Chapter 318: The Answer Is Not Here

TL: FoodieMonster007

Two days had passed since we left the Central Plains and entered the Outer Regions.

Cheokyeon shouted from outside, "It's a sandstorm!"

I quickly stuck my head out the carriage window.

WHOOOOOSH!

A massive sandstorm blew in from the distance. A wall of red sand surged toward us like a giant tidal wave. The terrifying sight made me wonder if this was what the end of the world looked like.

"To the west! Full speed!" I commanded.

The carriage changed direction and began to race away.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader sat with a relaxed expression, as if he had experienced such things many times. The Demonic Buddha and I, however, watched nature's wrath with alarm, preparing ourselves to be swept up in the sandstorm.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, the Demonic Buddha, and I could endure being swept away by the storm, but the horses and carriage, not to mention the bodyguards, could be blown far away. Even if we had to abandon the horses and carriage, we had to save the people and ensure they were not harmed.

WHOOOOOSH!

As the massive wall of sand drew closer, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

I want to block that storm by raising the Nine Calamities Demonic Art Third Technique, the Impenetrable Demonic Wall.

It was said that the higher the realm of the Impenetrable Demonic Wall, the smaller the demonic wall becomes.

However, I wished my demonic wall was different. I wished that my Impenetrable Demonic Wall, having surpassed the tenth stage to reach the twelfth stage of complete mastery, would be large enough to block that sandstorm.

I imagined the tenth-stage shield growing larger and larger, becoming a colossal wall. A great fortress wall that nothing could break.

Fortunately, the carriage narrowly escaped the sandstorm's reach thanks to our quick judgment and swift escape.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said to me, "How do you like it? A taste of the Outer Regions."

"It's spicy from the start," I replied.

We watched the sandstorm pass behind the carriage, sweeping everything away. I wondered how people could live in a place like this, but after traveling for a while, we saw a father and son herding livestock.

The young boy helped his father, driving the animals with a long stick. They were people who knew in advance when a sandstorm was coming and where to move. We stopped the carriage for a moment and watched them.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader suddenly asked, "Have I ever told you that I never wanted to leave the Outer Regions? I keep forgetting things these days."

"What if you have, and what if you haven't? You can just tell me again."

"I don't want to. Telling the same story over and over again. Don't I sound like a senile old man?"

"I'll take it as a sign of your charming humanity."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's gaze returned to the father and son herding livestock in the distance.

"A long time ago, Go Wol said something to me. He asked if I had ever seriously considered advancing into the Central Plains, even though I always sang the song of it. I couldn't deny his words back then. To be honest, I liked living here. There's a unique charm here that you can't feel in the Central Plains. Ah, of course, I admit it. It was probably because I lived without any worries. After all, sandstorms like that don't rage before the Cult Leader."

Just then, the Demonic Buddha interjected, "It's because you're a country bumpkin."

When the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader looked at him, the Demonic Buddha continued, "Why do you need so many useless reasons to say you like your hometown? It's so uncool."

His rebuke sounded more like frustration. He was asking why the man had to add that last part about living without worries as the Cult Leader. He could have just said it proudly. I liked this place, and I did not want to leave.

The two of them had been like this the entire way here. They would go all day without saying a word, then bicker over something trivial, and then show they cared for each other like this.

He did not show it on the outside, but the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was on edge and tense. If I could feel it, then of course the Demonic Buddha could feel it too. The Demonic Buddha was needlessly picking a fight and saying such things likely to ease the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader's tension.

Someone who did not know him might wonder if the Demonic Buddha had such a considerate side. They might think it unexpected, but it is not. Among the Demon Supremes, the Demonic Buddha is a deeply considerate person who values loyalty.

That was why I had thought of him, who had been loyal and faithful to his brother, as a little giant.

"Alright, let's get going again."

The carriage picked up speed, heading toward where the sandstorm had come from.

Many things happened on the way to the Heavenly Wind Cult.

A group of bandits, relying only on their numbers, attacked and lost their lives. A few of the bodyguards got sick from the water and suffered from stomachaches.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader found some medicinal herbs nearby and fed them to the men. He then made the hard-to-believe claim that young people these days are too weak, saying that when he was young, he was fine even after drinking water mixed with blood and poison.

The Demonic Buddha, as always, threw in a comment. "Why are you nagging so much? They say when you get old, you should close your mouth and open your wallet."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was not one to meekly shut his mouth. "It's because I'm lonely, lonely! What's the point of knowing everything when you're old? None of the young ones ever ask. What this herb is, what effects it has, since when I knew about it."

Knowing he was not just joking, I smiled at him.

That was not the only hardship of the journey. Cheokyeon got lost and wandered several times. There were many places where the map and the actual terrain were different. Ironically, the Demonic Buddha knew the way better than the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

"Isn't this your territory?"

"That's why I know it even less. My subordinates always transported me, so how would I know the way?" protested the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, who was surprisingly bad with directions.

Another problem on the journey was finding a place to sleep. As we went deeper into the Outer Regions, it became difficult to find an inn.

Cheokyeon announced, "We'll have to camp here for the night." He got out of the carriage and began to prepare for camping.

The bodyguards divided their roles and moved with perfect coordination. While keeping watch, they lit a bonfire and prepared the hunted animals for dinner.

I personally took care of the sleeping arrangements for the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Demonic Buddha. I laid down soft grass on the ground and placed a soft animal hide on top.

As I fussed over their beds, the Demonic Buddha said, "Don't worry about us, just take care of your own sleeping spot."

"I'm young, aren't I? I'm fine sleeping on a bed of gravel. Here, please sit."

"You only look young. There are times when you feel more like a senior than that directionally challenged man over there."

As the Demonic Buddha teased, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader deliberately wiggled his bottom like a child. "It's comfortable, very comfortable."

The Demonic Buddha also looked pleased with his bed.

Then I made my own bed even plusher than theirs. The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, who was watching, had a dumbfounded expression.

"Yours is a plush tiger skin?"

"I'm the Young Cult Leader, aren't I?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader shook his head in disbelief, and the Demonic Buddha had an I-knew-it expression. For the first time in a while, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Demonic Buddha were in complete agreement.

"Did you see that? That shameless face?"

"And he said he could sleep on gravel!"

Lying on the plush hide, I laughed and then asked the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, "What kind of person is the next Cult Leader?"

"He's someone I chose and raised as my successor from the beginning. He's a trustworthy person."

Of course, he must be a trustworthy person. However, with the Illusion King involved, there is no telling if that trust will remain intact. That bastard is surely somewhere around the new Cult Leader.

"Finding him is up to you, Cult Leader. You know the Heavenly Wind Cult better than anyone." I trust him. A person who could give up the position of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader for the sake of friendship with someone was rare. I believe in his special nature.

"Don't trust me too much. As you know, I'm an indecisive and emotional person."

"That's why I like you. I don't like people who are too steadfast."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader gave me a look that asked what kind of sophistry I was about to spout.

"I like people who can change and adapt to the situation. People like you, Cult Leader. I like people who can admit when they lack confidence, just like this. Isn't that better than pretending to know things or pretending to be confident, only to cause a huge accident? And you've already shown it, haven't you, Cult Leader? Who you are in the fields you know well, who you are in your own world."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader looked at the Demonic Buddha and shook his head. "When I'm with the Young Cult Leader, even not being steadfast can feel this good!"

The night in the Outer Regions deepened.

Finally, we arrived at the Heavenly Wind Cult.

A grand welcoming ceremony awaited us when we reached the main gate. Hundreds of martial artists were lined up, and a long red carpet was laid out. It was an overly dazzling welcome.

In front of them, the new Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, Jo Baekta, had come out himself.

"Greetings, Cult Leader," I said with a clasped hands greeting.

"You've worked hard coming all this way." Jo Baekta was wearing the unique, colorful and ornate attire of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, and his face was painted with various patterns used in illusion arts, also in vivid primary colors.

Was it because of that? In a favorable light, it seemed like a thorough attempt to reveal nothing of himself in their first meeting. Unfavorably, he gave off a somewhat sinister feeling.

"The rumors that the Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult is the most talented in history are widespread, so I have been looking forward to this."

"Rumors are always bound to be exaggerated."

"The rumor that you are the most handsome man doesn't seem to be exaggerated at all."

Contrary to his appearance, he was a man skilled in conversation.

After greeting me, he next greeted the Demonic Buddha.

"I greet the Demon Supreme."

"Greetings to the Cult Leader."

"I greeted you when you came last time."

"I remember."

Back then, the Demonic Buddha had no idea Jo Baekta would rise to the position of Cult Leader so quickly.

Finally, Jo Baekta greeted the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. He ran up and grabbed his hand.

"Master, it's been a long time."

"Have you been well, Cult Leader?"

Now that he was the Cult Leader, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader also showed him proper courtesy.

They say the position makes the man. The disciple he had not seen in a long time was much more confident and composed than before. Jo Baekta was one of the disciples he had raised from a young age, his martial arts were the most profound, and his loyalty to him was deep. That was why he had been chosen as the successor early on.

"I wanted to see you so much that I couldn't wait in the Cult Leader's hall and ran out like this." His words implied that if the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had not come with us, he would have received me in the Cult Leader's hall. It might have been different if the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was visiting, but this was a visit from the Young Cult Leader.

"Now, let's go inside."

The three of them walked together, following Jo Baekta.

As we walked, he introduced various buildings of the Heavenly Wind Cult to me and the Demonic Buddha. He showed a cheerful and bright side, but the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader felt a strange dissonance from his demeanor.

Was he always like this?

The Jo Baekta he knew was a calm person of few words.

The three of them then entered the Cult Leader's hall.

For a moment, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was startled. The interior had changed a lot from when he was the Cult Leader. The grand chair was on a higher platform and had been replaced with a larger one, the walls were repainted a new color, and the statues, paintings, and decorations were all different.

"The interior has changed a lot."

"My subordinates suggested it would be good to change it, so I accepted their proposal."

"You did well. New wine must be put into new wineskins."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader showed no sign of it, but I could feel it. The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was not in a good mood.

I could understand his feelings. It was a position he had passed on before it was time, yet the man had completely changed the Cult Leader's hall to his liking as soon as he ascended. How could he possibly feel good?

On top of that, Jo Baekta took it a step further.

Upon entering the Cult Leader's hall, Jo Baekta went up to the grand chair and sat down. As a result, he was now looking down on the three of them.

Of course, his words were still polite.

"For a long time, your Cult Leader's family has not visited our Cult. So for the Young Cult Leader to visit us like this is truly a memorable occasion."

There was a barb in his words, implying that they had not sought them out until now.

"Isn't that all thanks to the former Cult Leader who is here with us?"

Jo Baekta's gaze turned to the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

"He is a treasure to our Cult."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader smiled at him, but just as I expected, his mood was very foul.

His guest was the Young Cult Leader, and he himself was the Cult Leader, so one could argue he could receive him while sitting on the grand chair. However, was not he, the former leader, also present today? They could have talked in the guest seating area below, but he insisted on looking down from up there.

A few formal words were exchanged with me. After we spoke of our hopes for a long and peaceful relationship between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Heavenly Wind Cult, Jo Baekta said, "You must be tired from your journey, so please rest today and we can talk tomorrow. We will hold a banquet tomorrow to welcome the Young Cult Leader."

"Thank you for the welcome."

The Demonic Buddha and I left the Cult Leader's hall first.

Now, only the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and Jo Baekta remained in the Cult Leader's hall.

Then, Jo Baekta came down from the grand chair. "Master, please don't be angry. I deliberately asserted my authority because the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult was here."

"Do you think authority is established by sitting in a high place and looking down?"

A moment of silence flowed. Soon, Jo Baekta lowered his head.

"This disciple's thoughts were shallow."

As he lowered his head, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader said, "No. I didn't mean to rebuke our Cult Leader. Raise your head. The Cult Leader of the great Heavenly Wind Cult does not bow his head so easily."

Jo Baekta raised his head with a bright face. At times like this, he looked like his old disciple self again.

"I'm so happy that you've come, Master. Please rest well before you leave."

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader slowly walked out of the Cult Leader's hall. He could not easily get used to the changed hall.

When the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader returned to the guest quarters, I could see from his expression that something was wrong.

"How was it?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader expressed the unease he had been feeling all along. "Something is strangely different. I can't tell if he's naturally changed after becoming the Cult Leader, or if I'm thinking this way because I suspect something is going on behind the scenes."

I asked cautiously, "Could he have been subjected to Soul Bewitchment Art?"

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader shook his head firmly. "That's not it."

If the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader says it is not, then it is definitely not.

"Then from now on, you must adhere to one thing." I told the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader my first principle after my regression.

"Look at him clearly. Don't just glance at him, look at him properly, but you must look at him without any preconceptions. You must discard all such thoughts like, 'My disciple was originally like this,' or 'he was originally this kind of person.'"

If you can look at him properly like that, you will be able to find it.

"The answer is not with you, Cult Leader. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to find something within your own heart. The answer lies in the person you are looking at."