Chronicles of the Demon Faction

Episode 16. Reason for Escape (1)

“This concludes the report on the Majon Conference.”

Mudam silently bows his head.

Grumble.

The liquid falling in a parabola was transparent.

The rich aroma of liquor was refreshing yet heavy. It was clear that this was also a fairly strong drink.

The gorgeous glass was still large enough to be filled only after half of the bottle was empty.

Lee Cheon-sang drank slowly.

It seems as if it is savoring the scent, but it doesn’t stop even once. The way he slowly and slowly emptied the glass exuded a deep wildness and incomprehensible nobility.

Lee Cheon-sang, who eventually emptied his glass, spoke indifferently.

“This item isn’t bad.”

Like Geomnamchun, Bamboo Leaf Cheong (竹葉靑) is also a liquor that is difficult to find in the South.

Bamboo leaf extract was a herbal liquor made with various medicinal ingredients based on the liquor made in Haenghwachon, Shanxi Province.

It was popular among medicinal liquors for its refreshing scent and luxurious sweetness, so it was expensive to call it in places other than where it was produced.

Hibmandaesan Mountain, where the Church of the Heavenly Demon was established, was the southernmost point of the central plains. It would not have been difficult to transport alcohol from the northern province of Shanxi.

Lee Cheon-sang succinctly praised the hard work of the magicians who airlifted the liquor and extended his hand toward Mu-dam.

Even though Mudam had his head down, he carefully handed over the document as if he knew it.

Lee Cheon-sang lifted the seal on one side and stamped it on the document.

“What about the defense court?”

Mudam’s answers were unhesitating even to questions that omitted the back and forth.

“It has become very generous. “The guards under my command are steadily building up their strength.”

“Thank goodness.”

“I am grateful to the leader for his kind blessings.”

Lee Cheon-sang shook his head.

“If you can find strength, that would also be my pleasure.”

Mudam’s face was covered with emotion. Even if it was just empty words, it was a touching statement.

“I will risk my life to protect you so that no one can harm you.”

“Do it that way.”

It was a heartwarming conversation, if somewhat heartwarming, but Lee Cheon-sang’s eyes as he looked at Mudam were still indifferent.

His eyes and expression were always like that. Aside from his presence, there would not be many people who would not be embarrassed when faced with him.

Grumble.

Lee Cheon-sang, who filled his glass again, asked as he passed by.

“What about the third?”

Mudam answered immediately.

“They say they have faced dangerous moments several times.”

“It looks like it’s alive.”

It was not something a teacher would say about a student.

In fact, for eight months, Lee Cheon-sang never once asked a question about Seoliang. Mudam also postponed reporting on the Three Dukes because Lee Cheon-sang did not want it.

“Report.”

“yes.”

This is the first report in eight months. Mudam relayed the content in as much detail as possible.

How long did the reports last like that?

At one point, Lee Cheon-sang’s eyes lit up.

“for a moment.”

“Yes, master. “Please ask.”

“What did you just say?”

“yes?”

“A guy who was injured fighting a swarm of wild animals survived after facing a deer for three days?”

“That’s right.”

Mudam was puzzled.

Of course, I know full well the incredible ferocity of Nokchok. Even most peak masters are difficult to deal with unless three or more of them gather together.

But I didn’t think escaping would be that difficult. Nokchok was very strong, but Seoryang was not alone.

If Ma Dong-pil, who has become noticeably stronger recently, helped out, it wouldn’t be an impossible task, right?

“That’s interesting.”

A subtle interest appeared in Lee Cheon-sang’s eyes.

Mudam was surprised when he saw that.

A face that always maintains indifference. Even Mudam, who had served him for decades, could only infer from his expression and was never certain.

It’s different now.

Lee Cheon-sang was clearly showing his emotions like an ordinary person.

“If I had learned Yeo-ryong (驪龍), it would have been difficult to escape the strange voice of Nokchok (驪龍).”

The Yeo-ryong that Lee Cheon-sang was talking about meant Yeo-ryong Isan-gong (驪龍移山功), one of the ten magic arts.

Choi Sang-seung, a magician, was trained by the Three Confucius, Seoliang, before entering the Juhwa Ilma.

Lee Cheon-sang looked at Mu Dam.

“What were the three volumes?”

“yes?”

“I understand that there are three volumes of magic secrets that you gave to the third child.”

“…!”

Mudam’s complexion turned pale.

He bowed his head slightly.

“Hyeolhwa, Pocheon, and Jeokbong are coming.”

Lee Cheon-sang touched his lips.

Even though his face seemed lost in thought, the interest in his eyes did not disappear.

“Hyeolhwa is sharp and Pocheon is heavy. Neither of them suits you. “At least Jeokbong is better, but if that guy had an eye for it, he wouldn’t have learned Jeokbong as well.”

This is not because the level of magic is low, but because it is a type of magic that does not match the body.

If he had reached the extreme level of magic and mastered all magic techniques, it would be difficult to handle the enemy peak in his current third body. Once a body has been exposed to poison, the enemy becomes poisonous.

Mudam was fighting with all his might.

“I opened a secret place without the leader’s permission. Please kill me.”

“You have permission to open the archive.”

“One thing I believe is….”

“As long as you can take responsibility for your choices, you are free to choose whatever you choose.”

Lee Cheon-sang’s expression became indifferent again.

“Do you have any regrets about your choice?”

“…That’s right.”

“Can you take responsibility?”

“of course.”

“Then I respect your choice.”

Mudam bowed his head even more without answering.

Lee Cheon-sang filled his glass again, emptied it in one go, and turned his head to the window.

Some say they just look out the window in silence.

“Call the fourth.”

There was a look of puzzlement on Mudam’s face.

While we’re talking about the Three Dukes, why are you suddenly calling for the Four Dukes?

But a question is just a question.

Mudam bowed his head.

“I follow your orders.”

As he slowly got up and was about to retreat, Lee Cheon-sang called him again.

“Great protection law.”

“Yes, leader.”

“Do you know why children’s fights are scarier than adult fights?”

Lee Cheon-sang was not the person to ask such questions.

Mudam shook his head, thinking that he would see many sides of the leader today.

“I don’t know what you believe.”

“Kids don’t know where it ends. So scary. “Because I think that even the glory of only scars is glory.”

Lee Cheon-sang’s eyes deepened.

“The moment a child realizes where the appropriate line is in a fight armed with limitless ignorance, that is when a child becomes an adult.”

* * *

“Whew, I’m dying.”

Lee Gun-seong (李君聲), who came into the office grumbling, looked extremely tired.

Giyang held out a teacup to him who was massaging the back of his neck.

“It’s Byukra Chun (碧羅春). “It’s been a while since I tried it, but I’m not sure if I’ll like it.”

“Thank you.”

“no.”

Lee Gun-seong showed a grumpy expression.

“How was the three-day break?”

“I don’t have anything to say since you worked so hard.”

A look of regret was evident on Kiyang’s face as he scratched his head.

Lee Gun-seong chuckled at his honest and unaffected attitude.

“I can’t even joke around.”

“I should have been so sorry.”

“If you’re sorry, please sit down and talk to me.”

“Are you going out again?”

“I have to go out again in about an hour.”

Kiyang sighed lightly.

“I’ll go this time, so you can get some rest. “I will tell Wonju.”

“That’s it. “If the escort changes, the escort becomes uncomfortable.”

“But…”

“Later, when I’m having a hard time, please give me a shift. “You had a hard time last month too, right?”

That’s what he said, but Kiyang knew. Gunseong Lee, the most senior member of the defense court and leader of the work, never defers his work to others.

That’s why the guardians in the National Assembly liked Lee Gun-seong. Although he clearly makes and breaks ties, he always takes care of his subordinates.

“Then close your eyes for a moment. “I’ll wake you up.”

“I feel like I’ll be lethargic after I sleep. Anyway, this is the last time. “I’d rather just have a chat with you.”

“If that’s true, I understand.”

While we were sitting across from each other and sipping tea, Kiyang asked.

“Anyway, the head of the Demon Sword Family came to visit for some reason?”

Lee Kun-seong shook his head.

“I don’t know the exact details.”

“Is that so.”

“It’s such a big deal, isn’t it? “It looks like I have something else to say to the higher-ups at this school.”

The Demon Sword Family was one of the Seven Magic Families and was a prestigious family with the strongest power among the seven families.

His loyalty to the new religion was outstanding, and the prosecutors under his command were also skilled enough to be compared to the demons in the school. Shingyo also trusted the Demon Sword Family the most among the seven families.

“Well… I just heard a rumor.”

“Rumors?”

Gunseong Lee fell silent for a moment and scratched his head.

“It’s literally just a rumor, so it’s not certain. “It comes from a reliable source, so I think it has some credibility.”

“which?”

“It looks like the Demon Sword Family also wants to hire a talented person.”

Kiyang’s eyes wavered.

The idea of bringing in talented people to Shinkyo meant only one thing.

“The leader’s disciple…?”

Lee Gun-seong nodded.

“Like I said, it’s not accurate information. But I think it’s worth it. Aren’t two of your disciples affiliated with the Chil Family? “The Demon Sword Family, the leader of the Seven Families, couldn’t have paid attention.”

“But… there are still so many, will the leader take in more disciples? “Not just one or two people, but seven people.”

“You don’t know that. “It’s up to the leader to decide.”

“That’s true, but… Ah!”

Giyang opened his mouth with a small exclamation, as if he suddenly remembered something.

“If it is true that the Demon Sword Family wants to send a disciple and the leader allows it…”

“Hmm?”

“…I think maybe the number seven can be maintained.”

“What does that mean?”

“The Three Princes.”

Lee Kun-seong’s eyes deepened.

Only then did he realize what Kiyang’s words meant.

“That’s a dangerous statement.”

“I know. But…”

“….”

“You know, right? “The bamboo forest is dangerous.”

“Ah yes. Isn’t that why you sent three teams? “Chief Sam is the person most familiar with bamboo forest among us.”

“I know Captain Sam’s skills and that he has enough experience, but I’m still anxious.”

Ma Dong-pil’s talent was amazing. The very fact that he became Captain Sam, the next in line to Captain Giyang Lee, at the age of just over 30 was proof of his strength.

Although he was not very quick-witted, he was more honest than anyone else and had the zeal to complete any mission given to him. I was literally an idiot when it came to protecting the law.

However, Gojuk Forest was such a dangerous area that the expression ‘such’ could be added after the words ‘skill’ and ‘experience’.

How dare they select a few of the top leaders of the Protestant Church and send them out to collect spiritual bamboo twice a year?

“I don’t know when the Three Dukes will come out. If the religious leader does not allow it, you may have to live there for the rest of your life.”

Lee Gun-seong sighed.

Although Kiyang was talking about the Three Dukes, what he was truly worried about was Ma Dongpil. Because he was one of the most talented people in the defense court of his time.

“Besides, the Three Dukes have a body…”

“Stop.”

“….”

“Let’s stop talking about this. “If anyone hears this, they will be shocked.”

Kiyang closed his mouth with a stinging expression. I said this because I was worried, but I did not know that it was clearly excessive.

Lee Gun-seong buried his back deeply in the chair.

“It was Wonju who sent the three commanders. “Don’t you know how much the Wonju cares about Samjang?”

“…yes.”

“It’ll be okay. “Let’s just think about it that way.”

Kiyang nodded. It wasn’t something that could be solved by thinking and worrying about it anyway.

“By the way, your assistant captain Joe is getting married this time?”

There was a lot of intention to brighten the mood. Even though Kiyang knew that, he agreed.

So the conversation between the two continued about ordinary daily life. There was a lot to talk about, such as about the team members, Kang-ho’s movements, etc.

How much time has passed?

Lee Gun-seong was spitting and talking about a beautiful woman he had encountered during his mission.

“Chief Il.”

An urgent voice came from outside the door.

“What’s going on?”

“Chief Three, Captain Sam has come to see Captain I!”

The expressions on the faces of the two people who suddenly stood up were full of surprise.

“Hurry up and stop by!”

“yes!”

Lee Gun-seong and Ki-yang’s faces showed joy at the thought of seeing their junior, whom they cherished like a younger brother, for the first time in a long time.

After a while.

“Captain, this is the third captain.”

“Come in!”

Grumble.

The door slowly opened and a man came in.

The faces of the two people, who had full smiles on their faces, hardened as soon as they saw Ma Dong-pil.