Chapter 18 : Achievement
Chapter 18: Achievement
Sima Yi had been continuously harboring doubts.
There were too many strange parts regarding Dan Woojin's recent activities.
The shut-in loser who only stayed cooped up in his room had passed through the Demonic Cave.
When he heard the news that the Seventh Young Master had visited the Poison Demon Sect, received recognition from the All-Encompassing Poison Hand Sa Iljeong, and was moving together with the Young Sect Leader, only one thought came to mind.
'The Seventh Young Master has been deceiving everyone.'
The reason he never left his room was to train in martial arts alone.
He had been acting in order to survive while aiming for the position of Young Cult Leader.
As a result of aggregating all information.
Sima Yi reached the judgment that the Seventh Young Master was a "Hidden Dragon" that had been crouching all this time.
Upon reporting this information to the Cult Leader, the Cult Leader summoned Dan Woojin immediately.
"Have you returned after conducting the trial well?"
On the way to the Cult Leader’s Palace,
Sima Yi began to probe Dan Woojin.
"Yes, there were no major problems."
The conversation itself was different.
He had become a completely different person from the Seventh Young Master who lacked confidence.
"Seventh Young Master, if I may be so bold, how have you endured until now?"
Dan Woojin wore a slightly troubled expression.
"I have never endured."
"Then...?"
"I am simply doing my best to survive."
Sima Yi became curious momentarily.
Although he was receiving reports through the Black Shadow Army, he had not yet measured Dan Woojin’s true skill.
"You mean to say that struggling to survive has led you to where you are today?"
"That is correct."
Nodding his head, Sima Yi stopped in front of the Cult Leader’s Palace.
"Strategist?"
"Apart from the trial given by the Cult Leader, this is a situation where I must personally conduct a verification."
The moment Sima Yi finished speaking,
Swoosh!
Clang!
A person dropped from the sky.
Dan Woojin quickly drew his blade, and it collided with the sword of the man who had fallen from above.
"What is... the meaning of this?"
"Lieutenant, you must face him with your full strength."
"Yes, Strategist."
The sword of Sima Yi’s lieutenant, Weiji Hyeok, was swung aiming for Dan Woojin’s vital points.
— Upper left, lower left.
Clang! Clang!
If one were to pick the weakest area for Dan Woojin, who was an assassin in his past life, it would naturally be a formal duel.
Assassins, who strike after waiting for an opportunity from behind, were weak in open combat.
Nevertheless, the reason Dan Woojin was able to hold out was,
'I lived thanks to you!'
— The teachings of this body are not something just anyone can receive. Be grateful.
It was because he was following the appropriate instructions of the Demonic Sword.
The hand gripping the sword tingled.
The destructive power contained in the blade was felt vividly.
The opponent was Sima Yi’s lieutenant, Weiji Hyeok.
Since Sima Yi was in a profession that used his brain, Weiji Hyeok was a bastard who used his body before his head.
Dan Woojin knew that as a former member of the Black Shadow Army, he was a person who would jump into a pit of fire if Sima Yi ordered it.
'The Strategist never acts alone.'
In other words, the fact that Weiji Hyeok was attacking Dan Woojin right now was entirely something carried out under someone’s instructions.
'I must not use the Soul Killing Art.'
Driving him like this was clearly to test what level of martial prowess Dan Woojin possessed.
The martial art he could use was roughly the Asura Demonic Sword.
— You know the Asura Demonic Sword, so why are you not using it?
The Demonic Sword spoke as if truly questioning it.
'It is not that I'm not using it on purpose!'
Clang, Clang—!
To be precise, he was seizing an opportunity.
Weiji Hyeok, who was swinging his sword bluntly rather than using refined swordsmanship, was also aiming for a single chance.
"Why do you not use the swordsmanship that passed the Demonic Cave?"
Sima Yi asked while watching Dan Woojin face Weiji Hyeok.
"I have not yet heard the passing conditions for the test given by the Strategist."
Sima Yi had said he had something to verify.
He had to grasp what that was first.
He needed to be careful with the quick-witted Sima Yi.
"It is simple. The lieutenant will gradually give his all. Though he looks like that, if he goes all out, he is a possessor of skill where the Seventh Young Master would have to give up at least an arm. You said earlier that you do your best to survive, yes? I would like you to show me your best before my eyes."
It meant he would identify what level the current Dan Woojin was at.
— Do you intend to see the end while only defending like this?
'Of course not.'
To be honest, he was contemplating.
The sight of him acting like this right here would eventually be reported to the Cult Leader.
The image Dan Woojin showed here would determine his future path.
'In that case.'
Dan Woojin’s eyes flashed.
Holding the Demonic Sword with his right hand, he scattered his left hand.
Then,
Sizzle—
"......!"
Various toxicities accumulated from the Poison Demon Sect still remained in Dan Woojin’s body.
At any time, Dan Woojin could inflict poison through the Heaven Bestowed Poison Hand, and by scattering his left arm, he could poison Weiji Hyeok in an instant.
"What the......"
When Weiji Hyeok, startled by the sudden poisoning, retreated.
Asura Demonic Sword, First Sword.
Asura Wind and Clouds.
Whoosh—
A single gust of wind blew.
Gulp.
Checking the tip of the sword that had reached right in front of his nose, Weiji Hyeok trembled throughout his entire body.
Because he instinctively felt that he had truly almost died.
"If you don't find the Young Sect Leader of the Poison Demon Sect right now, you will die within two hours."
The toxicity of the poison Dan Woojin possessed was that strong.
"...Go find the Young Sect Leader of the Poison Demon Sect at once."
As soon as Sima Yi’s command fell, Weiji Hyeok staggered out of the area.
— Not bad.
The Demonic Sword’s praise followed.
"I see that you have properly mastered the Asura Demonic Sword in the Demonic Cave."
"It was merely the first sword."
However, both Sima Yi and Dan Woojin knew.
That one cannot escape the Demonic Cave unless they properly master even the final form of the Asura Demonic Sword, Asura Destroys the Primordial World.
However, knowing that with one's head is a different matter from seeing it personally.
"I have committed a sudden discourtesy. Please forgive me with your broad generosity, Seventh Young Master."
"Yes, Strategist."
With this, Dan Woojin’s martial prowess was verified.
"By the way, when did you master poison arts?"
"I formed a bond with the Poison Hall Master of the Poison Demon Sect."
Since he even mentioned the fact that he indirectly formed a relationship with the Poison Demon Sect, Sima Yi, a brilliant tactician, would have noticed Dan Woojin’s intention.
"I see. Then shall we head in now?"
Just as they were about to enter the Cult Leader’s Palace,
"I'd like for you to wait a moment."
Someone caught the two from behind.
"Fifth Young Master?"
With an expression that said he didn't know what this situation was again, Sima Yi stared at the Fifth Young Master, Dan Yuun, who appeared behind them.
* * *
Dan Yuun had been looking for Dan Woojin.
It was because the man who caused a scene at Dan Yuun’s quarters vanished suddenly after saying he had done so under Dan Woojin’s orders.
"It seems the youngest has lost his fear."
Although the fact that he survived the Demonic Cave was unexpected, he accepted it since they were born of the same bloodline.
Unlike the older brothers above, Dan Youngyoung and Dan Woojin had not bothered Dan Yuun, so he held a relatively good heart toward them.
'But this makes it a different story.'
Dan Yuun is a person who prefers to live as the wind flows, just like his name.
However, he hates others touching what is his.
The quarters and subordinates assigned to the Fifth Young Master.
He was of a personality that would surely punish anyone who touched things in his territory without permission.
Therefore,
"I know you're going to see the Cult Leader, but can I talk to the youngest for a moment, Strategist?"
"I will yield exactly the time it takes to drink one cup of tea."
Setting a time limit, Sima Yi readily gave permission.
It was because he confirmed that the Fifth Young Master’s mood was displeased.
"Thanks."
Dan Yuun, who slowly approached Dan Woojin, furrowed his brow.
Then.
"It has been a long time, Big Brother."
Dan Woojin called Dan Yuun first.
Dan Yuun’s eyebrows twitched at the title of brother.
"Do not think you can get over this with such a title, youngest. The bastard you sent laid hands on my subordinate. How do you intend to take responsibility?"
You know my personality, right? How will you take responsibility?
Dan Yuun was staring at Dan Woojin with exactly that kind of expression.
"Yes, Brother. In fact, I ordered it on purpose."
"......What?"
Dan Woojin spoke with a thoroughly brazen appearance.
"Are you speaking with a sane mind?"
"Yes. Is it not thanks to my subordinate performing my order perfectly that I am able to share a conversation with you like this after a long time, Brother?"
To Dan Woojin, Dan Yuun was a different existence from the other brothers.
Meeting Dan Yuun, Dan Woojin could feel that immediately.
'Youngest, if you keep staying cooped up in your room like that, you will die someday.'
'Brother......'
'Watch this brother perform martial arts. Even if you cannot practically perform the arts, keeping them in your eyes will surely be of help.'
If Dan Cheolwoo was a person who only emphasized the affection of siblings in words, Dan Yuun was a man of action who did as his heart moved without caring at all for what others thought.
"...So you're saying you sent a subordinate to beat up my gatekeeper just to meet me?"
I never told him to beat them up, though.
Dan Woojin let out a secret sigh and smiled.
"That is correct."
"...You are not the youngest I used to know."
"Did you not say so, Brother? That if I stay in my room like this, I might die someday."
"...Are you saying you have made up your mind to change?"
"Yes. Therefore, I hope you also steady your heart, Brother."
Dan Woojin had summoned Dan Yuun to say these words.
Dan Yuun did not give any answer even after hearing Dan Woojin’s words.
Living according to the flowing wind and one's heart is not a bad thing.
However, if he maintained such a mindset even when the truly important time came,
'You will not be able to defeat Dan Hyunwoo, who approaches with the intent to crush you.'
"The time for one cup of tea has passed."
At that moment, Sima Yi interjected at an appropriate time.
"Yes. Let us go, Strategist. I will see you next time, Brother."
He felt Dan Yuun’s stinging gaze on his back.
Ignoring that gaze as much as possible, Dan Woojin followed Sima Yi into the Cult Leader’s Palace.
Dan Woojin hoped that Dan Yuun’s mindset would change with this single remark.
Only then,
— You don't intend to kill that guy?
'No.'
Dan Yuun in the memories that surfaced upon facing him certainly thought pitifully of Dan Woojin, but.
'Get up this instant!'
Despite seeing the violence the Eldest Young Master inflicted, Dan Yuun did not stop Dan Cheolwoo from beating Dan Woojin.
'A thorough bystander.'
Dan Yuun was an uncontrollable danger.
Entering the Cult Leader’s Palace with such thoughts, Dan Woojin realized once again that he shouldn't be worrying about Dan Yuun right now.
"You have returned alive and well this time too."
Dan Woojin’s father.
The Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
The Heavenly Demon, Dan Cheonwoo, asked with an indifferent expression while sitting on the throne.
"Seventh Child, Dan Woojin. What kind of achievement have you brought back?"