Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 203
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Chapter 203. Who Should I Kill?
Provincial Commander Yeomuyang was enraged, but he had already internally decided to cancel the operation. He didn’t have enough justification to proceed with the mission against the opposition of the Yoomyung Cult.
“I understand, you may leave.”
“Thank you, Commander.”
Dong Yusu of the Yoomyung Cult stood up, bowed, and left. An advisor who had been waiting outside quickly entered, closely observing Yeomuyang.
“The operation has been canceled. Inform Won Jeongcheon (Won Sangcho) to return.”
“Yes, sir.”
The advisor, who had inadvertently overheard from outside, did not ask for the reasons.
———————
Jeongcheonso’s army, which had gathered on the outskirts of Kaifeng, returned to their base by noon. Although it initially seemed like they were preparing for a large operation, they dispersed without much commotion. This sudden change sparked several rumors, the most prominent being that it was a warning to the Murim and that the provincial commander was reviewing military discipline.
Regardless of the reasons, the army’s dispersion brought peace back to Kaifeng, with one exception.
Around noon.
At the Magistrate’s Office.
Sa Yeonhui was restless. The Jeongcheonso army, which was supposed to capture Yeon Jeokha, had canceled the operation and dispersed. It had been three days since Yeon Jeokha’s warning, and there was no time left to devise a response.
Cheon Yangji, noticing Sa Yeonhui’s anxiety, spoke cautiously.
“Sir, the Yoomyung Cult has halted the operation. We must make a decision before it’s too late.”
“Do you want me to bow to a mere bandit from Nokrim?”
“Surely, the Yoomyung Cult already knows what your son did. They seem to be supporting Yeon Jeokha. If we don’t act quickly, they could accuse you of mobilizing troops for personal reasons.”
“Do you really think there’s an agreement between the Yoomyung Cult and Yeon Jeokha?”
“You know what the Yoomyung Cult is like. They have no reason to stay away from the second-in-command of Nokrim.”
“Are you saying they’re using Nokrim in the conflict between the Yoomyung Cult and the Justice Alliance?”
“What other reason could they have?”
“What would the Yoomyung Cult gain by getting involved in that conflict?”
“Who can know the intentions of Commander Mo Yang?”
“It’s unbelievable. The Yoomyung Cult appears out of nowhere and ruins everything. I can’t believe it.”
“Now is the time to show that you have a good relationship with Yeon Jeokha. If the Yoomyung Cult thinks you’ll keep pursuing him…”
Cheon Yangji left his sentence unfinished. They might try to remove Sa Yeonhui if they considered him an obstacle. The Yoomyung Cult does not allow anyone to interfere in their affairs. Sa Yeonhui already had a history of mobilizing troops for personal reasons, which they could use against him.
Sa Yeonhui stared into space, aware of the risks Cheon Yangji was mentioning. That very morning, he had been thinking about how to deal with Yeon Jeokha if they captured him, but in half a day, everything had changed.
“What a country! That a Magistrate has to apologize to a bandit to keep his head.”
Hearing his lament, Cheon Yangji quickly stepped out to make sure no one was nearby. He returned and spoke in a low voice.
“Sir, the Yoomyung Cult might be watching. You must be careful with your words.”
As Sa Yeonhui’s closest advisor, Cheon Yangji couldn’t help but worry. If something happened to the Magistrate, his own future would also be at risk.
“Haha, it seems you’re the only one who cares about me.”
“Don’t be discouraged. It’s just a matter of time. When the conflicts in the Murim are over, the Yoomyung Cult won’t oppose our actions.”
“So I have to bow my head now?”
“I’m sorry.”
“What a world! Apologizing to a bandit who left my son half-dead. It makes me want to hang myself.”
Sa Yeonhui closed his eyes, feeling his dignity being shattered. Despite everything, he knew he had to do it.
Sa Yeonhui spent the morning and part of the afternoon locked in his office. When the time of Shen (from 3 to 5 p.m.) arrived, he called for Cheon Yangji.
“Prepare a minimal escort.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cheon Yangji did not ask where they were going. Sa Yeonhui’s dejected expression said it all.
——————-
Cheon Yangji organized an escort of five trusted officers, including Im Saseong. All were martial arts experts and people in whom Cheon Yangji had complete confidence.
They arrived in Huashangchon at sunset. As they crossed the quiet village, Sa Yeonhui murmured with melancholy.
“The sun sets early in winter.”
“That might be good for us.”
The fewer people there were, the fewer witnesses there would be. Sa Yeonhui smiled at Cheon Yangji’s optimistic comment.
“You’re a very positive person.”
As they talked, they stopped when they saw the inn. Sa Yeonhui signaled Im Saseong, who quickly went ahead to enter. Shortly after, he returned.
“He hasn’t returned from the cliff.”
Cheon Yangji quickly intervened.
“Sir, it’s better to meet him at the cliff. At this hour, there won’t be anyone around.”
“Let’s go.”
Im Saseong led the way. They arrived at a clearing where a cabin was visible. Cheon Yangji instructed the officers to stay on guard.
“Stay here and make sure no one approaches the cliff.”
“Yes, sir.”
The five officers responded quietly. Sa Yeonhui and Cheon Yangji continued toward the cliff. They found Yeon Jeokha sitting on the edge of a rock, looking at the river.
Cheon Yangji stopped, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks at the thought of addressing Yeon Jeokha respectfully in front of Sa Yeonhui.
“Young Master Yeon, Magistrate Sa has come to see you.”
Finally, Yeon Jeokha stood up and slowly approached them. Cheon Yangji bowed, and Sa Yeonhui did not hesitate to do the same.
“I am Sa Yeonhui, Magistrate of Kaifeng.”
Yeon Jeokha looked at Sa Yeonhui without saying a word. His indifferent expression suggested that he was considering what to do. Cheon Yangji discreetly stepped back to give them space.
Cheon Yangji glared at Nok Dam-pyeong, who was watching from nearby. Realizing this, Nok Dam-pyeong hurried into the cabin but remained attentive to what was happening outside.
Sa Yeonhui, unable to bear Yeon Jeokha’s silence, tried to speak but was interrupted.
“Magistrate, what kind of father are you?”
The unexpected question left Sa Yeonhui perplexed, who could only stare at Yeon Jeokha. Wasn’t he going to reprimand his son for what he did? Was this a trap to make him talk?
“Why do you ask that?”
“I’m just curious. I wonder what kind of father raises such a strange son.”
“I’ve heard what my son did. I wanted to bring him with me, but his injuries are severe. I’ve come to apologize on his behalf.”
Determined to end this once and for all, Sa Yeonhui bowed deeply.
“I hold no grudges against you. All of this was Cheon Yangji’s fault for speaking thoughtlessly. Of course, if you hadn’t come, I would have sought you out. I keep my promises.”
“I know. Cheon Yangji spoke with good intentions, wanting to protect me.”
“I understand that you want to protect your son. But I really want to know: what kind of father are you?”
“I’m like any other father.”
Sa Yeonhui didn’t know what to say. He didn’t understand Yeon Jeokha’s intentions, so he responded vaguely.
“Let me ask you another way. Would you die for your son?”
Yeon Jeokha’s eyes filled with a murderous aura. Sa Yeonhui felt like he could be torn apart at any moment and instinctively shrank back.
“You know, in Nokrim, we kill people for looking at us the wrong way. Your son touched my friend. It’s as if he insulted me.”
“Please forgive him.”
Yeon Jeokha continued without listening.
“Shim Tong was content with breaking his bones, but I’m not. I feel that someone must die. So, I ask you, would you die for your son?”
As he spoke, Yeon Jeokha made a gesture with his hand, and a sword flew through the air, landing at Sa Yeonhui’s neck. The chilling presence surrounded Sa Yeonhui, making him tremble with fear.
Terrified, Sa Yeonhui stammered incoherently.
“Please forgive me. It wasn’t Cheon Yangji’s fault. I didn’t know this would happen.”
Feeling confused, Yeon Jeokha withdrew the sword and asked again.
“Then, who should I kill, you or your son?”
Finally understanding the question, Sa Yeonhui realized the gravity of the situation.
“If that’s the case, kill me. I’ve lived long enough.”
Yeon Jeokha moved his hand, and the sword plunged deeply into a nearby rock. The murderous presence disappeared.
Looking at Sa Yeonhui, Yeon Jeokha said:
“You’re a good father.”
“I’m not a good father. I’m just a father like any other.”
“Believe me. I’ve met many who only thought of themselves until their last breath. You’re different.”
“Will you forgive my son?”
“Forgiveness isn’t something that comes from men, but from the heavens. Whether we forgive or not, it’s all the same. We do what suits us. If we have power, we take revenge; if not, we say we forgive. I had already forgiven him when you bowed. I told you from the beginning, I hold no grudges.”
Yeon Jeokha finished speaking and disappeared into the darkening forest.
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