Chapter 24: The Rise of the Abyssal Monarch

The night sky over Wolseong was ablaze with lanterns as the unorthodox sects reveled in celebration. The Heavenly Demon Cult, the Black Veil Society, and the Crimson Moon Cult raised their cups, chanting Lucian's name.

"Divine Dragon of Wolseong! Divine Dragon of Wolseong!"

The scent of roasted meat, fragrant wine, and burning incense filled the air as men and women of the demonic path toasted their newfound champion. Fireworks cracked against the sky, illuminating the courtyard of the Demon Pavilion, where the festivities were at their peak.

At the center of it all, Lucian sat on a high seat, his gaze unwavering as he accepted the reverence of the unorthodox world.

Across the city, however, the orthodox sects gathered in secret—their expressions grim.

The Gathering of the Orthodox Sects

Inside a grand hall within Wolseong Palace, the leaders of the orthodox sects sat in a tense circle. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting ominous shadows on their faces.

Jang Hyeon-seok, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, slammed his fist onto the table.

"That demon brat humiliated us! He dared to stand above us and mock the righteous path!"

Zhang Yucheng, the Daoist Sage of Wudang, let out a long breath. "The tournament's result is already final. There is no merit in complaining."

But his words didn't calm the others.

Baek Jin-Hwan, the Iron Tyrant of Ironclad Dominion, scoffed. "Is that it? You're willing to let a child from the demonic path trample over us?"

"No."

A chilling voice cut through the argument.

The crowd turned to see Yoo Il-ryung, the grandmaster of the Hollow Bamboo Sect, his fingers dancing over his violet flute. His killing intent seeped into the air, causing even seasoned warriors to shift uncomfortably.

"We may have accepted the tournament's results, but that does not mean we will accept him as our Divine Dragon." His voice was calm, yet deadly. "Nam Gong-Wook must fall."

The orthodox sects nodded in grim agreement. The battle had been won, but the war had only begun.

Lucian's Offer to the Unorthodox Sects

Back at the Demon Pavilion, Lucian raised his wine cup, looking over the gathered sect leaders of the unorthodox world.

At his right sat Baek Jiwoon, the Scarlet Prophet of the Crimson Moon Cult, his sharp eyes gleaming with interest. Across from him was Namgoong Hwan, the Poisoned Serpent of the Black Veil Society, swirling a goblet of venomous wine.

Lucian smirked. "The orthodox sects will never accept me as Divine Dragon."

The crowd murmured in agreement.

Lucian leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Then why should I accept them?"

Baek Jiwoon chuckled. "You intend to make the unorthodox the ruling force?"

Lucian took a slow sip of wine before answering. "The orthodox world has grown complacent, bound by their arrogance and hypocrisy. They talk of righteousness while plotting murder in the shadows. We, the so-called 'demonic path,' have only been labeled villains because we threaten their power."

His eyes flashed with cold brilliance.

"It's time to turn the tables."

Namgoong Hwan's lips curled into a wicked grin. "What do you propose?"

Lucian set down his cup and stood. "An alliance."

The room fell silent.

Lucian's gaze swept across the room. "If we continue to fight among ourselves, the orthodox world will pick us off one by one. But together, we can shake the foundation of their rule."

Baek Jiwoon grinned. "And if we refuse?"

Lucian's smirk turned sharp. "Then you'll be the first to fall when the orthodox sects come for my head."

Silence.

Then—laughter.

Baek Jiwoon raised his cup. "I like you, boy."

Namgoong Hwan chuckled. "Fine. Let's see how far this game goes."

The unorthodox world had found its new king.

The Orthodox World's Response

Days passed, and tensions in Wolseong reached their peak. The orthodox sects, humiliated and enraged, gathered their forces.

At the Imperial Palace, the King himself called for a council.

Lucian stood before the royal court, surrounded by ministers and sect leaders who glared at him with barely concealed hatred.

The King's voice echoed through the grand chamber. "Nam Gong-Wook of the Heavenly Demon Cult, you have claimed the title of Divine Dragon. But many question whether you are worthy of it."

Lucian's lips curled. "Then let them come and test me themselves."

The murmurs in the court turned into gasps of shock.

The King's gaze darkened. "You speak as if you hold no fear."

Lucian stepped forward, his presence overwhelming the room. "I do not fear cowards who plot in shadows." His gaze swept across the gathered sect leaders. "If any of you wish to challenge my right as Divine Dragon, I welcome you. But if you dare scheme against me like rats—"

His fingers traced the edge of his sword. "—then I will cut you down where you stand."

The court fell silent.

Then, from the back of the room, Jang Hyeon-seok of Mount Hua stepped forward, his eyes burning with rage.

"You dare threaten the orthodox world?"

Lucian smirked. "I do not threaten. I promise."

Assassins in the Dark

That night, the shadows moved.

Lucian sat in the quiet of his chamber when a faint killing intent brushed against his senses. He closed his eyes. "Took them long enough."

A blade whistled through the air.

Lucian shifted, catching the assassin's wrist mid-strike. He yanked the masked killer forward and slammed his knee into the assassin's ribs, shattering bone.

Before the assassin could cry out, Lucian twisted his hand, snapping his neck.

More figures emerged from the shadows.

Lucian grinned.

"Come, then."

The War Begins

By morning, the news had spread.

Assassins had been sent to kill Lucian, but none returned. Their bodies had been hung at the city gates, a message written in blood:

"Come at me properly or die in the dark."

The orthodox sects raged, but the unorthodox world laughed.

The battle lines had been drawn.

Lucian had not only claimed the title of Divine Dragon—he had declared war against the righteous path.

And the world would soon burn because of it.