— Chapter 5 —
A solemn atmosphere permeated the hall. Dozens of scribes diligently brushed ink onto scrolls, their hands moving with practiced ease. Deep within the chamber, Sima Geuk, the Grand Strategist and chief scribe, meticulously reviewed each document. Though his processing speed was unmatched, the incoming paperwork piled up faster than he could clear it.
Deep lines etched themselves beneath Sima Geuk’s eyes. He paused, setting down his brush and massaging his temples.
“Huu… I’m particularly weary today.”
It wasn’t just today. His fatigue had been steadily increasing. He knew the cause.
It had begun a few days ago with Mo Seol, the Deputy Strategist’s report.
—The Heavenly Demon has informed his wife that he intends to divorce her.
Sima Geuk’s mind had gone blank. He’d finally regained his composure, fixing Mo Seol with an icy stare.
—Don’t jest.
—It’s not a jest. It’s the truth.
—Are you certain?
—Yes. I’d stake my life on it.
Sima Geuk’s face paled. What preposterous nonsense was this? What did the Heavenly Demon, who had gained his position through his marriage, have left if he abandoned his wife’s clan?
It was too abrupt. He knew their relationship was more political than romantic, but he hadn’t heard of any discord. Had there been some change, he would have anticipated it, but there had been no warning signs from Hyuk Murin.
He must have lost his mind.
A rash decision born from a young Heavenly Demon’s inability to handle the pressure. Sima Geuk could clearly foresee the consequences.
Bloodshed is imminent.
The coming tragedy would consume everything. Wanting no part in the ensuing chaos, Sima Geuk had made a swift decision.
Swish— Scratch— Swish—
He wrote his resignation letter in a single, fluid motion, folded it neatly, and handed it to Mo Seol.
—Deliver this to the Heavenly Demon.
Had he shared any personal connection with the Heavenly Demon, he might have offered advice to help him survive, but they weren’t on such terms.
This just expedited things.
He’d planned to resign in a month or two anyway.
Hyuk Murin.
He’d disliked him from the start. Even if the Jianghu was relatively peaceful, ascending to the position of Heavenly Demon through a political marriage was absurd. He had no power, no followers, no future. Better to retire early and return to his family than serve such a Heavenly Demon.
“That’s how I felt when I submitted my resignation, but…”
Four days had passed, and still no response. He glanced at Mo Seol, who, seemingly with nothing to report, remained engrossed in his work. Sima Geuk turned back to his own documents and picked up his brush.
“It must have been lost.”
Buried under a mountain of paperwork, the Heavenly Demon probably hadn’t even seen it.
He quickly wrote another resignation letter, stood up, and walked over to Mo Seol.
“Deputy Strategist, deliver this again. This time, place it somewhere he’ll notice.”
“Yes? Yes, I understand.”
Mo Seol left the hall with the letter. But several more days passed with no response.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Sima Geuk stabbed his brush against the desk, his lips twisting in annoyance.
“Very well, let’s see who breaks first.”
He wrote yet another resignation, handing it off to Mo Seol. Still no response.
He sent another. Nothing.
And another. Silence.
And another. Still silence.
“Deputy Strategist, this time, ensure the Heavenly Demon receives this personally. And get a definitive answer.”
Finally losing his patience, Sima Geuk gripped Mo Seol’s shoulders, issuing his command.
An hour later, Mo Seol returned, beaming. In his hand, he held a letter.
A response at last!
A broad smile spread across Sima Geuk’s face as he took the letter and eagerly unfolded it. But in that instant, he froze, as if turned to stone.
[Denied.]
A single, concise word. Its meaning was unmistakable.
Sima Geuk’s hand trembled.
“…This won’t do. I must go myself.”
He clutched the letter and turned sharply. His destination was clear.
The sky blazed with the fiery hues of sunset. Bathed in the golden light, Hyuk Murin moved with the grace of a dancer, his sword a blur as he practiced his forms.
West to North.
North to East.
East to South.
South to West.
His sword traced a square, its path gradually narrowing. The square morphed into a circle, shrinking until it converged on a single point.
To slash and to thrust.
Different in execution, yet the same in essence.
Slash, thrust, thrust, slash.
The two distinct movements merged into one, indistinguishable to the naked eye. Hyuk Murin raised his sword high above his head.
Whoosh!
His eyes flashed as he brought the sword down. He’d clearly slashed at the air, the sound of cleaving wind echoing through the chamber. Yet, his final stance was a thrust, his arm extended fully.
“Huu…”
Hyuk Murin examined the blade, catching his breath.
The more I learn, the less I understand.
Despite days of relentless training, he still couldn’t grasp the limits of the Soul Purifying Demonic Art. With most techniques, one could estimate their potential, but with this simgong, the boundaries seemed nonexistent. The only certainty was that compared to before, channeling his inner power was easier, and its force was steadily growing.
I wish I could continue.
Hyuk Murin reluctantly released his grip on the sword hilt.
“That’s enough for today.”
Six hours had passed since he’d entered the Heavenly Martial Hall after breakfast. He needed to rest to train further.
“You’ve worked hard, My Lord.”
Jang Wi appeared as if on cue, respectfully offering a towel with both hands. Hyuk Murin studied him.
Jang Wi, the current Left Guardian of the Heavenly Demon Cult. A fearsome old monster with a reputation for ruthlessness, his hands perpetually stained with blood. But despite the rumors…
In my past life, he was the only one who treated me like a true Heavenly Demon.
Jang Wi was the head of the Sinwon Jang Clan, who had served the Heavenly Demon for generations. But beyond his lineage, he was the only one who remained loyal to Hyuk Murin, a mere puppet, until his very last breath.
I wasn’t lonely when he was around.
However, by the time Hyuk Murin became Heavenly Demon, Jang Wi was already advanced in age. He’d succumbed to illness less than a decade later, leaving Hyuk Murin utterly alone.
I still don’t understand why.
The Sinwon Jang Clan’s service to the Heavenly Demon was merely tradition, unbound by any oath or contract. There would have been no shame in abandoning a powerless Heavenly Demon. Yet, Jang Wi had remained steadfastly loyal.
“Thank you.”
With a faint smile, Hyuk Murin placed a hand on Jang Wi’s shoulder, taking the towel and wiping the sweat from his brow. Jang Wi watched him for a moment before speaking.
“You seem… different.”
“Six months is plenty of time to change.”
“Is that so?”
Jang Wi nodded, recalling his first encounter with Hyuk Murin. The young man who had relinquished his position as head of the Hyuk Clan and ascended to become the Heavenly Demon had worn a perpetual shadow on his face, as if anticipating his bleak future. And indeed, after the ascension ceremony, he had become a powerless puppet, manipulated by the Seven Demonic Houses.
That’s why I felt pity for him.
Despite being the one he was supposed to serve and protect, Jang Wi had felt compassion for the young Heavenly Demon.
But about three months after the ascension, something had shifted. Hyuk Murin abruptly declared his intention to divorce, issued his first direct command to Jang Wi, and retreated to the Heavenly Demon Vault. When he emerged fifteen days later, he carried a different aura, though Jang Wi couldn’t quite place it.
Intriguing.
He had been nothing more than an object of pity. And yet, now, Jang Wi found himself drawn to him, compelled to follow.
“Left Guardian.”
Hyuk Murin’s voice broke through Jang Wi’s thoughts.
“Yes, My Lord.”
Hyuk Murin stopped and turned slightly.
“You can look forward to the future.”
The conviction in his voice made Jang Wi’s eyes widen. He stared at Hyuk Murin’s back before bowing deeply.
Hyuk Murin continued towards the exit, opening the main doors of the Heavenly Martial Hall.
Click—
He came face to face with a middle-aged man standing on the other side.
“Heavenly Demon, it’s been a while. I trust you’ve been well?”
Sima Geuk’s lips twitched, a vein throbbing in his forehead.
“I’ve come to request your permission regarding a certain matter.”
Hyuk Murin chuckled.
“Very well, let’s hear it.”
Grand Strategist.
I will grant you any request. Except, of course, permission to resign.
——
Translated by Sato
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