Chapter 3
**
A monotonous life it is.
Heavenly Demon Cheonsoso tipped her cup. Staring at the swirling green liquid, it felt unbearably dull.
The life of a deity. Of course, even in such a life, there are changes. Recently, there was a significant one.
However, that change was not welcomed. Rather, it was a change that did not sit well with the heart. Changes that one finds delightful are all like that.
They pique interest.
They make you wonder what comes next.
Cheonma set her cup down without even bringing it to her lips. Leaning back in her chair, she lazily yawned.
As if pulling something forgotten from a shelf, she casually took a bite out of a treat.
“Ilma.”
“Yes.”
“What happened to that bastard of a dog of yours?”
The Black-clothed Man appeared. No matter when one sees him, his demeanor was always full of formality and propriety.
Cheonma found that somewhat displeasing. They had spent years together. Furthermore, he had even passed on martial arts to her, making their bond special.
While others might not believe it, the Ilma before her was different. Although they didn’t share blood, could it not be said their bond was even deeper?
Such a pity. Truly a pity. Cheonma picked up a snack and munched on it.
“Take a look.”
“I am currently teaching the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique as per your wishes.”
“And the proficiency?”
“Regrettably, he isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed as expected.”
Well, his physique reflected that, and so did his skills.
What he held high was but an obsession, a fixation hidden within his honesty—an obsession formed from years of enduring and building strength.
Simply put, it was a profession.
“What about his swordsmanship?”
“He hasn’t even wielded one yet. He isn’t ready to learn.”
“What about his body techniques?”
“Nothing particularly remarkable.”
“What about his reflexes?”
“His adaptability is passable, but… he isn’t particularly impressive.”
“Can he be called a dolt?”
“It would be sad to attach the character ‘talent’ to him.”
Ilma’s evaluations were endlessly low. Cheonma chuckled.
Ah. Even when given tasks she didn’t fancy, he managed to accomplish them with precision. There was no way she could mix personal feelings into this report.
Then that mutt, Jeok-un, must be a total moron, even worse than a dolt!
But that’s what made it all the more amusing. Cheonma stopped her giggling. Leaning slightly, she looked up at the Black-clothed Man.
His face was hidden beneath the hood of his black cloak. The only visible part was a scrap of paper that clung like a talisman. Yet somehow, she could still see it.
“Ilma. Don’t you prefer those who have potential?”
“Of course, those with potential are better than those without.”
“Exactly. That’s you. You value efficiency. How many you have nurtured?”
“I have the Blood Demon Squad. Also, I’m responsible for the Four-Hole Deity.”
“Right. Even among your disciples, there are over a hundred.”
“The only ones I’ve properly nurtured are the Four-Hole Deity and that’s all.”
“I’ve occasionally peeked at you nurturing your disciples. How could I ignore such a cute and lovable Ilma working hard?”
“…I’m embarrassed.”
“But, my dear Ilma,”
Cheonma raised both hands.
She stretched her lips into a smile.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you smile like that.”
“…”
Ilma froze momentarily, then coughed lightly.
“You must be mistaken, Master.”
“Well, even if your expression isn’t smiling, your demeanor is. Have you perhaps developed feelings?”
“…Please retract your statement.”
There was a sincere look of dislike on her face. Cheonma shrugged.
“True. You are rather picky with your eyes, so that might make sense. But really, did you not transform through the Heavens? You too weren’t like this. Today is prettier than yesterday, and tomorrow will be prettier than today; this is Su-ryeon’s growth.”
“…….”
“Ah, right. You were pretty to begin with. Does that settle it? Ugh. Tsk tsk. There’s no charm in you. Just pretend to be a little shy or something. If I recall correctly, that mutt’s face wasn’t utterly unpresentable.”
“…….”
“Look at you not wanting to reply again! You need to fix that habit!”
“My response was delayed.”
“Honestly, it would’ve been better if you were just slow at drawing your sword in a fight. The day the world’s greatest idiot is late for an appointment is surely the day I die.”
No interest in you as a person, huh?
Cheonma lightly slapped the table. So, there must be something else that interests you as a warrior.
What could that be? If one were to ask, it could be known instantly. But where’s the fun in that?
Speculation is enjoyable just as it is. Of course. Cheonma smirked.
“Is that kid surprisingly diligent?”
“…It is true.”
“He doesn’t complain?”
“That too is accurate.”
“You already have two things you like. So, what could the last one possibly be? I’m so curious… but I shan’t ask. There’s nothing more dull than stirring trouble when I’m this close to finding the truth.”
Cheonma thought deeply.
She pondered a bit more after drawing a conclusion.
“Indeed, your eyes are sharp!”
“……”
Ilma’s icy gaze didn’t bother her.
“I would like to see him once… but if I go now, it would ruin the mood. I’ll have to watch from a distance later. However, since your evaluation is so high, perhaps I should expedite the timing for him to be sent out.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Have you secured someone who looks somewhat like him?”
“I’ve placed him in the Guardian position.”
“Well done, Ilma. Then the spy role will still be usable… let’s see…”
Ah.
Wasn’t that place still available?
“Weren’t there quite a few openings in the Blood Demon Squad?”
“…Yeah? Master, that isn’t a place just anyone who has recently learned martial arts can enter.”
“As long as he can get in, he’ll be able to achieve higher successes faster. It’s the best location to properly learn the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique.”
“He’ll most definitely be rejected by his allies first before anything else. The Blood Demon Squad lacks integrity. They’re akin to demons that have traversed countless battlefields. If he becomes a nuisance, they’ll surely eliminate him.”
“A pup who’d become my pet better not be struggling against mere demons.”
Cheonma snapped her fingers.
“The Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique the Blood Demon Squad learns is martial arts that I founded. That mutt will surely fit in well. Witnessing the high achievements of his peers, he will undoubtedly train harder.”
“…You really plan to let a dog that has undergone the Heavens die at the hands of not an enemy but of your own disciples?”
“Didn’t I say patience? If my dog bears the sword of patience, he’ll manage to survive even within the Blood Demon Squad.”
Cheonma lifted her cup. The sharpness felt surprisingly tasty now.
It’s a delicacy. Indeed, it’s the stories that go along with the tea that provide the real flavor.
“It’s good to let him grow like this. But what will be the outcome of letting him grow without any challenges? A child raised in a skirt can’t learn to use its claws.”
“……”
“Or have you become so attached that you wouldn’t want to put him in danger? Ilma?”
Ilma sighed. She wiped the blood trailing down her cheek.
“My Master’s sword possesses no ‘affection’ for anyone.”
“Then throw him away. After all, he’s my pet. It’s my choice on how to handle him.”
Cheonma polished off her teacup.
“A dog should be raised like a dog. If you hug and coddle it, it won’t grow.”
