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“I just can’t wrap my head around what the Sword Demon said.”

‘Jin So-cheong? The Eight Demons of Martial Daos?’ This was completely out of the blue! I thought my fate was settled and I wouldn’t have to deal with Jin So-cheong again, yet here I am, tangled up with her once more. But then it hit me like a lightning bolt.

‘Right! That incident!’ I recalled my past life when I humorously ended up fighting the Demon Beast Army and took a dirt nap. Yes, that was my ninth life.

I’d spoken to Jin So-cheong before heading to Jinrang Valley at the call of Mangnyang. She mentioned taking down the Poison Demon of the Eight Demons. Naturally, I figured Jin So-cheong would easily handle a dude like that, so I didn’t bother worrying.

Considering the timing, it was almost identical to what was happening now.

Seeing my realization, the Sword Demon nodded, “You’re probably spot on. If you let Jin So-cheong roam free, she’ll end up coming out in about five to six years to take down the Eight Demons.” He was sharing my past life’s memories through the obsidian.

As I pondered, I couldn’t help but voice my thoughts. “Something feels off.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well, I don’t think Lee Kwang gives a hoot about the Eight Demons. Other than the Sect Leader, the guy mostly looks at all Eight Demons as underlings.”

“So why the sudden urge to mess with them?”

The Sword Demon smirked. “He needs to showcase his disciple in the Martial World; you think he’d throw her at a tough opponent right off the bat? Nah, he’d choose someone weak but not completely useless, someone she can fight without breaking a sweat. Training benefits and all that jazz. I’d make a similar choice if I were Lee Kwang.”

“…”

He was right. Because they’re weak underlings, it’s easier to step on them. But even if that’s the case, it seemed absurd for Lee Kwang to look down on the Eight Demons like that. How could he be so full of himself?

“Isn’t he worried about the grudges from the Eight Demons?”

“Lee Kwang’s already stomped on three of them in the past. With his skills, what’s there to be scared of? He’s as strong as I am, so the idea isn’t far-fetched.”

As the words sank in, I couldn’t shake the image of Lee Kwang immediately wiping out the Golden Eagle Guards with his Thunder Cloud Palm technique. Unless you were a Peak Expert, holding your own against Lee Kwang was likely impossible.

‘But this is way too reckless.’ My frustrations from earlier bubbled to the surface. Sure, the Eight Demons were a bunch of scumbags who engaged in crime and random killings, but did that mean he could wipe out dozens to give his disciple experience?

The Sword Demon spoke up, “Jin So-cheong recently took down the Poison Demon and also defeated the Earth, Madness, and Shadow Demons. With those wins, the Eight Demons will crumble.”

“…” My intuition kicked in—this was about exiling the Eight Demons! It was clear that Jin So-cheong’s martial journey had the goal of eradicating the demonic factions, and at the end of it all, the Sword Demon would be putting his life on the line.

I clenched my fists, “We can’t let this happen.”

“Right? If you help me out, I’d be really grateful!”

“Let’s head over to the Shadowless Gate right now.”

“Hold on! There’s something I want to tell you first.”

“What is it?”

The Sword Demon stared at me for a moment before finding a spot on a boulder to sit. Strange, considering he seemed more anxious than I was. He maintained his calm demeanor, though.

“If I die, take care of my daughter.”

“…!!” My eyes widened in shock. “That won’t happen! You won’t die.”

“Nobody knows the turns of fate or when their time comes. You know this better than anyone, right?”

“But…”

He sighed. “If something goes wrong, you’re the only person who can protect my daughter. Both the Orthodox and Heretical Sects will be eyeing her.”

“…”

“I already failed once at keeping her safe. When I heard she was trapped on Pirate Island, my heart shattered; that guilt is unbearable.”

“You weren’t to blame.”

“You’re the only one who can save her in this world. I genuinely believe that.”

I hardened my face and contemplated for a moment, but soon shook off my hesitation. “I’ll do it.”

“Thank you.”

The Sword Demon smiled faintly and continued, “I know you have a partner named Miho. So if my daughter ends up becoming a second wife, it’s not a big deal.”

“W-What are you saying?”

“Ha ha! Is my daughter not to your liking?”

“That’s not it…” I was at a loss for words as I watched him chuckle. Sure, he looked playful, but I could sense the seriousness behind his words. I realized I had to brace myself.

‘I have no choice.’ The Sword Demon seemed to anticipate his own demise on this martial journey, not solely due to Jin So-cheong but also because of the conspiracy lurking beneath the surface. I knew better than anyone that death could come from the most unexpected places. I gritted my teeth and vowed, ‘I will survive! And I will protect her.’ Even if it means taking down Jin So-cheong!

The Sword Demon seemed to sense my determination and said, “Alright, let’s move.”

“Yes!”

With a whoosh! We arrived at the Shadowless Gate using the Golden Lamp technique. Six years had passed since I was last here, and the exterior hardly changed a bit. The Shadowless Guardians spotted us and rushed out to bow.

“Sect Leader!” The horde of Shadowless Guards that gathered were all Peak Experts—the cream of the crop among the Heretical Sects. The Sword Demon waved them up and asked, “Have you all trained under Ho-bok?”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

“Let’s hear the rest of the report inside. Where’s Hyea?”

The most skilled among them, the White Blood Swordsman, replied, “Young Master is in the cultivation chamber.”

“Hmm… relay my message later. I don’t want to disturb her training.”

“Understood!”

We followed the Shadowless Guards into a conference room. One stepped forward to provide an update. “As you were told, the Poison, Earth, Madness, and Shadow Demons were killed by Jin So-cheong. He’s currently staying with the True Heaven Alliance.”

While listening, the Sword Demon crossed his arms and asked, “The True Heaven Alliance, huh? What’s he doing there?”

“Apparently, Jin So-cheong rescued prisoners from Heaven and Earth Gate. Reports say he’s been seen conversing with the Alliance Leader, Wei Zhi-hun.”

“Hmmm…” The Sword Demon closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought. “It’s not far from here.”

Indeed, the headquarters of the True Heaven Alliance was in Shandong Province, adjacent to Henan Province. If Jin So-cheong exerted even a bit of Internal Power, he could arrive at Shadowless Gate within a few days.

Noticing my subordinates glancing at each other, the Sword Demon continued. “Any word from the White Lotus Sect?”

“Actually, a letter arrived from them sealed and stored.”

“What? When did that happen?”

“It arrived last evening, but I didn’t get the chance to report.”

“Hmm… bring it to me.”

Rustle… The Sword Demon ripped open the letter from the White Lotus Sect, and after reading it for a while, his expression darkened. “So the White Lotus Sect plays it this way…”

He turned to the White Blood Swordsman beside him. “Contact the Black Demon. Tell him I need to meet him at the Capital in three days.”

“Yes.”

“The rest of you should focus on your assigned missions and continue to train your skills! And White Blood, you come with me.”

“Understood.”

The meeting wrapped up quickly, and I followed the Sword Demon into his chambers. Once seated, he remarked, “Things have taken a strange turn.”

“What do you mean?”

“Initially, I planned to capture Jin So-cheong at my base, but it seems the White Lotus Sect has jumped in.”

“Huh?” My surprise was palpable.

“The Wind Spirit Sect made their move as well. It seems their experts set out to take down Jin So-cheong from the White Lotus Sect five days ago.”

…!!

“I’ve been pondering whether to observe or make contact with Jin So-cheong.”

Really? The Wind Spirit Sect jumping in was unexpected! But after giving it a thought, the reasoning was clear.

‘The Eight Demons currently serve as the lower forces for the White Lotus Sect… they wouldn’t stand by while Jin So-cheong threatens their minions. That’s why the Wind Spirit Sect is in motion!’

If the Wind Spirit Sect aims to mask Jin So-cheong, they’d probably deploy the Wind Spirit Team. And as far as I know, their might is nothing to scoff at—an army of Peak Experts from the Wind Spirit Sect could easily annihilate opponents.

Not knowing how strong Jin So-cheong had become, he’d definitely struggle against the Wind Spirit Team. Those from the Wind Spirit Sect were trained fiercely and had impressive Internal Power. The chances of Jin So-cheong not making it out alive were quite high.

‘This might actually work in our favor?’

The Sword Demon noticed my expression and said, “Guess it’s a blessing in disguise.”

“Honestly, I feel a bit…” Facing off against Jin So-cheong was a significant burden, but at least if the White Lotus Sect dealt with him, it was a relief. As I sheepishly responded, the Sword Demon added, “But this isn’t a simple matter. Had I not seen your memories, I would’ve thought like you too.”

“What do you mean?”

“The premise is wrong. This isn’t a training expedition for Jin So-cheong. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place.”

His words echoed in my mind. “Through your memories, I realize what kind of human ‘Lee Kwang’ is. He’s thorough, possesses a heart as cold as a snake, and doesn’t just cross dangerous bridges without caution. So, sending his beloved sole disciple into danger—did he really not consider the risks?”

He tapped his fingers on the table, continuing, “No way. He’s not that type. There’s a double-layered scheme here.”

“A double-layered scheme?” My heart dropped as I contemplated his continues words.

“Lee Kwang must have known that the White Lotus Sect was behind the Eight Demons from the get-go.”

…!!

“So… Jin So-cheong’s killings of the Eight Demons would be his master’s command. Meanwhile, the Thunder God Lineage’s actions against the White Lotus Sect could be seen as a declaration of war as well.”

My disbelief was palpable. “Declare war? The Thunder God Lineage against the White Lotus Sect?” Are you kidding me?

Even after everything Mangnyang and I had done for the Thunder God Lineage, it took us years of back-breaking effort to gain independence. Yet here they were, with the weakened and disbanded Thunder God Lineage threatening the White Lotus Sect? They were practically asking for annihilation!

The Sword Demon laughed. “Lee Kwang is showing his cards. He never intended to engage in an all-out war against the White Lotus Sect. He would strategically break the lower forces while playing it safe, using the True Heaven Alliance to subtly manipulate the situation to his favor. He must’ve expected the Wind Spirit Team to get involved from the start.”

“But why would he take such a dangerous path if he’d thought this through? It would be much safer to focus on training.”

The Sword Demon answered as if it were obvious. “Because he can’t let go of that grudge!”

“…”

“He regards the White Lotus Sect as a bitter enemy, and with time passing, his chances for revenge lessen. With so few successors from the Thunder God Lineage left, the passage of time will only lead them to forget those roots. To raise awareness of the Thunder God Lineage’s existence to the world, Lee Kwang must push for this plan before it’s too late.”

I was left speechless. Not only was he strong, but the Sword Demon also had a sharp mind! His ability to decode Lee Kwang’s psyche was impressive—likely from his experience as a leading figure in the Martial World all these years.

‘So Lee Kwang’s been thinking about the Thunder God Lineage’s faction war?’

Announcing the Thunder God Lineage’s survival would ignite the flames of vengeance in the successors, compelling them to pursue revitalization. Lee Kwang was betting on that slim hope.

“In that case, it’s about time Lee Kwang makes his move. While his disciple lounges around at the True Heaven Alliance, he’ll subtly visit them to prompt a mediation request, which would put the Wind Spirit Sect in a tough spot, causing them to hesitate. He’ll get to maneuver things his way.”

“Isn’t that a bit too far-fetched?”

“Hmm… there might be another possibility.”

The thoughts swirling in my head didn’t bode well as I began to see the looming issue.

“It’s possible that Lee Kwang plans to use Jin So-cheong as bait to wipe out the Wind Spirit Team.”

“…”

It would be an outrageous gamble, but I couldn’t deny that with Lee Kwang’s domineering nature, it was a plausible strategy.

“In any case, trying to act now could prove to be hazardous. Let’s wait at the Shadowless Gate for a few days and observe the situation.”

“Understood.”

After my conversation with the Sword Demon, I returned to the room assigned to me. Lying on my back, I stared at the ceiling, pondering, ‘What could Jin So-cheong be thinking?’

I knew he held a firm resolve but also had a personal conviction. Even if he lived to see a thousand springs, he surely intended to master martial arts. But sometimes, he seemed like a puppet without a will, swayed by Lee Kwang, making it hard to see what his true face was.

Most troubling was that feeling of emptiness that often surrounded Jin So-cheong. For reasons unknown, he maintained a positive front, but under that smile lingered an inexplicable void. I had observed him for decades, yet I still couldn’t grasp the nature of that emptiness. Thus, it became increasingly impossible for me to read his thoughts.

But one thing was certain—Jin So-cheong was an enemy.

As I lay on the bed, I made a resolute vow in my heart. ‘If they become an obstacle to my training, I’ll eliminate both Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong!’

 

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