Chapter 337: Inheritance and Ascension (1)
“Cult Leader?”
The moment I saw the Cult Leader, I couldn’t hide my confusion.
He looked young.
The last time I saw him, the Cult Leader had clearly appeared as a boy.
But in just a few months, he had grown into a young man and revealed himself before the masses.
‘Is this… alright?’
After a brief moment of hesitation, I reached a conclusion.
‘No, absolutely not.’
It was the Cult Leader’s fate to gradually grow younger and eventually leave this world before becoming a newborn.
The Cult Leader’s current growth was nothing short of defying the natural order that even the heavens had set.
With a playful smile, the Cult Leader spoke.
“Looks like I gave you quite a shock, little brother.”
It was a kind of smile I had never seen on him before.
But I didn’t have the luxury to dwell on that and immediately asked back.
“…Are you alright?”
“More or less. I actually feel pretty good.”
The Cult Leader then looked up at the sky with a refreshed expression.
Just then, Cheon Jumun quickly knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
“Heavenly Demon’s Reign, Ten Thousand Demons Rejoice!”
Following him, Cheon Yura and the others sitting in the high seats descended together and knelt around the Cult Leader.
“Heavenly Demon’s Reign, Ten Thousand Demons Rejoice.”
That phrase, starting from the center, began to spread like waves.
It didn’t even take a minute before the thousands, tens of thousands gathered here all prostrated themselves in unison.
Even in the thunderous chants that shook the heavens and the earth, the Cult Leader looked at me with a calm expression.
“If the energy sealed in the Ancestor’s Sword had erupted just now, there would have been quite a number of casualties.”
“……”
I lowered my head in shame.
It was true.
Had I not controlled the power, even the Resonance Qi might have caused a disaster.
If it had been a fully unleashed strike of the Bright Night Sword, thousands nearby could have been utterly devoured.
The Cult Leader then turned his gaze toward Cheon Jumun.
“And I would have lost my loyal right hand.”
Flinch!
Cheon Jumun’s shoulder flinched ever so slightly.
“Well then, wouldn’t you say this is sufficient proof, Ilro?”
“Hahaha, indeed it is.”
Ilro chuckled heartily as he stepped forward.
“The intrusion by the Demonic Ghost Execution Squad’s Leader wasn’t part of the original plan. What more needs to be said when what we’ve seen already is more than enough?”
At those words, the faces of the Seven Elders, along with several other elders of the Cheon Clan, began to darken.
However, none dared express their displeasure openly.
After all, they were standing before the Cult Leader, and Jin Yeomyung’s display of strength had far exceeded all of Cheon Clan’s expectations.
“Very well. Then it’s safe to declare that the victor of this Demonic Faction Lord’s Tournament is the little brother from the Jin Clan.”
“Of course. The Cheon Clan will gladly follow the Cult Leader’s will.”
Cheon Yeongha, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward to add his agreement to Ilro’s statement.
Though they may have harbored deep dissatisfaction toward Ilro, none of the Seven Elders, including Ilro himself, could oppose this decision.
The Cult Leader raised his voice toward the gathering.
“Good. Then I hereby announce to all members of the Heavenly Demon Cult who have honored this occasion. The position of the next Demonic Faction Lord shall be officially awarded to Jin Yeomyung of the Demonic Heaven’s Jin Clan.”
Strangely enough, whether one was near or far, the Cult Leader’s voice reached everyone’s ears equally.
The moment those words ended, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.
“Waaaaaaah!”
“Long live the Heavenly Demon Cult! Long live the Demonic Faction Lord!”
“……”
It wasn’t just the cultists who had come to watch.
The countless challengers who had participated in the Demonic Faction Lord’s Tournament, their respective families, and even the masters seated at the high table all applauded and celebrated the victory.
Only the elders of the Cheon Clan watched with sour expressions on their faces.
After the tournament had ended.
I couldn’t help but be startled when the Cult Leader himself visited the Jin Clan’s quarters.
He was the kind of person who summoned others when needed, not someone who came in person.
Seeing my deeply furrowed expression, the Cult Leader let out a small chuckle.
“Little brother, you seem quite displeased.”
“How could I not be?”
No one would be happy about having to face an opponent of Transcendent Demon Realm strength out of nowhere.
And to make things worse, having that very opponent standing right in front of me now… the fact that all I did was scowl proved that my heart was as vast as the ocean.
I swear it wasn’t because I was scared that the Cult Leader had easily blocked my ultimate Bright Night Sword with one hand.
Seriously.
‘Just how strong is this man now? Isn’t he even stronger than a god?’
The True Bright Night Sword was a strike that boasted unmatched power, even compared to all the divine weapons and artifacts I had used in the past.
Yet, he had received that blow so effortlessly.
And on top of that, he had even fended off Cheon Jumun’s strike at the same time!
With a light chuckle, the Cult Leader opened his mouth again.
“First of all, congratulations. You’ve finally earned the minimum qualification to stand by Yura’s side.”
Normally, I would have knelt and performed the proper formalities.
But in my current disgruntled state, I stood my ground without yielding an inch, even before the Cult Leader.
“Well, how touching. Thank you so much.”
“You little brat!”
Jin Gun-ak, who had been standing by, looked flustered at my rude attitude.
“Hahaha! It’s fine, Jin Gun-ak. It’s about time I loosened the grip of the Cult Leader’s authority.”
“Hmm!”
Jin Gun-ak let out a heavy sigh.
Feeling emboldened, I took it a step further.
“Why not hang in there for just another year or so? At least stay long enough to see your grandchild…”
“……”
“……”
The moment those words left my mouth.
Crack!
I locked eyes with the Cult Leader’s face, which had transformed into that of a demon from hell.
Thud!
“Gah!”
I collapsed to the floor, feeling an overwhelming pain at the top of my head accompanied by a strange cracking sound.
Even in my dazed state, I was appalled.
‘I… I didn’t see it!’
No matter how highly praised in the Murim the so-called ultimate strike of formless, traceless, and soundless was…
I hadn’t even caught a glimpse of his hand moving just now!
More than anything, the Qi Projection and Sword Intent barrier I had activated, just in case, had been completely pierced through in a single strike!
Without any warning whatsoever, the Cult Leader had broken through all of my defenses, managing to strike me just hard enough to make me feel pain without actually injuring me.
It was truly terrifying skill.
I soon felt the Cult Leader’s gaze boring into the back of my head, as though it could pierce through my skull.
“I said I’d set aside my authority as Cult Leader, but I never said I’d set aside my authority as your father-in-law.”
“…My apologies.”
“I’ll acknowledge your marriage with Yura, but as for sharing a chamber with her… that’s a million years too soon. Remember that, little brother.”
I inwardly grumbled.
‘No matter how much I promised to spend a thousand years with Yura, a million years is just too much, isn’t it?’
Of course, if I said that out loud, I’d be crushed into a sticky rice cake before I could blink.
‘Well… since he doesn’t have much longer to live anyway, I’ll just endure a little longer. When that time comes…’
“You’re thinking that since I don’t have long to live, you’ll just take Yura for yourself once I’m gone, aren’t you?”
“……”
…Was he a mind reader?
The Cult Leader, still staring at me with a demonic grin, pressed his finger against my forehead.
“Sorry, but I’m not dying. I’m merely shedding this flesh and ascending up.”
In other words, it was a warning that even up there, he’d still be watching, so I’d better not get any funny ideas.
“…I understand.”
I muttered complaints inwardly as I got back on my feet.
Jin Gun-ak clicked his tongue and shook his head.
“You deserved that.”
Even if the Cult Leader had relaxed his authority somewhat, I couldn’t believe I had just spouted such reckless words.
“So, what brings you here in person, Cult Leader?”
“Hm…”
At Jin Gun-ak’s question, the Cult Leader stroked his smooth chin.
Every time Jin Gun-ak saw that gesture, he felt a strange nostalgia.
The Cult Leader, in his current youthful appearance, reminded him of the bratty Young Cult Leader from decades ago, who had thrown tantrums because she didn’t want to marry.
“I already gave advance notice, but I’ll say it again. The succession ceremony is scheduled for a week from now.”
“…That’s quite soon.”
Jin Gun-ak’s expression stiffened.
Originally, the Cult Leader’s succession ceremony was never this rushed.
Preparations usually took place over the span of years, ensuring a stable transfer of power.
Although Young Cult Leader Cheon Yura had been undergoing successor training for months now, it was undeniable that things were progressing with extreme urgency.
It hadn’t been long since the Demonic Faction Lord’s Tournament had ended, and yet the succession ceremony was already being held.
“Little brother, from today onward, you will move to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.”
“……!”
With a single sentence, the Cult Leader decided my fate.
I was no longer part of the Demonic Heaven’s Jin Clan—my place now belonged to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.
“And you’ll be receiving intensive training on how to conduct yourself as the Demonic Faction Lord. We can’t have the Cheon Clan nitpicking over etiquette.”
“Of course… but…”
I sensed there was something more behind his words.
“Is there something else you wish to tell me?”
“…As expected, little brother, you’re quick to notice.”
Frankly, moving me to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion was something he could’ve handled by simply sending someone with the order.
There was no need for him to come here personally.
The Cult Leader finally got to the point.
“This is about Cheon Jumun, the Leader of the Demonic Ghost Execution Squad.”
I had somewhat expected it, but he really did bring that matter up.
“I need you to persuade him.”
“Persuade…?”
“Hm. This is a sensitive matter concerning the Cheon Clan’s disgrace… Jin Gun-ak, could you step out for a moment?”
“…Understood.”
Surprisingly, Jin Gun-ak left the room without argument.
At this point, I was practically family to the Cheon Clan, so in a way, it was only natural.
For nearly half an hour, the Cult Leader recounted the history of the Heavenly Brain Clan, the genius they produced—Cheon Juchun—and the complicated past involving him and three others.
Hearing the story, which was heavier than I had expected, I let out a low sigh.
“Couldn’t you just order him? He is absolutely loyal to you, Cult Leader.”
“No. I promised him I would set him free once I stepped down as Cult Leader. I can’t break that promise.”
“Even if I am to persuade him… how exactly do you expect me to do that?”
At my question, the Cult Leader let out a small chuckle.
“Well, if I knew the exact way, I would’ve done it myself.”
“……”
I clenched my fist silently at that irresponsible answer.
At that moment—
“Wait a second.”
Something suddenly flashed through my mind.
“Perhaps… there might be a way.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
I shouted toward the door.
“Gu Chil!”
“Yes, my lord.”
Gu Chil responded in a formal tone, unlike his usual self.
“Bring So Cheon. He should be somewhere around the southern outskirts of the Cheon Clan’s territory.”
“Understood.”
“So Cheon? You mean Dao Zun’s disciple?”
“Yes. A few days ago, I entrusted him with something. If he carried out my instructions properly, that might just be the key to persuading the Death King Enforcer. We’ll know once he returns.”
“Oh?”
The Cult Leader seemed intrigued by my words.
Honestly, I hadn’t expected much from the task I’d given So Cheon, but now, a possible solution had appeared out of nowhere.
Before the Cult Leader could say anything else, I spoke up again.
“And about that, there are a few more things I’d like to ask you.”
“Hm? What do you wish to ask?”
Tilting his head in curiosity, the Cult Leader waited.
I carefully composed my expression before continuing.
“First of all, regarding Yeojin, who is currently the Tenth Elder.”
“……”
For a brief moment, I noticed the Cult Leader’s eye twitch slightly.
I told him about the encounter I had with Tenth Elder Yeojin alongside Jin Gun-ak.
Through that experience, Jin Gun-ak and I became certain that she had betrayed the cult.
However, after hearing the full account, the Cult Leader’s response was entirely unexpected.
“Just leave her be.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“……”
After a moment of silence, the Cult Leader let out a deep sigh.
“I’ve done nothing but owe her… all I feel is guilt.”
Owe her…?