Chapter 154

Chapter 154
## Chapter 154: Variables (1)

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### The Hall of Returning Spirits, Heavenly Demon Cult

Inside the Hall of Returning Spirits, the sanctuary of the **Heavenly Demon Cult**, the **Immortal Demon Physician Hwa Nong**—a high-ranking elder and the facility’s director—was attending to a visitor.

“I have received word that my grandson’s health is mending. You have my gratitude. This miracle is entirely due to your efforts, **Elder Hwa**.”

Even though the **Crimson Dragon Gang** had seen its influence wane following several recent catastrophes, its patriarch, **Gu In-hwang**, still carried the weight of a powerful man. He offered his deep appreciation to **Hwa Nong**.

“Ha ha ha! Please, there is no need for such formality. Was this not ordained by the heavens? Soon after you placed the boy in my care, that incredibly legendary **Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Lingzhi** surfaced as if it had been waiting for us. Such timing can only be the work of providence.”

“I hurried to this hall under the impression you possessed a **Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Seed**, only to discover it was actually a **Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Lingzhi**! Ha ha! My astonishment was beyond words.”

“While a **Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Seed** is a top-tier medicinal treasure, it lacks the raw potency required to truly uproot the boy’s specific malady.”

“The most divine herb is worthless without a master to administer it, is it not? This success was born from **Elder Hwa’s** unmatched medical expertise. I had long heard you were the true successor to the **Divine Physician**, but seeing it in person is truly humbling.”

**Gu In-hwang** thought back to the intricate needlework **Hwa Nong** had performed on his youngest heir, continuing to pour out his admiration. Having spent decades consulting with the most renowned doctors in the land, he knew **Hwa Nong’s** acupuncture was a peerless art that stood far above the rest.

“Such grand compliments leave me feeling quite humbled.”

“It is not flattery; it is the simple reality.”

“I thank you. Regardless, luck played a massive role. Had we delayed much longer, even the **Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Lingzhi** might have been unable to pull him back from the brink.”

“I am deeply embarrassed. I failed to recognize the true nature of the child’s suffering, assuming he was merely of a delicate constitution.”

**Gu In-hwang’s** complexion turned a shameful shade of red as he criticized his own negligence.

“Do not be so hard on yourself. It was a condition that would baffle even the most seasoned experts. Put your mind at ease.”

**Hwa Nong** spoke with a soothing voice and a gentle gaze, though his internal monologue was far more cynical.

*’That cunning old predator! He didn’t miss it—he was hiding it.’*

**Gu Cheon-jin**, the youngest grandson of **Gu In-hwang**, was afflicted with the **Nine Yang Severed Meridians**. It was a cruel paradox: he was born with a brilliant mind and a physique perfectly suited for the highest levels of combat, yet he was cursed with an internal excess of yang energy that guaranteed a premature death. It was a destiny known as the heavenly scourge.

*’If he manages to survive this curse, his innate gifts will turn him into a titan who could reshape the world. That is exactly why the patriarch kept it a secret. Any rival clan or enemy would move heaven and earth to kill a child with that kind of potential.’*

**Hwa Nong** stole a knowing look at the gang leader.

*’Heh heh heh! It is a stroke of luck that I discovered the truth behind the **Shungmyeong Province** disaster, or I might have overlooked this diamond in the rough.’*

The event in **Shungmyeong Province**, where the **Crimson Dragon Gang’s** eldest grandson perished, had been the subject of much gossip within the **Heavenly Demon Cult**. Most dismissed it as a case of terrible luck, believing the boy had simply run into the **Divine Demon Leader** while inspecting his **Crimson Blood Unit** soldiers.

However, a strange detail had emerged from the **Crimson Dragon Gang** members who had collaborated with those sent to **Xiaoxing** to recover the **Heavenly Demon Pill**. Their primary objective hadn’t seemed to be simple vengeance; they had been pathologically focused on capturing the **Divine Demon Leader’s** younger sister.

Even though the report from the lone survivor of the **Dark Fragrance**, **Pyo Yeong**, omitted this detail, **Hwa Nong** had gathered the truth through other leads.

What looked like a quest for revenge was actually a desperate medical hunt. **Gu Cheon-jin** had the **Nine Yang Severed Meridians**, and to save him, they sought a girl with the exact same condition. Their plan had been crushed by the overwhelming power of the **Divine Demon Leader**.

Once **Hwa Nong** confirmed the boy’s diagnosis, he leaked word to the **Crimson Dragon Gang** that the **Hall of Returning Spirits** had a **Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Seed**—the only known hope for such a condition.

The patriarch had no choice. Bringing the boy here meant revealing the secret of the **Nine Yang Severed Meridians**, but the child was out of time.

“How long until he is fully restored?”

“He will require at least two more weeks of intensive care.”

“Another two weeks?”

**Gu In-hwang’s** brow twitched with irritation. They had already been here for ten days; the news that the finish line was still so far away sparked a visible frustration.

“Had the treatment begun earlier, the recovery time would have been halved. But we started very late. You have my apologies, Leader.”

“Haha! Apologies? Please. I was merely being restless. Forgive my lack of patience.”

“I appreciate your patience. I will do everything in my power to accelerate the process.”

“I am in your debt. Please see this through. I shall remember this kindness forever.”

“Kindness? I am simply a doctor performing my task.”

**Hwa Nong** remained perfectly modest until the very end. Visibly pleased with the physician’s character, **Gu In-hwang** finally exited the hall.

Shortly after his departure, a voice drifted through the door.

“Branch Lord, it is **Dam Ik**.”

“Enter.”

The door slid open to reveal a gaunt, middle-aged man—**Dam Ik**, the second-in-command of the **Dark Fragrance**.

“Did you find what I asked for?”

“I did.”

“Give me the report.”

**Dam Ik** took a shallow breath, glancing at **Hwa Nong** before delivering the news.

“It appears the **Ten Thousand Poison Valley** and the **Yin Poison Nest** have broken their chains.”

“Are you certain of this?”

“I am. The **Crimson Water Sword Gate** has already been turned to ash by his hand.”

“The **Crimson Water Sword Gate**?”

**Hwa Nong’s** eyebrows shot up in genuine shock. That sect was a powerhouse within the **Heavenly Demon Cult**. Even with many of their warriors away laying siege to the **Nangong Clan**, their remaining defenses were formidable. For a weakened **Ten Thousand Poison Valley** to topple them was unthinkable.

It meant only one thing: the **Yin Poison Nest’s** **Immortal Ten Thousand Poison Command Spell** had worked on the captives from the **Divine Demon Division**, and a genuine **Poison Blood Demon** had been unleashed.

“What of **Ma Chung**? Did that old ghost perish as well?”

“He did.”

**Hwa Nong** let out a dry, mocking laugh at the news that the former master of the **Crimson Water Sword Gate**, the legendary **Blood Guest**, was dead.

“Ha! **Ma Geuk** will lose his mind when this reaches his ears.”

“It wasn’t just them—the **Rainbow Slaughter Gate** and the **Flying Snake Gang** were also decimated. He is currently absorbing the **Ghost Spirit Clan** and the **Crimson Flame Clan** while reaching out to various other factions.”

**Dam Ik** looked incredibly grim.

“Various factions? I imagine those who have a bone to pick with the **Heavenly Demon Cult**?”

“Precisely.”

“He is carving out his own kingdom. Well, it’s an interesting development, but…”

With the **Blood Cult** now out in the open, chaos was a welcome ally. However, the defiance of the **Yin Poison Nest** was an unwelcome variable. Most of all, **Hwa Nong** loathed losing the **Poison Blood Demon** he had helped engineer. The cost of creating such a weapon had been astronomical.

“It is a shame. That creature would have been a magnificent asset for our cult.”

As **Hwa Nong** sighed, **Dam Ik** hesitated before speaking again.

“The official report has been filed. A high-level summit will be called shortly.”

“Hmph! Let those ancient relics in the **Elder Council** and **Elder Hall** talk until they are blue in the face. The result will be the same.”

With the core leadership of the **Heavenly Demon Cult** away following the Cult Leader, only a few remained behind to manage the mundane affairs of the council.

Just then, a messenger arrived.

“Branch Lord.”

“Speak.”

“You are requested at the **Supremacy Pavilion** immediately.”

“Very well.”

The **Immortal Demon Physician Hwa Nong** stood up, the sharp focus of the **Blood Cult’s Fourth Elder** settling behind his eyes.

—

### The Front Lines

The **Heavenly Demon Cult’s** plan to slaughter the **Ha Hu Clan’s** reinforcements at the **Thousand Ri Plain** had been utterly ruined by **Sima Geon’s** unit.

Despite deploying over two hundred warriors from the **Wind Demon Unit** and the **Ghost Path Gang**, fewer than thirty men had crawled back alive. Conversely, the **Ha Hu Clan** had emerged unscathed. It was a humiliating setback.

The cult had been hunting them since they were spotted near **Bi Cheon Manor**, but the news that the **Divine Demon Leader** himself had entered the fray caused a panic. The **Divine Demon Division** was a legend, and **Sima Geon** and his lieutenant **Cheol Woo** were names that struck fear into the hearts of many.

While those who only knew them by reputation were stunned by the loss, the veterans who had seen the **Divine Demon Division** in action considered the outcome predictable. Now, a new terror was spreading: the prospect of fighting the **Divine Demon Leader** at **Bi Cheon Manor**.

“Still no trace?”

At the **Blood Light Martial Emperor’s** query, **Jang Gon** of the **Military Affairs Department** shook his head.

“We have every available man searching, but nothing.”

“It isn’t a matter of finding them—it’s that we can’t get a report back once they are found.”

**Elder Dark Thunder Blade Chu Seung** spoke while idly spinning a throwing knife.

“What are you implying?”

“The **Dark Fragrance** agents are masters of shadows, but their quarry is the **Divine Demon Leader**. Do you truly think they can linger in his shadow undetected?”

“Ah!”

“Look for the gaps. Find the agents who have suddenly stopped reporting. Trace their last known locations.”

“Understood, sir.”

**Jang Gon** hurried off and returned in record time.

“Did you find the trail?”

“Yes. Just as you suspected, several scouts have gone dark. Curiously, their last positions trace a very specific line.”

“Toward **Bi Cheon Manor**?”

“No.”

**Chu Seung** looked puzzled. “Not there? Then are they coming for us?”

“No. They are actually moving away from **Bi Cheon Manor**—heading further south.”

“South? What on earth for?” **Chu Seung** looked genuinely bewildered.

“Is this confirmed?” the **Blood Light Martial Emperor** asked.

“I cannot be certain of the **Divine Demon Leader’s** exact intent. But one thing is verified.”

“Which is?”

“They never stepped foot in **Bi Cheon Manor**. Reports confirm the **Ha Hu Clan** reinforcements arrived without ever meeting him. However, we just received a fascinating update from a **Dark Fragrance** mole who managed to embed himself within the manor.”

“A survivor? I thought that cell was wiped out.”

“I assumed so as well, but this one was clever enough to stay hidden.”

“Good. You look like you’re holding back a smile.”

**Chu Seung** laughed at **Jang Gon’s** uncharacteristic excitement.

“If this intelligence is accurate, it is the best possible news.”

“Then speak! What is it?”

“It appears the **Bi Cheon Manor Lord** actually rejected the **Divine Demon Leader’s** assistance. That is why the group changed their trajectory.”

**Chu Seung** and the **Blood Light Martial Emperor** sat in stunned silence for a beat, processing the absurdity. Seeing their faces, **Jang Gon** pressed on.

“The manor is in an uproar. Because of this, the **Tang Clan** guards who were heading there have diverted to the **Nangong Clan** instead. Even the **Ha Hu Clan** arrivals were openly arguing about the decision.”

“Is the **Bi Cheon Manor Lord** insane?” **Chu Seung** looked at the **Blood Light Martial Emperor**.

“He must be. Only a madman would turn away such a blade.”

The **Blood Light Martial Emperor’s** mouth twisted into a small, cold smirk.

“Regardless, if this holds, it is perfect. The loss of the **Wind Demon Unit** had us on the defensive, but this changes everything.”

“Are you not being too hasty? They could still change their minds.”

The **Blood Light Martial Emperor** shook his head.

“They will be here by tomorrow night regardless. Speed won’t change the arrival. But we have to account for these new factors.”

“**Jang Gon**.”

“Yes, Supreme Elder.”

“Keep your eyes on the **Divine Demon Leader**. Do not engage, do not monitor—just confirm they stay away from **Bi Cheon Manor**.”

“I will handle it immediately.”

As **Jang Gon** bowed out, the **Blood Light Martial Emperor** raised his wine cup.

“I am truly fascinated to see what kind of man this **Bi Cheon Manor Lord** really is.”