Chapter 425
'I must remain calm.'
Regaining his composure, Hyeok So-jin asked in a measured voice:
"How many troops remain at the main grounds?"
"Including the main force, there are five battalions. If we count the newly recruited disciples as well—"
"They're not an option. Sending untrained disciples into real combat will only result in heavy casualties."
The terror of the Soulless Ones lay in their relentless advance—even with limbs severed, they would keep moving until their last breath.
A single moment of carelessness or mistake could prove fatal.
"Won Hong. Take the unit members and evacuate the young disciples to Mok-rip Cave."
Hyeok So-jin's eyes flashed as he spoke.
"And secure the cave thoroughly. Not a single one of those bastards must be allowed inside."
"I will fight as well."
"The presence of Soulless Ones means there are puppeteers controlling them from the rear. Preparing for the worst and protecting the young disciples is the greater priority."
Hyeok So-jin's gaze turned icy.
"I will lead the remaining battalions to wipe out those worthless husks."
Screech—
Having finished battle preparations, Hyeok So-jin stepped outside—and his eyes widened.
The front courtyard of the Eternal Ages Pavilion was crowded with elderly figures clad in varied attire, all armed and gathered in clusters.
They were the demonkin who had been residing in Peach Blossom Paradise.
"Why are you all here?"
Hyeok So-jin couldn't hide his astonishment.
Even those who had been bedridden or too ill to move—every last one of them had armed themselves and surged out in force.
"We heard the news. Some lunatics drugged out of their minds are invading the grounds, aren't they?"
The Righteousness-Destroying Madman, the most troublesome among the elders of Peach Blossom Paradise, spoke up.
"This works out just fine. It's been a while—let's stretch our limbs."
"They are not opponents you can afford to take lightly."
Hyeok So-jin's voice was grave.
"The Soulless Ones are demonic beings who know no fear. Moreover, they won't stop moving until their last breath—"
"Even better."
The Righteousness-Destroying Madman grinned at him.
"I was so bored I thought I'd die anyway. Now they've gone and prepared our graves for us."
"Elders."
As Hyeok So-jin's expression darkened, the Ghost Whip Demon Elder chuckled from behind.
"That crazy old man's right. The place for us to rest isn't some worn-out sickbed—it's the battlefield."
Then the towering figure of the Golden-Faced Blood Fiend bared his teeth in a grin.
"Heh heh. It's been too long since I last tasted blood."
The elders who had been wasting away in their sickbeds now brimmed with vitality, as if their ailments had never existed.
Far from dreading the coming battle, they welcomed it with open arms.
To die gloriously in battle, not wasting away on a sickbed—
Hadn't they lived all their lives dreaming of just that?
"To think we'd grow this old, with white hair... We never expected to cling to life for so long in the first place."
At the Raging Flame Great Fiend's words, the eyes of the demonkin from Peach Blossom Paradise grew solemn.
The very reason they had survived this long was because they had yearned for death on the battlefield.
Yet, paradoxically, it was that very courage to die that had kept them alive.
"This is perfect. We've found our graves at last."
From the very back, the Yin Mountain Demon Owl laughed and shouted.
"We'll hold off those freaks. In the meantime, you strike their main camp and drive them back."
"Right, right! Don't let those young disciples who just joined get involved!"
Hyeok So-jin barely suppressed the tears threatening to spill.
These demonkin would rather die gloriously in battle than waste away in misery.
And he couldn't bring himself to stop them.
How could he deny them their final path?
Yet, in the end, thick droplets of tears fell from his eyes.
"Very well."
Wiping away his tears, Hyeok So-jin raised his voice and shouted to the demonkin of Peach Blossom Paradise:
"Then show me what you're made of!"
And with that, he bent at the waist and bowed deeply.
"I leave it to you!"
The demonkin smiled faintly in response.
The successor of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary was bowing to them in respect.
They were satisfied.
What more could they possibly ask for?
—Shall we depart now?
With expressions as bright as if they were setting out for a pleasant stroll, the demonkin of Peach Blossom Paradise marched toward the battlefield.
"..."
Hyeok So-jin, his heart filled with sorrowful rage, watched them go with wide, unblinking eyes.
He burned the sight of their dignified final moments into his memory.
"I will not forgive this."
Crack—
The earth trembled.
Violet lightning streaked endlessly from Hyeok So-jin's upturned eyes.
"Absolutely not!"
Rooooar—
At the same time, a violet radiance erupted from his body, soaring to the heavens.
Divine-Rending Demonic Qi.
The supreme martial art of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary was now being perfectly manifested through Hyeok So-jin's body.
"I will make them understand the price of daring to touch these grounds!"
Rising to his full height, Hyeok So-jin led his battalions toward the battlefield.
He would reduce those lurking in the shadows to dust—and remind the Murim once more of the majesty of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary.
South Bank, Byeokgye Village.
Mumu was enjoying an uncharacteristically lavish meal.
It was a bowl of plain noodles boiled in rich broth.
Seong Su-ryeo, the sole daughter of the Seong Family Manor, had brought her servants to Byeokgye Village, where the vagrants gathered, to serve them food.
"Come, come! There's plenty of noodles, so eat as much as you'd like!"
Seong Su-ryeo smiled as she handed out meals to the beggars.
Then, her eyes suddenly landed on a beggar crouched against a tree stump.
His face was hidden beneath tangled, unkempt hair, and between the strands, patches of melted flesh and dried blood clung grotesquely.
His appearance was so hideous it could make a child burst into tears, yet to Seong Su-ryeo, he looked like a man steeped in sorrow.
"Have you eaten enough?"
She approached Mumu, who was leaning against the tree stump.
"I thought noodles would be better than cold rice. How was it?"
"Was it edible?"
Even though the question came from the daughter of the Seong Family Manor's head, Mumu didn't answer.
It wasn't because he was ignoring her.
He knew that once he started responding, the conversation would drag on endlessly.
"Well, you were never much of a talker, were you?"
Even without a reply, Seong Su-ryeo didn't seem offended and simply nodded.
"Then rest well."
With a faint smile, she turned away.
But the corners of her lips still curled slightly.
'How strange.'
His face was covered in burn scars, his appearance so ghastly that one would flee if they saw him at night.
His tone was stiff and blunt, and for a beggar, he had an absurdly arrogant attitude...
Yet, whenever she met those low, shadowed eyes, her breath hitched, and her heart pounded for reasons she couldn't explain.
'Do I... have a weird taste in men?'
Though she was known for being wild and unruly, her standards for men were actually quite high.
She had met many outstanding young heroes before, yet none had stirred any emotions in her...
So why did her gaze keep drifting to this hideous beggar?
No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't find a reason.
The only thing certain was those eyes.
She wanted to keep staring endlessly into those depths that seemed to suck in her very soul.
From then on, Seong Su-ryeo frequently visited Byeokgye Village with her servants.
On the surface, the reason was to help the struggling beggars. But if that were truly the case, she could've just sent her servants.
The real reason she came personally every time was Mumu.
The ones who benefited were the beggars of Byeokgye Village.
In such cold seasons, begging was difficult, and even bugs or small animals to eat were hard to come by.
But on the days she visited, the beggars could enjoy warm rice or noodles... It was pure bliss.
In contrast, Mumu was unbearably uncomfortable.
He didn't suffer much from the cold, nor did he starve often.
When hungry, he could always hunt frogs in hibernation or snakes to get by.
But now that Seong Su-ryeo kept bringing food while watching him and talking to him... he wanted to flee somewhere far away.
Just like right now.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"I'm not hungry yet."
"They say beggars shove food into their bellies the moment they see it, whether they're hungry or not."
"That's true."
"Then why aren't you doing that?"
Mumu, annoyed, didn't answer further.
Seong Su-ryeo's gaze only grew more blatant.
Because she visited so often, she had already figured out his temperament.
He hated being stared at—so if she kept looking at him like this...
Eventually, he'd have to respond.
"I have more things I can eat than they do. So I can fill my stomach when I'm hungry."
Finally, when Mumu spoke, Seong Su-ryeo beamed.
"Ah, I see."
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
Just then, a black-clothed martial artist on horseback and a carriage stopped in front of the gathering of vagrants.
It was martial arts instructor Gyo Cheon-ak and a carriage sent by the Seong Family Manor.
"Young Lady. The Family Head is furious."
"Why?"
"Didn't the Family Head forbid you from coming to this vagrant village again?"
"Did the instructor snitch on me again?"
Seong Su-ryeo frowned, and Gyo Cheon-ak's expression turned grave.
"Young Lady. This vagrant village is truly dangerous. Members of the Black Syndicate frequently come and go here..."
"Instructor Gyo. I can handle myself."
"Young Lady."
As Gyo Cheon-ak's gaze darkened, Seong Su-ryeo lowered her head.
"Fine. I'll go now."
She waved at Mumu.
"See you next time."
Then, she boarded the carriage.
But Gyo Cheon-ak didn't set the carriage in motion immediately—instead, he glared fiercely at Mumu.
'Is he truly serious?'
Gyo Cheon-ak.
Originally, he wasn't just an ordinary martial artist—he had been the leader of a bandit group active near the Black Water River.
The reason he had entered the Seong Family Manor as a martial arts instructor was that he had fallen in love with Seong Su-ryeo after a chance encounter at a guest inn.
For the first time in his life, sincerely.
Unable to control his heart after falling for a woman, he handed over his position to his second-in-command and immediately headed to the Seong Family Manor.
Hiding his identity, he applied... and thanks to the exceptional martial arts he had honed through countless killings, he was accepted.
'I thought if I bided my time, I would surely become the Seong Family's son-in-law...'
Gyo Cheon-ak had believed that while teaching Seong Su-ryeo martial arts, he had formed a considerable bond with her.
But only now did he realize—
It had been nothing but a delusion. She had shown less interest in him than in that grotesque beggar from the slums.
'Child's play is over.'
Gyo Cheon-ak bit his lip.
There had been a time when he truly believed meeting Seong Su-ryeo had changed him completely.
He had even nurtured ambitions of abandoning his wicked ways and living as the Seong Family's son-in-law.
But now, he understood.
A pine caterpillar must live by eating pine needles.
"Let's go!"
At his curt shout, the carriage set off.
As Gyo Cheon-ak rode alongside, guarding the carriage, a cruel smile played at the corners of his lips.
Once Seong Su-ryeo and Gyo Cheon-ak had departed, Fatty approached Mumu and let out a heavy sigh.
"Mumu... I don't think you'll be able to stay in Byeokgye Village for much longer."
In this harsh world, the reason Fatty had survived was because he was quicker to read situations than others.
The moment he saw the look in Gyo Cheon-ak's eyes, he instantly sensed the man's murderous intent toward Mumu.
"Seems so."
Mumu nodded.
He, too, had discerned Gyo Cheon-ak's killing intent.
And he had no doubt that if he disappeared, everything would be resolved.
Demon Hall, Singular Light Pavilion.
Office of the Supreme Cult Commander, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
Inside sat a guest so rare that one would not see them unless a Demonic Governance Council was convened—none other than Gongya Geuk, Lord of the Hell Blood Citadel.
"You doubt the Martial Soul Lord's capabilities, you say?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint, inscrutable smile.
"That's the most refreshing thing I've heard in a while, City Lord."
"Hohoho. Isn't that just how young ones are?"
Gongya Geuk, despite his massive frame, narrowed his crescent-moon eyes.
"At first, they dazzle with their brilliance and ingenuity... but in the end, they inevitably reveal their limits."
Then, with leisurely composure, he continued.
"The Fleeting Moment Boat, which staunchly supported the Martial Soul Lord, has run dry of funds. And the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary was ransacked by mysterious forces, leaving it an empty shell."
"Hmm."
"With the Fleeting Moment Boat's finances drained, the Langya Pavilion's resources have also plummeted into poverty."
Gongya Geuk spoke with an expression of sheer amusement.
"In the end, the Martial Soul Lord's so-called 'capabilities' were merely the result of relying on aid from all sides. Now that the only two factions supporting him have fallen to such a state, what does that say?"
When Yeop Hyo-cheon showed no reaction, a sharp glint flashed through Gongya Geuk's eyes.
"With his supporting factions in ruin, surely the Heir's position must be wavering, no?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon took a sip of tea before responding.
"Then, what is it that the City Lord wishes to propose?"
"I will formally submit a motion at the Demonic Governance Council to replace the Heir."
For a moment, a frigid air swept through the Singular Light Pavilion.
Replacing the Heir.
It was not the first time in the Demon Hall's history.
But such occurrences had generally been cases where the Heir, recognizing their own inadequacy, voluntarily stepped down.
The title of Heir of the Demon Hall was not merely about succession.
It demanded the power and ability to subjugate the Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Million Demon Blades.
And Bu Eun-seol had, to some extent, already proven himself capable of that.
Yet now, Gongya Geuk was proposing to abruptly replace an Heir who had already begun consolidating his position?
"City Lord Gongya."
Yeop Hyo-cheon sighed before speaking.
"Can you handle the consequences?"
After a brief silence, he continued.
"The Martial Soul Lord is not the type to let such a matter slide."
"Hahahaha!"
Gongya Geuk's plump face split into a roaring laugh.
"For the Supreme Cult Commander of all people to say such a thing... Now that's surprising."
As his laughter faded, Gongya Geuk's eyes darkened until they seemed entirely pitch-black.
"Wasn't it you, Commander, who suffered the most frustration when the Martial Soul Lord became Heir?"
Instead of answering, Yeop Hyo-cheon responded with a faint, enigmatic smile—one so deep and shadowed that none could discern his true thoughts.
"Then shall we convene the Demonic Governance Council in half a month?"
After a long silence, Yeop Hyo-cheon finally spoke.
"However, given the nature of the agenda, I cannot guarantee the attendance of all Sect Leaders."
"Naturally."
Gongya Geuk rose with a satisfied expression.
"Then I shall expect the Demonic Governance Council to convene in half a month."
He then offered Yeop Hyo-cheon a light smile.
"Until then."
"Take care."
After their brief exchange, Gongya Geuk heaved his massive frame up and lumbered out with heavy steps.
Watching him leave, Yeop Hyo-cheon took another sip of tea.
"If even that old monster has made his move, then it's certain the Lord met with him..."
Slowly rising from his seat, Yeop Hyo-cheon gazed out the window.
"Summon the Kill-Seeking Unit's leader."
At his low command, it wasn't long before So Ja-myeong, leader of the Kill-Seeking Unit, entered the office.
"You summoned me?"
Though So Ja-myeong clasped his hands together, Yeop Hyo-cheon's gaze remained fixed outside the window.
"Still no word of the Martial Soul Lord's whereabouts?"
"None, my lord."
"And the Secret Shadow Pavilion?"
"The same. They report they've found no trace whatsoever."
"Hohoho."
The Chief Doctrine Commander's expression twisted into something oddly amused.
"I wish such affairs occurred more often."
"Pardon?"
"Isn't it entertaining? Hohoho."
A faint smile played on the Chief Doctrine Commander's lips.
"That old fossil who's been holed up in Guizhou is dragging his ponderous frame out to demand we convene the Demon Governance Council."
"If he demands it, we must oblige."
So Ja-myeong wore a peculiar expression.
—The Chief Doctrine Commander's mind is like a well filled with black ink.
Suddenly, Bu Eun-seol's words from a past drinking gathering surfaced in his memory.
That description felt painfully accurate.
So dark and unfathomable that discerning his thoughts was utterly impossible.
"Convey Gongya City Lord's intentions to each of the Demonic Path Ten Gates."
"Understood."
Swallowing the questions rising in his heart, So Ja-myeong respectfully clasped his hands again.
***
When night fell, a biting northern wind like frozen ale began howling once more.
Only silence lingered over the vagrant village where all lay deep in slumber.
By the third watch, Mumu slowly rose from where he'd been sleeping in the shack.
His eyes swept slowly across the desolate landscape of the vagrant settlement.
Though his stay had been brief, he'd grown unexpectedly fond of this place.
Even if Fatty had been the only beggar to treat him kindly—but then, that was only natural.
If even beggars weren't callous, who in this world would be?
To those whose sole purpose was scraping together a single spoonful of rice, someone like him who refused to beg must have seemed endlessly contemptible.
"Well then."
After silently wishing peace upon the vagrant village, Mumu turned away.
As he passed beyond the village outskirts onto a shadowed path, a small figure came into view.
It was Fatty.
"Leaving now?"
"How'd you know?"
When Mumu looked startled, Fatty crossed his arms and grinned.
"Brat. How long d'you think I've been looking after you? Know you like the back of my hand."
He pulled a cloth bundle from his robes and thrust it forward.
"Eat this if you get hungry."
Unwrapping it revealed expensive beef jerky—the kind only martial artists could afford.
As Mumu stared in shock, Fatty wiped his nose with a sniff.
"Don't look so surprised. Bought it with coins I'd been secretly stashing away bit by bit."
This quantity of jerky would have cost at least a silver tael.
Money Fatty must have spent his whole life begging to save.
"I can't accept this."
When Mumu shook his head, Fatty's grin widened.
"It's fine. I'm giving it because I want to."
"Fatty..."
"Dunno why, but I got real attached in such a short time."
Still smiling, Fatty pointed at Mumu's eyes visible through his tangled hair.
"Damn. Probably those eyes of yours. They make a man's heart tremble."
Striding forward, Fatty pulled Mumu into a crushing embrace.
"Take care. Wherever you go next, try being a bit friendlier to folks."
"We beggars gotta be ten times kinder and quicker than others... Only way to avoid getting beaten. Understand?"
Mumu's gaze darkened.
Had it not been for Fatty, he might never have regained his senses by the riverside.
Fatty had saved his life, then helped him survive as a beggar in Byeokgye Village.
A life-saving grace.
To Mumu, Fatty was nothing less than his savior.
He didn't say thank you or promise to repay the debt.
He simply returned the embrace with equal force.
In that moment, he conveyed more than hundreds of words ever could.
"I'll walk you to the next mountain pass. Come on."
Fatty was far too warmhearted a soul.
Unable to refuse, Mumu set off beside him.
Only after crossing several mountains did Fatty finally stop.
"Go carefully now."
"Stay healthy."
As Fatty waved, Mumu slowly turned away.
—Aaaagh!
Then—a horrific scream echoed through the night.
Both whirled toward the sound, scanning the mountains below. Nothing seemed amiss.
"Must've imagined it."
When Fatty tilted his head in confusion, Mumu spoke in a low voice.
"Bandits are attacking."
"Bandits? Where?"
"That manor over there."
"There? But that's Seong Family Manor!"
Fatty blinked in disbelief, but only the manor's faint outline was visible—no signs of people.
"You can see what's happening there from here?"
"Report it to the constabulary. Quickly."
Then Mumu was sprinting forward.
"Hey! What're you doing running toward bandits? What can you do?!"
Ignoring Fatty's shouts, Mumu raced madly down the slope.
He knew.
Knew charging in meant certain death.
Yet when he'd heard those desperate screams, seen the manor's dependents being slaughtered—uncontrollable rage had boiled up from nowhere.
'Stay calm. Must stay calm.'
Gritting his teeth against the surging emotions, Mumu ran faster.
It would take time for Fatty to alert the constabulary and soldiers to arrive.
Somehow, he had to reach the manor and buy them that time.