STVS 32

Chapter 32

So-cheong’s face stiffened.

“Demonic Cult… you mean?”

The Demonic Cult.

A religious group that worships a strange god and repeatedly commits malicious acts.

Long ago, when the Demonic Cult first attempted to invade the Central Plains, it triggered the First Battle of Righteousness and Evil (First Righteous-Evil War). Since then, the Righteous Martial World and the Demonic Cult had fought for a long time.

The Demonic Cult constantly revealed ambitions to engulf the martial world. To stop them, martial artists united to form an alliance called the Martial Alliance, opposing the Demonic Cult.

Years of killing and being killed bred deep resentment on both sides.

Eighteen years ago, tragedy struck again.

The Second Righteous-Evil War broke out.

Elite martial artists from the Alliance formed the Demon-Slaying Corps to confront the Demonic Cult in a final battle—and most never returned.

After that, the Demonic Cult disappeared, likely weakened. But the problem was that the Righteous Martial World had also suffered heavy losses. It took a long time to recover.

Just as things were starting to calm down, signs appeared that the Demonic Cult was stirring again.

“Various martial sects and guilds have already suffered major and minor damages. The Lin family in Fujian, the Mansae Villa in Jiangsu, the Cheonmok Sect in Zhejiang…”

That was why Namgung Jeong had been traveling through the martial world: to eliminate the remaining remnants of the Demonic Cult and gather intelligence.

On that day, he had killed a man in black associated with the cult and found a note in his possession:

[Taken from So-Yeon-ri, head of the So family.]

A note with only seven characters.

Upon discovering it, Namgung Jeong hurried to find his sworn brother, leading to the present moment.

So-cheong’s face went pale after hearing the explanation.

“Why… is Ari’s name there?”

“I don’t know that far. But since that man in black was a remnant of the Demonic Cult, it must have been a secret message among them.”

“So that means…”

Namgung Jeong’s expression darkened.

“It means the Demonic Cult is targeting Ari.”

So-cheong couldn’t bring herself to continue. After a pause, she shook her head and sighed.

“I cannot understand it. How could they be after Ari? Ari, of course, and even our So family have no connection to them…”

“Isn’t there one peculiar thing about Ari?”

“What…?”

So-cheong suddenly fell silent as realization struck.

Everyone close to Ari seemed to become strange. It was as if some spell had taken hold of them, leaving them mesmerized by Ari.

Just like fanatics of the Demonic Cult…

“No, that’s impossible. It’s not like that. It was all due to the illness. The negative energy around her was too strong, affecting those nearby. It wasn’t some kind of spell. If it were, you or Master Yeong-ro would have noticed first.”

Namgung Jeong nodded at the truth in her words but still felt uneasy. He emphasized again:

“…In any case, you must be careful. I’ll introduce a trustworthy person, so it would be wise to increase your guards. Also, perhaps you should consider moving your residence.”

“Move my residence?”

“This place is too isolated. Any incident here would be easily concealed. You might be safer in a place with more people.”

“So, where would be good?”

Namgung Jeong smiled lightly.

“How about staying at our Namgung family for a while?”

“…!”

“Isn’t that what sworn brothers are for—sharing joy and hardship? I cannot stand idly by while my brother is in danger. I want to assist you by your side.”

So-cheong’s eyes flickered with deep emotion at Namgung Jeong’s words. She reached out, grasped his hand, and smiled warmly.

“I don’t know what merit I accumulated in my previous life to have such a wonderful younger brother. You take care of your incompetent older brother so well… I will seriously consider your offer.”

“You’ve always treated me well, so this is only natural. However, I do have one request…”

“Speak freely.”

Namgung Jeong began gently.

“I hear Ari has a new servant. Is that correct?”

So-cheong looked puzzled.

“Yes. But how did you know?”

“I met the servant on my way here. There was a bit of commotion, but the young one was spirited enough to step up. It’s been a long time since I saw such a commendable child.”

“I see, I see.”

“I would like to help train this servant. Would you allow me to take care of them?”

“So-cheong chuckled softly and lightly withdrew her hand from Namgung Jeong.

“No, you may not.”

To be offered as a disciple by the head of the Namgung family was overwhelming.

My reaction was simple:

“Hmm, not really.”

At first, I was suspicious. Usually, taking a disciple happens only when someone shows rare talent or a unique constitution.

But I wasn’t exceptional. My face wasn’t beautiful, I had no martial talent, and I almost got beaten by an ordinary street servant. So why me?

A scam?

I even wondered if he was really the head of the Namgung family… but the guards confirmed it was really him.

If it’s real… then why?

I still didn’t understand, but I pushed the question aside. Whether real or not, my choice wouldn’t have changed.

Things are going smoothly now; do I really need another lifeline?

Before earning the lady’s trust, I might have been tempted. Back then, I endured everything stubbornly, not knowing when this ordeal would end. Another lifeline might have seemed appealing.

But now, I didn’t need another. I already had a strong lifeline, fully wrapped around me.

“What are you smiling at?”

“Nothing.”

I grinned at the lady.

“Because I’m happy?”

She laughed softly, a little incredulous, but didn’t seem displeased.

Look at that—I’ve grown close even to the lady.

But leaving such a cute, adorable, lovely girl to wander the martial world with a sweaty old man… risking my life under the pretext of learning martial arts?

I must be crazy!

“Lady, you can’t abandon me. You hear? I have no one else but you. I’ve invested everything into you—it’s either a jackpot or a bust! Understand?”

“What are you even saying? I’m not going anywhere!”

I teased her while inwardly promising myself:

Forget martial arts. I’d rather live comfortably by her side, getting affection and attention, than risk my life swinging a sword.

That was my firm decision… until he said:

“Would you like to become a master?”

“No.”

“Do you know how great it is to be a master? People respect you, and you’re treated well wherever you go!”

“I’m not interested.”

“Shall I show you some sword techniques? Namgung’s swordsmanship is grand and deep in every move! The Daeyeon Sword Technique, or the Cheonggung Muae Sword Technique—what do you think?”

“No thanks.”

This man would not give up!

I looked at Namgung Jeong, exasperated. Why did he insist now, after retreating gracefully before?

He swung his sword relentlessly, even as I refused. I just watched, astonished, as the constantly changing sword cut through the air.

I asked quietly:

“Do you think I can do it?”

“What?”

“It looks difficult, especially the technique where you slash nine times horizontally but thrust in the middle. If I fail, it could go terribly wrong. Do you think I can manage it?”

Namgung Jeong looked surprised.

“You saw that?”

I scratched my cheek.

“Not all of it… just a few parts.”

Honestly, I couldn’t follow most of it. I only noted the parts he moved slowly, and even then, they seemed difficult.

Yet Namgung Jeong was impressed.

“Your eyes are sharper than I thought. The nine horizontal slashes are feints, and the middle thrust is the real attack. Every move blends feint and real strikes. Recognizing that is skill.”

“I see…”

“Of course, I might reveal some slowly, but anyone who knows nothing would struggle to distinguish. You’ve never been taught, really?”

I nodded. Until recently, swinging a sword could have landed me in trouble.

Perhaps seeing me spar with the lady naturally honed my observation.

I was about to explain, but Namgung Jeong was already pondering, stroking his chin.

“Hmph, honestly, I didn’t expect much, but this looks promising…”

“Excuse me?”

“If you’re interested, would you like to try learning the sword briefly? I’m not asking you to be my disciple. What I teach isn’t Namgung’s martial arts, just common street techniques. Still, they’ll be enough to protect yourself.”

“Uh…”

“How about it? Give it a try?”

I thought carefully. Honestly, I did care about martial arts, at least for self-defense. Something like what happened before could happen again.

“…Maybe I will.”

After roughly half a shi-jin (half an hour) of training with Namgung Jeong using a wooden sword, he said:

“Do not become my disciple.”