SWNOVELXO My Alter Ego's Path to Greatness
</p><p>Mok Ingwang's first memory was of a cold winter. The frigid ground of the back alleys, the gnawing hunger and thirst, the endless struggle for survival with other orphans…</p><p>He didn't know how he ended up there. It was simply his reality, and no one, including himself, cared about the reason. Knowing wouldn't change anything.</p><p>He spent his childhood in that harsh environment. Fortunately, he had the resilience to survive. Born with a strong body, he remained healthy while other children succumbed to illness, and he was a talented fighter, capable of defending himself against larger opponents.</p><p>But he had a fatal flaw: his increasingly volatile temper. He would suddenly snap, turning minor issues into major conflicts. Fights were a constant in his life, and he lost what little reputation he had, eventually isolating himself.</p><p>And then, one day, amidst his chaotic life, constantly causing trouble…</p><p>…he met his turning point.</p><p>About twenty years ago…</p><p>…when the entire city seemed restless, although he didn't understand why back then…</p><p>…the young Mok Ingwang met him.</p><p>"Hmm, what's a child like you doing here…? What is this world coming to?"</p><p>An old man with a long beard, a worried expression on his face, dressed in worn Daoist robes. He stared at the boy, whose lifeless eyes reflected a mere will to survive, and spoke.</p><p>"Hey."</p><p>"…"</p><p>"Snap out of it."</p><p>Mok Ingwang tilted his head at the abrupt words.</p><p>Wait, was it always like this…? His voice sounded strange.</p><p>But the old man continued, a benevolent expression on his face, as if he wouldn't wait.</p><p>"Hmm— You carry a burden a child shouldn't bear. This must be fate. Tell me, child, what is your name?"</p><p>"…"</p><p>"Oh, I was so worried that I forgot to introduce myself. I am…"</p><p>The old man finally introduced himself to the still silent boy.</p><p>"—the Mad Demon now."</p><p>"…"</p><p>His mind snapped into focus.</p><p>"Ugh!"</p><p>Mok Ingwang's eyes shot open. An overwhelming pain coursed through his body. He ached all over, as if he had been tortured.</p><p>"Oh! You're awake? I thought you might react to that! Kahahaha!"</p><p>As he flinched in pain, the voice he had vaguely heard in his dream echoed loudly.</p><p>A man in bizarre attire, so unlike the common fashion of this world, but now strangely familiar, stood before him, his muscular arms crossed.</p><p>"But it's too late! I won!"</p><p>Harley, the victor of the duel for the title of Mad Demon, nodded resolutely, his unwavering determination clear. He would not yield.</p><p>"Haa…"</p><p>Mok Ingwang sighed. But it wasn't just because of his opponent's words. He was too preoccupied to care about Harley's ramblings.</p><p>'I had a hunch.'</p><p>He sensed the presence of madness within him, beyond the physical pain. The energy that had rampaged uncontrollably during their fierce battle was now calmly under his control. He had pushed himself to the limit, accepting the consequences, resigning himself to being consumed by madness… and yet, his Qi was more stable than ever. He couldn't remember the last time his mind had been this clear.</p><p>"…So, I thought about a new title for you. How about Mad Dog? Like, never letting go once it bites! If you don't like that…"</p><p>Harley, acting friendly as if they hadn't just been fighting, continued suggesting new titles: Mad Beast, Soul-Severing Madman, Mad Dragon King, and so on. His words showed no consideration for his opponent, but neither he nor Mok Ingwang seemed to care.</p><p>'He can even control the madness within me. Just who is he?'</p><p>His mind raced. Perhaps because the madness that had plagued him his entire life had subsided, even his animosity towards his opponent had diminished. There was no point in resisting now that he was defeated. His strongest emotion was curiosity, a desire to know how his opponent had achieved this.</p><p>He had almost given up hope, but…</p><p>'Perhaps I can use him.'</p><p>As he stared blankly at Harley, his gaze misinterpreted, Harley frowned and stepped back.</p><p>"Nope, not giving it up. I like this one, so you pick another one."</p><p>His opponent was still fixated on the title. This made him feel even more foolish, his mind reeling with various thoughts.</p><p>"…Madman."</p><p>He sighed and muttered under his breath. He hadn't realized, but this was the third time he had called his opponent a 'madman.'</p><p>Three strikes, and he was out.</p><p>The moment the fake madness knelt before the true madness.</p><p>Harley descended the mountain with the former Mad Demon, Mok Ingwang, now docile as a lamb. While he didn't have any broken bones, thanks to Harley's controlled strength, his body was still battered and bruised. Yet, he walked steadily without complaint.</p><p>Harley, watching him from a few steps behind, nodded slowly, stroking his chin.</p><p>'Hmm, the effect is better than I expected. I don't know when he'll recover, but I don't have to worry about him for a while.'</p><p>His opponent's sudden docility wasn't a normal reaction. It was a mental side effect of the rather forceful suppression of his rampaging madness. It was convenient for now, having him obedient and slightly listless.</p><p>'It was a coincidence that we met, but… well, it worked out well.'</p><p>He had gained quite a bit. Not just insight into usable martial arts, but also a deeper understanding of 'madness' and valuable information from his opponent.</p><p>'And most importantly, I've formed a connection with such a talented individual.'</p><p>Of course, he couldn't fully trust someone he had just been fighting. Their current truce was a temporary event, a result of various coinciding factors. He needed to take further measures to secure his loyalty…</p><p>'…But judging by his reaction, controlling his madness seems to be enough.'</p><p>He had already obtained the necessary leverage. It seemed to be a sensitive issue for his opponent. There was a minor issue of him potentially turning against him later, but…</p><p>"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"</p><p>"Huh? Nothing. Kahaha!"</p><p>"…Put your fist down first, if you don't intend to kill me."</p><p>His opponent seemed to want something from him, as he wasn't resisting their sudden partnership. Of course, being subdued by force played a role.</p><p>"Now, let's go, buddy!"</p><p>"…Where to?"</p><p>They began walking, each with their own hidden agenda.</p><p>"Geez, you're so slow. Where's the hottest place right now?"</p><p>"Hot…?"</p><p>"Ah— I mean, where's the talk of the town?"</p><p>"That would be Mount Song. The leaders of the orthodox factions are gathering there. Of course, not all of them are elites, but it's symbolic… Wait, are you planning to…?"</p><p>"Hahaha! Let's go!"</p><p>"You madman! What are you thinking?!"</p><p>What was he thinking? He had come this far; he might as well make an appearance! And there was no better place for a 'Mad Demon' showcase than a gathering of Murim leaders.</p><p>'I can't miss this big event!'</p><p>Harley, continuing his journey, glanced at Mok Ingwang, who was reluctantly following him with a sour expression, and casually asked,</p><p>"So, what's your new title going to be? I personally like Mad Dog! Or…"</p><p>"…"</p><p>Mok Ingwang gritted his teeth. It seemed he hadn't completely given up yet.</p><p>At the Shaolin Temple's guest quarters…</p><p>…Hugo left, following a monk.</p><p>He was on his way to his now daily task before the gathering officially began.</p><p>"Thank you for your assistance."</p><p>"Don't mention it. He's making good progress."</p><p>He entered a room filled with the scent of herbs and glanced to the side. A gaunt young man lay on a bed, seemingly lifeless. He was the patient he was asked to treat, just like Zhuge Huimei.</p><p>'I wonder if it's alright to use the power of a god from another dimension in a Buddhist temple.'</p><p>He had taken precautions to prevent the divine power from leaking out, but…</p><p>He was relieved that the Shaolin Temple wasn't hostile towards other religions. Their pursuit wasn't blind faith or worship, but enlightenment through emulation of divine beings.</p><p>Woooong—</p><p>Hugo placed the holy symbol on the patient's forehead, his eyes narrowed, observing the reaction. Having done this countless times, he could easily assess the response to the treatment. And the diagnosis was…</p><p>'Strange. The reaction is identical to Zhuge Huimei's.'</p><p>This wasn't a disease. And it didn't seem to be a constitutional issue either…</p><p>"…Ah, you're here."</p><p>The young man's eyes fluttered open, and a dry voice escaped his lips.</p><p>"Please stay still. I'm almost finished."</p><p>"I'm indebted to you again. Thanks to Divine Doctor, I'm much better. I can even take short walks now."</p><p>His voice was indeed much stronger than before. Hugo, the nameless divine doctor, a guest of the Zhuge Clan, nodded slowly, recalling his conversation with Zhuge Gunak, the retired elder, before his departure.</p><p>After his participation in the Shaolin gathering was decided, the Zhuge Clan had asked him for a favor. They had a patient with the same symptoms as Zhuge Huimei at the Shaolin Temple, and they wanted him to take a look. They had collaborated on research related to her treatment, so it was difficult to keep her recovery a secret. While it was fine for now, the Shaolin Temple would feel betrayed if they learned about it later. And she couldn't remain hidden within the estate forever.</p><p>'The Shaolin Temple is the most influential orthodox faction, both symbolically and practically. It might be good to form a connection.'</p><p>And it was a request he had no reason to refuse. It aligned with his goal of expanding his influence in Ganghwange. And there was another factor that influenced his decision…</p><p>"You're recovering faster than I expected. It seems the Shaolin Temple has been taking good care of you."</p><p>"Hahaha… I'm eternally grateful. I hope to repay your kindness someday. And yours too, Divine Doctor."</p><p>"Your words are enough, Your Highness. I'll finish the treatment now."</p><p>…the patient at the Shaolin Temple was a member of the imperial family.</p><p>A direct descendant of the last emperor.</p><p></p>
Chapter 68: Chapter 326: Title Match (3)
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