Episode 174: Return to the Demonic Sect
Deng Wangpa furrowed his brow.
“So, the Inspection Bureau hasn’t made any significant progress in the Gangjin branch?”
Lee Sahum nodded.
“Yes, it seems they’re just wasting time, indulging themselves.”
“Hmm.”
Deng Wangpa narrowed his eyes and stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“The one who even managed to kill Jeon Tae-soo… is now slacking off in Gangjin?”
Something didn’t add up.
From his experience, there were usually two possibilities in such situations.
“Either he’s up to something, or the head of the Gangjin branch is exceptionally capable.”
But as far as he knew, the head of the Gangjin branch wasn’t particularly shrewd. In fact, he was rather simple-minded and easily swayed by others.
“Which means there’s definitely something going on…”
His thoughts were interrupted by an unwelcome voice.
“What are you two discussing so seriously?”
Turning around, he saw Gu Yoon approaching the pavilion. Gu Yoon smiled as he watched the koi swimming in the pond.
“They’ve grown quite a bit. Blissfully unaware of their confinement in this small pond.”
The comment seemed to be a veiled jab at Deng Wangpa. Though he caught the implication, he feigned ignorance and replied.
“Ha, they must know they won’t be caught and eaten, even in a pond.”
“But they don’t realize that if the pond disappears, their fate is sealed.”
”…”
Deng Wangpa simply stared at Gu Yoon in response.
Splash.
A koi leapt out of the water, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere.
Gu Yoon asked again, “You seemed deep in conversation. What were you discussing?”
Lee Sahum hesitated, looking uncomfortable.
“Well, it’s just that…”
“Is it something I shouldn’t hear? Perhaps some wrongdoing…”
Deng Wangpa’s expression hardened noticeably.
“General! How can you speak like that? It’s not pleasant to hear!”
“Haha, just a joke. You’re too sensitive, Deng.”
‘How dare he…!’
Deng Wangpa gritted his teeth, glaring at Gu Yoon. But in times like these, he had to be cautious with his words and actions. His influence was waning.
Gu Yoon pressed on, “So, is it really a secret from me?”
“Actually… there’s a slight issue with the Dongbang family.”
“Issue?”
“The elite force of the Dongbang family has gone missing.”
Deng Wangpa nodded internally, relieved that Lee Sahum had covered well. The disappearance of the gold must never be mentioned. But the missing elite force would eventually reach the General’s ears, so using it this way wasn’t a bad idea.
Gu Yoon feigned surprise, “The elite force is missing? Isn’t that the most cherished unit of the Dongbang family?”
“Indeed. That’s what we were discussing.”
Gu Yoon’s expression twisted.
“Why am I only hearing about this now? And it seems Deng already knew. Do you not understand the reporting structure?”
It was a stern rebuke. The first place to report such information should have been Hyesungak, making Gu Yoon’s criticism valid.
Lee Sahum bowed his head apologetically.
“I’m sorry.”
Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Deng Wangpa interjected with a displeased expression.
“It just so happened that they disappeared the day after the Heavenly Destruction Unit visited.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“So… are you suspecting the Heavenly Destruction Unit, part of the Inspection Bureau?”
Deng Wangpa flinched and looked at Gu Yoon.
‘Was the General always this direct?’
He had always been cautious and indirect. But now, his approach was straightforward and aggressive.
Deng Wangpa, feeling his momentum wane, replied, “Not necessarily, just stating the situation.”
“I see. That’s why the Black Wolf Unit was sent to the Dongbang family.”
Deng Wangpa glanced at Lee Sahum, surprised that Gu Yoon knew this. Lee Sahum subtly shook his head, indicating he hadn’t revealed it.
‘Was Hyesungak monitoring me?’
While Deng Wangpa pondered, Gu Yoon continued, “I came because I heard the Black Wolf Unit was sent by you, Deng.”
“Yes, I sent them.”
Deng Wangpa felt a wave of relief. With this excuse, the true purpose of finding the gold could remain hidden.
He quickly added, “The Dongbang family is highly respected in the region. It’s only right for our alliance to assist in their time of need. I sent the Black Wolf Unit to find the missing elite force.”
“Indeed. Well done. With the Black Wolf Unit there, the truth will soon be revealed.”
“It will.”
Deng Wangpa and Gu Yoon’s gazes locked in the air for a long moment.
**
“Wow, this place is huge! I’ve never seen a sect with such a vast estate.”
Choo Ryung, lifting his black hat, marveled as he surveyed the Dongbang family estate. Next to him, Ham Cheonseok, the leader of the Black Wolf Unit, frowned slightly and spoke sternly.
“Compose yourself. We’re not here for leisure.”
“True, but a little relaxation…”
“We’re certainly not here to relax.”
“Ah, our leader is so strict. We’re on a rare assignment, let’s loosen up a bit. If you keep your eyes so tense, you might miss a stunning beauty passing by.”
“That’s not something I need to worry about.”
“You’re really missing out on life’s pleasures.”
Choo Ryung shook his head, but seeing Ham Cheonseok’s stern gaze, he quickly fell silent.
Ham Cheonseok chuckled and followed Ha Taesang, who was leading the way.
Despite his stern demeanor, Choo Ryung was one of Ham Cheonseok’s most valued subordinates in the Black Wolf Unit. Though a bit unruly, his tracking skills were unmatched, even if his martial arts were lacking.
“How’s the search team?”
“They’re scouring the village and nearby forests.”
“Let’s hope they find something.”
As they conversed, Ha Taesang led them to Bieungak.
“This is the entrance to the vault. It requires a mechanism to access.”
Normally, he would have spoken with more confidence, but with the vault emptied, Ha Taesang felt like a criminal. He treated even Ham Cheonseok, a mere unit leader, with utmost respect. His future depended on how his words reached Deng Wangpa.
“Hmm.”
Ham Cheonseok narrowed his eyes, examining the mechanism. It was indeed ingenious. When a red orb was brought close, a blue door appeared like an illusion. Entering revealed an empty vault. Without the orb, it was invisible and intangible.
“With such a clever mechanism, it’s no wonder the Dongbang family could store so much gold.”
Without this special mechanism, the Dongbang family wouldn’t have become so powerful.
Inside the vault, Ham Cheonseok and Choo Ryung looked perplexed. A perfect sealed room with no other exits. How had all the gold vanished without a trace?
Ham Cheonseok glanced at Choo Ryung, who shrugged, indicating he had no idea either.
“Did the guards see anything that night?”
Ha Taesang sighed deeply at Ham Cheonseok’s question.
“That’s the mystery. They saw nothing.”
He relayed what the guards had told him.
Ham Cheonseok nodded, “Let’s meet them.”
“Yes, I’ll take you to them.”
Ham Cheonseok was certain. In such cases, there was only one answer.
“The only witnesses are lying.”
The only witnesses were the two guards on duty. They must know something.
**
The guards from that night were imprisoned in the Dongbang family’s dungeon. They were in terrible shape, having been severely tortured, with not a single unscathed spot on their bodies. One of them was even delirious, occasionally shouting nonsense.
Interrogating such individuals was no easy task. A Black Wolf Unit member specializing in interrogation tortured them further, with Ham Cheonseok and Choo Ryung observing.
After about three hours, they emerged from the dungeon, but their expressions were grim.
Ham Cheonseok asked, “What do you think?”
“I don’t think they’re lying.”
Choo Ryung replied with a somber expression, which only deepened Ham Cheonseok’s concern.
This wasn’t good. Choo Ryung, usually so carefree, was known for quickly finding answers. But now, his expression was troubled, indicating he was stumped.
Ham Cheonseok pondered quietly. He didn’t believe the guards were lying either. Perhaps they had been under some illusion. But moving that much gold would have required significant manpower.
If that wasn’t the case, someone would have had to go back and forth countless times to transport the gold bars.
“This is impossible. What on earth is going on?”
Since becoming the leader of the Black Wolf Brigade, he had never felt so utterly in the dark.
“Which is closer from here, the Guest House or the Red Martial Pavilion?”
“The Guest House.”
“Then let’s head there first.”
At the commander’s response, Ham Cheon-seok spoke and began to move.
Sabi-gang entered a tavern near the Geumjin Temple and settled by a window on the second floor.
A server quickly approached.
“Welcome! What can I get for you?”
“Bring me something that makes you hungrier the more you eat.”
The server’s face twitched at the cryptic request, but he soon responded with a cheerful smile.
“Please wait a moment, sir. I’ll have it ready for you shortly.”
After a while, the server returned with food and drink. This time, however, it was a different person.
As the server poured the drink into a cup,
[What’s the reaction over there?]
Sabi-gang sent a silent message.
Amazingly, the server replied in kind.
[The Black Wolf Brigade arrived at the Eastern Family this morning. They’re probably deep into their investigation by now.]
The server was actually Hongyeom, a member of the Ghost Shadow Group, wearing a disguise. They were spread across the land, gathering information, and currently served as Sabi-gang’s contact.
They facilitated secret communications with the military and even with the assassination guild.
[Then they’ll soon find the bodies. It’s the perfect timing. Tell the Dark Lord it’s time to weave the Northern News.]
[Understood.]
As their silent conversation ended, the server bowed deeply with a wide grin.
“Enjoy your meal, sir.”