Chapter 202: Declaration

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The peerless transcendent who had reigned as the best and strongest master in unorthodox faction history, and the absolute hegemon who had displayed unrivaled battle achievements against the demonic path martial alliance led by the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Yul-cheon.

The protagonist of the unprecedented alias, Evil Emperor of the Unorthodox Faction.

Wei Ta-gong had called Cheol Ryu-heun such a Yul-cheon’s legitimate heir.

It was a sensational statement.

Such surprising words were spoken from the mouth of the strongest master in this region’s unorthodox martial world, not some other person.

Because of that, the reactions of both factions diverged.

Those belonging to the orthodox faction showed eyes of elation, while those belonging to the unorthodox faction showed eyes of dismay.

However, Wei Ta-gong didn’t care.

If he didn’t acknowledge an opponent possessing such tremendous power, that would be more shameful.

The unorthodox martial artists gathered here also knew that well and didn’t carelessly make comments.

Cheol Ryu-heun’s consecutive duels were a field transcending orthodox and unorthodox factions.

It wasn’t a place meant to put down either side.

Therefore, Wei Ta-gong’s attitude was not humiliating at all.

However.

Calling Cheol Ryu-heun the official successor of Evil Emperor Yul-cheon required discussion and consensus from various circles of the unorthodox faction.

It had to be so.

Although Wei Ta-gong was the strongest in the unorthodox faction within the Six Extremes of Hubei, his statement didn’t represent the entire faction.

Moreover, Cheol Ryu-heun was from the White Peak Sword Sect, which belonged to the orthodox faction.

Therefore, it was difficult for the unorthodox faction to raise his status first.

It was a matter of factional pride.

Currently, the orthodox powerhouses within the Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province hadn’t even expressed their position, let alone their intention to duel.

At that moment, Wei Ta-gong, using his sword tip to support himself on the ground, spoke as he raised his body.

“Please refrain from excessive interpretation. Only those who agree need agree.”

It was words that understood everyone’s inner thoughts.

He had no intention whatsoever to force his meaning.

He respected each person’s judgment and views.

That was the meaning.

In other words, he appropriately drew a line that the unorthodox faction’s standing wouldn’t decline because of his statement.

It was a wise handling that elevated the opponent Cheol Ryu-heun while also maintaining the faction’s dignity.

Suddenly.

STEP, STEP, STEP, STEP…

Someone walked out, fluttering their garments.

A middle-aged swordsman radiating a solemn formless presence.

It was Thunder Cloud Sword Duke.

Amid the crowd’s focused attention, he headed toward the center of the open space.

Soon murmuring leaked out.

Was he now going to engage in a duel?

Hunan’s First Martial God.

Perhaps he was stimulated by that shining title.

In the sense of protest that such bestowal and judgment was premature, while one contending for the top of the Five Martial Paragons was very much alive.

Before long, Wei Ji-am stopped his form.

It was right beside Wei Ta-gong.

The two exchanged gazes quietly.

Immediately after, Wei Ji-am spoke in a calm voice.

“Palace Lord Wei, was what you said earlier sincere?”

“Of course. Sect Leader Cheol is fully qualified to be called Hunan’s First Martial God. It seems to be your turn.”

He was saying that if his earlier statement was unpleasant, verify it through an actual duel.

That only then would he come to sincerely acknowledge him.

Yet unexpected words came back.

“There’s no need for that.”

“…?”

“I agree with Palace Lord Wei’s intention.”

“Wait… Weren’t you going to request a duel?”

At that, Wei Ji-am shook his head and shifted his gaze forward.

Following that.

STEP-

He, having assumed a fist-palm greeting posture, declared boldly.

“From now on, I will treat Sect Leader Cheol as a master above the Five Martial Paragons and a martial world senior of the highest standing in this generation!”

Simultaneously, sounds of shock arose from all directions.

Regardless of orthodox or unorthodox faction.

Of course, they had conclusively proven that Cheol Ryu-heun’s martial might was tremendous enough to subdue Wei Ta-gong, who contended for first among the Six Extremes of Hubei, but supposedly one of the top-ranking Five Martial Paragons, Wei Ji-am, immediately acknowledged Cheol Ryu-heun without even a simple duel…

What was that shocking declaration on top of that, saying he would treat him as a senior of the utmost rank?

It was a puzzling situation even from an orthodox faction standpoint.

No matter that Cheol Ryu-heun had mastered Ascending Heaven Sword Dragon’s Four Dragon Sword Styles, his martial world seniority was equal to or below that of the Nine Great Sects’ sect leaders.

Naturally.

Because in the past, Ba Hun had a direct disciple named Rising Dragon Young Master Na Wi-jin.

Since his seniority as the next Dragon Martial Gate Master at the time was the same as current Wei Ji-am, Cheol Ryu-heun naturally couldn’t be above that.

Obtaining Ba Hun’s fortuitous encounter alone wasn’t enough for elevation.

At best, he was on the same level as Ba Hun’s direct disciple Na Wi-jin.

Yet for what reason had Wei Ji-am called Cheol Ryu-heun a martial world senior of the highest standing in this generation?

That meant treating him as an even higher figure than Immortal Muhyeon and Taoist Cheon Mu, who were among the oldest of the Nine Great Sects’ sect leaders.

The moment Wei Ta-gong standing beside became bewildered, several people appeared at arm’s length with wind-like movement.

Ten Ultimate Martial Saint Immortal Muhyeon, Taoist White Cloud Sword Duke Cheon Mu, and Azure Prodigy Sword Master Seol Hu-yong.

Those three also assumed the same courtesy as Wei Ji-am.

Respectful fist-palm postures.

They even bowed their heads.

As if before a true elder.

Seeing that, the crowd was swept up in surprise again.

“No way…!”

“Wh-what is that…?”

Already Wei Ji-am’s words and actions were incomprehensible, and now Immortal Muhyeon and Taoist Cheon Mu showing such reverent attitudes was hard to understand.

At that moment.

SWISH.

Immortal Muhyeon, being the oldest, adjusted his posture and spoke clearly.

“Setting aside the true transmission of the Evil Emperor… Even judging by our faction’s standards, Sect Leader Cheol’s seniority is at minimum far higher than Ascending Heaven Sword Dragon Senior Ba Hun of the previous generation.”

Finally, Cheol Ryu-heun stepped to the fore.

“I shall now reveal it.”

Saying so, he rummaged in his clothing and took something out.

A reddish jade token.

Chrysanthemum Fragrance Sword Mother of Chrysanthemum Martial Hall, having appeared at Immortal Muhyeon and Taoist Heavenly Martial Master’s side before anyone knew, asked while her eyes sparkled.

“What is that?”

“Vermillion Dragon Medallion.”

Along with Cheol Ryu-heun’s brief answer, the crowd each let out surprised exclamations.

Vermillion Dragon Medallion was a divine artifact symbolizing the absolute authority of Dragon Martial Gate’s founder Ba Hun.

There was no one who didn’t know that.

Byeok Song-ha and Wei Ta-gong approached him quickly as if competing and confirmed its reality.

“My! Th-this is…!”

“To actually possess Vermillion Dragon Medallion…!”

As the two showed surprised reactions in unison, the crowd’s murmuring grew even larger.

Since two renowned powerhouses had confirmed Vermillion Dragon Medallion’s unique characteristics, all room for doubt had completely vanished.

Everyone clearly understood.

That if Cheol Ryu-heun was Vermillion Dragon Medallion’s owner, his seniority was equal to Ba Hun’s.

Soon, Taoist Cheon Mu’s resonant voice echoed.

-In fact, Sect Leader Cheol has also inherited the martial arts of the Sword Emperor and Martial Immortal. Therefore, his high seniority is beyond what martial artists of this generation can match.

“URGH!”

“G-good heavens…!”

“Martial Immortal! Sword Emperor!”

“This is insane!”

A silent shockwave spread rapidly.

At that moment, Cheol Ryu-heun spoke with an unconcerned expression.

“You don’t have to treat me as an elder, really. I didn’t reveal it for that purpose anyway.”

Wei Ta-gong, who had been momentarily dazed, adjusted his expression and opened his mouth.

“Th-then…?”

“I wish to start something very interesting through my seniority that encompasses both factions.”

In an instant, Wei Ta-gong’s expression changed.

Because the conversation he had with Immortal Muhyeon earlier suddenly came to mind.

-When these series of duels are finished, there is one matter to convey.

-A matter to convey…?

-I will tell all when it’s over. It’s something very important. If this old monk may add, because of that content, the two factions may develop into at least a cooperative relationship if not unity. Even if only temporarily.

‘So that’s it – the secret about martial world seniority wasn’t all there was!’

Sure enough, Cheol Ryu-heun’s clear voice rang out.

“We must unite our strength and strike the common enemy. So please gather around me.”

“Common enemy…?”

The moment everyone including Wei Ta-gong tilted their heads, an unexpected name reached their ears.

“The Sun Moon Demon Cult.”

Simultaneously with Cheol Ryu-heun’s words, the complexions of Wei Ta-gong, Yuk Geum-gang, Yeo Yong-jeo and others turned pale white.

How many times were they going to be shocked in one day?

Cheol Ryu-heun continued speaking without caring.

“The Sun Moon Demon Cult has already secretly infiltrated this martial world, and this sect plans to stand at the vanguard. And…”

When he waved his hand to one side, a figure approached his side with nimble footwork.

Gal Jung-heon.

He, having appeared before the crowd, clasped his hands together in a wordless greeting.

Then Cheol Ryu-heun, having turned his head, pointed at him with a chin gesture and spoke.

“As you can see, this sect’s Guest Retainer, the former Nine Demon Alliance’s alliance Leader, will also participate in this matter.”

Wei Ta-gong, Jinjo Jeok-je and all others were aghast.

“The N-Nine Demon Alliance Leader!”

“Ha…!”

“Is this true?”

As another massive shock swept through the venue like that, Cheol Ryu-heun’s dry voice flowed from between his red lips.

“This matter will not be a fight but a hunt. Because this sect’s blades have already grown strong.”

* * *

Azure Mark Sword Seol Pan-gyo’s face suddenly stiffened as he walked along the forest path.

KKAKAKANG… KWAKWAKWANG… JJEOEOENG… PEOHEONG…!

Because echoes of metallic sounds and piercing sounds were heard from far beyond his sight.

‘What! Could it be an enemy attack?’

At the end of the forest path lay White Peak Sword Sect, his destination.

PAPAK-!

Seol Pan-gyo immediately executed lightness technique utilizing internal power.

The rapidly compressing distance.

When not much time had passed and he reached a place where White Peak Sword Sect’s main gate was visible, a pungent blood scent rode the wind and stimulated his nostrils.

‘A real fight has broken out! It seems like a big scene – I should hurry in and help!’

He, having quickly drawn his sword, kicked open the firmly closed gate while shouting.

“How dare you attack this place!”

Right at that moment.

PUHAAK!

At the near front, with a chilling sound, a swordsman collapsed to the ground while scattering blood.

‘WOOT!’

Seol Pan-gyo involuntarily flinched.

Because the power loaded in that sword strike just now was too terrifying.

The person who had executed it was none other than Chief Supervisor Hyeop Mu-geuk.

That wasn’t all.

Elder Yeop Hwon as well as Instructors Guyang Cheon, Guyang Ji, and Guyang In were also each cutting down dozens of enemies with terrifying bladework.

“AAAK!”

“KEOK!”

“GUHEUK!”

Swordsmen screaming and collapsing wildly.

In the rectangular training ground, already about a hundred enemies had fainted while soaked in blood.

‘The Sword Seal Sect…?’

A light of doubt floated in Seol Pan-gyo’s eyes.

That’s right.

The identity of the group lying collapsed before the ferocious martial might of White Peak Sword Sect’s leadership was the elite swordsman group of the Sword Seal Sect, the Cruel Sword Squad.

In a flash.

KWANG!

One figure, exuding fierce energy, charged by bursting vital energy through the yongcheon points at the soles of his feet.

One Long Sword Soul Eum Seon, commander of Cruel Sword Squad and second-in-command of the Sword Seal Sect.

Hyeop Mu-geuk on the opposite side also quickly advanced and thrust his sword straight out.

KWAAAAAAAANG-!