Chapter 105: Master (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 105: Master (3)
The moon hanging in the sky was a deep, unsettling violet.
The stars surrounding it appeared normal, but the strangely colored moon seemed to devour the very heavens.
-Trickle-
In the endless darkness, only the sound of trickling water could be heard.
-Tap-!
The sound of a teacup being placed was followed by a voice.
[You are late.]
No Qi was used to enhance the voice, yet my heart trembled from that simple statement.
Even after all this time, the sight of those shining purple eyes still sent chills down my spine.
[…I greet the Cult Leader.]
I walked toward the voice and dropped to one knee. My movements were fluid, without a hint of hesitation or pause.
I dared not raise my head to the existence standing before me.
The Heavenly Demon. The ruler who stood above the heavens was right in front of me.
They looked down at me and whispered.
[I heard the news. The Demonic Sword died.]
My back involuntarily flinched at the mention of that name.
[Do you feel resentment?]
I fell into thought at the Heavenly Demon’s question.
Who am I supposed to resent? What did the Heavenly Demon mean? Myself? Or was it Zhuge Hyuk?
If not that, was the Heavenly Demon asking if I resented them?
In the end, I offered no response to the question.
-Chuckle.
Whatever the Cult Leader inferred from my silence, it elicited a soft giggle.
[You are not denying anything.]
-Roll.
A small cup rolled toward me, and I carefully stopped it with my hand.
[Pick it up.]
I obeyed and picked up the cup. I had only heard the trickling of liquid, yet the cup was now completely filled with alcohol.
I finally raised my head. I noticed the Heavenly Demon was clad entirely in black.
Their uniform was immaculate.
It was almost jarring how pristine it was, without a single speck of dust.
The same could be said for the Heavenly Demon’s body. There was no blemish, wound, or scar to be seen.
The Heavenly Venerable had died, and the Dishonored Venerable had been killed by the Heavenly Demon’s own hand.
I heard the Murim Alliance would be joined by the Sword Venerable in their fight. Yet, the Heavenly Demon doesn't have a single scar.
Just by looking at this result, I knew.
The Dishonored Venerable had their heart ripped out, and while the Sword Venerable may have survived, he could not be in good shape.
Two of the Three Venerables Under Heaven had joined forces, yet they hadn't even managed to scratch the Heavenly Demon’s uniform.
Would the outcome have been different if the Heavenly Venerable were still alive and all three had joined forces?
I wasn’t sure.
[I kept my promise. I let that old man, the Sword Venerable, live twice. That should be more than enough.]
[…]
[Consider this my generosity toward you.]
[…Thank you.]
Is the Heavenly Demon telling me I shouldn’t obsess over the Demonic Sword’s death because of this?
I drank the alcohol the Heavenly Demon had poured for me in one go.
My body had long since grown numb. No matter how bitter the drink, I couldn’t feel it.
[The Man of Heaven suggested I leave the Celestial Sword to you. What is your opinion on this?]
[…]
[Even though I cannot see your face, I can tell.]
The Heavenly Demon had just mentioned Wi Seol-Ah’s title. An ominous feeling crept up my spine, forcing a sigh from me.
-Trickle.
The Heavenly Demon once again filled my empty cup. As before, I drank it all.
[I shall say no more. I have not forgotten our promise.]
As the Heavenly Demon spoke, numerous cracks fissured the air behind them.
- Czhhhhh-! Kghhhh-!
The sounds emanating from those cracks were chilling. The purple light within them began to expand.
The cracks devoured each other, coalescing into a single, massive hole.
I knew all of this was the work of the Heavenly Demon’s hands.
-Grrrrr… Crr..!
From within the hole, I heard the growls of beasts. They showed fear toward the Heavenly Demon, yet did not hide their resentment for the world.
Ignoring their overflowing indignation, the Heavenly Demon spoke.
[You know I have high hopes for you.]
[Yes.]
[I spared the girl at your request, and I granted you power because you desired it.]
-Grrr!
Then, enormous beasts began to emerge from the other side of the portal.
A nasty, horrendous aura poured from them, saturating the atmosphere.
[This is why I said nothing about the volatility in Sichuan. Why do you think I allowed it to happen?]
No more alcohol was poured.
The teacup in the Heavenly Demon’s hand vanished in an instant, its remnants scattering to the wind.
[As I said, I have done nothing to the Celestial Sword, in keeping with our promise. However,]
The Heavenly Demon’s purple gaze fell upon me once more.
[Know that this reprieve will soon end.]
[Thank you for your generosity.]
With our conversation concluded, the Heavenly Demon rose. I could see their black uniform flutter from the sheer density of Demonic Qi swirling around them.
Walking toward the Abyss, the Heavenly Demon pulled a ring from their finger and tossed it to me.
I caught the accessory. The moment I touched it, an intensely dense Demonic Qi assaulted me, strong enough to cause a headache.
[This is an order. Bring me the Alliance Leader’s head.]
I did not respond verbally to the Heavenly Demon’s command. I simply put on the given ring.
That was my answer.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon walked closer to the portal.
[You have four days. That should be sufficient.]
The demons followed the Heavenly Demon into the portal. Once they had all entered, the purple hole vanished.
The Heavenly Demon was gone, but I still could not raise my head.
I didn’t know what emotion I was feeling.
Was it anger at myself? Or resentment toward someone else?
I knew I felt miserable, but I also knew I could blame no one else.
Everything was the result of my own choices.
I quickly washed away these pointless thoughts.
I had no right to self-pity, and no time to waste.
I stood up and strode purposefully toward the encroaching black fog.
* * *
Elder Shin had asked me what the Heavenly Demon was. The question gave me pause.
He wasn’t asking who it was…
…but what it was.
I didn’t know how much of my memories Elder Shin had seen, but his probing was bothersome.
[There was much I could not see. Anything related to that Heavenly Demon was mostly obscured by a fog, so my view was limited.]
[However, even from the glimpses I caught, I could not help but wonder… is that thing even human?]
“…”
[I’ll ask you again, kid. What is that thing?]
I fell into thought once more at Elder Shin’s question.
The existence that sought to stand above the entire sky.
The creature that commanded thousands of demons, possessing strength enough to reach the very limits of the heavens.
I knew Elder Shin’s wonder wasn’t solely due to the Heavenly Demon’s immense power, but that very power always made me question their humanity as well.
After a moment of contemplation, I responded, “I don’t know much about the Heavenly Demon.”
[Huh?]
Elder Shin sounded confused, but I was telling the truth.
It wasn’t just me. No one knew where the Heavenly Demon came from, or what kind of life they led before becoming what they are.
It happened suddenly, one day.
A True Gate of Demons materialized in the heart of the Murim Alliance for the first time in generations.
It was abrupt, yet many did not panic.
The event occurred during a tournament hosted by the Murim Alliance, a gathering for the young prodigies of the world.
The area was filled with young geniuses and the most prominent figures of the noble clans.
Not only were the martial artists of the Murim Alliance present, but the leaders of three of the Four Noble Clans—all except the Peng Clan—were in attendance.
The strongest practitioners from the Ten Sect Alliance were also there.
Under normal circumstances, such a gathering would have been a disaster waiting to happen, but in that situation, everyone believed they were safe.
However, contrary to all expectations, that day marked the beginning of the end.
Everyone anticipated tens of demons to pour forth from the gate. Instead, a single figure emerged with slow, measured steps.
Apart from their pale skin, the person was covered head to toe in black.
Every sword in the vicinity was pointed at this mysterious figure, yet the person remained utterly calm.
“Who are you?” the Alliance Leader demanded.
Upon hearing the question, the figure smiled.
[It is nice to see you all.]
That was when the calamity began.
[I am the Heavenly Demon.]
There was no room for peace.
The Heavenly Demon slaughtered roughly half of the martial artists present and laid waste to the surroundings. Following the carnage, they walked calmly toward the main gate of the Murim Alliance.
From that moment, the two words—Heavenly Demon—spread throughout the world.
Many young prodigies and prominent figures lost their lives that day.
The Heavenly Demon’s name spread far and wide due to their overwhelming strength, but such fame meant nothing to the invader.
Their power alone was captivating, and many succumbed to the Heavenly Demon after witnessing it.
The Heavenly Demon did not reject those who yielded.
If they wished to become demonic humans, the Heavenly Demon permitted it. They may have lost their freedom, but in exchange, they gained immense power and the privilege to fly under the Heavenly Demon’s banner. Thus, many chose this path.
What did the Heavenly Demon want?
What was their goal? What dream did they hold to appear in this world?
Many demonic humans served the Heavenly Demon, yet no one knew the answer.
The Heavenly Demon was simply the Heavenly Demon.
They only desired to stand above the sky. Having achieved that goal, they felt no need for explanation.
That’s what everyone believed, myself included, ironically enough.
[So it came from a gate, huh?]
Elder Shin asked no further questions. He didn’t ask why I had done those things, how I had spent my time, or why I had become a demonic human in the first place.
Perhaps he already knew the answers. Regardless, he seemed fixated on the fact that the Heavenly Demon had emerged from a portal.
[Why.]
He fell silent again, lost in thought.
I was genuinely surprised he hadn’t asked the questions I expected.
I thought he would ask about what I had done to Mount Hua in my past life.
Yet, Elder Shin’s focus remained solely on the Heavenly Demon.
“Elder Shin.”
[Speak.]
“Do you know about the atrocities I committed against Mount Hua in my past life?”
My mind screamed at me to shut up, but I brought it up myself.
It was a confession, though far too late to change anything.
[I know.]
Elder Shin’s response was casual. My eyes widened in shock.
“How… how can you not say anything about it?”
[Do you want me to?]
“…”
[I may be a Taoist, but that does not mean my anger would simply vanish with the passage of time.]
Elder Shin was a hero of his generation who had blossomed to save Mount Hua.
Furthermore, he had been their leader at one point. There was no way he didn’t care deeply for the sect.
[However, whether I despise your actions or not… that is a matter for the current generation to resolve.]
Elder Shin paused for a moment before continuing.
[The reason I am not consumed by resentment is because I saw more than just plum blossoms burning that day.]
“…Elder.”
[Do not misunderstand. I have not forgiven you. I am merely bearing with it and watching you.]
“…”
[Do not hesitate. You yourself know the reason why.]
I clenched my eyes shut upon hearing Elder Shin’s words. The weight I had to carry felt overwhelmingly heavy.
[Kid.]
“Yes…”
[What do you plan to do from now on?]
Elder Shin’s question was crystal clear. He was asking if I intended to stop the Heavenly Demon or not.
It was a difficult question, and my sealed lips refused to open. Noticing my struggle, Elder Shin continued.
[I know why you hesitate. I also know that you have already answered this question in your heart. Speak it aloud, for yourself.]
“Why are you being like this all of a sudden?”
[While traversing your memories, I realized something. I think I understand why I still exist in this world.]
“What are you—“
[You already possess the answer. Is it truly so difficult to voice it?]
I felt pressured by Elder Shin’s urging, but since he wasn’t wrong, I steeled my resolve.
Originally, I had no intention of doing this.
My initial plan was to live a peaceful life.
Given a second chance, I wanted to live casually, without great ambitions or conflicts.
I thought many things would change if I did that… but if I were honest with myself, I probably knew the answer all along.
That, too, was just me finding an excuse to feign ignorance.
After releasing a deep sigh, I spoke.
“Yes. I plan to stop the Heavenly Demon.”
I set aside thoughts of whether it was even possible, how to accomplish it, or if I dared to try… and simply made the decision. I wasn’t trying to become a hero.
I was merely seeking to atone for the sins of my past life.
It was a rather pitiful reason, but there was undeniable truth in those words.
[Huff… Huff…]
Elder Shin began to breathe heavily after hearing my response. I wondered what thoughts were running through his mind.
The old man could read my thoughts, but it was frustrating that I couldn’t read his.
[All right then. That is enough.]
Following his simple response, Elder Shin fell silent.
He was satisfied with just one question about the Heavenly Demon.
Is that all?
I was honestly more curious about why he wasn’t asking more.
It would soon be noon, and I had plans to see the Celestial Plum Blossom shortly.
We still needed to discuss the reward he would give me, and the Taoist Qi residing within my body.
As I made my way back to the lodge, Elder Shin remained lost in his own thoughts.
The existence known as the Heavenly Demon had emerged from a portal.
For some reason, the creature’s mysterious power felt unsettlingly familiar.
[That should not be possible…]
As his thoughts deepened, Elder Shin grew increasingly uneasy and doubtful.
The history he knew clearly stated…
…that it had died.
That the heroes had stopped it, and with their own hands, finally brought an end to the world-ending calamity.
[But then, how…]
Elder Shin wondered why he sensed the aura of the Blood Demon from the existence called the Heavenly Demon.
He could not shake off the vile anxiety coiling within him.
* * *
Not long after Gu Yangcheon had left…
A man wearing the uniform of the Murim Alliance stood deep within the hideout’s cave.
He moved carefully among the corpses strewn across the floor, his eyes scanning his surroundings.
“Hmm…”
He observed the walls and the floor, his head tilting in confusion.
He found almost no traces of a struggle.
It seemed the corpses around him hadn’t put up much of a fight.
-Tap-!
The man used his foot to flip over one of the corpses on the floor.
The corpse was clad in a black uniform and wore a black mask—an outfit that practically screamed ‘assassin.’
It was the body of Nachal, who had died from a stab through the heart.
One of his arms is severed, and all the tendons in his arms and legs have been cut.
Were these injuries inflicted to prevent escape? The man wondered if such precise, deep cuts were even possible during a heated battle.
It seemed more plausible that these wounds had been inflicted after the assassin’s death.
Given the lack of fighting traces, the confrontation must have been one-sided. Judging by the severed arm and tendons, the killer was undoubtedly a skilled swordsman.
A swordsman, huh…? Did Mount Hua notice something?
But this line of thought only bred more questions.
How had the perpetrator entered without activating the secret device?
It shouldn’t be possible to open it without the Heavenly Qi.
The man thought someone of Nachal’s caliber wouldn’t be foolish enough to leave the entrance open.
He then considered the possibility of a traitor within the main palace. If that wasn’t the case…
“ Tsk …”
The man momentarily set aside Nachal’s corpse and walked toward the blood pool.
The flower that was supposed to be growing there was gone. It appeared to have been uprooted and taken.
This is a problem.
No one, including the main palace’s leader, had expected Nachal to fail.
The man thought to himself that if the Celestial Plum Blossom hadn’t noticed and taken action, everything would have proceeded smoothly and without complication.
…To think we failed in retrieving the liquid from Mount Hua.
Although the quantity wasn’t massive, he had heard it was still a significant amount.
Moreover, whoever was responsible had cleaned up meticulously, leaving almost no traces behind.
“The interference of the Gu Clan as well… How am I supposed to report this to the leader?”
The man in the cave had heard a few days earlier about a heir from the Gu Clan who killed Ya Hyeoljeok.
He couldn’t help but wonder if the two events were connected.
He recalled the intelligence report stating that the Gu Clan child specialized in bare-fisted close combat, augmented by the use of flames.
Looking at the corpses around him, there was no evidence of fire being used.
Then who was the one who interfered?
The man had also heard rumors of the Hao Clan lurking nearby recently, so it was possible they were responsible.
Either way, now there’s even more work to do…
-Tsk-!
The man wrapped a piece of cloth around his throbbing head.
Every time things deviated from the plan, the situation became exponentially more complicated.
Another person entered from outside the room and addressed him.
“Sir.”
The man immediately composed his expression and turned around.
“Did you find anything?”
“I believe we need to consult a professional to examine the secret device.”
“Document that and bring it to me.”
“Understood. What should we do about this situation here?”
“What do you mean?”
“Shouldn’t we inform Mount Hua about this?”
The subordinate glanced at the blood-drained corpses and frowned.
Judging by their expressions and the blood pool in the center, they seemed to have died quickly. Despite only a few days having passed, their corpses looked as if they had been starving for weeks.
The subordinate suppressed a wave of nausea and continued.
“What do you think they were trying to accomplish?”
“Do you think we can understand the minds of those from the Unorthodox Faction? Don’t even bother trying.”
“You have a point.”
The man smiled wryly at the response. He was growing weary of this role.
I can’t believe I have to maintain this charade for at least another year.
Even Ya Hyeoljeok, who died at the hands of some kid, had his own place. Yet here he was, working behind the scenes, wasting his time.
Suppressing his irritation, the man spoke.
“I will contact Mount Hua and the others myself. Do not concern yourself with it.”
“Huh…? U-Understood.”
“All information will flow through me regardless. If you discover anything that seems important, report it to me first.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Good. You may go.”
After dismissing the member of his faction, the man began inspecting Nachal’s corpse more closely. He needed to erase any traces that could be linked back to him.
“What the…?”
While examining the assassin’s body, the man noticed something strange.
Since Nachal hadn’t been dead for long, there should still be some residual Qi within his corpse.
Even if it was dissipating, the man was certain he should be able to feel a hint of it…
Why is there not even a trace of Heavenly Qi here?
The most crucial Qi was absent.
The ‘Heavenly Qi’ could only be obtained after receiving approval from the leader.
The man, like Nachal, also possessed Heavenly Qi. If any were present, he should have been able to sense it.
To his shock, however, he felt nothing. It was impossible for it to have completely faded in such a short time.
Furthermore, Nachal’s dantian hadn’t been destroyed, so some Qi should have remained.
The man couldn’t comprehend why he couldn’t feel anything.
It felt as if someone had deliberately siphoned it away.
I need to document this as well.
Another critical point was added to the list of information that would be relayed to the main palace.
The man was certain this detail was the most important discovery of all.