Heir: Jongchil 19
A hole had been punched straight through Blood Army Leader's chest. It had barely missed his heart. Still, it was a fatal wound without question.
Half his lung was gone, and seven ribs were shattered. Without the power of the Water Embryo Technique, he would've died the instant his chest was pierced.
"Keurk!"
Black blood sprayed from his mouth as he collapsed. Maro pulled Bucephalus free from his body and reclaimed it.
The spear had pierced straight through Blood Army Leader's chest, yet not a single drop of blood stained its tip. Truly, this was an extraordinary divine weapon.
"Kuhuk! To think I'd end up like...!"
"Shadow Assassination Leader Blood Army Leader. Your sacrifice will be the cornerstone of the Demonic Cult's prosperity... Yeah, right. Just hurry up and die already."
"Young Master! Kuhuk! Young Master! Make me your subordinate! Please, just spare my life!"
"Even in that state, you've still got the balls to beg for your life? What a clown."
"Kuhuk! I can't die here! I absolutely can't... Graaaah!"
Suddenly, Blood Army Leader's eyes rolled back. It was a familiar sight. Maro clicked his tongue and muttered under his breath.
"The Three Elders, that bastard. He even planted a restriction on the Shadow Assassination Leader? Impressive that he pulled that off."
Unlike the disposable grunts who weren't even worth a fart from the cult no matter how many were thrown away, division leaders like this were valuable human resources that even the cult invested heavily in managing.
The Three Elders' ruthlessness in treating such assets like chess pieces to be discarded sent a chill down Maro's spine, even as a fellow demon. He was truly a terrifying figure to have as an enemy. But he already was his enemy—and there was no turning back.
"My foolish nephew... I never imagined you'd claim even the Shadow Assassination Leader's heart. I'm truly delighted by your growth."
The voice coming from Blood Army Leader was the death rattle of a man on the brink. Hearing such casual words in that tone sent shivers down the spine. And the content was pure cringe to boot.
"I'll gladly accept the gift. Good luck in the afterlife."
With those final words, Blood Army Leader's body crumpled like a marionette with its strings cut.
At the Three Elders' relayed message, Maro checked the box that had held the Hyeonma Pills. The elixirs that should have been inside had vanished without a trace. During the battle, one of the Three Elders' other minions must have swiped them. Perhaps even Blood Army Leader had been nothing more than bait for his scheme.
Maro bit his lip in frustration. He'd been thoroughly played by the Three Elders after all.
"Three Elders...! I'll smash your skull myself."
He steeled his resolve deep in his heart. Losing the elixirs was a massive blow.
But it wasn't all losses. Maro gripped Bucephalus even tighter.
This might actually be a bigger gain than those elixirs. This divine weapon's power is the real deal.
Bucephalus hummed in response to Maro, as if approving. Compared to its trash previous owner (temporary), this new master suited it perfectly, both in talent and temperament.
"Not bad. You did good."
It was the voice of the Twin Black Lust Demon. Maro tensed up again and turned toward the sound. The masked Twin Black Lust Demon stood there, gazing at him. He'd clearly seen him die with his own eyes, yet here he was, perfectly fine.
"......You didn't die?"
"What, you look disappointed I didn't stay dead? I've got a few hidden cards up my sleeve too."
"More than a few, from the looks of it. I'm curious just how many secrets you're hiding."
"We're not close enough for me to spill everything yet. Anyway, nice call going for the opening with Bucephalus."
"Bu-se... That's the divine weapon's name? Tough to pronounce."
"It's from across the sea. Whatever—hand it over. It's my precious gear."
Jongchil extended his hand. Bucephalus whined like it didn't want to go, buzzing in protest. When Jongchil subtly raised his fist, the buzzing stopped.
Maro swallowed hard. He stared at the man reaching out to him. Options flashed through his mind.
Stab him with the spear right now and kill him. Wipe out the witness cleanly and claim the divine weapon. Simple and effective.
This Bu-se-whatever spear was too good to hand back. It was the perfect tool to soothe the rage of losing Jang Bodo's treasure to the Three Elders. Better to destroy it than let someone else have it.
Meanwhile, Wolbi—who had come to her senses—silently rose and crept up behind Jongchil. Without a word, she raised her white needle, eyes fixed on Maro.
Her white needle was aimed at Jongchil. Reading her master's intent like a loyal servant.
I lack the power. The elixirs I just got were stolen by the Three Elders too. I need to take something with me.
Logically, the answer was obvious. Maro squeezed his eyes shut. It was decision time.
"Here... take it."
He handed the spear back to Jongchil. Seeing this, Wolbi quietly lowered her white needle.
Instead, Jongchil—who had reclaimed the spear—seemed flustered. He'd expected Maro to betray him. He'd even prepared for another fight.
Bucephalus wailed as it returned to Jongchil's hand. Neither man could hear its cries.
"First things first, we need to get out of here. The ground's unstable—could collapse any second."
"Right."
A diminutive old man tended to his bonsai. Though his frame was only half the size of a sturdy adult male, his cloud-like cascade of white hair and neatly groomed beard gave him the striking look of a classic sage. He must have broken plenty of hearts in his youth.
Snip! Snip! Snip!
The old man's eyes were fixed on the tiny pine in its pot. His hands trimmed the side branches with exquisite care. This was no mere hobbyist's touch.
"Your Excellency!"
A black-clad attendant appeared behind the man. Without even turning his head, he spoke.
"Report."
"Confirmed deaths of Shadow Assassination Leader and Deputy Leader. Item recovered."
The black-clad man pulled a rolled silk cloth from his bosom and offered it up with both hands, as if presenting tribute to an emperor. He even dropped to one knee, humbling himself.
Yet the old man didn't so much as glance over. He just kept snipping at the bonsai.
"My nephew has grown again."
"......"
The Shadow Assassination Leader was no minor piece on his chessboard. And the simultaneous deaths of the leader and deputy effectively meant the Shadow Assassination Division was crippled.
Despite the heavy investment in recruiting that force, only for it to be wiped out in one operation, the man remained eerily calm. As if he'd known this would happen.
"Elder. If I may ask a presumptuous question?"
"What troubles you?"
"Did Your Excellency... foresee this outcome as well?"
The snipping of the bonsai shears stopped. Only then did the old man turn, eyeing his attendant. The bonsai he'd been working on was now perfectly groomed.
"Of course not. Unfortunately, I lack the eyes to pierce the heavens."
"The deaths of Shadow Assassination Leader Blood Army Leader and Deputy Leader Gwan Sa-hui seem no small matter, even by my humble judgment."
"Blood Army Leader. He was a fool who thought he sat atop my head. Most assassination leaders are too stoic to recruit, but he was the exception. Still, that sloppy personality of his was always like a splinter in my palm."
"You planned to discard him eventually?"
"Could've been yesterday, or tomorrow. He just happened to die today. No reason for me to be surprised."
"The Young Master's achievements are abnormal. He's dangerous. As the saying goes, 'cut the yellow sprouts early to prevent future harm.'"
At the attendant's words, the old man—the Three Elders—smiled faintly.
The attendant shuddered and bowed his head to the ground. Those who knew the Three Elders well called that smile the Smile of Yama.
"Ever heard the fable of the goose that laid golden eggs?"
The Three Elders abruptly brought up a childish tale.
"I believe so. The story of the foolish farmer with the golden-egg-laying hen?"
"Yes. In it, the idiot farmer cuts open the hen's belly, thinking it'll be full of golden eggs. But what does he find? Nothing but the rice he'd fed it that day."
It was a common story. The smile on the Three Elders' lips deepened.
"Greed always leads us astray. It knows exactly when to spur us on. We can learn much from that farmer."
"You're saying the Young Master is the golden goose?"
"Exactly. Hasn't he already laid such fine golden eggs for me?"
The old man reached out and took the silk with the Hyeonma Pills. His lips twitched at the sight of the glossy black elixirs. Perfect color and sheen.
"Oh, right. And do you know the other lesson from that fable?"
"......I'm afraid not."
"Excessive curiosity can be poison sometimes. Like in your case."
Thud!
The man's body toppled like a bundle of straw. He didn't even have time for a look of shock. The restriction the Three Elders had implanted activated faster than his perception, gifting him death.
"If only I could completely castrate that curiosity from their minds... Shame my restriction techniques haven't reached that level yet."
This attendant had lasted a good while—pity to lose him. But replacements were plentiful. No issue there. The Three Elders looked up at the sky with a benevolent smile. His thoughts were the polar opposite.
"My foolish nephew. Squirm all you like. I'll claim even your dying screams."
Maro and I set the next rendezvous point and time, then parted ways. His reaction was unexpected. Honestly, I'd braced for him to stab me with Bucephalus right there. Would've been a real pain.
Worst case, I'd have revived with Resurrection of the Dead and counterattacked. But who knew he'd back down.
Resurrection of the Dead 1Lv (SSS-grade)
↳Once every 24 hours, upon death, revive in perfect condition. Revival cost: All stats -10. If unable to pay the cost...
Unlike Life Vessel, which has no revival penalty, Resurrection of the Dead comes with the horrific downside of dropping all stats by 10.
Of course, it's a pittance compared to the insane power of cheating death. Still, a waste is a waste.
Who'd have thought he'd give up Bucephalus. And that damn spear—seemed like it was wagging its tail for Maro... Thought it was some haughty princess, but it's a bitch in heat!
Time for some discipline training. Man or ego weapon, nothing beats a good clubbing to make 'em listen.
Time to tally the gains. I scored big.
Got the Hyeonma Pills, bought Maro's loyalty. Even crippled the Three Elders' faction.
Three Elders bastard. He's probably thrilled with the fake right now.
The Three Elders was as endlessly cunning as in the novel, a true bottomless pit. He didn't even trust Blood Army Leader or Gwan Sa-hui. While we fought, his hound stole the Hyeonma Pills. But what he took wasn't the real deal.
◈ A perfect imitation of the original. Can become the original itself for one day. However, as it's merely an imitation, it cannot use the original's functions.
※ Be very careful—even the user might get confused!
I'd originally meant it to fool Maro, but ended up baiting the Three Elders instead.
All the better for me. My goal isn't making Maro the cult leader anyway. What matters most is my own growth.