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C136. Does the Master Know?
Namgung Yeon spoke in a calm tone.
—"Most fake fortunetellers behave that way. Saying that the mother suffered during childbirth because of a persimmon tree? Ha! All mothers in the world risk their lives when giving birth."
—"Ah!"
—"First, they ask if you have siblings to gather information. When they saw your somber expression, they guessed that you don’t get along with them."
—"Then, how did she know about the Nine Heavens Supreme Swordsmanship?"
—"From the start, you said that the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens was your master. So, that woman threw out a bait, asking if you were practicing well what she taught you. You fell for it and started talking about the Nine Heavens Supreme Swordsmanship. From there, it was easy for her to keep going with that topic."
—"Wow! I gave her all the information myself."
Yeon Jeokha hit his head in frustration. Thinking back, Namgung Yeon was right. The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens had said things that led him to believe she was the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens.
The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens, hearing this, desperately shook her head.
—"No, it’s not like that. I really am the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens..."
—"Shim Tong. If that woman mentions the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens again, cut out her tongue."
—"Yes! Vile woman, keep talking. I’m itching to use my hands."
Shim Tong glared at the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens with malicious eyes. He felt embarrassed for having been deceived even for a moment. He could accept that Yeon Jeokha, a young man, fell into the trap, but he, known as the Immortal Sword Demon, felt humiliated.
—"Damn woman! Not even killing you would be enough."
A cold blue light emerged from Shim Tong’s small eyes. The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens couldn’t hold his gaze and lowered her eyes. The villagers, who had initially shown hostility, also began to doubt. While they hadn’t completely changed their minds, they started to question the fortuneteller’s truthfulness.
The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens, not losing hope, cautiously murmured.
—"What if I really am her...? You’re only speculating."
Even in that moment of despair, she avoided mentioning the name of the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens.
Yeon Jeokha looked at her with disdain.
—"I don’t want to know about an immortal who kills people. And the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens definitely wouldn’t kill children. You’ve crossed the line."
Finally, the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens realized she had lost the young man’s trust. His attitude was completely different from before when he called her 'Mysterious Woman'. Now, he seemed like he wouldn’t let her go even if she really were the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens.
—"I’m sorry. Please, forgive me."
The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens began to beg, desperately rubbing her hands together. Her reputation and status crumbled in an instant. The villagers, stunned, watched her and began to curse her.
—"Damn it! Were you the real demon? Give me back my son! Give me back my son!"
While the villagers tried to console a hysterical mother, an elder stepped forward.
—"Young hero, I am the chief of Jangokchon village. Thanks to you, we have opened our eyes. You are our saviors. However, I have a request to make of you."
—"What is it?"
—"Two people have died because of this witch. Could you hand her over to us? It’s too painful... I beg you."
Yeon Jeokha looked at Namgung Yeon, unsure of what to do in such a situation. She nodded slightly, indicating that he should leave it to the villagers. She didn’t want Yeon Jeokha to stain his hands with unnecessary bloodshed.
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After the villagers took away the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens, the inn returned to calm. Jin Seolha murmured as she sat down.
—"Wow! It was like a hurricane swept through here. Killing people just for believing in a fortuneteller? It’s not just the Yoomyung Cult that’s full of evil."
Namgung Cheon replied.
—"That’s why the great masters of the righteous sects practice chivalry. Someone has to deal with the evildoers who hide in every corner of the world."
—"Those are words worthy of a great hero."
Jin Seolha looked at him with admiration. At that moment, a man walked in through the door. It was Seol Chasu, who was supposed to be resting in the clinic.
—"Older brother? Why are you here?"
—"I couldn’t stay still... I can’t remain in bed just because of a shoulder wound. What happened here? I heard a lot of noise."
—"Ah! Just before you arrived, there was a big commotion. You would have enjoyed watching it."
Jin Seolha briefly explained what happened with the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens.
—"Wow! I missed a good show. This world is full of strange people. So, is the child safe?"
—"Yes, the villagers took him back."
—"The young man saved the child. If he hadn’t been injured, we would have passed by."
—"Oh, you’re right! Sometimes, the designs of heaven are mysterious. But how did you know about the Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens, Namgung Yeon? She and the men seemed terrified."
Everyone looked at Namgung Yeon, curious. Namgung Yeon smiled slightly before calmly responding.
—"It’s nothing special. The way she spoke had a Jiangnan accent. Her silk clothes and pearl necklace were typical of that place."
—"Then, how did you know about the men? They seemed scared as if they had seen a ghost. It didn’t seem like you just guessed."
—"The smell of incense on their bodies was very strong, right?"
—"Yes."
—"Among the smell, I detected the scent of 'Mongyeonhyang', which is known to provoke desire. When mixed with sweat, it’s hard to wash off."
—"Oh!"
—"The Mysterious Mother of the Nine Heavens probably used that incense to lure men. Those men had the scent embedded in their bodies."
—"Wow! I thought that smell was unbearable. How could you identify it among so many people in such a short time?"
Jin Seolha shook her head, amazed.
The others were also impressed. Knowing the scent of 'Mongyeonhyang' was already surprising, but being able to identify it in the midst of a crowd was impressive.
Namgung Cheon spoke with pride.
—"Ha, ha! My sister has extraordinarily sharp senses. She can even tell me what I ate outside the house."
Talking about his sister filled him with joy, and the others accepted his enthusiasm naturally.
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Zenning.
Guangming Manor.
At dusk, an old man and six men dressed in black appeared in front of the main gate. It was Ju Yusim, accompanied by six experts from the Dark Division who had survived. They entered Guangming Manor in silence, with a defeated posture.
Ju Yusim stopped in front of the favorite residence of the Demon of Illusion, Ungjaegwi, and sighed. As he hesitated, Ungjaegwi's voice resonated.
—"If you’ve arrived, come in at once."
—"Yes."
Resigned, Ju Yusim climbed the steps with a heavy step. Upon arriving, Ungjaegwi, seated on a high throne, frowned.
—"Where are the others? Why have only you returned?"
—"Well... The Black Sword Demon and the leader of the Dark Division lost their lives. Only the six of us and I survived. Please, forgive us, master."
Ungjaegwi trembled with rage.
—"Didn’t I clearly say not to confront him and only assess his skill?"
—"That was our intention, but the circumstances didn’t allow it."
Ju Yusim detailed what had happened the day before.
—"In short, both the Black Sword Demon and the leader of the Dark Division suffered fatal wounds. Yeon Jeokha and the Old Dao of Nine Heavens turned out to be more skilled than the Demon Warriors."
—"Hm!"
Ungjaegwi grunted. With such experts, it was a miracle that Ju Yusim had survived. Although he lamented the loss of two of the Demon Warriors, there was nothing more to be done.
—"Where did they find such skilled men? Do you know anything about their sect?"
—"Incredibly, according to my investigations, Yeon Jeokha is from Waryong Manor, and the Old Dao of Nine Heavens learned from him."
—"Waryong Manor? The one that was in the place of the Fairy Cult?"
—"Yes. It’s said that he is the son of the Moon-Splitting Swordsman."
—"Damn it! Two of the Demon Warriors fell to people from Waryong Manor?"
A sharp pain pierced Ungjaegwi’s head, causing him to rub his temples.
Ju Yusim spoke cautiously.
—"Master, did you know about the transformation of the Demon Warriors?"
—"Transformation? What do you mean?"
—"The Black Sword Demon and the leader of the Dark Division transformed into horrible creatures upon dying."
Ju Yusim described in detail what he had seen.
—"The Black Sword Demon turned into an eight-foot giant, and the leader of the Dark Division into a dark red monster with a horn. They both lost their human form and couldn’t speak."
—"What are you talking about? Have you been drinking?"
—"No, master. I saw them transform with my own eyes. The others can testify as well."
—"Are you saying that the Demon Warriors turn into monsters upon death?"
—"Yes."
Ju Yusim observed Ungjaegwi’s reaction. He seemed as surprised as Ju Yusim himself.
—"Additionally, when Yeon Jeokha killed them again... They disintegrated into dust."
—"What? They left no trace?"
Ungjaegwi was visibly disturbed.
—"Yes. I saw them disperse like dust. Do you know why this happens?"
Ju Yusim looked at Ungjaegwi anxiously. They had accepted becoming Demon Warriors thinking it was a method of cultivation. But the reality was far more terrifying.
What kind of power had they unleashed within themselves?
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