Chapter 112
Chapter 112
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 112
Chapter Title: Late-Night Diner
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A nighttime cuisine specialist open even after dark.
At a time when most shops had doused their lights, four stunning beauties entered the one place still aglow.
All eyes turned to them in an instant. But those itching to make a move sobered up fast, letting out hiccups of alarm.
"Isn't that... Lady Fourth Demon's disciple?!"
"Don't talk to her...! You'll get killed...!"
Baek Mae asked casually.
"Your reputation precedes you in a big way."
"You have no idea how many approaches I've gotten since leaving the banquet hall. I dislocated the arms of three or four just to avoid the hassle. A light sprain, nothing more."
"A dislocation is light?"
"For our level, it's child's play. Same for you, right?"
"Can't argue with that."
The four settled into a corner booth. The waiter approached with a tense expression.
"Ladies... what can I get for you...?"
"What's on offer?"
"Well, our signature dish is stir-fried shrimp with spicy sauce, but..."
"That, plus a bunch of other stuff. Load up on meat dishes. And bring eight bottles of something decent to drink."
"E-eight bottles... you say?"
"How long do you plan to drink?"
"We don't get drunk easily anyway. Easier if everyone has their own bottle, no?"
Black Peony let out a sigh at Lady Brewmaster's words.
"I'm different. I get tipsy after just a little."
"Tsk tsk. No helping it. I'll handle your share then."
"...That was your goal from the start, wasn't it? Why is your brain always so sharp about this stuff...?"
"I've got a knack for strategy, right?"
"No strategist deals only in food."
The food arrived. Glasses clinked lightly in the air.
Baek Mae glanced around cautiously.
"So... who wants to go first?"
"Doesn't it make sense to start with who met him earliest?"
"Fair point, but it feels like I'm losing out somehow."
"We're spilling everything anyway. Nitpicking will take forever. Silver Orchid."
"True enough."
Silver Orchid tilted her glass.
"Red Cloud and I met in the Blood Demon Squad. They called me Number 29, him Number 30. Our first mission involved the Black Heaven Axe Sect."
"Black Heaven Axe Sect?"
"Small-time sect. Not famous or anything. But the key was their sub-sect leader, a guy called White Teacher, suspected to hail from the Myriad Gods Sect."
"...Hmm? Intriguing. Go on?"
Silver Orchid laid out the rest of the tale. She shrugged at the end.
"...And that's how it wrapped up. The Black Heaven Axe Sect incident. Funny, right? Drawing swords to protect our assassination target. I thought he was nuts at first."
"Classic Red Cloud, though. Same with me."
"I'm curious about that too, but let's save it. Chronological order's best. Who's next?"
"I'm after her as Number 29, so me. Mine involved a bigger player than Black Heaven Axe Sect. The Sa Clan."
"Sa Clan? That prestigious house?"
"Yep. Internal audit commissioned by some group called Heavenly Evil Sect aiming to devour the whole clan. And then..."
Baek Mae recounted her story succinctly. She swirled her glass at the end.
"...That's how it went. No, thinking back, he's hilarious. Risked his life for someone he'd known less than a month? Just because he thought it was wrong?"
"Stubborn guy."
"Exactly. But... ugh... anyway, we parted after. He did so much for me... Took down Demon Valley Lord, convinced First Demon to get my family out of the brothel..."
"Tried shoving spirit pills at me too. Treats his people like gold."
"...That's nice. But he gives too much away... that's the problem."
"My turn next?"
"Nah. Timeline-wise, he crossed paths with me again first. Inside Sealing Demon Cave."
"Sealing Demon Cave? Ah! Finally, the stories connect. Explains why Red Cloud carries four swords. One's weird enough... but two more types?"
"Close enough... We parted before you, though. But yeah, that ghost sword he carries is from Ghost Valley Wild Swordsmith in Sealing Demon Cave. That was the deal."
"Ghost Valley Wild Swordsmith... finicky artisan, right?"
"Finicky, yeah... but weirdly, he gets loved by oddballs. You know?"
"Mm-hmm. True."
"Can't argue."
Glasses clinked once more. Lady Brewmaster, who had been slyly emptying a bottle, grinned.
She filled a glass and slid it aside.
"My turn? Met him on the waterway to Yeokmin. Struck up a chat 'cause he seemed fun. He was traveling incognito with a face veil. Curiosity got me."
"What'd you say?"
"Saw him eating something tasty, asked to share. Jerky."
"That jerky? Tried some in Sealing Demon Cave. Delicious."
"Huh? Mine was tasty too... What? Did he have special stuff for each?"
Lady Brewmaster spun her tale amid the puzzled looks, compressing it tightly before slamming down the period.
She finished one bottle and grabbed another.
"...And that's how we took down Dark Hand Demon together. Me and Red Cloud."
"...Had no idea you had that backstory."
"Whatever. Everyone's got one, right?"
"Fair... enough."
Black Peony sighed.
"I met him as an enemy. Trapped him in the Demon Illusion Formation. Used a test as an excuse to probe his character."
"...Demon Illusion Formation? What's that exactly?"
"Simple. A formation blending illusion and reality. I'm skilled in formations, adapted one of my spells for it."
"You handle spells? How many in the cult can...?"
"Needs innate talent. Probably just a handful. But... aren't you curious?"
"About what?"
"Who appeared in the Demon Illusion Formation I unleashed."
-Drop.
Everyone froze. Lady Brewmaster muttered.
"Probably not me... Time we spent together was a blink. If I showed up, that'd be weirder."
"Then some woman he knew before..."
"...Hmmmm..."
Black Peony smiled brightly.
"Very proactive. Baek Mae."
"Kyaaah!! What prank did you play with my face?!"
"It was fake, so no issue. Wasn't even intentional. The formation tailors to the victim's memories, mixing them with seductresses."
"S-so? I didn't appear?"
"You did."
"Phew..."
"Why the relief?"
Black Peony unfolded her tale demurely. She covered everything up to Yeokmin, then concluded.
"...That's how Red Cloud faced the near-Blood Demon in Yeokmin. Didn't see the end, but testimonies from Four Blood Guards, Blazing Heaven Fist Demon, and Nine Heavens Jade Maiden confirm it."
"Isn't that insane?"
"Agreed."
"We fought hard too, right?"
"Eat first. Lady Brewmaster."
Glasses clinked sharply again. Silver Orchid, yet to metabolize her buzz, spoke with a flush.
"Well... he was always like that. Pulled off the impossible. You know? Beat a first-rate master somewhere between second- and third-rate himself. Absurd. But he did it."
"Hmm..."
"Me? I saw martial arts as just a tool for showing off. Grew up watching that... so yeah."
"Come to think of it, Silver Orchid, same surname as Vice Squad Leader Silver Sunwhite."
"My father."
"...Why join Black Death Sect then...? Vice Squad's under Myriad Gods Sect."
"He abandoned me. To Blood Demon Squad."
Silver Orchid sipped her drink.
"Had an older sister... insanely talented. Maybe more than me. But know what outshone that? Her heart. So kind. But our father raised her like a tool."
"......."
"She took all the burden to give me a normal life. Then she dropped dead one day. Burden fell to me. Carrying it showed how hard she'd had it. Brutal bastard. Heart of iron."
"Did you rebel?"
"Obviously. Hated seeing him thrive. Her death partly from overwork. So I quit. Refused to learn martial arts outright. That's when he tossed me into Demon Valley. Forced into Blood Demon Squad. Learn or die."
"......."
"My view on martial arts didn't change there. Then... he showed me what it's capable of. So damn cool. Made me want to learn properly. Slap that Silver Sunwhite's face too."
"That's why you joined under Lady Fourth Demon?"
"They approached me, but yeah. Laughed as he sent me off. So kind, sharing his tiny spirit pill half-and-half with a comrade..."
Silver Orchid chuckled.
"More appealing than any guy I'd met? Natural, right?"
"...I get it. Somewhat."
Baek Mae muttered. Her slammed glass rattled the table.
Her flushed face hiccuped.
"No, honestly! Isn't it weird such a guy exists? Me, pretty face, right?"
"Whoa, saying it yourself..."
"Hear me out! Decent chest too. See? Perky."
"...What're you doing in front of me?"
"Anyway! Raised in a brothel. Didn't sell my body, but got plenty of looks. I know I'm pretty. Everyone here knows. Your faces turn heads anywhere."
"Fair."
"No veil, and flies swarm."
"Sometimes miss Blood Demon Squad days. Quiet with the mask."
"Right?! But think! Has Brother Red Cloud ever eyed us lewdly?"
The four fell silent. Black Peony shook her head.
"Never."
"Said he could grope my butt, didn't even touch."
"Stone Buddha."
"Right?! Acts like that, but behind the scenes... takes care of everything, risks life to protect our futures... How... how..."
Baek Mae's voice trailed off.
"How... not to like him..."
"Yeah. Honestly. Followed a total stranger like me, protected me. Even when I parted from my... sister..."
Lady Brewmaster mumbled glumly. She wiped her eyes.
Black Peony offered a handkerchief.
"...Thanks."
"No big deal."
"...Sniff."
"That wasn't a nose-blow..."
"Anyway, he fought all those alone to spare me. Calls me friend... honestly..."
Lady Brewmaster sighed.
"Wanna devour him whole."
"I actually threw myself at him once. Before healing my burns."
"Huh? Burns? Black Peony, you had burns?"
"Face. Old story. Not for public ears, but we're buzzed and sharing secrets... guess I have to."
Black Peony shrugged.
"Born to an obscure house. Honestly, a genius. Know what a genius from a poor prestigious clan carries?"
"The whole clan."
"Right, Silver Orchid. Born carrying the whole house. Had to grind despite hating it. Eventually..."
Black Peony stared into her empty glass.
She grabbed a bottle quietly.
"Couldn't handle the pressure, rushed, fell to heart demon. Dantian warped, face burned. From the fire-related art I practiced."
"...That's awful."
"Key part's next. Dantian shattered, face scarred... still Black Peony, clan kid. But when my assets tanked overnight, no worry-just curses from the clan."
"Crazy bastards."
"What kind of people?!"
"I'm not wrong? Regretted trusting them. That from my own parents. Promising little sister took my duties; I became nameless that day."
Black Peony chugged straight from the bottle. Lady Brewmaster eyed her.
"You said you get drunk quick. Pushing it?"
"Gonna push. Fine for nights like this. Honestly, can't spill without booze. Lost my name overnight-pissed me off. Resentful too. Truth be told..."
Black Peony muttered.
"Wanted to kill them all. Mocking my efforts and time."
"...Get it. Me too."
"You too?"
"Not identical, but didn't choose martial arts. Orphan kidnapped young by Bone Ghost Death God. Practically imprisoned, forced to learn. Thought I'd master it for revenge-then he died of old age first. Old hag when she nabbed me, so inevitable. Ugh. Should've done it myself."
"...What happened then?"
"Tried descending the mountain. But Nine Yin Bone Claw's yin qi was too strong, messed my mind. Felt like hitting anyone nearby, so back to the hills. Vowed not to emerge till I controlled it. Then... met that brother."
"We're alike."
"The sister part?"
"No. Vengeance target vanishing."
Black Peony leaned back, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"My sister moved first. Weak-willed kid. Talented, but couldn't handle pressure like me. After my failure, clan squeezed her harder. She snapped, went berserk, massacred the clan, then slit her own throat."
"...Really...?"
"Yes. Couldn't use the hidden Demon Illusion Art from the clan archive on them. Gave up revenge, fell to heart demon. Knew it myself. Spread rumors as Soul-Seizing Enchantress, lured famed masters for outlet. Mild heart demon let me control it-no murders, lucky. Else, bloodbath."
Black Peony nodded.
"That's when Red Cloud beat my trial. Escaped my ultimate Myriad Illusions Heaven Formation. Hundreds of beauties, real as life, dragging him to lust's sea... ignored them flat."
"...For real? That's eunuch territory."
"No. It stood. Checked morning after."
"H-how was it?"
"My secret."
"Whoa, really?!"
More drinks arrived amid the clamor.
Lady Brewmaster muttered.
"Thick as a rock with women."
"That's the charm."
"Right? Didn't bat an eye at my burns. Kept his word. Know what he said? Of ten parts to beauty, looks are just one."
Black Peony smiled with her eyes.
"Plenty talk pretty. First to live it. Honestly... cute too."
"No, listen. He looks straight-laced, but sly as a fox."
"Right?! Takes my coquetry in stride!"
"Grabbed my hand casual in Sealing Demon Cave. Said heart-shaking stuff."
"Pure intentions scare me more. Truly for me... feels it."
Black Peony shivered. Saw empty bottles, turned away.
"...More drinks?"
"Order! Order!"
"Eat and die tonight!"
"What next?"
The four aligned bottles, chatter turning to Red Cloud debate.
"That training maniac... hottest part's his veins. Those sharp pops when he flexes..."
"Mine's chest."
"You went too far! Lady Brewmaster!"
"Brushed it sneaky... huge, like an ocean..."
"Eyes fierce too? Beastly sometimes... like he'll devour me. Kyaa!"
"Wanna smack that butt once, right?"
"A-agree."
"...Curious."
"Umm... can't deny..."
"What butt?"
A voice intruded naturally. Black Peony startled, turning.
"...Four Blood Guard Wolhyang?"
"Talking guys, obvious. What! Include me! Girls' gathering? Why exclude me? Whine. Pretty close, y'know. Invite next time. Pleeease?"
Wolhyang pouted coquettishly. Silver Orchid narrowed her eyes.
"What brings Four Blood Guard here?"
"Patrol. Patrol. Coincidence. Total coincidence. Glanced in... saw a fave name? Eavesdropped. But... too carefree, no?"
"Huh? What?"
"Roughly get your chat... where's that kid now?"
"With... First Demon, of course..."
"Reaaaally now?"
Wolhyang grinned.
"My take? Not time to bicker among four."
"Huh?"
"Strongest one's standing firm. What's squabbling do?"
"But... First Demon's... like a master..."
"Fair from your view. But..."
Wolhyang snatched food.
"What about the other way?"
Silver Orchid shot up.
"B-but... First Demon's totally aloof from that stuff, right?"
"Thought so too, till recently... Leader dating? Doesn't fit. Scary Heavenly Blood Human Demon... Four Blood Leader whispering love? Absurd. But..."
Wolhyang sucked chopstick tip.
"Doesn't seem so?"
"......?!"
"......?!"
"......?!"
"......?!"
"......?!"
"Know? Late-bloomers are scariest. Ahaha!"