Episode 8
Episode 8
Translation: Godtl
The Heavenly Demon Heart Method. It was a treasure-like heart method left behind by the Heavenly Demon Founder, the progenitor of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, for future generations of cult members. Those who passed the first-stage exam at the Demon Path Pavilion were given a choice: abandon the heart method they had cultivated thus far and learn the Heavenly Demon Heart Method, or stubbornly cling to their existing one.
Of course, Cheon Mu-jin had no real choice in the matter. He had never properly learned a heart method before now. If anything, this was a good opportunity to lay a solid foundation. Without hesitation, Mu-jin crossed his legs and sat in meditation.
Thanks to what could be called protagonist's privilege, his understanding of martial arts within the game was unexpectedly high. Just the fact that he had already managed to synthesize the new Heavenly Demon Divine Art was proof enough.
Closing his eyes, he slowly began to regulate his breathing. A flood of information surged into his mind.
The yang and yin energies that composed the world. All Qi formed the heavens and earth, spreading throughout nature. A heart method referred to the process of absorbing that Qi and making it one's own.
The foundation of all this—the process of emitting and controlling Qi—was essential, no matter what kind of martial art one practiced.
Qi Dispatch.
It was the very foundation of all martial arts, the method of wielding Qi.
Mu-jin wasn't yet familiar with it.
But that was precisely why there was an advantage.
A blank sheet of paper.
If one were to describe Mu-jin's current state, it would be exactly that—blank. It meant he was in a state where, if he simply applied ink diligently, he could complete the painting in no time.
Realizing this, a faint smile curled at the corners of Mu-jin's lips.
"I'll master this heart method within the day."
For an ordinary martial artist, such a thing would be impossible.
But inside a game?
"Nothing's impossible. I just have to go full gaming addict mode."
Cheon Mu-jin—in reality, a Korean. And as part of the gaming nation, if he put his mind to it, the results would surpass all imagination.
"I'll perfectly grasp the Heavenly Demon Divine Art by the end of today."
With this modest(?) goal in mind, Mu-jin quietly began focusing to attain enlightenment.
Enlightenment didn't take long.
There wasn't much in his mind to begin with, and in essence, the Heavenly Demon Heart Method imprinted itself onto his consciousness like a class change in a game.
Now, the only thing left was to gauge just how much he had truly improved.
In the Murim, objectively assessing one's own level was crucial.
In other words, it was essential to realize just how much of a weakling one was.
In this world, if some nobody with no skill also lacked awareness, they'd be dead before even hitting thirty.
Exiting the Secret Manual Library of the Demon Path Pavilion, Mu-jin immediately headed to the training ground.
The first floor was a communal training area, while the basement housed private meditation chambers.
Since no one seemed to be focused enough on training to use the chambers yet, there wasn't a single trace of activity.
Mu-jin stepped into one of the chambers with relaxed strides.
"No need to go around showing off how strong I am."
That's just how the world worked.
When you appeared weak, no one paid you any mind. But the moment you showed even the slightest sign of growing stronger, they'd crush you before you could rise further.
Considering that, staying under the radar was the best course of action.
The meditation chamber was comfortable.
In the center lay an Azure Jade Stone, not something that could be easily broken. Most likely, it had been placed there for training purposes.
The higher one's rank, the more advanced the chamber they could access, but most never bothered to leave their current one.
If one reached a level where they could outright shatter the prepared Azure Jade Stone, it meant they had already ascended to a realm where they didn't even need a meditation chamber anymore.
Mu-jin quietly closed his eyes.
First, it was practically certain that he had formed a Dantian. But he didn't get excited over something so trivial. Suppressing his exhilaration, he calmly began circulating his Qi.
Oooooom—
A fierce surge of energy rose from beneath his Dantian.
This was unmistakably the flow of Internal Energy.
Just what level had he reached?
Mu-jin's curiosity burned.
In the Murim, those who could leave a mark on the Azure Jade Stone were commonly regarded as First-rate experts.
That alone spoke volumes about the stone's overwhelming durability—not something that could be easily damaged.
"I'll start with a punch."
Though he would've preferred to use a sword, the safest option was undoubtedly his fist.
After all, he hadn't properly learned any martial arts yet.
"Huh...?"
This wasn't just a scratch.
A clear hole had been punched straight through the Azure Jade Stone.
Right where his finger had just stabbed into it.
"This is insane."
He hadn't even exerted his full strength.
All he had done was consume the miracle pill he received as a reward for passing the exam, learn the Heavenly Demon Heart Method, and secretly drink the hidden wine.
The fact that he could leave a clear mark on the Azure Jade Stone—this was undoubtedly the realm of First-rate.
Cheon Mu-jin trembled with overwhelming emotion, unable to contain his exhilaration. But there was no time to rejoice like a child. 'I must conceal my strength at all costs.'
The fewer who knew of his newfound power, the better. In his current situation, there were virtually no trustworthy allies. So then—
"It's better if I remain just another lowborn candidate for Young Cult Leader."
Building a faction wasn't urgent yet. The real need for influence would come during the third stage of the trials at the earliest. Even if he prepared his forces a year from now, after passing this stage, it wouldn't be too late.
***
Having completed his basic Qi circulation and roughly gauged his current level, Cheon Mu-jin immediately returned to his quarters. There wasn't an official curfew, but leaving his room unattended risked falling prey to some scheme.
His quarters were on this floor—one of six in the dormitory, infamously dubbed the "Hell Floor." Three Young Cult Leader candidates resided here: Cheon Gi-baek of the Fist Demon Clan, Cheon Yeon-hwa of the Poison Demon Clan, and Cheon Mu-jin himself. Unsurprisingly, the underlings of these candidates were already engaged in a tense battle of wits.
'How noisy.'
Shouts echoed from inside the dormitory. He lingered outside, observing the situation before entering.
Then—a familiar face passed by the entrance.
Ju-rin.
A wicked grin spread across Cheon Mu-jin's face as he waved.
But Ju-rin ignored him. Clearly, she had no intention of acknowledging him in public.
Of course, Cheon Mu-jin wasn't the type to let that slide. He immediately sent a Sound Transmission:
[Not answering me? Then I suppose I'll have to pay Cheon Yu-rin of the Sword Demon Clan a visit—]
[I'll come find you inside. Just—please—]
[Good. That's more like it.]
A smirk curled his lips. In contrast, Ju-rin's face paled.
'I thought I'd broken her completely, but it seems there's still a long way to go.'
Not that he was in a hurry. Ju-rin was merely a means to get closer to Cheon Yu-rin—and approaching Yu-rin at this stage was utterly meaningless.
'There's no way I could defeat Yu-rin right now anyway.'
If anything, pushing too hard would be suicidal.
Cheon Mu-jin wiggled his fingers mockingly. Ju-rin, her face still drained of color, nodded stiffly.
Not long after, Ju-rin appeared behind the Demon Path Pavilion dormitory.
"Why did you call me here?"
Her expression was far from pleasant. This was an irritating inconvenience.
"Short with your words now?"
"...What do you want?"
Ju-rin uncrossed her arms, as if finally remembering her place.
"Two things. First—accurately gauge Cheon Yu-rin's current level for me."
This was necessary for the eventual day he'd make his move against her. After all, knowing your enemy was half the battle.
"That's impossible."
For now, she resisted—but sooner or later, she'd bring him everything on a silver platter.
"Still so feisty. Fine, then the second thing—wear this."
From his robes, he produced an object—a black anal plug.
He'd brought it along as an experiment, curious whether items from reality would carry over when he briefly returned.
Ju-rin tilted her head, clearly unfamiliar with its purpose.
Well, if she didn't know, it was only natural to teach her.
Cheon Mu-jin moistened the plug with saliva and immediately began hiking up Ju-rin's skirt.
"W-What are you—?!"
"This is called an anal plug. Simply put—it's a tool you insert into your anus."
"Huh?! How could you possibly—?!"
"Quiet. I'll put it in for you. Spread your legs. I'll train you properly from now on."
"......!"
Ju-rin struggled, but eventually gave up resisting. Soon, she was bent over, lifting her hips submissively.
"I noticed last time too—you're really pretty down here."
"Kgh—! Hurry up and finish! If someone sees—!"
"Tch, still so prickly. There's no one around anyway, so what's the problem?"
Of course, despite his words, he wasted no time spreading her cheeks apart.
Her glistening slit and untouched anus were fully exposed.
Ju-rin's backdoor, unviolated until now, was nearly devoid of pigmentation—as pristine as her untouched womanhood. The delicate, chrysanthemum-like puckered entrance was mesmerizing.
Gently, he began rubbing the plug around her tight rim.
After all, forcing it in without preparation was nearly impossible.
He had to take his time.
"Spread your asshole wide. Push your hips out as far as you can! Understood?"
"Ughhk...!"
Ju-rin obeyed as commanded. Gazing at her spread-open anus, Cheon Mu-jin slowly pushed the anal plug inside.
"Hhhuuu... haaah...!"
The anal plug didn't slide in easily. But with persistent effort, he succeeded in inserting it.