Chapter 114
Chapter 114
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Farewells Before Departure
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The outcome was obvious.
Black Orchid's formation shattered with a single sword stroke. Juryeongryeong's Nine Sounds White Bone Claw was sealed and sent flying with one move.
After that, it was nothing but a one-sided beating.
The grim sword slid back into its sheath. But it didn't end there-the moving sheath smacked their rears.
"You dare strut into my domain with your heads held high?"
"Aak! Aak! W-Wai-!"
"W-Wait! B-Bones! My bones got hit!"
In front of the thoroughly dusted pair, the First Demon turned to me.
The edge in her voice had vanished, satisfied after giving them a good thrashing.
"If it's your request, I'll grant it. Soul-Pulling Thrust needs some fame anyway... Pairing it with an heir to the Nine Sounds White Bone Claw and the name Soul-Seducing Witch should give it some real weight."
"Thank you, First Demon."
"It's your reward for keeping up well. But first..."
The First Demon crouched down in front of the sprawled women.
"What was your name again?"
"J-Juryeongryeong..."
At the polite speech that slipped out naturally, the First Demon pressed her sword tip against the woman's cheek.
"The type who runs wild relying solely on Nine Sounds White Bone Claw, huh. Your basics are lacking."
"I-I didn't learn it because I wanted to..."
"Whether you wanted to or not, you're making a living off it now, aren't you? And... you dare talk back to me?"
---Smack!
Juryeongryeong let out a silent scream as her rear took another hit. Her body shuddered before she collapsed again.
The First Demon walked forward with her hands behind her back. Black Orchid, frozen stiff, swallowed dryly.
"Your formation. Not bad. It was skillful enough to call it talent."
"Th-Thank you...!"
"But your own martial prowess is weak, so you can't do much alone. Haven't learned any other techniques?"
"My dantian was shattered..."
"It looked intact to me."
"I-It got repaired recently!"
"Good enough, then. You and Juryeongryeong will work as a pair. You'll complement each other nicely."
"Then Red Cloud..."
The First Demon's expression turned icy.
"You. Did you just say your name in front of them?"
"...I'm sorry."
"Always causing trouble..."
She stretched her cheek long. That was it.
But as she looked at the rest, the First Demon's voice grew menacing.
"Forget what you heard. This one has no name. If any of you blab, I'll rip your mouths open. Disciple of the Fourth Demon. That goes for you too."
"I-I'll be careful."
"Good. Then I'll handle these two personally... Anything else?"
"N-No!"
"N-Nothing!"
The First Demon gave my back a light shove.
"Go have some fun."
"Pardon?"
"I'll let you off for today. Even you need a break sometimes. And you two."
"Y-Yes?"
"Is there something else you need to say...?"
"Send them back before nightfall."
The First Demon spoke curtly.
"Keep them overnight, and I'll kill you both."
"H-Hic."
The First Demon departed, taking Juryeongryeong and Black Orchid with her.
Eun Seol-ran and Baek Mae hurried over to me.
"Th-The real Blood Demon Squad Leader is something else... Even my master isn't like that... Hoo... I thought I was gonna die of fright..."
"M-My master looks like a pup compared to her. That movement... N-No wonder she's the First Demon?! Honestly, I couldn't see a thing!"
"Of course. How impressive is she?"
Pride in my master was pride in me.
I tried to hide my joy as I looked at them.
"But... why are you here? Senior Seol-ran?"
"The Fourth Demon said to prepare to leave."
Eun Seol-ran glanced up at me.
"You weren't planning to leave without saying goodbye, were you?"
"Same for me. The event's been over for a while. My master already headed to her jurisdiction. Can't delay anymore, so I came."
Both of them leaving.
It was a bit regrettable. But unavoidable.
I had to leave too.
"Senior Seol-ran. Baek Mae. I have something to say."
"What?"
"What is it?"
"I'll be away for a while too. A few years... Not sure exactly."
"What?! Why?!"
"Wh-What mission?!"
"This'll take time to explain. Let's move somewhere else. I'll wash up too."
I grabbed my outer robe and headed down from the underground training hall.
I invited them to my room and served food brought by my personal maid, Chasing Moon.
"Thank you, Little Chu. For helping..."
"It's my job. Hehe."
I gave Baek Mae and Eun Seol-ran a rough outline. Not the full story, of course.
Just the Heavenly Demon's orders and that I was heading to the Murim Alliance.
Baek Mae's eyes trembled. Eun Seol-ran sighed.
"How many years...?"
"The Murim Alliance is far away. What in the world..."
"No clue exactly. But I plan to return as soon as possible."
"Th-Then after this mission? Will you have to go back to the Murim Alliance?"
"Can't say for sure... but probably not. The Cult Leader wants me by her side. And by the time I return, she'll likely step down. I follow the Cult Leader, not the Demon Hall. So, this mission to the Murim Alliance is probably the last."
"...That's a relief, then. Still, years... It does take forever just to go and come back..."
Baek Mae sighed. She slapped her cheeks as if to snap out of it, then looked up.
"But... by then, I'll be in the Blood Demon Squad. Don't take too long. Or should I come find you?"
"I'll come back as fast as I can."
"I knew you were on special missions, but the Murim Alliance... Sigh... Should've come under me."
"It's not that simple, Senior Seol-ran."
"True enough."
Eun Seol-ran nodded.
"Alright. I've decided. When I become the next Black Snake Sect Leader, I'll bring you under me."
"Wh-What are you saying?!"
"It'd be safer that way. Under me, I won't give you tough jobs. Just let you eat and play. So... come back safe from this one. Does anyone else know?"
"Just the Cult Leader who gave the order and the First Demon. You're the first."
"Good."
"Mm. That's good."
Baek Mae and Eun Seol-ran extended their hands to me.
"Come back safe. I'll be waiting."
"Me too. Don't overdo it like in Yeommin... Just do your mission well and return."
"Yes."
The farewell was calm. Perhaps because we all took reunion for granted.
Baek Mae and Eun Seol-ran returned to their places. As night fell, I also confided in Juryeongryeong and Black Orchid, who had rooms in the First Demon's residence.
Their faces hardened.
"If it's the Cult Leader's order, nothing we can do..."
"Still... Hmm... Any way we can follow..."
I shook my head at the pair already scheming to tag along. The Heavenly Demon wouldn't allow it, and I didn't want to put them in danger.
Instead, I made a request.
"The First Demon is softer than she seems."
"You blind?"
"You sane?"
"...Please fill my spot while I'm gone. I'll return as soon as possible. Once my task is done, I'll come straight back..."
I took their hands.
"Will you guard the place I return to?"
"...Ugh... If you put it that way..."
"No choice. It's the Cult Leader's order-we can't interfere anyway."
Juryeongryeong and Black Orchid sighed. In the end, they nodded.
"Come back quick."
"Come back quick."
"Yes."
The order from the Heavenly Demon came. Prepare to depart.
Before that, I sought out Black Wind. As comrades, I wanted to say goodbye.
"You're leaving? Young Master Moo? Must be busy. Well... same here."
"Full Moon seems busy too."
"Obviously. Still, we'll meet again if we're alive. That token I gave you? It's valuable-don't sell it."
"Of course. I'll treasure it."
"Rare martial artist like you. Don't die, Young Master Moo."
"I wish you success in your endeavors too, Young Master Heuk."
After Black Wind, I visited Flower Heaven Fist Demon and Yeon Mi-ryeong. They were also preparing to head to Raksha Sect territory.
"Won't see you for a while? Even if this lord calls for you?"
"Yes. On a mission."
"I see... Shame. Was planning to visit the First Demon again soon."
"Brother Moo, going far away?"
"Yes, Mi-ryeong."
"Is it dangerous...?"
"Not too much."
"Good."
Yeon Mi-ryeong took my hand.
"I'll repay the favor later. Definitely."
"I survived thanks to you too, so no need."
"Still... I will. Somehow. I'll come find you later."
Next was the Ghost Demon Squad Leader.
"Heading far away?"
"Yes, Senior."
"Busy, huh. First Demon's orders?"
"Cult Leader's."
"Is that so?"
The Ghost Demon Squad Leader stroked my face.
"Send a messenger bird when you return. I'll come visit."
"No need for that much..."
"It's my whim."
After parting with the Ghost Demon Squad Leader, I went to see Sa Ma-ak, to whom I'd recently sent a message.
He tilted his head crookedly.
"You come quick."
"Been busy, Brother."
"Always... Tsk. Off somewhere again?"
"Yes."
Sa Ma-ak entered the room and came out holding something.
A neatly folded raincoat. The black outer layer seemed thick enough to block light dust.
Sa Ma-ak tossed it at me.
"Picked it up on the way."
"This is...?"
"Made from Iron Armored Serpent scales. No special name. Most swords won't scratch it. Rips mend themselves over time, they say."
"Isn't this a treasure?"
"Treasure my ass. Scrap from the market. Wear it."
I stroked the black raincoat. From the look, no flaws.
Probably priceless.
I draped the raincoat over myself. The perfect fit, as if made for me, felt great.
"Thank you, Brother."
"Thanks nothing. Don't get done in out there. Swing by Sa Ma Manor next time. If I have to hunt you down again, you're dead."
"I'll visit with gifts."
"Gifts nothing. I got money. Way more than you."
Sa Ma-ak nodded at me.
"Come anytime, you damn brother. I'll feed you plenty."
"...Thank you, Brother."
The last were Yeon Gwang and Seo Cho-hee.
"B-Brother... Might not see you for ages... Sob..."
"You'll... return?"
"Of course. I'll return. Stay well."
"Brother! Until I can help you, I'll keep training!"
"I'll become a martial artist you're proud of, Senior! For real!"
"...You two could slack off a bit, you know."
"Brotheeer!!"
"Senieeer!!"
"Do as you will."
After meeting everyone with deep ties, I headed to the First Demon.
She looked at me with a somewhat stiff expression.
"Let's go."
It meant one thing. The time had truly come for everything to begin.
As always, the maid waited with an expressionless face. I followed her naturally.
My steps felt heavy.
But prepared as I was, I didn't tremble.