The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life - Chapter 62

Chapter 62: Come to My Room

The Hubei Martial Alliance was thrown into chaos.

Last night, the Hubei Martial Alliance had been utterly humiliated.

The manor where the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master were treating patients had been attacked, yet the Corps failed to respond appropriately.

While the assailants struck the two physicians, a separate scheme was underway to lure the next-generation prodigies staying at the Hubei Martial Alliance.

A large number of individuals disguised as Hubei Martial Alliance warriors approached each prodigy, using the excuse that someone close to them was seeking their help, and coaxed them outside.

Had there been a delay in reacting, no one could predict the disaster that might have unfolded.

The Hubei Martial Alliance quickly identified the people attempting to lure the prodigies and investigated their intended destination, pouring their energy into unraveling the scheme.

It was only later that they realized it was all a diversion orchestrated to attack the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master.

In any case, this incident turned the Hubei Martial Alliance upside down.

The first step was to track how the impersonators had managed to approach the prodigies.

From there, the scope of the investigation gradually expanded.

The Hubei Martial Alliance Leader found himself buried under an avalanche of matters to address, worries to consider, and decisions to make.

On top of that, the assailants’ attack on the manor had resulted in the death of all remaining patients.

Fortunately, most of the patients had returned home after a round of treatment, reducing the overall damage, but cleaning up the aftermath was no simple task.

Once the most urgent matters were dealt with, the Hubei Martial Alliance finally had a moment to reflect on the situation.

Baek Liyeop sat face-to-face with the Crimson Bright Corps Leader to receive a report on the investigation’s progress.

“Their ability to cover their tracks is exceptional. We’ve managed to identify most of those involved, but we’ve hit a wall beyond that.”

“There must have been someone among them acting as the liaison.”

The Crimson Bright Corps Leader shook his head gravely.

“They’re all dead.”

“Hah. They’re not ordinary foes, are they?”

The perpetrators had clearly been prepared. Their execution was meticulous, and they left almost no evidence behind.

Adding to the mystery was how they managed to annihilate the Black Iron Workshop and dispose of the substantial supplies and corpses stored there, all without leaving a trace.

“What about the investigation into the inn near the dock that Byeok Taesan mentioned?”

“It turns out that such an inn never existed. It was a deception.”

At the time, a captured perpetrator had been subjected to intense interrogation by Byeok Taesan. However, the captive truly knew nothing.

The others who had approached the prodigies were all dead, making him the sole source of potential information.

Unfortunately, his knowledge was severely limited.

“He genuinely believed there was an inn at that location. He was fooled as well.”

“Wasn’t there another captive?”

“Yes, but… he committed suicide.”

Baek Liyeop’s expression darkened.

“You couldn’t prevent the suicide?”

“We had prepared thoroughly, but we still failed. Honestly, we can’t even determine how he did it.”

“Ask the Divine Healer and the Needle Master for assistance. Have them examine the corpse. We can’t afford to be caught off guard like this again.”

“I’ll personally request their help.”

Baek Liyeop paused, deep in thought, before speaking again.

“By the way, is there any progress in preparing countermeasures against those half-dead corpses?”

“The Divine Healer and the Needle Master are deliberating on the matter, but… it seems to be a difficult challenge.”

“I assumed as much.”

The term “Half-dead Corpses” was a provisional name given to the creatures that had attacked the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master.

The most troubling aspect of these creatures was that they were created from ordinary people who had no martial training.

Although the process to create them might be complex, as long as the conditions were met, they could potentially produce an endless army.

Even as “half” reanimated, they still possessed the endurance, strength, and speed of full-fledged Jiangshi.

The martial artists who had fought them reported that it would be nearly impossible for a low-ranking Hubei Martial Alliance warrior to defeat one in a one-on-one battle.

The only reason they had managed to hold their ground was that the creatures’ swordsmanship was poor. If their skills improved even slightly, they would become formidable adversaries.

This was a grave threat.

If even a thousand of such warriors could be deployed, they could wipe out an entire martial clan with ease.

Finding a way to counter them was imperative.

There was a glimmer of hope, however: the Heavenly Divine Healer, the Needle Master, and Byeok Taesan.

It was said that the creatures were utterly helpless against Byeok Taesan. If the reason behind this could be uncovered, it might provide a solution.

“If we can pinpoint that factor, we wouldn’t have to feel this anxious…”

“Could it be related to his constitution?”

“Constitution? What kind of constitution?”

“I’ve heard that Young Master Byeok suffers from Severed Meridians Syndrome.”

“I’ve heard the same, but… meeting him in person, you’d never guess it.”

“It’s said that the Divine Healer and the Needle Master treated him intensively. Perhaps his unique constitution has some unknown effect on the Half-Dead corpses?”

The Heaven Guard Leader rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Well… that’s not our priority. I trust the Divine Healer and the Needle Master to figure it out. We can only wait for them.”

That much was true.

“Ah, and take steps to maintain a good relationship with the Golden Wall Merchants.”

“I’ll do everything I can to handle it.”

“Also, inform the General Secretary to proceed with a few contracts favoring the Golden Wall Merchants. And send word to the Patrol Corps Leader in Wuhan to coordinate accordingly.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Good. Keep up the hard work. Once we find the culprits, things will get easier.”

The Crimson Bright Corps Leader bowed and departed.

Left alone, Baek Liyeop pondered the identity of the mastermind behind these events.

His thoughts naturally turned to the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master.

He had to keep those two close. To do that, he needed to secure Byeok Taesan.

“I suppose… I’ll have to request assistance directly from the Golden Wall Merchants.”

The gathering of next-generation prodigies came to an end.

While there were still events on the schedule, circumstances no longer allowed for their continuation.

The recent incident had nearly resulted in a catastrophe for the prodigies.

Thus, they were formally informed that the event was over, and each was advised to return to their respective clans.

They were also strongly urged to remain vigilant on their way home.

With no knowledge of the perpetrators’ motives or plans, caution was paramount.

Although it would have been ideal for the Hubei Martial Alliance to provide escorts, they lacked the resources.

The number of prodigies was too great, and most of the Corps’ warriors were already overburdened.

Fortunately, most of the prodigies had brought capable warriors from their clans, ensuring their safety.

Among those informed was Yeon Harin.

In contrast, Byeok Taesan received no such notification.

As soon as Byeok Taesan heard that he could return at any time he wanted, he decided it wouldn’t matter to him. However, Yeon Harin did not have the same freedom.

The moment she learned that Byeok Taesan hadn’t received any notice to leave, she went straight to find him.

When she appeared unexpectedly, Byeok Taesan silently observed her.

“Is the Young Master staying behind?”

Instead of responding, Byeok Taesan gestured toward the chair in front of him with a slight tilt of his chin. Yeon Harin quickly walked over and sat down.

Facing each other across the table, Byeok Taesan maintained his calm demeanor.

“I heard that only you are staying behind. Is it because of the two elders?”

Byeok Taesan tilted his head slightly.

“Only me?”

In truth, he wasn’t aware that the others were leaving. This was the first time he had heard of it.

“Have you not been informed yet? Everyone else has been told to return home.”

Byeok Taesan nodded slightly in understanding.

“Well, considering the situation, it’s not surprising they’d suspend the gathering.”

But then, he tilted his head again, his curiosity piqued.

“Wouldn’t it be faster to utilize these prodigies to continue the investigation? Are they really not taking that approach?”

If the disciples contributed their forces, it would undoubtedly expedite the investigation. After all, manpower was the foundation of any thorough inquiry.

Moreover, it would provide these prodigies with some meaningful experience.

“But if something were to happen to them, it could become a burden on the Hubei Martial Alliance,” Yeon Harin replied softly.

“So, they just don’t want the responsibility? Well, that’s a choice, I suppose.”

Byeok Taesan muttered to himself and turned his attention back to Yeon Harin.

“So, are you heading back today?”

Yeon Harin shook her head with a slight hint of disappointment.

“No. Tomorrow.”

Byeok Taesan stared at her silently, his gaze sharp and contemplative.

‘Now that I think about it… someone similar to Soso has been right next to me all along.’

He had never taken the time to examine Yeon Harin closely before. Her striking beauty naturally drew attention, making it unnecessary to focus on her in the way he might observe others.

However, circumstances had shifted slightly.

Thanks to recent insights and the spiritual energy he absorbed from those men, his vision had improved significantly. It allowed him to take a detailed look at Yeon Harin’s spirit and soul.

At its core, her spirit was pure, akin to Soso’s. However, the spiritual energy embedded in her soul differed slightly.

Even so, it seemed possible to achieve a similar effect. In fact, he was almost certain.

“Tomorrow, huh…”

Byeok Taesan muttered while staring directly at Yeon Harin.

She blushed under his intense gaze.

Until now, he had never shown such keen interest in her. Unconsciously, she swallowed dryly.

A quiet tension filled the air. Just as Yeon Harin’s nerves reached their limit, Byeok Taesan finally spoke.

“Come to my room tonight.”

“What?”

Yeon Harin was startled. She hadn’t expected him to be so direct.

Not that she disliked the idea—far from it.

Pressing a hand against her chest to calm her wildly beating heart, she nodded hurriedly.

“Alright. When should I come?”

“Whenever you think is appropriate. Just don’t be too late.”

Yeon Harin nodded fervently, her head bobbing up and down.

“I-I’ll leave now,” she stammered, standing abruptly. Any longer in the room and she feared her heart might explode.

Byeok Taesan watched her retreating figure with mild amusement.

“She’s definitely beautiful.”

He thought, though by tomorrow, she would become even more stunning.

He couldn’t help but wonder what might happen then. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

—

When night fell, Yeon Harin was restless.

“Young Lady, is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Yoo Seoyeon’s question prompted a sharp glance from Yeon Harin, though internally, she shouted.

‘It’s because of you! You! Why won’t you leave?!’

With Yoo Seoyeon staying by her side as part of her guard duty, Yeon Harin couldn’t sneak out to Byeok Taesan’s room.

Saying outright that she was going there felt too embarrassing.

Of course, by tomorrow, everyone will find out anyway.

“Young Lady?”

Yeon Harin took a deep breath and gave Yoo Seoyeon a bright smile.

For some reason, that smile made Yoo Seoyeon flinch in apprehension.

“It’s getting late, Yoo Seoyeon. Shouldn’t you go to rest as well?”

Yoo Seoyeon’s expression hardened with resolve.

“I’ll leave once I see you fall asleep.”

“There’s nothing to worry about. It’s not like anything’s going to happen here. You don’t need to go this far.”

“But how could I do that?”

“It’s fine. I understand your dedication perfectly well, so now, go and rest. Alright?”

Yoo Seoyeon felt a strange twinge in her intuition.

“Young Lady… surely you’re not…”

Yeon Harin froze, sealing her lips tightly.

Yoo Seoyeon’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“How… How could you get there before me…”

Yeon Harin retorted sharply, “What are you even saying to me right now?!”

Ignoring her protests, Yoo Seoyeon beamed at her.

“I’m just so proud. Seeing how much you’ve grown… It’s wonderful.”

Blushing furiously, Yeon Harin turned her head to the side. Yoo Seoyeon gently grabbed her shoulders.

“You can do it, Young Lady. Go now, before it’s too late. If Young Master falls asleep, won’t that be a disaster?”

With renewed determination, Yeon Harin nodded.

She stepped out of her room quietly, moving swiftly through the silent corridors toward Byeok Taesan’s quarters.

When she entered, she found him seated on his bed.

Yeon Harin swallowed hard as she approached him slowly.

When Byeok Taesan patted the spot next to him on the bed, she quickly slipped under the covers.

He chuckled softly at her behavior. It was almost identical to what Soso had done when she came here.

“Now then…”

Yeon Harin gazed nervously at him, then squeezed her eyes shut.

Byeok Taesan calmly reached out and extracted her soul essence.