The Double Agent of the Heavenly Demon Sect-Chapter 51.1

A place that didn’t quite match her personality.

Ilma was surprisingly frugal.

She only ate what was necessary and avoided unnecessary luxuries.

It gave the impression that she was detached from material wealth.

And yet, she stayed in such a grand place.

Likely...

Because status demanded it.

To uphold the authority of Ilma, she had to maintain a certain presence.

At the end of my walk, Ilma was waiting for me.

Without a word, she stepped behind me and began checking the contents of my travel bag.

"Did you pack a spare set of clothes properly?"

"I did."

"You have enough emergency rations?"

"I do."

"Medical supplies? I packed some for you separately. Your travel funds—I’ll place them at the top."

"I have those as well—"

At some point, I started laughing.

This—what was this?

Even my own parents had never shown this level of concern.

"Ilma-nim."

"What is it? I’m busy."

"You don’t seem to have added anything unnecessary. If you’re lacking something, replenish it along the way. I’ve given you more than enough money, so there’s no need to worry about expenses."

"Do you happen to want a gift?"

"A gift?"

Ilma peered into my bag.

"Foolish boy. I am Ilma. The First Demon of the Eight Heavenly Demons. The commander of the Blood Enforcement Division."

"If I want something, I already have it. And the things I don’t have—"

"You wouldn’t be able to get them anyway."

"...I see."

"Stop thinking about nonsense and just go. Once you obtain the cursed sword, you’ll have to train with it."

Ilma gave my travel bag a firm pat.

"There’s still much you haven’t learned from me. Don’t get distracted—just focus on coming back quickly."

"Ilma-nim."

"What now?"

"Thank you. For always looking after me."

Ilma whipped her head away.

"Looking after you? I have never once done that. This is just... Yes. A final check before departure."

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"I am merely fulfilling my duty as the First Demon, ensuring that the task entrusted by the Heavenly Demon is carried out properly."

"Ilma-nim... If there’s anything you truly want—"

"I already said no."

I thought for a moment.

Now that I considered it...

Ilma always drank the same thing every morning.

Green tea.

It was the only high-quality item among her otherwise simple meals.

The fragrance was deep.

And whenever she sipped it, the corners of her mouth would lift ever so slightly beneath her mask.

I tucked that memory away.

Bongma-dong was known for its craftsmen.

Even if I couldn’t find tea leaves, perhaps I could find something suitable.

I looked back at Ilma.

I always wanted to do something for her.

Not just because I had received so much from her—

But because of moments like this.

She had a way of pulling people in.

She was a good person.

The closer I got, the more I realized that.

"I’ll be back, Ilma-nim."

"And what is your name?"

"Bicheon."

"Don’t forget your alias. And put this on your face."

She handed me a concealment mask.

I secured it carefully and double-checked to ensure it wouldn’t fall off.

"The tour group consists of fifteen post-peak martial artists and thirty bodyguards."

"Additionally, there are five others—Heukso Ghost Doctor Na Sowan and his attendants. You will be one of them."

"Your identity is that of a mere assistant."

"Understood."

"Give this letter to Na Sowan. He will watch over you."

"He will generally treat you well, but he is extremely meticulous. If he decides you are useless to the tour group, he will cast you aside immediately."

"He is a strict man, so he will not hesitate. Stay in his good graces and follow his instructions without question."

"I understand."

"The tour group was created under the pretense of fostering unity among the three sects—the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, the Nachal Sect, and the Black Death Sect."

"But in reality, it’s just an excuse for a political standoff."

"These sects naturally oppose one another. There won’t be a single peaceful moment."

Ilma looked me in the eye.

"Jeok Woon—no, Bicheon."

"Do not get arrogant."

"Our sect is filled with experts stronger than you. You could run into one on any given day."

"So don’t go strutting around with your chest puffed out. You still have much to learn."

"Lower your head. Do not draw your sword unless absolutely necessary."

"Understood."

"However... if you must draw it—"

Ilma tilted her head slightly.

"Then make it worthwhile."

"If your life is in danger, send the bird I gave you to me immediately. As long as time allows, I will come personally."

"It’s not even that much of a hassle for me."

"Ilma-nim."

"What now?"

"Would it be inappropriate to hug you before I leave?"

"Are you—are you out of your mind?! What kind of dogshit nonsense is that?!"

"I apologize."

Even Her Nagging Had Become Familiar.

By now, I knew—her nagging was simply concern directed at me.

That was why, just this once, I wanted to hug her.

She wasn’t my teacher, but she felt like one.

"I’ll be back, Ilma-nim."

I bowed my head and took a step forward.

Then—

A hand caught my sleeve, pulling me around.

Ilma motioned with her free hand.

"Take it off."

"...Pardon?"

"The mask. Take off your concealment mask for a moment."

I hesitated, then carefully removed the Inpi Myeongu.

Ilma fidgeted slightly before extending both hands.