The Return of the Crazy Demon-Chapter 272: The Fact That I Was Once Called the Crazy Demon

"Left Guardian."

"Yes, Master."

"Are you seriously planning to teach her the Jade Ice Technique?"

The Lecher, who was beside me, answered.

"Yes. I don’t see any particular reason not to. I’d been planning to teach it to a female disciple anyway. It’s just a little early, is all."

"Because there’s a risk the technique might disappear?"

The Lecher nodded.

"It would be a shame for it to vanish."

The Sword Demon continued.

"There’s no need to teach Yoran martial arts in earnest just yet. But since we don’t know what might happen to us, it’s better if she memorizes techniques that might vanish with us."

"Understood."

Listening to the exchange between master and disciple, I realized Jang Deuk-soo had been right. We were all people who lived while thinking about death. Even the Lecher, like the Sword Demon, lived with the thought of his end in mind.

The Sword Demon’s suggestion was akin to how ancient scholars compiled the martial techniques of the Hundred Schools—he wanted Yoran to become a living archive of our martial arts.

The Drunk agreed.

"Not a bad idea."

The Sword Demon, keeping his eyes ahead, spoke.

"At the very least, the four of our martial arts will be passed down through Yoran. From what I’ve observed, she’s more than clever enough. For now, we’ll make her memorize everything. Later, if we survive after killing all our enemies, we can teach her at leisure. I won’t force it—just something to think about."

I added my opinion.

"For now, it’s best she only learns the Jade Ice Technique. I’ll teach her light footwork, but the other techniques are too ambiguous. I haven’t even organized or completed them myself."

If Yoran were to learn the Golden Nine Free-Wandering Manual or Zaha Divine Technique, there’s a high chance she’d fall into internal deviation. Even I can fall into internal deviation using those techniques.

I’ve always believed that martial arts should be passed on only when fate allows. And I just don’t get the feeling Yoran is the disciple destined to inherit the Zaha Divine Technique.

The Lecher summarized the situation.

"Let’s go with that for now. I’ll start teaching the Jade Ice Technique little by little whenever I have time."

"Good."

The moment I saw a man walking toward the Ja-Ha Guest House, I spoke.

"Looks like some welcome news is finally here. Yukgap, congratulations."

"Huh?"

Geum Cheol-yong and Gwak Yong-gae had returned, each carrying a box under one arm.

Geum Cheol-yong greeted us with a broad smile.

"Lord, it’s been a while."

"Uncle Geum, welcome. You too, Vice Master."

As soon as he arrived, Geum Cheol-yong placed the long box on the ground and respectfully greeted the Sword Demon.

"It’s been a long time."

"Welcome, Pavilion Master."

After a brief cough, Geum Cheol-yong opened the box and pulled out a longsword.

"A stranger came to me unexpectedly and asked me to deliver this. He said it was the promised sword from the Muga School. So it’s the Six Harmonies Sword meant for Master Yukhap."

The Drunk stood and approached Geum Cheol-yong.

I stood as well.

"Wow, a sword from the Muga School, huh?"

Receiving the sword from Geum Cheol-yong, the Drunk couldn’t hide his joy. He looked as if he’d just received the greatest gift in the world.

"Thank you, Pavilion Master Geum, for delivering it yourself."

"It’s nothing... It wasn’t difficult."

The sword carried a subdued jet-black sheen, and it was clear at a glance this was no ordinary weapon.

Even the Sword Demon, known for his interest in swords, came closer to take a look. As the Drunk held the Six Harmonies Sword, he offered it to the Sword Demon.

"Elder Brother, have a look."

The Sword Demon nodded and examined the sword, slowly drawing it from its scabbard. Though its exterior was dark, the blade gleamed with a dazzling silver light.

The Sword Demon smiled—a rare sight—and nodded.

"Excellent."

He returned the sword to its scabbard and handed it back to the Drunk. The Drunk was smiling so broadly it was almost odd. He looked like a man reunited with a lover, speechless with emotion. Leaving him be for a moment, I turned to Vice Master Yong-gae.

"Vice Master, what’s in your box?"

"This is also a gift from the Muga School."

"Hm?"

When he opened the box, I saw five identical daggers laid neatly inside.

"The Muga School said gifting only one sword seemed lacking, so they included five of their daggers. Here they are."

Just looking at them made me let out a sigh of admiration.

"These are priceless."

"Why five daggers, though?"

The Lecher, peering into the box, answered.

"Because Yoran makes five. The Five Great Villains."

No one laughed at his comment.

I had wondered why there were only five daggers in such a large box—turns out, neatly placed beside them were leather straps to hold the blades. Looked like they were meant to be worn across the torso.

I handed out the daggers and straps to the Sword Demon, the Drunk, and the Lecher, keeping a pair for myself.

"Uncle Geum, Vice Master. Please stay and eat before you go."

"Hm, shall we? I’ve been craving Deuk-soo’s cooking."

The four of us weren’t particularly good at hosting guests, but once we brought them inside the guest house, Deuk-soo would prepare a proper meal. It felt like Deuk-soo always filled in for our shortcomings. His words lingered even more in my chest now.

He’d told us to consider living a slow, long life...

I’d never really considered living that way before. After all, even the Beggars’ Sect Leader had to survive a brush with death to remain in Jianghu.

I stood to re-gift what I’d received.

"Time to pay a visit to the candidate for the Five Great Villains."

The Lecher asked from behind.

"Who?"

"Moyong Baek."

"Ah."

I paused ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ and looked back at the Four Great Villains. No one reacted when I referred to Moyong Baek as a candidate for the Five Great Villains.

The Lecher mumbled again.

"If there’s a candidate, Yoran might get upset."

This crazy bastard—turns out he’s the type who won’t speak for a whole day if Yoran isn’t included.

How did he end up like this?

I have no idea.

Come to think of it, although Yoran calls me ‘Elder Brother’, the one actually teaching her the most important technique is the Lecher.

So is he both elder brother and master?

Ugh, the genealogy of villains is a complete mess. Yoran might as well start calling the Sword Demon ‘Great Master’.

***

"Lord."

"Hm?"

"What is that?"

I placed the Muga dagger and its leather strap down on Moyong Baek’s desk.

"It’s something I received from a member of the Muga School. The explanation is long, so just take it. It’s an excellent dagger. If you’re tangled in Jianghu, you ought to carry a blade close to your chest."

"Lord, when you say Muga... you mean that Muga, from the Hundred Schools? So this is a gift from one of the scholars?"

"That’s right."

"My martial arts come from the White-Robed Scholar... and now the dagger too. A scholar’s gift, again."

"Looks that way."

Moyong Baek let out a sigh, then said to me,

"From now on, call me Scholar Moyong. Let me see your arm."

I unwrapped the bandage and held out my arm.

"It’s probably fully healed. Doesn’t itch anymore."

Moyong Baek brought out the usual antiseptic, soaked a brush with it, and gently applied it to the wound. I’d seen many physicians in my past life, but Moyong Baek’s techniques and tools were unique—fascinating every time.

"You won’t need the bandage anymore."

I nodded.

"How’s Yalu Yeon adjusting?"

"Very quickly. She’s especially getting along well with the Black-and-White Sisters. And how is Yoran?"

"I had no choice but to make her everyone’s disciple. Brother Deuk-soo kept pressuring me about it."

Moyong Baek studied my face and eyes carefully, then spoke.

"You’re feeling burdened."

"Exactly."

"It’s the happiest burden in the world."

"And how do you figure that?"

"Her masters are the Sword Demon, Master Yukhap, you, and Left Guardian. Do you think she’ll grow up as a typical woman? If she’s taught well, your old age will be peaceful thanks to her. You should feel some pressure, at least."

This bastard was dumping all the responsibility onto me with the smoothest delivery, but I wasn’t one to let that slide so easily.

"Left Guardian’s chosen her as the successor to the Jade Ice Technique. Apparently, it’s originally suited for women."

"Is that so?"

"I’ll teach her light footwork, Yukgap will teach swordsmanship—"

"And what about the Sword Demon?"

"Well... his very existence is a form of teaching, no? Yoran will learn about how grim life can be just from observing him. She’ll understand that living is no simple thing. You can learn a lot just by looking at his expression."

Moyong Baek burst into laughter, then quickly covered it with a cough.

"Ah, that made me laugh out of nowhere."

I sighed and continued.

"...Anyway."

"Yes?"

"I’m not sure Yoran will be able to endure it all. Jade Ice, light footwork, swordsmanship... I’ve experienced internal deviation myself, so I know. Still, if we go slowly, it should be fine."

Moyong Baek said offhandedly,

"If I manage to find a suitable tonic, I’ll give it to Yoran."

I shot back immediately.

"Would you? That’d be great. Thanks."

Moyong Baek suddenly looked at me.

"..."

"What?"

"No, it’s nothing."

"Since you’ve already made up your mind, find one that supports the Jade Ice Technique. And I’ll take her to eat Moon Lotus later near the Blood Night Palace. At this rate, our disciple might become the best in the world. Come to think of it, those damn scholars must have disciples too. We can’t fall behind them, right?"

Moyong Baek stared at the desk, then asked,

"Um... Lord?"

"Yeah?"

"When should I depart to find that tonic?"

"I’m not saying to go right now. Just when you’re not busy."

"I’m always busy."

"I see."

"Since we’re on the topic of tonics, may I ask—do you know where such medicine is usually found?"

"I honestly have no idea."

Moyong Baek pulled out a sheet of paper, spread it on the floor, dipped his brush in ink, and spoke.

"Usually... they’re found in places untouched by humans."

"Makes sense."

He drew a straight line across the paper.

"A barren field like this may be untouched, but it’s too dry—rarely will you find a tonic there. Nutrients are lacking. So where would be untouched by people and full of nutrients?"

I listened to his geography lesson seriously.

"A valley? Or a spring deep in the mountains?"

"Most valleys have already been picked clean by martial artists."

"A ridge?"

"You know your stuff. A well-placed ridge can get sunlight during the day, moonlight at night, and if there’s no trail, few people will pass by. Still, at best, you’ll find spirit mushrooms or ginseng. Hardly top-tier tonics."

"Then where?"

"I’ve checked maps and visited various spots. But some places are so inaccessible, I couldn’t even attempt it. Yet everything about them screamed ‘ideal for medicine’."

"Where exactly?"

"Several, but... the most likely is Manjang Gorge."

"Hmm."

"There are also snow-covered mountains, but they’re far too remote. Manjang Gorge is doable. But not with my current level of light footwork. Getting down is one thing, but coming back up is impossible for me."

"True."

I’ve leapt into Manjang Gorge before, so I know—falling wasn’t the issue. But climbing back up? Forget it, unless you’ve mastered supreme light footwork.

Hearing that name again gave me a strange feeling. It was so vivid, like I had jumped into it just yesterday.

As I thought about everything that happened there, I muttered,

"...So it was Manjang Gorge."

"Would you be able to manage with your light footwork? What about the others?"

And just like that, Moyong Baek got me back.

"The Sword Demon and I could manage. Left Guardian, maybe. Yukgap? Probably not. But you’re sure?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Moyong Baek began drawing Manjang Gorge.

"This is roughly what it looks like from afar. A completely sealed canyon. I couldn’t gauge its depth just by sight. It’s blocked to the north and south, and the deeper you go, the wider it gets. There must be a lake formed from collected water... What are you thinking so deeply about?"

He looked at me.

I pulled myself out of my thoughts and admitted defeat.

"Looks like I’ll have to go myself. I know the way, so you don’t have to."

"I’ll give you a few tips on locating tonics. When will you leave?"

I realized that I had taken on the job of finding a tonic.

"I need some time to prepare. Also, could you make a poison to apply on the daggers?"

"A poison?"

"Nothing too extreme. Something with a paralysis effect. The Muga School gave us five daggers. One each for me, the Sword Demon, Yukhap, the Lecher, and you. I want a poison suitable for those."

"Why suddenly use poison? If rumors spread, your infamy will only grow."

"It’s fine. I’m already known to be ruthless. Adding infamy doesn’t matter. If I want to live long and slow, I’ll do anything. Funny thing is, every time I leave Ilyang County, I end up fighting someone. Strange, right? I’m sure some fools will cling to me on the way to Manjang Gorge too. I’d better be mentally prepared."

Also, Moyong Baek needed practice making poison again.

It’s not just me who wants to live long and slow.

Ideally, I want all the former Five Great Villains from my past life to gather in the Ja-Ha Guest House in their old age, gnawing on pork spine stew from Brother Deuk-soo. And maybe Yoran scolding us beside them.

Moyong Baek responded,

"Understood. It’ll take some time—I’ll need to gather ingredients first."

"Then I’ll cultivate my energy while you work."

"One more thing. If you find a truly incredible tonic, would you give it to Yoran without hesitation? For martial artists, that’s no different from giving away a priceless sword."

"You’re right. But I’d still give it."

"Why?"

"Because I’m already strong. No tonic can bridge the gap between me and those above me. That’s just my way. If I’d been greedy about every little thing, these demon-like bastards wouldn’t have gathered at the guest house. If I want to go higher, I need a better reason. Who’s truly right... we won’t know until we’ve lived it."

I looked at Moyong Baek.

"Living this way, won’t I have fewer regrets? Let the disciple have the tonic—I’ll just breathe and cultivate more."

Truth is, with the Heavenly Pearl inside me, I don’t need any tonic. This is just a setup—a move to stir Moyong Baek’s heart ahead of time.

I asked him,

"How’s your training going?"

"I need a tonic too. I started martial arts late, and it’s really tough. Between treating patients, training, cultivating, and teaching the new female physician, I barely get any sleep."

"......"

Internally, I recited ‘live long and slow’ like a Buddhist chant. I gave Moyong Baek a pat on the shoulder.

"Good. We’ll get a tonic for Yoran—and if there’s extra, one for you too."

"Thank you."

In the world of Jianghu, the Sword Demon is the brooding type.

But it seems I’m just the fool.

A damned pushover...

And suddenly I thought,

That old nickname of mine—Crazy Demon—feels like something from a distant past.

Is this what people mean by a turning point in life?

Moyong Baek, watching me quietly, spoke with concern.

"Lord, don’t overdo it. Sudden changes in a person are never good."

"You’re right."

As I looked at him, I felt a flicker of that old killer’s gleam I remembered from my past life in the Poison Demon’s eyes.

Indeed, in front of me stood a man who still possessed the dignity—and innate traits—of a true villain that even Yoran couldn’t hope to match just yet.