Chapter 382: Lord Smiling Demon’s Big Face
Chapter 382: Lord Smiling Demon’s Big Face
No one would believe it if they heard, but we actually packed our pajamas and headed back.
“Are we really allowed to do this?”
“Of course we are!”
“Now that I think about it, I still have some urgent business at the Huangquan Pavilion that I haven't finished yet...”
Seo Dae-ryong, finally coming to his senses, tried to desert our midnight adventure, but I wasn't about to let him off that easily.
“When else are we going to get a chance like this? Think about it carefully. He told us to leave, but do you think he actually meant it? He’s probably wondering why those rascals haven't come back yet. Playing with us makes him feel younger; it makes him happy.”
Is that so? Seo Dae-ryong moved his feet, looking half-convinced and half-doubtful. There was a reason why a man who feared his master so much was pushing his luck today.
“I never dreamed I would actually open my Conception and Governing Vessels.”
Seo Dae-ryong was swept up in a whirlwind of emotion. It was a chaotic mix of gratitude and worry for his master, the thrill of his breakthrough, and the joy of seeing me after so long. He was in the kind of state where he felt like he could cause some real trouble tonight.
When we returned to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s residence, he was asleep. This time, he was truly out. We watched from the window as he slept soundly on his bed, then quietly slipped away.
Sleep well, Elder.
I walked through the Inner Court of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult with Seo Dae-ryong.
“It’s been a long time since we walked like this, Young Cult Leader.”
“That’s only because our Pavilion Master Seo is so busy.”
“You should show your face more often before saying things like that.”
I gave an awkward laugh, and Seo Dae-ryong followed suit.
“Time really flies. One day is a struggle, but then you turn around and days have passed, and before you know it, a month is gone. Is it always like this?”
After asking the question reflexively, Seo Dae-ryong shook his head.
“I’m the older one, yet here I am asking the Young Cult Leader about the passing of time.”
I wanted to tell him—that his youth hadn't even reached a fraction of its full speed yet. That it was only at the third stage of the Rapid Speed Step. Once time reached Great Achievement, it would sweep away all memories and race far into the distance.
In that sense, shall we spend this precious time wisely?
“Shall we go see our Lord Extreme Evil Smiling Demon?”
Seo Dae-ryong let out a yelp. “Aieee!”
“Just say you hate me! I’d rather you just beat me up in a duel!”
“Is Lord Smiling Demon really that scary?”
“How could he not be?”
“You two lived together for a while before.”
That was back when we were dealing with Ya Yul-han’s subordinates. While the Poison King and I were carrying out an operation, Seo Dae-ryong had stayed with the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon for a short time. He had even gone to the market himself to buy side dishes and ingredients to cook for him.
“Didn't you get close back then?”
“Close? I couldn't even meet his eyes! I was so anxious, constantly wondering when you would return, Young Cult Leader.”
“If you talk to him, you’ll realize he’s a good person. Would I like him this much if he were truly that terrifying?”
I could feel Seo Dae-ryong’s resolve wavering slightly.
“Think about ten years from now, looking back on today. You’ll think, ‘Ah, how fun would it have been if I had gone to see Lord Smiling Demon with the Young Cult Leader back then? Why was I so hesitant and afraid?’”
When I finished speaking and looked back, Seo Dae-ryong was already running far away. Having opened his Conception and Governing Vessels, he ran even faster than before.
Well, if it were that easy, he wouldn't be the Smiling Demon, would he?
“Move the bed before you go!”
Seo Dae-ryong stopped in the distance.
“The bed? What bed?”
“You wouldn't know since you haven't been there, but there’s nothing in Lord Smiling Demon’s residence. If you want to sleep there, you have to bring a bed.”
Seo Dae-ryong blinked.
“So you’re saying you’re taking a bed into Villain Valley?”
“I can’t exactly ask for a bed when I’m visiting in the middle of the night, can I? But I can’t sleep on the bare floor either. I want to sleep comfortably in my own bed.”
“But you’re really taking a bed?”
I really took it.
I carried the bed from my quarters with Seo Dae-ryong. I took the front, and he took the back.
The cultists on guard duty stared at us with wide eyes. The sight was even more eye-catching because clean, neatly folded bedding and pajamas were piled on top of the bed.
“You could move this by yourself, couldn't you?”
“It’s heavy.”
“Heavy, my foot. You’re someone who could move this by making it float with Telekinesis. I’ll just carry it myself.”
“I can’t make the Huangquan Pavilion Master do such a thing.”
“This is more embarrassing! Anyway, I’m just moving it for you and leaving immediately. I’m making that clear! Don't try to say something else later.”
When we arrived at the entrance of Villain Valley, Seo Dae-ryong recalled the past.
“Do you remember? When you first came to meet Lord Smiling Demon, I was waiting right here.”
“I remember. You even brought a sword, ready to jump in and save me if anything happened.”
“I did, and now I’m actually entering Lord Smiling Demon’s residence.”
“Did you bring your sword?”
“Please, stop with those jokes. My heart is already pounding as it is.”
Seo Dae-ryong took several deep breaths to calm his trembling chest.
“Don't be nervous. Aren't you going to be a Demon Lord yourself one day?”
“Saying that makes me even more nervous! The fact that I’m becoming a Demon Lord is still the most shocking and nerve-wracking thing in the world to me. I still have nightmares sometimes. Dreams where I’m still just a depressed investigator for the Huangquan Pavilion, full of complaints about the Cult. Dreams where someone else is sitting in front of me when I go to meet the Young Cult Leader for the first time.”
“Even so, things would have changed.”
“Pardon?”
“Because your fate didn't change because of me; you changed it yourself.”
Seo Dae-ryong fell silent, lost in thought.
Finally, we entered Villain Valley.
Not only the Faceless Guests guarding the entrance but even those passing by looked at us with strange expressions.
— Everyone is looking at us weirdly. That one in the yellow striped mask just laughed.
— Should I get rid of him?
— The list of people I need to get rid of just keeps growing.
And so, we arrived at the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon’s residence.
*
“Lord Smiling Demon, I’ve come to stay the night!”
As he watched Geom Mu-geuk enter cheerfully, the Smiling Demon’s eyes crinkled in a smile behind the holes of his white mask.
Who else in the world would come to him and say they wanted to stay the night? Who else would show up carrying a bed and pajamas?
“Have you been kicked out of your house?”
“I’ve caused some big trouble lately, so I’m on the verge of it.”
“The Young Cult Leader is always welcome.”
“If you keep this up, you might get kicked out with me, Lord Smiling Demon.”
The Smiling Demon laughed out loud. It was a sound I hadn't heard in a long time.
“Your mask has changed.”
“Aha! You noticed.”
It seemed a new Faceless Guest had started making masks after Blue Face left.
“Is the mask more comfortable?”
“Tell Blue Face. Tell him it’s much more comfortable than the ones he made.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him.”
Because that would be the Smiling Demon’s way of conveying his longing for Blue Face.
This time, Seo Dae-ryong bowed politely.
“It has been a long time.”
Seo Dae-ryong was inwardly shocked. He had heard there was nothing here, but he hadn't expected it to be literally nothing. There wasn't a single speck of dust. Ah, there was one thing that caught his eye. Long lines drawn on the wall. Horizontal and vertical lines. Why would he leave those in such a clean room?
“Your gaze has improved.”
When the Smiling Demon said this with an incredibly cold look in his eyes, Seo Dae-ryong was confused.
That’s a compliment, right? It has to be.
He was so terrified of the Smiling Demon that it sounded like, ‘Your eyes look good, so let’s have a fight.’
“My master gave me a great lesson recently. It is thanks to that.”
The Smiling Demon simply nodded once in silence.
Geom Mu-geuk asked him, “Where should I put the bed?”
“Wherever you like.”
“Then I’ll put it over here.”
We placed the bed against one wall. It was the first time a piece of furniture had been placed in the Smiling Demon’s empty room.
Why did I bring the bed? It was because I wanted the Smiling Demon to start sleeping in a bed now.
The white walls were related to the martial arts mental method he practiced, but there was a different reason why he slept sitting up.
Before my regression, the Smiling Demon had wanted to be my friend. He had said something once.
— A man with the name ‘Extreme Evil’ cannot sleep comfortably, can he? It is the minimum and only conscience I possess.
At the time, I thought it was just bravado he spat out because he wanted to get close to me. I assumed he had a separate, luxurious bedroom somewhere.
As I built a new relationship with him after my regression, I realized those words had been sincere.
I couldn't tell him back then. No, even if I had known he was sincere, I wouldn't have said anything. Because back then, I didn't open my heart to anyone.
Now, it was time to tell him.
Sleep comfortably now.
Because he was living a different life now. And he would continue to do so.
That was why today’s bed was the first step in taking my relationship with the Smiling Demon to the next level.
“Could I borrow this entire wall? It’ll be a hassle to move the bed every time.”
The Smiling Demon stared at Geom Mu-geuk for a moment. At this sudden request, he readily nodded.
“As you wish.”
“Thank you. Next time I come, I’ll bring a side table to put next to the bed. And I’ll put a small wardrobe here to keep my change of clothes. This wall is mine now.”
Seo Dae-ryong watched the scene in shock.
He’s moving in? Right here in Lord Smiling Demon’s room?
He had originally intended to say his goodbyes and leave, but curiosity about what Geom Mu-geuk was doing kept him there.
Seo Dae-ryong said to the Smiling Demon, “If you feel this is an abuse of power by the Young Cult Leader, please report it to the Huangquan Pavilion. I will investigate immediately.”
It was the most ambitious joke of Seo Dae-ryong’s life.
Knowing how much courage it must have taken, Geom Mu-geuk forced himself to keep a straight face while suppressing his laughter.
The Smiling Demon stared at him silently, his gaze suggesting he didn't know how to respond.
What did I just say? I made a joke to the Smiling Demon? Dae-ryong, are you insane?
Seo Dae-ryong’s voice transmission flew to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Save me! Please, fix this!
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk had no intention of helping him in this amusing situation.
— It seems opening your Conception and Governing Vessels has made your liver grow as well as your courage. I wonder who I should appoint as the next Pavilion Master?
Just as Seo Dae-ryong’s panic reached its peak, the Smiling Demon spoke.
“It will be fine. I’ll have all the furniture painted white as well.”
At the nonchalant answer, Seo Dae-ryong forced a smile and said, “I think white will suit this room very well.”
With those words, he was about to hurriedly bid his farewell.
The Smiling Demon stepped toward Seo Dae-ryong.
Why is he coming closer? Did he decide he couldn't forgive that joke after all?
The Smiling Demon stood beside the flinching Seo Dae-ryong.
“Based on the layout, it might be better to put the wardrobe on this side.”
“Is that so?”
The Smiling Demon was just standing there, but Seo Dae-ryong felt like he couldn't breathe.
How did the Young Cult Leader become so close to such a terrifying person?
Looking at the relationship between the Young Cult Leader and the Demon Lords, it went beyond admiration to the point of awe.
Seo Dae-ryong subtly took a step to the side. He wanted to go all the way to the other side of the room, but he didn't dare.
I’m crazy. Why did I even come here?
To be honest, half of it was curiosity. What was the Smiling Demon’s residence really like? The other half was bravado and bluster.
I’m the Huangquan Pavilion Master and I’ve opened my Conception and Governing Vessels, so I can come here once, right?
Right, my foot! Why did I walk into hell on my own two feet!
Just as he was looking for an opportunity to say goodbye, the Smiling Demon glanced at Seo Dae-ryong. The eyes inside the mask seemed to be smiling, but that was what made it so terrifying.
Regardless, this was his chance since their eyes had met.
I’ll be going now!
Just as he was about to say those words, the Smiling Demon spoke first.
“I owed you a lot back then.”
“Pardon?”
At the look that said, Have you forgotten already?, Seo Dae-ryong’s mind went blank.
“I mean you went through a lot of trouble cooking for someone as picky as me.”
It was about the time he had cooked for him in the past. He had made a joke when the Smiling Demon wasn't around about him being a picky eater, only to be caught and scolded. You still remember that?
“Not at all, it was only right that I did it.”
He even managed a smile and was about to say his farewells, but this time, Geom Mu-geuk began to tell the story of what happened while he was away from the Cult.
“I don't know where to start.”
Earlier, he had sat on the edge of the Blade Demon’s bed to tell the story, but now he sat on the edge of the bed he had brought himself.
How he had killed the infiltrator in the Unorthodox Path Alliance, how he had invited the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader, and how he had even invited the Murim Alliance Leader.
Seo Dae-ryong had heard some of it before, and some of it he had missed while heating up the medicine. As he listened, he became so engrossed in the story that he forgot he was supposed to leave.
During a brief lull in the conversation, Seo Dae-ryong sent a voice transmission.
— But why are you telling him everything in such detail?
He asked because he thought there might be a reason, and there truly was.
— So that if a certain situation arises later, they can handle it on their own. Information is power.
He wasn't telling the Blade Demon or the Smiling Demon everything just because he wanted to chatter. He was telling them everything to prepare for the one-in-a-million chance of what might happen in the future.
Anyway, the story was great. And since he had heard it twice now, he definitely didn't need to hear it again.
“I should…”
Just as he was about to say he would take his leave, the Smiling Demon brought up the topic of martial arts.
When that conversation ended, Geom Mu-geuk asked after the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master.
The story of Yeo-jeong, the woman who loved the Smiling Demon, expanding her pavilion business in the Central Plains was so interesting that Seo Dae-ryong was afraid they might tell him to leave.
Then they discussed the state of the Murim.
Seo Dae-ryong realized for the first time that the Smiling Demon was more knowledgeable in various fields than he had thought and was someone who enjoyed conversation.
Eventually, when the topic of the Villain Valley masks came up again, Seo Dae-ryong couldn't help himself. Hadn't he been trained by Geom Mu-geuk’s banter? His head and heart held back, but his mouth did not.
“I actually have a smaller head and face than I look, so masks suit me quite well.”
The Smiling Demon stared at him. Beside him, Geom Mu-geuk created an atmosphere of terror by putting on a shocked expression.
“No, I don't mean to say that your face is big, Lord Smiling Demon.”
That’s not it! Geom Mu-geuk looked even more shocked.
The Smiling Demon suddenly stood up and approached Seo Dae-ryong.
I should have left earlier.
Seo Dae-ryong squeezed his eyes shut.
The Smiling Demon passed Seo Dae-ryong and went outside, only to return shortly after. In his hand was a white mask. It was a brand-new one.
“Try it on.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s heart pounded like crazy.
Is he going to tear off any part of my face that doesn't fit inside the mask with his own hands? Is that it?
Fortunately, the mask fit. It was a bit tight, but he forced himself to act like it fit perfectly.
“It fits perfectly!”
“It is a gift.”
“Thank you.”
Seo Dae-ryong was dazed. He really hadn't expected the Smiling Demon to give him a mask as a gift.
As he listened to the two of them talk until dawn, Seo Dae-ryong drifted off to sleep. He hadn't thought he would actually sleep in the Smiling Demon’s room. He had fallen asleep while sitting on the floor, leaning his back against the bed.
When he woke up, Geom Mu-geuk and the Smiling Demon were standing side by side at the window, watching the faint light of dawn.
They weren't even talking via voice transmission. They were just standing there together in silence.
More than the sight of the two of them talking earlier, the image of their backs as they looked in the same direction in silence remained etched in Seo Dae-ryong’s heart.
Then, the Smiling Demon looked back.
Startled, Seo Dae-ryong closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.
I have to go. I really have to go.
While pretending to be asleep, Seo Dae-ryong actually fell asleep. When he opened his eyes again, the sun was high in the sky.
The Smiling Demon was looking down at him. He was so startled he almost screamed. Desperately suppressing the urge to shout, he looked around to find that Geom Mu-geuk was already gone.
Yes, that man is a devil.
A devil who would leave him in hell just for his own amusement. Then again, who was the one who dragged him into this white hell in the first place?
The Smiling Demon asked bluntly, “Just when are you going to leave?”
Clutching the gifted mask in his hand, Seo Dae-ryong finally managed to say the words he had wanted to say all night.
“I’ll be going now.”