Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1339. Executing (4)

Gong Yeong-Gil muttered, “Man, it feels like I don’t have enough energy or something lately.”

A martial artist next to him tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“Mm, well...?”

Gong Yeong-Gil slowly rubbed his chin. Naturally, his massive biceps bulged like a ripe watermelon ready to burst.

Other martial artists around him scowled and quickly backed off.

“What the hell? That’s disgusting, bro.”

“What the f*ck is the matter with this dude’s muscles? Hey, be honest! You‘re jacked up on steroids, aren’t you?”

Gong Yeong-Gil tutted. “Steroid, my ass! This is all natural, you bastards.”

“Geez. I’m telling you, this guy’s genes can’t be Korean!”

Gong Yeong-Gil had always been a hulking individual. That was why Vator had spotted him and accepted him as his disciple, to begin with. But the problem now was that his already huge physique received additional bulk-up while going through Vator’s training regime!

Of course, he was still nowhere near Vator’s size. After all, the big man was at least a head taller than Gong Yeong-Gil. And an extra person could squeeze in next to Gong Yeong-Gil to match Vator’s massive shoulder width.

However, it was also true that no one was taller than Gong Yeong-Gil in the Martial Assembly if Vator was taken out of the equation.

“Be honest with us, okay? You are Sir Vator’s hidden love child, right?”

When one of the martial artists playfully asked that, another martial artist shot him a glare.

“Hey, man! You shouldn’t say that!”

“Eh? Did I cross a line just now? My bad, Yeong-Gil. I was just kidding, dude.”

“That’s not what I meant, though. Sir Vator would’ve killed you if he had heard you just now! I mean, look at Yeong-Gil’s ugly mug, for crying out loud...”

“Oh, you’re right.”

“What the hell, you bastards?!” Gong Yeong-Gil roared as steam gushed out from his nostrils. He totally resembled an enraged bear just then.

“Hah! And you were whining about your lack of energy and whatnot?”

“That’s not what I meant, okay?!” Gong Yeong-Gil yelled again, but then sighed deeply instead. “Look, don’t you feel it, too? Like, you just can’t work yourself up for some reason?”

“Well, yeah... Kinda.”

“Right. I’ve been feeling a bit listless lately, too. And I can’t focus on my training, either. Now that I think about it, we haven’t seen our master around here recently, right? Where is he?”

The “master” they were referring to was Vator, of course.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Gong Yeong-Gil furrowed his brow.

“Is it because the Assembly Master isn’t around? I just don’t feel like doing anything.”

“Mm... That could be it.”

When Gong Yeong-Gil thought about it some more, he found that statement pretty weird.

Kang Jin-Ho commuted to the Martial Assembly almost every day. That much was true, but did that mean he interacted with the likes of Gong Yeong-Gil and his friends, too? Of course not. After all, Kang Jin-Ho went to work in the Assembly’s main building, while Gong Yeong-Gil and the others went to train in training areas.

Even if they all commuted to the Martial Assembly every day of the month, they still might run into each other maybe once a week. So, Kang Jin-Ho’s absence leading to a drop in the motivation level should have sounded like an illogical conclusion to Gong Yeong-Gil’s ears.

However, the illogical had to be true in this case, because everyone here felt that way.

“Urgh, I gotta keep training, though...” Gong Yeong-Gil groaned and nervously fidgeted.

“Come on, dude. You’re too addicted to training.”

Gong Yeong-Gil shot back. “Don’t be daft, man! While we’re wasting time like this, the Demon Flame bastards are getting stronger by going through real battles over and over again in Japan!”

The expressions of everyone here hardened when they heard Gong Yeong-Gil’s rebuke.

“Yeah, you’re right...!”

“Sh*t... Now that pisses me off, dude. Let’s be real, there ain’t much difference between us and those bastards, right? So why do they get to go wild in Japan while we gotta slum it out here?”

“What can we do about it, though? They have more achievements under their belt than us, after all.”

All Martial Assembly members were equal. In other words, no one enjoyed special privileges. Whether one was strong or weak, it didn’t matter. They all had equal rights and duties to fulfill.

However, being equal didn’t mean there were no differences in treatment between individual members. After all, the strong being showered with respect by their peers was the norm in the martial world, now wasn’t it?

Even if the members didn’t discriminate against each other, they all knew deep down inside. They knew this world would eventually kick them out if they didn’t constantly grow stronger.

In that sense, no one could argue with the notion that the Demon Flames were ahead of everyone.

First of all, there was the special nature of the Demon Flames to consider. They were personal guards Kang Jin-Ho had personally selected, after all. And then, one must not forget about all the things the Demon Flames had achieved so far.

The current Gong Yeong-Gil would not be able to emulate those feats.

Yeah. Saying there isn’t much difference in strength between us is a joke.

He or his friends shouldn’t carelessly say such a thing, since they hadn’t fought the Demon Flames yet. One’s strength was all relative, after all.

Considering the unique nature of demonic cultivation, demonic cultivators should feel stronger up close than when watching them from afar. Maybe the Demon Flames’ strength had exceeded the estimation of Gong Yeong-Gil and his friends at this point.

Gong Yeong-Gil growled quietly. “When is the next war starting, I wonder?”

“What the... Hey, man! Don’t jinx it, okay?”

“Our strength can only improve by fighting enemies.”

“Where did you hear that nonsense, man? Think, Yeong-Gil. Think! Why would our strength improve in a fight? No, we get stronger through diligent training, okay?”

“You know nothing, you dumbass.”

Gong Yeong-Gil grumbled as his irritation level crept up higher.

He had a good reason for being this anxious, however. And that was because the image of a certain person didn’t want to leave him alone.

Yi Myeong-Hwan, that bastard! He must be getting stronger right now, isn’t he?!

Gong Yeong-Gil’s starting line was the same as Yi Myeong-Hwan’s. Neither man could claim to be someone special in the Assembly’s ranks in the past. In fact, when objectively analyzed... They used to fall slightly behind their peers. It was just that they were fairly sociable and a little more eager to step up on some occasions, which garnered them a bit of attention. But that was about it.

However, what about now?

There’s a gap now. And it’s widening.

Gong Yeong-Gil had gotten stronger. As a matter of fact, he was the strongest among Vator’s disciples. When compared to his old self, he could safely say that he was no longer the same person.

But Yi Myeong-Hwan was clearly surging ahead right now. After all, he was the leader of the Demon Flames. He served Kang Jin-Ho from the closest vantage point.

Despite not being acknowledged as Kang Jin-Ho’s disciple, only Yi Myeong-Hwan could say he was carrying on Kang Jin-Ho’s legacy.

Gong Yeong-Gil didn’t want to admit this, but the martial artist representing the Martial Assembly’s younger generation at this point in time wasn’t him, but Yi Myeong-Hwan. Which meant...

Yi Myeong-Hwan is closest to becoming the future Assembly Master, in other words!

At first, that position belonged to Lee Seong-Chan. Then that honor briefly belonged to Cheon Tae-Hun. But now, it firmly belonged to Yi Myeong-Hwan.

As long as Kang Jin-Ho didn’t sire a child... Actually, he didn’t look like the type to hand over the Martial Assembly to his kid, even if he had one. So, it was safe to assume that Yi Myeong-Hwan was the likeliest candidate to become the next Assembly Master as things stood.

When his thoughts reached that far, Gong Yeong-Gil’s expression crumpled ever so slightly. Not because of jealousy or anything like that, though.

Gong Yeong-Gil was still Yi Myeong-Hwan’s friend. He genuinely considered him a brother-in-arms. If Yi Myeong-Hwan ever found himself in mortal danger, Gong Yeong-Gil wouldn’t hesitate to throw himself in harm’s way to save his friend.

But being his friend and competing against him were two separate things.

Gong Yeong-Gil didn’t want to lose. As a friend, and as a martial artist, he definitely didn’t want to get left behind by another martial artist of the same generation. If he was being absolutely honest with himself, he desperately wanted to climb up, no matter what, to take that position away from Yi Myeong-Hwan.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m supposed to do, but look at me right now...” Gong Yeong-Gil groaned again.

“Huh? What are you supposed to be doing?”

“...You wouldn’t understand even if I tell you, you lackadaisical idiots.”

“Holy sh*t, guys! Look! A talking bear!”

Gong Yeong-Gil ignored that martial artist and roughly scratched his head. Trying to chat with these muscle-brained idiots was frustrating him to no end.

That was when someone called out to him. “Gong Yeong-Gil. Come over here for a sec.”

“Huh?”

“I said, come over here.”

Gong Yeong-Gil stared at the man calling out to him while narrowing his eyes in slight confusion. Wasn’t that Jo Hyeong-Sik?

Out of all the ultra-thick-jawed disciples of Vator, he was the only one with a sharply chiseled jawline. And that guy was chuckling at Gong Yeong-Gil for some reason.

“I’m not trying to pick a fight with you, dude. Let’s go somewhere where they can’t hear us chat.”

Gong Yeong-Gil frowned in suspicion, but still followed Jo Hyeong-Sik to a distant corner of the training area. Once they had reached enough distance away, Jo Hyeong-Sik turned around and addressed Gong Yeong-Gil.

“Come on, man. That’s enough from you, okay?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying, don’t act like you’re the only anxious person around here. The thing you’re feeling right now? Yeah, everyone here also feels it, okay?”

“...”

“Life is not a sprint, okay? It’s a marathon. Things won’t suddenly change in one or two months. I’m telling you, this fight will last for decades, man. Decades. What do you think will happen to a marathon runner if they sprint at full tilt from the get-go? They won’t even reach the ten-kilometer mark before collapsing on the ground and begging for an ambulance.”

Gong Yeong-Gil frowned again. “Well, yeah. I get that, but...”

“I know you’re anxious, man. But enduring that anxiety also takes mental fortitude. Stop being so abrasive toward others and lose everyone’s support, okay? The Assembly Master position can’t be obtained through one’s fists alone. How many people support you? That’s also important. If you wish to become the next Assembly Master, you gotta manage your connections, too.”

“What? Where did you get the idea that I want to become the Assembly Master?!”

“It’s written all over your face, dude.”

“...”

Gong Yeong-Gil sheepishly scratched his cheek.

Jo Hyeong-Sik studied the big man before leaning in closer. “It’s not like you don’t have a shot, though. First of all, the Demon Flames don’t interact with other Assembly members, right?”

“...”

“So, stop putting on airs just because you’re Sir Vator’s disciple. Act like it’s nothing much. If the other people start to feel the same way about you as what you feel about the Demon Flames, it’ll all be over for you, dude.”

“Yeah, I get what you’re saying.”

“Combat strength isn’t everything. Even if this is the Martial Assembly, in the end, this is an organization of people, okay? Who said humans would always let the best fighter lead them around? So, yeah, what I’m trying to say is don't go overboard and pace yourself better.”

Gong Yeong-Gil contemplatively nodded. It felt like a punch of clarification had slammed into his gut just then.

Jo Hyeong-Sik chuckled. “I mean, it’s gonna suck massively if you train like crazy, only for Yi Myeong-Hwan to wipe the floor with your face. Right?”

“That’s not gonna happen.”

“Yeah, I hope so, man. I hope so.”

Before Gong Yeong-Gil could say something, he spotted a familiar face walking into the training area. “Huh?”

He and Jo Hyeong-Sik stood at attention after recognizing who that was.

“Everyone, please gather around me!”

“Yes, coming!”

That person was Zhang Dajing. Vator’s aide was gesturing at everyone to gather around him. Gong Yeong-Gil and Jo Hyeong-Sik rushed back to the center of the training ground where Zhang Dajing was.

Although Zhang Dajing was even worse than Lee Hyeon-Su in terms of strength, that didn’t matter to these people. As long as Vator acknowledged Zhang Dajing, he’d always be Gong Yeong-Gil’s and everyone’s superior.

“Did you call us, sir?”

“Yes, I have,” Zhang Dajing replied with an affable smile.

His position was similar to that of Lee Hyeon-Su, but Zhang Dajing was as diametrically opposed to that devil as it was humanly possible. While Lee Hyeon-Su crushed other people to death through sophistry and abuse of power, Zhang Dajing was always fair, logical, and humane.

No wonder everyone liked and respected Zhang Dajing more!

“Thank you for coming, everyone. Sir Vator has informed me that we’ll have to select several people among you for an... let’s say an overseas business trip coming soon.”

“An... overseas business trip?”

Zhang Dajing nodded, then pushed his glasses up his nose while staring at Gong Yeong-Gil. “Yes. There is a possibility of you joining a battle when you arrive at the destination. Can you select around twenty people who are quick on their feet and have no problem carrying out any and all assignments asked of them?”

Gong Yeong-Gil tightly clenched his fists. Although he wasn’t sure what was going on here, his heart still began beating faster at the prospect of a battle.

“Understood. I’ll select the suitable people as quickly as possible,” said Gong Yeong-Gil.

“Thank you. Then, please excuse me.”

Zhang Dajing briefly bowed his head, then turned around to leave.

The light in Gong Yeong-Gil’s eyes flickered as he watched Zhang Dajing walk away. It seemed they were about to travel to China soon.

After all, that was the only other place besides Japan where the Martial Assembly might get into a fight with someone. However, Japan probably didn’t need additional personnel, so China it was.

Gong Yeong-Gil glanced at the crowd around him and roared at them, “You heard the man! I need twenty! First come, first served!”

“What the hell?! Are you stupid! Mister Zhang said you gotta select people!”

“Nah, it’ll be fine. Fine, I say! Because I’ll be going, too! With me around, what could possibly go wrong? So yeah, first come, first served, boys!”

“That dumbass son of a b*tch!”

Despite hurling insults in Gong Yeong-Gil’s direction, everyone still broke into a full-blooded sprint toward him.

“What the f*ck is the matter with you all?” Jo Hyeong-Sik spat out a loud groan, then addressed the incoming crowd. “Lemme compile the list, okay?”

“What?! Who do you think you are?!”

“Oh? So, you wanna do it, then?”

“...”

All those getting ready to voice their dissatisfaction hurriedly clamped their mouths shut.

Compiling a list of people that was good enough to convince all these muscle-for-brains would never be an easy feat. As a matter of fact, compiling a sloppy list ran the risk of starting a heated “discussion” between men involving physical violence!

“Me and Gong Yeong-Gil here will discuss and choose, okay? So don’t whine like babies and do as you’re told, you bunch of bear wannabes.”

When Jo Hyeong-Sik dragged Gong Yeong-Gil away to a distant corner of the training area, the rest of the group began tilting their heads in confusion.

“Hey, man. Why is that Hyeong-Sik bastard acting like he’s our leader?”

“How should I know?”

Even though he didn’t intend to, Jo Hyeong-Sik still ended up establishing a new pecking order among his peers that day.