Chapter 141: This Time, the Right Choice.
Chapter 141: This Time, the Right Choice.
I chose the path I knew best.
Before my regression, I had chosen the mission on the right. Today, I reached for the envelope on the right once again.
I can handle any mission now!
But now was not the time to flaunt such arrogance. This was an opportunity to humbly rectify the failures of my past.
Inside the envelope was a single sheet of paper inscribed with four characters:
Punishment of the False Demon (僞魔懲罰).
It was the exact same command I had received before.
Sama Myeong relayed the details via Voice Transmission, ensuring that neither my brother nor I would know the other’s objective.
—Recently, a mysterious organization called the Heavenly Mandate Society has begun operating in the shadows of the Murim. Under the banner of "creating a new Murim by the mandate of heaven," they are, in truth, nothing more than seekers of private gain. Lately, they have reached a point where they can no longer be ignored, having caused several incidents while impersonating the Demon Lords of our Cult. Second Young Master, find their leader, execute him, and dismantle the Heavenly Mandate Society.
To be honest, when I first heard this transmission before my regression, I looked down on them. I figured that if they relied on impersonating our Cult’s Demon Lords rather than their own strength, they couldn't be much of a threat.
But now, I saw it differently. To dare impersonate a Demon Lord meant they either had the confidence to back it up or were hiding a deeper scheme. These bastards were no ordinary foes.
“I shall follow your command.”
As I accepted the mission, Geom Mu-yang took the remaining envelope. Of course, I knew exactly what was written inside that one as well.
After providing Geom Mu-yang with his briefing via Voice Transmission, Sama Myeong addressed us both.
“The mission must be resolved alone. However, while you are carrying out your tasks, you may utilize the entire information network of the Cult’s Tongcheon Pavilion. Furthermore, you are permitted to call upon the aid of the Demon Army, the Four Great Powers of the Demonic Path, or one of the Eight Demon Lords exactly once.”
It meant we had to handle the investigation and the bulk of the work ourselves, but we could receive support from the Cult when it came time for the final subjugation.
Once Sama Myeong finished, my father spoke.
“A frog in a well or a flower in a greenhouse cannot lead this Cult. Resolve this properly and return!”
Even while assigning such a dangerous mission, my father did not utter a single word of caution. I smiled, breaking the stiff atmosphere.
“Father, which of us would you prefer to see return successful?”
At my question, the corners of Father’s mouth twitched slightly. I could feel him suppressing the urge to react.
In truth, the gaze Father looked down at us with was impartial. He showed no personal bias toward me or my brother. Before my regression, I hadn't even been looking at Father at this moment; I had been consumed by the single-minded thought of completing the mission at any cost.
But now, I was looking directly at him.
Father, do not worry. I will resolve this safely and return.
I conveyed that confidence through my eyes. This, too, was part of my effort to become the successor. The more Father trusted me, the closer I would get to that seat.
My gaze shifted from Father to Geom Mu-yang.
Brother, do well and return, just like before. I’ll do the same. Ah, and don't look at me so coldly; you don't even know how I feel.
*
The next morning, while I was preparing to depart, Lee An came to see me.
“You called for me?”
“I’ll be leaving the Cult for a while.”
“Where are you going?”
“I can’t say.”
I pointed a finger upward. Lee An realized I was leaving to carry out an order from the Heavenly Demon Hall.
“Bring me something delicious when you come back!”
“I’m not going out for fun. I’m going to handle something extremely dangerous.”
“I’m busy with my martial arts training, so I’ll be going now.”
“Terrifying enemies are going to come pouring out.”
“Have a safe trip!”
Lee An, who had already run halfway to the door, sighed and turned back.
“If only it were that easy. How dangerous is it? Let me go with you and help.”
She had shifted from the playful Lee An to the Lee An who worried about me day and night.
“It’s a task I must do alone. And I was joking—you don’t need to worry.”
“Are you sure?”
“Don’t worry needlessly and just work hard at your own tasks.”
“Actually, Blue Face came to see me a few days ago.”
I had watched the two of them meet, but I feigned ignorance.
“Did he say he’d join as a team leader?”
“No, he’s still thinking about it. He just asked a few questions and left.”
“What’s your gut feeling?”
“It’s fifty-fifty. To be honest, I really want him to come, but I think I’ll worry even more if he actually does. It means he’d be starting a new life because of me.”
“Worrying about what comes after is disregarding Blue Face’s own agency. You might feel like you have to take responsibility for him, but that’s not the case at all.”
“It’s not?”
“No. Blue Face is making this choice after careful deliberation. He’s coming because he’s crunched the numbers and decided that joining you is more beneficial. If he gets here and decides it’s not for him, he’ll leave. So don’t feel burdened.”
Lee An grinned at my words.
“Get stronger, Lee An. Then nine out of ten problems you worry about will resolve themselves.”
After saying goodbye to Lee An, I left my quarters.
Before departing, I intended to see the Demon Lords one by one. They weren't people I strictly needed to check on, but this time, I wanted to see them before I left.
The first place I visited was the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon’s Villain Valley.
He was usually in that white room staring at the wall, but today, Blue Face informed me of his absence.
“The Demon Lord left the Cult a few days ago.”
“Can you tell me where he went?”
“He left without even telling me.”
“Tell him I stopped by when he returns.”
“Yes, I will do so.”
As I turned to leave, Blue Face asked me a question.
“I would like to ask you one thing.”
“Speak.”
“You might find it strange for me to ask this so suddenly, but what kind of organization is the Ghost Shadow Squad to you, Second Young Master?”
Knowing exactly why he was asking, I answered him honestly.
“It is the organization that will become my main force in the future. It is also the organization led by the person I cherish most. It will likely become the busiest organization in the Murim—to the point where you’ll find yourself saying life was better under the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon.”
I could see the eyes behind Blue Face’s mask crinkling in a smile.
“Thank you for telling me.”
Blue Face bowed in greeting. I could have said a few more words for Lee An’s sake, but I didn't. Only when he made the decision based on his own judgment would even his regrets be valuable.
Next, I visited the One Flower Sword Venerable.
After hearing about the past from the Drunken Demon, I found myself thinking about her life. If things had worked out with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, would she have been happier than she was now?
“You seem to be getting younger these days.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. I’m worried because my wrinkles have been increasing lately.”
Despite her words, the One Flower Sword Venerable’s face brightened at the rare compliment.
“I heard you drank with the Drunken Demon?”
“How did you know?”
“The Drunken Demon stopped by. He gave me some good liquor, saying he’d just received it. He was acting out of character.”
“What did he say when he gave it to you?”
“He was boasting about how he’s become like a brother to you. He seemed quite happy about it.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. If I’m his brother, the seniority rankings get all tangled up.”
“Then be friends with me as well.”
“Please don’t say such things, even as a joke. I only said that to him in jest.”
The Drunken Demon probably hadn't come just to brag about our brotherhood. After confessing everything to me, he likely felt apologetic toward her. How the Drunken Demon would act from now on remained to be seen.
“As you know, the Drunken Demon doesn’t get along with the Blade Demon. Will it be alright?”
“You’ll have to help, Senior.”
“How?”
“Even if you don’t feel like it, please say some good things about the Elder Blade Demon. I know you find him disagreeable. Still, please do it as a favor to me.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable didn't answer. It seemed my influence wasn't yet enough to erase her antipathy toward the Blade Demon.
Still, I expected things to be better than before. If the Drunken Demon stopped slandering the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and started speaking positively, her feelings toward the Blade Demon might gradually change as well.
Next, I stopped by to see the Drunken Demon. However, Yeo-bin delivered some unexpected news.
“The Drunken Demon has entered closed-door training.”
I was startled by the sudden news. “Closed-door training, all of a sudden?”
“He said he’s been drinking too much lately and needs to expel the Liquor Qi.”
“That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yes, it’s what I’ve been hoping for. Thank you, Second Young Master.”
“Don’t mention it. He promised me he’d cut back on the drinking and eat more snacks when he does, so please look after him, Female Martial Artist.”
“Yes, I will.”
I had felt it for a while now—that Yeo-bin liked the Drunken Demon. Did he know? I suspected he was playing the sly old fox, knowing full well but pretending not to.
Among the Demon Lords, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s residence was my final stop.
“Your blade is becoming even sharper, Elder.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was deep in training today as well.
“The more you grow, the sharper your enemies will become.”
“Are you truly training to face my enemies? Do you intend to fight the Demon Lords who support my brother?”
“It is not merely because of the succession struggle.”
“Then why?”
“Do you remember what I told you before? That when a dragon ascends to heaven, it brings wind and rain.”
“Of course. You said my people were being swept away by that wind and rain.”
“That’s right. You said it was just a loach stirring up trouble in muddy water, but I believe that trouble will awaken the sleeping dragons of the Murim.”
“Aren’t you overestimating me?”
“Based on what you’ve shown so far, this is an underestimation. Be careful out there. It may seem like the Cult, the Murim Alliance, and the Unorthodox Path Alliance have divided and conquered the Murim, but we are only a fraction of the total number of martial artists. You never know where someone stronger than us might pop up. Never forget: the Jianghu is a place where hidden masters and eccentrics are as numerous as grains of sand.”
“I will always judge and move with caution.”
“And, wait a moment.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon went into his room and returned with a small box. When I opened it, there was an elixir inside.
“It’s a Quick Recovery Pill. Use it if you find yourself in a dire situation.”
A Quick Recovery Pill was an elixir that, when consumed after one’s internal energy was depleted, allowed it to recover two to three times faster than usual. Because it had no side effects, it could only be obtained for a fortune, and even then, it was rare and difficult to find.
“Keep it for yourself, Elder.”
“Do you intend to work this old man to the bone by feeding him Quick Recovery Pills? You take it and use it.”
He forced the pill into my hand. I felt a lump in my throat, sensing his worry and hidden affection for me.
Elder, do not worry. I will return safely.
Since I was taking it anyway, I decided to lighten the mood.
“Is there nothing else you can give me? Why don't you go back in and look some more?”
“There’s nothing! Nothing left!”
“Since you’re denying it so strongly, there must be something. I’ll look forward to next time.”
I laughed and was about to turn away when the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked, “What happened with that devious fellow?”
“We’ve decided to call each other brothers from now on.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked incredulous for a moment, then his expression turned to one of admiration.
“If you were truly just a loach, you never could have become brothers with that devious man.”
He might still dislike the Drunken Demon, but he was acknowledging that befriending him was a significant feat.
“I’m only doing as I please because I trust in you, Elder.”
“And isn't that why I’m swinging this heavy blade with this old body?”
After leaving the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s residence, I departed from the Cult.
Once I reached a place devoid of people, I began to run in earnest. Lately, I had come to prefer moving alone, if only because of the Rapid Speed Step.
However, even while running, I made sure to rest properly. My movements were all being reported to the Heavenly Demon Hall. There was no need to let everyone know I could run at such an unbelievable speed.
When I reached a designated point after running with the Rapid Speed Step at its limit, I spent the remaining time practicing the rest of the Wind God Four Steps.
The Dark Shadow Step became even more stealthy, the Blink Step faster, and the Underworld King Step more ferocious. I trained and trained again, exerting all my effort and focus. For the time being, my goal in martial arts was absolute mastery of the Wind God Four Steps.
According to the data sent by the Tongcheon Pavilion, the Heavenly Mandate Society had caused several incidents in the Hunan region. The two most recent incidents had occurred in Yongxing and Dong-gu.
In the past, I had gone to Yongxing to investigate the incident and track the Heavenly Mandate Society. But in the end, the Yongxing incident turned out not to be their doing. It had been committed by copycats.
Because of that, the past me had wasted a lot of time, only heading to Dong-gu late to chase their trail. As a result, I had grown impatient and missed clues I should have found, ultimately failing the mission.
Of course, this time, I made the right choice.
Upon arriving in Dong-gu, I headed straight for the Wolpung Sect, where the incident had taken place.