The Double Agent of the Heavenly Demon Sect-Chapter 50.2

What if she approached the problem from a different angle?

If she simplified the issue—

All he needed was to draw out the energies within his dantian.

If he could just release the contained power, he would be able to use Transformation Sword.

She had already taught him the necessary techniques.

If he could simply access his energy reserves, the rest would naturally follow.

The real issue was...

How to unleash the slumbering beasts within him.

"...Hmm."

Deep in thought, Ilma instinctively glanced down at her waist.

A legendary sword—

A weapon personally bestowed upon her by the Heavenly Demon.

The Blood Demon Sword.

That was what they called it.

And when she wielded this sword—

Didn’t it amplify the power of her techniques to an unprecedented degree?

That was the nature of legendary swords.

They assisted with energy manipulation, supporting the wielder in drawing out their full potential.

Then...

What about a cursed sword?

Ilma pivoted, heading toward the Majon.

She sought an audience with the Heavenly Demon.

"...Using a cursed sword to extract latent energy?"

Cheonma idly tapped her chair, clearly intrigued.

"It’s not impossible. More importantly..."

The Heavenly Demon smirked.

"That boy has an exceptional tolerance for pain. The malevolent aura of a cursed sword is nothing compared to Heavenly Tribulation. He’ll endure it without issue. And if the sword exudes its own presence, it could serve as the perfect catalyst for drawing out his energy."

"That is precisely my reasoning, Cheonma-nim."

"Transformation Sword, hm? You must have put quite some effort into this. A genius of the world, going so far for a single man... Ahhh, Ilma, could it be—love?"

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

"It is not."

"How decisively you deny it. Well then, here’s the second issue."

"Cursed swords are rare."

"Even rarer than legendary swords. And if you need one that aligns specifically with his energies—"

"How many of those do you think actually exist in this world?"

"I don’t intend to find one."

"I intend to create one."

Cheonma’s eyes narrowed.

"And where, exactly, do you plan to do that?"

"I will entrust the task to Iron Phantom of the Weeping Ghost Forge."

"...Hmph."

For Once, the Heavenly Demon Let Out a Groan.

"Ilma. That has to be the most absurd idea you’ve ever come up with."

The Heavenly Demon frowned.

"The Weeping Ghost Blacksmith is an eccentric even I couldn’t persuade. There is no one in this world who can convince him."

"It wouldn’t hurt to try before considering other methods."

"It would be a waste of time. Just reaching him is a challenge, and even if you manage to, all you’ll accomplish is throwing away precious time."

"Why is that?"

"The Weeping Ghost Blacksmith is the one who forged my sword."

"Not the Heavenly Demon Sword that the world knows of, but the sword I wielded when I was still the Young Lord of the sect. And frankly, that one still fits my hand better. There’s a unique quality to it, different from a famed sword."

"So I know him well."

The Heavenly Demon let out a sigh.

"He initially refused even to forge my sword. It took repeated requests from my master—the former Heavenly Demon—before he finally agreed to make it."

"He never makes weapons for ordinary people. And for some nameless mutt? Even less of a chance."

"But recently, he has been following my teachings quite well."

"That, I’ve been thinking about..."

The Heavenly Demon smirked.

"Maybe it’s because you’re a good teacher."

"Excuse me?"

"From what I’ve observed, outside of your work, you spend all your time thinking about how to train your so-called disciple. Since you excel at everything, it was only a matter of time before you became skilled at teaching as well."

"He is not my disciple!"

"Stubborn as always. Still, I secretly observed him, and his talent hasn’t changed. The only difference is that you’re training him properly. It’s simply a matter of adjusting to his level. Lowering your own perspective to instruct him properly—that just proves you’re a natural-born teacher."

The Heavenly Demon tapped the armrest of her chair.

"The Weeping Ghost Blacksmith will never make a sword for Jeok Woon. And even if he wanted to take it by force, the blacksmith’s martial prowess surpasses his own. Besides, even if you did overpower him, he wouldn’t forge a blade just because you demanded it."

"However…"

She smirked.

"It’s still worth trying. If it doesn’t work, we’ll think of another way."

"Then..."

"As you know, the Weeping Ghost Blacksmith resides in Bongma-dong. It’s a place he personally chose, and it also serves as the home of the Ten Thousand Forms of Divinity."

"It’s where the sect’s most valuable yet reclusive individuals gather—those who refuse to mix with others. Because of that, access is extremely restricted."

The Heavenly Demon’s tapping fingers suddenly stopped.

"However... The timing is perfect. The Bongma-dong Tour Group happens once every two years, and it happens to be right around the corner. I can slip you in with them."

"Thank you, Cheonma-nim."

"No need for thanks. Even with permission, entry depends entirely on the blacksmith’s whim. I’d prefer to sneak you in through a side route, but that would only earn you his scorn. The path to Bongma-dong itself is a trial—its treacherous terrain aside, the interior is essentially a massive mechanical death trap, one of the most dangerous man-made structures in existence."

"The last tour group that managed to enter was eight years ago. Whether you make it or not depends entirely on you."

"And above all else..."

The Heavenly Demon chuckled.

"If I’m going to train my dog, it would be absurd for me not to help, wouldn’t it?"

Her smile was mischievous.

"The term of my rule, set by the First Heavenly Demon, is nearing its end. I want to conclude all matters before I step down. So hurry up and retrieve what you need, Ilma."

"Understood, Cheonma-nim."

"Aside from that..."

The Heavenly Demon’s gaze flickered to the empty air.

"A cursed sword can only hold one type of energy. If you’re using your current sword for Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique and still carrying the Frozen Snow Sword, that means… You’ll need to carry two more blades on your waist."

"You’ll end up looking like a sword merchant. I find that rather amusing."

"A practitioner of Mixed Origin Four Swords, trying to wield four separate energies at once... Reminds me of a certain Heavenly Blood Demon and his Mixed Origin Demon Blade. A nostalgic master-disciple relationship, wouldn’t you say?"

"Cheonma-nim."

"Of course, I’m just joking."

"A cursed sword?"

I blinked in disbelief.

Ilma’s unexpected solution left me hesitant.

"So I’d have to carry three additional swords?"

"That’s right. Until you can draw out your energies naturally, you’ll have to carry them. Perhaps even permanently. But in the end, you can only wield one at a time—so just think of the extra ones as backups."

Ilma seemed deep in thought.

"Your current sword… Keep it as is. It will serve as your primary weapon when channeling Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique."

"The Frozen Snow Sword left behind by Bingbaekseol… With minor adjustments, it’s essentially already a cursed sword."

"So we’ll need the Weeping Ghost Blacksmith to forge two more, in addition to the Frozen Snow Sword?"

"Bring your main sword along as well. If he agrees, you might gain more than you expected. But that’s only if things go well."

Ilma stared at me intently.

"The Weeping Ghost Blacksmith is eccentric beyond reason. Even the Heavenly Demon couldn’t control him. That’s why he resides in Bongma-dong instead of within the Demon Hall."

I remained silent.

"He detests ordinary people. There’s a high chance he won’t make you a cursed sword. But..."

Ilma suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"Even so, force your way through."

"...What?"

"You need a cursed sword. If you don’t acquire one, Transformation Sword will remain nothing more than an imagined technique. It could take decades before you’re able to harness those energies naturally."

"So obtaining a cursed sword is non-negotiable. If you want to climb higher, you have to get it."

"Very soon, the Bongma-dong Tour Group will depart. It’s an event created under the pretense of fostering unity among the three sects supporting the Demon Sect—the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, Nachal Sect, and Black Death Sect. In reality, it’s just a political power struggle."

"Fifteen post-peak experts will be attending, along with thirty bodyguards."

"You will infiltrate the group and head to Bongma-dong."

"Find a way to persuade the Weeping Ghost Blacksmith. Obtain a cursed sword."

"I’ll provide you with ample funds. And, take this with you."

Ilma let out a soft whistle.

A small bird, its pink feathers tipped with red, fluttered in through the window.

"This is your chance to grow stronger, Jeok Woon."

"Giving up at the start would be the most disgraceful thing of all. Even if the road ahead is treacherous and unclear..."

Ilma held the bird out to me.

"It’s no different from the landscapes you’ve always seen. Isn’t that right? There’s even less reason to quit now."

I smirked.

"You’re right."

"I’ll tell you where the group is gathering tomorrow morning. Depart early and blend in. I’d tell you not to stand out, but..."

Ilma sighed.

"I doubt you’ll listen."

"I’ll behave."

"I want to believe that."

Ilma shot me a sharp glare.

"Which is why you should have behaved before this."

I opened my mouth—

Then shut it again.

Because honestly...

She had a point.