Chapter 3
Why are you coming out of there?
The phenomenon of space being torn apart and demons being expelled is referred to as the Gate of Demons.
How terrifying is it to unleash countless monsters that are fiercer than beasts and driven solely by bloodshed?
When the first Gate of Demons was discovered, it was undoubtedly seen as a disaster and felt like humanity was staring down the barrel of an apocalypse.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before it was discovered that the demons were weak against martial artists.
Thanks to this, the martial artists started to band together to prevent the impending catastrophe.
As years went by, the number of demons decreased, and although the damage was significant, humanity began to find some stability, though sadly they couldn’t completely shut down the Gates.
Still, Gates continued to open in various parts of the world.
After centuries, it became a common job for the numerous clans and sects of the martial world to manage these Gates.
The Gu Clan also took up this task.
That’s why the Gu Clan was known as the Guardians of Shanxi.
The Gates of Demons close after releasing a certain number of demons.
The problem is that the demons escaping through these Gates are anything but tame.
These ferocious demons don’t just wreak havoc—they devour all visible life forms around them.
If a village happens to be nearby, one can only imagine the catastrophic loss of life.
At this point in time, a long while after the appearance of the Gates, education and structure had been put in place to mitigate the risks, so they were relatively safer.
However, there’s still the matter of one opening once every season.
On rare occasions, a much larger Gate would appear compared to the usual ones.
This particular Gate would unleash much larger and stronger demons than the already formidable ones released by normal Gates, earning it the name, ‘True Gate of Demons.’
That’s why the head of the Gu Clan was actively involved.
The return ceremony after sealing the Gate at sunset was surprisingly modest.
Of course, he felt like what he did was a matter of duty, which is why he didn’t want the extravagance usually associated with it.
Naturally, since this gathering involved all of kin from the Gu Clan present, it was far from modest… but for me, it was a time where I didn’t know whether food was heading to my mouth or my nose.
In the middle of the persistent quiet, it was Gu Cheolun who first broke the silence.
“I’ve heard of your achievements in martial arts.”
He blurted this out while eating, not directing it to anyone in particular.
Out of the four children of the Gu Clan, the eldest, Gu Huibi, was already out there working, recognized for her talents. The youngest wasn’t even present.
That left only one name.
“Yeah, I gained a little enlightenment and reached the third rank a few days ago,” Gu Yeonseo proudly said, responding with a smile that was completely different from earlier.
“You’re progressing quickly for your age. It’s nice to see. Keep it up.”
“Thank you, father.”
As Gu Yeonseo turned her head back, our eyes met.
The bright smile she had earlier faded instantly, replaced by a grimace.
‘She’s looking at me like I’m some sort of bug.’
Gu Yeonseo was now fifteen years old, and for someone her age to reach that level was an impressive achievement, showcasing her talent and efforts.
Sure, it was remarkable, but the tension in the air made my stomach twist uncomfortably.
I had some digestive medicine I brought earlier tucked in my pocket.
I probably would need it after this.
On the bright side, at least I was able to eat properly now, unlike in my previous life, where I had no chance due to the circumstances.
Amidst the absurd abundance of food, I reached for a glistening dumpling.
“Third child.”
… Well, I couldn’t eat after all. Sigh…
“Yes.”
I gingerly placed the dumpling back.
Gu Cheolun was now gazing at me, unlike how he had complimented Gu Yeonseo.
Was this merely coincidence?
“I heard you went out.”
“Pardon?”
Huh? Is he implying I went out before he returned?
Gu Cheolun continued to stare at me, seemingly waiting for a response, while I struggled to decipher his words and muster an appropriate reply.
“Yes, I went out for a bit,” I answered in a light tone, hoping that it didn’t create any trouble.
The only cause for concern was if I’d met Wi Seol-ah, but that was my issue.
“Hmm.”
What?
Gu Cheolun didn’t speak further. He appeared to have something more to say, but I didn’t pry.
Why is he acting this way?
He wasn’t the type to mull over things for long.
In the end, Gu Cheolun didn’t say anything till the end, and soon enough, the dreary dinner came to a close.
I tried to chew some food, but everyone’s watchful gazes caused my appetite to plummet.
As soon as Gu Cheolun left, Gu Yeonseo shot me a long stare before following.
I contemplated snacking on some leftover dumplings but ultimately set my chopsticks down with a sigh.
And just like that, my first family dinner in years ended.
Feeling a bit queasy, I hurriedly poured the digestive powder into warm water and drank it.
I think I might feel better?
Now can I just go lie down?
Oh… he told me to come to his room after this.
The words from earlier popped into my head. Why did he call for me?
What exactly had I done? Having caused trouble with far too many visits to his room in the past, I couldn’t fathom what today’s issue could be.
I just needed to steel myself and head over. After all, I probably messed something up.
As I gathered my thoughts, suddenly—
“Master, the Lord conveys that you don’t need to come to his room,” said a servant, cutting in.
Before I could say anything, he took off, leaving me alone at the table, blinking like an idiot at the leftover dumplings.
What the heck…?
In my previous life, I longed for ‘freedom.’
I wanted to live a life driven by my own will, not a meaningless existence.
While it was likely right for me to choose survival even living as a demon, had I known I would regret it so much, I would have ended my life without hesitation right then and there.
As it turned out, though, I had to endure in a life where I couldn’t even end myself if I wanted to.
Oh, how I regretted that.
And how much had I learned?
How foolishly I had refused to recognize my own limitations, attempting to rise to the stars without lifting a finger.
I released my anger on others, born from my own arrogance and incompetence.
By the time I realized that pouring my wrath onto others wouldn’t hide my incompetence, it was already far too late.
That’s why, when I was granted this second chance, I thought I must seize it.
I had to lead a life that was fundamentally different from my first.
It was a ridiculous form of atonement, but it was the only way I knew.
And thus, the first thought that crossed my mind after that family gathering was:
‘Could I really kill the Heavenly Demon?’
Such an absurd thought—even I realized how silly it was.
How dare I contemplate slaying one of the three mightiest beings in existence?
How could I tackle the monster that had obliterated two members of the Ten Sect Alliance?
Those would probably be the words on everyone’s lips upon hearing my thoughts.
A ridiculous idea, to be honest.
The Heavenly Demon would ultimately perish at the hands of the Celestial Sword, Wi Seol-ah, and all the demons would soon follow suit.
Really, I’d have been fine with just a little longer living life.
But reality would, without a doubt, involve encountering the demons again eventually.
No pretty words could change that; I was a member of the Gu Clan, after all, no matter how incompetent I felt.
Could I truly stand against demons by myself when even the four great clans struggled?
Should I just abandon everything and flee? Maybe hide in a cave far away so they’d miss my trail—
“…How foolish of me—to be contemplating escape even after receiving this second chance.”
I shivered at the thought.
The urge to slap myself across the face bubbled up, but I feared making myself topple over.
Trying to dismiss the fears, I cached them away in the back of my mind.
It hadn’t been long since I resolved to live a different, better life—why was I already thinking of throwing it away?
With crunched up lips, I steadied my resolve.
Not a clue how much time had passed, but it was definitely past midnight now.
Setting my mind at rest, I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with air to the brim and then exhaled.
The breath released carried a trace of my own Qi.
What a dismal amount of Qi…
Feeling around, I located a minuscule bit of Qi within my body, wedged neatly in my dantian.
While my younger sister reached the third rank at her tender age, it stood to reason I could hardly be compared.
If we’re being honest, I had scarcely bothered to practice at all.
With my paltry reserves, there were few things I could currently achieve.
Though smaller than expected, at least there’s something to work with.
Sure, my options were scarce, but it didn’t mean I had nothing to work with.
The martial arts techniques of the Gu family, the Gu Flame Wheel technique, are rooted in the use of flames.
While it parallels the use of Qi to create fires, the goal is different.
With enough consistent exertion, the power to harness fire forms within the body.
Many years of slogging through training eventually bore fruit, granting a pyre-like fire arts that mirrored a person engulfed in flames.
Gu Cheolun was given the moniker ‘Tiger Warrior’ due to his intense aura that made him resemble a tiger when infuriated—a fitting title considering how he punished evil using his might.
Later, Gu Yeonseo would earn the title of Flaming Sword for the way her Qi resembled flames around her sword.
And I too, possessed a flicker of fire Qi within me.
To truly unleash this fire arts, I would have to reach the fourth rank, and only upon reaching the seventh rank could I enwrap myself in flames.
Presently, however, I was barely at the first rank.
Comparing myself to Gu Yeonseo or even Gu Cheolun, I felt utterly insignificant.
The reason I was out here floundering about tonight, however, was because I’m still young.
I must strive to reach the second rank before it’s too late.
While all my martial arts ambitions may have vanished from my previous life, survival meant I still needed power.
I wouldn’t dare remember my past life spent as a demon, but oddly enough, the insights gained then guided my present efforts.
Yet the crux of the matter remained:
“…I may seriously hurt myself if I keep this up.”
Gathering all the meager Qi in my body, I centered it within my dantian.
It was no easy task—not only did it demand extreme focus, but harnessing this little Qi was a massive trial.
Before I knew it, I was drenched in sweat.
It’s commendable to have accomplished this much with such a dismal amount of Qi, but attempting more could lead to grave injury.
“…Huh.”
Finished with the exhausting exercise, I exhaled.
A smile crept onto my lips, satisfaction rising anew.
Regretful for my limits, yet optimistic about this being a starting point.
“Not too shabby.”
The warmth coursing through me confirmed that my training bore fruit.
It indicated indeed, I’d reached the second rank in flame techniques.
And this was thanks to the surplus Qi more widely spread throughout my body, a result of my lack of precise training.
“Can I really say I owe it to my lack of training?”
Hours had melted away since beginning my training, yet, because I’d reached the second rank, I felt invigorated.
“Continuing step by step like this should pay off in the future.”
Though I couldn’t clean up completely, I washed my face, changed clothes, and dropped onto my bed.
This didn’t feel like a bad start.
Let’s keep it going like this…
One step at a time, but not too slow.
I’ll endure and chip away at every hurdle before me.
Only because I’m determined to avoid living through such a wretched life once more, only for that reason.
Let’s not engage in harebrained antics that could create unnecessary complications for my future life.
While abiding by the quiet, taking it easy until everything settles.
To maintain a calm façade until the Heavenly Demon meets their end—that was my intent at that moment.
But then…
“Ah, hello! I’m Wi, Wi Seol-ah!”
Why is she popping up out of nowhere…?
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