Descent of the Demon Master

Chapter 730: Migrating (5)

After exiting the office, Kang Jin-Ho was greeted by the sight of loooong queues of demonic cultivators. He couldn't help but frown slightly at this scene. He glanced at Chang Min. "You still haven't received all the applications?"

"My liege. We've already finished processing the applications of those who were waiting for your arrival earlier. More than half have decided to follow you."

"I see. And?"

"However, more cult believers are still arriving as we speak, my liege. Despite spreading the news of your arrival, it was still impossible for us to bring together every demonic cultivator living in the vast lands of Zhongyuan. These queues consist of the cult believers who have arrived not too long ago."

"Hmm..." Kang Jin-Ho frowned slightly in worry while studying the queues.

'This will take longer than I thought.'

According to his calculation, the Crimson King's faction should already know about his presence in China.

'This trip has unfolded a lot differently than I originally envisioned.'

The original plan was to attract as much attention as possible in China to give people back in Korea enough time to stabilize things. They probably didn't need a lot of time to do that, anyway. As long as Wiggins, Lee Hyeon-Su and Bang Jin-Hun worked a bit harder than usual, all the urgent fires should be snuffed out without causing too many headaches.

In the meantime, Kang Jin-Ho would distribute several demonic cultivation manuals to the demon cult and nurture a rebel force inside China. At least, that had been his plan. And he certainly hadn't thought about mass-migrating the demon cult believers to South Korea.

If the demon cult's situation hadn't been this bad, Kang Jin-Ho wouldn't have tried something this outlandish. Unsurprisingly, this operation had made his situation far more precarious than ever before.

Without a doubt, the Crimson King's faction must be in hot pursuit of Kang Jin-Ho. Meanwhile, countless demonic cultivators were congregating here. Unless those people were blind, they should have noticed the movements of the demonic cultivators by now.

The Crimson King's faction knew that Kang Jin-Ho was a demonic cultivator as well. So, they should obviously suspect the connection between the movement of the Chinese demonic cultivators and Kang Jin-Ho's presence in the country. With how things were, Kang Jin-Ho wouldn't be surprised if the Crimson King's faction raided this place this very second.

However, that didn't mean Kang Jin-Ho should abandon all these people behind, now did it? Especially when they obviously wanted to follow him.

Kang Jin-Ho glanced at Chang Min again. "When will the application process wrap up?"

"At the current rate, it will take another two days, my liege."

"One more day," said Kang Jin-Ho, prompting Chang Min to lower his head. "We will accept applications for one more day. Those who arrive afterward will not be able to apply."

"Then... What about their fate, my liege?"

"Those who are still willing can come to South Korea on their own. Migrating a large group might be difficult, but traveling to Korea individually shouldn't be that hard, right? However, someone needs to stay behind to control the... traffic, to make sure the remaining ones don't try to migrate all at the same time."

"Understood, my liege. I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Kang Jin-Ho nodded. "We are racing against time here. Finish all the preparations by tomorrow, and then... We depart."

"S-so soon, my liege?"

"If we don't rush, the ones in danger will be them," said Kang Jin-Ho, his withdrawn eyes studying the demonic cultivators still making their applications.

Even if the Crimson King's faction attacked now, Kang Jin-Ho was confident of extricating himself. No matter how big of a crowd showed up, he'd not get defeated by such a random riff-raff

, after all! However, that story didn't apply to these demonic cultivators.

Enemies that resembled little kittens with their claws out to Kang Jin-Ho should look like powerful monsters to these demonic cultivators. And it'd be impossible to protect them against a sudden raid, even if the protector was Kang Jin-Ho.

Before such a situation could unfold, they needed to leave this place.

"It won't be easy, though..." Kang Jin-Ho quietly muttered to himself.

He never expected an operation of this magnitude to go without a hitch, anyway. Didn't he know better than anyone that the affairs of this world were never that straightforward?

While he was pondering and agonizing, so did his enemies. While he was working hard, so did his enemies! Enemies didn't exist for Kang Jin-Ho to use as cannon fodder, after all!

Up until now, Kang Jin-Ho has been extremely lucky. He knew that better than anyone. What if the Crimson King's faction had dispatched a martial artist on Vator's level to Korea immediately after discovering Kang Jin-Ho's existence? Or worse, what if the Crimson King had personally made the trip?

Kang Jin-Ho wouldn't have been able to resist, and his only remaining option would've been to surrender his life. The slim odds of coincidences and enemies' carelessness working out in his favor had led him to this moment in life.

So, would lady luck continue to sing for him in the future as well? That might happen, sure. However, believing in that and making plans accordingly would only lead to the 'obvious' results. Kang Jin-Ho would get to feel something he never had a chance to experience in his past life—the sensation of his neck separating from the rest of his body!

Kang Jin-Ho asked a question while scanning the crowd. "Have you encountered any trouble so far? We have all these people crowding this cramped place, after all."

"They are martial artists, my liege. They can handle this level of discomfort. To change their future for the better, they should be willing to endure anything."

Kang Jin-Ho frowned slightly in confusion and glanced at Chang Min. He was almost tempted to applaud the latter for not starting his explanation with something like 'Through my liege's vast ocean-like grace and benevolence.'

"I know it's not easy for them," said Kang Jin-Ho.

"Indeed, it is not, my liege."

"However, sometimes there are certain things you must do regardless of how difficult they are."

"Yes, my liege. We are aware. We will definitely complete the task you've given us."

As the two men chatted, someone approached them. Kang Jin-Ho turned his head to look and spotted a familiar face.

'His name was Zhu Gang, wasn't it?'

The demonic cultivator who accompanied Kang Jin-Ho's group since Sichuan was cautiously approaching him. Either the presence of Chang Min was preventing him from saying something, or he was scared of Kang Jin-Ho, Zhu Gang seemed to be fidgeting nervously.

Kang Jin-Ho sighed a little. "What is it?"

"I, uh, offer my humble greetings to the demon emperor!"

As soon as Kang Jin-Ho said something, Zhu Gang immediately threw himself on the floor. And no, that movement could not be called prostrating. He had literally thrown himself!

Kang Jin-Ho massaged his temples at this sorry sight.

'Why is this guy behaving like this, too?'

Since Chang Min had been trained in the customs of the past eras, his behavior was more or less understandable. It was pointless to stop and criticize a very old man who didn't know any other way to express his reverence. The only way to fix this situation was to take time and gradually re-program him.

However, Zhu Gang was a modern-era man, wasn't he?

Kang Jin-Ho tutted loudly. "Why don't we talk after you stand up again?"

"Y-yes, my liege!" Zhu Gang hurriedly shot up to his feet. Looking at his reddened forehead was giving Kang Jin-Ho a migraine instead!

"Listen, Zhu Gang. Don't kowtow like that in the future, okay?"

"I'm sorry?"

"...If you want to be respectful, just bow your head. That will be enough. Okay?"

"I, I see. I shall obey your will, my liege!"

"And stop talking like that, too."

"U-understood, sir."

Kang Jin-Ho slowly shook his head. It wasn't as if he was the carrier of Historical Drama Disease and infected everyone even daring to approach him. So why were people figuratively tripping over themselves to use these cringy ways to speak to him?

After rectifying this situation, Kang Jin-Ho continued with the conversation. "What is it?"

Zhu Gang coughed to clear his throat. "I had something to discuss with you, sir."

"Okay. Tell me, then."

"I'm not sure if me saying this stuff might be construed as being rude, though..."

Kang Jin-Ho groaned when Zhu Gang remained cautious of his mood. "I don't have a lot of time to spare, Zhu Gang. If you have something to say, be out with it already."

"I-in that case, should I come back another time, sir?"

Kang Jin-Ho helplessly looked up at the ceiling before groaning loudly. "Let me rephrase."

"I'm sorry?"

"Tell me what's on your mind in the next ten seconds or else."

"Oh! Uh, well... Can I really get stronger, sir?"

Kang Jin-Ho stared silently at Zhu Gang. This question was a bit unexpected. "Haven't I made myself clear about this?"

"My apologies, my liege. It's just that... My liege, I beg of you to help me with this agonizing question burning a hole in my head."

"Agonizing? Really?"

Zhu Gang started explaining in a trembling voice. "I will obey your commands, my liege. Even if you tell me I can never get stronger, I will still follow your will and obey your commands. T-that is why... Please tell me the truth, sir. Can I... Is there a possibility that I can grow stronger?"

As he said those words, Zhu Gang's legs were visibly shaking. That was enough to tell Kang Jin-Ho that this demonic cultivator had to squeeze out every ounce of his courage to ask this question.

Chang Min's expression crumpled as he tried to intervene. "You foolish child! Our dear demon emperor already has...!"

Kang Jin-Ho raised his hand to stop Chang Min, then glanced back at Zhu Gang. "It seems my verbal explanation wasn't enough for you?"

"N-no, that isn't the case, my liege. It's just that..." Zhu Gang raised his head and stared at Kang Jin-Ho. "I believe in you, my liege. But I don't believe in myself."

"Yourself, you say?"

"Yes," Zhu Gang hesitated a little before continuing on with his trembling voice. "My liege, you're undoubtedly strong. And you'd still be strong even if you hadn't mastered demonic arts. But me... The reality I've seen isn't kind enough for me to fully believe in the strength you've shown us and the secret manuals you'll provide us with."

Kang Jin-Ho didn't say anything and studied Zhu Gang. For now, he chose to listen attentively. That was his role as the demon emperor.

As Zhu Gang spoke, other demonic cultivators in the vicinity began approaching them one by one.

"Even if we've only cultivated in low-tier demonic arts, those are still demonic arts, my liege. However, I never once saw myself as someone strong. Sir, if I believe in you and follow you to the ends of Earth, can I grow stronger? Can I become stronger than those damn orthodox faction bastards who treated me like an insect? Can I... finally escape from being a weakling?"

Zhu Gang almost broke down in tears toward the end of his questions.

Kang Jin-Ho was well aware this set of questions couldn't be answered through logical arguments. Explaining how much stronger they would get using so-and-so methods would be a meaningless exercise.

All the demonic cultivators crowding this place carried similar expressions. All the pent-up frustration, anger, and sorrow were threatening to spill out. They were trying to hold themselves together and present a more dignified front, but an array of bitter emotions welling up from deep within their hearts made that task nearly impossible.

What would be the right thing to say to these people? Kang Jin-Ho finally broke his silence. "Getting stronger depends on you."

"..."

"Even if I present you with suitable cultivation techniques and a wonderful environment, everything is pointless if you don't try your best. That is why you must work hard. You will see your path open up when you do."

Zhu Gang dazedly stared at Kang Jin-Ho, his jaw slightly falling.

That was when Kang Jin-Ho suddenly said something else. "Yes, I know that cliched words like those are useless to you guys."

"...?"

The corners of Kang Jin-Ho's lips curled up. "Since you're following me back to South Korea, it means you are willing to become my subordinate, right?"

"Yes, my liege. Of course."

"In that case, you don't have to worry about getting stronger. No, what you should worry about is if your body is sturdy enough to endure my training regime. Because... I will make you stronger," said Kang Jin-Ho, his eyes growing colder and sharper. "That I promise you. With my honor on the line!"

Kang Jin-Ho's voice containing qi loudly echoed within the underground space. Even though he didn't shout, everyone could clearly hear every word he spoke.

"Just like how it was in the past, your existence will become the terror of the world. Your name will instill fear in the hearts of your enemies. I will ensure that no one, and I mean no one, will ever look down on you!"

Kang Jin-Ho stopped there as his expression became stony, flat. He glanced at Zhu Gang, who was silently biting his lip, and flatly asked, "Is my answer sufficient enough for you?"

"...Yes, it is!"

Another smirk rapidly spread on Kang Jin-Ho's face. "If mere words were enough to console you, your so-called agonies weren't all that serious, it seems! Stop trying to find your answers from me. I'm merely providing you with tools, and it's your job to reach your goal."

Kang Jin-Ho coolly waved his hand at Zhu Gang and walked away. Vator and Chang Min, plus Zhang Dajing, smartly followed him. Kang Jin-Ho addressed Chang Min without looking back at him. "Finish the preparation for everyone's journey as soon as possible!"

"Yes, my liege!" Chang Min replied, determination filling his expression. He was no dummy, so he too, knew that this operation could decide the demon cult's future for the next thousand years.

'I'm looking forward to what will happen next.'

Kang Jin-Ho subtly smirked. A huge festival was about to commence. A kind of festival that everyone wouldn't be able to help themselves but get genuinely excited about!