Episode 114: Return to the Demon Sect

Thanks to Sabikang’s stern warning, the violent acts of the Blood Alliance warriors were completely eradicated. Not only that, but those who had secretly hoarded treasures also voluntarily returned them.

However, Jo Muntak had to endure a day of scolding from Sabikang for his rash actions.

“Things worked out this time, but there’s no guarantee it will always be like this. If you let personal feelings get in the way of important matters, you might ruin everything. Exercise restraint.”

“I’m sorry.”

Despite feeling chastised, Jo Muntak was secretly grateful to Sabikang. He realized that if Sabikang had truly wanted to stop him, he could have easily done so.

That evening, Cheok Gilyang, the leader of the Annihilation Squad, hosted a banquet. It had become customary for the Blood Alliance to gather and appraise the spoils of war during such events.

Of course, Sabikang, now disguised as Bok Liju, attended the banquet. Jo Muntak and Dan Lijeong sat on either side of him. The three couldn’t help but frown at the sight before them.

The banquet was held in the courtyard of the castle, and at the entrance, naked corpses were impaled on spears, still dripping with fresh blood.

“Those bastards…!”

Jo Muntak clenched his fists in anger, but Sabikang’s voice reached him telepathically.

[Don’t draw attention. Remember, acting rashly could ruin everything.]

[I understand…]

Jo Muntak lowered his head, determined to keep silent this time, having already made a mistake earlier.

Just then, Cheok Gilyang, the man who had captured the castle, appeared. His long hair gleamed, and his refined features gave him an air of nobility, earning him the nickname “The Gentleman.”

“To think someone who looks so decent…”

Jo Muntak gritted his teeth. It was a reminder that appearances could be deceiving.

“Ah, I’m late. Welcome, Bok Daein.”

Cheok Gilyang greeted them with a bright smile, and Sabikang responded with a respectful bow.

“Bok, of the Yellow River Trading Company, greets the leader of the Annihilation Squad.”

“Haha, enough with the formalities. Let’s drink.”

Cheok Gilyang sat down, his demeanor confident and unrestrained, contrasting with his delicate appearance.

The Annihilation Squad consisted of three hundred members, with fifteen top warriors leading them. Five of them were responsible for defense, while ten attended the banquet.

Cheok Gilyang glanced at Sabikang and smiled.

“You seem concerned about something.”

He was referring to the corpses at the entrance. Sabikang replied with a bitter smile.

“I was just curious because they seemed freshly killed.”

“Indeed, they haven’t been dead for more than an hour.”

“Who are they?”

“That woman is Lady Yang of the Red River Castle, and the boy is her son, Wang Yirim.”

Sabikang frowned slightly at the casual tone. He had expected the bodies to belong to significant figures, but neither Yang Hwarin nor Wang Yirim posed any real threat. Wang Yirim was just a child, and Yang Hwarin’s martial skills were mediocre at best.

Cheok Gilyang noticed their expressions and asked with a smile, “Do you find it cruel?”

“Well, rather than cruel, it seems wasteful.”

“Wasteful?”

“Lady Yang is renowned for her beauty. She could have been quite profitable if sold.”

Sabikang’s explanation resonated with Bok Liju’s usual thoughts, and he had prepared well for this moment, having gathered extensive information from the Ghost Shadow Group.

“Hahaha! Bok Daein, your perspective is unique. Indeed, she might have been a valuable asset. But the boy? He seems useless.”

“Perhaps, but if they were sold as a pair, especially as members of a prestigious sect, they would have been quite rare.”

“Hmm, you have a point.”

Cheok Gilyang chuckled and took a sip of his drink. A maid approached to refill his glass.

As she did, Cheok Gilyang turned to Bok Liju and said, “I heard you taught our men a lesson upon your arrival.”

“Lesson? Hardly. I merely suggested they handle potential assets for the Blood Alliance with care.”

“Is that so? Was it truly for the Blood Alliance’s benefit?”

“What do you mean?”

Cheok Gilyang’s gaze deepened, a subtle menace in his eyes.

‘He didn’t like my actions.’

Sabikang quickly understood and bowed his head.

“I apologize if I overstepped.”

“People often think they can justify their actions with a noble cause. But that doesn’t work with everyone. Remember, this isn’t the Yellow River Trading Company; it’s the Blood Alliance.”

“I will remember.”

Sabikang bowed again, sensing the tension in the air. The maid, trembling, accidentally spilled the drink.

Cheok Gilyang frowned slightly.

“I dislike messiness while eating.”

“I’m sorry. I deserve to die.”

The maid trembled, bowing deeply. Cheok Gilyang reached out and patted her head.

“Bok Daein, watch closely. This maid was originally from the Red River Castle. But now…”

With a sudden motion, the maid’s head exploded like a watermelon under Cheok Gilyang’s grip.

Jo Muntak nearly jumped to his feet, but Sabikang furrowed his brow.

“Understand? Until I hand something over, it belongs to me, whether it’s alive or an object.”

“I understand.”

“Hahaha! Was the mood too somber? Let’s lighten it up by admiring the spoils.”

At his words, the Blood Alliance warriors began bringing various treasures to the center of the banquet hall. Meanwhile, the maid’s body was swiftly removed.

The first item was a sword with a red dragon motif on the hilt, known as the Red Dragon Sword. Sabikang had already identified it through the Ghost Shadow Group’s intelligence.

“This is the Red Dragon Sword. It’s quite valuable, worth about fifty thousand nyang. A martial artist skilled in sword techniques might prefer to keep it.”

“Interesting. Next.”

Another item was brought forward, a sculpture of a horse with five colors. Sabikang recognized it, not from intelligence, but because it had caught the interest of the Demon King during a future invasion.

“The Five-Colored Heavenly Horse Statue. It has no special function, but its beauty makes it highly sought after by nobles, worth about fifty thousand nyang.”

“Hmm. Buying such a sculpture seems absurd to me.”

“It’s a form of vanity, perhaps?”

“Well, as long as it brings money. Next.”

Several more items were presented, and Sabikang appraised them smoothly. Occasionally, he encountered unfamiliar items but managed to provide plausible explanations.

As the appraisals concluded, Cheok Gilyang expressed genuine admiration.

“Now I see why you’re so valued. You seem to know everything about these items.”

Sabikang decided it was time to act on his true purpose for being there.

“You’re too kind. But you, Cheok Daein, have an eye for recognizing rare artifacts.”

“Me? Haha, that’s the first time I’ve heard that. If you were trying to flatter me, you chose the wrong method.”

“It’s not flattery, but the truth. I was astonished when I saw your belt.”

“My belt…”

Cheok Gilyang’s expression flickered.

‘Got him.’

Sabikang nodded inwardly, waiting for Cheok Gilyang to take the bait.

“Do you know about this belt?”

“Of course. It’s originally from the Western Regions. I never expected to see it here. Where did you acquire it?”

“That’s not important. Tell me about this item.”

Sabikang smiled inwardly. The belt was a relic from the Demon Realm, one of the items he had been searching for.

The Dark Ring.

That was the official name of the belt.

It had two functions.

When worn, if someone nearby harbored ill intent or emitted hostile energy, a shield would automatically activate. Simultaneously, if the shield was actually attacked, the belt’s buckle would split into two sharp daggers, ready to strike back at the assailant.

Among the myriad magical items of the demon realm, it was a particularly valuable artifact.

“And there are two more items that came to the Central Plains along with that one.”

Sabigang listed everything he knew about the dark ring.

As he spoke, Cheok Gilyang’s expression gradually shifted, finally settling into one of astonishment.

It was the first time he’d met someone who knew about the belt he wore.

“Impressive. Now I understand why they call you ‘Manhaean.’”

“You flatter me. I still have much to learn.”

“Then… do you know about anything else?”

“Are you referring to another belt that looks similar to this one?”

Cheok Gilyang’s expression now bordered on shock.

Savoring the moment, Sabigang continued.

“If so, does that belt have small protrusions embedded all over it?”

“Y-yes, it does.”

“Ah, then it’s an item I’m familiar with. It’s also from the Western regions. But how do you know about such rare items, Master Cheok? Have you seen them yourself?”

Finally, the words Sabigang had been waiting for fell from Cheok Gilyang’s lips.

“I have them.”

‘Just as I thought!’

Internally celebrating, Sabigang feigned surprise.

“My goodness, is that true? You possess truly remarkable items. Could you possibly show them to me? I’ve only heard about them and have never seen them in person.”

“Then do you know how to use the belt?”

“If I see it in person, I believe I could figure it out.”

Cheok Gilyang was already sufficiently impressed by Sabigang’s knowledge and demeanor. Thus, he didn’t doubt his vague response.

“Very well. I’ll show you the items.”

“Items, as in… more than one?”

“Yes. There are two more. I want to show them to you and confirm something.”

“It would be an honor.”

Sabigang beamed with a broad smile.

‘This is going better than I expected.’