Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: The Heavenly Demon's Successor
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"Here, take a look."
Neung Un-bi, who had been staring at the smiling Yi Ok-sang with a bewildered expression, unconsciously reached out his hand.
The first line of the letter, which began with the words "For the personal attention of the Orthodox Murim Alliance Leader," was short and powerful.
He is my successor.
"..."
Neung Un-bi found himself making a dumbfounded expression.
Just like that? Without any of the usual seasonal greetings or pleasantries?
And what's this about a successor all of a sudden, when he hadn't said a single word to me about it!
He nearly crumpled it up and threw it away.
"Surprising, isn't it?"
"My heart almost leaped out of my chest."
"Mine did too."
Yi Ok-sang nodded as if in understanding, but it was no comfort at all.
Who on earth just blurts things out like this?
"Keep reading."
"..."
At Yi Ok-sang's urging, Neung Un-bi, his face scrunched into a deep frown, let out a heavy sigh and continued reading the letter.
I will not interfere in a death resulting from a fair duel.
However, if you cause him trouble through despicable means... I will descend immediately.
"Hah! That crazy..."
He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence with Yi Ok-sang listening. But inwardly, all sorts of vulgar curses were flying through his mind.
That was the entirety of the letter. No matter how hard he looked, there was nothing else written.
"Isn't that just like Dam Un-cheon? Direct, simple, and clear."
"...Like him? This just seems like he wrote down whatever he wanted to say and sent it, doesn't it?"
"It is."
"..."
"Does one need flowery language to convey their meaning? I, for one, appreciated being able to understand his intentions so clearly."
"You're remarkably calm about this. It's a blatant threat, you know? He's saying he'll invade at the slightest provocation."
"And you, of all people, should know that he is a man who possesses the power to do just that, shouldn't you?"
Of course, he knew.
He had always thought of him as a monster, but after hearing the meaning behind the martial title 'Heavenly Demon Emperor' from Jin San, he even felt a sense of awe.
"But... as the leader of the Orthodox Faction, doesn't this wound your pride?"
"Pride?"
Yi Ok-sang shook his head and smiled.
"Losing to someone stronger can happen at any time. One simply has to work harder and become stronger."
"..."
"That is not what should truly wound one's pride."
"..."
"The fact that those unworthy of the Orthodox Faction wear its mask—that is what brings shame to me, as someone who belongs to the same side, and that is what wounds my pride."
He spoke lightly, a smile on his lips, but the meaning behind his words was immeasurably heavy.
He himself had once been like that, and 'that person' had been too.
Knowing that sentiment, Neung Un-bi couldn't bring himself to respond with a smile.
"...If I may be so bold, those sound like very dangerous words."
"I apologize for that. I felt that to know your true intentions, I had to first reveal my own..."
"Hoo..."
Neung Un-bi let out a deep sigh at Yi Ok-sang's words.
How should he respond?
They had tried to change things from the shadows, while Yi Ok-sang was trying to change them from the light.
But their goal was the same.
A world where the Orthodox Faction was truly orthodox.
A world where hypocrites did not reign.
A world where those at the bottom could dream of rising to the top.
And now, such a man was asking him.
Whether he could guarantee that the Demonic Cult would not invade the Central Plains...
"Did you perhaps ask the Cult Leader as well?"
"I did."
"And what was his reply?"
"He told me to stop spouting nonsense."
"Pfft!"
At those words, Neung Un-bi burst out laughing.
"If you doubt me, I can show you the letter I received then. That's all it said."
"No, that's not necessary. I laughed because that sounds exactly like the Cult Leader..."
As expected...
The Cult Leader lives in a world of his own. Isn't he just relentless?
"However, after saying that, the Demonic Cult has been in seclusion for ten years now."
"What?"
At those words, Neung Un-bi's eyes shot open.
"The official reason was to train a successor."
"..."
"It's not that they ceased all external activities, but they haven't sent a single martial artist into the Central Plains."
So the seclusion was because...?
There was a time he had wondered.
Right after he was revived in Neung Un-bi's body.
The Cult Leader was a man whose strength was acknowledged as the greatest in history, even by the Orthodox Faction. His subordinates were also strong enough to march into the Central Plains at a moment's notice.
And yet, they remained in seclusion. The question he could never answer now felt like it was finally being resolved.
Because of the request from the Orthodox Murim Alliance Leader, Yi Ok-sang...
"But, I heard you haven't been the Alliance Leader for very long..."
"I'm just in my second year."
"Then how?"
"When I earned the name of Sword King, I went to see the Cult Leader."
"The, the Cult Leader?"
"I wanted to know how much stronger I had become."
"..."
Come to think of it, Dokgo Seong of Mount Hua had also intended to seek him out after gaining his enlightenment.
It seemed that every Tom, Dick, and Harry went looking for the Cult Leader whenever they thought they got a little stronger.
It was as if he were some kind of living, public power-level scouter...
"Did the Cult Leader agree to meet you?"
"You know as well as I do, don't you? He is not so cruel as to turn away someone who comes with pure intentions."
"..."
*Cruel? He showed no mercy at all when he was beating me up, though?*
"What was the result?"
"Didn't I say it earlier? That he is a man with enough power to threaten me."
It meant he had lost.
"No one in this Central Plains has yet inherited the name of the Heavenly Demon. No, I even doubt if anyone ever will."
"..."
"Although he walks the path of demons, it is a good thing. If someone else had possessed that much power..."
"The Central Plains would have long since become a sea of blood."
"Exactly."
Neung Un-bi and Yi Ok-sang nodded, sharing the same thought.
Now he understood. The peace of the Central Plains was being protected by Dam Un-cheon.
Simply by stopping and not advancing, even though he could...
Though he didn't know if it was truly because of Yi Ok-sang's request.
"After that, I became the Alliance Leader. But it wasn't easy. Then again, how could water that has stagnated for generations be easily purified? I came to believe it wouldn't be resolved in Dam Un-cheon's generation."
"Is that why you asked me?"
"That's right. If you, Dam Un-cheon's successor, can give me that assurance, then I too can move forward without hesitation."
Hearing Yi Ok-sang say that, it was clear he already had a plan in place.
It was likely a long-term plan. One that would continue even after he stepped down as Alliance Leader.
But that was that.
"Honestly, I told you I have no intention of becoming the successor."
"You saw the letter, didn't you?"
"That's what the Cult Leader thinks!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes!"
"Hmm, if that is your will... then so be it. But it won't be easy."
"What?"
"I told you, didn't I? Your master told me to stop spouting nonsense, yet he still sealed the gates."
"..."
"But this time... he has made his decision. And it's quite resolute, isn't it?"
"That's..."
"Does your master seem like a man who makes empty promises?"
"..."
He couldn't think of a response. He knew all too well that the Cult Leader was not a man of empty words.
But even so, why should the Cult Leader get to decide his life for him?
"...Hoo, it seems there's nothing more to say."
"Mm."
"May I take my leave now?"
"You may. In truth, I would like to speak with you for much longer... but there are those who would find fault with this meeting and would not approve, so it would be best to conclude for now."
In the end, the conversation reached no conclusion.
Yi Ok-sang, who had not received the answer he wanted, simply hardened his expression, while Neung Un-bi, unable to frankly explain why he couldn't become the Cult Leader, was merely frustrated.
"Then I will be on my way."
"I hope you enjoy your time at the Orthodox Murim Alliance."
"Yes."
With those final words, Neung Un-bi bowed and was about to leave when he paused and turned back.
"Alliance Leader."
"...?"
"My intention not to become the Cult Leader remains unchanged, but I will give you an answer before I leave."
Yi Ok-sang tilted his head and stared blankly at Neung Un-bi.
"Wherever I am, whatever I do... the tip of my sword will not be pointed at the Orthodox Faction you dream of."
"You...?"
"Now, I shall take my leave."
Neung Un-bi bowed politely once more and left, while a broad smile bloomed on Yi Ok-sang's faintly trembling face.
* * *
When Neung Un-bi stepped out of the pavilion, he was greeted by a group of people in various attire.
"Ahem!"
Those who stared at Neung Un-bi were openly displaying their discomfort.
[They are the elders of the Orthodox Murim Alliance.]
At Wang Cheon's telepathic message, Neung Un-bi nodded with a faint, wry smile.
It seemed they had rushed over after hearing the Alliance Leader had changed the meeting place, and not a single one of them looked pleased.
Well... what kind of people were the elders of the Orthodox Murim Alliance?
Reputation? Of course, things like that would be part of the selection criteria. There were surely some who were chosen for such reasons.
The elder positions in the Orthodox Murim Alliance were filled by individuals recommended by each sect to keep the Alliance Leader in check.
The intention was good. It was to prevent the Alliance Leader from making arbitrary decisions and to steer things in a more righteous direction.
But as far as Neung Un-bi knew, what they cared about most was the benefit of their respective factions.
He had seen more than enough of their dirty dealings in his past life.
Some of them had even died at his hands once.
Would they have changed after thirty years?
Not a chance. He could guess as much just from seeing them gathered here like this.
Besides, didn't their uncomfortable expressions say it all?
They were still the same.
Their current actions were undoubtedly a protest to show their displeasure to the Alliance Leader.
Jackals of power...
Nevertheless, Neung Un-bi forced a smile and did not hesitate to bow to them all.
"The Third Young Master of the Demonic Cult greets the elders of the Orthodox Murim Alliance."
At his exceedingly polite greeting, some frowned, while others looked perplexed.
"I was already grateful that the Alliance Leader approached me privately, preserving the honor of the Demonic Cult, but to see all of you come out to welcome me... I don't know how to express my thanks."
"..."
He had concealed his true feelings and shown the utmost courtesy, so what could they possibly complain about?
And he'd even mentioned how pleased he was about the private meeting.
"Hoho, it is truly a relief to hear that the Alliance Leader's decision preserved the honor of the Demonic Cult."
"..."
After a moment of murmuring, a figure stepped forward from among the elders.
"I am Namgung Hak, an elder of the Orthodox Murim Alliance."
"Ah! So you are Elder Namgung Hak. As this is my first time in the Central Plains, I failed to recognize you."
"It is quite all right. So, was your conversation with the Alliance Leader fruitful?"
At Namgung Hak's words, Neung Un-bi's smile deepened.
*This one's the leader.* The other elders fell silent as soon as he stepped forward.
"Yes, it was. He thanked me for visiting and said he hoped I would enjoy my stay."
"Hohot, is that so. And, is the Cult Leader well?"
"He is in good health."
"That is a relief. It sets my mind at ease to hear that the Heavenly Demon is well."
"I will be sure to convey Elder Namgung's concern to the Cult Leader."
"Oh, thank you. I have always admired his name but never had the chance to meet him... I am truly pleased that I can convey a message through the Third Young Master."
"Yes."
A back-and-forth... it was just a typical conversation.
He had a feeling that a similar conversation would have taken place even if the Alliance Leader hadn't changed the venue.
"Ah!"
"...?"
"Do you drink? When the Alliance Leader heard the Third Young Master was coming, he ordered us to prepare a feast with great care, so I put in some effort..."
At those words, Neung Un-bi smiled inwardly.
*A feast? Great care?*
*Don't make me laugh. What you really want to know is what I discussed with the Alliance Leader.*
But wasn't this a mountain he had to climb eventually?
And he had no particular reason to refuse.
"Fortunately, I can hold my liquor better than most."
"Oh! That is fortunate indeed."
Nodding in satisfaction, Namgung Hak glanced behind him and spoke.
"Elder Hwang."
"Yes."
An old man stepped forward at Namgung Hak's call.
"Please escort the Third Young Master to the banquet hall."
"Yes."
As the man stepped forward with a calm reply, Neung Un-bi's pupils began to tremble faintly.
*Y-you are...*
He didn't know his name. But the face was familiar.
Thirty years had passed, but he had not forgotten. Because that man had always been by *his* side.