Chapter 20
The Spirit of Yakseondong (2)
“Watch your words. She’s not a grandmother—she’s just an imugi.”
“Are you kidding me? She took human form. We even talked!”
Cheonma replied indifferently,
“Inhyeong Seolsam can transform into an infant. Mannyeon Geumgu, the Ten-Thousand-Year Golden Turtle, appears as a wise old man. And they all speak fluently, of course.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“That it’s not uncommon. Spiritual beasts with inner cores often take on human form.”
“Transform?”
Jang Chaewon, barely holding back her anger, finally burst out,
“It’s not ‘transformation’—they’re living beings, just like humans!”
“Living beings like humans, you say? Are you trying to claim that human life is noble?”
Cheonma tilted his head slightly, and the red in his eyes was filled with a hollow emptiness—like a void sky.
“In the world I came from, imugis were considered rare delicacies. Their blood purified one’s own, their inner cores enhanced internal energy, and their flesh was nourishing.”
Turning back to her, he spoke in a quiet, even voice.
“If I were asked whether a human life or an imugi’s life is more precious, I would answer—the imugi’s. Humans are useless.”
“You…”
Chaewon bit her lip.
Only then did she realize how fundamentally alien his thinking was—utterly different from that of any human in this world.
“Listen to me carefully. This isn’t the world you came from.”
Her tone was sharp with disbelief.
“Maybe they were treated as spiritual beasts over there, but here, they’re yokai—creatures who live alongside us. They’re not food, not tools. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Cheonma silently met her furious gaze.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
“…Understood.”
“Welcome!”
When they reached halfway up the mountain, an old man in bright, gaudy clothes waved at them.
Compared to the black bear man they’d met at the apartment complex before, this bear was smaller in stature, but his eyes were deep and wise.
He was the Spirit of Nourishment—Neungungshin, the divine being said to heal through food.
“It’s nice to meet you, sir. I’m Jang Chaewon, owner of Bokbok Interior.”
She politely handed him her business card and pointed at her companion.
“This is one of our staff, Cheonma.”
Her tone was a little cold; she still hadn’t forgiven him, and they hadn’t spoken a single word on the way here.
“Ahh, so you’re the one who came from another world…”
Cheonma clasped his fists together and bowed respectfully.
“An honor to meet you.”
Neungungshin gave a pleased hum and smiled.
“Welcome, welcome. I’m Neungung, the one who runs this Yakseondong.”
But as soon as Cheonma lifted his gaze to take in the old man’s clothes, he exclaimed in admiration,
“What bold and unique garments you wear, Master Neung! They seem quite rare and precious.”
Neungungshin burst into laughter and patted Cheonma on the shoulder.
“Hahaha! I just made them myself, you see. You’ve got a good eye, young man.”
“Huh?”
Chaewon blinked and rubbed her eyes.
The fabric didn’t look particularly fine—just colorful, almost garish. It looked more like what a street performer would wear at a local market.
“As expected from an interior designer, you’ve got a sense for aesthetics! Come, this way.”
Still chuckling, Neungungshin gestured toward a cave in the middle of the mountain.
“You must be tired from the trip. Have a seat.”
Above the cave was a sign reading Yakseondong (Cave of the Food Spirit), with another board beside it that said “Specializing in Medicinal Cuisine.”
“Here, have a cup. It’ll ease your fatigue and restore your energy.”
From the kitchen, Neungungshin brought out steaming cups of tea and set them before them.
“Thank you kindly.”
Cheonma lifted the glass teacup and drank it in one go.
Immediately, he felt his body chill to the bone, his senses sharpen, and his vision clear.
Chaewon, however, only smiled faintly without touching hers.
Sensing her hesitation, Neungungshin tilted his head.
“Ah, right,” she said quickly, “you mentioned wanting new wallpaper?”
“Yes, the walls are old and faded. I thought it might be time for a change.”
“Then let’s take a look at some samples.”
She placed a small sheet of paper on the table—
and it instantly expanded into a thick, full-sized wallpaper catalog.
‘It’s practically magic,’ thought Cheonma, blinking.
This world truly was nothing like the martial realm he came from—different races, mysterious powers, and technology that seemed like sorcery.
“This isn’t the world you came from.”
Chaewon’s earlier words echoed in his mind, and he smirked.
It didn’t matter. He was just a traveler passing through this world anyway.
“Hmm, choosing one is hard. Trends must’ve changed,” muttered Neungungshin as he flipped through the pages.
While the two discussed wallpaper patterns, Cheonma stood and examined the cave.
“This isn’t a natural cavern,” he murmured.
The interior was smoothly carved, the walls and ceiling coated in red and gold wallpaper like a Chinese restaurant. But it was old, faded, and grimy.
“Hm.”
Rubbing his chin, Cheonma recalled everything he’d read in those interior design books.
“How strange… Why not take advantage of the natural cave itself?”
Just then, Chaewon’s curt voice came from behind him.
“What are you doing back there?”
“Neungungshin has chosen his wallpaper,” she said.
“Understood. I’ll prepare the site.”
“No, don’t bother. I’ll bring in workers later.”
Her tone turned firm.
“Don’t take it personally—it’s just too complicated a job for you right now.”
“I take no offense.”
His calm, expressionless face made her inexplicably furious.
“Look, I’m serious! This pattern requires alignment—this isn’t something you can handle.”
Cheonma glanced at the wallpaper sample and shook his head.
“This wallpaper won’t do.”
“What?”
“This is an outdoor restaurant. Wallpapering here is a mistake.”
“What are you talking about?”
Turning toward Neungungshin, Cheonma said,
“Master Neung, instead of wallpaper, may I suggest another approach to decoration?”
The old bear blinked. “Another approach?”
“Yes. One that highlights the cave’s natural charm—something that embodies individuality and openness.”
Neungungshin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Individuality, you say…”
After a moment, he nodded.
“Alright. I’ll leave the design to you.”
“Wait, Master Neung! Cheonma’s still learning—he’s only read about design, never done it!”
But the old bear laughed heartily.
“Fresh ideas come from young people like him!”
“What?”
“It’s an open-air restaurant anyway; a little experimentation won’t hurt. Go on—give it a try.”
Cheonma bowed deeply.
“Thank you for your trust. I shall do my utmost.”
Once back inside, he clenched his fists.
“Indeed… The energy here is divine. My inner power has recovered.”
Drawing a deep breath, he gathered his strength.
Heat surged from the ground; his energy flowed through his meridians and into his core.
“Wait—what are you doing with your fists?”
Sensing danger, Chaewon hurried forward.
Cheonma grinned.
“Demolition is the first step of interior work.”
“What? Demolition? Wait—!”
But her cry was drowned out by Cheonma’s thunderous roar.
“Fist of the Seven Demons: Rising Dragon Wind!”
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Each strike punched deep craters into the cave ceiling.
Then—“Four Evil Spirits Kick Technique!”
He spun like a whirlwind, unleashing a storm of kicks that shattered massive rocks from the walls.
Dust and rubble filled the air.
Taking a breath, Cheonma stretched his arms fluidly, drawing slow circles.
Whish, whish, whish!
It looked like tai chi, but the power swirling around his hands could split mountains.
A gale roared through the cave, lifting dust and debris into the air—
and with a final sweep of his arms, he sent it all flying out.
KWA-KWA-KWANG!
The rocks he hurled smashed into the cliff outside—
and the entire cliff face collapsed with a thunderous rumble.
Chaewon and Neungungshin stood frozen, mouths agape.
Cheonma dusted off his hands and gestured proudly.
“Master Neung, the remodeling is complete. Please, take a look.”
“Uh… o-okay…”
The dazed bear spirit stepped inside, while Chaewon could only watch, sweat pouring down her face.
“You—you’re insane!”
“Insane?”
“You destroyed his restaurant and call that interior design? Are you trying to shut us down?!”
Cheonma frowned.
“Destroyed? I remodeled.”
“Hey! Come here a moment!”
Neungungshin’s voice echoed from inside.
Chaewon swallowed hard, clutching her head.
“It’s over… we’re finished.”
“Do not worry. I’ll go.”
Cheonma strode confidently toward the cave, and Chaewon, dazed, followed him in.
“This… this is your idea of interior design?”
Inside, the cave looked like a ruined factory—walls and ceilings dented and torn.
“I expanded the space and gave it a rough, natural look to blend with the forest scenery,” Cheonma said calmly.
Chaewon squeezed her eyes shut. Any second now, the divine authorities would be getting a furious complaint.
“…I like it,” said Neungungshin.
“What?”
He squinted approvingly at the cave.
“This must be that modern trend—industrial interior design, isn’t it?”
“You know of it? As expected, your taste is exceptional!”
Cheonma beamed. “These days, it’s common in commercial spaces—exposed brick and piping for that raw aesthetic.”
“Hahaha! Yes, I read about it in a magazine.”
Chaewon rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
‘It’s just… an empty, wrecked cave!’
But Neungungshin was nodding happily.
“I’m glad I got your company. The previous designers were all so dull and conventional!”
‘Ah…’
Chaewon’s gaze fell to the old bear’s bright, mismatched clothes.
Finally, she understood everything.
Her lips twitched, and she sighed in relief.
‘Well… I guess it worked out somehow.’
Neungungshin patted Cheonma’s shoulder with admiration.
“You’re very fortunate, Miss Jang!”
“Huh?”
“You’ve got an outstanding employee here!”
“Ah… yes. Haha…”
“And your name again?”
“Cheonma,” he said proudly.
“I’ll be sure to recommend you for more work.”
Vroooom—
The car ride back was wrapped in heavy silence.
Chaewon, gripping the wheel, cleared her throat softly.
“Ahem.”
After glancing at him sideways for a while, she finally spoke.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For not trusting you, even though I said you were a full member of the team.”
Cheonma, arms crossed and eyes on the sky, said quietly,
“It happens often.”
“What?”
She bit her lip.
“So that’s it? You’re not even going to acknowledge what I said?”
“It happens often,” he repeated, his voice flat.
“It always has.”
Something in that voice—dark, deep, and weary—made her pause.
Maybe she’d been wrong about him.
Maybe Cheonma had lived through things she couldn’t even imagine.
“…Guess it can’t be helped,” she thought.
Her mind drifted to the silent Mu Myeong resting in Cheonma’s room.
Gripping the steering wheel tighter, she drove on.
