Camellia 47

The old Cheonma Divine Sect’s headquarters, once established in Shingang, was now under the control of the Jipilgak Lord. In other words, what was once the central sect had now been demoted to a branch.

Cho Woonrim, who acted as the sect leader’s proxy, was a man obsessed with the flow of money. He would turn a blind eye to any business as long as it generated profit, collecting massive kickbacks in the process. Because of this, Shingang had become a hub of illegal enterprises.

It was no surprise, then, that people said, “If you want opium, go to Shingang.” Even human traffickers fleeing from government forces hid there, eager to benefit from such a lax environment.

Cheonsin, the sect leader known as Sahyeol Amje, showed no interest in the state of affairs in Shingang. He had entrusted full control of the region to the Jipilgak Lord. In fact, Sahyeol Amje didn’t show any particular attachment to any place except the main sect base. Objectively speaking, one could say he didn’t even care about that, but subjectively, he would claim otherwise.

Proof of his “affection” was that he kept a watchful eye on the sect members at Yeonhu Mountain, making sure they didn’t commit rape, kidnapping, murder, or gambling.
It wasn’t because he had any real moral stance against crime. He simply couldn’t stand seeing people pretending to be strong within his territory and trying to dominate other sect members.
Every time he spotted one of them, he would think, How dare they, and rip them apart.

Despite Shingang’s year-round bitter cold and constant snowfall, women kept arriving, looking for protection. If they had martial skill, they could defend themselves. But ordinary women, with no training, had no choice but to cling to something, even if it was a stiff and prickly straw like Sahyeol Amje.

*

“Care to drink a cup of Golden Spirit with this girl, young master?”

“I’m wearing a new skirt, and you won’t even spare me a glance?”

“I still keep that silver hairpin you gave me close to my heart!”

The courtesans openly flirted with men in the middle of the main road, their short jackets revealing pale abdomens. But very few men actually took the bait.

Outsiders, oblivious, would laugh and follow them around.
But the locals of Shingang, well aware that some of those women were Demonic Sect members trained in seduction arts, kept shaking their heads and avoided them.

The bustling street was packed with people. To the left was Sonmyeong Tavern, the largest in Shingang. To the right was Baekdan Pavilion, the most lavish.

Tang Yujae, currently disguised as a plain young man barely past adulthood, stood at the fork in the road. Yellow lanterns lit the left, red lanterns the right.

He hadn’t chosen a destination yet because he was still tailing his runaway bride, who was now wandering aimlessly. Wherever Seolyeong went, Tang Yujae would follow.

Wearing a black bamboo hat of unclear origin, he had stolen it, the Mad Bride was going around showing a portrait, asking about a missing child.
He was also trying to subtly gather information on human trafficking, but the tight-lipped courtesans only played dumb.

“I’m not sure? But if you come over to Baekdan Pavilion, we might be able to whisper something to you.”

“So you’re saying you do know something, lady?”

“Again, if you come to Baekdan, I’ll tell you. I can show you anything, even the most hidden parts.”

“Good grief…”

The women, about Seolhyeon’s age, were dressed in revealing outfits and throwing themselves at him.
Seolyeong found it distasteful. He wanted to wrap a pi-pung around their exposed stomachs. Shingang wasn’t as cold as Yeonhu, but the chill in the air was still sharp.

However, he was supposed to remain unnoticed. If he started scolding courtesans and trying to dress them, he would attract immediate attention.

And yet… he couldn’t stop noticing.

“My lady, aren’t you cold?”

Unable to resist, he finally approached the courtesan wearing the skimpiest outfit and pressed down his bamboo hat with his left hand.

He didn’t want his eye color to be seen.

Without his martial strength, he had become pathetically weak. He couldn’t even use gyeonggong, and had been hauled around like luggage last time.
Since Shingang required strict identity concealment, he couldn’t even use reverse disguise techniques, which made things even worse.

If someone asked why he, who had walked freely through Sacheon, declaring “I’m a blood fiend,” was now hiding his face in Shingang, he could only answer “Because Shingang was where the surviving members of the old Cheonma Divine Sect had gathered under Sahyeol Amje’s permission.”

The old sect members could not tolerate a blood fiend who had betrayed them and joined the righteous sect. They were openly hostile and had even vowed to slit his throat if he ever came near.

Even Murong Wi had warned him never to step foot in Shingang.
And right now, Seolyeong didn’t even have access to his Qi. He had no choice but to be careful.

Technically speaking, he hadn’t chosen to betray anyone. He was taken in by the righteous faction as a babbling infant. He ate their food, slept in their beds, naturally, he walked the path of the righteous. Was he supposed to bite off his tongue and die as a child out of loyalty to a sect he’d never known?

Seolyeong took a step back and spoke with his eyes lowered.

“Cold air is bad for a woman’s womb. If you’re dressed like that because you’re short on cloth, I can take you to a textile shop and get you something warmer…”

“Oh my, what is this silly young master saying? Who cuts their jacket short because of fabric shortage? We cut it short to show off our waists! That was a joke, right?”

The laughing courtesan smacked his shoulder. It stung. Seolyeong’s eyes widened.

She craned her neck, trying to see the face hidden beneath the bamboo hat.

“I can tell handsome men just by their jawline. That sculpted look, it makes my heart flutter. Would you mind showing me your face?”

Her name was Mae Inyeong, the half-sister of Okhaenggak Lord Mae Somyeong, leader of the Cheonma Divine Sect’s False Identity Corps and mistress of Baekdan Pavilion.
Her nickname was “Heaven-Shaking Demoness.” She held an important role in the Hao Sect and clearly already knew exactly who this pretty youth was.

“Big brother, you must be quite shy. But shy men are very popular at our pavilion. Won’t you come with me? Paradise awaits.”

Unlike her sharp and stern sister Mae Somyeong, Inyeong was slick and sly, like a snake hiding under silk.

She slipped her arm into Seolyeong’s and pressed her lips gently to his broad shoulder. A faint red mark was left on the silk. Her soft lips left a hint of color beside them, and her small smile was charming. Her seductive eyes curved sweetly.

It was the kind of flirtation that had probably shaken the hearts of men a million times. But Seolyeong only wiped her lips with his thumb and said,

“You look sleepy. Why are you out here trying to bring in customers? Go wash your feet and sleep.”

“……”

“Are you drunk, maybe? If you need help walking, just say the word. I’ll see you home.”

Even while being clung to by a scantily clad beauty, he showed no sign of agitation, only endless nagging.

“Also, you shouldn’t lean on men so casually. I may be a gentleman, but most men have no impulse control. If a woman acts soft and friendly, they’ll flip out and think they can do anything to you.”

“I was taught to be especially wary of men who claim they’re not like other men.”

“That’s good advice. Yes, don’t trust me either. Never let your guard down.”

“Oh my, and what happens if I do let my guard down?”

“Probably nothing…”

Blending in with the crowd, Cheonsin flicked open a sandalwood fan.

Yuwon had been right. With sharp perception, he could tell the bride’s danjeon hadn’t been completely destroyed. Tiny specks of Qi, like grains of sand, were hiding beneath it, dormant.

Naturally, a question formed in his mind.

Should I tear it apart again, or not…?

Tang Yujai fanned himself slowly, then deliberately released a wave of his energy. Sensing the aura of the man she revered, the Sky-Shaking Demoness snapped her head up.