Chapter v14c18

“He’s a man of few words, but once he sets his mind on something, he’ll see it through, no matter what. He has incredible willpower. But his background and his master are unknown. There are a few like him among the Heavenly Demons Seven, which only adds to the mystery surrounding them. That’s all I know about them.”

Even she, a native of the Heavenly Demons Pavilion, didn’t know much about them.

“I’ve heard that they usually operate in the shadows, rarely appearing in public… To see them all here together… It’s unsettling.”

Especially the First Young Master, Bi. He wasn’t someone who acted on whims. But the more she thought about it, the more confused she became.

“Did you see his eyes?”

Bi Ryu-yeon asked Na Yerin.

“Yes.”

She nodded. His eyes were unforgettable.

“Do you know what they meant? I thought you might have noticed.”

“I think so. His eyes were filled with an unwavering conviction, as if he held the absolute truth. And to him, it probably is the truth.”

She was impressed.

“You’re right. He’s absolutely confident in his victory. There’s not a shred of doubt or hesitation in his eyes. His confidence is so strong, it’s almost blinding.”

It was more than arrogance. It was a belief, a certainty.

“But what does that…?”

She didn’t understand why he was asking.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just feel like crushing that kind of confidence. I wonder what kind of expression he’ll make when his pride is shattered.”

He said it casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. They all stared at him, dumbfounded.

‘What’s going on in his head?’

They were curious, but also a little afraid to find out.

“The Heavenly Demons Seven… To have seven such powerful warriors as his servants… The First Young Master, Bi… He’s definitely not someone to be trifled with!”

Jang Hong said, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“He’s definitely up to something.”

Bi Ryu-yeon said confidently.

“A deadly poison…”

He murmured.

“This is going to be interesting.”

It wasn’t a premonition. It was a certainty.

‘I wonder how deadly this poison will become…’

He thought to himself, his smile chilling.

“My, my!”

The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Such youthful passion! It’s good to be young.”

He seemed to be enjoying the situation, despite the tension.

“You learn by fighting!”

According to his logic, wars were necessary for young people to grow.

‘Their confidence is admirable.’

He thought to himself, pleased. Confidence was a privilege of youth. But it could easily turn into arrogance and recklessness, leading to disastrous consequences.

‘Victory…’

They were still naive, unaware of the true nature of the competition. It was something they wouldn’t learn from their seniors.

“I hope they won’t be too disappointed when they find out the truth.”

He sighed, but there was a mischievous smile on his lips.

He was waiting for that moment, the moment of truth. Like a gourmet anticipating a delicious meal…

Who could deny an old man his amusement?

**The Absolute Command**

“We, the Heavenly Demons Seven, greet our Master.”

Their greeting was not ordinary. They prostrated themselves, their foreheads touching the ground, a gesture of respect reserved for a king.

But their eyes held no shame or servility. Only reverence for the man before them. It seemed that their earlier salute had been a mere formality, a gesture of respect for the occasion.

“Rise!”

He commanded, and they rose in unison. He looked at them, his gaze sweeping over their faces.

“You showed restraint.”

He was referring to their encounter with Bi Ryu-yeon. He wasn’t angry that their attacks had failed. It was a humiliating defeat, but he didn’t show any anger or frustration. And he had no intention of punishing them.

He knew why they had failed.

“We are forbidden from releasing our seals without your permission, Master.”

Chu Myung, the Demon Sword Wing, the leader of the Heavenly Demons Seven, replied in a monotone. His words were shocking. They hadn’t used their full strength. They had been holding back.

The First Young Master nodded, satisfied with their answer.

“It’s not time to reveal your true power yet. Be patient. The time will come.”

His voice was firm and resolute.

“We await your command, Master.”

They bowed their heads in unison.

“Are the preparations complete?”

He asked abruptly.

“Everything is proceeding smoothly, Master.”

Jong-ri Chu, the Seven Chain Spear, replied.

“There will be no delays.”

“Good work.”

The First Young Master commended them.

“You honor us, Master.”

“When will it begin?”

“The day after tomorrow, Master.”

The answer was immediate.

“As planned.”

He was pleased that everything was on schedule. There had been a few setbacks, and he had been worried.

“Be discreet.”

“We will, Master.”

They replied in unison.

“Gyo-ok!”

He called out to one of them.

“Yes, Master! Your command?”

The woman in the red silk dress, the only female member of the Heavenly Demons Seven, replied in a demure voice. Her dress was a riot of colors, her long, black hair styled to accentuate her delicate shoulders, her figure voluptuous and alluring, her eyes, downcast and doe-like, radiating a seductive charm. She exuded an aura of sensuality, both in her stillness and in her movements. She was known as the Blood Heart Orchid, but she also had another, more sinister nickname: the Soul Seller, the Fragrance Buyer.

“What do you think of that man, Bi Ryu-yeon?”

“The rogue who dared to block your path, Master?”

He nodded.

Her voice, laced with a subtle but undeniable sensuality, sent a shiver down his spine. It was a voice that could soothe and excite, a voice that could make a man feel both vulnerable and powerful. It was a voice that had been carefully cultivated, honed through years of rigorous training. She had mastered the art of seduction, using her voice as a weapon, both consciously and unconsciously. Unlike Na Yerin, her voice was a weapon, a carefully crafted instrument of seduction.

“Seduce him.”

He commanded, his words simple and direct.

There was no need to elaborate. Her body was her most powerful weapon.

The First Young Master, Bi, was not a man who shied away from using any means necessary to achieve his goals. If he had been, he wouldn’t be where he was today.

“Is he that important, Master?”

She asked, genuinely surprised. He had never shown such interest in anyone before. She wasn’t the only one who was surprised. The Heavenly Demons Seven were all stunned by his unexpected behavior.

“Do you question my judgment?”

His voice was quiet, but it sent a chill down her spine. Her face paled, her body trembling slightly.

“Forgive my insolence, Master. I spoke out of turn.”

She was terrified. Her loyalty and obedience masked a deep-seated fear.

“He dodged all seven of your attacks, even though you were holding back. And yet you underestimate him?”

“He was just quick and agile.”

The third member of the Heavenly Demons Seven protested. The First Young Master’s eyes turned cold.

“I hope you don’t truly believe that.”

His words were like ice.

“We must eliminate any potential threats before they become a problem. Gyo-ok!”

“Yes, Master!”

“I’m leaving him to you. Guide him.”

To seduce, to corrupt, to lead astray, that was her purpose, her mission. But she wasn’t thrilled about this assignment. He was different from the men she usually dealt with. He was too…

“Do you have a problem with that?”

His voice was quiet, but it sent a shiver down her spine. Her face paled, her blood turning to ice. She knew what she had to do.

“No, Master. Your will shall be done.”

Defiance? Refusal? Those words didn’t exist in her vocabulary. They were forbidden, associated with a fate worse than death.

A taboo she couldn’t afford to break.

Beads of cold sweat trickled down her cheeks.

“Capture his soul. Learn everything he knows.”

She had no choice. He was her master, her owner, in body and mind. Her only purpose was to obey.

“I will devote my life to your service, Master.”

It was the only answer she could give.

“For a new beginning!”

He raised his voice, and they all repeated his words.

“For a new beginning!”

It was a prayer, a mantra, a promise.