Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
Chapter 293: Di Mana Geom Woojin Tinggal?
“Mari kita makan bersama sebelum kita berpisah.”
Atas usulan Geom Mugeuk, Pyeon-jung menolaknya, dengan mengatakan tidak perlu melakukan hal itu.
Aneh? Mungkin saja. Namun, sebelum ia menyadarinya, Geom Mugeuk sudah menarik-narik lengan bajunya.
“Penginapan mana yang makanannya paling enak di sekitar sini? Ayo kita ke sana.”
Pimpinan Geom Mugeuk, keduanya berjalan melewati pasar. Kejutan yang menyenangkan di hari terakhir—makan bersama seorang teman yang baik.
Saat mereka berjalan, seorang pria berpenampilan kasar tiba-tiba menghalangi jalan Pyeon-jung dan mengulurkan tangannya.
Pria itu mengambil uang tersebut dan pergi begitu saja tanpa mengucapkan sepatah kata pun, bahkan tanpa ucapan terima kasih atau ancaman apa pun. Bagi Geom Mugeuk, tindakan ini terasa jauh lebih tidak berperasaan. Uang hasil jerih payah itu lenyap bahkan sebelum seseorang sempat merasakan amarah atau kesedihan.
Setelah melangkah beberapa langkah lagi, Pyeon-jung menghela napas dan berkata,
“Awalnya, aku memprotes dan melawan karena menganggapnya tidak adil.”
Masa lalunya yang sulit terus terungkap.
Sekarang, ia nyaris tidak bisa melewati hari-harinya, bekerja lebih keras dan menabung lebih banyak dengan hati yang pasrah.
Pyeon-jung melirik ke arah Geom Mugeuk. Geom Mugeuk tidak berkata apa-apa.
“Nah, itu dia. Tempat itu menyajikan makanan paling enak.”
Setelah memasuki penginapan, Geom Mugeuk menyewa kamar untuk ditinggali sementara waktu, lalu mereka makan bersama di lantai pertama. Mereka memesan hidangan terbaik di penginapan itu.
Pyeon-jung dengan hati-hati membuka suara.
“Jika kau berniat melakukan sesuatu terhadap Underworld Debt, jangan lakukan. Mereka bukan sekadar preman jalanan biasa. Organisasi mereka sangat besar. Mereka punya cabang di mana-mana di Central Plains.”
Geom Mugeuk menuangkan minuman ke gelas Pyeon-jung.
Setelah selesai makan, Geom Mugeuk mengucapkan selamat tinggal.
“Kau pasti lelah. Pergi dan istirahatlah. Kau telah bekerja keras mengemudikan kereta kuda jauh-jauh ke sini.”
Geom Mugeuk memanggil pemilik penginapan. Ada alasan khusus mengapa ia membawa Pyeon-jung ke sini. Pemilik penginapan mengeluarkan sekantong makanan.
“Aku memesan sesuatu yang akan disukai anak-anak, jadi terimalah dan beri mereka makan yang baik.”
Ketika Geom Mugeuk bahkan menyiapkan makanan untuk anak-anaknya, Pyeon-jung diliputi oleh emosi yang mendalam.
“Kenapa kau begitu baik padaku?” tanyanya dengan suara bergetar.
“Sebagai imbalan karena telah membawaku ke sini dengan selamat,” jawab Geom Mugeuk.
Tenggorokan Pyeon-jung terasa sesak oleh emosi. Sepanjang hidupnya, ia telah bertemu orang-orang baik dan mengalami hari-hari yang beruntung, tetapi belum pernah ada seorang pun yang menunjukkan kebaikan seperti itu kepadanya.
Pyeon-jung percaya bahwa hubungan mereka, yang bermula sebagai kusir dan penumpang, telah berakhir begitu mereka tiba di tempat tujuan, tetapi ikatan di antara mereka belum berakhir.
Saat Geom Mugeuk melihat Pyeon-jung pergi, ia diam-diam mengeluarkan sepuluh nyang dari lengan bajunya dan menatapnya tanpa kata.
Deokchul merasa gugup.
'Mari kita lakukan ini dengan benar dan diakui.'
Tugas seorang investigator adalah pergi ke alamat terdaftar debitur dan memastikan apakah keluarga mereka benar-benar tinggal di sana. Tugas ini jauh lebih penting daripada menagih uangnya. Selama keluarganya dijadikan sandera, debitur tidak akan bisa melarikan diri.
Semakin dekat Deokchul dengan alamat tersebut, semakin ia merasa gugup.
'Kudengar markas besar Demonic Cult ada di sekitar sini, dan tempat ini benar-benar terasa seperti sarang para iblis.'
Ia ketakutan tetapi tidak bisa mundur. Ia harus berhasil dalam tugas ini agar bisa menjadi investigator penuh.
Setelah memeriksa ulang alamat di atas kertas, Deokchul kembali berjalan, berusaha bertindak sewajarnya. Di area ini, satu kesalahan langkah bisa berarti kematian yang pasti. Ia berjalan santai seolah-olah dirinya adalah orang yang sering mengunjungi tempat ini.
Akhirnya, Deokchul memasuki Maga Village. Saat ia melewati pasar, para pedagang menjual berbagai macam barang.
“Banyak barang bagus di sini! Silakan mampir dan lihat-lihat!”
Pajangan di lapak pedagang itu memuat berbagai macam barang, mulai dari patung ukiran berbentuk Heavenly Demon Spirit hingga produk-produk yang berkaitan dengan Demon Supremes. Bahkan ada topeng putih yang dikaitkan dengan Evil Smiling Demon.
'Orang-orang Demonic Cult ini benar-benar gila. Menjual barang-barang seperti ini…'
Tepat saat Deokchul berbalik setelah terpaksa membeli figurin Blood Heaven Blade Demon, hal itu terjadi.
Cahaya keemasan mendekat dari depan.
Deokchul melirik kembali ke arah figurin di atas lapak.
Saat Ma Bul berjalan mendekat, ia melirik ke arah Deokchul. Figurin Blood Heaven Blade Demon di tangan Deokchul mulai bergetar.
'Haruskah aku membeli figurin Demonic Buddha saja?'
Pada saat itu, sebuah suara terdengar dari arah berlawanan.
“Selamat datang.”
Deokchul menoleh dan melihat seorang pemuda berdiri di sana.
Ternyata pemuda itu tidak lain adalah Geom Muyang, sang Eldest Young Master.
Deokchul menahan napas.
'Young Master? Apakah aku benar-benar berdiri di tempat di mana Eldest Young Master dari Heavenly Demon Divine Cult sedang menemui Demonic Buddha?'
Geom Muyang berbicara kepada Demonic Buddha.
“Waktu itu kau yang traktir, jadi hari ini, biar aku yang bayar minumannya.”
Ma Bul tersenyum cerah sambil berjalan pergi. Faktanya, semenjak Geom Mugeuk menjadi Young Cult Leader, hubungan mereka semakin membaik. Demonic Buddha telah berdiri di sisi Geom Muyang, yang tidak menjadi Young Cult Leader, hingga akhir. Begitu kekuasaan tidak lagi menjadi rebutan, persahabatan baru yang lebih erat bersemi di antara keduanya.
Saat Ma Bul melewati Deokchul, ia meliriknya. Sebelum Deokchul menyadarinya, figurin Demonic Buddha berjanggut kambing juga telah muncul di tangannya, seolah-olah diletakkan di sana tanpa ia sadari.
Karena telah membeli figurin Demonic Buddha juga, Deokchul buru-buru meninggalkan area tersebut.
Berkeliaran di dekat Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—kau pasti sudah gila jika ingin mati. Baiklah, mari kita periksa semuanya dengan cepat dan segera pergi dari sini.
Tiba di lokasi, rahang Deokchul langsung jatuh menganga. Ia memeriksa ulang kertas di tangannya.
Ia mengangkat kepalanya dan menatap pemandangan yang terbentang di hadapannya.
Sebuah bangunan besar terbentang tanpa ujung, dan patung-patung raksasa roh jahat membayangi tempat itu—itulah markas besar Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Ini juga pertama kalinya Deokchul datang ke sini. Ia memeriksa ulang alamat yang tertera di kertas, dan tempat ini memang benar lokasinya.
Orang gila macam apa yang meminjam uang lalu memberikan tempat ini sebagai alamatnya?
'Tidak, tunggu! Jangan-jangan dia adalah seseorang yang bekerja untuk kultus ini?'
Jika memang begitu, ia harus memeriksa apakah orang yang tertulis di kertas itu benar-benar ada di sini.
Haruskah ia pergi ke gerbang depan dan bertanya, 'Apakah seseorang bernama Geom Woojin tinggal di sini?' Tapi bagaimana jika mereka menjawab, 'Kau tahu berapa banyak orang yang tinggal di sini? Untuk apa kau menanyakan omong kosong seperti itu?' lalu menebas kepalanya di tempat?
Saat Deokchul bergulat dengan pikirannya di bawah tembok besar Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, dua sosok mendekat dari kejauhan.
'Jika mereka terlihat seperti orang baik, aku akan meminta bantuan mereka.'
Tapi orang-orang ini adalah tipe yang tidak akan pernah bisa ia mintai tolong.
Kedua orang itu tidak lain adalah Dan Woo-gang dan Lee Ahn, yang baru saja kembali ke markas besar.
Dengan rasa takut, Deokchul buru-buru menepi dan menundukkan kepalanya. Keduanya terus bercakap-cakap sambil berjalan.
“Ayah.”
“Ada apa?”
“Aku hanya ingin memanggilmu.”
“Ayah!”
“Cukup dengan permainan itu!”
Ampuni aku, Nona muda! Hanya ada segelintir orang di seluruh dunia persilatan yang bisa menyelamatkanmu dari Fist Demon King!
Secara naluriah ia mendongak menatap wanita itu lagi, tetapi pandangannya justru berpapasan dengan mata Dan Woo-gang.
Itu benar-benar wajah paling mengerikan yang pernah dilihat Deokchul seumur hidupnya. Lututnya lemas, dan setiap helai rambut di tubuhnya berdiri tegak.
Figurin menakutkan yang dijual pedagang itu sama sekali tidak ada apa-apanya dibandingkan dengan Fist Demon King yang asli. Secara langsung, ia jauh lebih menakutkan daripada mainan apa pun.
'Seharusnya aku membeli figurin Fist Demon King saja!'
Saat ia diliputi kepanikan, kedua sosok itu berlalu pergi.
Tepat saat Deokchul menghela napas lega dan berbalik, sosok baru mendekat, kali ini seorang lelaki tua yang memegang pedang besar.
Deokchul melirik ke arahnya lalu ke figurin di tangannya. Bentuknya persis sama.
Deokchul ingin berteriak.
Lelaki tua itu, Gu Cheonpa, menatapnya tajam dan tiba-tiba bertanya,
“Sedang apa kau di sini?”
Deokchul terperanjat mendengar pertanyaan itu.
'Tolong ampuni aku! Aku bahkan membeli figurinmu.'
Pada saat itu, sebuah suara terdengar dari atas.
“Aku sedang menunggu teman minumku kembali.”
Deokchul menoleh dan melihat seorang pria duduk di atas tembok tinggi, sedang santai menenggak alkohol. Saat itulah Deokchul sadar bahwa Demon Supreme tadi tidak sedang berbicara kepadanya, melainkan kepada pria di atas tembok.
Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
Chapter 293: Where does Geom Woojin live?
E ṅ u mа . id
“Let’s just have a meal together before we part ways.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s suggestion, Pyeon-jung declined, saying there was no need for that.
Strange? Perhaps. But before he knew it, Geom Mugeuk was already tugging at his sleeve.
“Which inn has the best food around here? Let’s go there.”
Led by Geom Mugeuk, the two walked through the marketplace. A pleasant surprise for the last day—eating with a good companion.
As they walked, a rough-looking man suddenly blocked Pyeon-jung’s path and extended his hand.
The man took the money and left without a word, without even a thank you or any threats. To Geom Mugeuk, this seemed even more heartless. The hard-earned money disappeared before one could even feel anger or sadness.
After taking a few more steps, Pyeon-jung sighed and said,
“At first, I protested and resisted, thinking it was unfair.”
His difficult past continued to unfold.
Now, he was barely making it through each day, working harder and saving more with a resigned heart.
Pyeon-jung glanced at Geom Mugeuk. Geom Mugeuk said nothing.
“There it is. That place has the best food.”
After entering the inn, Geom Mugeuk rented a room to stay in for a while, and then they ate together on the first floor. They ordered the inn’s best dish.
Pyeon-jung cautiously spoke up.
“If you’re thinking of doing something to Underworld Debt, don’t. They’re not just ordinary street thugs. Their organization is huge. They have branches everywhere in the Central Plains.”
Geom Mugeuk filled Pyeon-jung’s glass.
After finishing the meal, Geom Mugeuk said his farewells.
“You must be tired. Go and rest. You’ve worked hard driving the carriage all the way here.”
Geom Mugeuk called the innkeeper. There was a particular reason he had brought Pyeon-jung here. The innkeeper brought out a package of food.
“I ordered something the children will enjoy, so take it and feed them well.”
When Geom Mugeuk even prepared food for his children, Pyeon-jung was overwhelmed with emotion.
“Why are you being so kind to me?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“As a reward for bringing me here safely,” Geom Mugeuk replied.
Pyeon-jung’s throat tightened with emotion. Throughout his life, he had met good people and had fortunate days, but never had anyone shown him such kindness.
While Pyeon-jung believed that their relationship, which had started as a driver and passenger, had ended upon reaching their destination, the bond between them was not over yet.
As Geom Mugeuk watched Pyeon-jung leave, he silently pulled out the ten nyang from his sleeve and stared at it without a word.
Deokchul was feeling nervous.
‘Let’s do this right and get recognized.’
The investigator’s job was to go to the debtor’s registered address and confirm if their family was really living there. This task was more important than collecting the money. As long as the family was held hostage, the debtor couldn’t run away.
The closer Deokchul got to the address, the more nervous he became.
‘I heard the main base of the Demonic Cult is around here, and it really feels like a den of demons.’
He was scared but couldn’t turn back. He had to succeed in this task to become a full-fledged investigator.
After double-checking the address on the paper, Deokchul resumed walking, trying to act as naturally as possible. In this area, one wrong move could mean certain death. He strolled as if he were someone who frequently visited this place.
Eventually, Deokchul entered Maga Village. As he passed through the market, vendors were selling all kinds of goods.
“Lots of great items here! Come and have a look!”
Displayed on the vendor’s stall were various items, from figurines carved in the form of the Heavenly Demon Spirit to products related to Demon Supremes. There was even a white mask associated with the Evil Smiling Demon.
‘These Demonic Cult folks are truly insane. Selling stuff like this…’ 1
It was right at the moment when Deokchul turned around, having forcibly purchased the Blood Heaven Blade Demon figurine, that it happened.
A golden light approached from ahead.
Deokchul glanced back at the figurine on the stall.
As Ma Bul walked closer, he glanced at Deokchul. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon figurine in Deokchul’s hand began to tremble.
‘Should I have bought a Demonic Buddha figurine instead?’
At that moment, a voice came from the opposite direction.
“Welcome.”
Deokchul turned to see a young man standing there.
It was none other than Geom Muyang, the Eldest Young Master.
Deokchul held his breath.
‘Young Master? Am I really standing here where the Eldest Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult is meeting the Demonic Buddha?’
Geom Muyang spoke to the Demonic Buddha.
“Last time it was you who paid, so today, the drinks are on me.”
Ma Bul smiled brightly as he walked on. In fact, ever since Geom Mugeuk became the Young Cult Leader, their relationship had improved. The Demonic Buddha had stood by Geom Muyang, who didn’t become the Young Cult Leader, until the end. Once power was out of the picture, a new, stronger friendship blossomed between the two.
As Ma Bul passed by Deokchul, he glanced at him. Before Deokchul knew it, a Demonic Buddha figurine with a goatee had also appeared in his hand, as if it had been placed there without him noticing.
Having bought the Demonic Buddha figurine as well, Deokchul hurriedly left the area.
Lurking around near the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—you’d have to be insane to want to die. Alright, let’s check things quickly and get out of here.
When Deokchul arrived, his jaw dropped. He double-checked the paper in his hand.
He lifted his head and looked at the scene unfolding before him.
A massive building stretched endlessly, and enormous statues of evil spirits loomed over the place—it was the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. It was Deokchul’s first time here as well. He double-checked the address on the paper, but this was indeed the location.
What kind of madman would borrow money and then give this place as the address?
‘No, wait! Could it be someone who works for the cult?’
If that were the case, he needed to check if the person written on the paper was actually here.
Should he go to the front gate and ask, ‘Does someone named Geom Woojin live here?’ But what if they respond, ‘Do you know how many people live here? Why are you asking such nonsense?’ and just slice his head off on the spot? 2
As Deokchul wrestled with his thoughts beneath the massive walls of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, two figures approached from the distance.
‘If they look like decent people, I’ll ask them for help.’
But these were people he could never ask.
The two individuals were none other than Dan Woo-gang and Lee Ahn, who had just returned to the headquarters.
Terrified, Deokchul quickly stepped aside and bowed his head. The two continued to converse as they walked.
“Father.”
“What is it?”
“I just felt like calling you.”
“Father!”
“Enough with the games!” 5
Forgive me, young lady! There are only a handful of people in the entire martial world who could rescue you from the Fist Demon King!
He instinctively glanced up at the woman again, but his eyes met those of Dan Woo-gang instead.
It was truly the most terrifying face Deokchul had ever seen. His knees buckled, and every hair on his body stood on end.
The frightening figurine the vendor had sold didn’t do justice to the real Fist Demon King. In person, he was far more terrifying than any toy could portray.
‘I should’ve bought the Fist Demon King figurine!’
While he panicked, the two figures passed by.
Just as Deokchul sighed in relief and turned around, a new figure approached, this time an old man wielding a massive saber.
Deokchul glanced at him and then at the figurine in his hand. They were identical.
Deokchul wanted to scream.
The old man, Gu Cheonpa, gave him a sharp look and abruptly asked,
“What are you doing here?”
Deokchul jumped at the question.
‘Please spare me! I even bought your figurine.’
At that moment, a voice came from above.
“I’m waiting for my drinking buddy to return.”
Deokchul turned to see a man sitting atop the high wall, casually sipping alcohol. It dawned on Deokchul that the Demon Supreme hadn’t been speaking to him but to the man on the wall.
"I ran out here when I heard the two of you had returned, but the one I really wanted to see didn’t show up," he said.
Old man Blade resumed walking.
"You know how he is. That guy always has his hands in all kinds of affairs."
Song Sa-hyuk glanced back at the path the Blade Demon had come from.
"If you miss him so much, why don’t you stop drinking and go look for him yourself?"
In the past, Gu Cheonpa would’ve scolded him to stop his drunken antics, but after spending more time with the One-Slash Sword Supreme and the Great Drunken Demon, he had become more lenient.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon continued his way toward the front gate of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, while Song Sa-hyuk resumed drinking.
Deokchul had no idea how he managed to get out of there. He ran and ran until he reached any tavern in Maga Village and darted inside.
As soon as he sat down, he ordered a drink. His throat was dry, and his legs trembled. But he couldn’t just leave like this. If he returned without completing his first official mission, his probation period might be extended.
The person who brought the drink was Jo Chunbae. The tavern he had rushed into was the Flowing Wind Tavern.
As Jo Chunbae handed over the drink, he quietly said, "I served you because you seem to be in a hurry, but there’s an important guest here, so you’ll need to drink quietly."
Deokchul gulped down the alcohol. Important guest or not, his survival came first. He had almost died of fear back there.
The tavern went dead silent.
All eyes shifted toward Deokchul, and then to the second floor of the tavern, where a man sat with his back turned, drinking. 6
Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Deokchul quickly asked, "Is it him?"
In a trembling voice, Jo Chunbae replied, "It is, but... he’s probably not the person you’re looking for."
During his probation, Deokchul had heard those words countless times: I don’t know that person. They’re not my child. We’ve been out of touch for years. It’s not them. Why wouldn’t it be?
Without waiting for an objection, Deokchul hurriedly climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Running into Geom Woojin here?
Deokchul approached Geom Woojin, who was drinking alone on the second floor, and held out the paper, loudly yelling with confidence, "Are you the person who lives at this address?" 7
1 : So what ? I’m sure there are figurines of Jin Paecheon sold near the Martial Alliance too ^^ Merchandising is everywhere XDXDXD
2 : Nah, they won’t touch you, they’ll ask why you’re here and then look at you with pity. Still, I expected the Heavenly Demon’s name to be more known.
3 : Lol, they Hulked him XDXDXD
5 : Awww, I can see his embarrassed face from here, so cute~~
6 : The setting is just perfect. He barely escaped from the Demon Supremes to jump into the tiger’s mouth XDXDXD
7 : This fool is self destructing, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable XDXDXD
Komentar Chapter (0)
Login buat ikut berkomentar.
Belum ada komentar di chapter ini. Jadi yang pertama!