Chapter 572: Return of the Demon Sect Instructor

The rock on the hill of the Demon Slayer Palace, where Ong Gi-seung once sat, was now occupied by Deung Bu-hyung. He gazed down at the grand martial arts arena below with eyes that glistened with unshed tears.

“Truly, how times have changed.”

Once, the students of Yongcheon Academy learned martial arts from him. Now, they were the ones teaching and leading the palace disciples. Unlike the academy, the disciples of the Demon Slayer Palace were mostly adults, seasoned warriors. What they needed wasn’t just martial arts training but secrets to combat the demon clans. The best people to provide this were the Celestial Extermination Squad and the Newborn Division, both with extensive experience fighting demons.

Deung Bu-hyung tilted his head back to look at the sky. It hadn’t been long, yet the days of being an instructor at Yongcheon Academy with Sabi-gang felt like a distant past. What had changed in him during that time?

The students had become key members of the Celestial Extermination Squad, and Sabi-gang, once a deputy instructor, had risen to such prominence that he became the palace lord. He was now a pillar of the martial world. Anyone who dared to criticize him would become an enemy of the martial world.

And yet, what had Deung Bu-hyung achieved? While he was obsessed with acquiring an expensive sword, the world had continued to change. He hadn’t thought to change with it.

“This is what they mean by the futility of life.”

He let out a long sigh. The saying about losing the big picture for small gains seemed apt. What was a single sword worth? Hadn’t he chosen the path of a warrior to achieve justice with a blade? So why had his heart become tainted with greed?

It was pathetic. When Mu Yang-je drank all his precious elixirs, he felt like he was going mad. The golden opportunity he had painstakingly acquired was gone, and his heart was far from at ease. But now, looking back, it was all meaningless. What was the point of becoming slightly stronger through such obsession? What did he intend to do with that strength? Show off to those who had looked down on him? Bully the weak to flaunt his power? Did he ever intend to use that strength against the fearsome demon clans?

Ultimately, it was all about one’s mindset.

“I was chasing after empty shells.”

Perhaps Sabi-gang’s constant breaking of his sword was a message not to chase after appearances but to build substance. But he hadn’t realized it at the time. Every time Sabi-gang broke his sword, he was filled with unbearable resentment.

Recently, watching Cheon Se-myeong, he had another chance to reflect. Cheon Se-myeong had changed. He had become humble and was seriously contemplating what was best for the martial world. Just that alone had transformed him into someone who was difficult to approach. The aura of dignity he exuded wasn’t just because he had become stronger; it was because his philosophy had changed.

Cheon Se-myeong had said, “Why not take a journey, Deung? The timing might not be perfect, but it could be a good opportunity to clear your mind.”

Deung Bu-hyung nodded quietly. “Yes, I should leave.”

To change, he needed to depart. He would take a journey and reflect on himself. Cheon Se-myeong had also mentioned gaining insights during his travels. A journey, after all, is about throwing oneself into unfamiliar places, providing a chance to view oneself objectively. Deung Bu-hyung needed such an opportunity.

Resolute, he stood up. He didn’t plan to tell anyone about his departure. There was no one to look for him anyway. As he descended the rock and prepared to leave, he noticed Mu Yang-je walking with a dazed expression, his eyes slightly bloodshot. He seemed different, as if he hadn’t slept or had indulged in a midday drink.

Deung Bu-hyung furrowed his brow and called out, “Mu! Where are you going?”

But Mu Yang-je, lost in his thoughts, continued walking without acknowledging him. Deung Bu-hyung quickly ran to block his path.

Before leaving the palace, he wanted to apologize for their previous argument over the elixir Sabi-gang had given him.

“Mu, where are you wandering off to in such a daze?”

Deung Bu-hyung asked, noticing the odd expression on Mu Yang-je’s face. “Have you been drinking?”

Mu Yang-je stopped and looked at him with a twisted smile. It wasn’t a sneer, but rather a smile tinged with madness.

“I had a drink. Met an old friend at the tavern, and it lifted my spirits.”

“Oh, really? Who did you meet?”

“An old friend. But I don’t need to tell you everything, do I?”

“Well, I suppose not. I just wanted to apologize for being too harsh before…”

“Where is Sabi-gang?”

Mu Yang-je interrupted abruptly.

Deung Bu-hyung frowned slightly and replied, “The palace lord is out at the moment. I don’t know where exactly, but he’s a busy man.”

“I see. What about the chief?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know their daily schedules… Oh, but I did see the chief heading to the Elixir Hall. He might be there now.”

“Elixir Hall, huh. Got it.”

Mu Yang-je muttered and started walking again. Deung Bu-hyung quickly asked, “What’s going on?”

Mu Yang-je turned with an annoyed expression. “Do I have to report everything to you?”

“Well, no, but can’t I ask? No need to be so curt…”

But Mu Yang-je didn’t listen and continued on his way, heading towards the Elixir Hall. Deung Bu-hyung watched him go, puzzled, then turned back.

“Apologizing isn’t as easy as it seems.”

He sighed again and returned to his quarters. After packing lightly, he set off to leave the Demon Slayer Palace. As he reached the gates, he hesitated, turning back with a lingering sense of unease about Mu Yang-je’s strange demeanor.

**

The sound of two swords slicing through the air was sharp and clear. The blades wove intricate patterns, dancing in the air. Maeseolran moved gracefully, as if she were dancing rather than practicing swordsmanship. Though she wielded the swords with fierce precision, her movements were as fluid as a dance in the air.

This was what it meant to reach a high level of mastery.

Yet, Maeseolran felt something was missing. Her ambition seemed endless. She had always desired more—more beauty, more strength, more possessions. But now, all her desires seemed focused solely on martial arts, particularly on mastering the Four Serpent Sword Technique.

Even mastering a single sword technique could make one unrivaled in the martial world. She decided to dig deep into this one well, and the results were beginning to show, though she still felt it wasn’t enough.

With a light leap, she kicked off a tree trunk, sending leaves fluttering down like a gentle rain.

In that moment, her swords danced again, intertwining in the air. Unlike before, there was no hissing sound of snakes. Though it was the Four Serpent Sword Technique, it was so refined that one wouldn’t recognize it without being told. The technique, once loud and serpentine, was now silent, like two streams of wind, quiet yet swift.

She moved like a butterfly riding the wind, or like a flower gently encircled by two silent serpents. It was dazzling, yet not chaotic. Complex, yet not messy. It was a beauty of restraint.

Her swordsmanship was just that.

“But I need to go further!”

Once, the head of the Divine Beast Pavilion, Jo Shin-ryang, had said, “The end of modification is purity.”

It was a passing comment, but it struck a chord with Maeseolran. Since then, her swordsmanship had become not just flashy but beautiful and elegant. The Four Serpent Sword Technique was visibly advancing.

However…

“I still lack inner strength.”

She felt keenly that to reach the next level, she needed more inner power.

“You’ve made remarkable progress. It seems you’re improving by the day. Even someone like me, who doesn’t know much about martial arts, can see it.”

Startled by the voice, Maeseolran stopped her practice and turned around.

“Master Jin, you’re here.”

“Ah, I ended up being late after calling you out. My apologies.”

“No need to apologize. You’re one of the busiest people around.”

“You’re not just pretending to be busy, are you?”

“Oh, not at all. No one thinks that. But, you called for me because…?”

“Ah, it’s about this.”

Jinbaek handed over a small wooden box.

Maeseollan accepted the box with a curious look in her eyes.

When she opened the lid, she found a round pill inside, its fragrant aroma wafting up to her nose.

The scent alone seemed to clear her mind.

“This is…?”

“It’s the Cheongmagi Hwandan. A new elixir we’ve painstakingly developed at Chohwandang. We collaborated with Master Murang, so its effects should be quite impressive. I’d like you to try it first and give me a detailed account of its efficacy. As long as you manage your energy flow well, there shouldn’t be any side effects.”

“Oh…! This is incredible. Is this the result of all your research?”

“It’s not perfect, but with your feedback, we plan to refine it for mass production. Perhaps make it easier to use during energy cultivation. I chose you because someone with substantial internal energy should take it to maximize its effects. Also, due to different constitutions, there are separate versions for men and women. I plan to ask Tang Danju to try the male version. I feel a bit guilty, like I’m experimenting on you.”

“Not at all! I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’ll take it and do my best to help.”

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you.”

The two exchanged warm smiles.

“Well, I have some work to get back to, so I’ll head in.”

“Yes, I’ll stay and train a bit longer. It’s so peaceful here, I like it.”

“Haha, there’s no martial arts training hall here, so feel free to use the space.”

“Thank you.”

With that, Jinbaek left the garden and walked alongside the building.

“Hmm?”

He frowned as he spotted a man approaching with a vacant stare.

‘Muk Instructor?’

Muk Yangje was shuffling toward him, looking as if he were in a trance.