The Double Agent of the Heavenly Demon Sect

"You really did it."

Ilma, arriving at the scene of the slain Magok Lord, clicked her tongue as she stood over the massive corpse.

"What about the blood?"

"I drank as much as I could, but... I can’t say I feel any different."

"It’s called bohyeol for a reason. Its effects are negligible. The neidan is what matters. Have you consumed it yet?"

"I was waiting for you to arrive so I could ask for permission."

I reached into the Magok Lord's carcass, cutting open its belly to retrieve the neidan. I handed the glowing orb to Ilma, who glanced at me.

"You didn’t just take it for yourself?"

"I didn’t want to risk getting scolded..."

"...Pfft."

For the first time, Ilma laughed in front of me.

"Haha! At least you’re not completely stupid! Well done. Mixing it with other ingredients will do far more to enhance your internal energy than consuming it raw. Now, you have a choice to make."

"A choice?"

"If I decide to keep you by my side, I’ll have time to teach you directly. The Black-and-White Linked Sword Technique (Heukbaekryeongeom). It’s the secret martial art of the Sahyeoldae that all members must learn.

"But Samsipho, you’re not very bright. You’re not sharp enough to learn two techniques at the same time without your head exploding."

She tapped the sword at her waist lightly.

"So, decide. Will you continue with the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique (Gucheonhyeolmagong), or will you start fresh with the Black-and-White Linked Sword Technique?"

"...How are they different?"

"They're completely different. Continuing with the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique means building on what you’ve already learned. But the Black-and-White Linked Sword Technique would mean starting over. However, its rewards are substantial. The Sahyeoldae is filled with some of the sect’s strongest masters, and the martial arts you’d learn there are leagues above ordinary techniques. Mastering them might turn even a commoner into a dragon."

I hesitated, weighing my options. The decision came quickly.

"...I will continue with the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique."

"Why?"

"Because it’s the technique that has brought me this far."

It felt... right. At least to me.

"I want to see it through to the end. I also don’t want to give up what I’ve already gained. It’s more than just a technique; it holds memories and meaning. If it’s lacking, I’ll refine it. If it’s flawed, I’ll improve it until I can wield it fully."

"Hmph. Suit yourself. It doesn’t matter. I was planning to incorporate the principles of the Black-and-White Linked Sword Technique into the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique anyway."

"...What? Then why did you ask me?"

"To remind you of a fundamental truth: a martial art that you’ve built over time will never betray its wielder. If you’d been tempted by a flashier technique, I would’ve scolded you relentlessly for your foolishness."

She turned her head away with a feigned air of indifference.

"You narrowly avoided that. Don’t go chasing after other techniques recklessly. Even Soul-Severing Sword (Talhonggeom) isn’t worth it. Sure, it has its uses, but it won’t take you anywhere meaningful. Just stick to what I teach you."

"...Did you hear about me from Nohacheon?"

"I’ll say it again—I don’t consider myself your master. I’m only teaching you because of the Sect Leader’s orders."

Ilma tugged sharply at my sleeve.

"...But."

Her voice grew softer, almost hesitant.

"Don’t even think about taking on another master. I’m the one who taught you. If you’ve learned something from me, stick with it until the end."

"...I told Nohacheon the same thing."

"I heard."

"Then why...?"

"Say it yourself. Say you won’t take another master."

Her tone was oddly insistent. But I had no reason to disagree.

"I have no intention of learning under anyone else but you, Ilma."

"I told you, I don’t want you as my disciple!"

"Then what am I supposed to do...?"

"Just take it as it is! Don’t overthink it!"

Ilma snapped at me before turning sharply to face Isipguho.

"Isipguho, Baek Mae."

"Y-Yes!"

"Pack your things. Take whatever you need. Stay at the base until Sahyeoldae’s Myeo Yerin arrives."

"...What? What does that mean...?"

Isipguho looked at me, bewildered.

I leaned toward Ilma, whispering.

"You promised to keep my name out of this, didn’t you?"

"Good deeds should come with credit, you idiot. If they don’t know who helped them, how will they appreciate it properly? I’d lose sleep over the awkwardness of anonymous kindness."

Ilma gestured with her chin.

"Samsipho made a deal with me. He agreed to kill the Magok Lord within a month in exchange for getting you accepted as a candidate for the Sahyeoldae."

"...Samsipho... did?"@@novelbin@@

"Do you see another Samsipho here?"

"But... why...?"

Isipguho stared at me, her voice trembling as though she wanted to see the face beneath my mask.

Ilma growled.

"Why else? Because that fool has an annoyingly wide sense of responsibility. He even arranged for something else as backup."

"...Don’t tell me..."

"Geummaehwa, the courtesan from Hongbongru. She’s been extracted, though she’s in poor condition. Someone’s been assigned to take care of her. Visit when you can; Myeo Yerin will provide the details."

"...Oh... Oh..."

Tears soaked the mask covering Isipguho’s face. Ilma jabbed me sharply in the ribs.

"I’ll be off first. Follow at your own pace."

With that, she stepped aside, leaving me alone with Isipguho.

Her trembling shoulders showed no sign of stopping. I had hoped she’d smile at the gift I had given her.

I hadn’t expected... this.

"Isipguho, are you alright?"

"Who... who asked for this...? Why... why did you do it...?"

"I’m sorry."

The first thing I could offer was an apology. My actions had been reckless, after all.

Then I tried to explain.

"Isipguho, I’ll be leaving soon. Far away."

"...Where...?"

"I don’t think it’ll be within the sect. Most likely somewhere farther. Perhaps... I might not return."

"..."

"It’s a matter of life and death. Though I’ve lived my life risking my life anyway."

I tried to inject a bit of humor, but she didn’t laugh. She sniffled, pulling off her mask to reveal tear-streaked, reddened eyes. The tears, which I thought would stop soon, kept flowing endlessly.

In a trembling, swollen voice, she asked,

"So... what are you going for? Where? Why?"

"That’s classified."

"...Is it related to Ilma?"

"Yes."

I didn’t know how to deal with a crying woman.

Frankly...

I didn’t know how to deal with anyone crying.

All I had were words. Even if they sounded like excuses, I had no other way.

"I’m sorry for acting without your consent. But... I wanted to leave you something before I go, Isipguho."

"..."

"I knew about your plans for revenge against Hongbongru. I also knew about your intention to draw your blade against Shim Sahun, the Mad Soul Seizer. But..."

I scratched my head awkwardly.

"If you had a hostage, you wouldn’t be able to wield your blade properly. And even if you remained in the Blood Demon Unit, you wouldn’t be able to see your sister after rescuing her. Nothing would change."

"..."

"So, I took matters into my own hands. It’s not much of a farewell gift, but I wanted to lighten your burden, even if just a little."

"Why...?"

She wiped her tears and, with a voice heavy with emotion, asked,

"Why would you go this far for me...?"

"Because you risked your life for my stubbornness. You wielded your sword alongside me, and even when you were injured, you never once complained."

"..."

"I admired that about you. And... I was moved by it. Our time together may not have been long, but it was deeply enjoyable for me."

I gave her a bittersweet smile.

"Consider it my way of saying I didn’t want to part ways with you. And for that... I’m sorry again. I didn’t mean to ruin your plans."

"Is that why you fought so desperately against the Magok Lord?"

Her voice was sharp, cutting.

I hesitated. That was part of it, but...

The blood-soaked battle had ignited something within me—a fiery passion, a yearning for the sword.

I carefully chose my words.

"I made a promise, and I worked hard to fulfill it. But it was also a beast I needed to overcome for my own growth, so..."

"Did you do it for me?"

"In a sense, yes. But... well, there’s a bit more to it..."

"Speak clearly."

She unfolded her handkerchief, blew her nose, and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. With reddened eyes, she asked,

"Was it really for me?"

It wasn’t wrong.
It wasn’t wrong at all.

I cleared my throat awkwardly.

"Yes."

"..."

Baekmae gave me a sidelong glance. She slid off the white gloves she always wore, gloves she claimed to despise men touching her skin. For someone who loathed physical contact, she gently grasped my hand. She seemed to search for words before finally lifting her gaze.

Her eyes shone with determination.

"Where are you going?"

"I can’t say."

"How high do I have to climb to know?"

"What...? Well..."

Besides the Heavenly Demon and Ilma, was there anyone who could hear or answer that question?

"Probably... somewhere pretty high, I’d imagine..."

"Then I’ll climb. Wherever it takes."

She suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me toward her, bumping her head lightly against my chest.

"Let me say this in advance: showing off after doing something nice unasked is really unattractive. You know that, right?"

"...Pardon?"

"Just wait. I’ll find a way to repay you in my own way. All you have to do... is say one thing."

She looked up at me, half-hugging me.

"...This isn’t really goodbye, is it?"

"..."

Her trembling eyes met mine. Unsure of where to put my hand, I hesitantly placed it on her head.

Was this what Ilma had done before?

I wasn’t sure if this was okay. But since this might truly be the last time, I decided to act as I wished.

"I’ll try to make sure it isn’t."

Live and return.
There are too many people I still need to see again.

"If there’s one thing I’m confident in, it’s effort."

"That’s good enough."

"By the way, Baekmae."

"Yes?"

"Could you... maybe not wipe your face on my chest? It’s a little... sticky..."

"That’s the kind of thing you’re supposed to ignore!"

She defiantly blew her nose against my chest.

"...I’ll save my thanks for later."

Her voice, now soft and subdued, reached my ears clearly.

"When I’ve climbed higher, I’ll look you in the eyes and say it then."

"Understood, Baekmae."

"I heard you’re leaving the Blood Demon Unit. I’m not part of it anymore either. Call me by my name."

"...Baekmae, then?"

"You’re twenty-six, aren’t you?"

"That’s... correct?"

"I’m twenty this year. Speak casually."

She turned her head haughtily, surprisingly younger than I had expected.

"Well... I suppose sorting out titles properly is good etiquette, so..."

"So?"

"I-I’ll call you... Orabeoni. It’s not like I have a personal motive or anything! Really!"

...

Baekmae began packing her belongings. After trying to act tough several times, she wiped her tears under her mask and finally yelled at me.

"Just wait! Next time we meet, I’ll be stronger!"

"Your voice is loud enough. Sect leader, am I really responsible for this kid?"

"Push her to her limits. When she’s truly useful, bring her back to me."

"Raising a disciple wasn’t in my plans... Kid, if you can’t keep up, I’ll toss you off a cliff."

"I’ll do whatever it takes! Train me, please!"

With that, Baekmae left. I turned to Ilma.

"Ilma, what should I do next?"

"Follow me, sharpen your skills, and learn a variety of tasks along the way."

"What kind of tasks...?"

"How to handle information, communication signals used by the sect’s spies, and more. Your footwork also needs work. Your Ghostly Shadow Steps (Guyeongbo) are pathetic. Lower body strength is the core of martial arts. Without proper training, you’ll never reach your full potential."

She clapped me on the back, hard enough to sting.

"From now on, I’ll push you until you want to die. Helping me comes after that. I’ll mix in the principles of the Black-and-White Linked Sword Technique and bits of the Ice-and-Snow Martial Arts (Bingbaekseol). Maybe even throw in the Flame Wheel Demon Sword (Hwaryunmageom), which is like an advanced form of the Soul-Severing Sword. I’ve mastered over a thousand techniques."

"...!"

"With that slow brain of yours, it’ll be hard to follow and even harder to understand. But..."

Ilma smirked.

"You chose this path, so endure it silently. You’ll need it to root out the sect’s infiltrators in the Martial Alliance and make it back alive."

"Yes!"

"One last thing—just to be sure. You’re not thinking of betraying us and going back to them, are you?"

"Isn’t it strange to even ask that? If I lied, what would it change...?"

"It’s just a question. Answer it."

I smiled at her question.

"Ilma, this place is already my home."

"Hmph."

"Besides, I still have unfinished business. I’ll return without fail."

"By unfinished business, do you mean that ridiculous dream of catching up to the Sect Leader?"

"That, and..."

I glanced at Ilma’s profile.

"There’s one more thing."

"What is it?"

"I want to be properly acknowledged as a disciple by a true martial artist."

"..."

Ilma scoffed.

"Spend your life trying. Let’s see if it happens."

I noticed the faint trace of amusement in her voice.

Not just in changing her outward demeanor, but in altering her entire approach—I would need to dedicate myself completely.

So, I resolved to work harder than ever before. To earn her recognition, even if it killed me.