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Reborn as the Doomed Heir of a Mage Dynasty (Web Novel) - Chapter 365
Chapter 365
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
These are masters from the Righteous Faction who wield tremendous influence over the Central Plains.
Of those, five are singled out and given a special title for their outstanding prowess in their respective fields.
It's not determined by martial prowess alone—this number is based literally on influence. That means there are certainly martial artists stronger than the Five Kings.
For instance, even within Heaven Beyond Heaven, there are those stronger than the Five Kings.
But as far as the current moment goes—considering the power each holds, the position their forces occupy, and their visible influence in the Central Plains—
The five identified in this way are called the Five Kings Under Heaven.
The fact that three of them are family heads of the Five Great Houses makes it clear what sort of distinguished individuals have been chosen.
Put another way—
'The other two are said to command influence equal to the heads of the Five Great Houses.'
Murong Hyuk, the White King of the Murong Family.
Tang Gyung-Ak, the Poison King of the Sichuan Tang Family.
Namgung Myung, the Sword King of the Namgung Family.
The two remaining kings, not among these three—
One is influential on many fronts. Especially from my perspective, he's somewhat difficult to deal with, but at present, he wasn't a relevant figure.
The other is the current issue.
The Tyrant King, Muk Yeok-Sung.
A figure of the Taeseon Muk family in Xian, and the absolute sovereign of the Xian region.
What's noteworthy is that he's known as a martial artist specializing in heavy, solid strikes—it's said a single punch from him could shake heaven and earth.
The surprising thing here is the type of influence that places him amongst the kings.
The reason? It's simple, and worthy of admiration as a martial artist.
'... He's simply powerful.'
It's because he's strong.
The reason the Tyrant King Muk Yeok-Sung stands as a king is simply that.
Overwhelming might.
He's achieved a level comparable to those of Heaven Beyond Heaven.
'A man who ceaselessly challenged the strong in pursuit of martial perfection.'
Not only those in Heaven Beyond Heaven—he declared his strength by repeatedly challenging countless martial artists in duels.
At the same time—
'He also achieved great things in war.'
What the Tyrant King did during the Great Demon War was on par with the Heaven Beyond Heaven masters.
He had killed two among the Eight Demonic Beings, for instance.
And, there's the famous tale of him wounding the Heavenly Demon, who was an even match for Yu Chun-gil of that era.
A martial artist second only to Heaven Beyond Heaven, and simultaneously a hero of the Great Demon War.
The Tyrant King Muk Yeok-Sung's influence comes entirely from his own strength.
'... But, you want me to bring him here?'
Bring Muk Yeok-Sung to take my place? The absurdity of it made me let out a hollow laugh.
Suppressing my feelings, I asked Jaegal Jin.
"Isn't the real reason the Tyrant King is not among the candidates because he doesn't want to be?"
"That's correct."
The Tyrant King would have been more than qualified to be a candidate for alliance leader, but he never became one.
The reason, as I had guessed—
'Because he himself did not want it.'
Muk Yeok-Sung simply didn't wish to be a candidate. There wouldn't be any other reasons.
"But what would change if I bring him here?"
"That depends on how you go about it, doesn't it?"
"... What is— No, but would bringing a substitute even solve this? Wouldn't it end just because I refuse?"
"Of course, whether you do or not is ultimately your own choice."
"Yes."
"But is that what the Blue Moon Sect would want?"
"......"
As soon as the Blue Moon Sect was brought up, my gaze narrowed.
At the same time, Jaegal Jin pulled out a letter and handed it to me. I checked it, and saw a familiar insignia.
It was the Blue Moon Sect's seal. Only the Blue Moon Sect Leader could use it.
"It seems the Virtuous Moon Sword wishes for something else."
I unfolded the letter. As Jaegal Jin had said, the message inside told me to do my utmost as a candidate.
『Haha.』
Reading it, Yu Chun-gil laughed. There were layers of emotion in that laugh.
『They're up to interesting tricks.』
He must have seen right through the intentions of both the Virtuous Moon Sword and Jaegal Jin.
"... It's come as an order, hasn't it?"
The meaning was clear: fulfill my duties as a candidate.
It was practically an order from the Blue Moon Sect Leader.
'... Does the Virtuous Moon Sword want me to enter as a candidate for alliance leader?'
It was a puzzle.
'Why not himself?'
In terms of legitimacy, the Virtuous Moon Sword would have been a better choice, so why did I have to stand out?
Currently, the Virtuous Moon Sword's position was that of Blue Moon Sect Leader, which was no different from being among the Five Kings.
If he wanted to—
'He could easily become a candidate, maybe even the alliance leader.'
He could stand out even among the prestigious candidates.
'Yet, he doesn't step forward and wants me to do it instead...'
Why is that?
As I pondered this question,
"That is why I speak to you now."
Jaegal Jin continued.
"If you truly refuse, it's so we can bring someone else in. All that matters is we bring someone with the legitimacy and strength to ignore the alliance leader's command."
"You mean the Tyrant King?"
"Yes."
"So you're telling me to go all the way to Xian right now, and bring him here?"
Do I have to travel that far again? I absolutely did not want to go.
So I said as much.
"There's no need. The Tyrant King isn't in Xian right now..."
Tap, tap. Jaegal Jin tapped his folding fan on the table as he spoke.
"He's coming directly to Henan—to the Blue Moon Sect, in fact."
"What?"
... The Tyrant King is coming to the Blue Moon Sect?
"Why...?"
"Who knows? That's the word I received, but I don't know why. However—"
Smirk.
Jaegal Jin's lips curled up into a smile. His fierce air made me tense up at once.
"It seems like a great opportunity for you."
"......"
A great opportunity?
That was hard to swallow.
* * *
After my conversation with Jaegal Jin, I stepped outside.
Ghost Demon was waiting for me.
As soon as I came out, he walked by my side, trailing just a step behind.
Glancing at him, I sent a message telepathically.
—Can I ask you something?
—Please ask me anything.
Ghost Demon's eyes sparkled at my words.
Ignoring the pressure of his earnest gaze, I asked what I wanted to know.
—You said the Demonic Cult requested a meeting with the Righteous Faction this time?
—......
Ghost Demon's expression changed instantly.
—Do you mean the meeting?
—Yes.
I'd heard about it roughly a month ago.
—Supposedly, it's scheduled for two months from now. The Young cult leader himself will appear to speak with the Righteous Faction. What do you think their intention is?
—......
Young cult leader.
Baek Chun-in. That bastard is coming to Henan himself.
Hearing that, I still had no idea of his intentions.
'What trick is he planning now?'
I couldn't read his mind or what he wanted.
'To step into enemy territory of his own free will.'
And even announcing it in advance.
'Is he that confident?'
Does that bastard have the strength and composure to walk into the heart of the Murim Alliance and survive? Or—
'Does he have some other plan?'
He could have some trump card prepared.
No, he definitely would. Otherwise, he wouldn't make this choice.
So—
'Ghost Demon might know.'
That's why I questioned him.
—... Would you mind if I take some time to consider an answer?
Ghost Demon, looking troubled, replied.
—Yes. That's fine.
—Thank you very much for your consideration.
Ghost Demon bowed his head to me.
'So even he doesn't know.'
It seemed even he wasn't sure of the Young cult leader's intentions.
'Even though he once served as strategist when the Heavenly Demon was alive.'
So even to Ghost Demon, the Young cult leader never revealed his plans.
'Maybe he never trusted Ghost Demon to begin with?'
I tilted my head. I was curious, but...
'... For now.'
There was someplace I needed to go.
* * *
"Teacher."
When I arrived at my destination, the Small Moon Division leader greeted me politely.
"If you summoned me, I would have come to you. Why go out of your way to visit?"
"... It's not far—we're just next door."
His excessive respect was still hard to get used to. I still didn't know how things had gotten like this.
"There's no scheduled training today. So what brings—?"
"Oh, I think I need to return to the Blue Moon Sect for a while."
"You mean the main sect?"
"Yes. Please make preparations. It seems we need to depart today."
"... Understood."
The Small Moon Division leader rose at once, without question.
"Let us head out."
"Yes."
A month at the main alliance.
The end of a waiting period that felt nothing like a break—it was time to return to the Blue Moon Sect.
* * *
By sunset, I had gathered everyone.
We all needed to go back to the Blue Moon Sect together anyway.
"So we're finally leaving?"
Chun Hye-In, looking far more drained than before, asked me.
"Were you waiting?"
I asked in response, and Chun Hye-In answered with a look of exasperation.
"... Isn't that obvious? Who do you think made us stay here for a whole month?"
"......"
She had a point.
"... Then you could have gone back first."
"How could we return to the main sect without the person in charge of the mission?"
"......"
That was fair, too. I just gave a sheepish smile.
"... Just treat it as an unexpected vacation, I guess."
"It was a vacation for you. While some of us had to stay busy, you spent your days idle."
There was a definite edge to her words.
"You even became a candidate for the alliance leader. Must feel good, right?"
"... Do I look happy?"
Chun Hye-In gave a faint smile at my retort.
"Normally, you should be. But... you don't seem that way."
"Tsk..."
She was really hitting where it hurt.
"Anyway, let's just get on board."
"Yeah, yeah."
Chun Hye-In slid straight into the carriage.
Chun Uijin and Do Hyung soon approached.
"To stand as a candidate for alliance leader... You truly are amazing."
Chun Uijin said, his eyes wide. I scratched my cheek at that.
News of my candidacy for alliance leader had only started circulating three days earlier.
"... It's all for show anyway."
"No. The Young master Bang I know was always worthy of being a candidate...! I don't think there is any greater honor."
What sort of Bang Sung-Yun did he know? It certainly wasn't me, I'm sure...
Staring at him in confusion, Do Hyung congratulated me with a pat on the shoulder.
"Congratulations."
"... Tha...nks."
People would think I was already alliance leader. It was ridiculous.
"Hurry and get on. There's not much time."
Like he was saving me, the Small Moon Division leader spoke to the group.
Only then did Do Hyung and Chun Uijin board the carriage.
For the record, the ones driving the carriage this time were Sword Emperor and Tang Chun-il again.
"... Why again..."
I ignored their grumbling.
Then—
Thud.
Hearing a familiar step, I turned around.
"Oh, you're here?"
"..."
At my greeting, the woman Yu Yun gave a silent nod.
She had come to Henan with me, and would accompany me to the Blue Moon Sect this time as well.
There was only one reason.
'Time to return the Black Cloak.'
I was giving her back the Black Cloak, which was originally the property of Mount Hua.
Once everyone had boarded, the carriage finally set off toward the Blue Moon Sect.
