The atmosphere in the grand hall was boiling like a cauldron. No one dared to make a sound in the presence of the deity, but the demonic energy emanating from him was enough to reveal their emotions. Excitement, panic, awe, anger, astonishment—it was a crucible of shock, to say the least. The disciples, in particular, were even more affected.
Seo Ryang received even greater praise than Ju Seo-yoon. The sect leader had never once praised any of his disciples, let alone the demonic subordinates under his command. Yi Cheon-sang waved his hand. "The grand hall meeting is adjourned. Third disciple, follow me." With those words, he rose from his seat and walked toward the left corridor.
Everyone knelt. It was unthinkable to remain standing while the sect leader exited. Only one person—Seo Ryang—followed Yi Cheon-sang, trudging along behind him.
The sight of the sect leader and the demonic subordinates paying their respects made Hong Wi-mun's eyelids twitch uncontrollably. He subtly raised his head to catch a glimpse of Seo Ryang's back.
'That guy...'
His imposing physique was unmatched. He seemed several inches taller, and his frame appeared much more robust than before. It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had once been on the brink of death from demonic possession.
'How...?'
How did he survive the Bamboo Forest? Could it be that the sect leader had been secretly protecting him? And how did he cultivate such overwhelming demonic energy?
As Hong Wi-mun bit his lip in confusion, Seo Ryang suddenly turned his head and looked directly at him.
'...!!'
Hong Wi-mun was startled and instinctively lowered his head. Seeing this, the corner of Seo Ryang's mouth curled up meaningfully.
After Yi Cheon-sang and Seo Ryang disappeared into the corridor, Mu Dam's clear voice rang out. "Officials, you may now leave the hall."
Only then did the demonic subordinates begin to rise one by one.
"We'll have to rework the budget. The sect leader must be exhausted."
"No, even if that's the case, the Divine General's Office will be busy."
"Of course, it's something that must be done. By the way, the Chief Military Advisor was absent today. Do you know anything about that?"
"I'm not sure. He's always been swamped with work."
"Haha."
"It's probably not because of the Northerners. I heard they've been up to some interesting schemes lately. That's likely the reason."
"Those so-called righteous sects are all mad. They'll probably try to stir up trouble. Either way, the Chief Military Advisor must be having a hard time."
The higher-ups exchanged various conversations based on the meeting's content, as if the shocking scene from earlier had already been erased from their minds.
Gwan Pyeong, who had been observing the higher-ups, turned his gaze to Hong Wi-mun, Ju Seo-yoon, and Chae Yeo-min.
"It's been a while since we've gathered like this."
His voice carried a natural chill. It wasn't that he was cold-hearted by nature, but the martial arts he practiced made the atmosphere around him seem particularly cold.
Hong Wi-mun and Ju Seo-yoon slightly bowed their heads.
Gwan Pyeong asked Chae Yeo-min, "Are you alright, youngest?"
"Yes, brother."
"Are you sick? Your complexion doesn't look good."
Chae Yeo-min replied in a tired voice, "I'm sorry. I think I'll take my leave now."
"...Alright."
The small figure walking briskly out of the grand hall looked pitiful.
Mu Dam approached Ju Seo-yoon. "Fifth Princess, follow me. I'll guide you to the archives."
Ju Seo-yoon bowed to Gwan Pyeong. "I'll take my leave now."
"Alright."
Only Gwan Pyeong and Hong Wi-mun remained.
Gwan Pyeong shook his head with a bitter expression. "Even though we're fellow disciples, we should gather occasionally and have a cup of tea."
"...Indeed."
"Let's meet again soon. I'll take my leave now."
"Take care."
Gwan Pyeong left the grand hall.
Hong Wi-mun, who had been following at a distance, suddenly stopped in his tracks, lost in thought.
His eyes wavered as he looked toward the corridor.
'Seo Ryang...'
He had thought Seo Ryang would die from demonic possession, but the tenacious guy had somehow made a miraculous recovery. He had assumed Seo Ryang's life as a martial artist was over, but not only had he survived eight months in the Bamboo Forest, he had returned as a completely different person.
Hong Wi-mun recalled Seo Ryang's gaze.
In those transparent eyes, an indescribable ferocity and a deadly aura alternated, creating a bizarre and unsettling sight.
'...'
Hong Wi-mun's face hardened.
Seo Ryang had grown stronger. How much stronger, he couldn't tell, but it seemed he was at least no weaker than before.
And that wasn't even the main issue. The real problem was how Seo Ryang would act now that he had recovered.
Before falling into demonic possession, Seo Ryang had been greedily expanding his influence. He wasn't particularly skilled at scheming or adept at maneuvering situations, but surprisingly, he had quite a few followers.
And now, that guy had received the sect leader's highest praise in front of everyone. It was enough to reignite the interest of those who had once turned their backs on him.
As Hong Wi-mun left the grand hall, a look of determination settled on his face.
'He's definitely not someone to be left alone.'
He had thought that even if Seo Ryang returned alive, he wouldn't have grown much. Maybe he would even come back weaker than before.
But that wasn't the case.
Once again, Seo Ryang had defied his expectations.
'I can't afford to mess with him carelessly. I'll have to start over from the beginning.'
Seo Ryang looked around with a calm gaze.
'Another pavilion?'
Behind the grand hall, there was a small artificial pond and a modest pavilion.
Though small, it had a serene charm that was quite appealing. It was hard to believe this was the private retreat of the sect leader, known as the most fearsome demonic figure on the continent.
As if prepared in advance, a small table with drinks had been set up in the pavilion.
"Come up."
"Yes, sir."
Seo Ryang climbed up to the pavilion.
Yi Cheon-sang picked up the dragon robe draped over his shoulder and casually tossed it onto the pavilion railing.
Even a glance revealed it was a masterpiece crafted by a skilled artisan. To toss such a garment aside like laundry was a testament to his extraordinary demeanor.
"Sit down."
"Of course."
Seo Ryang sat down across from Yi Cheon-sang.
He sat boldly, without kneeling. It might have seemed arrogant, but Yi Cheon-sang said nothing.
Seo Ryang snorted inwardly.
'Of course, he should be like this. Whether I've grown stronger or not, this guy is the one who threw me, a disciple who had just escaped demonic possession, into that dangerous place. And the fact that I've grown stronger is thanks to my own efforts, not his.'
I won't back down today.
"Take it."
Seo Ryang's eyes gleamed with greed as he looked at the respectfully offered cup.
How long has it been since I last had a drink?
The sparkling liquid poured slowly.
Not a single drop spilled outside the cup. It was poured so slowly that it was almost maddening.
Still pouring with such artistry.
After filling Seo Ryang's cup and his own, Yi Cheon-sang raised his cup.
"Let's have a drink."
"Yes."
Clink!
The cups clinked, producing a clear sound.
Seo Ryang downed his drink in one go.
'Ah!'
So good...
A sweet aroma lingered at the tip of his nose. His mouth felt dry at first, but then it became refreshing. The saliva gushing in his mouth proved the value of this drink.
After eight months without a drink, even cheap liquor would have been welcome, but this was a renowned fine wine. He felt like he might faint from the sheer bliss.
"Shall we have another?"
Seo Ryang wordlessly pushed his cup forward. The speed at which he extended it was so fast it was as if he were a master of swift swordsmanship.
Yi Cheon-sang filled his cup again, still at a leisurely pace that was frustrating.
Seo Ryang hesitated for a moment before extending his cup again.
But Yi Cheon-sang drank without clinking cups. Embarrassed, Seo Ryang coughed and drank his wine.
"You haven't mastered Yeoryong."
Seo Ryang tilted his head at the sudden remark.
Yeoryong? What's that?
Yi Cheon-sang refilled his cup and said, "You've mixed something into the True Demon Art."
"...!"
"Is it a Buddhist martial art?"
Seo Ryang's face stiffened instantly.
'He knows?'
How did he figure it out? No matter how strong he is, could he really see it at a glance?
'Well...'
Even Biyo Wang had sensed the scent of orthodox martial arts in the Shadow Technique. Compared to Biyo Wang, Yi Cheon-sang was incomparably stronger and had even mastered demonic arts, so it would be harder for him not to notice.
But what do I do now?
'Is he angry? Or not? Should he be angry?'
He should be angry.
Instead of practicing the martial arts his master painstakingly taught him, he went off and created his own. It might not be a grave sin, but it's enough to feel disappointed.
The problem is that this man might go beyond disappointment and get angry.
'Damn it! I should have anticipated this situation!'
Seo Ryang rolled his eyes, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.
Then, Yi Cheon-sang spoke.
"Impressive."
...What?
"Creating a martial art more advanced than the Ten Great Demon Arts is no easy feat."
No easy feat? It's incredibly difficult! Well, I was lucky, but... no, wait!
"Ah, yes. I put some thought into it."
"So you chose a Buddhist martial art?"
"..."
"Really?"
Seo Ryang quickly opened his mouth. "I tried mixing various things, but nothing worked as well as the Buddhist martial arts. If I wanted to get stronger, that is."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It definitely worked well."
"Your deliberation was too short."
"...?"
"The True Demon Art may be inferior in power and energy accumulation, but it is fundamentally the best in our sect. If you had thought more deeply, you might not have needed to incorporate Buddhist martial arts."
Yi Cheon-sang raised his cup.
"You planted a flower garden where a forest should have been."
...Just one thing, buddy.
You said it was impressive, right? So isn't that enough? Why are you still so worked up about it?!
"Since you've achieved results, it's fine. You may leave now."
Seo Ryang inwardly clicked his tongue.
'Damn it, why did he even call me here?'
He poured me two drinks, then went on about how my martial arts were like this and my creation was like that. I wasn't expecting a constructive conversation, but if this was all, why not just send a letter?
And not a single word about how hard it must have been in that dangerous place. I knew he was stoic, but he's really heartless.
'Still, it's a relief.'
When he brought up the Buddhist martial arts, my heart really sank. If he had asked where I got it, what would I have said?
'Ugh.'
Well, it's good it turned out this way. If I had lingered, he might have asked. Better to leave quickly.
"I'll take my leave now."
"Take this wine with you."
"Huh?"
Yi Cheon-sang tapped the wine bottle with his finger.
"It's a reward for doing well. Take it."
A reward for drinking wine? Why not give me a new one?
Of course, Seo Ryang didn't voice that terrifying question. Instead, he happily took the bottle and hurriedly left.
Seo Ryang didn't know what kind of wine this was.
Nor did he know that it had been a long time since Yi Cheon-sang had spoken so much with anyone other than Mu Dam.
As Seo Ryang disappeared, Yi Cheon-sang also rose from his seat.
He stood in the pavilion, gazing at the artificial pond.
"A Buddhist martial art..."
Yi Cheon-sang's eyes deepened.
"He couldn't have known about the challenges of the Extreme Demon Art. Was it just a coincidence?"
Or was it instinct?
As he quietly pondered, a smile appeared on Yi Cheon-sang's lips.
"It doesn't matter."
He hadn't expected the third disciple to bring such interest to his otherwise dull and emotionless life.
Would that audacious third disciple be able to stir a ripple of blue in his frozen heart next time as well?
Whoosh!
A chill emanated from the blowing wind.
Whether that cold wind, which excited people, would become a cold breeze or a bloody wind remained to be seen.
"It's going to be an interesting winter."