Chapter 240: He Finally Opened His Eyes

TL: FoodieMonster007

I opened my eyes.

My body felt so refreshed that I lay in the unfamiliar bed for a moment. I usually had all sorts of dreams when I slept for a long time, but this time, I slept soundly without a single one.

How long did I sleep?

A day? Two? I was so hungry I might have slept for ten days straight.

Then, a certain person came to mind, and I shot up.

"The Smiling Demon!"

I looked around and saw this was not the infirmary. It was an unfamiliar bedchamber I had never entered before. A fragrant scent wafted from the clean bedding. The bed and furniture had the dignity of antiques rather than feeling old.

Something on the wall caught my eye.

That thing hanging there is…!

To my surprise, this was Father's bedchamber.

My last memory was of the infirmary. Why was I sleeping here? A clean martial arts uniform was laid out beside the bed.

After changing, I looked around the bedchamber, bewildered. I was his son, yet this was the first time I had ever entered this room.

Father gave me his room?

I did not know the situation, but this fact alone moved me deeply. I lay back down on Father's bed. The thought that Father slept here made me want to stay a little longer. This might be a chance I would never get again.

Just then, Father's voice came from outside the window.

"If you're awake, come out."

I shot up from the bed and went outside. Father sat at a stone tea table in the courtyard, drinking tea.

"To realize this is the Heavenly Demon's bedchamber, shouldn't one normally see the symbol of the Heavenly Demon Soul, or the Heavenly Demon Sword? But to figure it out from a pair of floral pajamas!"

The thing hanging on the wall was Father's floral pajamas.

At my playful remark, Father set down his teacup.

"It seems you're well enough to live now."

"I feel like I could fly."

In fact, my body was completely healed.

"Why am I in your bedchamber, Father?"

"Because I brought you here."

"You came to the infirmary?"

Father nodded at my surprised question.

"I wasn't the only one. All of your few connections came."

I could roughly guess who had come.

"Aren't those few people each a match for a hundred?"

A match for a hundred? They were a match for a thousand, even ten thousand.

"What happened to the Smiling Demon?"

My heart pounded with anxiety. Father was the kind of person who could casually sip his tea and say, 'The Smiling Demon is dead'.

"The Demonic Physician is still treating him."

I felt relieved at his words. The single phrase 'Demonic Physician' carried so much weight.

Just then, servants from the Heavenly Demon Hall brought me porridge. It was a light meal since I had starved for several days. This was Father's consideration.

"Have you eaten?"

"I have, so you go ahead."

"Yes, then I'll eat well."

I never knew porridge could be this delicious. After cleaning the bowl and drinking a cup of tea, I was still hungry, but I felt like I could live.

"Where did you get the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng?"

"Yayul Han brought it as a ninetieth birthday gift for the Five Thunder Divine Sword."

"What about cleaning up after them?"

"Bi Sayin decided to take care of it."

"Can he do it?"

"Yes, I believe he can."

"You've chosen that child as the next Evil Alliance Chairman."

"I think it's not a bad choice."

Just then, a martial artist from the Heavenly Demon Hall brought something and placed it before me.

"What is this?"

"Open it."

When I opened the box, I found a Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng inside. I was stunned.

"Where did this come from?"

"Why? Do you think I cut open the Smiling Demon's stomach to get it?"

He must have brought one of the miracle herbs from the Heavenly Demon Vault. Only the Heavenly Demon knows what is inside, but I have a rough idea.

"Are you giving this to me?"

"……"

"Why are you giving me something so precious?"

"You willingly gave up a Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng for my Demon Supreme, so of course, I should return it."

He emphasized the words 'my Demon Supreme'. It meant he was not my Demon Supreme yet.

"Are you perhaps afraid I'll steal the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon from you?"

Then, he made my favorite expression. That characteristic sneer, formed by the corners of his mouth turning up.

"You don't want to eat it? If you don't, then don't."

"Of course not!"

As he was about to take it back, I quickly popped it into my mouth. It was sweet and slightly bitter, more fragrant and delicious than any miracle herb I had ever eaten.

I circulated my qi for one cycle. I completely dissolved the energy of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng and made it my inner arts. As its energy was added to my own, which had reached a new level, my inner arts became even purer and more profound.

While I circulated my qi, Father stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the distant Great Sky Peak.

I went and stood beside Father. Instead of thanking him, I first offered my apologies.

"I'm sorry, Father."

A son who puts himself in danger is, for that reason alone, unfilial.

"As long as you know."

"I will not forget the grace you've shown me by granting me the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng."

Would he really have given me something this precious just because I gave one up for the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon? There was another meaning behind Father giving me the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng, and it was a meaning I had guessed.

"You said it yourself. That you would have a succession battle without bloodshed."

"……"

"Has that thought still not changed?"

"It has not changed."

Father said nothing more.

I could tell. Soon, Father would decide on a successor. The Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng was a gift, a message to finish the succession battle well.

Eat this and do well!

Because I suspected this, I heard those words in my ear as I chewed the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng.

If Father was going to make a decision, then I too had to settle things with my brother one way or another.

"The two of us brothers will hold hands and come see you soon."

This was what Father wanted. The final test for selecting the successor.

Knowing my brother's personality well, I thought this might be even more difficult than killing Yayul Han. In terms of martial arts, he was no longer my match, and most of the Demon Supremes had become my people, which paradoxically made it a harder task. I did not know what kind of reckless moves my brother might try to make.

"If you're done eating, you may go."

"Can I go into the bedchamber, put on your pajamas, and sleep for just two more hours? It's so soft and nice that I don't want to leave."

Just as Father was about to say something, a martial artist from the Heavenly Demon Hall came and reported.

"The Poison King has returned."

As soon as I heard that, I gave a deep bow and ran off.

"Then I'll be on my way."

I could feel Father's disbelieving gaze on the back of my head.

I understand, Father. I will end the succession battle this time. Because I, too, have a long road ahead of me.

The carriage carrying the Poison King and the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman entered the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"Look over there!"

Where Seo Daeryong pointed, a giant statue of a demonic spirit stood.

"Look at the other side."

On the other side, stone statues aimed swords and daos at each other. There were statues recreating the past Heavenly Demons and statues in the form of the Heavenly Demon Soul.

"It's incredible," she answered in awe.

But right now, the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman's eyes were not taking in the statues. Her heart pounded fiercely. Soon, she would hear news of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon.

No news about the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had reached them on their way here, so she did not know if he was alive or dead. The Poison King had not mentioned a single word about the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's life or death. He did not even offer comfort by saying he would be okay.

From this side of the Poison King, Seo Daeryong felt that he was a very different person from how he appeared. He was not someone to be judged by his youthful, fresh-faced appearance. Staring blankly at poisonous herbs or digging in the dirt was only a part of him.

Amidst tight security, the carriage passed through the outer court and entered the inner court. The security became several times stricter. Now, the entire party disembarked from the carriage.

The Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman was looking around when her gaze suddenly froze on one spot. In the distance, Geom Mugeuk was walking toward them.

In that moment, the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman's heart pounded as if it would burst. What news would Geom Mugeuk bring? Please, let the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon be safe.

Geom Mugeuk drew near and spoke to her.

"The Smiling Demon is still undergoing treatment."

Geom Mugeuk told her honestly.

"I've done everything I can. Our Cult's divine physician also did his best. Now, it's up to the Smiling Demon."

At that, the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman smiled brightly.

"Then I don't have to worry."

She was a woman who trusted the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon as if he were the heavens. She was reassured because it was Geom Mugeuk, and not someone else, who told her. If Geom Mugeuk had done his best, then he truly must have done his best.

"You must be tired from your long journey, so please rest for now. We will treat you as an honored guest of our Cult until the Smiling Demon awakens."

The Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman bowed her head in thanks. The maids who had accompanied her guided her to a separate building.

After she left, Seo Daeryong ran to embrace Geom Mugeuk.

"Why are you being so gross?"

"I'm just happy to see you, is this something you need to use movement arts to dodge? Would you have done this if Martial Artist Lee had run to you?"

Seo Daeryong rushed in again. This time, Geom Mugeuk did not dodge and obediently let himself be hugged.

"I was really worried this time."

"Then you should have come running. When Yayul Han surrounded me with his cloning technique, you should have come and taken on three of the clones."

"Heh! That bastard used a cloning technique too?"

"Was that all? A sword qi in the shape of a demonic spirit rushed at me like it was going to devour me."

Seo Daeryong stealthily took a step back.

"As you know, I'm a man suited to being an investigator. Don't use my top-of-the-class admission for the wrong things!"

If he was going to say that, his eyes should not be blazing like that.

"I'm going to go greet the Master."

After even Seo Daeryong left, only the Poison King remained. He had deliberately held back, wanting to speak with him quietly.

"You've worked hard, Poison King."

"What hardship did I have? You're the ones who suffered."

The Poison King asked Geom Mugeuk.

"Did you obtain what you sought to gain from this fight?"

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk said, "Yes, I believe I have."

The Poison King stared intently at Geom Mugeuk's deepened gaze, then started walking toward the Thousand Poisons Forest.

"Come visit the Thousand Poisons Forest when you have time."

Dangling from his waist as he walked were the Heavenly Antivenom Silk gloves that Geom Mugeuk had given him as a gift.

Finally, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon opened his eyes.

He could tell he was lying in the infirmary from the distinct medicinal scent that stung his nose. His last memory was of Geom Mugeuk's back.

He's running so frighteningly fast, so why does my body feel so comfortable?

He had fallen asleep thinking that.

When he examined his body, he found the battlefield within him was now calm. It was not the end of the war, but at least a truce had been called. He could tell from his body's condition. He had arrived safely at our Cult, and the Demonic Physician had treated him. The Demonic Physician was the only person who could treat this body.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon slowly sat up. He perched on the edge of the bed and looked at the bronze mirror. The blood that had splattered on his white mask during the fight was still there. They had not even touched the mask while treating him.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon suddenly recalled the moment he had sensed death. He had tried to remove his mask, and Geom Mugeuk had grabbed his arm.

"I'm not looking at that face because I think you'll be more handsome than me!"

Behind the mask, a smile formed on the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's lips.

Just then, someone entered the room.

"You're awake?"

The person who entered was the Demonic Physician.

Even though he knew the man had saved him, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon skipped the greetings and asked about Geom Mugeuk first.

"What happened to the Second Young Lord?"

"In all my life as a physician, I've never seen someone so exhausted. To think he carried a Demon Supreme on his back in that state…"

A hint of worry flickered in the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's eyes.

However, the Demonic Physician soon smiled.

"You don't have to worry. Right now, he could carry a Demon Supreme on his back and run back the way he came even faster."

Only then did the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon feel relieved.

"I heard the Second Young Lord also did nothing but sleep for several days straight. Well, it's understandable he'd be tired, since he arrived earlier than a messenger pigeon."

Faster than a messenger pigeon? Yes, I remember. How desperately Geom Mugeuk had run. Even in that state, he shared his qi to make my body comfortable. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon knew very well how much mental energy that consumed.

Only after hearing the news about Geom Mugeuk did the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon politely express his gratitude to the Demonic Physician.

"Thank you for saving me. I apologize for the late greeting."

The Demonic Physician shook his head.

"I am the one who should be expressing thanks."

The Demonic Physician bowed his head respectfully.

"Thank you for resolving the regret of my lifetime."

The son in the Demonic Physician's heart had now begun to age.

"Now, first, dissolve the energy of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng in your body. If the Second Young Lord hadn't made you take it, you, Demon Supreme, would not have survived until now."

This time, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon remembered the moment Geom Mugeuk had made him consume the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng. He also recalled the image of Geom Mugeuk sobbing, afraid he would die.

Feeling that he had so much to be grateful to Geom Mugeuk for, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon closed his eyes and began to dissolve the energy of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng.

While the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was circulating his qi, the Demonic Physician sent someone to inform Geom Mugeuk that the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had awakened.

When the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon had dissolved all the qi, the gaze behind his mask grew even colder and deeper.

A moment later, Geom Mugeuk, who had been waiting outside, stepped inside. Geom Mugeuk spoke to the masked Extremely Evil Smiling Demon.

"Your complexion looks especially good today."

How he had longed to hear Geom Mugeuk's playful banter. Seeing the blood on the mask, he said this.

"You even have a rosy blush on your face."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon laughed out loud.

They did not need to say a word to know how grateful they were to each other. For the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, who had just come back from the dead, one sentence was enough.

"Let's go fight again later."

"Sounds good."

No more words were needed.

"Oh, an honored guest has arrived at our Cult."

When Geom Mugeuk opened the door, the person waiting outside entered. She was none other than the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman. She had come all the way to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Headquarters because she was so worried about the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, but she had been constantly worrying whether she had come to a place she should not have.

However, the moment she saw the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, all those feelings vanished. She could tell. There had been no need to worry in the first place. She was this happy just seeing him.

What more reason did she need? Nothing else mattered. Even if the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon got angry, she thought she had done the right thing by coming.

And the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon responded to her feelings perfectly.

"You've always said you wanted to see my room, haven't you?"