Chapter 46
In response to Chanho's question, Dam Haung spoke first.
"The Demonic Cult... I've only trained in martial arts for self-defense and never considered myself part of the martial world, so I haven't paid much attention. But if you're asking my impression of them, it's decidedly negative. I can't forget the countless innocents they slaughtered while the current empire was being founded and stabilized. My own grandfather fell to the hands of Demonic Cultists."
Dam Haung's words drew a grim expression from Nidamyeok as well. "I don't know why you're asking, but from my position, they're the enemy. As an ally of the imperial family, I know the Demonic Cult and Blood Cult are in league with them. Regardless of what they've done or not, they're hostile to my current affiliation, so that's how I see it."
Chanho gave a wry smile and turned to Tian Ailang last. "Ailang, what are your thoughts?"
Tian Ailang couldn't fathom why Chanho's eyes trembled faintly as he asked. "The Demonic Cult? Hm... I haven't mentioned it to you or Sogeol for fear of burdening you, but they're the ones I'm after for revenge. The Heavenly Demon and the Demonic Cult killed my clan, my father, and ultimately my grandfather. They're my sworn enemies."
Song Sogeol was stunned by Tian Ailang's words. The Damga father and son simply nodded in silence. They knew Tian Ailang was a descendant of the Qi Arts family, so his grudge was no surprise.
Chanho paused in shock at Tian Ailang's revelation, then smiled even more bitterly.
Dam Haung asked curiously, "So why ask about the Demonic Cult?"
Chanho shook his head with a chuckle laced with bitterness. "No reason. Just curious. You mentioned education, so I wanted to hear various opinions."
"I see. That's a fine attitude and adaptability."
Chanho flashed a faint smile and looked at Tian Ailang and Song Sogeol. "Let's swear brotherhood with Young Master Dam."
Tian Ailang and Song Sogeol snapped their gazes to him at his firm tone. "No need to overthink it. Isn't it great to have one more good friend willing to stand by each other? It's a shame, though—Young Master Dam is Zhu Yuanzhang's strategist, the Red Turbans leader, so he can't move with us."
'As you said, Sogeol, it might end up just the three of us after all.' Chanho swallowed his final words.
"Please call him the leader, not some bandit chief," Nidamyeok said politely to Chanho.
Chanho waved his hand apologetically. "Ah! Sorry about that."
Nidamyeok chuckled and shook his head at the sincere apology. "No harm done. Maybe we should change the name. 'Red Turbans' sounds too bandit-like. Not entirely wrong, but still. Haha."
Song Sogeol nodded in agreement. "True enough. But do we need to complicate things? As Brother Chanho says, one more brother can't hurt. Especially someone we've watched closely like Young Master Dam—I'm all for it."
"Exactly. We've got a guy who swore brotherhood the day we met, so what's the issue? Haha."
Tian Ailang grinned back at Chanho's words.
Nidamyeok beamed and clasped his hands in a formal salute toward Tian Ailang, Chanho, and Song Sogeol. "Hahaha, allow me to greet you properly once more. I'm Nidamyeok, eldest son of Damga. Twenty-five years old."
"Hold on!" Song Sogeol suddenly thrust out his palm, drawing all eyes. "Let's make this clear. You're the last to join, so Young Master Dam is the youngest, right?"
Smack! Song Sogeol clutched the back of his head again.
"Ow! Do you hit me at the drop of a hat now? What if my fine head turns potato-shaped?"
Chanho replied indifferently to Song Sogeol's whining. "Then it'll be a potato head."
"……."
"……."
"……."
"Kehahaha... keh, kehe... "
Dam Haung laughed heartily at first, then trailed off as everyone stared in awkward silence.
Song Sogeol lightly swatted Tian Ailang's arm and spoke up. "B-Brother. You're not hurt from your injuries, are you? You just woke up today, and I'm really worried you'll collapse again. If so, I'll hold Brother Chanho accountable."
"Ha, haha……."
"Brother Chanho's been wandering the camps lately and picked up these trendy dad jokes, huh."
"Dad jokes?"
"See? It shocked me, Young Master Dam, and Brother half to death, but the patriarch loved it. It's this secret code old folks share. Gotta double-check Brother Chanho's age—might be around twenty."
Chanho, embarrassed, crossed his arms and stared at the ceiling. He'd tried to lighten the mood and backfired spectacularly.
"Ahem."
Just then, the door opened, and Dam Soyeon entered with a tea tray.
"Huh? Why's the room vibe so weird?" She set the tray in the center and glanced around. "Why's your face red, Young Master Chanho? Dad, what's got you so amused?"
"Ahem."
"Uh, er? Nothing."
Chanho turned away in embarrassment, and Dam Haung shook his head.
"Hmm~~" Dam Soyeon narrowed her eyes, scanning the room, then planted her hands on her hips. "You guys are too much! Were you talking behind my back?"
"……Little sister, sometimes I think you're amazing," Nidamyeok said with a vigorous nod, earning a glare from Dam Soyeon.
"What’s that supposed to mean?!"
Song Sogeol chuckled. "Ah~ better not to know. You'll desperately want to buy ears that never heard it."
"Hmm~?" Dam Soyeon's curiosity deepened as she shot him a side-eye.
Song Sogeol shrugged helplessly. "Ah~ what a pickle. That curious, huh?"
"Yes."
She nodded, so Song Sogeol covered his mouth and leaned in slowly. "Heh heh, the room's weird because……."
"Stop!" Chanho shouted, jumping up. Unthinkingly, he unleashed his inner energy, filling the room with heavy qi in an instant.
Whoosh! Tian Ailang flicked his hand, gently dispersing the oppressive aura.
"Chanho."
At Tian Ailang's call, Chanho plopped back down with an apology. "Sorry. That was rude."
"Everyone, relax and sit. The fine tea will get cold."
Tian Ailang's calm voice eased their startled hearts as they settled comfortably.
"Whew."
Song Sogeol whispered to Dam Soyeon.
—"Still curious?"
—"N-No……."
She shook her head, glancing nervously at Chanho.
Dam Haung was genuinely shocked by the scene. He'd heard reports of the famous Gwang Mountain Battle—Chanho charging through Yuan forces with superhuman skill to save a friend. But he hadn't realized the sheer intensity of his energy. And the rumors about Tian Ailang, the battle's star, seemed understated. Tian Ailang appeared mild and kind, so Dam Haung had pegged him as second or third among the brothers. Yet this display marked him as the true powerhouse. The way he reined in his friend even evoked a king and his loyal retainer—perhaps an overactive imagination fueled by having glimpsed the "aura of a sovereign."
Dam Haung stroked his beard.
'Tempting…….'
He glanced subtly at Tian Ailang and Dam Soyeon, a enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
* * *
"Demon Brain."
The Heavenly Demon drawled lazily from his throne in the Heavenly Demon Hall.
"Yes, my Lord."
"Progress on the Blood Cult?"
"Your brother is handling it well. But with that Geono around, it won't be easy anytime soon."
"Tch. What’s that old monster playing at, refusing to die?"
"We could force it and achieve your will swiftly, but……."
"No need. What about the Hidden Veil?"
"That'll be tricky. They're arrogant pricks who've gotten too good at hiding and switching lairs."
"Insolent fools."
The hall's air rippled with the Heavenly Demon's irritation. Demon Brain bowed lower.
"They're nobodies dredging up the past."
Pleased with the response, the Heavenly Demon nodded and shifted topics. "Murim Alliance movements?"
"Quieter than expected. They want us and the Blood Cult to wear each other down—classic fisherman strategy."
"Tch. See to it the plan proceeds smoothly. And Chanho's whereabouts?"
"Well……."
"What?"
The energy around the Heavenly Demon surged at Demon Brain's hesitation. Demon Brain hurriedly replied.
"We've found him."
The Heavenly Demon's brow twitched. "Then why the pause?"
"We also found Tian Ailang."
"Tian Ailang?"
The Heavenly Demon tilted his head, so Demon Brain clarified cautiously. "The Qi Arts descendant."
The Heavenly Demon's aura grew turbulent. "……Wasn't he dead?"
Demon Brain bowed even deeper. "Apparently not. And it seems he's sworn brotherhood with the Young Cult Leader."
Deep furrows creased the Heavenly Demon's brow. "Sworn what?"
"They hit it off without knowing each other's identities."
The Heavenly Demon clicked his tongue. "What a headache! Why'd it take so long to find the Young Cult Leader?"
Demon Brain straightened slightly, as if anticipating this. "It seems the Young Cult Leader has reached the Extreme Demon realm."
"What? Extreme Demon?"
Crack! The Heavenly Demon gripped the armrest in shock, crumbling it like tofu, shards scattering.
"Yes. The Myeomajokhyang—crafted with utmost care by our Physician Demon—was erased. That only happens in Extreme Demon or Marrow Cleansing."
"Kekeke... Excellent. Perfect. So when's he returning?"
"Well..., with him at that level, fewer in the cult can control him……."
The Heavenly Demon nodded lightly. "Fair enough. He's soft-hearted unlike a true Demonic Cultist, but that stubbornness and talent mirror mine."
After a moment's thought, he addressed Demon Brain. "Send someone. Tell him to quit fooling around and come back. If not... Is this sworn brother just the Qi Arts brat?"
"No. There's one more. Unknown identity, mediocre skills."
"Hmm... If he won't return, kill the sworn brothers. Like that woman back then. He won't be able to stay put then."
"My Lord, one final report."
As the Heavenly Demon rose, Demon Brain rushed on. "Speak."
The Heavenly Demon leaned back.
"A major battle at Gwang Mountain in Henan."
"And?"
To the veteran of countless battlefields, it wasn't noteworthy. But the follow-up widened even his eyes.
"The imperial pervert old man fought Tian Ailang there."
"That thing that's not even a man?"
"Yes. Reports say the old freak barely beat the Qi Arts descendant and fled. Circumstances suggest Tian Ailang's at least Fire Transformation realm. Analysis shows abnormal growth speed."
The Heavenly Demon listened intently. Demon Brain continued.
"Comparing his fight with Elder Draku to recent site investigations, his growth far exceeds norms. Already a monster for his age, he's advanced further—who knows what happened. Plus, meaningful speculation he'll grow more from clashing with the pervert. Expectations are sky-high. We may need to nip it before it gets dangerous. Your orders?"
The Heavenly Demon bared his white teeth in booming laughter.
"……Kekekeke. Kuhahaha!"
Rumble! The entire hall shook with his skyward guffaw. Demon Brain channeled qi desperately to stay upright. The Heavenly Demon grew stronger each sighting.
Finally, he eyed Demon Brain imperiously. "Demon Brain."
"Yes, my Lord."
"I'll handle the Qi Arts brat personally. Leave him be. Time to correct the Qi Arts legacy."
"As you command, my Lord."
The Heavenly Demon shot to his feet. "From today, I enter Heavenly Demon Cave again. Affairs remain yours as always. I appoint Young Cult Leader Ma Chanho as my proxy. This time, I'll shatter the heavens and emerge anew. Kuhahaha!"
His laughter lingered like an echo as he vanished in an instant.