Chapter 111
Chapter 111
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Double Agent
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The warriors guarding the First Demon's residence were, for the most part, competent enough at the basics. But none of them surpassed that baseline.
Peak level. That was it.
There was a reason for that. In the cult, she was one of the strongest, someone no one but the Divine Cult Leader could defeat. Who would dare target the First Demon?
The First Demon's estate wasn't valuable enough to attract thieves in the first place. It was a stark place, unworthy of her title.
It had only the minimal structures to maintain her dignity, and even those were mostly just maintained rather than used.
A silent palace for the First Demon. With nothing worth coveting, there were no thieves-and thus, no intruders.
If one had to compare, it was like the Heavenly Demon's training chamber. Publicly known, yet untouchable.
A shadow slipped into such a place.
-Tap.
The footsteps were faint. The woman in black clothes wiggled her fingers.
She pulled down the cloth covering her mouth, as if it felt stifling.
Her movements were like a beast with the moonlight at its back.
A sigh leaked out in the silence.
"...Stifling."
The woman who had effortlessly breached the estate surrounded by peak-level guards walked toward the structures.
Then she ran into another early arrival.
"......?"
"......?"
They turned to face each other. Seeing unfamiliar faces, they began circling slowly.
"You're not a hired guard... Who are you?"
"And you? It's too late for visitors..."
"Same to you, isn't it?"
"...Hmph..."
A white-haired woman and a black-haired woman.
The two facing off asked simultaneously.
"Don't tell me you're after Red Cloud...?"
"Don't tell me you're after my big brother...?"
-Twitch.
Their wary gazes clashed in midair.
The black-haired woman spoke first.
"Big brother? Why call him that?"
"Because he is my big brother. Seeing you call him Red Cloud... you know his real name too, huh?"
"Of course. We're close. We've been through life and death together."
She omitted that it was only once.
Her opponent did the same.
"Sounds like me. But I've spent more time with him... I know everything about big brother."
"Like what?"
"His tastes. Hobbies. Favorite foods. The way he swings his sword. How he handles things... Want me to list them?"
"I know all that already."
"...Who the hell are you?"
She didn't want to reveal it here.
But the black-haired woman, Eun Seol-ran, mentioned her status to assert dominance.
"Disciple of the Fourth Demon, Eun Seol-ran."
"Ugh...?! Disciple of the Fourth Demon...?!"
"That's right. I've revealed mine, so you reveal yours."
"...Candidate for the Killing Blood Squad, White Charm."
"Killing Blood Squad candidate...?!"
Their gazes clashed again. Eun Seol-ran's expression hardened.
"Killing Blood Squad candidate... How do you prove that?"
"And how do you prove you're the Fourth Demon's disciple?"
"...Hmm."
"...Hmph."
As their gazes locked, someone else vaulted the wall.
"Wait... Why'd we pick tonight of all nights?"
"You didn't know either...?"
The chatting pair froze. Seeing the two already there, the newcomer began circling as well.
Eun Seol-ran spoke up.
"Who are you two?"
"And who are you?"
"...What the hell? What's going on? I thought no one would be here."
"Same here."
The tension sharpened. And not just that.
A formidable aura emanated from them. The one with the fan might be manageable, but the busty one was an expert.
Eun Seol-ran's eyes narrowed.
"How about we start with identities?"
"Soul-Captivating Seductive Fairy Black Peony. Ask the guy who lives here. We're friends."
"I'm Joo Ryeong-ryeong. Same deal."
"Friends? What kind of friends hop walls at night?"
"You're just as suspicious. Why are you circling around here so late?"
"Because I've been with Red Cloud since the Blood Demon Squad."
White Charm gasped.
"...What? Don't tell me... you're Number 29?! Now that you mention it... I think I've heard something like that...?!"
"What? How many times have you...?"
"I'm Number 29, right after you..."
"From the Blood Demon Squad?"
"Yeah?"
Eun Seol-ran and White Charm exchanged glances and edged closer. Caught off guard, they formed a united front, splitting the group into two sides.
Glares all around. Black Peony lowered her voice.
"Joo Ryeong-ryeong, don't let your guard down. They're obviously here for Red Cloud."
"Late-night guests... Here to kidnap him or something? Kidnap... Kidnap... Hmm... pork..."
"White Charm, right? Same origins... Let's deal with the immediate threats first."
"Not thrilled, but it makes sense."
Black Peony unfurled her fan. Joo Ryeong-ryeong subtly tensed her grip.
Eun Seol-ran placed her hand on her sword. White Charm did the same.
The rising tension crept in. Then a single foot stepped into the midst.
In an instant, all four heads slammed to the ground.
"Kuh?!"
"Agh?!"
"Urgh...?!"
"Eek?!"
"...Four women... and some familiar faces too..."
The absolute expert who subdued them with sheer presence muttered lowly. With each step she took closer, it felt like the world was crumbling, as she slowly advanced.
"Your purpose is obvious. And why are so many of you swarming like this..."
Her voice sank at the end.
The long talisman on her mask fluttered wildly in the tense air.
"Get lost. While your heads are still attached."
"Th-Thousand Blood Person...!"
-Clunk.
The closed door opened. Red Cloud, who seemed to have been reading, stepped out.
"First Demon, you've arri... Wait, what are you all doing here...?"
"Urghhh..."
"F-First, release them! First Demon! They're guests!"
"They entered my domain without permission. Did you invite them?"
"Yes, First Demon. Not intentionally, but effectively..."
"...Tch."
The pressure lifted in an instant, and the four coughed.
The First Demon strode past indifferently and grabbed Red Cloud by the scruff.
"He has prior commitments. Go home today."
"...Y-Yes?"
"I said go home. Is my word a joke?"
"Th-That's not... but..."
"Scram."
-Bang!
The firmly shut door made their gazes waver.
Eun Seol-ran turned first. Black Peony folded her fan a split second later.
White Charm panicked. Joo Ryeong-ryeong blinked.
"Sh-She really sending us away?"
"You gonna go?"
"Or what... antagonize the Thousand Blood Person Demon? You're a Killing Blood Squad candidate, right? She leads it too-can't afford to get on her bad side."
"Wise move, Joo Ryeong-ryeong. We've got time, so bide our time. You're close to Red Cloud too, so staying in his good graces matters."
Eun Seol-ran and Black Peony exchanged looks.
"She feels parental, so probably no real danger. Red Cloud doesn't lie."
"Sounds like his master-expecting anything harsher is weird. At worst, she'll review missions."
"...We're on the same page?"
"Because we know what kind of person she is."
Eun Seol-ran shrugged. She turned.
"White Charm, right? I'm curious what went down with Red Cloud in the Blood Demon Squad... Wanna trade stories? You've got questions too, don't you?"
"...Sure, but... hmm..."
"I'm curious too. How about proper introductions? Seems we'll be seeing each other a lot."
"Can't we keep it short?"
"Just come along, Joo Ryeong-ryeong."
Black Peony tilted her head primly.
"Let's grab a drink, all four of us. Girls' night... Sound good? We've got common ground, plenty to ask. Let's sync up our stories-even if it turns competitive."
"...Outright declaration of war, huh? Fine by me. I've got gaps to fill too."
"Sure, whatever."
"Know a good spot?"
"That's not the point, is it?"
...
-Bang!
He was hurled through the closed door. As soon as he leaned against the wall, the First Demon tore off her mask.
Her natural beauty emerged. But rendering it colorless, she swung her hand.
-Bang!
The building shook slightly. Propping herself on the wall, she looked down at me.
I looked up at her structure. Her light pink hair, fallen loose, tickled my cheek.
Her narrowed eyes questioned.
Her voice was sharp.
"What?"
"Pardon...?"
"I asked what those girls are."
"Well..."
I lightly explained what had happened while cornered against the wall. The First Demon, hand on the wall looking down, muttered.
"Makes sense... You wouldn't summon them all at once... You don't seem interested in that sort of thing..."
"Pardon?"
"...Tch."
She spun around. Leaned her back against me.
Then slid down smoothly.
The body in my arms was slender. Even knowing she was a warrior, the feel against my chest was impossibly soft.
A sweet scent lingered at my nose. Perfume...?
No. I'd smelled it before-it was just her natural fragrance.
"Red Cloud."
"Yes."
"I don't like strangers entering my domain."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"...Good."
Her visible nape from above looked angry. I gently rested my chin on it.
The First Demon's back twitched. With a slight distance, I pulled her closer for comfort.
"...Cheeky bastard."
"Shall I move?"
"No need. It doesn't hurt."
The First Demon fidgeted.
"...How'd you get tangled with the Nine Heavens Jade Maiden?"
I slowly recounted the events in Yeokmin. It took a while, adding details.
I started with Joo Ryeong-ryeong's story. The First Demon pondered.
"Dark Hand Ghost? You got mixed up with that pest."
"He was vicious."
"Most unaffiliated demons are. They prioritize their own power, so they use any ruthless means without hesitation to get what they want."
I brought up Black Peony. The First Demon asked curtly.
"Demon Illusion Formation? What did you see inside?"
"........."
"Why can't you answer?"
"I... saw several people, but..."
"But?"
"After seeing you, First Demon, it split into two."
"Why?"
"It felt like it was insulting you... Didn't sit right."
"How so?"
"It tried sticking right to your side..."
"...Moving on."
"Yes."
I mentioned the Black Wind. The First Demon extended her hand.
"Show me the token from Full Moon."
"Here."
"...Real deal. Valuable. Keep it on you always. Whatever your status, that token alone will make Full Moon obey you."
I recounted Yeokmin events. At the Nine Heavens Jade Maiden tale she'd been curious about, the First Demon growled.
"That damned bitch..."
"She's not bad. She helped me at the end..."
"Defending her to my face?"
"No, it's just..."
"...Enough. You did get her help. I'm not so petty as to nitpick that."
She looked up at me.
"Your realm has advanced."
"Got lucky."
"Luck my ass. It's the culmination of your efforts. You were teetering on that midpoint even when you started here."
"........."
"Impressive."
"First Demon."
"What."
"You say that, but you seem angry..."
"...Grrr..."
The First Demon grumbled.
"Doesn't sit right."
"I have no intention of taking anyone but you as my master."
The First Demon took my hand. Kneaded it.
"First Demon?"
"Quiet. Stay still."
"........."
"Heard from Wolhyang. A lot. Some... embarrassing stuff."
"Pardon?"
"Were all those words sincere?"
"Which ones?"
"Everything so far. Including what you said to me."
I reflected.
I'd never lied. All came from the heart.
"I've... never lied to you, First Demon. Not once."
"...Hmm."
"Um... I have a question too."
"What."
"What you said at the banquet... Was that sincere?"
"About your master?"
"Yes."
"Why ask?"
"...As I said earlier, I don't want anyone but you as my master. Even if you allowed it... I wouldn't want to."
"Why?"
"That's how I feel."
The First Demon straightened. Turned my chin to inspect.
She scrutinized eyes, nose, mouth closely.
"...Passing through Flower Realm purged all impurities from your body."
"Yes."
"It enhanced your looks. Not rare. After shedding mortal coils, plenty in the cult become renowned beauties. Prime example: Silver Yang-baek, Vice Squad Leader."
"........."
"But the scar remains. Intentional?"
"Probably... yes."
"I see."
The First Demon lifted my chin. Her eyes gleamed like fire.
"Your role is the Divine Cult Leader's hunting dog. Haven't forgotten your duty?"
"Of course."
"Who manages you?"
"You... First Demon...?"
"Right. Me. Remember: you're the Leader's dog, but I manage it. And recall what you said earlier? No one but me as master."
"Y-Yes..."
"Same for me. No plans to hand you over. After raising you this far."
The First Demon parted her lips wide.
Brushed my face, dug into my shoulder.
My throat stung faintly. Blood trickled from the bite on my shoulder.
She lifted her head. The wound healed instantly, but my blood still dripped from her mouth.
"Did you think I'd ever consider handing you to someone else?"
"...Why the neck...?"
"Showing hierarchy. You're beneath me, Red Cloud. And... you know you'll soon head to the Murim Alliance, right?"
"Yes."
"Until then, work by my side like before. I'll oversee your martial arts to studies. No solo actions."
She wiped the blood with her fingertip and licked it.
"From today, your one job: stay glued to me all day. Even bathroom breaks need permission. Got it?"
"Pardon?"
"Answer."
"Y-Yes...?"
"Good."
The First Demon rubbed her face against my chest. Shifted her whole body to lean languidly, then murmured.
"I'm not greedy. Money, treasures, swords... nothing I particularly want."
"......"
"But when I do want something, I claim it fully. Like the debt to the Leader. And now, a second one."
"That is...?"
"I was thinking of telling you one when you returned."
The First Demon raised her head. Our faces nearly touched.
Her chewed-out words were mad. Greedy too.
"Never planned to take a disciple. Inefficient, pointless. No intent to pass my arts to posterity either. But you're different. So we need to clarify."
"Don't tell me... that means...?"
"When all is done and you return, I'll formally request the Leader. To take you as my disciple."
"......!"
"If you don't want it, say so now."
I hugged her tight. Lifted and spun her around.
"As if I'd refuse! Master! Haha!"
"E-Easy! Not official yet-only call me that alone. Announcing at a banquet like before risks exposing your status amid the Leader's games... Ah... E-Easy, I said..."
"Ah, sorry."
"Whatever. Joy makes one reckless. Anyway, no funny ideas-stick by me."
The First Demon mumbled in my arms.
"...Because you're my disciple from now on."