Jangho was being led by Seo Daeryong toward the Pungnyu Tavern.

“Didn't we decide to resume our drinking gatherings after this warrior returned?”

“That’s right.”

“Then why do you want to drink now?”

Moreover, it wasn’t even after work hours yet, but Seo Daeryong insisted they go, practically dragging Jangho along. It was unprecedented, so Jangho obediently followed.

Though the drinking gatherings had been halted since Iian’s absence, until then the two had shared many conversations. What had started as an awkward and uncomfortable meeting between just the two of them had grown into a fairly friendly relationship by the last day.

“I have someone to introduce to Lord Jang today.”

“Who?”

“You’ll know when you see her. She’s important to me, so I really want to introduce you.”

“I understand.”

Jangho caught a mischievous glint in Seo Daeryong’s expression.

But since Seo Daeryong had never played tricks on him before, Jangho could not imagine what kind of meeting this was going to be.

The two entered the Pungnyu Tavern.

The owner, Jo Chunbae, welcomed them warmly.

“Oh, it’s been a while. If I’d known you two were coming, I’d have saved your usual seats.”

On the second floor where they always sat, a veiled woman was sitting with her back turned.

“It’s fine.”

Seo Daeryong led Jangho upstairs to the second floor where the veiled woman sat. She had ordered drinks and some simple snacks, but with her veil on, her face was hard to see clearly.

When Seo Daeryong sat in front of her, Jangho realized this woman was the one he was supposed to meet.

‘Is this the woman the Second Prince mentioned?’

He had once seen Seo Daeryong tease about a favorite junior, but if she was a Yellow Spring Division investigator, why would she meet him veiled? Especially in such an introduction.

Just then, the veiled woman greeted them first.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Lord Jang.”

Of course, it was Iian. Again, she disguised her voice.

At that moment,

Jangho recognized her.

“This warrior?”

Both Iian and Seo Daeryong were startled.

“How did you know it was me?”

Iian asked, and Jangho hesitated briefly before speaking softly.

“I’m very sensitive to sounds. I remember and recognize the unique characteristics of voices and intonations. So even disguised voices, I can find the original.”

“Ah!”

Iian and Seo Daeryong exclaimed simultaneously.

“This sensitivity to sound helped me become a Demon Lord. It greatly aided my martial training and combat. This is the first time I’m revealing that.”

She also revealed for the first time in front of Seo Daeryong that her childhood dream had been to be a fire specialist.

When the drinking gatherings first started, Jangho never imagined he would share his personal story here. Since these were people close to Geom Muguk, he thought it couldn’t hurt to befriend them; now, he shared all kinds of stories before these two.

Iian removed her veil.

“It’s been a while, Lord Jang.”

“Welcome back, warrior.”

Jangho greeted her warmly. Seo Daeryong, watching, was secretly impressed. Despite Iian’s beauty, Jangho was utterly unfazed. Compared to him, Seo Daeryong had made a huge fuss about everything.

‘How can he be like that?’

He even worried that Iian might feel awkward, but she didn’t care at all. Instead, she seemed more comfortable as Jangho treated her just like before.

“Well then, today is on me. Order whatever you like!”

The three talked a lot.

Undoubtedly, Iian was the star of the evening. She told how hard she had worked on the Shin Dokjeonghwa Technique, what happened on the journey, and how entertaining her first wedding had been. They discussed everything.

Seo Daeryong and Jangho listened and chimed in.

When Iian stepped away for a moment, Seo Daeryong asked Jangho,

“Lord Jang, aren’t you amazed at this warrior’s transformation?”

“I am. She’s become so beautiful.”

“Is that all?”

“What? Do you need more?”

“No, but you don’t seem very surprised. You two met earlier, so I wonder if you’re teasing me.”

“Of course not.”

Lowering his voice slightly, Seo Daeryong said,

“Then don’t bother holding back. It’s just us.”

His face showed feelings clearly—“She’s pretty, say it, please!”—which made Jangho laugh. The natural use of “us” indicated their growing closeness.

“I might be overstepping, but I don’t put much stock in appearance. Maybe because of scars on my face. I sometimes wonder who really judges whom by looks.”

Jangho’s frank words prompted Seo Daeryong to share his own thoughts.

“Lord Jang, those scars are cool.”

“Cool? They’re ugly.”

“No, they’re cool. Really. Sell them to me!”

Without hesitation, Jangho reached for a dagger.

Seo Daeryong was startled.

“What are you doing?!”

“So be honest. They’re ugly.”

“They’re cool because of the story behind them. I want to buy even that story.”

“It’s not a grand story. I was just wounded fighting enemies.”

“To a warrior, that’s a great story. I don’t want to get hurt by a friend’s dagger while drinking.”

Seo Daeryong didn’t realize he had called Jangho a friend.

“Let’s have a drink.”

Jangho raised his cup.

Whether Seo Daeryong felt the same or not, he was comfortable here. After maintaining perfect composure before the demon lords, he could finally relax.

Iian returned.

“Where did I leave off?”

Jangho said to her,

“This warrior’s night is young; start over from the beginning if you want.”

At that time, I was meeting Ilhwa Sword Immortal.

Unexpectedly, I heard something surprising.

“I know Drunken Demon well.”

Ilhwa Sword Immortal had a connection with him.

“We sometimes drink together. A few days ago, too.”

“A few days ago?”

“Sometimes he comes to me to drink.”

Though hard to imagine, considering the power struggles among the Eight Demon Lords, it made sense they had their own interactions.

“What kind of person is Drunken Demon?”

“A pleasant drinking companion.”

Ilhwa Sword Immortal’s evaluation was in stark contrast to Geukak’s.

“When did you become close?”

“I don’t know exactly. Seems like a long time. We just became friends over drinks.”

“What’s his personality like?”

“Easygoing.”

If he were truly easygoing, Geukak wouldn’t have spoken as he did. Meaning Drunken Demon showed completely different sides depending on the person.

“No demon lord is easygoing. They just hide their claws.”

“Maybe. Why did you ask about Drunken Demon?”

“There was an incident involving his faction. The Yellow Spring Division captured someone, but I worry Drunken Demon might act.”

“You don’t think the Second Prince is using that as a pretext to move?”

“Sharp as always. Drunken Demon is the only one who hasn’t chosen a side between my brother and me.”

Ilhwa Sword Immortal looked me squarely and smiled.

“I haven’t chosen a side either. I haven’t decided to support the Second Prince yet.”

How could I not know her feelings? So I exaggerated,

“Oh! I was sure you were on my side.”

“Of course I like the Second Prince. But comparing him with the eldest son is unfair. Friendship is personal; the succession struggle is political.”

“I understand.”

“But don’t think I’m choosing the eldest son. Don’t feel bad.”

“I would never feel bad toward Sword Immortal. No, I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Remember when we met before? Do you recall what I said? You demanded I prove I was more helpful to you than Elder Doma.”

Ilhwa Sword Immortal smiled faintly. She clearly remembered.

“Now it’s your turn. You must prove you’re more helpful than the eldest son.”

Her lack of negative reaction proved her goodwill.

“Back then I said, dreams, ideals, loyalty... those who expect to earn subordinates’ hearts for free through those, I despise. I have no intention of winning your heart like that. I will do what you want and show I have what it takes for Heavenly Demon.”

My words brought a look of admiration to her face.

“As expected! I chose well to have a martial friend.”

Mentioning martial arts meant she included it among her desires. She still longed to grow stronger.

“I look forward to the day we fight together again.”

After meeting Ilhwa Sword Immortal, I returned to my quarters.

Gowol, who lived with me, was not there. He had left to establish an intelligence network like Tongcheongak on my orders.

Several encrypted letters had arrived reporting that with my funds, he was building a network across the Central Plains.

I was not worried. He had gone with the Wind Sky Sect Leader, and imagining the two bickering while working together made me smile.

That night, Iian stopped by briefly.

I expected her to be heavily drunk, but she was more sober than I thought.

“I talked so much that the alcohol wore off.”

“Was it good?”

“They say a journey isn’t about leaving but returning. After talking to those two, I feel the trip is complete.”

Perhaps due to the unblock of the Imperial Poison Meridian or some new insight, she seemed definitely different than before leaving the sect.

“During the trip, I ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ made a resolution. It might sound arrogant, but now that I’ve said it, I’ll share. I appreciated the attention, but it was also overwhelming. And I concluded the only way to free myself from that burden was to truly become strong.”

Iian had again steeled herself for harsh training. With such effort, I believe she will achieve whatever she aims for.

“That doesn’t mean I’ll lock myself away training. Like Blood Heaven Butcher, I’ll read a lot and meet people. I want to become strong not only in martial arts but as a person. Only then can I make Cheongmyeon and Seojin my leaders. They won’t come to me only because I’m strong.”

I believe she will become a true master. Her effort is aimed in that direction.

Martial arts require talent and effort. The style and the master matter. Experience counts.

But once martial arts surpass a certain limit, one realizes—as I have—that the true end of martial mastery is the kind of person you are.

I consider meeting and persuading demon lords part of becoming stronger. Even trying to stop Geom Muguk’s marriage was part of that process.

To fully understand someone is nearly impossible. But the broader one’s understanding of people and the world, the closer one gets to the essence of nothingness.

“Well, I’ll go now. The drink has worn off, but my head still aches.”

As she turned to leave, I called out,

“Iian.”

“Yes?”

“If you ever drink with Drunken Demon—”

“Suddenly with the Drunken Demon?”

“You’re quite skilled in the world of drunks, aren’t you?”

“That’s true.”

“I want to ask you just one question about him. What would you ask?”

Iian seemed to think deeply, then answered,

“He must have drunk a great deal. So I’d ask this.”

As if Drunken Demon stood before her, Iian asked,

“When was the time you drank the most delicious drink? With whom was it?”