Chronicles of the Mad Demon - Chapter 233

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 233. What Do You Desire? (3)
“Why do you think that?”
Moyong Bi tilted his head quizzically.
“You said you don’t believe the Great Grand Uncle of the Main Family House is part of the Ho Yeon Clan, didn’t you?”
“And what connection does that belief have to the Ho Yeon Clan causing trouble?”
“It’s merely a conjecture.”
“A conjecture?”
Though his expression remained inscrutable, Moyong Bi recognized that Meng Ha Sung had already grasped that there was indeed a causal relationship between these two facts.
In other words, this was a question to reconfirm whether his own thoughts truly aligned with those of the Rising Star Moyong Bi.
“First, the Main Family House is not a family of deceivers.”
“That’s an indisputable fact.”
Moyong Bi’s eyes gleamed.
Not merely a belief, but an indisputable fact?
‘He has his own convictions on this matter.’
This was something I would need to discuss separately later.
“Regardless of the Ho Yeon Clan’s ultimate objective, they needed power and renown. That’s why they targeted the Main Family House.”
“Geographic advantages played a role as well.”
“Of course. However, based on the rumors and information circulating, despite the Ho Yeon Clan positioning themselves as victims and growing accordingly, public opinion of them remains poor.”
“Indeed.”
“I was quite surprised by this. Typically, those who cast themselves as victims, whether individuals or organizations, benefit from sympathetic public opinion and are forgiven for considerable mistakes.”
Meng Ha Sung expressed admiration once more.
“You understand human nature well.”
“Yet the Ho Yeon Clan’s public image remains unfavorable. Upon investigation, I discovered they were conducting thorough and ruthless expansion operations to increase their influence. They haven’t yet crossed the line into universal condemnation, but they’re walking a razor’s edge.”
“I’m uncertain how you gathered this information, but you’ve assessed it accurately.”
“There’s nothing remarkable about it. The picture becomes clear simply by listening to public opinion.”
It was a statement laden with implications.
This wasn’t information one could glean merely from public opinion. What mattered was that he had spoken these words before the Martial Alliance Leader.
Meng Ha Sung’s gaze deepened.
‘Is this advice to heed public opinion?’
Was I overthinking this?
Moyong Bi continued with an expressionless face.
“However, setting aside public opinion, if the Ho Yeon Clan hadn’t caused harm to the Martial Alliance, there would be no reason for you to seek out the Main Family House.”
“I never said the Ho Yeon Clan was causing trouble, did I?”
The corners of Moyong Bi’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Whether through logic or intuition, I already know it.”
“….”
“Since we both already know this fact, there’s no need to belabor the point, is there?”
Meng Ha Sung, who had been regarding Moyong Bi intently, nodded.
“Continue then.”
“There’s little more to say. Given how far this conversation has progressed, the conclusion is simple.”
In that moment, Meng Ha Sung felt a chill run down his spine.
Moyong Bi’s expression had turned grave in an instant, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
From this young man who had lived decades fewer years than himself, an aura of terrifying dignity emanated.
“You intend to use the Moyong name to provoke the Ho Yeon Clan.”
“….”
“In other words, you summoned us to use us.”
Meng Ha Sung slowly leaned back against his chair.
“Is that what you believe?”
“It is.”
“And if you truly believe that, does it not anger you?”
“Not particularly.”
“Why not? From your position, I am merely using you for my purposes. Does your pride not suffer?”
Moyong Bi snorted dismissively—hardly the comportment one should display before the Martial Alliance Leader of All Under Heaven, yet neither he nor Meng Ha Sung concerned themselves with such formalities.
“One cannot wound pride that was never worth protecting.”
“….”
“We understand our station well. By fortune’s grace, we inherited the legacy of our predecessor, but that does not mean the Moyong Family has suddenly become great.”
Meng Ha Sung’s eyes wavered.
“You inherited the legacy of your predecessor?”
“Yes.”
“Surely not….”
In truth, there was something that had genuinely puzzled him since earlier.
“Are you studying the Martial Arts of the Previous Alliance Leader?”
“That is a secret.”
“What, what did you say?”
Moyong Bi let out a quiet laugh.
“We are not yet affiliated with the Martial Alliance, and regardless of your station as Alliance Leader, we share no particular bond. It would be improper to inquire about another’s Martial Arts.”
His words were reasonable, yet Meng Ha Sung could not accept them.
“Whether you know it or not, I have met the Previous Alliance Leader several times. I was soundly defeated, but I once exchanged techniques with him.”
“Is that so.”
“His Martial Arts were truly Heaven Beyond Heaven, yet remarkably, he was cultivating two distinct Martial Arts simultaneously.”
Moyong Bi’s eyes flashed.
‘He knew about that?’
In truth, the Martial Arts he had demonstrated to Meng Ha Sung was the Three Pure Formula, while the Forbidden Demon Formula had never been revealed.
‘Perhaps he glimpsed it from a distance during combat.’
Meng Ha Sung continued speaking.
“Cultivating two Martial Arts simultaneously… it is not impossible, but no one has ever existed who could distinguish them so clearly and alter their application moment by moment as he did. It was truly a legendary manifestation of Martial Arts mastery.”
He had clearly witnessed it from somewhere.
Moyong Bi smiled bitterly to himself.
‘It was not that I was exceptional—it was the Brain Gate Heart Technique that was exceptional.’
Of course, he could not tell Meng Ha Sung that.
“When I first laid eyes on you, I was instantly reminded of the Previous Alliance Leader. Your aura bore a striking resemblance to his, but more decisively, the Qi that naturally emanated from you felt remarkably similar to his.”
“….”
“Of course, the difference in raw power was incomparable.”
Moyong Bi raised both hands in acknowledgment.
“Think of it as you wish.”
Meng Ha Sung smiled.
“The way you speak confirms you’ve inherited the True Transmission of the Previous Alliance Leader.”
“You may assume as much.”
“Didn’t you say earlier? Whether by logic or intuition, we both know the truth—so why waste energy pretending otherwise? Why feign ignorance?”
“I’ve been repaid in kind.”
Meng Ha Sung burst into hearty laughter.
“Truly delightful. Among the young people I’ve encountered recently, few possess your candor. It’s almost like conversing with someone my own age.”
Here he goes, calling me a peer.
‘Does this fool even know how many years younger you are than me?’
Moyong Bi inwardly grumbled before composing his expression and speaking.
“I understand you summoned me for a reason.”
“So you came knowing that?”
“Of course.”
Meng Ha Sung’s face darkened.
“Then I’ll speak plainly. I intended to use the Moyong Clan.”
Anguish and disquiet were evident across his features.
Moyong Bi smiled.
‘Being an Alliance Leader is truly burdensome.’
Yet the fact that even this straightforward man had conceived of using others meant he’d adapted well to his position as Alliance Leader.
The leader of the Orthodox Martial World shouldn’t engage in underhanded schemes?
That was the prattle of fools who knew nothing of reality, spouting empty ideals of chivalry and justice.
Rather, precisely because he led the Orthodox Martial World—a faction that staked its very existence on chivalry and righteousness—the leader must employ every method available to secure peace.
Whether as the Martial Alliance Leader or the head of any organization, there came times when one had to wade through filth.
“And regarding that matter, I don’t intend to apologize to you.”
“Your words alone constitute sufficient apology.”
A truly unrepentant person wouldn’t speak such words. Clearly, some regret lingered in his heart.
Meng Ha Sung sighed.
“You’ve already guessed it, so why hide it? Yes. Of late, the Ho Yeon Clan has been overstepping their bounds. Thus, I intended to use you all.”
Moyong Bi tilted his head thoughtfully.
“I anticipated that much, but there’s one peculiar aspect.”
“Hmm?”
“Do you truly need us solely to provoke the Ho Yeon Clan?”
“…?!”
“If the goal were to stimulate the Ho Yeon Clan and gain advantage, we could certainly be useful. But if other sects were to help… Ah!”
As realization dawned, Moyong Bi’s expression grew grave.
“It seems the Six Major Sects and Ancient Families are far more ruthless than I initially thought.”
“…!!”
“Well, it couldn’t be otherwise. The fact that you summoned us in the first place should have made that clear from the start.”
Meng Ha Sung’s jaw dropped.
‘What is this man?’
How did that mind work, inferring even the Martial Alliance’s delicate situation without being told?
One might think it obvious when hearing it explained, but those unfamiliar with how the Martial Alliance actually functioned couldn’t easily imagine such a conclusion.
No, even those well-versed in the Martial Alliance’s workings would struggle to reach that inference. The Jianghu’s trust in the Six Major Sects was simply too solid.
‘Does he lack preconceptions? Even so, that’s remarkable intelligence.’
Meng Ha Sung unconsciously clicked his tongue in admiration.
“You think like someone who’s spent years eating Martial Alliance rice at my side.”
Moyong Bi felt an unexpected pang of discomfort.
“I was simply fortunate.”
“Then I must be the greatest fisherman under heaven. I cast my line to catch a small fish, and instead a dragon took the bait.”
“I understand the meaning, but it’s not a particularly pleasant comparison.”
“Hah, if you understood the meaning, then let’s move past it.”
Meng Ha Sung drew a deep breath, then fixed his gaze upon the tea table with a serious expression.
His face grew contemplative. His thoughts had clearly become quite complex.
Moyong Bi’s eyes deepened.
‘What will you show me now?’
Until now, their conversation had been ordinary—merely an exchange where they came to know each other. Sensitive topics had surfaced, certainly, but nothing that would create a profound shift between them.
But now things would be different.
Meng Ha Sung was considering the next stage. Naturally, his own course of action would be determined by it.
‘Let’s see what you’re truly made of.’
A moment passed.
“Yes, there’s no other way.”
Meng Ha Sung rose from his seat with a faint smile.
“Let’s head to the back garden.”
“Pardon?”
Moyong Bi was taken aback by the sudden proposal.
“The back garden?”
“There’s a rather suitable open clearing there. Perfect for loosening up.”
I had a sense of where he meant.
But knowing the location wasn’t important.
“Why so suddenly?”
“Why? Because I need to see your skill level for myself.”
“…?”
Meng Ha Sung laughed at the bewildered expression on Moyong Bi’s face.
“So the clever one can be caught off guard after all.”
“Indeed.”
“I considered using you, but I wouldn’t have made this choice if I lacked confidence in protecting you thoroughly. Your pride may be wounded, but at least I intended to shield you from any threat to your life.”
“Should I express my gratitude?”
“There’s no need. It’s only natural.”
“What does that have to do with a direct confrontation?”
“I need to see whether you’re someone worth protecting or a beast that can be left to roam free.”
Moyong Bi’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
“Left to roam free….”
“Regardless of other matters, one thing is certain—you possess ambition. Without it, you wouldn’t have come this far, nor would you have broached such a sensitive political matter before me.”
It meant this wasn’t merely an assessment.
Meng Ha Sung turned his body.
“See for yourself whether I can wield you effectively, and judge accordingly. I, too, must determine whether you’re a blade I can truly put to use.”
A subtle smile crossed Moyong Bi’s face.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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