Chapter 110
Chapter 110
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: The First Demon's Protection
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"That's..."
A bit of an odd sight, but I whispered anyway. The four frozen figures cleared their throats.
Their momentum shattered, heads bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad."
"Greetings, Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad."
"...Greetings, Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad."
"Ahem. Greetings, Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad."
Even the prideful Blazing Heaven Fist Demon lowered his head. A testament to the immense prestige of the First Demon's name.
"...Hmm."
The First Demon, having heard the full story from me, nodded slightly. The first one singled out was Noha-cheon.
"It's been a while, Captain of the Dark Serpent Squad."
"Yes, Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad."
"From what I know, you were raising a disciple worthy of the title Soul Escape Sword."
"If you're referring to Jin-myeong, then yes, I'm putting everything I have into training him. His talent is no slouch either-he's something to be proud of."
The First Demon's voice sharpened.
"Then one should be enough. Why aim for a second?"
"Pardon...?"
"That's how it goes. Haven't you already found an heir for the Soul Escape Sword lineage?"
"T-Taking in talented juniors is just natural ambition for any martial artist, isn't it? From the start, I thought that kid had no sect..."
"Focus on the disciple you have. Anything more is pure greed. As a martial artist yourself, you know your own limits. What's ahead of you isn't just teaching-it's honing what you already possess."
"Ugh...!"
"Raising juniors matters, sure. But polishing your own skills to serve the cult-that's the true duty of any member."
"...Is that how you see my position, Captain?"
"With the right catalyst, you could climb even higher. Dedicate yourself fully. No distractions. Reach the Hua Realm, and your options expand. If you still want another disciple then, think it over."
"If the Captain says so, I have no choice."
Soul Escape Sword Noha-cheon stepped back. A faint smile played on his lips, as if grateful for advice on his ambiguous path in martial arts.
The First Demon's gaze naturally shifted next-to Na So-wan of the Black Water Ghost.
"Captain of the Subduing Demon Unit. Your heroic tales never cease, a clear sign of your loyalty to the cult."
"...Ahem. I'm embarrassed."
"But how can the one managing the Subduing Demon Unit covet a disciple? Don't you have enough on your plate as captain?"
"Well... that's true, but... I still have room to raise one."
"I doubt it."
The blood hawk perched on the First Demon's shoulder chirped shrilly.
"I heard you lost many in that last incident. The Subduing Demon Unit must have gaps to fill-that's your role as captain. With your position comes responsibility. Don't let personal greed take priority. Focus on the unit for now."
"......"
"Or do you plan to slack off, wielding your authority while tarnishing the entire Demon Warfront's reputation?"
"...No, ma'am."
"I know you have much on your shoulders. I respect your abilities too. But set clear priorities. If you want a disciple, solidify your foundation first."
"Thank you for the advice."
The Subduing Demon captain retreated. His expression was stiff, struck right at the core, unable to retort.
The Nine Heavens Jade Maiden subtly tried to slip back. The First Demon called her out.
"I haven't even started with you."
"The Demon Lord is watching. Hearing harsh words from the Captain here would look a bit off, wouldn't it?"
"At least you know your place."
"Anyone not minding their manners before the Lord and the Captain would be blind."
The Nine Heavens Jade Maiden raised the white flag before the fight even began. The First Demon's gaze finally swept over the Blazing Heaven Fist Demon.
"Blazing Heaven Fist Demon."
"What?"
"I hear you have two disciples."
"...How do you even know that? First time we've met, ain't it?"
"There's little in the cult I don't know. That's what being Captain of the Fourth Blood Squad means. One word of advice: Mind your two disciples."
"Why the hell you protecting that kid so much? Mind if I ask why? You his master or somethin'?"
"No."
The First Demon stated it flatly, glancing obliquely up at me.
"But he's someone I cherish. Don't bully him. Force your circumstances on this child, and I'll show you bitterness myself."
"......?"
"......?"
"......?"
"......?"
The four exchanged blinks.
The banquet hall, rigid for a moment, followed suit.
Silence fled, replaced by murmurs filling the void. Some raised voices in disbelief.
"...The Captain cherishes him? Who the hell is this guy?"
"For someone who embodies the cult's order to declare it publicly..."
"Her lover? Or...?"
"What...? She said not a disciple, right? Clearly?"
"Who is he? How does he get the Demon Lord's guard and the First Demon's attention?"
The commotion grew. Now fully at the center of it, I fiddled desperately with my mask.
If it slips now, I'm done for. Press it down tight.
The Blazing Heaven Fist Demon asked hesitantly.
"Someone you... cherish?"
"That's right."
The First Demon's voice rose slightly. She seemed almost embarrassed.
Yet she declared it boldly anyway.
"Got a problem?"
"Nah, but... so he's not your disciple or anything?"
"Not master and disciple, but close enough."
"What kinda nonsense is that?"
"Don't get ideas. Blazing Heaven Fist Demon. Handle your own disciples. I'll manage this one."
The First Demon declared it openly once more.
"Master-disciple this, teaching sword that-whatever you want to claim, go through me first. He agrees on that point too."
The First Demon pinched my side.
But I'd have nodded anyway.
"The First Demon is right."
"This ain't right... ain't like beggin' the father-in-law for a son-in-law..."
"But Hacheon. If you please the Captain, you could become his master under the Heaven-Earth Eight Demons' witness. Skip the messy fights."
"Quick thinker, you sticky one. But she won't hand him over easy."
"Getting... permission..."
The Nine Heavens Jade Maiden rolled her eyes. After a pause, she asked.
"Does taking him in another form require permission too?"
"...What?"
Laughter rang out. I could tell without looking-it came from the Heavenly Demon, far off.
She's laughing her ass off. That funny, huh?
"As I said, another form. Like... a lover's, for example."
"...Nine Heavens Jade Maiden. He's a fresh junior."
"Doesn't the Captain know? Once you enter the Hua Realm, age becomes meaningless. Lifespan extends dramatically, most staying youthful till death's door. If hearts align, what's strange about it?"
"......."
"And I'm not that old myself. Barely any difference compared to him."
"What?! This fucking bitch is super young too?!"
"Watch your tongue. Blazing Heaven Fist Demon. This is before the Captain."
"That's rich comin' from you spewin' bullshit!"
I felt the First Demon's eyes tremble. Her words came out grinding.
"A lover's... form?"
---Boom!
The sudden pressure silenced the entire banquet hall once more. Eyes quivered under the overflowing might of her subtle intent.
"Wha...t...?!"
"The Captain's... prowess... surpasses human limits, we knew... but this...?!"
"Just... aura pressure... to this degree...?!"
A force shaking heaven and earth. Facing it head-on, the Nine Heavens Jade Maiden broke into cold sweat.
But the next instant, she shook it off with all her might. Gritting her teeth, clashing full-force, she pressed on.
"Just checking, in case."
"...He has no such intentions."
"Shouldn't he answer that?"
"One's a total no-go, so you're aiming elsewhere?"
"You're twisting my words. I'm asking sincerely."
Soul Escape Sword recoiled in shock. Black Water Ghost hurriedly reached out.
"Nine Heavens Jade Maiden! Are you insane...? She's the Captain!"
"Snap out of it, Subduing Demon Captain...!"
"Don't touch me."
Brushing off the clinging hand, the Nine Heavens Jade Maiden declared proudly.
"Isn't it ridiculous for outsiders to meddle in matters between man and woman?"
"If schemes mix in, it becomes a problem."
"My wish to teach him the sword is sincere too... but..."
The Nine Heavens Jade Maiden glanced obliquely at me.
"Truth is, I fancy him personally as well. If not his body, I'll steal his heart."
"......"
"I've heard your answer, so I'll withdraw."
"I haven't answered yet."
"Your hesitation means you won't block it outright, right? A master wouldn't interfere in man-woman affairs anyway, so I trust the Captain to know her bounds."
---Crunch!
The sound of grinding teeth echoed right before me. The Nine Heavens Jade Maiden turned her signature blank face.
"I'll take my leave now, Captain."
The Subduing Demon captain departed. The three masters, sneaking glances, followed suit.
The crowd's buzz gained another layer.
"The Subduing Demon Captain?! That one?!"
"The flower of the Ten Thousand Demon Sect who rejected countless proposals?!"
"And she's... proposing openly?!"
"Who... the hell is that guy...?!"
"A demon charmer... wonder what's under the mask..."
In the murmuring banquet hall's center, Wolhyang approached.
"What? What hap...?"
Her eyes met the First Demon's. Sensing the weird vibe, Wolhyang didn't stop-instead quickened her pace, dragging Myo Ye-rin along and brushing past me.
"M-Myo Ye-rin. Whatcha doin'? Wanna drink?"
"J-Just a little...?"
"A-Alcohol's great! Good for the body too! Right?!"
"W-Well, to some extent...?!"
The two Fourth Blood Squad members vanished from sight after their awkward chat.
I cautiously grabbed the First Demon.
"First Demon...?"
"...Hoo."
Steadying her breath, she turned. Her face under the mask was impossible to read.
"I have to wrap things up, so I'll be late tonight."
"Got it..."
"Don't sleep."
"Pardon?"
"I said don't go to sleep."
With that, the First Demon stepped onto the upward stairs. Her back looked utterly furious as I watched.
...Well, yeah.
Didn't she tell the Fourth Demon before? Not to steal the one she taught sword to.
Still, it was probably because she saw me somewhat as master-disciple. And now that bond felt affirmed.
The First Demon cherishes me.
A soft smile crept up. A bit surprised, but her reaction actually pleased me.
And she declared it before everyone.
That I was precious to her.
That alone filled me with joy, enough to walk unfazed through the frozen hall.
Silver Snow Orchid approached, the one who'd said we'd meet again, her face stern.
"What's your deal with the First Demon?"
"Not quite master... but lacking something..."
I pondered.
"Parent...?"
"Parent? What parent acts like that? No way... right? Yeah, no... she's just acting like that 'cause he's like a disciple..."
"Pardon?"
"You free tonight?"
"Tonight...?"
"Nah, you will be. No one visits at night anyway."
"No, senior, sleep... "
"I'll drop by later. Gotta stay here a while anyway. We can talk more then. So many questions."
She melted into the crowd. Wolhyang, back after a lap with Myo Ye-rin, returned to me.
She patted my shoulder pityingly.
"Karma."
"Karma...?"
"Mind if I join?"
"Pardon?"
"Nah. Don't wanna fall out of favor with the Captain... hmm... but too good to give up... if she takes him... I'll sneak visits to steal bites. Ahaha!"
Wolhyang laughed heartily and walked off, leaving cryptic words.
Myo Ye-rin from the Fourth Blood Squad shot a glare.
"Playboy."
I felt truly wronged.
I haven't done anything-why playboy?
...But before that.
How many are crashing tonight?