Chapter 221 : Love
Chapter 221: Love
“He escaped the Heaven and Earth Net.”
The commander of the Demon Army couldn't contain his rage at the subordinate’s report.
Boom!
A nearby rock shattered into pieces under his strike.
The surrounding Demonic Humans bowed their heads. No one even dared to breathe.
They understood the commander’s feelings.
The sacrifices the Demonic Humans suffered this time were immense. And it was all at the hands of just one person.
While unlikely, if things continued to go poorly, he could even be dismissed from his position as commander.
“How can this be possible?”
One of the Demonic Humans plucked up the courage to speak.
“He was severely injured. He couldn't have broken through the Heaven and Earth Net without someone's help.”
“Find them! Find evidence that someone else intervened and bring it to me!”
“Yes!”
The Demonic Humans flew off in all directions.
A moment later, Yeo Su-in and the Asura Six Demons appeared.
Yeo Su-in spoke with an angry face.
“Did you say you let him get away?”
The commander bowed his head with an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry.”
He had no excuse even if he had ten mouths.
But on the other hand, he felt angry.
‘If you guys had stepped up more actively, this wouldn't have happened.’
However, as the commander of the high and mighty Demon Army, he couldn't show such feelings.
Naturally, he should've been the one to catch the bastard.
As if seeing through those inner thoughts, Yeo Su-in spoke.
“The reason I didn't step up actively was to give the Demon Army a chance. You must've known that, right?”
“Of course.”
The polite answer was the exact opposite of the commander’s true feelings.
‘Ridiculous. If you were such a good person, could you have broken through that competition to become the successor?’
When his thoughts reached that point, a sudden suspicion arose.
‘Was there some intention behind this?’
Maybe that was it.
A while ago, rumors circulated that Yeo Su-in was plotting a rebellion. It was revealed to be Lee Jaseung’s plot, but that was only according to the report from the Asura Six Demons.
‘What if they’re all in on it together?’
Soon, the commander let out a sigh. The loyalty of the Asura Six Demons toward Yao Hong was famous even within the Demonic Cult.
“You should be prepared to be reprimanded for this.”
Yeo Su-in spat out the words coldly as if rebuking him and then left.
The commander glared at his departing back with a terrifying look.
Crunch.
The remaining half of the rock was completely turned to powder by the commander’s kick.
* * *
At the news that Lee Jaseung was returning, Baek Seolyoung personally cooked rice and prepared side dishes.
She utilized all the cooking skills she’d learned from Dan Ah until now.
Dan Ah helped with the cooking by her side.
Baek Seolyoung was always the same while waiting for Lee Jaseung. She silently practiced, trained her subordinates, or learned to cook.
It felt like the same tasks were repeated, but she was actually different.
She grew every time. Even though she was doing the same work, she was a different person.
Today was no different.
It was the same dish as usual, but the level of concentration was different.
Dan Ah had never seen Baek Seolyoung cook with such sincerity. She was always hardworking, but never like today. She was different from before.
Baek Seolyoung covered the finished dishes so they wouldn't get cold. Sincerity was felt in every single touch.
As the time spent with her grew longer, Dan Ah’s heart was also changing.
‘I want to have a love like that too.’
She was someone who’d never seriously thought about marriage until now.
That was her mindset ever since she first jumped into the Jianghu.
She planned to live alone and then leave quietly. A single tear from a close comrade would be enough.
But whenever she saw Lee Jaseung and Baek Seolyoung, she would dream of a love like this at least once.
‘Stop it. What is love for someone like me.’
It would be enough to just empathize like this and be happy together.
Though she always reached this conclusion.
When Dan Ah looked up, Baek Seolyoung was looking out the window.
Her eyes, filled with tears, were trembling.
Following that trembling gaze, Dan Ah could see why her eyes were shaking.
Lee Jaseung was walking from afar.
The moment she saw him, Baek Seolyoung’s heart felt at ease and an illusion was drawn.
Everyone around them disappeared. Dan Ah by her side, and even the kitchen cook who brought materials from afar.
Whooooooosh.
The sound of waves reached her.
She was standing on a sandy beach.
The sea sparkled like jewels in the sunlight, and crabs moved quickly through the clear foam of the waves. Children carrying seashells ran around, and white seagulls flew above them.
It was an illusion her heart naturally drew.
She didn't know why such an illusion came to mind.
“Have you been well?”
The illusion disappeared when Lee Jaseung approached and spoke.
She was standing in front of the kitchen window again.
She smiled brightly and said.
“You’re hungry, right?”
Lee Jaseung smiled radiantly and said.
“There’s something I want to do more than that.”
* * *
Lee Jaseung and Baek Seolyoung thought the same thing at the same time.
Was it really okay to feel this good?
Lee Jaseung’s hands and mouth explored every corner of her body, and every time, she shuddered with thrilling pleasure.
The thin moans of delight flowing from her mouth stimulated Lee Jaseung even more.
Whenever things were hard while cutting down the Demon Army in the Heaven and Earth Net, he thought of her. The longing that had piled up presented Lee Jaseung with emotions different from usual.
Lee Jaseung felt a perfect sense of unity with her. Before, the pleasure he gained from the time in bed with her was obtained from her overwhelming beauty.
But today, their love was perfectly balanced even with mental satisfaction. He felt immense happiness and joy from her single look or a small touch.
That must've been why.
“I missed you.”
Those were the first words Lee Jaseung uttered while making love to her.
Baek Seolyoung must've been embarrassed as she hugged Lee Jaseung tightly and said in a small voice.
“Me too.”
Because it was different from her usual way of speaking, Lee Jaseung felt a new sensation and became even more excited.
The love they shared softly became intense, and the hands indulging in each other became more desperate.
After those dreamlike moments passed, the two lay side by side on the bed and looked at the ceiling.
They were holding hands tightly. Just like the feelings they shared while making love, their hearts were the same now.
May this love last forever.
And had they truly picked the right day?
Their hearts matched until the very end.
The two looked at each other at the same time and said.
“I’m hungry.”
* * *
Lee Jaseung had a wonderful meal prepared by Baek Seolyoung.
As their affection grew deeper, the dishes she made were becoming tastier. Lee Jaseung’s joke that she wouldn't starve even if she opened a restaurant right now wasn't just a joke.
After finishing the private meal, Lee Jaseung called his subordinates to his office.
Then he explained what happened at the Heaven and Earth Net.
“Ah, that was a truly brilliant judgment!”
Dan Woobin was sincerely impressed when he heard that Lee Jaseung used a crow to let Yao Hong see Yeo Su-in’s betrayal personally.
He wasn't the only one impressed. Baek Seolyoung, Mujin, Ma Young-gi, and even Mook Young, who was in stealth, were all moved.
“How did you think of such a thing in the middle of all that?”
At Dan Woobin’s question, Lee Jaseung replied as if it were no big deal.
“It just came to mind.”
“My god.”
Watching Dan Woobin shake his head, Mujin said.
“You know that kind of kid at the academy? When asked how they study so well, they just say they stayed faithful to the lessons.”
Lee Jaseung said to Mujin.
“So you’re saying I’m annoying.”
“No way. I’m just saying it’s too unrealistic. Right?”
Mujin sought agreement from Ma Young-gi, but he didn't get the desired answer.
“It definitely sounded like you said he was annoying.”
“Hmph! Isn't that just your thought?”
“I know all about that. I always ranked first at the academy too.”
“No way! You? With that face?”
“It’s true. Studying was the easiest thing for me.”
“Ugh! You’re the one who’s truly annoying!”
Lee Jaseung laughed out loud at their banter. Seeing them made him finally feel like he’d come home.
Dan Woobin settled the atmosphere.
“The idea was one thing, but it was also something that couldn't have been accomplished if not for you, my Lord.”
Everyone agreed with those words. This operation required one premise.
The skill to hold out within the Heaven and Earth Net until Eye reached the Cult Leader.
“This operation of yours was a half-failure.”
At Lee Jaseung’s words, Dan Woobin asked back with a bitter smile.
“Then where is the half-success?”
“I wouldn't have thought of that if not for that half. In other words, because the operation you set up was so excellent, such an idea could come out.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
Somehow, Dan Woobin was different from usual. It wasn't because he was conscious of his surroundings. He felt more calm and composed, giving the belief that at least the failure of this operation wouldn't affect future matters at all.
Maybe he could grow more because the result was a failure. If he had succeeded, he might've become conceited.
“It’s all thanks to you, my Lord.”
“No, it’s all thanks to you.”
The two looked at each other with a strong gaze.
Baek Seolyoung was watching the two. As always, seeing their relationship made her feel good. Sometimes she was even jealous.
And now she could see.
What Lee Jaseung’s true strength was.
His true strength wasn't overwhelming martial arts, immense inner Qi, or judgment to escape crises. It wasn't even the insight to see through people.
It was the people around him.
It wasn't an ordinary relationship. Lee Jaseung didn't force loyalty on his subordinates. Instead, he constantly changed his surroundings. They developed continuously through the stimulation exchanged with him.
Positively, and in a better direction.
That’s why everyone around liked him.
That is Lee Jaseung’s greatest strength.
The fact that he’s surrounded by people with sincere loyalty.
Mujin asked carefully.
“How will Yao Hong act now?”
Lee Jaseung passed the answer to Dan Woobin.
“What do you think?”
Dan Woobin thought for a moment and then answered clearly.
“I expect he’ll send the Great Demon.”
“Why the Great Demon?”
“Yeo Su-in and the Asura Seven Demons, whom he trusted, have betrayed him. He doesn't know who the traitor is. If he moves his troops carelessly, he might leave a traitor by his side and drive his loyal subjects into a death trap. What he must do now is find the traitor. Ultimately, the one person who can move in this situation is the Great Demon, who has an independent force.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. They thought Dan Woobin pointed out the situation accurately.
“Can the Great Demon handle Yeo Su-in?”
At Mujin’s question, Dan Woobin replied.
“It’s a matter of what situation they clash in. In a frontal confrontation, Yeo Su-in would definitely be at an advantage. He recruited the Asura Seven Demons, whom Yao Hong trusts most. In other words, it wouldn't be strange if any organization in the Demonic Cult was recruited. But in this situation, we can't simply judge that Yeo Su-in is at an advantage. Yeo Su-in doesn't know the Cult Leader found out about his betrayal. In this situation, if the Great Demon launches an all-out offensive, he will be at an advantage. He’ll try to kill Yeo Su-in even if he has to pour in everything he has.”
Everyone agreed and marveled at Dan Woobin’s clear analysis.
Ma Young-gi asked with a curious expression.
“What kind of situation would be most advantageous for us?”
The one who answered was Mujin.
“That would be both sides fighting bloodily and ending in mutual destruction.”
“Would such smart people fight to the point of being destroyed so easily?”
The one who reached the conclusion was Lee Jaseung.
“We have to make it that way.”
Dan Woobin sighed lightly and said.
“Another new operation is starting.”
At his words, everyone renewed their resolve.
Lee Jaseung said calmly.
“It would be fortunate if things go well, but things usually don't. If the best result of this matter is their mutual destruction, the worst result is Yeo Su-in going into hiding.”
He was still lacking the strength to face the Cult Leader. He might choose to step back for now.
The problem was what happened after.
The bastard would constantly target Lee Jaseung from the shadows. Because Lee Jaseung ruined his great cause. It would become very annoying and tiring.
Dan Woobin asked.
“What should we do now?”
It was time for Lee Jaseung’s specialty of setting up the large framework of an operation.
“We have no choice but to make him fight the Cult Leader to the end.”
As expected, Lee Jaseung seemed to have thought of something.
“To do that, we first need one item. If we just utilize it well, the bastard will never be able to escape the Cult Leader’s grasp and will have to fight until the final moment of his death.”
Dan Woobin said with an expression full of determination.
“If it exists in this Jianghu, I will surely obtain it.”
Then Lee Jaseung smiled brightly and spoke.
“No need for that. It’s likely an item that’s already in our warehouse.”