Chapter 278: Chapter 276

A muscular old man, on the verge of bursting. He was one of the two Protectors who assisted the Heavenly Demon, the very man who created the Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique.

“It’s been a long time, Master.”

Jinhyuk greeted him with a light smile.

“Yeah. You must’ve had quite a journey. I was worried that you might have become weaker since we last met, but it seems my worry was unwarranted.”

The Dark Emperor laughed heartily.

Beside him, Jinhyuk saw White Snake and the high-ranked members of the Shadow Corps from the Empire.

“Hahaha. Sending a Jiangshi to check if it was an unfounded worry or not. I almost left for the Mount of the Dead instead of the Hundred Thousand Mountains. If you were going to test me, you should’ve sent the Yin-Yang Jiangshi. That would’ve made me bite my tongue and die for good.”

“Well, if you’re unharmed, that’s all that matters. Don’t complain too much. As my disciple, you should be able to handle this much with your eyes closed.”

“I haven’t learned anything yet…”

“Hmm! Hmm!”

The Dark Emperor coughed awkwardly, looking a bit embarrassed. He quickly changed the subject.

“Other than Moonlight, I didn’t realize we had another guest. Is that your companion?”

The Dark Emperor’s gaze shifted to Ellis.

Her face was hidden behind a mask, but that couldn’t hide the true nature within her.

A sharp and cutting energy pierced under the mask.

However, Ellis was not to be easily intimidated by the Dark Emperor’s energy.

Fizz! Spark!

Sparks flew, and the conflicting energies neutralized each other.

Suddenly, a pebble on the ground burst into dust with a ‘puck’ sound.

“Oh?”

A strange exclamation escaped the Dark Emperor’s lips.

The air was tense, the atmosphere changed rapidly.

“……”

Ellis tilted her head slightly.

As if to say she wouldn’t avoid confrontation and was ready to draw her Unique Celestial Spear if provoked.

Damn it. This is the problem with those all too proud ones.

They’ll overturn everything if things aren’t to their liking.

Just then.

“….Young lad. It looks like you’ve found a splendid partner. The skills are remarkable and the energy within is indeed typical of the dark arts of our cult. Hmmm. With such a person, it’s only natural to be allowed inside our Cult. I grant my permission.”

“….Yes?”

“Eh?”

Jinhyuk and Ellis exclaimed simultaneously.

“Come on, let’s get going. We have to hurry before the sun sets because we’ve been delayed.”

Before they could reply, the Dark Emperor took the lead.

“Hmm hmm. Hmmm.”

Ellis hummed contently.

Though the reason was unclear, the hostility she radiated earlier had completely vanished.

“Why are your moods so fluctuating? Didn’t you dislike the Master?”

“I did, but now I find the old man quite likable. Hehe.”

Ellis briskly walked ahead with light steps.

Is it because vampires’ inherent magical power and the Cult’s dark energy are similar? Indeed, it’s hard to understand what those who reach the level of Sovereign are thinking.

After walking for some time, Jinhyuk and the Dark Emperor had moved quite far apart. At that moment, White Snake approached the Dark Emperor.

The worry on his stern face was unmistakable.

“Are you really considering accepting that person as a disciple? Someone unaffiliated with our Cult, not to mention not even a martial artist…”

White Snake voiced his concern cautiously.

“I’m aware of your worries, but don’t fret.”

“……But, Eminent One. All three of the great masters who were scattered have returned to the Cult. Additionally, three new masters have joined during the ten years of seclusion, haven’t they?”

“Are you referring to the ones brought in by the Left Protector?”

The Heavenly Demon, the two Protectors, and the Demon Corps Commander—in total, ten great masters were all gathering in one place today.

“Yes. The situation is already tense like walking on the edge of a blade, and I don’t think we should create new sparks of contestation. Especially since the Left Protector…”

Even though they all gathered under the powerful figurehead of the Heavenly Demon, the Left Protector was different.

Ambition was brewing within him, not outwardly but boiling hot with metal fire within.

Caught in the midst of these venomous vipers, to give them a reason to grasp any weakness was far too worrisome for White Snake.

It was only natural.

After all, a demonic cult is a gathering of those who kill others to take their power and make it their own.

However.

“White Snake.”

The Dark Emperor’s expression remained unchanging.

“Yes, yes?”

“I clearly said it’s fine.”

He simply stated.

Deciding alone, wholly and completely.

No one other than the Heavenly Demon could command him.

And once he decided to take someone under his protection, he never abandoned them under any circumstances.

“Admittedly, we haven’t known each other long. As you said, her roots are not in martial arts. Even so, I’ve decided to accept her as my disciple.”

The reason was unknown.

But… it felt like a camaraderie and longing for a person he had known for ages.

“I want to trust my instincts.”

Across the flowing wind, a faint smile formed on the lips of the Dark Emperor.

A smile that he had never shown before.

“Your Will be done.”

White Snake bowed his head.

＊＊＊

The main hall of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Heavenly Demon Hall (天魔殿).

Six men and women were seated on both sides of the empty seat of high honor.

These were the ten great masters of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

“Both the Protectors and the Demon Corps Commander have yet to show up, and we seldom get to see the Heavenly Demon since the seclusion. I’m beginning to worry that something might have gone wrong.”

An old man with a fungus growing on his sword and a skinny appearance spoke.

Eighth in hierarchy,

He was called the Poison Lotus Hand, Dokgoryong.

It sounded less like sincere concern and more like he was hoping for something to go wrong.

“Oh my. Are you, an old man, lusting for power? The Heavenly Demon is in good health; there is no need for your concern. I can guarantee that.”

Sosuhwannyeo (素手幻女) Sohohyang smiled seductively.

Ranked fifth, a master who perfected the art of the Bare Hand Phantom Technique, her mere smile seemed to sweeten the air around her.

“A witch like you dares accuse me of greed for power?”

“From my point of view, it’s obvious, but it’s only words if you say otherwise.”

Sohohyang chuckled lightly.

“Always engaged in a war of nerves upon meeting. How crude.”

“Kekeke. After all, we aren’t exactly on amicable terms to be exchanging pleasantries.”

“Petty.”

The others chipped in their thoughts.

Then, at that moment.

Boom!

With a loud noise, the doors of the inner chamber burst open.

“Hahahahaha. It seems I’m rather late. I wonder if the Heavenly Demon… Hmm? It seems he hasn’t yet arrived in the inner chamber.”

It was the Dark Emperor.

His brash behavior wasn’t new, as causing damage to property was something all were accustomed to.

But.

Even such acts of whimsy have bounds that must not be crossed.

Particularly when one is among the two Protectors who assist the Heavenly Demon…

“Dark Emperor, no, Right Protector! Who are these people?”

Dokgoryong’s voice carried an edge.

This place was the Heavenly Demon Hall.

A forbidden area where only those with permission could enter.

To see unknown outsiders walk in was bound to incite disbelief.

“Take it easy. They can all hear. These are my disciples and… well, let’s just say, her betrothed.”

“Di, Disciples?”

“… The Right Protector has taken disciples?”

“Can it be…?”

At the Dark Emperor’s statement, exclamations of disbelief echoed from all around.

Icily strong with brute force, the Dark Emperor had ascended to the position of the Right Protector, but never once took a disciple in all these years.

None in the Heavenly Demon Cult had ever caught the eye of the Dark Emperor.

“Then… is that one able to practice the Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique?”

“Yes. He can use it.”

The Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique (黑天魔皇功).

The unique martial art of the Dark Emperor had been sought after by countless people, yet all failed.

At best, they could only mimic a simplified version called Black Heavenly Technique.

But if he’s mastered it…

If not for the Dark Emperor’s own proclamation, such a claim would have been deemed impossible.

“Indeed, if that’s the case, I understand why the Right Protector is showing interest. May I inquire as to which realm that person has reached?”

“He has reached 4-stars. Though not precise, he can execute the techniques of that realm without difficulty, as witnessed by my own eyes.”

“Using the basics and reaching the 4-star realm… At such an age?”

“… A monster, then.”

All eyes turned toward Jinhyuk.

Despite the suffocating pressure, he stood calmly.

A 4-star realm seemed preposterous.

It took the leader of the Black Wind Faction, Yanghomyeongjo, ten years to attain the 3-star realm with the Black Heavenly Technique, not the Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique.

“So you’ve brought him to join the Cult, then.”

“No, I’d like to grant my disciple the same authority as I have.”

“The same… authority as the Right Protector? I’ve heard you correctly, haven’t I?”

“If you heard correctly, why ask again?”

“So you’re suggesting that, although a disciple of the Right Protector and can freely enter the Cult ground… he won’t follow our doctrines. In short, you want to grant him the freedom to act as he wishes?”

“Precisely.”

The Dark Emperor nodded affirmatively.

“That’s preposterous!”

“Right Protector! Are you in your right mind?”

“Puhahaha! It seems the old man has lost his senses. After ten years of seclusion, has his brain rotted away?”

“How can we allow such a special treatment just for a passably talented person? Besides, there’s no proof but the Right Protector’s word, is there not?”

“Hmm. As expected, these are the reactions.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Dark Emperor shrugged his shoulders towards Jinhyuk.

“Well, I was expecting it.”

“Then, show them. Why you deserve special treatment.”

And.

“Why I decided to take you as a disciple the moment we first met.”

Everything.

“Understood.”

Jinhyuk stepped forward.

＊＊＊

The ten great masters of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Though some were missing, just hearing the names sent shivers down one’s spine, such were the strength of these formidable opponents.

All specialized in unique martial arts, and their real combat experience was on a different level compared to the martial artists Jinhyuk had faced so far.

‘Impressive indeed.’

Jinhyuk scanned the faces of the masters before him.

Ranks five to ten.

Monsters, each and every one of them.

However, he did not have to worry about being ambushed by them all at once.

Their status was high enough that they couldn’t act recklessly, saving face.

“It would be a joke for us to deal with the Right Protector’s disciple. We will call our own disciples to face him. Jasohui.”

“Yes, Faction Leader.”

Upon Sohohyang’s call, a young girl appeared.

She had been waiting outside, but with Sohohyang’s permission, she was now allowed into the Heavenly Demon Hall.

Whoosh!

The sword that came out of its sheath scattered brilliant light.

The stifling dark energy indicated the girl, too, had learned the Bare Hand Phantom Technique.

But at that moment, Dokgoryong intervened.

“No, let the youngsters be. I’ll take care of this matter.”

“Oh my, how proactive of you. Whatever has come over you?”

“I say I will handle it, why do I need a reason?”

“Hehe. Do as you please. You have so much resentment against the Right Protector; this time, I’ll special allow you.”

Thump! Thump!

Dokgoryong struck the ground twice with his staff.

“Pakgak!”

At the sharp sound, a shadow emerged.

“Did you call for me?”

“Yes. The Right Protector has taken a disciple, so make sure to show him how esteemed our Cult is.”

“Hehe. Leave it to me.”

With a sinister smile, Pakgak approached Jinhyuk.

“It’s a rare chance to tenderly care for a younger peer. So, what do you think of our Cult so far? It would have been nice if you took in the scenery before being bedridden.”

“The scenery was lovely, everything was great. It was a perfect day until an old senior had to ruin it with his grumbling.”

“What… what did you say? Grumbling?”

“And if you plan to care for someone, stop thinking of touching others inappropriately and manage your own face oozing with mucus. Cultivating martial arts or enhancing inner energy… all fine but at least wash your face. Aren’t you supposed to cleanse yourself at least once?”

It’s really like the barefaced beggars of the Open Heaven Sect…but.

“The esteemed name of Demon Hand carrying a stench of filth should at least bathe occasionally to avoid being scented from a hundred li away by Yuseong, who can sense your hiding spot from a distance.”

It’s like he’s practically a walking advertisement.

“You… do you even understand what you’re saying?”

“Hey, I said it. You’re not telling me you don’t understand what I mean? It’s not like I’m an idiot like you.”

“Woo… Woooooak!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Pakgak stomped his foot.