Chapter 218
Chapter 218
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 218
Chapter Title: The Ascending Dragon Festival
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Just as the boisterous drinking party was reaching its peak.
“They call it a war of factions.”
“A war of factions?”
Neung Un-bi tilted his head at Ju Seung’s words.
“That’s right. While you were in the prison, my lord, I did some digging…”
Wang Cheon picked up where Ju Seung left off and began his explanation.
The final gateway for the five disciples to inherit the position of Cult Leader.
“The Ascending Dragon Festival?”
“Yes. Once the Ascending Dragon Festival begins, the disciples must leave the main fortress.”
“Hmm, and then?”
“They travel to the very edge of the Demonic Cult’s territory. The Ascending Dragon Festival is about building a force there and challenging the main fortress.”
“I see. So that’s why my brothers have been desperately securing forces outside the main fortress. It was all for this festival.”
“Exactly. According to my mother, the Cult Leader ordered you to inspect the Central Plains for the same reason.”
“Mmm…”
He finally understood the purpose of the inspection.
The Cult Leader had wanted him to take control of the Demonic Cult’s branches in the Central Plains.
It was to balance the scales with the other disciples, who had already established their foundations within the cult’s territory.
The Ascending Dragon Festival. A festival for dragons dreaming of ascension, but in reality, it was no different from a festival of blood.
The five disciples would return to the lowest rungs of the Demonic Cult, lead their forces, and march toward the main fortress. A fight was inevitable. They had to kill their competitors and seize their forces.
And in the end, only one of the five disciples would remain.
“No wonder they say the throne is built on blood.”
Neung Un-bi frowned and raised his cup.
Should I say this is just like the Demonic Cult?
Prioritizing the survival of the fittest, they must have created this method to place the strongest successor on the throne.
Unlike the Orthodox Faction, where blood relatives or the eldest son inherits the family, they maintained their legitimacy in their own way.
A legitimacy that welcomed only the strong as its master.
“But you said they have to challenge the main fortress?”
“Yes.”
At Wang Cheon’s answer, Neung Un-bi recalled what the Cult Leader had said in the prison.
Was that what he meant when he said he looked forward to seeing how much I would grow and approach him?
Becoming the new Cult Leader.
It meant fighting the other disciples to become the final victor, and in the end, even surpassing Dam Un-cheon.
But could I win?
Against the Cult Leader they call the Heavenly Demon Emperor…
No, do I really have to win?
Must I kill him to become the Cult Leader?
“Do I… have to defeat the Cult Leader?”
“Pardon?”
“At the very end, I mean. If I’m lucky enough to defeat all my brothers…”
“Pfft, no way. How could you beat the Cult Leader, who’s considered the strongest in the history of the Demonic Cult?”
“…”
What an annoying guy.
Even if it’s true, did he have to say it like that and ruin the mood?
We had a good vibe going, you punk!
As Neung Un-bi’s gaze turned icy for a moment, Wang Cheon hastily added.
“They say it’s not always like that.”
“It’s not?”
“Yes. There’s no rule that says you must surpass your predecessor.”
“I see.”
True, if every Cult Leader so far had surpassed their predecessor to take the throne, then the current Cult Leader, Dam Un-cheon, would possess the power of a god.
In any case, it was a relief. Not only was he not confident he could face the Cult Leader and win, but it was something he was reluctant to do even if he had the ability.
“Also, once the Ascending Dragon Festival begins, no one within the cult is allowed to interfere in the fight. This means the various families, the Elder Council, and the Council of Elders who have supported the other disciples until now cannot use their power. The Snow Mountain Manor is no exception, of course.”
“Mmm…”
Neung Un-bi nodded at those words.
If that were the case, it would be as clear as day that the First Young Master would take the throne.
Since their faction is the largest.
And if they interfered, what meaning would the Ascending Dragon Festival even have?
Well, they’ll probably help in secret, though.
“The First Young Master already left for the southern region, where he has prepared his forces, on the very night you returned, my lord. The other disciples will likely make their moves soon as well. So they can attack their opponents’ camps as soon as the Ascending Dragon Festival begins.”
“That makes sense. To start a full-scale war, they’ll need their own preparations.”
“Yes. For us, who gained little in the Central Plains… it will be difficult with just two branches.”
Wang Cheon was right. Their starting line was already different from the other disciples.
They had established their foundations within the Demonic Cult’s territory even before he left for the Central Plains inspection.
Though they called it the edge of the territory, the area outside the main fortress was already divided into four domains. For Neung Un-bi, it was a highly disadvantageous fight.
Furthermore, since this was a war of factions and not a solo battle, he needed people with diverse talents.
War isn’t something won by strength alone, is it?
Right now, Neung Un-bi lacked both forces and personnel.
He had the Lunar Eclipse Squad, including Wang Cheon and Ju Seung, but they were ultimately just a guard unit.
His initial lack of ambition within the Demonic Cult, which led him not to even think of building a force in the Central Plains, had now become a huge misstep.
“My lord.”
“Yes?”
“What should we do? We still have about ten days until the Ascending Dragon Festival begins. We should move quickly. Fortunately, public opinion of you is good. If we contact some promising factions…”
Neung Un-bi frowned deeply at Wang Cheon’s words and shook his head.
Even if he extended a hand, no one would take it.
For each faction, it was a choice that would determine their generation’s fate. Even if there was a favorable atmosphere surrounding him for having returned alive from the Orthodox Faction, they wouldn’t entrust their clan’s destiny to that alone.
What to do?
If only I had a strategist at a time like this…
“Hmm, if you’re looking for a decent faction, I know one. They’re not lacking in power, either…”
“Hm?”
Just as he was deep in serious thought, Hyang-i, who was munching on snacks with her mouth full, spoke casually.
“You know of such a faction?”
“Yup.”
“…?”
“The other disciples probably haven’t even thought of trying to claim it.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
At her words, not only Neung Un-bi but also Ju Seung and Wang Cheon looked at Hyang-i, their eyes sparkling.
Given what she had shown them so far, who would think she was bluffing?
“Maid, is that true? Which faction is it? I’ll go find them right away.”
Hyang-i snorted at Wang Cheon’s eager display.
“You? Don’t be ridiculous. Someone like you would die before you even crossed the threshold.”
“Pardon? What place are you talking about that…”
Ignoring Wang Cheon’s question, Hyang-i set down her cup and looked straight at Neung Un-bi.
“What do you think? It’s actually one of the favors I was going to ask of you after you became the Cult Leader… but right now, becoming the Cult Leader is more urgent.”
“…?”
“But, like I said before, you could die if you go there. Even you.”
“Where is this place?”
“The Evil Spirit Valley.”
“Ah, the Evil Spirit Valley?”
It was a casual remark, but Wang Cheon and Ju Seung, who had been showing interest, simultaneously widened their eyes and cried out as if screaming.
“You can’t!”
“That’s right. The Evil Spirit Valley? Absolutely not.”
“…?”
Why were they reacting like this?
Neung Un-bi, who had never heard of the place, was simply puzzled.
“The Evil Spirit Valley is the most forbidden of all forbidden lands. And you say there’s a faction there? It’s known to be a place where only ghosts live!”
“Nonsense? I know the people inside.”
“What are you talking about? How could you possibly know the people living in the Evil Spirit Valley, Maid?”
As Wang Cheon asked in disbelief, Hyang-i toyed with her cup and muttered.
“I know them. It’s my home.”
“…Pardon? Ah, the Evil Spirit Valley is… your home?”
“Yup. It’s where I was born.”
“…”
Though her mumbled reply wasn’t very loud, not only Wang Cheon and Ju Seung but even the distant members of the Lunar Eclipse Squad stared at her with wide eyes.
“Pfft, hahaha! Maid, you really must say something that makes sense.”
“Hahaha! Indeed. Our maid must have had too much to drink. Does that make you a ghost, Maid?”
After a long silence, Wang Cheon and Ju Seung burst into laughter simultaneously, and even the warriors of the Lunar Eclipse Squad sighed in relief and shook their heads.
“Whew, thanks to you, Maid, we had a good laugh for the first time in a while. You’re such a prankster.”
“I know, right?”
As Wang Cheon and Ju Seung dismissed it as a joke and tried to change the mood, Hyang-i stared at them with a blank expression.
“Does it look like a joke?”
“…”
“Do I look like that kind of person to you? Should I re-drill your eye sockets for you? So you can see me properly?”
Hyang-i, who had somehow gripped daggers in both hands, unleashed a murderous aura, causing Wang Cheon and Ju Seung to gulp and clamp their mouths shut.
“Stop it.”
“…”
“You two, stop laughing as well.”
Only after Neung Un-bi mediated did Hyang-i, who had been glaring at the two, whip her head away.
Seeing Hyang-i speak like this, it didn't seem like a lie.
Come to think of it, he had heard a few things.
About the person named Chung San, mentioned by her grandmother Hwa-yeong, who raised her, and Dokgo Seong of Mount Hua.
He was curious.
Why did she try to take the Cult Leader’s life?
Why did the Cult Leader keep her by his side?
And what exactly was this Evil Spirit Valley, a place whose name alone startled Wang Cheon and Ju Seung?
But first, he felt he should listen to what Wang Cheon and Ju Seung had to say. Everyone has different thoughts, after all.
“Wang Cheon.”
“Yes?”
“Tell me everything you know about the Evil Spirit Valley.”
“…Why the Evil Spirit Valley? Surely you don’t believe the maid’s words, do you?”
Wang Cheon whispered, glancing furtively at Hyang-i.
Why did he have to get so close…
She’ll hear him anyway, even if he speaks quietly.
“Back off. Stop breathing in my ear.”
“My apologies.”
As Neung Un-bi spoke, annoyed, while cleaning his ear, Wang Cheon apologized awkwardly and stepped back.
“What kind of place is the Evil Spirit Valley?”
“Well…”
“It’s fine. Right, Hyang-i?”
“Hmph!”
As Hyang-i whipped her head away, Wang Cheon seemed relieved and carefully began to speak.
“I’ve only heard stories, but the Evil Spirit Valley is… literally the land of ghosts.”
“The land of ghosts?”
“Yes. They say no one who enters ever returns alive. There are even rumors that man-eating monsters might live there…”
“Shut up! What do you know to be spouting such nonsense!”
At Wang Cheon’s words, Hyang-i slammed her cup down and shouted.
Startled by the killing intent that instantly filled the space, Wang Cheon flinched.
It was the first time he had seen Hyang-i this angry. But what filled her eyes seemed to be not anger, but sorrow.
“Hyang-i.”
“…”
Hyang-i, who had been twitching her eye and gripping her dagger, finally calmed her killing intent at Neung Un-bi’s intervention.
“We’re not ghosts or monsters.”
Seeing her trembling eyes, it seemed difficult to listen to Wang Cheon’s explanation any longer.
“Hyang-i. Do you want to explain now?”
“…”
“I need to know what kind of place it is to make a decision.”
*Grit*.
At Neung Un-bi’s words, Hyang-i gritted her teeth and downed her drink as if to calm her anger.
“Tell me. About this place you call home. Why you get so angry, and what favor you wanted to ask of me.”
“That is…”
After taking a breath, Hyang-i emptied her cup again and was about to slowly open her mouth.
*Creeak*.
Just then, the door to the tavern opened.
“Oh? And who might this be? Isn’t it the renowned hero of the demonic path?”
“…”
Recognizing the uninvited guest by voice alone, Neung Un-bi scowled.
“What’s this? Gained a little fame, have we? Now you don’t even greet your elder brother?”
“…It’s been a while, Second Brother.”
He was the son of Hye Shim-jeong and the Cult Leader’s second disciple, Yeo Jin-gang.