Chapter 83 – The Child Who Plays the Flute (4)

Chapter 83 – The Child Who Plays the Flute (4)

Jang Yang sat in his office, deep in thought. Before him lay the secret manuals that So-mu had retrieved with the help of his acquaintance.

During its peak, the Demonic Cult was a power that curried favor with the imperial family by constantly offering gold and silver. Therefore, even if they practiced demonic arts, it did not matter to the state.

"What do you think?"

"There are martial arts that can be used regardless of the nature of one's internal energy, but to properly cultivate high-level demonic arts, one must accumulate internal energy using their cultivation methods from the very beginning."

"I will have the officers learn the attribute-less martial arts, but I am somewhat concerned about the side effects of the other manuals."

Among those who cultivated demonic arts, some occasionally succumbed to the demonic nature and turned into bloodthirsty killers. Even if it was for the greater good, it was not an easy decision to make.

"As you know, the martial arts manuals of the Mount Hua Sect and the Jongnam Sect were all stolen, and similar traces were found at the Demonic Cult. We do not know what the Hui Dynasty is planning, so we must prepare."

"I agree. If they are raising superhuman soldiers in the shadows, no ordinary army will be able to stop them."

"How about having the constables of the patrol force practice demonic arts?"

"The constables in charge of public safety and security practicing demonic arts?"

It was a fresh idea. The patrol force also served as the military's reserve. Moreover, since most of them had not cultivated any internal energy, they were perfect for building a foundation in demonic cultivation.

"They will likely suffer fewer side effects. Did you not make them study Buddhist and Taoist scriptures to reform their former ruffian mindsets?"

"That is true. I ordered everyone to study the Tao Te Ching and the Diamond Sutra for two hours every day."

"Then they might be able to cultivate demonic arts safely without falling into demonic nature."

After contemplating for a moment, Jang Yang readily agreed.

"Let's do that. For the time being, please have the Wolf Fang Squad assist them with their martial arts training."

"I understand. Also, there may be some backlash from the orthodox sects in the martial world."

"Has the martial world ever interfered in the affairs of the government forces?"

This was the society So-mu had once belonged to, so he knew them better than anyone.

"They are people who loathe demonic arts. Still, they will not dare to oppose the government forces, so you can safely ignore them."

"I will have to bear it. I understand."

Having concluded their discussion, So-mu left the office and headed to the barracks of the Wolf Fang Squad. He had no particular schedule for the time being. He planned to leave the patrol force's training to his squad members and focus on training his own mind through meditation.

One who reaches the Profound Realm possesses the ultimate physical capabilities a human can attain. Thus, mental cultivation is far more important than physical training. In preparation for his meeting with Silver Flower Granny, he needed to bring his mind and body to their absolute peak.

***

Time continued to flow in Hanzhong without any major incidents. With winter just around the corner, the weather began to turn cool.

The Han Shaved Ice Shop was the only eatery in Hanzhong that sold ice desserts. Unless it was winter, it was a place only the wealthy visited occasionally due to the high prices.

Today, the atmosphere was quite different. Three young girls sat as customers, their eyes sparkling as they waited for the owner.

After a moment, a middle-aged man walked out carrying a plate larger than a child's head. On top of a mound of shaved ice lay red beans, cherry juice, and various fruits.

"Here you go, little ladies. The Cherries with Sweet Cream you ordered is ready."

"Hehe. Thank you for the food!"

The children reached out with their spoons and took a bite. The cool, sweet ice melted in their mouths with a crisp crunch. Broad smiles spread across their faces at the delicious taste.

"Is it good?"

"Yes, So-so sister."

"Hehe. It's so delicious."

It was So-so who had brought out A-hae and Cheong-ah. After coming here with Yeon Seo-hwa a while ago, she had fallen completely in love with the charm of shaved ice.

Having tasted the power of money, So-so was making good use of the remaining prize money she had won from the cuju tournament. Even after buying duck meat for her father and master, she still had a significant amount of copper coins left in her pouch.

"Hehe. It's delicious, right? Shall we come back next time?"

"Yes, really?"

"Sister, do you still have money left?"

So-so pulled out a handful of copper coins from the pouch at her waist and said,

"I can buy this three more times."

"Hehehe."

"Yay!"

The children buried their faces in the plate and began eating eagerly. Within fifteen minutes, the plate was licked clean, without a single drop of syrup left.

After paying the bill, So-so stepped out of the shop and said,

"I have to go to my master now."

"Okay. See you next time!"

"Take care, So-so sister."

The children waved and went their separate ways.

So-so ran toward the west gate of Hanzhong Fortress using her lightfoot technique. She was grinning from ear to ear, clearly in a great mood after eating the delicious treat, completely unaware of the shadow tailing her.

Murong Hou, the Heavenly Dragon Saber. He was the greatest expert of the Murong Clan who had reached the Flower Realm long ago. As a core figure of the Martial Alliance, he was a giant in the martial world. Yet, he was currently in Hanzhong, personally tailing the child.

How can a child of that age move like that…?

He was astonished by So-so's lightfoot technique. Although it was not comparable to his own Flower Realm speed, it was impressive enough to elicit admiration. He now understood why the members of the Fierce Tiger Squad had given up on tracking her.

With such talent, she could become a Heavenly Demon in the future. It is a pity, but I must eliminate the threat before it sprouts.

Murong Hou covertly followed So-so as she ran.

After running for about fifteen minutes past the west gate of Hanzhong Fortress, Mount Dingjun came into view. The child headed up the mountain without hesitation.

After navigating through the mountain for a short while, his eyes suddenly flashed with killing intent.

So she was hiding here.

It was definitely the Jade Flower Goddess. She was sitting in a small pavilion near a hermitage, starting to play music with the child.

Watching them quietly, Murong Hou turned around and descended the mountain. He could not guarantee victory against the Jade Flower Goddess on his own, so he planned to bring the reinforcements waiting nearby.

***

Yeon Seo-hwa looked closely at So-so's face. There was red bean paste smudged around her lips. Gently wiping the child's face, she asked,

"What did you eat?"

"I ate Cherries with Sweet Cream!"

The one Yeon Seo-hwa had bought her before was Honey Shaved Ice. Cherries with Sweet Cream was a shaved ice dessert that even she hadn't tried yet.

"Even your master hasn't tried that. Was it good?"

"Yes, it was delicious! Hehe."

Yeon Seo-hwa asked with a mock pout,

"You'll take your master with you next time and buy it for me, right?"

So-so hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing. She still had plenty of money left.

"Mmm~ Okay! Let's take Sister Cho-hee too."

Yeon Seo-hwa smiled contentedly. She had only asked to test the child's affection.

"Unfortunately, you won't be seeing Sister Cho-hee for a while. She has entered closed-door cultivation."

Since she had never seen anyone cultivate in seclusion, So-so's curiosity was piqued.

"Why?"

"Well, it's to maintain her health and beauty for a long time. If So-so wants to become beautiful too, you shouldn't neglect your training, right?"

"Yes! I want to be as beautiful as you, Master!"

A smile naturally formed on Yeon Seo-hwa's lips. Suppressing her laughter, she said,

"You certainly will. Shall we play 'Lament of Flowing Clouds and Wind' one more time and then practice footwork?"

She was referring to the Heavenly Demon Phantom Step they had retrieved from the Demonic Cult.

Although they hadn't been training for long, So-so was already at a level where she could mimic the movements. Her unbelievable talent amazed Yeon Seo-hwa every time.

"Yes, Master!"

As Yeon Seo-hwa's fingers plucked the strings of the seven-string zither, So-so began to accompany her on the tung flute.

The duet between the two was evolving day by day. As they opened their hearts to each other and became one, their coordination was reaching perfection.

The performance continued for over fifteen minutes. Just as they reached the final segment of the song, the melody of the seven-string zither suddenly quickened.

It was no longer the original "Lament of Flowing Clouds and Wind". Though surprised by the sudden change, So-so tried her best to match the tune. At that moment, Yeon Seo-hwa's voice reached her ears via qi transmission.

Do not stop playing, and listen carefully to me.

There was a tremor in her voice. So-so felt a sudden wave of anxiety. While maintaining the notes, she waited for her master's next words.

It seems we have guests. When I give the signal, run away without looking back.

To be told to run away so suddenly made no sense to her.

Having attained the Ultimate Demonic Body, Yeon Seo-hwa's five senses were far beyond anything So-so could comprehend. It was only after a long moment that So-so also sensed an unusual presence. She felt scared, but she couldn't bear the thought of abandoning her master and fleeing.

Only if So-so runs away first can I escape too. If you understand, nod your head.

The duet transitioned into a sorrowful melody. While playing the tung flute, So-so nodded with a tearful face.

A moment later, the music of both the seven-string zither and the tung flute stopped simultaneously. And as if they had been waiting, a group of people emerged.

About thirty orthodox martial artists. They were the elites of the White Dragon Squad, the top force of the Martial Alliance.

Yeon Seo-hwa only had eyes for two men among them.

Murong Hou, the Heavenly Dragon Saber and head of the Murong Clan.

And one more.

Wujin, the number one sword of Wudang and the captain of the White Dragon Squad.

Two Flower Realm experts praised by the orthodox sects had appeared. Yeon Seo-hwa's face grew dark.

Murong Hou drew his saber from his back and spoke,

"Jade Flower Goddess. You have taken countless lives, yet you dare hide here in peace."

Yeon Seo-hwa sneered, refusing to be cowed by his pressure.

"When I kill orthodox martial artists, it is a massacre, but when you slaughter members of the Demonic Cult, it is justice?"

"You have managed to run away until now, but you will die here today."

"Why don't you try, you hypocritical orthodox thugs?"

Yeon Seo-hwa covertly gripped a handful of flying needles. However, she could not deceive the eyes of Wujin and Murong Hou.

"It's the Demon Flower Flight. The rest of you, stay back and block her escape routes."

The Demon Flower Flight. Countless orthodox martial artists had died to this ultimate needle technique of the Demonic Cult. The White Dragon Squad members spread out with tense expressions, moving to seal off any escape paths.

Yeon Seo-hwa cast a brief glance at So-so. The child looked terrified.

It was the same fear she had felt when facing Zhang Jun of the Bureau of Military Affairs—an instinctive dread of a Flower Realm expert. And this time, there were two of them.

Are you ready?

So-so nodded. At that moment, Yeon Seo-hwa spread her hands, releasing dozens of flying needles.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

"Evade!"

The White Dragon Squad members threw themselves aside to dodge the needles. Only Wujin and Murong Hou stood their ground, parrying the needles.

In that instant, So-so, her eyes brimming with tears, gritted her teeth and bolted.

Whoosh!

Seeing the child flee, Murong Hou shouted urgently,

"Don't let her go! Capture her at all costs!"

While Yeon Seo-hwa held the two masters at bay, the elites of the White Dragon Squad rushed to block So-so. Every one of them was an elite capable of projecting sword qi.

Two arcs of sword qi slashed toward the child's flanks. Just before they could strike, So-so kicked off the ground and spun midair.

Swish!

As the two swords sliced through empty air, So-so landed and sprinted sideways to bypass the blockade.

Yeon Seo-hwa, still throwing needles, yelled in alarm,

"Not that way!"

Unfortunately, So-so was heading right toward Wujin. He was not a man to miss such an opportunity.

"Brother Murong, hold the Jade Flower Goddess for a moment."

With that, Wujin glided forward at an incredible speed, closing in on So-so. It was the Wudang Sect's Cloud-Chasing Step. Sliding like a cloud, Wujin thrust his sword tip toward So-so. In that instant, a brilliant flash of light erupted.

This martial art is…?

Wujin missed his strike, and a question flashed in his mind. The movement was remarkably similar to the Sword Saint's footwork. But why would the daughter of a Demonic Cult member know his martial arts?

Before he knew it, the child had slipped three zhang away and was running in another direction. He could not let her escape. Sliding across the ground once more, he thrust his sword.

Thrust!

He felt no impact. Instead, the child's figure dissolved like smoke.

Heavenly Demon Phantom Step?

Wujin quickly looked around for his target. The child was already twenty zhang away, running like an arrow.

He tried to give chase, but the Jade Flower Goddess blocked his path, striking with both palms. A dark, ink-like energy swirled around her hands. The Black Dragon Sacred Palm. It was a terrifying technique that would incinerate the flesh of anyone it struck.

Wujin's sword drew a Taiji circle, parrying her palms.

Boom!

Both of them recoiled two steps. In that split second, Murong Hou cut off the Jade Flower Goddess's retreat and shouted to the White Dragon Squad,

"You must capture her! She has the talent of a Heavenly Demon! If we let that child escape, there is no future for the orthodox path!"