Chapter 4: Sword and Demon Sword (3)

Yunmyeong received a new mission to investigate the Blood Cult’s interference and gather further details.

However, since he needed to report the details of the ambush to the higher-ups, Sword Demon headed straight to the grand mansion where the Heavenly Demon resided.

Inside the massive black wooden mansion, past the rows of black-robed cultists, the Heavenly Demon, seated on an ornate chair, spoke to Sword Demon.

“I heard it was the work of a Six Path Blood Ghost. Which one exactly?”

“They didn’t use any distinct abilities, so I couldn’t identify them, but they wielded a saber, and their pure martial prowess was exceptional.”

The Heavenly Demon, with androgynous beauty, stroked their chin and murmured.

“Exceptional in pure martial prowess… Different from the other Blood Ghosts who rely on sinister sorcery.”

“Even without relying on abilities, the Six Path Blood Ghosts’ raw strength makes it plausible. Plus, they were cloaked in black and wore a mask, likely to conceal their identity.”

Nodding at Yunmyeong’s words, the Heavenly Demon agreed.

“You’re right. They might have hidden their abilities to conceal their identity. Anything else notable?”

“Hmm, from the outline of their body under the clothes, I could tell it was a woman.”

“Too little information. Further investigation is definitely needed. Sword Demon, you’ve just returned, but it seems I must assign you another mission.”

“Any mission you assign, I will complete without fail this time.”

Yunmyeong bowed, his voice filled with firm resolve.

“As expected, I can rely on you. The Blood Cult’s antics have been getting on my nerves lately, but with you stepping in, I’m at ease.”

“This time, I’ll bring back the head of a Six Path Blood Ghost.”

“Good. You may go.”

“Yes, sir!”

Following the Heavenly Demon’s command, Sword Demon left the grand hall and walked down the corridor.

As he walked, he sensed someone approaching from the opposite direction.

Looking up, he saw a woman with flowing black hair.

As they drew closer, he recognized her face and offered a brief greeting.

“It’s been a while, Ghost Demon.”

The woman called Ghost Demon returned the greeting just as curtly.

“Been a while, Sword Demon. Glad you returned safely.”

It was natural, but the Seven Demons weren’t particularly close.

They greeted each other when they met, but there was little to say beyond that.

Lingering would only be awkward, so Sword Demon moved to pass by, but Ghost Demon continued.

“I heard your sword broke. You alright? I recall you cherished your weapons.”

“Hmm, unfortunately, yes.”

“For a sword made by that Haunted Blacksmith to break, it must’ve been quite a foe.”

“I encountered a Six Path Blood Ghost.”

“A Six Path Blood Ghost… Then you’ll stay at the cult until you get a new sword?”

“No, I’ll head to the martial world soon.”

Ghost Demon, slightly surprised, asked, “Won’t it take time to craft a new sword? Or did you already receive one?”

“There was one among the blacksmith’s swords that particularly caught my eye.”

“Curious. I thought you’d request something special.”

“…”

Yunmyeong could have mentioned the demonic sword but chose not to, feeling it unnecessary.

Having said her piece, Ghost Demon turned toward the grand hall.

“Good luck, then.”

Watching her retreating figure, Yunmyeong turned to leave.

Then Ghost Demon paused and spoke.

“Oh, one piece of advice: don’t get too attached to your weapon.”

She glanced back slightly.

“A weapon is just a tool, after all.”

Returning home, he carefully lifted the demonic sword, wrapped in worn cloth.

Rustle

As the cloth slowly fell away, the sword’s red eye revealed its eerie presence, and it spoke to Yunmyeong.

[Yunmyeong, my foolish master.]

Gazing at it, Yunmyeong’s eyes were entranced, as if beholding a beautiful woman’s bare form.

“I don’t have time to listen to your nonsense.”

He turned the sword, inspecting its exterior once more, and smiled with satisfaction.

‘I’ll drive out the evil will within this sword and become its true master,’ he vowed again.

Observing his actions, the sword fell silent briefly before speaking in an irritated tone.

[How long are you going to gawk like a pervert? If you have business, speak.]

“Shut up. You’re interrupting my appreciation.”

[Ha, unbelievable. To be so brazen while ogling someone’s body.]

Even the sword seemed momentarily flustered, responding with disbelief.

Having admired it enough, Yunmyeong wrapped the sword in thin cloth as the blacksmith advised, slung it over his back, and prepared to leave Mount Heaven for the martial world.

Packing minimal food and essentials, he handed them to a subordinate waiting outside and boarded a luxurious ebony carriage.

“We’ll head to Qinghai, where the last ambush occurred, and search for clues about them.”

As Sword Demon stated his destination and mission, his subordinate took the reins.

Thus began the journey of Yunmyeong and Soul-Severing Blade.

—

“Sword Demon’s no ordinary guy, huh.”

Shocked by his wild words and actions, I nearly forgot I was the sword’s vessel and almost let out a vulgar curse.

Soul-Severing Blade’s backstory is that it was once a powerful, noble warrior, sealed in the sword for decades due to some reason, leading to its corruption.

Its tone should be malicious but never crude or unrefined.

It must always remain composed, provoking Sword Demon’s nerves, but I almost broke character just now.

“Gotta stay sharp.”

Honestly, I made it with an appearance that villains would love, but I didn’t expect him to be this enamored.

As I tried to refocus, someone flung open the forge’s door.

Clank!

From the way it nearly broke, I knew who it was.

“You again?”

Turning, I saw Hyuna striding in confidently.

“About those daggers you gave me! I’m here to share my review!”

“Already used them? How are they?”

“Amazing! Truly legendary! They’re cool, sure, but they cut through necks like tofu!”

“You cut someone’s neck already?”

‘It’s barely been a day since she got them, right?’

“Yup! There was a traitor!”

“Hmm, I see.”

This is why I don’t mess around in the cult.

The thought of these lunatics swarming me gives me a headache.

“The traitor kept talking even after his head was off! You should’ve seen it! So funny!”

“Oh, really? Sounds hilarious! Ha… ha.”

I replied with a deliberately soulless tone.

“As expected, you’re a blacksmith obsessed with swords and nothing else. You’re the weird one.”

“And you think you’re normal… Never mind.”

As expected, everyone in this cult—her included—is out of their mind.

Who cuts off a head and talks about it like they’re praising a butcher’s knife at a farm?

And finds it funny?

Living among these maniacs and staying sane is no easy feat, but I’m managing it.

“By the way, what were you doing?”

Hyuna pulled a chair next to me and sat down, asking.

“Writing a work plan.”

“Work plan?”

She tilted her head, peering at the document.

“Hmm, is this a plan? Looks like a story.”

The document contained the scenario I’d been crafting for Soul-Severing Blade.

But having never written a novel, I’m no good at this.

So, of course, it’s not exactly polished.

“I was writing the story for the sword I made. Helps with immersion.”

“As expected, the Haunted Blacksmith is something else!”

With an energy-draining mosquito like her buzzing around, I couldn’t focus, especially when even quiet moments weren’t enough for inspiration.

Then a bold idea struck me.

“Hey, have you ever read or written stories?”

“Huh? Nah, books are boring.”

“Figured.”

As I turned away, she continued.

“But I’ve heard plenty.”

“Heard? Someone read to you?”

“No, not like that. People I’m about to kill always ramble about their lives. I used to ignore them, but some stories were interesting, so now I listen to the end.”

“Wow, you’re something else.”

This place’s people operate on a different wavelength.

“Got any memorable stories?”

“Oh, a few. The ones I chase down always have interesting tales.”

“Alright, pick a few good ones and bring them to me. Oh, you can write, right?”

At my question, Hyuna pouted, clearly offended.

“What, you think I’m an idiot? I’ve written tons of mission reports! Just wait!”

She strode out of the forge confidently.

Watching her leave, I thought, ‘Can I trust her? She’ll probably bring back some deranged stories.’

But I brushed off the worry.

‘Sword Demon’s not exactly sane either.’

Crazy stories might just fit him perfectly.