Chapter 259: What Father Wanted to See
Chapter 259: What Father Wanted to See
Unfortunately, I still couldn't see the Evil Ghost's face.
As luck would have it, the first ghost to manifest appeared directly in front of the wooden doll. Consequently, I could only see its back.
There was a distinct difference between a doll being sliced by the manifestation of an Evil Ghost and one cut by mere Sword Qi. With the ghost’s appearance, the strike became faster and more formidable. Between the chilling Demonic Energy the ghosts exuded and the sheer visual and psychological impact, the Annihilation Form could only be considered truly complete once the Evil Ghosts manifested.
I unleashed the Annihilation Form once more.
Swaaa!
The Evil Ghost appeared again. But once more, I saw nothing but its back.
Joy at finally succeeding and a sense of lingering regret washed over me simultaneously.
‘I wanted to see what you looked like! I worked so hard to see your face, not your damn back!’
Then, a thought flashed through my mind.
‘Ah! I could just set up a bronze mirror!’
I started to go fetch one but quickly changed my mind. I felt that relying on such tricks wasn't the right way. I decided to accept the order in which the martial art revealed itself. If it didn't want to show me yet, then so be it.
‘I’ll just have to look at the faces of the other ghosts first.’
*
“Did something good happen?”
The One Flower Sword Venerable could sense that Geom Mu-geuk’s expression was particularly bright today.
“I’ve made a breakthrough in a technique I was stuck on.”
“Ah! That is excellent news.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable was genuinely pleased. She herself had achieved great progress by sparring with Geom Mu-geuk and discussing the Dao of the blade. Gaining new insights at the level of a Demon Lord was an incredibly difficult feat.
She had never dreamed she would reach the next stage of achievement in such a short period.
“You truly are an unpredictable man.”
When Geom Mu-geuk first sought her out, she thought he would stop coming after a day or two. She assumed he had come merely to manage his network now that he had become the Young Cult Leader.
But she was wrong.
What Geom Mu-geuk had said on the first day was the truth.
“Senior, you are the only person I can truly talk to about swordsmanship.”
Geom Mu-geuk sincerely wanted to share thoughts on the sword with her. He sought to teach the deep principles of martial arts and was equally eager to learn.
Though she had spent her entire life mastering the sword, this was the first time she had ever pondered, debated, and engaged in the Theory of the Sword so earnestly.
Through this opportunity, she realized how much she had craved this kind of time.
A sparring friend.
Geom Mu-geuk had approached her as a true peer—a companion of the sword. To her, those words now held a deeper meaning than any other relationship.
Thus, her next words were her sincere truth.
“Young Cult Leader, you are the only one I have to talk to as well.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled and drew his sword.
“Shall we share some more, then?”
As they soared into the air, the members of the Demon Sword Squad came out to watch. Of course, because they fought at such a great height, their forms weren't clearly visible. Only countless flashes of sword light flickered with blinding speed.
Yet, the Demon Sword Squad warriors watched, entranced, as if possessed.
Whenever Geom Mu-geuk left after finishing a spar, he would always say this to the warriors he encountered:
“I have learned much from the Sword Venerable. I envy you all.”
Hearing this, the One Flower Sword Venerable felt a swell of pride. Whether it was flattery or sincerity, receiving such high praise from someone like Geom Mu-geuk was a source of immense joy.
How could she not be moved by a man who shared his martial insights so generously and spoke so highly of her to her subordinates?
*
My training continued.
The external events the Young Cult Leader was supposed to attend were being pushed back. It was a consideration from my father, who had heard that I was obsessed with my training.
The Demon Lords didn't seek me out either. The Drunken Demon might have come to ask for a drink, but even he stayed away. Within the Cult, there was no talk of anything else but the Young Cult Leader who had gone mad for martial arts.
I only left to spar with the Sword Venerable, and upon returning, I practiced the Annihilation Form like a madman.
Because so many wooden dolls were being sliced to pieces, metal figures were eventually delivered to my training ground. They were special Steel Dummies made from a blend of Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron and steel, designed to withstand being cut by Sword Qi.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The refreshing sound of metal echoed repeatedly.
I’ve seen your back so many times now—can’t you just turn your head once? I even found myself thinking such things.
Repetition after repetition.
And today, the gift of that tedious repetition finally arrived.
Swaaaa!
The sound of the Annihilation Form changed once again.
In that moment, I saw it.
Behind the Steel Dummy, another Evil Ghost revealed itself. It was the manifestation of the second ghost.
And this time, I could see its face. I was momentarily stunned.
It didn't look scary. Surprisingly, my first impression was:
‘He’s handsome!’
To my shock, the Evil Ghost I had summoned was a handsome one. It was the kind of face that might result if you showed a painter the Poison King’s face and told them to draw an Evil Ghost based on it.
‘Is this even allowed?’
I was truly surprised. Could it be that these Evil Ghosts reflected the heart of the practitioner?
I hadn't thought that the ghost’s face needed to strike terror into the opponent. I had only focused on wanting to see its face. Was that why? Was that why such a ghost appeared instead of a terrifying one?
Now, I became curious about the appearance of the ghosts that kept showing me their backs. Did they look the same? Or were they different?
Regardless, to confirm if all their faces were different, I had to manifest the ghosts on the left and right as well. Curiosity was driving my desire.
*
“I believe today will be the last day of my training here for a while.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable nodded, looking as if she had expected it.
“Do you intend to enter Closed-Door Training?”
“How did you know?”
“Intuition. I’ve felt your inner fire rising lately. The moment has come for you to pour everything out one last time.”
“As expected, you are amazing.”
The way the Sword Venerable looked at me was different from when I had first come to ask for a spar.
“Young Cult Leader, I am truly grateful.”
“I am grateful as well.”
I had become closer to her than I could have ever imagined. I felt as though I was now standing just two steps away from her. That was the distance dictated by her personality. No matter how close you got, there were some people who would never allow you within that final step.
“If I ever get stuck in my martial arts again, I will come find you.”
“I shall be ready to welcome you.”
I read the determination in her eyes. If she grew once more from here, the Cult would welcome a new One Flower Sword Venerable.
Geom Mu-geuk looked around the training ground. For the time being, this was the end of his time here.
“The next time I come, this place might have returned to being the narrow yard of a humble hermitage.”
“It will make for an even more thrilling spar with a free spirit, then.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable smiled as she looked at the training ground with him.
“Since it’s the last day, could you spare some time for me?”
In truth, I had prepared something for her today.
“Seo Dae-ryong, who has become the Huangquan Pavilion Master, is like my right hand. I’d like to hold a small celebratory banquet for him today.”
“For such an occasion, I must make time.”
“I’ve invited the Blood Heaven Blade Demon as well. Since he is Seo Dae-ryong’s master, I felt it was only right.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable could tell. He was taking her along to naturally arrange a meeting with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“Would you wait a moment? I shall change my clothes and come out.”
“Yes, please take your time.”
Today, she took longer than usual to wash, apply makeup, and choose her outfit.
*
The place Geom Mu-geuk and the One Flower Sword Venerable arrived at was a hill with a green field below Daecheon Mountain. Wine and food were prepared there. It was a feast Geom Mu-geuk had requested the cooks to prepare in advance.
The One Flower Sword Venerable looked around and said, “I didn't know there was a place like this near the Main Cult.”
“If you look into every nook and cranny, there are many wonderful spots. You should travel and rest more in the future.”
“What fun is there in doing that alone?”
Just then, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Dae-ryong arrived. With their great blades slung over their shoulders, the two now looked like master and disciple to anyone who saw them.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was wearing a clean robe he didn't usually wear. His hair was also neater than usual.
Geom Mu-geuk struggled to keep a smirk off his face.
“You’ve arrived?”
“What’s with this troublesome banquet?” The Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke gruffly for no reason.
“Your disciple has risen to a great position; why are you being so cranky?”
At the One Flower Sword Venerable’s words, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon fell silent. Seo Dae-ryong bowed politely to the Sword Venerable.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
Seo Dae-ryong poured wine for everyone. After a few cups, I went for a walk with Seo Dae-ryong. I had intentionally stepped away to leave the two of them alone. Today’s gathering was more for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon than for Seo Dae-ryong. I had even given Dae-ryong a heads-up beforehand.
“How is the work as Pavilion Master?”
“I’m still frantic trying to adjust.” Seo Dae-ryong stopped walking and looked at Geom Mu-geuk. “I’ve been having nightmares lately. Dreams where I’m wandering around looking for you, Young Cult Leader, in an emergency. It’s a task I should handle, but in the dream, I’m only looking for you. When I finally find you, you look at me coldly and say: ‘Why did you take this position when you don't have the ability?’”
“Do you think that only happens in dreams?”
“Ugh, I’m being serious here.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed. “Realistically, such a thing might happen once in a lifetime, if at all. Don't waste your mental energy on things that haven't happened.”
“What if it does happen?”
“You’ll have to solve it with this.” Geom Mu-geuk lightly tapped the hilt of the great blade Seo Dae-ryong was carrying.
Seo Dae-ryong stared at the hilt, which was worn from his master’s touch, and nodded. “I suppose that’s why every day must be hellish training.”
The two turned to head back.
“Let’s stay a bit longer.”
In the distance, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable were talking over wine. Their expressions were bright.
“They look good together!”
Seo Dae-ryong laughed at Geom Mu-geuk’s remark.
“When I went to fetch him earlier, he seemed to be grooming himself. He even seemed to be trying on several different outfits. It was the first time I’d seen my master like that.”
Seeing the Blood Heaven Blade Demon smiling made Geom Mu-geuk feel good as well.
Yes, please forget all the things of the past now. Lock the door to the past, and there’s no need to peek into the future. Just live happily like that.
“A spring breeze should blow for you too.”
“I’m a lost cause. Go on ahead without me. I’m going to be even busier now. My life is just work and training!”
Seo Dae-ryong watched the youthful freshness that transcended age in the distance with an envious gaze.
“Can I really go on ahead?”
“You have to take me with you! I’m your right hand!”
*
Time flew by.
I had entered the training ground wondering when I would ever come out, and before I knew it, I was emerging after completing a hundred days of Closed-Door Training.
Without even shaving my beard, the first place I headed was the Heavenly Demon Hall. My father was guarding the hall, looking unchanged.
“What is with that appearance?”
“I missed you, Father, so I ran straight here. I have to show off how hard I’ve been working, don't I?” I spoke playfully out of sheer joy at seeing him. “I was dying to eat something delicious. Please develop some food that can be used during Closed-Door Training other than Fasting Pills or jerky!”
Father welcomed me with his usual smile. “For a lazy fellow to train for a hundred days, that is impressive.”
“Those guys were so shy, it was really hard to see them.”
I had tried hard to let go of the desire to be recognized by my father. I believed that burden was holding me back. Nevertheless, my heart raced in this moment. I suppose I hadn't let go of everything. The desire to be recognized by my father through my martial arts remained.
“Let me introduce you to my friends.”
After calming my heart, I unleashed the First Form.
Swaak!
A crisp sound of wind. Four streaks of Sword Qi sliced through the air.
Four Evil Ghosts revealed themselves. They were my ghosts, the ones I had wanted to see so badly.
They looked different from the ghosts Father had shown me. Surprisingly, my ghosts each had a different appearance and feel. One was terrifying, another was handsome. One gave off a strange sense of mystery, while another looked exceptionally shrewd.
Father was surprised by their distinct appearances. He must have assumed they would all look the same. In truth, I was surprised too. I hadn't expected ghosts with such different vibes to appear.
The four ghosts didn't vanish immediately like Father’s. As if trying to commune with me, they seemed to look at me for a fleeting moment.
Sst.
In the next instant, the ghosts vanished as quickly as they had appeared.
Father had stood up from his Grand Tutor’s chair. He did not hide his astonishment.
“Is this what you wanted to see, Father?”
The Nine Calamities Demonic Art, different from Father’s, completed by my own interpretation. Father, who had been looking down at me in silence, slowly nodded.
“Yes, it was something like this.”
I recalled the conversation I had with Father on the day he passed down the Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
— The Nine Calamities Demonic Art has been constantly changing.
— It had to be that way. Fools and geniuses would have continued to emerge in every era.
I would become that genius and unfold an even more advanced Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
I felt Father’s aura change. At least when it came to martial arts, Father wouldn't just stand by in admiration. He would strive to show his own evolution. He would try to compete with me and win. Helping where help was needed, and winning where victory was sought. Father was Father.
“Thank you for postponing the external duties the Young Cult Leader had to handle.”
“The first button is always the most important.”
It was Father’s consideration to allow me to properly master the First Form of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. Thanks to him, I had fastened the first button correctly, so now I could calmly fasten the rest one by one while learning the Time Heaven Secret Technique.
“I will leave the Cult immediately and handle everything.”
“Before you go...” Father said as he stepped down from his chair. “Let us eat together. You’ve worked hard.”
Father was even using that "sorcery" he claimed to dislike. Because with those few words, all the hardship of the past hundred days vanished completely.