My Alter Ego's Path to Greatness #Chapter 66: Chapter 324: Title Match (1) - Read My Alter Ego's Path to Greatness Chapter 66: Chapter 324: Title Match (1) Online - All Page

Chapter 66: Chapter 324: Title Match (1)

Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province.The city, relatively close to Mount Song, maintained a semblance of stability amidst the widespread chaos engulfing the world. The Shaolin Temple, living up to its reputation as a pillar of the Murim, prioritized the well-being of the people even in these difficult times, its influence extending to the surrounding sects, who had to tread carefully.Of course, this influence waned the further one went from the Shaolin Temple, and in other provinces, there were plenty who used their affiliation with the Shaolin as a pretext for their misdeeds…But Zhengzhou, close to Mount Song and being the provincial capital, was under the Shaolin Temple's direct protection, so there were no such concerns.And near the border of Zhengzhou, where the city's silhouette was barely visible in the distance—"Hmph! I made it this far, but…"A man with messy, unkempt hair scratched his bushy beard and frowned."I feel like I've been played. Thinking back, I was too hasty."He paused, crossed his arms, pondered for a moment, then shook his head and resumed his journey. He couldn't turn back now. And he knew himself well enough to know that even if he could turn back time, he would make the same choice, having already confirmed the truth.'I heard he's quite skilled, but…'His eyes, visible through the gaps in his hair, blazed with anger. He didn't bother hiding his emotions, growling like a territorial beast."He dared to impersonate me? …No, judging by his actions, impersonation wasn't his only goal."Crack—A small stone beneath his feet crumbled to dust. The grass around him withered under the pressure of his aura."This is a challenge. He provoked me into coming here, which means he's confident."A savage grin appeared on his face. He was always eager for a fight."Heh, let's see what he looks like."His name was Mok Ingwang.Known to the world as 'Mad Demon'.Mad Demon.It was a title that perfectly reflected Mok Ingwang's rebellious nature. If something displeased him, he would attack relentlessly, like a rabid dog, regardless of consequences. He wouldn't hesitate to risk his own life to get even with his enemies.His reckless personality, challenging anyone regardless of their affiliation or power, constantly brought danger and death to his doorstep. If he had been any weaker, he would have been just another nameless fool.'But I'm still alive.'He overcame every crisis, using them as stepping stones for growth, and finally rose to become one of the strongest in the Murim. He had started with the insignificant title of 'Mad Dog,' but he eventually earned the title of 'Mad Demon.'How impressive was it to live as he pleased in these chaotic times, defying all odds? And the fact that he was still alive was a testament to his strength.'But…'The title of 'Mad Demon' held a significant weight for Mok Ingwang. It was the trajectory of his life, a medal proving his struggles, and the ultimate proof of who he had become."He dared to use it?"Two days. That was how long it took him to pinpoint the imposter's location after arriving in Zhengzhou.Swish—He moved like the wind, cutting through space. He hadn't gathered the information himself. Wherever people gathered, those who dealt in secrets also lurked, including those who specialized in information. He had simply found them and 'persuaded' them to cooperate.'I didn't expect them to be this efficient.'The information brokers had provided him with the imposter's past actions and his current location in a surprisingly short amount of time. He hadn't expected such thoroughness, even though the target was a recently notorious figure.'Lucky.'Mok Ingwang grinned. Over two decades had passed since the bloody incident at the Imperial Palace. Finding a competent information network among the numerous organizations that had sprung up after the Beggars' Sect's downfall required considerable luck. And things were going smoothly from the start.'It would have been easier if the Beggars' Sect was still around.'But it couldn't be helped. Begging required people with spare change. A sect composed mostly of ordinary beggars couldn't function in these harsh times, where everyone struggled to survive. The lower-ranking members had either left or formed smaller groups around the mid-ranking officials who knew martial arts. The name 'Beggars' Sect' was practically meaningless now.'Well, the details don't matter. If he's not here, I'll just go back and 'persuade' them further…'He arrived at a mountain, on the road to Zhengzhou, his eyes gleaming. He had finally arrived. At the location of the imposter who dared to steal his title.And as he reached a certain point on the mountain……fortunately for the members of the information network, they no longer had to fear Mad Demon's return."Huh? Who are you?"At the entrance of the mountain stronghold……amidst the signs of a recent rampage……stood a figure, strangely at ease.'…That's him.'He knew instantly. This was the imposter who had brought him here."Hmm? Judging by your appearance, you're a bandit too? Wow, as expected of the greenwood! The quality of bandits these days is quite high! Those water bandits are no match! Kahahaha!"The figure, unfazed by his sudden appearance, moved casually, like a satiated predator, showing no signs of tension. And that wasn't the only unusual thing.'Is he from beyond the borders?'Mok Ingwang frowned. The man's attire, like a tribesman from some remote region, was bizarre, almost grotesque.But he quickly remembered his purpose and stepped forward."That's not important right now.""So, you're here for revenge, huh? For your dead subordinates?""I don't care about the trash here. I came for you.""Huh?"Mok Ingwang's temper flared at the man's nonchalant attitude, tilting his head in feigned ignorance. He unleashed his aura, his voice low and menacing."Mad Demon.""Uh, why are you…?""That's my title.""…Oh?""You stole it, so you have to pay the price.""…"Silence.A brief moment of quiet followed the short exchange."So—"Mok Ingwang growled, resuming his speech."—let's see if you're worthy.""Heh!"At his last words, the man, Harley, who had remained relaxed until now, grinned, his mouth splitting open impossibly wide, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth."Ah— Aah—! I understand. Hehehe— I apologize for my rudeness. You came all the way here. Hehehe."He couldn't contain his laughter, a strange, dark amusement filling his eyes. And his aura shifted dramatically."I was planning to visit you sometime, but you came to me instead. Saved me the trouble."A faint heat haze rose from his body.Rumble—The air around him shimmered and crackled. He was still the same man, but the strange energy emanating from him made him appear completely different.From a satiated predator, lazily lounging after a hunt……to an incomprehensible monster, toying with its new prey.Chill—Mok Ingwang, standing right in front of him, felt the change most acutely. Harley's suppressed violence erupted, sending a wave of danger washing over him. His senses sharpened, his instincts screaming.'Huh.'He could clearly sense it now. The dense, heavy, bottomless madness within his opponent.'This is absurd. A human can contain such madness? And maintain his sanity enough for a normal conversation?'Was it even possible? He almost laughed in disbelief. His instincts screamed.This was dangerous. Fighting him would only lead to death. He had to escape.But—"Haa…"—he ignored the warning, grinning back at his opponent. He had no intention of retreating.'Since when did I care about such things?'A chuckle escaped his lips. He had always been this way. He never backed down from a threat, always charging forward with the determination to overcome it.'And I've survived so far.'This was just another threat. He would prove himself and overcome this challenge, as he always had. And if he failed……then that was it.Swish—A moment of escalating tension.Both figures vanished simultaneously.Kaboom—!A powerful shockwave ripped through the air, scattering the debris of the already ruined stronghold.Harley, his fist extended, and Mok Ingwang, his hand coated in a glowing aura, stared at each other from the center of the impact. Harley grinned and spoke casually."I like your title. I'll be taking it.""Heh heh, what a load of crap. Are those bandits scattered around your subordinates?""Kahaha! Unfortunately, they weren't up to par! I'm willing to make an exception for you. How about it? Want to join me?""Pay your dues first!"Rumble—!Their auras clashed again, a deafening boom shaking the air.And as the battle began in earnest, Mok Ingwang's aura shifted, no longer the seemingly calm 'Mad Demon.''Hoo? What's that?'Harley's eyes gleamed, noticing the change in his opponent's energy flow. A sinister grin spread across Mok Ingwang's face, his eyes wide and bloodshot. The veins on his body bulged grotesquely, and a tangible, crimson aura, amplifying his claw-like hand, materialized. It tore through the air, distorting the surrounding space, its savage form similar to Harley's transformed hand.Boom—!Mad Demon's martial arts were bizarre. Fast, powerful, unpredictable, and instinctive.Harley was stronger, faster, tougher, and had better senses.But his opponent's attacks were strangely disorienting, creating openings where there were none, constantly exploiting his weaknesses.'I see. So this is the art of illusion and change. I haven't seen anyone use it this effectively…'He began to understand. A deceptive style that feigned strength and speed, luring him in, while the real attacks were hidden within the feints. A cunning technique, despite its seemingly straightforward approach.'But it's useless if it can't land a hit.'His body was practically indestructible, even without his dragon scales. These attacks couldn't harm him. There was no need to rush. He would wait for his opponent to exhaust himself, then subdue him…Swish—Suddenly……Mok Ingwang's piercing strike, aimed for his heart, was blocked by Harley's palm. And in that instant, Mok Ingwang's other hand raked across his arm. Coated in a strange, crimson aura.Screech—!A grating, metallic sound echoed.Harley's eyes narrowed slightly as he allowed the attack to connect. Several claw marks appeared on his incredibly tough arm. The wounds quickly regenerated, but the process was slowed by the anti-regenerative properties of the aura.It was proof that his opponent's attack was far more powerful than he'd initially anticipated, its efficiency absurdly high.'He's quite good. It's a shame…'Harley's eyes gleamed with renewed interest as he unleashed a barrage of attacks. Claw-like strikes, aiming for the openings created by his momentary distraction.And so, two Mad Demons, each with different thoughts in mind, clashed head-on over a single title.

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