DDBM Ch 3

Lunchtime, Pavilion of Hibiscus.

“Eat a lot.”

“Mm.”

Yipyung sluggishly moved his chopsticks, urged on by Suyeon’s insistence to eat more. Suyeon also hurriedly filled his own empty stomach.

‘This damned, hungry life.’

Suyeon’s childhood was always marked by hunger. Even the lunch he was eating now was a free meal provided once a day. On holidays, when even this wasn’t available, he had to wander the mountains looking for food or work at other people’s houses for a meal.

So, on weekdays like today, he always made sure to get his attendance book stamped at the Teaching Pavilion to secure a meal.

That was the past, but he couldn’t live like that again in this life. No, he refused to.

‘What can I do to save people, amass a fortune, and leave the Heavenly Demon Cult?’

After reviewing the situation for the past few days, he narrowed down his goals to three:

First, earn a lot of money to escape the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Second, prevent the deaths of his friends and colleagues.

Third, be a Sun Person. Specifically, don’t die as the Heavenly Demon’s expendable resource.

The fastest and surest way to achieve his first goal of earning money was, as in his past life, to become a Moon Person. If he became a Moon Person, couldn’t he just make a big score and then disappear?

It wasn’t a bad plan. He no longer had any semblance of loyalty to the Heavenly Demon. He could run away anytime, as long as he was prepared.

Alternatively, he had the advantage of knowing about the incidents and accidents that would occur over the next 10 years. What if he could find monster lairs ahead of everyone else, kill the monsters, and sell the monster stones?

‘Is it possible? Could it actually work?’

While Suyeon was lost in thought, Yipyung, sitting next to him, nudged him.

“Should we, should we move? Let’s eat somewhere else.”

“Why? Oh…”

It was because of Po Yeondan and his group, who had settled at the next table.

Yipyung, small in stature and with a severe stutter, was bullied even more than Suyeon. But that would only last until the end of this year. Around the end of the year, Yipyung would become a Moon Person and achieve tremendous wealth and glory.

Although it was the beginning of his misfortune, in his previous life, Suyeon had unknowingly celebrated Yipyung’s reversal of fortune.

“L-Let’s, let’s go. Please.”

“Alright. Let’s move over there. And you, eat more. You need to gain some weight and muscle. Health is paramount.”

Unfortunately, after becoming a Moon Person, Yipyung would die in a monster lair just six months later. Suyeon hadn’t witnessed it himself, but it was said he died after all his energy was drained by a Sun Person cornered in the lair.

Just like when Suyeon had died at the hands of the Heavenly Demon, a rampaging Sun Person, desperate to survive, had sucked Yipyung dry of his life force.

No matter how precious Moon People were, those from powerless families were often used and discarded in this manner. And if the Sun Person who committed such an act was from a prestigious family, the atmosphere was one of tacit acceptance.

The Sun Person who killed Yipyung was none other than that spoiled brat, Po Yeondan. Suyeon learned this years later, when a drunken Po Yeondan gleefully recounted Yipyung’s death, mocking him.

—The way he cried and begged for his life, pissing himself, was so hilarious. Haha.

“Wait. Would it be faster to save Yipyung or kill Po Yeondan?”

“Huh? What did you say, Suyeon?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing. More importantly, hey! Listen to me carefully.”

“I, I’m older than you…”

“Age doesn’t matter.”

My mind is twenty-nine.

“You absolutely must eat a lot and build your strength. That’s the only way you’ll survive. Build your stamina and train in martial arts like your life depends on it. Especially running.”

“Well, maybe my arm strength is good from all the transcribing.”

Whether he meant it as a joke or not, Yipyung grinned and transferred some of his rice and meat to Suyeon’s bowl.

“You should eat more. And I’ll… qu-quickly finish mine and help you with your transcribing.”

Whether he was kind or just dense, Yipyung was always like this.

“It’s fine. I can finish the transcribing quickly. Don’t worry about it.”

Just as Suyeon was about to stand up with both his and Yipyung’s bowls,

“Huh?”

A fistful of sand was dumped into their bowls.

⊹ ࣪ ˖🌒

‘How dare he make me do transcriptions?’

In truth, the Heavenly Demon hadn’t intended to help Suyeon at all. He simply wanted to make Mu Jungwon uncomfortable. As a bonus, it was amusing to see Mu Jungwon’s icy expression contort with bewilderment.

‘I raised him without manners.’

Each disciple had their own story with the Heavenly Demon, but Mu Jungwon’s was particularly unique. On a whim, the Heavenly Demon had taken in the four-year-old boy, who had lost both his parents in a monster lair, giving him a small house and looking after him from a distance.

Of course, “looking after him” didn’t mean doting on him with food and clothes. It merely meant keeping him in the same vicinity and occasionally asking indifferent questions like, “Are you training diligently?” or “Have you eaten?”

But this was an exceptional act, leading to widespread speculation that Mu Jungwon would become the Heavenly Demon’s successor.

Then, all that troublesome talk vanished when Mu Jungwon turned ten. Unlike most Moon People, who typically awakened their abilities in their late teens or early twenties, Mu Jungwon became a Moon Person at the young age of ten.

It was generally accepted that the abilities of a Moon Person weren’t inherited, but there were exceptions. Both of Mu Jungwon’s deceased parents had been exceptional Moon People.

Thus, according to the doctrine that a Moon Person couldn’t become the Heavenly Demon, the ‘succession debate’ came to an end.

‘Hah! Even Master has to write it five times?’

As the Heavenly Demon inwardly fumed, passing by Buyongwon, the outdoor dining area where the disciples ate, he heard a commotion.

A fight seemed to have broken out under the elm tree in the distance.

“Jeon Suyeon. Can you even swallow your food? Because of you and that righteous prick, I had to do transcriptions so many times.”

Voices from the crowd watching the fight echoed Po Yeondan’s sentiment. Suyeon gritted his teeth, staring at the sand-filled bowl.

“How is that my fault?”

“You caused it.”

With a whoosh, Po Yeondan’s fist flew towards Suyeon’s jaw. Suyeon quickly ducked, deflecting Po Yeondan’s hand and stepping back. Po Yeondan’s eyes widened in surprise at Suyeon’s agility as he slipped away like an eel. But he immediately reached out to grab him again.

“Can’t you guys stop acting so childish? What are you doing to my food?!”

No matter how much Po Yeondan tried to grab him, Suyeon nimbly dodged and continued talking.

“And if you have a complaint, take it up with the Kunlun Young Master. Don’t take it out on me.”

“I won’t let that righteous bastard off the hook either. So you get hit first. Come here.”

The phrase “righteous bastard” struck a nerve with Gwak Jeongmu of the Wudang Sect and Namgung Hyeon of the Namgung Clan.

“What, bastard? Did you just say ‘righteous bastard’?”

Po Yeondan scoffed and crossed his arms.

“Pick your sides wisely. He acted all high and mighty, and now because of him, it’s the fifth time we’ve had this punishment.”

“It wasn’t acting high and mighty, it was righteousness and chivalry. How is taking someone’s side in trouble acting high and mighty? He was just trying to be loyal.”

“Loyalty, my ass. Then use your precious loyalty to do our share of the transcriptions.”

Namgung Hyeon retorted.

“Po Yeondan. If you’re so upset about the transcriptions, go directly to Master and complain. Don’t be cowardly and do this behind his back. And while we’re at it, you shouldn’t be doing this to us when we haven’t done anything. How do you think we feel having to copy your demonic law books?”

Gwak Jeongmu of the Wudang Sect also shook his head in disapproval.

“This is why the Demonic Cult is hopeless. You only talk big behind people’s backs. You can’t even squeak in front of someone strong.”

Jang Hagyeon started laughing loudly.

“Haha. Yeah, the righteous sects aren’t anything special either. You’re just as rude. Did you say ‘demonic law books’? You do realize this is the Heavenly Demon Cult’s front yard, right?”

At Jang Hagyeon’s mockery, Gwak Jeongmu, seemingly speechless, pressed his lips together. Then, as if he’d remembered something, he started chuckling.

“I know. It’s the Heavenly Demon Cult’s front yard. But considering you couldn’t even answer a simple question about the size of the monster lair, I think I’m better than you in many ways.”

As Gwak Jeongmu brought up the embarrassing incident at the Gyohakgak, Jang Hagyeon flew into a rage.

“You parasitic bastard! If it weren’t for our Thousand Rivers and Bright Moon Technique, all of you righteous sect bastards would be dead!”

“Don’t make me laugh. How long ago was that? And did you, Jang Hagyeon, create the Thousand Rivers and Bright Moon Technique? Why are you acting so self-important?”

“Son of a bitch. Stop running your mouth and come at me.”

Gwak Jeongmu snorted.

“Fine. Come on!”

As Gwak Jeongmu prepared to unleash the Wudang Three Calamities Sword Technique, Jang Hagyeon and Po Yeondan also clenched their fists. The fight, which had started between Jeon Suyeon and Po Yeondan, was escalating into a conflict between the Demonic Cult and the righteous sects.

Just then, a deep, low voice cut through the heated argument.

“Me?”

The disciples’ eyes focused on one spot.

“Are you fighting because of me?”

It was Ha Shin, the Kunlun Young Master who had just been facing off against Mu Jungwon at the Jinmugak (Martial Arts Pavilion). He was also the creator of the Thousand Rivers and Bright Moon Technique that kept being mentioned, and the author of the ‘damned demonic law book.’

‘I should have kept it short. Why did I write 30,000 characters?’

The Heavenly Demon thought he should consider a major revision of the demonic law book. In any case, Ha Shin, or rather, the Heavenly Demon, gently fanned himself with his folding fan and gazed intently at Suyeon and the others.

‘Let’s see.’

That one is the Po Clan brat, in front of him is some stuck-up disciple of the Wudang Sect. And behind him is some tasteless nobody from the Namgung Clan, living off his family name.

And the other one is…

The Heavenly Demon narrowed his eyes and scanned Suyeon’s shabby appearance. Malnourished to the point of being withered, with no knowledge of martial arts, just an ordinary person.

‘Jeon Suyeon, was it?’

⊹ ࣪ ˖🌒

Suyeon felt his breath catch in his throat at Ha Shin’s appearance.

His anger towards Po Yeondan, the frustration of missing even his single daily meal, and his hunger all seemed to vanish.

‘He might be the Heavenly Demon.’

He couldn’t shake the suspicion that Ha Shin might be the Heavenly Demon.

The Thousand Rivers and Bright Moon Technique and the Demonic Law Book were martial arts manuals and legal texts created and written by the Heavenly Demon himself. Knowing the Heavenly Demon’s personality, he wouldn’t let it slide that his inferiors were gossiping about them.

Moreover, if he truly was the Heavenly Demon, he was also the one who killed Suyeon in his previous life.

“You’re here. Come here.”

Po Yeondan beckoned Ha Shin with a flick of his finger. Ha Shin calmly walked through the crowd of disciples that parted like the Red Sea and spoke.

“I overheard you complaining that you’re being punished because of me. Then don’t write it. Don’t do it.”

He spoke as if there was an alternative. Po Yeondan, genuinely curious about what he would say next, asked,

“And what about the consequences?”

“Consequences?”

Ha Shin chuckled lightly. Then he shrugged and snapped his folding fan shut.

“You deal with them yourself. Take responsibility. I don’t know about anything else, but the Namgung and Wudang young masters had a point. If something is unfair, protest and take responsibility for it.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

Ha Shin continued, his expression still relaxed.

“I told Master my opinion, and I consider this the price I’m paying. It doesn’t feel that unfair. But I suppose it must feel unfair to you.”

As he glanced around, Ha Shin’s gaze stopped at Suyeon and the overturned rice bowl on the ground.

“And all you do is sprinkle sand in someone’s food.”

He then looked at Namgung Hyeon, Gwak Jeongmu, and the others, clicking his tongue.

“Nitpicking, taking sides, and getting into brawls. Wouldn’t it be better to spend that time writing even one more character?”

His voice and expression were calm and composed, like flowing water, yet they strangely held a commanding presence. The crowd fell silent. Ha Shin now exuded a similar aura to when he had faced Mu Jungwon earlier at the Gyohakgak.

It was somehow deflating. It made them feel powerless to resist.

Sighs erupted from here and there, especially at the words “writing even one more character.”

Suyeon was utterly confused.

If Ha Shin were the Heavenly Demon, he wouldn’t have reacted so calmly. The Heavenly Demon Suyeon knew would ruthlessly punish anyone who challenged his authority and status, making them writhe in agony until their death…

He was just letting it slide that they dared to mention the Thousand Rivers and Bright Moon Technique and the Demonic Law Book?

Then was he really just the Kunlun Young Master? His demeanor and elegant posture, like a well-bred young lord, certainly made him seem like a nobleman’s son.

In any case, Ha Shin’s appearance had calmed the tense atmosphere.

“Right. Let’s hurry up and write.”

“Yeah. Who would dare question Master?”

“Let’s go, let’s go. Don’t waste time.”

“Even if we write all night, we might not finish.”

“We have other assignments too.”

If they couldn’t go directly to Mu Jungwon and complain, time was of the essence. Five rounds of transcriptions were a volume that would take all night to complete, even if their arms fell off. And those like Jang Hagyeon, Yipyung, and Jeon Suyeon, who had even more to do, couldn’t even imagine how long it would take.

With Po Yeondan’s momentum broken, the gathered disciples began to disperse. As Suyeon tried to blend into the crowd and slip away unnoticed, Ha Shin spoke to him.

“I’m sorry you got caught up in this.”

“Uh, oh… No, it’s okay. I’m fine. Not troubled at all.”

Suyeon flinched, his expression showing that he was more troubled by Ha Shin talking to him. As he hurriedly grabbed his sand-filled bowl and tried to leave, Ha Shin asked,

“Have you eaten?”

“E-eaten?”

Why was he asking that? Suyeon’s heart pounded, and his head spun. Is he the Heavenly Demon or not? Who is he?

Ha Shin’s eyes fell on the dirt-covered rice bowl.

“Anyway, it seems like you missed lunch because of me. I’ll have my servant bring you some. Wait here.”

“No, it’s okay.”

As Suyeon vehemently shook his head, Yipyung, usually timid and quiet, unexpectedly stepped forward.

“Excuse me, c-c-could you, if it’s not a bother?”

“Yipyung!”

Suyeon would rather starve than eat face-to-face with someone who might be the Heavenly Demon. Seeing Suyeon’s distress, Ha Shin smiled knowingly and spoke lightly.

“Don’t worry. I’m not asking you to eat with me. I’ll have them send you some rice and side dishes. Eat comfortably, the two of you. I wouldn’t want you to get entangled with those righteous sect guys again.”

“Oh, no, that’s not…”

Suyeon waved both hands frantically.

That wasn’t it at all. He didn’t care about the righteous sects or the Demonic Cult. The issue was whether Ha Shin was the Heavenly Demon or not. Ha Shin unfolded his fan again and murmured in a barely audible voice,

“What was today’s lunch again? I heard it was Dongpo pork and crab soup.”

Dongpo pork… The thought of the sweet and savory sauce and the rich, fatty juices made Suyeon’s mouth water.

‘D-Dongpo pork, crab soup.’

It was Suyeon’s favorite dish in his previous life. A flicker of joy crossed his pale face, and he couldn’t help but gulp.

Yipyung smiled brightly for the first time in a while and bowed his head.

“Thanks for helping Suyeon during class earlier.”

“Ah, right. Thank you, Ha… Ha Shin.”

Suyeon finally remembered to express his gratitude. Although things had turned out this way, it was due to Mu Jungwon’s merciless nature rather than Ha Shin’s fault, so he had to thank the person who had spoken up for him.

“It was nothing. I just said what needed to be said.”

Suyeon’s suspicion that he might be the Heavenly Demon lessened slightly. The Heavenly Demon was a very gruff person, not someone who would thoughtfully look after others. He only cared about himself, indifferent to whether others ate or slept. Come to think of it, the real Heavenly Demon wouldn’t have stepped forward to help someone during class either.

But as Ha Shin stared intently at Suyeon, who was repeatedly expressing his gratitude, he said something strange.

“Hmm. If you’re that grateful, how about having a drink with me sometime?”

“A-alcohol?”

The word “alcohol” made Suyeon’s ears perk up.

Alcohol was expensive… While tea and water were freely available at the Gyohakgak, alcohol had to be purchased from taverns, inns, or pubs. Thus, for Suyeon, who barely had enough money for food before awakening as a Moon Person, alcohol was an unattainable luxury. He’d only had a few sips of what the Cult provided on special occasions like the Full Moon Festival, the Heavenly Demon’s birthday, and other holidays. Of course, after awakening as a Moon Person, he could drink as much as he wanted.

Come to think of it, the Full Moon Festival was approaching.

‘Alcohol… I want some. It’s been a while.’

Ha Shin asked,

“Can’t you?”

“It’s not that. I love it!”

“Good. Then let’s have a drink.”

Although he loved alcohol, Suyeon wasn’t willing to risk drinking with someone who might be the Heavenly Demon.

“Y-yeah, we’ll see. L-later…”

Suyeon assumed Ha Shin was just being polite and played along. Ha Shin didn’t press the matter further, leaving it open with a casual “Let me know later” and then withdrew.

⊹ ࣪ ˖🌒

The Heavenly Demon Cult’s influence spanned the entire Xinjiang region. Tianshan, where the Cult’s headquarters were located, was a rugged mountainous terrain known as “Thousand Mountains and Ten Thousand Peaks”. The Heavenly Demon Cult was situated in a place difficult for other clans and ethnic groups to access.

The main fortress, a citadel enclosed by a ten-foot-high wall encompassing approximately 300,000 pyeong (roughly 245 acres), had gates in eight directions for entry and exit.

Inside and outside the fortress walls were shops, educational institutions like the Gyohakgak, clinics, brothels, and various villages and towns inhabited by everyone from noble families to common villagers.

Deep within the fortress walls, in the most secluded location, stood the Great Hall of Light. This hall was exclusively for the Heavenly Demon, Sun People, Moon People, and others closely associated with the Cult. No one could set foot inside without the Heavenly Demon’s permission.

“Cult Leader, the Peach Blossom Soft Whip, Commander of the Information Gathering Unit, requests an audience.”

“Let him in.”

The Great Hall of Light housed numerous pavilions, towers, and halls. Among them, the Bigak (Hall of the Crescent Moon) served as the Heavenly Demon’s private study, attached to his bedroom, and also as a reception room.

The Heavenly Demon sat leisurely on a cushioned chair in the Bigak, enjoying Shaoxing wine. He particularly enjoyed warming the dark liquor slowly with hot water, which enhanced its aroma and flavor.

Just as he took a sip,

‘How about having a drink with me sometime?’

The Heavenly Demon recalled what he had just said to Suyeon.

‘Why did I say such nonsense? What would I do having a drink with a mere child? Why did those uncool words slip out? Am I losing my mind?’

He clicked his tongue and was about to place his empty cup on the table when Cheon Wiheon, swift as the wind, appeared at the entrance of the Bigak and bowed.

The Heavenly Demon’s languid gaze shifted towards him.

“Hehe. Have you been waiting long? My disciple was out of Xinjiang, so despite rushing here immediately after receiving your command, I was slightly delayed. My apologies, Master.”

It was Cheon Wiheon, the Peach Blossom Soft Whip, the Heavenly Demon’s youngest disciple, with a face as soft as a ripe peach.

“You summoned me, Master?”

Cheon Wiheon was the Commander of the Information Gathering Unit, which collected and managed information on the appearance, size, and location of Monster Dens. He was also the youngest of the Heavenly Demon’s five disciples.

The fact that he held such a crucial position at the young age of twenty-four was due to his almost genius-level intuition for gathering information and piecing it together into a coherent picture.

Although he looked like a youthful boy, he possessed a meticulous personality and a brilliant mind, capable of discerning the essence of any problem.

After briefly bowing to the Heavenly Demon, Cheon Wiheon straightened up and faced him. He cautiously gauged the Heavenly Demon’s mood and asked,

“Did you perhaps summon me in such haste due to some error on my part? I’m afraid, Master.”

“Report first.”

As soon as he received the message from Ah Chong, “The Cult Leader summons you,” Cheon Wiheon had reviewed everything that had recently transpired with the Heavenly Demon.

The Heavenly Demon only summoned him for questioning when he was displeased or when matters were urgent.

He had heard that the Heavenly Demon, under the alias “Ha Shin,” had thoroughly tormented Mu Jungwon at the Gyohakgak today and even personally intervened in a minor squabble between disciples. And, surprisingly, he had even ensured a meal for a lowborn disciple.

However, he didn’t know the details of the conversation between the Heavenly Demon and Mu Jungwon within the Gyohakgak, as Mu Jungwon had used a silencing technique.

Therefore, the reason for summoning him must be related to either the conversation with Mu Jungwon or the “South Sea Monster Den,” the Heavenly Demon Cult’s biggest headache. Or perhaps both.

Cheon Wiheon bowed his head again, then peeked up.

“Please just tell me, Master.”

The Heavenly Demon raised his ivory cup to his lips and spoke,

“Is the South Sea Monster Den indeed of immeasurable magnitude?”

As expected, it’s that.

“Yes, Master.”

Cheon Wiheon cleared his throat and continued his report in a serious tone.

“I’ll deliver a follow-up report by today’s Shenshi (3-5 PM). The reason for the delay in assessing the situation is that even the martial artists dispatched for reconnaissance are unaccounted for… However, it’s certain that it surpasses level 1.”

That incident had resulted in the loss of many skilled martial artists from the Heavenly Demon Cult, the Gongdong Sect, Shaolin, and Wudang, and ultimately led to the annihilation of the South Sea Sect. The beautiful South Sea Island had become a death zone, overrun by monsters.

It was the Heavenly Demon Cult’s first defeat in a war against a Monster Den that involved Sun People.

“And the rumors spreading within the Cult regarding the South Sea are likely due to the bereaved families of the lost Sun People and Moon People inquiring about the whereabouts of their bodies. They probably questioned those connected to our disciples who are aware of the situation.”

Pausing briefly, Cheon Wiheon gauged the Heavenly Demon’s reaction and cautiously continued.

“While not entirely certain, it seems the matter regarding the Monster Den spread in that manner. We’ll thoroughly investigate how this happened and punish those responsible, so please calm your anger and grant your forgiveness. And we will keep a close watch on the child named Jeon Suyeon who brought up the matter.”

The Heavenly Demon was likely aware of this situation, so there must be another reason for summoning him.

Throughout Cheon Wiheon’s report, the Heavenly Demon maintained an indifferent expression, merely refilling his cup and shaking his head without much reaction. After hearing everything, he expressed a quiet concern.

“There’s no guarantee that a Monster Den like the one in the South Sea won’t appear in the Central Plains. Understanding the current situation is crucial for developing countermeasures.”

“Yes, I shall obey your command.”

“And, take this.”

Finally, the Heavenly Demon revealed the real reason for summoning Cheon Wiheon. Cheon Wiheon looked back and forth between the book placed before him and the Heavenly Demon.

“Isn’t this the <Demonic Law Book>?”

“Yes. Take it and transcribe it ten times.”

“P-pardon?”

“Didn’t you beg for forgiveness?”

Cheon Wiheon’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the Heavenly Demon and the Demonic Law Book, then he pouted.

“Isn’t this the punishment that Third Senior Brother gave to Young Master Ha Shin? Then shouldn’t the Young Master do it himself? If I do this for him, Third Senior Brother will try to kill me.”

“He wouldn’t really kill you.”

“And I heard it was five times. Why has it become ten?”

“I’ll use it when Mu Jungwon bothers me again.”

If only he wasn’t my Master!

Cheon Wiheon stamped his feet in frustration.

“Master, if Senior Brother finds out, I’m dead.”

“He may be stubborn, but he’s not malicious enough to kill his junior over something like this.”

The Heavenly Demon remained relaxed.

“H-he may be endlessly respectful to you, Master, but do you know how strict Senior Brother is with his juniors? Whenever Third Senior Brother appears, it feels like a frozen hell is unfolding before my eyes.”

“You dare insult a disciple of the Heavenly Demon, your senior brother, in front of me?”

The upturned corners of his eyes made him look angry, whether it was genuine or feigned. Cheon Wiheon knew better than to take it lightly, even if it was a joke. He quickly waved his hands and carefully embraced the Demonic Law Book.

“No, that’s not it. It’s just that I’m always grateful for Senior Brother’s strict discipline and teachings… I’ll quickly transcribe this and bring it back.”

“Just leave it.”

“No. This book, the more I read it, the more my loyalty to Master deepens. I consider it an excellent law book. I often transcribe it and engrave it in my heart, even without being asked. I was planning to do it today anyway.”

The Heavenly Demon waved his hand dismissively, shooing Cheon Wiheon away. Cheon Wiheon agreed and respectfully withdrew.

Silence returned to the Bigak. The Heavenly Demon, left alone, raised his cup slowly to his lips.

“One thing taken care of…”

They say you can block the flow of a river, but you can’t stop the flow of words. It was impossible to completely conceal an incident that had caused dozens of casualties, and it wasn’t a strictly guarded secret anyway.

So, the rumors would naturally spread like wildfire. He was only slightly puzzled that the example of the “South Sea” had come from that naive fool’s mouth.

And what was currently bothering the Heavenly Demon the most was the faint sense of familiarity he felt towards Suyeon.

‘Why does that insignificant thing keep catching my eye?’

It was a strange current, one the Heavenly Demon hadn’t felt recently. He had ordered Cheon Wiheon and Mu Jungwon to keep an eye on Suyeon, seemingly on a whim, but in truth, even he felt that Suyeon was slightly suspicious.

Whether it was familiarity or something strange disguised as familiarity.

Like a small, sharp hangnail, Suyeon kept bothering him. Normally, he would have chosen to eliminate anything suspicious, not dwell on it like this.

But the moment he thought, “I can just kill him,” Suyeon’s smiling face came to mind. Especially the image of Suyeon gulping at the mention of Dongpo pork and crab soup almost made him spit out his wine.

The Heavenly Demon wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and refilled his cup.

He was cute.

It was like… something long forgotten, something he had cherished and treasured, had resurfaced.

Countless people had passed through the Heavenly Demon’s long life, but even in the seemingly endless, monotonous flow of time, there were fleeting, sparkling moments.

The Heavenly Demon dredged up a memory from thirty years ago.

It was the day he buried his beloved dog, Palbong, after its death. It was also the day he had acted on a whim and decided to personally raise Mu Jungwon, who had lost his parents, in the Tiger Garden Hall.

The Heavenly Demon let out a dry, cold chuckle.

‘Could it be that my white dog, Palbong, has been reincarnated as Jeon Suyeon?’

That insignificant speck of dust… Jeon Suyeon was stuck in his mind, refusing to budge.

His attire was shabby. His light-colored trousers were worn and frayed at the knees, and the seat was patched multiple times with different fabrics, yet even those were threadbare, revealing his skin. His top was equally dirty and unkempt.

His hair was a mess, and the headband around his forehead looked like it would snap if pulled even slightly. And his shoes…

The Heavenly Demon frowned. Suyeon’s appearance, which made him wonder if he had mistakenly taken in a beggar from the Beggars’ Sect, appalled the Heavenly Demon, who preferred cleanliness.

However…

He had a pretty face. With clean, smooth lines, and refined features, if he were properly cared for and fed, he could be a beauty second only to the Heavenly Demon himself. A pearl hidden in the mud.

‘Or a mutt?’

Palbong, his white dog, was the only mutt that had ever bitten the Heavenly Demon.

‘A dog… well, for a stray, he did have quite a good physique.’

Yes, if I cleaned him up, dressed him properly, and fed him well, he might be quite presentable. He stopped abruptly, realizing he had been staring blankly with the cup at his lips.

With a slightly irritated expression, he drained his cup and set it down on the small table with a thud.

“Ah Hong! Ah Chong! Are you there?”

He called for his two servants in a sharper tone than usual.

“Yes, Cult Leader. You called?”

“Bring me something to eat, not just alcohol. I crave something spicy and hot.”

“As you wish.”

“Bring me Dongpo pork and crab soup again.”

“…Yes, Cult Leader.”

He must be like this because he hadn’t had a proper meal today.

Ki Yooshin, the half-human, half-god known as the Soul-Severing Heavenly Destroyer, rose from his seat as if shaking off the image of Suyeon that had taken root in his mind.