Chapter 369

Chapter 369: Upheaval (2)

Departing from Lanzhou, Hwangbo Ak led the members of the Hwangbo Family as they made their way toward Shandong, the region where their ancestral home was located.

They had journeyed across Shaanxi Province and were just crossing the border into Henan Province when their path was suddenly obstructed by an awaiting contingent.

The group was prominently displaying the official insignias of the Martial Alliance.

“We offer our respects to the Head of the Hwangbo Family.”

A middle-aged practitioner stepped forward from the ranks, greeting Hwangbo Ak with a disciplined martial salute.

Hwangbo Ak recognized the man’s identity and reputation instantly. He served as the commander for one of the primary combat divisions within the Martial Alliance, a formidable warrior who had recently pierced the boundary of the Realm of Truth.

“A pleasure to cross paths with you, Fierce Tiger Corps Leader. With that noted, what purpose does the Martial Alliance have in obstructing the journey of my Hwangbo Family?”

“We rode with the utmost urgency the moment intelligence reached us that the Head of the Hwangbo Family was returning from his visit with the Maitreya Luminous Cult in Gansu.”

“Since when has the Alliance claimed the authority to oversee every minor movement of the Hwangbo Family?”

As Hwangbo Ak openly projected his irritation, the Fierce Tiger Corps Leader adopted a distressed look before answering.

“You misunderstand, my lord. We would never presume to dictate actions to the illustrious Hwangbo Family. We have traveled simply to open your eyes to the hidden reality of those treacherous scoundrels within the Maitreya Luminous Cult.”

“The hidden reality of the Maitreya Luminous Cult?”

Hwangbo Ak feigned a look of intense curiosity, which encouraged the Fierce Tiger Corps Leader to deliver his startling revelation.

“Their actual identity is none other than the Demonic Cult.”

“What!! Are you claiming that to be the absolute truth?!”

Hwangbo Ak roared aloud, putting on a performance as though such information had never reached his ears until this very moment.

Inwardly celebrating the success of his revelation, the Fierce Tiger Corps Leader pressed on.

“It is undeniable, sir. We have maintained a vigilant watch over the northern trade passages where the Maitreya Luminous Cult conducts commerce with the West. Intelligence confirms that Dokgo Ryong has been systematically wiping out all competing merchant convoys while granting exclusive passage to the caravans of the Maitreya Luminous Cult. Such an arrangement would be impossible without a deep, clandestine alliance.”

“Those deceitful vipers!! Those worthless wretches have been playing us for fools this entire time!!”

Hwangbo Ak’s countenance flushed with rage as he bellowed at the top of his lungs.

“Precisely, sir. The Alliance uncovered this plot at immense cost, and we are currently dispatching messages to every prominent sect and clan to assemble a grand coalition against the Maitreya Luminous Cult, which is merely the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult operating under a false name.”

“The Hwangbo Family will absolutely join this campaign! We will make them bleed for having the audacity to play tricks on the noble Hwangbo Family!”

Having spoken, Hwangbo Ak spun around toward his accompanying kinsmen and barked out his directives.

“All of you, ride back to our estate with all haste and mobilize every capable warrior we possess to unite with the forces of the Alliance!”

Observing her father’s elaborate performance from the rear of the procession, Hwangbo Yeon struggled immensely to suppress her shock and confusion.

—F-Father, what is the meaning of this? Why are we preparing to strike the Maitreya Luminous Cult? Given everything we have learned, does not the explanation provided by the Maitreya Luminous Cult carry far more weight and truth?

Hwangbo Ak sent a swift response back through a focused voice transmission.

—That is exactly the reason I have instructed you to return and gather the remainder of our family forces.

His mental voice was perfectly composed, completely detached from the theatrical rage he had just displayed to the Fierce Tiger Corps Leader.

—If this grand conspiracy is indeed unfolding, we must relocate our primary estate as far toward the west as we can manage.

At that moment, the realization dawned on Hwangbo Yeon as to why her father had staged such a furious outburst.

There was no mistake. He was manipulating both the Imperial Family and the Martial Alliance like chess pieces, solely to ensure the safe relocation of their entire clan to the western regions.

The standard perception throughout Jianghu was that the members of the Hwangbo Family were mere brutes, possessing immense physical strength but lacking intellectual depth. Hwangbo Ak was brilliantly turning that exact prejudice into a weapon for their survival.

—Do not utter a single phrase regarding this matter to anyone. Should a whisper get out, we risk drawing the attention of the Eastern Depot, meaning you must keep even our own clansmen completely unaware. Inform them only that we are mobilizing for a massive campaign against the Demonic Cult.

Receiving these instructions from the clever strategist operating under the guise of a hot-tempered warrior, Hwangbo Yeon gave a solemn nod.

—I understand and will execute your commands, Father.

Roughly a month prior to these events, deep within the walls of the Lesser Sun Palace.

Wi Jin-hak sat in quiet contemplation, reviewing a dispatch that had arrived from the Gansu region.

“Hah…”

A faint, self-deprecating laugh slipped past Wi Jin-hak’s lips before he could restrain it.

“A master plan to wipe out the entire martial community…”

He had previously assumed the Imperial Family was merely deploying underhanded tactics out of a bitter grudge against them, but he had never anticipated a plot designed to completely harvest the remnants after both factions utterly broke one another.

“We find ourselves trapped in a dangerous predicament. If we crush those arrogant hypocrites of the Orthodox Faction, we merely pave the way for the Imperial Family to achieve their ultimate goal.”

While Wi Jin-hak reflected aloud in solitude, the Hidden Guard Pavilion Lord, who had just finished reviewing the correspondence sent by Il-mok, offered a careful perspective. “Do not let this weigh heavily on your spirit, Cult Leader. When considering the grand scheme, our fundamental reality has not altered.”

“You speak the truth. Our primary objective from the very beginning was to confront both the Orthodox sects and the Imperial Family simultaneously.”

The critical issue lay in the fact that their grand strategy demanded they remain hidden, steadily accumulating their martial power over a span of ten full years.

Granted, a portion of that timeline had already passed, but they still required nearly eight additional years to reach full readiness.

‘I can only place my faith in the youngest to secure us the necessary time.’

Ever since that dispatch had reached him, Wi Jin-hak had spent his days enduring a heavy, suffocating constriction within his chest.

Then, unexpectedly, his Third Brother arrived at the central headquarters bearing a fresh message.

“Hahaha! A momentous occasion for celebration, Third Brother.”

Wi Jin-hak perceived immediately that Seo Wan-pyeong had successfully achieved the state of Transcendence, greeting his arrival with a resonant laugh.

The mere sight of this accomplishment lifted a portion of the suffocating pressure weighing on his mind.

However, upon absorbing the text of the message Seo Wan-pyeong presented next, the remaining tension within Wi Jin-hak vanished like dust scattered by the wind.

“He intends to sway the factions of the Orthodox Faction to our side?”

“Yes, Eldest Brother. He intends to utilize the revelation of the conspiracy as leverage, aiming to win over the prominent figures with whom he established ties while operating under the guise of the Maitreya Luminous Cult.”

As Seo Wan-pyeong detailed the contents of the correspondence, Wi Jin-hak found himself profoundly struck by the extraordinary foresight of Il-mok’s intellect.

“Hahaha. Truly remarkable. I had never once questioned the assumption that we were destined to fight both the Orthodox Faction and the Imperial Family using nothing but our own isolated strength.”

Why had he and their departed Master originally established a ten-year preparation window?

It was born from the conviction that they would have to subjugate the Central Plains relying solely on the inherent might of the Demonic Cult.

Yet, if they could successfully bring the influential masters of the Orthodox factions to their banner, the need for a decade-long wait evaporated entirely.

Furthermore, converting potential adversaries into trusted companions provided a massive strategic advantage. Their opposition would be fundamentally diminished while their own ranks expanded exponentially.

As Wi Jin-hak stood in silent admiration of his youngest brother’s brilliant tactical mind, a sudden realization struck him.

‘I was always aware the youngest possessed an intellect far sharper than this dense Eldest Brother, but it appears his innate genius might truly eclipse even that of our Master.’

He permitted himself a brief, proud smile, appreciating the extraordinary capabilities of his youngest brother.

—How can you think of aligning with those deceitful hypocrites?

—Il-mok has turned his back on the sacred mission of the Cult.

—Reduce them all to cinders and cleanse this corrupt world!!

An intense, sudden headache tore through his mind, causing Wi Jin-hak to wince in pain. He gripped his forehead tightly with his right hand as a dark, turbulent Qi flared within his gaze.

“Eldest Brother?”

As a panicked Seo Wan-pyeong observed him with eyes full of deep apprehension, Wi Jin-hak slowly pulled his hand away from his brow and extended it to signal reassurance.

“I am fine. It is merely a passing disturbance from a Heart Demon.”

“I have heard many accounts regarding the merciless nature of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art’s internal backlash, yet I never anticipated it would inflict such agony upon you, Eldest Brother.”

Forcing his way past the residual pain, Wi Jin-hak offered a reassuring reply to his concerned martial brother.

“Haha. Set your mind at ease. The most perilous phase has been overcome, meaning our path forward will only grow smoother.”

Seo Wan-pyeong caught the deeper significance hidden beneath those words and looked upon him with newfound reverence.

“Are you saying you have already attained the Extremity of the Heavenly Demon Heart Art?”

“That is correct.”

“Your achievements never fail to leave me in awe, Eldest Brother.”

It had been less than a single year since Wi Jin-hak had ascended to the position of Cult Leader, making his rate of cultivation progress nothing short of miraculous.

Seeing the profound admiration shining in his brother’s expression, Wi Jin-hak gave a soft laugh and waved off the compliments.

“Haha. You understand as well as I do, Third Brother, that within the realm of Demonic Arts, the Extremity is precisely where the true tribulations commence. I still have a vast distance to cover before I can begin to measure up to the legacy of our Master.”

Steering the conversation away from his cultivation, Wi Jin-hak returned to the pressing issue.

“So, should his attempts at diplomacy fail, our youngest intends to withdraw back to Xinjiang?”

“Yes. He recognizes that engaging in a direct conflict with the Orthodox Faction at this juncture would merely serve the strategic interests of the Imperial Family.”

“Hm. On that particular point, his assessment aligns perfectly with the views held by myself and the Hidden Guard Pavilion Lord.”

Wi Jin-hak stroked his chin thoughtfully, murmuring to himself before giving a firm nod of decision.

“Therefore, Third Brother, I require you to journey back to Gansu immediately to provide aid to the youngest, stepping into the role of the new leader of the Dark Shadow Pavilion.”

Stunned by this sudden directive from Wi Jin-hak, Seo Wan-pyeong stammered out in surprise. “M-me? You wish for me to assume command as the Dark Shadow Pavilion Lord?”

“It is a tragedy we must bear, but the previous commander sacrificed his existence for the glory of the Divine Cult during that final operation. Even so, we cannot permit such a vital role to remain vacant. Having served as the Vice Lord of the Dark Shadow Pavilion, it is only fitting that you step forward to assume the mantle.”

Seo Wan-pyeong paused to reflect on the gravity of the request for a brief moment, then executed a profound, respectful bow toward his Eldest Brother.

“I, Seo Wan-pyeong, formerly Vice Pavilion Lord of the Dark Shadow Pavilion, submissively accept the decree of the Cult Leader and will dedicate my life to the Cult as its official Pavilion Lord. The Heavenly Demon Descends! Ten Thousand Demons Obeys!”

Witnessing the profound growth and maturity his brother had achieved since reaching Transcendence, Wi Jin-hak smiled with genuine pride. “Excellent. I am certain your station is already buried under a mountain of administrative duties as the presiding Pavilion Lord, so lose no time in attending to them.”

“Understood.”

Once Seo Wan-pyeong had offered his final tokens of respect and exited the chamber, Wi Jin-hak finally allowed his expression to furrow in pain once more, pressing his right palm firmly against his brow.

‘The intensity is truly merciless.’

Leveraging his exceptional natural talent alongside the fact that he had initiated his mastery of the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts after already piercing the initial thresholds of the Realm of Truth, Wi Jin-hak’s internal energy had surged forward at an incredible rate.

The underlying danger was that this accelerated progression caused the corresponding internal backlash to expand with equal velocity and intensity.

—Place no faith in those vile pretenders.

—Eradicate all who are corrupt.

‘Silence!! The Divine Cult exists to mete out retribution against genuine wickedness! Not to indulge in mindless bloodbaths!’

He dedicated the following days to profound, isolated meditation, continuously battling to subdue his chaotic Heart Demon. Eventually, a fresh intelligence report made its way to the central headquarters.

The dispatch originated from the northern territories.

“To think he permitted an old wretch from the Eastern Depot to slip past his grasp…”

Wi Jin-hak grimaced as his eyes scanned the written words sent by Dokgo Ryong.

Dokgo Ryong branded himself a failure for falling short of his master’s expectations, stating he would willingly submit to execution if demanded, though he pleaded for a brief stay of punishment.

—Once I rend that treacherous dog limb from limb with my own hands, I will submissively receive whatever retribution my lord deems appropriate to inflict upon me.

Precisely how Dokgo Ryong intended to track down and eliminate a eunuch who had already retreated deep into the heart of the Central Plains was something Wi Jin-hak could not fathom.

He was currently pondering the best course of action when another missive arrived at the stronghold.

This message came directly from Il-mok.

The text provided detailed confirmation that the Beggars’ Gang, the Hwangbo Family, and the Wudang sect had all demonstrated encouraging responses to their overtures.

‘This means we only need to maintain our position until the Beggars’ Gang successfully picks up the trail of the Eastern Depot.’

While this was undeniably favorable intelligence, Wi Jin-hak found himself unable to dismiss a persistent, unsettling premonition.

It stemmed entirely from the update Dokgo Ryong had previously provided.

As anticipated, his dark intuition proved accurate. A mere few days later, a critical update was delivered to the main headquarters.

—The Martial Alliance has successfully unmasked the true identity behind the Maitreya Luminous Cult. They are currently mobilizing martial arts forces from every corner of the Central Plains and are preparing a full-scale military advance toward Gansu.

Upon absorbing the final words of the report, Wi Jin-hak immediately boomed out his commands to the Hidden Guard Pavilion Lord.

“Gather the commanders of every single division to the Lesser Sun Palace this instant. The moment to initiate our campaign has arrived.”