Chapter 181
**
Suddenly, an unexpected statement burst forth.
That person, Heuk Dae-wun, proclaimed himself the First Sword of Sapa. I discreetly asked Su-ryeon.
“Is the name of the so-called First Sword of Sapa… Heuk Dae-wun?”
“You didn’t know?”
My companions were left dumbfounded. Eun Seol-ran blinked in disbelief.
“I mean… the guy called the First Sword in one faction is… that clueless?”
“Not clueless.”
“If he’s the First Sword of Sapa, then… isn’t he a subordinate of our target?”
“…Target?”
Heuk Dae-wun’s eyes narrowed. His hand subtly moved towards his sword.
“Are you perhaps aiming for Lianju-nim?”
“…We’re not aiming for Lianju-nim.”
“Then?”
“We’re after her bodyguard.”
Didn’t they say the lord is in pain?
A thought casually flashed by.
“…Could it be that Master Sado has been poisoned?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Have you ever heard of Reverse Heaven?”
“I’m hearing it for the first time.”
“…It seems like it will be a long story. For now, let’s set aside the matter of the Inner Pill and deal with the beast’s hide first.”
The eyes that had been descending narrowed. Including the hides of other wolves, I neatly skinned the great beast.
During combat, I realized that even the mighty energy carrying my strength barely penetrated it. Had this beast learned martial arts, it would have been several times harder to deal with.
I infused the neatened hide with heat. With Heuk-joo’s help, the flames multiplied, burning away the flesh and fat left on the inner side of the hide.
This should prevent it from rotting. Ju Ryeongryeong looked at the neatly cut chunk of meat.
“Let’s eat this. The meat of a beast should be good for health, right? Su-a, doesn’t it look delicious?”
“Um… will it taste good?”
“Meat is delicious, no matter what.”
“That doesn’t mean you should try to chew it raw. Ryeongryeong, let’s eat it cooked like a proper person.”
“Fish can sometimes taste good raw.”
“Is meat and fish the same?”
I quickly butchered the beast and returned to the stronghold. Considering the size of the hide, I thought I could also make clothes or a sleeping bag for Sua.
After wrapping up all the tasks, I started a conversation with Heuk Dae-wun.
I even distanced myself a bit from my companions, fearing that the story might leak out. My disciples didn’t know I was a member of the Demon Cult.
“Heuk Dae-wun, I am a member of the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
“…Heavenly Demon Sect? Isn’t that quite far from here?”
“Yes. And the reason I came all the way here is because of a person named Yeong-wol. That woman not only betrayed the Sect Master but is also a murderous fiend who slaughtered those without weapons.”
“…Explain in detail.”
I conveyed everything I knew to the First Sword of Sapa. As the story progressed, his expression grew more serious, and even after the conversation ended, he couldn’t utter a word for a while.
“You’re saying Yeong-wol is a spy operating in Reverse Heaven…? And that there’s a high possibility she’s poisoned Lianju-nim?”
“There’s no certainty, but since it happened once in the main sect, it could happen here too, don’t you think?”
“…….”
Heuk Dae-wun stared at me. He lightly tapped the sword handle with his empty hand, as if gauging my sincerity.
After several moments of silence, his lips parted again, spewing forth disbelieving words.
“That Yeong-wol is Lianju-nim’s bodyguard. It’s already been two years since she joined.”
“…….”
“It was also a coincidence when I first met her. I stood up for a courtesan being bullied in Gilu, and caught Lianju-nim’s eye. And in all this time, she has never caused a single incident. Rather, she has been a help, showing no signs of personal greed.”
“…What if all of that is a facade?”
“I’m not particularly close to Yeong-wol. The one closest to her is ultimately my lord, so there may be aspects I cannot see. But Lianju-nim herself invited her as a bodyguard. Lianju-nim has a superb eye for people. If there were any suspicious signs, she would have caught on by now. The fact that she hasn’t dismissed her until now means she hasn’t seen anything wrong with her.”
Heuk Dae-wun ran a hand through his hair.
“Think for yourself. Jeok-un. Even if you and she aren’t close, we serve the same master and are comrades. It’s hard to believe someone who suddenly appeared would make such claims out of nowhere.”
“…….”
“Isn’t it only natural to trust someone you’ve crossed life and death with rather than trust the words of someone suddenly showing up? Therefore, I will treat your words as if I have not heard them.”
He wasn’t wrong.
It seemed clear that they had spent more than just a day or two together, so even with a sudden warning against her, it would be suspicious.
Still, I needed to persuade him… but how…
“…I have to say this.”
“…….?”
“You don’t strike me as someone who would willingly tell lies. You helped me without even knowing who I was, even going so far as to concoct reasons just to feed me.”
Heuk Dae-wun spoke calmly.
“Since I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I’ll believe you to a certain extent. You seem to be saying different things, so… I’ll go to see for myself with my own two eyes. I’ll also relay whatever I hear directly to Lianju-nim.”
“Accompanying me is…”
“I don’t trust you that much.”
“Yes.”
I nodded hesitantly. For now, it seemed like matters had somehow reached a peaceful resolution.
As I turned my body, Heuk Dae-wun suddenly extended his hand.
“Don’t you still have an unfinished transaction, though?”
“…You mean the Inner Pill?”
“Yes. I need that. I’m not certain if Lianju-nim is truly poisoned, but it’s clear her energy is affected, so I need it. Hand it over. In exchange, I’ll also give you something.”
“Something like what…?”
“Originally, I would have brought you to Sado Clan to give you what you desired, but given how things are, I can’t take you as a guest. Instead, I will send a subordinate here with goods and news in a month. If there’s something you want, just say it. Whether it’s a sword or a healing potion or anything else within what I can procure, I promise to deliver it to you, even in the name of the First Sword of Sapa.”
“…Can I discuss with my companions?”
“Of course.”
I returned to my companions. Those who heard the story broke into bright smiles.
“It looks like things will resolve well. It might even wrap up better than we expected. For someone so clueless, he’s got quite the backbone.”
“Did they say they’d give us anything in exchange for the Inner Pill? Then let’s get a weapon.”
“A weapon… you mean?”
“I’m talking about Sua’s weapon. Isn’t it about time she graduated from that old iron sword?”
“Right! Let’s gift her a nice sword!”
Sua, who had quietly been listening, sparkled with excitement.
“My sword? Wow!”
Eun Seol-ran picked up a twig and started sketching on the ground.
“What do you think about a sword of this length… and this design?”
“If he is the First Sword of Sapa, he should be able to shape the design we want. He’s basically the strongest warrior in Sapa, second only to Master Sado.”
“Let’s also ask for a pair of gloves, made from the threads of a human-faced spider! Since Sua’s current physicality is still lacking, it would be helpful for her. Until she reaches greater heights, her hands could look pretty too.”
“As long as it isn’t too heavy, we should compromise on the weight. The metal used should obviously be… exclusively expensive.”
“But, Sua’s hands are small, right? The handle can’t be too big either. Otherwise, it’ll be too much of a burden…”
“Oh. Gu Hwa-rin. You’re quite sharp.”
“Th-thank you?”
“It’d also be good to request some charms made from leftover metals. They would suit my little sister perfectly.”
I brought Heuk Dae-wun right over. Hearing an avalanche of requests, Heuk Dae-wun asked, slightly bewildered.
“A bit too many demands for just handing over one Inner Pill, don’t you think?”
“Aren’t you the First Sword of Sapa? Fancy talking out of both sides of your mouth?”
“…Did I reveal my identity unnecessarily…”
Heuk Dae-wun nodded.
“I’ve remembered all the requests. I’ll convey each and every one without fail to the finest craftsman in the Sado Clan. The designs for the charms, gloves, and sword will be done as illustrated here, correct?”
“Should I write it down?”
“No, it’s not necessary. I can perfectly remember this level of detail.”
Heuk Dae-wun stood up. He extended a hand toward me.
“I trust you haven’t lied to me.”
“I swear on my life, not a single word of falsehood was mixed in.”
“…Then let’s hope that’s true.”
Heuk Dae-wun left. In an instant, that strange evasion technique he wielded was as flawless as one would expect from the First Sword of Sapa.
Eun Seol-ran asked me.
“What do you think will happen?”
“…He doesn’t seem like a bad person…”
For now, trusting and waiting seemed the best option.
“It might be good to visit this place again in a month.”
…
“Da-wun.”
The First Sword of Sapa, Heuk Dae-wun, dashed effortlessly through the trees.
His mastery over the lightness technique allowed him to glide past numerous obstacles with ease.
Yet, despite his light form, his mind was tangled. The words he heard from Jeok-un were not something to dismiss lightly.
Master Sado.
His benefactor and lord.
He had resolved to dedicate his life solely for her. If it meant even a slight improvement in her health, he was prepared to throw himself into the flames.
This was not a mere infatuation. It was loyalty. And it was something his master was well aware of.
They trusted each other and relied on one another.
That was the relationship they had when she became Master Sado.
But what of now? One more person had intruded into that space. The bodyguard named Yeong-wol quickly captured her gaze and swiftly took her side.
Perhaps because they shared the same gender, there were many things they seemed to understand. Heuk Dae-wun did not harbor any jealousy over that. Pure loyalty. If someone devoted to watching over his master increased, that was quite beneficial for him as well.
However, there were moments when an unsettling feeling crept in.
An inexplicable discomfort. Yeong-wol reeked of blood.
Not just a few…
But rather, the stench of hundreds dead.
Naturally, he avoided her. The scent of blood wasn’t the least suspicious to a warrior of Sapa. It was just that the scent felt inexplicably sticky and sickeningly bad.
Thus, he kept his distance. Perhaps it was instinct warning him.
Although he considered himself rather oblivious, when it came to survival, he was far from it.
…Perhaps, just perhaps…
If Jeok-un’s words were true, then it was likely his instincts had been alerting him.
If he did not distance himself from this Yeong-wol, it might cost him his life.
“……”
Preparing for a battle with a beast, Heuk Dae-wun didn’t need to conserve his energy and charged toward where Master Sado was. He went without sleep and without food, passing through the front lines and venturing deep into the territory.
At last, he arrived at the stronghold of the Sado Clan. The late-night hours were evidenced by the many torches lit around.
—Tap.
For the first time, Heuk Dae-wun halted his steps. Standing straight, he spoke bluntly to the gatekeeper guarding the entrance.
“Open the gate.”
“…Huh! Master Bu-ryeon!”
“O-open the gate! Master Bu-ryeon has returned!”
The castle gates opened. Heuk Dae-wun walked past a multitude of greetings and headed straight for the heart of the Sado Clan.
Under normal circumstances, it would be common to go through complicated procedures to meet Lianju, but his situation was different.
“Lianju-nim.”
“…Huh?”
The absolute authority sitting at the top of the Sapa faction.
Master of the Sado Clan, Gu Ok-gyeong, stepped out of her chamber. With her barely adequate attire, Heuk Dae-wun hastily bent his forehead to the ground.
“I apologize for the presumption. However, I have something urgent to convey to my lord.”
“Not long ago you set out to catch a beast… and now you say there’s something urgent…? Da-wun. Da-wun. What time is it now… *cough cough*.”
Gu Ok-gyeong coughed.
Heuk Dae-wun’s complexion changed.
“…My lord. Are you… coughing…?”
“…Huh?”
Gu Ok-gyeong’s eyes widened. Something was on the hand that had blocked her mouth.
“…Blood?”
In a flash, Heuk Dae-wun stood up.
He darted toward Lianju-nim instantly.
“Wait, Da-wun…?!”
“Kneel!”
—Kaaaaaang!!!
The metallic sound echoed fiercely. The one known as the First Sword of Sapa wrapped himself around Master Sado and slid back in a rush.
The forceful clash of fingers sent a shudder through him. Despite hurriedly channeling energy, this was the result.
Above all, he…
Was he pushed back purely by martial arts?
“…You?!”
“I was going to handle matters while you were away… but your return was faster than expected. However, it doesn’t matter much. After all, the overarching plan is almost complete.”
The woman, having retracted her sword, wore a bright smile. Heuk Dae-wun gritted his teeth within the false cordiality.
“Yeong-wol! What on earth is happening?!”
“Reason, you ask…?”
The bodyguard of Master Sado.
Yeong-wol twirled her long black hair around her fingertips. She smiled sweetly.
“Because I love Lianju-nim?”
“…What?”
“Oh. You look like you don’t understand. Well, it doesn’t matter. In fact, that’s just one of many reasons. If I had to mention the key reason… it would be that the person I serve doesn’t particularly like the current Master Sado.”
“You mean the person you serve…? Don’t tell me… it’s Reverse Heaven…?”
“Hmm? Where did you hear that? How interesting. I never thought you’d utter that name.”
Yeong-wol traced her fingertips along the edge of her sword.
“That’s correct. Reverse Heaven. What we desire is war, yet recently, they’ve been reducing casualties and preparing for negotiations… such talks have arisen, haven’t they? Therefore, it was ordered from above to replace Lianju-nim. Ah, but don’t worry. I’m not saying I’m going to kill her.”
“What do you mean…?”
“My hobby lies not there, but elsewhere. Just ensure her life remains attached, so I can add her to my collection. I truly love Master Sado. A robust woman shines beautifully just by existing. I’ve failed once before, but I’ve improved upon it and concocted an even deadlier poison…”
Yeong-wol beamed brightly. Black poison dripped from the tip of her sword.
“This time, I won’t let her slip away. Live your whole life by my side as one of my prized possessions.”
“You crazy woman…!”
“Oh. Of course, you aren’t included. Heuk Dae-wun, the First Sword of Sapa, you see, I have no particular interest in men. However, I won’t kill you. Ak-bi once mentioned that stimuli are far more manageable when the corpse hasn’t been cold for long. Though Ak-bi has passed, that knowledge hasn’t vanished between us… I’ll keep your life intact. For later. I’ve even prepared a substitute for you. I’m fully prepared to set the stage afire amidst this sluggish fight…”
The sword scraped against the ground.
The vile poison corroded the marble.
“From now on is the real stage. The total offensive of the Sado Clan under the guise of Lianju-nim. Lianju-nim, didn’t you mention to me before? You didn’t wish to involve innocent civilians in conflicts. But what to do…”
Yeong-wol laughed.
“I think the screams of insects would serve as a suitable accompaniment. Kind of like a seasoning sprinkled atop food? Once I sweep them away, you, Lianju-nim, will surely wear a beautiful expression. Relish deeply and weep for your own weakness. Because you couldn’t protect them, all are doomed.”
