Chapter 161
At dusk.
Atop the tall pavilion of White Crane Temple.
The sky was dyed crimson.
The blazing sunset cast a long shadow behind Jaseong.
He was standing by the railing, gazing out at the western sky.
A breeze blew, tousling his hair.
Though the red glow of the sunset shimmered in his eyes, an even deeper and hotter flame flickered within them.
'Starting from the Red Light District... I've come all the way here.'
Jaseong looked down at his hands.
Hands covered in calluses and scars.
With these hands, he had cut down countless enemies, seized countless opportunities, and finally grasped the immense power of the Hao Sect.
Yet, Jaseong was not satisfied.
No, he could not be satisfied.
'This is not the end. It is only the beginning.'
The names of his enemies flashed through his mind.
Murong Clan.
Hebei Peng Clan.
Zhongnan.
And the Demonic Cult.
The ones who had driven his eldest brother, sister-in-law, and nephew to death.
They still sat atop the martial world, parading their hypocrisy and ruling as they pleased.
While he had killed Zhong Yeob, the sect leader of Zhongnan, and Peng Yun-ho, the clan head of Hebei Peng Clan, it was like cutting off the tail of a giant serpent.
The body and the head still survived, filled with poisonous energy.
And then, heaven's Mandate.
The absolute task bestowed upon him by the Celestial Realm.
[Eliminate the giant evil.]
Those monstrous evils lurked just over there in the west, and in corners all across the Central Plains.
But Jaseong was no longer alone.
The Hao Sect, the largest intelligence organization in the Central Plains.
The Tianxia Association that had seized control of Guangxi Province.
And the absolute powerhouse of the north, the North Sea Ice Palace.
All these mighty forces were now in Jaseong's hands.
He had become another great pillar of the martial world, one which even the orthodox factions dared not carelessly provoke.
No one yet knew.
'My next target... is the Evil Path Association.'
Jaseong's gaze flashed sharply toward the west.
The Evil Path Association.
A gigantic coalition representing the unorthodox sects of the martial world.
Formed by the Four Great Clans and Seven Sects, it was the only force capable of contending with the orthodox Murim Alliance.
But now, the Evil Path Association had fallen into chaos.
Its alliance leader, Evil Path Association Leader Ma Yeongmyeol, had died, and robbed of a central figure, its affiliated sects were vying for dominance.
Black Star Sect, Poison Valley, Blood Cult, Twin Dragon Clan...
They bit into each other, walking a path of mutual destruction.
'I will quell that chaos and bring the Evil Path Association under my control.'
If he could seize the Evil Path Association as well?
If the intelligence of the Hao Sect and the military might of the Evil Path Association were united?
It would signify the birth of an unprecedented colossus, one that even the Murim Alliance would find impossible to bear.
At that moment, a presence made itself known behind Jaseong.
"Sect Leader."
It was Hyang.
She no longer called him 'Leader', but now addressed him as 'Sect Leader'.
Behind her stood Lee Rin, Gu Janghu, and Gal Seo-ryeong.
They were Jaseong's most reliable lieutenants.
"Do you have any orders?"
Hyang asked respectfully.
Jaseong turned slowly.
With the sunset at his back, his silhouette cast a massive shadow that overawed everyone present.
"Hyang."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"From now on, send correspondence to all unorthodox sects affiliated with the Evil Path Association."
Jaseong's voice was low, but thunderous.
"If you say correspondence...?"
"An invitation."
A cold smile crept onto Jaseong's lips.
"Announce that a new Hao Sect Leader has ascended and invite them all to my inauguration. The location will be here—White Crane Temple in Jingzhou."
"All the sect leaders of the unorthodox faction... without exception?"
Gal Seo-ryeong asked in surprise.
Summoning the heads of the unorthodox sects together was a dangerous gamble that could very well set off a massive battleground.
"That's right. Black Star Sect, Poison Valley, Twin Dragon Clan, Blood Cult... make sure none are left out."
Jaseong stroked the hilt of the Wicked Flame Sword at his waist.
The dark blade thrummed, reacting to its master's ambition.
"And at the end of the letter, add one more line."
Jaseong's eyes gleamed.
"[The Evil Path Association Leader's Seal, and the new master of the Wicked Flame Sword, awaits you all.]"
"...!!"
Everyone's eyes widened.
The Wicked Flame Sword.
The symbol of the Evil Path Association and a divine relic that attested to the right to become its next alliance leader.
He intended to use that as bait.
"If we make this known... they'll be drawn like moths to a flame."
Gu Janghu spoke in a wary tone.
"That's exactly what I want."
Jaseong spoke resolutely.
"They'll rush in, each intent on seizing the Wicked Flame Sword and becoming the new alliance leader. I'll gather those blinded by greed into one place..."
Jaseong clenched his fist tightly.
"And prove with strength who the true master is."
It was a declaration of war.
A proclamation of supremacy aimed at the entire unorthodox faction—and, further, the whole martial world.
"Understood. I will carry out your orders immediately."
Hyang bowed and withdrew.
A solemn air settled over the faces of Gal Seo-ryeong, Gu Janghu, and Lee Rin as well.
They understood.
Once the correspondence was sent, another bloody storm would sweep through the martial world.
Yet, they feared nothing.
For before them stood Red Light Calamity Jaseong.
Once more, Jaseong gazed out at the western sky.
The crimson afterglow was slowly being consumed by darkness.
'Wait for me, old men of the unorthodox faction. And you, hypocrites of the orthodoxy.'
A golden light flickered in Jaseong's eyes.
'On the day I stand above you all, the order of the martial world will be rewritten.'
The new Hao Sect Leader's first command began to ride the wind, spreading across the breadth of the Central Plains.
* * *
Seven days later, White Crane Temple in Jingzhou.
The leaders of the unorthodox sects who received Jaseong's correspondence began arriving one after another.
Their arrival was like the coming of a storm.
Each sect brought with them fifty elite warriors, and, in an instant, the area surrounding White Crane Temple was enveloped in tension.
Warriors bearing distinct banners and emblems eyed one another warily, drawing the very air taut.
The first to arrive was Heavenly Black Sword Venerable, sect leader of the Black Star Sect.
His gaze, cold and ruthless, was framed by a black robe.
When he walked, the air seemed to freeze, and the Black Star Sect swordsmen behind him exuded a presence as sharp as blades.
Next appeared Lord of Ten Thousand Poisons, valley lord of Poison Valley.
A blue poison energy radiated from his entire body like heat haze.
Nearby warriors instinctively pinched their noses and stepped back.
At his side stood Dokgo Yeon with an icy expression.
Then, the Myriad-Hand Fist Emperor, clan head of the Twin Dragon Clan, appeared, overwhelming all with his gigantic frame.
Each step he took made the ground tremble, and his muscular physique looked harder than steel.
Behind him, Kang Ryong, swathed in bandages, lumbered, breathing heavily.
The Blood King Legion of Blood King Sect arrived, crimson robes streaming.
A crazed smile tugged at his lips, and he held a bloodstained sickle in his hand.
Gucheon Amyeong, division chief of the Shadow Pavilion, materialized quietly like a shadow.
No one noticed when he had arrived.
His presence was faint, but all the more ominous for it.
Killingsword Demon, sect leader of the Thousand Kill Gate, approached, exuding a murderous intent from every pore.
Nothing dared live in his path.
His eyes craved slaughter and nothing else.
The Steelblood Overlord, alliance leader of the Steelblood League, arrived bearing a gigantic blade.
The blade was nearly as tall as a man, its edge chipped and battered—demonstrating how many enemies it had felled.
Mixing Heavens Devil Lord, clan head of the Mixing Heavens Clan, overpowered the surroundings with his body shrouded in demonic ki.
Black mist swirled around him, and eerie screams seemed to echo within.
The Twelfth Linked Rings, mistress of the Allied Rings Sect, appeared, bewitching in poise but with eyes full of murderous intent.
A poison-tipped hairpin twirled between her fingers, and her crimson lips whispered seduction as deadly as it was alluring.
Lastly, white Bone Spirit Monarch, clan head of the White Bone Clan, arrived.
Wearing a skull-shaped mask, he cut a grotesque figure.
The stench of rotting corpses emanated from his body, and the warriors following him moved like jiangshi.
All ten heads of the unorthodox factions had gathered.
They stood in the courtyard of White Crane Temple, wary of each other and muttering in low voices.
"Is the Wicked Flame Sword really here?"
Heavenly Black Sword Venerable murmured suspiciously.
"This so-called new Hao Sect Leader... what is his scheme? To dare summon us all like this."
Lord of Ten Thousand Poisons spoke, exuding poison energy.
The Myriad-Hand Fist Emperor burst out laughing.
"Hao Sect Leader or whatever, all I want is the Wicked Flame Sword. If he spouts nonsense, I'll crush him on the spot."
Blood King Legion licked his sickle with a crazed grin.
"Kekeke, this will be fun. With the stench of blood thick in the air, today, a true festival of carnage will break out."
A while later.
The main hall of White Crane Temple.
Ten heads of the unorthodox factions took their places in a circle.
The thirteen hall lords of the Hao Sect also sat as officials.
Tension thickened the room as the doors to the great hall slowly opened.
Creeeak—
It was Jaseong.
He wore black robes, and at his waist hung the Wicked Flame Sword.
A faint flame shimmered from the black blade.
Behind him followed Lee Rin, Gu Janghu, and Gal Seo-ryeong—his most trusted attendants.
Jaseong strode calmly to the center of the hall.
A torrent of murderous intent from countless experts surged towards him, but not so much as an eyelid twitched.
All eyes of the heads of the unorthodox sects fixed on him.
"A young brat. So that's the Hao Sect Leader? Just a rookie?"
Heavenly Black Sword Venerable sneered.
The Myriad-Hand Fist Emperor narrowed his eyes and spoke.
"He wears the Wicked Flame Sword at his waist. Arrogant fool. Do you truly believe yourself worthy of that blade?"
Blood King Legion snickered, flicking his tongue.
"Just kill him and take the sword, right? No need for talk."
Jaseong showed no reaction to their words.
He simply drew the Wicked Flame Sword slowly.
Shiiing―
As the black blade was revealed, the air in the hall grew oppressively heavy.
Bang!
Jaseong plunged the sword into the stone floor at the center.
The flagstones fractured, and the blade sank deep.
Fiery energy radiated from the sword, spreading in all directions.
Jaseong spoke coldly.
"Whoever grasps this blade shall become the new alliance leader of the Evil Path Association."
A brief silence fell.
It appeared he was giving up the sword without a second thought.
But...
Jaseong had it all planned.
He spoke again.
"Prove yourselves with strength. Show who is truly worthy."
The moment those words fell, the heads of the unorthodox factions all leapt to their feet.
KWAHHH!
Murderous intent exploded.
Glares of rivalry dashed about.
It was a powder keg. Blood could spill at any moment.
Blood King Legion threw his head back in manic laughter.
"Good! Let's settle it with strength, right now! I'll go first!"
Killingsword Demon half-drew his sword and said:
"I like it. Let's settle this in true unorthodox style—with blood! My sword is thirsting for it!"
The heads of the unorthodox sects all moved at once.
The situation threatened to spiral into utter chaos.
The Hao Sect warriors tensed, hands drifting to their weapons.
Just then—
"Wait."
Heavenly Black Sword Venerable raised his hand to stop them.
His voice was low, but it held overwhelming authority.
"If we brawl like animals, how will we know who the true winner is? Are we to choose our alliance leader out of a street brawl?"
He looked around, then continued.
"Let's do it properly; in a way that will go down in the history of the martial world."
"And that is, heavenly Black Sword Venerable?"
"Hold a duel tournament."
At his words, the eyes of all present absolute experts flashed with intensity.
"A duel tournament... that's interesting. Also a perfect opportunity to settle the hierarchy of the Four Great Clans and Seven Sects."
The Myriad-Hand Fist Emperor laughed loudly.
"Keh, a duel tournament between the leaders of the Four Great Clans and Seven Sects... such a thing has never happened in martial history. My fists are itching already."
The Steelblood Overlord set down his massive blade and declared:
"I agree! Let's see who the true strong one is!"
Absolute experts, their hearts pulsing with greed.
Watching their antics, the onlookers swallowed nervously.
As someone said, this was an unprecedented duel tournament in the history of the martial world.