Chapter 240
“What do you mean by that? The Vice-Patriarch has already returned?”
“Yes. Apparently, the Demon King of Azure Flow released him early under the pretext that he had sufficiently reflected on his crimes.”
Duke Huam let out a heavy sigh.
“Why would Her Majesty the Demon King do something so unreasonable? I can't understand it.”
Marquis Goras had committed a grave crime.
And even for the Demon King, reducing his sentence like this was bound to invite criticism.
There’s no doubt she has something planned.
Chris quietly considered the Demon King of Azure Flow’s motives.
She’s trying to use Marquis Goras to ignite the Jade Green Rebellion.
Chris’s face grew grim.
The Jade Green Rebellion.
It had been a horrific disaster.
In his previous life, it was the incident that had claimed the lives of over a thousand poison masters from the Venomous Demonic House.
“Marquis Goras said he would be waiting for you in the Central Hall.”
“The Central Hall?”
“Yes. He’s already summoned the retainers.”
Duke Huam’s expression stiffened.
“The Central Hall, of all places. That’s quite the showy move right after returning.”
In the Venomous Demonic House, the Central Hall was a place of deep significance—used only when the Patriarch made important declarations to the retainers.
In other words, Marquis Goras was flaunting his presence as if he were the Patriarch himself.
“This is troubling. I haven’t even properly thanked you yet, and now I must apologize. It would be best if you returned to the Dark Demonic House.”
Duke Huam’s tone was grave.
“Now that the Vice-Patriarch is back, the atmosphere in the main house won’t be good. More importantly, he might come after you.”
Chris had thwarted Marquis Goras’s plans too many times to be left alone.
But—
“No, I won’t be going back.”
“You won’t?”
“Didn’t I say before? Our Dark Demonic House and the Venomous Demonic House are like brothers. Sure, we’re like brothers who argue and fight all the time—but still brothers.”
Chris gave a casual shrug.
“Even if this is an internal matter for the Venomous Demonic House, I can’t just sit back when trouble is looming. I’ll help.”
Duke Huam looked dumbfounded.
“What kind of help do you think you can offer? Don’t get me wrong—I know how capable you are. But going up against the Vice-Patriarch is a different story.”
He wasn’t wrong.
This wasn’t like the time with the Kalbern Kingdom.
Marquis Goras was a terrifying figure—someone who wielded both overwhelming power and cunning ruthlessness.
He wasn’t someone tricks or tactics would work against.
But—
“Did you know? Back when the incident with the Kalbern Kingdom happened, and even when conflict broke out with the main house… Her Majesty told me it was impossible then too.”
“!!”
Chris gave a sly grin as he spoke.
“See? I’m sure I’ll be of great help this time too.”
“…Honestly.”
Duke Huam shook his head in disbelief, but Christian was completely serious.
“First, let’s head to the Central Hall. Looks like everyone’s already waiting.”
“You’re going as well?”
“Of course. I’m technically a disciple of the Venomous Demonic House too, aren’t I? Even if it’s only a temporary title.”
Chris gave a nonchalant shrug.
“Well then, let’s go.”
Duke Huam gave a heavy nod.
“…Alright.”
As they arrived at the Central Hall, they were greeted by a multitude of retainers who had already gathered in advance.
Chris could sense the anxiety and confusion in the retainers' eyes.
Where’s Marquis Goras?
Up above.
Standing with his back turned at the highest seat—the seat reserved for the Patriarch—was Marquis Goras.
“…What is the meaning of this, Vice-Patriarch?”
Duke Huam spoke coldly, clearly displeased.
“That seat does not belong to you. Step down at once.”
At those words, Marquis Goras slowly turned around.
As everyone faced the glare in Marquis Goras’s eyes, a collective gasp filled the room.
He’s gotten stronger…?
A shockingly intense aura surged from him—one far more powerful than before.
But there was something strange.
He hasn’t broken into High 8-Star. And yet, how has his energy grown so overwhelming?
A proper High 8-Star stood at the threshold of the transcendence realm, and their presence would undergo a clear transformation.
There would be an air about them that resembled a transcendent being—but Goras didn’t have that.
Even so, the pressure he exudes is no less than that of a High 8-Star. What in the world happened?
Everyone stood stunned, trying to make sense of it.
Everyone—except Chris.
He alone realized what had changed in Marquis Goras.
He’s harboring Jinok. Just like in my past life.
Chris’s gaze sharpened.
It was a scheme orchestrated by the Demon King of Azure Flow.
She had meddled with all three Houses—Dark, Venomous, and Destruction—in her pursuit of the Three Primordial Essences.
In the case of the Venomous Demonic House, her method was implanting Jinok inside Marquis Goras.
Because of that thing… more than a thousand poison masters will be massacred. It’s practically the same as the House being annihilated.
It was one of the reasons why the Southern Magic Kingdom was devastated by the Four Demon Stars without putting up any meaningful resistance.
At that moment, Marquis Goras opened his mouth to speak.
“My standing here today is under the command of Her Majesty, the Demon King of Azure Flow.”
“…What did you say?”
“Her Majesty pardoned the crimes I committed in the past—and in return, gave me one order.”
A chilling light flashed in Goras’s eyes.
With a burst, an overwhelming energy exploded into the air.
As that thick, ominous energy filled the room, everyone in the Venomous Demonic House gulped in tense silence.
And in that moment, Marquis Goras dropped a thunderous declaration.
“Her Majesty, the Demon King of Azure Flow, commanded me to rise as the Patriarch of the Venomous Demonic House and reform the House’s corruption.”
“!!”
Everyone, including Duke Huam, widened their eyes in shock.
“What kind of absurd—?!”
“Even the Demon King has no right to interfere with a House’s internal affairs!”
As they objected, the truth of the matter was clear: even a Demon King was forbidden from directly meddling in the internal administration of the noble magic families.
Especially in matters concerning the succession of a Patriarch—it was strictly off-limits.
However—
“To carry out Her Majesty’s command, I will formally request a Patriarchal Duel.”
“!!”
The entire hall was thrown into an uproar once again.
The Patriarchal Duel.
It was the formal challenge for the seat of Patriarch—a duel to claim the position.
However, it could not be issued at will. It could only be initiated when there was proper justification for replacing the current Patriarch.
And Marquis Goras had put forth the command of the Demon King of Azure Flow as his justification.
With a voice that sank low and cold, he continued:
“As you well know, Lord Patriarch, when there is just cause, a duel cannot be refused.”
“……”
“Then, let’s schedule the duel for one week from now. I’ll see you then.”
With that, Marquis Goras vanished.
And a deathly silence descended upon those left behind.
Christian returned to the Patriarch’s office alongside Marisa and the others.
Marisa, her face pale, shook her head in disbelief.
“T-This can’t be happening… A Patriarchal Duel? You mustn’t go through with it, Father!”
“If there’s a legitimate reason, I can’t refuse the challenge.”
“B-But…! You’ll be killed, Father!!”
Marisa couldn’t hold it in any longer and raised her voice.
Duke Huam’s expression also grew heavy.
It’s true—I don’t stand a chance of winning. He won’t spare me.
Marquis Goras and Duke Huam were blood brothers.
Goras was the elder, and by right, the one originally destined to succeed the Venomous Demonic House.
But in their youth, Marquis Goras had hit a wall for a long time. Duke Huam had surpassed him and inherited the House.
The problem was, Goras had blossomed late.
Only after turning fifty did his talents finally bloom—and he eventually even surpassed Duke Huam.
That was when the tragedy of the Venomous Demonic House began.
He hates me. From his perspective, I stole everything from him. He’ll definitely take my life.
Yet he couldn’t refuse the duel.
“There’s nothing I can do, Marisa.”
“But still!! Even so…!”
Just then, a calm voice cut in.
It was Chris.
“What His Grace said is correct. A Patriarchal Duel cannot be refused. Marisa, stop throwing a childish tantrum.”
Marisa bit her lip hard.
He wasn’t wrong.
But how could she stay calm when her father’s life was at stake?
She clenched her fists and rose from her seat.
“…I’ll step outside.”
Once Marisa left, Duke Huam let out a long sigh.
“Thank you for stopping her. She’s a strong girl—she’ll pull herself together soon, even if she’s like that right now.”
“Not at all. May I bring up the reward you promised me earlier?”
“Ah, that’s right. If I die, I won’t be able to give it to you—go ahead, say what you want.”
Duke Huam spoke with a bitter smile.
Chris, still expressionless, replied calmly.
“First, please grant me access to the Venomous Demonic House’s secret archives.”
“That’s an easy request. What else?”
“Open the Path of Venom to me immediately.”
Duke Huam flinched slightly.
“You truly intend to challenge the Venom Source?”
“Of course.”
“Well… given your current level of mastery, it’s within reach. I still can’t believe you've already reached the 6-star level in Venom Arts in such a short time.”
Duke Huam shook his head in disbelief.
“But don’t get overconfident. Among those who’ve reached 6 stars, less than 30% actually manage to obtain the Venom Source. Above all, greed is the greatest danger.”
The Venom Source was the purest origin of poison.
If one let greed consume them and tried to absorb more than their vessel could handle, the consequences could be fatal.
One had to absorb only as much as their vessel could hold—no more.
Chris’s talent is beyond question… but I’m worried he’ll become overconfident and reach too far.
Duke Huam spoke again.
“Is there anything else you want?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“Let’s hear it.”
Chris looked at Duke Huam for a moment, then made a surprising request.
“On the day of the Patriarchal Duel, no matter what I do… allow it.”
“…What do you mean by ‘what you do’?”
“I can’t explain in detail. Just promise me that, no matter what happens that day, you’ll permit it.”
Duke Huam looked visibly confused.
“…You’re not planning to do anything dangerous, are you? Promise me now—you won’t do anything reckless.”
He added with a bitter tone,
“I’ll probably lose my life that day, but I don’t want you to get caught up in it too.”
Duke Huam cared for Chris in his own way.
He’d even considered him as a potential son-in-law.
So the last thing he wanted was to see Chris die getting tangled up in the Venomous Demonic House’s affairs.
“It won’t be dangerous. Then—I’ll see you that day.”
That was all Chris said.
After leaving Duke Huam’s quarters, he went to find Marisa.
“…Why are you here?”
Marisa asked, her eyes red and swollen.
“I know. There’s nothing we can do. But… I still can’t just sit back and watch your father die…”
Just as Marisa’s voice was about to crack into tears, Chris cut her off.
“I won’t let him die.”
“…What?”
“I have a way.”
“!!”
Marisa looked at him in disbelief.
“But I need your cooperation.”
“What do you need?! Just say it—anything!”
Then Chris quietly explained his “plan,” and Marisa’s eyes widened so much it looked like they might tear apart.
* * *
The Path of Venom was located deep within the Jinok Vault.
Marisa led the way.
“This is it. If you head down to the underground interior, the trial will begin. If you make it through to the end, you’ll be able to challenge the Venom Source.”
Chris gave a firm nod.