The Granddaughter of Manhyang Escort Bureau Hides Her Magic - Chapter 103

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 103

“Master.”

Mugyeol called out to Ok Chifung with a heavy heart.

Ok Chifung, who had been unable to pick up his chopsticks while staring at the bowl of noodles before him, looked at Mugyeol.

Confirming that his eyes, which had been hazy with deep thought, had become clear, Mugyeol gently pushed the noodle bowl forward and urged him.

“……Please eat.”

A few nights ago, Ok Chifung had gone to the bamboo forest to meet Seomseo Iron Fist.

However, Seomseo Iron Fist, who was said to have collapsed with red eyes, was not there. Instead, only the smell of corpse flowers that Ok Chifung detested lingered and vibrated in the air.

If what Mugyeol said about meeting Seomseo Iron Fist was true, then he was already in a serious state of poisoning.

‘This is the first case of a master being poisoned.’

According to Ok Chifung’s investigation so far, those poisoned by the Demon Cult’s drugs were first-rate warriors or below. They couldn’t handle the explosive power and died after going mad with rage.

‘From going mad to death takes about one day and night. Even with just that short amount of time, the damage was enormous.’

What would happen if Seomseo Iron Fist, a peak master, went mad?

Just imagining it made his heart heavy.

As Ok Chifung’s expression gradually darkened, Mugyeol put down his chopsticks.

“Master, we must catch that person, right?”

Ok Chifung rubbed his face with his dry hands.

“I’ve even made you worry.”

For several days, Ok Chifung had kept Mugyeol from taking even one step out of the inn while he thoroughly searched the bamboo forest.

He had also inquired about information regarding someone who gave off a foul smell.

However, he couldn’t find any clues.

It was a situation that perfectly fit the phrase “appearing and disappearing like a ghost.”

‘There’s no time.’

He was about to set out for Liaoning where there was said to be information related to the drugs.

Since he had an appointment scheduled with an informant, he couldn’t delay here indefinitely.

Even so, to show his worries on his face and make even a child concerned.

‘How pathetic.’

Ok Chifung forced the corners of his mouth up and picked up his chopsticks.

“Let’s eat quickly.”

Despite Ok Chifung’s words, Mugyeol didn’t touch his food.

“Master, I’ll become the bait.”

Ok Chifung hesitated. Soon he pretended not to hear and continued eating.

“Just eat.”

“If you’re worried that I’ll be in danger, it’s fine. I can escape well.”

It seemed Mugyeol wouldn’t easily give up his stubbornness. Ok Chifung put down his chopsticks again.

“Do you know about Seomseo Iron Fist Heo Ganghan?”

“I know he made a name for himself with fist techniques in Seomsu, was once a righteous person, but recently has been committing heinous and cruel acts.”

The mouths of those coming and going from the inn are truly loose. To say all sorts of things without knowing a child is listening.

Tsk, Ok Chifung clicked his tongue and spoke.

“You know well.”

Even knowing that Seomseo Iron Fist was a vicious person, to still step forward – it was hard to decide whether to praise Mugyeol’s decision as courage or scold it as recklessness.

“Master, I don’t want to stay tied up in the inn forever. When I left the Escort Agency to follow you, I told you. I want to become strong.”

While staying at the inn, Mugyeol couldn’t do proper cultivation or learn anything new.

At most, it was just physical training in the inn’s courtyard and Qi Circulation and Breathing in his room.

Mugyeol found the time passing like this too precious to waste.

Shin Ah would be getting more impressive by the day, but at this rate, he wouldn’t even be able to reach her heels.

“Mugyeol.”

“You told me before we left, didn’t you? That the path with you would never be easy, that Murim is an extremely dangerous place. I came along accepting all of that. So please let me become the bait.”

At Mugyeol’s resolute tone and the will dwelling in his eyes, Ok Chifung swallowed the words that had risen to his throat.

Mugyeol had an unusually great desire for power.

He was already born with a Heavenly Bone Constitution and had excellent talent, but for such a child to desperately desire power as well made the future both promising and worrying.

‘It makes sense since he lost his parents and village for lack of power. But if he’s not careful, that could become a heart demon.’

While Ok Chifung pondered ways to help control his student’s desire, Mugyeol pressed for an answer.

“You promised, Master.”

It was a statement that immediately cut through Ok Chifung’s hesitation.

“Yes, I made that promise.”

He had clearly said he would show him a wider world and martial arts if he came along, but that he would have to accept the dangers.

As Ok Chifung’s tone became much gentler, Mugyeol’s eyes lit up. He looked ready to rush out to the bamboo forest immediately.

At that moment, Ok Chifung suddenly had a question.

“But Mugyeol, how are you so certain that Seomseo Iron Fist will come if you’re alone?”

Mugyeol bit the tender flesh inside his lips before speaking.

“That person… covets me.”

Ok Chifung’s eyes widened and he slammed the table with a bang.

Tremendous anger poured out from him.

“That bastard isn’t satisfied with just touching wicked drugs and now wants to lay hands on you!”

He had hoped it wasn’t so, but had Seomseo Iron Fist even learned the Life Absorption Technique!

‘He must have noticed that Mugyeol ate the Ten Thousand Year Ultimate Blood Treasure. That’s why he’s targeting the child. What a wicked bastard! Those years when he was once praised as a righteous person are such a waste!’

Though Ok Chifung had greatly misunderstood, Mugyeol kept his mouth firmly shut.

Mugyeol was pleased with Ok Chifung’s misunderstanding. He just needed to be able to hide the artifact Shin Ah had given him.

‘Seomseo Iron Fist or whatever, I want to deal with him quickly and contact Miss.’

If only he could go out at night again, he could easily become bait to lure out Seomseo Iron Fist.

“You’ll be in more danger than I thought. This won’t do…”

“Master, wouldn’t I be safer if we catch Seomseo Iron Fist quickly?”

Mugyeol, who had become urgent, cut off Ok Chifung’s words.

The child’s words weren’t entirely wrong.

Deep wrinkles formed on Ok Chifung’s brow.

He didn’t think he would lose against Seomseo Iron Fist. However, if he had to protect Mugyeol, the story was different.

After calculating the remaining distance to Liaoning, the date set to meet the informant, Mugyeol’s skills, and Seomseo Iron Fist’s condition, he made a decision after much deliberation.

“Let’s try it. But while I’m dealing with Seomseo Iron Fist, you must unconditionally run away. Don’t even look back. Understood?”

Mugyeol nodded.

* * *

On a night when only the moon hung alone, Shin Ah climbed Cheongpungru and stared endlessly at the pond.

“Miss, you’ll catch a cold. Please go back to your private quarters quickly.”

Danmi said.

“I’ll go in after staying a little longer. You go in first.”

“How can I go in first when you’re still here, Miss?”

“I have something to think about. If you’re really worried, bring me a blanket or something.”

The profile of Shin Ah as she spoke was full of worry.

‘The branch office work is going well, so what could she be worrying about?’

Though Danmi found it difficult to guess the reason, she knew well that if it was something Shin Ah could confide in her, she would have been chattering about it already.

Thinking that our Miss must have her reasons for keeping quiet, Danmi closed her mouth and ran to the private quarters.

And then she returned. In Danmi’s hands as she returned was a blanket. Danmi wrapped the blanket around Shin Ah’s shoulders.

“You really must go in soon. And keep the blanket wrapped tightly around you.”

Though it was summer and not cold at night, Shin Ah had been lying in bed sick regardless of the season.

Danmi had good reason to worry.

Shin Ah obediently nodded.

Tap tap tap, the sound of Danmi’s footsteps faded away and silence settled in.

Dark clouds as black as the night sky gathered over Shin Ah’s face.

‘What were Oh Bangja’s last words?’

Shin Ah was mulling over what had happened that morning.

‘If the Demon Cult that created the Nameless Blood Powder has infiltrated even Geumwa Trading Company, our Escort Agency is in danger too.’

And the more she pondered over Oh Bangja’s words ‘Daangga,’ the more it seemed like ‘Tang Family,’ which made her anxious.

‘Is the Tang Family really involved? No, but they’re one of the Five Great Families of the prestigious Orthodox Sects, so surely they wouldn’t be connected to the Demon Cult?’

From one perspective, it seemed like it could be the Tang Family. From another perspective, it seemed like it might not be the Tang Family.

She thoroughly searched through her memories from her past life, hoping to find some clue, but there was nothing helpful.

“Ah, I don’t know! This is frustrating! I can’t even ask anyone!”

In the past, she would have sought advice from others even if she had to leave out the core details, but now there was no one suitable for that.

Not Father, not her brother, not Mugyeol.

Her heart, which had felt full just a few days ago, felt hollow today as if a hole had been punched through it.

‘Please come back soon, everyone.’

Shin Ah looked up at the sky.

‘Speaking of which, why hasn’t there been any news from Mugyeol for several days now?’

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