Chapter 164
Chapter 164
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 164
Chapter Title: I am the Dragon Demon Pavilion Lord
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The day after the semi-finals.
The fight between Namgung Yeon and Dang So-so ended with Dang So-so's victory. In the end, the final winner of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was Dang So-so of the Sichuan Tang Clan, which was, in a way, to be expected.
While the others were still in their early thirties, she was nearing forty.
Furthermore, driven by the sole purpose of avenging herself against Dang Baek-ho, Dang So-so had devoted herself to closed-door training for a long time, reaching a level far beyond the other rising warriors.
Thus, bearing the honor of being the 27th victor of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, Dang So-so retired from the ranks of the rising generation.
Seol Ha-ryeong was surprised at how formidable Dang So-so turned out to be. Just then, Mu-heun sat down beside her with a gentle smile.
“Lady Ha-ryeong. Did you enjoy the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly? What did you think?”
“There were many powerful young warriors who could hold their own even against those in the Divine Dragon Assembly. The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s assembly participants learn demonic arts, which should allow for faster progress than other martial arts… but these warriors felt like they transcended even that gap.”
“Of course. The talent gathered from the small region of Xinjiang cannot possibly surpass the talent gathered from all over the Central Plains. In any case, it seems Lady Dang So-so was the final victor.”
“Yes. I knew she was strong, but I never imagined she would win the entire Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.”
“I thought so as well. I caught a glimpse earlier… and her skill with poison arts and assassination techniques was truly remarkable. It seems her long period of closed-door training was not in vain.”
“Pfft! Hahahaha, Lady Dang So-so didn’t even use poison arts. Where on earth were you watching from? I didn’t see a trace of you throughout the entire assembly, Sir Mu-heun. Have you only come back with better acting skills?”
“Hahaha, is that so? By the way, Lady Ha-ryeong. Things have become a bit complicated.”
Mu-heun said, scratching his head.
“What is it?”
“It seems the Ghost Spirits are running rampant in Hubei Province. We must first cooperate with the Martial Alliance to capture them. But… there’s something strange.”
“Something strange?”
“Yes. You must relay what I’m about to say to the Soul-Stealing Immortal and move with the Totua Unit. Ah, and of course, you’ll need to receive reinforcements.”
Ha-ryeong first nodded at Mu-heun’s words, then spoke.
“Haha, I understand.”
Ever since she learned that Mu-heun was the Divine Doctor of Sichuan in his past life, Ha-ryeong had stopped questioning his plans.
***
-Martial Alliance Underground Prison.
The Soul-Stealing Immortal appeared before the Sura Seven Melodies, who were kneeling in a row. The Alliance Leader, Du Baek, asked the Soul-Stealing Immortal, Jang Ryang.
“Is it possible to cast your Soul-Stealing Arts on them?”
“If the Alliance Leader seals their pressure points and blocks their internal energy circulation, I can implant a single objective with my arts… but they are incredibly powerful individuals, so controlling them like puppets will be difficult.”
“What about their subordinates?”
“They can be controlled. I will cast a spell on them right now and have them wander through Wuhan city.”
“Then please do so.”
“Yes. If we spot the Ghost Spirit Hye-nang that Sir Mu-heun mentioned, I will immediately use them as bait to discover their base.”
The Alliance Leader nodded, and the Soul-Stealing Immortal cast a spell on the subordinates of the Sura Seven Melodies and sent them out.
“However… the Soul-Stealing Immortal. Peng Mu-seon, the head of the Hebei Peng Clan, has reportedly relayed the contents of our meetings so far to Eon Jwa-ryang, the head of the Jinju Eon Clan.”
“…What!?”
The Soul-Stealing Immortal acted with all his might. Having used his Soul-Stealing Arts for so long, it had been a while since he had to act directly like this.
“I was surprised as well. No matter how guilty he felt towards the Eon Clan, for a man who is the head of one of the Five Great Families to speak so carelessly of such a grave matter…”
Though he felt sorry for the Alliance Leader, the Soul-Stealing Immortal had already cast a spell on the Peng Clan Head under Mu-heun’s orders. Although it was a subtle spell, one that would go unnoticed, the feeling of guilt would have been amplified twofold.
“No. This is actually for the better.”
“Hm?”
“Did the Peng Clan Head say anything else?”
“Ah, he did, but… well…”
Du Baek seemed extremely troubled and hesitated to speak. Jang Ryang urged him on, saying it was alright.
“Well… the head of the Jinju Eon Clan asked him to inquire about the duel between Eon Hwa-taek, who killed one of the Sura Seven Melodies’ subordinates at the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, and Baek Mu-heun.”
“…”
“They have no shame, do they? No matter that his opponent used a killing technique first, and that he technically killed a member of the Unorthodox Sects! It was still murder, was it not?!”
“Please accept.”
“Right, of course I refused… what? Huh!?”
“Please accept. Sir Mu-heun was already aware of the Jinju Eon Clan. He asked me to arrange a means of contact with them, no matter what it took.”
“What does that mean? Why would a man named Baek Mu-heun from the Demonic Cult want to contact the Jinju Eon Clan? No… wait. Don’t tell me?”
“Your guess is likely correct.”
Du Baek covered his mouth in shock.
‘Just what kind of man is this Baek Mu-heun?’
“I understand. In that case, to prevent others from getting involved, we’ll proceed with a gauntlet match. His opponents will be the most outstanding participants from the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. And I’ll place Eon Hwa-taek at the very end.”
“Yes. We can create a justification. Please make it seem as though he knew from the beginning that Jo-gok of the Fierce Sword Sect was a member of the Unorthodox Sects.”
“Understood. I will do so.”
“Thank you.”
“I find myself looking forward to it more and more. The moment I finally meet this man, Baek Mu-heun.”
“You will not be disappointed.”
Du Baek went straight up to his office, while Jang Ryang prepared a powerful Soul-Stealing Art for the Sura Seven Melodies. He would now extract information from them before turning them into combat soldiers with a single purpose.
‘Some rather high-quality chess pieces have come my way.’
***
After the boisterous Dragon and Phoenix Assembly concluded, the massive crowd that had flocked to the Martial Alliance began to recede like the tide.
They all praised the martial prowess of Dang So-so of the Sichuan Tang Clan, the final victor, but the names of other strong contenders were also endlessly discussed among the gossips.
The common folk left Wuhan first, followed by the smaller sects and families who gradually returned to their own lands, but some still remained.
Chief among them were the Nine Sects One Union and the Five Great Families, and among them, the Jinju Eon Clan also stayed behind.
They had heard various stories under the observation of the Alliance Leader, and were now gathered to witness the skills of Baek Mu-heun, the ‘focal point’ the Soul-Stealing Immortal had spoken of.
The opponents who would face Baek Mu-heun were those who had shown outstanding skill in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. There were ten of them in total, the result of recruiting warriors to defeat the rising star of the Demonic Cult.
Dang So-so, called the genius of the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Baek-ryeon, called the greatest talent of Mount Hua.
Man-jeok, called the disciple of the Taiji Sword Emperor from Wudang.
Ha-gang of the Shaolin Sect, who wielded the Hundred-Pace Divine Fist.
Peng Gang-hyeok of the Hebei Peng Clan, the Tyrant Blade.
Namgung Yeon of the Namgung Clan, the Nine Dragons of the Severing Sword.
Zhuge Hyeok, the strategist and genius of the Zhuge Clan.
Moyong Hwi of the Moyong Clan, the Mountain and Sea Dragon Spear.
Oh-gyeol of the Beggars' Union.
In addition, the final name on the list was Eon Hwa-taek of the Jinju Eon Clan, who had garnered much attention.
The reason all of them had volunteered was one and the same.
Baek Mu-heun of the Sun and Moon Divine Cult.
The young warriors intended to gauge their own skills against Mu-heun.
The dueling arena had been fully repaired after the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly ended.
Thanks to that, they had to wait until nightfall, but…
It was repaired relatively neatly, and was more than adequate for a duel.
There was no one in the general seating, and a new VIP section had been set up closest to the dueling stage.
Lanterns and torches were placed everywhere, making the night as bright as day.
The Elders, Sect Leaders, and Family Heads were seated in places that were practically attached to the arena.
Since other rising warriors and martial artists were not permitted to observe this duel, the only ones present besides Mu-heun, Seol Ha-ryeong, and the ten Orthodox Sect warriors were all of Elder rank or higher.
Therefore.
A suffocating pressure filled the dueling arena.
***
Namgung Jin, the head of the Namgung Clan, looked at the list and asked the Alliance Leader.
“Alliance Leader, didn’t you initially say there would be four? Why has the number suddenly increased to ten?”
“I judged that four was too few for the Soul-Stealing Immortal’s boast. Besides, the man himself said he didn’t care how many young warriors came at him.”
“Hah! Are we really to let such an arrogant man be?”
“What does it matter? His skills will soon be revealed. Besides, the ten young warriors gathered now have all volunteered. Won’t this be a good experience for them as well?”
“What if a dangerous situation arises? Of course, we’ll be watching from the side, but that boy Eon Hwa-taek didn’t seem like an easy opponent either.”
“Hahaha, is the Namgung Family Head worried about a demonic cultist? Do not worry. The Soul-Stealing Immortal, myself, and the Plum Blossom Sword Venerable will be watching from the closest proximity. We will take measures to ensure no problems arise.”
“Well… I understand. We’ll know soon enough.”
The two men politely bowed to each other again before taking their seats.
The Family Heads, Sect Leaders, and other Elder-level martial artists gathered in the arena did not conceal their auras.
Thus, the air grew heavy, and all the young warriors felt an immense pressure.
However.
There was one man who ascended the stage, overcoming all the pressure as if it were nothing. The Sun and Moon Sword hung at the waist of the man who walked up with a noble bearing.
One would expect him to be intimidated given his background, but he stood in the center of the arena with a composed attitude and offered a cupped fist salute.
“I am Baek Mu-heun, the Dragon Demon Pavilion Lord of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. I greet the leaders of the Orthodox martial world.”
The leaders of each sect and clan couldn't hide their admiration. Regardless of his origins, his attitude was neither timid nor arrogant.
His dignified and courteous demeanor, neither excessive nor lacking, seemed like he was walking a tightrope with them.
Was this truly the bearing of a young warrior not yet thirty?
And Dragon Demon Pavilion Lord?
That man was a Pavilion Lord of the Demonic Cult?
To the Elders, Mu-heun’s appearance even seemed dignified and imposing. Pa-sun was just grinning, while Ok Cheon-woo conveyed his acknowledgment with a slight nod.
Mu-heun hadn't expected such a reaction, but he had anticipated it to some extent. The reason was the Soul-Stealing Immortal’s formation.
Mu-heun gave a faint smile towards the distant Soul-Stealing Immortal.
‘Well done, Jang Ryang.’
The Soul-Stealing Immortal also smiled gently back at Mu-heun.
‘I am your faithful servant, Sir Mu-heun.’
The Soul-Stealing Immortal, having heard Mu-heun's intentions through Seol Ha-ryeong, had positioned members of the Totua Unit in their respective seats before the duel. Then, quietly and subtly, so that no one would notice, he had activated a spell.
It was a very subtle spell that touched the emotions of everyone gathered. The spell blended in naturally, and the moment Mu-heun stepped onto the stage.
It lowered the hostility and amplified the goodwill of those watching.
The power of sorcery was sometimes greater than that of martial force.
Mu-heun was grateful to the Soul-Stealing Immortal for arranging such a smooth meeting with the Orthodox martial artists, and he proceeded to survey their faces. They were all renowned leaders of the martial world.
‘Incredible.’
Now, he would show them here. Who he was, and what the true enemy of the Central Plains was.