The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 24

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 024
Venturing Out
The Sun and Moon Dual Extreme Divine Art—the supreme martial technique that surpassed the Heavenly Demon Heart Method.
The Sacred Fire Spirit Refinement, which condensed the power of Sacred Fire into spirit essence.
And the Heavenly Demon Slaying Blade, a legendary treasure whose true nature remained shrouded in mystery.
The three sacred treasures of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, known only through legend, now lay displayed in the center of the Ilwol Great Hall.
“Is it true that the Minor Sect Leader recovered all of these treasures?”
“The Sect Leader witnessed it himself.”
“Truthfully, I believed the three sacred treasures existed only in legend. I never knew they were real.”
“Neither did I.”
The Sect Leader of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, the Left and Right Luminaries, and the masters of the Five Demon Palaces—all Eight Luminaries had gathered to admire the three sacred treasures.
These rare treasures, seen for the first time in their lives, emanated a wondrous aura bearing the marks of countless ages, leaving even the greatest martial leaders of Kangho speechless.
Until moments ago, some had harbored doubts about whether these were genuine.
But now…
“These are undoubtedly the three sacred treasures from legend. Remarkably…”
Noh Hwa Jin, the master of Myeong Shin Palace, which oversaw the research and transmission of martial arts, had just revealed her findings on the three sacred treasures, and all doubt vanished.
“At present, the treasures appear to possess the exact power described in our historical records.”
The three sacred treasures matched perfectly with what legend and the sect’s archives had recorded.
All Eight Luminaries could not conceal the overwhelming emotion and anticipation swelling in their chests.
They recalled the legend that when the three sacred treasures were revealed to the world, the Sun and Moon Divine Sect would unleash its true power upon Kangho.
After a period of murmuring subsided, the Eight Luminaries observed Baek Mu Myeong’s reaction.
They were curious what the Sect Leader was thinking at this moment, when the Sun and Moon Divine Sect had unearthed treasures that had slumbered for three hundred years.
“Indeed. The Minor Sect Leader truly accomplished it.”
Baek Sect Leader muttered to himself, his lips curled upward in a broad smile.
Though it was not widely known,
Baek Mu Myeong had researched the three sacred treasures even before ascending to the position of Sect Leader, captivated by their legendary power.
However, he had refrained from approaching them, knowing the fate that befell all who sought to claim them.
After witnessing firsthand how the Previous Sect Leader’s Brother, who had been the Left Elder of the Divine Sect, challenged the three sacred treasures in the Yeongseong Cave Innermost Chamber and lost his mind, becoming a cripple, he had essentially abandoned hope.
Yet the Minor Sect Leader had accomplished what he could not.
“Sect Leader! Allow me to congratulate you on obtaining the three sacred treasures!”
The Left Elder, noticing the Sect Leader’s elevated spirits, rose abruptly from his seat and offered his congratulations.
And someone posed the question that inevitably had to be asked.
“Regarding the ownership of the treasures… what are your intentions?”
The Sect Leader snapped to attention at the question and turned to face the Left Elder.
“Ownership?”
“Indeed, Sect Leader.”
Though the Minor Sect Leader had discovered the three sacred treasures, he could not claim sole possession of them.
The treasures had been left by the Previous Sect Leader and, strictly speaking, belonged to the sect itself.
The Left Elder and all the martial leaders believed the treasures should become the sect’s property, managed by the Sect Leader.
Above all, they felt it improper for the still-young Minor Sect Leader to monopolize such immense power.
“What a pointless question.”
Yet the Sect Leader’s thoughts diverged from this assessment.
“All three sacred treasures belong to the Minor Sect Leader.”
When the Sect Leader made this declaration without the slightest hesitation, doubt flickered across the Left Elder’s face.
The Sect Leader added solemnly.
“Of course, giving the Dual Extremes Divine Art or the Sacred Fire Essence Painting to the Minor Sect Leader immediately would serve little purpose. I shall safeguard the divine art and bestow it once the Minor Sect Leader masters the Hyeon Ma Gyeong. As for the Sacred Fire Essence Painting, I will send it to the Seonghwa Hall of Gwangmyeong Hall this very day, so that the Minor Sect Leader may consume it once the Sacred Fire Elixir is completed.”
The Sect Leader himself was not immune to the allure of the sacred treasures’ power.
Yet his desires lay elsewhere.
How could he lay claim to something the Minor Sect Leader had discovered through his own strength?
Moreover, both legend and historical records indicated that the First Sect Leader intended for the sacred treasures to be possessed by ‘those of worthy character.’
Who else but the Minor Sect Leader, who had uncovered the treasures himself, possessed such qualification?
The Sect Leader’s declaration that ‘all sacred treasures belong to the Minor Sect Leader’ served to ensure that no one present—disciple or otherwise—would harbor any contrary thoughts.
“Then, what of the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade?”
All eyes of the martial leaders turned toward the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade, its dark blade gleaming with luminous reflection.
The Sect Leader spoke.
“Having observed the Minor Sect Leader’s martial prowess, I have long considered this matter. A blade suits the Minor Sect Leader far better than a sword.”
All who had witnessed the Minor Sect Leader’s martial training nodded in agreement.
A blade has an edge on only one side and is generally heavier than a sword.
Compared to a sword, which balances both defense and offense, a blade is a weapon that emphasizes attack.
The Minor Sect Leader’s martial methods favor relentless pressure over reactive counters to an opponent’s techniques.
A blade would maximize the Minor Sect Leader’s formidable inner energy and enhance the devastating power of his strikes.
“However—”
“From this moment forward, I entrust the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade to the Minor Sect Leader.”
None dared voice objection to the Sect Leader’s decree.

* * *
‘I never expected them to hand it over so readily.’
I turned the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade over in my hands, examining it from every angle.
The blade curved with elegant grace, its steel gleaming with an antique radiance rather than anything sinister, the hilt fitting perfectly in my palm, the weight distribution absolutely flawless.
Simply holding the blade brought an involuntary smile to my lips.
It was strange, really.
Cultivating inner energy had been enjoyable, but I’d never thought I harbored any particular interest in martial prowess or becoming stronger as such.
Yet the moment I grasped the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade, I felt dramatically more powerful, and confidence surged through me—as though I could accomplish anything.
“Eek…!”
Just then, a disciple passing nearby let out a startled cry and stumbled backward.
Their expression was one of pure terror, as though they’d glimpsed a ghost.
‘What’s wrong with them? Are they ill? Ah…!’
Only then did I consider how I must appear to others.
Wielding a wickedly sharp blade, swinging it about carelessly, grinning like a vacant fool!
I looked every bit the madman ready to dance with steel and spill blood at any moment.
And there were already strange rumors circulating—that the Minor Sect Leader, afflicted by the Cheon Ma, wandered the night streets seeking to murder people whenever his madness seized him.
‘I should stop. I can’t let people misunderstand… wait.’
Actually, wasn’t this ideal?
Reconsidering it, there was no reason not to embrace this.
After all, what better way to maintain the authority of a Minor Sect Leader feared by all as a cruel and savage tyrant?
“Hehehehe… hahahaha!”
I laughed aloud instead, raising the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade high above my head.
“M-Minor Sect Leader….”
“Ahhhhh, s-save us, someone!”
The disciples surrounding me went deathly pale and scattered in panic, fleeing for their lives.
I watched them go with a satisfied smile.
‘Finally, some peace and quiet.’
I sheathed the Heavenly Demon Slayer Blade and fastened it to my waist.
Confirming that no one remained nearby, I stretched out across a plush cushion and savored a rare moment of solitude.
Maintaining the Minor Sect Leader’s authority while recharging my batteries….
I’d always assumed that living as the Minor Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult would be difficult for an introvert like me.
But it seems I’m more suited to this role than I’d anticipated.

* * *
Late into the night, darkness blanketed everything.
As I stepped out from my residence dressed in black martial robes with a sword at my waist, Young Ho Bin, who had been standing guard at the door, approached me.
“My lord. Are you going out at this hour?”
“Yes.”
“Are you truly certain you do not require my accompaniment?”
Young Ho Bin’s expression grew anxious as he asked me carefully.
“I’ve told you it’s fine. Besides, if anyone comes looking for me while I’m away, you’ll be here to make a suitable excuse, won’t you?”
“That is true, but…”
I understood Young Ho Bin’s concern.
For me, the Minor Sect Leader, to venture out without the Sect Leader’s permission was virtually unheard of until now.
And to do so alone, without any guards in tow.
‘It’s not as though I’m eager to leave, either.’
Truth be told, I had no desire to abandon the comfort of my chamber and venture into the night.
Yet I had no choice but to go.
‘The Hall of No Mind no longer carries the blessing of Myeong Joon. I cannot avoid this.’
As the Hyeon Ma Inner Heart Technique drew ever closer to completion, training within the sacred sanctums where Myeong Joon’s blessing reached—the holy places of the Myeong Cult—had become essential.
In ordinary locations, no matter how diligently I cultivated my inner energy, my progress would stagnate.
Thus, for the past several months, I had consistently trained the Hyeon Ma Inner Heart Technique within the Hall of No Mind.
Though not to the extent of wall-facing meditation, I had obtained the Sect Leader’s permission to spend half a day within the Hall of No Mind cultivating my inner energy.
Yet recently, the blessing of Myeong Joon could no longer be felt within the Hall of No Mind.
I had learned from Myeong Joon himself that his blessing is transmitted from the Sacred Fire of Gwangmyeong Hall to the holy sanctums of the Myeong Cult, and that each sacred site has a limited reserve of this power.
When the blessing resource of one sanctum becomes depleted, one must seek another holy site until it is replenished.
‘Fortunately, there is another sanctum near the sect headquarters.’
I had searched through the records of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect to locate the sanctums.
Besides the Sacred Fire of Gwangmyeong Hall, the Ancient Illuminated Cult Shrine located outside the Divine Sect Compound was the nearest sacred site.
It was a place far removed from human habitation, untouched by the footsteps of ordinary people.
There was the burden of having to slip past the Divine Sect Compound’s walls late at night, but it was unavoidable.
What real difficulty could there be?
I had grown considerably stronger by now, and I carried even the Heavenly Demon Slaying Blade at my waist.
“Please return safely.”
After positioning Young Ho Bin to watch for any disturbances during my absence, I quietly slipped out from my residence.
I knew the geography of Jeokwol Palace, where the Sect Leader’s family resided, well enough to navigate it with my eyes closed, and I understood the positions of the guard martial artists as clearly as the lines on my palm, so slipping away undetected was not difficult.
Moreover, my martial training had made my footwork lighter, and above all, I had become capable of moving without making a sound.
The Sun and Moon Divine Sect’s towering walls posed no obstacle.
Gathering inner energy into my feet and pushing off several times, my body was suddenly atop the wall.
Looking down at the mountain path stretching out beyond the walls of the Sect Headquarters filled me with an entirely novel sensation.
Though I had studied the geography using maps, this was my first time venturing beyond the headquarters alone.
Or rather, since my reincarnation as Baek Yeon, this was my first time leaving the headquarters at all.
‘Hah… why am I trembling like this?’
Introverts generally prefer to stay indoors, but that doesn’t mean we dislike going out altogether.
We simply despise meeting people while we’re out—intensely.
For this reason, as I walked the shadowed Mountain Path toward the Myeong Gyo Temple, I prayed silently the entire way.
‘Myeong Joon, please… let me encounter no one.’
In truth, this was a prayer I had always offered in my previous world as well.
The only difference was the object of my devotion—now Myeong Joon instead of something else.
When heading to the student cafeteria or a nearby Restaurant to eat, when retrieving something left at the department office, when waiting at the Bus Stop for a bus home…
Without exaggeration, I truly prayed every single time: ‘Please, let me meet no one.’
But those prayers went unanswered far too often.
On days when I desperately wished to avoid people, I inevitably encountered them in droves—always the most awkward ones.
But today, of all days!
Today, my desire to meet absolutely no one burned with unprecedented intensity.
‘Myeong Joon, Buddha, Primordial Celestial Worthy! I beseech you—hear this introvert’s earnest prayer!’
Yet such is the nature of the world: it rarely bends to one’s will.
‘Of course. As expected.’
Upon arriving at the Myeong Gyo Temple, I could not suppress my bitter disappointment.
The place I had believed to be abandoned was, contrary to all expectation, already occupied by visitors.
‘What in the world are these people doing in such a place in the dead of night…?’
Not merely one or two—but seven of them.
‘Are they holding a celebration!?’
Watching the scene before me—torches blazing, cups of wine passing from hand to hand, the place alive with raucous noise—I could only reflect.
Whether in my past life or this one, the world has proven mercilessly cruel to introverts.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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