Chapter 201
Chapter 201
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 201
Chapter Title: Nine Martial Sovereigns
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Gu Mu-jon.
The term referred to the nine absolute sovereigns whose mere existence could shake the entire martial world of Kangho.
Sometimes, the number of these sovereigns affiliated with a faction was seen as a direct measure of its power, drawing immense attention from the world at large.
'Originally, our cult had three such sovereigns.'
The patriarch of the Gu Clan.
The supreme patriarch of the Cheon Clan.
And finally, the previous Heavenly Demon.
However, decades had passed since the previous Heavenly Demon vanished, so he could no longer be counted among the cult's forces.
Thus, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult now had only two remaining sovereigns.
If facing an external enemy, they would undoubtedly become the cult's sharpest blades.
But if trouble arose from within, things would be different.
Where would they stand?
The Gu Clan and the Cheon Clan.
They were the only two of the Seven Great Demon Clans that had yet to pledge loyalty to Hyeok Mulin.
"In a way, it's fortunate they haven't made any moves until now."
He hadn't faced major interference while bringing five of the Seven Great Demon Clans under his command.
Of course, Cheon Jungak had drawn his blade, but the Cheon Clan's true master—the supreme patriarch—had shown no reaction whatsoever.
'But that will change now.'
With the Heavenly Demon having five of the Seven Great Demon Clans in his grasp, they would feel directly threatened.
The cult leader, the heart of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and the Seven Great Demon Clans, the pillars upholding the cult.
The delicate balance between them was on the verge of collapse.
And that was precisely Hyeok Mulin's will.
To tread the path of the demonic way, they needed to unite their wills.
Petty checks and rivalries were unnecessary.
Hyeok Mulin intended to unify the cult under his name.
He would provide a clear path for their thoughts, ideals, and everything else.
'I've gained some leeway, but I won't let my guard down.'
Changing the minds of the remaining two clans might prove harder than securing oaths from the previous five.
After all, these were the cult's sovereigns, not outsiders.
In his previous life, they had never acknowledged him as the true Heavenly Demon until his dying breath, never once coming to meet him.
'This time will be different.'
He would force them to come to him, whether they wished to or not.
But before confronting them head-on, he needed to solidify the foundation and handle any issues within and outside the cult.
And even before that...
"For now, it's time to fully savor the joy of the Man Clan's allegiance."
Man Ho.
Contrary to public perception, he was perhaps the most complex figure Hyeok Mulin had encountered among the demonic experts so far.
Once Hyeok Mulin displayed his prowess, Man Ho shifted from indifference to explosive interest, yet as clan patriarch, he maintained his boundaries without crossing the line.
Moreover, during their journey together to the Southern Barbaric Beast Palace, while Man Ho observed Hyeok Mulin's qualities, Hyeok Mulin had likewise kept a close eye on him.
In the end, Hyeok Mulin reached a conclusion.
Man Ho's allegiance would yield effects beyond merely gaining another patriarch from the Seven Great Demon Clans.
Of that, he was absolutely certain.
"Now, I should get some rest."
The spar hadn't drained him excessively, but perhaps the weight of the major accomplishment lingered.
Hyeok Mulin's eyelids grew heavy for a moment, and he slowly closed his eyes.
Thus, seated in the Heavenly Demon Hall, Hyeok Mulin soon drifted into a deep sleep, his posture slanting slightly.
Having washed away his accumulated fatigue, Hyeok Mulin awoke to the faint light of dawn breaking through.
As he slowly opened his eyes, he sensed a familiar presence outside the Heavenly Demon Hall and spoke.
"Come in."
Jang Wi, who had been guarding the entrance, stepped aside and opened the door.
Sima Jin entered and greeted Hyeok Mulin.
Hyeok Mulin straightened his posture and said,
"What brings you here?"
It was barely dawn, with the morning dew not yet dissipated, yet he had come straight to the Heavenly Demon Hall.
To Hyeok Mulin's question, Sima Jin replied with a smile.
"Lord Cult Leader, you've succeeded."
"Succeeded in what?"
"You've brought Patriarch Man under your command, haven't you?"
Hyeok Mulin paused at those words, puzzled.
Man Ho had pledged loyalty only a few hours ago, right after their spar.
That night, Hyeok Mulin hadn't informed anyone and had come straight to the Heavenly Demon Hall to rest.
How could Sima Jin already know?
"That's true, but how did you...?"
He trailed off, suddenly realizing, and continued.
"Don't tell me?"
Sima Jin nodded and explained.
"Yes. Before dawn, the Man Clan sent letters to all clans and sects in the cult declaring their support for you. And that's not all. Overnight, every group connected to the Man Clan—units, clans, sects, merchant groups—has shifted to utmost cooperation with the cult."
Hyeok Mulin couldn't help but let out an incredulous laugh.
Man Ho was Man Ho, indeed.
Not even half a day had passed since choosing his path, yet he had gone all-in, boldly declaring support without reservation.
Others might not understand, but Hyeok Mulin did.
'Yes, from now on, live as you wish.'
If you become my sword, I shall give you wings in return.
I won't let you regret that choice.
Recalling Man Ho, Hyeok Mulin nodded to Sima Jin.
"You're right. Patriarch Man has pledged loyalty to me."
"Then that makes five...!"
Though expected, hearing confirmation from Hyeok Mulin's lips made Sima Jin clench his fist in excitement.
The cult leader had brought five of the Seven Great Demon Clans under his wing.
He knew exactly what that meant, and he couldn't hide his elation.
Whoosh—
Exhaling deeply, Sima Jin said to Hyeok Mulin,
"We've truly come this far."
"Indeed. Only two clans remain among the Seven Great Demon Clans."
Hyeok Mulin's words were positive, but the follow-up instilled vigilance in Sima Jin.
He had been overjoyed moments ago, as if the world were his. But that joy quickly subsided. It wasn't time to relax. Formidable foes who could upend the board at any moment still lingered.
"Of course. I'll head back immediately and order more detailed surveillance on the Gu and Cheon Clans—"
"Enough."
Hyeok Mulin cut off Sima Jin's resolute words.
"Surely we can afford a day's rest."
Take a day to rest.
Running forward endlessly would leave him without strength when it mattered most.
At Hyeok Mulin's words, Sima Jin felt his own unwitting impatience melt away.
"Today is for rest. I'll seal access to Pure Heaven Pavilion today, so return."
Sima Jin flinched.
Hyeok Mulin's order made him feel utterly seen through.
'How did he know?'
He had planned to handle just three hours of work at Pure Heaven Pavilion before leaving.
Forced into rest by Hyeok Mulin, Sima Jin soon smiled and accepted it fully.
"I shall obey your command, Lord Cult Leader."
Bowing, Sima Jin left the Heavenly Demon Hall.
Was it his imagination?
His steps seemed lighter today.
After he departed, Hyeok Mulin spoke again.
"Protector Jang. Enter."
"Did you call for me, Lord Cult Leader?"
Jang Wi entered, bowed deeply in greeting, and looked up at him.
But Hyeok Mulin simply stared at him silently for a long while.
"Lord Cult Leader...?"
Jang Wi voiced his confusion at the gaze.
Finally, Hyeok Mulin parted his lips with a faint smile.
"You've worked hard."
Since returning to the past, more wrinkles lined his face than when they first reunited.
Through that face, Hyeok Mulin felt the passage of time.
"I know how much you've taken on. Sometimes, even beyond a protector’s duties."
The sole protector attached to Hyeok Mulin, and Left Protector Jang Wi.
When Hyeok Mulin was inside Heavenly Demon Palace, Jang Wi handled his escort and vigilance.
Even when Hyeok Mulin ventured out alone, Jang Wi never rested.
He guarded and watched over Hyeok Mulin's remaining forces in the palace.
And Hyeok Mulin knew it all.
"I merely did what I could."
Hyeok Mulin looked at Jang Wi's humble reply with satisfaction.
Finding a warrior as strong as him might be possible, but one with such responsibility? Near impossible.
"You've heard by now. Today, even you shall rest."
At Hyeok Mulin's command, Jang Wi immediately refused.
"How can I rest while you're in the palace? Please withdraw the order."
"Do you intend to defy the cult leader's command?"
"I prioritize my duty as your protector."
Refusing an order to rest.
It was expected from the ever-principled Jang Wi.
But it was still absurd.
His subordinates all rejected rest.
Sima Jin pretended to obey while planning work; Jang Wi outright refused.
As their leader, it was heartening, but today he would bend their wills.
He nodded regretfully and spoke.
"No helping it, then. I'll have to leave the palace."
"Pardon?"
"That way, you can rest without following. I planned to relax here in the Heavenly Demon Hall today, but oh well."
Jang Wi's face paled.
After agonizing alone, he finally squeezed his eyes shut and decided.
"...Understood. I'll rest today."
He couldn't burden the cult leader just to uphold principle.
Hyeok Mulin smiled in satisfaction.
"A wise choice. Go now. Ah, and before leaving Heavenly Demon Palace, send for Ibi-ja."
After issuing the simple order, Hyeok Mulin watched Jang Wi trudge away.
Unlike Sima Jin, his steps dragged, but Hyeok Mulin remained convinced it was right.
'Hm. Next time, I should have some tonic made for him.'
As Hyeok Mulin nodded to himself in thought, Ibi-ja soon entered the Heavenly Demon Hall without much wait.
"I pay respects to the exalted cult leader."
Hyeok Mulin looked at the bowing Ibi-ja and spoke.
"Is the unit's formation proceeding smoothly?"
"Yes. We've recently returned from special training in the Great Frost Mountains, focusing on individual prowess and organizational strength step by step."
"I see."
Ibi-ja was building the unit's foundation methodically, by the book.
But they hadn't yet reached Hyeok Mulin's envisioned standard.
Thus, he devised a plan.
A way to swiftly elevate their skills and cohesion, transforming them into the true Heavenly Demon Army.
"I have a mission for you. Departure tomorrow."
"Understood."
Sudden as it was, Ibi-ja accepted calmly.
His trust in Hyeok Mulin left no room for questions.
"And I'll accompany you on that mission."
Ibi-ja paused briefly at the follow-up but soon nodded.
The cult leader joining made it worlds apart from the unit moving alone.
He'd need to assign escorts from the unit, and prepare the finest routes, carriages, lodgings—everything top-tier.
A month wouldn't suffice, and tomorrow's departure made time critically short.
Yet Ibi-ja said nothing.
"Then I'll return at once and make special preparations."
His mind was filled with rushing back to ready the unit for the cult leader.
But Hyeok Mulin's next words shattered those thoughts.
"No need. I won't reveal my identity to the unit members."
"...Pardon?"
Ibi-ja's composed expression cracked.
Flustered, he stared wide-eyed, as if asking what that meant.
But Hyeok Mulin merely lifted the corner of his mouth in silence.