HDCLSSRS Ch 51

Chapter 51 Expert in Disappearances and Abductions (6)

 

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Seong Muyeon received a hefty sum in advance and was promised an enormous success fee.

“What’s your plan?”

When Baek Ryeoil asked, Seong Muyeon stroked his chin.

“Actually, I have a few ideas.”

No matter how large the Demonic Cult might be, it was far too understaffed to operate solely with its internal members. Thus, they resorted to kidnapping, luring, and brainwashing to increase their followers. It was a task that required considerable caution.

Specifically, it had to be subtle enough that the orthodox sects, despite their suspicions, could not openly accuse them due to the lack of concrete evidence.

Because of this, there were even specialized groups dedicated to recruiting from outside.

“You can spot guys like that anywhere. Once they find a suitable target, they make their move.”

He grinned slyly.

“Once you know the method, they’re easy to find.”

He first focused on investigating Seomun Yuha’s movements on the day of his disappearance. With a specialist on the Demonic Cult now involved, the investigation progressed rapidly.

Soon, friends of Seomun Yuha arrived, having been contacted by his wife. Using them, Seong Muyeon thoroughly tracked what Seomun Yuha had done and where he had been on the dates noted in his diary.

By cross-verifying each statement, they discovered that a certain location was repeatedly mentioned—an inn.

“That inn is within the bastard’s territory.”

Thus, Seong Muyeon headed to the inn with Baek Ryeoil. The location itself was nothing out of the ordinary.

“So, we just go in and beat the guy up?”

“What are you talking about? There’s no need for such a crude method.”

Seong Muyeon carved something into the wall of the inn. It was a symbol only members of the Demonic Cult could recognize.

“It’s a code used when cultists make secret contacts with one another. Because they work under the surface, they often don’t know who’s doing what or where. Anyone who sees this will follow the trail immediately.”

“Ohh…”

Though the Seomun family had spent an entire week searching for their son, they hadn’t been able to uncover even the shadow of the culprit hiding in the darkness. Only an insider who knew their habits well could have managed this.

Seong Muyeon connected the markings to a secluded area nearby.

He pulled the idly standing Baek Ryeoil with him. They settled into a dense bush located in a blind spot.

“Now, we wait.”

If they could catch the guy and interrogate him, they would surely find out where Seomun Yuha had been taken.

“If my guess is correct… Young Master Seomun is still alive. The problem is, we don’t know why he was taken. But we’ll figure that out eventually.”

“I see.”

The space between the bushes was dark and narrow. Twigs kept poking them all over.

As Seong Muyeon shifted uncomfortably, he turned his head—only to find himself face to face with Baek Ryeoil, so close their noses almost touched.

Feeling oddly unsettled by the gaze, Seong Muyeon averted his eyes.

“Move over a bit.”

“There’s no room here either.”

Seong Muyeon wasn’t exactly short, but Baek Ryeoil had such a broad frame that he had to practically curl up. As a result, their shoulders were pressed together.

Baek Ryeoil’s breath touched Seong Muyeon’s shoulder. Even without looking, he could feel the man’s persistent gaze in the corner of his eye.

“So, what are you going to do with that money?”

“Why? Interested now? Not giving you a single coin.”

“You brat… who said I wanted any?”

“I can’t live off the Huashan Sect forever, can I? Once things settle down, I’ll need to get a house.”

“Where do you plan to go?”

After a moment of thought, Seong Muyeon replied.

“I just want… a small house in a quiet place. I’ll raise chickens in the yard. Open a village school and make a living teaching children.”

His voice was low and quiet as he spoke. His gaze turned distant, as if looking into the future, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Baek Ryeoil could easily imagine Seong Muyeon shouting at disobedient children, swinging a cane.

In Baek Ryeoil’s imagination, the house had a low roof and was surrounded by a straw fence. During the day, children would run around the yard.

Come evening, the house would become peaceful again, as if it had never been noisy. Then, Seong Muyeon would sit in the slanting sunlight and open a book.

It was a serene, tranquil scene.

The fantasy grew vivid, almost like it was playing out before his eyes. He could even hear the sound of pages turning and the candle flickering.

Someone appeared beneath the warm candlelight and naturally wrapped an arm around Seong Muyeon’s shoulders. That someone was Baek Ryeoil himself.

He would ask how unruly the kids had been that day, and as Seong Muyeon vented his frustrations, they would naturally begin preparing dinner, as if it were routine.

At night, they’d lie on the same bed, chatting about their day and going over plans for tomorrow, eventually blowing out the candle.

Then, Baek Ryeoil would offer his arm, and Seong Muyeon would nestle into his embrace—as if they’d always done so.

“A stamp?”

“Huh?”

Baek Ryeoil suddenly snapped out of his midday daydream. In front of him was Seong Muyeon, frowning.

Baek Ryeoil shook his head to clear the vision that had taken hold of him.

What a ridiculous imagination…

He had never really thought about the future, but that fantasy had to be the least likely of all. He let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

“Not even if the world ends…”

“They’re here.”

At Seong Muyeon’s whisper, they peeked through the branches—and indeed, someone was cautiously glancing around.

“He looks normal.”

The stranger didn’t look like he had anything to do with the Demonic Cult.

“Of course. That’s how they lower people’s guard.”

“So, what’s your next move?”

Baek Ryeoil felt his heart begin to race in anticipation. Up until now, Seong Muyeon had surprised him with the most unexpected tactics. What would he do this time?

“Go, Baek Ryeoil! Catch that guy!”

“…What?”

Baek Ryeoil was too stunned to react. Seong Muyeon urgently patted his back, pushing him forward.

“He’s going to run! Hurry!”

“……”

Baek Ryeoil felt like he was being used, but there was no time to argue. The man had noticed something strange and was beginning to flee. Catching him took priority.

Baek Ryeoil leapt forward to block his escape.

“W-What’s this?”

“Are you the one who took Seomun Yuha?”

At that name, the man made up his mind to fight. He pulled a weapon from his waist, but his opponent was Baek Ryeoil. Baek Ryeoil kicked his wrist, instantly disarming him.

“Ugh…!”

“Nice one! Well done!”

From a distance, Seong Muyeon’s clapping could be heard.

‘That guy…’

Baek Ryeoil couldn’t help but chuckle.

Thud!

Baek Ryeoil carelessly dropped the unconscious man at the feet of the Seomun family head and his wife.

“Is this the man?”

When the two brought results overnight, the couple’s eyes widened in surprise—then quickly filled with rage.

“Wake up!”

The head of the household tried to splash cold water on the unconscious man’s face to wake him, but he only flinched slightly and didn’t regain consciousness.

“Dear, that won’t work. Let me try.”

Madam Seomun knelt beside the drenched man. And then—smack!

His face twisted violently to the side, and he let out a scream as he regained consciousness. The last thing he remembered was the sole of Baek Ryeoil’s shoe filling his vision.

“Wh-What the hell is going on?!”

“You’re the one who took my son.”

Seeing Madam Seomun’s terrifying face, the man turned pale.

“What are you talking about?! Where am I?!”

Seong Muyeon stepped forward and asked,

“Where did you take Seomun Yuha?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about! You’ve got the wrong person!”

It seemed he intended to shamelessly feign ignorance. But Seong Muyeon had already searched the man’s belongings and confirmed he was part of the Demonic Cult.

“You don’t know who I am?”

“How should I know?! Let me go! I won’t stand for this!”

Perhaps due to his low rank, the man didn’t recognize the identity of the Seventh Son.

Looks like there’s no other choice.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Seong Muyeon straightened up. He clasped his hands behind his back, lifted his chin, and spoke with arrogance.

“Kneel and pay your respects. I am the Seventh Son, Seong Muyeon.”

“……”

The man’s pupils shook.

It was more effective to reveal his identity when there was someone to play the hype man, so it felt a bit lacking. Baek Ryeoil wasn’t the type to do that, and the Seomun couple only blinked blankly, making it feel less impressive.

The man opened and closed his mouth for a moment before shouting loudly,

“If you’re the Seventh Son, then I’m the cult leader!”

“……”

Seong Muyeon’s face twisted in utter dismay.