CDF Chapter 19

“Welcome back.”

“Bring me some tea.”

“Ah, yes.”

Shortly after, Cave Pine Tea was placed before Hong Wi-moon^[1]. When mentally fatigued, he drank this tea rather than alcohol.

Shin Hoe^[2], observing Hong Wi-moon, was quite shocked.

Is it that serious?

Hong Wi-moon’s face, which never lost its composed smile in any situation, was now quite rigid.

Some time passed.

Only when the tea had completely cooled did Hong Wi-moon lift the cup.

“Shin Hoe.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“You told me about what kind of place the Solitary Bamboo Forest is, right?”

“Yes. You said it was a Demonic Forest that existed before our cult established itself on the Great Mountain, where bizarre spirit creatures live. You also mentioned that spiritual bamboo growing there is harvested to make our cult’s spiritual medicines.”

“Yes. That’s exactly what the Solitary Bamboo Forest is.”

Hong Wi-moon leaned back in his chair.

A smile had somehow appeared on his lips, but his eyes remained utterly cold.

“Do you know which place within the cult is the most difficult to infiltrate?”

Too broad a question. Moreover, it seemed out of place during a discussion about the Solitary Bamboo Forest.

“Are you referring to the Solitary Bamboo Forest?”

“The Solitary Bamboo Forest is excluded. Even the top executives can’t enter there without Master’s permission. My question isn’t about physical access, but about where we can’t plant our eyes.”

“Then wouldn’t it be the Internal Military Advisory Department? I heard even the Demonic Elders don’t dare touch it because of the Chief Military Advisor’s incredible organizational control.”

“Wrong. The Internal Military Advisory Department is actually quite easy to infiltrate.”

“Pardon?”

“The Chief Military Advisor is a once-in-an-era genius. He’s the type to use spies in reverse to understand the flow of internal power struggles. So it’s not difficult to infiltrate. It’s just that everyone chooses ‘not’ to. Because it’s obvious my movements would be discovered.”

“…Then?”

“The Law Enforcement Court.”

Bubble bubble.

Steam rose from the teacup in Hong Wi-moon’s hand. The cooled Cave Pine Tea was boiling again.

“The Law Enforcement Court is a completely separate organization. It exists solely to protect the Cult Leader and the cult. They’re entirely different from other groups that determine their direction based on power.”

“…!”

“Naturally, it’s composed of only the most loyal demonic practitioners in the cult. That’s why no one pays attention to them. There’s no need to, and they can’t. Because trying to shake them would be equivalent to trying to shake the Cult Leader’s authority.”

“I… see.”

“That’s why I didn’t pay attention. No, I couldn’t pay attention. That was my oversight.”

“What do you mean?”

Hong Wi-moon took a sip of tea.

The smile disappeared from his face again.

“That bastard is alive.”

“…Pardon?”

“Seo Ryang, that bastard is still alive.”

Shin Hoe’s face hardened.

“Even now, after eight months?”

“They say they sent someone experienced and skilled with him. A Law Enforcement Court captain, apparently?”

“No, even so…”

Before entering the Solitary Bamboo Forest, the Third Young Master’s condition had improved considerably.

But even then, he was only at the level of an untrained commoner. How could someone at that level survive for eight months in an area so dangerous that even Demonic Lord-level figures must be cautious? Does this make any sense?

“I could understand one month. I could even accept three months. But surviving for eight months in that condition doesn’t make sense.”

Even Hong Wi-moon saying this had never entered the Solitary Bamboo Forest himself. In this generation, only a few top-level executives besides the guardians had set foot in the Solitary Bamboo Forest.

But one could estimate the level of danger. These words had come from none other than Master, the Cult Leader himself:

• Unless one has reached the Extreme of Demon^[3], no one can endure for three months.

If Master said so, then that was that. Master’s words carried such weight and credibility.

Obviously, Seo Ryang hadn’t reached the realm of Extreme Demon. Then how could he still be alive now?

Hong Wi-moon recalled his recent conversation with his Master.

• It seems the Third is enduring well.

• …!

• I’m thinking of calling him back soon.

• …

• You said you’re currently targeting the youngest?

• …Yes.

• I understand.

That was the end of the conversation with his Master. That really was all.

Hong Wi-moon couldn’t understand why Master had told him such things. He couldn’t guess whether Master had just wanted to see his face, or if he had noticed something in that brief conversation.

Always like this.

The Demon God (마신(魔神, móshén)) of Heaven Beyond Heaven. A being incomprehensible by human common sense.

One who merely reigns but does not rule.

He never intervenes even as his disciples point blades at each other. Whether this means one must overcome this much to grasp the next supreme authority, or if there’s some other intention, is unclear.

What kind of world does Master see? Is this world so worthless to a god?

If I too could see what Master sees.

If I could soar to that realm…!

Looking down at his teacup, Hong Wi-moon spoke.

“Shin Hoe.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Plant some kids around his residence.”

Shin Hoe’s eyes gleamed.

Hong Wi-moon sipped his tea. Though his mouth felt heavy from the strong aroma, his head seemed clearer.

“Demonic qi deviation, poison, even the Demonic Forest couldn’t kill him. I thought that would be enough, can you believe it?”

“…Are you thinking of taking direct action?”

“Direct? I can’t do that. I believe this fight shouldn’t become a dogfight. However…”

“…”

“I don’t particularly want to stop murders motivated by grudges either.”

Shin Hoe’s eyes widened.

“Then those kids you told me to gather…”

“We’re just providing the knives. Whether to swing them or not is entirely up to them.”

Hong Wi-moon smiled brightly. Shin Hoe felt chills down his spine at this smile, brighter than ever before.

“Isn’t this how Master usually handles us? Throwing us into hell and letting us figure it out ourselves. I think that’s quite nice.”

***

“Young Master!”

“What now, damn it.”

“Please calm down first. You need to be more cautious.”

“Fuck caution. I’m sick and tired of missing opportunities while overthinking things.”

“But you’re being too hasty! We don’t even know what demonic beasts are near the forest’s deep layers!”

“Would knowing make any difference?”

Ma Dong-pil was momentarily struck speechless.

Seo Ryang spoke while tucking the Turbidity Control Grass and tea leaves into his clothes.

“Whatever threats are there, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re running out of time. And I have no intention of giving up on that spiritual bamboo. So I think there’s no point in wasting time.”

“I’ll go to the Law Enforcement Court Chief. I’ll ask him what demonic beasts are there, how we should prepare. We need at least some basic information…”

“Again, knowing won’t change anything.”

Shing.

Seo Ryang drew his sword.

It was the single-edged sword^[4] that Ma Dong-pil had brought along with the Turbidity Control Grass and tea leaves. The sleek curved blade with its subtle arc measured three feet in length.

He flicked his finger against the blade’s back.

Ting.

A clear resonance. Unlike the weapons he had used until now, this was truly worthy of being called a treasure blade.

“Why did the Cult Leader only send top executives to obtain spiritual bamboo? If preparation was possible, he could have sent prepared subordinates.”

“…”

“For security? That can’t be it.”

“…Are you saying it’s meaningless to send anyone who isn’t strong enough?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s all the more reason you shouldn’t go!”

Though they had grown close over eight months, this was the first time he had reacted so intensely while always maintaining proper boundaries.

“You’ve become incredibly strong, Young Master. But you still haven’t reached the level of the Elder Council^[5]’s Demonic Elders…!”

Even as he spoke, Ma Dong-pil caught himself. He worried his words might sound disrespectful to the Young Master.

Seo Ryang wasn’t bothered at all.

“True. I can’t compare to the Nine Great Demonic Elders^[6], the cult’s strongest.”

“…Young Master.”

“But I have something they don’t.”

“Pardon?”

Grip.

While adjusting his waist sash, Seo Ryang thought.

Dark Shadow Energy, Shadow God Dark Style^[7].

Until now, he had never once used concealment techniques in the Solitary Bamboo Forest.

Because he felt there was no need, it wasn’t possible, and it shouldn’t be done.

For Seo Ryang, this place was not a battlefield but a training ground. Even if possible, there was no reason to avoid threats using concealment techniques.

But now it’s different.

The deep layers of the Solitary Bamboo Forest are unknown territory. And he has roughly three months.

The Solitary Bamboo Forest is no longer a training ground.

It has become a battlefield of life and death where he must achieve his goals by any means necessary.

Inhaling Turbidity Control Grass gives me half a quarter hour. Given the forest’s size, that’s more than enough time to enter the deep layers.

He had been called the Assassin King. His concealment techniques had also reached the peak of the era.

However, because he had transformed the Dark Shadow Energy into demonic arts, he couldn’t use Shadow God Dark Style in the conventional way.

That’s why he needed Turbidity Control Grass. He needed to suppress the demonic qi somewhat to manifest Shadow God Dark Style.

Though it would consume more internal energy, it would be enough for simple theft and escape.

With Shadow God Dark Style, I can deceive even top ten master level practitioners. Even if discovered, escape won’t be a problem.

If, by chance, even escape becomes impossible?

Seo Ryang’s eyes gleamed.

Then I’ll just have to create chaos.

Ma Dong-pil hastily spoke.

“I don’t know what methods you have, Young Master. But I’m sure they must be convincing.”

“Of course. I don’t want to die either.”

Thump.

Ma Dong-pil dropped to one knee.

“Young Master, I dare stake my life on these words.”

“Why so dramatic?”

“Would you consider giving up on the spiritual bamboo?”

“…”

“Even accounting for the forest’s special properties, your growth has been incomprehensibly fast. You could surely make your mark soon enough without the deep layers’ spiritual bamboo…”

“Dong-pil.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Seo Ryang smiled.

“I’m not the type who enjoys danger. If it weren’t necessary, I wouldn’t consider risking my life to enter there.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. Despite the many dangerous moments over the past eight months, I’m still alive, aren’t I?”

Ma Dong-pil inwardly sighed. He realized no words would change the Young Master’s mind.

A flash of coldness crossed Seo Ryang’s face as he looked down at Ma Dong-pil.

Though he had planned to obtain it anyway, now he had one more reason why he absolutely must get the spiritual bamboo. That’s why he had urgently investigated the effects of Turbidity Control Grass and tea leaves for two days.

They’ll target me again after I leave the Solitary Bamboo Forest.

He had learned from Ma Dong-pil that Hong Yeo-rin was the Fourth Young Master’s younger sister. Once he leaves the Solitary Bamboo Forest, those damned Hong siblings won’t stay quiet.

The question is whether that’s the end of it.

Is this simply a matter of grudges? Perhaps…

Perhaps the disciples are engaged in a secret bloody struggle.

He couldn’t know the reason. While eliminating competitors for future supreme authority was the most likely motive, even that couldn’t be certain.

Of course, it might not be a struggle between disciples. But Seo Ryang believed his prediction was correct.

If it had been a murder attempt born of grudge, his hypersensitivity wouldn’t have missed such clear killing intent. Not for three whole months.

I need to become so strong they wouldn’t even dare to touch me. And soon.

He had been prepared to rot in the Divine Cult for anywhere from one to several years to find freedom. After all, the Cult Leader wouldn’t let him leave without showing proper caliber.

But he had no intention of rotting away uncomfortably day by day.

If they dare touch him even after realizing the difference in power…

Then I’ll have to raise hell, brother disciples or not.

Seo Ryang slapped his belly.

“Wait here. I’ll be back quick.”

“I cannot allow that, Young Master.”

“It’s an order.”

“I apologize, but it’s an order I cannot follow. If you insist on going alone, take my head first.”

Seo Ryang shook his head.

“Just to the entrance of the deep layers. Don’t come inside. I absolutely won’t allow it.”

“…”

“Your answer?”

“…I receive your command.”

Thus, having made all preparations, the two men dashed toward the deep layers of the Solitary Bamboo Forest.

After running for some time.

“…?!”

Seo Ryang’s mouth fell open. Even Ma Dong-pil’s stone-like face showed rare surprise.

The sight that unfolded before the two men as they entered the territory of the Lù Shǔ, which they had thought would be the final gatekeeper on the path to the deep layers.

Swish.

Countless demonic beast corpses lay to the left and right. The stench of rotting corpses filled the air along with white steam.

And at the entrance to the path leading into the deep layers. A humid wind blew from that bamboo-lined path.

Whoosh.

“…Huh?”