Heavenly Demon

"The Heavenly Demon?" Kealen breathed, his stoic facade cracking slightly. A flicker of something akin to fear flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward, addressing Duke Maris. "My Lord, if I may…"

The Duke gestured for Kaelen to speak, his expression thoughtful.

Kaelen continued, his voice low and grave. "The legends… they speak of a land far to the east, a land that put up the greatest resistance against the Founding Emperor millennia ago. A land where martial prowess is valued above all else. It is said that the one who led that resistance was known as the Heavenly Demon Cult Leader. He even managed to hurt the emperor. Although the emperor did recover, so it's a loss for the Heavenly Demon in the end."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "They say the Emperor eventually discovered that the so-called Heavenly Demon Cult Leader was merely a branch leader, a puppet. The true Heavenly Demon Cult and its followers reside beyond the ocean. An ocean that few dare to cross."

Kaelen's gaze shifted to Haku, his eyes filled with a mixture of suspicion and awe. "It is said that above that ocean, cultivation becomes impossible. Dantians are sealed, Mana unusable, even Aura can't be invoked, rendering even the most powerful cultivators, mages, and martial masters helpless. Only those with specialized artifacts or techniques can possibly traverse it. It is a barrier that has protected that land from the reach of our continent for centuries." He paused. The duke, annoyed, said, "I know, I know... all founding families know this. I'm surprised also have this information, I shouldn't expect any less from the former student of the supreme sword of the east."

Aron, who had been uncharacteristically silent until now, shifted uneasily. He looked from his father to Kaelen, then back to Haku, his eyes wide with a dawning realization. The information he was hearing was not something he had been privy to before.

Haku watched them all, a carefully constructed mask of serenity on his face. He used the opportunity to assess the situation, making mental notes of everyone's reactions.

Haku saw the wide eyes, the hushed whispers, the palpable fear rippling through the crowd. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He'd spun a tale, a wild, desperate fabrication about the Heavenly Demon, hoping to buy himself time, to buy himself space. He'd pulled the name from thin air, a dramatic flourish to cloak his weakness.

A horrifying realization dawned on Haku.

'Perfect,' He thought, the word tasting like ash in his mouth. 'They bought it. I just need to sell it.'

But beneath the surface, a chilling feeling was taking root. It wasn't just that his lie had worked; it was *why* it had worked. The implication was staggering. The Heavenly Demon... it wasn't just a story. It was real.

He kept his face carefully neutral, his expression a mask of solemn resolve. He forced his voice to remain steady. He had to.

Now he had to play the part of someone who knew exactly what they were doing. He had to sell the lie, even though the truth he had stumbled upon threatened to unravel him completely. He swallowed hard and continued.

He spoke in a slow, deliberate manner, his voice carrying absolute conviction. "My family originates from Maris, but I came from the land beyond the sea. I heard the news… the last of my kin has passed. They owned a bar here, a small, simple place, but it was *ours*. I witnessed the rise of the Heavenly Demon Cult and the chaos they brought to the martial world firsthand. Their martial arts… their influence… It's unlike anything you can imagine. I returned to Maris to keep my family's bar, our legacy, alive. At least, that's the hope and rest for once, I believe that others can defeat the cult, and also because I wish to protect this land, no, this world."

He met the Duke's gaze directly. "I assure you, Duke Maris, I have no desire to cause trouble. I simply wish to live a quiet life."

The Duke stared at Haku for a long moment, his expression unreadable. He seemed to be weighing Haku's words, searching for any sign of deception. Finally, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "You mentioned protecting the world, Haku. What did you mean by that? From what does the world need protection?"

'Got him on the hook now, it's time to bring it back home.'

Haku's serene expression shifted. He looked away, towards the distant mountains. "It is not yet time to speak of such things, Duke. The path is long and uncertain. My task, as it stands now, is to ensure that I am here. That in itself is a piece of the puzzle." He met the Duke's gaze again, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. "Trust that when the time is right, all will be revealed."

"If what you say is true," the Duke finally said, his voice softening slightly, "then you are a powerful individual, Haku. Someone who could potentially be a great asset to my Dukedom."

Haku internally sighed with relief; the tide seemed to be turning in his favor.

"However," the Duke continued, his voice hardening once more, "I cannot simply take your word for it. I need proof. Why should I trust you, a stranger from a foreign land, over the safety and security of my people?"

Haku had a thoughtful expression on his face. He knew he had to offer something, something that would convince the Duke of his sincerity.

"Then, let me offer my services to you, Duke Maris," Haku proposed, his voice clear and confident. "I will use my knowledge and… skills… to help you improve your Dukedom. I can provide insights into new technologies, strategies for defense, and ways to improve the lives of your people."

'And let me use your influence.'

He paused, adding with a touch of sincerity, "All I ask in return is the freedom to live my life in peace, without suspicion or interference."

The Duke considered Haku's offer, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. It was a tempting proposition, one that could greatly benefit his Dukedom. But he was still wary.

"Very well, Haku," the Duke said, his voice resolute. "I accept your offer. But know this: I will be watching you closely. If I discover that you have lied to me, or that you are plotting against my people, you will face the full force of my wrath."

Haku simply looked in his direction without any sign of fear, "and I hope you don't make an enemy out of us so we can truly become friends."

Haku bowed his head with a cheeky smile.

'I wonder who this demon is, best not to find out, I guess. Now to prove my skill, I already have some ideas to make life better for the people here, and by that, I mean my own life.

As the Duke and his son prepared to leave, Kaelen lingered for a moment, his gaze could not let go of Haku.

Kaelen's eyes sharpened, a glint of something akin to excitement flickering within them. "The Heavenly Demon…" he murmured, his voice losing its usual somber tone. "So, you're truly his equal? Someone as strong as that… and still equal, remarkable." He looked Haku in the eyes with fire burning in his, a genuine fighting spirit radiating from him. "A being spoken of in old legends, to face him, and possibly even overcome him… that puts you in a league comparable to the Founding Emperor himself. Haku, if you ever get the opportunity, please look at my swordsmanship."

With that, Kaelen turned and followed the Duke out of the bar, leaving Haku alone with Yue and Alexander to relax on their own.

Yue breathed a sigh, finally relaxing. "That was some intense shit," she said, her voice regaining its usual childish tone. "So mortals stronger than me exist, it's still hard to believe, or is it because our cultivation is sealed when we go there? "

Smirking Haku said, "Do not worry so much, your talent is enough to be considered a genius even by me."

Alexander, who had remained silent throughout the entire ordeal, finally spoke up, his voice hesitant. "Haku," he said, his eyes asking along with his voice, "what is your connection to the Heavenly Demon?"

Surprised, Haku had a guess as to why Alex was asking this. "Alex, do not worry, I know when the time is right, you will get what you seek."

Haku smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "It's a story for another time," he said. "For now, let's just be happy that the Duke is gone. And that I managed to get him as a new pawn. The Duke didn't even drink or eat with us, all business he is! So let's drink ourselves now that they are gone!"

As the sunset came, it was clear to Haku that his next steps needed more options.

'A mage might be a good idea next.'