Sitting lazily in the pavilion, sipping his drink, Yi Cheonsang's imposing presence remained unchanged. His robe was casually draped over his shoulders, his top worn loosely to reveal part of his chest, and his expression was as indifferent as ever. The overwhelming presence he exuded was still something I wasn't used to.
'As expected.'
Seo Ryang's eyes deepened as he looked up at him from below the pavilion.
'Once again, I'm reminded of how monstrous this man truly is.'
As my martial arts reached their current level, I could feel it even more. Even without consciously releasing his aura, a master naturally emits a sharp presence. Facing a master often makes one feel intimidated for this very reason.
Seo Ryang was different. He was originally an assassin skilled at hiding his presence, and he had no desire to flaunt his power to others. His lifelong dream reflected his nature and was evident in the aura he emitted.
And Yi Cheonsang?
'This man has surpassed even that. He is a strong person who exists on an entirely different plane.'
If he wished, he could reduce his presence to be as inconspicuous as air, or conversely, he could emit an oppressive force as if the sky were collapsing. Yi Cheonsang's current calm presence reflected his personality: an indifference as transparent as glass, a strength unshaken by natural disasters, and a languid solitude born from having achieved everything and finding interest in nothing.
All these qualities combined to create a unique, unparalleled absolute being.
"You've come."
"…Yes."
"Come up."
Seo Ryang climbed the steps of the pavilion. Yi Cheonsang, who had been pouring himself a drink, suddenly looked at Seo Ryang as he ascended the steps.
Flash!
A sharp glint in his eyes that no one noticed. But it was only for a moment before his gaze softened again.
Seo Ryang, having reached seven steps away from Yi Cheonsang, bowed his head.
"I greet the Cult Leader."
"Sit."
The heavy voice seemed to make the air vibrate. Seo Ryang sat down with a blank expression.
"…"
A suffocating silence. Though his face remained expressionless, Seo Ryang's mind was in turmoil.
'Damn it…'
A thick vein bulged on his jaw. Even so, he didn't grind his teeth, making sure Yi Cheonsang couldn't hear.
'Why did he call me? Why now? Why this morning? Doesn't this man sleep? Ah! He's old enough to not need much sleep.'
From such light thoughts to more serious concerns.
'It's about time he called me, but why now? Wait a minute. No matter how much authority the General Commander has, the Cult Leader must know the Heavenly Demon Armory was opened, right? Could it be he's going to hold that against me?'
And then to extremely serious worries.
'Shit… did he really find out I went out?!'
In terms of causing constant anxiety, Yi Cheonsang was a truly exhausting person. He was a man of few words, so conversations were never long, and it was impossible to know what he was thinking. He was the epitome of exhaustion.
While Seo Ryang was lost in his thoughts.
Swish.
An empty cup approached Seo Ryang's table.
"Have a drink."
Ah, yes. Drinking in the morning, how unpredictable. No matter how much one likes alcohol, this seemed excessive.
Seo Ryang politely picked up the cup. Yi Cheonsang poured him a drink and spoke.
"You seem to have trained hard."
"Yes? Ah, yes."
"I heard you handled the fourth rather harshly?"
His heart sank at that moment.
'Ugh.'
Indeed, this man had something beyond imagination. Bringing up the Hongwi Gate out of nowhere felt like being hit on the back of the head. Despite all his worries on the way here, he hadn't thought about that bastard.
"Yes, well… it happened."
Yi Cheonsang nodded.
"Have a drink."
The two emptied their cups simultaneously. It was a high-quality, delicious drink. He had received it a few times before. Back then, the aroma was pleasant, but today it felt like the scent of death.
"Would you like another?"
Huh?
Seo Ryang blinked. This wasn't the reaction he expected from Yi Cheonsang, so he was taken aback.
"Sure, why not."
Pouring again, Yi Cheonsang spoke once more.
"The fourth's Demonic Art was a newly modified martial art based on the martial arts of the Red Sand Clan."
"…"
"He was a stubborn one. Talented too. The thought of creating a new martial art at such a young age isn't something just anyone can do."
It felt like his tongue was about to get a sore.
"At first, it was below standard. But it gradually improved. After exactly three years, it became quite an outstanding martial art."
This man was quite talkative today. But what was he trying to say? Was he implying that since he had destroyed the precious fourth, he should be destroyed as well?
"But that was as far as it went."
"…Pardon?"
"A strategy without power can be called wisdom, but it's hard to say it's complete. He had talent, but he was wasting it."
Yi Cheonsang filled his own cup and emptied it.
"Those who don't know their own talent are foolish. I despise fools."
"…"
"But those who know their talent and still settle are not even worth considering as people."
"…"
"So I was disappointed in the fourth. He shouldn't have lived like that."
Seo Ryang's eyes deepened.
Yi Cheonsang wasn't qualified to be called a good teacher, even in jest. His abilities were outstanding, but his way of teaching disciples was the worst. However, he was a god. He didn't need to be anyone's teacher, nor was he in a position to be one.
'That's what makes him even more remarkable.'
He doesn't care about anyone's opinion, nor does he take orders from anyone. He simply stands alone, aloof.
"And that fourth was defeated by you."
"…"
"It was unexpected."
What did he mean by that?
"I knew of the fourth's ambition. I also knew he couldn't seize the great power. But I didn't expect him to be eliminated from the succession battle so quickly."
Yi Cheonsang's eyes flashed.
Seeing those eyes, Seo Ryang felt a chill run down his spine.
"The ones I despise are fools. Do you know the kind of person I admire?"
"…I don't know."
"Someone who defies my expectations."
Seo Ryang, who had been quietly watching Yi Cheonsang, emptied his cup. Yi Cheonsang refilled his cup without asking if he wanted another.
"You defied my expectations. By a long shot."
"…!"
"Therefore, I admire you."
The chill that had climbed his spine spread throughout his limbs.
Admiration for someone isn't an emotion easily held. Yet, such an extraordinary person was saying he admired him.
Whether Yi Cheonsang's words were sincere or not was unknown. But the fact that such words came from this absolute being was surprising in itself.
Clench.
He felt sweat in his tightly clenched fist. He tried to suppress it, but it was hard to contain the surge of emotion rising from deep within his chest.
'The world's greatest demon admires me?'
He had been raised as a secret weapon of the Heavenly Alliance, living as the Alliance Leader's dog. His life was so wretched that even calling it miserable wasn't enough. Yet, he received such an evaluation from the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
'…Damn.'
The pride that came from the surge of emotion.
The emotion that followed that pride was self-loathing.
'Let it go. You shouldn't feel such emotions just because of a few words. Otherwise…'
He feared he would drift further from the freedom he had dreamed of all his life. He thought that if he truly dreamed of freedom, he shouldn't feel pride from the Cult Leader's praise.
Had he merely set up a plausible but hollow dream and deceived himself, running blindly?
Swish.
His eyes, which had sunk deeply, quickly settled into a calm state. The fluctuating aura soon became heavy and still.
Seo Ryang sighed.
'What a ridiculous self-torment. Such a giant is acknowledging me, isn't he? Of course, I should feel proud.'
It's an emotion anyone can have.
Emotions naturally arise and fade. There's no need to torment oneself or feel anxious about feeling a certain way.
Why? Because ultimately, even those emotions are all part of who I am.
"Whew."
He, who had bowed his head, looked at Yi Cheonsang again.
Yi Cheonsang's eyes shone. He had noticed Seo Ryang's subtle change.
"Look. Even at this moment, you defy my expectations."
"…"
"You change and grow every moment. That's why you're remarkable."
Seo Ryang, who had been quietly watching Yi Cheonsang, chuckled.
It wasn't a laugh one should show in front of the great Yi Cheonsang. Yet, he laughed like that.
Why? It felt like it was okay to laugh like this.
And it felt like it was okay to say this.
"With you saying that, it really doesn't suit you."
"…"
"I'm just an oddball."
Yi Cheonsang, who had been silently watching him, picked up the bottle again.
When Seo Ryang emptied his cup, he poured him another drink.
"Last night, the General Commander came."
"…"
"He said he opened the Heavenly Demon Armory."
"…"
"Did the weapons you took suit you?"
"Yes. They fit perfectly."
Yi Cheonsang nodded.
"Chilya is fierce, and Yuseong is sharp. You have quite an eye."
"If they didn't suit me, I wouldn't have taken them."
"All weapons are like that. If you had taken something that didn't suit you just because it was an heirloom, I would have been disappointed."
Finding common ground in unexpected places.
Yi Cheonsang, who had emptied his cup again, turned his head to look at the pond.
It wasn't a particularly splendid pond, but with him looking at it, even the modest pond seemed dazzlingly beautiful.
"The swords you said you liked, you haven't had a chance to wield them freely, have you?"
"That's… right?"
Swish.
Yi Cheonsang stood up. Seo Ryang also stood up awkwardly, following him.
"Come down."
A moment later, the two stood in an open space.
Yi Cheonsang reached out his right hand toward somewhere.
Ping!
In an instant, the sound of a zither string breaking was heard, and four swords were embedded in the ground in front of where Seo Ryang stood.
'…!!'
It was a divine technique, a feat of bringing objects from a distance. Seo Ryang couldn't help but gape at this incredible skill.
'I didn't feel any fluctuation of internal energy? It wasn't thrown by someone?'
Did he really bring the weapons from the entrance with just his will? Really?
'This man is truly…'
It was Yi Cheonsang's martial arts, something Seo Ryang had never seen before. Even with just one move, he felt a dizzying gap. The overwhelming level was such that discussing the level of martial arts was meaningless.
Yi Cheonsang spoke.
"This is a reward for a disciple who defied my expectations."
"…Pardon?"
"Pick the one you like."
"…!"
Yi Cheonsang extended his hand.
A gesture that seemed to either offer something or demand something.
"I will give you a lesson."
With a swift motion, Seo Ryang grabbed one of the four swords and swung it like lightning.