Published at 26th of January 2026 9:24 am

Chapter 331

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Both in Sichuan, and in Henan.

Every time I lost consciousness and woke up, it felt as if the world had changed.

It was as if the world was putting on a play without mealways the same.

With Little Sword Saint as my turning point, I became the Moon Hero.

I became the benefactor of the Tang Family in Sichuan, and before long, I was called the hero of Henan.

'Now, even this...'

Who would have thought something like this would happen in Shaanxi, too?

With a bewildered expression, I spoke to Yeo Hyuk.

"Benefactor... is what you mean?"

"Yes, benefactor."

"No... uh... th-that, yes."

I showed an awkward expression at Yeo Hyuk's words.

No matter how many times I heard it, I couldn't get used to that title.

"So, anyway, I'm your benefactor?"

"That's correct."

"What exactly did I do again...?"

I narrowed my eyes as I asked again. I'd probably asked this three times already, but still had to ask once more.

"... Not only did you filter out the spies within the Mount Hua Sect with your strategy, but you also fought the Great Demon among the Eight Demonic Beings and saved the disciples."

"...."

It was true I had filtered out the spies. I didn't do it deliberately, but I had tried, and it was the result I'd wanted.

'... I fought and beat the Great Demon?'

An absolute master, one of the Eight Demonic Beings.

My brow furrowed at the claim that I'd fought and won against him.

'I don't remember that.'

Of course, I had no memory of it in my head.

"Unfortunately, he escaped... But even so, you forced him to retreat. The rumors that you defeated the Sword Demon were true as well."

"... Ah, yes..."

As I listened to Yeo Hyuk's admiration, my mind started working.

'Was it him?'

Memories dashed through my head. Last time with the Sword Demon, it had been Yu Chun-gil at work.

But this time...

'Heavenly Demon...?'

There was a likely candidate. The Heaven of the Demonic Cult, the Heavenly Demon. He must have used my body.

Given the last voice I heard and the scenes I'd just seen in the Mind Realm, it was inevitable.

Also...

'... This, too.'

As I clutched my chest with my hand, I thought.

After absorbing all the evil ki, my internal energy increased.

Not only did it seem to fix the twisted ki within me, but my level had also clearly risen.

'Was this also the work of the Heavenly Demon?'

It was highly probable. Whatever he did, something must have happened for changes like these.

Should I be pleased that my level increased?

For me, it only added to the confusion.

"Uh, taoist."

"Yes, benefactor."

"Ah, you don't have to call me that. Just speak comfortably."

"... How could I dare...!"

"I'm more comfortable with that. Please, I'm asking you."

"... Ah, understood."

After roughly appeasing Yeo Hyuk, I asked about something else.

"My memory is a little hazy, so what happened after that?"

"... Well..."

I decided to skip past the fact that I was a benefactor, and focus on what was important.

"Immediately after the fight with the Great Demon... Moon Hero, you collapsed. The fight was then finished by Small Moon Division Leader, who returned just in time."

"... By the Small Moon Division Leader? You mean..."

"Yes, that's right."

Yeo Hyuk said to me, looking somewhat bitter.

"He defeated the leader of the Plum Blossom Division and came straight here."

"... Oh."

Plum Blossom Division Leader was defeated.

I was honestly a little surprised at that.

'Even if they're both absolute masters, though...'

In the Central Plains, the Small Moon Division Leader was considered weaker than the Plum Blossom Division Leader.

'That guy won?'

To think he defeated an old monster who made a name for himself in warhe must really be strong.

'Maybe I should quit messing around.'

Was it proper to threaten him about Moon Heaven any longer?

I thought I should be more careful from now on.

'Anyway...'

Plum Blossom Division Leader was defeated.

The spies were subdued by Small Moon Division Leader.

"Then, what happened to the spies who were caught?"

"Well..."

"No way...?"

Yeo Hyuk's expression gave me a bad feeling. That expression

"... Yes. That's right."

Yeo Hyuk spoke to me with a sorrowful face.

"... They all committed suicide."

"...."

I frowned. Just like before.

All of them had killed themselves inside the inn back thenit was the same thing this time.

"... However, the former Plum Blossom Division Leader is still alive, for now."

"..."

Former Plum Blossom Division Leader. There was a biting tone to that. Hearing it, I stood up.

"Moon Hero?"

"... I'll check the remaining situation in person."

Now was not the time to sit still. Plum Blossom Division Leader was still alive.

At those words, my eyes grew cold.

"... Moon Hero?"

"Let's go."

Yeo Hyuk flinched as he saw me, but I didn't mind.

There was something I had to do.

***

I stepped outside. The sunlight flooded over me the moment I emerged.

'Ugh.'

I squinted as I started walking. In the distance, physicians approached with surprised faces, but I held them back for now.

"I'll see you later. It's urgent right now."

"But...!"

"We still haven't filtered out all the spies. Isn't it better to keep a distance?"

"..."

At my words, the physicians hesitated. I could tell from looking at them.

'They seem to have figured out something.'

The cause of Sung Hun's collapse. The reason he was poisoned.

Now that the Plum Blossom Division Leader was captured as a spy, they seemed to finally have a grasp on things.

'The atmosphere too...'

As I walked, I studied the Mount Hua Sect's energy. I could feel a sharp edge in the air.

Everyone was looking at each other with suspicion.

It was understandable, considering there had already been a battle.

"How could the Division Leader...?"

"Did the Plum Blossom Division Leader really do that...? Is it possible?"

"Be carefl what you say. He's not the Division Leader anymore."

The whispers sounded unusually loud. The disciples kept talking about the Plum Blossom Division Leader.

Just then.

"There you are."

"Ah."

Suddenly, someone approached. Yeo Hyuk instinctively put his hand on his sword.

It was quite a reaction, but upon seeing the other person, he lowered his weapon.

It was none other than the Small Moon Division Leader.

'Seriously.'

Seeing him, I tensed up a little. Especially after hearing he'd defeated the Plum Blossom Division Leader.

'I'd better stop being too casual.'

Maybe I should show some respect now. That felt about right.

So, I tried to smile gently and greet him.

"Ah, Division Leader. Is your body"

Thud.

"...alright?"

Halfway through, I trailed off. The Small Moon Division Leader suddenly knelt down on one knee.

"... Why are you doing this?"

I took a step back at the sight.

What's up with this guy?

'Yeo Hyuk's right therewhy?'

Normally, he hated being formal with me, but now, in front of someone else, he's being all respectful?

I was completely flustered.

"Division Leader, what are you doing...? Please, get up."

I tried to help him up.

"Teacher, I am sorry for failing to protect you in your moment of danger."

"... Huh? Teacher...? Did you call me teacher?"

Yeo Hyuk's eyes sparkled at those words, looking at me.

"... No, Division Leader, what are you doing? Everyone's watching."

Not just Yeo Hyuk, but all the disciples sneaking glances at me had their attention locked on us.

"... The Small Moon Division Leader just kneeled to the Moon Hero."

"That amazing master, why?"

"... What in the world is the Moon Hero...?"

Another ridiculous misunderstanding was taking root.

"Damn it, why is this happening...?"

I tried to force him up, but he didn't budge. Is he a rock or a human...?

No matter how much I pushed, the Small Moon Division Leader just continued speaking as if he didn't care.

"... I judged you wrongly, teacher."

"... All of a sudden?"

"From now on, I will devote my whole body and soul to support you. If I have been rude in the past, please, forgive me."

"Did you eat something strange?"

Rude? If anybody's been rude, it's me. What is with this guy?

He's driving me crazy.

"Just... please, get up for now."

"... Not until I have fully"

"Just get up, would you?"

Suddenly.

Annoyed, I spat out my words, and the Small Moon Division Leader sprang up.

His eyes sparkled with a burning light.

What is that? Normally those eyes showed only disdain or annoyance.

'What's with that respect...?'

Faith, conviction. And respect.

Things that had no place between us shone in his gaze.

'What the hell...'

I got chills. Did this guy get brainwashed by Broken Heaven Palace or something?

'But it doesn't seem like that?'

I couldn't sense any strange energy. Or did he hit his head fighting the Plum Blossom Division Leader?

That seemed the most likely.

While I was still trying to adapt to my changed surroundings

"... He gave him an order."

"Moon Hero gave the Small Moon Division Leader an orderand he just accepted it."

"... The Blue Moon Sect's number two listened to an order? What is Moon Hero...?"

"..."

Goddamn it.

An even bigger misunderstanding was taking root.

"Let's go quickly... If this keeps up, I feel like I'll faint again."

"Ah... Y-yes... Understood..."

Even Yeo Hyuk started looking at me strangely, as if he was thinking the same thing.

It was truly fucking ridiculous.

***

Dragging along the now-bizarre Small Moon Division Leader and Yeo Hyuk, I made for my destination.

Naturally, it was where the Plum Blossom Division Leader was being heldin a prison built beneath the Mount Hua Sect.

Getting in wasn't hard. I was probably the only one who could walk in freely at this point.

"Ah, Moon Hero. You've come."

"Hello."

I greeted the guard, thinking,

'One of the disciples I saw last time, probably.'

A Plum Blossom Swordsman, not affiliated with Broken Heaven Palace.

He was standing guard.

"Can I go in?"

"Yes, please go ahead."

I entered without any trouble.

"... Moon Hero, since you're already here, I tried to keep quiet, but the Elders called for you."

"I know. I'll deal with that after this."

Of course the Elders called. They must be the most anxious.

But

"There's something more urgent here."

"... Understood."

Yeo Hyuk seemed to realize this too and nodded. As we neared the prison cell

"Please, wait here."

"Huh?"

"I'll go alone."

"But...!"

"Please."

"... Understood."

Yeo Hyuk didn't seem satisfied, but he agreed. Just as I was about to walk forward

"Division Leader, you stay back as well."

I said to the Small Moon Division Leader, who tried to follow.

"ButI must protect you, teacher"

"That's an order."

"Yes, sir."

"..."

I almost buried my face in my hands.

Am I still dreaming? Feels like it, no matter how I look at it.

"Haaa."

Shaking my head, I moved forward.

And so,

I reached the cell ahead.

I spoke as I looked at the old man slumped inside.

"You're a mess, aren't you?"

Hearing this, the old man lifted his head slowly.

"Heh... heh heh heh..."

With wild, disheveled hair and a body soaked in blood, the old manPlum Blossom Division Leaderlooked at me and laughed. A raspy, ragged old man's laughter. The moment I heard it, I spoke.

"What are you laughing at, huh? Want to die?"

Snap.

At my words, the Plum Blossom Division Leader's laughter stopped.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

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