Chapter 181
Chapter 181
************************-
Translator: uly
Chapter: 181
Chapter Title: The Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman's Suspicion
************************-
A sudden declaration out of nowhere.
The man named Black Great Cloud had declared himself the Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman. I quietly asked Suryun,
"The Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman's name is... Black Great Cloud?"
"You didn't know?"
The group was stunned. Silver Snow Orchid blinked in disbelief.
"No way... The top swordsman of a faction calls himself something like that? He's way too dim-witted."
"He's not dim-witted."
"If he's the Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman, doesn't that make him... a subordinate of our target?"
"...Target?"
Black Great Cloud's eyes narrowed. His hand stealthily moved toward his sword.
"Are you people after the Lian Leader?"
"...We're not after the Lian Leader."
"Then?"
"We're after her bodyguard."
Her master is in pain-something like that.
A fleeting thought crossed my mind.
"...Could it be that the Sa-do Heir has been poisoned?"
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
"Have you ever heard of Reverse Heaven?"
"First time."
"...This will be a long story. For now, let's put off dealing with the inner core and handle the spirit beast's hide first."
The falling snow grew lighter. Including the other wolf's, I neatly skinned the large spirit beast hide as well.
I'd noticed it during the fight, but even sword energy infused with internal energy barely penetrated it. If this spirit beast had learned martial arts like a human, it would have been several times harder to deal with.
I infused the neatly skinned hide with Fire Sheep Energy. With Black Lord's help, the amplified flames burned away the remaining flesh and fat on the inside.
Now the hide wouldn't rot. Joo Ling-ling glanced at the cleaned-up hunk of meat.
"Let's eat this. Spirit beast meat should help with recovery too, right? Su-a. Bet it'll taste great."
"Hmm... Will it?"
"Meat always tastes good, no matter what."
"That doesn't mean you should chew it raw. Ling-ling. Cook it like a civilized person."
"Raw fish is tasty sometimes."
"Is land meat the same as fish?"
We quickly butchered the spirit beast and returned to camp. Given the hide's massive size, we could make separate clothes or a sleeping bag for Su-a too.
After roughly wrapping things up, I brought up the topic with Black Great Cloud.
I even put some distance between us and the group in case the story leaked. The disciples didn't know I was from the cult, after all.
"Black Hero. I am a member of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."
"...Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? From way over there?"
"Yes. And the reason I came all this way is because of a woman named Spirit Moon. Not only did she betray our cult's leader, she's a murderous demon who slaughtered even those without weapons in their hands."
"...Explain in detail."
I told the Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman everything I knew. His face grew stiffer as the story went on, and even after I finished, he remained silent for a long while.
"Spirit Moon... is a spy active in a place called Reverse Heaven...? And there's a high chance she poisoned the Lian Leader?"
"Nothing's certain, but since it already happened once in our cult, there's no guarantee it won't here."
"......."
Black Great Cloud stared at me intently. As if gauging my sincerity, he tapped the hilt of his sword with his empty hand.
This went on for several moments. When he finally spoke again, denial spilled out.
"Spirit Moon is the Lian Leader's bodyguard. It's already been two years since they started together."
"......."
"It was pure chance when we first took her in. She stepped in to protect a courtesan being abused in a brothel and caught the Lian Leader's eye. In all that time, she hasn't caused a single incident. If anything, she's been helpful without ever showing personal greed-a true talent."
"...What if it was all a facade?"
"I'm not particularly close to Spirit Moon. The one closest to her is always my master, so there might be sides of her I haven't seen. But even the Lian Leader, who's closest to that woman, took her on as a bodyguard. The Lian Leader has an exceptional eye for people. If she'd sensed anything irreverent, she'd have noticed long ago. The fact that she hasn't cast her out yet means she saw nothing suspicious."
Black Great Cloud ran a hand through his hair.
"Think about it yourself, Red Cloud. Even if we're not close, she and I are colleagues serving the same person. It's only natural to find it hard to believe when some guy we met by chance suddenly spills all this."
"......."
"Isn't it obvious to trust someone you've crossed life-and-death lines with over the words of a sudden stranger? So, I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said."
He wasn't wrong.
They'd clearly spent more than a day or two together, so it was natural for suspicion to arise when I bluntly told him not to trust her.
Still, I had to convince him somehow... But how?
"...Though I have to say this."
".......?"
"You don't strike me as someone who'd bother lying. You helped me without knowing who I was and even made up a reason to feed me, didn't you?"
Black Great Cloud spoke calmly.
"Since I've seen it with my own eyes, I'll believe you to some extent. We seem to be saying different things... so I'll go confirm it with my own two eyes. I'll tell the Lian Leader directly what you said too."
"Going together would be..."
"I don't trust you that much."
"Understood."
I nodded awkwardly. At least things had resolved peacefully for now.
As I turned to leave, Black Great Cloud extended his hand.
"Don't we still have an unfinished deal?"
"...The inner core?"
"Yes. I need it. I don't know for sure if the Lian Leader's been poisoned... but her vitality is definitely damaged, so I need it. Hand it over. In exchange, I'll give you something else."
"What kind of..."
"I was going to take you to the Sa-do as a guest and give you what you wanted, but with things like this, I can't. Instead, I'll send a subordinate here in a month with goods and information. Tell me what you want. Weapons, spirit medicines, anything-as long as I can get it, I'll procure it for you. I swear on the name of the Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman."
"...May I consult with my group?"
"Of course."
I returned to the group. They beamed upon hearing the story.
"Sounds like it'll work out well. Might even resolve more smoothly than expected. Not bad backbone for a dimwit."
"They're offering anything in exchange for the inner core? Then let's snag a weapon."
"A weapon... you mean?"
"Su-a's weapon. Time to graduate from that worn-out iron sword, right?"
"Right! Let's gift her a good sword!"
Su-a, who'd been listening quietly, sparkled with excitement.
"My sword? Wow!"
Silver Snow Orchid picked up a twig and started sketching on the ground.
"About this length... with this feel, how's that?"
"The Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman can customize it however we want. He's the strongest and most renowned warrior in the unorthodox sects besides the Sa-do Heir, right?"
"Let's ask for gloves too. Made from Human-Face Spider silk! Su-a's Nine Yin White Bone Claw is still lacking, so it'd help. She can keep her hands pretty until she masters it."
"Not too heavy, so compromise on the right weight. The metal goes without saying... the most expensive stuff."
"Su-a has small hands, right? The hilt can't be too big. Overkill would be bad..."
"Oh. Gu Hwarin. Nice touch."
"Th-thank you?"
"While we're at it, request some hidden weapons from the spare metal. They'd suit my little sister perfectly."
I dragged Black Great Cloud over. He looked dubious as the requests poured in.
"For just one inner core... aren't the demands a bit much?"
"Would the Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman go back on his word?"
"...Shouldn't have revealed my identity..."
Black Great Cloud nodded.
"I'll remember every request. I'll pass them all without missing a thing to the Sa-do's top craftsman. The designs for the hidden weapons, gloves, and sword-as sketched here?"
"Want me to write it down?"
"No need. I can memorize this much perfectly."
Black Great Cloud stood and offered me his hand.
"I believe you didn't lie to me, Red Cloud."
"I stake my life on it- not a shred of falsehood."
"...Good if so."
Black Great Cloud departed. His bizarre footwork vanished in an instant, a perfect match for the title Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman.
Silver Snow Orchid asked me,
"What do you think will happen?"
"...He doesn't seem like a bad guy..."
Best to trust and wait for now.
"We should check back here in a month."
...
"Great Cloud."
The Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman Black Great Cloud raced across the treetops without restraint.
His peerless lightness skill let him skim past countless obstacles with just a light leap.
But unlike his light body, his mind was in turmoil. The story from Red Cloud wasn't something to brush off lightly.
Sa-do Heir.
His benefactor and master.
He'd vowed to lay down his life solely for her. If it could improve her condition even a little, he'd throw himself into flames without hesitation.
This wasn't romantic affection. It was loyalty. And his master knew it too.
They trusted and relied on each other.
That was their relationship when she became the Sa-do Heir.
But now? Another had wedged in. The bodyguard Spirit Moon had quickly entered her sight and seized the spot beside her.
Maybe because they were the same gender, they seemed to click. Black Great Cloud didn't envy it. Pure loyalty. More people looking out for his master was good for him too.
But sometimes, it felt off.
An inexplicable unease. Spirit Moon reeked of blood.
Not just one or two...
The stench of hundreds slain.
It repelled him instinctively. For an unorthodox warrior, a blood scent wasn't suspicious per se. But this one was sticky, acrid-unbearably foul.
That's why he kept his distance. Maybe instinct had warned him.
He wasn't sharp in general, but when it came to survival, he was.
...Perhaps. Really, just perhaps...
If Red Cloud was right, that instinct had been warning him.
That if he didn't separate from Spirit Moon, he might die.
"......"
No need to conserve energy for a spirit beast fight now, so Black Great Cloud sped unbound toward the Sa-do Heir's location. No sleep, no food, crossing the front lines to deep into Guangdong.
He finally reached the Sa-do's fortress. Torches blazed around, signaling late night.
-Thud.
Black Great Cloud stopped for the first time. Straightening up, he boldly addressed the guard at the gate.
"Open the gate."
"...Gasp! Vice Leader!"
"O-open the gate! The Vice Leader has returned!"
The rising gate. Ignoring the flurry of greetings, Black Great Cloud headed straight for the Sa-do Heir's core quarters.
Normally, seeing the Leader required elaborate procedures, but his situation was different.
"Lian Leader."
"...Hm?"
The absolute power at the top of the unorthodox faction.
Sa-do Heir Gu Okgyeong emerged from her chambers. At her revealing attire, Black Great Cloud quickly pressed his forehead to the ground.
"Forgive my rudeness. But I have words for my master alone."
"You went out to hunt a spirit beast not long ago... now you have urgent words...? Great Cloud. Great Cloud. Do you know what time it is... *cough cough*."
Gu Okgyeong coughed.
Black Great Cloud's expression changed.
"...Master. Are you... coughing...?"
"...Huh?"
Gu Okgyeong's eyes widened. Something stained the hand she'd covered her mouth with.
"...Blood?"
Black Great Cloud shot up like lightning.
He rushed to the Lian Leader.
"Great Cloud...?!"
"Stay down!"
-Kaaaaang!!!
A ferocious clash of metal rang out. The man called Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman wrapped around the Sa-do Heir and slid back.
His blocking fingertips throbbed. Even with hastily infused internal energy, this much recoil.
Above all, he had been...
Pushed back by pure martial skill?
"...You?!"
"I was handling things while you were away... but you returned faster than expected. Doesn't matter much, though. The overall plan is nearly complete anyway."
The woman sheathed her sword and grinned. Black Great Cloud ground his teeth at the poison laced in her casual smile.
"Spirit Moon! Why on earth?!"
"Why, you ask..."
The Sa-do Heir's bodyguard.
Spirit Moon twirled her long black hair around her finger. She smiled sweetly.
"Because I love the Lian Leader?"
"...What?"
"Ah, that confused face. Whatever. It's just one of many reasons anyway. The biggest one? The one I serve doesn't particularly like the current Sa-do Heir."
"The one you serve...? You don't mean... Reverse Heaven...?"
"Hm? Where'd you hear that? Amazing. That you'd mention that name, of all people."
Spirit Moon ran her finger along her blade.
"Spot on. Reverse Heaven. We want war, but lately it's all 'reduce casualties' this, 'prepare for negotiations' that. So the order came from above to replace the Lian Leader. Oh, don't worry? Not to kill her."
"What do you...?"
"My hobby isn't that side. I keep them alive as my collectibles. I really love the Lian Leader. Strong women shine beautifully just existing. I failed once before, but I've refined it into an even deadlier poison..."
Spirit Moon beamed. Black poison dripped from her blade tip.
"This time, I won't let her slip away. Live by my side forever. As one of my prized collectibles."
"You mad bitch...!"
"Ah, not you, of course. Supreme Unorthodox Swordsman Black Great Cloud. I have no interest in men. But I won't kill you. Evil Bi once said fresh corpses are easier to control than long-dead ones. Evil Bi's gone, but her techniques live on in us... So I'll keep your life. For later. I've prepared a frame job for you too. Everything's set to ignite the stalled war..."
Her sword scraped the floor.
The vicious poison melted the marble.
"The real show starts now. The Sa-do's total assault under my orders, wearing the Lian Leader's mask. Lian Leader, didn't you tell me once? You don't want to drag in civilians unrelated to the fight. But alas..."
Spirit Moon laughed.
"I think the screams of bugs make fine listening. Like seasoning sprinkled on food? Once we sweep them all away, your face will twist so prettily, Lian Leader. Savor it deeply, weep for your weakness. Because you couldn't protect them, they're all dead."
```