Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis
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Chapter 386: If I had known the Cult Leader was coming
Jo Chunbae looked once more at the Eight Demon Supremes standing in the street outside the tavern.
At the center stood the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, upright with his great saber strapped to his back, and to his sides, So Yeonrang and the Drunken Demon stood conversing.
Beside them, the Poison King was crouching down, observing something, and Ma Bul was looking down at it with him.
Soma was perched on the edge of the roof. He always preferred being alone, and he liked high places. 1
Cheong Seon was looking up at the Evil Smiling Demon. Because she was young and not able to easily blend in with the other Demon Supremes, her eyes held a look that seemed to say she might be feeling a sense of kinship with him.
Dan Woo-gang, responsible for today’s security, stood watching the marketplace with his large fists hanging at his sides—wearing the gauntlets gifted to him by Geom Mugeuk. 2
The eight Demon Supremes who guarded the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—this scene, one Jo Chunbae would boast about to customers again and again, was etched in his heart like a painting.
Jo Chunbae wasn’t the only one looking at the Eight Demon Supremes. The merchants in the marketplace were watching with slacked jaws, and in between them, the Division Leaders were standing.
Even for the Division Leaders, this was a complete first. All Division Leaders being mobilized and standing guard like ordinary martial artists—none of them could even remember the last time they had been on watch duty.
Suddenly, a wave of longing surged up in Jo Chunbae’s heart. One person had made it possible for him to see such a sight.
‘Young Cult Leader, where are you? I miss you.’
* * *
Father had chosen the most extravagant outfit for this gathering.
The key feature of the outfit was on the back. There, the Heavenly Demon Spirit was drawn with its back turned.
When Father walked, it looked as if the Heavenly Demon Spirit was walking too. It was, truly, an outfit that proclaimed, I am the Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin.
As Father changed into his clothes, our eyes met through the mirror in admiration.
“You look absolutely stunning today.”
Today’s main character was not me, nor Jo Chunbae, nor the Martial Alliance Leader, nor the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
In my eyes, the main character of today was Father.
But Father seemed to think the main character was me.
“Well, now that you’ve gathered everyone according to your wishes, what do you plan to do?”
“My wishes?”
“Then were they mine?”
“Of course. Why else would the two Alliance Leaders come? They’re coming to see you.”
Father in the mirror looked at me and smirked. Father, just look at your expression at that moment. Is it really okay for a person to smirk so blatantly?
Of course, I absolutely love this smirk that belongs only to Father.
Because it was the moment my jest worked—and also, it was Father’s answer.
That smirk could be interpreted in many ways. Sometimes it meant, ‘You’re being cheeky.’ Other times, it meant, ‘Is that really so?’ It could also mean, ‘Don’t make me laugh.’ And just like now, it meant, ‘What a shameless brat.’
Father turned to face me.
“Let’s go. If you’ve invited the guest, you should go and wait first.”
For today, I didn’t make any jokes and quietly walked behind Father.
The fearsome back of the Heavenly Demon Spirit drawn on his back.
As I looked at that image, so much like Father’s own back, I found myself wondering what my own Heavenly Demon Spirit would look like.
At the entrance to our quarters, my older brother, Geom Muyang, was waiting.
Father’s gaze toward my brother was gentle. It must have made him proud to see us heading out together on a day like this.
“Father, look at me the same way you’re looking at him right now.”
Father didn’t reply. He just strode ahead. My brother and I followed behind, one on each side.
“Our father who only loves his eldest son—how cruel.”
Naturally, I expected him to ignore that.
“When your brother was young, he once had a fever.”
Both my brother and I were taken aback. This was the first time Father had ever said something like this.
“At the time, the Demon Doctor was away on business. I carried your brother and used the Heavenly Demon Flying Technique to rush to him.”
I really wanted to crack a joke—So that’s when he started acting weird!—but I held back. My brother was so surprised and tense as he listened to Father. If I was this shocked, how must he have felt?
“Fortunately, the fever went down right away. The Demon Doctor laughed, saying it wasn’t serious enough to warrant rushing like that.”
Even this flawless man had moments of clumsiness. In front of his sick child, he wasn’t the Heavenly Demon—he was simply a father. If I hadn’t returned and reshaped our relationship, I would never have heard these words.
Father added one more thing.
“So I felt sorry, too.”
Maybe it’s natural that the firstborn goes through all the trial and error in being raised.
My brother said nothing and quietly followed behind Father. I could feel how hard he was trying to contain his swelling emotions. I thought to myself—he would never forget these words Father had given him today.
Yes, the reason my brother was able to endure this well was because of Father.
“What about me? Didn’t I ever have a fever?”
“You did. Yours was even worse.”
“Then you must’ve run even faster.”
A faint smile appeared on Father’s lips. That smile wasn’t a smirk—it was a smile filled with memory, thinking back to those days long past.
“I stripped you down and wiped you with lukewarm water to bring down the fever.”
“That’s terrible!”
Could it have been Father who smiled ahead of me? Or was it just a delusion that the Heavenly Demon Spirit on his back was the one smiling? 3
The whole way toward Maga Village, I kept picturing Father running while holding my brother, and Father wiping my body down with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water to bring down my fever.
Yes, we had come this far. With every step closer, I might hear another story yet untold.
In the distance, the Flowing Wind Tavern came into view.
* * *
The Evil Smiling Demon, who had been on the roof, suddenly leapt down to the ground.
The Poison King, who had been crouched and lost in thought, sprang to his feet.
The two people who seemed as though they’d never come out of their own worlds were the first to move, and the rest of the Demon Supremes split to either side and looked toward the end of the street.
Jo Chunbae just couldn’t hold back his curiosity anymore. So he left the kitchen and stuck his head out to peek outside.
‘Wuh-heok!’
From the end of the road, Geom Woojin was walking toward them. Behind him, to either side like wings, the Young Cult Leader and the Eldest Young Master were following.
‘It really is a gathering attended by the Cult Leader!’
Startled, Jo Chunbae froze on the spot. He found himself wishing someone would carry him like a statue back into the kitchen.
The reason he couldn’t move his feet was simple—having seen the Cult Leader’s arrival, how could he just slink back inside?
As Geom Woojin drew closer, the Demon Supremes all cupped their fists and gave their respects in unison.
“We greet the Cult Leader.”
Their voices rang out powerfully as one. The merchants who had been watching from outside had already retreated into the buildings.
Down the marketplace road, the Division Leaders stood in a line, each bowing their heads with some distance between them. At the forefront was Jangho.
“Everyone, be at ease.”
Though quiet, Geom Woojin’s deep voice resonated all the way down the street. The Division Leaders, who had been bowing, raised their heads and stood tall with dignity.
“Come, let’s go inside.”
Geom Woojin took the lead, and the Demon Supremes followed behind.
Next to the entrance, Jo Chunbae was lying flat on the ground.
Geom Woojin recognized him.
“Get up.”
“If I had known the Cult Leader was coming, I would’ve prepared with far more care.”
Just then, Geom Mugeuk spoke casually from behind.
“So, you're saying you didn’t give it your best effort? Owner, you only thought about father, but there are ten more of us here.”
Startled, Jo Chunbae instinctively waved his hands.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant—”
Then he flinched and bowed his head again in a panic. Waving your hands in front of the Cult Leader? Someone should cut off those rude hands! It was the kind of thing that wouldn’t be strange for someone to say.
Geom Woojin looked back at Geom Mugeuk, clearly unimpressed.
Do you really want to mess with your poor friend at a time like this? 4
At that, the Demon Supremes took it as an opportunity and turned their gazes toward Geom Mugeuk.
A barrage of condemning stares all at once. 5
“What? I was just trying to ease the tension a bit. You’re all too much! Abandoning me like this in front of Father, not even daring to breathe!”
Of course, would they really abandon him?
The glare of Gu Cheonpa, always cold as frost, now read, ‘Oh, you rascal!’ and within the mask of Soma, his eyes were smiling.
Song Sa-hyuk’s glance clearly said, ‘So you already spread the story about Lyu Bin?’ Meanwhile the Poison King, who never retreated into his own world when Father was present, had his usual intense gaze. Dan Woo gang’s stern look warned, ‘No jokes today.’ Cheong Seon, first of the next generation of Demon Supremes, showed reserved reverence. So Yeonrang’s gaze was gentle yet fierce. And finally, the unwavering gaze of Ma Bul, directed not at me, but at my brother.
The Fist Demon King led Geom Woojin to the second floor.
“Please, upstairs.”
Geom Woojin took one of the three seats on the second floor.
Watching Dan Woo gang come back down, Jo Chunbae couldn’t help but wonder.
‘Why isn’t anyone else going up? If not the Demon Supremes, then who exactly is he meeting?’
He couldn't even imagine the idea that the person might be the Martial Alliance Leader or the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. How could such an enormous meeting possibly take place in his humble tavern?
The Demon Supremes stood on the first floor. Not one of them sat. Moreover, they all gathered on one side rather than dispersing.
‘Who in the world is coming?’
Just then, a person stepped into the tavern. And when Jo Chunbae saw who it was, he gasped. It was the old man he had seen that morning.
The moment he saw him, Jo Chunbae rushed over to the entrance without thinking.
“Old man, I told you not today. Why did you come here? Please leave, quickly!” 6
All eyes turned to Jo Chunbae in surprise.
Jo Chunbae glanced nervously at the Demon Supremes and explained,
“No, it’s not like that. He’s someone who had a prior appointment here at the tavern. There was just a bit of confusion.”
He then quickly whispered to the old man while starting to push him out.
“Leave, quickly. These people here are all dangerous.”
And it was only then that Jo Chunbae saw them—the martial artists lined up behind the old man. They were staring at him with cold eyes.
“Good heavens!”
Startled, Jo Chunbae stumbled backward.
Jo Chunbae had seen all kinds of martial artists while running a tavern. But the people standing behind the old man weren’t just skilled.
There was something indescribable about them—yes, it was the same overwhelming presence he felt when facing the Demon Supremes.
Startled, Jo Chunbae turned back to the old man and finally took the time to truly look at him.
The clothes that had seemed plain before were now dazzling and luxurious. On his chest, the two characters for “Righteous Hero” were embroidered, with a blue dragon coiling around them as it soared skyward. 7
It wasn’t just the clothes that had changed—the atmosphere around the old man was completely different too. From him emanated an absolute dignity and authority that overwhelmed even the masters behind him, and his piercing eyes were like those of a true tiger.
“Didn’t I say we’d meet later?”
Jo Chunbae replied in a trembling voice.
“So you’re someone attending today’s gathering.”
Geom Mugeuk, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward and spoke.
“This is the Martial Alliance Leader.”
Jo Chunbae’s eyes widened. The words Martial Alliance Leader sounded far too unfamiliar. The Martial Alliance Leader? The leader of the righteous faction's alliance? Why would he be here? Was a war about to start? Was he dreaming?
“I invited the Alliance Leader to the Flowing Wind Tavern.”
Jo Chunbae was too stunned to speak, his mouth gaping and closing repeatedly.
Geom Mugeuk bowed to greet Jin Paecheon first.
“Thank you for coming all this way.”
“Not at all. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited this region. It’s been an enjoyable trip.”
“This is the tavern owner I mentioned to you earlier.”
Jo Chunbae’s heart pounded so violently it felt like it might explode. He talked about me with the Alliance Leader? And now he’s introducing me?
“Tavern Owner.”
Even with the Alliance Leader standing in front of him, Geom Mugeuk looked at Jo Chunbae with calm eyes.
A gentle energy spread from Geom Mugeuk’s body and enveloped Jo Chunbae. And just like that, the frantic pounding of Jo Chunbae’s heart began to settle.
Not only had Geom Mugeuk saved his and his family’s lives—now he was even hosting the Orthodox/Demon Gathering in Jo Chunbae’s tavern?
For the first time, Jo Chunbae wished he had the ability to speak through transmission.
Would he be able to convey this overwhelming gratitude later, as exactly as he was feeling it now?
“Please do your best, owner.”
Jo Chunbae nodded vigorously.
Jin Paecheon said to Geom Mugeuk,
“When I met the tavern owner earlier, I understood why you chose this tavern.”
This was the first time he’d ever been scolded as the Martial Alliance Leader by a civilian—told not to act aloof, be the grown-up and apologize first.
“Once you try the food and drink, you’ll fully understand.”
Jin Paecheon ascended to the second floor. He declined the Fist Demon King’s offer to guide him and went up on his own.
Among the martial artists who had come with him were Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong.
I desperately wanted to crack a joke with them, but since this was an official meeting, I simply cupped my fists in silent greeting.
Jin Haryeong in particular was already in a good mood upon seeing Geom Mugeuk. There was a unique thrill that only Geom Mugeuk could bring. Who else in the world could stop the Martial Alliance Leader and introduce a tavern owner?
Behind Jin Paecheon stood seven elite masters, handpicked by the Martial Alliance.
Among them was an old master with a head full of white hair, and a young expert who looked to be in his thirties. These were the top martial artists of both past and present, names known by everyone in the righteous faction.
They were people who could be honest with their emotions even before the Demon Supremes—and one of them was openly showing his displeasure.
The Great Justice Warrior, Im Sang-gon.
He was clearly displeased that Geom Mugeuk had shown concern for Jo Chunbae in front of the Martial Alliance Leader. How could he introduce a mere tavern owner? That could only mean he was ignoring their presence.
But the moment he glared at Geom Mugeuk, a sharp, icy gaze came flying toward him.
It was the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. A clear warning was embedded in his eyes.
'How dare you send that kind of look to the Young Cult Leader?'
Then, the old man standing beside Im Sang-gon glared back at Gu Cheonpa.
Supreme Sword of the Great Principle, Jin Gwang.
A sword master who once ruled the previous generation of Murim with just a single blade.
'Filthy cult scum.'
He, too, made no effort to hide the disdain in his expression.
In response, the One-Slash Sword Supreme shot him a cold glare.
Both were pursuing the ultimate realm of swordsmanship—there was no way they wouldn’t be aware of each other.
Jo Chunbae, however, wasn’t watching this silent battle of nerves.
He was entranced, eyes fixed on Jin Paecheon slowly making his way up to the second floor.
Even though Jin Paecheon didn’t release any martial aura, once he stepped onto the second floor, the very air between the first and second floors felt different.
'A Orthodox/Demon Gathering in my tavern! In my tavern!'
Jo Chunbae was so happy he could faint.
He calmed himself with a deep breath. It was time to deliver his very best performance.
Just as he turned to head toward the kitchen, he suddenly spun around and looked up at the second floor. His eyes fell on the remaining empty seat.
'Huh? Then what’s that seat for?' 8
1 : The Dramatic High Perching trope has a romance to it. Look at cats, they do it all the time ^^ Maybe it’s Soma animal spirit ^^
2 : They all changed so much from their first meeting…. It’s always amazing to see ^^
3 : Definitely the Spirit who smiled first ^^ Anyways, the stories were great, always nice to have some family moments between these three. One day, I hope we’ll get more info about their mother.
4 : Weeeellll…. Yeah. That’s all the interest of being someone friend XDXDXD
5 : Lol, the same synchronized timing as when they run from his speeches XDXDXD
6 : Lol, “the meeting is postponed until tomorrow, come back later !!!” *shut the door to his face* XDXDXD
7 : That’s…. a bit over the top, isn’t it ? Oh well, the Orthodoxes always like to act like they’re better than everyone *shrugs* Actually, it’s almost cute here, at least they’re not a bunch of corrupted hypiocrites like in some other novels ^^
8 : *DUNDUNDUN*