Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 323

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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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323
Fire
The top floor of Hwacheon Pavilion.
Ju Weol Hyang stood by the expansive window, her sleepy eyes gazing down at the streets below.
The whole of Muheul lay before her in a single glance.
The streets were packed with people.
Those soliciting customers, patrons following them into taverns and pleasure houses, and already those staggering about drunk—all manner of folk had gathered.
Every conceivable type of character was there.
Though the early spring evening still carried a chill, the heat rising from the throngs in the streets made Muheul shimmer with warmth.
‘These streets cannot be allowed to fall into danger.’
The unbidden thought made her long lashes tremble.
Her mind had turned to those who had appeared suddenly out of nowhere and forced a transaction upon her.
“The Black Demon Alliance and Poong Ri…….”
As she murmured their names in her measured voice, her lips—reddened without her knowing—pressed together in a thin line.
They had seemed like the sort to purchase information and leave, yet they remained in Muheul, having not departed.
It was deeply troubling.
The Kangho was currently engulfed in chaos, caught in the throes of war between the Murim Alliance and Sa Hyuk Ryeon.
And here, the elite of Sa Hyuk Ryeon were holding position in Muheul, concealed and motionless.
‘What could they possibly be plotting…….’
Around the time her worry had become impossible to hide.
“Madam Weol.”
A voice came from beyond the paper door.
It was deep and firm.
“Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa have returned.”
At the man’s words, Ju Weol Hyang’s darkened expression brightened considerably.
Muheul’s streets were lawless territory.
With vagrants and hot-blooded drunks roaming about, incidents were inevitable.
Yet even amid such chaos, Hwacheon Pavilion had managed to pass each day safely, without major incident.
It was all thanks to the Poison Ghost Master.
With the greatest skilled expert in Muheul visiting Hwacheon Pavilion daily, even the most hot-blooded would not dare cause trouble.
But circumstances had changed.
Since the Poison Ghost Master had been dragged away and disappeared, incidents at Hwacheon Pavilion had begun to increase one by one.
Thus, Ju Weol Hyang had sent Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa to win over Saek Hون Susa, who had taken the position of greatest master in Muheul following the Poison Ghost Master’s absence.
“You’ve brought Saek Hون Susa back?”
She asked at once.
With a note of hope in her voice.
But the answer that came from beyond the door betrayed her expectation.
“Saek Hون Susa was not there.”
A crease formed between Ju Weol Hyang’s brows.
If they had returned without him, it meant Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa had failed to win him over.
“……That’s unexpected.”
Ju Weol Hyang bit at her fingernails with an anxious expression.
As she gnawed at the tips of her long nails, her eyes flickered with a faint tremor.
“An old man so devoted to the pleasures of the flesh should not have resisted the charms of Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa.”
Saek Hون Susa was a notorious old rogue, known since time immemorial for his fondness of beautiful women.
There was a reason the word “Color” appeared in his epithet.
For that very reason, she had never expected him to resist the enticements of Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa.
‘Could someone at another pleasure house have gotten to him first?’
It was at that moment her brow had begun to furrow.
“However, we have brought another in his stead.”
The man’s voice cut in abruptly.
It carried words she had not anticipated.
“Another……?”
In that instant.
“Madam Weol.”
“We have returned.”
Beyond the paper door, the shadows of two women lengthened, and their voices rang out.
Voices she knew well.
None other than Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa.
“We’ve heard you brought a different guest instead of Saek Hون Susa.”
“That is correct.”
The response came back, flat and measured.
Ju Weol Hyang’s eyes narrowed.
For someone who had failed a mission, her voice carried a strange, unsettling calm.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know.”
Ju Weol Hyang’s eyebrows twitched.
‘They brought someone unknown?’
Her gaze deepened.
Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa were girls she had raised since childhood, taken under her own wing.
Because of that, they were reserved for important tasks—they wouldn’t bring someone back without reason.
And her suspicion proved correct.
“He is the one who struck down Saek Hون Susa in a single blow.”
“……!”
Ju Weol Hyang’s eyes widened slightly.
But that was not the end of it.
“And he wishes to speak with you, madam—or rather, Branch Master.”
At the sudden shift in how Cheong Hwa addressed her, Ju Weol Hyang’s body went rigid.
The use of Branch Master instead of Luzu could only mean one thing: the visitor already knew about Hao Moon.
A palace curtain fluttered, its movement catching the lantern light beneath the eaves.
She moved swiftly toward the paper door, wrenching it open in one motion.
Creak—
Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa, kneeling, came into view.
“Where is he?”
“Outside…….”
Cheong Hwa, with a blue earring hanging from her left ear, looked up at her and began to answer—then suddenly froze, eyes wide open as if she had seen something forbidden.
Her gaze held the shock of witnessing the impossible.
“Why are you—”
In that very instant, just as Ju Weol Hyang was about to speak—
“Oh, this wine has quite a pleasant taste.”
A voice came from behind her.
‘What on earth—’
Cold sweat broke across Ju Weol Hyang’s back.
The voice had come from the very spot where she had been standing moments before.
‘When did he arrive?’
Her eyes flickered with alarm.
It was utterly unbelievable.
She had sensed no approaching footsteps, and though his voice was now speaking from directly behind her, she felt nothing—no presence at all.
Gulp—
She swallowed hard.
In the same moment, she smoothed down her disheveled palace curtain with grace, then turned her body with a fluid motion.
It was composed, immaculate—a movement without flaw.
The young man she saw seated on the silk cushion held a wine bottle to his lips, tilting it back as he drank.
He could not quite be called a peerless beauty, but he was a sharp-featured youth whose appearance would certainly draw the gaze of many women.
Yet even faced with Cheon Hui’s youthful appearance, she did not lower her guard.
On the contrary, she became even more cautious.
‘His appearance belies his years—he may well be far older than he seems…….’
Masters of the Kangho with deep Internal Force often appeared younger than their true age.
And the youth before her might well rank among such masters.
Because of this, she conducted herself with almost excessive courtesy, and greeted him with humble composure.
“Welcome. This humble one is Ju Weol Hyang, proprietor of Hwacheon Pavilion.”
The young man, Cheon Hui, withdrew the wine bottle from his lips and met her gaze.
“And the Branch Master of Hao Moon, yes?”
“Indeed.”
Ju Weol Hyang acknowledged it openly.
Ordinarily, such information should not be revealed to anyone outside Hao Moon’s dealings.
But the youth before her gave every sign of already knowing everything.
“What brings you to visit?”
“Why does anyone come to Hao Moon? There can be only one reason, surely.”
Cheon Hui smiled and continued.
“I’m looking to buy some information.”
Ju Weol Hyang glanced backward with a subtle gesture.
At once, Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa retreated, and the sliding door clicked shut with a sharp sound, followed by the fading echo of footsteps.
In a heartbeat, only the two of them remained on the top floor.
“What information do you seek?”
Ju Weol Hyang asked directly.
It was a habit born of long experience.
‘Anyone who comes this far without hesitation won’t care for pleasantries.’
Her instinct was sound.
“I appreciate the directness.”
Cheon Hui smiled faintly and continued without pause.
“I want to know why the Black Demon Alliance and Poong Ri came to Muheul.”
……
Ju Weol Hyang’s frame went rigid.
The information that the Black Demon Alliance and Poong Ri were currently in Muheul had not yet spread through Kangho.
It was intelligence guarded with great care.
Yet the young master before her had just named it outright.
This was no good sign.
“And who might you be, sir?”
She asked, her face taut with alarm.
“Does the Hao Moon even ask such questions?”
But the reply that came back was sharp.
Ju Weol Hyang’s eyes narrowed.
‘So he’s dealt with the Hao Moon before.’
When first dealing with the Hao Moon, some clients would answer such probing naturally enough.
But not this one.
“I’ve overstepped.”
Ju Weol Hyang bowed her head at once.
Her voice trembled slightly.
Small wonder—Cheong Hwa had told her this young master was a skilled expert who had felled Saek Houn Susa, who ruled Muheul, in a single strike.
To have tested such a man seemed almost foolhardy; he could do anything to her and no one would call it strange.
But Cheon Hui paid no attention to her apology—or lack thereof.
Since he asked nothing further, there was no need to press.
“So what’s the price for this information?”
“I’m afraid I cannot sell you that information.”
Ju Weol Hyang bowed her head even deeper.
Cheon Hui’s eyes narrowed at this.
“That’s odd. I’ve heard the Hao Moon sells any information for the right price.”
“That’s true.”
Ju Weol Hyang nodded.
“But how could we sell information we ourselves don’t possess?”
“Hmm, you don’t know, then……”
Cheon Hui stroked his chin thoughtfully.
He hadn’t foreseen this.
‘I assumed the Hao Moon would at least have grasped their purpose.’
Cheon Hui gave a slight shrug.
‘They’re moving far more carefully than I thought.’
The corner of his mouth twisted with calculation.
The fact that they were operating in such secrecy suggested that whatever they were doing in Muheul was of considerable importance.
“Then do you know where they are?”
Ju Weol Hyang shook her head from side to side.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Tsk, to know so little.”
Cheon Hui clicked his tongue and stood.
He’d come for intelligence, and left with nothing.
‘I suppose I have no choice but to wait until they make their move.’
But then—
“However, I do know the place where they appear, every few days.”
Ju Weol Hyang smiled and spoke.
Cheon Hui’s eyes snapped down to meet hers.
“Where is it?”
“I’d like to settle the payment first.”
When Ju Weol Hyang lifted her gaze to meet his, Cheon Hui let out a soft laugh.
“Fine. How much?”
“Money won’t do.”
Ju Weol Hyang lowered her eyes as she spoke.
“I’d like to exchange information instead.”
“Interesting.”
Cheon Hui’s lips curled into a smile.
“I like it. Let’s do that.”
“Then I’ll answer first.”
As if releasing a breath she’d been holding, Ju Weol Hyang opened her mouth, though tension still lingered beneath her composure.
“The place where they appear every few days is right here—Hwacheon Pavilion.”
Cheon Hui’s eyes narrowed slightly.
‘Did she buy information from Hao Moon?’
Understanding dawned on him at once.
There was no other reason for their visits to this place.
Then Ju Weol Hyang spoke again.
“Now it’s my turn to ask.”
She drew a long, deliberate breath as she spoke.
The gesture betrayed her anxiety.
She met his eyes directly before asking with careful precision.
“What is your reason for wanting that information?”
It was a question born of careful deliberation.
‘I need to know his intention behind seeking it.’
Though his identity was what truly intrigued her, she was confident that if she could learn his appearance, she could uncover who he was at any time.
She fixed her gaze on the young man’s lips, waiting for his answer.
After a brief moment, his lips parted and shocking words spilled forth.
“I intend to kill them.”
She gasped.
Ju Weol Hyang’s breath caught in surprise.
‘Kill Poong Ri, one of the Seven Brilliance, and the Black Demon Alliance, the elite of Sa Hyuk Ryeon?’
It seemed absurd.
Yet doubt lingered.
‘What if this young man comes from a force comparable to theirs?’
Her hands clenched into fists.
Her long nails bit into her palms, but she felt no pain.
That sudden thought had seized her mind entirely.
The moment she gathered herself and looked up at Cheon Hui again—
“Well, that concludes our business.”
Words she hadn’t expected spilled out.
“I—what do you mean……?”
Flustered, she stumbled over her words.
Just like that, it was over.
Cheon Hui watched her bewilderment bloom across her face, a slow smile twisting his lips.
“That was the only information I needed.”
The moment he finished speaking and moved to leave—
“Wait!”
Ju Weol Hyang called out sharply.
As Cheon Hui paused, she rushed forward with her words.
“Would you not stay here at Hwacheon Pavilion until they arrive? I will see to your every comfort. If you mean to target them, it would serve you well to remain here…….”
Cheon Hui stopped and turned to look at her.
“And what benefit is there in that for you?”
“I heard that you brought down Saek Hون Susa with a single strike.”
She spoke the information she’d learned from Cheong Hwa, her voice measured and deliberate.
“And I suspect that news is spreading through Muheul even as we speak.”
Cheon Hui smiled.
He understood what she meant.
“In other words, by my staying here, you prevent trouble from reaching Hwacheon Pavilion.”
“Precisely.”
“Well, I don’t mind at all.”
Cheon Hui nodded and replied.
In fact, her arrangement suited him better.
After all, it was certain that they would come to Hwacheon Pavilion anyway.
“Thank you.”
Ju Weol Hyang bowed gracefully, then called out toward the latticed door.
“Is anyone out there?”
At her loud summons, footsteps came hurrying over.
“You called?”
“You called?”
It was Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa.
Ju Weol Hyang smiled softly at their arrival, then spoke without delay.
“Show him to the private quarters.”
After Cheon Hui had departed moments later, only Ju Weol Hyang remained on the top floor.
“Is it wise to keep him here at Hwacheon Pavilion?”
A voice suddenly sounded from beside her.
It was Wi Jeok Yang, the assistant manager.
“If Poong Ri and the Black Demon Alliance find out, there’s no telling what trouble might arise…….”
Wi Jeok Yang trailed off, his expression clouded with worry.
Poong Ri was a stubborn and ruthless man.
Should he discover that Cheon Hui—who meant to kill him—was here, the backlash could be severe.
“No, it’s fine.”
Yet Ju Weol Hyang dismissed the concern with casual indifference.
“We have nothing to lose either way.”
A smile played at her lips.
It was a smile brimming with confidence.
“If Poong Ri wins, we can simply say we held him here to turn him over to Hwacheon Pavilion. And if he loses instead, we’ve merely shared information—there’s no problem in that, is there?”
“Ah!”
Wi Jeok Yang let out a low exclamation of admiration.
It was truly a cunning stratagem.
And precisely because of that, it was the perfect approach for Hao Moon.
“Whoever wins, we simply wait and see the results.”
Her smile deepened.
“Of course, since we don’t yet know who will prevail, we should cultivate goodwill with both sides.”
She was calculating everything with meticulous precision.
Yet even she had not anticipated one thing.
That someone was hearing every word she spoke at this very moment.
‘Scheming away, aren’t you.’
Cheon Hui, descending the stairs in the wake of Cheong Hwa and Hong Hwa, twisted his mouth into a smirk.
His Qi Perception, refined to an extraordinary degree, spread throughout Hwacheon Pavilion, allowing him to hear her every utterance with crystal clarity.
As if she were speaking right beside him.
‘For now, I’ll let it pass. But once this is all over…….’
In that moment, a smile as cold as the depths of winter frost bloomed at Cheon Hui’s lips.
Yet it faded just as quickly, and he continued down the stairs behind the two women without expression.
* * *
Beneath Hwacheon Pavilion, several shadows lay dark against the outer wall.
“So that was the Hao Moon branch?”
A refined-looking man in scholar’s garb tilted his head, gazing up at the rooftop of Hwacheon Pavilion as he spoke.
“Well, considering the main one went in, I’d say so.”
A neat-dressed martial artist beside him chimed in agreement, scratching his head.
These two were Dan Li Gwan Cheon and Ho Gwang Gae, both in disguise for this mission.
Meanwhile, between the two men, a graceful woman dressed in archer’s garb irritably pulled away the face cloth covering her mouth and spoke.
“Ugh, it’s so suffocating. Why must I wear this getup…….”
It was Cheon Hyang, grumbling as she spoke.
Finding the archer’s tunic uncomfortable, she rolled up the sleeves with a rough motion—and managed to look rather unladylike in doing so.
“Oh goodness, Miss. Please, do compose yourself.”
At her behavior, Ho Gwang Gae jumped back in alarm, making a fuss.
There was a playful edge to his tone.
“You must maintain that appearance until the mission is complete. After all, you are a noblewoman.”
Cheon Hyang let out a laugh at Ho Gwang Gae’s shameless attitude, finding the whole thing absurd.
After that, she lowered the face cloth and spoke.
Her voice and manner were perfectly composed.
“Understood, Young Master Flying Cloud.”
Ho Gwang Gae smiled in return at Cheon Hyang, who had immediately addressed him by the alias he’d taken for this mission.
“Shouldn’t we prepare now?”
It was Dan Li Gwan Cheon who spoke then, his tone measured.
“If we stay clustered together, we’ll draw suspicion.”
At his words, Cheon Hyang and Ho Gwang Gae, who had been smiling, let their expressions turn grave as they nodded.
“I’ll head east.”
“I’ll take the west.”
“Then I’ll go south.”
Dan Li Gwan Cheon looked between them and continued.
“If any of you spot someone showing suspicious signs later, send word.”
“Understood.”
“Of course.”
The three exchanged glances and nodded to one another.
A moment passed.
Snap!
The three scattered in an instant.
And behind them, several figures moved swiftly in pursuit, vanishing just as quickly.

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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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