Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: The Demons' Trap
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The blacksmith's forge in the Heavenly Demon Cult.
There, I gazed at the demonic sword I had created, lost in thought.
"Just what kind of name would suit it?"
"Just give it a cool name."
Hyeon-a, watching me deliberate for a long while, spoke with a hint of frustration.
I looked at her and replied.
"No way. I don't do anything half-heartedly."
It would be one thing for an ordinary weapon, but a demonic sword deserved a fitting name.
The sword was inspired by the Heavenly Demon Cult's greatest swordsman, the Sword Demon, Unmyeong.
Though he possessed immense martial power, his true depths were unknowable, like the deep sea.
Impossible to fathom its depth and endlessly vast, it was instinctively overwhelming.
With such a master as my muse, I naturally made the sword's appearance calm yet imposing.
And what completes the existence of a demonic sword, along with its appearance, is none other than its name.
The moment you hear the name, you should instantly grasp what kind of being this sword is.
"Ah, what should I call it?"
I considered several candidates and chose the one that appealed to me most.
"Alright, I've decided."
I looked at the exquisitely crafted, dark-hued demonic sword and said.
"You are the 'Black Moon Sword'."
Meaning 'black moon', it exuded an air of considerable nobility.
"Man, even I have to admit that's cool."
As I lavished myself with praise, Hyeon-a gave me a slight nod.
"Well, it's less childish than the last one."
"Childish? You don't get it. A grand name with no substance to back it up is childish, but when the performance is good enough to support that incredible name, it becomes a mark of 'class'."
As I explained with sincere eyes, Hyeon-a responded as if she agreed.
"Hearing you say it, I guess that makes sense."
"It doesn't just make sense, it is sense."
While I was admiring the Black Moon Sword, she asked.
"So, you said the next martial artist would be from the Orthodox Faction. Have you decided which group you're targeting? There are a lot of them, you know."
"Of course."
I replied with a grin.
"This time, I'm going for a young martial artist from a prestigious clan."
"A prestigious clan, you mean one of the Five Great Clans. But you know that messing with them could blow up into a huge incident, right?"
As she said, the Five Great Clans were the core of the Orthodox Faction.
Unlike the Daoist or Buddhist sects, they were family-centric, making them more aggressive toward any force that threatened them.
To put it simply, if you wronged a Daoist or Buddhist sect, you might be able to beg for forgiveness. But if you messed with one of the Great Clans, you'd have to beg for forgiveness in death.
But I wasn't concerned.
The demonic sword was merely an extension of myself, and there was no way they could discover my location or affiliation.
"No matter how powerful the clan is, how would they ever find out I was the one playing a prank?"
"I suppose you're right."
"Besides, even if I get caught, it doesn't really matter."
"Why?"
When Hyeon-a tilted her head and asked, I grinned and replied.
"Because I'm in the Heavenly Mountains. Are they really going to invade us all the way out here?"
"Ah, good point."
I thought to myself how fortunate I was to have been born into the Demonic Cult.
Even if I got caught playing a slightly harsh prank, I could just flash my Demonic Cult credentials, and everyone would hush up and move on, wouldn't they?
Thinking about it, the Blood Cult seemed too reckless, the Unorthodox Faction was too individualistic, and the Orthodox Faction just didn't suit my personality. It was truly a blessing to be reincarnated into the Demonic Cult.
In the past, I'd thought being reincarnated here was a bit of a mistake, but on second thought, it was a pretty decent place to live.
Of course, if you didn't have at least one outstanding skill, life would be quite difficult, but well, that wasn't my problem, so there was no need to worry about it.
"Anyway, this time, I'm going to play with a young master from a prestigious clan."
"Hmm, won't they be too stuffy and boring?"
"You don't know a thing."
I replied, the corners of my mouth lifting.
"Those quiet types are the ones who secretly harbor the strangest thoughts. If you gently provoke them, you get the most interesting reactions."
"Wow, you really are a demon. Even the most vicious villains usually don't think of playing with people's hearts like toys."
"Am I doing something wrong? I'm not just messing with them; I'm giving them a good weapon and helping them improve their skills."
"No, but still..."
"What, did you think I was some kind of saint?"
I shrugged and replied.
"There has to be give and take. I give them a weapon and power, and in return, I get to play a little prank. In a way, isn't that a good deal for them?"
Hyeon-a listened to me with a blank expression for a moment, then burst into laughter and applause.
*Clap, clap, clap.*
She spoke with genuine admiration.
"Hahaha! I've lived in this neighborhood and seen all kinds of crazy people, you know? But you're the best of them all. Not a shred of guilt to be found."
"What's there to feel guilty about? I haven't done anything wrong in the first place."
"I'm not saying I dislike it. You know I really like this side of you, right? That's why I'm always by your side. You're always new and fun."
Hyeon-a chuckled, then spoke softly.
"By the way, have you ever heard of an 'Inner Demon'?"
"Isn't that just about having a hard time? Who in the world doesn't have a hard time? Everyone just endures and lives on."
At my answer, Hyeon-a replied with a sinister smile.
"An Inner Demon is much more than that. If you get caught by one, it can make you snap. You can go truly insane."
"No way, is my prank that severe? But if they can't even handle that, how are they supposed to function in society? They just have to overcome it."
"Ahahaha! You really are a possessed blacksmith."
She wiped away tears of laughter and asked.
"Heh, so, do you have a place in mind?"
I pondered which of the prestigious clans I should target.
After a brief thought, I answered immediately.
"First off, not those guys from the Sichuan Tang Clan."
"Why?"
"Do they use swords? Don't they use poison?"
"Hmm, usually."
"So they're out. What about the Namgung Clan? They use swords often. How about them?"
"Of all the choices, you had to pick the strongest one?"
"Is the Namgung Clan the strongest of the Five Great Clans?"
Hyeon-a nodded and replied.
"They're grouped together as the Five Great Clans, but in reality, the Namgung Clan is at the very top. No other clan wields as much powerful influence in their own territory as they do."
"Hmm..."
"Even in terms of simple martial strength, they're overwhelming. That's why they have such a powerful voice in the Martial Alliance."
After hearing her explanation, I nodded and spoke with a determined voice.
"Perfect. Let's go with the Namgung Clan! You know you have to help me this time too, right?"
At my words, Hyeon-a grinned and opened her mouth.
"Alright. I won't be able to be as aggressive as last time, so I'll have to use my usual cover identity."
Her usual cover identity was none other than a merchant.
In fact, she was the owner of a covert merchant caravan of the Demonic Cult that operated in the Central Plains.
Being a covert caravan, it was structured as a cell organization, and all its high-ranking members were demons from the Demonic Cult.
They dealt in a wide variety of goods as well.
It was the most effective role for Hyeon-a and her assassination squad to use for their covert activities.
"I'm counting on you again."
I trusted that Hyeon-a would find me someone with a reaction as exquisite as Gwiyeong's.
She took the Black Moon Sword from me and replied.
"Leave it to me. I'll pick out another interesting one for you, just like last time."
***
After she received the Black Moon Sword, she assumed her merchant identity, which she mainly used in the Central Plains, and headed for Anhui, the territory of the Namgung Clan.
Coincidentally, the assassination target she had received from her superiors was not far from Anhui, so she decided to stop by beforehand.
She took only a few of her most trusted subordinates and crept like a shadow around the Namgung Clan's main estate.
If it were known that the Demonic Cult's elite assassination squad and their leader had appeared, the entire area would have been thrown into chaos, but no such thing happened.
In the first place, if they were the type to get caught, they wouldn't have become assassins for the Heavenly Demon Cult.
"You all wait near the village inn."
"""Yes, ma'am."""
As soon as Hyeon-a's order was given, the assassins vanished without a trace.
Left alone, Hyeon-a scanned her surroundings and muttered to herself.
"It's getting dark, so shall we begin?"
She put on plain, simple clothes, a skin mask, and a wig.
Her naturally sharp eyes became droopy and gentle thanks to the mask.
To hide her large chest, she bound it tightly with cloth to reduce its volume and wore a loose-fitting robe.
With this, just by her appearance, Hyeon-a had become a completely different person.
"Ahem, hem."
She also changed her usually bright voice to a calm and modest tone.
"Hmm, this voice should be sufficient."
Changing her manner of speech as well, it was a perfect disguise.
But it didn't end there.
Hyeon-a dabbed a subtle perfume she had prepared on her body.
A person's aura is sensitively affected not only by sight but also by smell.
She had prepared meticulously, knowing that such minor details could sometimes lead to being discovered.
With all preparations complete, she decided to target the second daughter of the Namgung Clan, Namgung So-yeon, based on the information she had gathered on her way to Anhui.
She set up a small tent on a path she was known to frequent and placed a weapon rack outside to draw interest.
A short while later, Namgung So-yeon, who had taken the bait like a fish to a hook, entered the tent. Just as her expectations fell while looking at the mass-produced weapons, Hyeon-a slyly removed the cloth that had been covering the Black Moon Sword.
Namgung So-yeon's indifferent gaze, which had been scanning the surroundings, was immediately drawn to the Black Moon Sword, which emanated an overwhelming presence.
"That is..."
She must have felt like she'd found a treasure among common weapons.
"What is that?"
Namgung So-yeon's eyes sparkled as she fell into the trap and asked about the Black Moon Sword. Hyeon-a smiled and replied.
She delivered the final blow.
"Ah, this weapon isn't actually for sale."
She emphasized that it wasn't for sale, paused for a moment, and then continued.
"But would you still like to take a look?"
Completely ensnared in the trap Hyeon-a had laid, Namgung So-yeon nodded and replied.
"Yes, I'd very much like to see it."
Hyeon-a turned and picked up the Black Moon Sword hanging behind her.
Since her back was turned, Namgung So-yeon couldn't see it, but Hyeon-a's face, due to the skin mask, was twisted into an incredibly bizarre smile.
Had the possessed blacksmith seen it, he would have been horrified and exclaimed how creepy it was, but unfortunately, no one saw her grotesque grin.
*Clink.*
Placing the weapon on the table, Hyeon-a spoke with an amiable expression, as if nothing had happened.
"Please, take a look. Although it is not for sale, it is the weapon I cherish most."
As if possessed, Namgung So-yeon picked up the Black Moon Sword and examined it.
A dark and alluring color combination that young martial artists would love.
An exquisite and clean form that would surely please the precious daughter of the Namgung Clan.
And the mysterious energy emanating from the refined inner core, from which the blood energy of the Preta Path had been extracted.
The demonic sword, meticulously crafted to ensnare Namgung So-yeon, tempted her.
Like an insect drawn to the sweet scent of a carnivorous plant, So-yeon was completely captivated.
"You said this weapon isn't for sale, correct?"
"That is right. This weapon has a sad story behind it."
Hearing that it not only had a fine appearance and aura but also a backstory, So-yeon became even more interested.
"What kind of story..."
"That sword's name is the Black Moon Sword. It was once used by a great demon of the Demonic Cult. Because of that, it was long called a cursed sword."
"A sword used by a great demon of the Demonic Cult...!"
Even the name was cool.
*'Black Moon...! For some reason, there's a strange, eye-like orb at the base of the blade. Was that meant to be the black moon?'*
It was a perfect shot to the heart of Namgung So-yeon, who was already brimming with curiosity and courage.
Having been raised in a wealthy household, her desire for ownership was also strong. She could no longer hold back.
Namgung So-yeon, who had been staring intently at the Black Moon Sword, slowly opened her mouth.
"How much?"
"Pardon?"
Hyeon-a, disguised as a merchant, tilted her head, feigning ignorance.
Namgung So-yeon stared at her with burning eyes and said.
"This sword. I'll buy it."
"But this is not for..."
"What do you mean? You have it on display in your shop, but it's not for sale...! I'll give you as much money as you want. Now, tell me. How much will it take for you to sell it?"
So-yeon spoke with a determined voice, as if demanding she take her money at once.
Seeing this, Hyeon-a covered her mouth and turned her head away.
An unbearable thrill was welling up inside her, causing the corners of her mouth to rise uncontrollably.
"Hmm, what should I do~?"
Hyeon-a left room for negotiation, pretending to be deep in thought.
At that, Namgung So-yeon pushed even harder.
"I really, really want to buy this weapon. How much is it? Please?"
"But even if I were to sell it, the price..."
At those words, So-yeon revealed her previously unmentioned origins.
"Don't worry about the money. I didn't mention it before, but I am the second daughter of the Namgung Clan. Surely you've heard of the Namgung of Anhui?"
This statement not only implied she had a lot of money but also flaunted her family's power, pressuring Hyeon-a to sell to her.
Hyeon-a acted surprised and replied.
"Oh my, is that so? In that case..."
And just like that, the innocent So-yeon was completely deceived by the wicked demons.