15
Ep 15
That night,
Before returning to my quarters, I looked up at the night sky for a moment.
The cursed blade.
The Blood Demon Sword.
In the end, I chose these two.
There were other decent options—
But they were all too much for me right now.
Weapons closer to their original form, less refined.
For some reason, the Blood Demon Sword felt… familiar.
Unlike the cursed blade that called out to be chosen,
The moment I held it—
I realized.
It resembled my old sword.
The Blood Demon Sword.
Even Ma Noe had praised it as something that suited me.
Though I didn’t like the implications behind his words—
If it was a blade once used by the Little Heavenly Demon,
Its performance was already guaranteed.
It fit perfectly in my hand.
Like I had used it for years.
But—
There was a problem.
Every time I swung it,
My inner energy destabilized.
I wasn’t even used to controlling inner energy yet.
Each swing drained my focus.
“…For now, I’ll have to rely on the cursed blade.”
///
As I walked,
I ran into other martial artists.
“So that’s the guy.”
Ever since the recent events,
They had started glaring at me openly.
The Demonic Cult was divided into factions.
Even if only in form—
That meant constant power struggles.
And those below—
Had nothing to lose.
Which meant—
They would come after me.
“They think I can’t even control recoil…”
“….”
I didn’t care.
Just annoying.
As I continued toward my quarters—
Voices followed.
“You seduced your way in nicely.”
…That’s not what happened.
In a world where strength rules,
The weak bark the loudest.
Especially those with nothing to lose.
This was the second time.
I could ignore it—
But not here.
Not in the Demonic Cult.
If it was just insults toward me—
Fine.
But then—
They crossed the line.
“The Sword Empress has poor judgment.”
That was enough.
My hand stopped on the door.
I turned.
“…Insulting me is fine.”
“But mentioning Cheon Hyerin is different.”
This—
Was about protecting her.
She had protected me.
From elders.
From powerful figures.
Because of her—
I survived.
“…If rumors spread…”
Reputation mattered.
Even here.
“…So don’t touch her.”
“…You talk like she’s yours.”
“…Who else would matter more?”
“…Cheon Hyerin is my woman.”
“…You’re insane.”
I sighed.
“…I’m just telling you not to cross the line.”
“…You’re the only one who thinks that.”
“….”
…I hope this doesn’t make things worse.
////
“…Crazy bastard.”
Heonmu clenched his teeth.
A stray dog of the Demonic Cult.
Jealousy burned inside him.
He remembered—
How Cheon Hyerin had rejected him.
Cold.
Unyielding.
And yet—
She treated me differently.
“…I can’t accept that.”
I had done nothing.
Just survived.
And now—
I stood above him.
“…It’s all an act.”
He convinced himself.
I had to be exposed.
“…I’ll tear that mask off.”
He smirked.
“…Provoke him.”
“…You sure?”
“He’s all talk.”
Then—
“…You act like she matters.”
“…Who else would matter?”
“…Cheon Hyerin is my woman.”
“…You’re insane.”
“…Then don’t touch her.”
“…You’re the only one who thinks that.”
“….”
“…Let’s see what you can do.”
///
At the end of the corridor—
Cheon Hyerin stopped.
She watched.
Silently.
The insults—
The ridicule—
“….”
Normally—
She wouldn’t care.
But this—
Was different.
“…Yujin.”
Her breathing grew uneven.
Anger rose.
If he were hurt—
She would tear them apart.
“….”
Then—
She heard it.
“…Cheon Hyerin is my woman.”
Her eyes widened.
Her heart slammed.
“…Yujin…”
Her body trembled.
She couldn’t breathe.
Her chest tightened.
“….”
She almost collapsed.
Barely steadying herself.
“…The only one…”
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
Heat spread through her.
“….”
She pressed her chest tightly.
Trying to calm herself.
But it was useless.
Her heart—
Was already his.