CHAPTER 520: EPILOGUE EARTH DEMON (17)

The first goal Seol-Hwi set in this world was to make those people he couldn’t care for in the past lives happy.

More like countless stars shining in the deep night sky, not just giving them flashy things.

Seol-Hwi wanted to offer them a life with a tomorrow, a life infused with hope.

Along the way, Seol-Hwi met the reclusive warrior Dam Cheon, persuaded the Third Disciple, and now he was even meeting Elder Dok to convince him.

But recently, a sudden and natural question arose.

It was, “Won’t Jang Dal appear in this world as well?”

Of course, the world Seol-Hwi entered was the first world where fate flowed normally and Jang Dal did not appear.

But reflecting on countless lives, in the previous world, Jang Dal first appeared through some path.

That meant Jang Dal’s existence would also manifest in this world.

“You mean… you have seen the future?”

“Yes.”

“It’s hard to believe that one can see the future…”

Dok Yeo-woon’s face, staring at him with wide eyes, alternated between skepticism and suspicion.

Yet, the teacup trembling slightly in his wrinkled hand showed he was quite flustered at his words.

Having survived long years under the shadow of power, he wouldn’t believe nonsense, but the skill that deceived the Cult Leader and all this couldn’t be dismissed simply as denial.

“Don’t worry too much. You’ll find out eventually. That aside…”

Seol-Hwi eased his burden with a gentle voice.

And naturally changed the subject.

“Let me ask again. Where is the one called Phantom?”

In the room where dawn light filtered through the window, he showed a slightly pensive expression at his question.

But it didn’t last long.

After all, he was not fully on his side but leaning a step more toward the other side.

“The Seventh Hall. One of the two hall leaders, named Jeong Yeon.”

Seventh Hall.

Called the cradle of the Demonic Cult, it was a place to train elite talents and master various special martial arts, like a leadership academy.

It was led by a legendary martial arts master called the Heavenly Descendant Demon, and a place whose reputation alone attracted attention.

‘Probably succeeded.’

Hearing that, Seol-Hwi began to grasp the future situation little by little.

Seol-Hwi had no special memory of Demon General, one of the Supreme Demon warriors of the First Disciple mentioned by the Third Disciples in the past.

In other words, Jeong Yeon, called Phantom, had succeeded in assassinating Demon General.

‘Might have succeeded faster than expected.’

Though the exact timing was unknown, during his main activity period, Magon did not exist.

Surely, the great event would happen soon.

The Second Disciple, Demon Lord.

Seol-Hwi didn’t know then, but now Seol-Hwi think it could be far more dangerous than Seol-Hwi thought.

“Can you tell me about Jeong Yeon’s personality?”

Seol-Hwi spoke quietly but it did not hide his growing curiosity.

Dok Yeo-woon closed his eyes briefly as if recalling old memories, then slowly opened them and answered.

“Well, I remember meeting him about twice. Nothing special, but I felt he would use any means necessary to complete a mission.”

“Means and methods…”

Seol-Hwi nodded.

A person with a will as strong as steel was rather an easy type.

Those who focus extremely on missions are easy to persuade if you bring them what they want.

Seol-Hwi thought if Seol-Hwi achieved his goal for him, Seol-Hwi could persuade him.

“Understood. I’ve said what I needed and heard enough answers, so I’ll take my leave.”

“W-wait…”

Suddenly, Dok Yeo-woon’s voice sharpened.

“You’re not planning to handle Magon yourself, are you?”

Since Seol-Hwi recently became the Heavenly Demon disciple, it seemed he asked out of concern that Seol-Hwi might not know the current situation.

“Of course not. I have no intention of starting a war.”

“Good to hear. And…”

When Seol-Hwi answered confidently, Dok Yeo-woon’s voice softened.

“And please take the Black Claw Captain back with you?”

“Ah…”

Seol-Hwi made a slightly awkward face at the unexpected proposal, and Dok Yeo-woon seemed to have already grasped the situation and continued.

“After hearing your plan, my neck feels cold for no reason.”

“I see.”

Seol-Hwi nodded slowly.

He might not have known before, but after hearing his plan, Dok Yeo-woon had no reason to keep the Black Claw Captain.

If Demon General, the Supreme Demon warrior, died after this, the First Disciple would immediately suspect the disciples.

During the investigation, they would come to find Dok Yeo-woon.

In the end, his gift was to prove Seol-Hwi was not the Heavenly Killing Star and to eliminate Dok Yeo-woon if he refused his proposal.

“And that man will be more useful with you than with me.”

Dok Yeo-woon calmly raised his gaze and continued.

“It’s not easy to find a Peak demon warrior who can kill Demon General.”

“That’s true.”

It was a reasonable statement.

The blind Black Claw Captain already had the skill to kill an Supreme Demon warrior like a black cloud holding lightning.

If you can strike the First Disciple with his own weapon, what could be more effective?

“Then, next time, I’ll give you a proper gift.”

Seol-Hwi said politely.

“Your success is the greatest gift to me, Fourth Disciple. The boring succession battle will finally shake.”

A faint smile spread on the old man’s wrinkled face.

Under the lamp, his face looked deep and meaningful like an ancient tree holding many years.

“And as you said… I hope you find the one you’ve long awaited.”

“Thank you.”

As Seol-Hwi left the room, a thought came to him. It was a more fruitful meeting than expected.

Walking down the moonlit corridor, Seol-Hwi sought the blind man again.

He, waiting in the darkness like a shadow, turned his head at his footsteps.

----------------------------------------

Seol-Hwi headed to the Hidden Troops’ pavilion with the Black Claw Captain.

This time, no one was chasing them.

Well, only a few hours had passed since the ambush, so there was no time to send hidden warriors again.

After arriving at the office at dawn, Seol-Hwi entered meditation.

The dim light filtering through the window cast faint shadows on the floor.

The desire to sleep had long been transcended, so a brief meditation restored all his energy.

As day broke and afternoon came, Seol-Hwi relaxed at the sound of footsteps outside the door.

“What’s the matter?”

The one reporting was Heuk Gu, captain of the Hidden Troops.

“The blind man you brought refuses to eat.”

“Is he sleeping at least?”

“No. Several members helped and watched, but he stayed awake, like watching a funeral table.”

“I see? I’ll go see him myself.”

Seol-Hwi quickly changed clothes and headed to the guest room where he stayed.

Looking out the window down the corridor, the afternoon sun dyed the courtyard golden.

Seol-Hwi entered the room in the detached annex without hesitation.

‘Hmm.’

The Black Claw Captain sat in the center of the room. His pale face was as stiff as a marble statue.

Around him were untouched dishes.

“You seem to have had a restless sleep.”

When Seol-Hwi spoke, he naturally responded.

Though still blind, tension was felt on his face.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“Because it was necessary.”

“Better to kill me if you intend to use me like an object.”

His words carried restrained anger.

He seemed to have concluded he would be used like a tool.

Seol-Hwi sat down and naturally changed the subject.

“How did you come to the Demonic Cult?”

“Probably the same reason as the other children who come here.”

“Do you know who brought you?”

“I don’t know well.”

“Messengers are usually divided between the general overseer and others, but the main goal is the same: to nurture talented children.”

Seol-Hwi explained slowly.

“They operate during nationwide famines. Their targets are families struggling to survive like slash-and-burn farmers, similar to other sects in the Central Plains.”

A brief silence fell in the room. Outside, birds chirped.

“You trained here and achieved results thanks to the demonic cult, not any particular individual. So shouldn’t you devote yourself to the main cult, not just one person?”

“In the end, that blade is also aimed at the main cult’s people, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but your question is misleading.”

His question was sharp but expected.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did I attack? Am I not a person of the main cult?”

“…”

For a moment, the Black Claw Captain was speechless, realizing too late he had fallen into a simple trap.

His lips trembled slightly. Seol-Hwi gave him a moment.

Sunlight streaming through the window lit his pale face.

“What is your dream?”

After a while, Seol-Hwi asked again.

“Is it hard to answer such a grand question? Then what do you want to do?”

“…”

Still no answer. His face was as hard as stone.

Seol-Hwi didn’t know if it was because the sudden question made him forget or he feared making a mistake like before.

It didn’t matter.

Seol-Hwi had something to say, so he took a slow breath and continued,

“You may find it hard to believe, but my goal is the Demonic Cult’s rest and peace.”

Thump.

Seol-Hwi rested his chin on his hand and added,

“For that, several conditions are needed. First, no war should be started. Second, the disciples’ Supreme Demon Warriors must be eliminated. Third, one disciple’s forces must grow large enough to overwhelm the others.”

Seol-Hwi looked steadily at the Black Claw Captain and continued,

“I’m running toward that process now. That’s why I need you.”

“You mean I will be a great help?”

“Of course. It’s rare to find someone who can kill an enemy’s Supreme Demon warrior without bringing one of their own.”

This was his evaluation after fighting personally.

His ability was clear, like a blade piercing armor.

Seol-Hwi didn’t know Demon General’s ability, but he was not someone to be easily defeated.

“You’re overestimating me. I’ve never thought of fighting and winning against the Supreme Demon warriors.”

“I will help you. At least, I promise not to use you like the First Disciple did, discarding you as a pawn.”

“…”

“Haven’t you experienced my ability? If someone skilled enough to deceive the Cult Leader says so, isn’t it believable?”

He did not answer. Only their breathing echoed in the quiet room.

He was probably weighing options. Sitting on the silk cushion, deep in thought, he looked like an ancient statue.

His proposal was welcome, but he had a past following the First Disciple.

Strictly speaking, the First Disciple used him as a disposable pawn, but broadly, he bore the stigma of betrayal.

Seeing he wouldn’t decide easily, Seol-Hwi started speaking.

“A few more days…”

Then, as if resolved, his voice echoed in the room.

“I wanted to succeed and be recognized by all. That’s why I followed the First Disciple.”

“…”

“But after experiencing your skill, I think I’ve fulfilled my duty. And now…”

A slight tremor was felt in his voice.

“Because you spared me, like the First Disciple, I will give you one chance to use me.”

“A wise decision.”

Seol-Hwi was pleased with his decision.

After all, only Demon General needed to be eliminated.

It would be suspicious if he insisted on continuing to work.

“Good, let’s do that. Rest for a day and come to the training ground. I’ll teach you how to kill Demon General.”

Satisfied with the negotiation, Seol-Hwi stood up happily.

Then at that moment.

“When this war ends, I want to see my parents once.”

The blind man answered.

It was about what he wanted, which Seol-Hwi had mentioned earlier.

“…Is it lingering attachment?”

“No.”

He raised his lowered gaze briefly, then calmly continued with eyes closed.

Sunlight briefly shone on his pale face.

“It’s just a feeling like a puzzle in life I need to solve now.”

“Good. That too.”

Seol-Hwi spoke then. This warm voice was probably the first he had heard in a long time.

“I’ll help you, if the war ends quickly as I expect.”