Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 207
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Chapter 207: The Terrifying Jinmusa
“Oh! Well, it seems we have a guest here!”
Dong Yusu, the disguised Jinmusa, approached the cliff while joking. Nok Dampyeong watched wide-eyed as the man dressed in luxurious clothing came closer. If this were Sambobang territory, he would have cursed him out, but since he also lived under the control of Yeon Jeokha, he decided not to interfere.
Yeon Jeokha was also watching, but he didn’t care who came by, as the Dutiful Son Cliff didn’t belong to him.
Although Dong Yusu noticed that everyone was ignoring him, he decided to climb onto a rock to enjoy the view.
“The scenery here is the best. Hey, what’s that hut?”
At the intruder’s question, Nok Dampyeong responded brusquely:
“Is your mouth just an ornament? I’m here in mourning for three years.”
Seeing that the man appeared to be in his forties, Nok Dampyeong forced himself to be respectful. If Yeon Jeokha hadn’t been there, he probably would have told him to leave.
“When did Nok Il-chwi die?”
Dong Yusu stared intently at Nok Dampyeong. Only then did Nok Dampyeong feel a chill and lower his gaze. Realizing the man wasn’t ordinary, he decided to answer more cautiously.
“It’s in honor of the parents of young master Yeon.”
“Ah! You’re a kind-hearted young man.”
As he spoke, Dong Yusu moved closer to Nok Dampyeong, who felt intimidated and turned aside like a shy bride. Dong Yusu patted him on the shoulder in a gesture of encouragement.
“Hmm…”
With a strange nasal sound, Nok Dampyeong fainted. When Yeon Jeokha looked at him suspiciously, Dong Yusu casually explained:
“I put him to sleep for a bit because I couldn’t kill him since he’s mourning for you.”
“Sir, what do you want from me?”
Hearing the word “sir,” Dong Yusu chuckled.
“It’s a term I don’t hear often. I am an envoy of the Jinmusa.”
For a moment, Yeon Jeokha’s expression showed tension. He knew the Jinmusa held supreme authority as a direct agency of the emperor.
“Why? I haven’t done anything to warrant the Jinmusa’s intervention.”
Nokrim had no reason to be involved with the Jinmusa, as it primarily dealt with officials and nobles.
“Ha ha! Don’t worry, I’m here on personal interest.”
“Personal?”
“That’s right.”
Dong Yusu looked deeply at Yeon Jeokha. Although he said it was personal, he had come in disguise, indicating it was a confidential matter.
Yeon Jeokha relaxed a little, though he was still intrigued by the reason for the visit.
“I’m very interested in you, young master Yeon.”
“Why…?”
Why would a guard of the emperor be interested in him?
“I know you’re one of the Ten Heroes of the Five Peaks and that you became a bandit due to family problems.”
“…”
Yeon Jeokha felt uncomfortable. This man knew too much about him.
“Normally, the Jinmusa conducts background investigations, so don’t be surprised.”
“But why investigate a mere bandit?”
“It’s not because of Nokrim.”
“Then why?”
“It’s because of your hunting of the Warriors Demons.”
“Ah! Is it because the Cultists of the Yoomyung Cult are in the court?”
“Ha ha ha!”
Dong Yusu laughed heartily.
“It’s quite the opposite.”
“The opposite?”
“I’ll tell you something that’s not public. Did you know the emperor is taking strict measures against the eunuchs?”
“I’m not interested in court affairs…”
“It’s a good attitude. Don’t get involved in those matters. Anyway, let me continue. Some eunuchs have been accustomed to handling palace affairs since the previous dynasty. One of them has gotten close to the empress and brought the Yoomyung Cult into the palace.”
“Ah!”
The rumors of the Cultists of the Yoomyung Cult in the palace were true, protected by the empress.
“We tried to kill a Cultist of the Yoomyung Cult by the emperor’s order, but we failed. Ten Jinmusa guards died. Since then, the task has shifted from north to south.”
“I guess they couldn’t handle the Warriors Demons.”
“Correct. We wanted to ask the Justice Alliance for help. Then I learned you were eliminating Warriors Demons in Nokrim.”
“…”
Yeon Jeokha looked at the man curiously. Had he come to ask him to kill the Cultists of the Yoomyung Cult?
Although he didn’t accept assassination jobs, he would make an exception for those monsters.
“Do you understand now why we’re interested in you?”
“Yes.”
“We’ve thoroughly investigated Waryong Manor and the Baek Clan. We might know more about you than you do yourself.”
“I doubt that.”
Yeon Jeokha thought the Jinmusa was exaggerating.
Dong Yusu smiled. People don’t believe in the Jinmusa’s capability until they experience it.
“Do you know you have relatives?”
“Are you referring to my brothers and sisters? Of course.”
“I mean your maternal family.”
“The Baek Clan?”
“Why would the Baek Clan be your maternal family? I’m talking about your true maternal family.”
“True maternal family? Wasn’t my mother an orphan?”
“If Yi Buyong is your biological mother, she wasn’t an orphan.”
“Then…”
“Her parents sold her to the Baek Clan when she was five. Don’t be surprised. Many parents sell their children to avoid starving. It’s possible your mother thought she was an orphan.”
“Is that true?”
“Why would I make something like that up?”
“Why would the Baek Clan buy a little girl?”
“To raise her as a servant. It’s common.”
“…”
Yeon Jeokha felt bitter. His maternal grandparents sold his mother to the Baek Clan. Though he understood it was out of necessity, he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
“If you want, I can tell you where they live.”
“Surely it’s not for free, right?”
Yeon Jeokha smiled bitterly. He knew nothing in this world was free.
Would they want him to kill a Cultist?
But Dong Yusu said something unexpected.
“Could you tell me which side Nokrim will be on in the upcoming conflict in the Murim?”
“…”
Yeon Jeokha looked at the man in surprise. He didn’t care which side Nokrim joined, whether it was the Yoomyung Cult or the Justice Alliance.
“That decision lies with the Great Chaeju. I just run an inn.”
“It’s rumored that the Great Chaeju left the decision in your hands.”
“Ah, the Great Chaeju was joking. How could I decide that as just the Grand Inspector?”
“The Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord keeps his word, even if it seems like a joke. If he gave you that authority, the decision is yours.”
Dong Yusu stared at Yeon Jeokha as if he could see his soul.
“By the way, who are you in the Jinmusa?”
“Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I’m Dong Yusu, the Jinmusa of the Kaifeng division.”
“Ah, it’s an honor, Lord Dong.”
Yeon Jeokha looked at Dong Yusu with renewed respect. A Jinmusa was the highest rank he had encountered.
“Aren’t you accompanied by escorts?”
“I’m a soldier used to battlefields. This sword is enough. You’re alone at the inn too, aren’t you?”
His voice and expression reflected pride.
Yeon Jeokha was curious about his skill but didn’t ask.
“So, where does Nokrim’s sword point?”
“Is that all you want to know? No other request? Perhaps to kill a Cultist?”
“The court has lost interest in the Cultists of the Yoomyung Cult. The Jinmusa will seek revenge, but now the urgent matter is Nokrim’s stance.”
“Just that? Don’t you expect anything more?”
“Ha ha! I wouldn’t expect so much just for that information. Are you willing to do something?”
“No. Nokrim…”
“Nokrim…”
Dong Yusu looked impatiently at Yeon Jeokha.
“Will act like running water.”
“…”
Dong Yusu murmured in disappointment.
“So, nothing is decided?”
“No.”
“If it is decided, it would be better not to align with the Justice Alliance.”
“What?”
Yeon Jeokha thought he had misheard. Weren’t they going to seek revenge on the Yoomyung Cult?
“Nokrim and the Justice Alliance have been enemies for a long time. Where do you think their swords will point once they deal with the Yoomyung Cult?”
“Even so…”
Although Yeon Jeokha understood Dong Yusu’s point, it felt strange. Shouldn’t the Jinmusa support the Justice Alliance?
For the Jinmusa to tell Nokrim not to join the Justice Alliance was puzzling.
“Your maternal family lives in Seokjangchon (Seokhang Village), west of Zhengzhou. Your uncles are still alive, so visit them when you can. Your uncle’s name is Lee Useok. See you.”
Dong Yusu left without further ado.
Yeon Jeokha slumped into the makeshift chair. Despite the short conversation, he felt as tired as after two hours of training.
“Wow! The Jinmusa is terrifying.”
An organization that knew more about him than he did himself. The pressure he felt was far greater than meeting the Magistrate.
“Maternal family…”
His maternal grandparents seemed to have passed away, as his uncle was still alive. He didn’t feel any pity for the family that sold his mother.
Suddenly, he saw Nok Dampyeong sleeping with his cheek resting on the rock. Seeing him, he realized the Jinmusa had been there.
“Nok Hyung, wake up. If you sleep in the cold, your face will get twisted.”
Yeon Jeokha gave a strong kick to Nok Dampyeong, who was wrapped in thick clothes.
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