Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Racing Shadows to Sichuan
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“Take care of the cult for the time being.”
“Please return safely.”
Before stepping out of the Heavenly Demon Palace, Hyeok Mulin encouraged Sima Jin and turned his steps away.
With his bamboo hat slung diagonally across his head, he calmly descended Heavenly Mountain.
Having crossed the treacherous, layered peaks, Hyeok Mulin moved as if piercing straight through Xinjiang itself.
It was a path similar to the one he had taken previously with the Myriad Li Merchant Group, but his speed this time was incomparably faster.
Back then, he had been accompanied by the caravan leader and porters, burdened by wagons full of goods, which limited their pace. But now, traveling alone, he unleashed Shadow Swift Step without any restraints.
In the midst of this swift journey, Hyeok Mulin briefly recalled the previous trip and roughly estimated his plans ahead.
‘It’ll be quite a long journey.’
His ultimate goal on this trip to the Central Plains was to retrieve Gwangui from the Millennium Prison, but there was one more matter requiring his attention.
Before heading to Dongting Lake, he planned to stop by Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province along the route, to check on the safety of the Secret Affairs Hall's leader and the Tang Clan's movements.
Anticipating it would take no small amount of time, he parted the cool wind as he pressed forward and opened his mouth.
“If you get bored, you can come out.”
“......”
Despite Hyeok Mulin's words, Black Night remained silently melted into the shadows.
For this journey to the Central Plains, Hyeok Mulin had chosen Black Night as his escort instead of Left Protector Jang Wi.
There were three main reasons for this.
First.
Someone here needed to guard Sima Jin, who could truly be called Hyeok Mulin's closest confidant.
However, Black Night had only recently pledged loyalty to the cult and was still unfamiliar with Heavenly Mountain's terrain and the higher-ups' relationships.
In contrast, Jang Wi was experienced and seasoned, capable of handling any sudden situations among the demon folk with ease.
Second.
Conversely, Black Night was an assassin who had operated in the Central Plains, making him more familiar with its geography and connections.
Since Hyeok Mulin was heading to the Central Plains, Black Night's expertise would allow him to shine where it mattered most.
And finally, third.
Hyeok Mulin had no intention of revealing his identity.
Hunan Province, his final destination, sat smack in the middle of enemy territory teeming with righteous sect forces, so he planned to keep his true self hidden as much as possible.
To move as ordinarily as possible, bringing along a master like Jang Wi would only draw suspicion.
Thus, Hyeok Mulin decided to keep Black Night by his side—a companion who imposed no restrictions on his movements.
Black Night, who had set out following Hyeok Mulin, was now traveling hidden in his shadow, undetected by anyone.
Though since departure, he hadn't uttered a word, making it feel no different from traveling alone.
‘Fine. In that case...’
As Hyeok Mulin briefly executed Shadowless Step, his shadow—opposing the sun—gradually faded.
Soon, it vanished completely from the world.
In that instant, something dark detached from his silhouette and merged into the surrounding shadows.
“Hup.”
Confirming Black Night had separated, Hyeok Mulin activated Shadow Swift Step and surged toward his destination.
His form, now unburdened by an escort, soared lightly like a bird taking flight.
“......”
Black Night, lingering in another shadow and watching his receding back for a moment, soon began to move as well.
Whirrr!
The shadows of trees and bushes swirled after Hyeok Mulin in a frenzy.
Catching a glimpse of this from behind, Hyeok Mulin accelerated further, and the two men's true chase began in earnest.
With a simple race added to their journey, they escaped Xinjiang in less than three days.
Yet even so, Black Night was still trailing just barely behind, unable to catch up to Hyeok Mulin.
At some point, Hyeok Mulin began revealing his shadow again, reminding Black Night of their goal, and in response, Black Night's speed steadily increased.
Just as he was nearly catching up, Hyeok Mulin's pace astonishingly rose as well, widening the gap once more.
Continuing like this, they passed Qinghai Province in a few days, arriving before they knew it at their first waypoint: Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan.
“Thanks to you, crossing this long distance wasn't boring at all.”
This was the first time Hyeok Mulin had pushed his lightness skill to its limit for days on end.
Moreover, having a rival struggling to keep up from behind heightened the thrilling tension.
Perhaps because of that unique situation.
By the time he reached his destination, the maximum speed of Shadow Swift Step had noticeably improved.
“You'll have to try a bit harder next time.”
Hyeok Mulin lightly teased Black Night, who hadn't caught up even upon reaching the city.
“......”
In response, he silently melted back into the shadows.
Hyeok Mulin smirked at the sight.
‘He's quite stimulated.’
Unable to match his lord's speed as an escort must have bruised his pride considerably.
His progress had been evident even during this run, but he would undoubtedly train even harder from now on.
“It's getting late today.”
Gazing at the fading sunset and the darkening sky, Hyeok Mulin postponed visiting the Myriad Gold Branch until tomorrow.
For now, it was time to shake off the fatigue and rest.
Stepping into a side alley off the main street, Hyeok Mulin flicked a silver coin to a beggar prostrated there and asked.
“Where's the most famous tavern in Chengdu?”
The beggar's eyes widened at the silver, and he grinned ear to ear.
“Oh my, such a kind-hearted hero! You're looking for the best tavern around here, right?”
“Yes.”
“You've come to the right place. Introductions are my specialty. When it comes to Chengdu's most renowned tavern, everyone points to Four Emperors Tower—one of Sichuan's three great taverns. Towering in the city center, the top floor offers a panoramic view of all Chengdu. They even hired a chef who once served the imperial court, and their cuisine is universally praised.”
The beggar sprang up and pointed down the alley.
“Head east a bit from here, and you'll spot it right away. Look for the layered turquoise roofs with ornate silk tassels on every eave—it's a pavilion that stands out prominently from the rest.”
“Thanks.”
“Hehe, come back anytime!”
Leaving the bowing beggar behind, Hyeok Mulin headed in the direction indicated.
Before long, a towering pavilion matching the description perfectly appeared before him.
Its exterior alone screamed high-class tavern, and Hyeok Mulin entered without hesitation.
“Welcome. I am Gwan Rim, the manager of Four Emperors Tower. Are you with a party, sir hero?”
“Just me.”
“I see.”
As he greeted the new guest, the manager quickly sized him up with a sidelong glance.
The bamboo hat hid his face, but his attire alone marked him as a man of considerable wealth. Smiling brightly, the manager asked.
“Which floor shall I guide you to?”
“How many floors does the top have?”
“The top is the fifth floor, but...”
“Then take me there.”
His nonchalant tone startled the manager, who asked again.
“A-Are you sure? The fifth floor is our tower's crown jewel—with a wide view overlooking all of Chengdu. But the seats are quite pricey, usually reserved for groups.”
“Doesn't matter. Lead the way.”
As he replied, the manager's mind raced.
Was it wise to let this unknown stranger up to the top?
But judging from his bold tone and the quality of his robes, he seemed to hold a high position. Deciding to trust his instincts, the manager chose to escort the newcomer to the top floor.
“This way, please.”
The manager turned and led him up the stairs.
Upon reaching the fifth floor, no one had claimed a seat yet.
After surveying the layout, Hyeok Mulin sat by the window and placed a simple order.
“Bring out three or four of your most confident dishes.”
Once ordered, he caught his breath and naturally turned his gaze outward.
True to the beggar's words, Four Emperors Tower stood in the city center, offering a sweeping view of Chengdu from the window.
“......”
Silence enveloped Hyeok Mulin as he gazed out, the night of Sichuan reflected in his pupils.
Floating lantern lights, layer upon layer of buildings, and people bustling to and fro.
Staring intently at it all, he felt a unique sentiment.
‘So this is the Central Plains at night.’
In his previous life as the scarecrow Heavenly Demon, he hadn't even dreamed of leaving Xinjiang.
Yet now, entrusting his back to reliable allies, he had reached Sichuan as casually as a stroll. It was a stark contrast to the past.
The road ahead was still long, but compared to then, so much had already changed.
He swallowed his rising emotions and gazed at the world with a composed expression.
“It's been ages since I leisurely took in the night streets like this.”
In his past life, he had been consumed with researching martial arts; in this one, mastering them and meeting people had left no room to breathe.
But a horse that runs at full gallop forever will eventually tire and break.
He had realized that brief rests were needed to charge ahead with renewed vigor.
Thus, he focused solely on training and duties when engaged in them, and devoted himself entirely to rest when the time came.
The problem was how rarely such times actually arose.
So now, he intended to fully savor this respite.
Moonlight filled the eyes of Hyeok Mulin as he looked out the window.
‘Next time, I'd like to properly enjoy Xinjiang's night skies too—not just the Central Plains.’
Ever the Heavenly Demon.
Even as he took in the Central Plains, Xinjiang lingered in his thoughts.
Lost in the leisurely scenery, before long, dishes began appearing one by one on the large table.
Twice-cooked pork stir-fried with vegetables.
Mapo tofu made with rich spices, tofu, and minced meat.
Kung Pao chicken, sweet and spicy with chicken and vegetables.
Steamed premium pork belly, selected for its tender meat, and more— a colorful array stimulating Hyeok Mulin's nose.
“The chef's imperial background must be no lie.”
The quality exceeded expectations, infused with Sichuan's signature spiciness.
Though Hyeok Mulin had lately subsisted on nutrient pills and jerky, he was originally from the Seven Great Demon Clans and now the Heavenly Demon.
Even for someone who had sampled countless delicacies from that lofty position, these dishes brought genuine satisfaction.
As he savored this rare leisurely meal, multiple footsteps and voices rose from below.
“It's been quite a while since I've come here with Lady Tang.”
“Haven't you been scarce in Sichuan lately, Young Master Zhuge?”
“Too many duties kept me away. Let's forget the trivialities tonight and catch up on old times.”
The voices drew steadily closer.
Then, abruptly, they cut off.
Both the footsteps and the chatter.
“...There are prior guests.”
The voice of the young man at their lead pierced toward Hyeok Mulin.