Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 206

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 206
Deungcheon Guest Inn.
Among all the guest inns in Kaifeng, the Deungcheon Guest Inn, which boasted the longest history, bustled with visitors every single day.
There were plenty of other inns, yet the Deungcheon stood apart; the main reason was its food.
A Chef who had once served in the imperial palace displayed culinary skills that no one in the region could match, presenting dishes of exceptional quality.
And that was far from all.
The innkeeper, through connections formed who knows where, sold rare wines that were difficult to find elsewhere.
Delicious food and fine wines from every region.
The Deungcheon’s distinctions, set against a sea of otherwise comparable establishments, proved more than enough to draw crowds.
And so it was that every day, a queue of patrons could be seen stretching outside—or so it had been.
Today, however, the Deungcheon Guest Inn stood remarkably quiet.
“Huh? Why isn’t there a line at the Deungcheon today?”
“That’s strange, isn’t it?”
Passersby’s eyes brightened at the discovery.
The food and wine of the Deungcheon were rarely had elsewhere.
Though the prices were steep, the real reason was that the inn was always thronged with crowds.
Kaifeng itself was the center of water transport along the Grand Canal, a hub of commerce where countless merchants came and went.
Many merchants passing through would willingly wait in line just to taste the Deungcheon’s fare.
Waiting was the norm—but with no line today, a few curious souls ventured inside, testing the waters with sidelong glances.
And moments later.
“Ahem. Let’s eat somewhere else today.”
“Ha, ha ha. Yes, that would be best.”
Those who had entered came rushing back out, all wearing expressions of alarm.
The Manager, following in the wake of the two who had bolted, wore a bitter smile as he spoke.
“Thank you for considering us next time.”
He bowed toward their retreating figures, now long since gone, before stepping back inside.
And immediately, upon witnessing the sight before him, he could not help but exhale a shallow sigh.
‘How many times has this been now?’
Around the central table of the Deungcheon, four surrounding tables were completely full.
And every person seated at those tables wore identical clothing.
That very sight was precisely why the new arrivals had fled in panic.
Watching the figures clad in pitch-black Martial Robes with the character for “Tang” embroidered across their chests, the Manager shook his head slowly.
‘The Sa Cheon Tang Family has come calling.’
“Sigh.”
With the exhalation, he surveyed the interior of the inn.
Except for the Sa Cheon Tang Family’s martial artists at the center, the tables stood empty.
They had not purchased the inn.
Merely by their presence alone, customers had withdrawn like the tide receding from shore.
And they, as if long accustomed to this, ate their meal with natural ease.
‘Today’s earnings have taken a hit.’
He pressed his throbbing brow.
He had received many martial artist guests before.
But the Sa Cheon Tang Family was no ordinary martial artists.
Unlike other martial artists, they primarily cultivated the Poison Technique.
It was understandable that diners would feel uneasy sharing a table with them.
He himself lacked the courage to dine alongside such individuals.
‘Sigh. If only they’d finish eating and retire to their rooms…’
The Manager cast a furtive glance at them.
“Hmm, so there’s a reason travelers are told to stop by the Deungcheon when passing through Kaifeng.”
“This wine is quite fine, isn’t it?”
“And the cuisine is superb as well, wouldn’t you say?”
Hearing their conversation only worsened his headache.
No matter how he looked at it, there was not the slightest sign they would finish eating soon.
Rather, they appeared ready to place another order, raising their hands.
“D-did you call for me?”
The Inn Attendant approached with a trembling body.
Though still young in years, he apparently knew the Sa Cheon Tang Family’s fearsome reputation, his complexion betraying his dread.
But the Handsome Youth who had summoned the Inn Attendant, whether he was frightened or not, waved his hand and spoke.
“Bring another of the same thing.”
“Y-yes, I’ll bring it right away.”
The Inn Attendant bowed and withdrew.
The Manager closed his eyes at the sight.
‘Well, at least they spend more than the other guests,’ he thought.
He was grasping at straws for a silver lining when—
Swish—
The neat curtain of beads trembled as it was drawn back.
The Manager reflexively rose from his seat and bowed to the newcomers.
“Welcome.”
“When it comes to Kaifeng, Deungcheon Guest Inn is the place!”
An Elderly Man in neat attire strode in with hearty confidence, but his eyes narrowed the moment he spotted the Dang family’s martial artists.
“Hm?”
The Manager caught the old man’s reaction and bit back a rueful smile.
‘Another one leaving, then.’
This was the pattern—guests came in steadily enough, but the moment they saw the Dang family’s warriors, they would flee.
And yet—
“I was wondering why the place was so empty. Turns out it’s because of these lot.”
The Elderly Man muttered the observation with complete indifference, regarding the Dang family’s men as though they were beneath notice.
The Manager was taken aback when—
“Would it be possible to arrange lodging and meals?”
A voice came from behind.
The Manager turned at the crystalline, unhurried tone—a voice that fell like cool spring water on the ear.
There stood a woman.
She wore a bamboo hat with black silk draped down to her shoulders, obscuring her face completely.
“Is that not possible?”
The Manager quickly mustered a smile.
“No, no—it’s entirely possible.”
“I’d like three rooms, if you have them.”
The woman produced silver coins.
“Will this be sufficient?”
The Manager’s eyes gleamed.
Just as he’d been considering closing up shop for the day, a customer who settled accounts so generously appeared.
As an innkeeper, he couldn’t let this slip away.
“And are you calculating meals into that as well?”
“For now, yes. If it’s not enough, I’ll settle the rest later.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare three of our finest rooms. And we’ll have meals ready right away—”
The Manager was hurriedly explaining when—
Swish—
The curtain swayed, and a Handsome Youth entered.
“What are you standing around for out front like that?”
He addressed the guests already there, then turned to the Manager, who had paused mid-explanation. “Any seat will do, yes?”
“Yes, of course, though—”
The Manager was wondering whether to steer him toward seats far from the Dang family’s position when the Youth moved.
“That spot will do.”
He stated it like a pronouncement, passing both the Elderly Man and the woman, and strode straight ahead.
Then he dropped into a seat not far from where the Dang family’s warriors were seated.
“Insufferable fool,” the Elderly Man muttered, following along.
The woman spoke to the Manager again.
“Bring us your kitchen’s finest—food and wine both.”
“The price will be considerable, but does that suit you?”
“It does.”
“Very good.”
The woman bowed slightly, then made her way to the table where the other two sat, taking a chair.
‘Either they have remarkable nerve, or they simply don’t know what the Dang family is,’ the Manager thought.
He watched as the three sat calmly under the Dang warriors’ stares, pouring the tea the Inn Attendant brought. He felt uneasy, but then shook his head.
‘Either way, surely they’re not about to pick a fight with the Dang family here.’
From the swords the Youth and woman wore at their sides, they were clearly warriors of Kangho.
Which meant that fear or no fear, they would certainly avoid entangling themselves with the Dang family.
Once he’d banished these idle thoughts, the Manager gestured to the Inn Attendant, who stood trembling in the corner after bringing the tea.
“You called for me?”

“Tell the Chef to prepare his finest dish today. And that new wine we just opened—set that aside too for that table over there…….”
The Manager was still issuing instructions to the Inn Attendant when
“Is this place really that good?”
the Handsome Youth, Cheon Hui, asked while pouring tea.
“Have I ever steered you wrong before?”
“Well, there was the Spring Fragrance Pavilion in Luoyang. That was a bit disappointing.”
“Ahem! That wasn’t a poor choice on my part. How could I have known the owner would change?”
“This place won’t be like that, will it?”
“Are you doubting me?”
“Just look around.”
Cheon Hui tilted his head slightly.
Leisurely surveying the interior of the guest inn, he gazed at Cheon Yi Gae and opened his mouth to speak.
“I heard the place was so packed with guests that you might not even get a seat, but it’s practically empty.”
Cheon Yi Gae’s brow furrowed.
“You didn’t even notice those fellows?”
With that, he gave a subtle nod toward the table where the martial artists of the Tang family sat.
“Oh? The Tang—ah, the Sa Cheon Tang Family is here.”
Cheon Hui only then understood the situation.
“Well, that explains why it’s so quiet then.”
“Now you see?”
“I just thought they were ordinary guests.”
Cheon Yi Gae looked at Cheon Hui with an expression of utter disbelief.
The martial artists of the Sa Cheon Tang Family were sitting squarely in the center of the room, and yet he’d only just noticed them.
‘Of course. This fellow is no ordinary person.’
He let out a soft sigh and shook his head left and right.
The Cheon Hui he’d come to know would’ve paid no attention even if they’d been seated right at the entrance.
“Still, it works out nicely for us,” Cheon Hui said, turning to the group.
Throughout their journey, they’d visited celebrated establishments and found satisfaction, yet there was always something lacking.
The greatest drawback was that famous places inevitably drew crowds, which became tiresome in various ways.
But now, with the inn practically deserted, that was a welcome change.
“Besides, thanks to those fellows, we don’t have to stand in line and wait, do we?” Cheon Yi Gae added in agreement.
Having spent considerable time in Kaifeng, he knew the reputation of Deungcheon Guest Inn better than most.
More than just knowing—he’d dined here several times before.
Regardless of his circumstances, he was the First Elder of Gae Bang, and whenever he met with other renowned masters of the martial world, he’d recommend dining here.
As Cheon Yi Gae savored the memory of the dishes he’d eaten at Deungcheon Guest Inn before, the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile.
“Heh heh, we’re eating well today, aren’t we?”
Though the dishes hadn’t even arrived yet, he was already anticipating them.
“I’m looking forward to this meal too,” said Dan Mok Lin from beside him.
She was genuinely enjoying the journey.
In truth, even on the first day they’d set out, she’d felt some discontent.
She’d looked forward to this journey as something just between her and Cheon Hui, but then Cheon Yi Gae had suddenly inserted himself as an uninvited guest.
Yet now, she found herself actually enjoying traveling alongside him.
‘I’ve never experienced such joy on a journey before.’
A smile settled on her lips.
She’d spent most of her life within the Je Gal Clan, and her extended absence now was only her second time leaving for so long.
Her first departure had been a journey to find Shin Ui, and she’d been too preoccupied then to truly enjoy it.
But this time? What a difference.
They stopped at famous landmarks and renowned establishments, dining at well-regarded inns and wine houses.
And all of it with Cheon Hui.
She was profoundly happy—so much so that she sometimes doubted whether such blissful days ought to continue.
Meanwhile, Cheon Hui too was filled with anticipation.
‘So this is where the dishes that Cheon Yi Gae has been raving about come from?’
Despite his circumstances as a beggar, Cheon Yi Gae had quite discerning tastes and considerable expertise in fine dining.
At most guest inns, he’d eat well yet frequently find something to complain about in between courses.
But whenever he’d eaten something delicious at other establishments, he would invariably compare it to the dishes from Deungcheon Guest Inn.
That alone spoke volumes.

The three of them waited in anticipation for a moment.
“Your meal has arrived.”
The inn attendants brought out the food.
Starting with the Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, steaming gently at the center of the table, followed by Scallion-Dressed Tofu and Braised Beef, among others.
As roughly eight dishes filled the table, the Manager brought out a bottle of wine.
“This Fruit Wine was fermented personally by our Chef ten years ago.”
He set down the bottle and withdrew.
“I can’t hold back any longer!”
Cheon Yi Gae’s body twitched with excitement.
Unable to resist the fragrance that invaded his nostrils, he stretched out his chopsticks eagerly.
In contrast, Cheon Hui reached for the wine bottle first.
Splash—
At the aroma of the Fruit Wine poured into his cup, Cheon Hui’s lips slowly curved upward.
“The smell is lovely.”
After breathing in the fragrance for a moment, he immediately took a sip.
An even deeper smile spread across Cheon Hui’s face.
The sweetness that coated his mouth and the smooth warmth gliding down his throat.
It was a most satisfying wine.
Pleased with his first taste, Cheon Hui picked up his chopsticks and began selecting food.
And the moment he placed it in his mouth and chewed.
“Hmm?”
Cheon Hui’s eyes widened slightly.
The rich meat juices that flooded his mouth the instant he bit down harmonized with the Fruit Wine he’d drunk earlier, amplifying the flavor.
“This is really delicious.”
With his expression transformed, Cheon Hui poured himself more wine and began eating quickly.
Faster than usual.
Watching the two eat with such enthusiasm, Dan Mok Lin also picked up her chopsticks.
And lifting the veil, she began her meal.
It was an awkward way to eat, yet she managed it with practiced ease.
“……!”
She too seemed slightly startled, covering her mouth with her hand before swiftly working her chopsticks again.
While the three focused intently on their meal, the table where Dang Jeok’s martial artists sat fell silent as if doused with cold water.
But that silence was short-lived.
“An elderly man and two young men and women…”
The handsome youth with refined features watched Cheon Hui’s party and murmured.
Soon he turned his head slightly and spoke.
“Do you happen to know who they are, Uncle?”
“I’ve never seen them before.”
The middle-aged man beside him furrowed his brow as he answered.
His gaze remained fixed on the elderly man and the veiled woman, never wavering.
“But they are far from ordinary.”
The youth’s eyes showed faint surprise.
The man he’d called Uncle was counted among the finest masters within the Sa Cheon Tang Family.
In Kangho, he was known as the Hidden Dagger Guest, a figure of terror.
And yet he was exercising caution.
The youth, Dang Jeok, smiled.
“Are they heading to the Je Gal Clan as well?”
“That seems quite likely.”
The Hidden Dagger Guest nodded.
Judging by their appearance and behavior, they were not residents of Kaifeng.
“In that case, I suppose I should pay my respects.”
Dang Jeok rose from his seat and approached Cheon Hui’s table.
“Forgive me for interrupting your meal.”
He made a respectful Fist Salute.
Knowing that first impressions matter most when meeting someone for the first time, he kept a smile on his face.
“I am Dang Jeok of the Sa Cheon Tang Family. If it is not too much trouble, might I have the pleasure of joining you?”
Cheon Hui, sipping his wine, glanced briefly at Dang Jeok before speaking.
“I’ll have to decline.”
Dang Jeok’s eyebrows twitched.
He had naturally expected the proposal to be accepted.
He was a young master of the Sa Cheon Tang Family, and having displayed outstanding prowess at the recent Yongbong Ji Hoe, he was known as the Poison Dragon.
Most martial artists would eagerly request to share a table with him the moment he revealed his family name and reputation, but this group ahead seemed wholly indifferent.
Yet he refused to yield.
‘If my uncle took interest in them…’
Dang Jeok opened his mouth again, determined to persuade them into joining his table by any means.
“Still, we’re all travelers from the same lands…….”
Dang Jeok addressed them, but.
“This is quite good, actually.”
“Mmm, mmm, as I—gulp—said, the Deungcheon Guest Inn serves the finest food.”
They let his words pass unheeded.
‘Are they openly ignoring me now?’
Veins rose along Dang Jeok’s brow.
Fury surged through him in that instant, but he swallowed it and spoke again, forcing a smile.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we shared a table and had a pleasant—”
“This really is the finest place I’ve eaten at recently, I must say.”
“Indeed it is.”
“Truly an excellent inn.”
Now even the Cold Woman joined in casually, and as she too ignored him, Dang Jeok finally lost what little patience remained and bellowed.
“Are you ignoring me right now?!”
In that moment, silence fell.
Cheon Hui, whose chopsticks had frozen mid-air, turned to look at Cheon Yi Gae with an expression of sheer bewilderment and asked.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“How should I know?”
Cheon Yi Gae glanced briefly at Dang Jeok, then returned his focus to the food before him.
“Besides, I’m eating this.”
“You won’t even pay, so leave some for others, why don’t you?”
“It’s not your money either, is it?”
“His money is my money. Isn’t that right?”
Dan Mok Lin nodded in agreement.
“That’s true.”
“See?”
“Ugh, taking his side now…… fine, fine. Eat if you must, then.”
The three of them, conversing lightly, were about to resume eating when.
Bang!
Dang Jeok brought his hand down hard against the table.
“Don’t ignore me!”
In that instant.
Thump.
The wine bottle toppled over and spilled.
The Fruit Wine, still half-full, poured out and dripped steadily beneath the table.
“……He’s lost his mind.”
Cheon Yi Gae muttered under his breath and quickly gathered his food. Beside him, Dan Mok Lin, who had been eating noodles with small bites, also stopped at once and rose slightly.
Having come to understand Cheon Hui somewhat through their recent travels, the two of them put distance between themselves and the table, leaving Dang Jeok taken aback.
He hadn’t even struck anyone directly—he’d only hit the table, and as a result mere wine had spilled.
Yet their reaction seemed wildly excessive.
‘Wait? Why are they overreacting like that?’
It was then, as Dang Jeok stood bewildered.
“Not even a dog is touched while it’s eating…….”
Watching the wine drip, Cheon Hui muttered as though to himself, then set down his chopsticks against the table with deliberate force.
After that, he looked up at Dang Jeok with irritation written plain across his face, his lips moving.
“What are you doing?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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