The Double Agent of the Heavenly Demon Sect

Chapter 18

The small, black pill I pulled from my belongings rolled in my palm, its surface caked with grime.

It carried the scent of the Black Sky Axe Sect’s late sect master, undoubtedly a spiritual elixir, though the strange aura it exuded hinted at an unsettling origin.

Number 29 broke the silence.

"Don’t eat that as it is. Who knows what might happen."

"I want to share it with you," I replied.

"Eat it yourself. That thing has no connection to me."

"If you hadn’t accompanied me, I would’ve died at the hands of Teacher Baek and Meng So-un—"

"Stop being a fool. Why are you so desperate to share everything?"

Desperate to share, she said.

Perhaps. But I simply didn’t want to claim credit for something I hadn’t done alone.

Despite my insistence, Number 29 flatly refused. At one point, she even kicked my shin.

"Listen, you stubborn idiot! Just eat it yourself! But not right now. Keep it for later—it needs to be processed first."

"...Then I’ll repay you some other way."

"Forget it. The role of Wang Sohong’s wife is over. That debt was hers, not mine. I’m Number 29, not the one who owes you anything. I’m just a third party, so keep that reeking pill for yourself."

"...Then why not keep being my wife?"

"W-What are you saying?! Are you insane?! Stop talking nonsense like a child!"

Five days later, we reached Magok. Number 29 stood at the entrance, wiping her face as she gazed down at the cliffs below.

"The report is written convincingly. There’s nothing they can hold against us. You remember what we agreed to say, right?"

"I do."

"...Let’s go. We have to report in. Even if we try to run, a pursuit squad will follow."

"I’m sorry for dragging you into this."

"It’s fine."

Number 29 stepped forward.

"I did it because I wanted to."

We traversed the winding cliffside paths that led to the hidden entrance of Magok. This narrow, treacherous route was the only way in.

The silence as we entered was stifling. No one greeted us, and there was no sign of movement.

The air within Magok felt unnaturally still, devoid of the usual energy of the place.

"Something’s wrong."

The further we went, the more unsettling it felt.

It was as if we were stepping into the jaws of a beast.

In the quarters where Number 29 and I were usually stationed, someone was waiting.@@@@

A towering figure stood under the dim glow of a luminescent pearl. His stark white hair resembled that of a polar bear, and he held someone in his grip. The person trembled like a leaf, though they didn’t appear weak—certainly above my level.

But the man... he exuded nothing.

And yet, the oppressive sensation he gave off was unmistakable.

Why did he carry the same aura as Ilma?

"You’re tense."

I flinched. His voice was deep and resonant. Instinctively, I took a step back.

The white-haired man smiled.

"Come here."

Refusing didn’t feel like an option. I could sense that defiance would shatter everything.

Trembling, I moved forward and knelt on one knee before him.

"..."

"..."

Even without lifting my head, I could feel his gaze dissecting us.

Beside me, Number 29 was trembling. If someone like her was shaken, then this man was beyond extraordinary.

Who was this man? His face was obscured by a mask, leaving no clues to his identity.

"Do you know who I am?"

"...No," Number 29 answered. I stayed silent.

One response seemed appropriate. She was my senior, after all.

But the white-haired man didn’t seem pleased. He shifted his massive frame and crouched before me.

"But I know who you are, Jeok Un."

"...!"

He knew my true name—something only the Heavenly Demon and Ilma were privy to.

"Who... are you?"

"A man who’s been watching you from afar."

"..."

"Relax. I’m here to talk. Number 29—or should I call you Eun Seollan? Is that more fitting?"

Number 29 flinched visibly.

"Did my father... send you?"

"Your father? Please. I had no idea he was capable of controlling me. To me, he’s just another ordinary man. Oh, pardon my rudeness—such words might insult Jeok Un."

"......"

"..."

"We all dream of our version of the sect. My senior brother, my senior sister, and I. Without ambition, martial arts mean nothing. We are dreamers, but also rivals who must overcome each other to survive. Even those not directly in competition with us band together under shared visions. I, too, have an ally—the Sixth Demon. And here’s where you come in."

"..."

"The White Demon Body. It’s a technique of the Manma Sect. Dangerous and forbidden. The sect leader himself warned against teaching it. The sects have many such techniques hidden away."

"So... the events in the Black Sky Axe Sect were orchestrated by the Manma Sect?"

"Precisely. But I didn’t come here to discuss the Manma Sect. My Black Word Sect, being newer, lacks techniques of such caliber. We’re the weakest of the three, both in resources and manpower."

The Four Demon tossed his stick aside.

"The sect leader will eventually step down. Less than ten years remain of the term established by the First Heavenly Demon."

"..."

"That’s why I’m personally gathering those who will become my strength. It may look ridiculous for a sect leader to run around recruiting, but I’m desperate. My reason for being here is the same. Two individuals at the pinnacle—one of whom, though troublesome, has caught Ilma’s attention. That alone proves their potential."

"..."

"You’re interesting, Jeok Un. But my goal today isn’t you. I’d rather not sour relations with Ilma or risk entanglement with the sect leader. No matter how greedy I am for talent, I won’t bite into a poisoned apple."

The Four Demon shifted his gaze from me to Number 29.

"My target is you, Eun Seollan. I’ll take you out of here."

"...!"

"I’ll give you the success your father dreamed of. Join the Black Word Sect as a division leader. With your level of skill, no one will object. But first, I have to ask—why did Eun Yang-baek send you here? Someone with your talent should never have been placed in this situation."

Number 29 trembled as she answered.

"Until I came here, I had never touched martial arts."

"...That explains everything. As Eun Yang-baek’s daughter, it makes sense. That makes you even more remarkable. Eun Seollan, you have talent, and I can help it grow further. Someone who has reached the pinnacle so young cannot be ignored. With only one wall left before transcendence, your potential is extraordinary. If you come under my wing..."

The Four Demon leaned in and whispered seductively.

"You’ll gain not just the title of division leader, but also the title of the Four Demon’s disciple."

Number 29’s eyes widened. She trembled at the weight of his offer.

I understood the gravity of those words.

To become a disciple of the Eight Demons of Heaven and Earth was an unparalleled opportunity. The prestige alone would command respect from nearly all the sect’s top martial artists. It was a position of honor and power, unattainable for most.

The offer spoke volumes about Number 29’s extraordinary talent.

"Leave the Blood Demon Division and come with me, Eun Seollan."

"I... I..."

"If your father is an issue, I’ll deal with him personally. Eun Yang-baek may wield influence, but he’s still beneath me. There may be friction with the Manma Sect, but you’re worth the effort."

"..."

"You must have a future you dream of. Everyone takes up the sword to pursue their desires. Follow me, and I’ll give you the power to realize your dreams. As my disciple, you’ll stand at my side, wielding that power in glory."

The Four Demon extended his hand.

"Take my hand. I’ll pull you out of this wretched place—"

"What the hell do you think you’re doing?"

A familiar voice cut through the air. I turned my head.

Beyond the entrance stood a figure wreathed in a blood-red aura. The intensity of it made it seem as though a sea of blood was advancing.

"That one was personally chosen by the sect leader. You have no right to touch them."

"...? Wait, Senior Sister, there’s a misunderstanding—"

"That one is mine."

Ilma.

A member of the Eight Demons of Heaven and Earth gripped my shoulder and yanked me forward, pulling me into something soft.

I had been embraced.

Half against my will.

"I trained them myself, broke them myself. They’re my toy. No one will take them from me. If you try..."

"...?"

"...I’ll personally break your fingers."

"...???"

The Four Demon stifled a laugh, glancing at me.

"This is the first time I’ve seen you act like this, Senior Sister."

"..."

I kept silent.

"Lady Ilma."

"I didn’t tell you to speak, you idiot. Shut your mouth."

"The Four Demon isn’t here for me. He came to recruit Number 29."

Ilma froze.

"...What?"