A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 416

416. The Curse of the Heavenly Demon

The sight of Saja Hyuk unconscious and the former Jade Dragon’s claim that it was his fault shocked everyone.

“You… said it’s because of you?”

Sa Su-yeon asked, her face incredulous. The former Jade Dragon opened his eyes and looked at Sa Su-yeon. He, who usually wore an unpleasant expression, looked directly at Sa Su-yeon and said,

“Yes. It’s because of me.”

Sa Su-yeon gritted her teeth. Sohn Bin was worried, but Sa Su-yeon didn’t lose her composure. However, anyone could see the anger in her eyes.

“You were careless, but why did Dad end up like this? That means, could it be that Dad…”

“That’s right.”

The former Jade Dragon’s eyes narrowed. As if the mere thought was painful, he slowly opened his mouth.

“The Heavenly Demon’s last attack was aimed at me. It was only for a moment, but I was careless and couldn’t avoid it.”

Sohn Bin thought it was perhaps natural. Anyone would be able to relax if they were with Saja Hyuk. Especially those who knew Saja Hyuk well.

“Mu-je blocked it. He threw himself in front of me instead.”

Clench.

The former Jade Dragon’s face twisted horribly.

“So, he ended up like that.”

Silence fell. Sa Su-yeon didn’t say anything, but her trembling shoulders clearly showed her anger, sadness, and shock.

“What happened after that?”

No-gun asked quietly.

“And what happened then?”

The former Jade Dragon raised his eyes.

“I suppressed the Heavenly Demon and checked on Mu-je. But the technique Mu-je suffered from was something I had never seen before.”

The enraged former Jade Dragon shattered the Heavenly Demon’s chest with one blow. Even so, the Heavenly Demon was still breathing, but the former Jade Dragon didn’t care about his life or death. What was despairing was that the Heavenly Demon’s last attack was a bizarre type of technique that even the former Jade Dragon had never seen before.

“I only had one option left.”

It was a gamble. But the former Jade Dragon had no other choice. Following a vague feeling, a possible chance, and an instinctive impulse, the former Jade Dragon seized the Heavenly Demon’s divinity.

“So I became the Heavenly Demon. And only then did I know everything.”

Things that had been just vague feelings until then became clear. About the Door to the Abyss, about the Demonic Gods, about Sohn Bin gaining ‘qualification’ and its meaning, and about the terrible technique that had swallowed Mu-je Saja Hyuk.

Swish.

The former Jade Dragon turned his head towards Mu-je, Saja Hyuk. An ominous energy rippled around him like smoke as he lay as if asleep.

“What Mu-je suffered was a kind of ‘curse.’ The ultimate, worst curse that even the Heavenly Demon himself cannot reverse.”

It was something the Heavenly Demon would choose as his last resort. That curse even plunged Mu-je Saja Hyuk into a sleep like death.

“A curse?”

No-gun frowned. If it was a curse, not a martial art or a medical issue, then things would become very tricky and complicated.

“How could you possibly…”

“There is a way.”

The former Jade Dragon said.

“A person with the proper qualifications, a ‘Laja’ [a person chosen by the Demonic Gods], can undo the Heavenly Demon’s curse.”

“What?”

No-gun said, as if he couldn’t believe it.

“No, then Bin is…”

Sohn Bin is a ‘Laja.’ The Demonic Gods, and even the former Jade Dragon himself, acknowledged it. Does that mean Sohn Bin can undo the curse?

“And also.”

The former Jade Dragon’s voice interrupted No-gun’s words.

“You must be strong. Stronger than the Heavenly Demon, stronger than the Heavenly Demon’s curse. Only someone strong enough to subdue the Heavenly Demon can undo the Heavenly Demon’s curse.”

Swish.

The former Jade Dragon looked at Sohn Bin.

“That’s why I waited for you. Plucking out the eyes and cutting off the limbs of the old Heavenly Demon, throwing him alive to the Demonic Gods, I waited only for you. Suppressing the urge to slit my own throat, I waited for you to arrive here.”

The voice was even eerie. The murderous intent still flickering in his eyes clearly showed how angry he was.

“Why didn’t you come sooner? Why didn’t you come with me from the beginning? Why you? Why not me? Sohn Bin!”

It was an unreasonable anger and a misplaced resentment. But Sohn Bin could understand the former Jade Dragon’s heart. So he didn’t argue or refute.

“No, wait a minute.”

No-gun said, frowning.

“Then why didn’t you say so from the beginning? If you had just told us the truth and asked for help…”

Whack. The former Jade Dragon’s fierce eyes turned to No-gun.

“So? Show Mu-je in such a state and beg you for mercy? Not knowing whether you could do it or not? What if you couldn’t undo the curse? Would you hug each other and shed tears? Pitying the dying Mu-je?”

Grinding. The former Jade Dragon gritted his teeth.

“I can never allow that. No one can look down on Mu-je. No one can pity Mu-je. Mu-je must be the one who reigns. Even now, I feel like plucking out all of your eyes.”

The former Jade Dragon said with a chilling gaze. The look in his eyes clearly showed that his words were the unadulterated truth.

“If I can’t save Mu-je, I’d rather burn everything. This world, and the world of the Heavenly Demon, everything without exception.”

The words about burning the world were not a lie from the beginning. He really intended to do so. If Sohn Bin hadn’t surpassed him, the Heavenly Demon, that is.

“So you tested Bin? At the risk of your own life?”

No-gun said, frowning. The former Jade Dragon glared at No-gun and replied.

“Yes.”

No-gun was dumbfounded at the words. The former Jade Dragon became the Heavenly Demon and tested Sohn Bin himself. If Sohn Bin couldn’t defeat him, he couldn’t save Saja Hyuk either. If that were the case, he would have burned the worlds and died with Saja Hyuk.

If he were to lose to Sohn Bin, it would be something he would gladly welcome. He would have gladly accepted death. Because his defeat would mean that the Heavenly Demon’s curse would be broken and Mu-je would be revived.

“No, did you really have to risk your life like that? You could have just had a sparring match. And how would you know to save Mu-je if you died?”

No-gun said, frustrated. But the former Jade Dragon replied casually.

“Aren’t they there?”

The ‘they’ that the former Jade Dragon was referring to were the Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, and Gwi-gyeon Sura. They don’t know all the details either. But at least they will be able to tell Sohn Bin that Mu-je has fallen and that he must be saved.

“And even if I die, it doesn’t matter. It’s a good thing. Rather than seeing this guy save Mu-je and look proud…”

No-gun couldn’t tell if the words were just an excuse to cover up his guilt, or if they were sincere. Because the eccentric and unpredictable former Jade Dragon might really think so.

“You.”

It was Dang Wol-ah’s voice.

“How were you able to seize the Heavenly Demon’s divinity and memories?”

The former Jade Dragon turned his head to look at Dang Wol-ah. She, wearing a torn veil, continued in a low voice.

“The Demonic Gods’ ‘fragments’ could only be taken by Young Master Sohn. Empress Sarasvati called it ‘qualification.’ Reaching this place was also impossible without Young Master Sohn.”

It was a question that No-gun had also thought of. When he heard that Mu-je and the former Jade Dragon had reached this place, No-gun doubted how they could have arrived here.

“And you knew from the beginning that the Heavenly Demon had opened the Door to the Abyss. How could you, who don’t even have ‘qualification,’ know what even Young Master Sohn could only feel after taking the ‘fragment’?”

Dang Wol-ah’s voice flowed out without hesitation. She was completely different from her usual self, but no one cared.

“Isn’t that related to what you said about ‘cheating death’?”

The former Jade Dragon scoffed.

“Do I have a reason to explain that? Do you think you can understand even if I tell you?”

His words were correct. Dang Wol-ah also acknowledged it. But it wasn’t over yet.

“That’s right. I suppose so. But at least one thing must be made clear.”

Dang Wol-ah said, looking directly at the former Jade Dragon.

“From the beginning, the reason the Heavenly Demon was able to open the Door to the Abyss was because of you, wasn’t it?”

“What?”

No-gun frowned and looked at the former Jade Dragon. Everyone’s gaze was also directed at the former Jade Dragon.

“The Blood Demon’s Great Art that you said ‘cheated death.’ Isn’t that why the Heavenly Demon was able to open the Door to the Abyss? And as a result of that Great Art, you cheated death and at the same time, obtained some anomalous ‘qualification’?”

Instead of answering, the former Jade Dragon glared at Dang Wol-ah with a sharp gaze.

“…You, did you perhaps know about the Blood Demon’s Great Art?”

Dang Wol-ah calmly met the former Jade Dragon’s gaze, which was even filled with murderous intent.

“I don’t know.”

“Then how did you come to that conclusion?”

“When you put together small pieces, you tend to see a rough picture.”

The former Jade Dragon let out a hollow laugh as if he was dumbfounded. In the end, it means Dang Wol-ah’s intuition, or feeling, without clear evidence. The former Jade Dragon, who had been laughing, soon looked at Dang Wol-ah with a bitter look.

“Then what are you going to do?”

It was tantamount to acknowledging her words.

“If it’s as you say, then what are you going to do? If I am the cause of all this.”

“Nothing.”

Dang Wol-ah said calmly.

“I’m not going to do anything. Young Master Sohn has already done everything.”

The former Jade Dragon frowned. Dang Wol-ah continued, looking straight at him.

“But at least, your words that it’s Young Master Sohn’s fault will lose credibility. Because all of this is because of you.”

The words, which even omitted honorifics, severely offended the former Jade Dragon. But Dang Wol-ah did not back down even in the face of his murderous gaze.

“Hmph.”

The former Jade Dragon snorted.

“You can’t be a descendant of Maeng Ho. Maeng Ho could never raise a child like you.”

“I am all Young Master Sohn’s.”

Dang Wol-ah said quickly, as if she had been waiting for it.

“I’ve never been a descendant of Maeng Ho or anything like that.”

The former Jade Dragon frowned at Dang Wol-ah’s unexpected words. And No-gun sighed. It was because he thought that her appearance, not backing down even an inch, was exactly like a daughter of the Dang family.

Seo-rin and Sa Su-yeon also didn’t find her words strange. After all, they had heard such declarations before.

“Ahem.”

The person who cleared his throat was Sohn Bin. He was trying to hide his embarrassment with a slightly reddened face.

“Um, what Miss Wol-ah said doesn’t mean that…”

“No explanation is necessary.”

The former Jade Dragon said in an uncomfortable voice.

“Why do I have to know about your complicated relationships with women? Isn’t that what you have to do now?”

“No, that’s…”

Sohn Bin was very wronged. But the former Jade Dragon said firmly.

“Do what you have to do. Then you can kill me or torture me, I don’t care.”

Sohn Bin was even more wronged at the words. Still, his words are correct. What needs to be done now is already decided.

“Hoo.”

Sohn Bin took a deep breath and turned his body. He saw the altar-like platform engraved with incomprehensible patterns, and Saja Hyuk lying on it. He was the same as usual. Even now, without consciousness, his oppressive presence had not diminished in the slightest. In fact, it felt like he would get up at any moment and speak to Sohn Bin with his intense eyes. If it weren’t for the eerie energy swirling around his body.

Woo-oong.

Sohn Bin, who was looking at the ominous energy, raised his head. He saw the Door to the Abyss, also swirling ominously, and the Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, with a pale face, blocking the door. The small and delicate girl looked particularly pitiful.

“Let’s close the Door to the Abyss first. Any more and Miss Geum will…”

“If you close it.”

The former Jade Dragon’s voice stopped Sohn Bin’s action of raising his hand.

“You’ll regret it.”

The former Jade Dragon said with a sneer.

“Why?”

Sohn Bin asked, but the former Jade Dragon did not answer. It was clear that there was a reason, but he couldn’t leave the Blood Phoenix as she was.

“But Miss Geum is…”

“Bin-ah.”

No-gun stepped forward.

“Can you close the Door to the Abyss?”

“Yes. Closing it itself is not that difficult.”

“Then let’s do this.”

No-gun’s suggestion was simple. Gwi-gyeon Sura would receive Seo-rin’s inner energy and pass it on to Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon. Seo-rin’s inner energy, which she had learned through orthodox Taoist Qi cultivation [cultivation of vital energy], was pure and had great resistance to demonic energy. The reason for going through Gwi-gyeon Sura was No-gun’s consideration for Seo-rin’s reluctance to get close to the Door to the Abyss, and for Gwi-gyeon Sura’s feelings for Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon.

“I’ll go with you too.”

Sohn Bin suddenly said as he watched Seo-rin finish transmitting her inner energy. Fortunately, Gwi-gyeon Sura, who had escaped from the shackles of the Blood Demon, was able to accept Seo-rin’s inner energy without any problems.

“Why, hyung?” [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend]

Seo-rin asked. Seo-rin was fine even after pouring out enough inner energy to restore the exhausted Gwi-gyeon Sura.

“I think it will be helpful.”

Sohn Bin replied with a smile. Gwi-gyeon Sura, who was listening, nodded silently and immediately tried to fly towards the Blood Phoenix.

“Ah, um.”

Sohn Bin hurriedly stopped Gwi-gyeon Sura. And after a while, Gwi-gyeon Sura, with an uncomfortable expression, hugged Sohn Bin, who had an awkward expression, in one arm and leaped towards the Door to the Abyss.

Thud.

The Door to the Abyss was floating in the air. In the midst of the swirling, eerie energy, Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, was bound by an unknown force. Her face, hanging helplessly with her arms outstretched, was extremely pale.

Pajijik.

As Gwi-gyeon Sura’s hand reached for the Blood Phoenix, the Door to the Abyss reacted violently. Sohn Bin, who was being held by Gwi-gyeon Sura, immediately reached out his hand.

Hook.

The sharply cutting repulsive force disappeared. Gwi-gyeon Sura’s hand easily touched Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon’s cheek.

Sarak.

Pure inner energy flowed through the fingertips of Gwi-gyeon Sura’s hand that touched her white cheek. Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, opened her eyes. And she saw the face of her beloved Arang, and the face of the person she had been waiting for.

“Arang, and Young Master Sohn…”

“It’s okay.”

Gwi-gyeon Sura said.

“Now, it’s okay.”

A smile appeared on Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon’s lips, and Sohn Bin nodded.

Huluk.

The time to stay in front of the Door to the Abyss was short. If it weren’t for Gwi-gyeon Sura’s amazing lightness skill [a martial art technique that allows one to move with great agility and speed], which used the repulsive force that the Door to the Abyss pushed out, even this would have been difficult.

Tak.

Gwi-gyeon Sura and Sohn Bin landed on the floor. Gwi-gyeon Sura looked at Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon again, but Sohn Bin, who was released from his arms, approached the lying Saja Hyuk.

“Are you okay?”

No-gun asks with a worried expression. It’s different from when he saved Dang Wol-ah or Sa Su-yeon before. Above all, the ominous energy surrounding Saja Hyuk was by no means ordinary, even before hearing the word ‘curse.’

Jeobeok.

Instead of answering, Sohn Bin stood in front of Saja Hyuk. Looking at the swirling dark red energy, no, looking at the closed-eyed Saja Hyuk, Sohn Bin slowly raised his hand.

Woong.

The power of the Hyeoncheon Daegangyeol [a powerful martial art technique] gathered like starlight at his fingertips. And Sohn Bin’s finger pointed towards Saja Hyuk’s heart.

Pajik Pajijik.

Blue lightning flashed here and there between the dark red energy. It flickered everywhere as if rejecting Sohn Bin’s touch.

“Thank you.”

Sohn Bin suddenly said. Looking at Saja Hyuk with shining eyes, Sohn Bin smiled.

“Meeting you was the greatest luck of my life.”

Saja Hyuk did not answer. But Sohn Bin could smile just by having him in front of him. Sohn Bin slowly reached out his hand towards the center of the ‘curse.’ Sohn Bin already knew what was at the end of it, but he did not stop.

Hook.

At the same time as Sohn Bin’s fingertips touched Saja Hyuk’s chest, ‘it’ opened its eyes. It was not just a simple ‘curse.’ The Heavenly Demon opened it with all his might on Saja Hyuk’s very existence, and it was the abyss of the Abyss.

Hwaaaaaak.

That terrible darkness, which had swallowed countless worlds and destinies, opened its mouth towards Sohn Bin. At the same time, blue energy rose in response to Sohn Bin’s will. The appearance of that giant blue dragon was a form that could be called the Azure Dragon, which even mocks the world and destiny.

(Author’s words)

The trap is that the person who hugs Sohn Bin, who can’t do lightness skill, doesn’t necessarily have to be a woman.