226
After the Blood Cult Leader treated us to a splendid array of Southeast Asian-style dishes—including fried Eight-Tentacled Fish—we prepared to depart from Annam.
Just before our departure, we sat facing each other across a table as representatives of the Cheon Family Estate to solidify our relationship with the Blood Cult.
"The Blood Cult will respect the will of the Sky-Soaring Lust Demon and the Young Heavenly Demon. This Blood Cult Leader shall savor the nature beyond the Central Plains until the Bloody Era of Calamity begins."
At least ten years.
The Blood Cult Leader would make no significant moves until the Blood Calamity commenced.
"I understand what happened with the Hebei Paeng Clan well enough to let it pass. However, without a comparable justification, the Blood Cult's subordinates will oppose you."
"I will keep that in mind."
The Blood Cult Leader had drawn a clear line.
As in the case of the Hebei Paeng Clan, any interference with the Blood Cult concerning places where my wives and children reside would be overlooked.
But if I unilaterally turned my sword against the Blood Cult, as I did with the Eul Family Manor, they would not let that transgression slide so easily.
Just as the successor of the Eul Family Manor was now sharpening their blade for my head after I had violated their matriarch, the Blood Cult Leader had accommodated my convenience while simultaneously making a clear reference to vengeance for my actions.
"He who lives by the sword..."
"...Must be prepared to die by the sword."
The Blood Cult Leader and I exchanged a nod.
"Originally, it isn't a sword but something else... well, you wouldn't understand anyway, so let's move on. Just exercise some self-restraint."
"I will keep that in mind."
If the Cheon Family Estate did not attack the Blood Cult directly, the Blood Cult would likewise not attack the Cheon Family Estate directly.
The Cheon Family Estate would not directly interfere with the Blood Cult's covert operations unless it suffered damage, and the Blood Cult would refrain from harvesting blood offerings within the Cheon Family Estate's sphere of influence.
This strange non-aggression pact was sealed by my offering of blood to the Blood Cult Leader.
I sold a vision of the future, and in return, I bought an alliance with the Blood Cult.
"We don't need to fight, but I cannot be a fool who takes a slap to the face and does nothing. I look forward to our future dealings, Sky-Soaring Lust Demon."
"Likewise, Blood Cult Leader."
If the day ever came when the Blood Cult Leader and I faced each other in a decisive, all-or-nothing showdown, it would be when he became the true Mad Demon of his foretold destiny and went on a rampage.
"I sincerely hope such a future never comes to pass."
"As if Complete Demonization ever comes at one's own choosing. Heh heh."
Through me, the Blood Cult Leader had confirmed a future in which he would self-destruct.
If his will to make the Moon Woman descend to the mortal plane by riding the wave of the Bloody Era of Calamity persisted and spiraled out of control, events would proceed toward a future where his daughter, Hyeol So-ye, inherited everything of the Blood Cult.
"Do not worry. I am not a fool who walks into ruin with his eyes open."
The means to prevent the Blood Cult Leader's rampage and aggressive intervention was precisely this—handing over my memories to him.
Whether he would self-destruct by pushing his own will into Complete Demonization.
Or whether he would compromise with reality and abandon his own dream.
Regardless, even if the Blood Cult Leader went berserk, we had bought enough time for the Cheon Family Estate to grow strong enough to stop the Blood Cult.
"If someday I ever go on a mad rampage, be sure to kill me yourself."
"You can leave that to me. Killing is another one of those things I happen to excel at."
Lee Si-a and Hyul Gyu-ryeong couldn't make heads or tails of my conversation with the Blood Cult Leader.
—Don't just talk amongst yourselves; explain it so we can understand too.
Their eyes practically shot us that message, but neither the Blood Cult Leader nor I had any intention of confessing everything.
"The Blood Cult's matters have been settled... Now, shall we discuss the issue of the Mad Demon?"
The business between me and the Blood Cult Leader was finished. Now it was time to resolve the matter between the Mad Demon and Lee Si-a.
"Little Princess. You need the loyalty of the Ten Demons, but the Mad Demon was never one who entered the Ten Demons of the Demonic Cult through loyalty."
The Mad Demon could be loyal to neither the First Prince nor the Little Princess. He had never been a loyal vassal to the Heavenly Demon to begin with.
"Yes, I understand what you mean. And I also know that what happened with my father must never leave this place."
"Then do not even think of borrowing the Mad Demon's power. For the Blood Cult is not a subordinate organization of the Demonic Cult."
"But I can still obtain the Mad Demon's support, can't I?"
At Lee Si-a's words, the Mad Demon's eyes lit up with interest.
"Oh?"
"You don't have to come to the Heavenly Mountain in person. Simply do not support Grand Duke Ju-ji. Once all outcomes are decided and the day comes that I am established as the true Young Heavenly Demon, all you need to do then is write and send me a single letter."
"...Uheheheh!!"
The Mad Demon clutched his stomach and burst into a booming laugh.
"I see! You want to borrow the prestige of the Mad Demon's name?"
"Yes. The Grand Duke will likely forge your name to claim that 'the Jilin Mad Demon supports him.' I wish to receive your legitimate support."
"...I see. Then a mark will be needed to let the Heavenly Demon know whom the true Mad Demon supports."
The Mad Demon produced a Wooden Plaque. Then, using the blood-red Qi Aura radiating from his hand, he engraved something onto it.
金雨盛. Kim Woo-sung.
"Kim Woo-sung...?"
"It is a Secret Code. Little Princess, on the day you become the Young Heavenly Demon, if you wish to claim the Mad Demon's support, have the Sky-Soaring Lust Demon read this plaque aloud before the Heavenly Demon. The Heavenly Demon will instantly understand that the Mad Demon supports the Little Princess."
"You are saying you entrust the proof of the Mad Demon's support to the Lust Demon."
Lee Si-a grasped the Mad Demon's trap immediately. To prove the Mad Demon's support, I would have to remain by her side until the very end.
"I understand. A rain of gold that beautifies the world. I see what it means. Does it not signify the Sky-Soaring Lust Demon?"
"...Uh, hm, well. Is that so?"
Lee Si-a was wrong. I knew the real answer, but for the sake of my woman's pride, I pretended not to notice.
"But words alone are insufficient as proof."
"That is why I am entrusting this plaque to you. My inner power is infused within it, which can serve as a method to verify my identity as the Mad Demon, doubling and tripling the certainty."
True to his words, the characters inside the Wooden Plaque were as red as if daubed with vermilion ink paste. Lee Si-a didn't seem to sense it, but I could feel the Mad Demon's tenacity in the thickly lingering Blood Energy within the plaque.
The Mad Demon's own blood scent would instantly become a Thousand-Li Tracking Incense. I thought it might be somewhat troublesome to accept this right now—
"Gyu-ryeong, take charge of this."
"Yes, Cult Leader."
Blood Fairy Hyul Gyu-ryeong, who directly served the Mad Demon, received the Wooden Plaque respectfully with both hands. She studied the phrase carved on the plaque looking conflicted, radiating fierce jealousy toward Lee Si-a and me.
"Gyu-ryeong."
"...I apologize, Cult Leader."
The Blood Cult Leader suppressed Hyul Gyu-ryeong's energy with a single word. Lee Si-a went tense, and I couldn't relax either.
'I must have been insane.'
No matter how certain I was that the Mad Demon wouldn't attack me, barging in to face masters of the Harmony Realm and Profound Realm was undeniably reckless.
'If it weren't for the Heaven-Shaking Thunder Divine Art, I wouldn't have even dreamed of this meeting.'
It was only because I had absorbed the Thunder Demon's inner energy and was confident I could escape safely with Lee Si-a even if a fight broke out that I dared to come. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even considered it.
"And I cannot simply give this to you for nothing."
"...No, I never expected you would just hand it over. What must we do?"
"Gyu-ryeong, this is good timing. Is it not a fine opportunity for you to see their strength, and also a good chance to clean up a nuisance?"
"...Yes, Cult Leader. I shall guide them from here on."
Hyul Gyu-ryeong assumed a correct posture and performed a Bow with Hands Clasped.
"I am Hyul Gyu-ryeong, one of the Blood Fairies who serve the Blood Cult Leader. In the secular world, I also serve as the sect leader of the Hainan Sect."
So that was it.
The Blood Cult had established its base in the southern regions beyond the Central Plains and had occupied the Hainan Sect—formerly one of the Nine Sects and One Gang, pushed aside by the Kongtong Sect—to use as its own stronghold.
On an island unreachable by the eyes of the Central Plains unless one took the sea route.
* * *
The Sky-Soaring Lust Demon and the Little Princess departed Annam alongside the Blood Fairies.
Left alone, the Mad Demon returned to the white sandy beach and placed a bottle of liquor and two empty cups on a wooden bench.
"Cult Leader. Shall I kill him?"
"Silence."
An abrupt question and an abrupt answer. At his command, the Black Cloaked Warrior who had materialized behind the Mad Demon said nothing further.
"I understand your anxiety well enough. With both Hyeol Sin-hye and Hyul Somi violated by that Lust Demon, you must be worried that he might ruin our grand design."
"......."
The Black Cloaked Warrior waited silently for the Mad Demon to speak.
"But do not worry. I observed his nature through his blood. He walked before me at the risk of his life. Since I decided to spare him, how dare you blabber about killing or not killing him?"
"I apologize, Cult Leader."
"Bow your head."
"Yes!"
The Black Cloaked Warrior dug his head into the sand. With only his feet and head touching the ground, his body traced the character for eight, and his hands were clasped behind his back.
"Blood Shadow Unit Leader. Listen well. We have no reason to make an enemy of the Demonic Cult. All we need is to gather the blood of women. No matter how long it takes, that is what matters."
Glug, glug.
The Mad Demon filled the two cups, one for each.
"Whether they are virgins or not does not matter. What matters is gathering the blood without interference from anyone. Ultimately, the Sky-Soaring Lust Demon will not be able to obstruct us."
"Do those words mean...?"
"I am not telling you, you damned fool. Heh heh. ...Oh, right. There is something for you to do. Attention."
The Black Cloaked Warrior straightened his body. Without even a thought of dusting the sand from his head, he awaited the Mad Demon's orders.
"Who is accompanying So-ye on her gourmet journey?"
"The Moon Shadow Sect Leader is with her."
"Is that so? Then you go along as well and protect So-ye."
"......."
The Black Cloaked Warrior's eyes narrowed fractionally.
"Are you telling me... to cooperate with the Moon Shadow Sect?"
"I am already aware of the relationship between the Death Shadow Sect and the Moon Shadow Sect. However, I hope this mission can serve as an opportunity for you to understand each other and find harmony. Tell the Moon Shadow Sect Leader this as well. The reason I am assigning both sect leaders simultaneously... is to order you to eliminate anyone who interferes with So-ye."
A murderous glint flickered in the Mad Demon's eyes. The Black Cloaked Warrior, the Death Shadow Sect Leader, hastily bowed his head.
"I obey your command."
"And tell So-ye... Hrm..."
The Mad Demon wore a complicated expression and deliberated for quite a while before clicking his tongue and speaking.
"Tell her that Daddy found a man who perfectly suits her taste, and ask if she might want to meet him, should the thought occur to her."
"Cult Leader? Are you serious? Do you intend to make that man the husband of Lady So-ye?"
"It wouldn't be a bad idea. And also..."
The Mad Demon chuckled.
"He is a man So-ye has already chosen as her lifelong partner. She has already coated his soul thickly with her own slobber, claiming it as hers. Does he think I wouldn't notice?"
"...Pardon?"
"A gourmet journey, my ass. *Sigh*. This is exactly why they say raising a daughter is utterly useless..."
The Death Shadow Sect Leader had to mull over the Mad Demon's bizarre words several times before he could grasp their meaning.
* * *
"To think the Hainan Sect Leader is actually a member of the Blood Cult."
"You didn't know?"
"Hmph. I don't claim to know everything."
The Blood Fairies I knew were all encountered only after I had become a Blood Jiangshi, when Hyeol So-ye was actively operating as the Blood Cult Leader.
Just as I didn't know all of the previous generation's Ten Demons, I don't know everything about the Blood Cult at this point in time.
Thus, learning that the Hainan Sect, once one of the Nine Sects and One Gang, had become attached to the Blood Cult was a considerable shock.
"Si-a, do you happen to know why the Hainan Sect left the Nine Sects and One Gang?"
"They say the Hainan Sect suffered great damage around ten years ago. And the Alliance didn't help them. They were supposedly furious about that and withdrew from the Alliance..."
"That's right. And the one who helped us at that time was none other than our Cult Leader."
Hyul Gyu-ryeong, who had been silently listening to our conversation, lifted her chin proudly. The moment the Blood Cult Leader became the topic, the woman who had been radiating nothing but jealousy toward us reacted instantly.
"How should I address you? Sect Leader? Blood Fairy?"
"Call me Sect Leader."
"Understood. So the Blood Cult Leader helped suppress the great damage to the Hainan Sect?"
"Yes! He slipped through the gaps in the band of vicious pirates that attacked the Hainan Sect and created a bloodbath... *Ahem!*"
Hyul Gyu-ryeong cleared her throat, calming her excitement. I could roughly understand now why the Blood Cult Leader cherished Hyul Gyu-ryeong so much.
"Do you love the Blood Cult Leader?"
"Yes."
Even to such a potentially rude question, Hyul Gyu-ryeong did not hide her feelings.
"For his sake, I can offer my body and heart, my everything."
"Even if the Moon Woman were to descend and dwell in your flesh?"
"...Even if that were so."
Hyul Gyu-ryeong's resolve was far from ordinary.
Even knowing that her own existence might be overwritten by the Moon Woman, Hyul Gyu-ryeong was determined to fulfill her role as a Blood Fairy.
Her twisted love, which bordered on madness, was somewhat unsettling to us, but we kept our faces straight.
We had to pass the Blood Cult Leader's trial to gain the Mad Demon's support, and the observer of that trial was none other than Hyul Gyu-ryeong.
"...So, the Cult Leader protected the Hainan Sect, but there were some wretches who fled before he could wipe them out at the time."
"Would those be them?"
I pointed toward the ships emerging from the distant mist. Hyul Gyu-ryeong nodded and gripped her sword tightly in her left hand.
"Yes. They are the pirates of the South Sea."
"...Pirates? Not the navy?"
Rumble, rumble.
The black ships hidden in the mist looked to be well over a dozen in number.
"Be careful. The ones aboard those pirate ships are all martial artists."