Chapter 262
Chapter 262
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 262
Chapter Title: The Dark Realm
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The Dark Realm.
It was a term encompassing everything from the shallow back alleys of the Divine Province to its deepest abysses.
There, clandestine dealings unfolded that could never see the light of day.
Money that couldn't be exchanged openly changed hands, and people who couldn't step out into the world wandered freely.
Such a Dark Realm had no formal rules to speak of, yet those who dwelled there tacitly adhered to one unspoken law.
—Do as you please here.
—But never cross the Lone Valley Clan.
For the Lone Valley Clan was inextricably bound to the Dark Realm.
From the moment they took root in the Divine Province, they had melted into the shadows.
Under the sun, the Lone Valley Clan was weaker than any of the Seven Great Demon Clans in terms of overt power and influence. But once darkness fell, no force across the entire Divine Province could rival their dominance in the Dark Realm.
Yet the Lone Valley Clan neither oppressed nor tampered with the Dark Realm.
They let it run free, dealing only with those who crossed lines or stirred up major disturbances.
And that was enough.
Enough for those immersed in the Dark Realm to realize who truly held sway there.
—It's a relief that the Lone Valley Clan oversees the Dark Realm, and not someone else.
—I agree. With all that power, they place no burdens on us.
—I'd have demanded protection money if it were me.
—Thank goodness. Truly.
The denizens of the Dark Realm felt genuine gratitude toward the Lone Valley Clan for safeguarding its order without demanding anything in return.
And on that trust, the Lone Valley Clan spread its profound influence throughout every corner of the Dark Realm.
But just yesterday.
For the first time, the Lone Valley Clan took forceful measures as a matter of routine.
They shadowed suspicious wanderers, discreetly inspected them, verified identities and weapons.
And anyone with even the slightest ties to the Cheon Clan was rooted out and forcibly expelled without exception.
It was tantamount to declaring that those connected to the Cheon Clan would never set foot in the Dark Realm again.
Much like how the Cheon Clan had pressured those linked to Hyeok Mulin under the sun.
Those suddenly ousted from the Dark Realm overnight rushed straight to the Cheon Clan, pleading vehemently.
Having heard their tales, the Cheon Clan decided to take direct action.
They dispatched the Inferno Demon Vanguard—an elite frontline combat unit—to gauge the Dark Realm's movements.
However.
—Not a step further.
The Cheon Clan warriors had no choice but to halt at the Dark Realm's entrance.
Dozens of Lone Valley Clan fighters had surrounded them on all sides, blocking the way.
—You cannot enter the Dark Realm.
—And why is that?
—You already know.
The Cheon Clan.
—Not until that name is forsaken will we permit entry.
There was no hesitation or fear in the eyes of the Lone Valley Clan warriors.
Cheon Paejo, captain of the Inferno Demon Vanguard, met their gazes and spoke.
—The Dark Realm belongs to no one. Do you truly believe you have the right to control it?
—Who knows about rights. But one thing is certain.
Shing—
With the sleek sound of a razor-sharp blade being drawn gracefully, the words continued.
—Here, our word is law. Defy it, and we must take measures.
—...Amusing words.
Cheon Paejo glanced around at the warriors encircling them.
—Very well, then. No need for further talk.
With that, he instantly drew his sword.
Ching! Ching! Ching!
—I'll teach you that nowhere in this Divine Province can escape the Cheon Clan's radiant glory.
The Cheon Clan charged, and the Lone Valley Clan surged forth.
And then.
"The two groups clashed right there."
A Secret Affairs Hall agent continued his report in a trembling voice.
"That's not all. The Man Clan issued ultimatums to those tied to the Cheon Clan, preemptively severing ties. The Lone Valley Clan, Yagul Clan, and Hyeok Clan have united their strength in response as well."
Hyeok Mulin closed his eyes slowly at the agent's agitated briefing.
He had trusted and waited.
Ever since his return, Hyeok Mulin had always treated others with sincerity, showing them the demonic path he envisioned.
And now, the fruits of those actions were blooming.
Many demonic cultivators in the Divine Province felt burdened by their ties to Hyeok Mulin, but those who had shared true sincerity with him were the exception.
Man Clan, Lone Valley Clan, Sima Clan, Yagul Clan, Hyeok Clan.
Five of the Seven Great Demon Clans stood like ancient trees, roots digging deeper, shielding Hyeok Mulin from the crashing waves.
They were pillars propping him up, ensuring he could never be toppled.
'It must not have been an easy choice.'
Siding with the Cheon Clan would simplify everything.
Business, relations—nothing would face obstacles.
Aligning with the Cheon Clan and its supporters could grant wings, accelerating their path to success.
Yet those five clans forsook the easy road, choosing instead the thorny path of hardship and adversity.
For one person alone.
For Hyeok Mulin.
"...Thank you."
With this, Hyeok Mulin confirmed their loyalty.
In truth, what they shared was no immortal vow or binding oath of solitude.
So if they deemed the situation dire, they could simply withdraw and side with the Cheon Clan, and Hyeok Mulin would have no means to stop them.
Should they have left, people would have blamed the Heavenly Demon's incompetence for failing to hold them, rather than their departure.
Of course, that future never came.
Hyeok Mulin chuckled softly and turned to the Secret Affairs Hall agent.
"What of the battle's outcome?"
"Fought on the Lone Valley Clan's home turf, with numerical superiority for that reason, they claim the Lone Valley side ably repelled the assault."
"As expected."
Currently, places in the Divine Province safe from the Cheon Clan's might and pressure could be counted on one hand.
And among that scant few were the Dark Realm and the Lone Valley Clan.
Having built a completely independent domain, they could somewhat evade the Cheon Clan's influence, and within their territory, they wouldn't be easily pushed back in battle.
'Now the Cult will descend into chaos.'
The majority of demonic cultivators had aligned with the Cheon Clan, never anticipating things would escalate to such extremes.
There was an unspoken rule among the Seven Great Demon Clans against open warfare.
Yet that had been shattered, with battle erupting between the Cheon and Lone Valley Clans. They had no choice but to recognize the gravity.
And it wasn't just those two clans.
Excluding the unseen Gu Clan, the Cheon Clan now faced off against all remaining Seven Great Demon Clans.
No matter how boldly Cheon Sumyeong stepped forward, this would force demonic cultivators into profound deliberation once more.
'The stage is set.'
Hyeok Mulin nodded and issued an order to his subordinate.
"Bring brush and paper."
At the command, the Secret Affairs Hall agent hurriedly produced them from his bosom and presented them carefully.
Hyeok Mulin took them, swiftly inscribing something on the paper without hesitation.
After jotting a brief message, he folded the paper and returned it along with the brush.
"Deliver this letter at once."
"Understood. To whom shall I deliver it?"
The agent tucked the letter carefully into his bosom and asked.
But at Hyeok Mulin's next words, he froze in place.
"Cheon Sumyeong."
"...!"
"Deliver it to the Sword Sovereign."
"Heh heh..."
Cheon Sumyeong strolled slowly through the garden, hands clasped behind his back.
Having just received a flood of reports from his subordinates, he had dismissed everyone and was wandering the garden, lost in thought.
"Never dreamed things would unfold like this."
Cheon Sumyeong fully understood the ripple effect of his reputation.
Thus, by stepping to the Cheon Clan's forefront with this veiled pressure, he expected all to soon sever ties with Hyeok Mulin.
'Yet instead, they're biting back to protect the Cult Leader.'
When he heard the Lone Valley Clan had responded aggressively, clashing with their elite home forces, he felt no small shock.
The Lone Valley Clan shunned public scrutiny of their name.
Yet facing the Cheon Clan now would draw all eyes.
Even so, they judged it worthwhile to fight for Hyeok Mulin.
'The others as well.'
The Man Clan and other Seven Great Demon Clans made the same choice.
Declaring their stance clearly, they began severing ties with those linked to the Cheon Clan.
It would bring them immense losses.
But from a broader view, it was their best option.
The world had seen the situation as a clash between Cheon Clan and Hyeok Mulin. Now, it was Cheon Clan versus Hyeok Mulin and his supporting Seven Great Demon Clans.
With the Seven Great Demon Clans committing fully, demonic cultivators could no longer pick sides so lightly.
Self-interest would multiply their dilemmas, sparking change.
"Some are starting to withdraw, as the Clan Patriarch said."
As the situation worsened, even the Cheon Clan saw increasing withdrawals.
Rather than fully antagonizing one side, they sacrificed some gains to reclaim neutrality.
Thus, the Seven Great Demon Clans' full entry had somewhat disrupted their plans.
"Hyeok Mulin..."
What made everyone go this far for him?
Cheon Sumyeong couldn't grasp the trust between them.
Do I still not truly know the man?
He thought he knew him well enough, as his once-grandson-in-law.
Yet now, he felt utterly unknowable.
As his mind grew increasingly tangled, Cheon Jungak appeared cautiously.
At Cheon Sumyeong's glance, he spoke.
"Grand Patriarch, a letter has arrived for you."
"A letter...?"
Cheon Sumyeong took it, and his pupils dilated upon seeing the sender.
Hyeok Mulin.
A direct missive from the man at the center of all attention.
Cheon Sumyeong slowly unfolded it.
His lips curved into a gradual smile as he read the contents.
"...Inviting me personally."
In this situation, Hyeok Mulin could profit just by watching. Yet he didn't stay idle.
He took the initiative, sending an invitation to Cheon Sumyeong.
"No reason to refuse."
He had been thinking it was time to face Hyeok Mulin again anyway.
A thick smile spread across Cheon Sumyeong's face, the image of Hyeok Mulin reflected deep in his eyes.