Chapter 105: There Is a Master (3)
The moon hung in the sky with a shade of violet.
The starlight surrounding it appeared ordinary, yet that ominous moon seemed ready to swallow everything whole.
— Drip—
Only the sound of water dripping echoed through the thick darkness.
— Bang—!
At the same moment as a teacup fell, a voice broke through the darkness.
“You are late.”
Surely no Qi enhanced that voice, yet my heart trembled at such a simple statement.
Those shining violet eyes remained chilling, even after time had passed.
“…I greet the Cult Leader.”
The man stepped forward and knelt on one knee before the presence. There was no hesitation at all.
He was well aware he was not in a position to raise his head before such an absurd being.
The Heavenly Demon.
The ruler of all heavens stood before him.
The Heavenly Demon gazed down and whispered.
“I heard the news. The Demon Sword has died.”
At the sudden mention of that name, the man’s back stiffened.
“Do you feel resentment?”
The Heavenly Demon’s question planted a thought in his mind.
Who am I supposed to resent? Myself? Or Zhuge Hyuk?
Or perhaps the question was, did he dare to resent the Heavenly Demon? In the end, he did not reply to the Heavenly Demon’s inquiry.
— Chuckle…
Perhaps sensing something from the man’s reaction, the Heavenly Demon quietly laughed.
“You are not denying anything.”
— Roll…
A small cup rolled toward him, and he carefully reached for it.
“Pick it up.”
Obeying the Heavenly Demon’s command, he lifted the cup. Drip, drip, the cup filled completely with alcohol.
Holding the cup, he raised his head, noticing the black uniform the Heavenly Demon wore.
The Heavenly Demon’s attire was immaculate.
Not a speck of dust could be found on that black uniform, making him swallow hard.
The absence of even a single wound on the Heavenly Demon’s body was equally striking.
The Lord of Heaven had perished, and the Dishonored Venerable had also been slain at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.
While he’d heard that the Murim Alliance had allied with the Sword Emperor in their confrontation, the Heavenly Demon showed no signs of harm.
Just the outcome alone suggested the reality.
The Dishonored Venerable was found with his heart ripped out, and though the Sword Emperor survived, it was clear he was not intact.
Despite two of the Heavenly Venerables looking over the realm banding together, they hadn’t even laid a finger on the Heavenly Demon’s attire.
What if the Lord of Heaven were still alive and all three united? Would the outcome have been different?
It was a question very difficult to pin down.
“I kept my promise. I’ve spared the old man, the Sword Emperor, twice. That should suffice.”
“…”
“This reflects my generosity towards you.”
“…Thank you.”
Did the Heavenly Demon mean to suggest that I should not grip closely onto the significance of the Demon Sword’s demise?
He gulped down the liquor poured by the Heavenly Demon. His body had long been desensitized, and no matter how bitter the drink was, it failed to evoke any sensation.
“The Man of Heaven expected I would leave the Celestial Sword to you; what do you think of that?”
“…”
“Though your face is hidden, I can tell.”
The title of Wi Seol-Ah slipped from the Heavenly Demon’s lips and I felt a Sigh rising within me at the ominous sensations trailing down my back.
— Drip…
Once again, the Heavenly Demon refilled the empty cup with alcohol. Just as before, I downed it in one go.
“I won’t speak of trivial matters further; I have not forgotten our agreement.”
With the end of the Heavenly Demon’s words, countless cracks formed behind him.
— Czhhh-! Kghhh-!
The spine-chilling sounds echoed in the room. The violet-hued cracks began expanding in size.
The opened cracks devoured one another, soon merging into a single, large crack.
He understood. That bizarre scene had unfolded at the whim of the Heavenly Demon.
— Grrrr… Crr…!
From beyond the crack came the growling of beasts. They revealed their fear of the Heavenly Demon yet didn’t conceal their resentment towards the world.
While experiencing the heavy burden of resentment, the Heavenly Demon unflinchingly continued speaking.
“Are you aware that I hold great expectations for you?”
“Yes.”
“I granted your request to spare the girl, and I gave you power as you wished.”
— Grrr!
Then, monstrous beasts began to emerge from the other side of the rift.
The overwhelming, vile aura they emitted reverberated around them.
“Not mentioning the chaos in Sichuan, why do you think I allowed it to happen?”
The pouring of alcohol ceased.
The cup held by the Heavenly Demon burst apart instantly, scattering into the winds.
“As stated before, I have yet to touch the Celestial Sword according to our pact. However,”
The Heavenly Demon’s violet gaze bore down upon me.
“Remember that will soon also be the end.”
“I appreciate your generosity.”
With this final exchange, the Heavenly Demon stood. The aura of demonic energy billowed, making his dark robe flutter.
As he approached the abyss, the Heavenly Demon withdrew a ring from his finger and tossed it to me.
I caught the ring, feeling the dense demonic energy within it that almost made my head spin.
“This is an order. Bring me the alliance leader’s head.”
I did not respond to the Heavenly Demon’s command, simply slipping the ring onto my finger.
That was my answer.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon stepped toward the crack.
“The time limit is three days. That should be enough.”
Demons followed the Heavenly Demon into the crack, which closed and vanished soon after.
The Heavenly Demon was gone, but I still couldn’t lift my head.
I had no clue what emotions I was experiencing.
Was it anger towards myself, or resentment towards someone else?
Feeling miserable within, I recognized I could blame no one but myself.
Everything was a consequence of my own deeds.
I quickly washed away the unfounded thoughts.
I was unworthy of self-loathing, and I had no time to squander.
Rising, I strode into the swirling black fog.
—
Elder Shin asked what the Heavenly Demon was. The question prompted me to reflect.
He was not asking me who it was…
But rather, what it was.
I had no idea how deep Elder Shin’s knowledge of my memories reached, but his inquiry was outright uncomfortable for me.
“There were many unseen matters, yet even what little I gleaned suggests that the creature known as the Heavenly Demon is far from human.”
“However, just from that limited view, I couldn’t shake the doubt about whether it truly is human.”
“…”
“Let me ask you again, kid. What exactly is that thing?”
Hearing Elder Shin’s words, I began contemplating the Heavenly Demon.
An unreasonable being that sought to stand above the heavens.
A being commanding countless demons, possessing enough strength to touch the sky with its own hands.
I knew Elder Shin wasn’t questioning the Heavenly Demon’s humanity based solely on its overwhelming power, yet I too was always inclined to wonder if it was human.
After deliberating for a moment, I replied, “I do not know much about the Heavenly Demon.”
“What?”
Elder Shin sounded baffled, but it was the truth.
Not just me; no one knew where the Heavenly Demon came from or how it existed before becoming the formidable entity it is.
It had just appeared one day.
The True Gate of Demons had opened for the first time in generations within the Murim Alliance.
The circumstances were sudden, yet no one panicked.
It transpired during the time the Murim Alliance hosted a martial arts tournament for the young prodigies of the world.
Prominent youths and influential figures from prestigious families gathered in droves.
Both the martial artists managed by the Murim Alliance and the heads of the Four Noble Clans (excluding the Peng Clan) were there, alongside the strongest fighters from the Ten Sect Alliance.
Normally, this scenario would have been catastrophic, yet everyone believed it was hardly a cause for alarm.
However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, that day’s incident marked the onset of catastrophe.
Everyone anticipated the emergence of dozens of demons from the gate, but instead, just one person emerged at a leisurely pace.
Except for their pale skin, they were entirely clad in black, from head to toe.
Despite being met with swords drawn from every angle, the mysterious figure who exited the gate appeared unfazed.
– “Who are you?”
In response to the question posed by the alliance leader, the figure broke into a smile.
“Nice to meet you all.”
That moment signified the start of the calamity.
“I am the Heavenly Demon.”
There was no space for tranquility.
The Heavenly Demon slaughtered nearly half of the martial artists present and laid waste to the area before casually walking toward the front gate of the Murim Alliance.
At that moment, the two words, “Heavenly Demon,” echoed throughout the world.
Many young prodigies and notable figures lost their lives that day.
Though the Heavenly Demon’s name gained notoriety due to their might, it made no difference to the invader.
Their power itself was alluring, and as many bore witness, they found themselves succumbing to their influence.
The Heavenly Demon did not reject those who yielded to them.
If someone sought to become a demonic human, the Heavenly Demon would oblige. They might lose their freedom but would gain tremendous power, soaring under the Heavenly Demon’s banner. Thus, the ranks of demonic humans began to swell.
What was it that the Heavenly Demon desired?
What motivated them to surface in this world?
Countless demonic humans served the Heavenly Demon, yet no one had the answer.
The Heavenly Demon was, simply put, the Heavenly Demon.
They desired nothing more than to rise above the heavens; no further explanations or reasons mattered to them.
That was the consensus among all. I, too, found it amusingly accurate.
“They appeared from a gate, right?”
Elder Shin did not press further. He refrained from questioning my past actions, the passage of time… or the reason behind my transformation into a demonic human.
Maybe it was because he already knew the answers.
Yet, he seemed fixated on the notion that the Heavenly Demon had come from a portal.
“Why.”
Silence fell as he slipped back into contemplation.
Honestly, I was surprised he didn’t ask the questions I expected from him.
I had anticipated inquiries regarding my past life and my wrongdoings against Mount Hua.
Elder Shin’s focus remained solely on the Heavenly Demon.
“Elder Shin.”
“Speak.”
“Are you aware of the atrocities I committed against Mount Hua in my past life?”
My mind urged me to stay silent, yet the words slipped out in the end.
It was a confession; however, there was no turning back now.
“I know.”
Elder Shin’s response was composed. My eyes widened in shock.
“Why are you saying nothing about it?”
“Do you wish for me to?”
“…”
“Even if I’m a Taoist, it doesn’t mean I’m devoid of anger just because time has passed.”
Elder Shin was a hero of his time who dedicated his life to saving Mount Hua.
Naturally, as their leader, he would have deep care for the sect.
“However, whether I despise your actions or not is for the current generation to handle.”
Elder Shin paused briefly and resumed his speech.
“The reason I don’t resent you is that the burning plum blossoms were not the only sight I saw.”
“…Elder.”
“Do not mistake this for forgiveness. I observe in silence as I withstand it.”
“…”
“So do not hesitate. The reasons are clear as day, aren’t they?”
Upon hearing Elder Shin’s words, I squeezed my eyes shut. The weight of past sins felt unbearably heavy.
“Kid.”
“Yes…”
“What do you intend to do going forward?”
Elder Shin’s question was unequivocal. Was I going to confront the Heavenly Demon?
It was a daunting question, and my lips remained shut for ages. Noticing my struggle, Elder Shin continued.
“I know the cause of your hesitation. I also understand you have already answered it in your heart. So speak it aloud.”
“Why the sudden change of heart?”
“I realized something while glimpsing your memories. The reason I remain in this world is starting to come into focus.”
“What are you—“
“You already possess the answer. Is it that hard to verbalize?”
With Elder Shin’s insistence weighing down on me, I found it unsettling, yet aware of the truth in his words, I steadied myself.
Originally, I hadn’t entertained such thoughts.
I had just aspired for a peaceful life.
Given a second chance, I aimed to lead a simple life, doing very little.
I thought such a choice would morph a great many things, but looking back now, perhaps I’d known the answer all along.
It was just another excuse to ignore my responsibilities.
After taking a deep breath, I said aloud.
“Yes, I intend to stop the Heavenly Demon.”
I pushed aside uncertainties about whether I could indeed do it, how to manage it, and whether I even had the courage to. I simply decided to go through with it. I was not seeking glory or heroism.
I merely wished to bear the weight of my past wrongs.
It was a feeble resolution, but one birthed from genuine intention.
“Huff… Huff…”
Following my response, Elder Shin breathed heavily. I could only wonder what was on his mind.
Though he could sense my turmoil, I couldn’t read his.
A moment later, Elder Shin finally spoke.
“Good, that’s all I needed.”
With that straightforward reply, Elder Shin fell silent for a while.
That was the extent of his inquiry concerning the Heavenly Demon.
Is that all?
I was honestly more curious about why he wasn’t asking for elaboration.
Soon, it would be noon, and I had plans to meet the Celestial Plum Blossom.
I needed to discuss the reward he promised and the Taoist Qi within my body.
While returning along the mountain path to the lodge, Elder Shin was lost in his own contemplation.
The entity known as the Heavenly Demon emerged from a portal.
For some reason, the unmistakable power surrounding it felt oddly familiar.
“That shouldn’t be…”
As his thoughts deepened, Elder Shin’s feelings of unease and suspicion grew stronger.
The history he knew stated plainly…
…the Heavenly Demon had perished.
The heroes had stopped it, successfully quelling the world-ending calamity.
“So why…”
Why did he feel the Blood Fiend looming over the existence known as the Heavenly Demon?
Elder Shin couldn’t shake off the gnawing anxiety clawing at him.
—
Shortly after Gu Yangcheon departed…
A man clad in the uniform of the Murim Alliance stood within the hidden chamber.
He surveyed the grim surroundings littered with corpses.
“Hmm…”
He examined the walls and floor, tilting his head in disbelief.
There were almost no traces indicative of a struggle.
It appeared the bodies scattered around had little to no fight left in them.
— Thud—!
The man kicked one of the corpses over, revealing a dark uniform and mask—an unmistakable sign that screamed “I’m an assassin.”
The lifeless body belonged to Nachal, who had died from a heart stab.
One of his arms was severed, and all the tendons had been cut.
Had the attacker wanted to ensure he couldn’t escape? It seemed implausible to execute such precise dismemberment amid battle.
In truth, it felt more credible to assume the blows had been dealt after the assassin’s downfall.
The absence of any indication of fierce combat suggested it had been a unilateral confrontation, and the cleanly severed arm alongside the nature of the death identified the perpetrator as an adept swordsman.
An expert swordsman, huh…? Did Mount Hua catch wind of something?
Yet this thought birthed even more questions.
First, how had this individual entered if they couldn’t activate the device?
They shouldn’t be able to unlock it without Heavenly Qi.
The man speculated that a martial artist like Nachal wouldn’t stupidly leave the entrance ajar.
Could there be a traitor in the main palace? If not…
— Tsk—!
He briefly set aside Nachal’s corpse and strolled toward the blood pool.
The flower that should have grown there was conspicuously absent, indicating it had been uprooted and taken away.
This is troublesome.
Nachal’s failure had been completely unanticipated.
Surely, the alliance leader thought the same.
Unless the Celestial Plum Blossom personally detected the chaos and intervened, he had assumed matters would progress smoothly.
…To think we failed to retrieve the liquid from Mount Hua.
While it might not have been significant, he had heard it wasn’t utterly trivial either.
Moreover, it seemed the one responsible had executed it thoroughly, leaving behind little to no tracks.
“The interference from the Gu Clan as well… How should I report this to the leader?”
He recalled receiving news not long prior that a descendant of the Gu Clan had slain Ya Hyeoljeok.
He pondered if the two incidents were indeed interrelated.
The Gu Clan scion specialized in bare-handed combat with fire augmentation.
Glancing at the remains surrounding him, he observed no signs of flames having been involved.
Then where exactly did their influence come from?
Recent rumors indicated that the Black Palace had been lurking nearby; maybe they could be connected to this whole debacle.
Instead of simplifying matters, the complexity only burgeoned.
— Tsk—!
The man massaged his pounding head.
Whenever things went awry, complexities always seemed to multiply like rabbits.
“Commander.”
From behind, another individual approached and addressed the man.
Instantly, he composed himself and turned around.
“Did you find anything?”
“I believe we’ll need to call in an expert to inspect the secret device.”
“Record that and bring it along.”
“Understood. What shall we do regarding this situation?”
“What do you mean?”
“Should we attempt to contact Mount Hua regarding this?”
Upon beholding the corpses drained of blood, the ally scrunched their face.
The central blood pool indicated a fairly swift demise. Despite only a couple of days having passed, the corpses appeared starved for weeks.
Fighting back nausea, the ally spoke.
“Why on earth were they planning to do?”
“Do you think we can even comprehend the thoughts of those from the Unorthodox Faction? Don’t even try to reason with their logic.”
“…That does hold some weight.”
The man’s amusement bloomed at the ally’s response. He was beginning to tire of this role.
Can you believe I’ll have to pretend for at least another year?
Ya Hyeoljeok had perished in the hands of a child, yet here he was, engaged in tedious cleanup.
Suppressing his mounting rage, he declared.
“I’ll personally reach out to Mount Hua and others, so no need for concern.”
“Huh…? U-Understood.”
“Any relevant information will ultimately be processed through me, so if you find anything of significance, be sure to relay it to me before anyone else.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Excellent. You may go.”
Having dismissed his subordinate, he returned to inspect Nachal’s corpse, needing to ensure no traces of his involvement remained.
“What in the—?”
As he examined the assassin’s body, a peculiar sensation struck him.
Nachal, despite being deceased, still carried a hint of Qi. It hadn’t been long since he died.
Even if it was dispersed, the residual Qi should still be present…
What’s with the complete absence of Heavenly Qi?
The most crucial energy was missing.
The ‘Heavenly Qi’ could only be harvested once approved by the leader.
The man also possessed Heavenly Qi like Nachal could not locate any residual.
Despite being a novice, he should have still perceived it.
The absence of any remnants was incomprehensible.
It felt almost as if someone had deliberately extracted it.
…It looks like I need to add one more line to my report.
Another point was noted for the main palace.
He firmly believed this detail to be the most pivotal aspect of the entire situation.
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