CHAPTER 506: EPILOGUE EARTH DEMON (3)

“Cause and honor—I won’t deny they are important values. But what is the reality? When war breaks out, the forces of the Five Pavilions will be the first to perish.”

Seol-Hwi twisted the corner of his lips and gazed at the Western Pavilion Lord.

“And when the war ends, what do you think will happen? They will rank contributions, won’t they? Where do you think the Western Pavilion Lord will stand in that order? Or rather, will such a thing even exist?”

The cause and honor mentioned by the Western Pavilion Lord were good words.

However, they must carry meaning, and the belief that one’s contributions will be recognized, if not now, then later, is essential to create motivation.

“Merit, as the word implies, is leaving an official record of achievements. No matter how many soldiers die, they will receive nothing but a few words of praise. This is the reality.”

Seol-Hwi slowly met the eyes of each lord and continued to speak.

“But I am different. Just expressing the intention to join becomes a merit. Simply being a strong support for the besieged disciples leaves a mark of merit.”

Seol-Hwi emphasized how he differed from the First Disciple and pointed out the important parts.

“Does joining me mean war will immediately break out? You just witnessed my martial prowess, but the other disciples are likely to fear the existence of Heavenly Killing Star.

Seol-Hwi deliberately generated Flame Full Body Demonic Arts in a flaunting way to imprint the superiority of his power.

“You now know well what calamity might befall if you recklessly provoke me.”

The Western Pavilion Lords’ eyes widened.

Before he could even recover from the shock of Wei Tian Pavilion Lord’s death, he seemed to realize anew upon facing his true capability.

Seol-Hwi turned his gaze towards the Operations Pavilion Lord.

“Of course, I am well aware. Winning this succession struggle cannot be achieved by sheer strength alone. Wisdom is required, and the relationships with the subordinates are crucial. There must also be achievements that inspire their loyalty.”

Finally, Seol-Hwi looked around at all the pavilion lords present and spoke firmly.

“Please grant me one month. Within that time, I will prove my capabilities—Whether I can survive in this succession struggle or not. Wouldn’t it be better to judge me then?”

At these words, the stern expressions of the pavilion lords softened noticeably.

The proposal of an evaluation opportunity, rather than an immediate life-or-death decision, must have come as a surprise to them.

“May I ask what plan you have in mind?”

The Operations Pavilion Lord asked cautiously.

Seol-Hwi answered without hesitation.

“A plan to win without fighting.”

“Are you saying that’s possible?”

“If it could be done…”

“We are…”

Their reaction was only natural.

In this battlefield’s struggle, it is ultimately the Five Pavilions that suffer the most.

If war could be avoided, they would be the ones to welcome it more than anyone else.

“Then let’s meet again in a month. Observe my actions calmly and make your judgment then.”

Thus, the first meeting concluded.

It was a small beginning, but now a great wave of change was about to commence.

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Seol-Hwi returned to the Supreme Pavilion Lord’s office.

There was still something Seol-Hwi needed to discuss with him.

“Sit.”

“Thank you.”

As Seol-Hwi took his seat, the Supreme Pavilion Lord also sat down with due courtesy.

“You seem uneasy about something.”

“I worry that the First Disciple might make a move using the death of the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord.”

“That’s certainly possible.”

Seol-Hwi nodded and said, “I have my own plans for that, so don’t worry.”

It was someone Seol-Hwi had to meet eventually—Not just the First Disciple, but all the other disciples as well.

“So, what did you think?”

Seol-Hwi subtly shifted the topic to gauge his reaction.

Seol-Hwi was curious about his thoughts after hearing the conversations with the Pavilion Lords.

“There were three intriguing points and one question that arose.”

“Go on.”

“First, I was impressed by your skill in persuading the Pavilion Lords. When they mentioned First Disciple’s influence, you cleverly redirected the discussion to focus on capability rather than just influence, creating two points of contention.” ꞦâΝ𝐎ꞖΕṥ

“You’ve seen it accurately. And?”

“Second, by removing the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord, who had unnecessary thoughts beyond just the justification and situation assessment, you effectively prevented other issues from surfacing.”

“And the third?”

“I was amazed by your method of not demanding answers but instead showing your actions to gain agreement from them. It’s something anyone can attempt, but not everyone can execute.”

‘This guy has a keen eye.’

The Supreme Pavilion Lord indeed seemed adept at strategy.

He understood not just the flow of the conversation but also the intention behind his words.

He appeared capable as a strategist.

“So, what is your question?”

Seol-Hwi asked calmly.

“The lord I know is already someone who can utilize the abilities of the Heavenly Killing Star, having ascended to the ranks of the absolute. If you had demonstrated to them the ability to eliminate even an extreme martial master, as you showed me, they would have followed without question. Why did you choose to have them watch instead?”

Indeed, to the Supreme Pavilion Lord, his actions might have seemed strange.

Perhaps he didn’t see much reason to be so fixated on the late Fifth Pavilion Lord.

Seol-Hwi said,

“To achieve the original goal, it’s necessary to lay the groundwork.”

“What do you mean by groundwork…”

“Commander Yu Pae of the Blood Demon Troops is someone with a broad capacity for acceptance. To persuade him, many conditions are needed, one of which is observing his actions.”

Seol-Hwi looked at the Supreme Pavilion Lord and said,

“If I can persuade a group through dialogue rather than force, he will not hesitate to engage in conversation. As such instances increase, and I show a capacity to embrace people, eventually, it won’t be difficult to bring him into the fold.”

“Ah…”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord looked quite surprised, as if he hadn’t expected Seol-Hwi was thinking that far ahead.

“So, if you gain the approval of the Five Pavilion Lords, then immediately…”

“That’s not enough. More individuals need to be brought in. Not only key figures but also forces.”

Seol-Hwi shook his head and paused briefly before speaking.

“I plan to first absorb the forces of the Third Fang Spirit, Ah Ryeong.”

“Is that possible?”

“There is a way—If I can secure the key recluse warriors in the Silver Demon Hall.”

Seol-Hwi gave the Supreme Pavilion Lord a sly smile.

The Silver Demon Hall currently supports the Third Fang Spirit.

But this situation could be easily changed by persuading a few individuals.

One of them was Dam Cheon, the supreme martial warrior Seol-Hwi met in a previous life.

And the collaborators, the old men of the cave.

“By the way, I have a request for you.”

“Please, command me.”

“In the Supreme Pavilion, there’s a subordinate named Seol-Hwi. Wasn’t he part of the scouting division?”

Seol-Hwi thought the time had come. Another task to resolve after Sa Yu-kang.

“If possible, take that child as your disciple.”

“…What?!”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord’s eyes widened.

It was natural to be surprised. Suddenly being asked to take one of his subordinates as a disciple.

“He’s a child who’s always longed for a good opportunity. But without connections or chances, he’s just living an ordinary life.”

Seol-Hwi—He was the owner of the body Seol-Hwi once inhabited, now living independently as a martial warrior.

Judging by the timing, it hadn’t been long since he was assigned to the Supreme Pavilion, so now was the right time.

It was a chance to repay him directly.

“Raise him as your disciple. He might achieve greatness unexpectedly. Once he’s skilled enough, send him to the Hidden Troops.”

Saving the Supreme Pavilion Lord had partly been for Seol-Hwi’s sake.

Though Seol-Hwi and he had always started with a bad relationship, at least in this world he created, they would live lives that were not adversarial.

“……”

Of course, the Supreme Pavilion Lord didn’t seem entirely pleased.

But it didn’t matter.

He didn’t need to like Seol-Hwi.

“What should I teach him?”

“Flame Full Body Demonic Arts.”

“That…”

“There’s no need to be overly enthusiastic. Just show him the same care I show you.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord seemed to ponder for a moment, then nodded.

Seol-Hwi walked over to his seat.

“Keep practicing the insights of the Flame Full Body Demonic Arts I shared earlier. If you follow my words, reaching the Peak Demon won’t be as difficult as you think.”

“Are you leaving?”

“Yes. I need to go and resolve the matter about the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord.”

Suddenly, Seol-Hwi felt a desire to meet ‘Seol-Hwi’ in person.

What kind of person is he?

Seol-Hwi wanted to see what thoughts he harbored and how he would act.

But there was much to be done now.

At least for the next month, Seol-Hwi needed to bring the masters of the Silver Demon Hall and the Third Disciple, Fang Spirit to his side.

‘To prevent the war…’

Suddenly, Seol-Hwi realized how complicated this life truly is.

With his current power, Seol-Hwi could resolve everything, but through countless experiences, he knew that wasn’t the best path.

Only when everyone played their roles properly would the world Seol-Hwi longed for finally reveal itself.

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Upon arriving at the Heavenly Library Office, his first task was to wait.

The news of the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord’s death must have already reached the First Disciple’s ears.

Given his temperament, he might rush here at any moment.

“As much as I’d like to sever End Demon’s head immediately…”

Despite his current feelings, Seol-Hwi knew well that he shouldn’t do that.

End Demon’s existence was crucial in this world to prevent war and for everyone to fulfill their roles.

His intactness was the most assured guarantee.

Only then could figures like the Second Disciple be kept in check.

“When will he arrive, I wonder.”

Seol-Hwi waited leisurely, gazing out the window, curious whether he would send a messenger or come in person.

Time passed like that.

Bang—

The door swung open, and just from the footsteps, Seol-Hwi knew who it was. There was no need to turn around.

“You’ve arrived?”

Slowly turning his head, Seol-Hwi saw the face of the End Demon.

His face was filled with anger. And as he approached, his murderous intent became palpable.

“Such audacity…”

That was his first word.

“What do you mean?”

Seol-Hwi asked calmly with open eyes.

His aura posed no threat to him.

In fact, it was rather intriguing.

“Why did you recklessly entice and kill my subordinate?”

To his question, Seol-Hwi answered clearly.

“Any disciple of the Heavenly Demon can entice others. And I killed the Wu Tian Pavilion Lord because his weighing of gains was repulsive.”

“If your appearance repulses me, can I kill you?”

“Would that be wise? You might end up regretting it.”

“You’ve truly lost your mind.”

As Seol-Hwi glared, his aura grew even fiercer.

At this point, Seol-Hwi made him an offer.

“Shall we have a conversation first? I happen to have an interesting story for you, sahyung.”

It would be an enticing tale for both him and Seol-Hwi.