Episode 139: Return to the Demonic Sect

While Sabi Kang was beaming with excitement, Jeon Tae-soo looked as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

He stared blankly at the shattered remains of his once-mighty sword, murmuring in disbelief, “This can’t be happening… How is this possible…?”

Even Deung Wang-pae, who had leapt to his feet in shock, turned to look at the fragments of the sword that had narrowly missed him.

‘How could this happen…!’

Neung Un-pa and Gu Yoon were equally astonished.

‘Was that sword really that extraordinary?’

Neung Un-pa eyed the Dark Blade with newfound interest. He had handled it before, noting its unique appearance, but had dismissed it as nothing special—just a flashy, impractical weapon with no remarkable sharpness.

Yet, the sword had been cut cleanly in half.

How could one explain this?

For a moment, he wondered if Sabi Kang had used some hidden technique. But there was no visible sign of any such power. Both Sabi Kang and Jeon Tae-soo had been sparring with only moderate skill, without resorting to any advanced techniques.

Clap, clap, clap!

Applause erupted, mostly from the leader’s close aides.

“Wow! Incredible! You truly chose a remarkable sword!”

“Who would have thought that sword was so extraordinary?”

Listening to the murmurs of the crowd, Sabi Kang scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

“Haha, well, I’m the one who should be grateful. You gave me the chance to wield such a fine sword.”

He then turned to Jeon Tae-soo.

“Thank you, sir, for allowing me to test this sword. But… what will you do now that your sword is broken?”

“Oh, it’s fine. It wasn’t anything special, so don’t worry about it,” Jeon Tae-soo replied, struggling to hold back his tears.

Sabi Kang, oblivious to the tension, continued to smile broadly.

“Isn’t that right? If it were truly a great sword, it wouldn’t have been sliced so easily, like tofu! Haha! I’m honored you faced me with such a common street weapon!”

In that moment, Jeon Tae-soo’s prized sword was reduced to a mere trinket.

His lips twitched with barely contained rage.

‘This… this is unbearable…!’

But he knew that showing his true feelings would only lead to further humiliation at Sabi Kang’s hands.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jeon Tae-soo was about to speak when Sabi Kang added fuel to the fire.

“I heard you usually use that sword… Isn’t it a bit beneath your skills to wield such a cheap weapon?”

‘Cheap… weapon…?’

Jeon Tae-soo’s eyes narrowed, but he swallowed his anger.

His cherished sword had been insulted, but he forced a smile.

“They say a true master never blames his tools, right? Ha, ha, ha.”

“Ah, indeed! So that’s why you used such a poor sword. I’ve learned something valuable from you today.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

Whether Sabi Kang realized it or not, Jeon Tae-soo’s heart was breaking. Sabi Kang nodded enthusiastically, seemingly impressed.

“Now I understand why Deung Wang-pae always sighed when I picked up a sword at the training hall. There was a deeper meaning behind it, wasn’t there, Deung Wang-pae?”

Caught off guard, Deung Wang-pae reluctantly agreed.

“Yes, something like that. Hmph!”

“Truly impressive!”

Sabi Kang turned back to Jeon Tae-soo.

“But as someone in a key position, wouldn’t it be good to have a symbolic sword for your subordinates to see? For the sake of morale, perhaps you should consider using a proper sword instead of such a worthless one.”

“Hmph! That’s none of your concern, Instructor Sabi! I’ve seen enough of your fine sword!”

With that, Jeon Tae-soo spun on his heel and stormed off.

Sabi Kang watched his retreating figure, puzzled.

Meanwhile, Neung Un-pa and Gu Yoon bit their lips to stifle their laughter, and a few warriors couldn’t help but chuckle.

Only Deung Wang-pae shared Jeon Tae-soo’s pained expression.

Later, as Sabi Kang returned to his seat, Neung Un-pa asked him, “I heard you already have a fine sword. Why do you need another one?”

“Oh, this isn’t for me. It’s for a cadet I’m training.”

“Ah, I see. It’s admirable that you take such care in selecting weapons for your students.”

Neung Un-pa genuinely admired him.

The gathering continued in high spirits, though for some, it was an uncomfortable ordeal.

**

Crash!

A part of the grand hall was violently destroyed.

Sitting in his seat, the Black Dragon, Heo Mu-geuk, clenched his fists, radiating a menacing aura.

“Pathetic…!”

Everyone in the room flinched, even Ryu Yeo-jung, who stood closest, dared not lift his head.

It had been a done deal.

All that was left was to savor the victory.

But the table had been overturned.

And the one who overturned it was none other than…

‘The one who set the table himself…’

Ryu Yeo-jung sighed softly.

Indeed, it was Ak Cheon-gwe who had prepared the feast, and it was he who had ruined it.

He had been too hasty.

Though known for his impatience, no one expected him to make such a grave mistake.

He should have returned leisurely with the Hyunmu leader.

But he had rushed, eager to flaunt his achievements.

He had reduced the elite force to a mere hundred and taken a treacherous shortcut.

Who could have predicted that the instructor from Yongcheon Hall would be there at that moment?

Rumors spread through the martial world.

The instructor from Yongcheon Hall had stumbled upon the scene during an outdoor lesson, rescued key members of the Justice Alliance, and even killed Ak Cheon-gwe.

For the Blood Alliance, it was a devastating blow.

The Blood Alliance leader, Heo Mu-geuk, turned to Ryu Yeo-jung.

“Have you looked into the rumors?”

“Yes, I’ve confirmed them.”

Ryu Yeo-jung bowed as he replied.

In times like these, when Heo Mu-geuk was in a foul mood, every word had to be chosen carefully.

“What did you find? Was it all truly a coincidence?”

“Initially, that’s how the rumors spread, and Sabi Kang himself claimed as much. However, our investigation revealed that he recently told a different story to the Justice Alliance.”

“What did he say?”

“He claimed it was all under the orders of General Gu Yoon.”

“Is that true?”

“Our investigation confirmed that General Gu Yoon met with Instructor Sabi Kang before the battle at Hojak Valley.”

“Hmm.”

Heo Mu-geuk ground his teeth in frustration.

“So, Gu Yoon outsmarted you.”

It was a subtle rebuke, or perhaps a direct criticism.

Ryu Yeo-jung considered himself fortunate that it ended there and bowed his head.

“My apologies.”

The Blood Alliance leader was upset that he hadn’t advised Ak Cheon-gwe.

Given Ak Cheon-gwe’s impulsive nature, he should have anticipated his haste.

Ryu Yeo-jung had also reflected deeply on his own oversight.

He hadn’t expected it.

So he hadn’t said anything.

But this incident taught him that a strategist must account for every possibility, even the unexpected.

“It feels like I’ve lost an arm.”

Heo Mu-geuk lamented.

Ak Cheon-gwe had been that capable.

Which made his loss all the more infuriating and regrettable.

He turned to Ryu Yeo-jung.

“What do you foresee for the upcoming battles?”

After a pause, Ryu Yeo-jung answered honestly.

“To be frank… it looks like it will be difficult.”

“Why?”

“With this incident, we’ve lost Ak Cheon-gwe, a key figure in this war. His mere name struck fear into the Justice Alliance, and his presence boosted our warriors’ morale. But now, our morale has plummeted, while the Justice Alliance’s has soared. Moreover, this will likely empower General Gu Yoon. If he takes direct action, the fight will become even more challenging.”

Then, Baekho leader Chu Hee-ryong voiced his thoughts.

“Given our current strength, it might be wise to attempt negotiations with the Justice Alliance.”

But the Hyunmu leader, who was closer to the Suzaku faction, protested.

“Are you suggesting we settle for this?”

“I’m suggesting we focus on stabilizing our alliance first…”

“That’s unacceptable. With a little more effort, we can win this war. Leader, unifying the world is within reach. Every power struggle is difficult until the final push. Once we overcome this hurdle, victory will be swift! We must seize this momentum.”

Chu Hee-ryong was not easily swayed.

“Hasn’t that momentum already been broken?”

“Chu leader, haven’t you always spoken in ways that dampen our spirits?”

“I’m merely advocating for a more cautious approach.”

“Hmph! You’re just scared!”

“What did you say? Then, why don’t you face this ‘scared’ sword of mine?”

“Anytime!”

The tension was palpable, as if they might draw swords at any moment.

But their argument was cut short.

Heo Mu-geuk raised his hand, signaling them to stop.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke.

“Let’s proceed a bit further.”

“Understood.”

Ryu Yeo-jung bowed respectfully as he answered, though his expression was far from cheerful. It was a soldier’s intuition, a gut feeling. “This won’t be easy. I just have a sense about it.” His eyes grew more intense.

---

After four days of lavish hospitality, Sabi-gang and his companions left the alliance with light hearts. The Jeongdo Alliance had even arranged a special six-horse carriage for the three of them. As they set off toward Yongcheon Pavilion, the trio chatted amiably inside the luxurious carriage. Despite it being early winter, the scenery outside the window remained breathtaking.

Mae Seol-ran, gazing absentmindedly at the distant ridges, couldn’t help but marvel at the events of the past few days. “He said he was painting a grand picture… and to think it would come together like this. Or maybe he’s still working on it.” The more she thought about it, the more impressive it seemed. Not only had he swiftly become a central figure in the political arena, but he had also significantly boosted the influence of the military. And by rescuing key figures close to the Duke, he had silenced any dissent at the banquet.

“Sometimes it’s hard to admit, but… he really is remarkable,” she thought. When her eyes accidentally met Sabi-gang’s, she quickly looked away. “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I meet his gaze?” she grumbled inwardly, feeling awkward and uncomfortable in the confined space as their eyes kept meeting.

Sensing the tension, Dang Yi-hyeop spoke up gently. “Um… perhaps I should excuse myself.”

“Hmm? What are you talking about?” Mae Seol-ran asked.

“It seems like you two might need some time alone.”

Mae Seol-ran quickly waved her hands dismissively. “No, it’s not like that! There’s no need.”

“Yes, as Seol-ran said, just stay here,” Sabi-gang added.

“But you two have shared a bond, and I feel like I’m intruding…”

“We’re not like that!” Mae Seol-ran shouted, but Sabi-gang had a different take.

“Well, in a way, he’s right.”

“What do you mean, ‘in a way’? It’s not true at all!”

“Really? So it was just a one-night fling with me?”

“What on earth are you saying in front of Instructor Dang?”

“You’re sharp today.”

“Ugh…!” Mae Seol-ran was about to snap again but took a deep breath. No, she couldn’t let herself get drawn in. Conversations with this man always took strange turns. In the end, she clamped her mouth shut and stared out the window.

They had been traveling for about half a day when Sabi-gang’s eyes briefly sharpened, though it was so fleeting that no one noticed. Suddenly, he spoke up. “I’ll get off here. You two go on ahead to Yongcheon Pavilion.”

“Here? Why all of a sudden?” Mae Seol-ran asked, surprised.

“Something’s come up,” Sabi-gang replied with a sly smile.