Chronicles of the Mad Demon - Chapter 67

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 67. Manifestation of Madness (2)

It was a worn and weathered book.

Each page had become tattered from how much it had been read. And beside that book was an annotated interpretation filled with dense commentary.

“You’ve truly suffered much.”

A wistful emotion settled in Hong Jun Ak’s sharply slanted eyes.

The tattered secret manual and interpretation were history itself, steeped in blood and sweat.

How much effort had he put into interpreting these martial arts since his youth.

Interpretation aside, he had walked each step slowly and carefully, fearing he might fall into qi deviation if he learned it wrong. If something happened to him, the sword family would surely collapse.

The history accumulated in this way was finally blooming now.

‘Just endure a little longer.’

What made the Red Snake Extraordinary Art remarkable was that it possessed both the destructive power of demonic arts and the endurance of divine arts.

Moreover, if someone with a yang-strong constitution learned it, they could instantly rise to the ranks of masters.

It was certainly revolutionary, but it didn’t deviate from natural order. Even among orthodox martial arts, weren’t there techniques that showed great effects in a short time when learned by talented individuals with matching temperament?

‘Just endure a little longer and we’ll soon be able to grow into a force that cannot be ignored even throughout all of Hubei.’

The pride was great because they had grown independently without extending their hand to anyone.

They had also secured capital.

Of course, the valuables worth hundreds of thousands of nyang discovered at the location where the secret manual was found had become the foundation for growth, but at least they hadn’t borrowed anyone else’s hand.

Thud.

Hong Jun Ak closed the book and looked out the window.

The world gradually darkening. The little light left behind by the sunset seemed to reflect his life that had been filled with anguish.

“Hehe, it’s all attachment.”

Half a year since he had transmitted the final secret technique of the Red Snake Extraordinary Art to his first son.

At first, he had even considered burning this secret manual. Though it wasn’t a demonic art, it was a secret manual that could be misunderstood as one.

But he couldn’t bring himself to burn it.

The moment he burned the secret manual, it felt like all the effort he had accumulated would also become meaningless.

“You’re truly being sentimental, Jun Ak.”

To stand tall in the ruthless jianghu, one needed decisions that were not just cold but ruthless.

However, humans are not dolls. They can be ruthless but cannot truly become indifferent.

True indifference meant not feeling even a bit of desire.

Hong Jun Ak was most wary of his desires withering away.

“It should be fine. Conquering Wuhan doesn’t make one the best in Hubei anyway.”

Only by getting at least Hubei in his hands could he let go of his attachment to the secret manual.

But would that really be possible?

‘It would be impossible.’

Even his son, who was far more talented than himself, would find it difficult to get Hubei in his hands.

It was natural if you thought about it.

Here in Hubei were the mighty powers who had built up history and tradition: the Wudang Sect and the Zhuge Family.

The Wudang Sect was one of the Nine Great Sects, a sect of the immortal way called the Mount Tai and Big Dipper along with Shaolin Temple, while the Zhuge Family was one of the Six Great Families, a prestigious house of both civil and military arts with the alias of Divine Strategist Zhuge.

Facing even one of them should be considered virtually impossible. Needless to say about facing both.

Even if heavenly fortune followed and he surpassed both to become the best in Hubei, would the other nine sects and six families acknowledge the Hong Clan Sword Family?

Strength entered his tightly closed mouth.

‘Even if it’s impossible, I will pursue it.’

Humans are bound to age and fall ill the moment their desires are broken.

Hong Jun Ak made a resolution.

He would chase dreams until death. Even if it was impossible, he would desire until the last moment when his breath ceased.

“…How unlike me.”

Hong Jun Ak turned his eyes away from the window and leaned back in his chair.

Thump. Thump.

The sound of his heartbeat rang in his ears.

A beat slightly faster and more vigorous than usual.

‘Though it may be a family as small as a booger, is this the first time the main house has seriously decided to show its strength?’

Of course, they had introduced the Red Sword Unit, Blue Sword Unit, and Bright Sword Unit to jianghu before.

But that was all. Except for resolving a few disputes, the Hong Clan Sword Family had lived quietly.

Even with just that, they were called one of Wuhan’s two great powers, but inside it was frustrating. If they had properly exerted their strength, they could have brought down something like the Ten Swords Gate long ago.

The time had finally come for that period of patience to be rewarded.

“Speaking of which…”

Part of his racing heart was because of Moyong Su Jeong.

But when he thought of Moyong Bi, his steady heartbeat felt like it was getting tangled.

“Just what is that bastard’s true identity?”

At first, he wondered just how amazing the martial arts he had learned were to make him so strong.

Now it was different.

Rather than martial arts, his temperament and perceptiveness were more concerning.

Martial arts could become strong through talent and effort. He didn’t believe Moyong Bi had the same luck as himself, but setting that aside.

That bastard’s boldness and indescribable atmosphere weren’t something you could display just by being somewhat strong in martial arts.

‘Is that also an innate temperament? If so, that’s even more frightening. Despite being born with a temperament like Mount Tai, he lived as a troublemaker drinking alcohol in the marketplace?’

Could he himself have done that?

‘…I probably couldn’t have gone that far.’

Though young in age, he was someone who had to be acknowledged.

Separate from his determination to definitely catch and kill him, the reason he felt kinship with Moyong Bi was also there.

One who hides his strength while waiting for the time to soar.

The truly frightening ones are exactly those types.

“No matter how outstanding his temperament, it’s all useless without strength. Since he couldn’t have been lucky enough to receive martial arts from a strange master, if a place called the secret place truly exists…”

Hong Jun Ak smiled broadly.

The shadow of evil fell over his sincere smile.

“Just imagining it is satisfying.”

That was when it happened.

“Family Head.”

“Come in.”

The door opened and Hong Myeong entered.

“Are you ready?”

“I have nothing particular to prepare.”

A warrior must know how to display their best capabilities anytime, anywhere.

His eldest son was well absorbing his teachings. The more he looked, the more proud he felt of the boy.

“I sent word to Third Uncle. He’ll arrive within half a hour.”

“Family Head.”

“Mm?”

“I’ve been thinking about it in my own way…”

“Yes.”

“I still think it would be better for you to stay and guard this place.”

Tenderness appeared on Hong Jun Ak’s face.

“Why?”

“Moyong Bi is certainly strong. But if we’re together with Third Uncle, there’s no way we can’t catch him.”

“That’s right.”

“The same goes for Moyong Su Jeong. In other words, our strength alone is sufficient.”

“I know that too.”

“If it’s because of the secret place that Moyong Bi mentioned, please leave it to me. I will definitely find out and immediately report to you…”

“Myeong.”

“…Yes.”

“Do you think this father suggested going together just to investigate some secret place that may or may not exist?”

“…?”

“Of course, it’s true that greed stirs within me. Enough to make my heart race. However, the real reason I’m with you is because I worry something might happen to my heir.”

Hong Myeong’s eyes wavered.

“I don’t want to die. But even if I died, there wouldn’t be much regret. Because I have you as my successor. However, if something happens to you, even if I live, it wouldn’t be living.”

It wasn’t simply because he was his son.

Hong Myeong was the one who would inherit everything of the Hong Clan Sword Family that had been built with tears and blood. If something happened to such an heir? I’d rather die myself.

“You are superior to your father. Consider this incident as experience, and steadily build your strength until you at least reach my level.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Good. Ah, and.”

Hong Jun Ak suddenly frowned.

“The Red Sword Three Groups have returned?”

“That’s correct.”

“I heard reports they were beaten to a pulp. Have you seen them?”

“Unit affairs took priority, so I haven’t been to see them yet.”

“Go see them even now. Just hearing how they were beaten by that Moyong Bi bastard will be helpful in its own way.”

“Yes, understood.”

Just then, a commotion arose from far outside the window.

“Hmm?”

Hong Jun Ak turned his head and looked outside the window.

Countless people were running about busily. Even the swordsmen of the Blue Sword Unit were running toward somewhere.

‘Suddenly what’s… Huh? Isn’t this fire energy?’

Whoosh!

The blowing wind seemed mixed with an acrid burning smell.

Hong Jun Ak’s face became serious.

“Myeong, it seems something has happened….”

“Family Head!!”

An urgent voice rang out from outside the door.

“It’s the Blue Sword Sect Leader! May I enter?”

“Come in.”

Through the door that burst open, the Blue Sword Sect Leader revealed himself.

“This is terrible! A fire has broken out at the Second Young Master’s residence!”

“What?!”

Hong Jun Ak shot up from his seat.

“What about In Ah? Is In Ah safe?”

“We’re checking, but the flames are too intense to break through! If we’re not careful, the pavilion might collapse!”

“This, this!”

No matter how much he favored his first son, his second son was also his child.

“Guide me there!”

“Yes!”

That’s when it happened.

Thud! Thwack! Crack!

Deadly striking sounds came from outside the door.

Though the sounds erupted suddenly, there was no one who didn’t know what they meant.

‘First floor?’

Thwack! Bang!

No.

The sounds from the first floor had suddenly gotten much closer. Someone had fallen on this floor.

“What bastard is it!”

The moment the Blue Sword Sect Leader drew his sword.

Swoosh! Craaack!

A sword sheath flying at tremendous speed slammed into the Blue Sword Sect Leader’s mouth.

The Blue Sword Sect Leader’s neck, which had snapped back as if bouncing, returned to its place.

Thump!

The Blue Sword Sect Leader who fell backward had the sword sheath embedded in his mouth.

The sword sheath that had entered after smashing all his teeth had crushed his palate and shocked even his neck bones.

It was instant death.

“What is this?!”

Unlike Hong Myeong who was startled, Hong Jun Ak’s face was showing thick killing intent.

“Don’t tell me this bastard…?”

“Huuuu.”

From outside the door, at the end of the corridor, one man walked over.

Having broken through from the first floor to the third floor in the time it takes to draw a few breaths, he was covering the area below his eyes with a pitch-black mask.

He had even obtained black martial uniform from somewhere, and in his hands were an iron short staff used for training by the sword family and a well-sharpened sword.

Though his clothes were different and he even wore a mask, the Hong father and son could tell who he was at a glance.

“Moyong Bi!”

Moyong Bi winked with one eye.

“We meet again like this.”

“How did you?!”

“I can’t stand having loose ends behind me.”

Hong Myeong shouted angrily.

“What nonsense is that!”

“I thought about it, and it seemed like you’d attack the main family house tonight or immediately.”

“…?!”

“Looking at your son’s face, it seems things were progressing smoothly. I came at just the right time.”

Hong Jun Ak spoke with a boiling voice.

“You’ve truly gone mad with wanting to die.”

“You haven’t even seen the pavilion, right? Since I’m here anyway, I’m thinking of looking around there too before I go. How about it, do you have any intention of guiding me?”

“Crazy bastard!”

Whoooosh!

A hot yet gloomy energy flowed from Hong Jun Ak’s body.

The explosive anger naturally urged the opening of his secret technique. The Red Death Energy Technique had manifested.

“Did you also set the fire?”

“The second son had a cold constitution. By now, I expect he’s changed to a constitution that surpasses the first son.”

He could no longer endure it.

Hong Jun Ak’s right hand moved like lightning.

At that moment, Moyong Bi’s left hand also moved almost simultaneously.

Whooom! Crash!

The shot energy wave split in half and greatly damaged the left and right walls.

Surprise appeared in Hong Jun Ak’s eyes.

‘This bastard?!’

Though he hadn’t used his full power, he had thought defense would be impossible.

But to split it left and right?

Huuuuuung.

Thick heat energy circled around the tip of the sword Moyong Bi held before disappearing.

“Is it because it’s only half-complete? The power is good but it’s still sloppy.”

Killing intent also formed in Moyong Bi’s two eyes.

Whoosh!

The killing intent that poured out along with Brain Gate True Energy was vicious enough to instantly decompose even Hong Jun Ak’s energy wave.

“Your martial arts and greed are both sloppy, but I wonder if your neck will be sturdy?”

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