Chapter 192: The Beauty of Slacking Off
Chapter 192: The Beauty of Slacking Off
The next day, after finishing my Black Fist training, I followed the Fist Demon.
"Have dinner with me today."
The Fist Demon always ate alone. While the other Demon Lords were likely the same, the Fist Demon went as far as to never share a meal with even his direct subordinates.
"No."
"Why not?"
"It’s uncomfortable."
"It should be me who’s uncomfortable, not you, Lord Fist Demon. Who in the world would believe that?"
"I find you uncomfortable."
The Fist Demon strode away before I could even respond. Even with his subordinates nearby, he didn't hesitate to state how bothersome he found me. The Iron Fists watched us with stunned expressions—one man bluntly stating his discomfort, and the other pestering him for a meal regardless.
Of course, I didn't give up. I followed him again the next day.
"How about a cup of tea today, then?"
"I don't like tea."
"They say you should drink plenty of tea for your health."
The Fist Demon stopped in his tracks.
"Just what are you up to? Do you intend to lace the tea with poison?"
"Why would I do that? If I poison you, I won't be able to learn the next oral formula."
"True. You'd wait until you learned everything before trying to poison me."
"You misunderstand me!"
Despite my protest, the Fist Demon walked away with long strides.
When training ended the following day, I was right behind him again.
"Do you happen to know how to play Go?"
"I do not. Why would a grown man spend his time fiddling with tiny stones? It’s no better than children playing house."
"My father is actually quite obsessed with 'playing house' lately."
"……."
The Fist Demon didn't even look back as he marched away. Perhaps because of the mention of my father, his pace was even faster than the day before.
The next day, and the day after that, the Fist Demon remained an iron wall.
This wasn't going to be easy.
I had succeeded in putting the Fist Demon into a boiling pot, but this large, sturdy opponent showed no signs of softening. I wanted to simmer him down, but he refused to cook.
Whenever I felt frustrated like this, one person came to mind.
I headed straight for the Southern Blade Sect, where the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was staying.
*
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was busy passing on his martial arts to Seo Dae-ryong.
Now a formal disciple, Seo Dae-ryong was learning the unique martial art of the Blade Demon: the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form.
To avoid disturbing their training, I went to the backyard. I quietly closed my eyes, sat cross-legged, and began circulating the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art.
I had already reached Twelve-Star Great Achievement in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique and the Wind God Four Steps. Among the arts I had acquired, the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art was the one I absolutely had to master to the same level.
After training for a long while, I heard Seo Dae-ryong’s cautious voice from a distance.
"I'm finished with my training."
He spoke softly, worried he might break my concentration.
When I opened my eyes, Seo Dae-ryong slumped down beside me, drenched in sweat.
"Is it tough?"
"I feel like I'm going to die."
It seemed that now that his training had begun in earnest, it was a non-stop cycle of hellish drills.
"I'll put in a word for you. I'll tell him our Investigator Seo is struggling, so he should go a bit easier."
"Please do. There are many ways to kill a man, after all."
I quietly studied Seo Dae-ryong’s profile.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You've changed. Your vibe."
"How so?"
"You look strong."
That single comment instantly brightened Seo Dae-ryong’s mood. He clenched his fists tight.
"Just you wait!"
"Is the next line 'Villains!' or is it 'Ladies!'?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"Hang in there, my right-hand man! If you don't grind through these hours now, you'll either be killed by a villain or dumped by a lady."
"What if I grind through it and still get dumped?"
Seo Dae-ryong’s doe-like eyes searched mine, hoping I'd say that was impossible.
"Then we'll just have to catch one more villain. Ah! At this rate, we might actually wipe out all the villains in the world."
"Hey! That's not fair!"
I laughed loudly, and Seo Dae-ryong joined in.
He stood up and bid me farewell.
"I'll see you tomorrow then. Oh, and that part about me looking strong? Please say it again next time! Whenever I'm having a hard time."
"Sure thing."
After sending him off, I went to the front yard. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was leaning against his Heaven Extermination Great Blade, wiping away sweat.
"You must be busy throwing punches. Why are you here? Bored already?"
"Yes, I'm sick of it. I should have just spent my time hanging out with you, Elder. I deeply regret ever saying I wanted to learn fist techniques."
"And who said I’d hang out with you?"
I sat down beside the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
"No matter how much I stoke the fire, he just won't soften up."
"You're trying to cook a boulder. Did you expect it to soften?"
"That's why I came to see you."
"So you're hoping to toss some old ginger into the boiling water?"
"This is why I like you, Elder. You catch on so fast."
"What is it you want from the Fist Demon? His martial arts? Or his heart?"
"It was his martial arts at first."
"And now you want his heart too?"
"He said he wants to tear down a cliff. At first, I thought that was cool and wanted to tear it down too. But now, I've become curious as to why he wants to tear down that cliff so badly."
"If you find out, the reason will likely be something trivial."
"Isn't that how it is for everyone? Including me."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at me as if I were an old soul in a young body.
"I'm sorry you came all this way, but I don't actually know much about the Fist Demon."
"It's fine. I just came to see you because I was feeling frustrated."
Spicy ginger was used for healing, not just cooking.
"Listen, Second Young Master."
"Yes, Elder."
"Are you alright?"
"!"
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was asking me.
If I was okay.
If anyone else had asked, I would have said I was fine, but I didn't want to do that with him.
"I'm not sure."
"Saying you don't know is more dangerous than saying you're not okay. When you're exhausted, take a rest."
In that moment, I felt once again that he truly cared for me. Lately, I found myself completely disarmed in his presence. I had worked so hard to open his door, but perhaps my own door had swung wide open first.
"Then, may I lean against your blade for a bit?"
"No. Seeing as you're talking nonsense, you're perfectly fine. Perfectly fine."
"Just once. I've really wanted to lean against it just once for a long time."
As I pestered him, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon finally gave in, feigning reluctance.
"Fine, just this once."
I leaned back against the Heaven Extermination Great Blade.
"Ah! Now I see why you're always leaning here."
"It feels sturdy, like it's protecting you, doesn't it?"
"No. It's incredibly cold."
The Heaven Extermination Great Blade possessed a primal cold energy.
"You were keeping this coolness all to yourself during those hot summer days!"
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, seemingly caught off guard by my accusation, simply laughed and said, "You rascal."
After bantering with Seo Dae-ryong and laughing with the Blade Demon, much of my frustration had dissipated. I had also gained a great method of healing.
"When I'm exhausted, I'll take a rest."
"Come by whenever things get hard."
That 'whenever' pierced my heart.
"How will I survive if you're ever gone, Elder?"
"You'll do just fine, trading punches with the Fist Demon. Stop talking nonsense and go back. Don't you have that late-night training or whatever?"
"Honestly, there are no secrets in this Demonic Cult."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon picked up his blade and headed inside.
"Who do you think they take after, having such loose lips?"
*
I took the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s advice.
The next day, I didn't show up for Black Fist training. During the time when training would have been in full swing, I was inside the world of the Space-Time Displacement Technique.
A blue sky and sea that resembled my sword force, a sun-drenched sandy beach, the shade of broad-leafed trees. I even had a cool mat. I lay there in total comfort.
Today was a day for slacking off.
Since returning from the Murim Alliance and getting involved with the Fist Demon, I hadn't had a single moment of proper rest.
So today, I intended to spend time alone. I decided not to think about anyone else.
With drinks, snacks, and even books to read, it was the perfect day of loafing.
I looked at the sky, then the sea, then watched a crab crawling across the sand. I read a book, dozed off, woke up, and stared blankly at the ocean again.
"Ah! This is great!"
It was beyond great.
I spent the entire day lounging like that.
That afternoon, someone came to my quarters. It was Cheon So-hui.
"Senior Brother, Senior Brother."
It was cute how she called me Second Young Master in front of the Fist Demon but called me 'Senior Brother' when we were alone.
"Where did he go?"
I could see her peering into my room through the window. Since I had never missed a day of Black Fist training, she seemed worried by my sudden absence.
After lingering in the yard for a moment, she left.
I had fully expected her to come by. However, a short while later, someone I never expected visited me. To be precise, he didn't visit, but rather passed by.
Amazingly, it was the Fist Demon. He walked past my quarters as if he were heading somewhere else on business. As he passed, his eyes flicked toward my home. He even surged his qi to check if I was inside.
His attempt to pass by unnoticed was hilarious, but also touching.
I truly wanted to deactivate the Space-Time Displacement Technique and run out to him. I wanted to see his flustered face when I asked if he came because he was worried about me. But I didn't.
You people need to realize how precious I am!
I continued to lounge until late, refilling my internal energy with my mental method before going back to loafing. It seemed like an insignificant day, but for me, it was a valuable time to recharge.
Then, it was time for late-night training.
The three of them arrived on time, and as soon as she saw me, Cheon So-hui asked, "Why didn't you come to Black Fist training today?"
Lee An was shocked to hear I had skipped.
"Young Master! Are you sick? How badly are you hurt?"
"Why are you making such a fuss?"
"There's no way you'd miss training otherwise! What is it? What happened?"
"I'm only human. Sometimes I want to slack off, and sometimes I want to rest."
I looked over at the Fist Demon.
"Isn't that right?"
The Fist Demon stared at me for a moment, then shook his head.
"I have never felt that way."
"Really?"
"If I had lived such a slothful life, someone else would be sitting in the seat of the Fist Demon right now."
"Don't you ever get tired?"
"Never."
I knew better. What truly exhausts a person isn't the work itself, but the fact that no one acknowledges the struggle—or worse, they notice and simply ignore it.
"If you're ever tired, come play with me! I'm on standby anytime."
Of course, the Fist Demon acted as if he hadn't heard a word.
Toward the end of that night's training...
Whirrrr!
An unfamiliar sound of wind erupted from my fist. It wasn't the sound of thunder yet, but it was different from any sound my punches had made before.
"What was that sound?"
At my question, the Fist Demon looked at me with a surprised face.
"It is the sound of an approaching storm."
It meant the thunder was not far off.
Faced with my unbelievable pace of achievement, a fighting spirit flared up from the Fist Demon’s entire body. He looked as if he wanted to pounce on me right then and there.
He instinctively took a step forward, and I stepped back. The atmosphere turned volatile, as if a fierce battle were about to break out, making Lee An and Cheon So-hui tense up.
I spoke to him quickly.
"Shall we make a bet?"
"What kind of bet?"
"I don't feel like trading blows, so how about a race using light body techniques? If I win, teach me the Second Volume of the Thunder Asura Fist."
"And if I win?"
"I will have a proper duel with you."
A satisfied smile touched the Fist Demon’s lips.
"You must think I'm slow because of my size."
The greatest masters of fist techniques always possessed incredible footwork, and footwork was directly linked to light body techniques.
"Fine. I accept that bet."
The Fist Demon was brimming with confidence. He was so sure of his speed that he was willing to wager the Second Volume of his unique martial art.
"To the entrance of Ma Clan Village. How about it?"
"That's not a good place for a duel. There's a bamboo forest about ten li past the entrance. We'll go there."
In the Fist Demon’s mind, he had already won.
Lee An drew a line on the ground, and we stood side-by-side.
"Ready, go!"
The two of us shot forward like arrows. I could only imagine how shocked the two women were as we vanished from their sight in an instant.
The Fist Demon was truly fast. I was certain he was the fastest among the Demon Lords. That was likely why he accepted the bet, but he couldn't be faster than my Rapid Speed Step.
I matched his pace, running just barely ahead or behind. I could feel the Fist Demon’s surprise through his heavy breathing.
I arrived at the bamboo forest a few steps ahead of him. I panted heavily, acting as if I had barely managed to win. The Fist Demon, arriving a moment later, stared at me in shock. He clearly hadn't expected me to be faster than him.
"First, teach me the Second Volume. If you feel cheated, we can bet the Third Volume and go again."
The Fist Demon’s naturally intimidating face looked truly terrifying when he scowled. But scary was just scary. He wasn't a man to break his word.
"Fine. I will teach you the Second Volume right here."
I was inwardly surprised by his hesitation-free decision. He truly was a man among men.
This martial art was far too precious to give away over a race. I wondered what was going through his mind. Had he really never considered the possibility of losing? I was curious about his true intentions.
"Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Are you asking if I'm okay after you lured me into a trap?"
Did you perhaps fall into that trap knowing exactly what it was?
Second Volume: Thunder Asura (霹靂修羅).
If the First Volume, Black Cloud Asura, was about concentrating all one's power into a single strike, Thunder Asura was a technique for unleashing punches so fast they were invisible to the eye. It prioritized speed over raw power—much like the Azure Heaven Form of the Flying Heaven Sword Technique.
The Fist Demon passed on the oral formula and the stances to me.
I exhausted all my mental energy to make his teachings my own, without missing a single detail.
And so, the Fist Demon’s second fist became mine.
"Thank you truly. This fist will never be used for the wrong reasons."
I bowed to him. Though we weren't officially master and disciple yet, I had now received the second volume.
"Well, since we're already out here, why don't we get some fresh air before heading back?"
The Fist Demon looked at me, confused.
"It's been a long time since you've left the cult, hasn't it? I felt so good yesterday after skipping training to play. You should slack off with me for a bit, Lord Fist Demon."
The Fist Demon snorted as if the idea were absurd and started walking back toward the headquarters. Looking at that broad, thick back, I spoke.
"Because you're always there, no one realizes how precious you are."
The Fist Demon stopped dead.
"Your kindness toward the cult has continued for far too long."
I didn't frame it as kindness toward his subordinates. I didn't want to belittle the natural fear his subordinates felt, nor the affection the Fist Demon held for them.
The Fist Demon turned back toward me.
Our gazes locked. For a long time, neither of us said a word. He was a smart man, and he understood the hidden meaning behind my words.
"You look tired."
It was the second time I had said those words to him. Did they finally reach him?
After a brief pause, the Fist Demon asked.
"Is there somewhere to go?"
I grinned broadly.
"The beauty of slacking off lies in having no plan. Let's go."
Before he could change his mind, I started running, and the Fist Demon ran with me.
We ran side-by-side, matching our speeds. On his face as he ran beside me, I caught a glimpse of something—a sense of exhilaration I had never seen from him before.
Just like that, we distanced ourselves from the cult in an instant. We ran away from our daily lives.