CHAPTER 505: EPILOGUE EARTH DEMON (2)

The five largest organizations in the lower divisions of the Demonic Cult are called the ‘Five Pavilions.’

They are—Supreme Pavilion, Wu Tian Pavilion, Flying Pavilion, Operations Pavilion, and the Western Pavilion.

These organizations report to the Crimson Demon Hall as their superior office, and mainly recruit talent from the Heavenly Fragrant Hall.

They are responsible for miscellaneous labor and menial tasks like cleaning, and sometimes assist with major missions.

However, they were by no means a force to be ignored.

First, their military strength was among the highest within the Demonic Cult, and they were staffed with young talents who could be called the sprouts of the future.

In particular, because of the atmosphere where murder and destruction weren’t considered major issues, many places requested their help.

Sometimes, unexpectedly brilliant talents would be selected for promotion to higher units.

Therefore, anyone operating an organization tried to establish good relations with them.

Above all, what made the Five Pavilions fearsome was the individual capabilities of their leaders.

Led by the Supreme Pavilion Lord, they were all masters who had reached the Peak Demon Realm.

Their martial arts skills were certainly not inferior compared to anyone else in the entire Demonic Cult.

Moreover, from managing large organizations of over a thousand people, they had exceptional discernment and insight, quick calculation skills, and strong ambitions for power.

For these Five Pavilions to support the End Demon was tremendous pressure for the other disciples.

“This is my first time seeing this place.”

The place where the Supreme Pavilion Lord guided him was in front of a wide gate.

Located at the center of the Five Pavilions, this place was set up inside layered outer walls rather than in a garden.

“I suppose from the perspective of other Pavilion Lords, they couldn’t help but be conscious of the eyes around them.”

Seol-Hwi nodded at the Supreme Pavilion Lord’s words and spoke.

“We must prepare for the worst case scenario, just in case.”

“That’s the standard they’re aiming for right now.”

Rather than defending his words, the Supreme Pavilion Lord smirked.

‘What a straightforward personality.’

In the past, Seol-Hwi found this sly nature annoying, but now it was rather comforting.

There was no hesitation in revealing his true feelings.

“Surprisingly, they seem quite competent.”

After roughly assessing the skills of those hiding behind the wall, Seol-Hwi asked.

“Each Pavilion Lord has their own protectors and guards. They’re commonly referred to as Bi (Seek out)… It seems they’re all here.”

“So it seems.”

As the Supreme Pavilion Lord said, each one was of the level of Heuk Bi, if not higher.

They boasted supreme martial prowess befitting guardians who had long protected their domains.

Seol-Hwi briefly recalled his past battles with them when he became the Heavenly Commander and wondered if he was just lucky back then.

‘Of course, they’re just fledglings to me now.’

Still, it was informative.

Their formation alone revealed the intentions of the Pavilion Lords.

“Though unlikely, in the worst-case scenario, they might provoke an attack. If that happens…”

“Supreme Pavilion Lord.”

“Yes, my lord!”

Sensing the discomfort in his voice, he suddenly widened his eyes and showed excessive respect.

He was indeed quick-witted.

“In life, there are times to speak and times to hold back.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“What do you think the current situation is?”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord refrained from answering with a stern face.

As Seol-Hwi was about to offer advice, a thought crossed his mind.

‘Ah, perhaps I overstepped?’

No matter how exceptional his martial prowess was, to him, Seol-Hwi must still seem like a young man, and his tone probably sounded as if he had already unlocked all the secrets of the world. ⱤαƝȎꞖÈS

“Since it has come to this, why don’t you step back and observe the conversation?”

Seol-Hwi concluded the conversation with an assessment, not advice, and walked toward them.

Crunch, crunch.

“The Earth Demon is arriving.”

As Seol-Hwi passed through the two outer gates, their figures finally came into view.

‘This should be an interesting conversation.’

Seol-Hwi walked toward the round table where they stood.

The Supreme Pavilion Lord maintained a respectful distance a few steps behind.

“Greetings, Earth Demon.”

The four pavilion lords greeted him in unison, as if rehearsed.

Aside from the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord, Seol-Hwi had never met the others face to face.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Since you all seem to know me, may I ask for your introductions?”

“I’ll start.”

The rotund Wu Tian Pavilion Lord, Tang Cho-in, spoke first, followed by the others introducing themselves in turn.

“I am So Reuk, the Flying Pavilion Lord.”

A middle-aged man with a beard covering his face.

His black martial attire and the red belt tied around his waist suggested a preference for formality.

Though it didn’t matter much, the slight tremor of his beard when he spoke was a bit distracting.

“I am Ma Heuk, the Operations Pavilion Lord.”

A man with a neatly arranged face, draped in a black silk robe.

The red embroidery of the cult’s emblem on his sleeve indicated a fondness for such insignias among the pavilion lords.

His half-closed eyes were somewhat unsettling, yet when he spoke, he met one’s gaze directly, which was disconcerting in its own way.

“I am Ma Ryeong, the Western Pavilion Lord.”

He appeared to be the youngest in the group, yet still seemed over fifty.

The black armor worn over his clothes looked rather peculiar.

‘A faint scar by the right eye. That was from the time he competed for the position of the pavilion master.’

The faint scar on the right side of Western Pavilion Lord’s face caught his eye.

Wasn’t it said to be a remnant from when he vied for the position of pavilion master?

The conversation with instructor Man-dap now resurfaced in his mind.

As they talked, more memories seemed to come back to life.

“You all know why this gathering was convened.”

After the introductions, Seol-Hwi spoke again.

From his many lives, Seol-Hwi learned that in such situations, there was no need to prolong words.

In a scenario where the balance of power was clear, it was better to take an offensive stance.

“I’ll get straight to the point. Lend me your strength.”

Seol-Hwi threw out the words and watched their reactions. As expected, they were indifferent.

Even if not surprised, one would expect them to show some sign of contemplation at his words.

It seemed they had coordinated to some extent before coming to this meeting.

“May I speak first?”

The Flying Pavilion Lord, whose face was covered with a beard, stepped forward.

Seol-Hwi nodded.

“In my humble opinion, I don’t see the reason for such a proposal. If you consider our forces and troops, you should understand we have no reason to move.”

The Operations Pavilion Lord chimed in.

“I think so too. Even if, as the Supreme Pavilion Lord said, you have gained the martial power to overcome Heavenly Killing Star, ultimately, this is a battle of forces. In such times, isn’t it common sense to side with the overwhelming power?”

“Then may I ask one thing?”

While Seol-Hwi held the reins of the conversation, their words subtly disrupted the atmosphere.

Seol-Hwi couldn’t just sit back and listen.

“When you speak of power, do you mean the quality and quantity of the forces you possess?”

At this, the Operations Pavilion Lord responded as if on cue.

“Certainly, that aspect is important, but what truly matters is the person who commands those forces. History proves this, doesn’t it? Many have relied solely on their armies and faced downfall.”

The Flying Pavilion Lord added.

“I agree. The Lord of a force… To be precise, we must consider the Lord’s judgment, qualities, abilities, charisma, and achievements. Even someone like the legendary Commander of the Six Messengers couldn’t maintain control and eventually fell.”

“Hmm.”

Indeed, they spoke like true leaders.

Their arguments, grounded in the history and precedents of the cult, were impressive, rather than mere flattery or opposition.

‘Though I must admit, I’m not well-versed in the history of the Six Messengers of Demonic Cult.’

Seol-Hwi turned his attention to one of the two leaders who hadn’t yet spoken.

“What about you, Western Pavilion Lord?”

“I…”

The Western Pavilion Lord paused in thought.

The scar near his eye appeared even more chilling under the light.

“In war, the first to fall are those with inferior quality and sheer numbers. Our forces are like that, aren’t they?”

Unlike the others, he was cold and spoke with the voice of one who faced reality.

“There is a saying that even if we die, we must go with dignity. It is especially true in our sect. If a war breaks out under the First Disciple, even if our division suffers great losses, the next generation could experience a great revival. But under you, Fourth Disciple, can we expect such a future?”

‘Look at this guy.’

Seol-Hwi was quietly surprised by the words of the Western Pavilion Lord.

Instead of discussing power and practicality like the others, he spoke of justification and the future.

‘Two sides speak of the ruler’s capability and power, while one speaks of justification… Interesting.’

Seol-Hwi turned his gaze to the last remaining Pavilion Lord, the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord.

“What do you think, Wu Tian Pavilion Lord?”

“Hmm…”

‘Look at this guy?’

Something was off about him.

With this level of discussion, he should have stated his position immediately, yet he was pretending to be pondering.

Sure enough—

“I am contemplating with a sincere heart.”

“What are you contemplating?”

“I’m considering what benefits my decision might bring to you, Fourth Disciple. If we’re going to be caught in a fight between whales, shouldn’t we at least weigh the rewards…?”

“Ah! I understand what you’re saying.”

Seol-Hwi pretended to agree readily.

“So, you’re saying there’s nothing in it for you?”

“Hahaha! That’s not it. I’m merely pondering how our Fifth Pavilion should perceive this situation.”

“Is that so…”

Seol-Hwi nodded.

His pig-like face glistened with an oily sheen that was repulsive.

His mind was already made up.

“Then, how about I help you make that decision quickly?”

“Oh, how…?”

Swish.

As Seol-Hwi stood and extended his hand to the Supreme Pavilion Lord, he immediately handed him his sword.

“……!”

In an instant, the faces of all the pavilion masters were filled with wariness.

Especially the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord, who almost jumped up in shock.

“What is this…?”

But to Seol-Hwi’s eyes, his reaction was endlessly sluggish.

Swaaah.

As Seol-Hwi swung the sword, he hastily leaped back from his spot.

But what Seol-Hwi unleashed was not a mere sword aura.

Moreover, it spread to such a wide range that it was impossible to avoid as it distanced.

Kuwaaaang!

The qi that flew like a sword aura brushed past the other pavilion lords and instantly transformed into a fire demon.

And as it reached the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord, it turned into a massive fireball and exploded.

“Ah…”

The pavilion lords were collectively astonished. Even the Supreme Pavilion Lord, who was observing, seemed to be in shock.

It was only natural.

What Seol-Hwi had just displayed was the Flame Full Body Demonic Arts.

Moreover, it was the Flame Full Body Demonic Arts that had reached the realm of Peak Demon, a level he could never achieve in his lifetime.

Chuchuchuchuk!

At that moment, several figures leaped over the wall.

But they couldn’t rush in.

It seemed they couldn’t even decide what to do as their lord had already turned to ashes and vanished.

Chuchuchuk.

Of course, even if they had rushed in, it would have been of no use.

Because there were other guards who had already descended in step.

“Pavilion Lord of the Flying Pavilion. You said that power is important to follow someone, but capability is necessary too, right?”

“……”

No answer was heard.

The audacity of openly killing the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord seemed to have left them in significant shock.

“This is my first answer to you all. In such a critical moment, those who only pursue profit will be cut down mercilessly.”

The gazes of the pavilion lords began to gather one by one. From now on, it was truly important.

“Of course, the death of the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord might be something the First Disciple could take issue with. But if I were afraid of that and bowed my head, I wouldn’t have arranged this meeting in the first place.”

At his words, the expressions of the pavilions lords subtly changed.

Eyes filled with a mix of fear, respect, and ambition.

Now was the moment to truly win them over.

Seol-Hwi read the turning point in their gazes.

“Perhaps this is one of the measures of my capabilities. Now, let me provide you with a realistic answer.”