Episode 166: Return to the Demon Sect
A man who looked twice as old as Sabigang continued to speak with unwavering humility.
“You must be exhausted from your long journey.”
Sabigang responded with a hearty laugh.
“Well, it would’ve been perfect if you’d sent a six-horse carriage, but I’m not one to complain. I do enjoy wandering around.”
“Haha, just as the rumors say, you’re quite the character.”
The welcome ceremony hosted by Ha Taesang was nothing short of spectacular.
All the martial artists of the family lined up in two rows, bowing to Sabigang and the Cheonmyeoldae.
The cadets, on their first inspection, were both amazed and filled with pride at the unfamiliar sight.
Ha Taesang offered Sabigang and his group the best room in the guest house.
As soon as they arrived, hot water was prepared for them to bathe.
Later, a grand feast was laid out in the courtyard, with an abundance of food and drink.
“If we were treated like this every time, being in the inspection team wouldn’t be so bad.”
“Exactly.”
Yeom Jaryang and Jo Muntak grinned as they took their seats.
As the night wore on, Sabigang and the cadets filled their bellies with a rare feast.
After some time, Ha Taesang addressed Sabigang.
“I’ve heard much about your reputation, Sir Sa. Even back at the academy, you were known for your exceptional qualities, and the cadets followed you loyally. Now, having achieved great feats in the war and even saving the leader, it seems you are truly blessed by the heavens.”
“Haha, well, I am quite something, aren’t I? Though, it’s more like I brought myself back to this world.”
Ha Taesang chuckled inwardly at Sabigang’s cryptic response.
‘Just as the rumors say. Unpredictable, yet seemingly normal on the outside.’
He masked his thoughts and raised a bottle of wine.
“With you taking on the inspection duties, I expect our alliance will become even more pristine. In that spirit, let me offer you a drink.”
“Thank you.”
Ha Taesang poured the wine and lifted his own empty glass.
But Sabigang, without any intention of filling Ha Taesang’s glass, simply downed his own drink.
Ha Taesang, feeling awkward with his empty glass, frowned slightly and set it down with a clink.
‘Does he lack basic manners?’
Just then, Sabigang looked around and commented.
“This is truly a wonderful place.”
“Hahaha, I’m glad you like it. I hope you and the Cheonmyeoldae enjoy your stay…”
“It’s not Cheonmyeoldae, it’s Cheonsangcheonhayuadokjonhyeolpungmyeolsaldae.”
Sabigang interjected with a serious tone, causing Ha Taesang to smile awkwardly.
“Haha… yes. I hope the Cheonsangcheonhayuadokjonhyeolpungmyeolsaldae enjoys their stay.”
Ha Taesang finished speaking, his lips trembling slightly.
‘Damn, I can’t believe I had to say that ridiculous name.’
Still, it was a relief that he had managed to earn some favor.
But then…
“By the way, would it be alright if we stayed a bit longer?”
“Uh, how long…?”
“Well, we arrived earlier than planned, so I’d like to stay for about three more days.”
‘Three days?’
Ha Taesang’s brow furrowed slightly.
This was unexpected.
Sabigang shrugged and said,
“Oh, if it’s inconvenient, just let me know. We can leave tomorrow. Or have I already imposed too much? I should’ve known no one welcomes an inspection team. I must’ve been too excited by your hospitality. I didn’t realize I was making you uncomfortable. I should’ve known it was just a formality. Someone as clueless and impolite as me isn’t fit to be an inspector… or even a human being…”
“Hahaha! Sir Sa, why speak so harshly? Three days is nothing! You could stay for three months, and it would be an honor for our family!”
“Do you really mean that?”
“Of course. Stay as long as you wish.”
“Your warm welcome is reassuring. I must’ve been too worldly to judge you so hastily.”
Ha Taesang put on a friendly smile.
But inside, he felt differently.
‘Do they think this is some kind of inn? Why stay for three days? But I can’t exactly tell them to leave after saying all that. Damn it!’
The unease he felt the previous night resurfaced.
No need to be paranoid.
According to rumors, Sabigang often acted on whims.
And it was true that the inspection team arrived earlier than expected.
Perhaps he simply enjoyed the hospitality.
Suddenly, Sabigang changed the subject.
“By the way, I’ve heard there’s a lot of corruption in the Gangjin branch…”
“Yes, I’ve heard those rumors too.”
“Is that so? Then it’s good. Our investigation suggests there’s a hidden force behind the corruption. Of course, it’s just a rumor… but do you have any idea who it might be?”
For a brief moment, Ha Taesang’s eyes flickered.
He knew the hidden force was none other than the Dongbang family.
But he feigned ignorance with a laugh.
“Haha, I have no idea. I’m sorry.”
“Is that so? Rumor has it that the hidden force has amassed a significant slush fund. I must find it and give them a good beating.”
“Really? They must be quite bold.”
“Indeed. If they have that much money, they should give it to me.”
“Pardon?”
“Oh, I mean, give it to the inspection bureau for a good cause.”
“Ah… yes, indeed.”
Sabigang smiled.
“By the way, I’ve heard you’re quite respected in this region, Ha Gaju. Known for your generosity.”
“Hahaha, you’re too kind. I’m just doing what I should.”
“But where does all that money come from? Maintaining such a large family must be costly.”
It seemed like a casual question, but to Ha Taesang, it felt like a probing one.
‘Is it just my imagination?’
Ha Taesang laughed it off.
“Hahaha, just hard work.”
“I see. Hard work is good, but these days, it seems the bad guys work even harder.”
“That’s why we have people like you, Sir Sa, to punish them.”
“Hahaha. Yes, those hard-working bad guys will be in for a surprise soon.”
Sabigang spoke and then quietly observed Ha Taesang.
Ha Taesang met his gaze without flinching.
Their eyes locked in the air for a long moment.
**
The room was filled with gold bars.
Ha Taesang held up a lantern, nodding habitually as he surveyed the room.
Whenever he felt uneasy, he would come here to gaze at the gold bars.
The sight of the pure, yellow gold always calmed him.
To him, these gold bars were like a religion.
He closed his eyes briefly and sighed.
“It’s still bothering me.”
“What do you mean?”
Sang Geomak, who stood behind him, asked gently.
Instead of answering, Ha Taesang recalled his conversation with Sabigang that evening.
The seemingly soft exchange was laced with sharp undertones.
Of course, it could have been just idle chatter.
Perhaps he was just being paranoid.
But it continued to nag at him.
Ha Taesang frowned and spoke.
“This secret room must never be discovered.”
“Of course.”
“The conversation with him today bothers me.”
“Do you think he knows something? It was probably just idle talk.”
“I hope so.”
“Don’t worry too much. This place is off-limits anyway.”
“True.”
Ha Taesang nodded, gazing at the orb in his hand.
The orb, the size of a child’s fist, glowed with a red light.
‘The Gate Opener.’
As the name suggests, it was an orb that opened doors.
He had acquired it seven years ago from a peddler he met by chance during his travels.
The peddler sold him an old box for a hefty price.
Inside were a blue orb and a red orb, both emitting a mysterious glow.
Though he wasn’t usually interested in jewels or trinkets, these orbs piqued his curiosity.
In fact, they were items from the demon realm, but Ha Taesang had no way of knowing that.
After returning to his family, he researched the orbs’ purpose.
The peddler hadn’t known their use either.
Then, one day, while experimenting in the courtyard, he accidentally struck the two orbs together, and something incredible happened.
The blue orb vanished, and a door appeared in mid-air.
Opening it revealed not the other side of the courtyard, but a sealed space.
It was a marvel.
Another curious thing was that the door was only visible when the red orb was nearby.
In truth, it was a magical storage from the demon realm, known as a ‘Magic Cube.’
It was designed for those who couldn’t use magic, with the door appearing and unlocking only when the red orb was present.
The advantage was creating a storage space in a sub-dimension, like a pocket of space, but the downside was its limited capacity and immobility once set.
Compared to Ragel’s pocket, it was considered a much lower-grade item.
Regardless, even without knowing this, Ha Taesang felt as if he had stumbled upon a miraculous space.
He quickly devised a plan to make use of this space and wasted no time in putting his thoughts into action.
And now, the magic cube was filled to the brim with gold bars.
“Yes, this place is inaccessible to anyone. Without this red orb, no one can see it or find it.”
Ha Taesang nodded faintly to himself.
Yet, why did he still feel so uneasy?
Sabi Kang surveyed the assembled Cheonmyeol unit inside the room.
“From now on, you will search this house thoroughly. The key is to act as naturally as possible so that the Sega family doesn’t suspect a thing.”
“What are we looking for?”
“Find a well-secured secret room. If you notice anything even slightly suspicious, report it to me. But do not enter the room directly. It’s best not to do anything that might arouse suspicion.”
“Understood!”
With that, the Cheonmyeol members swiftly exited the room.