Chapter 218: Chapter 218

[Domain of Martial Arts]

[Rank: ?]

[There is a domain of martial arts. Faith in martial arts becomes your strength.]

‘!’

Choi Yeonseung realized what kind of power he had just received. It was quite simple. Just as the goddess of sloth had the domain of sloth, Choi Yeonseung had gained the newly created domain of martial arts. A domain was a constellation’s source of power. The larger the domain, the stronger the constellation became.

‘By the way… Why exactly did I get the Domain of Martial Arts?’

Choi Yeonseung was puzzled. Of course, given his proficiency in martial arts, receiving the domain wasn’t surprising. Even when Choi Yeonseung had just become a constellation, he had defeated many many constellations in hand-to-hand combat just by relying on his martial arts techniques.

However, if skill was the condition of receiving the domain, shouldn’t he have gained the Domain of Martial Arts right after he became a constellation?

-Successor, the mere act of mastering martial arts was meaningless when it came to this domain.

-What do you mean?

-This is something that most constellations are mistaken about as well... Constellations can’t exist without mortals. They are born because mortals exist.

The Manipulator of Dreams and Desires, the constellation of the nightmare demons, was created through the power and faith sent by the nightmare demons. The Goddess of Defeat and Sloth was created by the defeat and laziness experienced by many mortals in the Abyss.

-Martial arts are… They are what they are...

-...Can you just tell me the truth?

-It seems that there was so little attention paid to martial arts that they were never made into a domain...

The goddess’ words made Choi Yeonseung’s heart ache, precisely because they were true.

He had been wandering around the Abyss for so long, yet he had never encountered enemies that used martial arts. It was to the point where he wondered, ‘Why did someone even bother writing books about martial arts if there is no one using the skill?’

In the Abyss, martial arts were an unpopular skill.

-Successor, there is no need to feel bad. If martial arts had been popular in the Abyss, it would’ve been difficult for you to gain a domain.

-It saddens me, but at the same time I can’t deny what you’re saying.

Because martial arts were unpopular in the Abyss, Choi Yeonseung managed to monopolize the area alone. It was a bittersweet achievement.

‘Was this fight that impressive?’

No matter how much the hunters on the shore were impressed, Choi Yeonseung didn’t think he would get a domain. However, he failed to take into consideration one thing, and that was technology. The difference between modern-day technology and that from 30 years ago was enormous. This difference was further highlighted by the fact that the entire fight was being broadcasted on live television.

Broadcasting the fight all around the world wasn’t even that impressive. Even the hunters and random onlookers were broadcasting the whole thing using their own personal accounts. Even though raids were quite common, and for many people not that interesting, monster waves were special events. Even those who weren’t interested in hunter-related things would watch the monster waves attentively.

Towards the end of the fight, the spectators were shocked by Choi Yeonseung’s monstrous display of power as he forcefully pushed the monster towards the shore. With this fight, people got to see the true potential of martial arts!

[The ‘Monk Pursuing Glory’ is amazed by your ability and power.]

[The ‘Arrogant Light Elf’ says it wasn’t aesthetically perfect, but it was overall pretty good.]

[The ‘Six-Winged Angel Who Hunts Dragons’ is praising you. He is looking forward to seeing your performance when dealing with the evil god constellations in the future.]

[The ‘Goddess of Balance Who Walks Ahead’ is praising you while gritting her teeth.]

‘What is my rank now?’

Choi Yeonseung couldn’t help being surprised after checking his ranking. He was currently ranked 61st. Choi Yeonseung, who wasn’t even among the constellations aiming to take over Earth, rose close to the top 60.

After gaining the Domain of Martial Arts, his power of existence had reached a level that couldn’t be ignored. He was still an intermediate constellation, but he had gotten powerful enough that nobody could disregard him anymore. Any constellation of his caliber had some kind of secret weapon, one that could severely injure any opponent. A single constellation battle could result in one of them getting seriously injured, so they couldn’t lower their guard.

-Successor, I’m worried that you have become stronger too quickly.

The goddess of sloth spoke in a worried voice.

The Abyss was a dangerous and unpredictable place, but there were some rules. One of them dictated that all the good guys joined forces and fought together. Of course, Choi Yeonseung’s ranking wasn’t threatening yet. It was just that he had improved too fast. Even some constellations would have thought that he had evolved way too fast for how long he had been on Earth. If that happened, many constellations would try to keep him in check...

-In any case, I’m prepared.

Choi Yeonseung answered firmly.He couldn’t achieve his goal if he acted cautiously out of fear of being kept in check by other constellations. Just as others were leading the way for him, he had to move forward, even if it meant taking risks!

To be honest, he had been quite lucky so far. Firstly, he had won all the constellation battles he participated in. Furthermore, people didn’t know that Choi Yeonseung was a constellation, which meant he was able to move around comfortably without attracting attention.

However, it was certain that more constraints would appear in the future.

-In fact, when it comes to ruling and developing a kingdom as a constellation, fighting is indeed important, but so is diplomacy.

-Diplomacy?

-You have to be able to tolerate to some extent the constellations you don’t get along with.

-...Is that even possible?

Choi Yeonseung was doubtful. People said that hunters were self-serving lunatics who were difficult to deal with, but constellations were even worse than that. They weren’t even human to begin with, so logic was out of the question.

-Even though it’s difficult, a constellation that actually manages to do it will be really powerful.

‘Can’t I just kill them all?’

-Don’t underestimate them.

-I’m not.

[The ‘Warrior Stained with Madness and Blood’ is silently paying homage to your growth.]

-......

-It seems like there’s a good opponent over there.

-No, there isn’t.

***

@Dragon_Hwang

-Which clan killed the tortoise head mountain while the other A-grade hunters in the field got scared and decided to hide?

@Dragon_Hwang

-Let me give you guys a hint. It’s a hunter whose name starts with ‘Choi’, from the clan that starts with ‘Ica’.

Hwang Gyeongryong was beyond thrilled with how the fight went and was excited to mock and provoke other people online. However, the hunters at the scene didn’t have time to refute the accusations. The situation was more urgent than expected.

“We have to return home quickly! Hurry!”

“What’s wrong with them?”

“I think the current situation in China is critical. The number of monsters is much higher than anticipated...”

They had defeated the tortoise head mountain much faster than expected, but the atmosphere within the group of hunters was chaotic. The Chinese hunters were moving fast and urgently tried to return back home. However, that wasn’t all. The Chinese hunters were also urged by their government to try to recruit as many hunters as possible.

“Brave hunters who aren’t afraid of monsters! Are there any hunters who will help us save innocent civilians who are suffering as we speak?”

“What kind of nonsense are you saying so confidently? Don’t you feel embarrassed when saying something like that in Chinese?”

“What are you talking about?”

Of course, if they had been the kind of hunters to be moved by such speeches and rush to another country to help, they wouldn’t have come to this monster wave in the first place. Hunters who participated in monster waves had a good amount of experience. Thus, they never responded to such melodramatic speeches.

“Hunter Kwon Yeongseung, I know your abilities very well. Aren’t you the main star here? The light of South Korea?”

“Haha. Thank you.”

“If you lead the Six-Eyed Turtle clan to support us this time, we will never forget the favor. China would certainly invest in any movies you film in the future and fully support them when they get released...”

“No. It’s fine.”

Kwon Yeongseung was disgusted with the Chinese hunters. Some people might’ve been tempted by the offer, but he wasn’t going to lower himself like that just to make a big hit in the movie industry. Given that he was an A-grade hunter, he already had plenty of money. The movies were just a means of self-expression.

When their offer was rejected, the Chinese hunters turned to intimidation.

“Hunter Kwon Yeongseung, if you don’t help us, Kim Jingook’s upcoming film might not do so well.

“Are you threatening me right now?”

Director Kim Jingook was quite close to Kwon Yeongseung. He had recently filmed a new movie and was preparing for its release. It was true that if it got blocked on the Chinese market, one of the biggest markets in the world, the movie would take a big hit.

Kwon Yeongseung’s expression became stern.

“It’s not a threat. That’s how desperate we are.”

Despite the fact that Kwon Yeongseung looked like he wanted to kill them, the Chinese hunters stood their ground. No matter how terrifying an A-grade hunter was, they weren’t as terrifying as the Party Central Hunter Committee. They could even find the second cousin of someone’s in-law parents and make them disappear. The Chinese hunters had to carry out their orders if they didn’t want to see their family members disappear…

“I won’t sacrifice my clanmates, even if my own life is at stake.”

“What does that even mean? It’s not dangerous this time...”

“Why are you so nervous?”

Choi Yeonseung checked the tortoise head mountain’s corpse and gave some instructions. Then, he approached the Chinese hunters when he saw them argue with Kwon Yeongseung. Having to face one A-grade hunter was already nerve-racking, but now that Choi Yeonseung joined them as well, the Chinese hunters turned pale.

“Hunter Choi Yeonseung. This is an official request.”

“Just because you use the word ‘official’ doesn’t mean your bullshit request is acceptable. Can I attack you if I do it ‘officially’?”

At Choi Yeonseung’s words, the hunters flinched and backed away. Kwon Yeongseung was flustered and stopped him.

“You can’t use force here!!”

It was said that hunters lived as they pleased, without thinking, but at one point, there had to be a line. They couldn’t make a scene when so many eyes were set on them. It would’ve become a nuisance later on.

“Why did you think I was going to punch them? I didn’t intend to do that at all…”

“Ah... Is that so?”

Kwon Yeongseung became slightly embarrassed. He was sure that Choi Yeonseung was going to fight the Chinese hunters.

“Hunter Kwon Yeongseung doesn’t want to go, so stop insisting and leave.”

“Our request is for Hunter Kwon Yeongseung. Unless you want to volunteer to take his place…”

“Yes. I’ll go instead.”

“...Huh???”

The Chinese hunter who was explaining the situation was shocked by the unexpected answer.

Unlike Kwon Yeongseung, who was an A-grade hunter but worked in South Korea and had many weaknesses to exploit, Choi Yeonseung was active in the United States and had few weaknesses. He wasn’t easily flattered because he didn’t work in the entertainment industry and didn’t make movies. Moreover, he ran a business in the United States...

Because of that, they didn’t even bother to ask him in the first place, but surprisingly, he volunteered.

“A-Are you serious?”

The Chinese hunters spoke in voices mixed with anticipation, shock, and excitement.

Kwon Yeongseung whispered in an embarrassed manner, “H-Hunter Choi Yeonseung. You know it’s dangerous to go to China under these circumstances!”

“I know, calm down.”

Choi Yeonseung reassured Kwon Yeongseung. There was a certain saying among the hunters.

-Don’t go to China.

-Even if it’s normal, don’t go to China in dangerous situations.

-In any case, don’t go, just don’t go!

When the situation wasn’t urgent, the Chinese government handled things while paying attention to other countries, but when it was urgent, they couldn’t afford to do that. They could abuse their power in every conceivable way.

“Then why...?”

“Ah. I’ve learnt something from Gyeongryong hyung and I think I can use it as a bargaining chip.”

“??”

Choi Yeonseung approached the Chinese hunters, took out a map, pointed his finger and said, “Ask the people in power if I can get this part, from here to here.”

“No... Hunter Choi Yeonseung...”

The Chinese hunters looked at Choi Yeonseung like he was a madman.