Chapter 559: He's More Handsome Than a Doll!

TL: FoodieMonster007

Han Seol followed Geom Mugeuk.

Passing martial artists would see Geom Mugeuk and greet him with polite respect. She could feel a deep trust and loyalty for Geom Mugeuk in their gazes.

Was it because of what happened in the Demon Village? She found herself constantly comparing herself to Geom Mugeuk.

Until now, she had never considered the way the Ice Palace martial artists looked at her. No, she must have seen it, but her lack of interest meant she never remembered. For the first time, she wondered what their gazes were like.

They stepped inside the Heavenly Demon Hall.

Han Seol's heart pounded at the thought of meeting the Demonic Cult Leader for the first time. Just then, a telepathic message from Sa Han reached her.

[Don't be nervous! We will protect you.]

In truth, the Cold Ice Dual Swords were even more nervous. They had never expected to see the Heavenly Demon in their lifetime.

Far in the distance, she could see the figure of Geom Woojin sitting on the grand chair. To Han Seol, the sight of him alone in the large Heavenly Demon Hall felt both unfamiliar and lonely.

Walking down the blood-red path, Geom Mugeuk announced in a loud voice.

"Father! Your son has completed his mission and returned."

His voice echoed like thunder.

He might have thought no one could see from so far away, but with the Divine Eye Technique, Geom Mugeuk saw a faint smile form on his father's lips. He must be pleased that his son had returned.

Having arrived below the grand chair, Geom Mugeuk looked up at his father. Their eyes met.

"Seeing you, Father, I finally feel like I've returned to our Cult."

To feel this sense of relief just by seeing his father was something he could never have imagined when he first regressed.

Han Seol silently looked up at Geom Woojin. Geom Woojin's gaze then turned to her.

He's more handsome than a doll!

The appearance and presence of Geom Woojin in person were something a doll could never capture. She had assumed the doll was beautified because he was 'the Heavenly Demon', but the real person was far more handsome. She had expected him to have an incredibly frightening appearance.

Only after getting closer could she truly feel it. This space was not wide at all. The presence of the man named Geom Woojin completely filled the hall.

Geom Mugeuk introduced Han Seol.

"She is the Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace."

Of course, Geom Woojin had likely already known Geom Mugeuk was returning with Han Seol, as he had sent word to the All-Knowing Hall beforehand.

Han Seol greeted him with polite respect.

"I am Han Seol. It is a great honor to meet such a venerable person."

"You've had a long journey."

"Thanks to the Young Cult Leader, I had a good time sightseeing in the Central Plains on the way here."

The Cold Ice Dual Swords, who had come with her, also greeted him with polite respect.

"We are the Cold Ice Dual Swords. We greet the Supreme One of the Divine Cult."

"I have heard much of your reputations."

The two of them were feeling a much more intense sensation than Han Seol. The moment their eyes met Geom Woojin's, they felt their entire bodies freeze. Even though he had not specifically released his energy, Geom Woojin's presence overwhelmed the two of them.

In the moment Sa Han tried to stand against that presence.

SHIIIIK.

"……"

The sound of a sword wind was followed by the sound of flesh being cut.

Sa Han looked down at his chest, which was drenched in blood. On the chest of So Bing, who stood beside him, a long line of blood was also drawn.

Sa Han looked back. He saw the back of Geom Woojin, who had cut him and So Bing down as he passed.

Sa Han looked down at his sword again. It was drawn by about a hand's breadth.

This is the difference in skill between the Heavenly Demon and me!

All of this had happened in Sa Han's imagination. He liked to read his opponent's presence or energy to imagine and foresee his fights, and most battles ended just as he foresaw.

What if he had tried to fight the Heavenly Demon today? The result would not have been much different.

A one-strike opponent!

He knew the Demonic Cult Leader was strong, but he never imagined his presence would be this immense.

Geom Woojin said to the three of them, "Rest comfortably in our Cult before you leave."

Han Seol and the Cold Ice Dual Swords clasped their hands in a greeting and bowed.

"Thank you."

Geom Woojin said to Geom Mugeuk, "Take good care of them."

"Yes, then I will come see you again later."

He had much to say to his father, but that would have to wait for a time when they were alone.

After Han Seol and the Cold Ice Dual Swords bowed to Geom Woojin, they left the Heavenly Demon Hall with Geom Mugeuk.

"Haaah."

As they came out the door, Han Seol let out a sigh. They had only exchanged greetings, but her whole body ached as if she had fallen ill. It was because she had been so tense.

Sa Han's expression was stiff. Seeing him, So Bing could guess what her husband had imagined and what the result had been.

"How was my father?"

To Geom Mugeuk's question, Han Seol answered honestly.

"He was truly wonderful."

"Don't you start too. I've been losing the popularity contest to my father lately."

"You deserve it."

"That's too harsh!"

Geom Mugeuk guided them to the guest quarters reserved for the most honored guests. The room was so lavishly decorated that one might wonder if a guest room could be this splendid.

"You've had a long journey, so rest well for now. Let's meet at the Alluring Inn in the evening."

"Thank you."

Just then, a subordinate came and reported. Before going to the Heavenly Demon Hall, Geom Mugeuk had ordered the subordinate to find out if Lee Ahn had returned.

"This martial artist has not yet returned."

Hearing the report, a look of disappointment crossed Han Seol's face.

"I might have to leave without seeing Unnie."

This, too, was an unfamiliar disappointment. She had never felt regret over not being able to meet someone before.

Then the subordinate added, "Oh, and the Sanzu Hall Director has just returned."

"Did he come alone?"

Geom Mugeuk knew that Seo Daeryong's fate depended on the answer to this question.

"No. He came with some women."

Geom Mugeuk's face brightened.

After the subordinate finished his report and left, Han Seol asked Geom Mugeuk, "What's going on that makes you so happy?"

"It seems my right-hand man has finally met his spring day."

She wore an expression of someone who could not understand what he meant, but instead of explaining, Geom Mugeuk made an unexpected proposal.

"How about staying in our Cult until Lee Ahn returns?"

At the unexpected words, not only Han Seol but also the Cold Ice Dual Swords were surprised.

"Is there any reason you must return to the North Sea in a hurry?"

"Not really."

"Then there's no reason you can't, is there?"

"Isn't it strange? The Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace staying at the Divine Cult."

"Just think of it as visiting a friend's house."

He had used the word 'friend' at the Thousand Flower Palace, and now he was calling her a friend again.

"Do you really consider me a friend?"

It was a cautious question, but the answer came easily.

"I do."

"But we don't know each other well, do we?"

"What friends start out knowing everything? If you get a good feeling, you become friends. In fact, the more you know, the harder it is to become friends."

Han Seol could not answer. She had never had a friend before.

"Think about it. If we were to become friends when we're older, we'd scrutinize everything. What they did in the past, what their personality is like, how they are when they drink, if they hold grudges, how greedy they are. If even one thing doesn't sit right, you'd feel uneasy and couldn't befriend them."

"But when you're young, it's the opposite, isn't it? Even if you dislike everything else, you can become friends if just one thing clicks."

"Then what was it that clicked with me?"

Then, words she had never expected came out.

"Because you're as refreshing as the North Sea wind."

Han Seol's eyes widened slightly.

"You're the kind of person who goes when I say, 'Let's go to the Headquarters.' You're the kind of person who goes when I say, 'Let's meet at the Evil Alliance.' You're the kind of person who buys all the dolls. I thought it would be nice to have at least one friend who lives by their feelings."

"It's even more so because I'm a person with many worries and concerns. Now, please rest comfortably, and I'll see you later."

After Geom Mugeuk left the guest quarters, Han Seol stood there blankly for a moment.

He said it clicked because I'm as refreshing as the wind?

That I'm a friend who lives by her feelings?

She had never heard such words in her life. And they did not sound bad.

Of course, Geom Mugeuk's proposal was not to the liking of the Cold Ice Dual Swords.

"You must not stay long in the Divine Cult."

Han Seol asked him back, "Are you worried the Young Cult Leader is plotting something?"

"Even if he isn't, this place is the most dangerous waters in the murim. We don't know what might happen in the future."

Han Seol walked to the window. She could see the back of Geom Mugeuk walking outside, past the guest quarters' garden. Come to think of it, she had really come all this way trusting only him.

"In the perilous realm of the Central Plains murim, isn't this the one place where we can rest for a while?"

At her words, the Cold Ice Dual Swords looked at each other. The Han Seol they had watched since she was a child felt unfamiliar these days. She was the type to exude a cold wind and leave her seat at the slightest discomfort.

Sa Han said to her, "Do not trust the Young Cult Leader too much. In the end, he is just a demon. No, before that, do not trust people."

Han Seol turned to the two of them and asked, "But you two trust each other, don't you?"

"Well…"

Just as Sa Han was trying to persuade her somehow, So Bing spoke.

"However long we stay, let's at least enjoy our time here."

Sa Han looked at So Bing.

[This is the Princess's first trip to the Central Plains, isn't it?]

After sending the telepathy to her husband, So Bing said in a calm tone. Her words were not necessarily directed only at Han Seol.

"When else will we get to visit the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?"

"Is this the place we'll be living from now on?"

The youngest, Dan Yeon, asked in a trembling voice, awed by the grandeur of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters.

Dan Ah pretended to be unfazed, but she was trembling just the same. She looked at Seo Daeryong beside her. She had come to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters trusting this one man. And she had brought her two younger sisters with her.

Seo Daeryong looked at Dan Ah and said, "From now on, this is your home. Now, let's go in."

Seo Daeryong entered the main gate with them. The ones guarding the main gate were terrifying demons, difficult to even make eye contact with. They showed polite respect to Seo Daeryong.

"Oh, brother-in-law! You're so cool!"

At Dan Yeon's whisper, Seo Daeryong puffed out his chest with a proud expression.

As they entered through a small gate.

"Waaaaaah!"

Dan Yeon cried out without realizing it. She was startled by a giant demonic statue.

"It looks so scary."

"Scary? From now on, it's what will protect us."

Hearing those words, the Dan sisters realized their fate had changed.

As the three women walked towards the inner court, they constantly looked around in admiration. The scale was truly overwhelming. Among the passersby, demons who recognized the Sanzu Hall Director bowed their heads respectfully.

Seeing most people greet him first, the Dan sisters once again realized Seo Daeryong's status. They had vaguely known he was a high-ranking person, but this was the moment they confirmed with their own eyes that he was truly a high-ranking figure in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Seo Daeryong first took them to his residence. The maids had cleaned it thoroughly, so the house was spotless despite him being away for a long time.

"For the time being, stay here."

Since it was the residence of the Sanzu Hall Director, there were several rooms.

"Sister-in-law, pick a room you like!"

The term 'sister-in-law' now rolled off Seo Daeryong's tongue. Of course, he only called the youngest, who took his jokes well, 'sister-in-law'.

"The house is so nice!"

Dan Yeon, who was happily running from room to room, said to her second oldest Unnie, "I'll give you first choice of rooms. Which one do you want to use?"

She knew her second oldest Unnie wanted to settle down more than anyone, so she let her choose her favorite room first.

Lying on the bed in the room she had chosen, a sense of relief washed over Dan Bi's face as she gazed out the window. She had stayed in better places many times, but no matter how nice they were, they were not home. Now, this place was her home and her room.

Watching Dan Bi, Dan Yeon smiled. In truth, she was not as thirsty to settle down as her Unnie. She still preferred wandering the Central Plains, but she did not show it for her Unnies' sake.

After choosing their rooms, the three sisters gathered in one place. Dan Ah bowed her head to Seo Daeryong to express her gratitude.

"Thank you."

"What are you saying? I'm the one who's grateful that you trusted and followed me."

Dan Ah had made a decision on her way here.

"We won't cause any trouble for you, Director. You don't need to overexert yourself looking after us. We can start as the lowest-ranking martial artists. We'll take the test to enter officially."

She had heard that the Sanzu River Hall was the institution that enforced the laws of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. She was worried that problems would arise if he used his power as the Sanzu Hall Director to place them somewhere.

She was confident they could survive on their own, no matter what. After all, they had overcome the difficult life of a mercenary.

"Don't worry about us, brother-in-law! If it doesn't work out, we can just do menial chores."

Just then, someone said, "You are honored guests, we can't have that."

The four of them turned in surprise to see Geom Mugeuk standing at the door.

"Young Cult Leader!"

The Dan sisters hurriedly greeted him.

"We greet the Young Cult Leader."

They had seen Geom Mugeuk at the inn and at the branch.

Seo Daeryong rushed to Geom Mugeuk.

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine."

Seeing him still looking out for him in front of Dan Ah, Seo Daeryong said, "You can speak comfortably now. We'll be seeing each other continuously from now on."

Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly at them and said, "Welcome."

"We will serve you with utmost loyalty from now on."

Geom Mugeuk looked at Seo Daeryong. Seo Daeryong smiled sheepishly, but his expression was a victor's provocation. Geom Mugeuk played along with his subordinate, who seemed to want to be mischievous for the first time in a while.

"How dare you fall in love before the Young Cult Leader?"

"Well, I am a bit older."

The two men looked at each other and laughed.

Geom Mugeuk said to Dan Ah, "You have an excellent eye for men."

Dan Ah smiled, and Seo Daeryong waved his hands, telling him to stop. However, Seo Daeryong's eyes were saying, 'Please, just a little more'.

"Director Seo once said that our Cult would not change. The change in our Cult began the moment he said those words to me. Perhaps it was because Director Seo wanted to bring the three of you to our Cult."

The three women did not quite understand what he meant, but Seo Daeryong felt a surge of emotion at the memory. He was so grateful to Geom Mugeuk, who always said that the change began because of him.

Geom Mugeuk said to the three women, "If it weren't for you this time, we would have been in big trouble."

It would have ultimately led to the death of the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman.

"It wouldn't be right for you, who have performed such a great service, to start as low-ranking martial artists. I intend to prepare positions for you."

As if he had a specific position in mind for each of them, Geom Mugeuk said to the three women, "You've been together your whole lives, so how about practicing being apart now?"