Ep505 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

The demon spirit tethered beneath the mountain finally stretched itself awake. Returning to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains after a rather lengthy sojourn, she issued a decisive decree. “We shall strike the Central Plains.” “……!” That single pronouncement was enough. “…By your command!” It was all that was required to rally every member of the Cult of Demons behind the Heavenly Demon. They all pledged their allegiance to follow her. Even an old man, whose days were numbered, dragged his gravely ill body to the battlefield, resolute in meeting his death there, and took his place behind her. For some, it was a wait of several years; for others, nearly a century of anticipation. Yet, the Heavenly Demon who commanded them found it bewildering. 'It is ironic that those who should harbor grudges would instead bear resentment.' Those who were all but imprisoned in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains coveted the Central Plains for a clear reason. They envied its vast and fertile lands. The Ten Thousand Great Mountains was the sanctuary that accepted them, as they were unwelcome in the Central Plains. However, when questioned if it was a place fit for human habitation, the answer was less than satisfactory. The burgeoning population was problematic. To compete with the forces of the Central Plains, not only did they need to grow in strength individually, but also increase in numbers to match. They had been recklessly producing offspring for this purpose, but resources were now running thin. They were short on food to feed their people and space to build homes. This crisis had loomed for over a decade, reaching a perilous point now. The recent infiltration and activities of the Cult near Cheonghae Province and other parts of the Central Plains were partial attempts to mitigate these issues. Ultimately, the fundamental solution lay in establishing new territory. The Central Plains was the prime target they lusted after. “We've completed all preparations for mobilization, Cult Leader!” An elderly man approached briskly, unable to veil his excited expression as he prostrated before her. His name was Jang Min. He had held the position of Vice-Leader of the Cult for decades. Because he devoted his time more to internal matters than external exploits, little was known about him to the outside world, not even a notable moniker, yet he was undeniably the second-in-command of the Cult. In terms of both power and capability. It was peculiar enough for someone who usually concealed his emotions to be so elated that the Heavenly Demon questioned him. “…Are you so delighted to go to war?” “Absolutely. It’s the day we can resolve our Cult’s long-cherished wish.” A long-cherished wish. “You're assuming too much. Confident of victory without even having fought?” Jang Min lifted his head in response. He was one of the few within the Cult who could meet her gaze without being overshadowed by her presence. “Is it not because you, the Cult Leader, are with us?” He smiled, displaying a weighty faith. She did not favor this notion greatly. “…I do not consider you people my own.” They were a means to an end, utilized out of necessity, but her sentiments never truly aligned with theirs. In fact, she somewhat despised them. Though wrapped in human guise, they resembled the demons that once threatened her world. To trample the weak was a given, and casting aside morality for power was done without hesitation. Hence, she constantly reiterated, “You are merely my chess pieces.” Employed out of need, never truly warranting her concern. Yet even this didn’t dissuade them. “Your presence alone is enough for us,” they asserted. “…Hmph.” To them, she was a deity. The very source of their confidence. With a god among them, what could they not accomplish? Turning her back on their burdensome trust and admiration, she mused, “I shall see if you can hold such thoughts amidst death’s dance.” Jang Min bowed his head and replied, “If our death proves our trust in you, Cult Leader, then gladly.” “…….” They were certainly obstinate. Recognizing the futility of further discourse, she soared into the sky. Below, energetic members of the Cult. And at their forefront, maddened demons devoid of reason. As she observed them, she felt her role here finally take shape. “…The Demon King, is it?” The Demon King (魔王). Yet not even a Demon King could she become. At least he fervently loved the demons he birthed. Unlike him, who dreamt of human extinction to create a haven for them, she held no such emotions. Upending this world served solely her purpose. As did moving these pieces. To spare her hands from unnecessary bloodshed. That was all there was to it. Gazing at those standing as tall as they could, awaiting the command to march, she spoke. "Listen, all of you." Her low voice reverberated across the entire expanse of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, backed by formidable inner strength. "There will be no stratagems for you." Such an irresponsible statement came from her, showing no sense of duty as a leader. "If you wish to claim the Central Plains, then seize it by force. If you fall and perish instead… then accept it." For that would be your fate. Despite these words, which would typically be disheartening from someone they trusted, they showed no signs of discouragement. Quite the opposite. Uwoooooo-! They were inflamed with even greater fervor. They were devotees who had reached the heights of fanaticism, interpreting her words of recklessness as, "I trust in your strength," and, "Demonstrate the might of our cult and claim the Central Plains!" "Follow the Cult Leader!" "The Central Plains are ours!" "Long live the Sacred Church of Heavenly Demons!" Long live-! "Long live the Cult Leader!" Long live-! Waaaaa! The demonic cultists, their spirits soaring as if to pierce the heavens, began marching towards Cheonghae Province. * * * Throughout the martial world of the Central Plains, notices began to appear. Contained within were shockingly grave tidings. The writer was none other than Do Gwang, the leader of the Orthodox Alliance. The first piece of news he penned was of the death of Hyeonhak, the Leader of the Martial Alliance, and Taewon, the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple. "The Alliance Leader has fallen…!" "Even with Buddha himself, they could not overpower the Heavenly Demon." "He sacrificed himself to save the members of the alliance…." These words, a singular sentence, spread grief among all who roamed the martial world of the Central Plains donning their swords. Both Hyeonhak and Taewon—who were they? Publicly, they were the leader of the Martial Alliance and the abbot of Shaolin Temple. Their personal abilities were such that they were pillars supporting the orthodox martial world. Yet, even with their combined might, they could not defeat the Heavenly Demon and suffered defeat. That, in turn, meant— "The prowess of the Heavenly Demon rivals that of all three Supremes." "Indeed, it’s said even with the Black Emperor of Death, victory is not guaranteed!" "To think they said being the best under heaven was an exaggeration. Now it’s undeniable." The Best Under Heaven. What was once a whispered rumor subtly drifted to become her moniker. There was even talk suggesting she should be acknowledged as the greatest of all time. "So, what is the orthodox alliance planning now?" Following the news announcing the demise of great figures of the martial world, their next course of action was detailed. "They say the demonic cultists are finally descending from the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, advancing on Cheonghae Province." "And what of it?" "What do you mean, 'what of it?' Naturally, they plan to head to Cheonghae Province and engage in battle." Messages flew from Mount Kunlun. The messages relayed that the cultists had finally commenced their invasion. In response, Do Gwang swiftly decreed an order to the entire union. He declared that they would lead all members of the alliance to Cheonghae Province to face the demonic cultists in battle. It was essentially a declaration of total war. Additionally, the final words on the notice were as follows: [The martial world of the Central Plains will never be defeated. History stands as evidence, so face today as any other day.] These parting words ignited a spark within the hearts of the martial artists who read them. They remembered. The proud, enduring history of the Central Plains’ martial world. How many trials and hardships they had faced. The Demonic Cult, the Blood Sect, the Western Martial Tribes. Every time one scar from warfare healed, another foe would appear to gouge it anew. Yet, they never succumbed. Even when pushed to the brink of defeat, they retaliated and defended this land. Where did such resilience stem from? "I-I must go to Cheonghae Province." "So must I…!" "The moment the Central Plains fall to the demonic cult, it's over for us all!" "Unless we become mindless demons, we'd be fortunate." It came from none other than them. The wandering warriors who roamed the Central Plains, regarding both orthodox and unorthodox factions as the same scoundrels. No, every martial artist living in the martial world understood. Even if they found it unpleasant and disagreeable, ultimately, blood is thicker than water. No matter how much they grimaced at favoritism within their ranks, they knew it was infinitely better than the demonic cult which would turn sane men into beasts of burden. Faced with the choice to preserve freedom or live under demonic cult rule, the vast majority would choose the former. "The Central Plains is ours to protect!" "Only by raising our voices can we forge a better martial world!" "Indeed!" And so, the martial artists from the union and various sects allied with the Orthodox Alliance set out for Cheonghae Province. The martial artists affiliated with the sects of the orthodox and unorthodox alliances began their journey, following in their footsteps. And one more thing. "...So the demonic cultists are really coming, are they?" "It seems those heretics are finally revealing their ambitions." "They say the current Heavenly Demon is incredibly strong… are we getting involved or not?" "Tch…, isn't it because the folks these days are weak? Back in our time…." "Ah, so are you going or not?" "Going, of course! You fool! If a sword comes flying at my back, just know it's mine!" Masters who had retreated from worldly affairs, entrusting everything to the next generation, were preparing to reemerge into the world. In the martial world of the Central Plains, now regarded as having the greatest power ever seen, they were beginning to gather before a single fortress wall. Two immense forces converging. Author's Note: The update came a tad late because a maintenance check on Novelpia popped up just as I finished writing. This concludes this episode. After a well-deserved break for a regular holiday, I shall continue with the next episode. I’ll be seeing you in the next installment. Thank you for always reading. Have a wonderful day. (_ _)