Chapter 309: That Bastard (1)

The news of the Heavenly Demon Cult’s retreat had spread across the entire Central Plains in an instant.

When they crushed the Gongdong Sect and entered Shaanxi Province with unstoppable momentum, everyone had sensed that a bloodstorm would soon sweep across the Central Plains.

However, despite having more than enough military strength right before reaching Xi’an, the Cult had decided to pull back.

“Looks like the Cult has missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Far away in Qinghai Province, the King of Ten Thousand Evils, Gu Yomyeong, clicked his tongue after receiving the report.

“Why is that, Master?”

His first disciple, Geum Jeoksan of the Guihuang Army, asked.

“Didn’t you say yourself that the current strength of the Cult was enough to conquer the Central Plains at any time?”

“That’s true. But even so, one cannot ignore the cost of such a conquest.”

Gu Yomyeong turned his gaze toward the grand map of the Central Plains laid out beside his office.

He traced his fingertip along the area near Jiangnan.

“The Murim Alliance fell into chaos after that old man, the Sword King, retired, and the fight for the next Alliance Leader’s seat began. In the end, unable to withstand the Cult’s pressure, they pushed the responsibility onto Mount Hua’s Gwan Hyun, handing him the Alliance Leader’s position.”

“It was a poisoned chalice, but in the end, it turned out well for them since the Cult retreated.”

“It’s the same with Evil Path Castle. Word suddenly spread that Gam Unbi had died somewhere in the south, stirring internal turmoil.”

Geum Jeoksan shook his head bitterly.

“Honestly, I find that hard to believe. That conqueror of all people…”

The one who had subdued that wolf pack known as Evil Path Castle with nothing but a single sword—an unrivaled tyrant.

Even Geum Jeoksan, though not as much as his master, had held some degree of respect for that warrior.

“Regardless, both the Murim Alliance and Evil Path Castle are in chaos. Considering that the Cult has even planted their allies, the Black Lotus Union, in Luoyang, this advance was a golden opportunity that might never come again.”

“Hmm! Now that you mention it…”

“If we had applied pressure from Sichuan, the Cult could have ravaged the Central Plains without any worries.”

“Then why on earth…”

“I can’t say for sure just yet, but…”

Gu Yomyeong paused for a moment before cautiously continuing.

“It seems the Cult Leader doesn’t have much time left.”

“……!!”

Geum Jeoksan’s expression changed dramatically.

“If… if that information is true…!”

For the Cult Leader to die just as the Great War between Justice and Demonic Factions was about to begin?

This could be an enormous opportunity or crisis for the other factions.

However, even as his disciple grew visibly agitated, Gu Yomyeong’s expression remained unchanged.

“Nothing changes.”

“W-why is that?”

“Because the Cult’s chaos won’t last long.”

Geum Jeoksan’s face stiffened.

It was the death of the one called the Heavenly Demon.

How many had been overshadowed by that figure, unable to spread their wings?

Geum Jeoksan himself had been holding on with clenched teeth, waiting for the day the current Cult Leader’s reign would end.

“You’ve seen it for yourself, haven’t you? The Young Cult Leader.”

“T-that…”

“A monster who reached the Extreme Demon Realm at such a young age. That one might ascend to the position of Heavenly Demon in the blink of an eye.”

Geum Jeoksan bit his lip slightly.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, the sight of that monstrous turtle-like beast being crushed by overwhelming firepower still hadn’t left his mind.

“Surely, another chance will come. As long as ‘those people’ continue to run wild in the Murim, there will always be gaps, whether it’s the Cult or anyone else.”

“Hahahaha! You speak the truth!”

“……?!”

The reply to Gu Yomyeong’s words came from elsewhere.

“Who’s there?”

The door to the top-floor office opened, and a young man, drenched in blood from head to toe, appeared.

“…What?”

The metallic scent of blood hung heavily in the air, clearly indicating that something intense had just happened below.

But—

“I didn’t hear a single sound…”

Neither he nor his master, Gu Yomyeong, had sensed anything.

This could only mean that the intruder was either a transcendent master or had used some extraordinary method.

The young man wiped the blood from his lips and flashed a sharp grin as he introduced himself.

“Apologies for the intrusion. I am Lee Jaseong.”

Gu Yomyeong fixed his gaze on Lee Jaseong.

Unlike typical martial artists of the Central Plains, the young man exuded a sharp, wild energy.

What was even stranger was that he carried no weapon.

‘He doesn’t seem like someone who practices unarmed martial arts…’

Judging by his lean build, he looked more like a swordsman.

“…Are you from the Heaven-Defying Society?”

“That’s right. I have recently risen to the position of Nine Heavenly Lord and received the title of Blazing Heavenly King from the Grand Heavenly Lord.”

“Blazing Heavenly King…”

Both Gu Yomyeong and Geum Jeoksan frowned slightly.

“That’s quite a grandiose title for a mere brat.”

“Grandiose or not, I don’t care about anyone else’s evaluation. Only one person’s judgment matters.”

Lee Jaseong pointed his finger at Gu Yomyeong and smiled.

“Sorry, but I plan to take over the Evil Overlords of Heaven. I’d like your cooperation.”

“You insolent bastard!”

Enraged, Geum Jeoksan exploded with qi from his palm and charged at Lee Jaseong.

Geum Jeoksan had already set foot in the realm of peak masters.

By comparison, the energy radiating from Lee Jaseong felt utterly unimpressive.

However—

Squelch!

“……!!”

Lee Jaseong’s hand suddenly transformed into the shape of a blade and pierced straight through Geum Jeoksan’s heart!

Startled, Gu Yomyeong shot to his feet.

“San!”

“Gah! Ugh!”

“Oh my. Didn’t you let your guard down a bit too much?”

Lee Jaseong sneered as he spoke, but in truth, Geum Jeoksan had never let his guard down.

The guards stationed at this entrance were none other than the Yaksha Heavenly Blade Unit, Gu Yomyeong’s personal elite squad.

There was no way Geum Jeoksan would have underestimated someone who had silently slaughtered such experts.

And yet, this man had broken through Geum Jeoksan’s full defense in a single strike!

Gu Yomyeong spoke in disbelief.

“An Awakened Body…?”

“Oh, so you already knew?”

“But it’s the middle of the day. How can an Awakened Body be active in broad daylight…?”

“Kuhuhu, this will make things easier if you already know that much.”

Thud!

Lee Jaseong tossed Geum Jeoksan’s body aside carelessly and smiled as he transformed each of his fingers into blade-like shapes.

“You could say I’m a kind of chosen one. I didn’t inherit the essence of the Ten Heavenly Lords, but I’m even freer than any of them… a perfect success!”

“……”

“That’s me, Lee Jaseong, newly appointed Nine Heavenly Lord, titled Blazing Heavenly King!”

Creak, crack!

Lee Jaseong’s entire body began to transform into a monstrous form.

“If you have no intention of cooperating, how about joining your disciple, who has already gone ahead?”

Gu Yomyeong radiated a chilling killing intent across his entire body.

“You arrogant bastard…”

At that subtle tone, Lee Jaseong asked back.

“Are you talking to me? Or to your disciple who died first?”

“You don’t need to know!”

Fierce qi projection erupted from both of Gu Yomyeong’s palms, incomparable to the energy Geum Jeoksan had shown earlier.

“Good. I was getting bored thinking this would end too easily. Now I have a chance to spread my name as one of the new Five Kings of the Central Plains!”

With that declaration, the two finally clashed.

KWA-GWA-GWANG!

The office of the Evil Overlords of Heaven, said to be the tallest in all of Seonyeong, exploded with a thunderous roar that shook the entire city.

Thus, the forces of the Heavenly Demon Cult withdrew entirely, stopping just short of Xi’an.

Of course, many protested, but all such voices were silenced under the pretext of a regime transition.

After spending months pushing into Shaanxi Province, the Heavenly Demon Cult made a swift return to Ten Thousand Mountain in just seven days and nights.

“So, you somehow managed to come back alive.”

“It’s been a long time, Clan Leader.”

I finally had a private audience with Jin Gun-ak at the Clan Leader’s Hall of the Demonic Heaven’s Jin Clan, the first time in what felt like ages.

‘It really has been a long time. No, it’s practically the first time since the early days of my past life.’

Considering all I had done, I should have been dragged off to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion or the Elders’ Hall for interrogation.

But it seemed the Cult Leader’s ascension had overshadowed even my incident.

Seated face to face, Jin Gun-ak got straight to the point.

“So, I hear you held your ground against that bastard, the Sword Demon?”

I had expected him to ask if I was alive or if I was hurt.

But as usual, Jin Gun-ak never failed to meet expectations.

“It was only possible because the Clan Leader showed me mercy.”

“Don’t give me that crap.”

“……”

I found myself at a loss for words at his blunt response after such a long time.

“That bastard showing mercy? Why not just say that Saber Demon worships the sword while you’re at it?”

Uh, well…

“Whether they’re young or old, the essence of that bastard is to crush whatever stands in front of him without mercy.”

I knew that all too well, leaving me with nothing to say.

“There’s no way you faced him using only our clan’s martial arts.”

He stared at me for a moment before continuing.

“Sigh… as unbelievable as it is, I suppose I have to believe it. Who would have thought such nonsense could happen?”

Jin Gun-ak, despite his size, had a keen political sense.

No matter how unrealistic it seemed, he wasn’t foolish enough to deny the truth before his eyes.

“Since we’re here, let me ask you one thing. Don’t try to dodge the question—answer me properly.”

“Please ask.”

“Do you have any intention of becoming the Clan Leader of the Demonic Heaven’s Jin Clan?”

“……”

I paused to consider Jin Gun-ak’s true feelings.

As before, I knew I could take the Clan Leader’s seat at any time now.

By bloodline, seniority, and martial ability, my younger brother Jin Yeowoon could no longer surpass me.

However…

My answer had not changed from before.

“I do not. As I said before, please pass the position to Yeowoon.”

“…Is that so?”

Jin Gun-ak’s expression subtly shifted.

“When the Young Cult Leader ascends the throne, I will take the vacant seat of the Demonic Faction Lord. That is practically decided already, so you need not waste your efforts testing me.”

“Ahem, cough! Who said anything like that?”

Caught off guard, he let out an awkward cough.

I could tell Jin Gun-ak had been wondering if I might be scheming to take the clan’s leadership while everything was set in my favor.

After a few more words of praise, Jin Gun-ak gave his dismissal.

“Well, you’ve done well suffering out there. I’m sure many will call for you now, so prepare to suffer a little longer.”

“Yes. I shall take my leave now.”

After I left, bowing as the eldest son—

“Hmmm…”

Jin Gun-ak opened a drawer beside him.

“Damn it. The atmosphere got so serious I forgot to bring this out.”

Inside was a towering stack of marriage proposals sent by various clans through matchmakers.

Among them, right on top, were golden envelopes sent by the Blood Dragon Demonic Clan, the Pa Clan, and the Black Gold Sa Clan—those who stood alongside the Demonic Heaven’s Jin Clan.

Jin Gun-ak rubbed his forehead, looking deeply troubled.

“Seriously… does he have to be so damn exceptional? It’s not like he spent all year stumbling from one lucky encounter to another. What the hell happened out there?”

After my meeting with Jin Gun-ak, the next place I headed was none other than the Heavenly Thunder Corps.

Since I still held the title of Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Thunder Corps' Name Hall, I had the obligation to report on recent events to the Heavenly Thunder Corps Leader.

Of course, once I became the Demonic Faction Lord, such formalities would no longer apply.

At the top floor of the Heavenly Thunder Corps, Cheon Jumyeong, known as the Demon Gentleman, welcomed my return.

“It’s been a while. Your achievements outside have been most impressive.”

“……”

“Frankly, you’ve done well enough to deserve a swift promotion to Vice Leader of the Nine Demon Halls, if not higher. Haha, actually, you’ll soon rise even higher, so what’s a mere hall compared to that?”

“……”

“Haha, aren’t you being a bit too quiet? We’ve known each other long enough to set aside past grudges…”

“Why is that man standing next to you, Corps Leader?”

I cut off his words and fixed my gaze on the man beside Cheon Jumyeong.

Though displeased by my interruption, Cheon Jumyeong soon noticed the shift in my expression and showed a curious smile.

“Ah, you mean this fellow? I’m surprised. Do you two know each other?”

Of course, in this timeline, it was our first meeting.

Despite the killing intent in my gaze, the young man standing next to the Corps Leader greeted me with a bright, beaming smile.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Grand Duke. I’m Han Mubaek, currently serving as the Corps Leader’s aide.”

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