Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1374. Returning (4)

Chang Piljae hummed quietly out of tune.

“Rowing~ my oars~ in the blue waters of the Tumen River, I~...”

Lee Hyeon-Su tersely replied, “We’re near the Yalu River, though?”

“They are basically one and the same, you know! Bloody hell!”[1]

For some reason, Chang Piljae had become a bit more rebellious than before.

“Mister Chang,” Lee Hyeon-Su groaned loudly. “A grown man should know that now is the time to be more cooperative. Isn’t that how human relationships are maintained?”

“Cooperative, my foot,” Chang Piljae sneered loudly. “We might get killed any second now, so who cares about relationships and whatnot? You’ll still die, anyway.”

“Sure, but even you wouldn’t want to die right this second, right?”

“...”

After ably quelling Chang Piljae’s rebellion with the threat of physical violence, Lee Hyeon-Su groaned deeply before spreading open the map.

“Okay, so... I think we’re on the right path.”

Lee Hyeon-Su narrowed his eyes while scanning the map. Those documentaries he saw on TV only depicted the defectors crossing some worn bridges or slipping into nearby villages, but now that he was here... All he could see was one mountain after another. Of course, there was that massive river cutting through all the mountains, too.

Makes sense why no one could stop the tide of defectors.

Since South Korea’s sole land border was under strict monitoring twenty-four-seven and blocked off with various physical deterrents, most Koreans didn’t spare much thought about the idea of people illegally crossing its border. However, other countries and their border situation should be pretty similar to this one between China and North Korea.

In a place where mountains and rivers made it nebulous, at best, to define where the border even was, people were bound to just waltz right in and out. Especially more so if the region happened to be so remote that it didn’t have any roads, either!

Lee Hyeon-Su folded the map and put it away before announcing to his companions. “Okay, let’s keep going, everyone.”

“...”

“...”

Despite the announcement, though, Chang Piljae and Kang Jin-Ho didn’t react. No, they just dazedly stared at the border in silence.

“Sir? Assembly Master?”

“M-mm...!”

Kang Jin-Ho let out a strange-sounding grunt when Lee Hyeon-Su called out to him.

“Sir, is there a problem?”

“It’s not that, but...”

“Sir?”

“Now that we’re at the border and all, this weirdly unsettling feeling is, you know... It’s a bit vague for me to explain.”

“...?”

Kang Jin-Ho was currently stewing in a painful realization that he was definitely a Korean. Despite being born in South Korea to Korean parents and growing up as a Korean carrying around a Korean ID, Kang Jin-Ho often wondered if he was actually a Chinese at heart. Rather funnily enough, though, it was North Korea, not South, that helped him reaffirm his identity as a South Korean!

To think he’d feel so unsure about crossing this bit of river to enter the other side!

Lee Hyeon-Su frowned in confusion. “Sir? But aren’t you someone who rampaged around like a monster in the middle of China? How can the prospect of entering North Korea scare you?”

“Rather than scared, it’s... How should I explain this feeling?”

Kang Jin-Ho’s expression cramped up a little.

“Mm... Right, let’s say it’s similar to discomfort. Not wanting to approach a tiger isn’t the same as, say, not wanting to approach a cockroach, after all. The fact that I can ‘win’ is irrelevant in this case.”

“...Hang on, sir. Are you scared of cockroaches?”

Kang Jin-Ho didn’t reply for some reason. However, Lee Hyeon-Su still added the new information, “Hates Cockroaches,” to the list of things he knew about Kang Jin-Ho. For sure, that problem transcended the issue of whether one was powerful or not, now didn’t it!

“Sir, there’s no going back from here.”

“Mm...!”

“Also, let’s not think of this adventure as infiltrating North Korea, sir, but as us traveling through some random wilderness. If everything goes according to plan, we should not meet any North Koreans until we reach our destination.”

That was when Kang Jin-Ho stared weirdly at Lee Hyeon-Su.

“Sir...? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s just that I suddenly had a thought, you see?”

“What kind of thought, sir?”

Kang Jin-Ho tutted. “Whenever you say ‘If things go according to plan’, things rarely, if ever, go according to plan.”

“...”

Since when did this dude learn to hurt people with his words? His fists hurt plenty enough already, so why did he do this, too?!

“Sir... I’m pretty sure things will be different this time,” said Lee Hyeon-Su.

Kang Jin-Ho didn’t respond and simply stared at the distant North Korea, his expression growing a little despondent.

He had a feeling that things wouldn’t end as peacefully as Lee Hyeon-Su believed.

When he looked back, not a single moment during all three of his lives could be described as trouble-free and relaxing. Considering his luck, Kang Jin-Ho just knew he’d be encountering some sort of trouble in North Korea.

“Besides all that, though. I get why we don’t see any North Korean troops around here, but what about the Chinese? Why aren’t they blockading this place?”

Chang Piljae asked in confusion, prompting Lee Hyeon-Su to shrug casually.

“Those people seem to believe that we’re trying to cross into Russia. What a bunch of morons.”

“...” Chang Piljae’s jaw fell slightly in stupefaction. “Hold on? Doesn’t that mean even the Chinese think entering North Korea to reach the south is absolutely impossible?”

“Let’s look at it positively, okay? Positively, I say!”

Chang Piljae’s jaw fell all the way to the ground. What the hell is up with this dude? Why all the positivity, man!

What was so positive about this bloody situation? With a mindset like that, wouldn’t Lee Hyeon-Su applaud positively at the news of his cancer diagnosis? Since he now could finally experience the life of a dying patient?!

Lee Hyeon-Su tried to usher his two companions forward. “Now, now. Nothing good will come from wasting time like this, everyone. The Chinese bastards could show up here if we dilly-dally for too long, after all. Let’s have this conversation after entering North Korea.”

“Mm...!”

“Urgh...”

Kang Jin-Ho and Chang Piljae spat out lengthy groans before standing up.

“I’m not sure if we’re doing the right thing here.”

“I totally agree with you, sir.”

Lee Hyeon-Su ignored the complaints from the two and spoke firmly like a drill instructor.

“Sir, please remember that the others are also going through ordeals just as terrible as ours. We must stay strong for their sake, too.”

Kang Jin-Ho nodded in silence.

“Sir. We don’t have to think about those who don’t know you’re here, but what about Miss Choi Yeon-Ha or Mister Wiggins? Can you imagine how worried they must be? That’s why we must reach South Korea as soon as possible.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Kang Jin-Ho began walking toward the river. It was about time he finished this.

The light of strong determination burned in his eyes.

***

Choi Yeon-Ha gleefully muttered, “I had noooo idea that Chinese food could be this delicious.”

Han Eun-Sol nodded in agreement. “Yup, me too, noona.”

“And I also had noooo idea that China had such an abundance of wonderful shops! Korean department stores are like corner mom-and-pop stores in comparison.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, as well.”

“People kept saying you’ll enjoy a good life in Korea as long as you have money, but who knew things were even better in China? It’s sooo much better here!”

Han Eun-Sol ruefully shook his head. “If only we knew about this earlier... Your previous film shoot wouldn’t have been such an ordeal, noona.”

“Oh, that? But we were in the middle of the sticks, though. I’m sure there wasn’t much we could do even if we knew.”

“That’s why I said no to all the historical drama roles.”

“Nice work, Eun-Sol. Nice work!”

Choi Yeon-Ha brought a spoonful of scrumptious soup to her mouth, then smiled deeply in satisfaction.

“I used to think that Chinese food just didn’t suit me, but this... It’s really clean-tasting, isn’t it? With almost no oily aftertaste, too.”

“That’s par for the course, Miss Choi.”

Choi Yeon-Ha turned her head to look when she heard that voice coming from behind her.

The beaming Cai Kechang entered the room and began explaining.

“You see, the Chinese cuisine is...”

“Don’t you know how to knock?”

“Keuh-hum... I apologize.”

Cai Kechang loudly fake-coughed, then resumed his explanation.

“Foreigners usually think that all Chinese cuisines are alike, but you mustn’t forget that China is a vast country with many, many people calling it home. As such, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that each region boasts distinctive and delectable arrays of dishes. Most of the oily foods come from the northern parts of China. As you go further down south, you’ll encounter cleaner-tasting foods that’s not as oily.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. Most tourists sample foods in tourist attractions or large cities and start thinking that all Chinese food is...”

“Yes, yes, I get it. So basically, your country’s food is great. Is that right?”

“...”

Cai Kechang’s cheeks twitched ever so slightly just then. How on earth did the Demon King deal with this woman?

At first, Cai Kechang had no problem evaluating Choi Yeon-Ha as someone unique and a bit strong-willed, but as time passed, it became harder and harder to handle her personality.

She even began acting as if this place was her house!

All the servants here were trained as strictly and meticulously as possible to serve the Crimson King, yet they were all working even more tirelessly around Choi Yeon-Ha as if she was of even higher standing than him!

Watching this development from the sideline caused a nasty heartburn in Cai Kechang, but his position meant he could not raise his voice at Choi Yeon-Ha.

After all, this woman wasn’t just the Crimson King’s guest, but the Demon King’s girlfriend, too! That made her someone Cai Kechang could never casually criticize.

Just one of those two titles would have earned her a considerable status within these halls, yet she had two!

Since that was the case, how was Cai Kechang supposed to deal with her? Being too rude would lead to the Crimson King’s ire and the Demon King’s fury falling squarely on top of him like a pair of meteors, after all!

Choi Yeon-Ha curiously asked, “Is there any news regarding Mister Jin-Ho?”

“No, miss. However, no news is good news, isn’t it? I’d wager he’s probably not too far from reaching the Korean shores... Mm?”

Cai Kechang suddenly stopped talking and began scratching his chin.

“No, wait. Since he has to lug around a sizable piece of baggage, he might take a little longer than expected.”

Choi Yeon-Ha tilted her head. “Baggage?”

“Yes. I meant Lee Hyeon-Su.”

“Oh...”

“If it hadn’t been for that fool slowing him down, the Demon King would’ve already returned to South Korea by now. In fact, he would have been in the middle of punishing those who dared to betray him. Once you join him later, please advise him to get rid of that useless fool, Lee Hyeon-Su, before it’s too late.”

Choi Yeon-Ha shook her head helplessly. Were Cai Kechang and Lee Hyeon-Su bitter enemies in their previous lives or something?

It seemed like Cai Kechang spoke ill of Lee Hyeon-Su every chance he got, but the funny thing was... Lee Hyeon-Su also bad-mouthed Cai Kechang as often as he could. It was like the legendary myth of cats and dogs not getting along coming to life, but with two grown-up men instead.

“Besides, you can call him on the phone if you’re worried, can’t you? I heard that the communication lines are...”

Choi Yeon-Ha tutted loudly. “Don’t you watch movies, Mister Cai?”

“I’m... sorry?”

“I mean, haven’t you seen stuff like that in spy movies? The main character is busy holding his breath and hiding in some dark corner during the most critical moment of his mission, only for his girlfriend or wife to call him on the phone and ruin everything.”

Cai Kechang tilted his head slightly. Was it okay to view this situation as... one of those?

Choi Yeon-Ha continued to explain. “Imagine someone who only takes up your space and eats your food but keeps calling you and nagging you in the middle of your work because they feel frustrated and bored. How irritated would you get?”

Cai Kechang’s head tilting intensified. He genuinely had no idea that Choi Yeon-Ha was this considerate.

Choi Yeon-Ha chuckled after deciphering the look on Cai Kechang’s face. “Mister Cai, you’re still single, aren’t you?”

“...!”

“I could tell. Your face says you don’t know anything about love life. Not even the basics.”

Cai Kechang’s face reddened slightly. “H-hold on, miss! Why are we suddenly talking about my love life?”

“All newbies at love behave this way, you see? You need to know how to be patient during critical moments so that your significant other will forgive you for your nagging during non-critical moments. You should at least know this much.”

If that was really true, shouldn’t one just not nag in the first place?

Nope, I don’t get it.

Choi Yeon-Ha proved once more that she was someone beyond the scope of his understanding.

Since that was the case, he quickly changed the topic before things got too tricky for him to escape from.

“There’s no need to worry, miss. Once the situation stabilizes, we’ll help you return to South Korea as quickly as possible.”

“No, it’s fine. Take your time. Now that I’ve been in your care for a few days, it’s pretty nice here, isn’t it?”

“...!”

“With how wonderful the service is here, isn’t it our duty as your guests to kick back as much as possible?”

Cai Kechang almost blurted out, Miss, the duty of a guest is to be mindful of the host and not be so shameless, okay? Do you have any idea how much each of your meals cost...?!

Choi Yeon-Ha leaned slightly forward. “By the way, can I ask you about something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“The way I see it, you guys aren’t the bad guys, so why are you and Mister Jin-Ho in such a hostile relationship?”

“Since we’re not bad guys, what do you think it means for us to be in an antagonistic relationship with Mister Kang?”

“Ah... I see. So you were the bad guys, after all.”

“...”

Yup, I should just stop talking now. Bloody hell.

Cai Kechang shook his head, then turned around to leave. “Then, enjoy the rest of your meal.”

Even before he took a few steps away from the dining table, his hearing caught Choi Yeon-Ha muttering to herself, “Why did he even come here, I wonder?”

He groaned softly while thinking, I came to see if you’re not having any troubles with our food, lady! Of course, he couldn’t say that out loud.

Before he could exit the room, however, his phone began buzzing. Cai Kechang took out his phone and confirmed the text message on it. But as he read its contents, his face quickly cramped into a weird expression.

Choi Yeon-Ha noticed him just standing there and asked, “I thought you’re leaving?”

“Well... I just received the latest news regarding Mister Kang, you see?”

“Really? What did it say?”

“This update is from our agents stationed in the area, and... They believe Mister Kang has entered North Korea.”

“Oh, I see. He’s entered Russi... Wait, what? Where?”

“North Korea, miss. The one and only Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

“...” Choi Yeon-Ha’s jaw fell in sheer stupefaction. “But why?”

“Maybe he wanted to reach South Korea via land, not sea. Past North Korea is where you’ll find South Korea, after all.”

Who didn’t know that?!

“Wait, wait! Are you seriously saying Mister Jin-Ho is about to travel through North Korea to get home?!”

Cai Kechang nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“Huh. Ha, hahaha...”

Choi Yeon-Ha dazedly muttered to no one in particular.

“I kept saying he must’ve lost his mind, but seriously?! Is he trying to prove me right?! How could anyone sane even try something so... so insane?!”

Cai Kechang barely held himself back from loudly declaring that her boyfriend had never been sane as far as he knew.

1. Tumen and Yalu both form the border between China and North Korea; the former flows to the east from Mt. Paektu until reaching the border between North Korea and Russia, while the latter flows to the west. ☜