Chapter 436: Even if Wounded, Eight Share the Burden
Chapter 436: Even if Wounded, Eight Share the Burden
The eyes of the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon, visible behind his mask, burned with sincerity.
His declaration that he would follow me regardless of the orders given meant he would support me even if it meant defying the Heavenly Demon’s command.
Uttering those words alone was a death sentence. In the Cult, defying the Heavenly Demon resulted in death, regardless of one's status or merit.
Just now, the Smiling Demon had staked his life for me.
Because of that, my gaze and voice trembled as I looked at him.
“This must be why... why my father chose you to be the first Demon Lord I met.”
The Smiling Demon stared at me silently before speaking unexpectedly.
“I hope you do not let this matter become a personal dispute between father and son.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that you should not let this drive a wedge between the two of you. Instead, make this a matter between the Cult Leader and the Demon Lords.”
The Smiling Demon was worried about the relationship between my father and me.
“You must actively utilize the Demon Lords, Young Cult Leader. In other matters, it might be different, but when it comes to war, the will of the Demon Lords is of absolute importance.”
No matter how powerful the Heavenly Demon was, he could not make a unilateral decision regarding a war where everyone’s lives were at stake.
“If more than half of the Demon Lords oppose it, even the Cult Leader will have no choice but to abandon his intent.”
But would the other Demon Lords be as willing to take my side as the Smiling Demon? Probably not. Even the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had hesitated, unable to reach a decision.
“I may have grown closer to the Demon Lords, but making them go against my father’s wishes will be difficult.”
“Of course it will be difficult. However, if you are to realize your own Demonic Path, you must achieve it.”
I nodded silently, revealing my honest feelings.
“It feels harder now because we’ve become closer than before. In the past, I used my Flattery Divine Art and practically bewitched everyone with my words, didn't I? Now, that feels a bit difficult. Is it finally time to return to my roots as a sycophant?”
Despite my joke, the eyes behind the mask remained serious.
“Do you really think the Demon Lords fell for that Flattery Divine Art?”
“Did they not?”
The Smiling Demon spoke firmly.
“They fell for your sincerity. The sincerity that was always present beneath the flattery and the flowery words you spoke. Your Demonic Path, which seeks to protect even a lowly tavern owner—I believe everyone was won over by that.”
The fact that he was more talkative than usual was likely due to his genuine concern for me.
“So, you can be even more relentless. Whether it’s flattery or coercion. Shout at them to follow you because your Demonic Path is such and such. Do not worry about the Demon Lords. Do not worry about being a burden to them. If those people make a decision, it’s because they chose to, and because they are capable of handling the consequences of that choice.”
After a brief pause, the Smiling Demon added, “There are eight of us. Even if we are wounded, eight of us will share the burden. So do not hesitate. Draw that sword.”
The Smiling Demon from before my regression was not this kind of person. Now, I could feel the heat burning deep within him.
That heart, which had wished to be my friend until the very moment of his death, must have originated from this inner warmth.
Smiling Demon, let’s go together until the end in this life. Let’s remain friends until the very last moment.
This was my answer to his passion.
I offered a respectful fist salute to express my gratitude.
“Yes, I will keep that in mind. Thank you for the advice.”
The Smiling Demon returned the salute with equal respect.
“I am the one who should be thanking you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Thanks to the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng you gave me a while ago, my martial arts have reached the next level.”
“Ah, congratulations!”
I was as happy as if it were my own achievement. No, I was happier than if I had achieved it myself.
However, I couldn't take all the credit.
“That achievement probably wasn't just because of the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.”
Simply increasing one's internal energy didn't mean their martial arts would automatically advance. Many factors must have played a role. The ginseng certainly helped, but everything from our life-and-death duel to the change in his heart—like bringing a bed into his room and studying ledgers—must have contributed.
“My martial arts had been stagnant for a long time. It was incredibly frustrating, but I finally broke through. Thanks to that, there has been a great change in my techniques.”
He was genuinely happy. Reaching the next level when one was already at the caliber of a Demon Lord was an incredibly difficult feat.
I figured this was what he wanted to hear most right now.
“I look forward to our next spar.”
As expected, the Smiling Demon’s eyes crinkled in a bright smile.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Before I left, the Smiling Demon emphasized one final fact.
“To stop the war, you must absolutely bring one specific person among the Eight Demon Lords to your side.”
“Who is it?”
The person the Smiling Demon had in mind was...
“The Poison King.”
In truth, I was thinking the same thing.
In a war, the person who could strike the greatest fear into the enemy was the Poison King.
The moment war broke out, he would become the number one assassination target for both the Murim Alliance and the Unorthodox Path Alliance. Countless assassins and hit squads would be mobilized to kill him.
He might even be classified as a higher priority than my father or me. That was how terrifying the Poison King, capable of mass slaughter, would be to them.
I thought of the Poison King, alone in the forest. I pictured him lost in his own world, staring at poisonous herbs and insects regardless of what anyone said around him.
“He’s the most difficult person to persuade among the Demon Lords.”
The Smiling Demon spoke with a meaningful glint in his eyes.
“That will be the same for the Cult Leader as well.”
*
After leaving the Smiling Demon’s residence, I went straight to the Drunken Dream Pavilion.
Meeting the other Demon Lords was important, but my priority was to find out my father’s true intentions.
What kind of conversation had he shared with the Drunken Demon?
Yeo-bin, whom I hadn't seen in a while, greeted me warmly and led me into the pavilion.
“I am glad you returned safely, Young Cult Leader.”
“It was thanks to Lord Drunken Demon.”
“The Drunken Demon mentioned that he gained much from this trip.”
“I only realized it during this journey. I never knew he was such a wonderful person.”
When I praised the Drunken Demon, Yeo-bin gave a faint smile.
I took the boat she operated to cross over to the Drunken Dream Pavilion in the middle of the lake.
The Drunken Demon was perched on the railing of the pavilion, staring out at the lake. Seeing him like that reminded me of the Smiling Demon staring at his white wall.
Even from a distance, I could tell he was drunk.
“He has been drinking continuously since returning from his visit with the Cult Leader.”
“Did he return in a bad mood?”
“No, he is drinking because he is in such a good mood.”
The rowboat reached the island.
Upon seeing me, the Drunken Demon waved his hand and shouted.
“You’re here? Welcome! My little brother!”
He shouted excitedly, his voice slurred.
When I climbed up into the pavilion, empty wine bottles were scattered everywhere. He was currently drinking wine poured into the Ice Palace Holy Cup.
“What is this binge? Didn't you promise that when you drank from that cup, you’d only have one drink for every two you used to have?”
“It’s a special day, so let it slide just this once. I’m in such a good mood I can’t help but drink.”
Had I ever seen the Drunken Demon this happy?
“I guess the drinks with my father went well. Did you drink a lot?”
“Don't even ask. We emptied every bottle in the Heavenly Demon Hall. I didn't realize it while I was drinking, but the moment I stepped out of the hall, the intoxication hit me like a wave. I was so nervous while I was with the Cult Leader that I didn't even realize I was drunk.”
I could easily imagine how nervous he must have been.
“Was that your first time drinking one-on-one with my father?”
“I’ve had drinks with him a few times before. I had some when I first became a Demon Lord. But back then, it was just a casual drink or two. Or I was with other people. This was the first time I’ve properly shared a drink with the Cult Leader.”
“How was it?”
“It was good. Really good.”
“What did you talk about?”
“We talked about everything. The Cult Leader even remembered things from when I was young.”
The memory seemed to please him, and the Drunken Demon took another happy swig.
“The thing that made me happiest was this. The Cult Leader told me that he felt at ease sending you out with me. Ah, I never knew the Cult Leader trusted me that much.”
The Drunken Demon looked truly moved. Had my father really started managing the Demon Lords? Or had he genuinely just wanted to share a seat with the Drunken Demon?
“This is all thanks to you.”
“Why?”
“If you hadn't gotten me this Ice Palace Holy Cup, the Cult Leader wouldn't have asked to drink. He only asked because the wine tasted so good in it.”
“It might not have been because of the cup.”
“It wasn't?”
“Maybe he’s trying to make you his right-hand man?”
At that, the Drunken Demon shook his head firmly.
“There’s no way.”
“You never know.”
After a brief pause, the Drunken Demon said, “I am not the kind of person the Cult Leader likes. He likes people like the Fist Demon or the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.”
“Seeing as you can still judge things clearly, you aren't drunk at all.”
The Fist Demon was someone who would follow my father’s orders without a moment’s hesitation, no matter what they were. That was the deep trust the Fist Demon commanded.
The Drunken Demon stared at the lake for a moment before suddenly asking, “Why did you come here?”
He had noticed that there must be a reason I came to the Drunken Dream Pavilion when there were so many other Demon Lords to visit.
It was time to throw a stone into this calm lake.
If I told him the truth, it would surely pour cold water on his good mood. And it wasn't even a confirmed matter yet. Should I just let it slide?
There are times when you want to avoid an uncomfortable situation under the pretext of being considerate. This was exactly one of those times. If I didn't say anything, we could just pass the time laughing. If I spoke up, things would get serious, and tempers might flare.
However, this was exactly when I needed to put myself in his shoes. How would I feel if someone didn't tell me the truth for my own sake? Would that consideration actually become a wound?
Thinking about it that way, I realized I would be upset.
Putting everything else aside, the decisive reason for not telling him was that I didn't want to ruin his mood because he was so happy? That wasn't right.
Furthermore, if it were a secret no one else knew, that would be one thing, but the Blade Demon knew, and the Smiling Demon knew as well.
“Have you enjoyed yourself enough?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, have you fully basked in my father’s affection?”
The Drunken Demon’s expression stiffened slightly. He realized that what I was about to say was related to his drinking session with my father.
“I’m sorry to ruin the mood. But this is something I have to be honest with you about, Brother.”
I relayed the core of the conversations I’d had with the previous two Demon Lords to the Drunken Demon.
“It’s not certain yet. We’re only guessing what my father’s true intentions are.”
After hearing the whole story, the Drunken Demon fell into thought.
“I’ve been carefully recalling yesterday’s drinking session, and he didn't mention a single word about what you’re worried about. He didn't even give an inkling of it.”
Then, the Drunken Demon suddenly seemed to crave more alcohol and gulped down several drinks in a row. His expression said it all: Yeah, there’s no way the Cult Leader would actually like me!
“We don't know the exact details yet. He might have just been trying to bridge the distance between you two. Who knows what’s in my father’s heart?”
Refilling his glass, the Drunken Demon pointed out one fact.
“Still, one thing is certain.”
“What?”
“He asked me to look after you as well. You said he told the Smiling Demon the same thing?”
“He told you too?”
The Drunken Demon nodded. My father had asked someone to look after me again?
“Has he completely given up on the Smiling Demon and you, and just accepted you as being on my side?”
At that, the Drunken Demon looked indignant.
“Why would he give up on me?”
“What? Brother, weren't you on my side?”
The Drunken Demon spoke with a straight face.
“Young Cult Leader, you must distinguish between public and private matters.”
It was half-joking, half-serious, but it felt closer to the truth.
Indeed, it wasn't just the Drunken Demon. No matter how close we had become, how could they refuse my father’s orders? There was no need to feel hurt by this.
However, I wanted to know the Drunken Demon’s thoughts while I had the chance.
“Even if that order is to start a war?”
The Drunken Demon didn't answer. Did he want to roam through the mists of the battlefield? Or did he want to sit here, drinking wine while looking at this beautiful lake?
The Drunken Demon didn't give a direct answer to my question.
“While dealing with those bastards using the Self-Destruction Art this time, I had this thought. These pieces of trash are running wild, forgetting how fearsome our Cult is.”
I could feel that the Drunken Demon was speaking indirectly.
He wanted to sweep away everything that needed to be swept away.
Of course, that didn't necessarily mean he wanted to start a war, but I could tell it also didn't mean he just wanted to live out his days staring at this lake.
“In the end, you’re on my father’s side.”
“What’s all this about your side and my side?”
“Because it seems this matter will inevitably turn into a fight between sides.”
The Drunken Demon drank without answering.
“When I see my father, I’ll be sure to tell him about your loyalty. I’ll say, ‘His loyalty to you was stronger than our brotherhood!’”
At that, the Drunken Demon spoke in a dejected voice.
“I wonder if he’d even like that.”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel like he might actually hate it.”
“Why would he hate you saying you’ll follow him?”
The Drunken Demon drank again.
“The Cult Leader told me to look after you, didn't he? For some reason, he might be expecting me to take your side.”
The Drunken Demon held out his glass toward me. I drank the wine he poured, then refilled his glass in return.
“If you know that so well, why are you acting like this?”
“Why else? Because I’m a drunkard.”
The Drunken Demon had asked what was with the sides, but I could feel it. He was someone who truly wanted to be on my father’s side.
Deep in the Drunken Demon’s heart, there was a clear desire to be seen in a good light by my father.
He wanted to look better and be more recognized by that man than anyone else—that was the kind of person my father was to the Drunken Demon.
I didn't know where the root of that longing came from. Whether it was due to the long-standing misunderstanding that my father hated him, or if there was some other reason.
“Young Cult Leader.”
Since the playfulness had vanished from the Drunken Demon’s voice, I also spoke formally.
“Yes, Lord Drunken Demon.”
“Make sure you persuade the other Demon Lords.”
“I will.”
After bowing politely, I added with a shout, “What do you mean, ‘I will’! Even you’ve abandoned me, so who’s going to take my side?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it. He said he remembered things about me that even I don't remember well.”
“The next time I leave the Cult and return, you’ll be the very last person I visit!”
As I grumbled and prepared to leave my seat, the Drunken Demon spoke.
“Thanks for being honest with me.”
I stared into his eyes and answered calmly.
“Of course I should be. You’re my brother.”
At my words, the Drunken Demon smiled with a look of deep relief.
Yes, the core of our relationship today lay right here. I was honest with him, and he was honest with me.
Honesty can sometimes be a double-edged sword that cuts us, but we were people who knew how to handle blades better than anyone.
That was why, even if he chose to side with my father, we could still grow closer.
“Who’s next?”
The person who might actually know my father’s true heart.
I walked slowly down from the Drunken Dream Pavilion and clenched my fists.
“I’m going to try clashing head-on. I’m going to the tallest, most jagged cliff.”