Try Living Well Without Me

“Sword Sage…! Were you truly a Demon Man all along…!”

A groan filled with anger escaped Jade Flower’s slightly parted lips.

Demon Man.

Just thinking about it turned her mind into a sea of blood, a very embodiment of evil.

In her code of values, there was nothing worse than a Demon Man.

And yet, one had walked right up to her.

“Keu… O, Jade Flower…”

Sword Sage looked up at Jade Flower with his trembling Otherworldly Eyes flashing ominously.

His gaze barely reached her waist, suggesting his legs couldn’t hold him up.

Swish-

Jade Flower drew her sword for the first time since entering seclusion.

The pale moonlight highlighted the gleaming blade.

“What brings you here, I don’t know, but it seems your guts have swelled too much, Sword Sage. How dare you appear before this Taoist nun in such a state!”

The razor-sharp blade pressed against Sword Sage’s throat.

With the intent to slice him clean off, Jade Flower swung her sword.

For years she had practiced in isolation, yet her movements remained perfectly fluid.

“Kruuuu…”

Sha-rak-

“Please… spare me…”

Thud.

“Jade Flower…”

It was at exactly that moment that the light-like descent of her sword halted.

“From Kunlun… I need to rest there…”

Thud.

With those final words, Sword Sage let his head fall.

Feeling his head touch her toes, Jade Flower hesitated briefly before sheathing her sword.

Then she asked, incomprehension clear in her voice.

“Why have you come to me?”

“…”

Already unconscious, Sword Sage could offer no response.

“Judging by your condition, it seems you’ve fallen into madness while cultivating Demon Arts. If that’s the case, why not run and hide? Why have you come to me?”

Confused by Sword Sage’s actions, Jade Flower continued her irritated questioning.

“To show such blatant evidence of being a Demon Man…!”

A sticky liquid flowed from Sword Sage’s seven apertures, soaking Jade Flower’s feet.

It was dark, viscous blood.

“Have you come to ask for death? Have you finally come to regret practicing Demon Arts after falling into madness? Is that why you’ve come to me to right your irreversible choice?”

Jade Flower was well aware that this was a clear byproduct of malevolent energy.

“And what are these bloodstains?”

Until now hidden in the shadows, wounds began to reveal themselves in the moonlight as Sword Sage lay unconscious.

A large wound from his shoulder to his waist, two crossed wounds on his chest.

And dozens of smaller, yet significant, scars.

From all these wounds flowed the same black blood that had already soaked her feet.

“Did you fight someone? Were you ambushed while meditating, leading to your madness? But why are you here in Qinghai instead of Anhui?”

Kunlun was in Qinghai, while the South Palace was in Anhui.

Even if one traveled their fastest, the distance between the two was over thousands of miles.

There was no way someone in such a precarious condition could have traveled here from Anhui, meaning he must have been injured nearby.

“When? Where? How? At whose hands?”

Though many questions immediately sprang to mind.

“And why… why have you come to me?”

Unfortunately, Sword Sage, the only one who could answer, remained unconscious.

“…”

Eventually, Jade Flower began to deduce his purpose based on his prior statements.

Actually, figuring out the purpose itself wasn’t difficult since he had already stated it.

‘Then what exactly does he mean? How many people in the world could kill him that he’d ask for help? And what does he mean by needing rest in Kunlun?’

His words and actions simply didn’t make sense.

“Should I sense the slightest abnormality, I’ll slice you down immediately.”

Perhaps because his current state reminded her of wartime, Jade Flower brought Sword Sage to Kunlun in secret.

With one hand firmly gripping her sword’s hilt, ready to draw it at any moment.

*

“Uuun…”

Tossing and turning in a high fever uncharacteristic of him, Sword Sage let out a groan.

Jade Flower watched him emotionlessly from the side.

Her hand, continuously fidgeting with her sword, twitched repeatedly.

As if wanting to cut down the man emanating demonic energy at the drop of a hat.

‘Then rise! Rise and explain why you came to me!’

She was uncharacteristically testing her patience because for some reason, the frail voice of an old monk kept echoing in her mind.

“Even if you release ten villains, do not create innocent victims…”

At that moment, Sword Sage began coughing violently.

“Ku-chulk! Ku-chulk!”

“…!”

Simultaneously, black blood spewed from his mouth.

The bed and quilt were stained and even corroded by the black vomit, but Jade Flower had no time to care about such things.

As soon as she saw the solidified essence of pitch-black demonic energy, her mind filled instantly with murderous intent.

As a young child, Jade Flower, then an ordinary household’s daughter, had lost her family to Residual Blood Great Demon, a fiend from the Evil Path.

It was a memory she’d never forget. Who could forget witnessing their parent boiled into a soup and served to them?

Though eventually saved by Kunlun when they arrived late to drive away the Residual Blood Great Demon, that day left an indelible scar on Jade Flower’s heart.

“Demons must… be killed!”

Following that incident, she had only repeated the phrase “Eradicate Evil, Slay Demons” while going mad practicing.

With the single-minded determination to eradicate all evil in the world and rip apart every demon spread across it.

The sight of Sword Sage currently exuding thick demonic energy was an unbearable stimulant.

Even if it meant carrying out righteous slaughter immediately, she needed to act.

“You… hideous Demon!”

“Ku-chulk! Ku-chulk!”

There must be a reason why he came. Some extenuating circumstances.

‘But isn’t everyone extenuating?’

She’d never made allowances for such things before.

The father who stole to feed his starving children, the daughter who embezzled money to hold a proper funeral for her elderly parents, the Blood Cult disciple seeking eternal life through Blood Arts.

Weren’t they all ultimately villains and criminals?

There is no compassion. Justice is absolute, and personal circumstances are merely paltry excuses in the face of absolute rules and enforcement.

The Sword Sage before her eyes is nothing more than a hideous Demon currently spewing demonic energy due to madness, regardless of his circumstances.

Just that, and nothing more.

Swish!

Her childhood memories, embedded like eyebrows in her mind, revived vividly.

The unmistakable image of a Demon that must be killed without allowing any compassion.

Jade Flower’s sword rose once again, reaching the wooden ceiling.

It was at exactly that moment that Sword Sage spoke for the first time since being brought to Kunlun.

“Jade… Flower…?”

“…!”

“You… saved me…”

Sword Sage’s Otherworldly Eyes slowly returned to their usual vacant state.

Only then did Jade Flower realize that much of the demonic energy latent in his body had dissipated.

“Thank you… truly thank you…”

Suddenly, tears streaming down his face, Sword Sage leaned towards Jade Flower.

Her sword answered him.

Tuck!

“Jade Flower, what is the meaning of this?”

Sword Sage questioned expressionlessly at the cold sword edge pressed against his throat.

His face carried a slightly dazed look.

“Don’t practice Demon Arts.”

“Demon Arts…? Ridiculous nonsense. I’ve never practiced Demon Arts. Surely you don’t believe those absurd rumors floating around? I came here believing you’d trust me…”

“Never practiced? Then what is this demonic energy emanating from your body just now? The very demonic energy soaking through this bed and now corroding it?”

“That… I’ll explain everything. Please calm down first. And put that sword away.”

Sword Sage’s finger pointed at the sword.

His finger trembled violently.

That showed he had no power to stop Jade Flower.

“Fine, it was a wasted question. It’s right that Demons must be killed.”

“What… what? Hold on, what are you doing, Jade Flower…?”

“Die. Regardless of your reasons. The law dictates that those who practice Demon Arts must die. Whether you’re a guardian of the martial world or a universally respected hero makes no difference.”

Jade Flower’s sword slowly moved.

Gradually pressing into the neck as if about to slice Sword Sage’s head off.

A ripple disturbed the face of Sword Sage, who had been looking up at Jade Flower.

Then, the ripple became a wave.

A very fierce wave.

“Exactly…”

“Hm?”

“Exactly why… why are you people doing this to me!!”

Suddenly switching from relief to confusion, and now venting anger, Sword Sage exclaimed.

“All the crazy stuff I did to save the martial world earned me recognition as a public good deed of the martial world? A lustful demon? A man-eating demon? I believed you were different, but how could you do this to me!!”

“What are you talking about? A lustful demon and man-eating demon?”

Having been in seclusion all this time, she hadn’t heard anything about Sword Sage’s alleged offenses.

Nevertheless, his long-repressed resentment continued to pour out.

“What? Demon Arts? Is this really what Demon Arts look like? I’m here because I was poisoned by demonic energy in a fight with Blood Cult’s Vice Leader!! When I received information that the Blood Cult Vice Leader, who survived the Pure Blood War, was hiding in Qinghai!!”

“?”

“How strong that Vice Leader was, do you understand? Honestly, it was a fiercer battle than my final showdown with Blood Demon! At least she fought honestly with martial arts, but the Vice Leader used all sorts of formations and sorcery, even Demon Arts, to try and assimilate me!! It’s because I fell for that trap that I ended up in the state you saw earlier!!”

“There’s no such thing as a Vice Leader in the Blood Cult.”

“Of course there wasn’t! Blood Demon sealed him away because he was the only one who could rival her!! When Blood Demon died, the remnants of the Blood Cult decided they needed a new leader and unsealed his seal!!”

“…It’s hard to believe so easily.”

“If it’s true, then what’s there to believe or not believe!! And do you want to hear my reason for coming to Kunlun or not? Because the mystical energy of this Kunlun Mountain where Empress Xiwang once resided can purify demonic energy!! I believed you’d help me if you knew!! Didn’t you see and feel it too? That much of the terrifying demonic energy in my body has already dissipated!!”

“And Furthermore…! Haa, haa… Ku-chulk! Ku-chulk, Ku-chulk…!”

Sword Sage, full of rage and trying to continue speaking, had another stream of black blood pour from the corner of his mouth.

Though significantly reduced compared to before, the remaining demonic energy was now clearly perceptible even without deploying spiritual sense.

‘Is this really the Sword Sage…?’

During the ten years of the Pure Blood War.

The Sword Sage she had witnessed till now was always a man who greatly embodied his namesake.

Never laughing, never getting angry, never showing sadness, never showing confusion.

Always maintaining an emotionless, vacant expression, occasionally exuding an atmosphere of desolation as he mercilessly slaughtered Blood Cult members.

Could this Sword Sage, who openly displays such emotion, be real?

“Dammit… Still, I’m thankful you took me in. Without you, I’d have surely been completely assimilated by the demonic energy. So take away that goddamn sword already. Is this the kind of treatment I deserve for fighting Blood Cult?”

Regaining his senses, Sword Sage quickly reverted to his usual honorific speech.

Though his attitude towards Jade Flower treating him like a Demon remained unchanged.

“I can’t trust a word you say.”

“I never asked you to. Naturally, it’s difficult to believe. But didn’t you ask first? I’ve only answered with the facts as they are.”

“If what you say is true, what about the dark spots under your eyes? Isn’t it common knowledge that those appear when one practices Demon Arts? I’ve seen them two years ago.”

“Fatigue naturally leads to such dark circles. Don’t you know that? Though, I suppose you wouldn’t, surrounded by well-fed and rested Taoists.”

“Don’t change the subject. You didn’t lose a single ounce even after fasting three months during the ten years of war against the Blood Cult. Now, look at yourself. Could this body possibly belong to someone who reached martial heights?”

Sword Sage glanced at his own body as suggested by Jade Flower’s words.

Under his loose clothes, his ribcage was clearly visible.

Though unseen, she suspected his cheekbones must also be prominently protruding.

“Hmph, I’m surprised myself. Didn’t know I was such a fragile person. But isn’t this different for everyone? I don’t know about you, but this Namgung Cheolbin seems to be the type who takes a big hit from every word said by others. Is that too hard to believe?”

“…”

Speechless, Jade Flower eventually said after a long silence.

“If what you say is truly true, I can’t understand.”

“What’s the problem now?”

“You don’t practice Demon Arts. The stories circulating about you are false. And you’ve been slandered to this extent by the world. Isn’t that all you want to say?”

“…Correct.”

“Then there’s no reason to save the martial world anymore.”

“I would have even less reason if I were a Demon Man.”

“Don’t sidetrack. Who in the world insane enough to save a world that defames and doesn’t trust them? Especially after already saving it once during the Pure Blood War? To the point of being wounded so severely that demonic energy is expelled from the seven apertures?”

“Damn it, maybe there is such a madman in this vast world. I’m starting to doubt too. Still, I thought someone who saved me would believe in me, but I guess it was just wishful thinking.”

“At least bring some sort of proof. Then I’ll believe.”

“Is there proof more certain than the demonic energy all over this room?”

“That’s the demonic energy from your supposed Demon Arts. Bring proper proof.”

“…”

Sword Sage’s lower lip pressed tightly together.

Despite seeming to have much to say, his tightly closed lips said otherwise.

Perhaps it was more appropriate to say he’d given up.

“Fine, just kill me then.”

“Do you mean it?”

“It’s not sincere, but it all feels meaningless now. Ah, there’s one certain thing. If a new crisis ever arises in the martial world, I will absolutely not intervene. I’ll abandon you all and become a mere observer. Whether or not that opportunity will ever come, though.”

“Even after practicing Demon Arts, you’re shameless. Can’t present proper proof and don’t even deserve further listening.”

“…”

My demonic energy was already fading when you found me. That’s the only proof I have.”

“You’re saying it’s the demonic energy from the fight?”

“Correct.”

“There’s no reason for a Demon Man practicing arts to fake being poisoned.”

“You’re right, a Demon Man who practices such arts should definitely die. So go ahead and kill me already. I’m a man worthy of death.”

Sword Sage closed his eyes and extended his neck.

A completely abandoned appearance.

“…”

“Go ahead, what’s the hesitation?”

“Regardless of your reasons, those who practice Demon Arts deserve death.”

“True words. One who practices Demon Arts should naturally die, so go ahead and kill me already. I’m a man who deserves death.”

“…”

At the prompting of Sword Sage, Jade Flower pressed her sword even deeper into his neck.

Blood began to trickle from his neck, slightly tinged with blackish color but predominantly red.

If she swung her sword just like this, he wouldn’t be able to defend against it in his current state and would die instantly from a severed artery.

Not only was his body incapable of blocking her strike, but it was also in no condition to recover from a fatal wound.

It would be very easy, very common. At least according to her own sense of justice.

Since demons must be torn to pieces indiscriminately, regardless of their past actions or achievements.

That was justice, that was the law.

But…

“Why won’t you strike?”

“…”

“Go away. Before I really kill you.”

“Has your heart changed already? Are you starting to believe me?”

“Go away. Really, before I kill you.”

Until the last moment, the old monk’s words kept flashing through her mind, holding her sword in place.

‘Those innocent victims of his…! Why is that so important…! If there’s even a one in a thousand chance he’s a demon, shouldn’t he be killed…!’

“Judging from this, it seems you’re not willing to give me a chance to believe. You’re not recognizing my contributions to the martial world either. Such a verdict doesn’t align with your values, now does it?”

“…”

“Go away when I tell you to! And never set foot in Kunlun again or even acknowledge me!”

“…”

“If I ever cross your path again… I swear on my name Jade Flower that I’ll sever your life thread.”

“Thank you very much even though I haven’t committed any crime.”

With trembling hands still gripping the sword, Jade Flower couldn’t move it.

Her gaze looked askance at Sword Sage who slowly rose from his seat, despite being emaciated but still having an elegant figure that made the room feel full.

Meanwhile, she stood statue-like all this time, sword still poised.

At this moment, he opened the door with a sincere word.

“To have the truth right before your eyes but fail to see it, instead fixating on non-existent delusions… your eyes are practically blind.”

“…”

“Go away. This is the first and last time I show mercy.”

“…”

“Go already. You wouldn’t have gotten such mercy from anyone else.”

That day was the first time Jade Flower’s firmly held belief in “absolute justice” wasn’t upheld.

---