Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Assault on the Nest
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The sun rose, and they waited a little until the world was fully bright.
The group rose from their spots and used that brief respite to brush the dirt off their bodies and check their conditions. They'd pushed themselves so hard sprinting the day before, but thanks to the Vitality Pills they'd taken before bed, their bodies felt much lighter.
"Doesn't feel like I even slept."
"For someone saying that, you sure snored loud enough."
He shot back at Hwangbo Seongu's grumbling. Hwangbo Seongu snorted in response.
"It's not like it's the first day or anything."
"True. This guy's snoring is a real racket. I'm used to it now, but that first night in the dorms? I heard Hwangbo Seongu's snoring and thought the Demonic Cult had launched a night raid."
Haji Tae tossed out the joke without changing his expression. It might've even been half-serious. But Hwangbo Seongu didn't look embarrassed in the slightest.
"This is the most annoying night watch I've ever had."
"We've never gone this deep into a demon beast territory during a subjugation drill."
Cheong Ubin spat the words out while dusting dirt from his hair.
The Jang Clan had big ears for a reason—they heard a lot. Last night's sleep was the worst in years. The demon beasts' cries echoing from all sides had kept him from getting any real rest.
And that was just the start. Standing watch meant dealing with demon beasts creeping close all night, killing them, and tossing the corpses far away—a real hassle.
"Last night was actually easy by comparison. The numbers were low, and they hid well in the ground, so hardly any got close."
Dojun said it with a bitter feeling. If General Chungyeon had come along, they'd have endured a far more horrific and exhausting night. No—if she'd come, they wouldn't have even reached near the nest in a single day.
*The Heavenly Person's judgment... was right.*
"...How are your bodies holding up?"
Dojun asked as he stood. No one reported any issues. Confirming that, he pointed toward the nest.
"The demon beast nest we scouted is in that canyon over there. Head straight that way, go down the cliff, and it'll be right in sight."
"Then how about you all stay here."
Mu Yeonjun spoke up. Dojun turned to him in surprise.
"What?"
"You've guided us this far, so we don't need guides anymore. I'd love to tell you to head back first, but you might run into demon beasts on the way, so I can't."
"...You're saying we'd just get in the way at the nest?"
"That's right."
Mu Yeonjun pulled a white cloth from his robes, swept back his bangs, and tied it tightly around his forehead.
"I could take you to the nest, but protecting you would split our forces against the demon beasts."
"...So you're saying leave us here."
"I don't have the authority to order you. Just giving my opinion. So I'm asking—how about staying?"
Dojun let out a dry laugh. Who'd take that as a mere question?
"You've got the skills to look after yourselves here. That's why you were our guides. So, what's it to be? Wait here for us to finish the subjugation and return? Or come along and hinder it?"
"You're harsh."
Dojun muttered, nodding.
"If you put it that way, I can't very well follow to the nest just to save face. Understood. We'll wait here for your return."
"It won't take long."
"...Good luck."
Dojun and the guides bowed their heads.
"Was it really necessary to leave them behind?"
As they left camp toward the canyon with the nest, Wi Seongcheon asked abruptly. Mu Yeonjun, senses sharp as he advanced, glanced at him.
"You're asking now?"
"Not questioning your call. The soldiers bought it, and so do I. That's why I'm asking. Pure personal curiosity."
"...Could you cut it out?"
Sang Irin, glaring at Wi Seongcheon with fierce eyes, gave up holding back her emotions. The pent-up heat scorched her head.
"Who are you to question the Heavenly Person's judgment?"
"What's that supposed to mean? When did I question it? I said upfront—personal curiosity. Aren't you curious?"
"What's to be curious about? The Heavenly Person's judgment was spot on. Better to leave guides who won't fight than drag them along."
"Even if they die?"
Wi Seongcheon's retort wasn't aimed at Sang Irin. But his eyes locked straight on her.
"Sorry, Biyeon girl. Unlike you, I don't blindly say 'yes, sir' to everything the Heavenly Person says. You might be the loyal pup who fetches if he tells you to, dies if he says die, shits if he says shit."
"...Wanna die?"
"You look just like a growling pup. Wanna die? Fine, if you're sure you can kill me. Why not right here? Oh, but looks like the Heavenly Person doesn't like your tantrum."
Sang Irin flinched at Wi Seongcheon's jab and turned. Mu Yeonjun stared at her coldly.
"...I just don't get it."
Normally she'd back down, but not this time. She couldn't accept it.
"Mu Yeonjun. You're treating that Heavenly Flower Sect bat differently. Why?"
"Because he's like me."
"...Ha! That's the part I can't understand. I heard he can sense demonic qi, but just that doesn't make him like you..."
"Who among the Heavenly Academy students can sense demonic qi like Wi Seongcheon?"
Mu Yeonjun countered. Sang Irin's lips trembled.
"You, Biyeon? Another Dragon Phoenix? No one. Not even among the Ten Heroes' masters could sense it 'instinctively' like me. But this guy can. Isn't that reason enough to treat him special?"
"But..."
"Whether you accept it doesn't matter. Feel free to gripe if you don't. Just not here."
Mu Yeonjun said it, then looked at Wi Seongcheon.
"If the guides we left die? Regrettable. But weighing that against the risks of bringing them, I judged their lives shouldn't come first."
"What's the standard?"
"Our lives are worth more than those three combined. That's why we leave them. Even if they die, if we safely subjugate the nest, we save more lives."
"Well, well, worthy of the Heavenly Person. Putting values on lives."
"You think all lives are equal?"
"No."
"Then why ask?"
"Figured someone should challenge your calls openly. I said it—I accept your judgment. No complaints. Just curiosity."
"You're curious about me, huh."
"Isn't it natural to be curious about the great Heavenly Person?"
Wi Seongcheon chuckled. Seok Ijin, who'd been listening, clicked his tongue and stepped in.
"How about we leave it there? The cliff's coming up. Save the fights for duels back at the academy."
"It's not a fight, just debate, Professor."
Wi Seongcheon pouted. In the brief silence, Dang Seona snickered.
"Such heavy vibes for a mere nest subjugation."
"Just being cautious, senior."
"A nest here isn't some Demonic Realm horror. You said it yourself, Mu Yeonjun—you could solo this nest."
"That's why it's meaningful to do it together."
Dang Seona burst out laughing at Mu Yeonjun's words.
"Might sound rude, but I have to say it. Mu Yeonjun, you'd never make clan leader, let alone alliance head. Not even village chief."
"..."
"Because you only care about yourself, in that special way. Or maybe for your Demon-Exterminating fate, that's actually ideal?"
"Tryna piss me off?"
"That alone does it. And you won't even really get mad. Put the fake anger aside."
Mu Yeonjun smirked at that. Conversation ended. But everyone felt it. Dang Seona was right.
Mu Yeonjun... the Heavenly Person... only cared about himself. Every action centered on fulfilling his fate. Leaving the soldiers was correct. But from another view, risking it to bring them was also right.
Mu Yeonjun didn't entertain that view. No hesitation. His priority was fulfilling his Demon-Exterminating destiny.
"If you're in danger, I'll help."
At the cliff's edge, Mu Yeonjun didn't look back. He eyed the demon beasts swarming the valley below and the massive one crouched in the center.
That was the leader ruling this territory. Kill it, and the area's demonic qi would thin, weakening survivors.
"So don't die. You're too important to perish in a dump like this."
"Right. We're meant to die fighting Demonic Cult mages, not beasts."
Hwangbo Seongu jabbed.
"And you'll fight the Heavenly Demon."
Mu Yeonjun leapt off without reply. No hesitation. Blue light wrapped his falling form. Hwangbo Seongu clicked his tongue and stepped forward.
"Guy rubs me wrong. You too."
"Like I care about your approval."
Wi Seongcheon smirked back at the side-eye mutter. Hwangbo Seongu and Haji Tae jumped together. Wi Seongcheon beckoned Dang Heeran, standing apart.
"Let's go."
"...Huh?"
"Together. What, going solo? Or with senior?"
Dang Heeran approached hesitantly. Wi Seongcheon glanced at Paeng Yeonhwa beside him, then leaned off the edge.
Boom!
Blue light flashed.
Mu Yeonjun raced airborne straight for the leader, ignoring others. It resembled a giant turtle with a wolfish head protruding.
Vine-like tendrils erupted from its shell underside, sweeping the sky. Mu Yeonjun looked tiny against it.
*Big and dumb brute.*
"While our Heavenly Person takes the boss, we mop up the trash. Or just watch?"
"Don't say what you don't mean."
Paeng Yeonhwa spat and jumped first.
Scraaape!
Sliding down the cliff, she shifted into a accelerating dash. Wi Seongcheon whistled, grabbed Dang Heeran's wrist.
"Let's go."
"Wait..."
"If I get poisoned, someone needs to antidote me. Kinda awkward asking Dang Seona senior."
Wi Seongcheon winked at staring Dang Seona, then jumped with Dang Heeran. Dang Seona smirked, glanced at Sang Irin.
"Staying?"
Sang Irin bit her lip and leapt.
Dang Seona chuckled softly, strolling to the edge. She saw Wi Seongcheon, Dang Heeran, Paeng Yeonhwa diving into the beasts.
Over there, Hwangbo Seongu pulverized beasts with fists; Haji Tae supported with twin moon wheels.
"Such enthusiastic juniors."
Yeongjin guffawed, drawing his sword. He eyed Dang Seona.
"Wanna bet who kills more?"
"Childish."
Dang Seona snorted, sliding down. A twin-headed venom serpent, scales wrapping her body, raced beside.
Yeongjin smacked his lips, turned to Tae Himyeong and Cheong Ubin.
"We'll support the Heavenly Person. Professors, protect the juniors."
"No student here needs protecting."
Seok Ijin muttered, drawing his sword anyway. Beside him, Seo Il rolled up sleeves.
"Let's go."
Seo Il bellowed powerfully.
* * *
It went smoothly.
Nothing difficult. The territory leader wasn't overwhelmingly strong—just huge and tough. Only issue: the thick demonic qi souring the mood.
*Not hard.*
That was it. Not hard at all. His qi strikes landed solidly. The tendril counters weren't too fast—easy to dodge.
Bam!
Pouring qi into the hard shell, Mu Yeonjun glanced around.
Students battling beasts.
No fierce struggle. Sheer numbers, but beasts couldn't threaten them. Expected—the Dragon Phoenix elites and near-equals. Among profs, Absolute Death Sword Seok Ijin was top-tier.
Surprise: Golden Capture Whip Flash Seo Il. Not standing out usually, yet casually snapping beasts.
"Screeeee!"
Chilling shrieks erupted. Not students—faceless ghosts rising from beast ranks.
Crack!
Shrieking faceless ghosts split in two. Black demon beasts burst from within.
Faceless demons. Drawn by faceless ghosts' screams, spawning from their bodies. Black otherwise identical, but power incomparable.
"Groar!"
Hwangbo Seongu roared. His bulk swelled instantly into hulking beastman form, swinging boulder-sized fist.
Crunch!
Head snapped back; faceless demon reeled.
"Look at him—might mistake him for the beast."
Wi Seongcheon grumbled, glancing.
Thick blood stench filled the valley. Paeng Yeonhwa felt heart pound but stayed steady—Immovable Heart Formula kept her grounded. She slashed relentlessly with keen blade.
Dang Heeran's hands busied. No wasting hidden weapons. One-for-one, ideally more.
Boost weak power with poison. She focused only on beasts. Wanted to see only them.
But couldn't.
Her targets fell before her weapons hit.
Dang Seona. Strolling this hell of beast howls, blatantly sniping Dang Heeran's marks.
Dang Heeran bit her lip, trying to strike 'faster'—always lagging.
Flash of flying blades.
Shraa!
Sang Irin's chain sword shredded multiples. Gritting teeth, she pressed on, swinging nonstop.
Her gaze fixed on Mu Yeonjun pressuring the leader. Her advance solely to close distance to him.
Boom!
Airburst startled Sang Irin.
Flying beast chunks; below, Yeongjin extended sword long. Through his path rushed Tae Himyeong, Cheong Ubin. Cheong Ubin's arms rose high. Seo Il, glancing, admired.
*Moonlight Mist Dance. True heir to Azure Forest...*
Azure Forest: Moon Shadow Immortal Baek Cheongha's former sect, taking only Jang Clan disciples. Cheong Ubin likely not direct-taught, but mastering her style was fact.
Silver light coiling Cheong Ubin flashed as slashes.
Tae Himyeong plunged collapsing beasts. No usual hesitation in his sword grip.
Swish swish!
Circular sword path flowed ceaseless. Each advance, beasts screamed tumbling. Wanted to watch that swordplay longer, but no.
Seo Il clicked tongue, leaping back. Before countering attacker, hole punched its chest. Seok Ijin appeared behind fallen beast, frowning mockingly.
"Wanna celebrate student growth? Do it back at academy."
"Sorry."
Seo Il smiled wryly. Seok Ijin tsked, pointing to Wi Seongcheon.
"And that's your charge. Go admire him plenty. Facing a faceless demon now."
"Shoot!"
Seo Il whipped head around. True enough. Wi Seongcheon charged newborn faceless demon. Seo Il hardened expression, dashed over.
"Overprotective."
Seok Ijin tsked.
Had caught faceless ghosts, but demons tougher, faster.
Wi Seongcheon eyed movements keenly, dove deep. Slipped under swinging arm, stabbed through armpit, gripped opposite shoulder. Kicked ground, wrenched arm back.
Paeng Yeonhwa charged the gap—but froze mid-swing.
"Hah!"
Seo Il blitzed like lightning onto the demon's grabbing arm.
Startled Wi Seongcheon watched wide-eyed as Seo Il moved. Rare sight: his Golden Claw Technique.
Full-force Heaven-Net Ghost Trap crushed the arm. Brutal beyond technique norms—yet twisted per Golden Claw.
Slaaash!
Late Paeng Yeonhwa kicked chest, soared, beheaded it. Wi Seongcheon puzzled at Seo Il's proud gaze, expectant.
"Wow... perfect teamwork."
Tried it safe; Seo Il beamed wide. What he'd wanted.
Smooth.
Faceless demons numerous but no threat. Beast count plummeted.
Mu Yeonjun nearly shattered leader's shell. It finally exposed head, roaring. Airborne tendrils no worry now.
Tae Himyeong, Cheong Ubin, Yeongjin handled them instead.
*Yes.*
This was the point. Mu Yeonjun could solo the nest. But... didn't want to. No reason for Heavenly Academy then.
He came because the Ten Heroes' masters wanted.
Mu Yeonjun not to be 'alone.'
See. Mu Yeonjun fought not alone now. Together. To him, that was.
Just a bit.
...?
After pulverizing leader's head.
Before pondering deep chest emotion, unknown chill froze his mind.
Then black blood dripped from Mu Yeonjun's nose.