Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 372

“So, you just came out?”

“Yes.”

Chairman Hwang Jung-hoo was silent for a long time, his expression unreadable.

However, Jo Gyu-min didn’t press him. It was absurd enough just hearing about it, though not as much as seeing it firsthand.

“Isn’t that boldness a bit much?”

“…He’s too extraordinary for a commoner like me to understand.”

“That’s not extraordinary, it’s…”

Hwang Jung-hoo rubbed his forehead.

“Ugh, I don’t get it, I don’t get it. I thought I knew him pretty well by now, but sometimes I really don’t understand him. What’s going on in his head?”

“That’s exactly how I feel.”

“Huu…”

The two men, both baffled by Kang Jin-ho, exchanged a look of shared bewilderment.

“But is everything you said true?”

“Yes, it is.”

Hwang Jung-hoo looked genuinely shocked.

‘I guess so.’

Hwang Jung-hoo knew that Kang Jin-ho was no ordinary person. He was the one who had warned Jo Gyu-min, who saw Kang Jin-ho as a naive young man, that a devil was lurking beneath the surface.

But this was the first time he’d heard that Kang Jin-ho had actually killed someone as easily as swatting a bug, and the gap between his expectations and reality was jarring.

“Are you saying Kang Jin-ho is that strong?”

Jo Gyu-min looked at Hwang Jung-hoo with a slightly annoyed expression.

‘Is that what he’s focusing on?’

It was a bit disheartening, but Hwang Jung-hoo didn’t seem to care at all that Kang Jin-ho had taken a life.

“Yes, that’s the truth.”

“That’s strange. Then, does that mean Kang Jin-ho is so strong that he’s on a completely different level from all the martial artists in Korea?”

“That’s what I witnessed.”

“That’s incredible. At that age.”

“It has nothing to do with age. He’s not just some young prodigy.”

“No.”

Hwang Jung-hoo shook his head firmly.

“Just because you’ve achieved something once doesn’t mean it’s easy to repeat. You might be able to build it higher and stronger, but the speed won’t be much different.”

“Hmm, I suppose that could be true.”

“Hmm, yes. Have you heard anything about other countries?”

“Other countries, you mean?”

“I mean, is Kang Jin-ho’s strength comparable in other countries? Is there a significant difference in skill between Korea and other nations?”

Only then did Jo Gyu-min understand Hwang Jung-hoo’s line of questioning and he responded.

“I was discussing that with Bang Jin-hoon, and it seems that the Korean martial arts scene is less influential than those in other countries.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Compared to Korea’s overall global standing, its martial arts community is relatively insignificant. It seems that martial arts have been looked down upon for too long…”

“I guess so. Yes.”

It was an irony of the Joseon [historical Korean dynasty] era that martial arts were not properly respected, even though the country was founded by a king who was a skilled martial artist. It wouldn’t have been easy for martial artists to properly preserve their traditions in such an environment.

“Then what about Kang Jin-ho? Is Kang Jin-ho at a level that is recognized in other countries?”

“It’s not certain. But…”

“But?”

“They say they can’t imagine Kang Jin-ho being defeated anywhere.”

“Heh heh, that’s true.”

Hwang Jung-hoo couldn’t picture that scenario in his mind either.

“Hmm, is that so?”

Hwang Jung-hoo took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. After lighting it, he slowly exhaled smoke and said.

“Unification, unification…”

Hwang Jung-hoo spoke as if he was dumbfounded.

“Was it always this easy to accomplish something like this so quickly?”

“…I don’t think so. Lee Jung-geol, the former head of the association, also seemed very frustrated. He said that Kang Jin-ho had done in just two months what he had been trying to do his whole life. In fact, those two months weren’t even entirely focused on this.”

“He’s a guy who makes a lot of people panic.”

Hwang Jung-hoo shook his head.

“You need to understand the full implications of this.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Do you really know?”

Hwang Jung-hoo stared intently, and Jo Gyu-min lowered his head.

“Please, enlighten me.”

“Tsk.”

Hwang Jung-hoo, who glanced at Jo Gyu-min with a displeased look, began to speak in a serious tone.

“Based on what I know and what I’ve heard from you, the influence of that martial arts world on the world is by no means small. Rather, considering the fact that they have been operating in the shadows, concealing their identities, it must be said to be very significant.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

“He unified that world. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Kang Jin-ho’s influence has surpassed even yours, Chairman Hwang. And it’s only been a few months since he was discharged from the military.”

“…Not that far.”

Jo Gyu-min shook his head.

Of course, Jo Gyu-min also thought that Kang Jin-ho’s influence was substantial, but he couldn’t agree with the statement that he had surpassed Hwang Jung-hoo. Hwang Jung-hoo was a titan who wielded enormous influence in Korean society.

He wasn’t just a powerful figure in the business world. There weren’t many businessmen who were as respected as Hwang Jung-hoo. Considering the impact Hwang Jung-hoo’s words and actions could have on society, it was premature to say that Kang Jin-ho had surpassed him.

“You idiot.”

However, Hwang Jung-hoo was rather annoyed.

“Do you still not understand the situation? Even if you don’t know, the wealth and connections of that martial arts world are beyond imagination. Kang Jin-ho can now control all of those things as he pleases.”

“Ah…”

“And that’s not all. Their power is beyond imagination. If they decide to exert their influence on society, who can stop them?”

Jo Gyu-min’s face hardened as he listened to Hwang Jung-hoo’s words.

Because society and the martial arts world were so clearly separated, he had never considered this possibility.

‘Come to think of it…’

According to Bang Jin-hoon, the martial arts communities overseas had, in some cases, half-controlled their societies. Their influence reached everywhere, from the political and business worlds to criminal organizations.

Korea hasn’t reached that level yet, but…

‘That’s just the current situation.’

The Yeongnam Association and the General Assembly had been keeping each other in check, preventing the martial arts world from expanding its influence. But now, there was no need for that restraint. So, where would that power be directed?

“This is no ordinary matter.”

Jo Gyu-min realized that the situation was far more complex than he had initially thought. Depending on what Kang Jin-ho decided to do, the entire country of Korea could be destabilized.

“That’s what power is like. Once you have it, even if you don’t want to use it, circumstances will push you to wield it. If you are swayed by that power, you will lose yourself.”

“…But I don’t think Kang Jin-ho is someone who will be swayed by power.”

“Well, I don’t think so either. But what I’m worried about is that Kang Jin-ho will have more and more responsibilities in the future.”

Jo Gyu-min was having difficulty understanding Hwang Jung-hoo’s intentions today.

As if sensing Jo Gyu-min’s confusion, Hwang Jung-hoo elaborated.

“Do you know the saying ‘gihojise’ [riding a tiger’s back, meaning being in a situation where one cannot stop]?”

“Yes.”

“As Kang Jin-ho’s influence grows and the number of areas he’s involved in increases, more problems will arise. As you solve those problems, your influence will grow, and as your influence grows, the number of those who try to challenge you will increase, and new problems will arise again.”

“…Is it a cycle?”

“If you come to your senses, it’s one of two things. Either your power has grown to the point where you can’t control it, or you’re so broken that you can’t recover.”

“That’s frightening.”

“That’s what you have to be aware of. Kang Jin-ho has already seized power. Whether he intended to or not, whether he realizes it or not, Kang Jin-ho has become the representative of the Korean martial arts world. Naturally, he will be a target.”

“Yes.”

“Kang Jin-ho isn’t good at scheming. He’s especially vulnerable to attacks from the shadows. You’ve already experienced that once, haven’t you?”

“Yes. I experienced it firsthand.”

“Yes. So, take good care of him. I don’t know what Kang Jin-ho wants, but the days when he could do whatever he pleased are over.”

Hwang Jung-hoo took a deep drag of his cigarette.

“That rascal.”

Hwang Jung-hoo chuckled lightly.

“He should have just quietly inherited the company and lived comfortably, but he couldn’t resist causing trouble. I thought he had no interest in the business world…”

“How can he not be interested in the business world?”

“The business world is too small to satisfy his ambitions. Now, even the area where I could still hold my head up in front of him has vanished. Sigh.”

Jo Gyu-min smiled.

“Is there a need to hold your head up?”

“Hmm?”

“You just need to go along for the ride. Won’t Kang Jin-ho take you to places that you couldn’t have reached on your own?”

“Heh heh heh, hearing those words makes me feel excited instead of angry. I guess I’m getting old.”

Hwang Jung-hoo closed his eyes quietly.

‘He’s gone.’

He hadn’t truly believed that Kang Jin-ho was under his influence, but today, he felt a pang of bitterness as he realized it was indeed the case.

“Maybe he’s already experienced it once, so things might not change much… but you still have to be careful.”

Hwang Jung-hoo said in a serious tone.

“Power is like a monster. You might think you’re wielding it without being swayed, but at some point, when you come to your senses, you realize that you’re not wielding power, but power is wielding you. That’s why it’s important to have someone who can advise you. You need to be vigilant.”

“Yes!”

Hwang Jung-hoo smiled quietly as he watched Jo Gyu-min speak as if making a solemn vow.

‘The world will be shaken.’

The world would now have to face the typhoon called Kang Jin-ho. And Hwang Jung-hoo couldn’t even imagine what the aftermath of that typhoon would be.

“You’re right.”

Jo Gyu-min, who left home the next morning, drove the car with a determined expression.

Hwang Jung-hoo’s words were all accurate. Kang Jin-ho was now unstoppable. Therefore, he had to be vigilant and keep Kang Jin-ho in check.

‘If he tries to seize power himself, there’s nothing he can’t do.’

And if he had that much power, anyone would dream of seizing it at least once.

Jo Gyu-min parked the car in front of Kang Jin-ho’s shop, took a deep breath, and opened the door. He had a feeling that Kang Jin-ho would be different from how he had been before.

At the same time, Jo Gyu-min saw it.

The unchanged Kang Jin-ho.

“Wipe it properly.”

“I know, I know.”

“Dust! Can’t you see that black smudge underneath?”

“I’m wiping it properly. You know I’m usually clean.”

“When was that? How can someone who’s usually clean leave the kitchen and go out to play?”

“…I didn’t go out to play.”

“Shut up and wipe that properly. When you’re done, do the dishes.”

“Didn’t you clean up yesterday before you left?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. While the boss is out playing, we have to keep the shop in order. I was so depressed that I had a drink with Yoo-min, so I didn’t clean up properly. The boss. When the boss is away playing, I should have been more mindful and managed the shop!”

“…I’ll wipe it.”

Jo Gyu-min smiled brightly as he watched Kang Jin-ho, with a pitiful expression, put on an apron and go to do the dishes.

‘Power, my foot.’

Yeah, that’s Kang Jin-ho. That’s…

“Oh? Mr. Jo, you’re here?”

“Yes? Ah, yes!”

“I heard you went out to play with Jin-ho yesterday?”

“Ah… yes, I did.”

“If you have business with Jin-ho, please wait. He has to finish the dishes and carry all the ingredients outside before he has time.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Looking at the back of his boss, who was doing the dishes with slumped shoulders, Jo Gyu-min neatly discarded the ‘108 Plans to Assist Kang Jin-ho’ that he had formulated in his mind.

“Nothing’s changed, nothing’s changed.” Maybe he was a little disappointed, but strangely, he kept laughing.

It was a day when the warm sunlight kept pouring through the window.