Descent of the Demon Master

Chapter 572. Advancing (2)

Gong Yeong-Gil couldn't help but freak out at what he was seeing.

He was staring through a doorway—something created for the purpose of letting people pass through. If it was not the appropriate size for that purpose, then it couldn't be called a doorway anymore. Calling it a pet door or a hole in the wall would be more correct, in that case!

'Okay, so... What should I call that thing, then?'

Wasn't it a doorway? Until a few seconds ago, Gong Yeong-Gil wouldn't have had an issue calling it as such. But now, his viewpoints had to change a little.

The culprit for this change in his mindset was a silhouette of a man standing just beyond the doorway. It didn't seem possible for this person to go through.

Gong Yeong-Gil couldn't see this man's face. Despite the doorway being designed to be larger than average, all Gong Yeong-Gil could see was this unknown individual's chest, abdomen and a pair of muscular legs.

'What the f*ck am I looking at here?!'

Gong Yeong-Gil's common sense was getting smashed into a million pieces. And he suddenly found himself in a critical dilemma. Should he start calling that doorway by another name, or should he not acknowledge that massive individual as his fellow human being?

In the end, though, Gong Yeong-Gil decided not to acknowledge that... hole in the wall as a doorway. He was not brave enough to deal with the consequences of not acknowledging that massive individual as a human being!

“Hmm...!” A weighty and growly groan came from that giant.

'Holy cow...!'

Gong Yeong-Gil suddenly gained an understanding of a documentary he watched not too long ago. In it, the narrator explained that wild animals apparently growled and hissed before they started fighting each other. They did it in order to show off their strength and assert dominance. The documentary also said that humans weren't all that different from animals in that sense.

For instance, fighters would hurl insults and get into a shouting match before they got into a scuffle. Wasn't all the trash-talking humanity's version of the animals growling?

Gong Yeong-Gil snickered while watching that documentary. That should only apply to dumb-as-rocks animals, not humans. How could people decide who was stronger merely with the sounds they generated?

'Well, that's what I thought, but now...'

Gong Yeong-Gil nervously gulped his saliva. He finally understood what the documentary was saying to him. Just that one groan from the giant beyond the doorway was enough for every cell in Gong Yeong-Gil's body to wake up and shiver in fright!

Gong Yeong-Gil's body had already given up resisting. His physical being understood that he should never fight that giant, and it was reacting as such.

“Urgh…” The giant responsible for smashing Gong Yeong-Gil's confidence apart grunted loudly, then lowered his torso considerably to force himself through the doorway. His head barely managed to fit under the frame, but his broad shoulders still got stuck, and he couldn't enter the hall.

This should've been a rather humorous scene to behold, but not a single person sitting inside the auditorium laughed. To be fair, though, absolutely no one in this world would have found this scene even remotely funny!

“Hmm...!” The giant contorted and twisted his torso this way and that to finally squeeze past the doorway. He then stared in silence at Lee Hyeon-Su with undisguised dissatisfaction.

“...We'll modify the entire building as soon as possible, sir. This problem should be resolved after widening all the doorways.”

The giant, Vator, weightily nodded as if he understood what Lee Hyeon-Su said. In the meantime, Zhang Dajing walked inside and stood next to him.

Once both men were here, Lee Hyeon-Su turned his attention back to the still stupefied younger-generation martial artists of the Martial Assembly. “This gentleman is Sir Vator, who has decided to join us recently. I'm sure some of you have heard about it, while the rest have not, but... Mm, I guess you lot wouldn't really have noticed it.”

'Vator?' Gong Yeong-Gil's dazed eyes shifted over the giant.

Strong...! That was what was standing before Gong Yeong-Gil's eyes.

If he thought of a human form that embodied the word 'strong,' the result would be this Vator. Merely looking at the big man was enough to understand how powerful he was and just how much explosive, world-ending power was packed tightly into that hulking figure.

If Vator wanted to, he wouldn't even need ten minutes to crush every person in this place and toss them in a recycle bin!

What was up with this overwhelming power?! Kang Jin-Ho was the only other person to make Gong Yeong-Gil feel this way—that was, to marvel at the strength of another person!

Lee Hyeon-Su continued to explain. “You've all been summoned here for a simple reason. It's because Sir Vator here expressed an interest in giving some pointers to everyone here.”

“...Ah!” A shocked gasp leaked out of Gong Yeong-Gil's mouth. He'd now receive guidance from that giant...? 'Isn't that totally out of the blue?'

At least there were some rumblings about what Kang Jin-Ho was about to do. And his test had been announced beforehand, so the martial artists had a chance to steel their resolve. But today's announcement totally caught Gong Yeong-Gil off-guard.

“Personally, I think this is a great opportunity for you guys,” said Lee Hyeon-Su as he scanned the martial artists. “And so, that's why you're here today. Any questions?”

Gong Yeong-Gil scowled deeply. Questions? Did Lee Hyeon-Su expect people to ask him questions even though he hadn't explained anything? If he was serious about holding a Q&A session, it might take a full hour to finish with how things were currently!

As if there was no point in thinking about it, Gong Yeong-Gil's hand abruptly shot up high in the air. When the situation was like this, he couldn't afford to dilly-dally and waste time while trying to read the room.

Lee Hyeon-Su pointed at Gong Yeong-Gil. “You. Go ahead.”

Gong Yeong-Gil couldn't dare look at Vator, so he fixed his gaze on Lee Hyeon-Su instead. “That big gent... Is he strong?”

“What the... Bloody hell? Are you a f*cking moron?”

“Sorry?”

“Or maybe you're blind? Ask me a real question, you dipsh*t!”

Gong Yeong-Gil sheepishly clamped his mouth shut. Even he had to admit that his question was a bit brainless. Even so...

Lee Hyeon-Su tutted loudly. “Right, I failed to consider the unique aspect about you lot even though I’m the one who summoned you all here. Okay, so... You, your actual question must've been... If I learn from Sir Vator, will I become strong for real? Am I right?”

“Y-yes, sir,” Gong Yeong-Gil quickly replied. “You're correct. And, uh, also...”

“You also want to know if you can leapfrog those currently learning under Mister Jin-Ho?”

“Yes, sir! That's it!” Gong Yeong-Gil beamed brightly as if an irritating itch tormenting him had been scratched just now. And Lee Hyeon-Su could only smile wryly at that.

“Uh-whew. I'm not sure if this explanation is even necessary, but...” Lee Hyeon-Su glanced at Vator before looking back at the younger-generation martial artists. “This powerful individual has been acknowledged by Mister Jin-Ho.”

That was all the explanation needed. After all, Kang Jin-Ho hadn't acknowledged anyone in the Martial Assembly as powerful until now!

“Every human being has an attribute that separates them from the rest. In my opinion, learning from Sir Vator should be better for you lot gathered here instead of receiving Mister Jin-Ho's guidance. Let's be honest here, gentlemen. You think so too, don't you?”

Gong Yeong-Gil reflexively looked behind. He had been wondering why only the big guys were crammed into this place. As it turned out, there was a reason for that!

Gong Yeong-Gil cautiously asked again. “Is that why we were summoned here?”

“That's right,” Lee Hyeon-Su elaborated a little more. “Everyone, let's be honest with ourselves, shall we? Despite all your hard work, you haven't been getting much in terms of results, right?”

“...”

“Having a large physique means you possess good physical strength, but also that you suck at things requiring agility. Unfortunately, the cultivation techniques you're practicing all require good agility as a fundamental trait.”

“Mm...!” Gong Yeong-Gil animatedly nodded away.

What Lee Hyeon-Su said was true. South Korean martial arts all favored suppleness, agility, and flowing movements. And slender, agile body types were a far better fit to master such martial arts.

People with large physiques, like Gong Yeong-Gil, could initially get ahead of their peers at the starting line by relying on their brute strength. However, as their martial realms improved, they'd gradually fall behind the others after failing to clear the hurdle of agility.

“You're not to blame for this one,” said Lee Hyeon-Su. “The problem is simply with the techniques you're practicing. They just don't suit you. This issue was causing a serious problem for me as well, so I tried to resolve it, but... Unfortunately, South Korea does not have martial arts that prioritize physical strength, which should suit your body type better.”

“...Huh? Seriously? As in, there is absolutely nothing?”

“I can't tell you if our country never had such martial arts to begin with or if they were lost in the pages of history. However, that doesn't change the current situation of there being no suitable techniques for you. I'm certain about this since I have combed through all the available techniques. Fortunately enough for you, though, Sir Vator has decided to join the Assembly. And that is the heaven-sent opportunity you all have been waiting for.”

Everyone stared at Vator, excitement and awe quickly filling up their expressions. As for Vator, he didn't even bat an eyelid or flinch as he was being stared at by so many people.

“I'm sure this is all the explanation you need,” said Lee Hyeon-Su. “Okay! Now listen closely to what Sir Vator has to say.”

Lee Hyeon-Su stepped back, allowing Zhang Dajing to take over his spot.

When puzzled gazes focused on him, Zhang Dajing covered his mouth with his hand and fake-coughed slightly. “Kuh-hum. I'm the interpreter.”

“Oh...”

That was when Vator abruptly raised his voice. “The physical state of these men is...”

Zhang Dajing sobered up and hurriedly got to work.

“...somewhat disappointing. They are too thin.”

Gong Yeong-Gil was befuddled after hearing Zhang Dajing's translation and reflexively looked at his fellow martial artists behind him. Just one martial artist from this gang of wide-shouldered bastards would've been enough to invoke Moses' miracle in a crowded street. However, they were still... too thin?

Of course, they did resemble two-year-olds when compared to Vator. Even then, that didn't change the fact that these younger-generation martial artists would've been referred to as irregulars if judged by the criteria of average build for a South Korean male.

“It doesn't matter. A lacking body can always be overcome through effort anyway,” said Vator. “All of you, follow my guidance. I shall make you all strong. I shall grant you the perfect physique that won't lose against anyone!”

Gong Yeong-Gil suddenly shot up to his feet, which drew Vator's attention toward him. “Sir! I have a question!”

Vator listened to Zhang Dajing's translation, then nodded to indicate his permission.

Gong Yeong-Gil unhesitantly shouted. “If we learn from you... Can we defeat those punks currently being taught by Mister Kang Jin-Ho?!”

That was the only thing on Gong Yeong-Gil's mind right now. He didn't give a rat's ass about the type of training he'd go through or how unforgiving it was. Hell, he didn't even care about what kind of cultivation technique Vator wanted to teach him!

Some things in this world had to be experienced first-hand to understand. The feeling of watching your peers surging ahead while you were falling behind was the type of humiliation the inexperienced would never comprehend.

Gong Yeong-Gil was prepared to jump into the burning pits of Hell if he could overcome this humiliation. With his current mindset, he probably would've passed Kang Jin-Ho's test!

After listening to Zhang Dajing's translation again, Vator smirked softly. “Yes, it is possible.”

When those four simple words left Zhang Dajing's mouth... fierce flames suddenly lit up in everyone's eyes.

“However!”

“...!”

“My original target was easier than that. That's because I suspected none of you was strong enough to endure my training regime. However, if that's what you want... I will also have to become a little more extreme with my methods. If you don't care about your body getting smashed to bits and your bones turning into powder... Then, I shall grant your wish. Is this what you want?”

The replies came instantly.

“Yes, I want it!”

“Me too!”

“Count me in!”

Vator's smirk deepened as he scratched his chin. 'Hmph. I see that there are quite a lot of spirited young men here.'

Most youngsters were rarely this passionate about taking on extra-hard training. Kang Jin-Ho must've changed something in their mindset.

“Your eagerness has awakened my own selfish desire to win. Good! I shall give this task my all, then! However, you better prepare yourselves. I shall show you what the inside of Hell really looks like! And this Hell will be beyond anything you can imagine. If you think you can keep up, then do it. If you do it, then I shall grant you power.”

The auditorium was instantly enveloped in a bizarre atmosphere full of excitement and anticipation. Silently observing this scene, Lee Hyeon-Su could only smile wryly.

'Is this the power of competition?'

Without Kang Jin-Ho and his 'disciples,' this situation would've never happened. After all, the origin of the motivation burning in these martial artists' eyes wasn't about getting stronger but had more to do with their desire to win.

However, this turn of events wasn't so bad. This was what mastering martial arts was all about, anyway. When everyone was aware of each other's improvements and when everyone struggled to become stronger than the next person... Indeed, the rising tide lifted all boats.

The wry smile on Lee Hyeon-Su's lips soon morphed into one of genuine satisfaction and anticipation as he sensed the burning passion of competition sweeping across the Martial Assembly.

'Hurry up and get stronger soon... So I can use you all!'

With its members all harboring different dreams of their future, the Martial Assembly charged forward at a breakneck speed.