DDBM Ch 2

It was cold. No, it also felt scorching hot. It was a strange sensation, as if he were breathing through his skin instead of his lungs, perceiving things with all five senses.

‘Is this the afterlife?’

A soft halo of light fluttered like a butterfly on Suyeon’s eyelids.

“Hey! Are you not going to get up? I’ve been too lenient, and you’re getting on my nerves! This won’t do. Go fetch some sewage.”

Suyeon murmured as he swam through the deep, dark sea of unconsciousness.

‘Even if this is the underworld, judging by the voice, he’s just a kid. Is it alright to be this disrespectful to the deceased? Besides, sewage…?’

Just as he was about to crack open his eyes, something with a pungent odor was abruptly splashed onto his face.

“Ugh!”

The horrific stench and the chilling cold jolted him awake.

‘So this is the infamous Excrement Pond Hell. They say those who kill end up here.’

It was said that those who fall into Excrement Pond Hell suffer from the stench while worms wriggle within it, devouring their bodies.

However, perhaps the errand boy couldn’t bring himself to fetch actual sewage, as what Suyeon had been doused with was wastewater.

“A beggar brat from the Beggars’ Sect acting all high and mighty. How could you even read historical records?”

“He probably stole them from the library.”

“Yeah. Thievery is his specialty. Remember when this guy was caught stealing peaches from our orchard last year?”

Suyeon looked around with a bewildered expression.

‘There’s a Beggars’ Sect in hell too? And peaches?’

For hell, the sky was clear and the air refreshing.

‘I’m dead, but why do I feel so alive?’

Suyeon had clearly died in the joint monster lair after the Celestial Demon drained him of his last bit of internal energy. Yet now he could breathe just fine, and, ah, he could even speak. Suyeon first checked to see if all his limbs were intact.

‘They are! All of them.’

Even the lower half of his body, which had been eaten by the monster, was perfectly fine. He touched his face, and his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears were all there. Before he could grasp the situation, a strong impact hit his abdomen again.

But it didn’t hurt.

“Jeon Suyeon! Can you hear me?”

‘Is it because this is a d-dream that it doesn’t hurt?’

Come to think of it, the brat gleefully kicking him looked remarkably like the young Po Ga (葡家), the lunatic. That plump physique, those narrow eyes, and the height a head taller than his peers. It was definitely Po Yeondan.

“W-Wait! What year is it?”

At Suyeon’s nonsensical question, Po Yeondan unknowingly answered obediently.

“This year? The 14th year of the Blood Emperor’s reign, 5th month, 11th day.”

“The 14th year…”

Right before Suyeon died, it was definitely the ‘24th year of the Blood Emperor’s reign’. If Po Yeondan wasn’t lying, then it was ten years ago, the spring of the year Jeon Suyeon turned nineteen. Suyeon blinked his wide eyes and looked around.

Now that he looked, this place was the dirt training ground of the <Educational Hall> where the disciples of the Celestial Demon Cult trained.

His body wasn’t that of a Lunar Person either, but that of the skinny and frail ordinary Jeon Suyeon. It meant he hadn’t awakened as a Lunar Person yet.

“I’m alive. Am I alive? I think I’m alive.”

“What the hell is this guy saying?!”

Po Yeondan, seemingly annoyed that he had involuntarily answered Suyeon’s abrupt question, geared up to beat him again.

However, Suyeon caught Po Yeondan’s fist mid-swing and even grinned.

“You’re Po Yeondan, you’re Jang Hagyeon, and you guys are… the rest.”

“What do you mean ‘the rest’?”

One of “the rest” kicked Suyeon in the abdomen, but this time, he didn’t dodge. It was as if he had intentionally offered himself up to be hit.

‘As expected, it doesn’t hurt. My body feels light too.’

After being hit, Suyeon stepped closer, offering his cheek.

“Hit me more. Go on, hit me. Here. This time here. Hit me.”

“Yeondan, Jeon Suyeon… he’s gone c-crazy from being beaten too much.”

Po Ga and his group began to feel bewildered by Suyeon’s reaction. The guy who should have been trembling and begging for forgiveness was excitedly asking for more.

But the one truly surprised was Jeon Suyeon. He’d thought it was just the thrill of a new life, but it seemed his defense speed was actually faster than the speed at which he registered pain. It was as if a warm, unknown energy swirling within him was automatically circulating, protecting his body.

But it didn’t feel entirely like his own strength, even if it was due to internal energy.

‘It feels like there’s an unknown power within my body.’

Because the nineteen-year-old Jeon Suyeon of the past had nothing resembling internal energy.

“Yeondan, let’s just go, l-let’s go.”

Just then,

“Hey! You there! What are you doing?!”

At the sudden appearance of a woman, the group tormenting Suyeon seized the opportunity and scurried away.

‘Gok Danhyeon! It’s her!’

In the past, she had also appeared in situations like this and chased those brats away.

‘It’s the same.’

No matter how much he rubbed his eyes, it was indeed Gok Danhyeon. She was his benefactor, having helped the orphaned Suyeon in every way, but she would be devoured by a monster and die a year from now. Seeing his sister, whom he had lost so tragically, alive and well brought tears to his eyes.

“Really, Gok… Sister?!”

Suyeon’s dedication to training and becoming a powerful Lunar Person stemmed from his desire to prevent meaningless deaths like hers, a Solar Person like her.

Gok Danhyeon clicked her tongue and took out a handkerchief to wipe Suyeon’s face.

“Look at you. Those nasty brats.”

Suyeon tried to hug her tightly, but Gok Danhyeon stopped him by pushing his forehead with her palm.

“Hold on! Why don’t you wash up first? You smell awful.”

Now that she mentioned it, he was covered in wastewater and dirt from rolling around on the ground.

“Ah, alright. I’ll wash up quickly. But don’t go anywhere.”

Gok Danhyeon chuckled lightly and shrugged.

“Where would I go? Hurry up and wash.”

Only after repeatedly telling Gok Danhyeon not to go anywhere did Suyeon finally run to the well.

He had read records of “reincarnation” in ancient texts from Tianzhu or Hongjiao. But this wasn’t reincarnation. He had returned to his own body, so it wasn’t possession or spirit channeling either.

‘This is regression. Ten years into the past.’

⊹ ࣪ ˖🌒

Suyeon doused himself with the ice-cold well water and began to ponder how this could have happened. Just before his death, the Celestial Demon had taken all of his internal energy in the joint monster lair, resulting in Suyeon’s instant death.

The searing pain of his skin and internal organs burning was still so vivid that it made him shudder. He even felt as if he had seen actual flickering flames.

“Flames….”

It was a preposterous assumption, but what if the Celestial Demon, in attempting to absorb Suyeon’s internal energy, had instead succumbed to Qi deviation and died? Could it be that his power had transferred to Suyeon, and this was the resulting recoil?

Suyeon, an avid reader, recalled an ancient text he had read long ago.

A master had created a bamboo scroll containing the secrets of his lifelong training. He then imbued himself into the scroll and entered a deep slumber. However, a cunning disciple secretly took the scroll containing his master and put it in his bosom. At that moment, the scroll spontaneously combusted, and all the master’s power was absorbed by the disciple.

Of course, the disciple only held the master’s power for a brief moment before burning to death, and the story ended without explaining what happened afterward. It was a kind of oral folktale for children, teaching that selfish desires bring misfortune.

‘Could something similar have happened?’

It was all speculation, but within the limits of Suyeon’s knowledge, he couldn’t come up with any other explanation for his regression.

Then, the faces of those who had tragically died in his past life came to mind, one by one. A sharp pain pierced his heart. He began to wonder if he could save his comrades who had met untimely deaths in this life.

‘Perhaps this time….’

Just then, a branch of the flowering tree hanging over the well swayed in the wind—

Pale, almost white petals showered down into the bucket Suyeon was holding. Suyeon slowly raised his head and looked up at the flowering tree.

‘It’s like jade dust. It’s so dazzling, I could die happy right now.’

At the same time, he unknowingly thought of someone.

In his past life, the Celestial Demon had been such a person in Suyeon’s eyes. A breathtakingly beautiful man, elegant and devastatingly handsome, as if sculpted from the finest white jade.

Suyeon ran a hand through his wet hair as if trying to shake off all thoughts of him, and let out a long, deep sigh.

‘First, let’s try to prevent that very, very important event that happens around this time.’

The Celestial Demon, Ki Yooshin, had a nasty hobby.

A peculiar habit of enjoying causing trouble for others while concealing his identity, as very few knew his true appearance. It was precisely because of this that complicated matters arose after getting entangled with the Celestial Demon who had infiltrated this Educational Hall.

Preventing that was his priority.

⊹ ࣪ ˖🌒

“The first joint monster lair appeared a hundred years ago in the winter, in Kunlun, Qinghai.”

Mu Jeongwon slowly paced among the disciples sitting before their desks, continuing his lecture.

“From the outside, a joint monster lair looks like black mist or a round, dark mass. And within it, darkness stretches endlessly, inhabited by unidentified monsters.”

Mu Jeongwon was a middle-aged man with a cool complexion and a sharp, blade-like gaze, perfectly befitting his nickname, the White-Faced Arhat (白面修儸).

“You are all aware that the rise of the Celestial Demon Cult coincided with the appearance of the monster lairs.

Only the Heavenly Dark Moon Martial Arts (天㓻暝刖武) and the Heavenly Public Blood Qi (天公磨血氣) of the Celestial Demon Cult can seal the lairs.”

He continued to explain how the status of the Celestial Demon Cult in the martial world had changed.

“Furthermore, Solar People, who exterminate monsters, and Lunar People, who strengthen the Solar People’s Qi and blood, are valuable assets to the Cult.”

Suyeon gazed at the neatly falling hem of Mu Jeongwon’s black robe, lost in thought.

‘It’s been a while, Master.’

In his past life, Mu Jeongwon had been Suyeon’s master. And he was a rare Lunar Person who had reached the peak of mastery. To meet his master, who had been devoured by a monster, again like this… An ordinary disciple would be overwhelmed with emotion…

Bullshit. Suyeon was so terrified he could barely look him in the face.

Right now, they were merely a teacher and a student, but before his regression, they had been master and disciple. He vividly remembered the atmosphere and his voice.

The day he first met him, after bowing deeply and raising his head, Mu Jeongwon, with a cold and disapproving expression, had looked down at him. He had shot Suyeon a frigid glare, as if even opening his lips was a bother.

Then he had coldly dismissed him with, “Everything depends on you. You may leave.”

‘Let’s see. He must be around thirty-eight years old now.’

That would be his age, considering it was ten years ago. But with his wrinkle-free skin, expressionless and cool face, and even the jade ornament hanging from his nose, Mu Jeongwon looked neither a day older nor younger than before.

Objectively, he was handsome, but due to his chilling aura and his characteristic coldness that pushed people away, no one dared to compliment Mu Jeongwon’s appearance.

His personality was also extremely strict, never overlooking even minor mistakes, faults, or ordinary laziness. He was especially unparalleled in his unique ability to suffocate people with his meticulous and relentless criticism.

Thus, the phrase Jeon Suyeon had heard most often from Mu Jeongwon in his past life was,

“You useless thing!”

Mu Jeongwon’s actual voice, piercingly vivid, jolted Suyeon back to reality. His body, which had been leaning loosely against the desk, straightened itself, and his palms began to sweat.

“Jang Hagyeon, copy the Righteous Demon Law Manual twice. Next, Yipyung, you answer.”

The called-upon Yipyung, his already narrow shoulders trembling severely, slowly opened his mouth.

“Yes, so, the criteria for classifying joint monster lairs… um, that is, it is, that is…”

“Yipyung, copy it four times. Next, the one behind him, Jeon Suyeon.”

Yipyung, who had been trembling, looked as if he was about to burst into tears at the mention of copying four times. The ‘next’ person would copy it four times, then eight, sixteen, and so on, the penalty increasing exponentially. And the questioning continued relentlessly until the correct answer was given.

Suyeon, who had been penalized with copying thirty-two times in the past, gulped and slowly opened his mouth. Although he hadn’t heard the question, he could guess from Yipyung’s answer.

“The difficulty of sealing joint monster lairs is classified into 3rd grade, 2nd grade, 1st grade, and anything beyond that is considered immeasurable.”

“And the criteria for this classification?”

Mu Jeongwon asked.

“It’s classified based on perception. However, we don’t know much about immeasurable-grade joint monster lairs.”

Suyeon had died in one such lair in his past life. He wondered bitterly if knowing the characteristics of immeasurable-grade lairs in advance could have mitigated the damage. Suyeon continued his explanation with a tinge of sadness.

“The only immeasurable-grade joint monster lair discovered so far appeared in the South Sea (南海), but even then, none of the deployed Solar and Lunar People returned.”

The South Sea Islands had been completely devastated by monsters, becoming uninhabitable for humans. Therefore, there was no precise information about the South Sea lair, only that it surpassed the 1st grade.

It was perfect. A flawless answer that made him want to applaud himself. He had learned about joint monster lairs through firsthand experience over the past ten years. So, no one here would know more about them than Jeon Suyeon.

At Suyeon’s confident answer, Mu Jeongwon slightly adjusted his slipping jade ornament. A flicker of surprise seemed to flash in his cold, glass-like eyes but quickly disappeared. Mu Jeongwon slowly parted his bloodless lips.

‘Perhaps, for the first time in my life, I’ll be praised by Master.’

His heart pounded with anticipation, but then…

“Jeon Suyeon, eight times.”

Suyeon was so dumbfounded he almost jumped up from his seat.

“D-Did I get it wrong?”

Mu Jeongwon continued in his characteristically monotonous tone.

“Your answer was correct. However, this is a penalty for letting your mind wander. I believe copying eight times is appropriate. Do you find it unfair?”

It seemed he had noticed Suyeon’s wandering thoughts like a ghost.

The <Righteous Demon Law Manual> was a collection of about 30,000 characters. Copying it eight times meant writing day and night until his arm fell off. Suddenly, his arm, which had been torn off by a monster in his past life, felt like it was throbbing.

But faced with Mu Jeongwon’s cold gaze, Suyeon had no choice but to acquiesce. Just as he was about to resign himself and reply, “I understand,”

“That’s excessive.”

At the voice coming from somewhere, the disciples collectively groaned.

Who was adding fuel to the fire after the matter was settled? Who dared to provoke Mu Jeongwon and ruin things? The disciples looked towards the source of the voice with worried eyes.

“What did you say?”

Mu Jeongwon asked, and an unfamiliar nobleman replied.

“I said it’s excessive. And unfair.”

As if he had been there all along, a beige-complexioned nobleman sat there with a graceful air, looking as if he had stepped out of a painting. His attire wasn’t the standard disciple uniform but a jade-colored robe, his long hair tied up with an ornament, giving him the appearance of a nobleman’s son.

At the appearance of the unfamiliar, handsome nobleman, the students began to murmur amongst themselves.

The questioning continued.

“And your reason?”

The nobleman smiled leisurely and slowly opened his mouth.

“The ancient sages said…”

As the word “sages” left the nobleman’s lips, the students who realized his identity began to murmur.

‘As expected, a Righteous Sect follower.’

‘Typical Righteous Sect behavior.’

‘Someone shut him up.’

‘That Righteous Sect bastard.’

‘That’s why the Righteous Sects are hopeless.’

‘Down with the Righteous Sects.’

Such a thing would have been unthinkable in the martial world a hundred years ago, but after the emergence of the joint monster lairs, the balance of power had shifted. It was no exaggeration to say the world had been turned upside down.

This was because, in order to seal the monster lairs, both Righteous and Demonic sects had to request and learn martial arts from the Celestial Demon Cult.

Now, sects belonging to the Murim Alliance, such as the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans, had developed their own methods by combining their own martial arts with those of the Demonic Cult, but at the time, the Celestial Demon Cult’s techniques were the only means of countering the joint monster lairs.

Much time had passed since then, and now a single sect’s power was sufficient to seal a joint monster lair without needing the Celestial Demon Cult’s help.

But the problem was their pride. The Murim Alliance, which had held its “Righteous” noses high, and the Imperial Family, which had broken the non-aggression pact with the martial world, had both ended up receiving help from the Demonic Cult, even though they no longer needed it.

If only the Celestial Demon had boasted or demanded something in return! But he hadn’t asked for any compensation or benefits.

Instead, he had turned away, saying, “How bothersome. Take it and use it as you please. Do whatever you want.”

It was impossible for the Righteous Sects, who valued chivalry and loyalty above all else, to simply overlook this. It was a self-inflicted predicament, a consequence of their own actions. For those who championed the importance of settling debts and grievances, not being given the opportunity to repay a favor was akin to being denied the chance to uphold their honor.

In the end, they were trapped in an inescapable situation.

Therefore, it had long become a custom, a sign of respect towards the Celestial Demon Cult, for the Righteous Sects to send their successors to study there, albeit briefly, to learn the Cult’s martial arts.

Of course, the disciples forced to study abroad by their parents or masters were brimming with discontent. They often scoffed inwardly, thinking, ‘That Demonic Cult! They know nothing of chivalry,’ and barely paid attention in class. This frequently led to friction between the Cult members and the visiting students, escalating to occasional brawls between the hot-blooded youths.

And the same was true for Namgung Hyeon of the Namgung Clan and Gwak Jeongmu of the Wudang Sect, who were present here. They too tilted their heads, gazing intently at the beige-complexioned nobleman, lost in thought.

‘Who is that nobleman? I’ve never seen him before.’

And Suyeon, sitting further away, also narrowed his eyes, observing the nobleman.

‘Who is he… c-could he be? Nah, no way. It can’t be. It won’t be.’

The Celestial Demon’s secret excursions did begin around this time, but the nobleman’s appearance was completely different from the Celestial Demon’s.

Of course, disguise techniques were as easy as plucking a flower for the Celestial Demon. But only his disciples, close aides, and personal attendants knew the Celestial Demon’s true face, having undergone two cycles of rejuvenation. There was no need for him to bother with disguises when appearing before others.

Even ten years ago, he had simply changed his overly conspicuous hair color and appeared with his own face.

‘But it could still be the Celestial Demon. He’s so capricious, he might have chosen this appearance this time.’

Suyeon scrutinized the nobleman, continuing his train of thought.

‘If it’s the Celestial Demon…’

He couldn’t tell from appearance alone whether he was the Celestial Demon or not. The Celestial Demon was a person who defied all norms and expectations. Unless he revealed himself, no one would know, not even until their dying breath.

He had clear likes and dislikes and was so capricious that comical situations often arose.

It had happened during the so-called <Great Murim Alliance Conference> hosted by the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans.

―We must now prohibit the term ‘Demonic Cult.’ What are your thoughts, Sect Leader?

―Indeed. We should respectfully address them as ‘Mount Heaven Sect’ or ‘Mount Heaven Divine Cult.’

―This old monk agrees, but what are your thoughts, Cult Leader of Mount Heaven?

However, a conference about the status of the Celestial Demon Cult without the Celestial Demon was like a meat bun without meat or egg drop soup without eggs. Naturally, the conference ended inconclusively. Despite the Abbot of Shaolin Temple’s earnest invitation, the Celestial Demon not only didn’t attend the conference, but he was leisurely enjoying a boat ride on Qinghai Lake at the same time.

Later, upon hearing about the topic of the conference, the Celestial Demon reportedly just scoffed without saying a word.

It was merely said that, from mouth to mouth…

―Let the various heroes and masters call us whatever they wish. We, the Demonic Cult and this old demon, care not what others say.

He had even referred to himself as an ‘old demon’ and chuckled, hadn’t he?

This was because the character ‘Ma (魔)’ no longer carried the meaning of a ghost or evil spirit but rather signified power and authority comparable to, or even surpassing, that of the Emperor. Moreover, rumors circulated that the Celestial Demon had achieved immortality, meaning he wouldn’t mind being called the Demonic Cult’s grandfather, let alone the Demonic Cult itself.

Suyeon couldn’t connect such an eccentric character with the nobleman sitting so composedly. Regardless of Suyeon’s thoughts, the nobleman, suspected of being the Celestial Demon, continued in a gentle voice.

“The sages said that admonishment through laws and regulations is not everything, and that gentle and indirect persuasion is a better way to address the root of wrongdoing.”

He meant that the punishment Mu Jeongwon had given Jeon Suyeon for answering correctly was excessive.

“The sage you speak of also said that one should always maintain a humble heart, diligently learn, fear losing what they’ve learned, and constantly refine their skills. This also refers to the attitude one should have when seeking knowledge from a master.”

At Mu Jeongwon’s impenetrable response, the nobleman’s expression seemed to falter slightly, but he quickly composed himself with a faint smile. Then, looking out at the blooming training grounds of the Educational Hall, he recited,

“As the beautiful plum blossoms flutter in the wind, how can I not yearn for you…?”

The nobleman paused for a moment, then turned towards Suyeon. Clear, youthful eyes gazed intently at Suyeon. And as if speaking directly to him, he continued,

“Even the sage, who is said to have ascended to the celestial realm, was captivated by plum blossoms and spoke of beauty and his beloved. This young, foolish student was merely momentarily distracted by the spring air. Please forgive his lapse in attention.”

The disciples and visiting students seemed to agree with the nobleman’s plausible argument, but Jeon Suyeon knew he was being unreasonable.

Moreover, the last verse the nobleman recited was selectively quoted to his advantage. The original text was closer to a dialogue poem mocking those obsessed with beauty. While his blatant sophistry was absurd, what was even more surprising was the nobleman’s demeanor. He had said everything he wanted to say to Mu Jeongwon, but he wasn’t disrespectful, nor did he appear subservient.

Silence fell over the Educational Hall.

Clang—

The suffocating stillness was broken by the sound of the bell (更點) signaling lunchtime. Mu Jeongwon’s theory lesson was finally over.

“Do you all agree with the nobleman?”

The joy of liberation was short-lived, as the master’s question made the children exchange anxious glances.

“Very well. If your hearts are so easily swayed by the mere weather that you cannot concentrate…”

Mu Jeongwon folded his long, hinged ruler, the Jiechi (界尺), and picked up the book from his desk. Then, he gave a short, concise order.

“All disciples are to copy the <Righteous Demon Law Manual> five times and submit it before the next class.”

Jaws dropped in astonishment. Some froze, their faces pale, while others shifted uneasily.

Even the nobleman, who had been responding readily to Mu Jeongwon, fell silent. The three disciples who had already received penalties now had five more copies to add to their burden.

Mu Jeongwon turned to the nobleman and asked,

“What is your name?”

The nobleman answered with an indifferent expression.

“Ha Shin (河信).”

Ha (河) was the royal surname of Kunlun.

As expected, he was not only from the Righteous Sects but also a descendant of Kunlun. Upon hearing his answer, Mu Jeongwon gave a brief command.

“Ha Shin, stay behind.”

Once all the students had left and only Ha Shin remained, Mu Jeongwon activated a barrier, preventing outsiders from approaching. Ha Shin, who had been sitting politely at his desk until then, asked Mu Jeongwon,

“Why did you ask me to stay behind?”

Mu Jeongwon remained silent, simply staring at Ha Shin without a word. The handsome nobleman then cleared his throat and rose from his seat. He frowned slightly, as if his legs, which had been kneeling for a while, were uncomfortable, or perhaps he simply disliked the situation. Then, with graceful and elegant steps, he approached Mu Jeongwon and asked,

“Perhaps…”

The nobleman glanced at the Jiechi in Mu Jeongwon’s hand, feigning fear as he narrowed his eyes.

“Are you planning to cane me for talking back?”

Despite his expression, the nobleman’s tone was not only disrespectful but also provocative. But regardless of what he said, Mu Jeongwon’s expression remained unchanged as he placed the Jiechi and the book on the table. Then, he took out a letter he had tucked away.

The calligraphy on the envelope, marked “Personal (親展)”, was bold and neat. Mu Jeongwon scanned the letter, then looked at Ha Shin and said,

“This letter contains a request from the Kunlun Sect Leader to treat Ha Shin (河信), the seventh son of the Kunlun Ha (河) family, the same as any other disciple of the Celestial Demon Cult.”

For the past few hundred years, Kunlun and the Demonic Cult had been sworn enemies. Because Kunlun and Xinjiang were in close proximity, they were the first to face the Demonic Cult whenever it made a move towards the Central Plains.

However, after the appearance of the joint monster lairs, Kunlun, perhaps due to its proximity to the Celestial Demon Cult, had become the greatest beneficiary.

Whenever a joint monster lair appeared in Kunlun, the Celestial Demon Cult would send people to assist, and Kunlun, as if in return, would lend its forces whenever the Celestial Demon Cult needed help.

As Mu Jeongwon had explained in his lecture, the landscape of the Central Plains had completely changed after the emergence of the joint monster lairs, making such a relationship possible.

“And it requests permission for him to audit classes for two months, starting today.”

Having finished, Mu Jeongwon neatly folded the letter and set it down. Then, adopting a respectful attitude, he said,

“…Is that all I need to know to serve you, Master?”

Mu Jeongwon clasped his hands together in a respectful bow, deeply lowering his waist to Ha Shin, or rather, the Celestial Demon.

“Disciple Mu Jeongwon greets his revered master and Cult Leader of the Celestial Demon Cult.”

At the same time, a frosty chill flashed across Ha Shin’s face. An expression that asked, ‘You dared to defy me, knowing who I am?’

As was well known, the Celestial Demon, Ki Yooshin, had five direct disciples.

Martial artists with the five surnames: ‘Po, Sa, Mu, Gae, Cheon.’

Among his disciples, the third disciple, Baekmyeon Sura (White-Faced Asura) Mu Jeongwon, outwardly held the position of Gakju (head instructor) of the Kyohakgak, an educational institution. However, in reality, he was the leader of Amhyeol-dan, a military organization composed of “Wol-in” (moon people).

His primary weapons were the Eunryeong (Silver Bell), which could charm monsters into a stupor, and the Surageom (Asura Sword).

Mu Jeongwon recognized his master, disguised, appearing at the Kyohakgak and inwardly clicked his tongue, thinking, “Master’s boredom has acted up again.”

His master’s true age was now unfathomable. Having undergone two cycles of rejuvenation, he appeared to be barely in his early twenties. With a disguise and the bone-shrinking technique, he could alter his skeletal structure to appear as young as 13 or 17. In truth, if the Heavenly Demon (Heavenly Demon) so desired, no one could recognize him.

Therefore, the carelessly applied disguise served as a silent trap, as if to say, “Mu Jeongwon, I am your master. Recognize me and behave accordingly.” Considering the Heavenly Demon’s usual temperament, it was only natural for him to disapprove of a disciple who ignored this and responded frankly.

However, to be precise, Mu Jeongwon hadn’t seen through the Heavenly Demon’s disguise. He simply remembered that the Heavenly Demon had taken on a similar Confucian scholar appearance a long time ago, when they sealed the Monster Den (Monster Lair) together.

No matter how carelessly the Heavenly Demon applied his disguise, who in the world could truly see through it?

‘And the incense burner…’

In addition, the fragrance, a blend of goldenwood, sandalwood, and various flowers and fragrant woods favored by the Heavenly Demon, provided a clue. Despite leaving so many clues…

“You said you disliked your nickname, Baekmyeon Sura, because it didn’t suit you? But in my opinion, there is no more fitting nickname for you.”

Sura, in Buddhism, refers to a terrifying demon with three faces and six arms, prone to fighting. The Heavenly Demon’s words implied that Mu Jeongwon had challenged him.

‘This is troublesome.’

Mu Jeongwon lightly bit his thin lip and bowed his head deeper.

“Master, I was wrong.”

A disgruntled master, so to speak, transforms into a very, very troublesome being.

Like a petty and thoughtless eight-year-old seeking revenge, he would inflict childish retribution on anyone who crossed him, be they disciples or close aides, until his anger subsided.

It was akin to a mischievous child, unaware of the cruelty of tearing a dragonfly’s wings, or a child thoughtlessly crushing a newborn puppy to death out of affection. The Heavenly Demon lacked any sense of remorse or compassion; his own amusement and pleasure always came first.

Perhaps this eccentricity stemmed from his life of excessive adoration, spanning nearly a thousand years. Born the eldest son of the previous Heavenly Demon and succeeding him as the grandmaster, he was raised like a precious jewel. A young master with unparalleled martial arts skills and breathtaking beauty, revered by the world, which dared not openly defy the Heavenly Demon Shingyo (Heavenly Demon Sacred Cult). Considering his upbringing, perhaps his capricious nature wasn’t so distorted after all.

At times like these, Mu Jeongwon dared to entertain this thought:

‘Regardless of his actual age, does his mental age also regress to match his appearance?’

In any case, he had anticipated this since their subtle power struggle during the lecture disguised as “Hasin,” but it was still a setback. It seemed the Heavenly Demon’s displeasure was far greater than he had anticipated.

Perhaps his master was infuriated by Mu Jeongwon’s deliberate, pointed replies, or perhaps he simply needed someone to vent his frustration on. Whatever the reason, appeasing him and soothing his mood was the priority.

Mu Jeongwon respectfully addressed his sulking master once more.

“This disciple, lacking in both sense and awareness, has shown great disrespect to Master. Please grant your generous forgiveness…”

But the Heavenly Demon abruptly cut him off, as if annoyed.

“Enough. Enough. That’s enough. Just answer me.”

His tone implied, Why did you ask me to stay? Tell me quickly, or things will get more troublesome.

“…I made that request because I anticipated that Master might have a task for me.”

Only then did the Heavenly Demon’s stern expression soften slightly, and he cleared his throat with a quiet hmm. While his perceptiveness might not be the best among the five disciples, Mu Jeongwon possessed the sharpest judgment.

The Heavenly Demon quietly uttered a name, directed at the back of Mu Jeongwon’s bowed head.

“Jeon Suyeon.”

Jeon Suyeon. At the unexpected name, Mu Jeongwon’s shoulders twitched almost imperceptibly. The Heavenly Demon’s acute senses likely picked up even the quickening of his pulse. However, he remained motionless, holding his breath, awaiting further instructions.

The Heavenly Demon looked down at Mu Jeongwon and spoke in a lower voice than before.

“The South Sea, a Muhan Daesu-grade Monster Den, and annihilation. A report barely a month old, known only to you five disciples and the victims’ families.”

The Heavenly Demon paused, his head tilting slightly. Simultaneously, a pressure pressed down on the back of Mu Jeongwon’s neck.

“I am quite curious how such a young child could know so much about a Muhan Daesu-grade Monster Den.”

“In this disciple’s humble opinion, the information likely leaked through the families of those who perished while participating in the sealing of the Monster Den.”

“Then, Cheonwiheon of Jeongcheopdan must be drawn and quartered.”

“Master!”

Mu Jeongwon finally looked up, his face etched with alarm.

The Heavenly Demon’s words, shifting abruptly from playful to severe, could become law and be executed instantly. If the Heavenly Demon decreed someone be drawn and quartered, it would be carried out immediately, regardless of whether they were a disciple or a cherished servant.

“This disciple spoke carelessly.”

Mu Jeongwon knelt down, lowering himself further. Seemingly pleased by the rare display of varied expressions on his third disciple’s face, the Heavenly Demon’s stern countenance relaxed somewhat as he averted his gaze.

“As you said, it could have leaked that way.”

No matter how tightly the sect controlled information, those who lost fathers or sons might speak out. Furthermore, information regarding the Monster Den wasn’t a strictly guarded secret. The problem lay in the specific details Jeon Suyeon had provided during the lecture.

“I will investigate this matter separately. In any case, keep a close watch on that child.”

“I will obey your command.”

After a brief pause, the Heavenly Demon added casually, almost confidentially, “Wouldn’t you be the most suitable for this task?”

Mu Jeongwon swallowed, bowing his head. He understood the implications of the Heavenly Demon’s words better than anyone.

Only after hearing Mu Jeongwon’s affirmative response did the Heavenly Demon lightly flick his sleeve, performing Heogong Seopmul (Void Grasping). An invisible force gently lifted Mu Jeongwon to his feet. The Heavenly Demon leaned closer to Mu Jeongwon’s face.

“By the way, Teacher. Isn’t five times a bit much for copying? The Demonic Law Book is a law book created by my own hand, the Heavenly Demon. Must I, the author, truly copy it?”

The voice, now completely transformed back to that of the Confucian scholar Hasin, sent a slight shiver down Mu Jeongwon’s spine. However, sensing that the Heavenly Demon’s twisted mood hadn’t fully subsided, he kept his gaze lowered and bowed his head once more.

“I apologize, but Master, you too…”

Mu Jeongwon paused, then lifted his head slightly to meet the Heavenly Demon’s gaze, responding respectfully, “Must copy it. There are no exceptions in my class.”

The Heavenly Demon’s elegant brow furrowed slightly.

“Do you know that among my five disciples, you are the most displeasing and the most adept at upsetting me?”

As Mu Jeongwon bowed deeply in lieu of a reply, the Heavenly Demon clicked his tongue and swept out of the Kyohakgak, his jade-colored robes billowing behind him.

Only after seeing Hasin’s two beautiful attendants waiting outside and following him did Mu Jeongwon take a short, shaky breath, rubbing the back of his neck and his chest.

It was fortunate that his master’s anger was vented in this way.

He recalled Jeon Suyeon, pondering the Heavenly Demon’s command.

Winter arrived early in the Cheonsan Mountains. On the tenth day of the bitterly cold October in the Cheonsan Mountains, a newborn baby was abandoned at the north gate of the Heavenly Demon Shingyo in the frigid pre-dawn hours.

Jeon Suyeon was that baby, frozen blue and on the verge of death. And it was Mu Jeongwon himself who had given him the name Suyeon. Therefore, he understood the meaning behind the Heavenly Demon’s words,

“Wouldn’t you be the most suitable for this task?”

A fleeting warmth touched Mu Jeongwon’s face, but it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual impassive expression. He gathered his ruler and books and left the Gak, hoping that no stray sparks of the Heavenly Demon’s wrath would reach the youngest Cheonwiheon.