62 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 62 “What? Are you suggesting we have a drink?” Cheon-hwi sat perched on the windowsill, watching Cheon-yu swing a bottle of liquor. It was an unusual sight, indeed—the revered senior disciple of the Hwasan Sect offering a drink to his junior. Yet, Cheon-yu appeared utterly unperturbed. “If not now, when else would I get a chance to share a drink with my junior? Of course, it would be risky if someone found out we’d been drinking…” As he spoke, Cheon-yu’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “If you keep your lips sealed and I do the same, who’s to know?” Cheon-hwi’s eyebrows arched into two crescents. ‘I always thought priests were all about strict adherence to rules, but here’s one with a surprising twist.’ He felt intrigued by Cheon-yu, particularly because the latter's words resonated with his own thoughts. “Perfect timing. I’ve had a few curiosities myself.” As if he’d been anticipating such a response, Cheon-yu leapt down from the windowsill and settled himself at the table. “Come, sit down.” Cheon-hwi took a seat opposite him. “I brought it along, didn’t I…” Watching Cheon-hwi sit, Cheon-yu rummaged inside his robe, finally pulling out something he’d been searching for—a cup. “Here, this one’s for you.” He placed a somewhat rough-hewn cup in front of Cheon-hwi and poured the liquor generously. Trickle— “It may not be the finest brew, but it’s always better shared.” Cheon-hwi picked up the cup, noticing the moonlit reflection swimming in the modest drink. ‘Rice wine, perhaps?’ It wasn’t the fragrant aroma of a fine wine he detected; rather a strong scent accompanied by floating residual bits, unmistakably rustic. ‘This works just fine.’ As he downed the contents, the raw heat of the cheap rice wine spread warmth through his insides. It had its own rough charm, distinct from refined liquors. While savoring it, Cheon-yu, who sat across, widened his eyes. “You drink quite adeptly.” “So do you, senior.” In his calm reply, Cheon-yu clicked his tongue. From the moment Cheon-hwi accepted his suggestion, Cheon-yu sensed a difference from his past self, but the transformation seemed deeper than anticipated. ‘Naturally, I've changed too.’ He scratched the bridge of his nose. He’d changed — enough to take up drinking daily, once something he never touched. Meanwhile, Cheon-hwi continued to drink. Fortunately, he didn’t get drunk immediately this time. ‘Seems I can hold my liquor better now.’ This gentle buzz felt pleasing, quite unlike his first experience with alcohol. “Ah, at this rate, you’ll leave me with none.” Perhaps driven by a thirsty sight, Cheon-yu raised his cup in mock indignation, downing it in one go. “Yes, that’s the spirit.” Seemingly quite pleased, Cheon-yu nodded with a broad smile. “As I always say, there’s nothing like a drink after work.” With laughter, he placed his cup down. “But, you’ve changed quite a bit. In the past, if I’d suggested a drink, wouldn’t you have waved me off as if I were mad? Yet, here you are, drinking eagerly.” Perhaps it was the single cup taking effect, for Cheon-yu gazed at Cheon-hwi with an unfocused, relaxed smile. Cheon-hwi, letting Cheon-yu's lingering gaze slip away, took another sip from his cup. ‘Of course I’ve changed. The Cheon-hwi you remember is long gone.’ This was their first meeting. In the five years since he became Cheon-hwi, Cheon-yu hadn’t returned to Hwasan even once. It was the unpleasant truth, but true nonetheless: the Cheon-hwi he knew no longer existed in this world. “But I must say, you’re better now than the old you. Back then, you always seemed cautious of others’ opinions.” Cheon-yu propped his chin on his hand, watching Cheon-hwi through slightly bleary eyes, possibly from the rapidly consumed alcohol. “Oh, yeah, you mentioned you had a question for this senior? Go on, ask away.” “How does the Hwasan Sect currently stand in the Martial Alliance?” “…What?” Caught off guard, Cheon-yu’s mouth hung slightly open before he regained his composure. “Why do you ask that?” “As a disciple of the Hwasan Sect, shouldn’t I be informed?” At that, a crack appeared in Cheon-yu’s smile. “That’s true, but...” Trailing off, Cheon-yu shook his head vigorously, wiping away his smile. “Then, what do you think? How does our sect stand?” “It feels as though we’re being underestimated.” Cheon-hwi continued nonchalantly. “The location of this pavilion and its run-down condition isn’t entirely disrespectful?” “So, even you see it that way.” Embarrassed, Cheon-yu scratched his head. After putting his cup down momentarily, he sighed in exasperation. “You’re right. Just as you said, the alliance looks down on us. They preach righteousness and stuff about the Nine Great Sects, but the truth is, might makes right in this world.” Cheon-yu glanced around the room. “Did you know? Our sect used to occupy the current pavilion of the Zhongnan Sect. After some issues involving Master Hyungang...” Cheon-yu trailed off, recalling Hyungang and Cheon-hwi’s connection. “… We were forced out and ended up here. It looks better thanks to us and the other disciples cleaning up, but believe me, it was worse when we first joined the alliance. Ha ha ha.” Though his lips curved in a smile, Cheon-yu’s eyes were far from laughing. “They say ‘relocated,’ but it was more like we were chased out by the Zhongnan Sect, right?” “Exactly.” With that, Cheon-yu took a sip of his drink. The bitter swallow was hard to ignore. “Well, that’s one story.” After refreshing himself with a gulp, he changed the subject with a smile. “So, how are you feeling? All better now?” “My body? Perfectly fine.” Cheon-yu burst into laughter at his nonchalant response. “Ha ha ha. That’s great to hear. The master wrote telling me that you’ve recovered, but it was hard to believe. Seeing you now, it seems it was all true.” Though Cheon-yu's voice carried a tone of spite, it was heavy with resignation, much like the rice wine they had just consumed. “When should I make the trip back to our sect to see Master…?” Cheon-hwi watched him, his face buried in his cup, and then casually remarked, “Why not come back with Master Hyun-jin?” Cheon-yu responded with an awkward laugh. “As I mentioned before, it’s tough because we haven’t solidified our standing in the alliance.” “Ah, that reminds me, aren’t you learning martial arts from Master Hyun-do?” “Well, ‘learning’ might not be exactly the right word, but it’s something like that,” Cheon-hwi replied, noting the curiosity in Cheon-yu’s eyes. “I’m really interested to see what kind of martial arts you’ve picked up,” Cheon-yu said, intrigued. “Of course, not now, but perhaps sometime later.” They continued their light-hearted conversation, sharing drinks all the while. Time went by unnoticed. Eventually, the bottle ran dry, and the constant refilling felt like an endless spring had paused. Before much time had slipped by, it was all gone. “Ah, already finished drinking, I see,” Cheon-yu lamented, slipping the empty bottle and their cups back into his sleeve as he stood up. His flushed face, a testament to his inebriation, betrayed a sense of satisfaction as he looked down at Cheon-hwi. “I’m glad you enjoy drinking, junior.” “Did the others refuse?” Cheon-hwi inquired. “Frankly, isn’t it us who are out of the ordinary?” “That’s true.” “There was another reason I came to see you today. Starting tomorrow, you might not see me or the other disciples for a few days.” “Where are you going?” “We received a mission from the alliance a few days ago to deal with the former demon lord. You might be bored, but manage on your own for a bit.” With those parting words, Cheon-yu vanished. ‘For a senior disciple, he’s got a commendable gait,’ Cheon-hwi thought, tracing the remnants of Cheon-yu’s presence before summoning his inner energy. Hiss— In an instant, he purged himself of the drowsiness from the alcohol and promptly flopped onto the bed. As he lay there, he reflected on Cheon-yu’s final words. ‘A mission to capture the previous demon lord? I’m curious how they plan to execute it.’ His intrigue deepened. Who exactly was this former demon lord? And how did they intend to capture them? ‘I can’t help but wonder how weak they must be to end up in such a predicament.’ * * * The next day, the pavilion was bustling. In the broad courtyard, Hyun-jin and the Plum Sword Guardians were preparing to depart. Hyun-jin exchanged glances with each of the guardians, who radiated an aura as sharp and honed as newly forged swords, before speaking. “Is everyone ready?” “Yes, we’re ready.” “We’ve completed our preparations.” In unison, the Plum Sword Guardians responded. Apparently pleased with their demeanor and readiness, Hyun-jin gave a slight nod. “Remember your mission.” “Understood.” “Then, let us—” Just then— Bang— Unexpectedly, the doors swung open. Caught off guard, Hyun-jin and the Plum Sword Guardians turned their gazes toward the commotion at the door. Upon seeing who emerged, their faces registered surprise. “Cheon-hwi?” “Junior?” Cheon-hwi, having thrown open the doors, surveyed the Plum Sword Guardians before making his way to Hyun-jin. “Let me join you.”