Chapter 45: Confrontation (3)

‘Hey, this is...’

Wei Honglian glanced at Hong Weimin with a subtle look.

Hong Weimin, still maintaining his cold expression, had bloodshot eyes.

‘Hmm, isn’t this dangerous?’

After all, he was being thoroughly searched by Xueliang in front of everyone. If it were him, he would have drawn his sword and swung it without a second thought.

This was the difference between Wei Honglian and Hong Weimin, the difference between someone who lived by madness and someone who lived by politics.

Hong Weimin said coldly,

“You are quite skilled at using cunning words to make people look foolish. Well, my third brother has always been like that.”

This was both a denial of Xueliang’s words and a sarcastic remark.

Naturally, Xueliang was not affected in the slightest.

After all, there was not a trace of righteousness in the Heavenly Demon Sect. One would only get angry at the sarcasm if they had a deeper relationship.

“Let me not waste words. I will overlook today’s rudeness with my broad-mindedness...”

“How broad can your magnanimity be when you try to kill someone you call brother from behind? You petty scoundrel.”

Instantly, a murderous intent flashed in Hong Weimin’s eyes. He had not expected Xueliang to bring up such matters in this setting.

“You need to choose your next words carefully.”

“Me? Why should I? What for?”

“Do you really intend to turn this into a mud-slinging match?”

It was a euphemistic expression, but from Hong Weimin’s perspective, it was a direct and well-considered statement. He had always avoided this topic whenever it came up.

And it was a wise choice in many ways. At least, it could be seen as a good move for a successor candidate who wanted the support of the sect members.

“Why not?”

“...!”

“Don’t people already know that we candidates will fight each other until the bitter end? It’s not like we’re playing hide and seek, and it’s not a topic we need to avoid.”

Instantly, the atmosphere became much colder than before.

Hong Weimin, who had been staring at Xueliang, spoke.

“Are you here to declare war?”

He had decided that further persuasion or pretending to be unaware was pointless.

Xueliang smiled.

“Now we can have a proper conversation.”

“...”

“Not to declare war, but to make a separate proposal.”

“If you really had that intention, why didn’t you come to my residence earlier?”

“If a superior comes to your house, a subordinate should crawl to the guest hall and say, ‘Thank you for coming.’ You’re the one who kicked away the courtesy I offered.”

It was not a wrong statement, but Hong Weimin also had something to say.

“From what I see, you don’t seem to value courtesy much. If you had a purpose, why didn’t you just barge in with your rude personality? Why did you even muster the patience to wait?”

Xueliang’s response was a masterpiece.

“I wanted to cause a bit of a commotion.”

“...!”

“I knew you would take your time. Since you led me to a private room, I thought it would be a good opportunity to enjoy some fine food and drinks in that luxurious room. When would I get such a chance again?”

“...”

“I was waiting in a relaxed manner, partly for fun.”

Hong Weimin’s eyes twitched. He wanted to blow off the head of that damn guy right away.

“So, what do you have to say?”

His words became shorter.

Xueliang glanced around and dropped a bomb.

“Why don’t we settle this once and for all today?”

“...?!”

“You don’t like using tricks from behind, do you? You must be quite angry after what I did to you.”

“Are you seriously suggesting...”

Xueliang tapped his sword.

“I am a sword. What are you?”

It meant that he wanted to end this with a single decisive battle, whether it was a friendly match or a life-or-death duel.

Hong Weimin was speechless.

“Are you joking with me?”

“Do you waste your precious time on someone who only plays games?”

“If you’re just trying to make a bold move because there are many people watching...”

“Don’t assume everyone is like you. It’s a bad habit.”

Everyone, not just Hong Weimin, was speechless at Xueliang’s nonchalant attitude. Even Wei Honglian, who had been watching with a grin, thought, ‘What a crazy guy.’

“I have one last question.”

“What is it?”

“Did you really come here with the intention of doing this?”

“What else can I do? Our fourth brother is hiding and won’t come out. I hate scheming. Wouldn’t it be more satisfying for both of us to settle this once and for all, win or lose?”

Is this really something a third prince would say?

As Hong Weimin stared at Xueliang, disappointment crept into his face.

‘Is this all he is capable of?’

He had shown such an unexpected side that Hong Weimin thought there must be some hidden agenda. Others thought it was a double or triple trap due to his reckless behavior.

But it wasn’t. The guy was serious.

Hong Weimin turned around.

“Clean up the guest hall! Call the workers to clear the debris! Build a new building within a month!”

His voice was full of authority.

He completely ignored Xueliang and his group. The moment he realized Xueliang was serious, all interest and tension vanished.

Madong Fil frowned. Wei Honglian growled like a beast. They knew Xueliang had gone too far, but to ignore them like that...

Hong Weimin shouted again.

“What are you all doing! Move immediately...”

At that moment.

Rustle, rustle.

“...!!”

Snap!

Hong Weimin quickly turned and lowered his stance.

Xueliang smiled.

“Why?”

“...”

“Does your neck feel tingly?”

Hong Weimin’s eyes wavered.

‘What is this?’

His back suddenly felt damp.

Just as he was about to leave, he had a hallucination of a strange beast, whether a tiger or a wolf, opening its mouth and charging at him.

The beast’s breath at his ear, the stench and the killing intent. He felt a sense of danger that would have cost him his life if he hadn’t reacted immediately.

“You, at least, have a quick reaction. You’ve trained well.”

“...?”

“I thought you were addicted to some bad herbs, but it seems not. The drug you used to enhance your solo training (獨鬪) contained a trace of hallucinogenic components. Is this the method of the Red Silk Family?”

“...!”

“Indeed, a prestigious family of the Demon Sect. Your approach to martial arts is unique.”

An unknown shock spread across Hong Weimin’s face.

‘How did he know?’

The reason he always smoked was not for pleasure but for training.

Solo training is a method based on imagination. You set up a virtual opponent, predict various variables, and practice. Then, you analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your martial arts and internalize them.

It was similar to achieving enlightenment through meditation. A master could see through an opponent’s strength and reactions without even engaging in combat.

In the Red Silk Family, they maximized the efficiency of this training through drugs. The incense Hong Weimin always smoked was the Red Silk Family’s own creation, the Illusion Suppressing Herb (幻克草).

“Well, it is a fresh approach...”

Swoosh.

Xueliang drew his sword again. Unlike before, a thick killing intent emanated from the blade.

“It’s just a game of imagination, after all.”

“...!”

“Let’s see how efficient your martial arts are, gained through mere imagination.”

“...”

“Come on. I’ll let you go first.”

Swoosh!

A thick purple demonic aura rose from Hong Weimin’s body.

Surprised by the revelation of his secret and the seriousness of Xueliang’s challenge, the Four Demon Arts (四魔功) activated on its own.

Crack.

Xueliang’s eyes sparkled.

As Hong Weimin lowered his stance and glared, his hands changed.

‘Nails... interesting.’

Hong Weimin’s nails suddenly became sharp and turned a smooth black.

‘The Demon Arts do have many strange techniques, indeed.’

Swoosh.

Xueliang pointed his sword at Hong Weimin. At the same time, a majestic aura burst from Xueliang’s body.

Wei Honglian’s eyes widened.

‘Unity of Man and Dao.’

The realm he had seen in Zami Lu. Hong Weimin would probably no longer see Xueliang’s form.

Whistling.

The wind carried the killing intent, and the cold air fueled the anger.

It was a moment of extreme tension. A rare direct confrontation between successor candidates in the history of the Heavenly Demon Sect was about to unfold before everyone’s eyes.

At that moment.

“Stop!”

Boom!

The main gate burst open, and a group of people rushed in.

“Stop! Stop!”

Their steps were quick and disciplined. Over thirty black-clad experts, exuding a sharp aura, appeared.

“Third Prince, sheath your sword! Fourth Prince, step back!”

Xueliang frowned.

What, these black-clad guys ruining the moment?

At that moment, Wei Honglian’s face contorted, emitting a near-maniacal aura.

“Black Falcon Guard of the Law Enforcement Hall!”

They were the elite dispatched by the Law Enforcement Hall to handle difficult disputes within the sect. While the sect members were known as the terror of the martial world, the Black Falcon Guard were the terror of the sect members.

Xueliang’s eyes gleamed.

‘Black Falcon Guard? The suppression team of the Law Enforcement Hall!’

Each of them was as skilled as Wei Honglian, living up to their notorious reputation.

Uniquely, they all wore white masks with only their eyes visible, creating a eerie and terrifying presence.

One of the Black Falcon Guard, with a red dot on the left side of his mask, walked between the two.

“I am the Seventh Captain of the Black Falcon Guard of the Law Enforcement Hall.”

He did not kneel before the two highest-ranking members, showing the authority of the Black Falcon Guard.

The Seventh Captain bowed slightly.

“People are watching. I request that you stop here.”

It was a polite suggestion, but the authority in his voice was undeniable.

Hong Weimin, who had been watching Xueliang with tense eyes, turned his head toward the main gate, sensing the presence.

‘Shenhui.’

It was Shenhui who had called the Black Falcon Guard, likely reporting to the Law Enforcement Hall during the investigation to prepare for any unforeseen events.

The Seventh Captain shouted to the sect members.

“Quickly, clear the area!”

The sect members scattered, intimidated by the Black Falcon Guard, who were a different kind of terror compared to their master, the Fourth Prince. With the Captain-level guard present, this was no longer a place for them.

Xueliang, who had been watching Hong Weimin, smiled.

“You have good subordinates.”

“...”

“Thanks to your subordinates, you’ve saved your life. Take good care of it from now on.”

Thud!

Xueliang sheathed his sword and turned around.

“Leader Wei, Captain Ma. Let’s go.”

“Ah, yes!”

Xueliang walked out of the main gate without looking back. Madong Fil did the same.

Wei Honglian, however, turned and growled.

Surprisingly, his target was Hong Weimin.

“I thought you were a man of great bearing, but I’m disappointed.”

Hong Weimin’s face contorted.

The Seventh Captain stepped forward.

“Grand Demon Leader, please leave as well. I advise you to return to your residence and reflect.”

Wei Honglian snorted but did not argue further.

Thus, the short and intense incident was quietly resolved.

Shenhui hurried to Hong Weimin.

“Prince! Are you alright?”

“Shenhui.”

“Yes, Prince.”

“Call Jinma Leader immediately.”

Killing intent flashed in Hong Weimin’s eyes.

“I want a proper fight. It’s not polite to hold back any longer.”

* * *

“Damn! I feel ashamed of the laughter and chatter we shared at the same table! If it were me, I would have thrown the first punch out of embarrassment! Ugh.”

Wei Honglian grumbled continuously.

To a demon, pride is as important as life. If he had to endure such a situation, he would not be a demon. In other words, to Wei Honglian, Hong Weimin was no longer a demon.

Madong Fil sighed.

“At least it’s fortunate that the fight didn’t escalate.”

“What are you talking about? It’s just beginning.”

“What do you mean...”

“Did you see that guy’s eyes? He was humiliated in front of everyone. I bet his anger is boiling over.”

Xueliang smiled.

“Check the movements of the Jinma side. They will definitely make a move, either today or tomorrow, in the near future.”