The Dan Sisters were surprised and flustered.
They truly had not expected the Young Cult Master to personally arrange positions for them.
Dan-ah looked at Seo Daeryong with a dazed heart.
With a face full of passion, he expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk.
“Thank you, Young Cult Master.”
It was all thanks to Geom Mugeuk that he had been able to come this far.
And now, he was about to step forward for the woman he liked.
And for her sisters as well.
“Don’t get emotional just yet! It could be a job cleaning up horse dung in the stables!”
At that, Dan-ah spoke with vigor.
“If it’s a task given by the Young Cult Master, I will do anything. Even if it’s not horse dung, but clearing away corpses every day, I will do it.”
Her two sisters shouted together.
“Just leave it to us.”
They were sincere.
They were just so grateful that the Young Cult Master of the Divine Sect was personally looking after them.
“Then follow me.”
The first place Geom Mugeuk headed was the Ghost Shadow Branch led by Lee Ahn.
First Squad Leader Blue Mask greeted Geom Mugeuk.
“Young Cult Master! I heard you had returned.”
All the martial artists of the Ghost Shadow Branch came out and paid their respects formally.
Their auras were sharper than when he had first seen them, as if they had been dedicating themselves to training.
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze, after surveying them, returned to Blue Mask.
He didn’t ask him how he had been lately.
Instead, he asked this.
“Are you happy?”
He had, after all, chosen the path of a mere Squad Leader over being the top disciple of the Evil Heart Laughing Demon.
The eyes behind his mask smiled pleasantly.
“Yes.”
The short answer was enough.
He could feel that he was living his life with satisfaction.
“I fought alongside the Laughing Demon Sovereign this time.”
Geom Mugeuk intentionally mentioned the Evil Heart Laughing Demon.
Would avoiding the topic make him forget the Evil Heart Laughing Demon? Rather, he felt that conversing naturally was the right way to treat him.
“I survived thanks to the Laughing Demon Sovereign.”
An undeniable longing flickered in Blue Mask’s eyes.
“Thank you for sharing the news.”
After their long-awaited reunion, Geom Mugeuk revealed his purpose for visiting today.
“I came today to recommend a new recruit for the Ghost Shadow Branch.”
As this was Geom Mugeuk’s first recommendation, Blue Mask looked at the three women who came with him with a surprised expression.
The person Geom Mugeuk chose was Dan-yeon.
“Youngest Miss!”
Not expecting to be called, Dan-yeon was startled.
“Me?”
“Youngest Miss, the Ghost Shadow Branch is my direct unit and the place where my heart, the Branch Master, resides. It is also where Blue Mask, whom I trust, is the First Squad Leader.”
“Are you trying to put me in such an important place?”
Geom Mugeuk nodded his head.
“I thought the Youngest Miss’s lively personality would be a good fit for the Ghost Shadow Branch."
"From now on, the Ghost Shadow Branch will travel throughout the Central Plains to carry out missions."
"What do you think? Will you give it a try?”
Dan-yeon was surprised by the fact that Geom Mugeuk had properly grasped her personality.
Her gaze shifted from Geom Mugeuk to the martial artists of the Ghost Shadow Branch.
Blue Mask, wearing a blue mask, and the martial artists lined up behind him, all possessed an extraordinary presence.
She would no longer be a wanderer, but an elite martial artist of the Demon Sect.
“Can I do it?”
“That is something neither I, nor the First Squad Leader over there, knows. Only the Youngest Miss would know. Youngest Miss, can you do it?”
Her deliberation was not long for a matter of such importance.
What sealed her decision was not a vague hope of doing well or a vague confidence that she could succeed.
It was the path she had walked.
Her past, having overcome that difficult life as a wanderer, made the decision with a stamp.
Dan-yeon respectfully clasped her fists and bowed her head to Blue Mask.
“If you will accept me, I will do my best.”
Geom Mugeuk thought the youngest was smart.
Since he had brought her, Blue Mask had to accept her unconditionally, yet she was asking for his permission.
“Even though it’s the Young Cult Master’s recommendation, there will be no special treatment.”
“That is what I desire.”
Blue Mask accepted her pleasantly.
“Report here starting tomorrow.”
“Thank you!”
“Give your thanks to the Young Cult Master. We are but shadows that exist solely for the Young Cult Master.”
Dan-yeon clasped her fists at Geom Mugeuk and spoke with vigor.
“Thank you, Young Cult Master.”
Dan-ah and Dan-bi bowed their heads at the same time.
“Thank you so much for taking care of our sister.”
A playful look crossed Geom Mugeuk’s face.
“It’s not because of you two, but because of our Youngest Miss. Now, Youngest Miss, will you still send my father your cooking?”
Dan-yeon smiled sheepishly with a look that said she could not give up on that alone.
“You’re too much! Youngest Miss!”
Dan-yeon’s heart pounded.
It did not feel real.
To be conversing so informally with the Young Cult Master of the Divine Sect, to have joined the Ghost Shadow Branch.
She knew a new life would begin, but she did not know it would change so suddenly on her first day at the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
She hadn't even unpacked all her things yet.
How could Geom Mugeuk not know her complicated feelings? Geom Mugeuk’s warm encouragement was added.
“The wind has already blown, so our Youngest Miss must steer the sails well.”
“Thank you, I’m alive because of you.”
Underworld Pavilion investigator Jong-hwa bowed respectfully.
In the process of arresting a corrupt demonic practitioner within the sect, he had suddenly brandished his sword and tried to take an investigator hostage, creating a very dangerous situation.
Fortunately, the newly appointed Third Branch Master of the Enforcement Third Branch responded quickly and saved his life.
“This is excessive force, you bastards! You’re all going to lose your heads!”
The demonic practitioner, who had been stabbed in the process, screamed.
Terrified and drunk, he did not know what he was doing.
“This is nothing. You will see all sorts of characters from now on.”
The Third Branch Master nodded at Jong-hwa’s words.
And so, Jong-hwa and the enforcers departed first after arresting the criminal, and the Third Branch Master, left alone, let out a sigh.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
“Do you miss the Jeong-an Branch already?”
He turned around in surprise to see Geom Mugeuk, Seo Daeryong, and the Dan Sisters walking over.
“Young Cult Master?”
“It’s been a while, Branch Leader Kang. No, Branch Master Kang.”
He was none other than Kang Dal, the Branch Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect’s Jeong-an Branch.
After performing a great merit by saving the Dan Sisters and catching Geom Woojin’s eye, he was appointed as the Third Branch Master of the Enforcement Corps.
There were three Branch Masters under the General Branch Master, and he was assigned as the Branch Master of the Third Branch.
To go from a regional Branch Leader to an Underworld Pavilion Enforcement Branch Master was a truly unconventional appointment.
It was Geom Woojin’s reward for highly valuing his judgment and work ethic.
He had many worries when he received the appointment and came to the headquarters.
Unconventional appointments always lead to gossip and complaints.
But this time, there was no such gossip or complaint.
On the day he was appointed, Geom Woojin himself visited the Underworld Pavilion.
In a place where all the enforcers were gathered, he praised him for his great merit and personally appointed him as Branch Master.
The image of the Cult Master walking through the opening doors into the place where he was being appointed, Kang Dal would never forget that moment until the day he died.
After respectfully greeting Geom Mugeuk, Kang Dal also formally paid his respects to Seo Daeryong.
“I will serve you with utmost loyalty from now on.”
Seo Daeryong was now his direct superior.
It was only the first time they were meeting in person, but Seo Daeryong had already been briefed on his appointment as an Enforcement Branch Master.
“I believe Branch Master Kang will do a fine job.”
“I will do my best not to disappoint you.”
After the two exchanged greetings, Geom Mugeuk told Kang Dal his reason for visiting.
“Please accept one new recruit into the Enforcement Third Branch.”
“I was just about to add new personnel anyway.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at the second sister, Dan-bi.
“The second miss is calm and rational, so I think she’s suited to be an enforcer. What do you think? Will you give it a try?”
She had been prepared for menial tasks, let alone the work of a low-level martial artist, so how could she not be pleased to become an enforcer for the Underworld Pavilion?
“Thank you so much.”
Dan-bi’s martial arts skill was also sufficient to be an enforcer.
The Dan Sisters were not only grateful for being entrusted with important roles, but were also genuinely touched by Geom Mugeuk’s consideration for each of their personalities.
In fact, that was a truly important part.
What if the position the Young Cult Master arranged for them did not suit their aptitude? It would be truly painful, as they could not just quit.
Dan-bi respectfully greeted Kang Dal.
“I’ll be in your care from now on, Branch Master!”
“It’s even nicer to see a familiar face.”
Kang Dal smiled.
In fact, his rise in status was due to the Dan Sisters visiting his branch.
The Young Cult Master, the Underworld Pavilion Lord, the Dan Sisters.
That connection continued even after coming to the headquarters.
And so, Geom Mugeuk had found positions for the second and third sisters.
“There is no position for the eldest miss.”
Of course, there was a reason for Geom Mugeuk’s decision.
“First, I want you two to have plenty of time.”
The two of them liked each other and came to the headquarters together.
If Dan-ah took on a new job, she would be busy and distracted trying to adapt.
“For the time being, take your time and enjoy yourselves. Go on dates, eat delicious food, get used to the Main Sect, and take care of your sisters.”
Seo Daeryong’s whole body trembled at Geom Mugeuk’s thoughtfulness.
‘I can’t be any more moved by the Young Cult Master.
I’ve already used up all the emotion in my life for the Young Cult Master, haven’t I? What am I supposed to do if you keep this up?’
He genuinely felt this way.
And so, this question naturally came out.
“What are you going to do later in life?”
“What?”
“You’re so cool at such a young age, what will you do later?”
“If I’m shabby, boring, and not cool then, you can tell people this for me. Our Young Cult Master used up all his coolness in his twenties! So let’s all try to understand.”
Not just Seo Daeryong, but Kang Dal and the Dan Sisters all laughed.
Geom Mugeuk sincerely hoped that Seo Daeryong and Dan-ah would end up well.
But he knew it was not a matter he could interfere in.
“To live the life of a wanderer and then follow the Underworld Pavilion Lord all the way to the Main Sect, I believe you have your own destiny. Try following where that destiny leads.”
Dan-ah respectfully bowed her head.
“I will never forget the grace you have shown me.”
She finally understood why this Seo Daeryong only talked about the Young Cult Master whenever he opened his mouth.
Because this was the kind of person Geom Mugeuk was.
“Then let’s all meet at the Flowing Wine Tavern this evening! Branch Master Kang, you come too!”
Geom Mugeuk headed straight to find the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“Elder!”
As he ran into the courtyard, someone was already there.
“Young Cult Master, whenever you return from outside the sect, this is always your first stop.”
A woman tending the flower garden straightened up.
It was the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign, now perfectly suited to a face without makeup and pure white hair.
“It’s because I like the Elder the most. Have you been well, Sword Sovereign?”
The Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign smiled brightly and nodded her head.
Her aura felt even gentler, a sign that her training had not ceased.
Just then, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon walked out of the warehouse building and said.
“Empty words!”
Yet, he could not hide his pleased expression.
“Elder!”
Geom Mugeuk ran to embrace him, but as always, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon used his footwork to dodge.
He took the hoe he brought from the warehouse, crouched down next to the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign, and started digging at the ground.
Geom Mugeuk watched the two of them tend the flower garden for a moment.
What did they feel for each other?
He could sense at least one thing.
They were not trying to force themselves closer; they were watching each other from that exact distance.
He thought that perhaps that distance was what was protecting the relationship between them.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked while hoeing.
“How did your trip go?”
“I barely made it back alive. If it weren’t for Young Alliance Leader Bi and the Demon Slaying Branch Master, and especially if the Laughing Demon Sovereign hadn’t been there, I would have died.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s hand stopped for a moment, then resumed its movement.
“It will only get harder from now on. The more you kill, the more viciously and strongly they will retaliate.”
“You have to protect me, Elder.”
“Stop thinking about working this old man to the bone, and just focus on your training.”
He planned to train really hard from now on.
It was not just the Heavenly Demon Soul in his dreams whose pride was hurt because the Seven-Star Nine Calamities Demon Art did not work.
“Sword Sovereign. I think we need to resume our sparring partnership.”
The Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign smiled.
“I’m always ready.”
Just then, two people entered the area.
It was Seo Daeryong and Dan-ah.
He had come to greet his master after returning from outside the sect.
He brought Dan-ah along to introduce her as well.
“Master, I’m back.”
At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon stood up and walked toward Seo Daeryong.
A worried gaze swept over his disciple’s body.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Then that’s all that matters.”
Geom Mugeuk was not one to just watch.
“Hey, I know he’s your top disciple, but isn’t this too much favoritism? I was in more danger!”
Pretending not to hear, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s gaze turned to Dan-ah.
“And who is this young lady?”
“This is Miss Dan-ah. She came to the Main Sect with me this time.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Seo Daeryong with a questioning expression.
Seo Daeryong, not knowing how to explain, just blushed.
Dan-ah was nervous.
She really wanted to make a good impression on Seo Daeryong’s master, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
Her heart was pounding more than when she was surrounded by enemies.
Just then, the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign stood up and walked towards them.
“Why even ask?”
She looked at Seo Daeryong and Dan-ah.
They could not even look each other in the eye properly, their new beginning so fresh and sweet that she could not help but smile.
‘I had a time like that too.’
Seo Daeryong introduced the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign to Dan-ah.
“This is the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign, one of the Demon Sovereigns of our Main Sect.”
At those words, Dan-ah looked at her in surprise.
There was no one who wielded a sword who did not know of her.
The woman who rose to the rank of Demon Sovereign with a single sword.
To Dan-ah, the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign was special.
Besides Seo Daeryong’s master, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, she was the Demon Sovereign she had wanted to see most.
“It is an honor to meet you.”
Dan-ah’s voice trembled.
The admiration she felt for the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign was plain on her face, so her first impression passed.
“It couldn’t have been easy for a woman to decide to devote herself to the Main Sect, was it?”
Perhaps it was because she said she liked Seo Daeryong, who carried a great blade? It reminded her of her own youth.
“What do you like so much about him?”
Since it was none other than the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign asking, she answered honestly.
“I liked his pure side, which is unlike a martial artist.”
The Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign nodded her head and turned back to the flower garden.
Then, seeing the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Daeryong standing side by side with great blades on their backs, she suddenly turned and asked.
“Could it be that Pavilion Lord Seo is…….”
Perhaps he guessed her question? The Blood Heaven Blade Demon quickly cut her off and said.
“Let’s not do this here, let’s go inside. I happen to have some good tea.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon led Dan-ah inside, and Seo Daeryong followed behind.
The Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign smiled, recalling that day long ago.
“Like master, like disciple!”