Chapter 105: I Have a Master. (3)

For I have a Teacher (3)

The moon, hanging diagonally, was a deep purple.

The surrounding starlight was like primary colors, but that ominous moon seemed like it would devour everything.

Jjoreureuk-

In the thick darkness, only the sound of dripping water echoed.

Tak-!

The sound of the teacup falling coincided with a voice emerging from beyond the darkness.

[You are late.]

Surely, there was no mockery in the voice, yet that casual question tightened my heart.

The shining, deep purple eyes were still chilling, even as time flowed on.

[…I gaze upon the sky of my sect.]

The man approached him and knelt on one knee. There was no hesitation.

After all, he wasn’t so ignorant of propriety as to hold his head high before such an absurd being.

The Heavenly Demon (天魔).

The master of myriad heavens stood before the man. The Heavenly Demon gazed down at the man calmly and whispered.

[I heard the news. The Sword Marquis died, didn’t he?]

At the name that suddenly surfaced, the man’s back twitched.

[Do you resent it?]

At the Heavenly Demon’s question, the man harbored doubt.

To whom was his resentment directed? Towards myself? Or towards Zhuge Hyuk?

Or perhaps, he was asking if I dared to resent the Heavenly Demon himself. The man ultimately offered no answer to the Heavenly Demon’s question.

Keukkeuk….

Perhaps sensing something from the man’s reaction, the Heavenly Demon chuckled softly, suppressing his breath.

[You deny nothing.]

Degureureu.

A small cup rolled towards him. The man carefully picked up the cup.

[Listen.]

Following the Heavenly Demon’s command, the man lifted the cup. Jjoreureuk, the cup was filled to the brim with liquor.

Holding the liquor-filled cup, he raised his head. The black martial uniform the Heavenly Demon wore caught his eye.

The Heavenly Demon’s martial uniform was immaculate.

His dry throat involuntarily swallowed at the sight of the black uniform, unstained by even a speck of dust.

His body, devoid of any wounds, was the same.

The Heavenly Venerable had died, and the Overlord Venerable too had been killed by the Heavenly Demon’s hand today.

I heard they had joined forces with the Sword Venerable, let alone the Martial League. Yet, the Heavenly Demon’s body bore no wounds whatsoever.

The results alone spoke volumes.

The Overlord Venerable died with his heart ripped out, and while the Sword Venerable survived, he was far from unscathed.

Even though two of the Three Venerables of the World, who gazed down upon the realm, had attacked in unison, they couldn’t even graze the Heavenly Demon’s robes.

If the Heavenly Venerable hadn’t died and all three had attacked together, would the outcome have been different?

It was a story one couldn’t easily affirm.

[I kept my promise. I saved that old geezer, the Sword Venerable, twice, so this should be enough.]

[…]

[This means I have shown such generosity to the Great Master.]

[…Thank you.]

Was he implying, then, that I shouldn’t read too much into the Sword Marquis’s death?

I downed the liquor the Heavenly Demon poured. Though my body had become numb to the taste of even the bitterest alcohol, the liquor I just drank was exceedingly bitter.

[Cheon Yurang-ah, it seems he believes I will entrust the Little Sword Saint (小劍聖) to the Great Master. What is the Great Master’s opinion?]

[…]

[Though I cannot see your face, I know all too well.]

Wi Seora’s epithet passed the Heavenly Demon’s lips. A sigh threatened to escape me, carried on the lingering melody descending my back.

Jjoreureuk.

The Heavenly Demon refilled the empty cup. The man, just like before, downed the liquor in one gulp.

[I shall refrain from further taunts, for I have not forgotten my promise.]

The moment the Heavenly Demon finished speaking, countless fissures appeared behind him.

Jjijijijik-! Kkeugeugeugeuk-!

The chilling sounds were a natural accompaniment. The purple fissures gradually grew larger.

The multiple fissures that opened simultaneously seemed to devour each other, quickly merging into one.

The man knew. He knew this bizarre spectacle was all the work of the Heavenly Demon’s hand.

Keureureureureu… Geureureu…!

The roars of beasts echoed from beyond the fissures. Sensing the Heavenly Demon, they expressed their fear, yet did not hide their resentment towards the world.

Even as he sensed the deep Night of Resentment (怨夜), the Heavenly Demon continued speaking nonchalantly.

[Do you know how much I expect from the Great Master?]

[Yes.]

[You asked me to spare the woman, and I did; you desired power, and I granted it.]

-Keureureu!

Soon, giant beasts began to reveal themselves, one by one, from beyond the fissures.

The aura they emanated was vast and potent enough to shake the surroundings.

[My not reprimanding your unilateral decision to go to Sichuan is another example of this. Why do you think I acted that way?]

The liquor bottle, which had been pouring liquor into the cup, no longer flowed.

The liquor bottle held by the Heavenly Demon instantly disintegrated, scattering into the wind.

[As I said, according to the pact made with the Great Master, I will not touch the Little Sword Saint yet. However.]

The Heavenly Demon’s purple gaze fixed upon the man.

[Remember that this too will soon come to an end.]

[…Thank you for your profound generosity.]

The Heavenly Demon rose to his feet as he finished speaking. His black robes fluttered, imbued with an unconsciously emanating demonic aura.

Approaching the demonic gate he had opened with his own hand, the Heavenly Demon pulled a ring from his finger and threw it to the man.

The man caught the ring thrown by the Heavenly Demon, clutching it tightly. The moment he grasped it, the thick demonic energy emanating from it made his head throb.

[This is an order. Bring me the Martial League Leader’s head.]

The man did not answer the Heavenly Demon’s command, merely slipping the ring onto his finger.

That was his answer.

The Heavenly Demon confirmed this and stepped towards the fissure.

[The timeframe is three days. That should be sufficient.]

The demonic creatures followed the Heavenly Demon back into the fissure, which then closed and vanished.

Although the Heavenly Demon was gone, the man couldn’t lift his bowed head.

He couldn’t grasp what emotion he was feeling right now.

He couldn’t tell if the turmoil within him was anger towards himself or resentment towards someone else.

The man considered himself pathetic, yet knew he couldn’t blame anyone.

It was all the consequence of the karma he himself had created.

He quickly washed away unnecessary emotions.

He lacked the right to blame himself, and there was no time to hesitate.

The man stood up and walked into the gap of the black mist.

---

Shin Noyya asked what the Heavenly Demon was. I considered the intent behind the question.

He wasn’t asking who he was.

He was asking what he was.

I didn’t know how far Shin Noyya had peered into my memories, but it was deeply unsettling for me.

[There were many things I couldn’t see, but regarding that fellow called the Heavenly Demon, most of it was obscured as if shrouded in fog.]

[However, even from the glimpses I caught, I cannot shake the suspicion that he might not be human.]

“…”

[I ask again. Brat, what exactly is he?]

At Shin Noyya’s words, I thought about the Heavenly Demon.

An absurd being who sought to stand alone in the heavens.

A being who commanded the Demon People of all mankind, and whose solitary strength alone could reach the heavens.

I knew Shin Noyya wasn’t doubting his existence simply because his power was immense,

but I had always harbored doubts about whether he was truly human, based on that alone.

After a moment’s thought, I spoke to Shin Noyya.

“…I do not know the Heavenly Demon in detail.”

[What?]

Noyya spoke as if incredified, but it was the truth.

Not just me; there’s no information about where the Heavenly Demon came from, or how he lived before.

It was simply one day.

Suddenly, the True Demon Gate (眞魔境門), which hadn’t appeared for centuries, opened within the Martial League.

It was an abrupt situation, yet many were not taken aback.

At the time, the Martial League was holding martial arts tournaments against countless aspiring martial artists.

Surrounding them were not only outstanding aspiring martial artists but also key figures from various families who had gathered to watch.

The warriors of the Martial League were present, of course, along with the heads of the Four Great Families (excluding the Peng Family), led by the head of the Namgung Family, and the majority of the powerhouses belonging to the Nine Sects and One House.

While it would normally be a disaster, everyone thought it wouldn’t be particularly dangerous under the current circumstances.

However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, the event that day was the beginning of a catastrophe.

Unlike the expectation that dozens of demonic creatures would appear roaring, only one person emerged from the Demon Gate with leisurely steps.

Except for his pale skin, everything from head to toe was cloaked in black.

In the unexpected situation, everyone drew their swords towards the unidentified human who appeared from the Demon Gate.

But he merely wore a relaxed expression.

-…Who the hell are you?

To the Martial League Leader’s question, he smirked.

-It’s nice to meet you.

That was the beginning of the disaster.

-I am the Heavenly Demon.

There was no peaceful conversation.

After killing nearly half the martial artists present and devastating the surroundings, the Heavenly Demon nonchalantly walked out the main gate of the League.

It was the moment the two characters ‘Heavenly Demon’ were etched across the entire Central Plains.

Many aspiring martial artists and renowned experts lost their lives that day.

The Heavenly Demon instantly became a public enemy of the martial world, but that was meaningless in the face of his sheer absurdity.

His power was captivating in itself, and many, mesmerized by it, willingly joined the Heavenly Demon’s ranks.

The Heavenly Demon did not turn away those who came.

If they wished to become Demon People, he granted their wish. They lost their freedom before the restrictions, but they could soar in the Heavenly Demon’s embrace, so gradually, the Demon People increased.

What did the Heavenly Demon desire?

For what purpose did he reveal himself to the world, and what did he dream of?

Though so many Demon People were under the Heavenly Demon’s wing, no one could truly understand him.

The Heavenly Demon was simply the Heavenly Demon.

He wished to stand in the heavens, and he had attained the status to do so; thus, he needed no reason or explanation.

Everyone thought so. Ironically, even I did.

[…Are you saying he appeared from within a fissure?]

Shin Noyya trailed off at my answer. Noyya didn’t ask why he did that, or how I traveled back in time.

He didn’t even ask why I became a Demon Person.

Perhaps he already knew, but instead, he was focused on the part where the Heavenly Demon emerged from the fissure.

[…Why is that?]

A silence ensued, as if lost in thought.

I was rather taken aback that most of the questions I had braced myself for weren’t asked.

I had expected to hear about the Hwasan Sect from my previous life first.

Noyya’s sole interest was focused on the Heavenly Demon.

“Noyya.”

[Speak.]

“Do you know that I did terrible things to the Hwasan Sect in my past life?”

My mind screamed at me to shut up, but I spoke anyway.

It was a belated confession, but I couldn’t run away now, having come this far.

[I know.]

Noyya replied calmly. My eyes widened at his response.

“…Then why don’t you blame me?”

[Do you wish for me to blame you?]

“…”

[Even though I am a Daoist, it doesn’t mean the bitterness in my heart disappears just because it’s in the past.]

Shin Noyya was a past hero who burned the flowers he cultivated throughout his life to protect Hwasan.

Moreover, as the Sect Leader of Hwasan, it was impossible for him not to have affection for the sect.

[However, even if there is resentment, that is something for those remaining in the present to bear.]

Shin Noyya paused, took a breath, remained silent for a moment, then continued speaking.

[The reason I don’t blame you and vent my frustrations is also because what I saw wasn’t just the burning plum blossoms.]

“…Noyya.”

[Don’t misunderstand. I have not forgiven you. I am merely enduring and observing.]

“…”

[So do not hesitate. You know the reason better than anyone, don’t you?]

I shut my eyes tightly at Noyya’s words. The karma I had to embrace was too heavy.

[Brat.]

“Yes….”

[What do you intend to do from now on?]

The meaning behind Shin Noyya’s question was crystal clear. Will you stop the Heavenly Demon? Or not?

My tightly shut lips wouldn’t easily part. Seeing my hesitation, Noyya added,

[I know why you hesitate. But I also know you’ve already made up your mind. So, speak it aloud.]

“Why are you suddenly acting like this?”

[As I examined your memories, I realized. I think I vaguely understand why I remain in this land.]

“What does that suddenly have to do with anything?”

[You’ve already decided, haven’t you? Is it really that difficult to say it out loud?]

I was somewhat flustered by Noyya’s urging, but since his words were correct, I steadied my resolve for a moment.

‘…I didn’t originally intend to think this way.’

I had planned to just live a peaceful life.

Having been given a second chance, I wanted to live modestly without doing anything significant.

I thought that alone would change many things, but looking back now, I must have known all along.

This was just me wanting to live pretending I didn’t know.

Taking a deep breath, I said to Noyya,

“Yes, I intend to stop the Heavenly Demon.”

Setting aside doubts about whether I could succeed, how I would stop him, and whether I even dared to try.

I made up my mind. It wasn’t about wanting to be a hero.

The reason was simply to bear the karma I was meant to bear.

It was a humble resolution and determination, but it was undoubtedly sincere.

[Hoo… Hoo….]

Noyya took a deep breath at my answer. What could he possibly be thinking? Although Noyya could sense a part of my inner thoughts,

I, conversely, couldn’t read Noyya’s thoughts, which made things quite awkward.

Finally, Noyya spoke.

[Yes, that is enough.]

With that simple word, Noyya remained silent towards me for quite some time.

The single question about the Heavenly Demon was the end of it.

‘Is this it?’

I was so perplexed that I wondered why he wasn’t asking more.

It was almost noon, and afterwards, I planned to meet Maehwaseon.

I needed to conclude the matter regarding the Spirit Pills I had promised as compensation, and discuss the Daoist energy within my body.

Eventually, on the mountain path leading back to the lodging.

Shin Noyya was sorting through his own doubts.

The existence called the Heavenly Demon, who had walked out from the fissure.

His inexplicable, absurd power and bearing felt strangely familiar.

[That shouldn’t be the case…]

That’s precisely why Shin Noyya had to harbor anxiety and suspicion.

The history left behind for future generations had stated.

That he had died.

That we had definitely stopped him, that the catastrophe ended by our hands.

[Then why…]

Why was he overlaying the image of the Blood Demon (血魔) onto the existence known as the Heavenly Demon?

Shin Noyya couldn’t shake off a profound sense of unease.

---

Not long after Gu Yangcheon had departed.

A man dressed in the uniform of a Martial League member stood in the branch’s basement.

The man surveyed the scene, looking around amidst the corpses scattered here and there.

“Hmm…”

He examined the walls and floor, tilting his head.

There were hardly any traces of a fight.

It didn’t look like there had been any intense clashes.

Tuk-!

The man kicked a corpse lying on the floor, flipping it over.

Black clothes, black mask – attire that screamed ‘I’m a killer’.

The corpse belonged to a Rakshasa (羅刹), killed by a stab to the heart.

‘An arm is severed, and all the tendons are cut.’

Was it cut to prevent escape? It didn’t seem possible to sever it so cleanly during combat.

It would have been more believable if they said it was cut after subduing the victim.

The lack of intense battle traces meant the victim was overpowered unilaterally, and judging by the clean severing of the arm and the cause of death, the culprit was a skilled Swordsman (劍手).

‘A swordsman… Did Hwasan catch on to something?’

But even so, there were many suspicious aspects.

The very fact that they could open the device and enter is questionable.

‘It shouldn’t open without Heavenly Qi (天機).’

I reasoned that a martial artist like a Rakshasa wouldn’t foolishly leave the door open.

Could there be a traitor within the main palace? If not…

“Tsk…”

The man roughly moved the Rakshasa’s corpse aside and approached the pool of blood.

The flowers that should have been growing there were gone. It seemed they had already been picked and taken.

‘This is problematic.’

The Rakshasa’s failure was unexpected.

The Palace Lord (宮主) must surely think the same.

I thought there would be no issue unless Maehwaseon herself noticed and intervened.

‘…To fail to retrieve the Original Essence (原液) of Hwasan.’

I heard it wasn’t a major component, but it was still significant.

Furthermore, whether it was someone skilled in handling matters related to this, there were almost no traces left.

“Considering Ouyang family’s (歐陽家) involvement too… What should I report to the main palace?”

The man had recently heard the news that a young man from the Ouyang family had killed the Night Blood Villain (夜血賊).

Could that possibly be related to this incident as well?

I heard the Ouyang family’s young man was a martial artist specializing in Fire Skills (火功).

However, there were absolutely no such traces on the corpses I’m seeing now.

So where did they get involved?

There were rumors recently about the Hao Moon (夏侯門) frequenting the vicinity of various branches; perhaps it was them.

Thanks to this, the list of things I need to investigate has grown.

Tsk-!

The man clutched his throbbing head.

The problem was that whenever things went wrong, they always became tangled in such complexity.

“Great Master.”

Someone else appeared from behind the room and addressed the man.

The man instantly composed his expression and turned around.

“Did you find anything?”

“Regarding the device that created the secret passage, I think we’ll need to call in an expert.”

“Right, write that down separately and bring it to me.”

“Yes… So, what should we do about this place?”

“What do you mean, ‘what should we do’?”

“Shouldn’t we contact Hwasan?”

The League member frowned as he looked at the corpses lying around, drained of blood and dead.

Seeing the pool of blood in the center made it seem like he wouldn’t be able to eat for a while.

Holding back a gag, the member said,

“What on earth were they trying to do?”

“How could we possibly understand the minds of those Unorthodox Faction (邪派) scoundrels? Don’t try to figure it out.”

“…That’s true, I suppose.”

The man chuckled at the member’s words. It was about time he started getting tired of this role.

‘To think I have to keep playing the bat like this for at least another year.’

While that idiot Night Blood Villain, killed by some brat, got a position, I have to spend my time cleaning up messes in places like this.

Suppressing his churning stomach, the man said,

“I’ll handle the reports to the higher-ups, including anything concerning Hwasan, so don’t worry about it.”

“Huh…? Ah, understood.”

“Since all related matters will go through me anyway, bring me anything you find that seems significant.”

“Understood!”

“Alright, good work.”

After sending the member away, I activated my inner senses and fiddled with the Rakshasa’s corpse. I had to erase any remaining traces.

“What the…”

As the man touched the Rakshasa’s body, he sensed something strange.

Since it hadn’t been long since death, the Rakshasa’s body still contained Inner Qi (內氣).

Even if much of it had dispersed, there should still be Inner Qi remaining…

‘Not a shred of Heavenly Qi (天機) left?’

The most crucial element was missing.

The celestial energy obtained only after receiving the Palace Lord’s recognition and entering the sanctuary.

The man, like the Rakshasa, possessed energy and should have been able to sense it.

But surprisingly, he felt nothing at all. Since it seemed recently deceased, the energy couldn’t have dispersed.

The dantian wasn’t destroyed either, so the energy should definitely still be there.

The fact that not even a shred could be felt was incomprehensible.

It was unlikely, but it felt as if someone had intentionally extracted it.

‘…I need to add another line.’

Mentally, another line was added to the report destined for the main palace.

The man was certain this part would become the most crucial.