Chapter 377: Flattery Reaches a Peaceful Ear

TL: FoodieMonster007

"What are you looking at so intently?"

Jo Cheonbae's mother-in-law, Yoon, approached a young man staring at something in a corner of the safehouse courtyard.

The young man watched a small insect crawl through the flowerbed. Yoon had never seen him before during her stay.

The young man remained silent, still watching the insect, so Yoon apologized.

"Did this old woman disturb you? I'm sorry, martial artist."

Yoon treated everyone at the safehouse with the utmost respect. She was polite to the martial artists and even the servants. Her politeness came from gratitude, not fear.

Her life had been nothing but hardship, but lately, she enjoyed incredible comfort. They served precious dishes at every meal and always provided fresh clothes. It was the first time she had ever worn silk. She slept in late and even took naps, things she had never done before. How could she not feel grateful to the people here?

Just as Yoon turned to leave, the young man spoke.

"It's called a Dragon Poison Insect. You can only find them in this region."

"Ah, I see."

Yoon walked over and squatted beside the young man. He looked young, but his voice and aura seemed mature.

The insect crawled away into the grass. Yoon noticed the young man's waist and commented, "Your coin purses are very cute."

He wore several pouches, each painted with one of the twelve zodiac animals. Usually, only merchants wore so many.

Of course, she thought, he can't be a merchant if he's here.

The young man then said something unexpected. "I've tried your son-in-law's cooking before."

Yoon was startled.

"……"

"I also live near there."

"Oh, is that so? Please visit often! Our Jo is a truly kind and diligent man."

Yoon was delighted that he was a customer at her son-in-law's tavern.

"Are you hungry? There's food in the kitchen. I can bring some for you."

She assumed his youth meant he did menial chores. Even if he was a martial artist, he was probably a low-ranking one.

"It's alright."

"Nonsense, you're at a growing age. Just wait here a moment."

Yoon ran toward the building.

The young man watched her go and muttered to himself, "My growing days are long past."

A moment later, Yoon returned with a tray of food, but the young man was gone.

"Where could he have gone so fast? If only he'd waited a little longer."

She felt quite disappointed.

Just then, Jo Cheonbae walked out.

"Our Jo, aren't you hungry? Should I get you something to eat?"

His mother-in-law always tried to feed him the moment she saw him.

"I'm fine. Besides, I should be the one getting you meals."

"Nonsense. You've been busy taking care of others your whole life. You should rest well at times like this."

And you haven't, Mother-in-law? You've worked much harder than I have.

While staying at the safehouse, Jo Cheonbae experienced several psychological changes. At first, he felt bewildered but pleased, only regretting that his married children couldn't be there. As days passed, however, he grew anxious. Was it okay to live in such luxury? Could he leave his tavern unattended for so long? Eventually, he adopted an 'oh, whatever' attitude and decided to rest. What mattered most was that his family was comfortable. Besides, he couldn't leave just because he wanted to.

"By the way, what's that food for?"

"I was going to give it to a young man I took a liking to, but he already left."

"Who was it?"

"A cute and handsome young man."

Jo Cheonbae tilted his head, confused.

There's no one like that here, is there?

"Oh, he said he's been to your tavern too."

"What? To my tavern? That can't be right."

Just then, the young man returned, his hands full of unidentifiable medicinal herbs.

"Elder, your knees looked like they were giving you trouble."

"When you get old, everything hurts, but how did you know about my knees?"

Her knees were a chronic problem.

"If you boil this and drink it, walking should become a bit easier."

"Oh, you shouldn't have. Thank you, truly, thank you."

Yoon was so moved she didn't know what to do.

"Our martial artist isn't just handsome. Here, put those down and have some of this."

Yoon treated the young man like her own grandson.

Jo Cheonbae watched the scene and turned pale. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He was too stunned to speak.

His mother-in-law patted the Poison King on the back, urging him to eat and remarking how rare it was to find such a kind young man.

"Aaaah! You can't do that!" Jo Cheonbae shouted.

The Poison King and Yoon looked at Jo Cheonbae.

"What's wrong with you?" Yoon asked.

Jo Cheonbae ignored her and bowed his head to the Poison King. "Oh my goodness! The Poison King!"

How could he not recognize the Poison King, who had left his name on the tavern wall?

Yoon belatedly realized the young man's noble status and grew flustered. "Oh my! I failed to recognize someone so important. Please, kill me!"

The Poison King stopped Yoon from prostrating herself and gave her the medicinal herbs.

"I can't accept something so precious."

"I'm giving you this because I owe your son-in-law a debt. Please don't worry about it."

After that, the Poison King went straight into the building.

When the Poison King arrived the day before, the safehouse steward told him Jo Cheonbae and his family were there. He deliberately kept his arrival secret so they could relax. They likely had the best rooms, and he knew Jo Cheonbae would insist on giving them up if he learned of his presence. It wasn't just about the rooms. His presence would be a great burden, which was why he had spent two days quietly in the guest hall with his subordinates.

The Poison King also knew how much Geom Mugeuk cared for Jo Cheonbae, so he had helped him maintain his dignity in front of his mother-in-law.

"Thank you, thank you so much, the Poison King!"

Jo Cheonbae was deeply moved as the fearsome Poison King gave him the herbs and left.

"Jo, I'm worried I might have made a terrible mistake."

"Not at all. If you had, would he have given us something so precious?"

"He is a truly gracious man."

She bowed deeply toward the building the Poison King had entered.

"I can't believe the luxury I'm experiencing, all thanks to you."

"I'll brew the herbs for you."

Jo Cheonbae's heart pounded as he took the herbs.

Herbs from the Poison King himself?

His hands trembled, and he was careful not to drop a single leaf.

He found himself missing someone. All this happiness was a gift from that person.

"Young Cult Leader, please return safely. When you do, I'll…!"

At that very moment, a voice asked, "You'll do what?"

Startled, Jo Cheonbae turned to see Geom Mugeuk walking toward him. Geom Mugeuk had used the Swift Step to race here like the wind after leaving the Evil Alliance.

"Young Cult Leader!"

At Jo Cheonbae's shout, the Poison King opened a window and appeared.

"You're here sooner than I thought."

"I missed the Poison King, so I rushed here like the wind."

"More like you missed the proprietor over there."

Geom Mugeuk smiled at Jo Cheonbae. "Of course, I missed our proprietor too."

Jo Cheonbae was overjoyed to see Geom Mugeuk return safely. A wave of relief washed over him. He felt as if he had been floating in a dream and his feet were now finally on solid ground.

"I don't know how I can ever repay this kindness."

"There will be a way."

"Pardon?"

"A special guest will visit the tavern later, so please show off your skill Hwi then."

Jo Cheonbae blinked, unable to decipher Geom Mugeuk's meaningful gaze. He hadn't said anything like this even for a Demon Supreme.

Who in the world is coming that warrants such a comment?

Meanwhile, Yoon and the rest of Jo Cheonbae's family came out to welcome Geom Mugeuk.

"Thanks to you, our family has made memories we'll never forget. Thank you, Young Cult Leader."

Geom Mugeuk took Yoon's hand and looked at her warmly. "Please stay healthy, Elder."

Since they were leaving the next day, Jo Cheonbae prepared that evening's dinner himself. He wanted to personally serve everyone he was indebted to.

He served drinks and food to Geom Mugeuk, the Poison King, the Poison Children, the safehouse's martial artists, and all the servants.

While Jo Cheonbae showed his skill Hwi, his wife went to each person who had cared for them and expressed her gratitude.

The Poison King seemed lost in his own world during the meal. Sangseon, sitting beside him, poured a drink for Geom Mugeuk instead.

"Thank you for everything."

The Poison King had been changing since meeting Geom Mugeuk, a change Sangseon had long hoped for. For him to be here sharing a meal with the Demonic Buddha, instead of gathering herbs in the Thousand Poisons Forest, would have been unimaginable before.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you. We overcame a great danger because you came with me."

"When you go back, please visit the Thousand Poisons Forest sometime."

"Some other time. I plan to greet Father, then leave the cult immediately to visit the Murim Alliance."

"I suppose you'll be turning the Murim Alliance upside down this time."

Geom Mugeuk laughed at Sangseon's joke. "Hardly. It's a simple matter. I just need to meet the Murim Alliance Chairman and ask for his understanding on one issue."

The Poison King, who had apparently been listening the whole time, interjected. "Will it really be that simple?"

At the Poison King's words, Geom Mugeuk drained his cup. He didn't know the answer himself.

How will Jin Paecheon take it?

This was a situation neither he nor the Murim Alliance Chairman had ever experienced.

When the pleasant dinner ended, Geom Mugeuk said to Jo Cheonbae, "Let's go back now."

The most splendid vacation of Jo Cheonbae's life was over.

After returning to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Geom Mugeuk went to the Heavenly Demon Hall first.

"Father, I have returned."

Father greeted me from his usual seat.

"I hear you stirred things up in the Evil Alliance."

"That's a misunderstanding. I didn't get involved, I only watched. I'm sure you've already received a full report from the All-Knowing Hall, though."

I told Father what happened in the Evil Alliance. I always made sure to tell Father directly, as I had always done. It didn't matter if he already knew the details. Speaking to him truthfully made it a conversation, not a report.

"I believe there is still a mastermind behind it all."

All that matters is that Father doesn't let his guard down. As long as he and I remain vigilant, we can stop them, even if the rest of the world doesn't.

"They might try another trick, so you and I must be watchful."

I emphasized that we couldn't let our guard down.

"Just defending is not the best solution."

He meant he would find and eliminate them first. That was Father's way. He had probably already ordered the Head Strategist to begin.

"If that's possible, it would be the best way."

However, considering how meticulous they've been, they won't be easy to find.

"Oh, and I invited the Evil Alliance Chairman to the Alluring Inn."

I said it casually, as if it were nothing. Father had no reaction. I couldn't look at his face, so I lowered my head and muttered.

"I know you dislike the Evil Alliance Chairman, Father, but if you actually meet him, he might be a surprisingly decent person, don't you think? And also…"

There was still no reaction. I cautiously raised my head to look at Father. His gaze was perfectly clear.

Do you have any idea what you are doing?

Normally, I could have stopped by the Murim Alliance on the way here to take care of that matter. However, I felt it was important to tell Father now. I needed his permission and had to gauge his reaction. If he refused, I would have to persuade and negotiate. After all, there is a huge difference between telling him now and telling him after the fact.

The corners of Father's mouth slowly curled up. The expression said he knew exactly what I was up to. It was his sneer, one I had not seen in a long time. A sense of relief finally washed over me.

Ah, I'm home.

Father must have already seen through my reasons for inviting the Evil Alliance Chairman. As expected, Father didn't ask why.

"The Murim Alliance won't just stand by, will they?"

"That's why I'm going to speak to the Murim Alliance Chairman in person."

"And you think that man, Jin Paecheon, will accept it?"

Like the Poison King, Father did not see this as a simple matter.

Of course, I had one thing I was counting on.

"I have allies on the Murim Alliance's side, too. Two of them, in fact."

"Master!"

The Fist Demon looked up from the cliff he was trying to bring down. "You're here?"

I wanted to bring Bi Sayin here just to tease him. 'See?' I'd say. 'Compared to my Master, your face is downright adorable.'

"I just returned from my business with the Evil Alliance. I saw Father and came straight here, Master."

After making my promptness clear, I stood beside him and looked up at the cliff.

"By any chance, is this cliff… growing?"

I read the 'what do you mean' in the Fist Demon's eyes, then looked back at the cliff and elaborated. "Somehow, it seems bigger and taller."

A strange light flickered in the Fist Demon's eyes. "And it's not that you've grown?"

I guessed what he meant but pretended not to know. "Shouldn't your opponent feel more pathetic the more you grow?"

"That's what third-raters do. The first-rate see their opponents more clearly as they grow."

That must be why true masters are humble.

Had my martial understanding deepened after mastering the Heavenly Demon Defense Art? The cliff truly felt more imposing.

"Then this cliff must look even more immense to you, Master."

"Hearing flattery in my once-peaceful ears, I see someone has indeed returned."

"Did only flattery return? I have a gift for you, too."

I gave him the gauntlets, which the Fist Demon recognized.

"The God of War!"

"So you recognize them."

"Anyone who practices fist arts would know them. Where did you get them?"

"I received them as a gift from the Evil Alliance Chairman."

The Fist Demon looked dumbfounded for a moment, then nodded as if to say, For you, I suppose that's possible.

"Why are you giving me something that was given to you?"

"Would the God of War rather be on my hands, or on yours, Master?"

He had always fought with bare fists, so I thought he might refuse, but he accepted them readily.

"Yes, I suppose I'll need them to bring down that cliff."

Yes, I wasn't the only one growing.

I could tell by how readily he accepted them, without a hint of pride. The Fist Demon was also growing.

I could see why the God of War were considered the greatest gauntlets. They were so flexible they fit the Fist Demon's massive hands perfectly.

"I think I understand the saying that every treasure has its master. They really suit you."

The Fist Demon clenched his huge fists in front of me. It was his way of saying thank you.

Yes, this is how it should be. We all have to become stronger. While they conspire in the shadows, we will grow stronger in the light. Let's see who comes out on top.

After bidding the Fist Demon farewell, I entrusted the Sun Moon Sword to my bodyguards and immediately left our Cult. Since I had to depart right away, I decided to greet the other Demon Supremes after I returned from the Murim Alliance.

"You're leaving us behind again, aren't you?"

The head bodyguard, Cheokyeon, sounded resigned.

"Looks like I'll have to this time, too."

He tried to sway me with a self-loathing gaze that screamed, We're completely useless, but it had no effect.

In the end, Cheokyeon shouted, "Then at least know this! If something happens to you, Young Cult Leader, we all die too!"

Right. If something happens to me, they'll all die anyway.

"If you want to follow me, get stronger! More! More!"

As I passed through the Demon Village, I saw the Alluring Inn. It was open for the first time in a long while. The market folk were gathered inside, chatting with Jo Cheonbae. He must have had so much to say.

Proprietor, don't start yet. You still have the most important bragging to do.

I unleashed the Swift Step and raced toward the Murim Alliance.

Even as I flowed through the world like a beam of light, I saw flowers along the path beginning to bud.

Spring was coming.