The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life

Chapter 126 < Don’t Do Anything >

“That, that thing······!”

“How could you destroy that?!”

Byeok Jehyeok shouted. Byeok Taesoo could only stare blankly at the shattered Golden Wall.

The fact that Byeok Taesan had nonchalantly destroyed the Golden Wall didn’t even register in their minds. They were consumed by the terrifying realization that something belonging to the Heavenly Demon had been broken.

What would happen if the Heavenly Demon found out? The Golden Wall Merchants would be doomed.

Byeok Taesan silently looked down at the shattered remnants of the Golden Wall. As expected, it wasn’t just an ordinary wall. Its interior contained a special structure. The broken pieces revealed numerous holes and grooves.

If one were to piece the structure together, they might uncover something. But that seemed far too bothersome.

‘Would Seung Doheung find something interesting in this?’

With that thought, Byeok Taesan looked at Byeok Taesoo and said, “I’ll take these gold fragments.”

Byeok Taesoo, still dazed, simply nodded. He probably didn’t even realize whether he was nodding or shaking his head.

“This······ if this is destroyed······ our family······.”

Byeok Jehyeok muttered, his expression half lost in despair. Then, regaining some composure, he glared at Byeok Taesan.

“What are you planning by doing this?!”

Byeok Taesan turned his gaze to Byeok Jehyeok.

“The Heavenly Demon will think I did well.”

Byeok Jehyeok stared blankly at Byeok Taesan after hearing those words.

“Do you think that makes any sense?”

Byeok Taesan nodded.

“And he won’t come. The Heavenly Demon doesn’t even know this place exists. Nor does he care.”

Byeok Jehyeok gritted his teeth. How could such a thing make sense?

This was the Heavenly Demon and the Demonic Cult they were talking about. What kind of people would build something like this without any reason?

Surely, there would be records about this within the Demonic Cult. Even if they weren’t paying attention to this place now, the moment their focus shifted, the Golden Wall Merchants would be finished.

Byeok Taesan frowned as he looked at Byeok Jehyeok and Byeok Taesoo. Their condition was severe.

The fear of the Demonic Cult had clouded their reason, making it unlikely they would recover anytime soon.

The longer they stayed in this state, the more mentally devastated they would become, potentially leading to their downfall.

“Weaklings.”

Byeok Taesan clicked his tongue.

Seeing that, Byeok Jehyeok’s face flushed with anger. Yet, strangely enough, he didn’t find the courage to lash out at Byeok Taesan.

His temper flared, and his head felt like it was about to explode with rage, but he didn’t dare act against him.

Byeok Jehyeok began to wonder if something was wrong with him. Then, his gaze shifted to the shattered remnants of the Golden Wall.

“Ah······!”

Byeok Taesan had destroyed the thick Golden Wall in an instant—merely by placing his palm on it.

That realization cooled his head somewhat. He also thought it was fortunate he hadn’t acted rashly.

If he had attacked, he would have been beaten mercilessly without anyone to stop it.

“Uncle, how can you be so sure?”

Byeok Taesan turned to look at Byeok Taesoo. It seemed Byeok Taesoo had regained some clarity as he stared at Byeok Taesan.

To resolve the situation, Byeok Taesan decided to share one more secret with them.

“I am the Heavenly Demon.”

Byeok Taesoo and Byeok Jehyeok could only stare blankly at Byeok Taesan.

•••••

The relocation of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion had begun.

It was a long journey from Kaifeng to Wuhan. The distance was well over a thousand li, and the amount of cargo they needed to transport was enormous, making the task anything but ordinary.

{1000 li ≈ 310 miles approx.}

Anything could happen along the way—encounters with bandits, conflicts with unorthodox factions, or even interference from the Poison Demon, who had become an enemy of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

Despite the various potential dangers, the people of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion weren’t overly worried.

Although it was an organization of physicians, they never neglected martial arts training.

While they didn’t boast legendary martial artists, they could muster considerable strength when needed.

Ordinary bandits or minor outlaws wouldn’t dare to target the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

Furthermore, the Murim Alliance had dispatched reinforcements to assist them.

This reduced the likelihood of any incidents even further.

The Murim Alliance had sent none other than the Seventh Squad Leader of the Heaven Sword Corps and his subordinates.

The Seventh Squad Leader received a warm welcome from the physicians of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

Though there were only thirteen of them, each member was far more skilled than anyone in the pavilion.

The chief physician of the pavilion, Noh Ju-gang, couldn’t help but smile every time he looked at the Seventh Squad Leader.

Since the Seventh Squad Leader would continue to guard the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion in Wuhan, he also made an effort to build a good rapport with Noh Ju-gang.

“It’s truly impressive. Are all those loaded carriages filled with completed medicines?”

The Seventh Squad Leader spoke with admiration.

In his view were three rather large carts moving in a line, each loaded high with bundles of medicine wrapped in pristine white paper, stacked like small mountains.

"Still, it’s not like before. Times are tough, and stockpiling medicine has become difficult. Fortunately, it’s much easier to transport like this,"

The Seventh Squad Leader nodded as he carefully inspected the carts of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

The number of carts was indeed significant, each one brimming with medicinal herbs and medicines.

Even selling just those alone would fetch an enormous sum of money. Yet, despite the substantial load, they hadn’t been able to gather the full amount due to interference from the Golden Moon Merchants. It was hard to imagine how remarkable their operations must have been originally.

"You’ve been in Kaifeng for a long time, but leaving it all behind to head to Wuhan must be bittersweet,"

Noh Ju-gang responded with a bitter smile and nodded.

"It would be a lie to say otherwise. Staying in Kaifeng made it easier to receive help from the Murim Alliance. Even so, I have no regrets. According to the Sect Leader’s plan, going to Wuhan will lay the foundation for the future."

The Seventh Squad Leader continued chatting with Noh Ju-gang for a while before finally broaching the question he had truly wanted to ask.

"By the way, Secretary."

"Yes? Please, speak freely."

"Some of the individuals accompanying the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion don’t appear to be your people."

"Oh, are you referring to them? They’re wanderers."

"Wanderers?"

The Seventh Squad Leader frowned.

"Was there a reason to involve wanderers? Honestly, I believe we are more than sufficient on our own..."

Understanding the concern, Noh Ju-gang laughed as if he had anticipated this misunderstanding.

"Ah, I see. You’ve misunderstood. They were sent by the Sect Leader. They’re wanderers operating in Wuhan. I couldn’t possibly ignore the Sect Leader’s goodwill."

"Ah... I see. Very well, I understand. But please keep in mind that wanderers are not always the most trustworthy people."

"Yes, I will bear that in mind."

The Seventh Squad Leader retreated slightly after that, quietly observing the wanderers one by one.

He paid such close attention because among the wanderers, some gave him an unsettlingly dangerous feeling that made his instincts bristle.

'For wanderers of that caliber, the cost to recruit them must have been substantial...'

For someone to alarm the Seventh Squad Leader’s senses meant they could be a threat if underestimated.

How many warriors in the Murim Alliance’s Heaven Sword Corps could contend with such individuals?

A cursory glance revealed over a hundred wanderers mingling with the physicians of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

Among them, at least twenty pricked the Seventh Squad Leader’s sharp instincts.

The rest didn’t stand out as much, but he still couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

'Well, it’s not like I’ll have to fight them... at least, I hope not.'

For now, they were allies.

The Seventh Squad Leader quietly kept watch as their journey continued.

Two nights after departing Kaifeng, someone discreetly approached the Seventh Squad Leader.

The individual was from the Golden Moon Merchants.

•••

Byeok Taesan’s explanation left Byeok Taesoo and Byeok Jehyeok dumbfounded.

The explanation wasn’t lengthy, but it contained the essence of the matter, making it clear what he was talking about.

It was an unbelievable story.

Yet somehow, the two found themselves believing it without question.

Byeok Taesoo and Byeok Jehyeok continued their conversation with Byeok Taesan in a state of awe and fear.

Thus, they gained a secret they couldn’t share with anyone.

It was a greater secret than the one they had protected regarding the Golden Wall Merchants.

Honestly, even if they spoke of it, no one would believe them.

And if someone did believe it, it would only lead to bigger problems. The Golden Wall Merchants might not survive the fallout.

With this newfound secret, they parted ways for now.

Later, Byeok Taesoo had a private meeting with Byeok Taesan.

This was not an issue that could be brushed aside, especially not for Byeok Taesoo himself.

"I’m not even sure how to phrase this. Can I speak to you as I used to?"

Byeok Taesoo asked cautiously, and Byeok Taesan smiled and nodded.

"It’s easier for me if you do."

At some point, Byeok Taesan had also started speaking casually to Byeok Taesoo.

After hesitating briefly, Byeok Taesoo asked, "So... is our Taesan truly... dead?"

Byeok Taesan scratched his cheek with a finger, pondering the question.

"Well... just before death, I managed to save the body."

"The body... does that mean the soul is dead?"

Byeok Taesan waved his hand dismissively.

"Blended."

"Blended?"

"Initially, I thought I had taken over Byeok Taesan’s body. But as time went on, I realized that wasn’t the case. It’s blended—very strangely so."

Byeok Taesoo fixed a solemn gaze on Byeok Taesan.

His eyes were deep and calm yet sharp, as if trying to discern whether Byeok Taesan was being truthful.

“It’s true.”

“I wouldn’t have any reason to lie.”

How likely was it for the Heavenly Demon to deceive someone?

Byeok Taesoo nodded vigorously.

“Then that makes you my younger brother as well.”

Byeok Taesan noticed that Byeok Taesoo’s expression seemed unusually relaxed as he said those words.

Byeok Taesoo offered a gentle smile.

“That’s enough. My brother has regained his health and even had a fortunate encounter. I should be congratulating you instead. It’s just a pity you don’t retain all your memories······.”

“Ah, memories. It’s not like there’s nothing left at all.”

Byeok Taesoo’s eyes widened as he looked at Byeok Taesan.

“There are fragmented scenes I remember, and there are also traces of emotions left behind.”

If it hadn’t been for those, Byeok Taesan wouldn’t have treated Byeok Taesoo so kindly.

Hearing that, Byeok Taesoo couldn’t hide his astonishment, and his expression became even more relaxed.

As Byeok Taesan observed the changes in Byeok Taesoo, he abruptly said, “It seems you’ve been practicing martial arts diligently.”

Byeok Taesoo smiled faintly and nodded. Who could neglect something so precious after receiving it as a gift?

In fact, he had often heard the Chief Manager boasting about how his body and energy had significantly improved after mastering the Secret Technique of Refining Essence.

While he felt envious and disappointed at the time, Byeok Taesan had later given him an even better martial art. How could he not cherish it?

“Thanks to you, I’ve taken plenty of medicine and feel great.”

“If you master it properly, you won’t be beaten up wherever you go.”

What Byeok Taesan had given Byeok Taesoo was a modified version of the Blood-Seeking Demonic Art.

Originally, it was a martial art that sought power through consuming blood, but Byeok Taesan had altered it to draw energy from elixirs instead.

Still, it remained the Blood-Seeking Demonic Art. In an emergency, it could still absorb blood to save one’s life once or twice.

He had also made sure to explain that part clearly.

“It can absorb blood too. It’s dangerous, so don’t use it carelessly.”

Byeok Taesoo’s eyes widened in astonishment.

“This······ it’s a demonic art.”

“It’s the Blood-Seeking Demonic Art. I modified it to use elixirs instead of blood. But just because it’s modified doesn’t mean its original effects are entirely gone.”

With a serious expression, Byeok Taesoo asked, “What happens if I absorb blood?”

“Your temperament might become crueler. But using it once or twice in an emergency shouldn’t be a problem.”

Byeok Taesoo nodded. That seemed acceptable.

“I’ll just have to avoid situations where it’s necessary.”

Byeok Taesan grinned.

“Exactly. You understand well.”

The best victory was one achieved without fighting.

The two continued their conversation for quite some time.

Byeok Taesoo’s expression grew increasingly soft, and at times, he seemed deeply moved.

It was the first time in his life that he had such a long conversation with Byeok Taesan.

Byeok Taesoo cherished this rare experience.

Byeok Jehyeok barely remembered how the conversation had gone.

When the shock was too great, it seemed the mind stopped working altogether. His head felt completely empty.

“The Heavenly Demon······.”

He couldn’t believe it. But at the same time, he believed it. Listening to Byeok Taesan’s words naturally led to belief.

It was as if the words had been engraved directly onto his soul.

“No one must find out!”

If this secret were to leak, it would truly be the end.

In truth, Byeok Jehyeok was gripped by a far stronger compulsion to keep the secret than he had initially realized.

Walking in a daze, Byeok Jehyeok unconsciously found himself at his mother, Chae Miryeong’s residence.

He hadn’t intended to come here; his feet had carried him unconsciously.

When he entered, Chae Miryeong greeted him warmly, as if she had been waiting.

“My dear son, what brings you here so unexpectedly? Ah, I suppose you’ve come because you were meeting your father today.”

Chae Miryeong quickly ushered him inside and seated him across from her at a table.

She looked at him with eager anticipation.

“Well then, tell me. What did you talk about with your father? Though, I must say, your complexion doesn’t look good. Did something bad happen?”

Byeok Jehyeok quickly adjusted his expression and shook his head. He couldn’t let anything slip.

“No, Mother.”

He recounted only the parts of the conversation from earlier in the reception hall to Chae Miryeong.

After hearing everything, Chae Miryeong trembled with anger.

“So, they’re really going to give that guy a share of the merchant guild’s assets.”

Chae Miryeong smiled brightly at her son.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing, dear. I’ll handle it all. How many courtesan houses do we own? There’s no way we’ll just hand them over.”

Hearing that, Byeok Jehyeok was alarmed.

“No! That’s not it, Mother!”

“Hm? Why are you suddenly like this?”

“The courtesan houses account for such a small portion of our Golden Wall Merchants’ assets that it’s better not to make a fuss over them. If you think of it as the price for smoothly inheriting the guild, it’s a bargain.”

“But still······.”

Byeok Jehyeok shook his head firmly.

“Absolutely not. Just leave it alone. I’m asking this of you. If Uncle does well, it will only enhance the prestige of our Golden Wall Merchants. So please, don’t do anything.”

Chae Miryeong’s eyes narrowed slightly.

‘Why is he acting like this?’

Calming himself slightly, Byeok Jehyeok continued, “Uncle will be independent soon, so just watch quietly for now. Please promise me you’ll do nothing.”

Because Byeok Jehyeok insisted so strongly, Chae Miryeong couldn’t say anything.

She feared that if she flatly refused, it might crush her son’s spirit and hinder his future.

“Fine······ I’ll do as you ask.”

The moment he heard her response, Byeok Jehyeok let out a deep sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, Chae Miryeong’s expression grew increasingly rigid as she watched him.