Chapter 50
**
Time flows quickly for the Blood Sea Organization (사혈대)—or so they say.
In actuality, that’s not the case. It simply means that we are that busy.
The symbol of power possessed by the Heavenly Demon. The only authority with the right to instant judgment.
The Blood Sea consists of a total of 12 elite members, excluding the Master. A remarkably small number for an organization. Even if only the top experts are stationed here, it’s undeniably a ridiculous amount.
With such a small number, it’s naturally expected that each member has to take on many tasks.
One member of the Blood Sea does the work of dozens; one can only imagine how much their leader must be handling.
The Blood Sea Master and Ilma, Nanseol, quietly shuffled through the paperwork. Even though there was only one of him, the workload was on the order of hundreds.
The primary job of the Blood Sea is filtering out apostates. However, that’s not as easy as it sounds.
After swinging the sword, there is cleaning up to do. From the start, apostasy is a rather vague concept. To handle it accurately requires dozens of supporting pieces of evidence.
No task can be handled carelessly. The apostates the Blood Sea catches are mostly higher-ups.
This was directly linked to the honor of the Blood Sea. Devoting time to it was only natural.
And is that all there is to it? He also had to oversee things as a great law enforcer, and at the same time, various reports from multiple Blood Demon factions ultimately went through him.
There was a sheer volume of work. As always.
…But if I were to say that I was simply doing tasks in the past…
It feels a bit different now.
“Ilma-nim.”
Someone called out in the quiet office. A man wearing a mask adorned with charms cautiously approached me.
“I don’t quite understand this part…”
“Bring it over.”
The Heavenly Demon’s dog, which had been gathered three months ago.
The martial artist of the Martial Alliance, who would become a double agent…
Jeok-un.
He bowed his head, having learned the lacking parts.
“Thank you.”
He subtly stepped back to maintain distance. With his head buried in a makeshift desk, he once again focused on the paperwork.
There was not a hint of fluffiness in that action. As if he were perfectly dividing work and private life.
An absurdly excellent work ethic. Plus…
Isn’t it subtly helpful?
Jeok-un’s method of handling tasks was slow. But, in exchange, it was meticulous. Thinking back to the days when I had to re-evaluate the works of the eager but scattered individuals, his methods were undoubtedly suited for ‘assistance’.
He truly felt like a perfectly reliable assistant.
But is that all?
When a servant brings in food, he naturally prioritizes his own. He arranges his utensils neatly and doesn’t eat or drink until he himself digs in.
He doesn’t offer his opinion unless necessary. Only after casually inquiring, he carefully shares his thoughts.
He also doesn’t neglect his martial arts training. I sometimes wondered if he ever sleeps—he was so dedicated to everything.
He also does minor errands well… I heard that the relationships with the servants he casually asked were also very amicable…
“…….”
To be honest, I find him somewhat admirable.
I even wonder if there’s anyone who wouldn’t like that sort of attitude.
But is it simply diligence that defines him?
It was something I already knew, but seeing his persistence again left me in awe.
He hangs onto even the smallest piece of advice I throw out. Watching him toil all day without putting down his sword… it’s almost delightful as an instructor…
“…Ahem.”
Ilma, having stopped the random thoughts, halted his brush as well. The paperwork was finally complete. Unlike the usual day when the work ends early in the evening, he had wrapped everything up by early lunchtime.
Of course, his speed was partly due to the solid assistance he received from Jeok-un, which even further enhanced his efficiency. Several revisions that were originally necessary ended up cleanly organized after passing through Jeok-un’s hands.
Jeok-un, who finished organizing the final documents, spoke up.
“Ilma-nim.”
“What is it?”
“If there are no remaining tasks, may I train my martial arts?”
His tone was incredibly polite, even suggesting he’d advance his usual routine.
There was no reason to refuse. Ilma nodded.
“Go ahead.”
“Thank you.”
He immediately made his way to the training grounds.
As I watched his retreating figure, I suppressed the slight upward curl of my lips with a cough.
Just a little.
Just a tiniest bit…
I could tolerate that much.
No greater feelings were involved. Of course not.
Raising my normally paperwork-buried body, I followed him and stepped into the training grounds.
There wasn’t anything particularly I needed to advise. Most of it had already been passed down to him, and how he would handle that was the most crucial aspect.
Ilma observed the sword he wielded in the shadows.
The Overlord Demon Technique’s sword art. Beyond that, he had also acquired one more form, swiftly splitting the air.
The fourth form of Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique.
Flash Dispersal (섬살).
The sword energy was drawn. The world was shattered.
In an instant, the hardened rock shattered in several directions under the flashing blade.
Gathering energy little by little while continuing the sword movement, he pierces through the link with his sword.
Though the preparation time is somewhat long, and he must carefully manipulate the energy…
Its power is undeniably a strong and swift blade.
Ilma was greatly satisfied with the momentum of the sword. That’s the kind of guy he is.
Then how is the other side faring?
Ilma stepped out of the shadows.
“Jeok-un.”
“Yes.”
Even the way he retracted his blade now exudes a proper demeanor. Most so-called experts at this school wouldn’t even be able to imitate that posture.
Whoever raised him did a good job!
Ilma cleared his throat, testing the waters.
“How about the transforming sword? Any progress?”
“That…”
Jeok-un fiddled with his sword.
“I still can’t manage it. Ilma-nim.”
“And how does it feel?”
“Well… to be more precise…”
Jeok-un twirled the sword in the air.
“Isn’t the essence of the Heavenly Force simply about ‘absorbing’ different energies?”
“That’s right. That’s why I taught the key techniques separately for the black-and-white lotus sword and the fiery wheel demon sword, and the Bing Baeksul sword. Though they operate within the same framework of Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, the intricate details were taught differently.”
“I’m still reflecting on the division of those three…”
Jeok-un let out a sigh.
“I can’t seem to draw out the energies. Since I can’t even begin, the techniques become useless.”
“…Hmm.”
I didn’t expect this to be an unexpected problem. While the broader martial energy is still under Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique…
Handling those subtle energies becomes a completely different issue.
The coldness accumulated from Bing Baeksul’s spirit.
The warmth accumulated from the Demon Valley Lord’s spirit.
Even the magical energy accumulated from the separate spirit extracted from the Blood Sea organization.
Aside from the pure blood energy accumulated through the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, three different energies swirled within his body.
A bizarre phenomenon of housing three beasts simultaneously, aside from himself. Truly… it wasn’t ordinary.
It was no wonder he couldn’t draw it out. After all, he wasn’t practicing the Combined Primal Demon Technique like me.
“First, keep practicing the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Sword. I will find a way.”
“Yes. Understood.”
Ilma walked through the building, pondering.
If he solves this problem, Jeok-un will leap several stages ahead. That’s how powerful this sword is. It’s like showing various paths to something that is merely heavy.
If he could just master the transforming sword, he would no longer need to focus on the unfamiliar illusions and void. It would be versatile enough to leave his opponent aghast.
For that reason alone, I desperately wanted to teach him this sword…
But I couldn’t teach the primary Combined Primal Demon Technique. It was something only I could refine.
Hadn’t the Master mentioned it? Because of my unique constitution, I was able to teach it.
A vessel capable of containing any form of magic.
Jeok-un, who doesn’t have that vessel, would undoubtedly find the Combined Primal Demon Technique to be a poison rather than a remedy.
Therefore… perhaps…
—Shouldn’t I think in a different direction?
It’s ultimately simple. If he can even draw out the energy coiled in the dantian, then he could wield the transforming sword.
Since I’ve taught him all the key points, it should definitely be possible if he simply draws the energy out.
Then the question is how to coax out the coiled beast…
“…Hmm.”
As Ilma thought and pondered, he suddenly glanced down at his waist.
A sword among swords. The sword personally bequeathed by the Master.
The Blood Demon Sword. That’s what I called it.
How did it feel when I wielded this sword? True to its status as an unparalleled sword, didn’t it draw out unmatched power in the martial arts I unleashed?
That’s what renowned swords do. They are equipment that assists the wielder by aiding the manipulation of energy.
…Then…
What about the Ear Sword (귀검)?
Ilma turned his feet back to solidify his thoughts. Venturing into the Demon Palace, he sought guidance from the Heavenly Demon.
“…To draw out special energy through the Ear Sword?”
The Heavenly Demon fiddled with the chair, intrigued.
“It’s not entirely without possibility. Moreover… that one has quite a degree of patience. The essence of the Ear Sword is nothing compared to the Heavenly Force, so it should endure easily. If it can extend its energy, then it would also serve well as a starting point for drawing out energy.”
“That makes sense. Master.”
“The transforming sword. If you forcibly embed it within the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique… Ilma. You’ve put in quite a bit of effort, haven’t you? Such talents in the world would go as far as to do that for a single person. Ah, this must be love…”
“No, it isn’t.”
“Cutting it off cleanly. Ilma. Then here’s the second issue. The Ear Sword is not something that comes around often. It is rarer than a renowned sword. Moreover, if you want to draw out the desired energy, it must be an Ear Sword that bears similar energy. How many of those exist in the world?”
“I’m thinking of creating one rather than searching for it.”
“From where?”
“I plan to entrust the task to Master Guigok Yajang.”
“…Hmm.”
For once, the Heavenly Demon emitted a rare groan.
“Ilma. That’s the most absurd thought you’ve had up to now. Guigok Yajang is such a weirdo that even the Master couldn’t persuade him. No one in this world can convince him.”
“Trying is better than never attempting. I can seek other options after I’ve tried that.”
“That’s a waste of time. Even if one manages to go there, I’m certain it would simply be time lost.”
“Why is that?”
“Guigok Yajang forged the Master’s sword. Not the widely known Heavenly Demon Sword but the one used when the Master was an apprentice. And that one fits in his hands better. It has a different taste than the renowned sword. Hence, he is well aware of that. That guy…”
The Heavenly Demon exhaled.
“At first, he rejected even making the Master’s sword. It was only after countless requests from the Master, the Previous Heavenly Demon, that he agreed to forge it. He would never forge a sword for an ordinary person. Especially not for a mere mutt.”
“Still, he has been following the teachings really well lately.”
“Well, I’ve thought about it… maybe you’re the one who’s teaching him well?”
“Yes?”
“It seems like you’re pondering how to teach your student better outside of work hours. After all, you excel at everything, so it would make sense that you would come to excel in teaching as well.”
“I’m not a student!”
“Stubborn. Anyway, when I took a peek before, that mutt’s talent remains untouched. It’s only you teaching him well. It’s quite convenient to call it education at eye level. You’re a genius in teaching since you lower your gaze to instruct your disciple.”
The Heavenly Demon tapped the armrest.
“Guigok Yajang will not forge a sword for Jeok-un. At the same time, even the great things that Guigok Yajang possesses surpass Jeok-un, so he cannot be subdued by force. After all, he’s not the type to yield even if forced. But… it’s worth trying. If it doesn’t work, we can come up with other methods.”
“Then…”
“Guigok Yajang is, as you know, at Fengma Cave. It’s not just the place he chose but also the dwelling of Man-sa-shin-ui. It’s a gathering of people within our school who want to stay away from others. For that reason, not just anyone can enter.”
The hand that had been tapping the armrest stopped.
“But, coincidentally… the time for the biennial Fengma Cave study group coincides. We can sneak you in there.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“Thank you? Even if I give you the authority to enter, it depends on whether you can actually enter. I’d prefer to avoid taking side paths, but if you enter through there, you’d only be inviting the ridicule of Guigok Yajang. The way to Fengma Cave itself is a trial. Not to mention the treacherous terrain, the path inside functions like a giant mechanical device. The most dangerous construction created by human hands. The last time someone entered there was eight years ago, so whether you can enter or not depends on that guy. And above all, for raising the Master’s dog, it wouldn’t make sense for the Master not to assist, would it?”
The Heavenly Demon smiled.
“I’m nearing the end of the tenure set by the first Heavenly Demon. I wish to finish everything by the time I sit on the throne, so if you can get back quickly, then bring it back promptly. Ilma.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“Aside from that…”
The Heavenly Demon looked into the void.
“One Ear Sword can only contain one type of energy. Excluding the original sword and the Bing Baeksul sword I always carry around… I need to carry two additional swords at my waist. What am I, a sword merchant? That would be quite the sight. To wield four energies simultaneously on the Mixed Primal Four Swords…”
The smile was sticky.
“It would be similar to the Mixed Primal Demon Sword that the Blood Demon wields, creating a congenial relationship between disciples.”
“Master.”
“Of course, I’m joking.”
…
“An Ear Sword… is that so?”
I blinked in surprise. I hesitantly asked about the unexpected solution Ilma showed me.
“Are you saying I must carry three additional swords?”
“Exactly. Until you can draw out that energy, you’ll at least have to carry them like that. You might have to do so for a lifetime. After all, only one sword can be used at a time. Think of it as carrying three spare swords.”
Ilma fell into thought.
“The sword you currently possess… just leave it as is for when you use the standard Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique. The sword left by Bing Baeksul can easily be viewed as an Ear Sword with just a little fine-tuning.”
“Then does that mean I need to ask Guigok Yajang for those two additional swords? Together with the sword that Bing Baeksul left?”
“If possible, also show him the one you currently wield. If you can obtain it, there are no downsides. But that’s only if all goes well.”
Ilma gazed intently at me.
“Guigok Yajang is an eccentric among eccentrics. Even the Master couldn’t bind him. The reason he’s in Fengma Cave instead of the Demon Palace is that he despises ordinary people, so the chances of him forging an Ear Sword for you are slim. But…”
Ilma grabbed my arm.
“Still, push for it.”
“Yes?”
“You need that Ear Sword. At this rate, the transforming sword could remain just a fantasy technique. It might take you decades to draw it out by yourself. Hence, that Ear Sword is absolutely necessary. For you to climb higher.”
“…….”
“Soon, a study group aiming for Fengma Cave will set off. The three sects supporting the Demon Cult came together for the event titled ‘Harmony between Man and Animals’. While they feign harmony on the outside, it’s actually just a battle of wits. The number of back-row performers attending will be fifteen, with thirty escorting them. Mix in among them to head to Fengma Cave. Somehow convince Guigok Yajang and obtain that Ear Sword. I’ll provide plenty of travel funds. Just in case, bring this child as well.”
Ilma let out a low whistle. A pink bird with red-tipped feathers flew through the window.
“This is an opportunity to grow stronger. Jeok-un. There’s nothing as absurd as giving up from the start. Even if the road is dangerous and unclear…”
Ilma extended his hand toward me.
“It’s just like the scenery you always see, isn’t it? There’s truly no reason to give up now.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“That’s right.”
“I’ll tell you where the study group is gathering tomorrow morning. Set off early to join them, and I’ll inform you to avoid attracting unnecessary attention…”
Ilma sighed.
“You wouldn’t listen either.”
“I will go quietly.”
“I wish I could believe that.”
Ilma shot a sharp look at me.
“So you should have done well beforehand.”
“……”
I opened my mouth but quickly shut it.
It seemed to make a bit of sense.
