Chapter 230

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Translator: Ace

Chapter: 230

Chapter Title: Celestial Realm

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Celestial Realm

Sword Demon's words caught me off guard, and I struggled to make sense of them.

'Jin So-cheong? Against the Eight Demonic Lords?'

It was utterly unexpected. I'd thought there was no way I'd get tangled up with him again, but here we were, crossing paths once more in this manner. Still, something clicked in my mind almost immediately.

'Right! That happened!'

It was from one of my past lives, the ridiculous one where I died fighting the demon beast horde. Probably my ninth reincarnation.

Back then, before heading to Jinrang Valley at Mangryang's summons, I'd spoken with Jin So-cheong. He'd told me he was off to take down the Poison Demon of the Eight Demonic Lords in Jiangnan, on orders from his master, Lee Gwang. I'd assumed someone like Jin So-cheong could handle a mere Poison Demon without issue, so I hadn't given it much thought.

And timing-wise, it lined up perfectly with now.

Seeing the realization dawn on my face, Sword Demon nodded.

'It's probably just as you're thinking. If we leave this Jin So-cheong alone, history dictates that in about five or six years, he'll graduate from the hall and embark on his righteous quest to hunt down the Eight Demonic Lords.'

Sword Demon had shared my past-life memories through the black obsidian. I pondered for a moment before speaking up.

'Something feels off about this.'

'What do you mean?'

'Lee Gwang doesn't care much about the Eight Demonic Lords. Aside from their leader, he looks down on the rest as third-rate. So why suddenly go after them?'

'That's precisely why.'

Sword Demon chuckled softly.

'When debuting a disciple to the martial world, would you throw him against a powerhouse right away? Naturally, he'd pick a weakling—one with minimal backlash if crushed, yet not entirely harmless. There needs to be some training value. Even I'd make the same choice as Lee Gwang.'

'......'

He was spot on. Because they were weaklings he didn't care about, he could crush them ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠without a second thought. Even so, Lee Gwang's arrogance in dismissing the Eight Demonic Lords so thoroughly was beyond comprehension.

'Won't that create grudges with the Eight Demonic Sects? Doesn't that scare him?'

'Lee Gwang's already crushed three of their sects in the past. What does he have to fear with that level of skill? Assuming he's on par with me, it's entirely feasible. No matter how many small fry swarm, they're still just small fry.'

Hearing that brought back the sight of Lee Gwang massacring the Golden Throne forces on Thunderclap Island. Indeed, unless one was at least a peak expert, surviving against him was impossible.

'But he's far too reckless.'

A thought I'd kept buried while he was an ally surfaced now. Sure, most of the Eight Demonic Sects were scoundrels committing crimes, murders, and hit jobs. But did that justify Lee Gwang ruining dozens of lives in an instant just to grind experience for his disciple? I knew from long experience that not everyone in those sects was evil, which only made Lee Gwang more infuriating.

Sword Demon continued.

'Word is, Jin So-cheong recently slew the Poison Demon of the Myriad Poison Sect, along with the Earth Demon, Mad Demon, and Yin Demon. That leaves only the Demonic Slaughter Demon among the Eight Demonic Lords, halving their forces.'

'......'

From that intel, I could guess Jin So-cheong's goal.

The extermination of the Eight Demonic Lords!

That was the true purpose of his current excursion. I'd missed it before, but Jin So-cheong must have set out on his journey from the start to eradicate demonic forces, starting with the Eight Demonic Lords. And at the end of that path hung the life of the strongest among them—the Sword Demon.

I gritted my teeth.

'I can't let that happen.'

'Of course not. I'd be deeply grateful for your help.'

'Let's head to Shadowless Sect right now.'

'Wait... There's something I need to tell you first.'

'What is it?'

Sword Demon gazed at me steadily, then sat down on a nearby rock instead. He should have been the more anxious one, yet he remained utterly composed.

'After I die, take care of my daughter.'

'......!!'

My eyes widened in shock, and I cried out.

'That won't happen! You won't die, Sect Leader.'

'The world's unpredictable. No one knows when death will come. And you're the one who knows that best.'

'But...'

Sword Demon sighed.

'If misfortune strikes, you're the only one who can protect my daughter. Both the righteous factions and the unorthodox riffraff will come for her.'

'......'

'I already failed once to shield her from danger. When I heard she'd been imprisoned on Pirate Island, my heart shattered, filled with self-loathing. I'm a failure as a father.'

'That's not true.'

'You're the only one in the world who saved her. I trust no one else to protect Hyea.'

My face stiffened as I thought it over. But I shook off my hesitation and replied.

'I will.'

'Thank you.'

Sword Demon smiled faintly and continued.

'I know you have a lover named Miho. My daughter as a concubine would be fine, then.'

'W-what are you saying?'

'Hahaha. Doesn't my daughter appeal to you?'

'It's not that...'

I was speechless watching Sword Demon laugh heartily. It seemed playful at first glance, but I felt the sincerity in every word. It made me steel my resolve.

'I have no choice.'

Sword Demon sensed his death looming on this journey. Not just from Jin So-cheong, but from the undercurrents of conspiracy stirring in the martial world's shadows. I knew better than anyone how death could strike from unforeseen quarters. I clenched my teeth inwardly.

'I'll survive no matter what! And I'll protect her.'

Even if it means cutting down senior brother Jin So-cheong!

Sensing the determination in my eyes, Sword Demon said,

'Good. Then let's go.'

'Yes.'

Flash!

We arrived at Shadowless Sect via flight. Even after six years, its exterior looked much the same. The Shadowless Sect disciples spotted us ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠and rushed out, bowing in unison.

'Sect Leader!'

Every black-clad disciple bowing there was a peak expert. They were unequivocally the finest elites among unorthodox sects. Sword Demon gestured for them to rise and said,

'Your training with Protector Baek seems nearly complete. How have things been?'

'Yes, sir!'

'I'll hear the rest inside. Where's Hyea?'

In response, Baek Blood Swordsman—the sect's top sword expert and Sword Wolf—replied.

'Young Lady is in the training chamber.'

'Hmm... Pass on my message later, then. I don't want to disturb her cultivation.'

'Understood!'

We followed the disciples into the meeting hall. One stepped forward to brief us.

'As reported, the Poison Demon, Earth Demon, Mad Demon, and Yin Demon have fallen to Jin So-cheong. He's currently at the Righteous Heaven Alliance.'

Arms crossed, Sword Demon questioned.

'The Righteous Heaven Alliance? Why there?'

'It seems Jin So-cheong rescued their prisoners from Heaven and Earth Gate. There have been multiple sightings of him speaking with Alliance Leader Wi Ji-hon.'

'Hmm...'

Sword Demon closed his eyes, deep in thought. After a moment, he said,

'It's not far from here.'

Indeed.

The Righteous Heaven Alliance's main base was in Shandong Province, right next to Henan. With lightfoot skill, Jin So-cheong could storm Shadowless Sect in just a few days.

As his subordinates watched cautiously, Sword Demon continued.

'Any word from White Lotus Sect?'

'A letter arrived from them yesterday evening. It's been kept sealed.'

'What? Why wasn't I informed?'

'It came so late we haven't had the chance.'

'Hmm... Let me see it.'

Rustle.

Sword Demon opened ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the letter from White Lotus Sect. He read it intently, his expression hardening.

'White Lotus Sect... So this is your play.'

He turned to Baek Blood Swordsman beside him.

'Contact Black Demon. Tell him I have urgent business—meet in three days at the grand market in Henan Province.'

'Yes, sir.'

'The rest of you, stick to your duties and refine your martial arts! Protector Baek, follow me.'

'Understood.'

The meeting wrapped up swiftly, and I trailed Sword Demon. Once in his room, he sat and said,

'Things have gotten complicated.'

'What do you mean?'

'I planned to intercept Jin So-cheong here at my base. But White Lotus Sect has made their move.'

'Pardon...?'

His next words startled me.

'Wind God Style has already acted. Their experts left the White Lotus Sect headquarters five days ago to strike Jin So-cheong.'

'......!!'

'That's what I'm pondering—whether to sit back or make contact.'

Wind God Style jumping in out of nowhere?

It was another surprise. But a little thought revealed the reason.

The Eight Demonic Sects are now White Lotus Sect's underlings... They can't let Jin So-cheong dismantle their pawns. Hence, Wind God Style mobilized!

If Wind God Style aims to take down Jin So-cheong, they'll send the Wind God Squad. Their power is terrifying—dozens of peak experts trained in Wind God Style merging their energies to pulverize foes.

I didn't know Jin So-cheong's current level, but he couldn't emerge unscathed against them. Wind God Style peak experts were far tougher and deeper in internal energy than Central Plains warriors. Mutual destruction was likely.

'Hmm... Isn't this good news?'

Watching my expression, Sword Demon said,

'You think it's perfect—letting them do the dirty work.'

'Well, honestly, yeah...'

Facing Jin So-cheong was no small burden, but if White Lotus handled it, what could be better? As I answered sheepishly, Sword Demon replied,

'It's not that simple. If I hadn't seen your memories, I'd think the same. But...'

'What do you mean?'

'The premise is wrong. This isn't just Jin So-cheong's training trip. Now the full picture emerges.'

He muttered as he elaborated.

'From your memories, I know what kind of man "Lee Gwang" is. Meticulous, cold-hearted as a snake, never crossing dangerous bridges lightly. Would such a man send his precious only disciple without accounting for risks?'

Tapping the table with a finger, he continued.

'No. That's not him. I believe there's a double-layered scheme here.'

'A double scheme?'

His following words made my heart sink.

'I think Lee Gwang knew from the start that White Lotus Sect backed the Eight Demonic Sects.'

'......!!'

'In other words... Jin So-cheong slaying the Eight Demonic Lords is on his master's orders. At the same time, it's Thunder God Style picking a fight with White Lotus Sect.'

I blurted out in disbelief.

'Picking a fight? Thunder God Style against White Lotus Sect?'

Absurd!

Mangryang and I had poured everything into aiding them, slaving for years just to secure their independence. For their weakened, nearly disbanded state to bare its fangs now? It was suicidal, begging for annihilation.

Sword Demon chuckled darkly.

'I see through Lee Gwang's game. He never intended all-out war with White Lotus. He'd chip away at their underlings without provoking a full response, then use the Righteous Heaven Alliance to manipulate the world's balance as he wishes. He anticipated the Wind God Squad's deployment from the beginning.'

'B-but even if he planned that far ahead, why risk such a dangerous bridge? Quiet cultivation would be far safer.'

To my retort, Sword Demon answered matter-of-factly.

'Because he can't forget his grudge, of course?'

'......'

'He views White Lotus Sect as blood enemies, but as years pass, his chances dwindle. Few true inheritors of Thunder God Style's essence remain, and time will erode their roots. So he's using this to proclaim to the world that Thunder God Style endures—before it's too late.'

I was left speechless.

Sword Demon wasn't just a martial powerhouse; his mind was razor-sharp! Guessing Lee Gwang's psyche after decades of observation was masterful. It came from his experience as the unorthodox world's top dog.

'Lee Gwang was planning something like Thunder God Style's founding tournament.'

Proclaiming their survival would rally inheritors to their ancestral grudge and revival. Lee Gwang was gambling on that slim hope.

'Then he'll step in soon. While his disciple lingers at the Righteous Heaven Alliance, he'll visit discreetly, leverage the Alliance Leader for mediation. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Wind God Style, hating exposure, will hesitate, and it'll fizzle out.'

'Isn't that overthinking it?'

'Hmm... There's another possibility.'

His next guess gave me a chill.

'He might use Jin So-cheong as bait to wipe out the Wind God Squad.'

'......'

Insane, but undeniable.

With Lee Gwang's domineering nature, it fit perfectly.

Sword Demon said,

'Anyway, acting now would backfire. We'll wait at Shadowless Sect a few days and observe.'

'Yes.'

After our talk, I went to my assigned room. Lying back, staring at the ceiling, I pondered.

'What is Senior Brother Jin So-cheong thinking?'

I knew he had a sense of justice and strong convictions. I knew he lived solely to witness martial arts' pinnacle, even across a thousand springs. Yet sometimes, he seemed like a puppet swayed by Lee Gwang's will, blurring his true self.

Above all, what made judging him hard was his emptiness.

For reasons unknown, amid his positive, smiling demeanor lurked an inscrutable void. I'd observed him for decades, centuries even, yet its source eluded me. Thus, his thoughts remained opaque.

But one thing was certain: the current Jin So-cheong was my enemy.

Lying on the bed, I vowed inwardly.

'If he hinders my training, I'll eliminate him—Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong, doesn't matter.'

============================ Author's Note ============================

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