episode_0023

Everything in the world has an end. Just as the sun, which monopolizes the sky, goes away on its own at night.

Just as Jecheon Daeseong, who roamed the sky as if it were his own, was trapped in Marble Mountain.

There must be an end to everything.

And that was a truth that was also accepted by the demonists who dreamed of the second coming of the Heavenly Demon and sought to destroy the empire.

It was only for a moment that the demonic cultist who had unleashed his demonic blood was shaken.

A very small gap created by the disappearance of Hwaho.

That was the end of the Demonic Cult.

– Suddenly!!

As Hongryeon is known to cut down monsters, there was no mercy in her sword.

There was no need for separation. Just one blow.

Hongryeon, who had been focused on defense until now, went on the offensive as soon as she found an opening, and the Demon Cult’s offensive collapsed, and she could not help but anticipate her end.

“Keueoeook…”

The left arm rises into the air. At the same time, Hongryeon’s long legs stretched out towards the abdomen of the demonic cultist, who was receiving even more violent recoil.

-Whoa whoa!!

The foot struck the solar plexus, followed by a raised knee striking the demonic cultist’s face.

Hongryeon ran towards her, who was rolling on the floor with a single scream, and swung her sword again.

-Suddenly!!

“Kyaaaagh!!!”

The left arm and right leg were amputated. Looking down at her with blood pouring out like a fountain, Hongryeon quickly moved her hands.

Point blood. As soon as the blood flowing out from the cut arms and legs stopped, she placed her hand on the demon’s white head.

“For what purpose did the Demonic Cult come? And why did you target the village chief and the guest?”

◦ at

Perhaps he anticipated his own end the moment Hwaho disappeared. That’s probably why there’s no hesitation.

The demonic cultist gritted her teeth, and at that moment, her body began to overflow with demonic energy.

She let out a terrible scream of pain and flinched, and when she even covered her eyes and vomited blood bubbles, Hongryeon frowned at the stench and stepped back.

“Tsk. This is why I don’t want to deal with demonic cultists.”

The body begins to rot in an instant. Hongryeon gritted her teeth and turned her head towards the demonic cultist who was giving off a bad smell.

uh? why?

Her eyes were focused on me. She seemed angry and walked towards me with long strides, standing in front of me and sighing in silence.

“…Can we talk later?”

My voice was shaking quite a bit. I nodded toward her as she looked up at me with shaking eyes that seemed to be filled with complex emotions.

It’s not that difficult to talk about.

By the time the fainted village chief woke up, the two had come to their senses after the lucky breakfast.

and.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you…”

Is it because of work earlier? The two were quite embarrassed. Well, they said they would protect it, but they gave it away at the last minute.

But it’s okay. Even though my clothes got burned, isn’t it true that I received help from the two of them?

Besides, it’s not like I could have defeated Hwaho just by blocking that once.

In a way, of course, I am to these two. And I owe a great debt to Hong Seong-moon.

That’s why I gave power to both of them.

“I owe my life to the two female cooperatives.”

“Oh, no!”

“We would rather…”

“Haha. Then, how about we both have no debt?”

Having said that, I think it was quite shocking that I, who was not a martial artist, was trying to protect the martial arts people. Rather than comforting the sullen two, I thought it would be better to get out of this topic, so I tried to remain as calm as possible and looked around.

“Anyway. Somehow, it seems like the situation has come to an end.”

From a distance, there were the county officials, government soldiers, and Hong Seong-mun’s disciples by their side.

Fortunately, it seems that Hyeonryeong was safe as well. The gloomy expression on his face makes it look like he got enough sleep tonight.

Hongryeon gave them instructions and ordered them to patrol the village, and when the patrol was over, those who had been fighting on the outskirts with the heads of horseback horses and dog dogs returned.

“You had a lot of trouble. Three maboks? No, it’s four.”

It is a monster’s head with a human head and a tiger body, so there are three human heads alone. As expected, it seems that demonic clothes appeared in three places.

“I heard the story. I heard the demons attacked? I’m really glad you weren’t hurt.”

“Thank you.”

“Hmm?”

“That’s right.”

I told him what happened earlier. Chaejin, who had been listening in silence, tilted her head.

“Uh… Mr. Yoo. How long have you been learning from me?”

how much? Let’s see. If you count from the day before the dog came out to today…

“Hasn’t it been more than three weeks? I think it’s been almost a month.”

“But you said you stopped Hwaho’s fire…? Uh…what is it…?”

She tilts her head again and mutters something to herself.

Then, as if he felt my gaze, he quickly raised his head, let out an arrogant laugh, and patted my shoulder.

“Oh, ohhohoho!! Of course, it’s a given! He is the great disciple of Moon Woljeong, a renowned and historic sect, and is even better than Nakilgeom in the martial arts world! I also learned the famous Wolgwangdo from Chaejin! Ohhohohoho!! Of course you have to do that! Ohhohohoho!! How much effort I put into my members! Oh, ohhohohohoho!”

For someone who spoke with a laugh full of arrogance, his expression was a bit stiff.

But is it really necessary to point this out? It is true that Chaejin has had a hard time teaching me.

That’s why I laughed. They say good luck comes when you smile.

“Ahahahaha!”

And she laughed too.

“Ohhohohoho!!”

So we looked at each other and laughed for a while. ah. Good atmosphere.

When I was relieved and tried to stop laughing, Chaejin, who stopped laughing in an instant, narrowed her eyes and looked at my arm.

“But why is that arm like that? Did you learn from Chaejin Lee?”

oh. iced coffee…

You got caught.

I was taking off my burned clothes and throwing them away. Chaejin smiled brightly, pointing to her red arm.

“I can’t do this. I can’t believe that the member who learned from Chaejin Lee got injured because he couldn’t handle the fire of Hwaho. Training volume needs to be doubled…”

No, twice as much.

“Don’t worry! Because I will take responsibility!”

It’s okay if I don’t take responsibility.

Still, it’s true that we were able to escape the crisis thanks to Chaejin, so let’s just stop complaining.

“Anyway, thank you.”

“What? But what about red lotus?”

As she looked around, she fiddled with her pottery sack. If possible, it seemed like he wanted to have a massage right now.

But will that work?

The soldiers are quite injured while fighting with Mabok and Dogyeon, and they also have to prepare for additional attacks that may occur.

Even worse, since the mastermind behind this attack was a demonic cult, they would have no choice but to react more seriously.

Maybe the center will use this as an excuse to move.

I put the tobacco in my mouth and lit it. The closest government unit to here is… of course Cheonghoe Sangdan, right?

“How many survivors were captured in this attack?”

I grabbed one of the busy military officers and asked. Perhaps because he knows my face, he doesn’t seem to have any complaints.

“There are about seven survivors. But…”

“That?”

“All those who were said to be outside Hongseongmun are dead. It is said that Nakilgeom killed them all with his own hands.”

ah. So there was no support from the enemy?

Now I understand what the bastards who tried to kidnap the village chief said.

“…Tsk.”

If it weren’t for Hongryeon, Seomhwa Village would have suffered greatly, and not only me, but also the village chief and county governor would have been kidnapped.

Therefore, it is true that Hongryeon made a great contribution. Maybe the government will give out a separate reward.

Although there was some confusion, in the end everything worked out well.

“But why do you look unpleasant?”

“Umm… We should be thankful that there was no major damage…”

It’s just as Chaejin said. Even though there was such an uproar, the damage itself was quite small.

Anyway, no one died or was seriously injured.

From that perspective, there is no reason for Chaejin, a member of the political faction, to be offended…

“…Hongryeon. Sheesh.”

After all, it was Hongryeon who made the contribution.

I already think of her as a rival, but it would be natural for her, who was so proud of catching two horseback horses, to become sullen.

“Well… I know what you’ve been through, so don’t be too upset. I will also give you the reward I decided to give you.”

“Ah! Then you should try the shot put pork. And try the Seomhwaryeong liquor sold in the guesthouse~!”

“I will prepare it for you.”

“Really? iced coffee. I drooled every time I saw that. I can try it today~. I’m excited~.”

People are so bright and nice to see.

“Ahahaha~! Still, I will train.”

Holy shit.

When people suffer, they want to be relieved.

Of course, that goes for me too.

But this bloodless and tearless woman did not care about such things and trained.

Somehow, it seems like it’s become more difficult than before…

When I came out, exhausted, an official came to see me.

“I wanted to treat the Hongseong students who worked hard this time, so here it is.”

The bag he held out contained quite a few hermits.

“The government office was also attacked and in chaos, so it is difficult to serve them right away. So, if you don’t mind, how can I…”

“Ah. That’s right.”

“Thank you. Then.”

As the official bowed and walked away, I called Jeomsoi and had him prepare for the funeral immediately, then gave instructions to the servant.

“Go to Hongseongmun and tell them that if there is nothing special, you would like to treat them to dinner tonight.”

“Yes.”

Since they fought so much, they probably want to rest.

After all, when resting, wouldn’t it be best to eat something delicious and sleep well?

After sending off the servant, I looked into the backyard.

There were traces of Hongseongmundo who stayed here and escorted me.

Among them, what I see is the bed that Sayun made.

…Should I not clean it up?

After smoking a few cigarettes and thinking about it, I went into my room and finished some work when the servant came back.

With Hongseongmundo.

The Hongseongmundo members, who had traces of the previous battle here and there, probably because they had not been treated, looked exhausted, but their eyes were sparkling.

While the people I knew from the rotation of escorts were greeting me, I saw Sayoon.

Her eyes were a little deeper than before.

It was definitely in the early stages of becoming a horse at that time, right?

Unable to control Hongseong Shingong’s evil voice, he moved with his consciousness entrusted to it.

Because I managed to correct that, I feel like I gained enlightenment and at the same time my skills improved.

Did this… go well?

hmm.

It went well, right?

I led them to the room where I had previously entertained Hongseongmun disciples. The anticipation is really high as they take their seats one after another and their eyes sparkle.

I need to treat this properly.

“I would like to thank Hong Seong-moon for his role in maintaining the island village. As promised, in addition to the reward for catching Mabok, I would like to give a small amount of support to Hong Seong-moon. Please don’t refuse.”

“Due to Hong Seong-moon’s policy, we cannot receive subsidies. As a warrior, protecting the weak is a natural thing to do. I will gratefully receive the promised reward, but…”

That thing really looks like a knife.

When Ryu Hyeon spoke clearly, I looked at Hongryeon, and she only nodded, probably because she had the same opinion as Ryu Hyun.

“But that’s why I don’t feel at peace. In that case, I would like you to accept it at least in kind. I heard that Hong Seong-moon has a lot of old blankets and other household items.”

Hongryeon quickly turned her head to look at the sisters, and they quickly averted their gaze.

haha! Do you think I’ve been playing all this time?

We talked secretly and found out what was urgent at Hong Seong-moon.

This is age!

“…There’s no need to go that far.”

“I want to do it, so please don’t refuse.”

“Sigh…”

Hongryeon groaned and eventually nodded.

They certainly don’t accept money, but they often accept items sent from Seomhwachon, so I guess I couldn’t refuse them.

No, maybe it’s because of the sisters over there with twinkling eyes.

“After. okay. As the great disciple of Hong Seong-moon, I will accept it gratefully.”

“That’s a good thing. Then, enjoy the banquet to your heart’s content. If you need anything, please let me know. The money for the banquet was received from the government office, so don’t worry about the price.”

Of course, I plan to do more than that amount!

Tsk tsk tsk tsk. Tonight, you’ll need to fill up your stomach with gourmet food that melts in your mouth…!!

I glanced at Sayoon. She was smiling brightly, as if she liked seeing the other sisters happy.

I guess I can starve tonight. Just looking at that smile makes me full.

I closed the door to the room where I couldn’t leave unless I filled my stomach with gourmet food.

After leaving them to eat comfortably, I started organizing the books. In addition to the reward money to be spent this time, operating expenses…

When I came down after sorting things out, it was still noisy inside. Just looking at it, I only eat the cheap stuff.

So, I deliberately ordered expensive things, put them inside, and went out to the backyard.

I was able to come across a red-haired woman sitting alone on a long chair there, looking at the sky.

“Why are you out without eating?”

“To get some air for a moment… Do you have more time than that? As promised earlier, I would like to talk to you.”

“Yes.”

I showed her the beginning of the year and she nodded.

After getting permission, I lit the fire. Hongryeon closed her eyes and pursed her small lips as if she was thinking about something as she looked at me, who was emitting white smoke.

About the time I burned all of the tobacco in my pack. She got up and moved in front of me.

“I express my gratitude. Thanks to you, my sisters didn’t get hurt.”

Bow your head. Nakilgeom, a great disciple of Hongseongmun and a renowned figure in the martial arts world, bowed to me respectfully.

and.

“Why did you do that?”

Oh my.

what. This atmosphere.

Did they find out that it was me who sent the letter?

Or are you angry because Moonwoljeong’s Chae learned taijiquan on the subject of doing business in Hongseongmun’s territory?

Or is it that you learned it from Chae Jin, your rival?

There were so many doubts that a cold sweat ran down my spine.

“Why did you come forward?”

“Huh?”

I guess that’s not it.

I was relieved, and Hongryeon took a step ahead, looking at me with sharp eyes.

The woman, with the scent of plum blossoms tickling my nose, and I couldn’t tell if she was angry or sad, placed her hand on my chest.

Although that hand was too weak to be the hand of someone who wielded a great sword that literally tore apart a demonic cultist.

Her hand was firmly holding my collar.

“You two were dangerous. But if I took a little damage, I could have blocked it with my body.”

I guess so.

No matter how low their internal skills are, these two are warriors who have learned new skills.

As such, its own defense would have been much stronger than mine, and even if it had been hit by Fire Tiger’s fire, it would have been able to shake off and get up with just a little bit of trouble.

In addition, Hongseongmun also has the medicine of God that Hongryeon received in return for working for the Murim Alliance, and if Geomseong had also participated in the treatment, the treatment period would have been greatly shortened.

of course.

In the process, it must have been a great burden for Hong Seong-moon and Hong-ryeon as they had to use up the precious medicine they had stored up.

“Wasn’t it scary?”

ah. Was it because of that?

What else can I say?

“I just did what I had to do.”

How can a Sayun member watch Sayun get hurt?

“……”

Hongryeon’s eyes turned round at my answer.