Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: The Sima Clan
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In the martial world, if there are the Five Great Families among the orthodox sects, the Demonic Cult has something similar.
Prestigious clans.
Clans whose power and number of affiliated martial artists far surpass ordinary sects, with histories stretching back through the ages.
"...The Sima Clan?"
After reading the given paper, I burned it cleanly as before. But its contents lingered in my mind for a while.
What kind of place is the Sima Clan? It's one of the most renowned prestigious clans even within the Demonic Cult.
They have no subordinate sects. Yet their prestige and fame spread throughout the entire Demonic Cult.
They've produced renowned masters generation after generation. If I had to name one famous master, there's Ghost Shadow Sima Gon.
His whereabouts are unknown now, but just his name alone once struck fear into many masters of the Demonic Cult.
The questions started there.
The Sima Clan is undoubtedly one of the prestigious clans. But for a place like that to be...
Entangled with the orthodox factions?
"'Monitor the Sima Clan's movements and confirm they haven't committed any improprieties'..."
Number 20 mulled over the mission.
"The mission itself is strange... but it's even weirder that we're the ones assigned to it."
"True."
"The Blood Demon Squad doesn't have that high a status. Nominally, we're under the First Demon, but in reality, the Execution Blood Squad handles the Demonic Cult's discipline. The Execution Blood Squad is directly under the Heavenly Blood Human Demons, made up of the cult's top masters. But compared to them, what about the Blood Demon Squad? We're often called expendables."
"......"
"For a prestigious clan, the Execution Blood Squad would normally investigate any scandals. Sending us instead... from their perspective, it's plenty insulting."
"I don't even know why a power like a prestigious clan would get involved with the orthodox factions in the first place."
"Just questions. We'll know once we go."
This time, since we were going officially as Blood Demon Squad members, we didn't receive any disguises.
We simply wore masks like we did inside Demon Valley and traveled.
We couldn't use any inns until we reached the Sima Clan. We had to camp out almost forcibly.
"To think I'd be gnawing on tasteless meat even after leaving..."
"At least we can grill it."
"True."
After eating, I naturally picked up my sword. Number 20 asked with a weary look.
"Aren't you sick of it? I thought you'd hold back during a mission."
"If I don't loosen up, I can't sleep."
"...Fine. I can't just leave you to do it alone. I'll join."
"No need to push yourself."
"If Number 30 can do it, you think I can't?"
"...Always so competitive."
"I can hear you."
I walked side by side with Number 20. The Sima Clan was about twenty li away, so we stopped now and then to take in the scenery.
"The Demonic Cult is already so vast-what must the Central Plains be like?"
"Probably even bigger."
"More people wandering around than in this barren place, right?"
"Likely."
"I'd like to see it someday."
As camping became routine, we started resting back-to-back more often.
Gazing up at the night sky, a shooting star streaked by now and then.
Number 20, watching with me, spoke up.
"...Number 30."
"Yes?"
"What do you want to do first when we arrive at the Sima Clan?"
First thing, huh.
We're out on a mission anyway. Expecting anything would be odd.
Still, we'd at least get some rest. After pondering, I replied.
"Eat some delicious food first."
"Think the Sima Clan will treat us?"
"We're uninvited guests to them... not sure. But since we're inspectors by name, they'll provide something."
"Got money?"
"A little from our travel funds."
"How much?"
"Enough for a few days' stay..."
"Hmm..."
"What about you, Number 20?"
"Me..."
Number 20 glanced at me. Even with the mask, I could sense her eyes sparkling.
"The stars twinkling look like candy. Lend me a bit of travel money? I'll go to the nearby village."
So that's why she asked.
"...That'd be leaving the patrol area."
"I know. But think about it-if we arrive at the Sima Clan and they don't treat us, what then? Better to spend a little on candy passing through a village."
Number 20 waved her hand lightly.
"After days of tasteless meat, candy would lift our spirits and boost mission success, right? One of us can stroll leisurely while the other uses lightness skill to make the trip."
"...Pfft."
"Why, why are you laughing? You're sick of this too, aren't you, Number 30?!"
"You like sweets?"
"Sometimes I crave them. On bad days, my sister would buy me some. Hers always tasted extra sweet for some reason-so delicious. It became a habit."
"That was a bit sneaky."
"That wasn't my intention!"
I stood up.
"I'll go then."
"...Huh? I can go."
I sheathed my sword.
"It won't be as sweet as your sister's, but sweeter than buying it yourself, right? Number 20."
Number 20 froze. She blinked, then burst out laughing.
"Ahahaha! What was that?! So silly!"
...Was that meddling?
"Ahem."
"Hmm. You know what I like?"
"Tell me. I'll go early tomorrow morning."
The next morning, I set out first. There was a village I'd spotted earlier, so it wasn't hard to find.
After buying the candy, I caught up to Number 20, who was strolling leisurely.
She held one up to the sunlight and popped it under her mask.
Chewed slowly.
"...Not the same taste as my sister's."
"That'd be weird if it was."
"True. Still... it's sweet enough."
Number 20 trailed off and turned her head sharply.
A mosquito-like whisper reached me.
"...Thanks."
The first thanks I'd heard from her. I didn't reply on purpose.
I knew she'd get prickly if I did.
We followed the ridge line down. The Sima Clan's village came into view.
Much larger than the Black Heaven Axe Sect village-almost like a fortress. Fitting for a prestigious clan.
Excluding the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult at Heavenly Mountain, this was the first massive village I'd seen in their territory. We blended into the crowd and walked forward.
A tall wall appeared.
The Sima Clan's gatekeepers blocked us.
"Who are you?"
I showed the Blood Demon Badge I'd received.
"From the Blood Demon Squad."
"......!"
"Take us to see the Sima Clan head."
"...Tch."
The tongue-click was clear. I'd expected no welcome, but not this openly hostile.
We passed through the main gate. As we entered, I scanned the interior.
Number 20 whispered.
"Definitely the Sima Clan. So vast."
The estate was incomparably larger than the Black Heaven Axe Sect's. Not just that-buildings dotted the grounds like a small village.
One side had a proper training ground. Clan warriors eyed us warily.
Our unavoidable masks drew even more stares.
"This way."
A Sima Clan servant led us to one place. Among the many buildings, an especially shabby pavilion. The open wooden floor hadn't been cleaned properly-dust glistened everywhere.
Number 20 gritted her teeth.
"What the hell is this?"
"......"
"So blatantly rude...!"
I blocked Number 20.
"We wait here?"
"Y-yes...!"
"Got it. Let's go."
"Why stop me?!"
"We're just waiting, Number 20."
"I know that. But you saw it too, right?"
Number 20 glared at the fleeing servant.
"That servant just now-he showed open hostility. The fear was all an act. From master to servant, they're in on it. They're clearly looking down on us."
"Even if they're insulting us, we can't do anything about it. We're not here as individuals, Number 20."
"...True, but..."
"We'll talk it out, do our job, and that's it."
"Ugh... so frustrating..."
She grumbled but obeyed well. Suppressing her high pride, she plopped down on the pavilion floor.
I looked around. This was still inside the estate, but it was utterly neglected.
The pavilion was filthy, the pond water murky. Weeds grew knee-high, unchecked.
Come to think of it...
"Number 20."
"What?"
"The buildings we passed-don't they look oddly rundown?"
"......."
Number 20 glanced around.
"Has the Sima Clan fallen into poverty?"
Just one word, and she pierced right to the heart.
"...Sharp as ever, Number 20."
"I'd be an idiot not to get it when you say that. Hmm... yeah, the neglect is suspicious. Even unused areas get trimmed by servants usually... but there are outright abandoned spots."
"Not many servants either."
"There were warriors at the training ground, but not that many."
"Is this normal for a prestigious clan?"
"No idea. Never dealt with them. We'll know when the clan head shows."
We waited. But the Sima Clan head we awaited never came.
Instead, a warrior approached us.
"I'm Chu Ui-kyung, the clan head's guard. Heard you're from the Blood Demon Squad."
"Yes."
His scrutinizing gaze.
The stern-faced man sighed.
"The clan head is busy now. Mind waiting a bit? He'll have time within three days. Stay here until then?"
"In this pavilion?"
"...Of course not. A servant played a prank. We've prepared proper quarters. As a Sima Clan member, I'll ensure you're treated right. Apologies for the discourtesy."
Unlike his tough look, Chu Ui-kyung apologized neatly. Even Number 20 accepted the cupped-hand salute without protest.
Three days.
We had a little over a month. Three days was no issue. Especially since he'd been so polite-we should show tolerance.
I nodded. The guard thanked us, said he'd fetch a servant, and left.
The servant who'd guided us returned. Number 20 shot up.
"You. Earlier...!"
Her snapping words halted abruptly.
It was the same servant from before. But now his cheek was red, a faint bloodstain at his mouth.
Already punished, huh.
Number 20 sighed. She scratched her head irritably, then beckoned.
"Come here."
"...Yes."
Number 20 squatted before the young servant. She wiped his mouth gently with her sleeve, then took out an ointment for emergencies-specialized for external wounds.
She applied a bit directly to his mouth.
"Don't touch it for a while. No washing your face today."
"......."
"No need for thanks-just show us to the room. Quick."
The young servant fidgeted. He sniffled and bowed deeply.
"...Sorry."
Number 20 stood.
"Know it, then do better."
Her primness was the opposite of her earlier fire.
I couldn't help but smile. Tried holding it, but it slipped out.
"...Ahem."
"Why laugh?"
"Looked good, so I did. Can't I?"
"Annoying!"
The assigned building was plainer than expected. Seemed clean at first, but dust gathered in spots.
Still, it proved luxurious- even a simple bathhouse inside.
"I-I'll bring food!"
The young servant bustled about after the ointment. The meal portions were generous.
Simple fare-not expensive, not cheap. Far better than grilled meat, so we devoured it.
After taking turns eating, Number 20 dipped a fingertip in the bathwater.
"...Water's warm. Must've been filled with hot water recently."
"I see."
Her masked eyes pressured me. Knowing I couldn't win, I leaned against the door.
"You first, Number 20."
"Don't peek."
"Haven't seen your face-why would I see your body? Wash up easy."
Meals and baths.
After three days of decent treatment while touring the Sima Clan, my suspicions were confirmed.
The Sima Clan was in poor shape. Fewer servants, guests, and hired warriors than expected.
Empty spaces despite the buildings' size and scale.
Hardly prestigious clan level. The structures were grand, but understaffed-like the Black Heaven Axe Sect at a glance.
Why had such a famous house fallen like this?
The Sima Clan head summoned us exactly three days later. The weary-looking man flicked his gaze our way.
"...So."
His sleepy mouth grinned.
"---You the bastard pups who believe rumors?"