Chapter 747

“Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion scoffed at Rector, reflected in the last gray window.

“Do you think you can handle the Holy Sword Alliance?”

She moved her hand up and down, telling him not to talk nonsense.

“That’s none of your business. I’ve already ascended to the position of alliance leader.”

Rector disdainfully smiled at the Leader of the Blood Religion, tilting his chin to the side.

“You’re insolent.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion uncrossed her legs and leaned forward.

“How dare you, old man who’s been hiding behind the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance?”

She raised her killing intent, asking if he wanted to die as soon as he became the alliance leader.

“Let’s hold on a moment.”

The Fallen moved his hand towards the Leader of the Blood Religion, who narrowed her eyes and glared at Rector.

“Lord Rector. Calling yourself the alliance leader means you’ve taken control of the Holy Sword Alliance, correct?”

“If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have come here.”

Rector nodded with dry eyes.

“That’s impressive. However…”

The Fallen’s gaze started to turn red.

“To absorb that enormous Holy Sword Alliance as if you’d been waiting for it, you must have been preparing even before the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance died…”

He revealed serpentine eyes, as if trying to observe Rector’s reaction.

“Mm…”

Derus Robert sank back into his throne, stroking his chin as if he found this situation interesting.

“Think what you want.”

Rector didn’t fall for the Leader of the Blood Religion’s provocation or the Fallen’s challenge.

“If my presence is uncomfortable, I’ll leave.”

His voice dropped coldly, as if he had no attachment.

“Fine. Leave.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion snorted and nodded.

“Anyway, we’re better off without people like you.”

She twisted her lips, saying she could handle everything herself.

“Let’s hold on.”

Derus intervened between the Leader of the Blood Religion and Rector, extending his hand.

“While there are some worrying factors, the Five Kings are currently more united than ever. It would be foolish to abandon a force like the Holy Sword Alliance at a time like this.”

He looked at the Leader of the Blood Religion, saying there was nothing to lose by keeping the Five Demons.

“The reason the Holy Sword Alliance was so massive was because of its leader! Do you think that old man can replace the sword-obsessed monster?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion tapped her temple with her snow-white finger, telling them to think carefully.

“Of course, he can’t. He probably knows that better than anyone.”

Derus turned his gaze towards Rector, drawing a slight smile.

“But everyone here can feel that his martial prowess is different from that of ordinary Transcendent Warriors.”

Even the Leader of the Blood Religion seemed to acknowledge Rector’s martial prowess, wrinkling her nose.

“Except for the leaders of the Five Kings and Five Demons, there’s no one on this continent who can match the Sword Demon. Unless the former king who erased his existence or the Sword King returns. Even the rabble of the Five Divine Orders are no match.”

Derus spoke confidently, as if he had an understanding of everyone’s martial prowess on the continent.

“That’s not true, is it?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion narrowed her eyes and shook her head.

“It’s not well-known, but there’s a person who is not inferior even compared to that old man…”

“That’s not a card you can play lightly, is it?”

Derus let out a relaxed laugh as if he already knew.

“You…?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion’s expression froze coldly.

“How much do you know?”

“Well.”

Derus turned his head without answering.

“Anyway, it’s correct to acknowledge the Sword Demon’s martial prowess and his ability to control the Holy Sword Alliance in such a short time. If no one objects, let’s proceed with the conference.”

He nodded, saying to raise their hand if anyone opposed. The Fallen and the Master of the Black Tower didn’t move a finger, and even the Leader of the Blood Religion, although she frowned at Derus, didn’t raise her hand.

“Since we’ve come to this.”

Derus nodded slightly at Rector.

“As new comrades, I look forward to working with you.”

“Mm.”

Rector leaned back in his chair, snorting as if he had expected this outcome.

“But…”

The Leader of the Blood Religion frowned, looking at Derus disdainfully.

“Why is the newcomer leading the conference as if he’s the head?”

“Because I convened this conference.”

Derus shrugged, as if asking if there was a problem.

“I’ve opened a more secret channel using the Six Kings’ conference method, so that should be acceptable, right?”

He moved his jaw, telling her not to be so petty.

“I don’t care.”

The Fallen smiled softly, saying it didn’t matter either way. The window reflecting the Master of the Black Tower trembled as if it might break. An ominous wave of energy rippled, making it unclear whether it was agreement or rejection.

“Since there seems to be no opposition, let’s begin the conference…”

“Ah, before that.”

The Fallen raised his hand with a chilling smile.

“Could you tell us who the Archangel you summoned is?”

He rolled his bright eyes as he threw the question.

“It’s Archangel Uriel.”

Derus mentioned Uriel’s name without hesitation.

“Is he on our side?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Derus.

“It’s not such a simple relationship. Let’s call it mutual assistance…”

Derus calmly shook his head.

“I help with their affairs, and he helps with mine. It’s probably similar to the relationship all of you have.”

“At least it means he’s not an enemy.”

Rector smacked his lips while keeping his arms crossed.

“That’s right. As long as we don’t provoke him first, Uriel won’t attack the Five Demons. I guarantee it.”

Derus snapped his fingers as if to ensure he backs his words.

“I don’t like it.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion frowned deeply.

“What are you hiding?”

“You’re free to believe me or not. Just don’t provoke Uriel first, as I said. In simple terms, you could call him a new demon.”

Derus laughed, saying they could even call them the Six Demons including Uriel.

“Is that answer satisfactory?”

“…It’s enough.”

The Fallen nodded, his eyes calm and firm.

“Then allow me to ask something as well.”

Derus continued, stroking the armrest.

“Isn’t the so-called Heavenly Demon coming out?”

His eyes flashed darkly in response.

“I actually went to look for him.”

The Fallen let out a short sigh, as if regretful.

“I returned without even finding him. It seems he has no intention of coming out yet.”

He smacked his lips, saying it might take some time.

“Hmph. You can’t even control a guy like that.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion rolled her eyes, as if unimpressed.

“As I’ve said many times, he and I are equals. I can’t simply give him orders.”

The Fallen clasped his hands, asking for understanding.

“I understand.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

Derus and the Fallen looked at each other, drawing subtle smiles.

“If your curiosity is satisfied, can we begin the conference?”

Rector frowned as if he wanted to finish this quickly.

“You’re impatient. Fine.”

Derus nodded and extended his right hand.

“Currently, the Five Kings are using the intelligence of the Black Market to locate the headquarters of the Five Demons. The moment they locate our location, they will mobilize Transcendent Warriors to eliminate us in one fell swoop.”

He laughed as if he was aware of the Black Market’s movements.

“In this situation, moving directly isn’t a good strategy. We could be eliminated one by one if we’re not careful.”

“Then what do you suggest we do?”

The Leader of the Blood Religion moved her white hand, urging him to quickly provide a solution.

“At times like this, we need to create a disturbance from the outside, not from the inside.”

“From the outside?”

“Yes. It would be better to build our strength from the edges of the continent.”

A map of the entire continent unfolded behind Derus.

“The Five Kings are currently getting stronger by taking advantage of the vacuum left by our retreat. If we remain like this, we will inevitably be crushed by the difference in power. So we too must increase our strength.”

As he raised his finger, light began to glow at the edges of the continent.

“The continent is vast, and there are many places beyond the reach of the Five Kings. The Five Divine Orders also help blind them.”

Derus, as if he had already devised a plan, assigned positions to each of the Five Demons where they could grow stronger.

“I don’t like this place.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion wrinkled her nose, as if dissatisfied with the place they had assigned her.

“Then I’ll take that place.”

The Fallen smiled, saying he didn’t care where it was.

“Do as you wish.”

Derus also nodded, indicating he didn’t care who went where.

“The places I’ve designated are unexplored lands with relics and dungeons from ancient times. It will be dangerous and arduous, but the rewards will be even greater.”

He clenched his fist with a chilling smile.

“Send your trusted subordinates to grow stronger. That way, we can add even a sharper blade to the next war.”

Derus bared his teeth, saying they couldn’t afford to stand still.

“Don’t state the obvious.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion frowned and shook her head.

“And don’t speak in an authoritative tone. It makes me want to kill you.”

She gave a sinister glare, telling him to know his place.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Derus smiled serenely despite receiving the Leader of the Blood Religion’s killing intent.

“Hmph.”

The Leader of the Blood Religion snorted and erased her gray window. The third window reflecting the Master of the Black Tower also disappeared instantly. She ended the conference without uttering a single word until the very end.

“A worthless conference.”

Rector also spat out cold words before disappearing from the gray screen.

“Lord Derus…”

The Fallen smiled faintly as he looked at the gray window where Rector had been.

“Do you trust Lord Rector?”

“Who knows?”

Derus raised his hand as if telling the Fallen to speak first.

“Lord Rector has saved Raon Zieghart three times. Each time he used the excuse of the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance, but he might have other thoughts.”

The Fallen vaguely ended his words, without making a decision himself.

“We think similarly. However, regardless of the intentions Rector may have, it’s also true that we need his power…”

The corners of Derus’s mouth curved into a long smile.

“It’s also true that there’s something to exploit, isn’t it?”

“You seem to have gathered a good amount of information while being a hero. Have you also planted spies among us?”

Contrary to his words, the Fallen showed a relaxed smile.

“The same goes for you, doesn’t it?”

Derus also gave a slight nod with a faint smile. The two Transcendent Warriors ended the video conference after exchanging unsettling smiles, as if probing each other’s intentions.

“He seems quite perceptive.”

Derus snorted as he erased the window reflecting the Fallen.

“Did he really see the Heavenly Demon?”

Although the Fallen said he hadn’t found the Heavenly Demon, it was clear he had actually seen his face. It seemed as if he was preparing something, even if he wasn’t moving now.

“Lord Derus.”

Kubara, who had been observing the conference from behind, stepped forward.

“Do you plan to hide the fact that the demon king’s power resides in Raon Zieghart?”

Kubara bowed, as if questioning.

“That card is too valuable for those fools to use.”

Derus shook his head slightly. He twisted his lips with eyes so cold they sent chills down one’s spine.

“Only I… Only I have the right to bring down Raon Zieghart.”

* * *

Rector let out a long sigh as he leaned back in his chair.

“Well done, Master. No, Alliance Leader.”

Mustan approached Rector and bowed his head.

“That’s enough. Call me Master as you’ve been doing.”

Rector weakly moved his hand. His body sank into the chair as if it had turned into liquid.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m just a little exhausted.”

Rector waved his hand, telling Mustan not to worry.

'As expected, they aren’t easy opponents.'

It was a completely different dimension compared to when he was observing from behind the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance. Even though it was just a video conference, he felt his lungs drying up.

'Still, it’s not unbearable.'

Derus Robert’s martial prowess was unfathomably deep and vast, but the other three weren’t at that level. He couldn’t win, but it seemed he could buy some time.

'Derus and the Fallen must be suspicious of me.'

Those two, with their strong intelligence network and sharp minds, didn’t even cast a suspicious glance at him. They clearly had other intentions.

'Still, I must continue.'

It’s already a precarious situation. Having ridden the tiger called the Five Demons, he had to ride it to the end, even if his flesh and bones wore away.

'For Raon and Sylvia.'

As a father-in-law and grandfather, he hadn’t done anything for them. Instead of his unworthy son, he wanted to create information and opportunities that could empower Sylvia and Raon, even if it meant throwing away his old life.

“Phew.”

Rector let out a short sigh and lowered his gaze.

“What happened with the Formless Sword Lord and the White Demon Swordsman?”

“They don’t recognize you as the Union Leader yet, Master.”

Mustan frowned, suggesting it wouldn’t be easy.

“That was to be expected. Those two were lured here by the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance’s madness…”

Rector shook his head, saying nothing came easy, when his eyes met those of a squirrel outside the window. The squirrel, seemingly startled, stuffed an unripe fruit into its mouth and scurried up the tree.

“Master?”

“It’s nothing.”

Rector stood up from his chair and stepped down from the platform.

“I’ll have to go see them myself.”

His back was broad and sturdy, but there was a sense of loneliness about it.

* * *

Raon and Burren’s swords clashed and then separated sharply. Burren exhaled deeply, bending at the waist. He bit his lip, his face pale as if he were facing an insurmountable wall.

“Not a bad sword.”

Raon nodded as he lowered his Heavenly Drive.

“It’s fast, disciplined, and sharp. But that’s all. The intricacies of each sword technique are disconnected.”

The Frost Wind Sword was undoubtedly an excellent technique, but Burren wasn’t wielding it efficiently.

“You probably know the reason better than I do.”

Raon struck Burren’s thigh with the flat of his Heavenly Drive.

Smack!

Burren was pushed back, biting his lip.

“Elegance imbued with precision.”

Raon followed Burren, his voice icy.

“It’s because you can’t let go of that fineness you’ve had from the beginning.”

He attacked Burren’s openings, frowning.

“You need to fully embrace what you wish to keep and completely discard what you wish to let go of. But you’re doing neither.”

“Kuh-huk!”

Burren groaned, spitting out blood as he fell to his knees.

“Huh… Huh…”

He exhaled with difficulty, his chest rising and falling as if all his strength had left him.

“If you don’t decide on a clear direction, the gap between you and Martha and Runaan, whom you’ve barely kept up with, will widen again.”

“Phew, I know.”

Burren nodded as he stood up.

“I’ll make a clear decision, so let’s continue.”

As he was about to move again, Raon raised his hand.

“You’re already at your limit. If you push yourself further, you won’t improve; you’ll regress due to injury. Besides, it’s time.”

Raon pointed to the moonlit night sky. Training time had long passed, and most of the swordsmen had already gone to dinner.

–That bug-eyed brat. His personality has really changed.

Wrath rubbed his nose, saying everything had changed except the intensity in Raon’s eyes.

–That guy has a lot on his mind, which is troublesome, but he’ll eventually rise high.

He smacked his lips, saying even Burren’s worries were stepping stones to becoming stronger.

'I suppose so.'

Raon nodded. Because he also believed in Burren, he could push him harder than anyone else.

“I see. The time already…”

Burren smiled ruefully as he lowered his sword.

“Looks like I’ll have to wait a while longer.”

Just as he was about to retreat to train personally—

“L-Lord Raon! Lord Burren!”

Dorian came running over the wall with bread in his mouth.

“They say the Lord of the Central Martial Palace has come out of the Self Room!”

Dorian waved his arms, saying he had come out of the Self Room and had entered the Lord’s Mansion.

“Are you going too?”

Burren was about to run off but looked back again.

“I have to go.”

Nodding in response to Burren’s question, Raon sheathed his Heavenly Drive. He let out a short sigh as he left the training ground with heavy steps.

'Karoon Zieghart.'

Whether you stand before me or—

***

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – Writing Ant, 글개미]

[Translator – MurimTang]

[Proofreader – Mayank]