WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
Episode 18: Lesser Defeat Sword Cheongun (6)
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“What do you mean?”
At Ise's question, Cheongun brushed back his hair, looking somewhat uncomfortable.
What he was describing was nearly an ugly secret of the Northern Continent.
“Every so often, once people have nearly forgotten, they kill independent cultivators in the Heavenly Capital Realm like this. Then they stage it to look like bloodshed between independent cultivators.”
Cheongun looked down at the corpse again and spat out the words as though chewing on them.
“Even when the Heavenly Ice Palace warns them, they only claim it was the misconduct of individual sect members and say they'll be more careful. Nothing ever changes.”
Ise took on a knowing expression. Ryu Seonghan seemed to be thinking the same thing, and their eyes met.
“It seems they're killing everyone to silence them, doesn't it?”
“Yes. They only get involved enough to cut ties if necessary, then deal with anyone who slips through like this.”
The Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley had seemed surprisingly uninvolved for a group taking the dangerous step of rebelling against the Heavenly Ice Palace. There had been a reason behind it.
They appeared to have simply planted agents near the Heavenly Ice Palace, then decided that if anyone escaped and crawled all the way to the palace, they could just dispose of them.
And that judgment had been close to correct.
Whether it had continued for decades or centuries, their trail had never been uncovered until now.
Ise asked Ryu Seonghan, “Do you think they saw us meeting Shin Yeoran?”
“I don't think they saw us that day. Even if they did, they may not have cared much. Otherwise, they would've acted sooner.”
“Did Shin Yeoran travel around nearby?”
“...I repeatedly warned her to stay put, but I didn't have the means to watch her every moment. Still, she did seem impatient.”
“Then she may have gone looking for other help. That reached the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's ears.”
“Yes. That seems likely.”
Cheongun, who had silently listened to their conversation, spoke up.
“What have you two been doing to get tangled up with them?”
“First, let's correct one thing. We didn't start anything. Ryu Seonghan is a victim too.”
“A victim? Don't tell me...”
Ise explained everything that had happened so far in place of Ryu Seonghan, who was controlling his heart demon as he breathed in and out.
The clash between the Ryu Clan and the Yun Clan.
Then what had happened to the destroyed Shin Clan.
The connection between the two incidents, and the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's involvement.
Cheongun rarely showed emotion, but now he did.
Anger.
“I have no words. As expected, demonic cultivators aren't fit to associate with.”
“Couldn't agree more.”
“Besides, isn't this clear-cut treason?”
They had ravaged a Foundation Establishment city without the Heavenly Ice Palace's knowledge, then murdered a witness on the Heavenly Ice Palace's very doorstep.
This was no minor incident. It was blatant betrayal and rebellion.
“Haa. You've both gotten deeply entangled in this. This isn't good.”
“I clearly tried to stop you from getting involved. You brought this on yourself.”
“It doesn't matter. A sword cultivator of the Tyrant Sword Sect cannot shrink back before mere demonic cultivators. I'm only worried that getting too deeply involved might bring harm to my sect.”
“It shouldn't cause any harm. We aren't trying to do anything to the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley right away.”
What could two or three people do against a Nascent Soul Realm demonic sect?
For now, Ryu Seonghan's desire for revenge was directed at the Yun Clan. As for Ise, he had only taken Shin Yeoran under his wing because he wanted to give the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley a parting blow before he left.
He had never expected her to be unable to wait even a few years, causing trouble and cutting her own life short.
What a foolish person.
Revenge could not be entrusted to luck.
One had to prepare thoroughly, wait, and act only when every calculation was in place.
Ise was about to perform a spirit requiem for Shin Yeoran's vengeful soul, but stopped.
“...”
There was no vengeful soul.
It seemed even her soul had fallen into the hands of the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's demonic cultivators.
‘Vile bastards.’
How far had their very nature fallen into corruption?
Could this endless malice really come from fellow humans?
What sin had Shin Yeoran committed that she had to be robbed of even her soul and imprisoned in eternal suffering?
The Shaman section of the Demon Hunting and Spirit-Sending Art stated that interfering with another's reincarnation or tampering with a soul was among the gravest sins, an evil deed that must never be committed.
It seemed they did not fear the heavenly tribulation to come.
Ise looked away and asked Cheongun, “If the two sects went to war, what do you think would happen?”
“The Tyrant Sword Sect and the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley? I'm confident we could crush them completely. The Sect Master and elders have already been itching for it. That is, if the justification is clear and we can receive the Heavenly Ice Palace's authorization.”
“Isn't treason enough justification?”
“We have no evidence.”
“What if you stand as a witness?”
“...”
Cheongun fell silent and rubbed his chin as though deep in thought.
Then he slowly shook his head.
“No. They'll think we're fabricating the matter to make it bigger so we can keep the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley in check. The tribute they offer is substantial, and if the Heavenly Ice Palace strikes down a subordinate faction that has been loyal without proper evidence or cause, what faction will continue offering loyalty?”
“Loyalty from filthy demonic cultivators? That's a joke not even a dog would laugh at.”
Ise muttered mockingly.
Cheongun seemed to take the words as criticism directed at him, lowering his head.
Ise reassured him that he had not meant Cheongun.
‘I need to blow off some steam.’
Seeing the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's vile deeds with his own eyes had left him sick to his stomach.
He had considered it for some time, but now there was no helping it. He would have to destroy a Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator city and shake off this heart demon.
Ise looked at Ryu Seonghan.
“Reach the Foundation Establishment Realm quickly. I'll support you if you need it.”
“Thank you, Senior. But immortal cuisine will be enough. I'll handle the rest with my own strength.”
After offering Ryu Seonghan words of encouragement, Ise turned to Cheongun.
“Could you return to your sect and investigate the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's recent behavior? If you can't, there's nothing to be done, but if you investigate seriously, you might find evidence.”
“I can, but what will you do?”
Ise hesitated for a moment.
From now on, he intended to change his appearance, destroy a Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator city, and gather demonic qi.
Still, it felt a little embarrassing to ask Cheongun to investigate while saying he would be off cultivating alone.
“I'll be honest. I'm going to change my appearance and destroy a Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator city. Keep it secret, as the contract requires.”
“Don't worry about that. It does sound interesting, but why go that far?”
“To make money.”
Even Ryu Seonghan did not know that he was gathering demonic qi.
Ise gave an appropriate excuse.
Cheongun's expression turned strange.
“I understand.”
“What?”
“You are a righteous hero.”
“...?”
“Are you not angered by the Essence-Draining Ghost-Demon Valley's actions and trying to do what you can? You are too embarrassed to say it openly, so you claim you're after resources while punishing demonic cultivators and saving the mortals suffering beneath them. Righteousness guides your every step. As I thought.”
“...Ah. Sure, I guess.”
Cheongun seemed to be under a tremendous misunderstanding, but Ise did not bother correcting him.
Cheongun had agreed to keep silent. That was enough.
“On top of that, you have the humility not to flaunt your righteous deeds. I really do have an eye for people.”
“Yeah. Right.”
At Ise's vague response, Ryu Seonghan narrowed his eyes at him.
“Could I accompany you? Once you're finished, I'll return to my sect and handle what you asked.”
“You? Why?”
“Just because. I want to witness your skill.”
“You'd be better off not getting involved for no reason.”
“I won't interfere. Instead, I'll take you to a suitable Foundation Establishment city. They're notorious for their cruelty. Even other demonic sects shudder at the mention of them.”
“If that's the case... fine.”
Ise reluctantly agreed. Cheongun had offered to support him in every way, and he needed to give something appropriate in return.
Before leaving the Heavenly Capital Realm, Ise asked, “There's one thing bothering me. If the Foundation Establishment cultivator ruling a city, or their faction, is wiped out, what happens to the remaining mortals and independent cultivators?”
“Usually, a new Foundation Establishment cultivator is sent there as city lord. A Core Formation clan oversees the city and establishes a branch there. If no one suitable is available, the mortals are relocated somewhere appropriate, but that rarely happens. There are countless Foundation Establishment cultivators who want a city of their own.”
“Then there won't be a problem.”
“You even worry about the mortals left behind. A righteous hero truly thinks differently. I have much to learn.”
“...Right. Let's just get going.”
Embarrassed for no reason, Ise quickened his pace.
* * *
A flying cloud and a flying sword cut through the sky.
Their destination was a remote Foundation Establishment city deep within the Tyrant Sword Sect's territory.
Cheongun added that it was such a thorn in the Tyrant Sword Sect's side that they would have destroyed it long ago if not for the Northern Continent's rules.
Ise understood why Cheongun hated them so much.
As they reached the city wall, he clearly felt the vile demonic qi covering the entire city.
“Don't interfere. If traces of your swordsmanship remain, it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”
“I won't. I only came because I wanted to see your abilities.”
Cheongun replied obediently, waving a Foundation Establishment Far-Sight Talisman.
“Ah, if anyone escapes, could you handle that?”
“That won't be difficult. I'll watch calmly from above and deal with anyone I spot.”
“Thanks.”
Ise took out Bisang and set the spirit beast beside Cheongun.
“Circle overhead, and if anyone tries to escape, let Cheongun know.”
“Kururuk!”
Bisang bobbed its beak in reply. Ise stroked the bird's feathers as though asking it to do a good job.
As a bird of prey spirit beast, Bisang's realm was low, but its natural vision was sharp enough to surpass that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It would be quite helpful.
“Oh? You raise spirit beasts too? You really can do everything.”
“I just got lucky. I'll leave it to you, then.”
Ise used a Foundation Establishment Spirit-Veiling Talisman and Concealment Talisman, then leaped down beneath the city wall.
The demonic cultivator city felt completely different from every city he had seen before.
The air was bleak, filled not with heaven-and-earth spiritual energy but with artificial, unnatural demonic qi.
He could not even imagine how much lingering resentment had to accumulate to create such an environment.
Humans were hung alive and sold like butchered meat on the street. Mortals were openly violated in public. Countless bloodstains remained without even an attempt to erase them, and lingering resentment rose from them.
Even as nausea rose in his throat, Ise kept walking forward.
He suppressed his anger.
Enough with pretending to be righteous.
He already knew what kind of world cultivators and the cultivation world were.
Had he not also become a butcher who killed cultivators he had never even met for the sake of his goal?
If he failed to break free from the cycle of reincarnation and achieve immortality, he would fall into the Bottomless Abyss just the same.
He would only continue toward his goal. These people had simply stood in his path through misfortune, only to be struck down by him.
This too was nothing more than retribution for the karmic causality they had created.
The inner city was surrounded by a Foundation Establishment-grade warding barrier.
Ise used a Formation-Breaking Talisman to temporarily disable the barrier.
He slipped through the brief opening and entered the inner city.
The instant he did, an alarm announcing an abnormality in the barrier rang through the city, and several strands of divine sense swept outward.
Ise immediately shot toward the nearest one.
Footnotes:
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