Chapter: 267
An empty dantian feels exceptionally hollow.
Not only the magical energy but most of the life force has drained from the body, leaving it feeling quite exhausted.
Now, even if one were to spew flames all day long, the energy wouldn’t wear out.
It implied that a considerable amount of energy had been used to corrupt others into demons.
I ponder this while feeling the humid summer air.
‘Should I have killed him?’
Should I have killed Namgung Cheonjun back then?
Perhaps that would have been better.
This was more of a question than a regret.
If I had killed him, how would I have dealt with the aftermath?
How should I handle things moving forward?
Let’s put such detailed considerations aside for now.
I find myself questioning whether it would have been better to just kill him rather than corrupt him into a demon.
‘But in the end, I did corrupt him.’
I injected the magic into Namgung Cheonjun’s body.
Not only did it settle deeply in the dantian,
it spread little by little and permeated his body.
This is no different from how Namgung Cheonjun received his life force.
Moreover, it was similar to what the Heavenly Demon did when he turned others into demons in his past life.
The problem is.
‘…The problem is that I can do that.’
Why is that?
I repeatedly clenched and unclenched my hands.
There was no way to get a feel for it.
As for why I can do it—
there’s no other way to explain it except that it just happened.
‘It’s strange that I returned with magic in the first place.’
The physical body I felt after returning was clearly nothing like a demon’s.
Even now, I’m not a demon.
What flows through my body is the life force I received from a volcano spirit.
Magic is stuck in a corner of my dantian.
It feels ambiguous to label myself a demon.
Yet, strangely enough, I can wield the magic freely whenever I want.
For instance, it feels as if the magic is adapting to create a situation where I can function comfortably.
Doesn’t it seem like it’s growing to match my level?
It’s as if someone is pushing me from behind.
Like.
As if someone is telling me to go full Heavenly Demon.
‘This is absurd.’
It’s truly ridiculous.
That’s how the entire situation feels right now.
It was easy to shut Namgung Cheonjun’s mouth back then.
If I told him not to die, he wouldn’t die.
If I told him not to speak carelessly, he wouldn’t speak up.
It’s no different from being a puppet on strings.
If I order Namgung Cheonjun to die right now, he’d bite his tongue or cut his throat just to obey.
That’s how a relationship tangled with magic works.
To put it precisely.
That seems to be how the relationship between the Heavenly Demon and demons goes.
‘The problem is.’
Just like the demons created by the Heavenly Demon,
Namgung Cheonjun might also be consumed by madness due to this magic.
I’ve prepared some means in case such a situation arises.
– Killing will be prohibited.
– Do not exude murderous intent.
– Do not act like an idiot around me.
– Slap your own cheek every morning with your palm.
And so on.
Besides keeping him silent, I had many other instructions for him.
Fortunately, it appears he’s listening.
‘Is that really necessary?’
Just like how the Heavenly Demon imposed a death sentence upon me and other demons.
A curse that causes one’s heart to burst and die instantly if they betray the Demonic Cult.
It seems that just talking to Namgung Cheonjun is sufficient without needing anything like that.
‘Is the reason for the curse then because the compulsion is different?’
If that’s not the case, then there may be too many demons.
Is it because speech is insufficient that they resort to a curse?
If not that…
Could it possibly be for other reasons?
‘I can’t grasp the intention.’
Why did the Heavenly Demon do that?
I was left with countless questions.
‘The only difference is…’
Even though I knew I could corrupt him into a demon.
It means I can’t bestow powers like the Heavenly Demon.
I guess I should be thankful for that.
Or should I be afraid that one day, even that might become possible?
I’m still uncertain.
If I had to choose, I’d lean towards the latter.
‘First of all… how should I deal with Namgung Cheonjun?’
Aside from the fact that he’s been corrupted into a demon,
I was searching for ways to utilize him.
‘Even while trying to extract some information.’
If so, how did he come to possess such power?
I was trying to extract information related to that group.
When I asked him about it, Namgung Cheonjun clearly told me,
-… I don’t remember… No, I don’t.
“Anyway, you useless brat…”
Namgung Cheonjun only appeared as if he had lost his memory, looking like a fool.
‘I can’t lie, so it must be the truth.’
As all the life force in his body disappeared,
does this mean that Namgung Cheonjun lost his memories related to that life force?
However.
‘…Since that wasn’t the case in the non-armed world, is it that becoming a demon is the problem?’
Perhaps it is. He absorbed the energy back then too, yet his memories remained intact.
Because that’s the only difference compared to now.
Even so, creating confusion in his memory… could that even happen?
‘It’s possible. That’s why I did it. Damn.’
In a world where time has been rewritten, what’s impossible?
I’ve known for a long time that there are indeed numerous monsters lurking in this world.
“Hah.”
Unfortunately, it seemed that extracting information wouldn’t come easily.
Then.
‘What should I do?’
I hold Namgung Cheonjun’s life in my hands.
He could escape if he chose to end his own life.
If not, there would be nothing I could do.
Of course, in detail,
there’s no command to not die, so he’ll choose on his own.
‘It’d be way easier if he just offed himself.’
If not, then it’s worth watching how this demon created from my magic will turn out.
So, waiting a bit seems like a fair choice.
‘And then.’
If I feel that I’ve confirmed everything,
‘I guess I should dispose of him.’
There was never a choice to save him in the first place.
I just wanted to see, hence I only kept his lifeline intact.
His value reaches only that far.
If there’s something on that line that bothers me.
‘Will that girl be sad?’
Only Namgung Bi-ah.
If Namgung Cheonjun loses his life, will Namgung Bi-ah genuinely feel sorrow?
If that was the only hesitation, then I suppose it was indeed hesitation.
If I hear of Gu Ryeong-hwa’s death,
it doesn’t seem like it would affect me too much.
In fact.
In my previous life, that was the reason I burned a volcano to the ground.
‘…’
I clear my mind of distractions.
Though I mull over various angles of thought.
When I think of what to do regarding Namgung Cheonjun, the only clear thought that comes to mind is his eventual death.
I merely elongated his life for a bit longer.
This thought does not waver.
This thought will likely remain the same until the very end.
At that time.
Fwoosh—
The sound of a sword slicing through the air echoes.
Could it be because of that?
I feel my mind, which had been caught in a spiral of distraction, starting to awaken slightly.
Fwoosh— Fwoosh—!
Fast and precise.
As expected, it’s on an entirely different level from any excellence I had observed before.
To be specific.
If Namgung Cheonjun labored for several decades, wouldn’t it end up like this?
That was my impression.
Digging deeper, that was all I could conclude.
As time passes.
“Phew….”
The man, drenched in sweat from swinging his sword, concluded his movements and turned to face me.
Those sharp blue eyes were quite burdensome.
After that, the man approached me and queried.
“How did it look?”
“…Huh? What do you mean?”
Before I realized it, I responded dumbly.
The man, Namgung Jin, the head of the Namgung Clan, replied again.
“I’m asking how that recent movement appeared to you.”
“…Ah.”
I had to quickly hide my expression at Namgung Jin’s question.
The reason for my presence here.
It was due to Namgung Jin showing up unexpectedly in the morning breeze.
Because of that, Namgung Cheonjun was immediately kicked out and I found myself pulled here by the impatient Namgung Jin.
The head of the Namgung Clan, one that’s called a prestigious family.
Did he think I would have expected him to appear in the morning like a puppy needing to relieve himself?
Just when I was managing to escape successfully, too.
Moreover.
‘What do you mean how was it… How the hell would I know?’
Namgung Jin displayed his swordsmanship in a far too ordinary manner.
What could I possibly know just from watching?
‘He’s good; he’s just good….’
As I mentioned earlier, that’s all I could say.
Considering I know next to nothing about swordsmanship, what could I possibly offer?
Moreover, it was the sword of the Sword Master who had reached the level of Hwagyeong.
Having witnessed the path of someone who has risen to such heights,
was there really anything I could point out?
‘One thing’s for sure… something about it has changed compared to before.’
The swordsmanship of Namgung Jin I once saw was already neat and razor-sharp back then.
Yet now, the sword is… different.
I don’t know much about swords per se,
but if Shin Noya had been there, they likely would have pointed out something. There is undoubtedly a noticeable change.
From my crude perspective, that’s about all I can discern.
‘It resembles the Demon Sword Master’s sword technique.’
That’s the only thought that crosses my mind.
Of course, being from the Namgung Clan, it’s only natural that it would share similarities with the Demon Sword Master’s technique.
‘It just feels a bit different.’
It’s honestly rudimentary, but that’s really all there is to say.
Namgung Jin’s swordsmanship seems to have moved a little closer to that of the Demon Sword Master’s.
What I can perceive stops right there.
If I were to articulate that difference,
‘How would I express this?’
What difference did I feel?
What has brought these thoughts to the forefront?
‘What was the Demon Sword Master’s sword technique like?’
In reality, the only swordsmanship I know is that of Namgung from the Demon Sword Master.
I recall the figure of a woman enveloped in lightning, striking with grace while swinging her sword amidst the rain.
It was a sword technique teeming with bloodlust and foreboding—one that cannot be seen in the current Namgung Bi-ah.
Just watching her from the sidelines felt nerve-wracking.
If I had to describe it, I’d say the sword was infused with resentment toward the world.
‘Aside from that, her swordsmanship was flawless, too.’
That’s why, even though she belonged to the Demonic Cult, she dared to be called the Sword Master.
Even if she was consumed by a craving for slaughter.
Because the swordsmanship she demonstrated was simply perfect.
Thinking of the Demon Sword Master, Namgung Jin’s voice brought me back.
“I would greatly appreciate some constructive advice.”
“…”
Advice… advice?
What kind of advice do you need, exactly?
‘…Noya.’
I struggled internally to call out to Noya. Yet, there was still no response.
‘You crazy old man! Please wake up…!’
Even shouting wasn’t effective. What in the world is he doing that he can’t wake up?
Is he hibernating in the summer?
‘What should I do?’
I feel the weight of Namgung Jin’s expectations pressing down on me.
I don’t know what advice he’s hoping for.
I don’t know what I should say…
Again, let me clarify—I’m not a swordsman.
The last time I held a sword was in my childhood.
It was only when I followed Gu Hee-bi and Gu Yeon-seo with a wooden sword in hand.
Afterward, I had put the sword down.
I know next to nothing about it.
Though I’m a martial artist too, I could offer a few words of advice if necessary,
but I’m certain that’s not what Namgung Jin seeks.
‘…What could I possibly offer?’
A way to navigate this situation.
‘Ah.’
While thinking of the Demon Sword Master, a fleeting thought crossed my mind.
Common wisdom suggests that the pinnacle of swordsmanship is not the realm of martial arts.
It’s said to be the state of unity between the sword and oneself.
I become the sword.
The sword becomes me.
In reality, the specific terminology doesn’t matter.
Holding a spear can lead to the unity of spear and wielder,
While picking up a bow brings about the unity of archer and bow.
Names can be discarded freely;
what matters is the true meaning behind it.
The spirit embedded in one’s flesh flows out,
reaching a natural state of oneness with one’s weapon.
And producing an actual stir.
Not to mention
the pinnacle arrives when one’s spirit naturally seeps into their flesh.
It signifies a state of oneness with the weapon in hand.
I have a general understanding of what this means.
To be honest.
It’s a tough ask in the martial arts realm.
The moment when martial artists shine
is usually right before they reach the climax.
The flow of energy enters the flesh, finally coming into effect.
Even if it’s referred to as the unity of divine powers,
I don’t fully understand it.
Perhaps I haven’t crossed that threshold.
Or maybe I’ve reached it without realizing it.
At the very least, I can tell that this differs from just swordsmanship.
‘What did I ask back then?’
I’m sure this has already crossed my mind before.
When I asked the Demon Sword Master about this,
she indeed gave me an answer.
-You’ll be fine if you just do it.
That’s what she implied.
Naturally, I was an idiot for asking.
Of course.
She added a few more words afterward.
However, what she said was incomprehensible to me.
What exactly did she say…
“…Was I told to think of the flow of lightning?”
That’s probably how it went.
I get the sense that she explained it in reference to her own usage of lightning.
‘What would I understand from hearing that?’
What the hell is the flow of lightning?
If I stare at the sky on a stormy day, will I suddenly get it?
That serves as a reminder that for me, it amounts to having no means of understanding.
No.
In truth, I was foolish for thinking I could ask the Demon Sword Master something.
She, like the others, was a remarkable talent in her own right; asking for ample teaching was unrealistic.
I figured I’d have to explain to them why such things shouldn’t be expected.
‘Right now, though, that’s not important.’
Lightning and whatever else—it’s critical to figure out what to say to Namgung Jin now…
“…Hmm?”
I felt the urge to say something, moving my heavy lips.
Namgung Jin in front of me was staring blankly at me.
“…What? Why are you looking at me like that….”
The moment I began to speak, I involuntarily sealed my lips.
It was because I felt something from Namgung Jin’s expression.
Wow…
‘That’s truly absurd.’
Does it look like he’s reached some kind of enlightenment?
Did he really? All of a sudden?
What on earth did I do to provoke such a reaction?
I really didn’t do anything…
‘No way.’
A quick thought flickers through my mind.
‘Could it really be because of what I just mumbled about the lightning?’
This reminded me of something the Demon Sword Master once told me.
That comment wasn’t helpful to me at all.
It appears it wasn’t to Namgung Jin, either.
One thing is certain.
‘It’s not an idea that couldn’t be entertained, right?’
Those trained in this lineage should have been influenced by the martial arts of the bloodline.
I doubt they haven’t considered this before.
Even I once attempted to observe flames for days, hoping to gain a different perspective.
That time, nothing came of it, and I ended up venting my frustration by trampling around and ended up hurting myself severely.
‘A crazy guy….’
A martial artist hailing from a fire clan getting burned? What kind of insanity is that?
…Anyway.
If Namgung Jin has somehow reached such an epiphany because of these words,
‘Does that indicate that my words have indeed held some merit?’
I’m uncertain how considering the flow of lightning would aid, but it seems evident that Namgung Jin is onto something significant.
The outcome of that realization could potentially lead to something wonderful,
Or perhaps it could lead down a dark path.
Yet the thoughts that arise at this moment are different.
“Can I slip away now?”
I’ve stumbled upon an unexpected enlightenment.
Though I’ve dropped him some knowledge,
my conscience feels a pang of unease.
Is it fine for me, someone without a shred of conscience, to think like this?
Furthermore, I’ve managed to secure some justification, haven’t I?
I scrutinized Namgung Jin, who was silently gazing off into the void.
The power secreted within his body became distinctly visible.
A concentration of fierce energy that made the hairs on my body stand on end.
As I observed, I felt the energies start to adjust and shift subtly, as if they possessed their own sentience.
While his posture wasn’t fully aligned,
the movement of the energy was most definitely real.
‘…If I touch it now, I might drop dead, huh?’
If he’s focusing his consciousness in such a singular fashion,
a mere poke could twist his blood vessels and lead to immediate demise.
I mentioned this to Namgung Jin, who was monitoring the situation.
“Uh… um, I’m taking off?”
Even as I broached the subject, there was no response from Namgung Jin.
Understandably so, who’d dare say anything in that scenario?
Typically, it would be customary to offer some regulation in such situations.
I foolishly assumed he would manage it on his own.
In the meantime.
‘Isn’t it a bit dodgy to attain enlightenment from just babbling about lightning?’
Though realization often strikes suddenly and unexpectedly,
isn’t this a bit underhanded?
If anyone deserves enlightenment, it should be me.
I felt like I had been spoon-fed, and my insides twisted with discontent.
‘Am I seriously pissed off? Should I just touch something?’
At this point, even a gentle shove could send him spiraling into a flux.
Click.
Someone came through the door at the training ground from behind.
I didn’t bother to turn around to check.
I recognized that familiar scent.
“What… are you doing?”
The voice that reached my ears belonged to none other than Namgung Bi-ah.
Without turning my head, I replied to Namgung Bi-ah.
“…I’m here for Dharma protection.”
I admitted, my tone bordering on serious.
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