Chapter 42. Think with your head after you act (6)

Bang!

The sound of drums burst out in succession.

Boom!

His legs moved slowly, but his hands were so fast they were almost invisible. It was a speed where it was hard to distinguish whether he was punching or using palm techniques.

Rumble!

Though he merely manipulated his demonic energy without actually releasing it, the air was stirred. It was such a fast and passionate martial art that it seemed to shake not just the air but even the space itself.

From a distance, Weihonglian, who had been watching the scene with her arms crossed, turned her head to the side when she sensed someone approaching. Madongpi was coming closer.

“What is it?”

“What do you mean, what is it?”

“Do you have something to talk to me about?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then why are you here?”

“This is the best place to see the young master’s training.”

Weihonglian frowned.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Is the third young master usually like this?”

Madongpi’s eyes sharpened.

“Just in case, I should say that excessive remarks about the young master….”

“Shut up, that’s not what I meant.”

“Then what?”

“The third young master, he’s showing his training too openly.”

“...”

“Just said to go ahead and watch if you want to. I was quite surprised.”

Madongpi chuckled.

“The young master always says something.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t try to show off a martial art you can’t confidently show to others.”

“...!”

“He also says that there’s no world as dangerous as the martial arts world. If it’s a world where you have to be tense to survive, it’s better to show your strengths and weaknesses openly.”

“Isn’t that contradictory?”

“He says that’s how people stay alert. It’s better to take a step forward than to waste time thinking about what to do or not to do. He says it’s ten times better.”

“...”

“You also sometimes say you feel uneasy. But he also knows that true freedom starts with honesty.”

Madongpi turned his gaze to Xuliang.

Whether he knew he was being watched or not, Xuliang’s expression was solemn.

“Dig if you want to dig, learn if you want to learn. I have my path set, so it doesn’t matter what you see or what you say. The young master lives each day with this mindset.”

It was a complete misunderstanding. Xuliang just wanted to get away from the evil group, Heavenly Demon Sect.

But Weihonglian was deeply shocked by his words. She had never met anyone who spoke like Xuliang in her life.

'To achieve true freedom, don’t hide, but reveal... Honesty is the first step to freedom...'

She had lived each day prepared to die, but she had never wished for death.

But the third young master lived risking his life for freedom. The difference in perspective, though incomparable, made her heart complex.

'He can live with such thoughts.'

She focused more on the martial art Xuliang was using.

She couldn’t even see how it moved properly. If she had to face this martial art, she would probably fall in five moves.

But she could tell.

How profound this martial art was, and how much help it would be if a higher expert saw it.

How much time had passed?

Bang! Boom!

The final blow after shaking the earth.

“Phew.”

Xuliang, drenched in sweat, took a deep breath.

‘That’s it. Now it’s perfect.’

It was now combined well enough to be used unconsciously. His Sky Piercing Technique had changed so much that it could be considered a completely different martial art from the time of the Execution King.

‘There’s no need to abandon the killing technique. No, there was no need to divide it into killing techniques or anything else in the first place.’

When he opened his clenched fist, a faint mist rose. It was the condensed demonic energy in his hand.

‘If you intend to kill, it becomes a killing technique. If not, it becomes a subduing technique. Ultimately, it depends on the user’s mindset.’

Though it was something he already knew, after mastering the demonic technique, he had a new understanding. His perspective broadened as he encountered different martial arts, and the range of applications expanded.

Enlightenment is also a cycle. If you can make the right judgment at the right time, the path of martial arts will always be open.

After wiping the sweat off, Xuliang was about to tidy up his body.

“You’re amazing.”

“Eh, you’re still here?”

“I can’t even figure out what martial art it is. Our sect has such an amazing martial art.”

Xuliang felt a bit uncomfortable but tried to act nonchalant.

“Your martial art is also quite impressive. It’s fast and unconventional, unlike typical sect martial arts.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“It’s not easy to use unless you have excellent innate senses. It also has a bold flavor.”

When he heard the evaluation of the martial art he had used, he couldn’t help but listen.

“However, since it’s a relatively new martial art, it seems a bit hasty. The concept of a continuous technique is good, but it focuses too much on speed, lacking finesse.”

“...”

“Try to improve it slowly. It’s still a very good martial art.”

Weihonglian was amazed.

“Can you just tell me that?”

“What?”

“The strengths and weaknesses of my martial art.”

“Why not?”

“...”

“It’s not rude or illegal. Why draw a line? Besides, martial principles aren’t something you can understand just by being told. You might not even get it after putting in a lot of effort, so don’t act like it’s yours already.”

“...Ah, yes.”

“Do you need to rest?”

“I’m fine.”

“Has Dongpi eaten? Then I’ll eat.”

A little later, Xuliang was eating with Yinghua, chatting by the training ground. Jinhu, who had been sleeping, climbed onto the table and chewed on the fish Xuliang was giving him.

Weihonglian stared at Xuliang.

He was eating and laughing loudly, seemingly finding something very amusing.

Yinghua, the maid, was also laughing and chatting without a care.

‘He’s a truly remarkable person in many ways.’

Despite being the third young master, he shared a meal with a mere maid and talked to her like a friend. The more she knew him, the more mysterious he became.

After finishing the meal and changing into clean clothes, Xuliang sheathed his sword.

Madongpi’s expression became curious.

“Where are you going?”

“Eh? Oh, to meet the fourth.”

The words came out so naturally that Madongpi and Weihonglian nodded.

Nod...

“Eh?!”

“What, what did you say?”

Xuliang, who had been watching their shocked faces, snorted.

“Why are you so surprised?”

Weihonglian, flustered, asked.

“You’re going to meet the fourth young master? Now?”

“Then when?”

“But we don’t even know how he will react...”

Xuliang frowned.

“Where did the fiery and ruthless reputation of the Great Demon Lord, known for his hellish temper, go? Are you going to sit and wait?”

“Well... of course...”

“Since we don’t know how he will react, I’m going to check and catch him off guard.”

“...!”

“This isn’t a military drill or a pre-arranged sparring match. The side that seizes the initiative first has the advantage. We need to meet to resolve the misunderstanding or create a scene.”

Weihonglian, who had been speechless, gradually smiled.

It was a terrifying smile that made the person facing her shudder.

“I like it.”

“What do you like?”

“The young master’s fiery nature.”

“Am I a bit charming?”

“Very.”

If it were a usual conversation, she might have thought, ‘So this is another side of Weihonglian.’ But the chilling smile and the words made the listener’s spine shiver.

“If you’re going to do it, let’s go together.”

“...?”

“I don’t need to prepare anything separately.”

Xuliang looked at her in disbelief. Madongpi felt the same way.

“Aren’t you supposed to be the Great Demon Lord? Where are you going?”

“Who knows if the Great Demon Lord will be there. Besides, as the young master said, just waiting for the fruit to fall isn’t a good look.”

“...Huh.”

Xuliang scratched his head. He hadn’t expected this turn of events.

“Yesterday and today, are you just going to leave the kids alone?”

“After all, the drinking session is for five days. The first day is at the tavern, and the rest are just rest days. Since I’ve given them a proper warning, they won’t cause trouble.”

Indeed, thinking of their trembling figures earlier.

Weihonglian smiled.

“I don’t like my nickname, but today I’ll go wild.”

“...I’m already worried, damn it.”

“Eh?”

“No, never mind. Okay, let’s go together.”

As you said, it might be an unexpected move.

Thus, the three people, and a beast sleeping in one of their arms, headed towards Hongweimen’s residence.

* * *

“Phew.”

The blue smoke spread throughout the room.

Xin Hui was curious about what kind of tobacco the young master was smoking.

It seemed to be a different kind each time, with the color and scent becoming stronger, and the young master’s expression becoming more relaxed.

“Young master.”

“Do you have something to say?”

“Though it may be presumptuous, wouldn’t it be better to reduce the tobacco?”

Hongweimen chuckled.

“Didn’t you say that before?”

“I don’t know what kind of herbs it is, but tobacco is generally known to have a negative impact on the lungs. Though it might not be a problem with just tobacco, if possible...”

“True, that could be the case.”

“...”

“Thank you for your concern, but it’s fine. If it really becomes dangerous, I’ll stop on my own.”

Xin Hui sighed.

“I feel I’ve offended the young master with my unnecessary words.”

Hongweimen shook his pipe. The color of the tobacco and smoke were different, but the ash that scattered was always gray.

Thinking that everyone lives in their own way but ultimately meets the same end, Hongweimen spoke.

“Xin Hui.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Don’t worry. I’m always prepared for the worst.”

“I don’t know what worst you’re thinking of, but if such a situation arises, I will die first.”

Hongweimen smiled.

“Do you think I don’t know your loyalty? Don’t worry. Such a day will never come, but even if it does, I won’t use you until the end.”

Xin Hui, moved by the rare warm words from Hongweimen, bowed his head.

“By the way, has the third young master made any unusual moves?”

“Ah, no. There have been no reported movements so far. However, since the place is quite far and there are many paths...”

At that moment.

Hongweimen raised his hand. Xin Hui immediately closed his mouth.

“Someone is coming.”

“...?”

“But this dense demonic energy... is not something you see easily...”

“What do you mean?”

Hongweimen, who didn’t answer, seemed to be confirming if his senses were correct.

After a moment, he turned his head to the window.

Click!

Hongweimen opened the window and looked outside.

At the same time.

“Hey!”

From a considerable distance, far from the gate, someone was waving their hand cheerfully.

Hongweimen’s eyes widened.

‘Xuliang?!’

Though it was quite far, he could see clearly with his enhanced vision.

Not only that, but on either side of Xuliang stood a familiar woman and a man in his early thirties, standing straight.

Xuliang shouted with a smile.

“I came to see my brother’s face! Open the gate wide! Got it?!”