides from being a monk to a demon.
“Was this when it started?”
Mokri-seon, appearing to be entangled with Gyecheonmun’s affairs.
He seemed to have something scheming in mind.
“I thought something was awry.”
I found it strange that the Demonic Cult was suddenly tied to Gyecheonmun, yet it seems there’s an ulterior motive involved.
Moreover, it’s between the Murim Alliance branch and Gyecheonmun.
“The info suggests outdoor personnel contact….”
Given that it’s info from the branch, believing it lightly wouldn’t be wise.
This could possibly even be a lie.
“Hmm.”
What should I do under these circumstances?
“What can you do? What the hell can I do?”
In times like these, there’s already a predetermined solution.
If the information is unreliable, but something is happening? Then there’s only one answer.
“Just find out for yourself.”
Go out and see for yourself.
Nothing is simpler than that.
Squeak.
I opened a door and stepped inside.
The location is a bit away from Sacheon County.
As soon as I entered, a faint aroma of food wafted through the air.
“Welcome—!”
Seeing Jeom So-yi cheerfully bounding toward me with a smile, I asked.
“I’m a little hungry. Is there any way I can fill my belly?”
“Ah, well, um….”
Jeom So-yi seemed a bit embarrassed by the question.
“It’s possible, but… as you can see, it’s pretty full right now… You might have to share a table. Would that be okay?”
Hearing that, I turned my attention.
As expected, the inn was stuffed with people.
It’s a small inn on the outskirts, but it must be delicious to draw in such a crowd.
With a smile, I replied to Jeom So-yi.
“Not a problem.”
“Ah! Young Lord! Thank you for understanding! I’ll guide you right away.”
A little while after Jeom So-yi left, she returned to lead me.
“You can sit over there.”
When I took my seat, a woman and child who appeared to be mother and son were already there.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
As I said this with a smile, the woman and the child both smiled back and nodded.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Wow—!”
“Hey, Dongjin! Don’t be loud in the guest house, okay? Hurry up and eat, or it’ll get cold.”
“Yes.”
Settling down naturally, I casually spoke to Jeom So-yi.
“Could I have some light snacks and tea?”
“If it’s something simple….”
“If you have dumplings, then I’ll take those. If not, any kind of noodle will do.”
“Would you like a drink, too? Our food and alcohol are quite good together.”
“Not really my thing. Just stick to what I asked.”
“Understood! One bowl of noodles coming up!”
While Jeom So-yi hurried off to put in my order, I sat quietly, feeling someone’s gaze on me.
It was the child, who was busy wolfing down food.
I wondered what was up with him.
“Uh, hey, brother?”
The child spoke to me.
“Hm?”
“Are you a warrior?”
The mother gasped in surprise at the child’s innocent question and stopped him.
“Y-you rascal! Why are you calling him brother? That’s terribly impolite!”
“…Uh…?”
“I’m sorry, Young Lord… He still hasn’t learned proper manners. Please pardon him with your generous spirit.”
“It’s alright. No need to worry too much.”
I waved a hand lightly, then looked at the child.
“Right. I am a warrior, after all.”
“Wow! But don’t you carry something like a sword or knife?”
“I don’t use that stuff.”
“Oh, I see. Everyone else has one, though….”
“Usually, they do carry weapons.”
There tend to be far more martial artists using arms than those engaging in hand-to-hand combat, so it was a natural thing.
The child kept asking questions, as if his curiosity was unending.
“Where do you live, brother?”
“Far away. Do you know Shanxi?”
“Nope. No idea.”
“It’s really far. Do me a favor and don’t ever come to visit. There’s nothing worthwhile.”
“Then you came from there?”
“I live there, but I came from Hanam.”
After hearing my response, the woman’s eyes widened.
“Oh my! Young Lord, so you’re from Hanam? We’d heard you were from out of town, but it seems you came from quite far away.”
“Yes. I’m here for some business.”
“Business? Why are you in such a remote location….”
“I stopped by for some necessities and to fill my stomach.”
In the middle of our casual chat, noodles were served on the table.
“The food is ready! Enjoy your meal!”
It looked absolutely delicious.
Watching it made me realize that I was indeed feeling hungry.
I took a sip of the nearby tea before indulging.
“Hmm.”
Just the standard brew.
I genuinely felt nothing.
I said it out loud, almost surprised.
“Didn’t add any poison, huh? I figured that’s what you’d do.”
This quietly muttered comment brought a rapid shift.
Swoosh.
The once boisterous atmosphere of the inn suddenly fell quiet.
Amidst this strange ambiance, I continued to eat without a care.
Slurp.
I downed a few bites of the noodles and swallowed the broth completely.
Since the serving size wasn’t large, I polished it off quickly.
After finishing, I wiped my mouth with apparent satisfaction.
“That wasn’t bad.”
I nodded, yet maintained silence.
The awkward tension pricked my cheeks, but I ignored it.
That was precisely what I anticipated.
And there.
“Should I start to stir things up?”
Since I’d finished eating, it was time for action.
I reached out.
Tap, right on the crown of the child’s head.
Feeling the texture of his hair, I gently patted it.
“…Brother?”
Just as the child was about to say something at that contact…
I grabbed his head and slammed it straight down onto the table.
BANG-!!
The table split in half from the force hitting the child’s head.
Naturally, the tea and food on top splattered everywhere. Seeing it, I swiftly moved my body, turning my intent towards the child’s mother.
Would she scream if her precious child got hurt?
Unfortunately for me, that wasn’t her reaction.
Swish-!
As the child fell, a dagger shot out from the woman’s sleeve.
The dagger sped towards my neck almost instantly.
Thud.
“Huh…!?”
I seized the dagger blade firmly between my thumb and index finger.
And then—
“Kuhk…!”
I balled up my fist and drove it deep into the woman’s gut.
From within, I sensed something shatter.
It felt like I broke a bone.
Afterward, she crumpled to the ground and began to spit out a mixture of blood and vomit. I merely nodded at the sight.
“Surprise, huh?”
“Gah…ugh…”
I lightly tapped the head of the woman, who was now kneeling on the floor with my foot.
“See? Rushing at me like that is a poor choice. Scares the hell out of me.”
While saying this, I glanced around. Oddly enough, despite the sudden violence, no one seemed surprised.
What I sensed was a cocktail of embarrassment and—
“Enemies.”
Enemies were rising against me.
The feeling was too alien for a guesthouse.
But then—
“This is nice.”
For me, I welcomed this kind of situation.
“Your gazes are fierce. Is this how you run a business?”
Sitting cross-legged, I replied, the sound of metal clinking around me.
As if they’d been waiting, everyone around me pulled out their weapons.
The guests who’d been happily sharing a meal just moments ago vanished without a trace.
That makes sense.
“It’s not even a real guesthouse to begin with.”
As I look around, it occurs to me, aside from me, there’s not a single legitimate guest present.
The situation current spoke that truth.
“…Who are you?”
One person asked with a scowl and I faced him, responding.
“What do you mean, who am I? You all already know the answer.”
“…”
Upon hearing that, he fell silent.
As expected, these guys knew my true identity.
So, I could see their curiosity building.
“…How did you figure it out?”
Conversely, how had I figured it out?
Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have answered a question like that, but this time I decided to break the rule.
“Well, it’s easy since your acting skills are atrocious… But that’s a bit too harsh. You weren’t bad from what I saw.”
“…”
“You did well pretending to be a child. Did you practice a lot playing mother? Not bad. But, if you plan to hide any weapons, you might want to refine your movements a tad.”
I found it ironic that I was critiquing their acting skills. In truth, it bothered me just a little.
“Of course, this is something that might go unnoticed if one isn’t paying attention… but the most essential point is—”
Tap.
I gestured towards the fallen child’s head while making my point.
“Regardless of whether it’s the child or the mother, neither seemed surprised when they saw my face. Usually, the kid is the one who reacts, even if the mother remains calm.”
“…!”
It was indeed true, and it was a bit of a frustration to have to say it aloud.
What was irritating about this was seeing many nodding in understanding when I explained myself.
What the hell.
I almost let out a sigh.
Even though I had the info beforehand, had I come in without that knowledge, I would’ve questioned the same parts.
That alone made me feel even worse.
Anyway… suppressing my grinding teeth, I continued.
“Originally, I was going to topple everything, but the food was surprisingly good, so I’ll grant you a chance.”
The place I’m currently seated at isn’t a regular guesthouse.
This establishment’s name is Dongyugaekjan.
“Where’s your master lurking?”
It was a place where Gyecheonmun operated while concealing its true identity.
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