Chapter 731: Heaven Gave the Sword Venerable Everything
Chapter 731: Heaven Gave the Sword Venerable Everything
“What is that person doing here?”
As the Blood Heaven Blade Demon stared at the One Flower Sword Venerable in shock, she threw the same reaction right back at him.
“I believe that is a question I should be asking.”
Her response made it clear that she hadn’t expected to run into him here either. Naturally, the Blade Demon’s gaze shifted toward Geom Mu-geuk.
“I am planning to leave the Cult with the Sword Venerable, and I wished to bring you along as well, Elder.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was flustered. He hadn’t imagined that Mu-geuk would summon him for a situation like this.
“Then you should have told me in advance.”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come. Besides, wouldn’t it be dangerous if only the two of us went out?”
The Blade Demon stared back, incredulous.
“Who would be in danger? The Jianghu? The Murim?”
As he spoke, he stole a glance at the One Flower Sword Venerable. She simply stood there, saying nothing. With a reaction like that, how could he possibly agree to go?
“I refuse!”
The Blade Demon turned around to leave.
“Ah, then I suppose we’ll have to go by ourselves,” Mu-geuk said, sounding disappointed.
The Blade Demon’s back stiffened at those words.
Mu-geuk knew exactly what was going through the old man’s mind. He was waiting for Mu-geuk to stop him so he could follow along while pretending he had no choice.
If the Blade Demon truly hated the idea, he would have leaped into the air and vanished already. Knowing better than anyone that the old man wanted to come along, Mu-geuk had orchestrated this scene without informing the Sword Venerable beforehand.
Just as Mu-geuk was about to call out to him—
“Come with us.”
Surprisingly, the one who spoke was the One Flower Sword Venerable.
The Blade Demon turned back with a look of surprise. Mu-geuk also stared at her, stunned. He had expected her to be angry that he had summoned the Blade Demon without a word.
“Do you not want to?”
At her question, the Blade Demon winced and replied, “It’s not that I don’t want to.”
As if there was nothing more to discuss, the Sword Venerable turned and walked toward the carriage.
Mu-geuk knew the two of them had been getting along well lately. The fact that the Blade Demon’s flower garden was still being meticulously tended to was proof enough. That was why he had suggested they go together.
The Blade Demon asked Mu-geuk, “Where are we going?”
“Have you heard of the Sword Tomb?”
“I’ve heard it’s been noisy lately. Why there?”
It was clear the Blade Demon hadn’t just been reading books. He was well aware of the current affairs in the Murim.
Just then, the Sword Venerable, who had already climbed into the carriage, called out to them.
“Are you not coming?”
The two men hurried into the carriage.
Mu-geuk loaded the luggage and took the driver’s seat. Awkward or not, he intended to drive the carriage himself to give the two of them as much time alone as possible.
“Alright, we’re heading out!”
It was the first time the three of them were leaving the Cult together.
* * *
That evening, after letting the horses rest, Mu-geuk prepared the camp.
He lit a campfire and set up a place for the two Demon Lords to rest.
There was nothing missing from Mu-geuk’s massive leather pouch. The bulkiest items were the furs he had prepared so the two could sleep comfortably. They were high-quality, soft, and plush skins Mu-geuk had specially obtained for this journey.
For the first night, they ate a dinner Mu-geuk had prepared in advance.
After finishing the meal, Mu-geuk looked at the Heaven Extermination Great Blade.
“Elder, your blade is far too eye-catching.”
Mu-geuk pulled a piece of cloth from his pouch.
“How about we wrap it with this?”
He had prepared an incredibly worn-out cloth to make the weapon look shabby.
“I cannot wrap my blade in such a rag!”
“Then I shall wrap it for you.”
The Blade Demon couldn’t hold out forever. As Mu-geuk said, it was such a magnificent treasure that someone might recognize it. Since he couldn’t afford to cause trouble, he eventually handed over the blade, pretending to give in.
Mu-geuk began wrapping the Heaven Extermination Great Blade.
“Even if it feels stifling, please bear with it for a while.”
At Mu-geuk’s words, the One Flower Sword Venerable chimed in.
“The blade can bear it just fine. It’s a certain short-tempered someone who can’t.”
Mu-geuk chuckled. “The Elder does have a fiery temperament.”
“His foul personality is the same now as it was back then. I wonder how he hasn’t changed a bit.”
As the Sword Venerable criticized him, the Blade Demon grumbled, “Look who’s talking. If we’re talking about temper…”
The Blade Demon started to say she had quite the personality herself, but he stopped. She was already cutting him down with her eyes.
“In the end, you’ll be the one to lose your temper and draw your sword first.”
“Me? That’s nonsense!”
“I’m willing to bet on it.”
“Fine, let’s bet.”
The two glared at each other before turning their gaze toward Mu-geuk.
“Yes, I shall be the witness for this wager.”
Since Mu-geuk preferred handling matters quietly, it would be for the best if the two of them restrained themselves as much as possible.
“Naturally, a bet needs stakes. What will you wager?”
Since the two couldn’t think of anything on the spot, Mu-geuk decided for them.
“Granting whatever the other person wants! How does that sound?”
One might have expected them to ask what the other would want, but the two Demon Lords simply nodded without questioning it.
After the bet was set, the Blade Demon asked Mu-geuk, “You think those guys are involved in this Sword Tomb business, don’t you?”
The One Flower Sword Venerable also waited for Mu-geuk’s answer.
She had suspected that was the reason Mu-geuk asked them to come along. There had to be a reason for leaving the Cult so soon after descending from Mt. Daecheon.
As expected, he confirmed it.
“I believe it is worth investigating.”
The Blade Demon and the Sword Venerable exchanged glances. If the Young Cult Leader was moving like this, there was definitely a reason. Therefore, this matter was no longer just the Sword Venerable’s personal business.
“It is also true that I brought you along to protect us, Elder.”
“What strength does an old man have left?”
“Old? You’re the most energetic among the Demon Lords, Elder. I believe you are the youngest of them all—and your mindset is the youngest, too.”
Mu-geuk said the words the Sword Venerable wanted to say. He planned to keep saying things like this throughout the journey. That was his goal: to ensure the Blade Demon returned with his confidence restored.
“There, all finished.”
Mu-geuk returned the wrapped blade. With the cloth around it, the Heaven Extermination Great Blade looked like an ordinary great blade.
“I hope there won’t be a reason to unwrap that cloth.”
Taking the blade, the Blade Demon lay down and remarked, “With someone who brings a storm of blood wherever he goes, do you really think things will go as you wish?”
* * *
The carriage continued its journey the next day.
Their destination kept shifting.
Because the struggle for the Treasure Map was ongoing, the map’s owner was constantly changing.
Mu-geuk was in no hurry. He believed that by following the information coming through Eun-wol and Tongcheon Pavilion, they would eventually encounter the final owner. If those guys were behind it, it was even more certain. It would be a plot designed to draw him out.
And today, the One Flower Sword Venerable made an unexpected announcement.
“I will handle dinner tonight.”
Mu-geuk asked with a surprised face, “You will cook, Sword Venerable?”
“Why? Do you not trust me?”
“Not at all. What greater honor could there be? I’ll brag about this to everyone I meet!”
Mu-geuk glanced at the Blade Demon. He expected the old man to say something, but he wore a subtle, unreadable expression.
The Sword Venerable even did the hunting herself. Leaping into the woods, she returned with two rabbits.
“I shall make rabbit porridge.”
“Oh, I look forward to it! It’s my first time trying it.”
While the Sword Venerable prepared the rabbits, Mu-geuk washed and trimmed the vegetables and mushrooms she had asked for.
Even if it was a dagger for cooking, a blade was a blade. The One Flower Sword Venerable handled the ingredients with masterful skill.
“Do you have a pot and seasonings?”
“Of course. Everything is ready here.”
Mu-geuk took the seasonings from his pouch and handed them to her.
Chak-chak-chak-chak!
The way she sprinkled the seasonings looked as if she were performing a martial art. She looked so elegant that Mu-geuk’s expectations soared.
Finally, the dinner prepared by the One Flower Sword Venerable was complete.
“Thank you for the meal!”
The moment Mu-geuk took a spoonful—
“!”
Mu-geuk’s eyes widened.
It tasted terrible. What on earth was this mysterious flavor? Was it because his expectations were too high? No. Objectively speaking, this was bad.
“How is the taste?”
At her expectant question, Mu-geuk forced a smile and said, “It’s delicious! It’s the most unique dish I’ve ever eaten!”
He couldn’t bring himself to say it was the best.
The Sword Venerable smiled. “I used to make this for my Demon Sword Squad in the past. They all said it was delicious and ate it well.”
That’s because they were your subordinates! There isn’t a subordinate crazy enough to tell the Sword Venerable her food tastes bad! Even the Young Cult Leader can’t do that!
The Sword Venerable also ate the porridge she had made. She ate with an expression that suggested it wasn’t so bad.
Ah! Heaven gave the Sword Venerable everything, only to take away her sense of taste!
Mu-geuk stole a glance at the Blade Demon.
The Blade Demon had picked up his bowl and was practically drinking the porridge.
“The taste is good.”
However, Mu-geuk saw it. The amount of porridge in the Blade Demon’s bowl wasn’t decreasing at all.
He’s planning to secretly disintegrate that porridge with his True Qi!
Only now did Mu-geuk understand the meaning of that subtle expression the old man had worn when she offered to cook.
The Elder knew! He knew exactly what kind of food would come out!
And indeed, he did.
The Blade Demon recalled the past.
“Your skill is exactly the same. It hasn’t changed a bit.”
At those words, the Sword Venerable looked surprised.
“You still remember that?”
She also remembered the day she had cooked for the Blade Demon. A day from their youth.
“How could I forget that taste?”
A very long time ago, he had eaten a meal she had prepared. Just once.
“That was the first dish of my life.”
The Blade Demon’s eyes widened as if he were hearing this for the first time.
“That was your first time?”
The Sword Venerable nodded.
“I had stayed up the night before memorizing a cookbook.”
The Blade Demon’s eyes trembled slightly. The two locked eyes for a moment before looking away.
Mu-geuk expressed a hint of envy.
“How nice for you. You got to taste the Sword Venerable’s very first dish, Elder?”
The Blade Demon gulped down the porridge he was holding. Of course, only Mu-geuk, sitting right next to him, could see him grimacing as if he were drinking the Poison King’s venom. Still, the Blade Demon bravely finished it all.
Now, Mu-geuk was the one who had to use his True Qi to make the remaining porridge disappear.
Of course, he couldn’t bring himself to do that, so he finished the rest of the bowl. The Blade Demon watched him with a satisfied look.
Once Mu-geuk finished the porridge, the Sword Venerable dropped a bombshell.
“I shall cook tomorrow as well. Tomorrow, I’ll catch a duck and make duck stew!”
Panic flared simultaneously in the eyes of both Mu-geuk and the Blade Demon.
Mu-geuk quickly stepped in.
“No, I shall serve you from tomorrow! Rare delicacies are only valuable when eaten occasionally.”
“Is that so?”
“Now, since we’ve eaten, you should have some tea.”
While Mu-geuk brewed the tea, the Blade Demon washed the dishes. The two men, having survived the crisis, exchanged a relieved smile.
A moment later, the One Flower Sword Venerable was moved by the taste of the tea Mu-geuk had brewed.
“How did you know this is my favorite tea?”
“Oh, is it? I didn’t know that. I had this tea at the Elder’s home before, and it was so delicious that I made sure to remember it.”
The Sword Venerable looked at the Blade Demon.
“Do you remember this tea?”
The Blade Demon nodded.
Mu-geuk asked the Sword Venerable, “Is there a story behind it?”
She simply gave a faint smile. Their expressions told the story. It was a tea the Blade Demon had given her as a gift long ago.
Though they had once hated each other so much, a few memories still filled their lives.
“The tea tastes good, and the atmosphere is lovely. I’m glad I came out.”
After finishing their tea, they prepared for bed.
Mu-geuk pulled a thick book from his pouch and handed it to the Blade Demon.
“You didn’t prepare anything since you didn’t know you’d be coming this far, right?”
“What is this?”
“I brought it for you to read if you get bored.”
It was the Blade Demon’s favorite book—the one he read whenever his mind was troubled. Between the cloth for the blade and this book, it seemed Mu-geuk had been absolutely certain he would bring the old man along.
The Blade Demon looked at Mu-geuk.
“You were certain I would come.”
“I was prepared to persuade you by any means necessary.”
Wearing an expression that said Mu-geuk was hopeless, the Blade Demon placed the book on top of the Heaven Extermination Great Blade and began to read slowly.
Mu-geuk leaned back and looked up at the night sky.
“This is nice.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable was meditating while seated. Her expression was soft, as if she were thinking pleasant thoughts.
Toward dawn, Mu-geuk woke up.
Beyond the dying campfire, he saw the silhouettes of the Blade Demon and the Sword Venerable sitting side by side, looking up at the early morning sky.
They sat in silence, simply watching the stars. Though no words were spoken, it felt as if a profound, silent conversation was passing between them.
Mu-geuk looked up at the stars for a moment while lying down. Then, he closed his eyes and fell back into a deep sleep.
* * *
Mu-geuk’s party arrived near Mt. Tianzi in Hunan Province.
Rumors that the person holding the Treasure Map had fled and hidden in Mt. Tianzi were drawing martial artists from all over.
The closer they got to the mountain, the more warriors they saw heading in that direction.
From lone travelers to large groups, the area was bustling with all sorts of martial artists.
Mu-geuk left the carriage at a private house at the foot of the mountain and headed up with only their essentials.
They were in no rush. Rushing in now would only mean getting swept up in the chaos.
Since Tongcheon Pavilion and Eun-wol were providing updates on the situation, there was no need for haste.
As the three of them walked slowly up the mountain path, someone shouted from behind.
“Move!”
“Don’t get in the way!”
Turning around, they saw two warriors radiating a menacing aura, approaching rapidly using lightness skills. Their momentum was significant. They looked ready to simply plow through anyone in their path.
They were either confident in their skills, naturally ill-tempered, or they assumed Mu-geuk wasn’t a master because he was carrying a heavy load of luggage.
The Blade Demon moved to the side where the warriors were passing, positioning himself to shield the Sword Venerable on the inside.
Mu-geuk chuckled at the sight of him worrying about the One Flower Sword Venerable getting hurt. Of all people! Even if a hundred of those punks charged at her, do you really think the Sword Venerable would get a scratch?
The Sword Venerable also looked at Mu-geuk with an absurd expression, feeling slightly embarrassed, but a faint smile played on her lips.
One of the two passing warriors shouted at the Blade Demon as he sped by.
“Don’t block the road, old man! If I weren’t in a hurry, you’d be dead!”
A vein popped on the Blade Demon’s forehead.
The Sword Venerable whispered beside him, “My, are you really going to let those runts go?”
At her provocation, the Blade Demon’s expression relaxed. Soon, words flowed from his mouth that showed his absolute determination not to lose the bet.
“They said they were in a hurry, didn’t they?”