Daldal: Main story

Chapter 141

The Crimson Gorge, a name bestowed upon a region filled with rocks that blush like blood under the sun's gaze. Nestled in a desert expanse, this gorge possessed a challenging environment with high cliffs, steep slopes, and scarce water, making it difficult to form settlements. Consequently, it remained a place rarely touched by human footsteps-a perfect haven for lurking supernatural beings.

As Chae Yoon-sa reached the mouth of the colossal gorge, he issued instructions to the men trailing behind him.

"You know what you're here for."

"Yes, Sir. We'll wait until dusk. If you don't emerge by then, we'll enter."

Among the men, one was a bodyguard, and the other, a physician. Both were individuals Chae Yoon-sa had brought from the Sahan for a specific purpose, compensating them largely.

Inside the gorge lay a trap of low-quality. It is unknown how many Yokai and what plan they have in mind, but he was determined to kill and annihilate them all.

Throughout his history, no scheme had survived his dismantling.

However, this time, a strong weakness
existed-Eun-oh. How this weakness would play out was unpredictable. Though he had fought numerous battles in unfavorable situations, he had never fought with his weakness laid bare, presenting a new and formidable challenge.

Preparing for the worst, he took proactive measures, dispatching letters to the physician, the bodyguard, and Dook's family in the Northern Fortress.

Those missives were his contingency plan.

He entered the narrow path between vertical cliffs. As he ventured deeper into the gorge, the path narrowed. Abandoning his horse for convenience, he carried only one weapon.

The wind howled relentlessly, its gusts carrying with them a gritty barrage of fine dust that invaded his lungs with each breath.

Ascending the winding cliff path, he sensed a presence. It was atop the rocks, and the sensation followed him. He was on the right track.

Finally, emerging from the confines of the narrow passage, he stepped into a wide clearing.

Chae Yoon-sa faced the gathered crowd, and walked without hesitation.

"Stop."

A commanding voice brought him to a stop.

Chae Yoon-sa tilted his head, scanning the figure at the forefront of the crowd. Two horns and yellow eyes - a Yokai.

Expecting it, he remained unfazed.

He unsheathed his sword, aiming its tip at the leader.

"Firstly, thanks for the invitation. Since I've responded, it's your turn. I need to retrieve my belongings stored here."

Cutting to the chase, he addressed the leader.

"You seem impatient."

"Put down the sword."

"I asked where he is."

"...."

A tense standoff ensued, with neither side showing any sign of yielding. It was the leader who made the first move.

Without taking his eyes off Chae Yoon-sa, he stepped aside. The Yokai behind him, arranged like a wall, cleared the center, revealing Eun-oh bound to a wooden log.

Chae Yoon-sa's eyes widened as he saw Eun-oh's frightened face and the blade pointed at his throat.

A subtle ripple of tension flickered beneath his eyes, betraying the turmoil raging within him.