Chapter 171: What Kind of Person Is He

Transparent ripples spread through Seop Pyo’s dark brown pupils.

A demon from the foreign martial world.

It was a reality he hadn’t even anticipated.

Soon he asked quietly with a half-believing, half-doubting expression.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

There was no wavering in Na Rae-hyang’s deepened gaze.

That’s right.

She was firmly convinced.

Suddenly, Seop Pyo recalled a past conversation.

The story he had briefly exchanged with Cheol Ryu-heun after first encountering Netherworld Sword Fork Jeo Gyeom about the ghost energy of the Ghost Skull Divine Armor.

-Most likely it’s a divine weapon with the divine power of the Nine Nethers.

-The divine power of the Nine Nethers means…?

-What do you think? Ghost energy.

-Ah…!

-I could infer it from your words. If someone else had explained it like that, I would have been uncertain too.

-Sect Master Cheol, but isn’t demonic energy similar to ghost energy? Of course, there’s no way he’s a demon who practiced demonic arts.

-They’re different.

-However, from what I know, demonic energy is also said to give opponents a strong feeling of displeasure.

-You’ll know when you experience it. Demonic energy isn’t just about that feeling.

At that time, he had thought it somewhat questionable.

In truth, Cheol Ryu-heun shouldn’t have had any experience exchanging moves with martial artists of the demonic faction from foreign lands – so on what basis had he affirmed so confidently that he knew the differences between ghost energy and demonic energy?

The current situation was the same.

Na Rae-hyang, having raised the matter of the meeting’s organizer being a demon, had an attitude that firmly believed it wasn’t a misjudgment.

‘Hmm, she wouldn’t have brought up such words based on mere gut feeling.’

However, if she had no experience actually facing a demon, there was a possibility of confusing it for demonic energy because of the unique displeasure characteristic of ghost energy.

Let’s confirm right away.

“How do you know?”

“Because I trained from early on to make my sixth sense extremely sensitive. Like Elder. Moreover… Hidden energy that makes my heart feel unpleasant to that degree is rare.”

“That power brought unpleasant stimulus to your chest?”

“That’s right. Does Elder also know about demonic energy?”

Seop Pyo shook his head quietly and answered.

“No. But recently I had an experience encountering ghost energy from the Nine Nethers, which I thought was similar to demonic energy.”

“Recently…?”

“There was such a thing.”

“Ah, yes… Ghost energy. That power also has something that brings displeasure to others.”

“There must be something else as well.”

“Yes. Although I can’t tell you much.”

“Let me ask directly. If it’s a secret, stay silent. I don’t mind. Have you perhaps experienced both some kind of ghost energy and demonic energy? Is that why you know the differences between them?”

“……”

Na Rae-hyang showed a briefly pondering expression, then spoke in a quiet voice.

“Yes.”

“So that’s how it was.”

“The fundamental attributes of various demonic energies are identical, and because of that I was certain the opponent was a demon.”

“You said it took some time to discern that power, right? So, what did it feel like?”

“It’s hard to express in words, but simply put, it’s a feeling beyond strong displeasure – as if endless gloomy darkness is lurking everywhere. Furthermore, when a skilled demon operates demonic arts, the surrounding space loses light and you feel as if only darkness fills it.”

In an instant, Seop Pyo’s expression changed.

‘Wait…!’

One person flashed through his mind.

A young swordsman wearing a mask.

Ximen Yue.

Of course, he still had no idea of his true identity.

‘When I lured him and exchanged moves with him, I also received a similar feeling…!’

At the end, Ximen Yue had operated the large amount of energy he possessed as if about to display some ultimate technique, emitting a very dominating formless presence.

What reached his body was a chill.

It was strange.

Because even though the sun was in the sky, it had felt like night had arrived.

As if that space had suddenly fallen deep underground without any warning and become darkness.

It was a power that felt like the dense darkness – hard to describe in words – was fiercely stirring as if to completely block out all light illuminating the world.

Anyway, it was clearly not a power of ghost energy attributes that he had keenly felt through the Ghost Skull Divine Armor.

‘Ha! Could it have been demonic energy?’

Seop Pyo threw out a question along with that conjecture.

“Does darkness mean the same as a feeling of one’s chest being recklessly dug up by invisible pitch-black hands?”

“Ah, yes. You could say it that way. But Elder, have you…?”

“Yes. I’ve felt that too.”

“…!”

Na Rae-hyang’s eyes wavered with surprise.

“Don’t be so surprised. It’s just speculation. There’s something I somewhat suspect, but it seems I need to look into it again.”

Seop Pyo remembered the meaningful words the mysterious masked person had uttered at that time while slightly revealing that dark and gloomy energy and raising his sword at an angle.

-Consider it an honor to see this power, and die.

His voice was as chilling as his gaze.

Also.

Some power of terror transcending fighting spirit and killing intent seemed to be swirling inside his body.

Thinking about it now, a premonition flashed through his mind that it might have been an expression of pride in his high demonic arts achievement.

-Are you really sure it’s alright not to investigate further?

He had asked Cheol Ryu-heun that because the bizarre masked person was on his mind, but the response he got was merely an expressionless reaction.

As if he had no interest at all.

‘There’s something!’

If Cheol Ryu-heun had accumulated various knowledge about demonic energy, he would have already made a rough guess at that time.

He probably deliberately hid it.

In other words, that was evidence that he had made some kind of plan in connection with the appearance of demons.

Earlier, it was said that today’s meeting organizer appeared to be in his fifties.

Meanwhile, the masked person he had exchanged moves with seemed to be a young man in his twenties.

There was no possibility they were the same person, but there was a sufficient possibility they were members of the same group.

Na Rae-hyang suddenly wore a faint smile and spoke.

“Ha. Elder too… Seems to be hiding many things.”

“It’s not particularly a secret. There’s a fellow I suspect to be a demon, but currently nothing has been determined. That’s why I’m also being sparse with my words.”

“Then could you share that information with me later?”

“Of course, absolutely. Haha. Let me look into it separately and then I’ll arrange for us to contact each other.”

When Seop Pyo readily agreed, Na Rae-hyang responded with an even brighter smile.

“Thank you.”

“But… I’m worried you might be placed in danger if you get too deeply involved.”

It was because of what he had heard earlier.

-It took some time to read since it’s a hidden-attribute energy, but… He was definitely a demon from the foreign martial world. One who’s also hiding tremendous power within his body.

Black Rope Wondrous Lady Na Rae-hyang was a supreme-level female master who had placed her name among the Five Elegants of Jiangxi, a group representing an entire region.

If someone showed the boldness to hide their true power before such a person, nine times out of ten they must be an outstanding powerhouse with exceptional pride in their personal martial might.

Na Rae-hyang, having read Seop Pyo’s heart, lightly waved her hand.

“I’m fine, Elder.”

“I wonder – I’m not fine. In a fortnight you’ll have to meet that demon of unknown identity again, and in the unlikely event that he appears leading a gang and tries some scheme, you could face an unexpected situation.”

“Despite how I look, I’ve placed my name among the Five Elegants of Jiangxi. I probably won’t be easily defeated.”

“But still…”

When Seop Pyo repeatedly expressed concern, Na Rae-hyang spoke reassuringly.

“I’m not alone.”

“Yes, I know that.”

Her master, who was one of the former Thirteen Seats of the World, Ink Zither Aged Grandmother, was backing her, but she had said she was now in seclusion after the long passage of years.

Since investigating demons like this seemed to be entirely her responsibility, he naturally couldn’t help but worry about her safety.

At that moment, Na Rae-hyang changed her expression and spoke unexpected words.

“I also properly belong to a martial world organization. It’s just that our activities are secretive.”

“…!”

“My master is the head of that organization.”

“Oh my. Was that so? A martial world organization that operates secretly – that’s an interesting fact.”

Seop Pyo became curious.

‘What kind of place could it be?’

In truth, there had always been one or two such secret organizations in the martial world, but the most important thing was the purpose the group pursued.

Generally, secrecy is followed by two kinds of meaning.

Either it has bad intentions, or it has good intentions.

Having conversed with Na Rae-hyang, the organization clearly belonged to the latter case.

Right, if that group pursued an upright path, that’s all that mattered.

Na Rae-hyang brushed back her hair and casually spoke.

“I’m telling you this because it’s you, Elder.”

“Alright, alright. That means you can’t tell me more than that?”

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“What are you saying – no need. Everyone has circumstances.”

“Actually… That child’s circumstances seem to be the same as mine in the past.”

“It was revenge for her parents. But since I put down my blade long ago, I only gave her teachings.”

“I’m feeling it anew. The history of this great martial world is, as always, complexly entangled with connections made by grudges and favors.”

“Haha. You’ve become mature. Well, you’re already thirty-eight years old after all… So, how should I contact you going forward?”

Immediately after, Na Rae-hyang’s eyes glinted.

-By the way… Will you take up the sword again going forward?

-Haha, I’m thinking of trying to hold a sword again as a martial artist, not an assassin.

-Pardon?

-If it’s White Peak Sword Sect… I think it would be worth joining once.

Having recalled those words, she threw out another question.

“Are you really planning to head to White Peak Sword Sect?”

“Yes. If Ran wishes.”

“Hmm. Then… Let me try contacting you first before I meet that demon.”

“Understood. Do that.”

“I’m quite curious. Out of so many places, why specifically that one?”

“Because of the new Sect Master.”

“Pardon?”

“Cheol Ryu-heun.”

“Ah! White Gate Sword Gentleman’s first direct disciple…”

“That’s right. Him.”

“Hmm, what kind of person is he?”

“Strong.”

“Pardon? He’s strong?”

Seop Pyo nodded and continued.

“Also… Unpredictable.”

At that moment, words he didn’t particularly want to remember suddenly flashed through his mind.

-Go back and improve your martial skills. You’ll have plenty of time anyway. Stop swinging around worthless tree branches.

-Anyway, young people these days don’t put in the effort.

CLENCH.

Seop Pyo clenched his fist and crumpled his face as he shouted.

“And he’s an extremely awful geezer!”

“A gee… Geezer?”

At the unexpected words, Na Rae-hyang was flustered when suddenly Cui Lan, who had been lying on the bed, was heard murmuring.

“Mmm… If I could meet the handsome Sect Master Cheol… This sick body would… Be completely healed… Even if he’s a geezer… Would he… Become my husband? Oh, how embarrassing.”

Simultaneously, Seop Pyo’s crumpled face turned even uglier.

GRK, that, that cunning…!

Look at her pretending to talk in her sleep!

Damn, hearing that I just don’t want to go anymore!

* * *

The dining hall inside White Peak Sword Sect.

Just as evening dinner, prepared with Gal Jung-heon’s skill, was beginning.

Cheol Ryu-heun manipulated his chopsticks with an indifferent expression and spoke.

“Two days from now, you and you follow me. Keep that in mind.”

The two people he indicated were Namgung Sang-rin and Hae Su-yeon seated across from him.

“Pardon?”

“Where…?”

At that, Cheol Ryu-heun, having taken a bite of a dumpling, spoke nonchalantly.

“We’ll execute phase one of the plan to crush the Sword Seal Sect.”

“…!”

Amid everyone’s surprised gazes, he continued.

“We need to make them shit blood.”

Yeop Hwon, Hyeop Mu-geuk and others felt a chill down their spines.

When the Sect Master speaks like that, it was bound to come true… And moreover, he wouldn’t stop at just making them shit blood…