************************-
Translator: uly
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Double Agent
************************-
What a boring life.
Heavenly Demon Cheon So-so tilted her cup. Staring at the rippling green liquid made her feel utterly bored.
The life of an absolute ruler. Of course, even such a life had its changes. There had been a big one recently, too.
But it wasn't a welcome change at all. Quite the opposite-it was something she disliked. Pleasant changes were always like that, weren't they?
Things that piqued her interest.
Things that made her curious about what came next.
The Heavenly Demon set down her cup without even touching it to her lips. She leaned back in her chair and yawned languidly.
Like pulling something forgotten from a shelf, she let the words slip from her mouth.
"First Demon."
"Yes."
"How's my little pup doing?"
A Black-Clothed Person appeared. As always, her demeanor was impeccably polite, brimming with formality and decorum.
The Heavenly Demon found that a bit off-putting. They'd been together for years now, and she'd even passed down martial arts to her-a bond closer than most.
She might not trust others, but the First Demon before her was different. They didn't share blood, but their connection ran deeper than that, didn't it?
How regrettable. Truly regrettable. The Heavenly Demon picked up a piece of confectionery and chewed it slowly.
"Give me your report."
"He's learning the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Art as per Your Holiness's will."
"And the incantations?"
"He remembers them decently enough, but he's dim-witted. Just as expected, he's not the sharpest mind."
Well, his physique and aptitude were the same story.
The only thing she'd rated highly was the obsession hidden within his honesty. An obsession with strength, built up over years of patient endurance.
His karma, plain and simple.
"How's his swordsmanship?"
"I haven't let him touch one yet. He's not ready."
"What about his body control?"
"Nothing special."
"Irregular momentum?"
"His adaptability is passable at best... but not exceptional."
"Dull talent?"
"Even calling it 'talent' feels generous."
The First Demon's assessment was brutally low. The Heavenly Demon cackled with laughter.
Ah, she was the type to execute even unwelcome tasks with ruthless precision. No bias in her reports.
Which meant that mutt, Red Cloud, was even more pathetic than a dullard-a complete fool!
But that's what made it hilarious. The Heavenly Demon stopped her giggling and looked up at the Black-Clothed Person, her body tilted low.
Her face was hidden behind the black hood she wore. All that showed was a paper talisman plastered to her like a seal. And yet, somehow, her expression was visible.
"First Demon. Don't you prefer those with potential?"
"Better than those without."
"Exactly. That's you-prioritizing efficiency. How many have you raised?"
"There's the Blood Demon Squad. And the Four Acupoint Gods-I trained them too."
"Right. Even your direct disciples number over a hundred."
"Only the Four Acupoint Gods were properly trained... but yes."
"I've peeked in on you training disciples sometimes. How could I leave my cute, lovable First Demon working alone?"
"...I'm embarrassed."
"But listen, my darling First Demon."
The Heavenly Demon raised both hands.
She hooked her fingers to her lips and pulled them up into a grin.
"That's the first time I've seen you smile like that."
"......"
The First Demon stiffened. She cleared her throat softly.
"You must be mistaken, Your Holiness."
"Maybe. Your face isn't smiling, but your aura is. Have you developed feelings for him or something?"
"...Please retract that."
She genuinely seemed repulsed. The Heavenly Demon shrugged.
"Fair enough. Your standards are sky-high. But you know, Heavenly Tribulation changes one's appearance too, right? Wasn't that how it was for you? Prettier today than yesterday, even prettier tomorrow. That's the training."
"......"
"Ah, fine. You were always pretty. Happy now? Geez. No cuteness at all. At least pretend to blush. I remember that guy wasn't ugly enough to dismiss outright."
"......"
"Look at you, not answering just because you don't want to! Fix that habit!"
"My response was delayed."
"Might as well say you draw your sword slow in battle. I'd die before Nan-seol ever shows up late to a promise."
No interest as a woman, huh.
The Heavenly Demon tapped the table lightly. Then it had to be something about him as a martial artist that caught her eye.
What could it be? She could just ask outright. But where's the fun in that?
Guessing was enjoyable for the process itself. Of course. The Heavenly Demon smiled with her eyes.
"Is the kid more diligent than expected?"
"...Yes."
"Doesn't complain much?"
"That's correct too."
"Two things you like already. What's the third? I'm dying to know... but I won't ask. It'd ruin the fun when I'm this close to the truth."
The Heavenly Demon pondered.
From behind her raised lips, she tossed out her final guess.
"Does my puppy have more patience than expected?"
"..."
The First Demon fell silent. The Heavenly Demon cackled, convinced she'd nailed it.
"See? I said he'd be fun when I brought him, didn't I?"
"Your Holiness. May I speak out of turn?"
"Go ahead. I'd hear you out anytime. What is it?"
"Didn't you say the mutt you picked up had great patience?"
"I did. Just moments ago, in fact. Unless I've got dementia, how could I forget?"
"Red Cloud has high patience, as you said. No complaints no matter how hard I push him. He doesn't scream even when blood drips from his hands."
"Kuhuhu. A stray like that has to be tough. Otherwise, how could he even glimpse the heels of the guys running ahead?"
"That's true too, Your Holiness. But..."
The First Demon tilted her head.
"That mutt isn't a mongrel, Your Holiness."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"He's a venomous snake."
Listen to this.
What nonsense is this now?
The Heavenly Demon leaned forward slightly.
"Not a mongrel, but a viper. What's the difference?"
"Mongrels push through what they want to the end. Vipers don't."
"Then?"
"Vipers drive venomous fangs into their own bodies to see it through."
"....?"
No way.
"First Demon."
"Yes."
"Heavenly Tribulation brings excruciating pain in the adaptation phase. You know that, right?"
"I've endured it myself."
"And in our cult, only you and I have truly mastered it. Everyone else killed themselves from the agony."
"Correct."
"I gave you that pill to force him past the adaptation once the pain got bad enough. Even if it doesn't suit his constitution, it lets him half-master Heavenly Tribulation."
"Yes."
"And... you didn't give it to him?"
"I didn't."
Crunch.
The armrest under her elbow splintered.
"Why?"
"I judged him unworthy."
"...Hmph. Keep talking."
"That pill is priceless. It requires dozens of rare ingredients, each worth a fortune. Making one drains a chunk of the cult's treasury."
"Continue."
"I didn't think Red Cloud was worth that cost."
"How strange."
The Heavenly Demon stroked the broken armrest.
"Since when did the First Demon decide such things instead of the cult's leader?"
"It was my sole judgment."
"Even with the pill, the pain is deadly. Without it, it's twice as bad, constant torment. No ordinary person, not even a genius, survives that. First Demon."
"You're right."
"Death is natural. I told you to raise my dog, not kill him."
"I apologize..."
Crack.
Shards of the armrest embedded in the wall. Her veil tore raggedly as it grazed past.
Blood trickled from the First Demon's cheek. The Heavenly Demon withdrew her hand and spoke indifferently.
"Strange. If Red Cloud's alive, you must've used the pill late. You followed my order in the end, didn't you?"
"...No pill was used."
"No pill, and he's walking fine, swinging his arms? First Demon, jokes aren't funny anymore. Thorns bursting from his veins, devouring his body-that's the pain. I'd applaud one step. Two steps? Genuine admiration. Three? I'd call him the king of mongrels."
That's the level of agony.
The kind of pain involved.
The Heavenly Demon stared at the First Demon. She stood, forcibly ripping off her veil.
Pink hair cascaded down. She gazed deeply into eyes matching that shade.
No tremor. No fear. Just unwavering seriousness.
Not the eyes of a liar. Yet it was hard to believe.
An ordinary mortal wrapped in Heavenly Tribulation...
Training through that pain?
"You telling me you turned him into a jiangshi?"
"Your Holiness."
She spoke.
"He's no mongrel. He's a viper. And without a doubt-he trains all day without taking that pill."
"...All day?"
First Demon Nan-seol sighed.
"He's ordinary, yet not. His aura and spirit rival any genius in intensity. From our brief talk, he's twenty-four. As I mentioned before, born poor, he worked from childhood to lift his family alone."
"..."
"Twenty-four years without a single break. Not a genius, but diligent. Foolish, yet steadfast."
"High praise, First Demon."
"Just an objective view, Your Holiness. Endurance-that's his life's word. His guide ahead, the path he'll walk forever."
The First Demon's expression softened briefly.
"He's ordinary. No talent in martial arts, no brilliant mind. No literary genius either. Just a common man anywhere."
"...Hoh."
"But... if there's one thing to commend..."
The First Demon lowered her eyes.
"He wields the Sword of Endurance. It twisted upon meeting Heavenly Tribulation. Not heart demon territory, but his true nature-long suppressed by circumstance-has emerged. Now he has a viper's fangs. Even if blood pours from his body, he'll sink them into the enemy's throat like a dog."
"...Hm."
Had she ever given such a detailed evaluation?
The Heavenly Demon thought for a moment. She turned and returned to her seat.
Her conclusion after deep contemplation was simple.
"My eye for talent is impeccable after all!"
"..."
She ignored the First Demon's cold stare.
"I want to go see him... but now would ruin the fun. I'll watch from afar later. But if your praise is that high, maybe advance his deployment."
"...What do you mean?"
"You have a lookalike ready for the gatekeeper spot?"
"Planted him there."
"Good work, First Demon. His spy role still works then... let's see..."
Ah.
That place was still open, wasn't it?
"Blood Demon Squad has vacancies, right?"
"...Pardon? Your Holiness, that's no place for a novice."
"Just getting in would accelerate his growth. Perfect for mastering Nine Heavens Blood Demon Art."
"Enemies aside, our own would abandon him first. The squad's temperament is savage-battle-hardened demons. If he hinders a partner, they'll cut him down."
"If my dog falters against mere demons, he's worthless."
The Heavenly Demon snapped her fingers.
"Blood Demon Squad trains the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Art I created. Suits Red Cloud well. Seeing comrades' achievements will spur him on."
"...You're throwing a dog with Heavenly Tribulation to die by a cultist's hand, not the enemy's?"
"Endurance, you said? If his sword is endurance, he'll survive the squad fine."
The Heavenly Demon lifted her tea. The tangy bite on her tongue tasted good now.
A delicacy. Stories, after all. The tales paired with tea bring the real flavor.
"Raising him like this is fine. But what good is sheltering him forever? A pup coddled in skirts never learns to claw."
"..."
"Or have you grown too attached to throw him to the wolves, First Demon?"
The First Demon sighed, wiping blood from her cheek.
"Your Holiness's sword holds no 'affection' for anyone."
"Then toss him. He's my dog anyway. I decide how to handle him."
The Heavenly Demon drained her teacup cleanly.
"Dogs thrive when raised like dogs. Coddle them, and they never grow."