Chapter 546: Sword Demon (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 546: Sword Demon (5)
“Yul.”
A soft, affectionate voice called out.
As always, the old man was smiling warmly at the young man.
“Yul.”
At the call, the young man opened his eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to lift his bowed head.
He didn't have the right.
“Yul. It’s alright.”
It’s not alright.
The young man spoke the words with a voice that refused to emerge.
Master…
I am not alright at all.
With that thought, the young man lowered his head even further.
He knew this was all a delusion. He knew those words were merely the products of his own desperate imagination.
“It’s alright.”
It was a voice he could no longer hear. A voice he didn't even dare to try and hear. The young man repeated this to himself endlessly, like a mantra.
“Yul.”
The voice echoed ceaselessly in his ears. Unable to bear it, the young man covered his ears, but…
“Yul… Yul…”
The sound pierced the silence, seeping into his very marrow. As it repeated, the once-affectionate voice began to sound strangely distorted and unfamiliar.
This, too, was a regular occurrence. Though he had experienced it countless times, the young man never grew accustomed to the shift. It was simply terrifying.
“Yul… ah… Yul…”
Something tightened around his neck. At the cold, constricting sensation, the young man’s eyes flew open against his will. He couldn't stop them, even though he didn't want to see.
What entered his vision then was…
“Yul… ahh…”
The old man, drenched in blood, staring at him with a face contorted in agony. And eyes—countless eyes—glaring at him from every direction.
The young man’s teeth chattered as his body trembled violently at the sight. He tried desperately to look away, but the old man in front of him gripped his neck, forcing their eyes to meet.
And then.
“How… why…”
“Did you kill… your own master?!”
The old man uttered the one truth the young man wanted to forget more than anything in the world.
* * *
“Keuk…!”
He shot up, gasping for breath.
“Hah… heok… hah…”
The body he had forced upright was drenched. His back was soaked in a cold sweat, and his hair was matted against his forehead.
“Hh… hh… ghh…”
The young man gripped his own shoulders, an attempt to stop his body from shaking. Of course, it did nothing to quell the tremors.
After trembling for a long while, the young man finally seemed to regain his senses and began to look around. His face was a mask of utter confusion.
Just then.
“What’s with the sudden fit?”
The young man’s head snapped toward the unexpected voice. Not far away, someone was sitting on a rock, watching him while holding a dumpling in one hand.
“...”
Seeing him, the young man instinctively touched his jaw. A sharp pain shot through it. When he gently felt the area, he could tell it was clearly swollen.
The pain brought the memories flooding back—his own actions, and the moment this man had subdued him.
“...”
The young man’s yellow eyes shifted as he stared at the stranger. The man looked to be just past twenty, with fierce eyes. For some reason, the unnatural blue hue within them was unsettling to look at.
Staring at him, the young man asked, “…Who are you…?”
At his question, the other man’s eyebrow twitched slightly. It was a strange expression—somewhere between a frown and genuine surprise.
Observing that subtle change, the young man steadied his breathing.
Where am I…
He exhaled and scanned his surroundings. A dense forest and jagged rocks came into view. It seemed to be some distance from the town where he had been.
Did this man bring me here?
With that thought, the young man asked his captor, “…Are you from the Alliance?”
“Ha?”
The man scoffed, his reaction one of utter disbelief. “So you know you’ve done something to get the Murim Alliance on your tail, do you?”
“...”
Hearing that, the young man’s gaze fell. It was a truth he knew all too well.
Thud.
As he lowered his head, he sensed a presence approaching. The man was now standing right in front of him.
“What the hell is with this bastard? A minute ago, you were coming at me like you wanted to kill me. Why are you acting like this now?”
One moment, he had been charging with a sword full of killing intent, ready to tear everything to shreds. Now, this submissive behavior seemed bizarre.
“…I apologize.”
In response, the young man offered a hollow apology.
It happened again.
He had failed to control his impulses and had gone on a rampage. And now, he was offering a meaningless apology to his opponent. It was simply an extension of the cycle he had experienced his entire life.
“…Hmm.”
Was the apology the problem? The reaction from the man in front of him was unusually sharp.
“Did I get the wrong person?”
At those words, the young man raised his head. He saw the blue eyes looking down at him from inches away.
“You weren’t supposed to be like this. This is getting annoying.”
The young man’s eyes widened slightly. “Do you… know me?”
“I thought I did. But now I’m not so sure. Seriously, why are you pretending to be sane?”
“…Pardon?”
“You’re supposed to be a blood-crazed killer. Why are you in this state now?”
“...”
He bit his lip. It seemed this man knew about his constitution. If so…
Is this the end?
The young man foresaw his own demise. This man knew he was a Heavenly Killing Star. And he had even said himself that he had come to capture him.
He had no intention of running, but he wouldn't be able to escape anyway. The young man was already well aware of the difference in their power.
I couldn't even graze him.
It had been an overwhelming defeat. Even if he hadn't been lost to madness, it would have been impossible to win. That was how vast the gap between them was.
…It’s better this way.
A faint smile touched the young man’s lips. Yes, it was for the best. He was tired of living.
With each passing day, the madness grew stronger, and this cruel body of his craved the death of others even more. It coveted and hungered. It was like an insatiable void that could never be filled. It endlessly desired the end of others.
And in the end, that desire had led to the death of his master, who had been like a father to him.
At least this is a relief.
His mind, which had been lost to the fog of madness, had returned, if only for a moment. Thanks to that, he could die remembering his sins.
Content with that, the young man gently closed his eyes. He was preparing himself for the inevitable.
“Look at that pathetic expression. What do you think you’re doing?”
Seeing this, the other man, Gu Yangcheon, spoke in a disbelieving tone. He couldn't make sense of the situation. Why did the Sword Demon suddenly look so resigned?
What the fuck is this?
The more he looked, the less he understood. Gu Yangcheon was certain that out of all the bewildering situations he had faced since his regression, this one ranked in the top three.
What is he?
Who was this docile-looking man? At the very least, it wasn't anyone he knew.
But he’s definitely the Sword Demon, isn’t he?
His appearance, as well as the power and presence he had unleashed back then, were undoubtedly those of the Sword Demon he remembered. But his current state was the complete opposite.
Who was the Sword Demon? He was the captain of the Ghostly Sword Army, the Demonic Cult’s elite assassination squad. He was a man so in tune with his killing intent that it was said he lived only to slaughter his opponents.
As such, his personality was naturally grotesque. He was infamous for his violent and cruel nature.
This guy… what is he really?
The Sword Demon Gu Yangcheon was seeing now was a far cry from that image. Kneeling with his eyes closed, his posture was unwavering. The evil spirit that had rampaged in the inn was gone, and in its place was a young man with a calm, centered demeanor.
A Taoist.
Yes. That was the air of a Taoist, something often seen in the martial artists of the great sects. A man with his eyes closed as if he had surrendered to fate.
Watching him, Gu Yangcheon scratched the back of his head with an annoyed expression.
Should I just stick to the plan?
The original plan was to capture the Sword Demon, who had just begun his activities, and turn him into a Demonic Human. Then, he would use him until he broke and discard him. That was the plan for the Sword Demon as part of the ‘business’ he had in Guangdong.
But now, it felt like things had gone awry.
It’s not like this version of him is a problem, but…
The reason wasn't just that he was different from the Sword Demon he knew. It was because of the movements he had shown at the inn and his current atmosphere. If his guess was correct… he needed to find out a little more.
“Hey.”
When he called out, the man opened his eyes and looked at him. Those same murky, yellow eyes.
“Let me ask you something.” Looking at the man, he asked, “Are you from the Kunlun Sect?”
“…!”
The young man’s eyes widened as if they would pop out of their sockets.
“Tsk.”
Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon clicked his tongue. It was as good as an admission.
The Sword Demon is from the Kunlun Sect?
He had never known. And there was no way he could have.
…There was no trace of it in his sword.
In his past life, the swordsmanship used by the Sword Demon had absolutely no feel of the Kunlun Sect. It lacked the richness of the Taoist Qi that their practitioners possessed. It meant that the unique flow of the Kunlun style was completely absent.
The fact that he had seen a glimpse of it in their brief fight just now meant…
He’s intentionally erasing it.
It meant he had scrubbed the feel of the Kunlun Sect from his own techniques. Whether that was possible or not was irrelevant; he had done it, so it was fact.
If this guy really is the Sword Demon, that is.
And that wasn't the only question. Watching the man, whose eyes were trembling in shock, Gu Yangcheon continued.
“Why is a Taoist from Kunlun all the way out here in Guangdong, causing trouble?”
“...”
“As far as I know, Kunlun doesn't teach its disciples to go around murdering people.”
Squeeze.
Hearing his words, the young man clenched his fists. “…The Kunlun Sect has nothing to do with this. It is I who am at fault.”
Watching him, Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes. “So, you’re admitting you’re the one who’s been killing people here?”
“…Yes.”
Hearing the answer, Gu Yangcheon nodded. Worn-out clothes and a distinctly shabby appearance. And the way he clearly didn't want to reveal his affiliation with Kunlun. Looking at all this, there was only one conclusion.
“You ran away from home.”
“...”
“Am I right?”
As he spoke with a chuckle, the young man hung his head low. “…It’s not like that.”
“If it’s not like that, then what is it?”
“It’s just that… that place was not somewhere I dared to be.”
Not a place he should be. The young man truly believed that.
Hearing this, Gu Yangcheon spoke in a flat voice. “Did your master tell you to do that?”
At the unexpected words, the young man’s head shot up. “What…!”
“You were talking in your sleep quite a bit earlier. You must miss your master a lot, huh?”
Did I make a sound during my nightmare?
As the young man clenched his fists, trembling with shame, Gu Yangcheon thought to himself.
It seems…
His guesses were all correct. It was surprising enough that the Sword Demon was a Taoist from Kunlun. But what was even more surprising was…
That guy is the disciple of the Qinghai Sword?
The former sect leader of the Kunlun Sect, now a deceased old man. He was a martial artist Gu Yangcheon had encountered at the Heavenly Dragon Academy. It wasn't a long acquaintance, but he was a figure who had left a certain impression.
That Qinghai Sword… was secretly raising a Heavenly Killing Star?
Was the Sword Demon really the disciple of the Qinghai Sword? It wasn't a certainty, but it wasn't hard to guess. It wasn't just any constitution; it was a Heavenly Killing Star. Not only did he secretly take in such a person, but he also had the ability to raise him to that level.
Moreover, though it was for a fleeting moment, the Taoist Qi that carried the air of Kunlun had even shown a hint of purity. If it wasn't the Qinghai Sword, it would have to be someone with his level of power and influence. But from what Gu Yangcheon could see, the only person like that in Kunlun was the Qinghai Sword.
Tsk.
The thought made him click his tongue.
Of all people.
To think the Qinghai Sword and the Sword Demon were connected. That meant… could it be related to why the Qinghai Sword joined the Demonic Cult in his past life?
There was no way to know. The Qinghai Sword was one of the first Demonic Humans who had pledged allegiance to the Heavenly Demon shortly after the cult was established. The Sword Demon was someone who joined after the Qinghai Sword’s death.
There’s no way to know now.
In the current timeline, the future had already been twisted, and the Qinghai Sword was dead. He had died stopping a rampaging Red Gate of Demons, or so he had heard.
He didn't die like that in my past life.
Not only had such a rampage never occurred in Qinghai, but the fact that a Red Gate of Demons had appeared at this time was already a massive deviation.
In that situation.
“I hope you find peace.”
The words the old man had spoken while alive still lingered in his ears.
This is a pain.
To think the Sword Demon was connected to the Qinghai Sword of all people. If he had his way, he would just ignore all that, turn him into a Demonic Human, and be done with it. After all, if he was destined to become the Sword Demon, it didn't matter what intentions the Qinghai Sword had in taking him in.
However.
“You’ve killed nearly ten people in this town alone.”
There was something that bothered him too much to just do that.
“I don’t know how a guy from Qinghai got all the way here. But given the distance, you must have killed a lot of people along the way. Right?”
“...”
“Otherwise, the smell of blood wouldn't be so strong.”
The scent of blood wafting from the man was thick. Perhaps he had no intention of hiding it, or maybe he hadn't washed properly, but the metallic smell was particularly foul. The man had killed people—in a manner so brutal that the stench of blood clung to him.
“…That’s correct.”
The man didn't deny it. The guilt etched on his face was irritating.
You, of all people, shouldn't have been like that.
I wish that was just an act.
Hiding such thoughts, Gu Yangcheon continued. “The funny thing is, I did a little digging. Turns out, all the guys you killed in this town had criminal records.”
“...”
Thump.
He pulled a letter from his robes and tossed it in front of the man. It was a log containing information about the victims of the recent serial killer case.
“Rapists, arsonists… did you specifically pick out guys like these to kill?”
“...”
The man didn't answer the question but gave a slight nod.
“Why?”
“…I could not kill the innocent.”
“Guilty or not, is it okay to kill people?”
“No. That, too, is a sin.”
The firm answer was unexpected. Honestly, Gu Yangcheon didn't think it was a sin. He didn't exactly believe that all human lives were precious. Those who deserved to be hit should be hit. Those who deserved to die should die. That was how he thought the world worked.
“Then why did you kill them?”
“…If I didn't… other innocent people might have died.”
Gu Yangcheon fell silent for a moment after hearing the answer, then spoke. “At your hands, you mean?”
Squeeze.
Hearing his words, the young man clenched his fists tightly. “…Yes…”
The Heavenly Killing Star. Born with the fate to live by killing. Some called it an instinct, like eating and breathing. They said it was a natural principle for them. Looking at it through history, he had thought it was a fucked-up constitution. Seeing it in person, it was even more fucked up.
“So that’s why you killed them.”
“…I am sorry. I will gladly accept my punishment.”
“Your apology isn't for me. So what were you trying to do at the inn earlier? Did those folks do something wrong too?”
“…No.”
Unable to control his trembling hands, the man clasped them together, trying to endure. “I’m sorry… Please kill me. I was wrong…”
He had tried to kill them, unable to overcome his instincts. That was his confession.
Is that true?
Was that look of remorse genuine? A man who hunted down and killed only sinners… was his attempt to kill innocent people at the inn really the first time?
He didn't know. Besides, he didn't really care. Whether he had killed people or not wasn't a major issue for Gu Yangcheon. What Gu Yangcheon considered important here was something else entirely.
So the Sword Demon wasn't always a madman from the start?
It seemed he was on the verge of going mad, unable to overcome his instincts. But the fact that he wasn't like that from the beginning was fascinating.
If he were the man I knew, I would have just turned him into a Demonic Human and been done with it.
Learning all these trivial details piqued his interest a little. No, that probably wasn't the only reason.
“Slowly… then… you’ll have fewer regrets…”
Those were the words left by his fiancée, who had gone to the North Sea against his wishes. It was her way of telling him to curb his impatient nature.
She said she’d be back this year.
Two years had passed since she went there. She had said she would return by this year, so it was about time. Perhaps she was already on her way.
With that thought, Gu Yangcheon stood up. “If something’s bothering me, I should take it slow. That’s what she told me to do.”
As Gu Yangcheon muttered something incomprehensible, the young man looked at him with a questioning expression. Just then.
“If you have business, come out now.”
At Gu Yangcheon’s sudden words, a presence was felt from the shadows. Shortly after, several figures emerged from beyond the forest. The leader was none other than Seodong, the martial artist from the Murim Alliance whom Gu Yangcheon had met the previous night.
As soon as Seodong appeared, he cupped his fist to Gu Yangcheon. “…We meet again, Great Hero.”
“Yes. Good to see you. Thanks to you, I found the person I was looking for.”
At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Seodong’s gaze shifted to the kneeling young man. Yellow eyes and an appearance that seemed to be just past twenty. It matched the description Gu Yangcheon had given.
Which meant…
“…The serial killer.”
This was the culprit who had been causing a stir in the Guangdong region. Ignoring Seodong’s reaction, Gu Yangcheon spoke.
“Do you have business with me? I thought we settled things last night.”
Hearing his words, Seodong straightened up. He was about to offer an explanation, but the person next to him stepped forward and cut him off. It was a middle-aged man with a massive build.
Gu Yangcheon’s brow furrowed as he looked at him.
He’s strong.
Unlike Seodong, who was a peak-level martial artist, he could feel a heavy energy from this man.
Fusion Realm.
This man was a Fusion Realm martial artist. As Gu Yangcheon waited for an introduction, the man smiled slightly and cupped his fist.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Wiseok, the one responsible for the Murim Alliance’s Guangdong branch.”
Wiseok. Gu Yangcheon nodded inwardly upon hearing the name. He had thought he wasn't at the captain level based on his realm. He hadn't expected the branch manager himself to show up.
Well, a Fusion Realm master is too good to remain a captain.
A Fusion Realm martial artist was at a level where they could become an elder in a prestigious clan. It would be strange for such a person to serve as a mere swordsmen captain.
“I apologize for meeting you without prior notice. I came in a bit of a hurry.”
Gu Yangcheon nodded at Wiseok’s words. For a fleeting moment, a strange light flickered in Wiseok’s eyes at his nonchalant attitude.
“I heard from my subordinate. You helped capture a Red Demon?”
“I just saw it passing by and caught it.”
“…A Red Demon, just passing by…” Wiseok laughed at Gu Yangcheon’s words. “That is no easy feat. You are truly remarkable. I came to express my gratitude.”
“I’ve received your thanks. So?”
Get to the point. His words were filled with that meaning. Since he was being so blunt, there was no way Wiseok wouldn't understand.
“We are grateful for your help, but I would like to ask for your esteemed name.”
“Why my name? Just be grateful, why go through all that trouble?”
“Haha, we can’t just let you go. We have our own position to consider. Besides…” Wiseok’s eyes sharpened slightly. “The report said you even tamed the demon. Is that true?”
Hearing that, this time it was Gu Yangcheon who laughed. “Come on, that’s ridiculous. How can a person tame a demon?”
“That’s what I thought. It’s not a believable story, but that’s what was written in the report.”
“Then the person who filed the report must have been dreaming.”
He laughed as if it were amusing, but Wiseok didn't seem to believe him. He simply stared at Gu Yangcheon with a heavy gaze. Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon’s smile faded.
“So, what now?”
His slightly high-pitched voice instantly dropped, becoming cold. The air immediately grew heavy, pressing down on them.
“Ghk…!”
Seodong, who was standing beside them, flinched and stepped back. For a moment, he felt the illusion of being pierced through. That’s how intense the fighting spirit was.
“I told you to get to the point. What do you want?”
Despite the fighting spirit, Wiseok didn't back down. His stance was firm, proving he was a Fusion Realm martial artist.
“It’s how we deal with unidentified individuals. The situation is chaotic right now, so we wish to obtain definite information about you. Furthermore.” Wiseok’s gaze turned to the young Sword Demon. “It seems you are connected to the serial killer who has been causing a stir recently. We would like to hear about that as well. So, if possible, we would like to go to the branch and discuss the details.”
Hearing that, Gu Yangcheon said, “So, you’re saying you suspect me and want me to come along quietly for an investigation?”
“We will escort you with all due respect.” His tone was affirmative.
“What if I refuse?”
“I hope you won’t. We would really like to escort you respectfully, if possible.”
He said this while gripping his sword. It was no different from a threat.
If you don’t come with us, we will subdue you.
How could he not know the implication? He had thought it was strange that they had brought so many people. It wasn't just the martial artist named Seodong; there were also several others of a higher realm.
Are those guys the captains? Feels like I’m being treated like a demon.
Their forces were more than enough to hunt a Red Demon with ease. It seemed the presence he had shown Seodong was so immense that they had come fully prepared.
Sensing this, Gu Yangcheon…
“Haha.”
He didn't hold back the laugh that escaped him.
“This is hilarious.”
He didn't hide the truth in his words. He wasn't laughing out of anger. He was laughing because it was genuinely amusing. Gu Yangcheon looked at Wiseok and thought: how could he not laugh?
Looks like I threw the bait better than I expected.
The matter with the Sword Demon was unexpected. But everything else was going according to plan. How could this situation not be fortunate?
Thinking this, Gu Yangcheon spoke to Wiseok.
“Well then.”
And at the same time.
“Go ahead and try to take me.”
Shing—!
The sound of swords being drawn echoed from all around.