The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 81

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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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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 081
The Hearing (1)
“Family Head Im, is your arm troubling you?”
“Minor Sect Leader, perhaps it’s just the ache of age catching up with me.”
“Then let’s stop here for now. I should check in with Instructor Young Ho Bin. I want to see if the trainees are slacking off.”
“Oh my, Minor Sect Leader, my arm has already healed completely. Please, sit down, haha.”
“Are you certain?”
“Of course, ahahaha.”
As the gentle breeze caressed my skin, the heat that had burned in my mind gradually cooled.
Since I began cultivating martial arts, I had grown increasingly aware of the profound joy that came whenever I discovered a breakthrough toward growth.
And more than anything else….
“Family Head Im.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Soon, all the Family Heads of the Five Great Families will gather. I hear they intend to hold a Hearing to determine whether I possess the qualifications to become the next Sect Leader.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
The beasts who had once bared their fangs to me now wagged their tails like docile lambs.
That satisfying sight—one that only those wielding power could truly savor.
While this peculiar sensation awakening within me was unsettling in one sense, it was equally intoxicating—so addictive that once tasted, it was nearly impossible to abandon.
“Regarding this Hearing, I have a request for you.”
“Ah! How could there be any hesitation? Please, command me as you wish, Minor Sect Leader.”
“You may criticize me as you see fit. Do not mind my feelings—speak freely and say whatever is on your mind. That is your right. However….”
Was this not further evidence that I was growing increasingly accustomed to this life as a Minor Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult?

* * *
“Minor Sect Leader, please take your seat,” Woo Sa said.
At Woo Sa Baek Ryung Hou’s words, the Minor Sect Leader moved to the chair prepared in the center of the Council Chamber.
“During today’s hearing, the Family Heads of the Five Great Families will take turns questioning Minor Sect Leader Baek Yeon.”
Verifying the Minor Sect Leader’s qualifications had always been a task that followed Baek Yeon like a shadow, but today carried a different weight.
The ones conducting this verification were those who actually coveted the Sect Leader’s position and posed a genuine threat to Baek Yeon’s standing.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Family Heads of the Five Great Families for traveling such distances to discuss the momentous affairs of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect,” Woo Sa Baek Ryung Hou said.
He regarded the solemn faces of the Family Heads representing the Five Great Families of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect.
Not only Im Myeong Woon, the Family Head of the Im Clan, but also Kang Cheon Mu, Gong Sun Do Heon, and Noh Sang Do.
And most notably, one person who commanded particular attention….
“In order, the Dongbang Family Head shall begin by questioning the Minor Sect Leader.”
Dongbang Cheon, the Family Head of the Dongbang Family who led the Fire Gate.
The Dongbang Family Head, possessing the greatest power among the Five Great Families, emanated a presence so formidable that even silence itself seemed unapproachable.
Just as when he had visited the Divine Sect a year ago, Dongbang Cheon retained his youthful appearance, and from his refined and elegant features radiated a quiet yet transcendent aura of mastery—a profound internal force that spoke of absolute cultivation.
Though Dongbang Cheon spoke softly, his voice, laden with deep inner power, carried effortlessly to every corner of the Council Chamber.
“I shall yield the first question to the Im Family Head. My family has something to request of the Minor Sect Leader at the end, so I ask that you defer my turn.”
“As you wish,” Woo Sa replied.
Though Baek Ryung Hou could not discern Dongbang Cheon’s reasoning, he saw no disadvantage in this arrangement.
The Minor Sect Leader’s stern expression and bearing showed no deviation from his usual demeanor, yet as a man, he could hardly avoid tension in such circumstances.
Being able to avoid Dongbang Cheon’s questions—the most daunting of all—in the opening round was undoubtedly a blessing.
“Then, representing the Im Family, I, Im Myeong Woon, shall pose my question to the Minor Sect Leader.”
Following Dongbang Cheon’s concession, Im Myeong Woon of the Im Family received the right to question first.
The first question would determine the overall direction of today’s hearing.
Each Family Head understood this, and all had made considerable preparations for this day.
How sharp would the question be? And how would the Minor Sect Leader respond…?
Not only Woo Sa but every executive of the Sect Headquarters seated in the Council Chamber focused their complete attention on Im Myeong Woon’s question.
“The most crucial pillar of our sect’s external alliances is currently the Kunlun Sect. It is said that the Minor Sect Leader was deeply involved in establishing our alliance with them—is this true?”
A somewhat probing question.
Baek Ryung Hou turned the question over in his mind, trying to discern its intent, but the Minor Sect Leader answered without hesitation.
“It is true. During a pilgrimage to the Holy Site, I saved the life of the Kunlun Sect Leader’s only daughter, and that became the bond between us.”
“Then it seems the Kunlun Sect formed an alliance with our sect out of admiration for the Minor Sect Leader’s abilities and character.”
“Rather, I would say I played but a small role in conveying the teachings of our sect and the Sect Leader’s grand vision to them.”
“How humble. I understand well.”
“Does that answer suffice?”
“I believe I have heard enough.”
As the exchange reached this point, Baek Ryung Hou sensed something amiss.
“Hmm… Family Head Im?”
“What is it?”
As the one presiding over the hearing, he could have let it pass unnoticed.
Yet Baek Ryung Hou’s decision to pause the hearing stemmed from concern that the Im Family Head might harbor some hidden agenda.
“Are you aware that a Hearing is currently underway to verify the credentials of the Minor Sect Leader?”
“Of course I am.”
“Then is that all your questions?”
“Yes.”
“You have nothing more to ask?”
“Is there a problem?”
“Not a problem, exactly… but are you truly satisfied with just this?”
“Hmm… now that I think about it, there is one more thing.”
‘As I thought.’
There was no way he would relinquish his turn after going through the trouble of convening a Hearing only to pose such superficial questions.
He would surely follow up with a counterattack disguised as praise for the Minor Sect Leader.
Whatever his true intentions, being led around by these people was not advantageous.
The Minor Sect Leader seemed to share this sentiment and spoke up.
“Ask away. Don’t be coy about it.”
He was saying that if there was something to ask, he should ask it directly without dancing around the subject.
Im Myeong Woon, who had appeared to be deliberating while meeting the Minor Sect Leader’s gaze, proceeded with his question.
“Since the Minor Sect Leader’s exploits led to an alliance with the Kunlun Sect, I hear that various powers in the Kangho Murim have come to revere the teachings of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect. Are you aware of this?”
“I was not aware of that.”
“Tsk. I would urge you to pay closer attention to news from the Kangho.”
“I shall do so.”
But what in the world was this about?
“In any case, since the alliance between the Kunlun Sect and our Main Sect, the Martial Alliance’s expansion has been checked, which is no small achievement. I believe this is the Minor Sect Leader’s accomplishment—do you agree?”
“It would be presumptuous for me to say so myself, but it does not seem inaccurate.”
“I shall take that as your agreement.”
At this point, the spectators observing the Hearing began to murmur, their eyes darting back and forth.
The exchange between the Im Family Head and the Minor Sect Leader was decidedly strange.
From the opening of the questions to the follow-ups, this was nothing more than praise masquerading as inquiry.
Yet the Im Family Head was not the only one posing such peculiar questions.
“I am Kang Cheon Mu, Head of the Kang Family. I cannot help but pose this question to the Minor Sect Leader regarding last year’s Merchant Guild Tournament held in Sichuan Capital.”
“Please proceed.”
“The Minor Sect Leader personally exposed the conspiracy of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group, whose Merchant Guild Master is your maternal grandfather, and brought about his downfall. Through this action, you prevented the dangerous contraband known as Bi Hwa Cheol from circulating throughout the Kangho, thereby saving countless innocent lives among the common people. Is this not so?”
“It is.”
The Minor Sect Leader’s position within the Sect was unshakeable.
So, being generous, I could understand why the Family Heads of the Five Great Families might conduct the Hearing with restraint to avoid offending the Minor Sect Leader.
But what was this?
“The Seo Gang Merchant Master, who was elected as the Sangdo Alliance Master at the Merchant Guild Tournament, has earned the praise of Kangho figures by establishing proper principles for the merchant guilds and redirecting the profits earned by the Sangdo Alliance toward relief for the poor. This committee believes that the election of the Seo Gang Merchant Master as Sangdo Alliance Master was also your doing. Is this not so?”
“While it may have turned out that way as a result, I cannot say that all of it was my doing.”
“Heh… and here you are, evading responsibility despite knowing full well?”
“If the Kang Family Head insists on it so strongly, then let us say it is so.”
“Not ‘let us say it is so,’ but it is undoubtedly the truth!”
What on earth had happened?
What could have possibly occurred to reduce them to this state?
“The Gongsun Family wishes to inquire—is it true that you defeated one of Shaolin Temple’s Eight Divine Monks in combat?”
“The rumors appear to be exaggerated.”
“There’s no smoke without fire, wouldn’t you say?”
What had transpired that the heads of the Four Great Families—all except the Dongbang Family among the Five Great Families—were taking turns holding what amounted to a Minor Sect Leader praise ceremony disguised as questioning!
“All the profits generated by the Cheong Yun Merchant Group are essentially earnings brought in by the Minor Sect Leader, are they not? Do you agree?”
“The Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s profits have no connection to this Minor Sect Leader.”
“No connection? Had the Minor Sect Leader not personally removed the previous Merchant Guild Master, how could—”
The heads of the Four Great Families competed with one another, each striving to outdo the last with increasingly shameless and boisterous praise for the Minor Sect Leader.
Like men desperate to catch the Minor Sect Leader’s eye.
At this point, the very notion of verifying the Minor Sect Leader’s qualifications had become meaningless.
It was no longer the Four Great Families testing the Minor Sect Leader—it was the Minor Sect Leader testing the Four Great Families!
‘The Minor Sect Leader has completely wrapped the Four Great Family heads around his finger.’
‘Those arrogant family heads have suddenly become docile lambs.’
The executives of the Sect Headquarters observing this spectacle all harbored such thoughts.
‘Has he discovered some weakness to hold over them?’
‘No, surely not.’
And yet.
“Enough!”
The moment the Minor Sect Leader infused his inner energy into a thunderous roar, Baek Ryung Hou froze in place.

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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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