Back at their camp, the Viridian Scholar remained frozen in shock for a good long while after conversing with Baek Suryong.

He took a deep breath to calm himself, but his voice still trembled. "So, are you saying that those two bastards have learned demonic arts?"

Mere moments ago, Baek Suryong had told him that the Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Bosses, who had supposedly inherited the Bandit King's martial arts, had actually trained in demonic arts.

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"That's right, and it's definitely the Blood Cult's demonic arts," Baek Suryong replied calmly, nodding. His anger had boiled over when he left Zigai Peak, but he had since cooled down.

In contrast, the Viridian Scholar's face scrunched up in an ugly scowl. "Then, Senior Brother, what you're saying is..."

"It's safe to say that the ones who betrayed Master Maeng were the previous bosses of the Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Keeps."

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"We should rip those scoundrels to shreds!"

The Viridian Scholar shot up from his seat, vicious killing intent streaming from his eyes. He had revered the Bandit King long before meeting Baek Suryong, but now, he had even more respect for his master.

"To think the ones who called themselves disciples of the Bandit King were such heartless fiends!"

A colossal rage surged within him as a suspicion he never wanted to believe became reality. His green robes flapped wildly, though no breeze was blowing.

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"I'm going back there right now to shred those two apart!"

Baek Suryong grabbed the Viridian Scholar, who was about to storm out. "Wait! Calm down, Junior Brother. If you kill them now, what will happen afterward? Weren't you the one worried about a war within the Viridian Forest, not me?" he reasoned.

"But...!" The Viridian Scholar clenched his teeth and regarded Baek Suryong.

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As Master Maeng's direct disciple, Senior Brother must be even angrier than I am. How is he suppressing his rage right now?

He lowered his head, feeling both sorry and grateful. "I apologize. I failed to control my emotions and nearly ruined things."

"What are you talking about? I'm glad someone feels as strongly about Master Maeng's revenge as I do." Baek Suryong chuckled and surveyed their camp.

Jang Geol and Gu Gil stood guard outside the tent he and the Viridian Scholar were conversing in, keeping a tight vigil. Since he had set up a sound-blocking barrier before talking to the Viridian Scholar, they hadn't heard a thing.

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"Don't tell those guys. They definitely won't be able to conceal their emotions."

"...Understood." The Viridian Scholar nodded and sighed. He and his Senior Brother were skilled at hiding their emotions, but Jang Geol and Gu Gil could never do the same. "You did well to endure it, Senior Brother. If you'd slaughtered them on the spot... it would've been satisfying, but so much blood would've been shed in the Viridian Forest."

The Giant Spirit Keep and the Tiger Pass Keep had been consolidating their power since the time of their previous leaders. They did so by fathering numerous children and allowing them to take charge of the mountain keeps under their command.

In other words, these two forces were massive factions connected by blood.

Baek Suryong frowned. "Any idea how many of them might have learned demonic arts?"

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"I doubt there are many," the Viridian Scholar concluded after a moment's thought. "Even though many of the bosses are siblings, they aren't close. The bosses of the Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Keeps won't share their secrets for fear that their siblings might rebel and aim for their positions. Most likely, the previous bosses only passed down the demonic arts to their successors. Above all..."

"They're both claiming to be the Bandit King's legitimate heir. Hence, the fewer the number of people who know about their demonic arts, the better," Baek Suryong chimed in.

"Exactly."

Learning demonic arts was not a huge cause for criticism in the Viridian Forest, as it was common for unorthodox martial artists to learn a hodgepodge of martial arts.

However, it was a different story for the Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Keep bosses, who claimed to have inherited the Bandit King's martial arts. If it became known that they had learned demonic arts, their claim to legitimacy would be severely undermined.

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Baek Suryong and the Viridian Scholar exchanged glances, having arrived at the same conclusion. Putting their heads together, they began to scheme.

"First, we must obtain proof that they've learned demonic arts."

"Yes, and we also need to expose them in front of a large group of witnesses. Ideally, the witnesses should include not only the Viridian Forest leaders, but also the sect leaders of other unorthodox sects..."

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"And if you showcase Master Maeng's martial arts at the same time, Junior Brother, the effect will be doubled. They'll see you as distinctly different from the other two."

"Still, they won't be willing to use demonic arts in front of everyone. We'll have to create a situation where they'll have no choice but to show their hands..."

"I do have a way of forcing them to use demonic arts, but..."

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"But...?"

"...No, that probably won't work."

For a moment, Baek Suryong considered using the Blood Demon Eyes, but he quickly shook his head. He didn't want to reveal the Heaven Defying Divine Art in front of others, and there was a chance one of the older unorthodox martial artists might recognize the technique's unique aura.

"Anyway, I think we should save that method as a last resort and look for another way."

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"...Okay. I just thought of a plan. Would you like to hear it?"

Candlelight flickered inside the tent, causing the shadows of the two conspiring men to dance erratically.

Baek Suryong smirked in satisfaction. "I'm glad you're more than just a brutish martial artist, Junior Brother."

"And I never thought I'd meet a kindred spirit like you in the Viridian Forest, Senior Brother."

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"But I'm not from the Viridian Forest."

"For you to say that now is a bit..."

FWOOSH! THUMP!

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Suddenly, a torch went out with a sputter, and the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground rang out. The two instantly stopped talking and glanced outside. Jang Geol and Gu Gil, who were on guard, had simultaneously lost consciousness and slumped to the ground.

"Which bastard dares...!" the Viridian Scholar growled, starting to leap to his feet.

Baek Suryong stopped him. "Wait! They're not hurt, just knocked out. Don't worry, I didn't sense any killing intent."

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If the people approaching them had had any killing intent, he would have reacted the moment he sensed their presence. The reason he hadn't moved at all was because he recognized one of the visitors' auras.

Grinning, he rose from his seat. "It seems my guest has arrived."

A man entered the camp, his movements were as stealthy as seeping moonlight.

"I wished to meet that person as privately as possible," Baek Suryong explained. "Could you please forgive them for their transgressions?"

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The Viridian Scholar grimaced when he saw the approaching man's chillingly blue eyes and ghost-like, stealthy movements. This opponent's martial arts were by no means inferior to his own.

An assassin with piercing blue eyes? Was there anyone in the jianghu like that... Ah!

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"The Lord of the Valley of Evil?"

"Greetings, Viridian Scholar. I am the Blue Eyed Freak." Blue Eyed Freak, the new Lord of the Valley of Evil and host of the unorthodox sects' meeting, clasped his hands in greeting.

He then regarded Baek Suryong intently. Although his face was different from what he remembered, the Blue Eyes Demonic Art was reacting to the Heaven Defying Divine Art the same way it had before. "I suppose you must be..."

"Long time no see!" Grinning, Baek Suryong undid his bone contortion art. Nevertheless, his hair, which was dyed by the Divine Azure Dragon Sword's sorcery, remained a golden blonde.

"Blonde hair..." Blue Eyed Freak mumbled under his breath. The color of Baek Suryong's hair that was seared into his memory was blood-red. "By any chance, do you have a hobby of dying your hair?"

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Baek Suryong chuckled at Blue Eyed Freak's needless grumbling.

The three co-conspirators gathered and talked for a long time. First, the Viridian Forest and the Valley of Evil formed an alliance. These two factions had no prior connection, but Baek Suryong acted as a bridge to forge a solid partnership between them.

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"Junior Brother. Can I talk to Blue Eyed Freak in private for a moment?"

"Sure."

"......" Blue Eyed Freak sighed. He still couldn't get used to the sight of the Viridian Scholar bowing respectfully to Baek Suryong.

He followed Baek Suryong out of the camp. When they were a good distance away, his curiosity finally got the better of him.

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"How the fuck did the Azure Dragon Hero end up becoming the Viridian Scholar's Senior Brother?" he asked incredulously.

Baek Suryong shrugged nonchalantly. "I had an amazing miraculous encounter."

"Another miraculous encounter?" Blue Eyed Freak laughed hollowly. "Why does it seem like you've obtained every miraculous encounter in the world?"

"I haven't just been obtaining them. I've also been handing out plenty of miraculous encounters myself," Baek Suryong pointed out shamelessly.

Blue Eyed Freak shook his head. "Sigh, I forgot that you're someone who can talk your way out of anything..."

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"So? How've you been?"

"I've been very busy, thanks to someone who keeps sending letters and ordering me around," Blue-Eyed Freak grumbled. His earlier candor was the result of Baek Suryong working him to the bone without ever paying him a visit.

Baek Suryong smirked. "For someone so busy, you've gotten quite strong. Looks like you've been training hard."

"...Even so, I'm no match for you," Blue-Eyed Freak said, though he couldn't hide the joy and pride on his face.

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Baek Suryong tilted his head. "By the way, why are you speaking so formally to me? I remember we used to talk casually. Just talk like you used to."

"That's..." Blue Eyed Freak hesitated, then frowned and shook his head. "I'm just more comfortable this way," he lied.

He couldn't bring himself to tell Baek Suryong the truth. As a practitioner of the Blue Eyes Demonic Art, which was once only taught to the Blood Demon's bodyguards and was designed to be completely subservient to the Heaven Defying Divine Art, he was greatly affected by Baek Suryong's aura.

It wasn't this bad before... Has he improved his mastery of the Heaven Defying Divine Art?

He acted like he wasn't bothered, but in reality, even making direct eye contact with Baek Suryong was mentally draining. Before he knew it, he was unconsciously using formal speech.

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Baek Suryong narrowed his eyes. He could tell that Blue Eyed Freak was making excuses. "Is it because of the Heaven Defying Divine Art?" he asked.

"......"

"Huh, I thought so. Sorry, I didn't think you would be affected even when I'm not actively using inner arts."

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"......"

"Don't worry, I'll fix your martial art for you later."

Blue Eyed Freak's eyes widened in shock. "...Why?"

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"Why not? It's a useless side effect," Baek Suryong replied as if the answer was obvious.

"Doesn't doing nothing benefit you more, though...?"

"Benefit? Wait, don't tell me you thought I was going to overwork you for the rest of your life? I'm not a slave driver."

"......"

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"Since you're not saying anything, I guess that's what you thought." Baek Suryong sighed. "My goal is to erase the Blood Cult from the world, not become just like them. I thought you knew that."

Blue-Eyed Freak avoided his gaze and stared vacantly at the night sky.

"Soon, the Blood Cult will rise again. Won't you fight them with me?"

Those were the words Baek Suryong had uttered while extending a hand to him, a man screaming in despair after his crushing defeat in the Valley of Evil. Seeing that the wrath in the man's eyes were real, he had taken him up on his offer.

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However, many things had changed since then.

"...I thought that perhaps you might've changed."

"Hmph. Do I look like I have?"

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Each time rumors of the Azure Dragon Hero shook the murim, Blue Eyed Freak would be amazed, but at the same time, an unsettling thought would also cross his mind.

Am I just witnessing the birth of a new Blood Demon? Can Baek Suryong remain the Azure Dragon Hero until the very end? After becoming the world's strongest and gaining the backing of countless factions, can he truly avoid becoming the Blood Demon?

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"Fortunately, you don't appear to have changed." Blue Eyed Freak laughed awkwardly. He still found it difficult to look Baek Suryong straight in the eye, but in those moments he managed to, he realized that they were the same as always. "So hurry up and get rid of this damn side effect. I feel like I'm gonna die from nervousness just from making eye contact with you."

"Nah, not yet. That's your reward for completing your assignment."

"Fuck, how much harder are you planning on making me work...!?" Blue Eyed Freak swore under his breath, but his expression soon turned grave. "This plan to unite the Viridian Forest won't be easy. We can't underestimate the Giant Spirit and Tiger Pass Bosses."

"I know."

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"In my opinion, we'll need to constantly monitor their movements..."

Baek Suryong smirked wickedly. "I knew you'd say that, so I've already planted a reliable spy in their camp."

"A spy?" Blue Eyed Freak tilted his head, confused.

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A tiny tiger cub with vermilion fur and black stripes peeked its head out of the bushes and scouted the area.

After a while, it spotted its prey—a bandit from the Giant Spirit Keep.

The Silver Tiger began stalking him stealthily.

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