Chapter 57: I Hope No Other Monster Emerges
Chapter 57: I Hope No Other Monster Emerges
The next day, news of the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord’s death struck the Cult like a thunderbolt.
While several high-profile deaths had occurred recently, the passing of a Demon Lord was on an entirely different level. An emergency was declared within the Cult, and a full-scale investigation was launched immediately.
It was our Huangquan Pavilion that was dispatched to handle the case. Given the gravity of the situation, every Special Investigator and twenty Enforcement Martial Artists were mobilized to the Seohwan Formation.
In front of the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord’s residence, his disciples and ghost practitioners had formed a human wall.
“You cannot enter.”
They were resolute, their faces a mix of panic and desperation. They were flustered, clearly unsure how to handle a catastrophe of this magnitude. Their plan was simple: stall us until the remaining Demon Lords reached a collective decision.
I didn’t bother forcing my way through.
“Fine. Then at least let the Demon Doctor inside. We need to preserve the body before it decays, and shouldn't we determine the exact cause of death?”
The Demon Doctor was known to be a politically neutral figure. Since every practitioner in the Main Cult trusted and respected his expertise, the disciples couldn't find a reason to refuse.
After a long and meticulous examination, the Demon Doctor emerged. He addressed both me and the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord’s disciples.
“It appears he died because his heart and blood vessels were catastrophically damaged by an excessive, self-inflicted emission of internal energy. There are no signs of an intruder, no evidence of a struggle, and he wasn't compromised by any toxins. It appears to be a clear case of Qi Deviation.”
The disciples broke into lamentations at the news, while I rejoiced inwardly.
As long as the words 'Qi Deviation' came from the Demon Doctor’s mouth, I was safe. I wouldn't have to waste my time hunting for a culprit that didn't exist.
On the way back from the Seohwan Formation to report to the Heavenly Demon Hall, Seo Dae-ryong leaned in and asked cautiously.
“...It wasn’t you, was it?”
“What wasn’t?”
“You know... that.”
Perhaps not daring to speak the words aloud, Seo Dae-ryong sent a private transmission.
— Pavilion Master, you didn’t actually kill the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord, did you?
— Why? Do you think I’m capable of it?
— ...You brought that child to me yesterday. You said she was almost sacrificed to the Heart-Soul Great Law.
And that wasn't all. Two months ago, when we left the Cult, he had told me that my eyes looked like those of someone trying to make the impossible possible. Now, that impossibility had become a grim reality.
— Do you really want to know the truth?
— No! Absolutely not. I’d rather stay ignorant. I’ll head back to the pavilion first.
Seo Dae-ryong turned on his heel and practically bolted toward the Huangquan Pavilion.
In the distance, the Heavenly Demon Hall loomed.
I wondered how Father would react.
*
I walked slowly along the Path of Blood.
Father was seated in his Grand Tutor’s chair, looking as imposing as ever. Today, Chief Strategist Sama Myeong was with him.
When I offered my greetings, Sama Myeong spoke up. “Second Young Master, how was your excursion outside the Cult?”
“The work was just an excuse; I mostly spent my time playing around.”
“You look even better than before.”
“Strategist, you shouldn't spend your whole life working. You should get some fresh air and slack off occasionally too.”
“On the one day I finally decide to rest after a lifetime of labor, that’s usually when the enemies decide to attack,” Sama Myeong joked. We shared a light laugh.
After the pleasantries, I moved on to the official report regarding the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord.
“The Demon Doctor has concluded the cause of death was Qi Deviation.”
At my words, Father and Sama Myeong fell silent. I could feel their skepticism. What were the odds that a figure of a Demon Lord’s caliber would suddenly succumb to Qi Deviation?
I decided to make the first move.
“It is hard to believe that someone as powerful as the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord suffered Qi Deviation so abruptly. There is a possibility he was murdered.”
“That is a possibility,” Sama Myeong agreed.
“Huangquan Pavilion will continue to investigate the case.”
“The Demon Lords will take charge of the investigation this time,” Father interjected.
“Not us?”
“By tradition, the Heavenly Demon Hall cannot intervene in matters regarding the death of a Demon Lord. We have no choice but to watch the situation unfold from the sidelines.”
“Well, if that’s the case, I won’t complain. It makes things easier for us.”
After discussing a few more details regarding the incident, Sama Myeong excused himself.
Once the Strategist had withdrawn, Father asked point-blank.
“How did you kill him?”
“What do you mean?”
“I asked how you killed the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord.”
Father’s tone wasn't one of anger, but pure curiosity. He wasn't the type to mourn the dead. He was likely wondering: How on earth did this brat kill a Demon Lord? And how did he do it in a way that looked like Qi Deviation?
“I’d love to give you a cool answer—to explain exactly how I pulled it off. But you overrate me, Father. No matter how great my talent, I’m not so incredible that I could force the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord into a fatal Qi Deviation.”
To be honest, I wanted to tell him the truth.
However, there was no way to explain how I had obtained the Blood Eye Purifying Water. It was a stroke of luck that the Demon Lord had died of Qi Deviation. If it had looked like he died in combat, they would have dissected every inch of the scene to find the killer. In that scenario, I would have had to hide the body. Either way, this was much less of a headache.
“I was drinking all night with Elder Blade Demon yesterday. He can vouch for my whereabouts.”
Father merely snorted.
“Did the two of you go and kill him together?”
“No. Absolutely not. Father, this is divine punishment. The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord was a monster who ripped out people’s hearts while they were still breathing.”
Father clearly already believed I was the culprit.
Even so, there was another reason I didn't tell the truth. It would be a burden to him. It would put him in a position where he had to intentionally turn a blind eye while knowing his son had murdered a Demon Lord.
After studying me in silence for a moment, Father spoke abruptly.
“Now that the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord is dead, the other Demon Lords who were staying quiet will start to move.”
The Eight Demon Lords were a community bound by life and death. The death of one was a threat to the rest. Just as Father suspected me, they would likely suspect me as well.
I looked at Father and said calmly, “I only hope that no other monster emerges during that process.”
*
After leaving the Heavenly Demon Hall, I visited the Northern Heavenly Sword House.
Sa U-jong was the one who greeted me.
“Welcome, Second Young Master.”
His expression was brighter than usual, though I saw through it.
Sa U-jong, Sa U-jong. Do you realize that, strictly speaking, you’re the one who killed the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord?
If he hadn't tried to involve the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord in his schemes, I wouldn't have known about the Heart-Soul Great Law. In this situation, Sa U-jong was likely the most terrified person in the Cult. I was supposed to be dead, yet I was standing here, and the Demon Lord was the one in a coffin.
After guiding me to the hermitage hut, he bowed politely and retreated.
“Then, please enjoy your conversation.”
He certainly wasn't a good man, but I couldn't punish him just for involving the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord. I intended to keep an eye on him while feigning ignorance. If a chance to use him against himself arose, I would take it then.
“Welcome, Second Young Master.”
In the past, One Flower Sword Venerable wouldn't even look back while tending to her garden, but now she greeted me warmly.
“Have you been well, Senior?”
“I heard you left the Cult. Did you have a good trip?”
“Yes. I came back after getting some fresh air.”
“You seem to improve by leaps and bounds every time I see you.”
“Do I look that different?”
Was it because of our three-day sparring match? She was incredibly sensitive to the changes in my aura.
“To the point where I feel the urge to request a duel this very instant.”
“Let’s have a session soon.”
“Good. You’re welcome anytime.”
I held out the package I had brought for her.
“This is a small gift, Senior.”
I had brought seeds that were difficult to find in this region.
“I brought them because I heard the flowers have a wonderful fragrance.”
“Oh? This is the first time in my life I’ve received seeds as a gift.”
“It’s a first for me, too.”
“Thank you. I’ll do my best to grow them. Now, come in and have a cup of tea.”
I entered her home for the first time. The interior was elegantly decorated and smelled of faint blossoms.
“The house is cozy and nice.”
“Nice? It’s nothing special, just a place where an old woman lives alone.”
“Old? You should walk down the streets of Hangzhou with me once. Men would be lining up every ten steps to ask for your name.”
“What nonsense!”
Though she waved her hand dismissively, she couldn't hide her smile. She was weak to this kind of praise—more so than praise for her swordsmanship.
“Let’s go sometime. With Elder Blade Demon as well.”
At the mention of the Blade Demon, her expression stiffened. She was still on bad terms with him. She only tried to hide it because I was caught in the middle. Reconciling the two of them was going to be a monumental task.
She naturally changed the subject.
“Have you heard the news? The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord is dead.”
“Yes, I heard.”
“Were you... involved in that death?”
She stared straight at me as she asked. In that moment, her gaze turned cold. Regardless of her goodwill toward me, the death of the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord was something that put the other Demon Lords on edge. The awareness that if one fell, the rest could follow, was a survival principle they had held for a very long time.
“The Demon Doctor concluded that he died of Qi Deviation.”
“No Demon Lord will believe that.”
“Even so, it wasn't me.”
At my firm words, One Flower Sword Venerable withdrew her suspicious gaze, though it was impossible to tell if she truly believed me.
“Why did you think it was me?”
It was likely because of our duel. She knew my skills were on par with hers.
“Because the lake is rippling from the waves you’ve caused. Ah, you said you didn't like lakes, but rather the stormy sea, didn't you? The moment you immersed yourself, the peaceful lake had already turned into a sea. The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord was simply the first to drown in it.”
“I’m just a man fishing in that sea. I don't push people in to drown them.”
“That much is true. Since you’ve already hooked the Blade Demon.”
“Would it be difficult to hook you as well, Senior?”
“It might be possible if you release the fish you’ve already caught. I have no desire to enter a net where the Blade Demon is already trapped.”
I gave a faint smile, but she remained serious.
“You never know how things will turn out. The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord was someone who cherished his own life above all else... to think he would be the first to die like this.”
“The Seohwan Formation will be in chaos for a while.”
“A battle for succession will break out.”
When a Demon Lord dies, a successor takes over, but they only become official if they are recognized by four of the remaining seven Demon Lords. The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord had five disciples. Since he died before naming an heir, the most outstanding among them would likely fight for the seat.
“Who do you support?”
“Why are you curious about that?”
“Wouldn't it be better if someone on our side took over?”
“Our side?”
“Yes, our side. We’re sparring friends, aren't we?”
I made the move before she could bring up the Blade Demon again. Perhaps finding the term 'sparring friends' amusing, she finally offered a small smile.
“I suppose I can share the same sentiment with a sparring friend.”
After talking with her a bit more, I bid her farewell.
“I’ll take my leave for today.”
“Thank you for coming by when you’re busy.”
One Flower Sword Venerable followed me out to the yard.
“Second Young Master. When you fish, some fish are caught easily, while others resist stubbornly. But be careful. Some fish might jump out and attack the fisherman, or even capsize the boat.”
In short, she was telling me to be wary of the other Eight Demon Lords.
“Thank you for your concern.”
“And don't forget, I’m not a caught fish yet.”
“Isn't the fact that you’re giving me this advice proof that you’re already halfway in the net?”
One Flower Sword Venerable didn't seem offended. Perhaps she admitted that was exactly where she stood.
“Then, please take care until I see you again.”
After leaving the hut and walking a short distance, I looked back to see her planting the seeds I had given her. It felt like only yesterday she was glaring at me with murderous intent, yet we had already developed this kind of rapport.
She was right. You really never know how things will turn out.
Just as Father and One Flower Sword Venerable had warned, a meeting of the Seven Demon Lords took place that very day. It was an emergency summit arranged because of the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord’s death. Since it was a closed meeting, even Father didn't know what was discussed.
On the night of the meeting, Blood Heaven Blade Demon came to see me. His expression was grim.
“Do you have any alcohol?”