Chapter 597: Zhuge.

Woowooong.

Inside my body, demonic energy surges ceaselessly.

Along with it, pain rises.

Even though this body was struggling to return, it screams as I draw upon its energy again.

If I’m not careful, my recovery here will only be delayed further.

But.

I had no choice.

I glanced at the old man facing me.

Even while seated, his presence was considerable.

Not only was his body massive, but the muscles packed into it were immense.

If I had to compare, he was on par with Iljangro. His bulk matched that old geezer’s.

From what I heard, the Zhuge family clearly focused on things like formation arrays or mechanisms.

Focusing on other aspects rather than practical martial power.

I never expected their martial prowess to be this high.

‘He feels well past the Hwagyeong realm.’

The elder I killed at Mudang last time.

He seems much stronger than that one.

He might not be on the level of the Nine Great Sects or the heads of the Four Great Families, but…

I could feel a strength comparable to him.

‘That guy…’

He’s the one with the Zhuge surname who said he’d cause trouble in Hanam.

I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh, looking at the old man.

I was surprised.

This time, I was genuinely surprised.

If I weren’t wearing this mask, my expression would have given me away completely.

‘Wow.’

What was the reason for my surprise?

Was it because the old man’s martial power far exceeded my expectations? No.

Or was it because a member of the Zhuge family looked so strong? That wasn’t it either.

The reason was simple.

It was because the old man was someone I knew.

In fact, I knew him very well.

I knew that old man extremely well.

‘That old geezer was a descendant of the Zhuge family?’

The old man’s identity was none other than…

In my past life, he was part of the Heavenly Demon’s direct unit, belonging to the Demonic Cult.

The leader of the Cheonraheukmangdae.

‘Pilduma.’

That was the old man.

Pilduma was a master who used blunt weapons.

I don’t remember his name. No, it wouldn’t matter anyway.

‘That would have been a lie too.’

Whatever name he used, it would have been an alias.

He’s the one leading the descendants of the now-fallen Zhuge family.

His real name was obviously something like Zhuge Something, so seeing this…

‘He was using an alias even when he was active as a demon.’

That would be the correct assumption.

Furthermore.

Seeing him now as a descendant of the Zhuge family gave me a realization.

‘No wonder.’

In the past, the Cheonraheukmangdae was not only the Heavenly Demon’s direct unit…

…it was also the unit most handled by Cheonyurangah, Zhuge Hyuk.

They were the ones who guarded him when Zhuge Hyuk ran into trouble, and…

…that’s also why I targeted the Cheonraheukmangdae first to deal with Cheonyurangah.

It seemed like Cheonyurangah and the Cheonraheukmangdae were involved in many things, and now I know why.

‘Was it because they were both Zhuge?’

This is just a guess, but based on the circumstances, I’m half convinced.

‘That means not only Zhuge Hyuk, but the Heavenly Demon knew this too.’

It doesn’t matter either way.

I’m just surprised that Pilduma is a Zhuge.

Actually, it’s for the best.

Because the pieces of the story are falling into place.

Concealing my expression, I spoke to Pilduma.

“Then, I’ll call you Cheonra Leader.”

“…As you wish.”

Thud.

Pilduma spoke and placed something in front of me.

It was a wine cup.

“I don’t have any good liquor worthy of serving a guest.”

I chuckled slightly at Pilduma’s words.

He’s quite bold. Offering drinks to someone who just barged in.

“I don’t really feel like drinking.”

“I see.”

He didn’t seem particularly bothered by my refusal.

Of course.

‘That guy must be busy trying to figure me out right now.’

I feel his gaze, even as he pretends to be calm.

Pilduma was trying to figure out what kind of person I was, one way or another.

Resting my chin on my hand, I stared back at his gaze.

Let’s see if you can figure me out.

My actions were full of that intent.

“…”

Pilduma, confirming this, shifted his gaze.

He quickly realized it was a futile effort.

‘This mask costs a fortune.’

A precious item from Yeonga, given by Amwang.

Unlike other useless trinkets, this was a truly effective item.

Not only does it prevent anyone from seeing inside the mask, even when using divination…

…it possesses the power to conceal my physical condition and cultivation level.

It was the perfect item for me, whose face reveals every lie.

As we exchanged glances silently, Pilduma spoke to me first.

“I heard you bypassed the formation array. How did you do it?”

Did he just ask about the formation array out of the blue?

Well, it’s understandable he’d be curious.

It was obvious the array set up around here wasn’t just any ordinary formation.

It was subtly laid out, almost as if it wasn’t there, and…

…even if discovered, it was so complex and intricate that it couldn’t be easily dismantled.

Even though I don’t know much about formation arrays, I could tell it was an incredible one.

It’s just that…

“It wasn’t bad for a trivial prank.”

It just wasn’t a significant problem for me.

Ah.

‘Though it wasn’t me, it was Seongyul.’

Seongyul was the one who dismantled the formation array.

Or should I say dismantled? It was over with just a few slashes of his sword.

In my past life, dismantling a single formation array required multiple people working for a long time.

It made me wonder if it could really be done that easily.

‘I’m glad I brought him.’

Even if I knew the location, they said I wouldn’t be able to get in because of the formation array.

There was a funny incident related to this too.

When I asked how he knew the location, since he came blindfolded…

Shinui said this about it.

‘He said he figured it out by remembering every step he took.’

Meaning he memorized the path he walked on the way here.

I thought, ‘You need that kind of brain to become the best in the Central Plains.’

Anyway.

Hearing that, I brought Seongyul.

Because I remembered how he dismantled a formation array with his sword last time.

As expected, Seongyul dismantled the formation array with ease.

Seeing that, I let out a hollow laugh.

‘This guy and that guy. I just don’t like them.’

When I asked how he did it, Seongyul replied:

[For some reason, that spot just felt wrong.]

He said the same thing.

It’s infuriating. This is why geniuses are…

‘Yeah, there was a guy like that in my past life too.’

Take Woohyeok, for instance; he broke formation arrays saying he could ‘hear’ them.

In this life, Namgung Bi-ah also sliced through formation arrays, talking about ‘smells’.

Seeing as all three, including Seongyul, are incredible geniuses…

‘Should I consider dismantling formation arrays as a form of talent too?’

Thinking about it now is pointless.

It’s better to just accept it and move on.

What’s important now is Pilduma’s reaction to this.

The old man’s eyes were serious.

Was it because I dismissed the formation array?

‘Well, considering how formidable that formation array was…’

What would have happened if I had tried to dismantle it myself?

I don’t want to imagine.

How could my ignorant brain possibly solve that?

‘Conversely, if I had torn through it with brute force?’

That might have been possible.

However, I would have had to bear the full backlash from forcibly breaking the formation array.

That’s why I had Seongyul do it.

So, what must Pilduma be thinking as he looks at me now?

Does he think I dismantled the formation array in one go?

Or does he think I forced my way through it with sheer power?

‘Either way.’

He’d see me as an unusual figure in both cases.

That was the reaction I wanted from Pilduma.

‘It seems to have worked well.’

Judging by Pilduma’s current reaction, he seems busy trying to gauge his opponent, unable to assess me.

Also, he seems cautious because he doesn’t know how much power I possess.

This was exactly the reaction I wanted from Pilduma.

As I quietly watched Pilduma, he spoke to me.

“I’ve heard the rumors.”

At Pilduma’s words, I tilted my head.

Rumors? What rumors could he be talking about?

“The Heavenly Demon (天魔).”

Pilduma’s words made my eyes widen slightly.

“They say a man wearing a cracked white mask and black martial attire turned Mudang into a mess.”

I thought the rumors hadn’t spread much compared to what I did.

It seemed Pilduma had already received the information.

“Even when I first heard it, I thought he must be an unusual figure.”

“And now that you see me in person, how is it?”

“…You are even more so.”

“Tsk tsk.”

It was hell trying to force out a laugh that didn’t suit me.

For reference, I based the laugh on Paejon.

“I don’t know how you found this place or how you dealt with the formation array… but coming alone means you have business with me.”

“Didn’t I say it from the start? I came because I have business with you.”

“Yes, what business brings you here on such a precious visit?”

Pilduma reached out his hand into the air.

Then.

Whooosh-!

Something flew from the distant darkness and landed in Pilduma’s hand.

It was a blunt weapon as large as his body.

Thump-!

He slammed the blunt weapon he caught onto the floor.

It was a weapon I recognized.

‘That’s Pilduma’s beloved weapon.’

The very blunt weapon that smashed so many skulls.

Was it made by mixing ten-thousand-year-old iron?

‘It’s just a simple, sturdy blunt weapon, but…’

Pilduma wielding it was no different from a Yaksha.

“If this isn’t a proper conversation, our next one won’t be this peaceful.”

“…”

It was a warning that combat would ensue if I said anything strange.

Hearing that, I calculated.

What would happen if I fought Pilduma here?

‘What do you mean ‘what happens’? I’d definitely lose.’

Defeat was certain.

My body wasn’t in good condition, and even if I fought at full strength, it would be difficult to beat him.

Pilduma was that kind of opponent.

However.

“Interesting.”

Woowooong–!!

“…!”

Even knowing that, I had no intention of backing down.

I opened my heart and let my energy flow.

It was still painful.

But it didn’t matter.

The fact that my body struggled meant I was emitting energy far beyond my current level.

Pilduma’s emitted killing intent was fierce, but…

I wouldn’t be pushed back by that much.

Crackle.

Our energies clashed, distorting the space.

I pushed forward.

Paaang-!

My energy engulfed and crushed Pilduma’s.

Pilduma’s energy quality might be higher, but I would never lose in this kind of energy contest.

‘Considering how much I’ve consumed until now.’

Even looking around the entire Central Plains, few could surpass the amount of energy I possess now.

Unless you bring my past self into the equation.

Someone like Pilduma couldn’t possibly.

“Hmph…”

Pilduma, suddenly pushed back in the energy contest, let out a sigh.

He seemed to have sustained minor internal injuries.

“Cheonra Leader.”

I called out to Pilduma.

“I’ll let it slide this once because I’m feeling generous, but…”

I gathered the swirling energy in the air and threw it at the wall.

Kuaaaang-!!

A loud noise came from the invisible wall.

Ah, did I throw it too hard…?

“Don’t bare your fangs carelessly; there won’t be a next time.”

“…”

Swoosh.

The grip Pilduma had on his blunt weapon loosened slightly.

“My apologies.”

He took a step back.

That’s a relief. I was worried he might just charge at me…

“Is your little act over? If you want, try something else.”

I put on a show of bravado.

Even though I was screaming internally, ‘Don’t!’

“I was merely verifying if you were truly the person from the rumors.”

Pilduma didn’t seem inclined to do so, remaining still despite my provocation.

I sighed inwardly.

It felt like I had narrowly escaped a crisis.

“Did you get the answer you wanted?”

“…”

Pilduma nodded slightly.

“Why would someone like you… come to this place?”

After that intense mental battle, are we finally getting to the point?

Although it resolved well, I had to try hard to hide my cold sweat.

“It just so happens I have something to do here…”

I said, giving Pilduma a sly smile.

“I heard someone intends to cause trouble in Hanam first. So I thought I’d drop by to see them.”

“…”

At my words, Pilduma’s brow furrowed. I could sense a hostile aura emanating from him.

“Are you saying… this territory belongs to you, so I shouldn’t act recklessly–.”

“That’s incorrect.”

I cut him off preemptively, sensing it was getting dangerous.

“Do whatever you want. I don’t concern myself with such trivial matters.”

“Then why…”

“However.”

I held up two fingers to Pilduma.

“There are two things you need to do for me.”

“What?”

“If you accomplish this, I won’t interfere with whatever you do.”

Grind.

Pilduma’s body trembled, unable to hold back any longer.

I could feel his killing intent slowly rising.

“I acknowledge your confidence, but you seem to lack restraint.”

Grrrgrrrgrrr.

This killing intent was different in quality from before.

It seemed he was truly showing his true intentions.

My fingertips trembled.

I hid it discreetly within my sleeves.

“If you think I’ll cherish my life after being treated like this–!”

“Oh, spectral remnant clinging to past ambitions.”

Freeze.

As I uttered those words, Pilduma froze momentarily.

“Your name is erased, your family fallen, yet your futile pride remains unbroken.”

“You–!”

At my words, Pilduma tried to unleash his power, but…

“Don’t you want to break the oath?”

He had no choice but to stop again at my words.

Seeing Pilduma’s distorted face, I continued speaking.

“I’m asking if you don’t want to destroy those bastards who tore you limb from limb.”

“…That won’t be a problem, even without you.”

Confidence radiated from his words.

I don’t know what he’s planning, but it’s unlikely to be something ordinary.

‘He probably failed in my past life, but who knows now.’

The environment had changed drastically since then.

Moreover, this is a time when the Alliance Leader is particularly preoccupied.

Amidst preparations for the Martial Arts Festival, an incident occurred at Mudang.

This would be the perfect time to launch an attack on Hanam.

However.

“Cheonra Leader.”

That’s when I’m not around.

“Do you think what I’m saying is a request? Don’t misunderstand.”

“…!”

“I don’t make requests.”

This was the crucial part.

As if unfazed by the killing intent, I spoke more casually.

“This is a test I’m giving you.”

Your blunt weapon is laughable.

I had to convey that thought with my entire being.

“If you can’t even pass this simple test, you die here.”

At those words, Pilduma’s eyes widened.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but wonder.

What is it?

This isn’t the time to be surprised?

“If you fail, you won’t even be able to get revenge…”

“I see.”

?

My line wasn’t even finished, but Pilduma interrupted.

Hearing that, I was inwardly flustered.

I never expected him to cut me off.

The bigger problem, however, was what Pilduma said next.

“…Hearing that, I think I finally know who you are.”

‘What the fuck?’

Pilduma’s words made my heart sink.

He figured it out? How?

I had to force myself not to reach up and check if the mask had slipped.

Doing that would be the end.

Where on earth did he find out?

If he really figured it out, this is a real crisis.

All sorts of thoughts flashed through my mind in an instant.

I unconsciously swallowed dryly.

“A being who could defeat Mudang’s elder in a single blow, and who can display such killing intent…”

Pilduma spoke, seemingly convinced as he looked at me.

In that moment, I rolled my eyes. I had already identified escape routes.

If things went south, I had to bolt immediately.

“I see. You are…”

Just then.

“One of the Three Vows (三尊) who disappeared.”

“Huh?”

At Pilduma’s words, my original, lowly voice slipped out unintentionally.

“Defeated Vow (敗尊), Bi-ju.”

It was that shocking.

“It’s you.”

He looked at me with surprised eyes, as if he had guessed correctly.

I turned my body, which had been ready to flee, and struck a subtle pose.

And then, I made a choice.

Choices must always be swift.

“Hmph.”

I let out a slight laugh and said, looking at Pilduma.

“You’re not slow-witted, are you.”

There was no hesitation in my speech.

I don’t know what it is, but…

At this moment.

I decided to become Paejon for a while.