The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life - Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Didn’t Know What It Meant
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Yeon Manor was bustling for the first time in a long while.
Several prominent martial families from Hubei had come to visit Yeon Manor.
Their purpose was obvious.
Rumors about Yeon Harin had been spreading extensively as of late.
One of the reasons for her fame was tied to the Zhongli Clan’s decline after they foolishly pursued her.
Although the fall of the Zhongli Clan wasn’t directly caused by Yeon Manor, rumors exaggerated her beauty to the extent of claiming it could ruin an entire family.
Yeon Harin had grown even more beautiful than when Zhongli Woong had flirted with her in the past. Her beauty blossomed more with each passing day.
Anyone who saw her became desperate to win her favor.
Amidst this, a meeting for Hubei’s younger generation was scheduled to be held by the Hubei Martial Alliance.
Many used that as an excuse to visit Yeon Manor.
They wanted to accompany Yeon Harin to the meeting in Yichang, where the Hubei Martial Alliance headquarters was located.
Of course, those from less renowned families didn’t even qualify to attend.
Currently, three prominent families were gathered at Yeon Manor: the Seomun Clan, the Gu Clan, and the Chu Family.
All three were among the most notable families in Hubei and had sent the third sons of their family heads.
“Shall we depart tomorrow?”
Seomun Jehak asked with a subtle smile as he addressed Yeon Harin.
Gu Yangsoo and Chu Yeonghak, who were also present, looked at Seomun Jehak with faint displeasure.
Among the three, Seomun Jehak had the most striking appearance.
Perhaps because of this, the other two harbored some jealousy toward him.
Whenever Seomun Jehak spoke to Yeon Harin, it irked them.
This time was no different.
Why state the obvious?
The schedule was already decided, and Yeon Harin knew they were departing tomorrow.
“Wasn’t it already decided that we would leave tomorrow? It’s quite a journey to Yichang, so it would be good to rest early tonight.”
Yeon Harin’s tone and expression were cold.
Her demeanor remained consistently aloof whenever she was with these men.
It was a stark contrast to how she had behaved when dealing with Byeok Taesan in the past.
If someone else had acted this way, they would have been criticized for being unpleasant. But with Yeon Harin, even her coldness seemed fitting.
Unintentionally, her frigid attitude only softened the expressions and gazes of the three men, despite their efforts to remain composed.
They wanted to stay indifferent, but it was impossible.
Seomun Jehak was momentarily taken aback by her response. He regretted speaking unnecessarily and felt like he had accomplished nothing.
“Uh… Still, isn’t it a bit early to retire for the day? The sun hasn’t even set yet. How about we go out for a light drink over dinner?”
Yeon Harin’s attitude didn’t waver.
“I don’t enjoy drinking. I’m sorry, but I’m quite tired and need to rest.”
Seomun Jehak had nothing more to say.
‘I definitely heard that she enjoys drinking…’
It wasn’t just hearsay from outsiders; the attendants at Yeon Manor themselves had said so.
Of course, he hadn’t witnessed it personally, so he couldn’t be sure.
“I understand. Then, rest well for today. If you change your mind later, feel free to visit.”
Yeon Harin gave a slight nod before leaving.
The three men stared blankly at her retreating figure until she disappeared from view.
“So difficult, so very difficult. Her defenses are unbelievably solid…”
Chu Yeonghak shook his head and muttered to himself. Yet, he didn’t feel particularly upset. If anything, he found some satisfaction in seeing Seomun Jehak struggle.
Considering all the women Seomun Jehak had stolen from him in the past, there was a certain sense of catharsis in the situation.
Of course, that didn’t mean he intended to give up.
“Maybe it’s because of her fiancé?” Gu Yangsoo speculated.
Seomun Jehak shook his head in response.
“I heard they already broke off the engagement.”
“Still, she could have lingering feelings for him. Don’t you think so?”
Seomun Jehak’s expression turned icy.
“And what exactly are you trying to say?”
“I’m saying you should stop acting like a dog in heat and assess the situation properly.”
“What did you just say?”
“Don’t ruin the mood and blow our chances just because you’re being reckless. Today alone, it’s your fault we ended up like this. Honestly, until a moment ago, we could’ve at least shared a meal with her, if not a drink. Am I wrong?”
Seomun Jehak ground his teeth and glared at Gu Yangsoo.
The three families had always been fierce rivals, vying for the title of the foremost family in Hubei.
Naturally, their children didn’t get along either.
Still, there were unspoken rules.
No matter what, things never escalated to violence between them.
They would even join forces to suppress up-and-coming families that threatened their standing.
“Come on now, there’s no need for us to fight amongst ourselves. It’s not like Yeon Harin is the only woman in the world. Let’s just grab a drink for now, shall we?”
“Are you saying you’re giving up?”
“Who’s giving up? I’m just suggesting we cool our heads.”
The three eventually headed off for drinks, the tension between them lingering.
Strangely enough, despite their sharp words, it never escalated into physical altercations.
After all, there was still plenty of time.
The journey from here to Yichang was long, and they would have many more opportunities to spend time with Yeon Harin once they reached the Hubei Martial Alliance meeting.
* * *
He didn’t know what it meant to stake his soul.
If he had known, he would never have agreed to it.
Or maybe he would have—since he hadn’t even considered the possibility of losing the bet.
And now, he deeply regrets it.
The Needle Master clutched his head in frustration, his expression one of utter despair.
“That damned demon.”
He truly had been caught in a nightmarish situation.
“How can a life be so full of misery?”
Admittedly, he had indulged himself for a few years, living as he pleased. But that had been more of a coping mechanism than anything else.
“Or… has it been too long?”
It had been quite some time since he’d earned the name “Needle Master.”
Now, there wasn’t a soul in the martial world who didn’t know of him.
But before he gained such fame, he had suffered countless hardships.
He had faced death countless times and endured immense humiliation.
And just when he thought he could finally enjoy the fruits of his labor, he found himself in this wretched state.
“There you are.”
The Needle Master flinched at the voice that called out from behind him. He turned around slowly.
“Uh… I-I was just taking a little break.”
His demeanor had drastically changed from before.
It couldn’t be helped. Anyone who had gone through what he had would have reacted the same way.
It wasn’t cowardice or an excuse—it was the truth.
“Time to get started again, don’t you think?”
The Needle Master’s face was drained of all colors.
“Already? Isn’t it a bit early?”
“It’s fine. Today’s session will be a long one.”
The Needle Master swallowed dryly. He had said it would take a long time. Just how long was he planning to continue that he sought him out so soon?
“Let’s go inside for now.”
The Needle Master, looking utterly defeated, lowered his head and followed Byeok Taesan into the pavilion.
Not long after, screams erupted from within the pavilion.
What Byeok Taesan was doing to the Needle Master was a type of experiment and training.
With extreme caution, he would slightly extract the spirit and soul and burn only the parts not mixed with impurities from the original.
It was a practice of extraordinary delicacy.
He carefully observed the changes that occurred when only the outer layer was slightly scorched.
Based on his findings, he concluded that bringing the soul essence to the edge of combustion—without fully crossing the threshold—was the only method to preserve the integrity of the mixed portions.
However, this method ensured that the pain suffered by the one whose soul essence was extracted would be etched into their memory far more vividly.
If the soul essence were fully extracted, only a dream-like sensation would remain. The less extracted, the sharper the sense of reality became.
This was something Byeok Taesan had only recently confirmed.
All thanks to the Needle Master.
The Needle Master possessed a soul essence perfectly suited for Taesan’s training.
Betting his soul essence on wagers seemed to have a unique influence.
When they first made a bet, Taesan had wagered his soul essence without much thought. But after seeing the results, he realized it had been a stroke of genius.
On the other hand, the Needle Master, who was on the receiving end, was losing his mind.
He had no idea what was being done to him, as he couldn’t remember anything.
But he clearly remembered the pain—like being repeatedly jabbed with needles all over his body.
That’s what he thought was happening. He assumed his entire body was being pierced by needles.
Yet when he checked his body afterward, there wasn’t a single mark.
Today, too, he had been utterly wrecked.
But since he couldn’t figure out exactly what had been done to him, it was maddening.
“Um… Young Master, I have something to tell you.”
Byeok Taesan, in a good mood due to today’s progress, glanced at the Needle Master as if encouraging him to speak.
It seemed like soon he wouldn’t have to visit the courtesans’ houses for treatment anymore.
Truthfully, Byeok Taesan didn’t particularly enjoy frequenting those places.
Going to such establishments might be fine for a day or two, but he didn’t even share a bed with the courtesans.
All he did was siphon off their soul essence, which wasn’t enjoyable in the slightest.
Thanks to the Needle Master, he was on the verge of discovering a way to avoid that altogether.
“The reason I came here, to be honest, was because I have some business in Hubei.”
“Business?”
“I’ve been invited by the Hubei Martial Alliance. I already gave my word that I’d attend.”
“The Hubei Martial Alliance?”
The mention of the Hubei Martial Alliance reminded Taesan of something Yoo Seoyeon had mentioned recently.
“Is it for that gathering of promising young talents?”
The Needle Master quickly nodded.
“That’s right. So, I was hoping to attend…”
There was no real issue with it. But for the time being, Taesan still needed the Needle Master.
“When do you have to leave?”
“I should probably set off soon.”
Byeok Taesan nodded without hesitation.
“Fine, go ahead.”
The Needle Master’s eyes widened.
“Really? I can really go?”
“Of course. It’s not a big deal. Why don’t I just go with you?”
The Needle Master’s face briefly twisted in dismay but was quickly brought under control.
If he upset Taesan even slightly, he might face even more horrifying consequences.
“Shall we leave tomorrow, then? Coincidentally, there’s someone else who’s been wanting to go too, so this works out well.”
The Needle Master couldn’t muster a response.
It seemed like escaping this personal hell wouldn’t be possible anytime soon.
When Byeok Taesan announced he would be heading to the Hubei Martial Alliance, the Golden Wall Merchants were thrown into chaos.
Of all places, why there?
Not only was the location far away, but this particular gathering hosted by the Hubei Martial Alliance was only open to the most prominent heirs of esteemed martial families in Hubei.
It was no place for the second young master of the Golden Wall Merchants.
However, the atmosphere shifted when it was revealed that he’d be going as the Needle Master’s companion.
From then on, the merchants were desperate to find ways to include others in Taesan’s entourage.
The Hubei Martial Alliance was an enormous organization.
Even just the Hubei Martial Alliance alone was impressive, but every notable martial family in Hubei was connected to it in some way.
For a merchant guild based in Hubei, maintaining a good relationship with the Hubei Martial Alliance could open endless opportunities.
Furthermore, with the recent turmoil in the Golden Heavenly Alliance, the Golden Wall Merchants had gained some breathing room, enough to consider expanding their network.
Yet every attempt to add more companions was met with the Needle Master’s staunch opposition.
To be more precise, they were blocked by the Needle Master following Byeok Taesan’s orders.
In the end, the merchants had no choice but to entrust everything to Byeok Taesan, who was accompanying the Needle Master.
The second issue was Byeok Taesan’s health.
Byeok Taesoo was extremely worried about his brother embarking on such a long journey.
But when both the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master—two renowned physicians—claimed that staying cooped up at home was actually worse for his condition, Taesoo had no argument left.
This, of course, was also a result of Taesan’s precise instructions.
After sorting out various matters, the day of Taesan’s departure for the Hubei Martial Alliance finally arrived.
To ensure Taesan’s comfort, Byeok Taesoo had procured the finest carriage available.
He also provided ample funds to ensure maximum convenience along the journey.
From a distance, Byeok Taesoo watched as Taesan’s group departed.
He couldn’t openly see his brother off at close range.
Even such a seemingly insignificant action could later sow the seeds of discord.
So, from a high vantage point, he observed the group standing by the main gate.
Something about the group’s composition seemed unusual.
“Is it just me, or are there… quite a few women?”