Chapter 87
Chapter 87
************************-
Translator: uly
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: The Scented Clue
************************-
The stranger revealed his identity.
"I'm Gun Ho-gwang. The body known as the Fire Heaven Fist Demon. What's your name, punk?"
"Nameless."
"That whatever. You trained in external arts too?"
"Yes."
"Ascendant Martial Arts?"
"That's right."
"Heh heh heh. Ascendant Martial Arts of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Art, no less. To think I'd live to see someone on the fence like that in my lifetime. You trained in that demonic art's Ascendant Martial Arts and didn't go mad? How'd you manage that?"
"Just trained and trained some more, elder. But isn't that beside the point right now?"
"True enough. Are my disciples still alive?"
"They are."
"Bring 'em down."
He nodded to Black Wind and Black Danhwa.
The man, who had been trampled into immobility, began trembling. The invisible threads binding him came loose.
"Hah... hah...!"
"What the...?!"
"Sir warrior. Did the talk go well? Kill them or not?"
"I showed off my precious Silver Bell Threads, so it'd be a shame if I couldn't wipe 'em out... You sure I can't just kill 'em for real?"
"No."
It felt like dragging around two finicky hunting dogs. At least they weren't completely disobedient.
The Fire Heaven Fist Demon strode forward. He hauled up his disciples.
"Lost to a girl, and one to some fast-footed punk?"
"...A girl?"
"...Fast-footed?"
The disciples paled in horror.
"M-Master! It's not fair! We didn't even get time to draw our swords...! That wasn't even proper martial arts to begin with!"
"Th-That was silver threads sharper than any sword! Made weird noises that messed with our heads...!"
"Nonsense! That's what you get for slacking on your training. The moment we get back, you're reviewing everything from scratch. Not a decent one in the bunch... Tch. Bah."
The grumbling Fire Heaven Fist Demon turned his gaze to me.
"But you're different. You're worthy of speaking with this lord. So tell me, Nameless. You really have no connection to Yeon Mi-ryeong's disappearance?"
"On the contrary, I'm the one pursuing her. Her whereabouts must tie into Blood Demon Squad's Wolhyang."
"What were you doing here?"
"Following traces."
"Even this lord couldn't do that. I could tell what fought what, but that was it. I tracked the traces into the forest, but there was nothing-just signs of tampering everywhere. That's why I was staking out here. And you claim you can find traces even this lord couldn't?"
"...Honestly, I couldn't make it out either. But the Black Young Master here could."
"That's right. It's my specialty. But for non-associates, there's an extra fee..."
"You dare haggle with this lord?"
"Aw, come on, it's just business. I'll make an exception and cooperate. Against the Fire Heaven Fist Demon, even my prized threads would snap for sure... No choice. Haha!"
Black Wind laughed heartily and crouched to the ground.
"Now I'll really unravel it all. Everyone, wait a sec. Better yet, stand guard so it's not dangerous. Little Black Miss. Watch my back."
"Never thought I might just blow your head off?"
"What grudge you got against me?"
"I've hated your type since the day I was born."
"You never know a man's heart even if you know ten fathoms of water. You think you can judge me that easily?"
"Guess you're not human then. You even smell like a beast..."
"Enough chit-chat. Everyone back off. Don't get caught in it."
Black Wind pulled out various tools from his bosom. The Fire Heaven Fist Demon's eyebrow twitched.
"Too skilled in martial arts for a common thief... Knows a lot too. Makes me curious about your background."
"Everyone's got secrets. Heh heh. Don't pry."
---Scritch... scritch...
In the low echoing sounds, the Fire Heaven Fist Demon sat beside me.
I asked quietly.
"No real master?"
"There's someone I'd like to call master. But they won't allow it."
"Hrm. Is that so?"
Flames ignited in the Fire Heaven Fist Demon's hand.
"What do you think?"
"Impressive martial art. Biased toward offense over defense. Not protective true energy, but energy made to smash foes."
"Spot on. Fire Heaven Explosive Fist Art prioritizes killing the enemy before dying. My protective aura wasn't wasted. Hard to control when trying something unfamiliar."
"How's the wound?"
"Salve'll fix it. Not deep. Heh heh. But you know... It's been ages. Even sloppy protective aura is still protective aura. Piercing it is no easy feat..."
The Fire Heaven Fist Demon flipped his hand.
"Think there's an optimal time to learn something new?"
"If you start the moment you decide, it's never too late."
"Why think that?"
"Fast or slow is subjective. If you're convinced in your chosen path..."
I turned my head.
"Then even pace is subjective, isn't it?"
"Profound answer."
"...But it's not entirely true. I get competitive too. Can't help feeling impatient, even if I try to think otherwise. So I just soothe myself as best I can."
"Heh heh! That's natural for any martial artist! Wanting to surpass others... Pure instinct. Anyone who grips a sword or raises a fist harbors it. The desire to grow stronger mixes with competitive fire to best rivals."
"Can't deny it."
"This lord's been developing a new martial art lately."
"Pardon?"
"I've trained fists my whole life. Built up enough power to shatter a boulder mountain in one blow. But now... Hit an invisible wall. So high I know plain training won't break it. Trying all sorts of things."
"Like what...?"
"Martial arts is trying till something works. Even a sliver of insight from countless attempts is satisfying. So I'm twisting the Fire Heaven Explosive Fist Art itself into a sword art. Since I'm crafting it, it's turning out pretty slick."
The Fire Heaven Fist Demon clenched his fist.
Fierce flames flickered into the air and vanished.
"Took a lot of time shaping it. But gained plenty too. Still... Once done, it felt a bit lacking. Great stuff, but no one to teach it to."
".......?"
"So here's the thing. You're more than qualified for Fire Heaven Explosive Sword. Your aggressive style matches my creation perfectly."
"Elder?"
"Polite, dead serious about martial arts... Couldn't ask for better. I like you. Become my disciple!"
"Haven't even glimpsed the end of your swordsmanship."
"Looks like peak transcendent to me. Transcendent realm's wall is higher than you think. Stiflingly so. Mixing in another sword style might help. And this Fire Heaven Explosive Sword works without the full Explosive Fist Art. Just add a few formulas to your inner energy. Sure, it'll lack some, but I'll tweak it personally to fit you."
"Please withdraw the offer, elder."
"Bah! Don't refuse! Bow already. Huh? Folks would pay fortunes for Fire Heaven Fist Demon's teachings. Fill this annex and more. You turning that down? Won't regret it later-call me master now!"
"Why go so far for me? We just met..."
"True. You're right. But your sword had desperation. Better than any talent. Upright. Ugh. How many wield truly upright swords? Only a few truly aim high. Most whine about wanting to rise-like those fools back there."
The Fire Heaven Fist Demon jerked a thumb at his disciples.
"They're decent enough. Grumble but follow. But you'd devote your life to martial arts without being told. Any warrior would want to teach someone with your sword once. Yours is... enticing."
"Pardon?"
"Enticing. Sultry yet clumsy. Polished pretty but missing a bit. Fill that, and it'd soar... Key is your solid foundation-can fill the gap with anything. Sword honed to extremes. Who'd pass on molding such a sword to taste? A warrior-especially at my level-would crave it. Polish a little, and it'd bloom spectacularly."
"You're too kind...?"
"Heh heh. That attitude tugs at me more. Tell me, Nameless. How was my energy?"
"...Hot and fierce. Felt pure greed. Fierce desire to claim everything in sight."
"Spot on! My martial arts reflect me. My world splits into what I have and what I'll take. So answer quick. I'll teach you Form Manifesting Energy too-freely shaping intent in your energy. It'll help. Fire Heaven Fist Demon guarantees it. Your straightforward sword will house explosive demon fury! Power nearly doubles!"
I pondered.
And as always, shook my head.
"I'll pass."
"What? You refuse? For real?"
"As I said, there's someone I want as master..."
---Click.
The sound of a key turning precisely.
The ground shook. The earth split in half, revealing deep stairs plunging below.
Impossibly deep. Couldn't see the bottom.
"Whew. Nicely made. Secret passage or something... No clue where it leads. What now, Mu Young Master?"
"Obviously, we're going down."
"This lord joins too. Mi-ryeong might be inside. We'll talk later, Nameless."
Party grew again. Fire Heaven Fist Demon plus two disciples-three more.
I glanced at Black Wind and Black Danhwa.
"No telling what's below. Grateful for help, but maybe best to stop here..."
"We're already involved. Want to see it through."
"Smells profitable. Can't fool my nose. More gain than loss, so tagging along."
I peered down the stairs.
Lights embedded between steps gave an eerie vibe.
What lay below?
...Had to check myself.
...
---Step... step.
Footsteps echoed. We descended in silence, not a word spoken.
Stairs were long. Odd handles appeared now and then.
Black Wind warned.
"Traps to block paths. Seems like an escape route. Focused on shaking pursuers."
"First time for this lord too."
"Didn't know Fire Heaven Fist Demon was tight with Seven Star Gate. Long stairs-wanna chat a bit?"
"Any reason this lord should tell you?"
"None. Wasn't prying. Haha! No hard feelings."
"...Slippery eel."
---Thud.
Feet hit solid ground. Stairs ended at a long earthen tunnel.
Walls studded with night pearls-like in Sealed Demon Cave. Black Wind swallowed.
"Just these could bankrupt a small clan. Tempted to snag a few."
"Want the Rakshasa Clan after you...?"
"Kidding, of course. Little Black Miss. But say, with Mu Young Master, maybe sneak a couple..."
"Black Young Master."
"Total joke. Mu Young Master."
"Not calling you for that."
"Hm?"
Tunnel ended at a nearly torn-off iron door.
I passed through. A vast circular chamber unfolded.
Fire Heaven Fist Demon muttered.
"This is..."
Black Wind's tone turned serious.
"Judging by tools and lingering scents... Spirit pill workshop. So this is where Seven Star Gate made the Precious Black Night Pills."
"...But."
Black Danhwa bent down.
Lifted shattered tools.
"All smashed."
True. Tools that should've filled an ideal workshop lay broken and scattered.
Save for faint herbal scents, nothing intact. All overturned, formless.
No other exits. Sealed like a mere pill workshop.
Vents poked in walls, but that was it.
No escape routes. No Blood Demon Squad Wolhyang or Seven Star Gate heir.
"My take: Combining upstairs traces, Blood Demon Squad and last heir were nabbed before entering. Some force wiped out Seven Star Gate, came here... And smashed everything on purpose..."
"Not leaving even a hint on Precious Black Night Pill recipe."
"Yeah, could see it that way. Shame. Mu Young Master. Looks like zilch to salvage. Nothing promising... Just months-old trash everywhere."
"Don't whine without searching."
Fire Heaven Fist Demon lifted a heavy cabinet.
"Search every inch. Grab anything suspicious."
"Yes, Master."
I pondered deeply behind the bustling Fire Heaven Fist Demon.
Black Danhwa sidled up.
"What're you thinking, warrior?"
"Sorting info."
"Speaking it out helps organize better than just thinking. Warrior."
I nodded. Started with facts.
"...Seven Star Gate was raided by some force. They knew of this secret spirit pill workshop."
"Yes."
"Blood Demon Squad Wolhyang likely involved. Proved by another squad member. So... Wolhyang met trouble up top."
"And?"
"Heard Wolhyang's top-tier. Second Seat in Blood Demon Squad. Matches top seat in skill. Should've been a fierce clash."
"That why buildings are wrecked?"
"Don't know Wolhyang personally. But know squad leader's assessments are objective. High praise means she's mighty. Yet damage is lighter than expected. Broken, but not much-and mostly rubble left."
"Hmm..."
"So, Wolhyang was subdued before going all out. They had means to take her instantly. Not martial arts-traces would've shown. Probably poison... Or arrays like Little Black Miss uses."
"So she's dead?"
"...Unclear. Skip it. Next mystery: Yeon Mi-ryeong."
I stroked my chin.
"Rumor source and sole Seven Star Gate survivor. Probably alive. Useful: genius, young, knows Precious Black Night Pills. Lots to exploit, weak in martial arts... Perfect pawn. If I were the villain, I'd gain more keeping her alive than killing."
"Agreed."
"If alive and came here... Smart girl would've left something for pursuers. Traces might've been wiped by last escapee, per Black Wind. But 'once-in-a-millennium prodigy'... Not ordinary. Might've used special method. In her expertise."
I looked at Black Danhwa.
"Heir to pill-making sect leaves a code-how?"
"...Something pill-related?"
"Pill-related..."
Right.
Fundamentals matter most.
I sniffed again. Gazed at withered leaves from broken jars.
Late unease hit.
Stopped Black Wind.
"Black Young Master. For a place wrecked long ago, herbal scent lingers strong. Missing half a year. Even these dried herbs smell nothing now. Yet room's thick with fresh herbal aroma."
"...Huh? Yeah... Untended herbs should've rotted by now... Scent lasting this long? And only in spots..."
"Can you track it?"
"Hold on. Mu Young Master. Lemme see..."
Black Wind's eyebrow twitched.
"Everyone back off."
"What?"
"We were blind. Great catch! Mu Young Master! Scent's not everywhere-just parts of the wall. Special scent for traces. Seemed mere herbal smell till now... But..."
Black Wind grinned wide.
"Focus the scent, peel it layer by layer-letters emerge. Haha! Nabbed yet leaves clues like this? No wonder they call her genius!"