Episode 123: Return to the Demonic Sect
Once a prestigious sect renowned throughout the martial world, the Cheongok Sect was primarily composed of women. In its heyday, it was so powerful that it could rival the Emei Sect, which was made up entirely of nuns.
However, after the sudden death of its headmaster two generations ago, the sect’s influence waned, and it became just another ordinary sect in the eyes of the martial world.
The current headmaster of the Cheongok Sect had a daughter named Bong So-ok, who was a second-year student at Yongcheon Academy. To support her, the sect decided to send Elder Jin Sumi to meet with Sabigang, her mentor.
Unfortunately, Jin Sumi encountered members of the Hwan Sal Clan shortly after setting out and lost her life. This was on the orders of Yosin, the clan leader. He skinned her face to create a human mask, which eventually ended up in the hands of Seoraehyang of the Hongmyo Sect.
Seoraehyang smiled faintly, pleased with Yosin’s swift actions. He was someone who understood her intentions without needing explicit instructions. Having such a person as an ally might finally allow her to restore her prestige.
“Not a bad plan at all. The question is whether Sabigang will have guards with him during the meeting…”
“I’ve looked into that as well.”
“Oh? What did you find?”
“So far, he has never brought guards with him.”
“Not even once?”
“Yes, it seems he either has complete confidence in his martial skills or is simply a trusting person.”
“True, it would be odd for a mere instructor to have bodyguards.”
Seoraehyang nodded slowly. This would make things much easier.
Yosin added casually, “Rumor has it that Sabigang has a weakness for women. This might work to your advantage, Hongmyo.”
“Hohoho. You think so?”
“Absolutely. What man could resist you, Hongmyo?”
Seoraehyang laughed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Now, all that’s left is to meet him.”
Finally, the moment had arrived.
‘Just wait, Sabigang.’
**
“Alright, that’s it for today. Dismissed.”
At Sabigang’s words, the students, who had been standing at attention, relaxed and let out groans of relief.
“Ugh… finally over.”
“Classes are so intense these days.”
“At this rate, we’ll be nothing but bones.”
While many students grumbled, a few, like Yeom Jaryang, Yeon Wookyung, and Mok Danhwa, reviewed the day’s lessons with serious expressions.
Recently, Sabigang had been conducting more rigorous classes than ever before. Most mornings were spent practicing the Yin-Yang Reversal Technique, which was both mentally and physically exhausting, leaving the students drained for the afternoon sessions.
As the students dispersed, Sabigang approached Maeseollan.
“How about a drink for old times’ sake?”
“Do you really think you can drink right now? We have less than a year left on our agreement with Gu Goon-sa. Are you sure this is okay?”
Sabigang shrugged. “I’ll handle it.”
“You’re so carefree.”
“Come on, let’s enjoy the atmosphere for once.”
Maeseollan gave him an incredulous look but eventually nodded. “Alright. I have a few things to discuss with you anyway.”
“Discuss? What about?”
“I’ll tell you over drinks.”
Maeseollan replied coolly, thinking about Sabigang’s careless words from before.
‘Why did he have to mention sharing a bed in front of the students?’
Just recalling it made her blush, though she couldn’t entirely dislike his straightforwardness.
‘Anyway, I need to get an apology for that today!’
As Maeseollan resolved to confront him, Sabigang, oblivious to her thoughts, grinned.
“Great. Let’s meet at the Yusu Inn in an hour.”
“Alright.”
Watching her walk away, Sabigang headed to his office, feeling a bit excited.
‘A drink with Miss Mae after so long.’
He changed into a fresh outfit and tidied his hair, admiring his reflection.
‘Not bad at all, if I do say so myself.’
Just then, Dang Ihyeop entered the office and paused.
“Ah, you’re getting ready.”
“Hmm? Ready? For what?”
“Don’t you have a meeting with Elder Jin from the Cheongok Sect at the Yusu Inn in an hour?”
“What? I had no idea.”
“Weren’t you preparing for that meeting?”
“Not at all. I was just planning to have a drink with Instructor Mae.”
“But you can’t cancel an appointment made two weeks ago.”
“This is troublesome.”
“Where are you meeting Instructor Mae?”
“At the Yusu Inn.”
“Then you can meet Elder Jin first and wrap things up quickly before meeting Instructor Mae.”
“Ah, that works.”
Sabigang snapped his fingers and nodded.
“Besides, there’s not much to discuss with an old man.”
“Uh… Elder Jin isn’t an old man…”
“By the way, who is Elder Jin here to support?”
“A second-year student named Bong So-ok.”
“Why do they keep coming for non-special class students?”
“Master Danlichu tends to talk a lot… Oh, and Elder Jin isn’t an old man…”
“Alright, I’ll finish up quickly and get to the drinks.”
Without waiting for Dang Ihyeop to finish, Sabigang left.
**
Yusu Inn, Fifth Floor, Yellow Dragon Room.
The Yellow Dragon Room, draped in golden silk, was the most luxurious room in the inn, adorned with various ornaments and decorations that dazzled the eyes.
A lavish feast was laid out on the table, with an array of fine wines in exquisite vessels.
A woman stood by the window, taking a deep breath before closing it and lighting a candle with a matchstick.
The room was bathed in a soft glow, enhancing the ambiance.
As the innkeeper placed the last bottle on the table, the woman spoke softly.
“Is everything ready?”
“Yes, everything you requested is prepared. If there’s anything else you need…”
“No, that’s all. Just guide the guest to the room and make sure no one enters. I don’t want any interruptions.”
She flicked a couple of silver coins to the innkeeper, who grinned widely.
“Of course, ma’am! I’ll make sure of it!”
“Good, then you may go.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
The innkeeper retreated quickly.
The woman sat at the table, satisfied with the lavish spread, and reached under her chin.
In a surprising move, she peeled off her face, revealing it to be a human mask.
It was Seoraehyang.
She had disguised herself as Jin Sumi to avoid drawing attention while preparing for this moment.
But according to her research, Sabigang had never seen Jin Sumi’s face.
So there was no need for the disguise anymore.
After all, once Sabigang entered this room…
‘He won’t be leaving alive.’
A faint smile played on Seoraehyang’s lips.
Her silk robe slipped off her shoulders, pooling at her feet.
She was now clad in a sheer mesh garment that left little to the imagination, showcasing her breathtaking figure.
Seoraehyang sat gracefully at the table, her eyes sharper than ever.
It was time to make Sabigang pay for his reckless arrogance in the martial world.
**
“An appointment on the fifth floor?”
Maeseollan frowned slightly, wondering why she had been called here if that was the case.
Sabigang quickly reassured her.
“I’ll sort it out quickly. Just wait a bit.”
“Sort it out quickly? What exactly…”
“It’s probably just another request to look after their child. These sect leaders and elders never tire of it.”
Sabigang said, picking his ear, assuming from Dang Ihyeop’s mention of ‘Elder Jin’ that it was an old man.
Maeseollan sighed lightly.
“Alright, go ahead.”
“Sorry. I’ll be quick. Drinks are on me tonight.”
“That’s only fair, isn’t it?”
Maeseollan raised her voice slightly, and Sabigang scratched the back of his head.
“Haha, is that so? Anyway, I’ll be back.”
With that, Sabigang hurried up the stairs.
“Wait a moment…”
Maeseollan started to say something as a thought struck her, but she stopped, realizing he was already out of sight.
Resting her chin on her hand, she muttered to herself.
‘Come to think of it, wasn’t it the Cheongok Sect? Then it can’t be an old man…’
**
The fifth-floor guest room was opulent from the entrance.
It was immediately obvious that this was an expensive suite.
“That Elder Jin or whatever his name is must be loaded,” Sabigang thought.
Over the years, countless people had come to him, offering bribes in various forms.
Naturally, Sabigang had no intention of returning any of those bribes.
He accepted them with pleasure.
As a result, meeting in such luxurious settings was no longer unfamiliar to him.
“Alright, let’s just take what we can and wrap this up quickly. Heh heh.”
Sabigang cleared his throat a couple of times and approached the suite.
A young attendant stood by the door.
“I’m Sabigang from Yongcheon Hall.”
“Ah, they’re expecting you inside.”
The attendant bowed deeply and opened the door for him.
As Sabigang entered, the attendant promptly closed the door and seemed to head downstairs.
Inside, Sabigang was once again struck by the opulent interior.
He had never been invited to such an extravagant place before.
The first thing he noticed upon entering was a landscape painting hanging in the hallway.
As he walked slowly down the corridor, he came upon a small space adorned with various ornaments.
One door was slightly ajar, and he sensed someone inside.
A delicious aroma wafted through the air.
“Looks like there’s a really wealthy old man here,” he mused.
Clearing his throat again, Sabigang gently pushed the door open.
“Elder Jin, are you here? It’s Sabigang.”
Just then, another door inside the room opened, and a woman emerged, startled, turning to look at him.
“Oh my, Instructor Sabigang? Is it that time already?”
“Uh… yes?”
Sabigang was momentarily speechless, caught off guard.
“A woman…?”
And a stunningly beautiful one at that!