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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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“Haah…not enough, not nearly enough.”
A map of blood splattered across the execution grounds.
It hadn’t taken her more than ten minutes to punish the thirty or so prisoners.
But considering her level of skill, it was a very long time.
She had meticulously dismembered each and every one of them.
During those ten minutes, everyone at the execution grounds who witnessed the scene kept their heads bowed low, thinking to themselves,
‘Thank heavens it wasn’t me.’
They knew full well how terrifying the woman who reigned as their Cult Leader truly was.
Therefore, it was easy to predict what would happen to those who dared to provoke her… just as predictable as a fire spreading through a dry autumn field.
The only reason people gathered under this arrogant, cruel, and self-indulgent woman was because of her exceptional martial arts skills.
“Shadow Demon, how long will it take to follow the trail?”
And also because some owed her a debt of gratitude.
“I can catch up within three days.”
“I’ll give you two. If the person you track matches this portrait, bring them to me *unharmed*. Understand?”
For that reason, Shadow Demon would even bring the head of the Martial Alliance Leader if the Heavenly Demon commanded it.
“I won’t disappoint you.”
“Indeed, you never have. Go.”
The woman called Shadow Demon vanished and her short black hair fluttered behind her.
“…”
The Heavenly Demon surveyed the execution grounds, littered with blood and chunks of flesh.
The Head Administrator and the other Cult members standing behind her remained frozen in place, too afraid to draw her attention… their senses entirely focused on her every subtle move.
“I need some rest. I’ve traveled from Yunnan without a break.”
“Yes. I’ll have someone prepare your chambers.”
“I’ll be in my disciple’s chambers.”
“Shall I accompany you?”
“There’s no need. I wish to be alone.”
“Understood. Once the room is ready, I will escort you there.”
With a cupped-fist salute and a deep bow, the Head Administrator quickly left the execution grounds, followed by dozens of attendants.
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One of the attendants preparing the Heavenly Demon’s chambers was named Yeon-hwa, a newcomer who had joined the Cult less than a month ago.
“…I have a question. Why are the younger disciple’s chambers called the younger disciple’s chambers? Did the Cult Leader have a disciple?”
The other Cult members usually treated Yeon-hwa like a beloved younger sibling, but this time, they admonished her with stern faces.
“Hush! You’ll get yourself killed talking like that. You shouldn’t speak carelessly about the younger disciple’s palace.”
“Really…? But the Head Administrator talks about it.”
“It’s not that the name itself is forbidden. It’s just that you’ll be in big trouble if you make a mistake while mentioning it.”
Seeing the serious look on their faces as they warned her about the potential trouble, Yeon-hwa shrunk back and replied,
“I see. I was just curious.”
“Well, even I don’t know the full story, but… I heard that before the Black Heaven Cult was founded, the Cult Leader had a disciple, who passed away for some reason.”
“Oh… what was the reason for their death…?”
“I don’t know that. Anyway, the point is, we shouldn’t mention their name carelessly. Just look at what happened today… dozens of corpses to clean up.”
Fortunately, Yeon-hwa hadn’t seen the horrific scene at the execution grounds, but judging by the pale faces of her seniors, she could guess it must have been terrifying.
After that conversation, the attendants focused on cleaning the chambers. As they were finishing up, Yeon-hwa spoke again.
“The Cult Leader must have cherished her disciple very much. That’s why she built the younger disciple’s palace to honor their memory.”
“…”
She continued while polishing the bed frame with a cloth.
“And they must have been an amazing person, just like the Cult Leader. A disciple often takes after their master, you know. The Cult Leader saved me from being sold as a plaything to a wealthy family. I’m sure her disciple was also a wonderful person too.”
“…”
“Hey, it’s awkward when only I’m talking. React a little…”
Embarrassed by the lack of response, Yeon-hwa turned around.
“Yes, perhaps I should have reacted.”
The other attendants were prostrated on the floor, their heads touching the ground, and the Cult Leader stood among them.
“C-Cult Leader!!”
Realizing the situation belatedly, Yeon-hwa quickly prostrated herself.
‘I’m… I’m in big trouble.’
Her loose tongue had gotten her into this mess.
She felt lightheaded as the blood drained from her face.
“Why are you so surprised? Do you think I’ll eat you?”
The Cult Leader approached her slowly with a wide smile on her face.
“I-I apologize.”
Yeon-hwa lowered her head further with each step the Cult Leader took.
“Raise your head.”
A finger lifted Yeon-hwa’s chin.
Jet-black hair tied back, eyes that glittered like polished rubies.
Seeing her own reflection in those crimson eyes, Yeon-hwa felt her breath caught in her throat.
“It seems the chambers have been prepared well.”
After looking at Yeon-hwa’s face for a moment, the Cult Leader glanced around the room and smiled in satisfaction.
“You may leave now.”
At her words, the prostrated attendants cautiously rose, bowed, and exited the Cult Leader’s chambers.
“Ah, tell the Head Administrator to show some appreciation to those who cleaned the chambers today.”
“C-Cult Leader?”
“And tell him to be especially generous to this sweet child.”
She patted Yeon-hwa’s head a few times and gently pushed her towards the other attendants.
“Go on now. I’m going to rest.”
“Y-yes!”
As the Heavenly Demon began to remove her outer robe, the attendants hurried out of the room.
Once they were gone, the Heavenly Demon, now dressed in lighter clothing, leaned back against the bed and gazed at the painting the Head Administrator had brought.
“So, what that Wudang Sect fool said was true.”
*Heavenly Demon, if you recover your lost treasure, will you cease this destruction?*
Could his words, shouted amidst the black flames, have been a prophecy?
“I don’t know.”
She longed to track down the truth herself, but high expectations often led to great disappointment.
What if, at the end of her search, what she found wasn’t the answer she sought?
And if the demonic energy within her intensified as a result…
“Then even burning the world to ashes wouldn’t quell it.”
That was why she had sent the Shadow Demon.
Two days.
The Shadow Demon would bring her an answer within two days.
“I miss you, In-ho.”
The Heavenly Demon murmured wistfully while caressing the painting.
It was a sight unimaginable for someone who had just slaughtered over thirty people.
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“Wow~ Sichuan!”
Yes, he was in Sichuan. The Sichuan of Sichuan jajangmyeon.
Even though they’d alternated between walking and riding in carriages, traveling such a long distance in a short amount of time had left him exhausted.
He felt stiff and heavy… he’d probably sleep soundly tonight.
“Alright, let’s go fill our bellies~!”
Namgung So-yeon, seemingly tireless, grabbed his hand and led him into an inn.
“Welcome~! Table for two?”
A cheerful woman greeted them, and Namgung So-yeon held up two fingers.
They sat down at a table, and soon two plates of mapo tofu (he didn’t know the menu anyway) arrived, ordered by Namgung So-yeon.
“Thanks for the food.”
As someone who was penniless, he thanked her before starting, but she waved it off dismissively.
“Don’t mention it. Helping those in need is a virtue all martial artists should uphold.”
“I see.”
He nodded vaguely and took a bite of the mapo tofu.
“…”
“Master Kang, what’s wrong?”
Spicy.
So damn spicy.
“Cough, cough. Is all Sichuan food this spicy?”
He started coughing.
“Hmm… it’s just right for me. It seems a bit too spicy for you, Master Kang.”
“I’m a maepjjil-i.” [T/N: Korean slang for someone who can’t handle spicy food]
“Maepjjil-i?”
“…Think of it as someone with a low tolerance for spicy food.”
“Oh…”
He found himself battling the unexpectedly spicy mapo tofu. It was only after consuming nearly equal amounts of mapo tofu and water that the burning sensation in his mouth began to subside.
After finishing his combative meal, he realized Namgung So-yeon, who had already scraped her plate clean, was staring at him intently.
“Is there something on my face?”
“No. It’s just that you’re different from other people I’ve met, Master Kang.”
“How so?”
“Well, for example, some people try to pretend they can handle spicy food, even when they can’t.”
“That’s foolish. What good is it to pretend you can handle spicy food?”
“Exactly. Maybe they just don’t want to admit they can’t handle something.”
“People aren’t omnipotent. There’s always something they’re not good at. Pretending to be perfect? That’s just showing off.”
“Hee~”
She let out an impressed sound, like in a Japanese drama, and scrutinized him, making him feel self-conscious and look away..
“We’re staying at this inn, right?”
“Of course. It’s late already. I already got a room.”
“Oh, then can you tell me where my room is?”
“We’re sharing a room.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t have unlimited funds, you know. I need to save money to get to the Martial Alliance.”
“But men and women shouldn’t share a room. Aren’t you worried, Miss Namgung?”
“Eh, what could a weakling like Master Kang possibly do to me?”
She had a point, but it still stung.
That smug little…
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NVM stupid comment