Chapter 724: The Master Was Not a Master
Chapter 724: The Master Was Not a Master
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon stared at his reflection in the bronze mirror.
He had cast aside the martial robes he wore every day in favor of formal ceremonial attire. It was a necessary change for his role as the officiant of today’s wedding.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon cleared his throat tentatively.
“On this day, the groom, Seo Dae-ryong, and the bride, Dan-ah, are joined in a lifelong bond by a match made in heaven.”
He tried adjusting his tone and phrasing several times.
“Are joined. Shall be joined. Hereby join.”
None of it felt right, and a look of dissatisfaction clouded his face. If he followed his natural temperament, he would have preferred to say it like this:
“Today is the day these two forge a blood pact!”
But he knew he couldn't do that. He went back to practicing the officiant’s address.
“The groom, Seo Dae-ryong, dedicated himself to the Cult at an early age and walked the arduous path of the Demonic Path…”
When he forgot the next part, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve. He muttered the written contents to himself for a moment before speaking again.
“After serving as a Special Investigator for the Huangquan Pavilion, he rose to the position of Pavilion Master at a young age. The bride, Dan-ah, has traveled across the Central Plains…”
He unfolded the paper again to memorize the rest. Just as his voice began to tremble from nerves, someone spoke from behind him.
“My goodness! How can the officiant be more nervous than the groom?”
A faint smile touched the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s lips. The voice belonged to Geom Mu-geuk.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned toward him and barked, “Who’s nervous?”
“Aren’t you struggling to memorize it because you’re so tense?”
“Do you really think I can’t memorize something as simple as this?”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed.
“If you try to do it by rote like that, you’re bound to forget. Your mind will go blank, and you won’t be able to think of a single thing.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s brow twitched, but he couldn't deny the truth in those words. Mu-geuk was right. He had been trying to memorize it since last night and still couldn't get it down; it would be even worse in front of an audience.
“I’d rather fight a life-and-death battle against the Murim Alliance Leader.”
He wouldn't even blink at a challenge like that. He couldn't understand why something like this was making him so jittery.
Geom Mu-geuk offered a solution.
“Just say what you want to say to Dae-ryong. It doesn’t matter if it’s short. In fact, guests these days prefer short speeches anyway.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon admitted honestly, “In my younger days, I could memorize entire martial arts manuals on the spot. I don’t know why this won’t stick.”
“It’s because it’s your disciple’s wedding and you want to do right by him.”
“Why don’t you just say it’s because I’m getting old!”
After that brief outburst of grumpiness...
Whoosh.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon used his Heat Yang Energy to incinerate the paper containing the speech.
“I’ll just tell them to eat well and live well! That’s all I’m going to say.”
“That suits you perfectly, Elder. Everyone will love it.”
Then, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon said something unexpected.
“Or maybe you should give the address instead.”
“Me?” Mu-geuk looked bewildered.
“Weren’t you the one who turned that fellow Dae-ryong into a decent human being and got him to this wedding? You’re much better with words, too.”
“You’re the one who made the Pavilion Master a man, Elder. Would the Seo Dae-ryong of today even exist if you hadn’t taken him as a disciple?”
“That only happened because I fell for your schemes.”
“I wasn't the one who let Dae-ryong sleep in my bed after he grabbed my pant leg in a drunken stupor.”
In that sense, Mu-geuk truly believed the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Dae-ryong were destined for one another.
“You worked hard to make the Pavilion Master a man and see him married, Elder.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon stared intently at Geom Mu-geuk. Seeing how the young man had come to check on him, knowing he would be anxious on a day like this, he thought Mu-geuk was remarkably consistent.
“How is the fist-fighting going with that master of yours?”
Everyone knew that Geom Mu-geuk had been holed up in the Fist Demon’s quarters, focused on training.
Mu-geuk held up a clenched fist.
“It went from an infant’s fist to a boy’s fist, and yesterday, I was finally recognized. This is an adult’s fist now.”
The Thunder Asura Fist had reached another level. When two people pursuing the ultimate heights of martial arts shared their achievements and trained with open hearts, the results were staggering.
It wasn't just Mu-geuk; the Fist Demon had also gained much from the training. At the end, the Fist Demon had said:
— I wonder if my fist will make a sound again.
A thunderous sound that had appeared and then vanished—if it returned now, what kind of sound would it be? More importantly, how powerful would that fist be?
“It’s all thanks to you, Elder.”
“How is it thanks to me? It’s thanks to your master’s teaching and your own hard work.”
“Because you pointed me in the right direction. If not for you, I would have been sprinting in the opposite direction. Effort spent on the wrong path only returns as frustration proportional to that effort. 'If you don't know which way to go, you're better off resting.' It’s all thanks to your teachings.”
Seeing the satisfied expression on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s face, Geom Mu-geuk added with a smile, “Now, it’s time for you to tell Dae-ryong which way he should go. Let’s head out.”
*
At that same time, Seo Dae-ryong was also standing before a bronze mirror.
He wore a red ceremonial robe embroidered with clouds and cranes, silk shoes, a floral crown, and a jade belt. He looked utterly foreign to himself.
Seo Dae-ryong asked his reflection, “Dae-ryong, is it really okay for you to be this happy?”
Then, a voice came from behind him.
“It is.”
Startled, he turned to see Demon Monarch Jang Ho standing at the door.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”
Seo Dae-ryong approached him with a moved expression.
“Thank you, Monarch.”
They had shared a meal once so he could introduce Dan-ah, but they hadn't seen each other since because of their busy schedules.
“How do you feel?”
At Jang Ho’s question, Seo Dae-ryong replied with a smile, “You just heard me, didn't you?”
Jang Ho laughed along with him.
“Well then, let us go.”
When they stepped outside, four members of the Demon Army were waiting.
“We have decided to escort the bride and groom for the day.”
“You really didn't have to go this far…”
It might have seemed like a small gesture, but it carried great significance. The Demon Army moving like this meant the Demon Monarch was publicly acknowledging his friendship with Seo Dae-ryong. Given Jang Ho’s habitually strict personality, this was an immense show of favor.
“Thank you, Monarch.”
“Don’t mention it.”
If he hadn't met Geom Mu-geuk and had his life changed, he would have been someone who never shared a single word with such a person. Now, they were this close.
They arrived at the ceremony site.
The large training ground was decorated entirely with red and gold cloth and banners. A large folding screen stood in the center, with a wedding table set before it. To the left and right, seats were prepared for the groom and bride to receive guests.
As Seo Dae-ryong took his seat, he was stunned. So many seats had been prepared for the guests, and his first thought was whether they could possibly fill them all.
Soon after, the bride’s floral palanquin arrived.
When Dan-ah stepped out of the palanquin, her heart sank. There was no one in the countless seats provided, even though the ceremony was about to begin. With a trembling heart, she sat in the bride’s waiting area.
Next, Geom Mu-geuk and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon arrived. Seo Dae-ryong stood up and greeted them.
“Master! Young Cult Leader!”
Internally, Seo Dae-ryong was flustered by the lack of guests.
Geom Mu-geuk looked around. “It’s almost time for the ceremony to start, but not many people have come.”
It wasn't just "not many"; aside from the Demon Army soldiers who had come with them, there were only a handful of people.
“Are the Huangquan Pavilion investigators and the enforcement warriors not here yet?”
At Mu-geuk’s question, Seo Dae-ryong hung his head low.
“It seems I haven't conducted myself well in the past.”
Seo Dae-ryong looked like he might burst into tears at any moment. He was fine for himself; he had lived a lonely life anyway. But for Dan-ah’s sake, he didn't want the wedding to be this desolate. He hadn't wanted her to see this. Please, just twenty more people—no, just ten!
“The people who truly want to celebrate you are the ones who matter. They’re all here. Your master is here, Demon Monarch Jang is here, Lee An is here. The second and youngest misses are here. And most importantly, I’m here!”
Seo Dae-ryong grabbed Mu-geuk’s sleeve and pulled him aside, whispering desperately, “Young Cult Leader, please, call some of your guards at least. It’s too embarrassing for Miss Dan to see this.”
He hadn't expected so few people to show up. He had worked so hard, but it seemed that effort had only mattered to him.
“Will just my guards be enough?”
“Pardon?”
Geom Mu-geuk raised his hand high.
Whiz! Bang! Boom!
At that signal, fireworks erupted from all directions. Brilliant, beautiful fireworks burst against the blue sky.
Pop! Boom! Bang!
Only then did the guests begin to pour in. Geom Mu-geuk had kept them waiting for a moment just to tease Seo Dae-ryong.
“Young Cult Leader!”
Tears welled in Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes as he saw the people entering the grounds.
“The bride isn't even crying, so why is the groom about to start?”
“I—I was really shocked!”
“Well, did you think you could get married before me without suffering at least this much?”
The first to enter were the Huangquan Pavilion investigators and the enforcement warriors.
“Pavilion Master! Congratulations!”
Led by the senior investigator, Gok Myeong, the investigators swarmed in to offer their congratulations. The enforcement warriors followed behind them.
“And even without me asking, my guards came too.”
Indeed, the Young Cult Leader’s guards had also arrived to celebrate. Seo Dae-ryong was overwhelmed, trying to greet the flood of well-wishers.
Watching this, Dan-ah felt a wave of relief. To be honest, she had been even more nervous and flustered than Seo Dae-ryong until a moment ago.
Thank goodness.
Thinking back to the empty seats just minutes ago, the fact that she had no guests of her own didn't even seem like a problem. But that problem was also quickly resolved.
A crowd of guests rushed in to congratulate her as well. It was the Ghost Shadow 2nd Team, led by Seo Jin.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Miss Dan!”
As Seo Jin offered her greetings on behalf of the group, Dan-yeon stepped forward to introduce her to her sister.
“This is the leader of the Ghost Shadow 2nd Team, the squad I belong to.”
Dan-ah bowed politely. “My sister still has much to learn. Please continue to guide her well.”
“Yeon-ie is already doing a great job. Don't you worry.”
The other team members stepped forward to congratulate her.
“Congratulations on your wedding.”
“I’m on the same team as Dan-yeon. Congratulations.”
“Best wishes.”
It wasn't just one or two people. Almost the entire team had come, and Dan-ah was deeply moved. She felt a sense of peace. The worries that had kept her awake all night vanished. This level of celebration was more than enough. In fact, it was overflowing.
They weren't the only guests today.
Various Unit Leaders and Captains of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult came to congratulate Seo Dae-ryong. Given the nature of the Huangquan Pavilion, they usually didn't have good relationships with other organizations, yet many still came. It was thanks to Seo Dae-ryong’s fair handling of matters. While many disliked him, many others respected his professionalism.
Suddenly, the warriors parted to create a path.
The first Demon Lord arrived. Though he seemed like the type to arrive last, the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon had unexpectedly arrived first. Wearing his white mask and accompanied by several Faceless Guests, he walked toward Seo Dae-ryong.
The Smiling Demon offered his congratulations.
“My congratulations.”
“Thank you so much. I didn't expect you to come, Lord Smiling Demon.”
No matter how high his position as Pavilion Master, Seo Dae-ryong hadn't dared to invite the Demon Lords.
“The Blade Demon invited me.”
In truth, even without the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s invitation, the Smiling Demon would have attended. He was, after all, Geom Mu-geuk’s right-hand man.
At that moment, the 17th Gyo, standing behind Cha Yi-ran, scanned the Faceless Guests behind the Smiling Demon for the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest. To her surprise, he was there. It seemed he, like her, had made an effort to be part of this escort mission. Their eyes met in the air. Meeting at a wedding, of all places, made it a truly meaningful encounter.
He wasn't the only Demon Lord in attendance. The Drunken Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable appeared together. Seo Dae-ryong was stunned by their unexpected visit.
The Drunken Demon handed Seo Dae-ryong a gift of alcohol and congratulated him.
“It’s a sweet fruit wine. If you ever find yourself needing a strong poison wine later, come find me.”
The Drunken Demon then shouted to Geom Mu-geuk, “I brought some good liquor to drink at the banquet today!”
Looking where he pointed, the Great Drunken Demon Yeo-bin was standing there with entire crates of alcohol stacked up. Geom Mu-geuk could feel it. In the time since they last met, the Drunken Demon had become even more free-spirited.
Mu-geuk looked around at the gathered Demon Lords and said, “We’re drinking all night! No one is allowed to go home today!”
The One Flower Sword Venerable also brought a gift. However, the person she handed it to wasn't Seo Dae-ryong, but Dan-ah.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you, Sword Venerable.”
After coming to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Dan-ah had received sword lessons from the One Flower Sword Venerable once. Though she hadn't officially become her disciple, she considered the Sword Venerable her teacher in her heart. She had desperately wanted to invite her but hadn't dared to ask a Demon Lord; yet, here she was.
The One Flower Sword Venerable gave her a potted flower. It was one she cherished among those she grew.
“Flowers may seem to bloom on their own, but they require much care. They need sunlight, wind, and their soil must be changed. I imagine a marriage is much the same.”
Dan-ah understood the meaning behind the gift. “I will do my best to nurture both, Sword Venerable.”
Watching from the side, Seo Dae-ryong wanted to shout: I’m still keeping the flower pot in my office alive and well!
As he was thinking of such jokes, the One Flower Sword Venerable said to him, “You are truly a man of great fortune.”
At first, he thought she was referring to Dan-ah. But her words were directed at someone else. The One Flower Sword Venerable looked toward someone. Seo Dae-ryong followed her gaze.
There stood the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. He was greeting the guests with a bright smile.
“!”
The moment he saw that, a sharp pang of emotion struck Seo Dae-ryong’s heart.
The One Flower Sword Venerable spoke with surprise. “Even I have never seen him make a face like that.”
His master, who usually never smiled, was beaming as he welcomed the guests. He smiled at the Demon Lords, the Unit Leaders, and the Captains. He even smiled at the ordinary warriors.
He was thanking them for coming. He was telling them where to sit. These were people he wouldn't have spared a glance for under normal circumstances, yet he was telling them they must stay for the meal afterward.
In this moment, the Master was not a Master. He was a father.