Chapter 385 : Today, the Division Leaders are the youngest

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis

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Chapter 385: Today, the Division Leaders are the youngest

At last, the day of the meeting had dawned.

Jo Chunbae, who began preparing for business earlier than usual, wrote something on a piece of paper and posted it large at the entrance.

Closed for today, sorry for the inconvenience.

Looking at the notice he had put up himself, Jo Chunbae took a deep breath. Finally, today! You can do this, Chunbae.

“Is something happening today?”

The fabric shop owner from next door, Mr. Yang, asked with concern.

“There’s a meeting of the Divine Cult at the tavern today.”

He had kept it secret until today, but now he could finally reveal it.

Naturally, Mr. Yang was startled.

“A meeting of the Divine Cult at your tavern?”

“That’s right.”

“Congratulations, congratulations.”

Since everyone already knew Jo Chunbae was close with the Young Cult Leader, and that not only the Demon Supremes of the Divine Cult but even the Heavenly Demon himself passed by sometimes, it wasn’t surprising that a meeting would be held there.

“Can I stop by later for a peek?”

“If you had that kind of courage, you’d be living a life where you wore the martial garments you sell.”

Mr. Yang burst into laughter, admitting it was true.

“Do well.”

“Thanks.”

Songyi, who helped in the kitchen, also arrived earlier than usual. In truth, there wasn’t much left to prepare. Jo Chunbae had taken care of everything in advance. Even if an order came in right away, the food could be served immediately.

“Aren’t you scared, Master?”

Songyi was visibly nervous about the meeting today.

“What’s there to be scared about?”

“There’ll be tons of demons here today, won’t there?”

“Don’t be scared. We have the Young Cult Leader with us. The most reliable person in the world is on our side, so what’s there to fear? Besides, it’s the petty ones who bully people—true masters are dignified.”

After comforting Songyi, Jo Chunbae stepped out through the back kitchen door.

In truth, Jo Chunbae was just as nervous. Serving guests who showed up unannounced and hosting a formally arranged gathering were worlds apart in terms of pressure.

Just then, an elderly man entered through the back door.

“Sir, we’re not open for business today. Also, you can’t come in through here.”

“Are you the owner of this place?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I’ve got a question or two, and my legs are aching, so let me rest for just a bit before I go.”

The old man sat on a small bench in the backyard.

Judging by the wrinkles on his face, he was quite old, but his build was very sturdy. His sharp, tiger-like eyes suggested he must have been quite the firebrand in his youth. 1

Other than that, he seemed ordinary. With the keen intuition and perception honed through years of business, Jo Chunbae observed the man. He didn’t look like a martial artist. He didn’t look like a bad person either.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you before?”

“I’m from Hubei.”

“Oh wow, you’ve come a long way. What brings you all the way out here?”

“I came to meet someone.”

“A man your age must’ve had a hard trip. Shall I get you a glass of water?”

“I’m fine.”

“Who did you come all the way here to meet?”

“If you call them an enemy, they are. But if you say we’re close, we are, too.”

At that, Jo Chunbae asked cautiously.

“Did you come to see your child, by any chance?” 2

For a moment, the old man’s face hardened, and a shadow he couldn’t hide fell across it.

Jo Chunbae felt his guess was right. This sort of thing happened often. Elderly people who had been separated from their children would sometimes make a long journey, hoping to see the face of their child or grandchild at least once before they died. 3

“How long has it been since you saw them?”

“Maybe more than ten years now.”

Jo Chunbae felt a quiet sympathy stir within him. Hadn’t he just gone through something big with his own family?

“Where did you plan to meet?”

“At this tavern.”

“Oh no! Of all the days, you picked today? The tavern is closed today. What time are you supposed to meet?”

“I had some time, so I came early. I’m also curious what kind of scheme made them choose this place.”

Just hearing the word “scheme” made it clear. The relationship between this short-tempered old man and his child wasn’t good.

“Why don’t you make peace now?”

“Should I?”

“When you run a business like this, you see all kinds of people. People who hate each other to death, who argue and fight. But later on, they all regret it. All it takes is holding back for a moment, being a little more forgiving, and they wonder why they clung to their pride so much. You and I, old-timer, we’re past the age for sharpening blades, aren’t we? No, it’s the age to throw away our blades.” 4

The old man stared silently at Jo Chunbae.

“If you keep saying ‘later, later,’ then it really becomes too late. When you meet, just say it was your fault first. Isn’t that what makes someone an elder? Soften that temper a little.”

“Why do you think I have a temper?”

“We can tell just by looking at your face. Didn’t you have quite a temper back in the day?”

The old man gave a faint, peculiar smile.

“I did.” 5

“I’m a pretty good judge of character.”

For a brief moment, Wang Sooksoo, whom he had misjudged once, flashed through his mind—but he let that thought pass quickly.

“Anyway, we’re not open for business today, so wait down at the inn below. If someone comes looking for you, I’ll make sure to tell them to head there.”

Given today’s situation, even delivering that message might not be easy. Should he ask one of the demons guarding the entrance for help? He was a little worried they might miss each other and never meet again. 6

Just then, the old man asked suddenly,

“I heard the headquarters of the Demonic Cult is nearby. Have you ever seen the Heavenly Demon?”

Was this old man insane?

“How dare you speak such words about the Cult? If you say something like that recklessly in Maga Village, you won’t die a peaceful death.”

“Sorry.”

He thought about kicking the old man out immediately, but then again, he felt bad for an elder who had come all this way just to see his child, so he answered.

“I have seen him. The Cult Leader has visited our tavern too.”

“What kind of person is he? Is he as frightening as the rumors in the martial world say?”

“He may be frightening to the orthodox and unorthodox factions, but to us, he is a benevolent person. And he’s the one I respect the most.”

“Because he protects you from the orthodox and unorthodox?”

“Well, that’s part of it.”

Then Jo Chunbae gave a surprising reason.

“But mostly because he’s the father of the Young Cult Leader.”

It was the first time Jo Chunbae had ever said such a thing. He hadn’t even consciously realized he thought that way until that moment.

‘But why is this old man looking at me like he knows something? What do you know about the Young Cult Leader?’

Just then, Songyi's voice called from inside.

“Sir, a guest has arrived!”

“I’m coming.”

Jo Chunbae stood up.

“You should go. If you hang around here today, something bad could happen. Just wait at the inn below, alright?”

“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”

“I told you, you won’t see me today!”

Jo Chunbae quickly headed back into the building.

The guest who had arrived was an unexpected figure.

“Oh? My lord.”

It was none other than the Demonic Army Commander, Jangho. Unlike usual, when he wore plain martial garments and came to drink, today he was dressed in the official uniform of the Demonic Army.

As soon as Jo Chunbae saw the fearsome demon emblem emblazoned on his chest, he felt a wave of dread—and remembered, ah, right, he is the terrifying leader of the Demonic Army.

“Commander Jang, what brings you here today?”

“I’m here to arrange the seating for today’s meeting.”

“Just say the word, I’ll do it.”

“No no, I’ll take care of it myself.”

Jangho went upstairs.

There, he arranged the tables and chairs so that three people could face each other in a triangular formation.

Jo Chunbae was inwardly puzzled.

‘Only three people are attending today’s meeting?’

He had assumed it would be a large gathering. But apparently not. And yet for a meeting of only three people, Wang Sooksoo had come to inspect the kitchen, and the Demonic Army Commander had come personally to arrange the seats?

‘Gasp! No way—could the Cult Leader be coming?’

But he immediately shook his head. If that were the case, there’s no way the seating would be arranged like this. The Cult Leader’s seat would have been placed at the head. But right now, the three seats were set equally, facing one another.

“But, why is my lord doing this personally? Why not have your subordinates handle it?”

“My subordinates won’t be coming here today.”

Jo Chunbae had no idea. No martial artist below the level of Division Leader was allowed to set foot in Flowing Wind Tavern today. Among those present here today, the Division Leaders were the ‘lowest’.

The Division Leaders of each organization had been deployed throughout the marketplace as if they were ordinary martial artists.

"No one else will be allowed to enter the tavern." 7

Jo Chunbae was about to mention the old man, but stopped himself. That person had already left anyway. If he said anything unnecessary and the old man ended up being dragged in by the demonic cultivators for questioning, he might never get to see his child again.

At that moment, someone entered the tavern.

To his surprise, it was none other than the Fist Demon King. The moment he saw that terrifying face, Jo Chunbae’s heart pounded.

‘Even the Fist Demon King seems to be attending the gathering.’

Dan Woo-gang exchanged greetings with Jangho.

When the two of them stood side by side, it felt as though the tavern had become completely full. Weren’t these the two scariest-looking individuals in the entire Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? With the two fearsome men standing together, Jo Chunbae didn’t even dare to look directly at them.

After a brief conversation with Jangho, the Fist Demon King approached Jo Chunbae.

‘Ah, I should’ve gone into the kitchen earlier.’

As Dan Woo-gang walked right up to him, he asked an unexpected question.

"Is the food preparation going smoothly?"

The Fist Demon King was asking him about the food?

Jo Chunbae looked up in shock, then quickly bowed his head. That face was too frightening to meet head-on.

"There’s no need to be startled. I’ve been assigned to ensure the safety of today’s meeting."

The Fist Demon King was in charge of security? He wasn’t attending the gathering as one of the main participants? Why?

"There’s no problem with the food. I can serve it anytime upon request."

"Before serving, one of our cult’s martial artists will inspect the dishes for poison. It’s not that we suspect you—it’s just protocol, so please understand." 8

"Of course."

Jo Chunbae headed into the kitchen. His legs already felt weak.

Why would a Demon Supreme—especially someone as terrifying as the Fist Demon King—bother to explain all this to a mere tavern owner? Normally, he wouldn’t. He never would have. If it weren’t for the Young Cult Leader.

Just as Jo Chunbae was staring into the bubbling broth, it happened.

Another Demon Supreme entered the tavern.

It was the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, a massive saber strapped to his back. He, too, was dressed differently from usual.

He wore a crimson robe symbolizing the blood-colored sky. This was no longer the same Gu Cheonpa who used to banter with Geom Mugeuk while reading poetry.

His eyes were sharp and unyielding, and a chilling aura radiated from him like frost.

Jo Chunbae felt like he couldn’t breathe and quickly turned away, chopping vegetables that didn’t even need chopping.

Songyi asked with her eyes.

‘Still not scared?’

Terrified. Absolutely terrified.

But pride kept him from saying it aloud.

Old man Blade asked Dan Woo-gang,

"Have you seen the Young Cult Leader?"

"He was at the Cult Leader’s Hall."

"Understood."

The Blade Demon slowly walked back out. The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber on his back gleamed more coldly than ever before.

After seeing the Blood Heaven Blade Demon following the Fist Demon King, Jo Chunbae felt crushed by the pressure. The aura of the Demon Supremes today was different from usual. Though they simply exchanged calm words and stood quietly, something about them felt distinctly different.

‘Whew, get it together. For the Young Cult Leader’s sake, I need to keep my head straight.’

He opened a small window in the kitchen that faced the main street and took a deep breath.

Just as he was calming his mind while gazing up at the sky, he saw someone.

A person stood with arms crossed atop the roof of the building across the street. There was no mistaking who it was. The white mask gleamed under the sunlight. 9

Maybe it was because he stood there alone, with nothing but a mask, that he looked so lonely. Or maybe it was the cherry blossom petals, fluttering past the Evil Smiling Demon on the spring breeze, that made the scene so beautiful. Jo Chunbae stared, as if bewitched.

At that moment, Soma’s gaze slowly turned toward Jo Chunbae.

“Gah!”

Startled, Jo Chunbae quickly ducked below the window. Had their eyes met?

He cautiously peeked out again to look at the spot—but the Evil Smiling Demon was no longer there.

With a sigh, he muttered,

"Whew. Master Soma is the scariest after the Poison King."

When Songyi didn’t respond, Jo Chunbae turned around without thinking.

“Hweygh!” 10

He was even more startled than before.

The Poison King had somehow entered the kitchen and was now squatting beside Songyi, staring at a bug crawling among the vegetables she was preparing. It looked like a snail. Songyi had frozen, covering her mouth with her hand.

The Poison King was also in formal attire. Dressed in a refined robe where green and white harmonized elegantly, he looked every bit the charming young noble.

Even in her shock, Songyi found herself thinking that the twelve zodiac designs on the Poison King’s poison pouch were quite cute. If one knew what was inside, however, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine those adorable animals’ eyes turning blood-red as they leapt out as monsters.

The Poison King carefully placed the bug onto a leaf and carried it outside. 11

Once he was gone, Jo Chunbae finally let out the breath he had been holding.

"I’ll admit it. I’m scared too."

Then Songyi, still staring at the spot where the Poison King had been, said,

"Me, I’m not scared anymore."

"What?"

"He’s cool." 12

Jo Chunbae shook his head in disbelief.

Just then, they sensed someone entering the tavern. Jo Chunbae peeked out through the small window from the kitchen to see who it was.

The one who entered wore a pristine white martial robe—it was the One-Slash Sword Supreme. On a day like today, one might expect she’d wear makeup after a long time, but she arrived with a bare face. The natural signs of age were visible.

Her face, tanned from rigorous training, stood in stark contrast to her pure white attire.

Even so, Jo Chunbae found her current appearance more beautiful than when she used to wear elaborate makeup. He wanted to go up to her and say so. You’re more elegant and striking now, he wished he had the guts to say that. Of course, he didn’t dare.

Thankfully, someone else said it in his place.

"You’re the most beautiful Sword Supreme I’ve ever seen."

When she turned around, the Great Drunken Demon had just stepped inside.

He, too, was dressed properly for the day. On his robe was a depiction of the Drunken God with a broad smile. Of all the robes bearing the image of the Drunken God, one would’ve expected him to wear the version showing the wild, raging god—but not today. 13

"I heard word that a spring breeze has been blowing through the Tower of Drunken Dreams lately?"

"How tight-lipped, for someone destined to become the next Cult Leader."

Song Sa-hyuk smiled faintly, uncorked a bottle, took in its scent deeply, and sealed it again.

'Is it really such an important day that even the Great Drunken Demon is holding back on alcohol?' Jo Chunbae wondered with awe.

At that moment, golden light spilled into the tavern from outside. The small giant, the Demonic Buddha, had arrived—his overwhelming presence impossible to hide.

On his kasaya robe were depictions of humans and evil spirits tormented in the fires of hell, and the golden radiance emanating from him made it seem as if the flames were truly consuming them.

And then, as though she had always been there, the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme emerged into view. Her presence blended in so seamlessly it was as if she had been part of the scene from the beginning. Her eyes, more mature than the last time Jo Chunbae saw her, carried a chilling ghostly energy. She was walking the narrow path between the world of the living and the dead.

This was a first for Jo Chunbae—seeing all eight Demon Supremes in one place. With all of them dressed formally and gathered in one room, the sight was truly a spectacle.

That they had assembled in such a mundane place, a common tavern, only made the scene all the more unforgettable.

If he had been a painter, he would’ve captured this moment on canvas for sure.

'So this really is the Gathering of the Eight Demon Supremes!'

Naturally, one question followed.

Jo Chunbae’s gaze drifted to the second floor. With all the Demon Supremes gathered here, why were only three seats set up?

'Why is no one sitting there?' 14

1 : Jin Paecheon then ^^

2 : Bwahahahaha, and it’s not even a joke XDXDXD

3 : Life is too short to waste time with such resentful quarrels. It especially reminds me of the scene in 2012 where Tony calls his son and granddaughter in Japan…. But it was too late. F.

4 : It’s the wisdom in the little things, the quiet moments of daily life, that are the most important. Everyone should take the time to rest, and breathe. Because breathing is important, and stopping for a moment allows you to relax your tunnel vision and fully take in your surroundings.

5 : Yeah, that’s the least you can say XDXDXD

6 : Not gonna lie, it would be nice to see that kind of plot. The Bartender Confidant trope and slice-of-life inn/pubs plots are popular for a good reason.

7 : What about the young generation ? Maybe they’ll eat at a street stall.

8 : If there ever was poison in the food, I would suspect the ingredient supplier rather than Jo Chunbae ^^

9 : Poor owner can’t get a break XDXDXD

10 : *Insert plastic duck SFX* XDXDXD

11 : Awww, that’s cute ^^ I do the same with the bugs that enter my room.

12 : Ooooh, is that a ship ? Or just plain admiration ?

13 : Showing off your new inner peace ^^ Next time he’ll arrive with a hippy shirt XDXDXD

14 : Hehehe ^^