Episode 187: Return to the Demon Sect
Deng Wangpa’s gaze lingered on the empty seat of the Grand Master.
Standing nearby, strategist Gu Yun cautiously spoke up. “Everyone, please remain calm. Though the culprit has been identified, we must act with composure.”
Deng Wangpa seized the moment, his voice booming. “Ha! Do you think you’re blameless in this, strategist? Wasn’t it you who insisted on this tour despite the leader’s poor health?”
Gu Yun fell silent, his expression one of despair.
Deng Wangpa turned his ire towards Sabigang, who stood to the side. “And you, Chief Inspector! How could you let things get this far? You failed to protect our leader, yet you dare show your face here?”
“The Inspection Bureau isn’t a guard unit,” Sabigang retorted.
“What? How dare you—”
“Of course, we did our utmost to protect him. But it all happened so quickly. We suffered significant losses while pursuing the assassins.”
Deng Wangpa was left speechless by Sabigang’s grumbling response. ‘If I become the leader, he’ll be the first to go,’ he thought, grinding his teeth.
His gaze shifted to the five warriors prostrated at the entrance. They were the survivors from the Thunder Corps, which Deng Wangpa had included in the tour. Out of twenty, only five returned alive.
“How did you survive when you were supposed to protect the leader?”
“We are deeply ashamed!” The warriors slammed their foreheads to the ground.
One of them raised his head and shouted, “They ambushed us in the dark. We estimate there were over fifty attackers. We tried to protect the leader, but they had already overwhelmed him and his guards, spreading chaos with their attacks…”
The warrior bit his lip, unable to continue. The room was filled with a heavy silence as the leaders absorbed the grim news.
The warrior glanced at Sabigang, who gave a subtle nod. ‘Good. Keep it up, and the explosives inside you will stay dormant. Heh.’
Just then, a voice erupted from the crowd, pointing at Seoraehyang. “I can’t stand this outrage! Let’s tear that witch apart right now!”
“Yes! Let’s start our revenge by killing her!”
“We must show that our sect won’t take this lying down!”
The warriors shouted in agreement.
“Everyone, calm down,” a stern voice echoed through the hall, silencing the uproar. It wasn’t loud, but the authority in it was unmistakable.
All eyes turned to Elder Seolbaek, who stood with a troubled expression. “She is our only leverage. If we act rashly, the Blood Alliance will have nothing to fear. Let’s set aside our emotions and think rationally.”
The other elders nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right.”
“Indeed, wise words.”
With the elders’ support, the rest of the leaders fell silent, acknowledging Seolbaek’s commanding presence.
Seolbaek turned to Gu Yun and Sabigang. “Strategist, you bear significant responsibility for this incident. If you planned the tour, you should have ensured proper protection.”
“I apologize.”
“Apologies won’t suffice. The council will impose a year of probation on you. Do you accept?”
Gu Yun nodded, having anticipated this outcome. “I will take responsibility.”
“And Chief Inspector Sabigang.”
”…”
“Though not a guard, you had a duty to protect the leader. You failed, so you will also face a year of probation.”
“Fine, I understand,” Sabigang replied reluctantly.
Seolbaek then imposed a three-month probation on the Black Wolf Corps, who had been part of the tour.
With the initial decisions made, the leaders clamored for immediate action against the Blood Alliance.
At this, Isahum stepped forward. “Before that, there’s something we must decide.”
“What is it?” Seolbaek asked.
“We need someone to lead us, even temporarily. We should appoint an acting leader.”
“Indeed, a valid point,” Seolbaek agreed.
Deng Wangpa’s heart raced with anticipation. ‘Finally, my moment has come!’
Given the circumstances, he believed he was the only suitable candidate for the leader’s position. He had always been a hardliner, and with the prospect of attacking the Blood Alliance, he saw himself as the perfect choice.
One of his close aides stepped forward to speak. “I propose Deng Wang—”
But an elder interrupted, “Given the gravity of the situation, Elder Seolbaek should be our acting leader.”
“I agree. We need Elder Seolbaek to guide us.”
“I also believe Elder Seolbaek is the right choice for acting leader.”
With the elders and other leaders voicing their support, Deng Wangpa’s aides were silenced.
Deng Wangpa’s face turned cold as the situation slipped from his grasp.
Seolbaek, however, smiled gently and waved his hand. “I’ve been retired for some time. Taking the leader’s position now might seem too ambitious.”
But the elders persisted. “It’s not the official leader’s role. We just need you to stabilize the sect temporarily.”
“Indeed! No one would fault you. We feel guilty for burdening you with such responsibility.”
As time passed, Deng Wangpa’s closest allies found it increasingly difficult to speak up.
Deng Wangpa’s frustration boiled over. ‘What a mess! Why isn’t he refusing?’
He looked at Seolbaek with anxious eyes, but his fears were confirmed.
Seolbaek accepted. “If you all insist, I’ll take on the role temporarily, only until the sect is stable.”
“Thank you for your difficult decision,” the elders and several leaders praised him in unison.
Deng Wangpa trembled with anger. ‘This is ridiculous!’
He glared at Seolbaek, who met his gaze with a meaningful look before addressing the crowd solemnly.
“We will resume our war with the Blood Alliance. Gather as many warriors as possible and head to Gaepyeong, near the border with the Blood Alliance!”
“Understood!” the warriors shouted in unison.
Meanwhile, Deng Wangpa’s expression was twisted as if he had bitten into something bitter.
**
“How modest. Almost too modest,” Seolbaek chuckled as he inspected the leader’s quarters, running his hand over the furniture.
Thanks to the diligent servants, there wasn’t a speck of dust. Yet, the room was surprisingly humble for a leader’s chamber.
A bed, a wardrobe, a table, and a mirror on the wall were all the furniture it contained. Not a single painting adorned the walls.
He chuckled and spoke to the air. “What do you think?”
“It’s simple,” came Muyeong’s reply.
Seolbaek nodded. “Yes, simple. But while simplicity may earn respect, it doesn’t command authority.”
To govern, one must first establish authority. It’s easier to wield than respect and can suppress subordinates.
Seolbaek knew how to cultivate that authority. “We need to redecorate. It must be lavish. Acquire expensive paintings, replace the fabrics with the finest silk, and add rare porcelain and gold ornaments.”
“I’ll see to it.”
“It must be grand. Anyone entering should be awestruck, even intimidated. I mustn’t appear easy to approach.”
“I understand.”
Seolbaek nodded, running his hand over the table. Such a modest table for a leader’s chamber.
No wonder subordinates couldn’t help but look down on it. Seolbaek clicked his tongue.
“It was a position beyond his means,” he mused, walking to the window.
“What about Chief Inspector Sabigang?”
“He’s packing. He should vacate the Inspection Bureau by tomorrow.”
Seolbaek nodded. With a year of probation, Sabigang had no reason to remain in the sect.
But…
‘I can’t let him leave so easily.’
Seolbaek’s eyes narrowed. Sabigang was a troublesome figure. Though things had worked out, he had been a constant obstacle to Deng Wangpa’s plans.
“We must eliminate him as soon as possible.”
“Shall we deal with him as soon as he leaves the sect?”
“No, we must act before that.”
“But if we handle him within the organization, it might draw unwanted attention…”
“Release the Old Monster.”
Mu-yeong’s voice was filled with surprise. “Is that really necessary?”
“It’s a sure and effective method. It’ll be a great opportunity to stir up anger against the dark sect.”
”…Understood. I’ll make the preparations.”
A moment later, Mu-yeong’s presence faded away.
In the main hall of the Inspection Bureau.
Sa Bi-gang sat at the table with a bottle of liquor and a glass. It had been a long, exhausting day. As he poured himself a drink, he glanced at the entrance.
“Are you sneaking in like a stray cat to steal a drink?”
A graceful figure emerged from the doorway. It was Seo Rae-hyang. She approached Sa Bi-gang.
“Everywhere I go here, people can’t help but stare. It’s not a pleasant feeling. I’ve gotten used to hiding my presence.”
“Well, it seems you’ve mastered the art of stealth.”
Seo Rae-hyang chuckled softly. “I’ve come to a realization.”
“About what?”
“That if you hold onto a fraying rope, you might end up crashing to the ground.”
Sa Bi-gang smirked. “The rope I offer has a good bounce. You’ll spring back up in no time. Don’t worry.”
“Listen, I nearly died in the meeting today.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Facing the killing intent of dozens of masters at once isn’t exactly easy.”
“Life was never meant to be easy. Ha ha.”
Seo Rae-hyang bit her lip, looking at Sa Bi-gang. After a moment, she let out a shallow sigh.
“Judging by your reaction, I think I have a sense of it.”
“A sense of what?”
Her eyes deepened. “Be honest with me. Is the leader of the sect really dead?”
“Hmm. Why do you ask?”
“No matter how I think about it, the only way that rope could bounce back is if that theory is true.”
Sa Bi-gang grinned. “Are you sure you’ve grabbed the right rope?”
“There’s no turning back now. I still don’t fully trust you, though.”
Sa Bi-gang stood up and walked over to a cabinet, retrieving another glass. He poured a drink.
“Have a seat.”
“What are you up to now?”
“I thought we might establish a second, very discreet agreement between us.”
A peculiar smile played on Sa Bi-gang’s lips. Seo Rae-hyang furrowed her brow slightly as she moved to sit down.
“Ah, what a delightful aroma!”
A sudden, unfamiliar voice came from the entrance. Even Sa Bi-gang, caught off guard, flinched and turned to look.