The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life - Chapter 52

Chapter 52 You Can Be Proud

“Now, let’s see what you’ve got.”

When Byeok Taesan spoke, seated at the training hall, Soso, Dan Yeong, and Chae Wol stepped forward.

Meanwhile, Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon hesitated as they observed the scene.

It was considered rude to watch someone else’s martial arts training. Observing the training process could allow one to analyze the martial arts itself.

While the training of a true master would often be too complex to discern anything significant, the practice of a beginner focused on the basics of techniques and their applications. This included practicing the triggers and processes of each movement, which often wasn’t far from openly exposing the essence of the martial art.

Thus, Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon found themselves in an awkward position, caught between curiosity and etiquette.

As the two turned to leave the training hall, Byeok Taesan spoke.

“Leaving already?”

“Excuse me?”

“Are you asking if you can watch?”

Byeok Taesan chuckled lightly.

“Do you think you’d understand anything with your level? Just watch. It’ll give you an idea of their skill.”

At his words, Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon bowed respectfully, their expressions filled with gratitude.

Byeok Taesan waved at the three women, signaling them to begin.

The three moved simultaneously. Though they trained in the same martial art, their movements differed greatly, as did the aura each exuded.

Dan Yeong’s movements were disciplined and elegant. Chae Wol’s were flamboyant.

And Soso’s? Small and light.

Her motions were compact, nimble, and lively. The difference compared to just a few days ago was like night and day.

It was incredible how much had changed from merely altering her constitution. No wonder people sought disciples with naturally advantageous physiques.

Soon, the practice concluded.

Soso’s face was filled with anticipation, and it made Byeok Taesan want to tease her. But this time, he refrained.

“Not bad. At least you won’t accidentally harm anyone now.”

Soso grinned, wriggling slightly in place.

Her transformed appearance, paired with her behavior, naturally brought a smile to Byeok Taesan’s face.

Turning his gaze, Byeok Taesan looked at Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon. Their expressions revealed shock and disbelief.

Now they understood why Byeok Taesan had allowed them to watch—it wasn’t possible to analyze the martial art just by observing.

What they could discern, however, was something else entirely.

The martial art these women were practicing was extraordinary.

And their talents? Truly astounding.

Especially Soso’s. It was unimaginable that someone could reach this level in just over a month. She had only started training in martial arts alongside the newly recruited maidservants.

Yet the techniques she displayed were far beyond what could be expected from a month of practice.

Byeok Taesan addressed Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon.

“What do you think? Impressive, right?”

Their expressions darkened slightly.

“Truly impressive.”

“What’s impressive? The martial art?”

“Both the martial art… and their talent.”

Byeok Taesan smirked.

“If that’s all you noticed, you’ll remain stuck where you are.”

With that, he rose from his seat and approached the three women standing in the center of the training hall.

He pointed out a few areas for improvement in their techniques.

Meanwhile, Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon mulled over his words, their gazes fixed on the scene.

What were they supposed to have seen?

Their expressions grew complicated, their thoughts as tangled as their faces looked.

••••

The Hubei Martial Alliance Lord finished the day’s work and quietly enjoyed a cup of tea.

It was a moment cherished so much that one could say it was the reason they endured the day.

Drinking tea in such a tranquil manner allowed time to reflect on the day.

There was time to reflect on mistakes, smile at successes, and plan for the future.

Today, the mind of the Hubei Martial Alliance Lord was entirely occupied by Byeok Taesan.

No, it was the two bodyguards who guarded Byeok Taesan.

“Was it Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon?”

Cheon Kyungwan was Byeok Taesan’s bodyguard, while Yoo Seoyeon served as Yeon Harin’s bodyguard.

Both were exceptionally skilled.

What stood out particularly was their gaze. It was a look and aura that could only be forged through substantial real-world experience.

They had likely witnessed a great deal of both their enemies’ blood and their own.

It was the unique atmosphere that naturally blooms after enduring such trials.

Perhaps they were unaware of it themselves.

When the two had stood in their way, the Hubei Martial Alliance Lord had read an incredible resolve in them.

It seemed as if they were willing to stake their lives.

That’s why they decided to stand down and had a private conversation with them later.

Even then, the two maintained their tension, despite the more amicable atmosphere.

It was as though they had experienced being caught off guard in seemingly relaxed situations, which only made them more cautious.

“In any case, they’re impressive.”

This deepened the interest in Byeok Taesan.

For a bodyguard to show such determination, it spoke volumes about the one they served.

Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon might be the kind of people who could risk their lives for their master.

No, it was highly likely.

However, it was an entirely different matter for a master to truly draw out such loyalty.

In the Hubei Martial Alliance Lord’s eyes, Byeok Taesan had succeeded in eliciting genuine loyalty from the two.

“Still… I definitely received a report that he left his room today…”

The Hubei Martial Alliance Lord tilted their head in puzzlement.

There was no way that Cheon Kyungwan or Yoo Seoyeon hadn’t conveyed their message. It had been emphasized multiple times.

So, if Byeok Taesan had heard the message but still hadn’t come, the reason was baffling.

“Could it be that he’s unwell?”

But that alone didn’t seem enough of an explanation.

“Well… he’ll probably come tomorrow.”

The Hubei Martial Alliance Lord smiled pleasantly, thinking about what to discuss when meeting Byeok Taesan.

Meanwhile, they were also quite curious about how the investigation into the Golden Wall Merchants was progressing.

The teacup soon emptied.

The Hubei Martial Alliance Lord rose slowly and headed toward the exclusive training room located behind their office.

It was time to truly wrap up the day.

•••

Yeon Harin felt as if she were walking on air.

At last, she had the opportunity to attend the meeting of the promising young martial artists with Byeok Taesan.

Yeon Harin occasionally stole glances at Byeok Taesan, who was walking beside her.

Neither Yoo Seoyeon nor Cheon Kyungwan, nor any of the three attendants, were present. Today, she could monopolize Byeok Taesan entirely to herself.

The gathering of martial arts warriors was strictly limited to those of younger age, with no outsiders permitted. Only those affiliated with the Hubei Martial Alliance or martial families that had joined Hubei Martial Alliance were allowed to attend.

Technically, Byeok Taesan wasn’t eligible to participate. However, thanks to the intervention of the Hubei Martial Alliance leader and Seomun Deok, arrangements had been made to allow his attendance.

This had been a source of great anxiety for Yeon Harin. She had worried endlessly that Byeok Taesan might be barred from joining.

In any case, things had worked out well, and she felt relieved.

Unlike Yeon Harin, Byeok Taesan remained indifferent.

Initially, he hadn’t intended to attend. However, when Yeon Harin asked him to accompany her, her expression had made it impossible to refuse. The blend of concern that he might reject her and the sincerity of her plea to be with him had caused her to tremble slightly as she looked at him. In the end, her earnestness swayed Byeok Taesan.

Byeok Taesan found this curious.

The old him would never have agreed. If he had decided not to go, even the most beautiful woman in the world could have cried before him, and he would not have budged. He had even experienced similar situations in the past.

But now, things are different. The decision to decline had shifted into acceptance.

It wasn’t just a matter of giving in or not—it was that his very thoughts had changed.

As they walked, Byeok Taesan pondered this shift. What had changed within him?

He didn’t feel bad about it. On the contrary, the change felt positive. It wasn’t merely a pleasant sensation but something closer to certainty.

While lost in thought, he suddenly felt an intense gaze upon him. Byeok Taesan snapped out of his thoughts, turning his head to see Yeon Harin staring at him intently.

When their eyes met, Yeon Harin hesitantly asked, “Are you… angry?”

Byeok Taesan, puzzled, looked at her with a bewildered expression.

“Why would I be?”

Yeon Harin awkwardly laughed.

“Your expression was so stern… I’m relieved to hear you’re not angry. I thought you might be upset because I selfishly begged you to come even though you didn’t want to.”

Byeok Taesan chuckled softly.

“It’s true I didn’t want to come at first.”

“Ah…”

“But you managed to change my mind. That’s no small feat, so you should feel proud.”

Yeon Harin stared blankly at him.

‘Does this… mean something positive?’

His words sounded strange, but the fact that he had decided to come with her must mean something good.

After that, the two fell silent. Byeok Taesan resumed his earlier thoughts, and Yeon Harin, for some reason, felt too afraid to speak further, so she walked quietly beside him.

Before long, they arrived at the venue for the martial arts gathering.

While the gathering was in full swing, the Alliance Leader sat across from Seomun Deok.

“It hasn’t been long, yet you’ve already made progress?”

“I wouldn’t say we’ve made progress, but we’ve found some suspicious leads that need thorough investigation.”

“Suspicious leads?”

“There are individuals in Wuhan who have persistently targeted the Golden Wall Merchants. They are part of a coalition of merchant groups called the Golden Heavenly Alliance, and the forces behind them seem dubious.”

“The Golden Heavenly Alliance…”

While investigating the Golden Wall Merchants, they had naturally come across the Golden Heavenly Alliance. Recent incidents involving both merchant groups had also come to light, revealing some oddities.

“It seems the Golden Heavenly Alliance tried to swallow the Golden Wall Merchants but failed. Interestingly, the Zhongli Clan and Underworld are also entangled in this.”

The Zhongli Clan was a prominent family in Hubei that had not joined Hubei Martial Alliance.

“The Zhongli Clan being involved is surprising. They rarely expose their schemes publicly.”

“The Golden Heavenly Alliance has absorbed the Zhongli Clan.”

“I’ve heard about that.”

Baek Liyeop recalled receiving reports about this matter not long ago and still remembered it clearly.

“There were many overlapping interests and opportunities for exploitation.”

“So, the mastermind has been uncovered. Do you know who it is yet?”

“Not yet, but I suspect the Golden Moon Merchants might be behind it.”

It was a plausible assumption.

“I’ll go to Wuhan myself.”

“You, personally? Wouldn’t it be better to send a capable team?”

“I want to confirm it with my own eyes. Of course, I’ll take sufficient subordinates with me.”

The Baek Liyeop’s expression grew serious.

“If that’s what you want, so be it. How many people will you take?”

“I’m planning on five teams for now.”

Every Alliance unit was organized into teams, with each team consisting of one captain and ten members—55 people in total.

“That’s quite a number.”

“It’s unlikely we’ll get another chance like this. We must seize this opportunity to grab the tail of our target.”

Baek Liyeop nodded.

“Do your best. I have a bad feeling about this. We might be targeting the wrong culprit.”

“That’s why I’m going to Wuhan—to confirm it.”

“Understood. Contact me if you need support. I’ll remain on high alert.”

Baek Liyeop’s eyes gleamed.

“Will you take that man with you when you leave?”

Seomun Deok shook his head.

“The gathering won’t end for a while yet. I plan to leave tomorrow.”

“As always, you’re as rigid as ever. Very well.”

Seomun Deok cautiously asked, “Is there something else you wish to say?”

“Not something I wish to say, but… that Byeok Taesan fellow.”

Baek Liyeop eagerly began speaking as if waiting for the chance.

“I visited him personally, but he seemed preoccupied, so I left a message and returned.”

“I see.”

“If I weren’t so considerate, I wouldn’t have left empty-handed. I’m not just anyone, you know.”

“Your consideration is widely known.”

Seomun Deok replied with a tone devoid of emotion, as if this sort of complaint was routine.

“But that insolent fellow didn’t come to see me afterward! Can you believe that?”

“That’s unfortunate.”

“Then I thought he might visit today, but no! He went to the gathering with his betrothed. How absurd is that?”

“It is indeed absurd.”

“Even you think so, right? Hah, what can I do? As the magnanimous person I am, I’ll wait patiently. I can’t tarnish my dignity by running after him.”

“Why not pay a casual visit to the gathering and observe? That way, it wouldn’t hurt your dignity.”

“Oh! That’s a good idea. You think so too, right? Then it has nothing to do with my dignity?”

“On the contrary, people will admire your thoughtfulness toward the martial art warriors.”

“You always understand me best.”

Baek Liyeop sprang to his feet.

“What are you waiting for? Aren’t you leaving tomorrow? Go and prepare.”

Seomun Deok rose with a bitter smile.

“Then I’ll take my leave now.”

As soon as Seomun Deok left, the Baek Liyeop headed to the gathering, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.