Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: The Subduing Demon Squad
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As I approached, I realized it.
Experts.
The gathered people all had sharp auras. Their energies were well-contained, making it impossible to gauge precisely, but it was clear they were all top-class masters.
And among them, one stood out with particularly keen sharpness.
"... "
The staring eyes were ruthless. Ironclad silence as well.
"Who are you?"
"I've come with an introduction."
I handed over the letter I'd brought first. The man skimmed down it, then glanced at my shoulder.
"...A Blood Shooting Bird."
The bird that had been perched quietly on my shoulder the whole journey from the start.
I gave it a light poke. Its feathers fluttered as it leaned its small head against mine.
The man's brow furrowed.
"What's your relation to the Blood Shooting Squad Leader?"
"I can't say."
"...I see."
"Uh, Squad Leader."
One of the seated men spoke up.
"The Blood Shooting Squad Leader... I mean, why does the First Demon's name come up here?"
"It's a request from the First Demon. She wants this guy added to the Sealing Demon Cave Inspection Group's attendants."
"What?! Suddenly?! That's not something we can just decide on our own!"
"It's an order, so we follow it. The Subduing Demon Squad is one of the direct organizations serving the Demon War. The Blood Shooting Squad Leader might as well be above me. Gun Cheon-gyeong."
"Y-Yes, but... how can we trust this letter? It could be fake."
"Unlikely."
The man pointed at my shoulder.
"That's a Blood Shooting Bird. Famous for its red-tipped feathers. Not just anyone can handle one. It's a special messenger bird exclusive to the Blood Shooting Squad, several times faster and with far greater range than ordinary ones."
"B-Blood Shooting Squad...?! Does that mean this guy's from..."
"Doubt it. I'd recognize any face from there. That's why I asked. A Blood Shooting Bird-and one with such deep red tips that the inner feathers look pink..."
The man stared straight at my face.
"That's the Blood Shooting Squad Leader's bird."
"Th-The First Demon's... Blood Shooting Bird...?"
"You think anyone in the cult could steal the First Demon's bird? I'd bet against it. And... they get along awfully well. I know it's not the type to take to people like that."
The man reached out a hand. The Blood Shooting Bird spread its wings threateningly.
"...Must be pretty loved."
"I got lucky."
"Doesn't look like luck to me."
The man gave his name.
"I'm Na So-wan. Going around from here: Gun Cheon-gyeong, Naeng San-wol, Im Go-pung, Deung Yeo-ryong. We're the Subduing Demon Squad tasked with guiding the Sealing Demon Cave Inspection Group."
"An honor to meet the Black Hand Ghost Healer."
"Tickles the ears, but I don't mind. Answer my questions from now on. Bicheon."
I nodded at the unfamiliar alias.
Na So-wan questioned me.
"Are you our superior?"
"I was ordered to tag along as an attendant."
"Did the First Demon say anything about me?"
"I heard that if I got in your way, you'd kick me out-even if it was her request."
"And your answer to that?"
"I'll work hard not to get in the way."
"Straightforward. I like it. Gun Cheon-gyeong, help him unpack."
The young man called Gun Cheon-gyeong stiffened.
"Squad Leader... so, how should we treat... this person...?"
"You heard the conversation. He's an attendant under me now. Treat him like a temporary recruit to the Subduing Demon Squad. And Bicheon."
"Yes."
"There's something you need to keep in mind. See the common trait among the ones I brought?"
I looked around. His attendants.
They were all men.
"Other than being men, I'm not sure."
"The Subduing Demon Squad has women too. But I didn't bring any here. I know exactly how vicious conflicts between men and women can get. The guys I brought here might not look it, but they're as good as eunuchs."
"Squad Leader!"
"It's not that bad!"
"That's going too far!"
Despite the complaints pouring in, Na So-wan didn't twitch an eyebrow.
"This inspection group has an especially high number of pretty girls. The Fourth Demon's disciple joining from the Black Snake Sect is a beauty you rarely see. You've got one job, Bicheon."
"What..."
"Don't mix words with the female juniors beyond necessities. Keep it to providing conveniences, no unnecessary chatter. Act like a eunuch. We're in charge of guiding the group, but that doesn't mean we can do as we please. Minimize conflicts. No extraneous actions-focus solely on the missions I give."
Na So-wan glared at me with sharp eyes.
"Don't mix personal feelings with the job. Even if you fall for one of the female juniors, wait until everything's over before making a move. If you can't even manage that and show strange behavior... I'll abandon you on the spot."
"I'll keep it in mind."
"Gun Cheon-gyeong, show Bicheon to his room."
"Y-Yes. So, Bicheon... sir? Follow me for now."
The man called Gun Cheon-gyeong was on the shorter side. Seemingly affable, he subtly probed the moment Na So-wan was out of sight.
"Bicheon-sir? Where are you from? What's your relation to the First Demon...?"
"As I said earlier, there are reasons I can't tell. More than that..."
I smiled faintly.
"I'd appreciate it if you spoke casually. Treat me as a worthless junior and guide me, senior."
"...Ahem! That okay?"
"Of course. Just like the Squad Leader said, think of me as a temporary newbie to the Subduing Demon Squad and dump all the little chores on me."
"If you put it that way... you sure about dropping the honorifics?"
"Of course."
Gun Cheon-gyeong grinned broadly. A heartfelt smile.
"Was worried a sudden joiner might be some shady type... but at least you're a relief. Good manners. Here we are, our lodgings. Stay here for three days. Once things start, it'll be camping after."
"No villages on the way to the Sealing Demon Cave?"
"None. Have to cross several mountains. No paths to begin with. Went once before... the route itself is so treacherous, no place for ordinary folk. Even the entrance is sealed by formations."
Gun Cheon-gyeong lowered his voice.
"The Squad Leader's words earlier were kinda out of left field, right?"
"The gender issues...?"
"Yeah, that. But nothing we can do. Just accept it. There was an incident before."
"What kind of incident?"
"The Subduing Demon Squad is one of the groups directly under the Demon War. A neutral organization... sort of like the Blood Shooting Squad, if you want to compare. We usually get called out when mediators are needed inside the cult. As such, guiding the Sealing Demon Cave Inspection Group has become our specialty, generation after generation. Here, let me help unpack. What's with all this stuff?"
Gun Cheon-gyeong set my luggage aside in one spot.
"Guiding the inspection group is traditionally the squad leaders' job. The current leader's been handling it for the past ten years. But there's been an incident every two years without fail."
"The gender issues you mentioned?"
"Yeah. It gathers only the most promising juniors from each sect, right? And phoenixes always sneak in. Sometimes a bunch. Then rivalries flare up among the juniors. Girl-on-girl, guy-on-guy. Blood's already boiling if left alone, but throw in pretty girls or handsome guys, and it explodes."
Gun Cheon-gyeong shrugged.
"Four years ago, one of our squad guys even tried to pounce on a junior from the Rakshasa Sect after falling for her. The Squad Leader's concern isn't unfounded. For guides to assault group members... it badly tarnished the Subduing Demon Squad's reputation."
"That's..."
"Things get messy when gender mixes in. Controlling inter-sect rivalries is hard enough without internal incidents. Oh, and if anyone asks you to take their side, ignore it cleanly. We have to stay neutral always."
"Thanks for the advice, senior. I'll etch it into my bones."
"...What? Why are you so agreeable? Totally different from what I expected."
Gun Cheon-gyeong scratched the back of his head awkwardly, then slung an arm over my shoulder.
"Let's grab food! I'll introduce you to the rest properly! It'll take at least a month round trip to the Sealing Demon Cave... no harm in knowing them, right?"
"Of course, senior."
...
I got introduced to the rest of the Subduing Demon Squad. They were all a bit gruff and tight-lipped, but treated me kindly enough.
Maybe wary of the First Demon behind me. There was a subtle distance even in their kindness.
The only one without distance was Gun Cheon-gyeong. He'd been a bit awkward at first, but soon struck up easy chatter.
"You've got respect ingrained in you, junior. You always up this early?"
"How could a newbie wake later than his senior? Hand over your outer robe. I'll hang it up."
"...Hmm?"
His expression on day one was something like, 'Well now, look at this guy.'
But by the second day, Gun Cheon-gyeong grinned at me.
"Junior, bet you hear 'diligent' a lot?"
"First time."
"Doesn't seem like it."
Unlike his somewhat flighty looks, Gun Cheon-gyeong moved diligently every moment. He even naturally joined my solo morning training.
"Would love to cross swords with you, junior... but can't here. This is Ten Thousand Demons Sect turf. Draw a blade carelessly, and their warriors swarm. Be careful, junior."
"Training forbidden too?"
"Strictly 'drawing weapons' is banned. Only Ten Thousand Demons Sect warriors can handle arms inside here. No using force in any situation otherwise."
With time on our hands anyway, Gun Cheon-gyeong and I toured the town separately. Juniors were arriving bit by bit, and we needed to stock supplies in advance for that reason too.
"Junior, how much food you pack?"
"Enough, but looks like we'll need more."
"Buy extra, including yours. Squad Leader gave money for it. Might as well grab any tools we need while at it."
"That might be... imposing too much."
"Junior, senior's advice. Fleece 'em when you can-that's how you survive."
On the way back, Gun Cheon-gyeong laughed.
"Glad a guy who gets it showed up. Others too unresponsive, no fun. We weren't that close to begin with."
"I'm not much of a talker either."
"You reply promptly with spot-on reactions-makes it better. Both chatty tires you out. One quiet side's way easier to talk to."
A self-proclaimed chatterbox.
But Gun Cheon-gyeong's talk had plenty of fun tidbits, so it really was enjoyable.
"First time in Black Star Citadel? Guess you haven't toured the cult much. Man, tons to see... let's roam together after. I know good spots."
"Good spots...?"
"Brothels, duh! No joke here! Only the hottest girls gathered."
"...Aren't you the eunuch...?"
"You bought that?! Total lie! I keep work and private life separate!"
The juniors gathered one by one. As expected, each with two escort warriors.
The escorts' realms were sharp too. Would know better clashing swords, but none were pushovers.
Gun Cheon-gyeong whispered.
"Don't stare. Warriors dispatched by sects to guard juniors. All decent sword wielders."
"Soul Leaving Sword level...?"
"Nah? No way. Someone like No Ha-cheon wouldn't be here. Dark Serpent Squad Leader wouldn't play guard. Escorts are peers to juniors. Most hovering at Pinnacle."
Gun Cheon-gyeong shrugged.
"Peak Realm's for leading a squad. Not common. And with Squad Leader here? Safety's a given."
"That strong?"
"What to say? He's 'Squad Leader.' Top martial artist in the cult barring Heaven-Earth Eight Demons. Reached a realm ordinary warriors couldn't dream of, even in dozens lifetimes. A master whose name will echo in history for undergoing Bone Transformation and Marrow Rebirth, at the Transformation Realm."
I'd sensed from the first meeting he was no ordinary... but Transformation Realm.
"Still, he's got a heart. Guides even the squad's weaklings personally. That's how I made it this far."
Gun Cheon-gyeong wiggled his fingers. Fist qi rippled from his hand.
"Pinnacle..."
"Without him, no chance for me. Who'd think a guy like me gets called master... worth grabbing connections to join Subduing Demon Squad. Come to think... where you at, junior?"
I kept my qi well-hidden too, so maybe couldn't tell.
No need to reveal, so I smiled lightly.
"Around there, senior."
"When it's all done, request guidance from Squad Leader. No incidents, full focus on duties-he might reward you..."
Gun Cheon-gyeong trailed off mid-sentence. He fixed his gaze on one spot, drool practically dripping.
"No fucking way. Hyped for phoenix... that's a dragon?"
I turned to follow his gaze.
Light makeup. Long eyelashes.
Her provocative eyes curved gently, as if tempering her nature. Unlike last time, the vicious edge had softened-more heavenly beauty than warrior.
Even her steps seemed to make a dainty sound. The black sash at her neck drew men's eyes unnaturally.
A woman with two escort warriors.
Fourth Demon's disciple, Eun Seol-ran.
Gun Cheon-gyeong let out the deepest sigh I'd ever heard from him.
"Wow. Fuck. No wonder Squad Leader was extra worried."
"Famous?"
"Very. Joined a few years back, crushed all rival factions in her sect. Proved her worth with personal force alone, they say..."
Gun Cheon-gyeong lowered his voice.
"Heard her talent rivals Heaven-Earth Eight Demons-Fourth Demon brags about it everywhere. Ten Thousand Demons Sect's fuming."
"Why?"
"Big story. Eun Seol-ran-name tells it: daughter of One-Eyed Snake Sword Eun Yang-baek. Kid Blood Demon Squad dumped, now top disciple in rival sect. How's that not gut-wrenching? Like throwing away treasure yourself. Rumor Second Demon mocked Dagger Snake Squad Leader's vacancy over it."
Gun Cheon-gyeong wiped his mouth.
"Fucking gorgeous. See, junior? Even escorts can't look away. Black Snake Sect's top flower-no exaggeration. Anyway, eyes off. Squad Leader'll chew us out."
"Yes."
Once Number 20.
Now Black Snake Sect's top flower.
I was inwardly pleased at her drastically improved status. No way to hear news, so I'd worried-but seems most things went well.
I didn't act like I knew her. Hiding identity, plus Squad Leader's orders.
Eun Seol-ran approached and greeted Subduing Demon Squad Leader Na So-wan. Her etiquette flowed with impeccable grace.
"Greetings to the Subduing Demon Squad Leader."
"Eun junior. Long time. Doing well?"
"Thanks to the Squad Leader's concern, it seems."
Her mouth smiled like a cat forcibly wagging its tail, but her eyes were sunken.
Na So-wan smirked.
"Greetings enough. Just don't cause trouble."
"I'll keep it in mind. Then I'll withdraw."
Our eyes met as she turned to leave after the brief exchange.
In that instant's shared gaze, I subtly averted mine. Eun Seol-ran tilted her head, then moved off.
Probably didn't recognize me.
As if that mattered less, Gun Cheon-gyeong poked my shoulder.
"Here it comes."
"Pardon?"
"Squad Leader's biggest headache. One of Second Demon's nine disciples showed. Hoped not, but actually joining."
The venue hushed in an instant. A tall man strode into the inn.
His sweeping gaze was arrogant. Immense power, qi as if no intent to hide.
Peak Realm.
The martial artist brazenly flaunting his strength stood before the Squad Leader.
"Squad Leader, hope you've been well."
"...Jin young master. Long time."
He scanned around, spotted Eun Seol-ran, and beamed.
He left without further greeting the Squad Leader.
"Eun junior! Long time!"
"...Long time, Jin young master."
"Haha! Such a stiff face. Doesn't suit us. Loosen up."
His hand rose naturally. He touched her shoulder and grinned sleazily.
"Seat for sect harmony, right? No need for bad vibes. Don't you think, Eun junior?"
Eun Seol-ran smacked his hand away.
"Harmony good, but keep distance."
"Haha! Love the prickliness too."
"... "
Not prickly-genuine dislike on her face.
Gun Cheon-gyeong whispered softly.
"Jin Wi-ryang. Second Demon's disciple. All flash, no substance."
"Bad reputation?"
"Bad wouldn't cover it. That guy's..."
Gun Cheon-gyeong sighed.
"Trash of the trash."