“Whoo.”
Hall Master Yeon Cheon-ba let out a long sigh at the news coming from all directions.
The fight with the Blood Sect was gradually taking a turn for the worse.
It had been some time since the upheaval of the Blood Sect began, and among the sects affiliated with the Martial Forest Alliance, those that had managed to preserve their formations to a certain extent were able to raise their powers to a level capable of resisting the Entities of the Blood Sect. However, the situation for the Martial Forest Alliance was still grim.
The friendly forces of the Blood Sect were proliferating like mushrooms after rain, and the nature of the confrontation with the Blood Sect was showing signs of progressing beyond a simple formation vs. entity dynamic.
More than mere covert alliances, forces openly declaring themselves as allies of the Blood Sect were emerging, causing the Blood Sect’s strength to grow frighteningly each day.
And amidst such movements, the Righteous Factions from around the world were gathering towards the Martial Forest Alliance.
While the Martial Forest Alliance was an organization composed of significant Righteous Factions from all corners of the world, it was, of course, not able to encompass every force in the world. There were many sects that could not or did not feel the necessity to join the Martial Forest Alliance for various reasons.
Even though the Martial Forest Alliance had not shown any significant activity, the undeniable fact was that the power of the Blood Sect had been laid bare to the world. The strength of the Blood Sect was far from weak, and the only force standing against it was the Martial Forest Alliance, so it was natural that people sought refuge in the shadows of the Martial Forest Alliance.
Yeon Cheon-ba lifted his gaze and looked ahead.
The office where Hall Master Yeon Cheon-ba worked alone had grown considerably larger, with envoys from the House of Jegal and House of Sima handling the tasks of the Martial Forest Alliance.
The fact that the sects under the Martial Forest Alliance recognized that the upheaval of the Blood Sect was not a temporary situation was the result of their added strength.
It was proof that the Martial Forest Alliance was indeed growing into a force capable of discussing the world, living up to its name, but there was nothing but worry on Yeon Cheon-ba’s face.
‘If things continue like this, something big is going to happen.’
Currently, the Blood Sect and the Martial Forest Alliance were growing into forces that divided the world.
As the power of the two opposing factions grew, if they clashed, the world would be engulfed in an irreversible chaos.
It would truly be a great war worthy of its name, an unprecedented massive battle in the history of the martial world.
And regardless of the outcome, the mere fact that a fight would take place would turn the world into a mess.
Imagining the chaos that would ensue from the fallout of a great war, Yeon Cheon-ba sighed deeply.
If the Blood Sect were to emerge victorious, the horrors that would cover the world would surpass even the grim imaginings that filled Yeon Cheon-ba’s mind. But could one say that even if the Martial Forest Alliance won, peace in the martial world would be preserved?
Yeon Cheon-ba, a veteran of the martial world, recalled the nature of the martial world he had experienced throughout his life.
There were various aspects to the nature of the martial world, but if he were to name the most dire among them, he would choose resentment without hesitation.
Resentment.
The grudges born from one person or one sect would be passed down through generations in the martial world.
So what sort of resentment would arise from the great war between the Martial Forest Alliance and the Blood Sect?
The conflict between the Martial Forest Alliance and the Blood Sect would birth a resentment that would envelop the entire world, and once the wheel of resentment began to turn, it would never stop, spreading sparks across the lands.
Even if the Blood Sect were to be toppled, somewhere in the world, those sparks would eventually return, becoming a fire of vengeance once again.
A fire of vengeance that would strike down upon the martial world once more, leaving behind sparks, leading to yet another fire consuming the martial world.
Yeon Cheon-ba pondered.
How much blood would need to be shed, and how many years would need to pass, for this chain of resentment to be broken?
Even Yeon Cheon-ba himself, a seasoned veteran of the martial world, could not know.
“Whoo.”
Just as Yeon Cheon-ba was trying to calm his concerns about the bleak future with a sigh, there was a crash!
“Hall Master! Hall Master! Urgent news!”
One of the advisors from the House of Sima burst in a frenzy, delivering a letter to Yeon Cheon-ba. The advisor was nearly out of breath, urgency and excitement evident in his eyes.
What sort of news could warrant such a commotion?
“Hmm.”
Yeon Cheon-ba gazed heavily at the letter. One letter bore an unfamiliar symbol, while the other was stamped with the official seal of the Gunlun Sect.
Recalling the letter from the Gunlun Sect that had urgently sought reinforcements just a week ago, Yeon Cheon-ba braced himself and unfolded the letter.
It could very well include news indicating the worst-case scenario: that the Gunlun Sect had faced total annihilation.
“No?”
However, the readiness for bad news faded away, as absolute shock painted Yeon Cheon-ba’s face upon reading the letter.
“The Heavenly Demon Sect has made a move?”
At the surprised exclamation, all the advisors turned their heads towards Yeon Cheon-ba.
“What do you mean the Heavenly Demon Sect has moved, Hall Master?”
One of the advisors questioned, but Yeon Cheon-ba was already preoccupied with the contents of the letter.
According to the report, the Heavenly Demon had suddenly appeared and wiped out the Outcast Faction warriors who had been surrounding the Gunlun Sect, led by the Blood Sect!
And then six Array Formation Teams showed up to take out the Entities of the Blood Sect!
Finally, it was mentioned that the Heavenly Demon and Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an were heading toward the Central Plains together.
“Hahaha…”
After reading the whole letter, Yeon Cheon-ba found it so absurd that a hearty laugh erupted from him.
He remembered how Ho Cheon-an had approached him before falling into the trap of the Blood Ancestor, saying that he would head for the Heavenly Demon Sect once things went awry.
Is it possible that Ho Cheon-an truly succeeded in activating the Blood Sect?
And not just that, six Array Formation Teams had moved, along with the Heavenly Demon and Heavenly Demoness— this was an event so major it could hardly be described as just receiving support; it was as if the full power of the Blood Sect had mobilized.
Yeon Cheon-ba simply could not believe what was written in the letter.
Naturally, Yeon Cheon-ba’s gaze turned toward the second letter. Even he, an experienced veteran of the martial world with vast knowledge about various powers, had never seen the strange seal depicting a bludgeon.
Only then did he realize that this seal represented the Heavenly Demon Sect.
An official letter from the Heavenly Demon Sect.
It might be the first-ever issued letter from the Heavenly Demon Sect in the history of the martial world.
Swallow.
Yeon Cheon-ba swallowed hard.
[Heavenly Demon Wi Ji-cheon declares to the martial world.]
[Our sect has decided to break our long silence and march to the Central Plains to confront the Blood Sect.]
[Why, you may ask, has our sect chosen to break this long silence?]
[It is neither out of concern for a world drowning in suffering nor out of any grudge against the Blood Sect.]
[The reason we are undertaking this march is to repay the Divine Scholar of the Heavenly Demon Sect who is renowned for his Brain Sword Outcast.]
[To make it clear, anyone who obstructs our path will be treated as enemies of our sect.]
[Anyone who stands in the way of the Divine Scholar will be treated as enemies of our sect.]
[Anyone who claims to be an ally of the Blood Sect will be treated as enemies of our sect.]
[This is announced in the name of the Heavenly Demon Wi Ji-cheon, a declaration from the sect.]
[It must be engraved in the minds of everyone in the Central Plains.]
After reading the contents of the letter, Yeon Cheon-ba raised his head.
The name of the Heavenly Demon, so impactful, and the more impactful actions of Yeon Cheon-ba had every military force gathered around him swallowing hard.
“Everyone, drop everything you are doing.”
Yeon Cheon-ba pointed to the letter from the Heavenly Demon Sect and spoke.
“And ensure this declaration is spread so that not a single person in the Central Plains is unaware! Right now!”
Soon, every messenger of the Martial Forest Alliance began scattering throughout the martial world.
The news of the actions of the Heavenly Demon Sect spread like wildfire across the entire martial world.
And at that moment.
The Heavenly Demon Sect, now rising as a new center of the storm, and Ho Cheon-an were moving toward Yunnan.
*
Just how far can humans go to quench their curiosity?
Observing the throng of people gathered, that thought naturally arose.
In the minds of those living in the Central Plains, what sort of existence is the Heavenly Demon Sect, or rather, the Demon Sect?
Monsters that can feast on human flesh while laughing, willing to forsake their humanity in pursuit of power, choosing demonic arts without hesitation. Lunatics who cannot withstand eye contact without drawing blades.
Such rumors were not merely baseless prejudice; the Heavenly Demon Sect had always had individuals who secretly practiced dangerous demonic arts, eventually losing their sanity or fleeing to the Central Plains upon having their knowledge discovered.
Despite the fact that martial artists driven mad by demonic arts represented only a minuscule portion of the Heavenly Demon Sect’s martial artists, the ones exposed to the Central Plains were mostly those who had succumbed to madness; the rest were likely the executioners who dealt with those frenzied practitioners. Thus, to the public, those martial artists of the Demon Sect were either lunatics or cold-blooded killers.
In the martial world of the Central Plains, the term “Demon Sect” was synonymous with fear.
And to think that there were those who had flocked here just to see the figures of the Demon Sect with their own eyes.
It seems human curiosity can sometimes triumph over fear.
“Hmmm. Is this your base?”
In a quiet area, Wi Seoryeon, who had been bouncing around like a lively colt, composed herself a bit upon entering the city, trying to maintain some dignity.
Black Cat shook her head at the sight, but Dokgo I-seol answered respectfully.
“Indeed. Though it cannot compare to the Heavenly Demon Sect, our Dark Dragon Sect boasts a history of its own, and this Okgyo can surely be considered a base for us.”
“Hmmm. I see.”
Wi Seoryeon’s eyes sparkled. It was the first time she had been invited to a sect since arriving in the Central Plains, and she seemed to have high hopes.
“The Elder is surely preparing to welcome esteemed guests here at the Dark Dragon Sect, so you may look forward to it.”
As Dokgo I-seol spoke, her shoulders lifted, likely pleased by the murmurs of admiration and astonishment from the curious onlookers.
“Isn’t that Dokgo I-seol?”
“By the heavens! I’ve heard the rumors about her moving with the Brain Knife Outcast, and it seems it was true!”
“It appears she’s on friendly terms with the Heavenly Demon too!”
Whether or not to describe Dokgo I-seol’s return to the Okgyo alongside the forces of the Heavenly Demon Sect as a triumphant homecoming is up for debate, but what is certain is that she carries an influence that exceeds her role as the rumor lord of the Dark Dragon Sect.
“Now, I can see the entrance of the Dark Dragon Sect.”
In the distance, the grand gate of the Dark Dragon Sect began to appear, with an impressive martial artist standing right at the front; it was undoubtedly the Black Cloak Dokgo Yeongcheon.
To be invited as a guest at the Dark Dragon Sect, a place I never dared to set foot in during the days of the Yongji Maeng.
Life is full of surprises.
“Welcome to the Dark Dragon Sect. I am referred to as the Black Cloak Dokgo Yeongcheon in the martial world.”
“I am Heavenly Demon Wi Ji-cheon.”
“I am Heavenly Demon Wi Seoryeon.”
“Though it is lacking, I have made preparations to welcome esteemed guests, so please enjoy the feast.”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Wi Ji-cheon gestured for me to join. It would likely be to show Dokgo Yeongcheon that I am fit to sit alongside the Heavenly Demon in this formal setting.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with the two Heavenly Demons, I could see the spark in Dokgo Yeongcheon’s eyes.
It was likely a confirmation that my standing within the Heavenly Demon Sect was far from low.
“I have a guest room arranged, so please relax and rest first. We are planning a banquet to welcome esteemed guests this evening, and we have also invited influential sects from Yunnan, so I hope you can grace us with your presence.”
“Thank you for the hospitality.”
I too was assigned an appropriate room. As soon as I entered, I collapsed onto the bed.
Having to exert myself to maintain a collected demeanor under the watchful eyes of others had left my body stiff with discomfort.
In reality, it was absurd to feel stiff just because a Hwa-gyeong Martial Artist was trying a little too hard to impress others; it simply meant I was mentally uneasy.
However, there was no time for me to rest.
“Are you resting, Gaga?”
Dokgo I-seol, who had been slyly referring to me as Gaga when it was just the two of us, called for me.
I had expected Dokgo I-seol to come find me, so without hesitation, I got up.
“My father wishes to meet with you for a moment.”
I nodded at the proposition I expected.
From Dokgo Yeongcheon’s perspective, he likely wanted to have a conversation with me before the evening banquet where the leaders of the sects from Yunnan and the Heavenly Demon would gather.
“Let’s go.”
Dokgo I-seol naturally linked her arm with mine and spoke.
“Even if my father makes some demands, you don’t have to feel obliged to meet them. He’ll take any advantage he can get, regardless of whether or not you agree to his requests.”
“Hmm. If that statement reaches the ears of the Sect Leader, won’t you be in trouble?”
“It’s fine. I am not just the rumor lord of the Dark Dragon Sect; my father would not dare treat me carelessly now.”
Dokgo I-seol smiled at me with satisfaction.
“Maybe it’s because I found a good man, but I find myself feeling fortunate. Don’t you think, Yongji Maeng?”
I smiled wryly at her mimicry of how she used to speak to me when I was her subordinate. Seeing that made Dokgo I-seol chuckle as we arrived at the room of Dokgo Yeongcheon.
“Father, it’s me. I’ve brought the Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an.”
“Come in.”
I showcased politeness while carefully examining Dokgo Yeongcheon.
The way Dokgo Yeongcheon emerged from his study to greet his daughter was a stark contrast to the imposing aura he had when hosting Wi Ji-cheon and Wi Seoryeon.
His fierce spirit and desire were evident, much like a predator eyeing its prey— the demeanor indeed befitted a leader of a major Outcast faction.
“Thank you for the invitation. I am the Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Dokgo Yeongcheon, father of I-seol.”
As I glanced through Dokgo Yeongcheon’s probing gaze, I recalled the purpose of my visit.
By now, it was likely that the declaration from Heavenly Demon Wi Ji-cheon had spread throughout the lands, but expecting that alone would cause the allied forces of the Blood Sect to abandon their ties was overly ambitious.
Rumors about the Heavenly Demon Sect’s strength had circulated widely, yet no one had actually witnessed it.
Therefore, in order for the allied factions of the Blood Sect to take Wi Ji-cheon’s declaration as a genuine threat, demonstrating that power was a necessity.
How should one prove the might of the Heavenly Demon Sect and its Heavenly Demon?
Wreaking havoc on every faction that had declared allegiance to the Blood Sect would certainly illustrate our prowess. However, that approach would be overly efficient.
While it differed by region, there were very few among the factions closely tied to the Blood Sect at present that had significant power or reputation.
Even those factions with lofty ambitions to topple the well-established Righteous Sect could hardly be considered worthy opponents to demonstrate the might of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
It wouldn’t matter if I crushed the smaller fry; who would acknowledge their strength?
That was precisely why I had come to Yunnan.
I aimed to take control of the region where the Outcast factions were the strongest, thereby proving the strength of the Heavenly Demon Sect to the entire world.
“Feel free to speak. I feel uneasy with such formalities among friends.”
“Is that so? Then I shall speak freely.”
I portrayed a friendly demeanor towards Dokgo Yeongcheon, contemplating.
Proving my power doesn’t necessitate spilt blood.
If the Outcast factions in Yunnan ceased their alliances with the Blood Sect due to the arrival of the Heavenly Demon Sect, that in itself would already be a demonstration of the strength of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
Just then, Dokgo Yeongcheon spoke unabashedly again.
“To be honest, I’m quite surprised. I never imagined the martial artists of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Demon himself would choose Yunnan as their destination.”
The spark in Dokgo Yeongcheon’s eyes flickered once more.
“In this Yunnan, aren’t there also Entities of the Blood Sect?”
That statement held truth.
Strictly speaking, the true threats to the Blood Sect comprised the formations and the Array Formation Teams.
However, in a region practically devoid of Righteous faction forces, it was natural that the Blood Sect would have no reason to dispatch any Entities for an assault.
Thus, Yunnan could be considered the sole area in the world where the Blood Sect had not sent any beings to attack.
I smiled lightly and replied.
“There may not be Entities, but we cannot underestimate the strength of the Blood Sect.”
“Oh?”
Yunnan was free from the Blood Sect’s invasions.
As such, the Outcast factions in Yunnan were likely to form alliances with the Blood Sect without hesitation.
They could exchange positive influences without invading each other’s territories.
The factions in Yunnan were surely aware of that fact, and Dokgo Yeongcheon in front of me was no exception.
Despite being part of my entourage, Dokgo I-seol would not refuse the opportunity to gain advantages.
Therefore, I needed to erase the option of aligning with the Blood Sect from Dokgo Yeongcheon’s thoughts.
“Exactly.”
Just as I was about to open my mouth, Dokgo Yeongcheon continued.
“What does it feel like to step into the Dark Dragon Sect under the name of the Yongji Maeng?”
… It seems I lost the chance to strike first by a fraction of a moment.
