Chapter 96: The Greatest Demon of All Time (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: The Greatest Demon of All Time (3)
The fortress of the Martial Alliance in Wuhan, Hubei Province.
The atmosphere in the main headquarters' grand conference room was heavy beyond measure.
The members of the Martial Alliance were dressed in funeral attire, as they were still in the midst of mourning the Alliance Leader, Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon.
No one had predicted such a catastrophe.
Although this subjugation campaign had been championed by the current Alliance Leader, Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon, and his faction, even the established ruling class had predicted their victory.
However, those expectations had been shattered.
"The Greatest Demon of All Time... Ha!"
Taoist Master Hoyang, the Plum Blossom White Sword of the Huashan Sect and the Second Elder of the Martial Alliance, muttered in disbelief.
The title had already spread across the entire Martial World in every direction.
The weight of that title was immense.
"It is impossible. They must have used some sort of trickery."
Taoist Master Jong-oh, the new Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect, clicked his tongue, unable to believe it.
In the current Orthodox Faction, Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon was considered the greatest warrior alongside the former Alliance Leader, the First Sword of Wuhan, Baek Hyang-muk.
His defeat was still a shock in and of itself.
"Trickery? Taoist Master Jong-oh, you only say that because you didn't see that monster yourself."
Peng Sa-yong, the Family Head of the Hebei Peng Family and the Sixth Elder of the Martial Alliance, rebuked him.
Peng Sa-yong had gone to the front lines and fought him directly.
Even as a Supreme Peak Master, he had been blown away without being able to endure a single move.
"I am not trying to blame Family Head Peng."
"Hmph. Then why do you claim they used trickery? You know nothing because you were sitting at a desk instead of being on the front lines."
"Your words are excessive."
The elders who had not participated in the subjugation campaign grew uncomfortable at his words.
Even without this, the two factions were already harboring growing resentment toward each other due to their differing opinions on the campaign.
Eon Gwang-woon, the Family Head of the Jinju Eon Family, spoke up.
"This situation is extremely serious. Both I and Great Hero Jo of the Hengshan Sect fought him, and his martial prowess is truly worthy of being called the best under heaven."
"The best under heaven? That is preposterous."
Great Immortal Jeongyang, the Sect Leader of the Gongdong Sect, denied this.
Even if the martial prowess of the Blood Demon, the head of the Blood Cult, was strong, they could not acknowledge him as having the best martial prowess under heaven.
The morale of the Orthodox Faction, already diminished by the defeat in this war, would hit rock bottom if they did.
Jo Cheong-un, Hengshan's First Sword, spoke with a sigh.
"The issue of whether to acknowledge it or not has already passed. As the elders are aware, the Blood Cult is already accelerating the reclamation of the area south of the Yangtze River following their victory in this war."
"Ahem."
As Jo Cheong-un said, the Blood Cult's movements were very swift.
With the total annihilation of the forces from five branches of the Martial Alliance in this war, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces had already fallen into the hands of the Blood Cult.
The information networks in those five provinces had already been largely severed.
It meant the Blood Cult had begun purging the Orthodox forces within those five provinces.
"Nine branches are still intact."
At those words from Taoist Master Hoyang, Eon Gwang-woon of the Jinju Eon Family shook his head.
"We lost the war even with five branches and half the strength of the main headquarters. Can we really afford to be complacent just because the strength of the nine branches is intact?"
Even if the nine branches—Sichuan, Gansu, Anhui, Henan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, and Liaoning—and the main headquarters were intact, the situation was different than before.
With this, the Blood Cult had secured the conditions to rally the forces of the Evil Faction.
"Furthermore, the movements of Peerless Fortress are also unusual."
"Hmm."
The elders' expressions grew heavy.
Although Peerless Fortress had withdrawn, this southward march had made one thing clear: they had a massive enemy at their back in the north, separate from the Blood Cult and the Evil Faction.
At that moment, Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, who had been quietly observing their conversation, spoke up.
"I have taken measures regarding that, so please wait."
"You've taken measures? What do you mean by that?"
"I have sent the Unit Leader of the Fierce Tiger Unit to Peerless Fortress."
"The Unit Leader of the Fierce Tiger Unit? Isn't that your grandson, Vice Alliance Leader?"
The Unit Leader of the Fierce Tiger Unit was Jin Yong, the grandson of Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun.
Everyone was puzzled by the news that he had been sent.
In response to their confusion, Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon, who had returned to his post four months ago after being cleared of suspicion, answered on his behalf.
"As you all know, Merciless Wind God Jin Seong-baek has become the Lord of Peerless Fortress and seized power."
"What does that matter? Neither Jin Seong-baek, the current ruler of Peerless Fortress, nor Wang Chuyi, the Sect Leader of the Sea King Fortress Sect, are friendly toward our Alliance at all, are they?"
"That is true. However, the Unit Leader of the Fierce Tiger Unit is different."
"Different how?"
Matron Jeonghyang of the Emei Sect asked back.
At this, Sama Jung-hyeon smiled thinly and said, "Unit Leader Jin Yong of the Fierce Tiger Unit is a disciple of Merciless Wind God Jin Seong-baek. Because of that connection, he has gone to resolve this situation and push for a re-alliance."
"Oh? Is that true?"
"Now that you mention it, I think I've heard of that."
"I heard it as well. That the Hall Master of the Azure Dragon Hall, Lee Jung-gyeom, and the Unit Leader of the Fierce Tiger Unit went to take the exam of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect."
At their reactions, Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun's lips curled upward.
He had been furious when his grandson had done such a thing on his own, but it had turned out to be a masterstroke of foresight.
No matter how cold the Merciless Wind God was, would he really turn away his own disciple?
Furthermore, Sama Jung-hyeon was certain that even if the current rulers of Peerless Fortress were not friendly toward the Martial Alliance, they would have no choice but to join forces to keep the Blood Cult in check.
Now, only one thing remained.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun nodded toward Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon.
As if waiting for this, Sama Jung-hyeon spoke.
"I intended to speak after the funeral was over, but since the situation is becoming increasingly urgent, I would like to make a proposal to the elders here."
"A proposal?"
"What do you mean?"
"We cannot leave the position of the Alliance's leader vacant forever. I believe the elders here will agree with that."
Everyone nodded at Sama Jung-hyeon's words.
Although there was a Vice Alliance Leader, the position was strictly meant to assist the Alliance Leader.
Sama Jung-hyeon continued.
"I propose that as soon as the funeral procedures for the current Alliance Leader, Great Hero Jeong Cheon, are concluded, the current Vice Alliance Leader, Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, succeed him as the Alliance Leader."
"The Ardent King Hegemon?"
Taoist Master Hoyang asked back.
Judging by his tone and expression, he did not seem pleased with the idea.
To Taoist Master Hoyang, Great Immortal Jeongyang, the Sect Leader of the Gongdong Sect, said, "Why do you question it so? In this time of crisis, is there anyone other than Great Hero Jin-gyun who can take on the role of Alliance Leader?"
"I also agree with this."
Matron Jeonghyang of the Emei Sect added her support.
These were the people who had supported Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun since the previous election.
At the words of the two elders, the faction that had supported the deceased Alliance Leader, Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon, also nodded, as they had no suitable alternative.
At that moment, someone spoke up.
"I think differently."
It was Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon.
Excluding the Vice Alliance Leader, he was the one with the most influence in the Martial Alliance.
When he stepped forward, Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun spoke with a somewhat stiff face, as if displeased.
"It seems the Chief Strategist finds me lacking."
"That could not be the case. Great Hero Jin-gyun certainly has sufficient qualities to be the Alliance Leader."
"Then what wise opinion do you have that makes you say such a thing?"
The atmosphere in the meeting room grew heavy at his weighty question.
Nevertheless, Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon was completely unbothered as he spoke.
"I believe the selection of the Alliance Leader should be conducted fairly."
As he started with that, Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon's eyes narrowed.
As expected, he's opposing it.
He had suspected Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon, who was once his master.
However, since he had only recently returned to his post and had not found decisive evidence, he was leaving him be for now.
He intended to naturally push him out once the new Alliance Leader was elected.
He's not one to just take it lying down.
He was the Chief Strategist, after all.
Sama Jung-hyeon didn't think the man would fail to notice his schemes. He couldn't let him keep that position.
Sama Jung-hyeon spoke up.
"This is a position for which there is no alternative. How can you discuss fairness?"
"How can you say there is no alternative?"
"In this situation where both Alliance Leader Jeong Cheon and Taoist Master Jongseong of Wudang are gone, the only one who can face the Blood Demon is Vice Alliance Leader Jin-gyun."
Everyone fell silent, as this was a reality no one could refute.
The only one who could handle the Blood Demon's martial prowess was Jin-gyun, who could be considered one of the Eight Great Masters.
Sama Jung-hyeon glared at Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon as if daring him to counter.
Then, Bang Deok-hyeon said with a smile, "To be called the Greatest Demon of All Time means that the current Blood Demon has surpassed the realm of superhumans."
At those words, Jin-gyun's expression stiffened formidably.
Even he hadn't expected that Bang Deok-hyeon would dare to discuss martial prowess in this place, right in front of the person in question.
Sama Jung-hyeon spoke in a sharp voice.
"Are you perhaps disparaging Great Hero Jin-gyun's martial arts?"
"......Hahaha, Strategist Sama, why are you being so sharp? Is there a reason it must be Great Hero Jin-gyun?"
At Bang Deok-hyeon's words, Sama Jung-hyeon fell silent.
That old fox.
He realized that if he got agitated here, he would fall for the man's trick.
Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon was someone who could never be underestimated.
After taking a moment to calm himself, Sama Jung-hyeon spoke.
"......Then who can take the position of Alliance Leader and face the Blood Cult?"
At that question, Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon spoke in a meaningful voice.
"Is there not someone?"
Everyone was puzzled by those words.
Who on earth was he talking about?
Bang Deok-hyeon continued.
"It hasn't been that long since he retired from active duty, but I am talking about the greatest swordsman of the Orthodox Faction, who personally took the head of the previous Blood Demon during the Great Orthodox-Evil War twenty years ago."
At those words, everyone's expressions froze.
The same was true for Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun.
It was because they immediately realized who he was talking about.
Sama Jung-hyeon spoke in a trembling voice.
"Are you... are you talking about the former Alliance Leader?"
The former Alliance Leader.
The First Sword of Wuhan, Baek Hyang-muk.
Although his punishment had ended with him stepping down from his position in recognition of his past merits, had he not committed the grave sin of learning the Blood Cult's martial art, the Blood Heaven Great Achievement Art?
What kind of scheme is this?
Sama Jung-hyeon could not understand this situation at all.
The one who had uncovered that fact and personally led the impeachment was none other than Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon.
Now, he was arguing for the reinstatement of the very leader he had ousted with his own hands.
Great Immortal Jeongyang, the Sect Leader of the Gongdong Sect, cut in.
"The former Alliance Leader stepped down after committing a grave crime!"
At his words, Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon said with a smile, "That is true. Since he laid hands on the Blood Demon's martial arts."
Matron Jeonghyang of the Emei Sect asked as if she couldn't understand.
"Amitabha. Did you not personally lead the impeachment, Chief Strategist? And yet, you suddenly bring up the former Alliance Leader now."
"Did you not say you wanted a stable alternative?"
"The former Alliance Leader laid hands on the Blood Demon's martial arts. How can a man tainted by demonic aura be reinstated to the position of Alliance Leader, the symbol of the Orthodox Faction?"
Even Namgung Mujin, the Family Head of the Namgung Family, who had not taken any side until now, came forward in opposition.
In an instant, the meeting room became noisy.
The reinstatement of the former Alliance Leader was that complicated of an issue.
What is he up to? Even if the former Alliance Leader returns, his position will be unstable.
It was the former Alliance Leader Baek Hyang-muk who had been forced to step down due to his impeachment.
Sama Jung-hyeon had learned through conversations with Baek Hyang-muk that the former leader had also found Bang Deok-hyeon suspicious and had been investigating him.
He couldn't tell what kind of plot this was.
I must oppose it. If I get dragged into his pace...
It was right then.
Thump! Crackle!
The table split in half, and the noisy meeting room instantly fell silent.
The one who had done this to the table was none other than Vice Alliance Leader Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun.
Everyone's eyes turned toward him.
Jin-gyun spoke.
"Are you saying that no one but the former Alliance Leader, who committed a grave crime, can face the Blood Demon?"
His voice was not just filled with anger; it even carried a sense of battle intent.
Oh no.
Sama Jung-hyeon hadn't expected Jin-gyun to fall for the provocation.
He, too, had high pride in his martial arts, enough to be called one of the Eight Great Masters.
In such a situation, it would have been more strange if he hadn't been enraged when Bang Deok-hyeon openly wounded his pride in front of the masters of each sect.
He looked ready to snap Bang Deok-hyeon's neck at any moment.
However, as if not fearing this at all, Bang Deok-hyeon said with a smile, "Even if he committed a grave crime, is the situation not what it is?"
"The situation?"
"If even the Vice Alliance Leader is defeated by the Blood Demon, the trust in the Orthodox Martial Alliance will fall into the abyss."
Everyone let out a small groan at the undeniable words.
With the current Alliance Leader, Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon, already defeated and killed by the current Blood Demon, the Martial Alliance's standing was already significantly shaken.
Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon was pointing exactly at that.
Even Taoist Master Hoyang, who had supported the former Alliance Leader, said as if troubled, "But Chief Strategist, there is a lack of justification to reinstate the former Alliance Leader..."
"Can we not simply create a justification? For instance, that the former Alliance Leader, who foresaw the resurrection of the Blood Cult, was investigating the Blood Demon's martial arts."
"........."
No one could refute Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon's seamless words.
They, too, had been wavering from the moment the former Alliance Leader was mentioned.
Setting aside the grave crime, the person who had opened the era of a solid Orthodox Faction for twenty years was none other than the former Alliance Leader, Baek Hyang-muk.
Furthermore, his martial prowess was something everyone acknowledged.
Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon urgently sent a sound transmission to Vice Alliance Leader Jin-gyun.
[Vice Alliance Leader. This is the Chief Strategist's scheme. You must not fall for any more provocations...]
However, before his transmission could even finish, Jin-gyun held out his hand, signaling him to stop.
Then, he spoke in a grave voice.
"Fine. Then it would be best to decide who can truly face the Blood Demon."
"Alliance Leader!"
Despite Sama Jung-hyeon's shout, Jin-gyun continued, unbothered.
"Let us call the former Alliance Leader and hold a public selection. If we decide the position of Alliance Leader through a contest of martial arts rather than a vote this time, there will be no complaints, will there?"
At Jin-gyun's words, the corners of Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon's mouth curled up slightly.
Seeing this, Sama Jung-hyeon sighed inwardly.
In the end, it had happened exactly as the man intended.
Jin-gyun, whose pride as a martial artist had been wounded, was not in a state to listen to reason.
I should discuss this with the former Alliance Leader instead.
The only one who could make a rational judgment in this situation was the former Alliance Leader, Baek Hyang-muk.
Bang Deok-hyeon, having achieved his goal, said as if satisfied, "How bold of you. I applaud Great Hero Jin's decision. If Great Hero Jin defeats the former Alliance Leader and has his martial prowess recognized, everyone will follow without a word."
It seemed the meeting was coming to a close.
At that moment, someone spoke up.
"If the right person to face the Blood Demon is the one suited to be the Alliance Leader, is there not one more person who fits that description?"
"Elder Gwak?"
It was Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik.
He was the one who had been selected as a new elder during Merciless Blade Jeong Cheon's inauguration as Alliance Leader.
Although he had been selected as a new elder, he had not stood out much until now. As he stepped forward for the first time, everyone looked at him in wonder.
The same was true for Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon.
Bang Deok-hyeon asked curiously, "......Who on earth could such a person be?"
At that question, Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik replied, "I believe there is no one more suited than this person."
At his confident voice, Vice Alliance Leader Jin-gyun frowned and asked, "Who are you talking about?"
"That person has even fought with Great Hero Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun."
"Fought with me?"
"He has also fought with the Wolf King Hyeok Cheon-man, and he even killed two of the Four—no, Five Great Villains: Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon and Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon Jang Mun-ryang."
"!?"
At those words, Jin-gyun's eyes wavered.
He realized who was being discussed.
In the current Orthodox Martial World, there was only one person who had achieved such great feats.
"Could it be..."
"Are you talking about him?"
The room buzzed.
No one had thought of this person as an alternative.
He was too young, and his whereabouts had been unknown recently.
Chief Strategist Bang Deok-hyeon, who had been relaxed until now as things went his way, shook his head and said, "He is too young."
"Are we not looking for someone to face the Blood Demon?"
"......That is true, but."
"He is the very person who uniquely repelled the current Blood Demon, the one called the Greatest Demon of All Time."
Murmur, murmur!
The meeting room was in an uproar.
Bukyeong Doseong Gwak Hyeong-jik stood up and performed a fist-and-palm salute.
"I recommend the Lesser Sword Immortal, So Woon-hwi, for the position of Alliance Leader."