"Apakah pemimpin cabang lokal Heavenly Demon Divine Cult berada di balik penyerangan biro pengawalan?"
Ketika sebuah nama yang seharusnya tidak disebutkan muncul, ekspresi Geom Mugeuk berubah dingin.
"Pemimpin Yeo telah berjanji untuk menangani pembersihan untuk memastikan masalah ini tidak berkembang lebih jauh."
"Bukti apa yang kau miliki tentang keterlibatannya?"
"Tidak ada... sama sekali. Dia bukan tipe orang yang meninggalkan bukti dalam masalah seperti ini. Akulah saksinya."
Saat nama Yeo Sogwang meluncur dari bibirnya, Lee Eom telah melewati batas tidak bisa kembali. Ia harus mengorbankan Yeo Sogwang dan mencari cara untuk menyelamatkan dirinya sendiri.
"Bagaimana jika kau berbohong tentang pemimpin cabang itu?"
Mengingat kesungguhan di tatapan dan nada suaranya, jelas bahwa ia mengatakan yang sebenarnya. Itu tidak terlalu mengejutkan.
Saat aku pertama kali kembali, ini tampak seperti kejadian yang tak terelakkan jika memikirkan Gu Cheonyang, mantan Demonic Army Commander. Ia telah menggunakan Pasukan Iblis untuk keuntungan pribadi, mengumpulkan kekayaan dalam prosesnya. Hingga saat ini, ia telah fokus mengatur urusan internal, tetapi waktunya telah tiba untuk mulai mengelola urusan eksternal juga.
"Bagaimana kau bisa tahu tentang misi Honam's First Escort Bureau ini?"
"Aku memiliki orang dalam."
"Yang Dae-nam."
Begitu Lee Eom mulai berbicara, tidak ada keraguan.
"Mari kita mulai dengan melihat apa saja yang dicuri selama penyerangan."
"Baiklah, ikuti aku."
'Aku dilumpuhkan bahkan tanpa menyadarinya.'
Lee Eom benar-benar menyadari bahwa seni bela diri lawannya jauh melampaui master biasa. Bukan berarti Bloodhand Sword ceroboh saat ia dibunuh dengan tusukan sumpit tunggal. Penyerang itu kemungkinan bisa membunuhnya hanya dengan tusuk gigi.
'Orang ini jauh lebih kuat daripada Pemimpin Yeo.'
Bukan hanya ilmu bela jatinya yang hebat, tetapi ia sama sekali tidak menunjukkan rasa takut pada Yeo Sogwang. Sebagai pemimpin cabang Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Yeo memegang kekuasaan besar, jadi sebenarnya siapa orang ini?
Ada tiga peti yang agak besar di dalam, semuanya penuh dengan emas.
Melihat barang-barang curian itu membuat Geom Mugeuk sangat marah pada Lee Eom dan Yeo Sogwang. Ini bukanlah kasus orang-orang putus asa yang melakukan kejahatan demi bertahan hidup. Ini jauh lebih buruk.
Kedua pria itu sudah memiliki kekayaan yang cukup besar, dan ada banyak cara bagi mereka untuk menghasilkan lebih banyak uang tanpa harus melakukan tindakan berdarah tersebut. Terutama seseorang seperti Yeo Sogwang, yang pasti sudah menerima upeti yang besar dari berbagai arah.
"Bahkan dengan semua kekayaan itu, kau masih melakukan hal seperti ini?"
"Apakah Bloodhand Sword menjalankan seluruh rencana ini sendirian?"
"Yang Daenam, kepala pengawal, menyediakan rute perjalanan terlebih dahulu, yang membuatnya lebih mudah. Kami dapat memasang jebakan dan melancarkan serangan kejutan."
"Metode yang kau gunakan sangat tercela."
Lee Eom, yang sebelumnya sangat bersemangat merinci semuanya, tiba-tiba terdiam, memperhatikan reaksi Geom Mugeuk dengan hati-hati.
"...."
"Tidak mau menjawab?"
"Uang... bukankah lebih baik jika memiliki lebih banyak?"
"Jika itu uang yang kau peroleh sendiri, tentu saja."
Geom Mugeuk keluar dari ruangan dan di koridor, memberikan perintah kepada Jeokyeon yang sedang menunggu.
"Segera panggil para pemimpin Underworld Pavilion dan Heavenly Communication Pavilion dari wilayah ini!"
"Dimengerti!"
Setelah mendengarnya, Lee Eom terkejut. Ia pernah mendengar bahwa Underworld Pavilion dan Heavenly Communication Pavilion adalah organisasi inti dari Heavenly Demon Divine Cult melalui urusannya dengan Yeo Sogwang. Dan sekarang, Geom Mugeuk memanggil para pemimpin mereka begitu saja?
Ia samar-samar pernah mendengar tentang simbol ini saat pesta minum sebelumnya.
Tatapan Lee Eom beralih ke arah Geom Mugeuk.
Hati Lee Eom terasa tenggelam. Ia telah membuat kesalahan besar, kesalahan terburuk yang mungkin terjadi.
Kakinya lemas, dan ia ambruk ke lantai, membungkuk dalam-dalam.
"Tolong ampuni aku! Aku tidak mengenali siapa Anda!"
Tidak peduli seberapa banyak ia memohon, tatapan Geom Mugeuk tetap dingin dan tidak bergeming.
Geom Mugeuk tidak menyia-nyiakan waktu untuk mengambil tindakan.
Ia menjelaskan situasinya secara rinci, menyatakan bahwa karena pemimpin cabang Honam terlibat, mereka tidak dapat menggunakan anggota sekte dari wilayah tersebut. Sebaliknya, Underworld Pavilion dan Heavenly Communication Pavilion harus turun tangan.
Setelah penjelasannya, Geom Mugeuk menoleh ke arah investigator khusus dari Underworld Pavilion dan mengeluarkan perintah.
"Pertama, kembalikan barang-barang curian dan jenazah Bloodhand Sword ke Honam’s First Escort Bureau dan berikan penjelasan yang menyeluruh kepada mereka. Selain itu, pastikan untuk menangani kepala pengawal Yang Daenam, yang membocorkan informasi tentang misi ini dan menyebabkan kematian bawahannya."
Lee Eom menyaksikan proses tersebut dengan kecemasan yang semakin besar, ketika tiba-tiba, Geom Mugeuk berbalik dan berbicara kepadanya.
"Dan kirim orang ini ke Thunder Prison sekte kita."
Saat kata-kata 'Thunder Prison of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult' disebutkan, dunia Lee Eom menjadi gelap.
"Tidak! Tolong, ampuni aku!"
"Apa kau benar-benar berpikir bisa menyebabkan insiden besar seperti itu dan berjalan pergi begitu saja?"
"Tapi aku sudah mengakui semuanya, bukan?"
"Itulah sebabnya kau tidak mati, bukan?"
Lee Eom merasa kehabisan kata-kata. Di saat seperti ini, penyuapan biasanya menjadi jawabannya, tetapi karena perintah untuk mengembalikan barang curian sudah diberikan, tampaknya itu juga tidak akan berhasil.
"Baiklah. Kalau begitu pilih! Kau ingin pergi ke Thunder Prison kita, atau kau lebih memilih diserahkan ke Honam’s First Escort Bureau?"
Lee Eom tahu bahwa kedua pilihan itu berarti kematian yang pasti.
"Tolong, ampuni aku! Yang kulakukan hanyalah merencanakannya!"
"Ini bukan pertama kalinya kau melakukan hal seperti ini, kan?"
Suara Lee Eom bergetar, dan ia tidak mampu menatap mata Geom Mugeuk.
Seolah-olah itu benar-benar pertama kalinya. Ia hanya berdiri dan menyaksikan saat Bloodhand Sword dengan kejam membunuh para pengawal yang mereka tangkap, dan tidak mengangkat jari ketika para koki dibunuh dengan dalih palsu. Itu saja sudah cukup menceritakan tentang kehidupannya.
"Di mataku, kau adalah yang terburuk dari ketiga orang itu."
Tanpa ragu-ragu, Geom Mugeuk melayangkan sebuah pukulan.
Dada Lee Eom hancur, dan ia langsung tewas seketika.
Bum!
Suara guntur dari tinju Geom Mugeuk mengejutkan semua orang yang hadir, seolah-olah langit sendiri yang menjatuhkan hukuman.
Geom Mugeuk terus memberikan perintah.
"Dimengerti."
Meskipun ada kekhawatiran yang tulus bagi keluarga para korban, ada juga alasan praktis untuk menangani segala sesuatunya dengan cara ini.
"Honam’s First Escort Bureau adalah bagian dari aliran ortodoks, benar?"
"Ya, benar sekali."
Provinsi Honam adalah tempat di mana Heavenly Demon Divine Cult memegang pengaruh yang cukup besar.
Namun, bukan berarti semua sekte di daerah tersebut mengikuti atau mendukung sekte tersebut.
Masih ada cukup banyak sekte yang berafiliasi dengan faksi ortodoks maupun sesat, bahkan jika jumlah mereka lebih sedikit. Di Provinsi Honam, masih ada cabang dan divisi dari Martial Alliance, serta Unorthodox Alliance.
"Pastikan tidak ada kesalahpahaman. Beritahu Martial Alliance bahwa kita akan menangani Yeo Sogwang secara internal."
"Pastikan desa ini berada di bawah pengawasan khusus untuk saat ini. Bagaimanapun, Ibu tinggal di sini."
Jeokyeon dengan tenang mengamati penanganan situasi yang berani sekaligus teliti dari Geom Mugeuk dari samping. Melihatnya, satu pemikiran terlintas di benaknya: sungguh, bukan sembarang orang yang bisa menjadi Young Cult Leader.
Setelah urusan selesai, Geom Mugeuk mendatangi Hwasun yang sedang menunggu di ruang tamu.
"Semuanya sudah selesai. Ayo kita kembali. Aku ingin makan masakan yang dibuat Ibu."
Tentu saja, aku akan memasakannya untukmu. Aku akan dengan senang hati melakukannya."
"Sudah kubilang sebelumnya, Ibu tidak perlu berbicara terlalu formal."
"Ibu tidak bisa menahannya. Beginilah cara Ibu merasa nyaman, Tuan Muda Kedua."
Saat mereka melangkah keluar, para pengawal membentuk formasi pelindung di sekitar Hwasun.
"Hanya kalian berdua yang harus naik kereta kuda.
Hwasun tampak bingung.
"Aku hanya berpikir Ibu mungkin ingin meluangkan waktu untuk mengobrol menyenangkan dengan anakmu setelah sekian lama. Silakan, masuklah. Kita berangkat sekarang."
Geom Mugeuk naik ke tempat kusir. Dohyeon memprotes, tetapi hanya dengan ucapan
Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
Chapter 263: The Meal My Mother Prepares
"Is the leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult's local branch behind the raid on the escort agency?"
When a name that should not have been mentioned came up, Geom Mugeuk's expression turned cold.
"Leader Yeo has promised to handle the cleanup to ensure this matter doesn't escalate."
"What proof do you have of his involvement?"
"There is... none. He’s not the type to leave behind evidence in such matters. I am the witness."
At the moment Yeo Sogwang's name left his lips, Lee Eom had crossed a point of no return. He had to abandon Yeo Sogwang and find a way to save himself.
"And if you're lying about the branch leader?"
Given the sincerity in his gaze and the tone of his voice, it was clear that he was telling the truth. It wasn't all that shocking or surprising.
When I first returned, this seemed like an inevitable event when thinking of Gu Cheonyang, the former Demonic Army Commander. He had used the Demonic Army for personal gain, amassing wealth in the process. Up until now, he had focused on regulating internal matters, but the time had come to start managing external affairs as well.
"How did you come to know about this Honam's First Escort Bureau’s mission?"
"I have a man on the inside."
"Yang Dae-nam."
Once Lee Eom began speaking, there was no hesitation.
"Let’s start by looking at what was stolen during the raid."
"Alright, follow me."
‘I was subdued without even realizing it.’
Lee Eom had truly understood that his opponent's martial arts far exceeded that of an ordinary master. It wasn’t that the Bloodhand Sword had been careless when he was killed with a single chopstick strike. The attacker could likely have killed him with nothing more than a toothpick.
‘This person is much stronger than Leader Yeo.’
Not only was his martial skill formidable, but he showed absolutely no fear of Yeo Sogwang at all. As the branch leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, Yeo held great power, so who exactly was this person?
There were three rather large chests inside, all filled with gold.
Seeing the stolen goods made Geom Mugeuk furious at both Lee Eom and Yeo Sogwang. This was not a case of desperate men committing a crime for survival. It was far worse.
Both men already had considerable wealth, and there were countless ways they could make even more money without resorting to such bloody actions. Especially someone like Yeo Sogwang, who must have already received substantial tributes from all directions.
"Even with all that wealth, you still did something like this?"
"Did the Bloodhand Sword carry out this whole plan by himself?"
"Yang Daenam, the escort leader, provided the travel route in advance, which made it easier. We were able to set traps and launch a surprise attack."
"The methods you used were despicable."
Lee Eom, who had been eagerly spilling details, suddenly clammed up, watching Geom Mugeuk’s reaction carefully.
"...."
"Not going to answer?"
"Money... isn't it better to have more of it?" 1
"If it’s money you earned, sure."
Geom Mugeuk exited the room and, in the hallway, gave an order to Jeokyeon, who had been waiting.
"Immediately summon the leaders of the Underworld Pavilion and the Heavenly Communication Pavilion from this region!"
"Understood!"
Upon hearing this, Lee Eom was startled. He had heard that both the Underworld Pavilion and the Heavenly Communication Pavilion were core organizations of the Heavenly Demon Cult through his dealings with Yeo Sogwang. And now, Geom Mugeuk was summoning their leaders just like that?
He had vaguely heard of this symbol during a drinking party before.
Lee Eom’s gaze turned toward Geom Mugeuk.
Lee Eom’s heart sank. He had made a terrible mistake, the worst one possible.
His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, bowing deeply.
"Please spare me! I didn’t recognize who you were!" 2
No matter how much he pleaded, Geom Mugeuk's gaze remained icy and unyielding.
Geom Mugeuk wasted no time in taking action.
He explained the situation in detail, stating that since the branch leader of Honam was involved, they couldn’t use the cult members from that region. Instead, the Underworld Pavilion and the Heavenly Communication Pavilion had to step in.
After his explanation, Geom Mugeuk turned to the special investigator from the Underworld Pavilion and issued a command.
"First, return the stolen goods and the Bloodhand Sword's body to Honam’s First Escort Bureau and provide them with a thorough explanation. Also, make sure to deal with the escort leader Yang Daenam, who leaked the information about this mission and led to the death of his subordinates."
Lee Eom watched the proceedings with growing anxiety, when suddenly, Geom Mugeuk turned and addressed him.
"And send this man to our cult's Thunder Prison."
The moment the words ‘Thunder Prison of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’ were mentioned, Lee Eom's world turned dark.
"No! Please, spare me!"
"Did you really think you could cause such a major incident and just walk away?"
"But I confessed everything, didn't I?"
"That's why you're not dead, isn't it?"
Lee Eom found himself at a loss for words. In moments like this, bribery was usually the answer, but since the order to return the stolen goods had already been given, it seemed that wouldn’t work either.
"Fine. Then choose! Do you want to go to our Thunder Prison, or would you prefer to be handed over to the Honam’s First Escort Bureau?"
Lee Eom knew that either choice meant certain death.
"Please, spare me! All I did was plan this out!"
"This isn’t your first time doing something like this anyways, is it?"
Lee Eom's voice trembled, and he couldn’t meet Geom Mugeuk's gaze.
As if it really was his first time. He had stood by and watched as the Bloodhand Sword brutally killed the escorts they had captured, and didn’t lift a finger when the cooks were killed under false pretenses. That alone said enough about his life.
"In my eyes, you're the worst of the three."
Without hesitation, Geom Mugeuk threw a punch.
Lee Eom's chest was shattered, and he died instantly. 4
Rumble!
The sound of thunder from Geom Mugeuk’s fist startled everyone present, as if the heavens themselves had delivered judgment.
Geom Mugeuk continued giving orders.
"Understood."
While there was genuine concern for the families of the victims, there was also a practical reason to handle things this way.
"The Honam’s First Escort Bureau is part of the orthodox sects, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
Honam Province was a place where the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult held considerable sway.
However, this didn’t mean that all sects in the area followed or supported the cult.
There were still quite a few sects aligned with either the orthodox or unorthodox factions, even if their numbers were fewer. In Honam Province, there were still branches and divisions of the Martial Alliance, as well as the Unorthodox Alliance.
"Make sure there’s no misunderstanding. Inform the Martial Alliance that we will handle Yeo Sogwang internally."
"Ensure this village is under special management for the time being. Mother resides here, after all."
Jeokyeon quietly observed Geom Mugeuk's bold yet meticulous handling of the situation from the side. Watching him, one thought came to mind: truly, not just anyone can become the Young Cult Leader.
After finishing the business, Geom Mugeuk went to Hwasun, who had been waiting in a guest room.
"Everything's done. Let's head back. I want to eat the meal Mother makes."
"Of course, I’ll make it for you. I’d be happy to."
"I’ve told you before, you don’t need to speak so formally."
"I can’t help it. This is how I’m comfortable, Young Master."
As they stepped outside, the escort guards formed a protective formation around Hwasun.
"Only the two of you should ride in the carriage."
Hwasun looked puzzled.
"I just thought you might want some time to have a nice chat with your son after so long. Go ahead, get in. We’re leaving now."
Geom Mugeuk climbed up to the driver's seat. Dohyeon protested, but with just the catchphrase "It’s an order", the matter was settled.
How long had they been traveling?
Laughter suddenly echoed from the carriage.
It was the most pleasant sound Geom Mugeuk had heard since leaving the Cult.
He had no memories of his own mother. She had passed away when he was very young. On days like these, he couldn’t help but miss her.
The fact that there was no bloodshed between him and his brother in the succession battle was partly due to their shared love for their late mother.
Eventually, the carriage arrived at Dohyeon inn.
As she stepped out and looked at her inn, Hwasun finally felt the sense of safety that comes with having returned home.
Geom Mugeuk, acting as though he were her son, affectionately called out to her.
Hwasun rolled up her sleeves and headed into the kitchen.
Geom Mugeuk and the escort guards were able to enjoy a home-cooked meal, made with a mother’s love, for the first time in a long while. The food was truly delicious.
Hwasun felt immense joy as she watched her "son" eat heartily alongside his companions.
The sight reminded her of the days when her son would bring his friends over and they would all gather to eat at her house.
The boy who used to be so small was now a full-grown man, eating with his comrades. Her heart swelled with pride and emotion.
After finishing his meal, Geom Mugeuk turned to her and said,
"I want to bring you to the cult so I can eat your food every day."
She felt relieved. With such a good superior watching over her son, there was no need to worry about him anymore.
"You should have another serving, Young Master! I’ve added more meat this time."
At her words, Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly.
"I’ll take extra care of your son, more than anyone else!"
His playful remark made her laugh, and the bodyguards joined in the laughter as well.
‘Thank you, Young Master.’
Geom Mugeuk’s group stayed for four more days.
Originally, they were supposed to leave the next day, but he wanted to give Hwasun and Dohyeon more time, as it had been three years since their last reunion.
On the third day, they took Hwasun to a nearby temple. Along the way, they enjoyed good food and beautiful scenery. When Hwasun’s legs grew tired, Dohyeon carried her on his back.
When Dohyeon suggested that she come live in Maga Village, she shook her head. She didn’t want to burden her son, and she had no desire to leave the hometown where she had lived her entire life.
Four days later, Geom Mugeuk’s group reluctantly parted ways with Hwasun and began their journey toward the Honam Branch.
During a break, Dohyeon approached Geom Mugeuk.
It seemed Jeokyeon had informed him.
"Of course. From now on, visit your mother more often. Of course that’s an order."
Dohyeon had realized during this time just how neglectful he had been, using his busy life as an excuse.
"Thank you so much. I won’t forget the kindness you’ve shown me."
As their break ended, Jeokyeon took the reins of the carriage herself, sitting in the driver’s seat.
"I’ll drive as fast as possible."
"Take it slow. We’re not in a rush."
Jeokyeon looked puzzled and asked,
"Why?"
"What if he realizes his wrongdoings have been discovered and tries to flee?"
That wasn’t a possibility. The operations of the Underworld Pavilion and the Heavenly Communication Pavilion weren’t so sloppy. At least until we arrived, he wouldn’t have the slightest clue.
"Do you think he’ll step down as the branch leader because of this incident? That’s unlikely. But if he does, well, that would be its own punishment. He’d live the rest of his life full of regret and misery, hiding from every side. But no, I doubt that will happen."
"These people are so full of greed and arrogance, they can’t pull themselves away from their lust for more."
And so, the carriage leisurely made its way toward the Honam Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
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