The Fist King Returns to the Alliance

Chapter 96: The Fist King Returns to the Alliance

As the West Wind Escort Bureau resumed its journey, Dan Woo-sung rode at the forefront. Though three days remained until they reached the Murim Alliance, nothing particularly noteworthy occurred—save for Cheol Myung-ho occasionally swinging his Heaven-Piercing Halberd at the rear while running errands for Mad God. The journey remained quiet otherwise.

Seated atop his horse, Dan Woo-sung found himself lost in thought about the remaining adversaries among the orthodox factions...

Then, as if struck by some premonition, a realization dawned on him.

If the West Wind Escort Bureau reaches the Murim Alliance without incident... then the real disaster will unfold at the Emperor's Council.

He doubted the Demonic Path would go out of its way to target the Moyong or ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Seomun families.

If they were to strike anyone, it would be Blade Emperor—the head of the Namgung family.

And if that happened... would Blade Emperor be able to handle it?

Dan Woo-sung recalled the Twelve Demon Blades and their two leaders from his past life, mentally substituting Blade Emperor in his place.

The outcome was inevitable—Blade Emperor would lose.

Even if he lasted longer than the Fist King, the result would be the same.

Unlike the Sword Emperor, Blade Emperor wasn't the type to flee. He would stand his ground, endure the Blade Immunity technique, and die where he stood.

By the time Dan Woo-sung entertained these thoughts, Blade Emperor was already dead. His accurate prediction stemmed from his understanding of the enemy and the personalities of the martial world's top experts.

Moreover, as long as the Three Gods remained steadfast, he knew the Demonic Path would continue moving strategically.

Truthfully, the Demonic Path's methods were nothing short of underhanded and grueling for the orthodox factions.

Though the Emperor's Council and Blade Emperor weighed on his mind, Dan Woo-sung was in no position to offer advice or warnings.

After a long silence...

Mad God, seated inside the carriage, spoke up.

"Disciple, what's got you so deep in thought?"

Dan Woo-sung replied, "The escort mission has been uneventful, so I found myself thinking about Senior Blade Emperor."

Mad God responded, "Even during the Five Peaks War, we couldn't save everyone. It's better if the blades turn toward us—but given how quiet things are, your hunch about the Emperor's Council is likely correct. Some things are unavoidable."

"Understood."

Dan Woo-sung's gaze drifted to Cheol Myung-ho, who was swinging his halberd at the rear of the procession. Then, quietly, he asked Mad God:

"How strong was Ilwol Heavenly Demon back then, for all Three Gods to confront him together?"

A brief silence followed before Mad God answered.

"It wasn't that we wanted to face him as three. Jung Hong, the Sword Emperor, Blade Emperor, the White Dragon Gate's leader, the Seomun family head, the Moyong family head—none of them were strong enough to join that battle. That's how it felt to me. He was so powerful... it was as if Baek Mujin had returned from the dead."

Mad God added, "The Demonic Path has its own hierarchy of martial prowess—a ranking system, if you will. We arrange the Demonic Path's experts in order of strength. Ilwol Heavenly Demon appeared at a time when they believed they could dominate the martial world. That's why he emerged—based on their ranking. This time is no different. There's no telling when they'll fully reveal themselves."

Dan Woo-sung felt a knot tighten in his chest.

Noticing this, Mad God spoke in a soothing tone.

"In battles against the Demonic Path, saving everyone is impossible. What matters is who prevails in the end—so don't fret over it. Remember this, Disciple: as long as you grow stronger, that's enough. The Murim Alliance remains, the Emperor's Council remains, and the veterans of the Five Peaks War still live."

Dan Woo-sung kept his eyes forward as he answered.

"I understand."

Mad God chuckled.

"Once we reach the Murim Alliance, I'll have to scold the Alliance Leader a bit. How can he call himself the Murim Alliance Leader with such a pathetic intelligence network?"

Dan Woo-sung smiled wryly at the thought of Mad God reprimanding Yoo Jung-hong. Only Mad God could say such a thing.

"What in the world is this?"

A middle-aged man exclaimed in exaggerated surprise. While countless others stood by with cold expressions, he alone made a fuss. His unattractive, gaunt frame contrasted with his towering height, and his wrinkled face made it impossible to tell whether he was smiling or furious.

This man, who lacked any semblance of dignity, was none other than the leader of Ten Thousand Demon Palace—the one who should have commanded reverence as its sovereign.

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord studied Sword Demon and Heavenly Demon, who had returned after a long absence.

Sword Demon wore a blindfold, while Heavenly Demon surveyed his surroundings with the same leisurely expression as always.

Heavenly Demon spoke to the Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord—a man who was practically his adoptive father.

"...Sword Demon's eyes were taken by Blade Emperor. Though Sword Demon lost all his subordinates, Blade Emperor was fortunately killed."

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord clapped his hands together, his mouth hanging open.

"Ah, well done! Splendid! You actually did it—killing Blade Emperor of the orthodox factions... Impressive."

Heavenly Demon continued, "I think we should teach the Heavenly Sword Alliance Lord a demonic art to replace his eyes. Consider it compensation for recent inconveniences."

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord waved dismissively.

"Don't worry about such trivial matters. Besides, orthodox factions have experts who occasionally use the 'Mind's Eye.' I'll order the Ten Thousand Demon Library searched thoroughly for a demonic art equivalent to it and have the Grand Masters teach it. No need for concern."

Then, he barked at the Young Palace Lord, who was stroking a white cat.

"Young Lord!"

The Young Palace Lord responded flatly.

"Yes?"

"You'll personally escort them. They are honored guests. Since they've visited after so long, ensure they receive no neglect."

The Young Palace Lord nodded.

"Understood. Both family heads, please follow me."

As he extended his hand to guide them, Heavenly Demon supported Sword Demon and followed the Young Palace Lord.

Once they were gone, the Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord returned to his seat. The family heads of the Demonic Path factions, lined up on either side, voiced their discontent.

"Why are we entertaining those lunatics?"

"Just kill them here and now. The repercussions are too risky."

A young man interjected, "Why kill them pointlessly? Just give them the Ten Thousand Poison Pill. That'll keep them from acting recklessly in the future."

The family heads' complaints were unanimous—Sword Demon and Heavenly Demon had long acted outside the Ten Thousand Demon Palace's control. As each voiced their grievances, the Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord chuckled and waved his hand.

"Now, now—don't be so harsh. If I didn't take them in, where would those poor souls go?"

"Why show such leniency? You witnessed the tyranny of the previous Ilwol Heavenly Demon firsthand!"

A man in his thirties, draped in a blood-red robe, added, "Do you really think the successor of Ilwol Heavenly Demon would remain subordinate? No matter how well you treat them, they'll break away and rampage just like their predecessor. The Three Gods would tear them apart if they returned. Isn't that right, Palace Lord?"

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord smiled awkwardly.

"And yet, the descendant of the Blood God stands here questioning their loyalty? Ten Thousand Demon Palace isn't an organization above all of you. Our ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠role is to assist when difficulties arise—nothing more. Don't speak so harshly. If Ten Thousand Demon Palace turned against the Demonic Path, what then? I understand your concerns, but I cannot do that. Let's think positively. At least they've returned—isn't that pitiable in its own way? Ten Thousand Demon Palace is the final bastion. Fulfilling that role is enough for me."

As the Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord laughed heartily again, the Demonic Path family heads sighed in resignation.

No matter how they looked at it, he was nothing more than the heir of a Ten Thousand Demon Palace devoid of dignity.

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord dismissed them.

"Don't worry. Rest now."

Once the dissatisfied family heads ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠departed, he addressed the remaining subordinates.

"You may leave as well."

"Yes."

After a brief wait, Heavenly Demon returned alone to the throne hall, having escorted Sword Demon to the palace physicians.

The two men locked eyes—then each smiled.

Heavenly Demon asked, "Have you been well, Father?"

"Well enough."

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord's demeanor had shifted entirely. As Heavenly Demon surveyed the throne hall—a place he hadn't visited in years—the Palace Lord spoke in a tone starkly different from before.

"You managed to keep him alive and bring him back. Why didn't you kill him?"

"Must you jump straight to killing the moment you see someone, Father?"

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord pressed, "If you absorb Sword Demon, could you take on the Three Gods?"

Heavenly Demon answered, "It would be difficult."

"Why? You killed Blade Emperor. If not you, then Sword Demon would have absorbed him."

"Blade Emperor realized what was happening and took his own life."

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord scoffed.

"So you've returned to Ten Thousand Demon Palace? To pick fights with family heads and absorb a few of them? Or are you here for my life?"

Heavenly Demon replied, "Must you spend your whole life saying things you don't mean? Father, be honest—at least with me."

Suddenly, Heavenly Demon ascended the steps, closing the distance between himself and the Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord, who sat alone on the throne.

Studying the Palace Lord's face, Heavenly Demon asked, "Father, I still can't sense your energy. Are you suppressing it? Or are you far stronger than me? Or does the Ten Thousand Demon Library still hold demonic arts I'm unaware of?"

This was hardly a conversation between father and son—it more resembled two adversaries sizing each other up.

The Ten Thousand Demon Palace Lord grinned.

"Who knows? Stop looming over me like that—step back."

Heavenly Demon glared at him for a moment before descending the steps.

Murim Alliance Leader Yoo Jung-hong lost his composure as he read the missive delivered by the Emperor's Council's messenger.

"What were the rest of those fools doing while Blade Emperor met his end?!"

The messenger replied in a trembling voice, "I... have no words, Alliance Leader."

Yoo Jung-hong stared at him before sighing. This wasn't the messenger's fault.

"Why didn't that idiot Blade Emperor flee? He wasn't the strongest under heaven—why did he stand and fight? What of the funeral?"

"It's being held, but Family Head Namgung Tae has requested that neither you nor the Murim Alliance send condolences. He insists it's not out of emotion but concern for your safety, given the Demonic Path's appearance. He also pledged the Emperor's Council's full cooperation in future battles—whether large-scale or minor operations—against the Demonic Path."

Yoo Jung-hong responded curtly.

"Understood. Ensure the funeral is conducted properly, and tell them to maintain their defenses. The Murim Alliance will pay its respects to Blade Emperor separately."

The messenger bowed deeply.

"Thank you."

Once the messenger left, Yoo Jung-hong stood alone, lost in thought about Blade Emperor. Though they had been at odds for decades, hearing that the man had passed first left him with a complicated heart.

As he gazed out the window at the Murim Alliance's sprawling landscape, an attendant announced:

"The young master of the Silver River Merchant Group and a man claiming to be your senior have arrived together. Shall I bring them in?"

Yoo Jung-hong tilted his head.

"Do so."

Turning around, he watched as Dan Woo-sung and Mad God entered his office. Dan Woo-sung bowed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠respectfully, while Mad God smiled and said:

"Alliance Leader."

Only after hearing his voice did Yoo Jung-hong react.

"Senior? What brings you here? Please, sit."

Though joy flickered across Yoo Jung-hong's face, a shadow lingered. Mad God noticed and asked:

"What's happened? Messengers were rushing about earlier."

Once the three were seated, Yoo Jung-hong explained.

"Blade Emperor has fallen. Five swordsmen clad in black, wielding dark blades, were killed—though some escaped after being wounded by Blade Emperor. However... the missive suggests Blade Emperor took his own life."

Mad God nodded, then glanced at Dan Woo-sung. They had discussed Blade Emperor on the way—only to arrive and immediately hear news of his death. It was surreal.

Dan Woo-sung spoke up.

"If there were five dark blades, they likely all possessed Blade Immunity. His decision to end his own life... was probably upon realizing the Demonic Path wielded energy-draining techniques."

Both Yoo Jung-hong and Mad God nodded in agreement.