Chapter 142 Cheonma-dong (1)

It was common for a rising rookie who has begun to make a reputation for themselves to marry into one of the prestigious Moorim families, and it was hard to describe Yoon-seok as anything but a rising rookie. A top-rank challenger with one or two people in a noble sect. His power alone was comparable to Moorim’s best, plus he was young.

Of course, although he belonged to the incompatible Demon Cult, it was soon revealed through the Moorim Alliance’s intelligence team that Yoon-seok was from Earth. Now, it wasn’t just one or two families that were paying close attention to Yoon-seok. Moorim was a world where the strong preyed upon the weak, but now it was more difficult than ever to shine with one’s power alone.

“We’re in an era where we have to choose practicality over legitimacy. And if they have you, they can reach Cheon-ma’s techniques.”

Of course, the moment Yoon-seok was brought into the family, they would no longer be enemies with the Demon Cult.

….

How did he become the ideal son-in-law? Yoon-seok, listening to their scarily coherent reasons, immediately stood.

“I should get going.”

“I have a copy of the map. If you can wait for a moment, I’ll bring it to you.”

“Thank you. If Namgoong So-so is here, can I see her for a moment?”

“So-so…?”

Namgoong Ho pondered the request for a bit before nodding.

“Okay, I’ll have someone bring you a copy. Now, follow me.”

After Namgoong Ho sent a message somewhere, he stepped out onto the window frame outside the fourth floor. Then, jumping off, he ran through the air as crossing a stepping stone bridge. Yoon-seok followed him so as not to fall behind, and they quickly arrived at their destination by running over the estate.

“This is where I live.”

A small home located in the bamboo forest inside the manor. Yoon-seok, who entered after passing by a pond where carp were swimming around, saw Namgoong So-so lying there, unconscious.

“The Bloody Sky Blade. It was the doing of a 20th-floor duel challenger. She couldn’t even be healed through the Tower’s skills. So, I’m doing whatever I can by using my energy until a better solution is prepared.”

“Was it someone from the Demon Cult?”

“No, he’s an old demon who was kicked out a long time ago for his crimes. I thought he died three years ago, but he must have been called to the Tower.”

Namgoong So-so was attacked due to a personal resentment between the Namgoong Family and this Bloody Sky Blade.

“Can you give us a moment?”

“…?”

“Maybe it can be treated.”

“Ah, for that reason, I’ll give you as much room as you want. If I’m next to you, you’ll feel uncomfortable.”

Namgoong Ho, offering him a meaningful look, gave way. Yoon-seok used the Light of Purification, a black glow beginning to flow through Namgoong So-so’s body.

Chikkkkkk-!

Black blood flowed out of her eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, then disappeared without a trace after being burned away by the light. Although she did not immediately regain consciousness, her skin, previously a disconcerting shade of purple, regained its original color.

‘Fortunately, it worked.’

He would know her exact condition only when she woke up, but it appeared Light of Purification worked against the curse.

“Please come back in.”

Yoon-seok called out to Namgoong Ho.

“Her condition didn’t improve in the slightest even after everything I tried, but you helped her.”

Namgoong Ho, letting out a heavy sigh after checking Namgoong So-so’s pulse, slightly nodded to Yoon-seok.

“Thank you for saving my granddaughter’s life.”

Looking at that expression, he must’ve been very worried about Namgoong So-so, even if he pretended otherwise.

“…I’ll keep your ability a secret. And I’ll help you get to Cheonma-dong safely.”

“It’s nothing, so…”

“Jin-jin!”

Namgoong Ho shouted, and Namgoong Jin-jin, just arriving, entered the room.

“Yes, Elder.”

“Did you bring a copy of the map?”

“Yes, it’s here… So-so?

Namgoong Jin-jin, who belatedly discovered Namgoong So-so, stood frozen. Namgoong Ho quickly explained that she was not kidnapped but put under a vicious curse, which Yoon-seok lifted.

“This young warrior is the savior of our family. Don’t you agree?”

“Why would I disagree? Please forgive my rudeness earlier.”

Where did her previously crooked attitude go? Namgoong Jin-jin bowed her head deeply. Was this proof of how much she cherished her sister? He could feel that her sincerity wasn’t forced.

“Well…”

It was a matter of course. As Yoon-seok was about to give a cliche reply, Namgoong Ho interrupted with a shout.

“There is only one thing this family can do to be forgiven. Jin-jin, So-so will need time to recover, so stay by this young warrior’s side until he arrives at Cheonma-dong.”

“I understand.”

“…?”

He received a new companion, regardless of his opinion.

Was this old guy still trying to play tricks? He suddenly thought of that but was confused by the serious expressions they wore. Deciding to play it safe, Yoon-seok refused the offer, saying he was thankful for their intentions, but it was okay. Yet-

“It’s a long way to go with just one map. Isn’t this your first time in Moorim? If you have a guide, it will be helpful.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Unlike So-so, Jin-jin has been to the outside world. Even if something difficult happens, you will be able to move freely in the name of our family.”

He was persuaded by Namgoong Ho. Certainly, if Jin-jin were there, it would be possible to shorten his arrival time to Cheonma-dong further. To be frank, it was unclear if he could find his way in a place like this.

“Then, I’ll accept.”

With Yoon-seok’s permission, Namgoong Jin-jin hurriedly prepared to leave. Next, if he didn’t want to meet trouble along the way, he should take some necessary precautions with Asura. It felt pointless for Yoon-seok, but given it could cause issues among the locals, he complied.

About five minutes later, Asura, dragged along by Namgoong Jin-jin, returned.

“…”

A large woven-reed hat (a satgat) sat atop his head, and his face was covered by a veil. His six arms, which were the biggest problem, were completely wrapped around by a wall poster-like cloth to hide them. Well, he was still noticeable because of his large physique and unique attire…

“Now he’s more like a human.”

“…Gruw?”

“It was nice to meet you. Then, I’ll be on my way now.”

“Sure, it’s been a while since I enjoyed myself, too. I hope Jin-jin will help you on your journey.”

“She definitely will.”

Yoon-seok gave Namgoong Ho a Moorim traditional salute and left the bamboo forest with Namgoong Jin-jin.

“Sir, you need to go that way to the main gate…?”

“Just tell me the direction to Cheonma-dong.”

“It’s in the direction of the big mountain, so it’s north-northwest… if you were to cross in a straight line, it would be that way.”

A rugged mountain covered in perpetual snow formed off in the distance she pointed in.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“…What?”

Yoon-seok wrapped an arm around Namgoong Jin-jin’s waist without hesitation.

“Euk-gargh!“

It was a weird sound, but Yoon-seok pretended not to hear it. They had to hurry to narrow the trip’s time to about a day.

Where are we? Who am I? And why is the wind so cold?

“Jin-jin! Namgoong Jin-jin! Get a hold of yourself!”

Namgoong Jin-jin opened her eyes to the sound of someone calling her. For some reason, the moon appeared up close, and the soil felt so far away…

It wasn’t just a feeling.

“I’m flying…”

She was flying, with her waist held tightly by an energetic man.

“S-sir?”

“Are you awake? Where should I go from here?”

Did she doze off without realizing it?

“Direction? Oh, wait for a second!”

Feeling the warmth permeating her whole body through her waist, Namgoong Jin-jin came to her senses. She found the correct direction as she had been doing all day, following the sun’s location during the day, and now at night, following the stars based on the astronomy she learned. Though, she heard of an object called a compass on Earth and lamented why such an object couldn’t be found in Moorim.

“…It’s a little twisted. That way, we have to go that way.”

“It must be hard but thank you.”

“I, it’s alright… it’s bearable.”

Namgoong Jin-jin replied drily. She thought she could answer honestly if he asked one more time, but she wasn’t attentive enough to Yoon-seok to ask the same thing again.

‘But let’s hold it in. Since he’s the one who saved So-so.’

She didn’t think of going on a journey like this, but Namgoong Jin-jin decided to endure it a little more. They already passed Taeju, the entrance to the mountain, a long time ago to arrive at their destination by dawn. It was hard to believe, but they finished their journey in a day.

Was this even possible?

‘Anyway, he’s not human….’

Namgoong Jin-jin gave up on trying to understand Yoon-seok. She no longer felt like they were both humans. He didn’t even seem tired despite riding on the air all day long.

‘Now I understand why grandfather wants So-so to be engaged to him.’

As long as you were born into a prestigious family, arranged marriages were mandatory. And, except for the title of Demon Cult he bore, this man had the best conditions for a groom. He had no hometown in Moorim, and he was extremely powerful to boot. To the point where the Jade Dragon Sword, the head of the Ancient Dragon Seven Peaks, or the Great Sword King, who recently gained fame, no longer dared to show themselves.

‘He also looks quite manly….’

When she secretly glanced at Yoon-seok’s face, suddenly, he stopped in the air. Did he feel uncomfortable when he noticed her stolen glance? Her heart fluttered, but fortunately, it was for a different reason.

“I thought he was following me well… it seems like he’s caught up in something.”

She couldn’t understand what it meant.

「Asura enters into combat mode.」

That phrase appeared while they were moving smoothly toward their destination. He couldn’t fly in the sky like Yoon-seok, but he just let it go since he followed well on the ground. Yet, combat mode?

‘Nuisance.’

It was a waste of time to turn around, but still, he was his summoned creature in name at least. In other words, the owner was responsible for what their pet did. Of course, he ordered him not to fight with anyone, so he was probably beaten up.

He couldn’t just ignore it. He didn’t know whether he would be revived, and he might drop his equipment.

‘I’m not going because I’m worried. I’m going because I don’t want to waste the sword he’s holding.’

Yoon-seok, turning around, surged toward the direction he felt Asura’s energy.

“He looked suspicious, so I grabbed him. Is it a zombie?!”

“It’s a monster from Demon Cult! Kill it!”

Asura, surrounded by dozens of people cutting and stabbing him, was walking forward. What was wrong with him? Was it because of the order to follow without fighting anyone?

“Growl…!”

Perhaps this happened because he was designed to obey rude orders. Yoon-seok was moved nearly to tears. Because…

“Why is he so strong?”

“Chain him! Chain his limbs down!”

Even as he was being tied up and thrown to the dirt, Asura hugged the sword Yoon-seok had given him with all six of his arms.

“Growl… growl…!”