Ep504 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

The demon bound beneath the mountains finally stretches its limbs. Having returned to the Ten Thousand Mountains after a lengthy sojourn, she issued a clear command. "We will strike the Central Plains." That single statement was enough. "…By your command!" It compelled every member of the Demon Sect to rally behind the Heavenly Demon. All declared their intent to follow her. Even an elderly man, with only days left to live, dragged his ailing body to the battlefield, insisting that he wished to die in battle and stood behind her. For some, this was a long-held aspiration waited upon for years, if not decades or even a century. Yet, the Heavenly Demon found it difficult to comprehend their fervor. 'Those who deserve to harbor grudges now bear them instead.' The reason for those trapped on the Ten Thousand Mountains to covet the Central Plains was clear. The allure of its vast and fertile lands was irresistible. The Ten Thousand Mountains had been a refuge for those unwelcome in the Central Plains. However, if one were to ask whether it was a hospitable place for humans, the answer would not be so affirmative. The growing population posed a problem. To stand against the Central Plains, each individual had not only to be powerful but also to increase in number to match them. They had been compelled to bear children without restraint, but now resources were scarce. They were running out of food and land to build homes. The crisis began years ago and has reached a critical point. The recent activities near Cheonghae City and the infiltration into the Central Plains by the Demon Sect were attempts to mitigate the issue somewhat. However, the ultimate solution was establishing a new home. They eyed the Central Plains, ready to seize it the moment opportunity arose. "The preparations for departure are complete, Sect Leader!" An elderly man approached swiftly, a wide grin of excitement on his face, and bowed before her. His name was Jang Min. He had held the position of Deputy Leader of the Demon Sect for decades. Though little known due to his focus on internal rather than external activities and lacking even a noteworthy title, he was undeniably the second-in-command of the Demon Sect—both in authority and capability. It was unusual to see the typically reserved man so elated, prompting the Heavenly Demon to question him. "…Are you truly so pleased to march into war?" "Certainly. It is the day we resolve our long-standing wish as a sect." A long-standing wish. "You are hasty. How can you be certain of victory without having fought yet?" Jang Min raised his head. One of the few who could meet her gaze unflinchingly. "Isn't it enough that you, the Sect Leader, are with us?" He smiled, revealing a profound trust. She found it displeasing. "…I do not consider you as my own." She used them out of necessity, but her heart had never been with them. If anything, she harbored a semblance of disdain. Although they wore human skins, they resembled demons that once threatened her world. They trampled over the weak without qualms and forsook morals for power. Thus, she often conveyed, "You are merely my chess pieces." Only used when necessary and never cared for. Yet, even that meant little to them. "We are content just to have you by our side." "…Hmph." To them, she was a deity. A source of confidence. With a deity among them, they believed there was nothing they couldn't achieve. Turning her back on their burdensome faith and adoration, she muttered. "We shall see if you still think that way when death surrounds us." Jang Min bowed further and replied, "If dying in battle proves my trust in you, I would gladly do so." "……." They were undeniably obstinate. Realizing further conversation was pointless, she soared into the sky. Below her were the vibrant members of the Demon Sect. And leading them from the front were the demons who had lost their reason. Observing them, she finally grasped her role in this place. "…Am I to be a Demon King?" Demon King. But she could not even become one. At least the Demon King loved the demons he created passionately. Unlike the Demon King, who dreamed of eradicating humans to create a better world for his demons, she felt no emotions towards them. Her purpose in shaking this world was solely to achieve her objective. That was also the reason for her mobilizing them. She simply wished to avoid staining her hands with unnecessary blood. Nothing more. She opened her mouth to address those standing as straight as they could, awaiting her order to march. “Listen well.” Her low voice, infused with formidable internal energy, reverberated throughout the entire expanse of the Ten Thousand Mountains. “There are no strategies for you.” As the leader of the group, she uttered these words with a galling lack of responsibility or concern. “If you desire the Central Plains, seize it with your strength. If you fall, unable to do so… accept it.” For that is your fate. Despite the disappointing nature of her words to those who believed in her, they were far from disheartened. No, quite the opposite. Uoooooo! Their fervor only increased. They had reached the level of fanatical devotees who interpreted the divine will as they pleased. To them, her irresponsible words were heard as, "I trust in your strength," or "Show the world the might of our sect and claim the Central Plains!" “Follow the Sect Leader!” “The Central Plains are ours!” “All hail the Heavenly Demon Sect!” “Hail!” “All hail the Sect Leader!” “Hail!” Whaaa! The fervor of the Demon Sect members soared skywards as they began their march toward Cheonghae. * * * Posters rapidly appeared across the martial world of the Central Plains. They carried shocking news. The author was none other than Dok Hwoeng, the leader of the Alliance of Justice, steering the factional union. He began by informing everyone of the deaths of the Murim Alliance Leader, Hyunhak, and the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, TaeWon's passing. “The Alliance Leader has fallen…!” “Even teaming up with Buljo, they couldn’t defeat the Heavenly Demon.” “They sacrificed themselves to save the Alliance…” That single line plunged all martial artists roaming the Central Plains into deep sorrow. Who were Hyunhak and TaeWon? Officially, they were the heads of the Murim Alliance and the Shaolin Temple. In terms of personal capability, they were three pillars sustaining the orthodox martial world. Even their combined efforts could not overcome the Heavenly Demon and ended in defeat. This meant. “The Heavenly Demon's prowess rivals that of all Three Masters combined.” “Rivals? Wouldn’t it be worse? Even with the Dark Peony Empress, victory isn’t certain!” “Oh… They said the Heavenly Demon might be the world's best among the Three Monarchs, and it wasn't just idle talk.” The world's best (天下第一). What once seemed like a remote possibility now became her title. Some even began to suggest she should be considered the greatest in all of history, not just the present. “So, what is the Alliance of Justice planning now?” Following the announcement of the fallen stars from the martial world, their future plans were laid out. “Finally, the Demon Sect has descended from the Ten Thousand Mountains and is marching toward Cheonghae.” “So?” “So? Obviously, they plan to meet them at Cheonghae for a decisive battle.” A hawk had flown in from Mount Kunlun. The message was clear—the Demon Sect had finally begun their advance. In response, Dok Hwoeng promptly issued an order throughout the entire alliance. He declared total war, leading all alliance members to Cheonghae, ready to confront the Demon Sect. The declaration was akin to a call for an all-out battle. The final line on the posters read: “The Central Plains will never fall. History attests to this, so approach each day as you would any other.” This closing message planted a small spark of inspiration among the warriors who read them. They recalled. The proud, unbroken history of the Central Plains martial arts. How many trials and hardships they had endured. From the Demon Sect, Blood Sect, to martial arts from foreign lands. Whenever scars from one battle began to heal, another foe arose to tear open fresh wounds. Yet, they never succumbed. Even when pushed to the brink of defeat, they rallied and defended this land. Where did that strength come from? “I must go to Cheonghae.” “Me too…!” “If the Demon Sect takes the Central Plains, it’s over for us!” “Let’s hope we don’t become demons ourselves.” Exactly this determination sparked resolve in them. The wandering warriors labeled as either Orthodox or Unorthodox during ordinary times. No, every martial artist in the land knew well. Even if they didn’t like it, what was right always leaned inward. Despite finding the sects’ favoritism frustrating, they knew that they were infinitely better than the Demon Sect, who turned innocents into demons and used them as pawns. Will they choose the freedom they cherish or life under the Demon Sect? Nine times out of ten, they would choose the former. “Let us protect the Central Plains with our own hands!” “It is through raising our voices now that we can forge a better martial world!” “Indeed!” After the Alliance members and sect martial artists set off for Cheonghae. The martial artists aligned with both the righteous and unorthodox factions embarked on their journey, trailing behind. And another crucial development… “…The Demon Sect bastards are coming, you say?” “Those converts finally reveal their ambitions?” “The current Heavenly Demon is reportedly powerful... Shall we lend a hand?” “Tsk, it’s because the younger generation is weak these days. Back in our day…” “So, are you going to join or not?” “I’m going, damn it! Keep an eye out for any blades flying at the back of your head, because they might be meant for you!” Once-reclusive masters who had entrusted everything to the next generation and withdrawn from the mundane world were preparing to reemerge. With the martial strength of the Central Plains and the Demon Sect, considered to be at an all-time high, two colossal forces began to converge near a single fortress. Author's Note I only managed to upload this now because of the Nofelpia maintenance as soon as I finished writing. This concludes this episode. After enjoying my regular day off, I’ll continue with the next episode. I’ll see you in the next installment. Thank you, as always, for reading. Have a great day. (_ _)