The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life

Chapter 47 Always Watching

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They decided to stay one more day.

The cost of staying in the detached house was steep, but Byeok Taesan had never worried about money anyway.

Not when he was the Heavenly Demon, and not now.

Thanks to how much money his elder brother, Byeok Taesoo, had provided, even their companions showed no trace of concern on their faces.

“From tomorrow, we’ll have to travel by boat, so I’ll look for a suitable vessel.”

At Cheon Kyungwan’s words, Byeok Taesan nodded and glanced at the Heavenly Divine Healer.

The Heavenly Divine Healer, understanding his intent from just a look, responded immediately.

“I’ll go with him.”

The reason for sending the Heavenly Divine Healer along was his ability to identify members of the Hao Clan.

They planned to fully utilize the Hao Clan active in Hubei.

“Shall we take a short break to digest and have me review your martial arts?”

When Byeok Taesan looked at Dan Yeong, Chae Wol, and Soso as he said this, their faces lit up.

They had been feeling frustrated due to their stagnant progress in training.

“Let’s see what you’ve got.”

At Byeok Taesan’s words, the three women headed to the rear garden of the detached house.

The garden included a small training area suitable for practice, capable of accommodating two or three people at most.

It was clear the high cost of the place was justified.

The three positioned themselves at a reasonable distance from each other and began demonstrating the martial arts they knew.

Byeok Taesan, seated casually on a peculiar-looking rock, watched the scene without much focus.

Given the vast difference in their levels, he could tell what the issues were and how to resolve them with just a glance.

After observing for a while, Byeok Taesan’s expression turned slightly peculiar.

Rubbing his chin, he calmly continued to watch their demonstrations.

Most of his attention remained on Soso.

Once the demonstrations were over, Byeok Taesan gave a brief evaluation.

“It’s a complete disaster.”

The three women’s expressions darkened.

“No, I’m talking about Soso. The other two at least show effort.”

Danyeong and Chae Wol’s faces brightened, but Soso’s expression became even gloomier.

Soso knew very well that she hadn’t performed well.

She was aware that she lacked the same level of talent as the other two.

And her beauty didn’t measure up either.

Thinking about it upset her. Despite serving the Young Master longer than anyone else, she now felt increasingly insignificant.

“For now, Soso, step aside for a moment.”

“Pardon?”

Soso’s eyes widened.

She looked at Byeok Taesan briefly before lowering her head.

“Yes…”

When Soso stepped aside, Byeok Taesan approached Danyeong and Chae Wol, pointing out several areas for improvement.

He briefly explained what additional training they would need and what to focus on.

The two women listened intently, their eyes sparkling, as if not wanting to miss a single word.

Although they didn’t realize it, this guidance was akin to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

How many in the world could claim to have received direct instruction from the Heavenly Demon?

Even the Heavenly Demon’s disciples had never been taught so kindly.

Once Byeok Taesan’s instructions were over, the two women bowed deeply, their gestures full of respect and gratitude.

Meanwhile, Soso’s expression grew even more despondent as she watched.

“You two can continue training on your own. Soso, come with me.”

As Byeok Taesan left the training area, Soso, her head hanging low, followed him like a forlorn puppy caught in the rain.

“Pardon?”

Soso’s eyes widened like saucers, her mind descending into chaos.

Her thoughts were so jumbled that she couldn’t form a coherent idea.

It was understandable. Byeok Taesan’s words carried enough impact to completely unsettle her.

“Must I repeat myself?”

“No, no! That’s not what I mean!”

Flustered, Soso hastily responded, her face turning beet red.

“Young Master, you’re aware that Young Lady Yeon is also staying in this detached house, aren’t you?”

Byeok Taesan frowned slightly.

“I wasn’t sure if you had forgotten… but really, how could you suggest that I visit your room tonight knowing that?”

If she went to Byeok Taesan’s room at night, wasn’t it obvious what people would think?

“Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Anyway, after seeing your martial arts earlier, I’ve confirmed it. If you’re left alone, you’ll just cause unnecessary harm.”

Soso’s face turned even redder.

“You don’t have to phrase it like that. Besides, it’s not as though I have no talent. It’s just that those two are extraordinary.”

Soso pouted her lips.

Dan Yeong and Chae Wol were indeed exceptional.

Every woman who sought to serve the Young Master was extraordinary in Soso’s eyes.

They had talents and beauty that seemed insurmountably out of reach.

‘Maybe they’re normal, and I’m just at the bottom.’

Logically, that was the truth. But observing them even briefly made it clear—they were exceptional.

A wave of disappointment and sadness washed over her.

Tears threatened to fall naturally.

“Stop.”

“Pardon?”

“If you’re going to cry, do it alone outside. Don’t forget to come to my room tonight.”

The tears immediately dried up.

“W-what…!”

Soso nearly blurted out a complaint but held her tongue.

Instead, she stared blankly at Byeok Taesan with wide eyes.

Byeok Taesan waved his hand dismissively, signaling her to leave.

As Soso left his room, her mind was filled with all sorts of wild imaginings.

Her face turned bright red.

‘How am I supposed to face Young Lady Yeon after this?’

By the afternoon, people from the Hubei Martial Alliance arrived.

It seemed they had exchanged messages with Seomun Jehak several times, as they headed straight to the Golden Moon Inn upon reaching Hubei.

A group of twenty warriors from the Hubei Martial Alliance was led by Seomun Deok, a patrol squad leader.

The Golden Moon Inn had been notified in advance and skillfully guided them upon their arrival.

Seomun Deok chose to act separately from his subordinates.

Since they would be staying the night and leaving early the next day, he instructed the warriors to eat well and rest sufficiently.

Seomun Deok first sought out Seomun Jehak.

Seomun Jehak wasn’t by himself; he was accompanied by Gu Yangsoo and Chu Yeonghak.

“I pay my respects, Uncle,” Seomun Jehak said, leading Gu Yangsoo and Chu Yeonghak to bow respectfully as well.

Expectations flickered in their eyes as they looked at Seomun Deok.

Indeed, he was worthy of being the Patrol Leader of Hubei Martial Alliance. His presence was overwhelming.

With someone like him helping, they believed crushing Byeok Taesan would be a trivial task.

After sitting down first, Seomun Deok spoke to the three.

“Have a seat. By the way… your faces look quite worn. Did something happen?”

Normally, after the impurities in their spirits were removed, everything should improve. However, the effect had not applied to them.

No, it had worked in reverse.

This was a realm that even Byeok Taesan was unaware of.

“I have something urgent to discuss, Uncle. No, rather, I have a request.”

“A request?”

Seomun Deok’s expression turned curious.

Whatever this request was, it seemed related to the reason behind their weary appearances.

“Let’s hear it.”

He had no intention of agreeing immediately.

Even if they were family, he wasn’t inclined to grant unreasonable favors or clean up their messes.

Seomun Jehak had a general understanding of Seomun Deok’s temperament.

However, he believed that if his uncle listened to what he had to say, he would certainly act.

After all, they hadn’t done anything particularly wrong.

They had merely provoked Byeok Taesan and gotten beaten up for it. Or rather, been bullied.

Seomun Jehak organized his thoughts and was about to speak.

But at that moment, his lips refused to move. Cold sweat dripped from his body, and his tongue froze as though his acupoints were blocked.

“Why did you stop mid-sentence?”

At Seomun Deok’s question, Seomun Jehak looked pleadingly at Gu Yangsoo and Chu Yeonghak.

However, the two were not much better off.

Disappointment crept into Seomun Deok’s eyes.

Seeing this, Seomun Jehak felt his heart sink.

Desperately, he tried to speak, but his body refused to comply.

It was his own body, yet it wouldn’t listen—a frustrating situation.

Seomun Deok calmly exhaled after gathering his internal energy.

A serene aura spread across the room.

“Calm your mind first and stabilize yourself with your inner energy.”

Seomun Deok could guess why Seomun Jehak was acting like this. He had seen something similar before.

This was what happened when someone was severely suppressed by an overwhelming presence.

That made it all the more disappointing.

If they were being overpowered by someone’s aura right now, it would be understandable. But that had happened a while ago.

Failing to recover even after that showed a lack of will, not talent.

A person with a firm resolve would not falter in such a manner.

The solution to this was simple: release the oppressed spirit and stabilize it with inner energy.

It would forcefully realign the body and mind.

Seomun Jehak followed the instructions.

Even then, he couldn’t open his mouth.

“Fine. Speak when you’re ready. If you can’t even prepare yourself for that, there’s no reason for me to listen to what you have to say. Do you understand?”

Seomun Jehak lowered his head and answered.

“Yes.”

Seomun Deok stood and left.

The three left in the room lowered their heads, their expressions filled with distress.

Still, they believed all they needed was more time.

It would take about three days to travel by ship to Hubei Martial Alliance at a steady pace.

Surely, that would be enough time to work things out.

“Yes, plenty of time,” Seomun Jehak muttered.

“Plenty of time for what?”

The sudden voice made all three simultaneously lift their heads.

Byeok Taesan was standing in a corner of the room before they even realized it.

When they saw him, their bodies trembled violently.

“You must have thought you could handle ignoring my words, right?”

The three shook their heads furiously.

“No! That’s not it!”

Byeok Taesan smirked.

“Really?”

“Truly! Believe us! We weren’t trying to talk about that! We just wanted to greet him, that’s all!”

Byeok Taesan’s gaze swept over the three.

“Always remember, I’m watching.”

The three nodded frantically, as though their lives depended on it.

When their nodding finally stopped, Byeok Taesan had already disappeared.

The tension in their bodies instantly released.

And so did their control over other parts of their bodies.

•••

Soso stood in the middle of the rear garden of the annex at the Golden Moon Guesthouse, her expression tense.

She looked up at the sky. A bright, full moon hung above.

Her heart pounded wildly, almost painfully.

Her gaze lowered and shifted slightly to the side.

There stood a tall pavilion. Her eyes settled on its top floor.

That was Byeok Taesan’s room.

She needed to go there now.

“Haaa.”

Soso had served Byeok Taesan since she was very young.

Over ten years together—how could she not harbor personal feelings?

At one point, she had dreamed of being with Byeok Taesan.

Of course, that dream had ended very quickly.

After all, Byeok Taesan had fallen ill.

And Yeon Harin had appeared.

Even without those reasons, the dream could not have lasted.

She understood better than anyone that she and Byeok Taesan could never be together.

Since then, she’d never harbored such thoughts. To her, Byeok Taesan was simply the Young Master she had to serve.

But today, her steadfast heart wavered violently.

Soso shook her head.

This wouldn’t do.

Still, she couldn’t disobey his command.

She turned slowly toward the pavilion.

“Eek!”

Startled, Soso screamed.

Someone was standing a short distance away.

After screaming, she looked closer and realized it was Yeon Harin.

“Ah, Young Lady, what brings you here?”

Soso’s heart raced even faster. Could she have figured out why she was here?

Yeon Harin smiled sweetly.

“I couldn’t sleep after all the commotion earlier, so I came out for a walk.”

The commotion referred to the incident where Seomun Jehak and his group had soiled themselves again.

They had now achieved the rare feat of doing so twice in the same inn.

It had caused quite a stir—cleaning up the mess and airing out the rooms.

Because of that chaos, Byeok Taesan’s group had remained confined to the annex.

Presumably, Yeon Harin was having trouble sleeping because she hadn’t exerted herself today.

“I see.”

Yeon Harin stepped closer to Soso, who flinched but did not move away.

“Would you… stay with me for a while?”

“Pardon?”

Soso’s eyes widened.

“I want to hear some stories.”

Soso clutched her chest. It felt like her heart might leap out at any moment.

“W-What kind of stories?”

“Stories about the Young Master.”

“T-The Young Master? W-What about him…?”

“Everything. I’ve realized I know so little about him. When I thought of who knows him best, you came to mind.”

Yeon Harin smiled warmly at Soso.

Soso thought the smile was beautiful but also, for some reason, a little frightening.

“You’ll tell me, right?”

Soso had no choice but to nod.