The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life - Chapter 64
Chapter 64: Becoming Slightly More Capable
Yeon Harin and the other young prodigies were traveling on a large ship.
They had departed from the Hubei Martial Alliance headquarters early this morning, arranged for numerous vessels at the Ichang dock, and set off.
Thanks to the Hubei Martial Alliance handling the logistics, everyone had ample space. A fleet of twelve massive ships departed simultaneously.
Flags symbolizing Hubei Martial Alliance and the various families fluttered on each ship, lending an imposing air to their journey. Given the scale and the sight of the flags, there was no need to worry about river bandits along the way.
As such, the atmosphere was relaxed.
Many had come out to the deck, enjoying the scenery or chatting in low tones.
However, the mood on Yeon Harin’s ship differed subtly from the others.
Yeon Harin stood on the deck, letting the wind brush against her as she quietly observed the flowing river below.
Around her stood three escort warriors, their expressions slightly tense.
Her escorts had undergone rigorous training under Yoo Seoyeon at Hubei Martial Alliance Pavillion stay.
Especially those three—who had previously been swayed by bribes from the Seomun Clan, Gu Clan, and Chu Family—had endured unimaginable torment.
The escorts now carried a mix of fear and determination in their eyes, unable to relax for even a moment. They knew all too well what would happen if they made even the smallest mistake and Yoo Seoyeon found out.
Yeon Harin watched them and couldn’t help but admire Yoo Seoyeon’s capabilities once again.
Usually, such harsh treatment would leave behind resentment, yet these escorts harbored none at all.
That was an incredible skill, at least from Yeon Harin’s perspective.
While watching the flowing river, Yeon Harin thought about the people she’d left behind at Yichang.
Half of her thoughts were about Byeok Taesan, and the other half about Yoo Seoyeon.
Yoo Seoyeon had initially insisted on accompanying her, but Yeon Harin had firmly refused.
From Yeon Harin’s judgment, Yoo Seoyeon was in the middle of a fortunate opportunity. Leaving with her now would mean throwing it away.
This thought naturally led her back to Byeok Taesan.
A faint smile hovered on Yeon Harin’s lips but quickly disappeared.
She couldn’t afford to smile openly here.
She glanced around discreetly.
Numerous people stood at a distance, sneaking glances at her.
Fortunately, it seemed no one had caught her smiling.
‘At least this much is fine.’
These people didn’t dare approach her recklessly. Even when they spoke to her, they were exceedingly cautious.
It was entirely different from the likes of Seomun Jehak, Gu Yangsoo, or Chu Yeonghak.
Back then, she had truly suffered, but now she could manage.
Two hours had passed since they left Yichang. With the ships moving swiftly, they had covered considerable distance.
As they traveled further, they approached an area where the river branched into multiple tributaries.
This was a spot where smaller rivers converged with the main one.
From one of the tributaries, several ships began emerging.
From each tributary, three or four vessels appeared, and with so many tributaries, the total number of ships quickly reached dozens.
Additionally, several more ships were approaching from the far distance ahead.
A sudden tension filled the air.
Yeon Harin focused her vision, observing the approaching ships.
She saw numerous men armed with blades.
Her expression hardened as she turned to assess the others on board.
The relaxed atmosphere had disappeared, replaced by a heavy sense of apprehension.
The men who had been watching Yeon Harin earlier all approached cautiously.
“It seems bandits have appeared. Young Lady Yeon, it would be safer for you to go inside…”
One of them suggested, and the others nodded in agreement.
However, Yeon Harin replied coldly.
“I didn’t train in martial arts to hide in moments like this. I will fight as well.”
With that, she turned back toward the river, her gaze fixed on the approaching bandits.
The men stared at her, stunned.
Their eyes were filled with a mixture of concern, admiration, and pride.
Meanwhile, the bandit ships drew closer.
•••
Byeok Taesan, having finished a late lunch, headed toward the Golden Jade Pavilion.
Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon followed behind him.
They had been incredibly anxious, worried he might insist on going alone.
They had even prepared five different arguments to dissuade him, just in case.
Of course, since Byeok Taesan had invited them along, their preparation turned out to be unnecessary.
The morning’s training had been nothing short of hellish.
Yoo Seoyeon had spent the entire morning regretting her decision not to insist more strongly on accompanying Yeon Harin.
But now that the pain had subsided, she no longer regretted staying.
If she had gone with Yeon Harin, she would have inevitably fallen behind Cheon Kyungwan upon his return. That much was clear.
The Limitless Steps Technique, while torturous, was remarkably effective.
In just a few days, she could already feel the benefits.
Her bones and muscles had become sturdier and more flexible. Her qi pathways had also grown stronger.
Her internal energy now flowed more smoothly, and the movements of her martial arts forms were significantly more fluid.
Had she left, the gap in skill would have been enormous.
To be honest, if Byeok Taesan weren’t forcing her to train in the Limitless Step, she wouldn’t have practiced it for more than half a gak a day.
It was that painful.
In any case, this brief respite from the torment felt precious.
Yoo Seoyeon and Cheon Kyungwan silently enjoyed the simple act of walking, grateful for the absence of pain.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Golden Jade Pavilion.
Unlike their previous visit, the pavilion doors swung open before they even reached the entrance. Courtesans rushed out to greet Byeok Taesan.
Among them was the Owner of the White Flower House, who bowed deeply, more respectful than ever.
“We have been awaiting your arrival, Young Master. Please, come inside.”
Following her lead, Byeok Taesan entered the Golden Jade Pavilion.
The owner guided him to the pavilion’s innermost and most secluded wing—a small annex not open to regular guests.
The annex comprised numerous small rooms, with the top floor entirely dedicated to one expansive chamber.
Each room seemed to house people, suggesting this was where Hao clan’s information was organized and stored.
The top floor served as both the office and private quarters of the local branch leader.
Byeok Taesan naturally seated himself in the highest seat in the room.
The only others present were the Owner of the White Flower House and the Golden Jade Pavilion’s owner, who was also the Hao Clan branch leader.
Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon waited outside the door.
The owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion watched Byeok Taesan sit in the grand chair and cast a curious glance at the Owner of the White Flower House.
The extravagant chair was not originally part of the room. It had been brought in by the Owner of the White Flower House, claiming it would undoubtedly be needed someday.
The Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion closely observed Byeok Taesan sitting at the ornate seat of honor. Despite the grandeur of the setting, he seemed entirely natural and accustomed to it.
‘He must be someone familiar with high positions.’
Byeok Taesan sat at the seat of honor, silently observing the two people seated in slightly lower chairs.
Soon, the Owner of the White Flower House took it upon herself to present information.
Byeok Taesan accepted a few documents handed to him by her and briefly scanned through them.
“Oh, you’ve identified their travel routes?”
A pleased smile spread across the Owner of the White Flower House’s lips.
“We haven’t uncovered everything. However, we are separately investigating a faction that clearly cooperated with them during the process.”
“There aren’t any Jiangshi involved, are there?”
“You can safely assume there are no Jiangshi in Yichang.”
Given how thoroughly the Hubei Martial Alliance was stirring things up, any Jiangshi or Half Dead Corpses that were there would have been secretly removed by now.
“Leave those people to the Hubei Martial Alliance.”
“Yes, understood.”
Even throwing just a few pieces of evidence their way would be enough for Hubei Martial Alliance to utterly destroy them.
“Waterways, huh…”
“It’s the fastest and safest method to bring Jiangshi into Yichang unnoticed. We’ve also pinpointed the locations where we suspect they transferred the Jiangshi.”
Byeok Taesan looked at the Owner of the White Flower House with sparkling eyes.
She was proving to be remarkably competent.
“You’ve managed to uncover that much?”
“Actually, we noticed some unusual activity among the local pirates during our investigation, which made it easier to trace the routes.”
“Pirates? Are they involved in this?”
“There are many indications pointing to their involvement.”
“Then there’s a high chance the Jiangshi are currently with the pirates?”
“It seems likely… doesn’t it?”
“That’s what it sounds like.”
With a curious expression, Byeok Taesan stroked his chin.
“You’ve made impressive progress in just a few days.”
The Owner of the White Flower House quickly bowed her head.
“It’s all thanks to you, Young Master.”
When she raised her head again, her eyes were burning with fervent desire.
The rapid progress at Yichang had made in the past few days was entirely thanks to the Shadowstep Art. No other faction would have advanced this quickly, even if they had obtained the same technique.
But the Hao Clan was different.
Everything about Hao Clan was built on the foundation of the Shadowstep Art. Every fragment they acquired caused their overall capabilities to leap dramatically.
Historically, Hao Clan’s growth had always been tied to the Shadowstep Art. When past Hao Clan leaders made new breakthroughs in understanding it, the Shadowstep Art itself would be refined, and the entire faction would benefit.
Thus, it wasn’t just the Owner of the White Flower House—everyone aware of Hao Clan’s relationship with the Shadowstep Art eagerly longed for it.
In fact, some within Hao Clan had suggested taking more aggressive measures to acquire it.
But the Owner of the White Flower House had practically staked her life to oppose that idea. To her, Byeok Taesan was not someone to approach in such a manner.
She firmly believed her current approach was the best way.
Byeok Taesan silently regarded the Owner of the White Flower House, who was looking at him with such deep resolve.
He had thought from the beginning that she was no ordinary person. And after some interaction, she had proven to be even better than he had anticipated.
If she continued to grow without any major incidents, she would likely secure her place as the next leader of Hao Clan.
“So, you’re asking me to give you more to work with?”
“I wouldn’t dare… I am simply grateful for any grace the Young Master bestows upon me. Even if I receive nothing more, my gratitude will remain steadfast.”
Byeok Taesan nodded.
“Good. Hold on to that attitude.”
For some reason, she felt his words weren’t just casually thrown out. His tone and demeanor hadn’t changed at all, yet something about it felt distinctly different.
She glanced at the Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion, who was sitting beside her, and noticed something unusual.
The Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion was visibly trembling.
‘What’s wrong with her?’
Shaking off her thoughts, the Owner of the White Flower House refocused on Byeok Taesan.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then, a single sheet of paper fluttered through the air and gently landed in front of the Owner of the White Flower House.
It was the third fragment of the Shadowstep Art.
Her hands trembled as she carefully secured it.
“With that, you should become a bit more capable.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
“That’s your business. As for me, I need to have a word with the pirates. Bring me the ones most likely involved. Can you manage that?”
Though he had phrased it as a question, the answer was already decided. Even if it seemed impossible, they would have to make it happen.
“Just set the time, and I’ll guide you immediately.”
Byeok Taesan grinned.
“Right now.”
“Pardon?”
The Owner of the White Flower House looked up in shock but quickly lowered her head again and answered.
“I’ll prepare it immediately.”
“Good. Hurry up. I’m not the patient type.”
She didn’t know exactly what he meant, but a sudden, inexplicable fear crept into her heart.
Once outside, the Owner of the White Flower House ran.
The Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion ran alongside her.
Her face was still pale.
“Are you all right?”
The Owner of the White Flower House asked, and the Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion forced a nod.
“I am now.”
“Now? So something did happen earlier. What was it?”
The Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion glanced briefly back at the pavilion where Byeok Taesan was and hesitated.
“That person… no, that man… What exactly is he?”
“You already know. He’s the second young master of the Golden Wall Merchants. And the one who can command us as he pleases.”
The Owner of the White Flower House lightly brushed her hand over the fragment of the Shadowstep Art she had tucked away.
“True. But still… ha…”
The Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion shook her head.
“It’s nothing. I was just scared. It was my first time experiencing something like that…”
She turned to look at the Owner of the White Flower House with a newfound understanding.
“And now I think I understand why you fought so fiercely against the foolish suggestions of those old men before. It would’ve been a disaster.”
The Owner of the White Flower House smiled faintly but quickly refocused.
“We need to hurry. He doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys waiting.”
Even before her words had finished, the Owner of the Golden Jade Pavilion surged forward, her inner power propelling her far ahead.
“Why is she so scared?”
The Owner of the White Flower House tilted her head in confusion before chasing after her.
In any case, having a reliable ally wasn’t a bad thing.