By Zephyria 
The next day, Young-pa woke up in a warm and fluffy place. Upon waking, he found himself inside the cave; several blankets had been piled where he lay, and one was draped over his body. As Young-pa sat up, Biryoo, who had been sitting leaning against a wall a short distance away, looked up.
“I am sorry, Azure Dragon.”
“What is it, the moment you wake up?”
“Yesterday… I only wept miserably… and did not move my hips, failing to satisfy you.”
Biryoo snorted.
“You speak strangely. Are you unwell?”
“No.”
Young-pa tried to stand up hastily, but a sharp pain shot up from his lower dantian to his waist, forcing him to slump back down.
“I handled you roughly again.”
“Your phallus itself is the problem. Who could possibly fit that in their body?”
Young-pa blurted it out in resentment, but immediately regretted it and tried to take the words back.
“No. My hole is at fault. It is narrow now, but I can widen it sufficiently, Azure Dragon.”
“Nonsense.”
“I mean it. With enough effort….”
“Enough.”
At the stern voice, Young-pa shut his mouth.
“If you are going to say useless things, just sleep more.”
Biryoo left before Young-pa could even grab them.
That day as well, Biryoo let Young-pa lie around like a pampered master. Young-pa was quite surprised to find grilled fish on the table Biryoo had personally prepared. Despite not touching it himself, Biryoo had caught and grilled the fish for Young-pa. Young-pa patted his stomach after eating his fill of injeolmi and strawberries, a meal that rivaled any royal feast.
Seeing that Young-pa limped until the afternoon, Biryoo did not lay a single finger on him. No matter how much he tempted them, whimpered, or clung to them, it was useless.
Late in the evening, Young-pa was severely scolded after being caught by Biryoo while trying to insert a piece of wood between his buttocks. From then on, Biryoo acted extremely blunt and would not even meet Young-pa’s eyes.
“Azure Dragon. I feel a chill; won’t you warm me with your body?”
“Cover yourself with a blanket.”
“We have already shared our intimacy twice, so it would be nice to lie together. It would be even better if we spent a third night together.”
“I refuse.”
“Have you lost interest because my hole is too narrow?”
“There is a limit to how much nonsense I can tolerate.”
Young-pa gave up on his coquettishness and fell asleep.
≋ ≋ ≋
Only after another day had passed did they set out for the West Sea Dragon Palace. Just as they had when going to Hanul Mountain, they rode on the back of a dog and headed west. As they flew above the clouds as usual, the vast, shimmering blue ocean appeared.
Young-pa craned his neck to admire the sea. The waves, undulating in colors resembling jade, seemed endless and mysterious. He never grew bored of watching the water shift freely from azure to bronze whenever the waves overturned. The dog barked as if it too found it wondrous, but Biryoo seemed indifferent.
‘There are two ways to reach the Crystal Palace. One is to dive into the lake at the peak of Taebaek Mountain, and the other is to swim through the West Sea.’
‘The earthworm said that Black Tortoise has been keeping an eye on Taebaek Mountain recently.’
‘Then the second method would be better. Can you hold your breath underwater?’
‘What do you take me for?’
Thus, they flew to the skies above the western sea. When Biryoo informed the dog that they would be diving into the water, the dog whimpered anxiously.
“It is not dangerous, so do not worry.”
Woof, woof!
“It might take a long time. I will come find you when the task is done, so return to the coast and hide safely.”
Whine.
‘I wish they were even half as kind to me as they are to that dog,’ Young-pa grumbled inwardly. Listening to the dog’s worried barking, he dove headfirst into the seawater.
The spring weather was mild, but the water temperature was cold. Young-pa blocked his airway and looked around. There was nothing there but schools of small fish swimming about.
Before long, Biryoo also entered the water. As soon as they dove, they turned smoothly and looked at Young-pa.
‘Follow me.’
After speaking with their lips, Biryoo began to swim skillfully. Despite having no gills, scales, or fins, they moved effortlessly against the current. Even though Young-pa was considered a good swimmer among humans, he could not keep up with Biryoo.
The gap between them widened, and Biryoo’s figure soon grew distant. Biryoo looked back and, as if resigned, reached out an arm. From then on, Young-pa enjoyed the honor of traversing the underwater world while holding Biryoo’s hand.
The surface, which shimmered in pale blue near the sunlight, turned into a flickering dark green as they dove deeper, eventually becoming a deep, midnight blue.
They saw corals that were either swaying gently or hard as wood. They saw some that were white, pink, or dark red. There were also soft, colorful seaweeds that small fish used as dwellings.
‘The underwater world is truly wondrous, Azure Dragon.’
As Young-pa delighted in the sights, Biryoo pulled him along, introducing various strange scenes one by one. Young-pa saw the moment an octopus shot ink and fled. He watched schools of blue fish circling like a vortex and turtles slowly riding the current. He also encountered crabs carrying conchs on their backs and shrimp with transparent shells.
At one point, seeing something that looked like a black sea cucumber or a spoon worm, Young-pa laughed and tried to grab Biryoo’s sataguni. At that, Biryoo shuddered, let go of Young-pa’s hand, and swam far away.
Whenever they encountered water serpents, they killed them quickly as if by agreement. They encountered six or seven in the shallows, but as they dove deeper, they became rarer and eventually disappeared.
Just as Young-pa was beginning to find the underwater world tedious, the Dragon Palace appeared like a mirage.
It was the Vermilion Orchid Pavilion, where ivory pillars supported a roof of brilliant five-colored splendor. A white jade plaque bore the words ‘Crystal Gate of the West Sea Underwater Palace’ in gold letters. The outer walls were decorated with shells, coral, and sparkling powder. Two catfish acted as gatekeepers at the entrance, while sharks, octopuses, and rays patrolled the perimeter.
As they stepped onto the stone stairs of the portal, a different space unfolded. There was air there, allowing them to breathe. Young-pa suddenly realized his body was soaking wet. The same was true for Biryoo beside him.
Young-pa squeezed the water out of his hair and stroked Biryoo’s drenched chest with his finger, only to receive a frigid glare.
“Ahem, for what purpose have you come?”
The one who asked was a single soft-shell turtle.
“I have come for an audience with the Seohae Yongwang.”
When Young-pa answered nonchalantly, the turtle wore a troubled expression.
“Now is not a good time to seek an audience with the Dragon King. He is immersed in deep sorrow.”
Only then did Young-pa notice that those walking about were dressed in mourning clothes. The turtle, like the others, was wearing black.
“It seems there has been a bereavement.”
“Yes. A funeral is in full swing at the Crystal Palace. The eldest son passed away fifteen days ago. Five days ago, the second son went up to the mortal realm to avenge his brother, and then….”
The turtle delivered the story in a flat tone. He looked more exhausted than sad. Young-pa seized the opportunity and spoke.
“His grief must be great. I am a master specializing in solving mysterious occurrences. I wish to assist with this matter, so please guide me to the Dragon King.”
“Is that so? Then I shall inform the Dragon King. By the way, are you two dragons? How did you find your way here?”
“We are humans. My name is Ye….”
Biryoo pinched his waist from behind. Young-pa flinched and continued.
“Ye, Yeogo is my name.”
“I see. And the person behind you?”
“That one… hm, is my spouse, Seolji.”
He heard Biryoo sigh. Fortunately, the turtle seemed to have little interest in human culture and did not find Young-pa’s words suspicious.
“Understood. I am the steward of the Crystal Palace. You may call me Byeoljubu. Please follow me.”
They followed the turtle through a corridor carved from crystal. Sparkling light shimmered from the ceiling, and decorations made of jade and gold hung on the walls. Seeing the palace so magnificent, one could guess the authority of the Dragon King. Biryoo, who had said he was on bad terms with the Dragon King, seemed more indifferent and blunt than usual, but Young-pa walked along, admiring the sights inwardly.
They reached an ornamental purple door. Two octopuses, as tall as humans, stood guard with spears on either side. As the octopuses opened the door slightly, Byeoljubu scurried inside.
“Two humans have come to visit, Dragon King.”
“Do I look like I am in a position to meet the likes of humans?”
Hearing only the Dragon King’s lethargic voice, Young-pa felt that this would not be easy. In the first place, it would be difficult to ask for a treasure from someone who had lost two sons.
“They do not seem to be ordinary humans. They are specialists in handling difficult matters and said they could help you, Dragon King.”
“Is that so? Hmm…. Then let them in.”
As the octopuses attached their suckers to the door and pulled from both sides, a brilliant radiance poured out. Young-pa squinted slightly as he stepped forward.
The Dragon King’s audience chamber was as luxurious as the corridor. The ceiling was high, and the curtains draping the walls were a deep crimson. A long white carpet stretched across the polished stone floor. At the end sat a long, golden throne. A white dragon lay slumped on the throne; they were smaller than the Azure Dragon, and their mane looked frizzy.
“They are the couple Yeogo and Seolji, Dragon King.”
At Byeoljubu’s words, the Seohae Yongwang lifted his head and looked bewildered to see two men standing there.
“Indeed, seeing as you have come this far, you are no ordinary humans.”
Light erupted from the White Dragon’s large body. In the next moment, a middle-aged man with a beard sat upon the throne. He looked thin and irritable, and like the others, he was dressed in mourning clothes.
“I am not in a position to receive visitors. Nevertheless, since you have come a long way, I shall listen to what you have to say.”
When the Seohae Yongwang asked, Young-pa answered calmly.
“I hear you have lost your sons under suspicious circumstances. If you permit, we shall investigate the details of the matter.”
“I appreciate the offer, but why do you wish to involve yourselves in this?”
“We are searching for the Shell Orbs. I came because I heard the Dragon King possesses several.”
The man’s face instantly turned grim. As he glared at Young-pa, a powerful murderous intent filled the audience chamber. The heavy air pressed down on them, making their clothes flutter and their wet hair sway. Even in the face of such open intimidation, Biryoo’s expression remained serene, so Young-pa felt no worry.
“Please calm yourself, Dragon King. They are outsiders who do not know our circumstances.”
As the turtle stepped in to soothe the Dragon King, the heavy breathing gradually subsided. The Dragon King, still glaring at Young-pa as if to kill him, spat out:
“As you said, two of my children have left this world recently under suspicious circumstances. The reason those children lost their lives was because of those damned orbs.”
“Because of the orbs?”
When Young-pa questioned him, the Dragon King let out a sigh that seemed to shake the earth. Then, he began his story.
As it turned out, the Dragon King had a hobby of raising shells in the back garden and possessed five magnificent pearls that others coveted.
He gave the first to his wife upon marriage and crushed the second into powder to decorate the outer walls of the palace. He gave the third to a daughter who had become independent in another sea region, and he lost the fourth in a bet. The Dragon King had saved the last remaining orb to be used when absolutely necessary.
Then, his eldest son fell in love with a dragon living in the lower reaches of the Paegang and became lovesick. Because the son pleaded for a gift to win the other’s favor, the Dragon King gave him the orb. It was fifteen days ago that the Dragon King’s son headed for the mortal realm with it.
“The next day, a finless porpoise brought back his body. He died with a tormented expression, as if he had seen something horrific. I had to close his eyes myself.”
Upon hearing this news, the Dragon King wept for ten days. Seeing this, the second son set out for the place where the body was found, vowing to avenge his brother. However, he too became a corpse in that same spot.
“Sons who went out in the evening and returned the next day…. My healthy and handsome children…. Yes. He looked exactly like the one standing behind you.”
The Seohae Yongwang murmured sorrowfully, pointing at Biryoo. Looking at the Dragon King’s appearance, it seemed like trying to find fire by striking ice, but Young-pa did not utter such words.
“I want revenge for my children.”
The Dragon King spoke, grinding his teeth while staring into the air.
“The last Shell Orb must be with the one who killed my sons. If you avenge them, you may take it.”
“Understood. We shall investigate what happened.”
The Dragon King’s gaze suggested he did not have high expectations.
“Byeoljubu will inform you of the place where the bodies were found.”
As they left the audience chamber, the turtle, who had been listening from outside, followed them.
“Lord Yeogo, and Lord Seolji. You are going to avenge our young masters, are you not?”
“Well, yes.”
“I shall guide you to the lower reaches of the Paegang where the bodies were found. Please follow me.”
On the way back through the crystal corridor, Young-pa asked Byeoljubu a question he was curious about.
“How did the Dragon King’s sons die?”
“The bodies were heavily damaged, so it is not certain. There were wounds near the hearts of both, as if pierced by something sharp.”
“Was there anything unusual?”
“Both of them were missing their livers.”
After leaving the palace, they retraced their path through the water with the turtle as their guide.
Biryoo naturally took hold of Young-pa’s wrist. It was likely not because of a tender heart, but simply a means to increase their speed, yet Byeoljubu praised them, saying they had a wonderful marital bond.
Young-pa realized that Biryoo had been considerate of him on the way to the Dragon Palace. Now that Biryoo was swimming with intent, Young-pa could not see any fish or shrimp at all; he was busy being dragged along, creating a trail of bubbles. Once again, Byeoljubu offered tactless praise, saying he had never seen humans swim so well.
When they arrived at the lower reaches of the Paegang, the sunset was in full swing. The sun was slowly dipping below the horizon, casting a reddish-purple light. Young-pa was distracted by the feast of colors spreading across the wide expanse of water until the turtle’s voice brought him back to reality.
“According to the porpoises, both bodies were floating on the surface of the sea here. It was right around this area.”
Young-pa replied that he understood.
“I leave it in your hands. Be careful, as tigers and wildcats roam about late at night, and especially rabbits! They may look innocent, but they are not, so please do not be deceived. There are many bad rumors about them.”
Byeoljubu bowed lightly and returned to the water.
Young-pa glanced sideways and met Biryoo’s eyes. Drenched and moist, Biryoo looked incomparably beautiful against the backdrop of the shimmering light scattered over the water’s scales.
“What do you think, Azu… no, Seolji.”
Biryoo raised an eyebrow in irritation but soon sighed and answered.
“If everything else was left behind and only the liver was eaten, it would be the work of Maegu.”
Maegu referred to a fox skilled in disguise and sorcery. Young-pa had also heard stories that foxes loved raw livers.
“Then we must go fox hunting.”
Young-pa looked at Biryoo with a smile. Biryoo scanned the surroundings, took off their robe, and handed it to Young-pa.
“It is not good to be spotted by serpents, so wrap yourself in this.”
He wordlessly covered himself up to his head with the robe. Although the fabric was damp, it did not feel unpleasant because it had been worn by Biryoo.
They searched the surrounding area. Both sides of the wide river were covered by mountainous terrain and dense forests. Finding a mountain beast in a forest was not easy to begin with, and night quickly approached. To make matters worse, there were no villages nearby to rest in.
Biryoo found clumps of orange fur between rocks and tree trunks. It was not certain if these were the traces of the Maegu they were seeking. Meanwhile, the world, having met the twilight, quickly grew dark.
“I can’t see anything now. How about we find the dog, return to Asadal Mountain, and come back another day?”
“Look over there.”
Biryoo pointed toward the mountain. Young-pa narrowed his eyes and looked up, seeing a faint light flickering there.
“What could it be? In a place like this… could it be a village?”
“Who knows. The Dragon King said his sons went out in the evening. If so, both the eldest and second sons might have seen that light sphere at dusk.”
“That makes sense, so it would be best to go check it out.”
They set off toward the suspicious light to investigate.
The destination was at a high altitude. Since they walked without using their special abilities to act as ordinary humans, it took a long time.
As the surroundings grew dark, the light became even stronger. As the evening deepened, grass insects buzzed and the scops owl wailed sorrowfully. Wild animals that slept during the day wandered about, brushing through the brush with an eerie rustle.
Even in the darkness, Biryoo managed to find a few strands of fox fur clinging to a tree.
“It seems the one we seek is nearby.”
Before long, they discovered the source of the light.
Halfway up the high mountain stood a modest-looking thatched-roof house. In the lonely dwelling, a lamp had been hung outside the door. From within, the savory scent of cooking rice wafted out.
“Why would they leave a light on outside? To waste oil like that… perhaps they are wealthier than they look?”
“They likely hoped someone would visit,” Biryoo murmured darkly.
“Look below.”
Beneath the sheer cliff, high waves were crashing. If a corpse were dropped from where they stood, it would likely drift toward the point the turtle had mentioned. It also explained why the body had been so severely damaged, as it would have been driven against the cliffs by the storm.
Young-pa exchanged a meaningful glance with Biryoo and then knocked on the door.
Thump, thump, thump.
There was no response from inside.
“A passing traveler requests a place to rest!”
Only after Young-pa shouted loudly did the door open slightly with a creak. A woman’s voice drifted through the narrow gap.
“Who is it?”
“We are travelers who lost our way in the dark and came seeking the light. Do you happen to have a spare room?”
“Um… you aren’t dangerous people, are you? I live alone, so I am very fearful.”
Living alone in such a rugged mountain valley, it was understandable to be wary. However, was it necessary to emphasize that she lived alone? Hiding his suspicion, Young-pa replied.
“If you could lend us a single room to lay our bodies, we will stay quietly and depart at dawn tomorrow. It is dangerous outside, so we would truly appreciate your help.”
The woman hesitated for a moment before opening the door.
“Then it cannot be helped. Please, come in.”
Young-pa was surprised to see a delicate beauty standing before him. She looked to be about twenty years old, dressed in a white sobok with her hair neatly braided in a danggi style.
The woman guided them to a fairly spacious room. A lamp was lit inside, and warmth filled the air. It was as if it had been intentionally prepared for someone.
“I happened to cook plenty of rice… would the young masters perhaps be hungry?”
“If you’re sharing leftover rice, we’d be grateful,” Young-pa replied affably, and the woman bowed her head and stepped out.
As soon as the sliding door closed, Young-pa sprawled out as if he were in his own home. Having wandered through the water all day, he was profoundly exhausted; it felt as though the floor was pulling at his limbs.
“I was just getting hungry, so this is perfect.”
“Do you intend to eat your meal right here?”
Biryoo glared at him with a look of patheticity. Young-pa had never been intimidated by such a gaze.
“Of course. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a proper meal. Are you not going to eat?”
“I am fine.”
“It’s your own loss if you don’t eat,” Young-pa muttered softly, then shouted loudly enough to be heard in the next room.
“I’m so curious to see what side dishes will be served! I love meat dishes. Honey cakes would be great too!”
He crawled over to Biryoo, who was sitting a distance away, and whispered barely audibly.
“Do you think it’s Maegu?”
Biryoo nodded with a calm face.
“I am not sure… but we will know once we see.”
The meal took quite a while to prepare. In the meantime, Young-pa attempted several times to lie down using Biryoo’s lap as a pillow, but he did not allow it. Finally, just as Young-pa had been pushed away by an annoyed kick, the sliding door slid open.
“It is not much, but please eat plenty.”
Perhaps mindful of what Young-pa had said, a few pieces of grilled meat were on the table. There were no honey cakes, but there was steaming rice and salted vegetables. Having usually eaten only wild greens, the sight of white rice and meat after so long made Young-pa feel ravenous.
“I shall not decline.”
Young-pa picked up the utensils and began to eat ravenously. Even the fact that Biryoo was frowning beside him could not stop him. The person who had prepared the meal seemed bewildered by such shamelessness.
He swept the table clean of two portions by himself and even finished with the scorched rice water. He barely managed to suppress a burp, fearing Biryoo might lose all affection for him.
“Your cooking skills are truly wonderful. My only regret is that I have nothing to offer in return.”
The woman, who had been looking at Young-pa with a lukewarm expression, changed her countenance.
“No payment is necessary. I am glad you enjoyed the meal.”
Shortly after taking the table back, she returned carrying two sets of mattresses and quilts in her slender arms. Even after Young-pa took them and spread them on the floor, the woman did not leave.
“Do you have something to say?”
As Young-pa stared at her, her expression distorted. The woman collapsed onto the floor as if sinking.
“Actually, the long night is cold and frightening… I thought I would have no worries if I were with strong men…”
Her eyebrows trembled as she opened her eyes wide, as if pleading.
“I wonder if this maiden might be allowed to share the room in a corner…”
Young-pa, who had been uncertain until now, could now be sure that this was not a human. What human maiden would want to sleep in a room with two suspicious men?
Young-pa replied with a wicked smile.
“That is up to you, but you won’t be able to sleep because it will be noisy. We intend to pound the mortar all night long.”
As he clapped his palms together several times, making a slapping sound, Biryoo’s sigh followed without fail.
“No wonder there was no reaction… If that was the case, you should have told me sooner.”
Maegu didn’t even seem to intend to hide their identity. As they twitched their lips and closed their eyes, the contours of their body shifted and bulged. The woman’s form changed into a slender and beautiful man. With a brazen expression, he pulled the ties of his garment, and the jeogori slid down, revealing lean shoulders and a chest.
“It will be even more enjoyable if there are three.”
The man opened his eyes obscenely and licked his lips with his tongue. Seeing that the gesture was extremely coquettish, Young-pa’s temper flared.
“Stop it! One seductive man in this room is enough!”
Fearing Biryoo might see, Young-pa lunged like a nimble tiger and blocked the man with his body. As he swung a fist at the cheek, the opponent flew back and slammed into the wall with a “Yelp!” As the disguise partially broke, a lush orange tail appeared on his buttocks.
“You brats… I won’t leave you alone!”
Maegu growled with a menacing expression.
Before he could cast any sorcery, Young-pa grabbed the tail and slammed him onto the floor. Under the merciless rain of fists, the room echoed with “Yelp, yelp” cries. Meanwhile, Biryoo leaned against the doorway with a lazy attitude, blocking the exit.
“Treasure pearl or whatever, consider today the day you’ve met your match.”
“Aagh! I only said I would engage in intercourse… I was going to make it enjoyable for a change… why…”
“That meant doing it just the two of us! Who the hell are you to barge in?”
Biryoo turned his head away, pressing his fingers to his forehead as if he couldn’t bear to watch.
While Young-pa was beating him soundly, the man revealed his true form. With a pop sound, smoke rose, and a single fox curled up in the middle of the room, not knowing what to do.
“Stop! I get it, so stop!”
“Hmph, you should have listened sooner.”
Only then did Young-pa withdraw his fists with a satisfied expression.
Maegu was much larger than an ordinary fox. His body was a brownish-orange, but fur was missing here and there, and he looked old. Realizing he was cornered, he curled up and trembled, pretending to be pitiful.
“Why are you doing this to me, young masters? Hmm?”
Biryoo looked down at him sharply.
“You know your crime. You killed the two children of Seohae Yongwang and ate their livers.”
Rather than shrinking under the stern interrogation, Maegu lifted his head as if feeling wronged.
“If you are speaking of those dragons, they deserved to die. They tried to violate the woman who had shown them kindness. One attacked from behind while she was preparing food, and the other lunged shortly after she opened the door.”
“And you, who intentionally lured in those seeking rest and took their lives, claim you have done nothing wrong?”
“That… I didn’t always live this way.”
Tears welled up in the fox’s large eyes. Before long, he began to weep. The way he cried, as if his eyeballs might pop out, looked so genuinely aggrieved that Young-pa forgot his previous resentment and became curious about the story.
“What happened? Let’s hear it.”
At Young-pa’s urging, Maegu wiped his eyes and sat up straight.
“I was originally a mountain god of Juhul Mountain, known by the name Cheon-ho.”
The fox began to tell his story with teary eyes.
In short, he had stayed in Juhul Mountain for decades, tending to the place. However, one day, a ferocious Mountain Lord drifted in and became a nuisance. That tiger hunted animals it wouldn’t even eat and enjoyed terrorizing small creatures. When the animals cried out for the Mountain Lord to be driven away, Cheon-ho cast a spell and chased him out.
“I thought I had succeeded in driving the tiger away. But I was wrong. He waited for me to fall asleep, raided Juhul Mountain, and instead drove me out.”
Tears dripped from the fox’s large eyes.
Having lost his power, Cheon-ho fled to the distant Paegang. And every night, he lured in travelers, cutting their throats and eating their livers the moment they let their guard down to satisfy their lust.
The fox hesitated, then took out a pearl that sparkled with a pearlescent glow from his chest.
“Actually, I intended to sell this to live in luxury in a better house and eat livers on a larger scale. But since the young masters have enlightened me, I realize it was wrong.”
Young-pa snatched the treasure pearl and smacked the back of Cheon-ho’s head with his fist.
“Yelp! I-I’m sorry!”
“It’s enough that you realize it now!”
“I am an old fox. If there is one thing I wish for… it is only to return to my hometown.”
Cheon-ho’s eyes brimmed with tears.
“If you spare my life, I will summon my courage and face the Mountain Lord of Juhul Mountain. I beg you, young masters. Please do not kill me and let me go!”
His story ended with a heartfelt plea.
Young-pa looked at Biryoo. Since he was merely a servant, he intended to do as his master commanded. However, Biryoo was instead looking back at him with arms crossed.
‘Hmm, what should I do?’
Young-pa sank into deep thought.
He had no particular reason to kill the fox. Hearing the part where Cheon-ho fought the tiger had already swayed his heart, and he felt the fox’s words made sense. If the Dragon King’s sons had controlled their lust, they wouldn’t have died to a mere Maegu in their dragon forms.
“Every tiger on the mortal realm is my enemy. I’ll let you go, so go and reclaim your position as the mountain god of Juhul Mountain.”
“Thank you, young master. I shall certainly do so. Since I owe you my life, I will surely repay this kindness in the future.”
“Right. I will check later to see if you kept your promise.”
The fox placed his forehead on the ground and bowed deeply. Once he disappeared outside the door, only the two of them remained in the room.
Young-pa sat down heavily on the quilt as if relieved, but Biryoo remained standing by the door.
“You take all the affairs of the world as if they were your own,” he said quietly. Young-pa didn’t understand what that meant.
“Does that mean I did well?”
“This time, I am not sure.”
“What would you have done if it were you?”
“I would have killed the Maegu.”
Biryoo answered without even hesitating. Since he had shown a tolerant side toward other living beings until now, Young-pa was slightly surprised.
“What is the reason?”
“Because I made a promise to Seohae Yongwang.”
Young-pa had completely forgotten about the Dragon King. But even if he had remembered, he wouldn’t have cared. It was because he didn’t like that man.
“Am I not someone who breaks promises as if it’s a daily meal? Have you forgotten?”
Young-pa took the brilliant treasure pearl from his chest and spun it once in his palm. When he held it out, Biryoo took it and put it in his chest.
“We have achieved our goal, so it is enough. Night is the time when the eyes of serpents grow bright, so let us rest here and return at dawn.”
“That is music to my ears.”
“It might attract attention, so go and put out the light outside.”
After doing as he was told and returning, Young-pa found Biryoo sitting in the corner of the room. The room, lit by the lamp, was warm and quiet, so Young-pa flopped down on the spread-out quilt. He was deeply satisfied, his stomach full and his body comfortable. However, it felt a waste to simply fall asleep.
Turning his gaze, he saw Biryoo leaning against the wall with his eyes lightly closed. Just looking at him for a moment made lust rear its head. It would be wonderful to pound the mortar on the soft quilt. But judging by the atmosphere, it didn’t seem like Biryoo would engage in sexual intercourse here.
“Why are you sitting like that? Please lie down and sleep comfortably, Azure Dragon.”
“I shall remain awake, so you get some sleep.”
“Yes. Before that, I’ll step out for a moment.”
Young-pa stood up. He was concerned that Biryoo hadn’t eaten anything all day.
Stepping outside, he found a small room and a kitchen. Cheon-ho’s belongings were meager, and there were only a few pieces of furniture.
The kitchen was equally sparse. Young-pa scraped the remaining scorched rice from the stove. He also took out some leftover side dishes and found two dried persimmons. While doing so, he saw a mortar and a severed root’s member on the shelf.
The severed root’s member was about half a palm in length and of a suitable thickness. It wasn’t something that could compare to the object that had entered Young-pa’s body, but it looked good for a novice to practice with. Young-pa stuffed it into his pouch along with a bottle of oil.
When he returned with the table, Biryoo was sitting in the exact same posture as before.
“The night is lonely, why don’t you have some snacks?”
“I have no appetite, take it away.”
“You can’t. You haven’t eaten anything today.”
Young-pa held the table with both hands and brought it before him. As he bent his waist to place the table on the floor, the pouch folded, and the severed root’s member and the oil bottle popped out. The piece of wood rolled and stopped only when it reached Biryoo’s feet.
Biryoo slowly picked up the severed root’s member. He spun it once and looked at Young-pa as if asking for an explanation.
“That is… uh, I thought it would be useful later when grinding sesame, so I took it.”
“Then where is the mortar?”
Young-pa had no explanation. What did he know about a mortar? It would be on some dirty kitchen shelf.
With a bewildered face, Biryoo spun the severed root’s member in his hand. Young-pa had no idea what Biryoo was thinking.
“What did I say when you tried to put a piece of wood in your Gokdo?”
“You told me not to do useless things.”
“I may look like this, but I am a king of the heavenly realm; must you compete with an object?”
The innocent severed root’s member was crushed into powder. As Biryoo flicked his finger, Young-pa, with a pounding heart, quickly went and knelt.
“It seems you are not satisfied with me.”
“T-that’s not true. I only…”
“Only?”
“If the radiant energy continues not to be properly achieved… I feared you would turn away from me after that… so I wanted to widen the Gokdo…”
Young-pa spoke haltingly with his head bowed. He regretted bringing that wretched severed root’s member, as it had only soured the mood.
“What a strange human.”
Biryoo clicked his tongue.
“It cannot be helped; there is no choice but to resolve it personally.”
Young-pa, who had been prostrate, snapped his head up. Judging by Biryoo’s nonchalant expression, he didn’t seem to be joking.
“What… do you mean?”
“Take off your trousers.”
Young-pa obeyed reluctantly. Biryoo pushed the table far away and added,
“I must see that hole of yours to widen it, must I not?”
Young-pa lowered his upper body and slowly lay face down.
When they first shared their intimacy, Young-pa had received the penis in this position. However, at that time, sexual intercourse had occurred immediately, and the inside of the cave was dark. The room lit by the lamp was bright enough to see every crack on the floor.
Biryoo pressed firmly on his waist, making him lift his buttocks. As he stared blatantly at the naked buttocks, Young-pa’s cheeks flushed hot. Feeling uncomfortable, Young-pa curled his toes.
The sound of oil flowing trickled. As the skin parted, something slippery pushed its way in. The sensation of a foreign object was unpleasant but not painful; what was difficult to bear was the shame. Why would a man who was exceptionally fastidious do such a thing?