Chapter 47

Chapter 47

“Are you saying you’re not certain it’s the Demonic Cult?”

As Youngho’s brow narrowed, Nam A-pyeong nodded and answered.

“It’s only that there’s a possibility it’s the Demonic Cult.”

“Then isn’t that the same as having no information?”

“If there’s even a chance it’s the Demonic Cult, wouldn’t that make us more cautious?”

“We’re cautious by default. You have no information—would we not be cautious?”

“…….”

Even Nam A-pyeong, renowned throughout the land, was rendered speechless by Youngho’s sharp tongue. Yeo Jeonghye could not hide her shock.

‘No, I didn’t think he’d disregard decorum to this extent?’

It was true that Nam A-pyeong had first failed to observe proper courtesy. Providing incomplete information effectively meant he had taken Youngho’s life lightly.

But who was Nam A-pyeong? It was said that there was no coin in the world that had not passed through his hands. He was that remarkable a figure.

He even sold goods to the Imperial Family.

Even the Imperial Family sheltered him, yet Youngho spoke to him with such brazen disregard…

“As the master, so the disciple.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing at all.”

After a brief cough, Nam A-pyeong looked at Youngho and continued.

“It doesn’t seem they’re creating ordinary jiangshi.”

“What kind are they making?”

“They appear to be poison jiangshi.”

“That’s something dangerous to create.”

“Indeed. Poison jiangshi are weak enough that even a Master Level expert can kill them with ease, but the poisonous miasma that seeps from their bodies is the problem.”

“Right. Each time you slice their flesh, the poison will grow thicker.”

“In any case, whether they’re from the Demonic Cult or some heretical sect, those bastards are creating something that dangerous.”

“How many jiangshi?”

“Even a rough tally of the missing so far exceeds five hundred.”

“What were you doing while five hundred people went missing?”

“…….”

“I see. With your lofty status, there’s no need to concern yourself with underlings, is there?”

Youngho’s tongue, sharp as a throwing knife, stabbed into Nam A-pyeong. Yet it was the truth, and Nam A-pyeong could not refute it.

“You said you don’t even know the location of their hideout… Do you have any conscience?”

“Cough!”

“Fine. I understand. But I’ll deci-de the compensation.”

Gulp.

Nam A-pyeong and Yeo Jeonghye unconsciously swallowed. They had seen the overwhelming gaze Youngho had just displayed, and it left them tense.

“When I need it, you’ll help me exactly once. To the extent your hands can reach.”

For an instant, Nam A-pyeong’s face stiffened. Seeing that, Youngho chuckled.

“You’re taking it too seriously. Fine. Only legal matters. I won’t ask for something absurd like infiltrating the Imperial Palace, so don’t worry.”

Only then did Nam A-pyeong’s expression relax.

“You are quite mischievous.”

“You’re the one who heard my words strangely.”

“Must you never lose a single exchange?”

“I never tried to win.”

“Legal matters… That much I can grant.”

It was truly fortunate. If Youngho’s request had included illegal matters, Nam A-pyeong had intended to abandon this commission altogether.

Because if it were something illegal, there was nothing in this world he could not accomplish.

Thus, the two were able to conclude a mutually satisfying arrangement.

‘The King of Wealth’s assistance could certainly be of great help.’

Though it was regrettable that only legal matters were permitted, this affair was not worth involving illegal dealings anyway.

Nam A-pyeong was a man who could accomplish virtually anything, so long as it was akin to money.

“So I can move starting now?”

“I have no intention of placing restrictions on your actions. Do as you please.”

“Understood.”

Once the discussion concluded, Youngho rose from his seat.

“Then I’ll move. If you have business, come to me personally. If you send someone else, I won’t trust it.”

“You are the only one who would dare speak to me in such a way, Fifth Young Master.”

Whether he heard it or not, Youngho had already left before Nam A-pyeong finished speaking.

Nam A-pyeong stared blankly at the spot where Youngho had stood, then said,

“Hye.”

“Yes, Master.”

“As Branch Leader, I command you. Maintain close relations with the Fifth Young Master and continue your dealings with him.”

“Yes, understood.”

There was no objection. Not only because it was her master’s command, but because Yeo Jeonghye herself had seen it—the value Youngho possessed, the value he had concealed until now.

“Perhaps I have just witnessed a monster.”

Yeo Jeonghye nodded unconsciously, as if in agreement.

“Horyeung, make preparations.”

“Are you departing now?”

“No. It seems we’ll be staying in Luoyang for the time being.”

“A commission?”

“You’re perceptive.”

“You visited the Gold-Blood Hall Master. If we must remain here, there can be no other reason.”

“Oh? Now that you’re my man, you say Gold-Blood Hall Master instead of Branch Leader?”

“Haha, I wouldn’t dare offend my lord’s sensibilities.”

Like the seasoned martial artist he was, Horyeung let Youngho’s teasing roll off him.

“And Hosan and Chowon will remain here with Hyeon-gang.”

“Pardon? Why?”

“You might die.”

A chill ran through them.

There was no particular intent to intimidate in Youngho’s voice. No killing intent leaked from him either.

Yet the moment Kang Hosan and Kang Chowon heard his words, every hair on their bodies stood on end as goosebumps spread across their skin.

Death.

For a martial artist, it was always near, yet the farthest thing away. That was what death meant to them.

But Youngho’s tone was utterly indifferent. There was no emotion in it; it sounded as though he were speaking of something mundane.

There was no killing intent. And yet, from Youngho…

‘A reaper?’

They felt the aura of a reaper. Not the intangible force born from the thought of killing, but an aura akin to one who carried death itself.

Just how must one live to bear such an aura of death? How many must one kill to possess such a dense presence of death?

That was why Kang Hosan and Kang Chowon asked Youngho at the same time.

“What are the chances that we die?”

“Thirty percent.”

The answer came without a trace of hesitation. At Youngho’s words, the siblings realized that their chance of survival was seventy percent.

Considering that an ordinary wandering warrior faced a forty percent chance of death when handling a commission, this was an extremely safe figure.

“We will follow you as well.”

“I’ll go too.”

“Good.”

“……?”

“What are you staring at? You said you’re coming. Hyeon-gang, you stay here. You’ll really die.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

They had been certain he would refuse, yet Youngho agreed readily, leaving them considerably surprised.

Seeing their expressions, Youngho smirked.

“Hosan, you’re already at an age where you must take responsibility for your words. So you may come. You said you wanted to.”

“Yes.”

“And as for Chowon, to be honest, I wanted to bring you along anyway. That’s the only reason.”

“Who is the opponent?”

“Why do you assume we’ll be fighting?”

“You always wish to give us experience.”

“I can’t deny that. You’re right. I did want to take you with me. But considering who the opponent is, I hesitated a little.”

“Who in the world is it?”

“The Demonic Cult.”

“……!”

Kang Hosan and Kang Chowon flinched in shock, and Youngho gave a faint smile.

“Don’t worry. I have the information. Just do exactly as I say.”

As expected.

‘The Young Master never fights a battle he cannot win.’

Perhaps they would suffer some injuries again, but they would not end up crippled—or dead.

“No matter how much you trust me, do not let your guard down.”

With that light warning, Youngho’s group stepped out of the room. Watching them blankly, Hyeon-gang soon came to his senses and muttered,

“They’re unusual people.”

Why is everything so swift and decisive?

The moment he left the Gold-Blood Hall, Youngho headed toward the Black Wolf Inn, where wandering warriors stayed.

‘At this time in Luoyang, that drug-crazed bastard must be the culprit.’

Recalling the damage he had suffered because of that man before his regression made his teeth grind. Yet at the same time, he smiled.

‘If I stop this incident, our chances of winning the war against the Demonic Cult will increase by at least ten percent.’

It was that significant an event.

‘But to find that bastard, I’ll need that crazy woman….’

After walking for another quarter-hour, Youngho found the Black Wolf Inn and stepped inside.

Looking around as if searching for something, Youngho soon spotted a woman and smiled brightly.

Upon seeing his refreshing smile, the woman glared at him as though she had seen something utterly unpleasant.

“Why are you smiling like a fucking idiot?”

Youngho nodded with a satisfied expression.

“That was intentional.”

“…Not a mistake?”

“No.”

“…….”

Looking at the woman before him, Youngho said,

“Uh, so… what was your name again?”

“What kind of bullshit is that? You don’t even know me and you’re asking what my name was?”

Youngho stared at her briefly before speaking.

“I don’t remember, so I’ll just call you Mad Bitch.”

Silence fell.

Wandering warriors usually did not concern themselves with others’ affairs. Survival demanded that they prioritize themselves above all else. Thus, they avoided excessive curiosity.

But at that moment, every wandering warrior inside the Black Wolf Inn turned to stare at Youngho—not with their usual fierce expressions, but with undisguised shock.

As though time had stopped, not even a breath could be heard.

The woman called Mad Bitch spoke.

“…What did you just say?”

Her eyes radiated a chilling killing intent, as if she might cut Youngho down that instant.

“Mad Bitch. I don’t know your name. No—more precisely, I heard it before, but I forgot.”

“My name is Muyeon. From now on, say it properly.”

“Got it, Mad Bitch.”

Unlike usual, the wandering warriors were struck with awe and disbelief at Muyeon’s patience—she had already endured this three times.

Yet Youngho paid no heed and continued calling her Mad Bitch.

Muyeon glared at him coldly.

“Come outside.”

“Sure.”

As Youngho’s group followed Muyeon outside, the wandering warriors inside spoke in hushed tones, careful not to let their voices carry.

“I think I pissed myself.”

“You too?”

Each of them silently gave thanks for having survived that situation.

“That crazy bitch endured it three times?”

“How did she endure it? Normally she’d foam at the mouth and charge after hearing it once.”

“She even politely asked him to step outside!”

It was unbelievable. Muyeon had endured being called Mad Bitch three times—no, she had even introduced her name herself.

Then another wandering warrior cautiously spoke up.

“But is he going to be alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“That pretty-boy-looking bastard. He doesn’t look like someone who’s trained in martial arts at all.”

“Then are you going to stop her?”

“…No.”

“Then staying quiet is the best policy. Try to interfere and you’ll end up marked by that lunatic.”

“Exactly. Though I don’t get why ‘crazy bitch’ is fine but ‘Mad Bitch’ isn’t.”

Boom!

As they murmured among themselves, an absurdly loud explosion sounded from outside. Silence fell briefly over the Black Wolf Inn until one wandering warrior clicked his tongue.

“There goes another one to the heavens.”

“Let go, you bastard!”

“Planning to twist my joints? You want me to let go?”

“Stay still. Or your arm will break.”

“See? He’s going to break her arm. Tsk tsk. Hope it’s not her eating hand.”

Crash—!

The wall of the building shattered, and Muyeon flew through it, tumbling across the ground.

Wait—Muyeon… what? Muyeon?

The wandering warriors doubted their eyes and questioned one another.

“…That’s the crazy bitch, right?”

“…Looks like it?”

“Why is she the one rolling around?”

“Yeah? Isn’t it usually the other way around?”

Their gazes gathered on the instigator of this incident.

Youngho showed no reaction to their stares. Looking down at Muyeon, he said,

“Listen when I talk, Mad Bitch.”