Chapter 112: The Fist King Carries Her
The Fist King Carries Her
Chapter 112: The Fist King Carries Her
Dan Woo-sung and Baek Yak walked hand in hand along the mountain path. The weather was clear. They had already discussed matters regarding the Night Assembly Alliance with Jeon Bi-rang and left the task of monitoring the alliance's movements to Ho Tae-jun, leader of the Mokryongdang, and Do Jin-gwang, leader of the Blue Robe Hall.
Next, Dan Woo-sung planned to contact the Murim Alliance and send inspectors to the Southern Black Path.
Since the Night Assembly Alliance had sworn absolute loyalty to the Bright King, they would no longer be able to openly oppose the Murim Alliance.
Dan Woo-sung intended to personally oversee the balance and coordination between the two factions. The Murim Alliance had the fearsome Yoo Jung-hong standing firm, while the Night Assembly Alliance had Dan Woo-sung himself—a rough and relentless man—watching over them like a hawk.
Thus, as Dan Woo-sung and Baek Yak set off on their journey again, their hearts felt lighter than they had in a long time.
Above all, Dan Woo-sung was newly grateful for Baek Yak.
Baek Yak had descended to the Southern Black Path but hadn't exerted herself or acted recklessly like Dan Woo-sung.
Most of the time, she spent meditating or quietly staying by his side. Yet, her mere presence was a great comfort to him. Even if worse troubles arose, he knew he could endure them because of her. Baek Yak showed her trust in him—no matter what he did—through silent companionship. That trust was steadily building into mutual reliance.
Dan Woo-sung glanced at Baek Yak and suddenly spoke.
"Why do I feel like picking you up and carrying you?"
"Me?"
"Yeah."
"How?"
"Should I try?"
Dan Woo-sung lifted Baek Yak with one hand and placed her on his shoulder. If Baek Yak had been as slender as a delicate woman, she might have comfortably perched there, but reality was different. Her lower body and hips were well-developed, so she ended up awkwardly straddling his shoulder before bursting into laughter.
"What is this? It's uncomfortable for you and me."
"Want me to give you a piggyback ride instead?"
Baek Yak shuddered and shook her head.
"No."
The idea of wrapping her legs around his shoulders was too embarrassing. She didn't fully understand why Dan Woo-sung was acting like this.
After setting her back down, Dan Woo-sung spoke again.
"Hop on. I'll carry you on my back."
"Are you sure? People might see us."
"I don't care. No one will recognize me anyway, and you're wearing a veil."
"Alright."
Baek Yak climbed onto his back.
Dan Woo-sung scanned their surroundings and headed toward a stretch of the path with a particularly beautiful view. Baek Yak spoke from behind him.
"Your legs don't hurt?"
"Nope."
"You've trained them well. I'm getting sleepy."
"Sleep if you're tired."
"I'm joking."
Dan Woo-sung chuckled lightly as he crossed the mountain path. Despite his unreal strength, he found himself indulging in simple thoughts—hoping his legs would stay strong for a long time so he could carry Baek Yak like this often.
With her on his back, he crossed an entire mountain.
Ten Thousand Demon Library, Ten Thousand Demon Palace.
The Sword Demon, having mastered the Abyssal Art, knelt silently in wait. The elder of the Ten Thousand Demon Library, who had taught him the technique, approached with a soft silk blindfold in hand.
"Sword Demon, Yeon Ja-heun."
"Yes, Elder."
The elder spoke solemnly.
"Listen well. I will now give you this blindfold."
"A blindfold... for a blind man?"
The elder nodded.
"Precisely. Especially for you—because you've learned the Abyssal Art. Do not mistake this for an ordinary blindfold. It is a veil for your mind as much as your eyes. There is an element of psychological trickery, yes, but you must accept it. Only then can you free yourself, even slightly, from the Abyssal Art's grip. It will help prevent you from descending into madness or falling prey to demonic influence. Do you understand?"
The Sword Demon nodded.
"This disciple understands."
The elder continued.
"You have lost your eyes. Now, the Abyssal Art will replace them. But when will the eyes born from this art ever close? While wearing this blindfold, let your abyssal eyes rest. Believe this, and it shall be so. Everything depends on your resolve... Otherwise, you will never sleep again. Do you grasp my meaning?"
"Yes."
"With this blindfold, you will be truly blind. Remove it, and your abyssal eyes will see the world. Train yourself to distinguish between the two. Try it on."
The Sword Demon lowered his head and extended his hands. The elder placed the blindfold in his palms.
After running his fingers over the soft fabric, the Sword Demon tied it over where his eyes had been.
The elder watched with an inscrutable expression.
"Dark now, isn't it?"
"It has always been dark."
"Good. You are blind now."
"Yes. This disciple sees nothing."
The elder pointed at him.
"Well done. While wearing the blindfold, you must learn to deliberately refrain from using the Abyssal Art. This is a matter of talent and instinct. Now, fix an image in your mind for the Abyssal Art to perceive. What do you think that means?"
The Sword Demon answered.
"If the illusions shift unpredictably, it would confuse me. I must anchor the Abyssal Art's perception to a clear, unchanging form."
"Good. You've learned well. Now remove the blindfold and imprint my image anew with the Abyssal Art."
As the Sword Demon removed the blindfold, the elder cautioned him.
"No matter what you see, keep your thoughts to yourself. If you perceive someone as a demon, it reflects your own hostility or fear. Others will grow wary if they hear such words."
In short: Do not speak of what the Abyssal Art shows you.
"I understand."
The Sword Demon removed the blindfold and focused the Abyssal Art on the elder. The shape of energy morphed into a human figure, its features shifting before settling. The elder's voice, tone, presence, aura, and the weight of his martial power coalesced, merging with past memories.
The elder stood before him.
The Sword Demon stared, mouth slightly open. The image was nothing like what he remembered from when he still had sight. Why was that? Through the Abyssal Art, the elder appeared... like a child.
Not an innocent child, but—
One who had refused to grow up.
The urge to speak was irresistible.
'Elder... you resemble a child whose growth has stalled.'
The elder spoke first.
"Put the blindfold back on. You look like you're dying to say something. But what you see may not be the truth. You know this—the difference between reality and illusion."
"Yes."
As the Sword Demon tied the blindfold, the elder gestured outside.
"I've taught you the Abyssal Art. Adapting to daily life is your task now. Young disciple, you may return to the world."
It was a dismissal.
The Sword Demon bowed deeply in gratitude.
"Thank you, Elder."
But the elder had already vanished, teleporting to the upper floors of the Ten Thousand Demon Library to resume reading.
As the library doors opened—
The elder, now engrossed in his book, mused aloud.
"I wonder how the Heavenly Demon, Wi Ji-cheon, will appear to your eyes. Come back and tell me someday."
The Sword Demon replied.
"I will."
The moment the Sword Demon stepped out of the Ten Thousand Demon Library, he realized he had no idea where his quarters were.
'Damn it.'
He hoped to encounter a servant who could guide him, but no attendants wandered near the library.
Gripping the Demon Sword at his waist, he tapped it against the ground like a cane.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Though his body was impervious to blades, stumbling around blindly would only make him look pathetic. How ridiculous would it be for a master of blade immunity to bump into walls like a fool?
As he walked, hoping to find a servant, he suddenly stopped.
Someone had paused mid-step, staring at him—before bursting into laughter.
"Hahahahaha...! Who do we have here? The mighty Sword Demon, using his sword as a cane! Hahahaha...! Damn, you really see the most absurd things in life."
The Sword Demon recognized the voice and scowled.
"Blood Lord?"
"The one and only. I heard you killed Blade Emperor—impressive, even for you."
The Blood Lord clicked his tongue, eyeing the blind swordsman.
"Tsk tsk tsk... Even if you two had bad blood, this is pitiful. Wait here. I'll send some lackeys to guide you."
The Sword Demon smirked and called out as the Blood Lord turned to leave.
"Running away after laughing your fill? Come here. Just because I'm blind, you think you can act differently? You couldn't have grown that much bolder since we last met."
The Blood Lord paused, then turned back.
"Ah, our Sword Demon's eyes may be gone, but his tongue's as sharp as ever."
He strode forward—then froze mid-step, his expression hardening.
A man had appeared silently beside the Sword Demon.
Without a word, the Blood Lord turned and walked away.
The man, of course, was the Heavenly Demon, Wi Ji-cheon.
The Heavenly Demon watched the Blood Lord's retreating back before leaning close to the Sword Demon's ear and whispering.
"My friend, I'll make sure that bastard dies by your sword one day. You held back well. Wait for the right moment."
When the Sword Demon remained silent, the Heavenly Demon turned his back to him.
"Hop on. I'll take you to your quarters."
Though reluctant, the Sword Demon climbed onto his back. Dragging his sword along the ground was even more humiliating. Better to let the Heavenly Demon—whose lightness skill was unmatched—carry him swiftly to his quarters.
With the Sword Demon on his back, the Heavenly Demon soared through the air.
The mood was entirely different from when Ha Jeong-hak had carried his brother Ha Min.
As he ran, the Heavenly Demon spoke.
"I'll be your legs until you adjust. Have you learned a technique to replace your sight? That blindfold looks strange."
The Sword Demon answered curtly.
"I have."
"Good. You made the right choice coming to the Ten Thousand Demon Palace."
The Heavenly Demon had absorbed the Tyrant, and the Sword Demon had learned a technique to compensate for his blindness.
From the Heavenly Demon's back, the Sword Demon spoke again.
"I haven't held my sword in days. My senses feel dull."
Hearing the rare hint of openness in his voice, the Heavenly Demon replied brightly.
"Oh? Then rest at your quarters, and later, let's go out for some air."
"Where?"
"Where else? I'll pick a small sect for you to slaughter. That'll sharpen your senses. Since you're blind, swinging your sword will feel unfamiliar. Consider it practice for your new technique—we'll make a quick round."
A man carrying another man, casually discussing murder.
Ha Jeong-hak had carried his brother to survive.
The Heavenly Demon carried the Sword Demon while urging him to kill.
And Dan Woo-sung carried Baek Yak, wishing only for a peaceful future together.
The act of carrying another was the same—but their hearts could not have been more different.
Like the White Path, the Black Path, and the Demonic Path.
And so—
Dan Woo-sung carried Baek Yak.
Ha Jeong-hak carried Ha Min.
The Heavenly Demon carried the Sword Demon.