Chapter 173
Chapter 173
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 173
Chapter Title: Hell Blade's Challenge
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Heavenly Demon Hall.
Leaning back against the grand seat, Hyeok Mulin gathered his thoughts as he reflected on his recent journey to the Central Plains.
His initial goal had been to uncover the truth behind the Tuguang and retrieve the missing members of the Divine Demon Blood Death Squad.
After confirming the area where they vanished, Danri Hyang had even become part of that objective.
He had kept in mind the deep-seated grudge stemming from his birthplace, aiming to resolve it completely.
'And yet, how did things unfold...'
He had encountered the Twin Brains, the masterminds of the Four Black Alliances, and the Ancient Martial Sovereign, the Huashan Sword Sage. He had even forged debts with the prestigious sword clan, the Danri Clan, and the core of the Murim Alliance, the Huashan Sect.
Especially Baek Hyeon-gyeong.
Though their meeting was brief, it had been far denser than any other moment—several times over.
The sword of Huashan.
The swordsmanship demonstrated personally by the sect leader himself.
He had thought he would only witness it on the battlefield, when it came for his life. Never had he imagined seeing it so easily.
That experience had fully seeped into Hyeok Mulin's own sword.
'But that wasn't all.'
Clink.
Hyeok Mulin rolled a silver token etched with a plum blossom pattern between his fingers.
Staring at it, he slowly curled the corners of his mouth.
"You've given me something troublesome."
Plum Blossom Badge.
A token of gratitude from Huashan, one that only the sect leader could bestow.
Its weight was so immense that throughout martial history, the number of times it had been used could be counted on two hands.
'To hand over something so precious without hesitation.'
He could guess the reason.
Right before they parted, the man had subtly extended his senses, trying to probe Hyeok Mulin's internal energy.
It was so finely tuned that most warriors wouldn't have noticed, but Hyeok Mulin had caught it early on.
Still, he had let it happen.
Why?
Because no matter what, the man could never grasp its depths.
After ascending to the Demon God Realm through the Pure Soul Divine Demon Art, Hyeok Mulin had reached a stage where he could freely conceal or reveal his energy at will.
'That's why I tested it one last time, facing the Huashan Sword Sage.'
And the result?
The Sword Sage had shown a peculiar expression, harboring suspicions, but in the end, he couldn't uncover Hyeok Mulin's true identity.
That was enough.
Even an Ancient Martial Sovereign couldn't be certain.
What about the rest?
Setting aside the instances where he had deliberately revealed himself during battles with the Ten Righteous Demons.
As with the Huashan elder Sangseo, most warriors wouldn't notice the demonic energy in his dantian.
Now, Hyeok Mulin could enjoy complete freedom anywhere in the world.
'So this... someday.'
Hyeok Mulin tucked the Plum Blossom Badge back into his robes.
As long as his identity remained hidden, its uses were endless.
Huashan protecting him, the Heavenly Demon, as an ally.
It was a scenario he had never even considered.
"That could be interesting."
With a soft chuckle, Hyeok Mulin slowly raised his head.
Just then, Jang Wi appeared and spoke.
"Patriarch Man has arrived."
"Bring him in."
Shortly after Hyeok Mulin's command, the doors opened.
Clank. Clank.
Man Ho entered, his entire body bound in iron chains, heavy shackles weighing down his ankles.
His acupoints had been sealed, paralyzing his dantian and rendering his internal energy unusable.
Ji Wolhon gripped his shoulder and shoved, forcing Man Ho to drop to his knees before Hyeok Mulin.
Soon after, Ji Wolhon who had escorted him withdrew, leaving only the two in the Heavenly Demon Hall.
In that moment, their eyes met, and Hyeok Mulin, looking down at him, slowly spoke.
"Patriarch Man. It's truly regrettable to meet again like this."
"Cult Leader. You've finally returned. I was waiting so anxiously I thought my neck would snap."
"So it seemed. Enough to send me such a letter."
Hyeok Mulin tossed the letter directly in front of him; it fluttered down onto Man Ho's knee.
As Man Ho looked down at it, Hyeok Mulin continued.
"You won't claim now that you didn't send it, will you?"
"......"
Man Ho fell silent at those words, and Hyeok Mulin pressed on.
"Then explain yourself. Why did you write a letter full of disloyalty? Your answer will determine your punishment."
Given the chance to explain, Man Ho finally began to speak, slowly.
"When I first heard you were hosting the Demonic Martial Sovereign Tournament, I was honestly shocked."
In the current situation, such a tournament would inevitably draw challenges against the Cult Leader.
Even if it proceeded flawlessly, Man Ho had thought a weak leader like him would never accept a challenge.
'But the Cult Leader shattered all my expectations.'
He had accepted Cheon Jungak's challenge as if he had been waiting for it, then subdued him in a way that satisfied even the Strongest Under Heaven.
All while showing mercy by sparing his life.
It was a flawless victory no one could dispute, and Man Ho had been deeply shocked.
"After that, I couldn't sleep more than two hours a day."
Recalling the divine might the Cult Leader displayed made his heart race uncontrollably, chasing sleep away.
What if he had been the one standing there?
Man Ho imagined clashing his Dao fiercely against Hyeok Mulin's sword.
After much deliberation, he finally made his decision.
He would request a one-on-one duel with the Cult Leader directly.
So he headed to the Heavenly Demon Palace.
"But you were away."
It just so happened to be during Hyeok Mulin's trip to the Central Plains.
Due to the timing mismatch, Sima Jin had simply told him to wait and sent him away.
And that only spurred him on further.
Thirsting like a man lost in the desert, desperate for water, he wrote a letter with false contents as a ploy to draw Hyeok Mulin back quickly.
"I apologize for the overly provocative content of the letter."
Man Ho bowed his uncomfortable body, admitting his fault.
But had he not done so, the fire in his chest would have burst out somewhere—and it had been inevitable for him.
'Though the letter's contents weren't entirely false.'
He wasn't aiming for the Heavenly Demon's throne, but what he sought was still a challenge against the Cult Leader.
His desire was simple.
Duel, death match—it didn't matter.
He simply wanted to clash his true martial arts against Hyeok Mulin's.
"A challenge. Is that your wish?"
"Yes."
Hyeok Mulin gazed steadily down at Man Ho.
In truth, he had somewhat anticipated this burning desire for combat.
Among the patriarchs of the Seven Great Demon Clans, Man Ho was the most belligerent—even challenging the allied Cheon Jungak to a duel.
Watching the Demonic Martial Sovereign Tournament up close, how could he not ignite?
But.
"I refuse."
"......!"
At those words, Man Ho thrust forward like a carp leaping from a pond, protesting vehemently.
"Why? Are you afraid of defeat? If so, I won't use any internal energy in the fight. And I promise not to harm your body in any way."
"That's not the reason."
"Then why?!"
"Then let me ask you in turn."
Hyeok Mulin continued, eyes fixed on him.
"If you lose the duel, can the Man Clan swear complete obedience to me?"
"......!"
Man Ho's pupils dilated.
"That is..."
He averted his gaze, unable to continue.
Of course.
Even if Man Ho himself was captivated by Hyeok Mulin's prowess, loyalty from the clan's perspective was another matter.
Drawing from his past life's experiences, Hyeok Mulin understood his personality well.
Man Ho was uniquely aggressive and unpredictable in his actions.
But that didn't mean he ignored his clan for personal whims.
Personal desires versus duties as patriarch.
Man Ho separated the two completely and acted accordingly.
Free-spirited himself, he actually considered and prioritized his clan's interests even more.
'So even if I win the duel, it would only satisfy his battle lust—nothing more, nothing less.'
Hyeok Mulin wanted the submission of Man Ho and the entire Man Clan.
That's why he rejected this request with minimal gains.
And Man Ho understood that, his shoulders slumping.
His personal duel and his role as patriarch were entirely separate.
As he sat there with a darkened expression, unable to speak, Hyeok Mulin opened his mouth.
"However, accept one proposal from me, and I may grant your request."
Man Ho's face brightened instantly.
A spark lit in his eyes as he replied swiftly.
"Just say it. I'll do anything."
Hyeok Mulin nodded and spoke.
"Fifteen days."
"...Fifteen days?"
"Serve as my Right Protector for exactly fifteen days. Fulfill the role faithfully, and on the final day, I'll grant your request."
Man Ho was at a loss for words at the proposal.
This man who had just demanded a fight was now offering a position tantamount to entrusting him with his life?
Man Ho eyed Hyeok Mulin suspiciously through narrowed lids, but his face showed no particular emotion.
Soon, Man Ho began seriously considering the offer.
And after much thought, he reached a conclusion.
'Not bad. No, it's an offer too good to pass up.'
It resolved both his personal desires and his doubts as patriarch.
Man Ho couldn't understand why the other Seven Great Demon Clan patriarchs were so enamored with Hyeok Mulin.
Was he truly a leader worth that?
What exactly was the demonic path he promised that made them pledge loyalty so suddenly?
Questions filled his mind.
But now, he had the chance to observe him up close, every move and gesture.
'Though it's a shame the duel is delayed.'
Considering the clan, this path offered far greater benefits.
And it wasn't a lifelong position—just temporary for fifteen days. No reason to refuse.
What could possibly happen in a mere fifteen days?
Having decided, Man Ho bowed his head with a resolute expression.
"Grant me the honor of standing by your side, Cult Leader."
At those words, Hyeok Mulin rose from the grand seat.
He approached to within arm's reach of Man Ho and stopped.
Shing—
Hyeok Mulin drew his sword.
The blade gleamed sharply, absorbing the light.
And with a single stroke, he swung it toward Man Ho.
Whoosh!
The sound of air being cleaved.
Clang.
The iron chains binding Man Ho's body split apart and fell away.
Now free, he lifted his head to look at Hyeok Mulin.
Hyeok Mulin, gazing back, slowly curved his lips into a smile.
"Granted."