Chapter 146: Baek Yeon-yeong's Attachment Doll
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 146: Baek Yeon-yeong's Attachment Doll
After Baek Yeon-yeong’s declaration, “Hey everyone, what’s good lizard food?”
The elders pondered for a moment before departing one by one.
The only ones left in the Heavenly Dragon Fortress were the Cult Leader, Baek Yeon-yeong, and the Priestess, Baek Seol-hwa.
“Cult Leader, are you alright?”
Uncharacteristically, Seol-hwa asked after Baek Yeon-yeong’s well-being.
Baek Yeon-yeong shrugged, as if to say, Since when did you care?
“Asking if I’m alright. Is it the Priestess who’s worried, or is it Seol-hwa?”
“…Both.”
Baek Yeon-yeong, the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
A member of the Ten Great Masters of the World, and the woman closest to the title of the World’s Strongest.
Had she been a member of the Orthodox Factions, the vacant seat of the World’s Strongest would have surely been hers.
Worrying about such a person seemed a pointless endeavor.
“You said you dealt with Tai Sui.”
“It was less dealing with him and more severing his power.”
“Then you must have used the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.”
But the situation was different when her opponent was Tai Sui.
It wasn't that Seol-hwa was worried because Tai Sui’s power was on par with Baek Yeon-yeong’s.
Baek Seol-hwa knew that Tai Sui’s true form had not descended.
A mere fraction of its power posed no threat to Baek Yeon-yeong.
Her concern, however, stemmed from Baek Yeon-yeong’s unique nature.
She was different from other martial artists.
A martial artist’s ability to handle internal energy is built upon systematic training.
They rely on mental cultivation methods and scriptures, researched and refined over generations within their sect or clan.
Even a third-rate martial artist in the marketplace learns about mental cultivation and martial arts from some book.
That was the way of the modern martial artist.
To draw out maximum efficiency by using the optimal method for one’s constitution.
But Baek Yeon-yeong was different.
Born an orphan of the heavens, she had no one to teach her mental cultivation, nor could she read any scriptures.
The martial arts and mental cultivation she used were entirely self-taught and haphazard.
She would internalize the techniques of her defeated opponents, making them her own and writing her own new scriptures.
That was why, despite being the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, she could use a variety of martial arts, including those of Shaolin.
Her actions completely shattered conventional wisdom.
She used Shaolin martial arts without the Shaolin mental cultivation method and wielded the sword of Mount Hua without its enlightenment.
This was also why she didn't take any disciples.
She had nothing to teach.
To her, martial arts was a path of forging one’s own enlightenment.
Though Baek Yeon-yeong had lived her life this way, there was one instance where she had to follow another’s path.
The Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
A legendary martial art said to have been recorded by the first Heavenly Demon.
It was impossible for Baek Yeon-yeong to replicate the Heavenly Demon Divine Art with her own methods.
For Baek Yeon-yeong, who had always walked her own path, to suddenly change course…
It was only natural that it would strain her body.
That was why, despite being the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Baek Yeon-yeong did not primarily use the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
Besides, there were very few historical records of the art left to begin with.
“You’re right. I can’t say I’m completely fine.”
But to drive out Tai Sui, she had to use the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
Ordinary martial arts would have been unable to strike its true form.
Normally, Baek Yeon-yeong did not sleep.
Like other masters of her level, she could eliminate most fatigue through Qi Cultivation.
However, even masters of that caliber are forced to sleep soundly when in a safe environment.
There are certain things that Qi Cultivation cannot resolve.
Despite this, Baek Yeon-yeong did not sleep.
As a backlash from forcibly learning the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, she was plagued by terrible nightmares whenever she fell asleep.
Though she was performing Qi Cultivation, the current Baek Yeon-yeong was in a somewhat unstable state.
“How could I possibly be okay when no one will tell me what kind of food Seokcheok would like?”
“Are you joking right now?”
Seokcheok.
Seol-hwa had a vague idea why Baek Yeon-yeong was asking such a question.
It had to be because of that black lizard she had seen before.
The black lizard that committed the eccentric act of running on two feet.
For her to suddenly ask about it meant that the lizard was somehow involved in the process of dealing with Tai Sui.
Therefore, the reason Baek Yeon-yeong had pushed herself was likely because of that lizard.
“Hmm… Right, he seemed to enjoy the dango with Okbong’s honey.”
“…Did you, by any chance, give my dango to him?”
“I didn’t give it to him. I merely dropped it.”
There was a time when Baek Yeon-yeong had suddenly left for the Silver Dragon Cave, and all of Baek Seol-hwa’s precious dango had vanished.
She had naturally assumed Baek Yeon-yeong took them, but now she was saying she had fed them to that lizard.
It was the lizard then.
It was the lizard now.
And it was clear she would use the lizard as an excuse to recklessly exert her power in the future.
If that happened, the situation would only worsen.
Baek Yeon-yeong seemed to think it was no big deal, but Baek Seol-hwa thought otherwise.
She was like a volcano that could erupt at any moment.
She could be consumed by demonic energy and walk the path of a Demonic Human.
Seol-hwa couldn't understand Yeon-yeong.
What was so great about a lizard?
Sure, it wasn't bad-looking, and its squishy texture was nice.
The way it nibbled was also kind of cute.
But that was it.
A lizard was just a lizard.
There was no need for the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to be so obsessed.
But that, too, was the Cult Leader’s will, so it wasn't her place as the Priestess to argue.
“Instead of dango, why don’t you try catching some bugs for it?”
The most Baek Seol-hwa could do was offer a small act of rebellion.
It was revenge against the lizard that stole her dango and a protest against the Cult Leader who neglected her own body.
*
“Gek gek?”
I put on the innocent expression of a lizard that knew nothing.
You’ve got the wrong lizard.
…Did it work?
Right.
There isn't only one lizard in the world.
Besides, how would a lizard that lived near the jungle have come all the way down here?
I should just sneak away.
“You’re the only lizard that goes ‘gek gek.’”
Busted.
But all geckos go ‘gek gek.’
…It seemed my kind only lived in Little Dragon’s territory, as she didn't seem to know of any other geckos.
“Making that face won’t work. Hui.”
“Gek.”
“What should I say… you’re a lizard, but your face is peculiar. …What am I even saying?”
You’re starting to sound like Tang Soyeong.
Swoosh!
Baek Seol-hwa snatched me up with incredible speed.
“Ge-ge-gek!”
I, who could react to most speeds, had been caught.
Chomp.
Munch.
Secret technique: Nibble.
“Seriously. Why do you keep biting my finger?”
It seems the effect is minimal.
“The terms of our deal were to exchange the horn of a unicorn for your tail, correct?”
“Geeeek…”
I stopped my frantic biting and clamped my mouth shut.
I tried to look away, feigning ignorance, but it didn't work.
“I’m putting your tail to good use. Looking at it that way, it wasn’t a bad deal.”
Gulp.
“But, you dare steal my dango?”
“Gek gek…”
“The whole thing?”
This is bad.
I can feel an immense rage.
And look at those overwhelming internal energy pouches.
Baek Seol-hwa must be an incredible master.
Even when I try to look away and pretend not to notice, her profound internal energy draws my gaze.
“What are you staring so intently at…”
Baek Seol-hwa noticed where my gaze was directed.
“Gek gek.”
Let go of me, you fiend.
“Kyaa! Where are you looking!”
Baek Seol-hwa dropped me, and I fell onto a drawer.
“Ge-ge-gek!”
Alright.
Time to escape.
Using the principles of the Little Dragon's Heaven-Ascending Steps, I ran at high speed.
“Gek gek!”
I didn't forget to grab the dango.
Nice seeing you again.
Just as I was about to make my escape.
“Did you think I’d fall for that twice?”
Baek Seol-hwa lunged at me.
I was caught before because she ambushed me from behind. In this situation, I can definitely escape.
“Come here!”
Baek Seol-hwa flew through the air.
That is, she threw her entire body at me like a predator hunting its prey.
“Geek!”
To use such a crude method.
But I can still escape.
I just have to get away from those massive internal energy pouches…
“…Gek gek.”
Soft and squishy.
“Hah, hah… Finally caught you.”
I had fallen for her sorcery.
To think she would draw my attention with those, then tuck me into her bosom.
“What’s with this lizard? Why does it have such a happy look on its face?”
It’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding.
“D-don’t burrow in!”
*
“…You’re so weird, anyway.”
I sat in a formal posture, having a conversation with Baek Seol-hwa.
Of course, it was less of a conversation and more of Baek Seol-hwa lamenting to herself.
“What’s so great about a perverted lizard like this?”
Fortunately, it seemed Baek Seol-hwa had no intention of harming me.
It looked like she had intended to give me a stern scolding for stealing her dango, but she said something about not feeling like lecturing a lizard with a goofy, blissful expression.
“Hui. Are you really a lizard?”
“Gek gek.”
“No. You were definitely with her, so why are you wandering around alone?”
Baek Seol-hwa muttered to herself.
“If you bring one home, you have to take responsibility.”
She looked like a parent telling their child to walk the dog they brought home.
“You’re small, but the followers will be startled if they see you.”
“Gek…”
They were probably startled enough.
I even saw a burly man shed tears because he couldn't catch one little lizard.
“…And why won’t a lizard eat bugs?”
“Ggek.”
Despite her words, she placed a piece of dried persimmon in my mouth.
I slowly savored the sweet taste of the dried fruit as I pushed it into my mouth.
“I can’t keep you with me, so I’ll take you to your owner.”
“Gek gek.”
I shook my head.
Baek Yeon-yeong only gives me bugs.
But contrary to my wishes, Baek Seol-hwa tried to pick me up by the scruff of my neck.
“Geek!”
I gripped the ground and resisted with all my might.
“Seriously. How are you holding on with that tiny body?”
“Gek gek.”
She must know I won't be dragged away willingly.
How am I supposed to eat a deathworm?
Baek Seol-hwa seemed to ponder for a long while before making a resigned expression.
Tap, tap.
“Come here.”
Baek Seol-hwa was using her sorcery again.
I may look like this, but I am a divine beast, the sacred creature of the Gaegaek Cult.
Showing such a shameful display once is enough.
“Good boy.”
“Gek?”
How could this be?
In an instant, my vision was filled with a mass of fat.
Skin as white as snow.
And a faint scent of honey.
“…Sigh. I need to return you quickly.”
You’re the one who used sorcery, so why are you blaming me?
Trapped in Baek Seol-hwa’s embrace, we moved to the building where Baek Yeon-yeong was.
Knock, knock.
Baek Seol-hwa knocked on the door.
“Cult…”
She stopped herself and cleared her throat once.
“Ahem, hem. Sister. Is it okay if I come in?”
Sister?
Baek Seol-hwa was the younger sister?
Then again, it’s meaningless to guess someone’s age by the size of their internal energy pouches.
By that logic, Tang Soyeong would be a newborn.
There was no answer from inside.
That was only natural.
Baek Yeon-yeong was probably sleeping.
“That’s strange. She shouldn’t be sleeping.”
Despite that, Baek Seol-hwa opened the door.
What we saw was Baek Yeon-yeong lying on the bed.
“S-Sister?”
Baek Seol-hwa wore a shocked expression.
“Is she dead?”
What a thing to say.
“No, is she really sleeping?”
Why was she making such a fuss over someone sleeping?
No matter how strong Baek Yeon-yeong was, wasn't she still a person who slept and ate?
“That can’t be right.”
Baek Seol-hwa cautiously approached Baek Yeon-yeong.
“…See?”
Baek Yeon-yeong’s body was drenched in sweat.
Her expression was troubled, as if she were having a nightmare.
“Sister. I’m going to wake you up.”
Just as Baek Seol-hwa was about to shake Baek Yeon-yeong awake.
Baek Yeon-yeong’s white fingers twitched.
She clenched and unclenched her hand.
“…Sister?”
Seol-hwa looked back and forth between me and Baek Yeon-yeong for a long moment, then grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and lifted me up.
“Gge-ek…”
Then, Baek Seol-hwa placed me in Baek Yeon-yeong’s hand.
Chomp.
I naturally gave her finger a light bite.
“No way.”
Only then did Baek Yeon-yeong begin to doze off again, her breathing soft and even.
Her expression also returned to her usual self.
She even seemed to be smiling slightly, as if having a pleasant dream.
Was she the type to sleep while holding a doll?
She was sleeping soundly, letting out little purrs.
Baek Seol-hwa stared at me with astonished eyes.
“What is this…”
“Gek gek.”
She said she couldn't sleep, yet she didn't even notice I was gone.
My master seems to be more of a ditz than I thought.
“Even making her drink boiled Bimogeo had no effect…”
Baek Seol-hwa pressed her temples as if her entire understanding of the world had been shattered.
Did Baek Yeon-yeong really have a sleeping disorder?
“There’s no way she could sleep this peacefully…”
Maybe she was just in good condition today.
Is there really a need to be so surprised?
You’ll wake her up if you keep talking.
Though, from the looks of it, she seems like she’ll keep sleeping.
“Hui, what on earth are you?”
What am I?
…My master’s attachment doll?