Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 1122

“Bator.”

Bator slightly bowed his head towards Kang Jin-ho.

“How is the training going?”

“It’s progressing well. Most of the martial artists have mastered the Demonic Art to at least the Fourth Level. Although progress has slowed down a bit as their martial prowess increases, it’s still within the expected range.”

Kang Jin-ho slightly narrowed his brow.

‘If they’ve mastered the Iron Blood Demonic Art to the Fourth Level, they are formidable demonic cultivators even by the standards of the old Central Plains [a fictional ancient Chinese martial arts world]. They easily surpass the level of ordinary disciples, though perhaps not the elite of the old Demonic Cult.’

Securing this much power in the face of Japan’s impending invasion is a significant boon.

“What’s the problem?”

“The kids are getting a bit too aggressive.”

Bator shrugged.

“But it’s nothing we can’t control. It’s inevitable when they’re practicing Demonic Arts.”

Demonic Arts corrupt one’s nature.

Kang Jin-ho had intervened to suppress the most dangerous aspects as much as possible, but if he were to tamper with the very essence of the Demonic Arts, they would no longer be Demonic Arts.

The Demonic Arts are about maximizing efficiency at the cost of risk. If the risk is removed, stability might be gained, but the unique explosive power of the Demonic Arts would be lost.

“I’d like you to focus on control.”

“I’m keeping that in mind.”

“It’s not just your concern, Lee Hyun-soo.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Accurately identify those who are practicing the Demonic Arts, and if there are any living outside, have them all moved into the dormitories within the General Assembly.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The Demonic Arts that the martial artists of the General Assembly are currently practicing are certainly more stable than those of the past. Therefore, the probability of them becoming as violent as those who were consumed by Demonic Arts in the old Central Plains is not high.

But does that mean they are less dangerous than in the past?

Absolutely not.

The society is different.

In the old Central Plains, it wasn’t a big deal for demonic cultivators to go berserk and kill a few people. Back then, people died so easily.

It was common for entire villages to be wiped out by bandits or raiders, and thieves often took lives along with valuables.

Epidemics would devastate cities, and people would draw their swords at the slightest provocation in the streets.

But the deaths of a few people in that world are completely different from the deaths of people in this world.

To put it extremely, the place of murder in the old Central Plains is no more than a drunken brawl in this world.

Therefore, just because they cause fewer incidents than in the past doesn’t mean they are not dangerous. In fact, the danger has increased.

“It’s about time they started to loosen up.”

That’s how humans are.

Even if they steel their will and make firm resolutions, that will and determination are eroded by time.

‘A three-day resolution?’

Anyone who can maintain a decision for three days is remarkable. A person’s resolve is not as strong as one might think.

Even if they make a life-or-death commitment, it’s only for that moment. To maintain their will, they must constantly tighten and refocus themselves. If they can’t do it themselves, others must do it for them.

“How are the Flame Demons doing?”

“If we’re just looking at their condition, they might be in a much worse state than those guys…”

Lee Myung-hwan gave a wry smile.

“We’re not leaving them with any energy to cause trouble. We’re pushing them hard for about eighteen hours a day. If they can still cause trouble after that, then nothing can stop them.”

Kang Jin-ho nodded.

Completely exhausting their physical strength is also a good method.

“However, there’s one thing you need to consider. No matter how much we exhaust their physical strength, we can’t do anything about their mental stress. It’s like, they’re all suffering from frustration…”

The Demonic Arts are martial arts that crave blood.

To be precise, they crave not blood, but battle. They crave the extreme excitement and exhilaration experienced by those engaged in combat.

That exhilaration cannot be satisfied through training.

“You’re saying we need to relieve their stress a bit.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“I’ll pay them a visit.”

Lee Myung-hwan smiled awkwardly.

‘I never thought I’d be the one to ask for this first.’

The Flame Demons fear Kang Jin-ho the most. But they also look forward to Kang Jin-ho the most.

In the past, they looked forward to Kang Jin-ho because they had the expectation of learning from him and becoming stronger. But recently, that purpose has changed slightly.

To them, Kang Jin-ho is like an invincible punching bag who never gets hurt, no matter how hard they attack and pour everything into it. Moreover, he doesn’t just passively take it; he counterattacks appropriately, giving them a sense of exhilaration.

Even if it’s not the same as real combat, Kang Jin-ho is the only person who can give them the highest level of tension.

“Try to appease them appropriately.”

“Understood.”

“They’ll be able to run wild properly soon enough.”

Lee Myung-hwan licked his lips without realizing it.

Lee Hyun-soo frowned at the sight. He could clearly see the bloodlust in Lee Myung-hwan’s eyes.

‘He’s gone mad.’

The old Lee Myung-hwan had a pure and obedient side, but now, his demeanor is becoming increasingly sharp. It’s becoming difficult to tease and play with him like before.

As time passed, the Flame Demons were becoming full-fledged demonic cultivators. It was certainly a good thing that their power was increasing. While Bator’s disciples had become stronger by learning the Demonic Arts, the Flame Demons had become even stronger.

It was now undeniable that the Flame Demons were the strongest martial force in the General Assembly. However…

‘We need to focus on control.’

They might go berserk like madmen at any moment.

“Jang Min.”

“Yes, Great Demonic Lord!”

“How are the followers doing?”

“They are all training to the best of their abilities. Many of them felt uneasy about living in the unfamiliar land of Korea, but recently, most of their families have also moved over, and they have adapted to some extent.”

“Hmm, what’s the progress?”

“They are all learning quickly. It was effective to have the elders learn first.”

“Tell them not to be negligent and to keep striving.”

“No one would dare to be negligent.”

Kang Jin-ho nodded.

“However…”

“Yes, Great Demonic Lord.”

“I’ve heard some unpleasant stories?”

Jang Min rose from his seat and prostrated himself on the floor.

“Great Demonic Lord, the cult must never become a place of comfort. The cult is the place that has given them a new life and allowed them to live as humans. Those who act against the teachings of the cult deserve appropriate punishment.”

Kang Jin-ho slightly furrowed his brow.

The Demonic Cult is the Demonic Cult.

A name embodies identity. The reason why the Demonic Cult is called the Demonic Cult and not the Divine Cult is not simply because it had poor relations with the religions believed in the Central Plains.

The Demonic Cult has earned its notoriety because it has imposed harsh punishments on both its followers and those who are not.

Recently, some members of the Demonic Cult have caused some incidents.

It seems they have been doing things that are forbidden by the General Assembly and the Demonic Cult. Some of them have brought forbidden drugs into Korea, and others have left their residences and caused trouble in civilian areas.

It’s inevitable.

Although they are remnants of the Demonic Cult, they are people who lived at the bottom of the social ladder even in the harsh lands of China. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they are not of good quality.

Some of them made a living by killing people, others by selling drugs, and some even engaged in human trafficking.

They were accepted to revive the Demonic Cult, but there must be appropriate conditions. Starting from their move to Korea, they must be reborn from criminals into martial artists.

Those who failed to keep that promise deserve punishment.

The problem was that the punishment they received was more severe than Kang Jin-ho had anticipated.

Jang Min poured out his anger on those who did not follow the teachings of the cult and tore them all to death.

It wasn’t just a figure of speech; he really tore them to death.

Thanks to that, the atmosphere of the Demonic Cult was filled with fear for a while.

Jang Min was like a very benevolent father to them, but an enraged Jang Min was such a terrifying presence that even the elders dared not meet his eyes.

“Those who dare to disobey the Great Demonic Lord’s orders and violate the teachings of the cult do not deserve mercy.”

“However…”

“And it is impossible to control so many people with just the teachings of the cult. Great Demonic Lord, the Demonic Cult’s way is the Demonic Cult’s way. Please understand my loyalty.”

Kang Jin-ho sighed.

He knew that something like this would happen someday. That’s why he didn’t absorb the Demonic Cult into the General Assembly and maintained two separate systems.

Jang Min’s words were not wrong.

The Demonic Cult is the Demonic Cult. The Demonic Cult needs the Demonic Cult’s way. And the reason why the Demonic Cult has been able to continue for over a thousand years is because of the strict punishment of sins and the iron-fisted rule of its leaders.

A general approach?

In a Demonic Cult filled with demonic cultivators who are mad with demonic energy, trying to find law and human rights would create a criminal organization so hellish that it would make an Islamic terrorist group look like kindergarteners.

“Jang Min.”

“Yes, Great Demonic Lord.”

“I respect your methods.”

Jang Min was the one who had sustained the Demonic Cult for over a hundred years, even after Kang Jin-ho left and the Demonic Cult declined. It would be absurd for Kang Jin-ho to argue about the correctness of his methods.

“Make sure to clean up the aftermath thoroughly.”

“I swear on my life that I will not cause any concern for the Great Demonic Lord.”

There’s no need to go that far.

Kang Jin-ho sighed.

In addition to that, Kang Jin-ho listened to the progress reports from Bang Jin-hoon, checked on the situation of the mages being trained by Wiggins, and the situation of those learning Western martial arts adopted by the Chevaliers. Then, with a calm gaze, he looked around.

“The situation isn’t bad.”

Objectively speaking, the General Assembly was currently flourishing.

It was expanding externally while also strengthening its internal structure. It was growing as rapidly as when Kang Jin-ho first entered the General Assembly and overturned the entire system.

“But good things are always accompanied by evil. Don’t forget. Evil doesn’t come from the outside. Complacency and negligence are what invite evil.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“There must be problems arising right now. The most dangerous time is when everything seems fine on the surface. The directors and staff should review the situation once again. We must create a perfect state before the guests arrive.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

Listening to their resounding answer, Kang Jin-ho sank into the sofa.

‘Japan, huh…’

This will probably be an all-out war. Until now, the General Assembly has experienced countless battles. But this is the first time that a full-scale war involving everyone in the General Assembly will occur.

If they can overcome this hurdle, the General Assembly will gain strength. The achievement of fighting and winning against Japan will breed confidence, and confidence will further develop the General Assembly.

Kang Jin-ho curled up the corners of his lips.

‘This will be interesting.’

In the end, he couldn’t carry out his intention to go on an expedition, but this isn’t bad either. If they come looking for their own deaths while he’s sitting still, is there any reason to refuse?

“Lee Hyun-soo.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Focus on controlling the situation. Let them run wild without worrying about anything else.”

“I will cooperate with the military. If necessary, I will also be willing to borrow the power of the political world.”

“Alright.”

Kang Jin-ho took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

It felt like he could smell blood somewhere.

In the end, he was a person who couldn’t live without the battlefield. Even though it was certain that the enemy was invading, he wasn’t feeling uneasy; rather, he was getting excited.

Kang Jin-ho, with a cigarette in his mouth, curled up the corners of his lips.

The directors, seeing his eerie smile, unconsciously lowered their heads slightly.