Chapter 300: Today, We Forget All Worldly Cares

TL: FoodieMonster007

Have I ever had an experience like this while living in the jianghu?

The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult walked right beside him. The Demonic Cult's Branch Manager followed, with the Demonic Sword Squad—the cult's finest—behind them. The demons of the Branch brought up the rear.

Have I ever walked while leading such a group?

Jo Yang felt like he was dreaming. A strange sense of pride swelled within him, and it felt good.

Then, fear suddenly struck him. Any single one of these people could cause an uproar among ordinary martial artists.

As fearful thoughts arose, Jo Yang glanced at Geom Mugeuk. Geom Mugeuk was the same person who first came to borrow money, even now that Jo Yang knew he was the Young Cult Leader. He wasn't arrogant or intimidating. How can a person be like that?

Still, Jo Yang didn't dare start a conversation with him.

It was nice when we could talk comfortably. It was nice when Geom Mugeuk was a debtor.

While lost in these silly thoughts, they arrived at Cheokpae's manor.

Jo Yang lowered his voice and whispered, "I'll have them open the gate."

Before he could finish his sentence, a demon from the Demonic Sword Squad stepped forward.

KABOOM!

The demon smashed the gate, and the others surged inside.

Swordsmen appeared from all directions, flinching in surprise. The demons of the Demonic Sword Squad unleashed their demonic qi, revealing their identities.

"All of you, leave if you don't want to die."

The swordsmen hesitated, looking at each other.

The demon who had warned them swung his sword. A single line of sword qi shot past the swordsmen and sliced through a stone pagoda in the flower garden behind them.

A single stone pagoda saved everyone. The swordsmen scrambled toward the entrance. The demons kicked them from behind, driving them all out. They fled, clutching their heads.

The Demonic Sword Squad was unstoppable. They smashed the second gate and entered as hidden weapons rained down from the rooftops.

The demons in the lead lightly swung their swords, deflecting the projectiles.

"From now on, if you throw even one more hidden weapon, you die."

The attackers on the roof froze. They only just realized their opponents were demons.

"You bastards, you should see who you're throwing at," Geom Mugeuk remarked as he passed. The demons followed him. The men on the roof fled in the opposite direction.

Jo Yang watched, bewildered by the unfamiliar sight.

He knew demons were fearsome, but he never imagined this. He had been terrified every time he passed this place. For the demons, Cheokpae's fortress was just a walking path.

Beyond the next gate, a dozen martial artists blocked their way.

These were the men Cheokpae boasted about, calling them masters of joint attacks. Jo Yang remembered Cheokpae saying they cost hundreds of taels a month, his tone a mix of lament and pride. Cheokpae spared no expense to protect his own life with the money he squeezed from others.

The martial artists formed a sword formation. The Demonic Sword Squad simply walked forward as a group.

"Shall we show you what a real joint attack is?"

The Demonic Sword Squad didn't even need to form a sword formation to intimidate them. The clustered group of martial artists scattered in all directions. Jo Yang saw this and shook his head.

Why in the world did he spend hundreds of taels a month?

Of course, Jo Yang understood. He could imagine the terror of the Demonic Sword Squad pushing their way in.

The demons seemed to be intimidating people randomly, but they moved with order. They looked like they were just walking, but they thoroughly surveyed their surroundings. When one person moved, another filled the empty spot, maintaining their formation. Their tactics varied with the terrain and the opponent. These were skilled movements born from long training.

Three masters stood at the final gate. They looked like they cost not hundreds, but thousands of taels.

"We are the Jiangxi Ghost Trio. Who dares!"

Just then, the first of the three ghosts recognized Branch Manager Hojyung.

"Why are you?"

Hojyung put a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. He shook his head with an expression that said now was not the time for them to step in. That gesture was a sufficient warning.

"Thank you for letting us pass."

Even a hundred ghosts could not have faced them, let alone three. Thankful for being spared, the three ghosts also left.

They reached the inner court without spilling a single drop of blood.

The last gate was open. Cheokpae waited in the courtyard.

He bowed with the calmest face he could manage.

"I'm honored to meet such esteemed guests."

Cheokpae hadn't fled because he misunderstood the situation.

He thought the real demons had arrived after dealing with the impersonator. Since Jo Yang was with them, it was a natural conclusion.

"If you'd sent word in advance, there wouldn't have been such a mistake. My subordinates have committed a great discourtesy. I apologize."

Cheokpae carefully observed his visitors. He saw Branch Manager Hojyung was present. He also confirmed the Demon Sword Commander was not there.

He had thought Jung Ak would use the Branch Manager when he asked him to handle this matter. It seemed Jung Ak had indeed used the Branch Manager for today's affair.

He's taking all the money for himself!

Cheokpae found the situation strange. The Hojyung he knew didn't accept bribes. Why is this man here?

Cheokpae glanced at Jo Yang. He had sent Jo Yang along, secretly hoping they would die together.

He's a tough one to kill. Fine, you can just work until you die.

Cheokpae's eyes asked, What is this situation? What could Jo Yang say? He simply turned his head and avoided Cheokpae's gaze.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk held out a coin to Cheokpae.

"Here, take it."

"What is this?"

"It's the interest."

Cheokpae's heart sank. He remembered the two coins placed on his subordinates' corpses. An ominous premonition washed over him.

"I said take it."

The moment Cheokpae absentmindedly took the coin.

WHOOOOSH.

SLAM!

The coin grew heavy, slamming his hand into the ground.

"Uwaaaaaaack!"

He screamed, but no one came to help him.

"Now, there's one more. Take this one too."

Cheokpae looked up at Geom Mugeuk with a pained expression.

"Why, why are you doing this?"

"What do you mean why? You borrowed money, so you're paying the interest."

"You don't have to accept it."

"You have a pleasure palace, don't you? You need to receive interest to maintain it, no?"

"Please forgive me! Please spare me!"

But he couldn't refuse. An unseen power forced his other hand open.

WHOOOOSH!

SLAM!

His other hand was also crushed.

Cheokpae lay face down with his palms up, as if bowing to the heavens. He had lived his entire life without knowing pain and now made a huge fuss.

Jo Yang understood.

Geom Mugeuk made Cheokpae receive the coins this way instead of killing him immediately to show him something. To show him that the stories contained within the interest he would receive from now on were this heavy.

Jo Yang bowed his head with a look of understanding.

Then, Geom Mugeuk lightly struck out with his palm.

THWACK!

Cheokpae's head shattered, and he died instantly. It was the end of a life lived for money, a life that had ruined countless others. He had earned so much, yet his death was lonely and left nothing behind.

Geom Mugeuk summoned all the subordinates from the moneylender business.

After lining them up, he introduced Jo Yang.

"From now on, the owner of the moneylender business is Jo Yang. Anyone with a complaint can leave right now. I'll let you go alive."

A few men who were on bad terms with Jo Yang left. Those who had wanted to quit this line of work also took the opportunity to leave.

Geom Mugeuk gave a stern warning to those who remained.

"From now on, follow the new chief's orders well."

"……"

Just like that, the owner of the moneylender business changed overnight.

Hojyung was inwardly impressed by Geom Mugeuk's decisive actions. These were not things one could do simply by having high martial arts. This was the path of someone who knew exactly what he was doing and what he had to do next.

"Well then, let's all have a drink together today."

It was a joyful day for Hojyung as well, but he couldn't hide his concern.

"The core of our Cult's Jiangxi Branch is all here today. Shouldn't we send at least some of the forces back?"

"Are you worried the Evil Alliance might try something?"

"I sent them a separate notice, so I doubt that'll happen… but still, this is a first."

Since his appointment, Hojyung must have worried about the Evil Alliance every day. It was natural for him to be tense in a situation like this.

"You don't have to worry. The Evil Alliance isn't the same Evil Alliance of the past."

Geom Mugeuk's confidence came from his trust in Bi Sayin. If Bi Sayin heard this news, he would take his subordinates to a tavern, not an armory.

A large drinking party was set up in the training ground.

All the fine liquor Cheokpae had collected was brought out. All sorts of dishes were ordered from the famous inns and taverns in the market.

They had almost never gathered like this to drink. It was the first time the demons of the Branch and the Demonic Sword Squad had mingled together.

Once everyone's cup was filled, Geom Mugeuk raised his high and shouted.

"Alright, today, let's forget all worldly cares and drink to our heart's content!"

Everyone drank their liquor heartily.

The Demonic Sword Squad demons looked at Geom Mugeuk with extreme favor. They respected him for the comfort he had offered earlier and for his overwhelming martial arts.

Geom Mugeuk mingled with them comfortably.

He told them stories about the Headquarters and the Demon Supremes. Their eyes especially sparkled at the stories about the Demonic Army, whom the Demonic Sword Squad considered their rivals.

The demons lost track of time, captivated by Geom Mugeuk's broad experience from the Central Plains to the Outer Regions and his unique wit.

Even amidst all that, Jo Yang sat next to Geom Mugeuk without moving a muscle. He didn't even go to relieve himself. What if someone else takes my seat while I'm away, and I have to sit among the demons? I'd rather wet myself! He desperately defended his spot.

After chatting with the demons, Geom Mugeuk went over to Hojyung, who was drinking quietly by himself. He left Jo Yang behind. Jo Yang, trying to follow, wore the expression of someone left alone in hell.

"It's tiring playing with the kids."

Hojyung laughed at his words. Geom Mugeuk laughed as well.

"I'm the youngest one here by age, yet I'm saying this, aren't I?"

"Just listening to you, you sounded like the oldest person here. When on earth did you have all those experiences?"

"They're just things I've picked up here and there."

The two men emptied their cups. Hojyung poured Geom Mugeuk a drink and asked.

"But how did you remember what happened to me back then?"

"The moment I saw you, Branch Manager, I remembered that day at the President's banquet. Your words were impressive, and you have the same face as you did back then."

"What are you talking about. I've gotten much older."

This time, Geom Mugeuk filled Hojyung's cup.

"It must be hard for you, trying to take care of every little detail."

"It's my personality, what can I do? I can't sleep if I just leave things be."

As a man of principle, Hojyung must feel a certain sorrow. He suffered the unique hardship of being criticized for doing things he believed were for the good of everyone. How could he not wish for a comfortable life?

Geom Mugeuk emptied his cup and said, "Isn't there a time when hardship, after you've done it for a long time, becomes a source of strength?"

He had experienced that feeling when gathering materials for the Great Dharma before his regression.

At first, it was so hard and lonely. Back then, he would fall asleep with this hope. Tomorrow will be better.

As time passed, he began to think differently. Tomorrow will be hard too. It's harder because I'm trying to avoid the hardship. Tomorrow will be hard, and the day after will be hard too. It's not just me, everyone is having a hard time.

When more years had passed, he realized. In the end, that hardship had made him grow the most. It was a loathsome enemy and his only friend.

"That's why you look strong, Branch Manager."

Hojyung looked at Geom Mugeuk's deep gaze, which didn't match his age. He felt that Geom Mugeuk, too, had gone through many hardships. Yes, he must have gone through all sorts of things while fighting for succession to become the Young Cult Leader.

"Stay strong, Young Cult Leader!"

"Let's both stay strong!"

The two men talked late into the night about the affairs of the Jiangxi Branch. Geom Mugeuk silently listened to everything Hojyung had to say.

He found Jo Yang in the backyard.

Jo Yang was sitting alone in front of a bonfire, avoiding the demons.

"What are you doing?"

"Ah, I was just sitting here."

Geom Mugeuk sat down next to him.

"Everyone's a good drinker."

"That's because you haven't seen the Drunken Demon."

The Drunken Demon and those other demons who drank without getting tired were people from another world.

But Jo Yang felt he would miss this person in front of him. He was the person furthest away, even within that other world.

"Will I be able to see you again, Young Cult Leader?"

"I don't know either. We might see each other often, or we might not see each other again until we die."

"I'll be working diligently, so if you come to Jiangxi, please be sure to stop by. I'll be sure to send in the work-related reports without fail."

"Jo Yang."

"……"

Jo Yang's face was flushed red, either from the firelight or his nervousness.

"Someday, a crisis will come. That crisis will tempt you with these words. Ah, what the hell, you only live once, right? Jo Yang, your sins are already great, so I can't forgive you if you do something stupid. So if such a temptation arises, come find me."

"Are you telling me to come to the Demonic Cult Headquarters?"

"Yes, come and ask for me at the main gate."

Jo Yang briefly imagined the scene. He saw himself standing at the main gate of the Demonic Cult Headquarters, saying, 'I've come to see the Young Cult Leader.' Then the demons at the gate would ask, 'Who are you?' No, since he was a guest of the Young Cult Leader, they'd ask, 'Who might you be?' Then he'd say, 'I'm a moneylender from the distant land of Jiangxi.' Ah, I don't really want to imagine what comes next.

"I'll have to work my butt off so that I don't have a reason to visit you."

Geom Mugeuk laughed along with Jo Yang's joke. A Young Cult Leader who laughed like this.

"Here, this is a final gift."

Geom Mugeuk handed him two taels.

Jo Yang respectfully accepted the money. It was the two coins he had continuously received since meeting Geom Mugeuk. This was the last time.

Clutching the coins tightly, Jo Yang asked, "Why are you being so good to me, someone who is nothing more than a mere moneylender?"

"I hear that a lot," Geom Mugeuk said, staring at the bonfire.

"I guess that's just the kind of person I am."

Jo Yang abruptly stood up and gave Geom Mugeuk a deep bow.

"I will never forget the grace you've shown me by giving me a new life. I don't know if I'm a Song Chung, a maggot, or a larva, but whatever I become, I will definitely try to spread my wings at least once."

Geom Mugeuk silently watched embers leap from the bonfire, dancing as they flew up.

Two days later, Geom Mugeuk bid farewell to Hojyung and the other demons of the Jiangxi Branch.

"Are you returning to the Headquarters?"

"If I stay any longer, I'll just be a hindrance to your work."

When Hojyung remained silent, Geom Mugeuk joked playfully.

"You really seem to think so."

"You're not someone I can order around."

The two men looked at each other and laughed.

"The Headquarters will be appointing a new Demon Sword Commander soon."

"I suppose I'll have to fight another hard battle then."

The day will come when hardship becomes strength.

Geom Mugeuk conveyed the words he had said that day with his eyes.

As long as Hojyung was here, there was no need to worry about the Jiangxi Branch.

Then, the Jiangxi Branch inspection is complete.

After bidding farewell to the Jiangxi Branch, Geom Mugeuk visited the home of the horseman Pyeon Jung.

"I'm looking for a skilled horseman."

Pyeon Jung had just heard from the moneylender that he no longer had to repay his debt. They said the money he had paid over the principal would be returned after calculating the interest on the Red Orb.

At the unbelievable news, he had hugged his wife and wept buckets. Their children, not knowing what was happening, had cried along with them.

Pyeon Jung, his eyes swollen, could tell. He didn't know how it happened, but the man in front of him was the one who had done it.

Pyeon Jung bowed his head, conveying his deep gratitude in his heart.

"Where shall I take you?"

Then came the most perilous destination in Pyeon Jung's history as a horseman.

"The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters."

When he was first asked to go to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Jiangxi Branch, Pyeon Jung's heart had dropped.

But now, he was not afraid. Instead, he smiled brightly and repaid the favor with what he did best.

"I will take you to your destination safely."