Episode 345

“Damn it!”

Gak Chul grumbled, moving toward the Vast Sky branch.

They didn’t show up.

Even after staying up all night with his eyes wide open.

“This is just too much, damn it!”

He grumbled to himself, but couldn’t bring himself to add a ‘respectful term’, and his grumbling voice was so quiet it was almost like an ant’s.

As the old saying goes, daytime words are heard by birds… Distant curses are heard by Hwang Shin.

It was better to mumble to himself than to risk getting hit by pointing out the subject.

However, the atmosphere near the Vast Sky branch felt a bit strange.

’Why are there so many people gathered? They all look terrified…

‘Huh? They’re kneeling at that?

‘And that person is Hwang Shin hyung?’

Gak Chul wore a puzzled expression as he looked at the scene beyond the people.

Judging by the attire of the ten kneeling warriors, they were clearly from Sixth Grotto-heaven.

In front of him, Hwang Shin stood wielding a sword like a madman, his eyes wild.

Originally a man accustomed to using an awl, it didn’t suit him at all.

But there was something familiar about it…

“Phoo!”

Spraying water on the sword and even dancing…

An execution ceremony?

What is he doing? Did he change his profession to an executioner now?

Gak Chul tried to push through the crowd when Hwang Shin suddenly swung the sword fiercely.

“Oh my goodness!”

“Oh dear!”

People screamed and covered their eyes from all around.

“…This person called the Lord of Sixth Grotto-heaven is truly remarkable.”

“Indeed, I heard he was quite something even in Sixth Grotto-heaven.”

“Has life improved then?”

“Of course. They say there’s no more plundering at all.”

“Ha! What a strange thing.”

“It’s better this way. With a Lord like that, we might be able to live without being so cautious, don’t you think?”

“Indeed, that barren Sixth Grotto-heaven spends money like water while trading with Central Plains.”

“That’s great, really great. I hope we can live well thanks to him.”

Gak Chul tilted his head at the whispers he heard from here and there.

It’s good that people are praising Jinmu…but what on earth happened last night?

No matter how much he racked his brains, he couldn’t understand.

Gak Chul shook off the dissatisfaction he had felt until a moment ago and hurriedly moved towards Hwang Shin.

“Hwang Shin hyung!”

“……”

At Gak Chul’s call, as he approached, Hwang Shin habitually licked the blood off his sword and glared fiercely.

“You damn brat! Where have you been wandering all night just to show up now? Should I cut your neck off too?”

“…?”

“And you even curse on your way here?”

’D-did he hear that?

‘I even went out of my way to omit anything disrespectful…’

“You just wait and see.”

“……”

’Damn it, that cursed sharp-eared hyung.

‘I mean, isn’t this too much though?

‘You told me to settle in the guesthouse. I waited all night, all night!’

But after hearing Hwang Shin’s cruel words of “wait and see”, he couldn’t even grumble.

He had no choice but to endure it, even if it was unfair.

“Listen up, everyone!”

While Gak Chul was incessantly grumbling inwardly, Hwang Shin finished the execution, and Il-hwan, who was waiting beside him, shouted loudly.

“Grotto-heaven Lord has promised not to plunder the civilians. Anyone who violates this will be severely punished, and if anyone suffers damage, report it immediately!”

At Il-hwan’s declaration, everyone glanced at each other.

Even without cheers, their expressions were filled with a sense of joy that hadn’t been there before.

Time passed quickly at the Sixth Grotto-heaven, Vast Sky branch.

The plundering of the villagers was immediately eradicated.

Although it had continued as a long-standing custom, no one dared to do it secretly after the new leader of the Grotto-heaven had sternly warned against it.

It was not because of the exemplary execution that had been carried out.

It was because the trust and loyalty towards Jinmu, which created a change in the hearts of the Sixth Grotto-heaven’s warriors, were growing stronger.

In any case, the streets of the Vast Sky branch were gradually becoming more lively with time.

Perhaps because of this, the fear in the eyes of the people who had been watching the warriors faded, and some even greeted them warmly.

Though the warriors, unaccustomed to such friendly reactions, often awkwardly waved a hand in response and quickly left, it seemed they didn’t entirely dislike their lips curling into a slight smile.

Thus, half a month passed.

“Taap!”

Bang! Bang bang bang!

The momentum of Wei Yang-jin as he thrusts his hand towards Hwang Shin was quite fierce.

Although his innate qi is still weak and not even enough to reach full force, he knows how to expel qi from his fingertips.

“Hoo…”

Jinmu, who was sitting with his chin resting in the training ground at the rear, suddenly let out a deep sigh as he watched the scene.

It’s good that the child is growing well, but the damn Fourth Grotto-heaven shows no sign of moving.

He wished they would get angry and come to fight, but they just hide like a turtle in its shell, and the city gate is still in a tense standoff with the Heavenly Strong Clan…

I need to resolve this quickly, but no solutions are coming to mind.

Jinmu, who was contemplating with his chin resting and sipping alcohol, called out to Hwang Shin, who was training Wei Yang-jin.

“Hwang Shin.”

“Yes!”

“……”

With a concise and powerful response, Hwang Shin dashed over like lightning.

“Send a letter to Jeok Saeng.”

“To the Commander?”

“Yes. Explain the current situation and tell him to come up with a plan to bring down Fourth Grotto-heaven.”

“……”

At Jinmu’s indifferent words, Hwang Shin blinked.

Don’t make that face. You know it too.

How desperate must I be to ask for help from Jeok Saeng halfway across the world?

“Anyway, send it. He might come up with something.”

“…Understood.”

Hwang Shin’s reply prompted Jinmu to dust off and stand up.

“Yang-jin.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Let’s end today’s training here and go for a walk.”

“Yes.”

Wei Yang-jin followed Jinmu immediately without a hint of doubt.

Always the same demeanor.

Go when told, come when called.

Even when it’s tough, he endures everything, and when he achieves something, he doesn’t show obvious joy. He simply follows Jinmu’s words quietly.

Since Jinmu personally took him as a disciple, by the logic of the Cult, he is arguably the highest-ranked among those around Jinmu now, yet instead of becoming arrogant, he respected them and always listened attentively, eager to learn.

He rarely makes mistakes and fundamentally has no resistance, so there’s no satisfaction in teaching him through punishment.

If he’s too upright, it would get boring…

Watching him, Jinmu can’t help but feel the urge to corrupt him.

Good. I’ve been feeling stifled anyway, so I’ll take this opportunity to get him drunk.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

As the two stepped onto the main road, people began to greet them warmly one by one.

“Oh, isn’t it the Grotto-heaven Lord? Please try this. It’s a pancake made with a secret recipe passed down in our family.”

“……”

“We have dumplings.”

“Sweets.”

“Ornaments.”

“……”

Even though I’ve walked just a little, everyone seems so delighted to see me, and my arms are already full.

Why give me all this? It’s nice since it’s free, but…

“Please try this on.”

“Oh dear, your clothing looks worn out.”

Enough. I can’t carry any more.

Damn it, why is everyone pretending to be so friendly now? It’s so fucking annoying.

I guess I’ll have to change my plan to settle at an inn and drink.

Shaking his head, Jinmu’s gaze moved to a man begging at the edge of the road.

Truly, beggars always exist everywhere.

They infiltrate like little pests… No, they’re not from the Beggars’ Union.

Alright, you can have all of this then.

Jinmu tossed the items he received, except for a few snacks, to the beggar.

“Yang-jin!”

“…!”

Before a response could be made, Jinmu grabbed Yang-jin by the scruff and vaulted over the wall.

Those approaching to offer gifts looked disappointed as he vanished from sight in an instant.

“He’s helped a poor soul.”

“As expected, of the Grotto-heaven Lord who is a celestial being. A celestial. Truly a heaven-sent man.”

Whether he wanted it or not, the favorable rumors and praise for Jinmu had swelled to near deification.

Leaving the crowd behind, Jinmu cradled Wei Yang-jin and settled on a rooftop a little away from the main road.

Hmm, there are snacks, but no alcohol.

It’s a hassle to go to the brewery, and sending Wei Yang-jin isn’t an option as he can’t yet jump across rooftops.

“Yang-jin.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Tell Hwang Shin to buy a few bottles of alcohol.”

For the first time, Wei Yang-jin looked flustered at Jinmu’s words.

“…Now?”

“Yes.”

“…How?”

“Just shout out loud.”

“……”

Though it seemed nonsensical, Wei Yang-jin clasped his hands over his mouth and shouted as loudly as he could.

“Hwaang Shiin hyuung! Bring alcohol!”

“……”

Does he still not fully understand the powers of Hwang Shin?

There’s really no need to shout so loudly. It only draws attention from the crowd.

See? Those guys heard your voice and are now gathering with all sorts of things.

“Ah, damn it.”

Finally, Hwang Shin appeared before the two, who had moved to another rooftop, holding a bottle.

“You’re amazing.”

“…?”

Wei Yang-jin, filling Jinmu’s glass, whispered to Hwang Shin with curiosity.

Regardless, Jinmu quietly observed the panoramic view of the Vast Sky district.

A peaceful and ordinary day.

People from the mainland might think there are monsters living here, but this is just a place where normal people live.

Then, suddenly, he glanced at the distant commotion.

“Ha ha, even kids these days play war games.”

“……”

“Oh? Do they have strategies?”

“Indeed. Kids play the same everywhere.”

Wei Yang-jin was watching the scene with a pleased expression, as if reminiscing about his own childhood.

But…oh? Look at this?

The war games that these kids who are around ten years old are playing are surprisingly systematic.

It resembles a power struggle in the Murim world.

Though crude, they had strategies and tactics, and they strictly adhered to attack and retreat sequences.

Then, at some point, the kids who seemed to be the leaders of each side came forward and started exchanging serious discussions.

Is there a problem?

“Hwang Shin.”

“Yes?”

“What are they saying?”

“……”

At Jinmu’s words, Hwang Shin sighed deeply inwardly.

Now he has to listen to the sounds of kids playing war games.

Damn the Heavenly Lord’s authority. What does he take people for?

But if Hwang Shin refused, wouldn’t he be the only one to suffer?

Hwang Shin perked up his ears and began mimicking the big kid’s words.

“Hey! Why are you the leader? A few days ago, your rank was below the wall guard!”

“I changed it because he was hogging everything.”

“How is that fair?”

“What are you talking about? Don’t you know about rank challenges?”

“What?”

“I challenged for rank yesterday and won.”

“Hey! That’s not right!”

“What isn’t?”

“To challenge rank, you need the top leader’s permission.”

“What a joke.”

“What?”

“Have you not heard about Mujin?”

“……”

“Keep your ears open. He showed up alone in Sixth Grotto-heaven, sorted out the ranks completely, and now they say he’s going to take over Fourth Grotto-heaven.”

“What does Mujin have to do with us! Unless the top leader gives permission, I can’t acknowledge you!”

“Idiot, that’s just your opinion. Now, I’m the standard.”

“……”

“I’m going to do exactly like Mujin. I’m going to topple the top leader this time, so I don’t need any permission.”

“This little brat, seriously.”

“Don’t call me a brat or anything. Just because the war isn’t going well, don’t pick a fight for no reason.”

“Hey! This isn’t picking a fight…or so it says.”

When Hwang Shin’s message ended, Jinmu’s eyes were wide open as if they were about to tear.

Then, like an enlightened old monk, Jinmu smiled brightly in joy.

Ha! What nonsense.

Why didn’t I think of that?

Suddenly, Jinmu jumped up, startling Hwang Shin, who took a defensive stance.

Was there a problem with his performance?

“Kuhkuhkuh, uhahaha! I can’t believe I didn’t think of such an easy solution.”

“…?”

Jinmu’s sudden burst of laughter made Hwang Shin and Wei Yang-jin look at each other, puzzled.

“Hwang Shin!”

“Yes.”

“We need to send another letter.”

“…?”

“Tell Heavenly Strong Clan to stand down, and instruct the Puppet and So Dong-bo to return and join the main force.”

“What? What does that mean?”

“And gather all the leaders. We will start a battle with Fourth Grotto-heaven from now.”

“…?”

What on earth does he mean now?

What is this cunning Heavenly Lord planning to trouble them all with now?

“Understood.”

In any case, he just answers for now.

Whatever it is… It’s bound to be difficult.

“Your acting skills are remarkable, even more than your hearing. I felt like I was watching a Peking opera, haha.”

“……”

Hwang Shin’s face subtly twisted at Wei Yang-jin’s words.

‘Is it fun? Do you like it so much? This little brat, half the size of a seed, I’ve treated him as a disciple, and yet he dares to provoke me. What? Impressive acting skills? I should strip that unripe, wretched corn of his… He needs to learn firsthand how important the joy of biting, tearing, tasting, and enjoying is…’

But as always, since Jinmu was present, he couldn’t say those words, not even through telepathy.

He just awkwardly smiled while grabbing Wei Yang-jin’s shoulder.

“Oh dear, disciple. Your praise is overwhelming. I’m embarrassed.”

“……”

Wei Yang-jin tilted his head, sensing a suppressed animosity from Hwang Shin’s grip on his shoulder.

Why is this man acting like this?

Does he perhaps dislike compliments?