Chapter 743: This Is Why We Wait in Line

TL: FoodieMonster007

The carriage sped toward Zhejiang.

Ji Han shifted uncomfortably as Geom Mugeuk held the reins. "I'll drive. Please, go to the back and get some rest."

"No, it's fine," Geom Mugeuk replied without turning around.

Tae Su leaned forward from his seat with a knowing air. "This man here's from an escort agency. He's traveled all over the Central Plains since he was young, so he's an absolutely amazing driver."

Geom Mugeuk had never said such a thing, but Tae Su believed it with all his heart.

Ji Han stared at the man in question. He looked again and again, but nothing about Geom Mugeuk suggested he belonged to an escort agency. What kind of escort, or even Head Escort, could possibly drive the Myriad Evils Mountain Hermit to suicide?

He's quite unobservant for a thief.

"You have no idea how well he knows the roads. And he's such a great cook. You'd be shocked if you tasted a meal he made," Tae Su continued praising, completely unaware of Ji Han's assessment. As he boasted, however, a strange emptiness settled over him. Ji Han was Geom Mugeuk's subordinate, not him!

Ji Han sighed. His curiosity was piqued not by the man's cooking, but by his qi. The lords he had known until now were unfamiliar with the roads, let alone capable of driving a carriage themselves, as their subordinates handled all such trivialities.

However, this man was a good cook, and even personally prepared meals for his followers? A strange sense of anticipation began to build within him. How often did a martial artist get the chance to meet a leader like this?

No, I shouldn't get my hopes up.

He quickly tempered his excitement. Great expectations often led to great disappointment, and he still had no idea what kind of person this leader truly was.

The steady rhythm of the wheels broke when Geom Mugeuk suddenly addressed him. "You said you were the one who applied the Soul Tracking Incense to the treasure map, right?"

"That's right."

"Do you know how the Evil King Sect obtained it?"

"No, I don't. At the time, one of the higher-ups brought the map to me. They said it was an item that must not be lost, so I should use our most effective Soul Tracking Incense."

"Do you know who he is?"

Ji Han shook his head. "No. He was wearing a bamboo hat pulled down low, so I couldn't see his face clearly."

"So he deliberately hid his identity."

Ji Han nodded, admitting he hadn't thought much of it then. The Evil King Sect was, after all, a place filled with all sorts of secretive individuals. "However, I think I would recognize him if I saw him again."

Geom Mugeuk glanced at the master tracker beside him. "You mean you remember his scent."

"Yes, he had a very unique smell," Ji Han confirmed. "But why do you ask?"

"It's strange. It doesn't make sense that a group like the Evil King Sect would obtain a treasure map only to lose it again, does it?" Geom Mugeuk mused, his gaze returning to the road ahead.

Ji Han's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you suggesting the Evil King Sect intentionally leaked the treasure map into the Central Plains?"

Tae Su, who had been listening intently from the driver's seat, held his breath and anxiously waited for the answer. If that was true, it meant he had been dancing in the palm of their hands all along.

Geom Mugeuk's gaze deepened. "I think that's a possibility. The struggle for the treasure map drew so much attention that even we noticed, after all."

A thought suddenly struck Ji Han.

Who exactly is this 'we' you speak of?

He realized with a jolt that he was now a part of that 'we'.

They stopped the carriage in an open field. While the horse rested and grazed on the lush grass, everyone took a much-needed break.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme went for a walk together, while Tae Su stretched out in the field to get some shuteye. Geom Mugeuk stood alone on a small hill, looking up at the sky.

Ji Han approached Geom Mugeuk. There was something he wished to ask the young man in private.

"When was the last time you looked up at the sky?" Geom Mugeuk asked without looking away from the clouds.

Ji Han followed his gaze and answered honestly. "I can't remember."

"From now on, try to look at it often. Those who follow me are required to look at the sky at least once a day."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."

"If you have something to ask, go ahead."

Ji Han nodded. This was a question best asked without Tae Su around, ad it seemed Geom Mugeuk had not yet revealed his identity to the thief. "I would like to know your name, my Liege."

Old Song's words echoed in his mind.

"Those three characters of his name represent who he is."

In stark contrast to his cautious inquiry, though, Geom Mugeuk answered nonchalantly, "I'm Geom Mugeuk. It's a good name, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's very good…" Ji Han replied just as casually, but suddenly, he flinched.

Geom Mugeuk? I've definitely heard that name somewhere before.

His body reacted before his memory could. An unknown, dark energy seemed to wash over him, sending a chill down his spine and making the hair on his arms stand on end.

Geom Mugeuk, Geom Mugeuk. Where have I heard that name before?

"!"

A lightning bolt of recognition struck inside his mind. The name Geom Mugeuk was simply so famous, so monumental, that he hadn't been able to recall it right away. He had never dreamed he would hear it from the mouth of the man who had become his lord, especially not while standing alone with him in a quiet field.

It can't be, right? That's ridiculous!

The more he tried to deny it, telling himself it was just someone with the same name, the faster his heart began to pound against his ribs. With a sense of rising disbelief, Ji Han stared at the man beside him.

Geom Mugeuk smiled. "Whatever you're thinking, you're right."

From that simple answer, which seemed to say Geom Mugeuk knew exactly what Ji Han was thinking, and from the relaxed expression that met his gaze, Ji Han knew. This Geom Mugeuk was the Geom Mugeuk.

"Do you regret deciding to become my subordinate?"

That question sealed it.

He's really the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader!

Ji Han's body trembled like an aspen leaf. "No, I don't regret it. I'm just… surprised."

He was in a state of shock. He had imagined all sorts of possibilities for his new leader. The scion of a prestigious orthodox sect? A renowned master from an unorthodox faction? A reclusive master who had undergone rejuvenation?

He had truly considered every possibility, but among all those thoughts, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader had not been one of them, because who would imagine that the Young Cult Leader would smile so brightly at someone? His thoughts had been bound to stereotypes.

He suddenly thought of Old Song and how ridiculous he must have sounded asking for the name of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader. The words 'That damned old man!' came to him automatically.

What had he said? To charge at him? At the Young Cult Leader!?

Now that he knew, was it even okay to stand side-by-side like this? To make eye contact? In the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, wasn't everyone supposed to prostrate themselves before the Young Cult Leader?

He shook off his spiraling thoughts and mustered his courage. "Then… who are those two over there?"

"The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Flower Sword Supreme of the Eight Demon Supremes."

"Ahh!"

They were truly the Eight Demon Supremes he had only ever heard of in stories.

Now it all makes sense!

He understood why the Myriad Evils Mountain Hermit had committed suicide. After showing such blatant lust toward the Flower Sword Supreme, his life was forfeit. He had killed himself because he knew he could not be forgiven. The alternative would have been to be torn to shreds.

Still, he couldn't believe that the Young Cult Leader and two Demon Supremes were traveling the Central Plains without any other subordinates. He would have expected an entourage of hundreds, or even thousands.

Are they using reverse psychology? Even seeing it with my own eyes, I can hardly believe it, so who else would?

"I never knew I would come to serve such an incredible person."

"Yes, so from now on, you must respect me deeply and serve me as if I were the heavens!"

Ji Han knew Geom Mugeuk was speaking jokingly, but how could he possibly take it as a joke?

"I will devote my entire being to serving you with loyalty!"

Geom Mugeuk's tone softened. "If you devote your entire being, there will come a day when things are too hard. When that happens, don't look at the ground, don't look at your subordinates, and don't look at me. Look up there." He gestured with his chin. "Look there. Don't look at me, don't look into your own heart, just look up there, at the sky."

Ji Han followed his gaze to the sky. Wispy clouds drifted slowly across the vast blue expanse. A single bird spread its wings, gliding leisurely on the wind.

"Even when you sigh, look up there and sigh. Even when you vent your anger, look up there and vent. If you do, you'll feel yourself shrink, and then your worries will shrink too."

The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader was telling him to look at the sky when things got hard.

So this is the lord I will serve.

He also finally had his answer.

'We' are the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

That fearsome name was now his own, too.

Just then, Tae Su ambled over to them. "What are you two talking about so seriously?"

"My Liege was teaching me how to become smaller," Ji Han replied.

Tae Su blinked, wondering what that could possibly mean, but Ji Han offered no further explanation.

An unnecessary sense of alienation pricked at him. When he noticed that Ji Han's attitude toward Geom Mugeuk had become even more devoted, that feeling only grew.

Is that what loyalty is?

Until now, the mere thought of being under someone had made him feel suffocated, but seeing Ji Han, he felt a strange pang of jealousy. He was the one who had captured Geom Mugeuk's heart, so why did he feel like he was the one who had lost something?

"When this is over and we go back," Tae Su said with a hint of envy, "you'll be traveling all over the Central Plains under the name of the Thousand Horses Escort Agency."

Ji Han flinched. How can he say the name 'Heavenly Demon'¹ so carelessly! He's going to get himself killed!

Oblivious to such worries, Tae Su boasted subtly, "He said he'll introduce me to the head of the Thousand Horses Escort Agency later."

Ji Han's jaw dropped. Then you'll really die, you fucking idiot!

"There it is!" Tae Su shouted. "The place with the delicious pork in five-spice sauce!"

The front of the inn was packed with people. A long line of customers snaked out from the entrance where a waiter was shouting, "If you just wait a little longer, we'll have a table for you!"

Geom Mugeuk got out of the carriage and walked toward the crowd.

Ji Han followed close behind, inwardly tense. What will he do? Will he intimidate the people in line and chase them away? Or will he ignore them all and simply walk inside?

Neither option seemed to fit the man he was beginning to know.

The next moment, Ji Han's eyes widened.

Geom Mugeuk went to the very end of the long line and stood there patiently.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader is waiting in line to eat?

He couldn't believe it… no, this Young Cult Leader was a renowned eccentric, so maybe it was believable.

However, an even more surprising scene unfolded next. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme followed Geom Mugeuk and got in line right behind him. Neither of them seemed the least bit displeased. On the contrary, they looked amused and intrigued.

"Is this the first time you've waited in line to eat?" Geom Mugeuk asked the Flower Sword Supreme, who nodded in response.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon put on a deliberately sour expression. "Waiting in line just for a single meal!"

"You can go rest in the carriage." Geom Mugeuk offered. "I'll call you when it's our turn."

"Forget it. It's a hassle."

Though his words were gruff, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was clearly enjoying the simple act of standing in line with the Flower Sword Supreme. He was savoring the unfamiliar pleasure of this brand-new experience.

Suddenly, the Flower Sword Supreme raised a hand to shield her face from the bright sunlight. In a casual motion, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon lifted the giant dao from his back and rested it on his shoulder. The wide blade blocked the sun, casting a perfect shadow over her face.

She shifted back slightly, and he pretended not to notice and moved with her.

The Flower Sword Supreme smiled faintly. Her eyes fell on the cloth-wrapped knot on his dao. "That knot has held up for quite a while."

Without turning around, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon replied, "There's a bet on it. Do you think it'll come undone?"

The two of them were still burning with a quiet competitive spirit.

As they watched the people and chatted among themselves, the line shortened faster than they expected.

"Look!" Geom Mugeuk exclaimed. "There are finally more people behind us than in front of us. This is why we wait in line."

Listening to his new lord, Ji Han thought to himself, Do these people know? That they're standing in front of, and behind, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader? That they'll be eating in the same restaurant with him?

The line grew shorter and shorter, until it was finally their turn.

SCREECH!

A lavish carriage pulled to a stop in front of the inn. It was flanked by mounted martial artists acting as bodyguards, a clear sign that it belonged to a wealthy family.

A man and a woman stepped out. The man exited first and gallantly helped the woman down. She was dressed in expensive, flashy clothes, with glittering jewels adorning her neck and wrists. Every accessory she wore was clearly of the highest quality. The man, who also looked like the son of a rich family, never took his eyes off her, utterly smitten.

"The pork in five-spice sauce here is really something I'd recommend." the man said.

The woman frowned slightly as she looked at the inn. "I'm disappointed. To think you'd bring me to such a shabby place right before our wedding."

Her dismissive gaze and irritated tone revealed her character in a single sentence.

"But the food is really good." the man insisted.

Her gaze then swept over the people still standing in line, and her expression soured. "I'm not going to stand in line to eat."

"Of course you won't." The man gestured to his bodyguards with his eyes.

They immediately moved to block Geom Mugeuk's path, their stances menacing. The man and woman then cut the line as if it were the most natural thing in the world and went inside, their martial artists following close behind.

The waiter looked at Geom Mugeuk with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, sir."

Geom Mugeuk smiled at him. "It's fine. A skilled waiter knows to turn a blind eye at times like this."

The waiter endured it, Geom Mugeuk endured it, and the Demon Supremes endured it, but as a subordinate, Ji Han could not.

How dare they!

"I'll go in and teach them a sharp lesson," he said. He had sized up the accompanying martial artists and was confident he could handle them himself.

Geom Mugeuk tilted his head in confusion. "Why? Are you going to forgive them?"

"Pardon?" Ji Han thought he must have misheard. He had said he would teach them a lesson.

However, Geom Mugeuk had heard him perfectly. "Just leave them be. We can't have you stepping in and scolding them, only to ruin their relationship, can we?"

Only then did Ji Han understand. Leaving the couple alone was not an act of forgiveness. Geom Mugeuk was getting his revenge by letting two perfectly matched assholes meet and suffer with each other for the rest of their lives.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head, sighing, "Scary bastard! Don't you think this guy is much worse than me?"

He looked at the Flower Sword Supreme, seeking her agreement.

She merely smiled in response.

Soon, it was their turn.

As they opened the inn's door and stepped inside, a wave of heat from the crowd and the rich smell of food washed over them. The interior was truly spacious, filled with countless people.

In the boisterous atmosphere, patrons ate and drank while waiters bustled between the tables, carrying trays laden with food.

Geom Mugeuk looked around the interior, which resembled a chaotic battlefield, and declared grimly, "We won't be able to come back here and eat again. So, if someone steps on your foot, let it go. If they spill food on you, let it go. If they start a fight, let it go. I'll tolerate everything except insults to my parents! The important thing is that our Elders get to eat their pork in five-spice sauce!"

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