Episode 24: Return to the Dark Sect
When Yeom Jaryang began to favor Sabi Kang, the ripple effect reached even Deung Buhyung.
The attitude of the Cheonhwa Trading Group, which had been subtly supporting him, suddenly changed.
The branch manager, who had promised a better sword to replace the broken Jaharakindo, became difficult to contact.
Though it was infuriating, there was nothing Deung Buhyung could do.
Thus, he began discreetly seeking new patrons among the influential figures around him.
That’s when he formed a connection with the Black Serpent Sect.
The Black Serpent Sect was eager to gain official recognition as a righteous faction.
To lead the trading group smoothly and secure various business partners, aligning with the Justice Alliance was advantageous.
During this time, Yeon Woo-kyung approached him.
“If we use the Black Serpent Sect wisely, we can impose severe penalties on Instructor Sa, and you could receive even greater support.”
Hearing Yeon Woo-kyung’s secretive plan, Deung Buhyung slapped his knee in agreement.
The plan was to use the Black Serpent Sect to embezzle funds from the martial arts expedition.
Of course, it couldn’t be done openly. A subtle hint would suffice.
The sharp-witted leader of the Black Serpent Sect would act swiftly.
They were people who had always been far from the righteous path.
Even if the risk was high, they would act if the reward was worth it.
Yeon Woo-kyung had already laid the groundwork.
He spread rumors in the tavern frequented by the sub-leader, hinting at when Yeom Jaryang would appear in the lower village with the membership fees.
It was an act tacitly approved by a current instructor.
And it was credible information.
For the Black Serpent Sect, it was an opportunity.
“But it’s too dangerous.”
The chief officer objected.
However, the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
“If the sub-leader becomes an instructor….”
Deung Buhyung had strong ties with Instructor Chief Cheon Sae-myung, who had significant influence over appointments.
In other words, if Deung Buhyung gave a solid recommendation, it wasn’t impossible.
Eventually, the Black Serpent Sect took action.
**
“What a terrifying child.”
Deung Buhyung mused as he sipped his drink.
Yeon Woo-kyung.
A troublemaker who had given many instructors a hard time.
These days, the students were so cunning that if one wasn’t careful, they could easily be outsmarted.
“In our time, we wouldn’t even dare step on an instructor’s shadow. Truly, these are the end times.”
At least Yeon Woo-kyung treated him favorably, which was a relief.
A tipsy Wi Sang-tak began to grumble.
“Instructor Deung, our Black Serpent Sect is often misunderstood. Sure, we did some unsavory things in the past, but that’s not the case anymore. We’re doing a lot of good now.”
“Haha. Isn’t the leader’s reputation well-known?”
Well-known, my foot.
Deung Buhyung smirked inwardly.
A rag is still a rag, no matter how much you wash it.
Will the Yellow River ever run clear, even after a hundred years?
Still, having the sub-leader of the Black Serpent Sect become an instructor wasn’t a bad thing for him.
He would be easy to handle and could provide continuous personal support.
“Here, take this. I’m very grateful to you, Instructor Deung.”
“No, it’s I who should be thankful.”
Wi Sang-tak laughed heartily, filling Deung Buhyung’s glass before clapping his hands.
The door opened, and a man entered carrying a long box.
“What’s this?”
“A gift for you, Instructor Deung.”
“A gift…?”
Deung Buhyung slowly opened the box.
A sword case adorned with golden patterns.
A handle with a red tassel.
A golden dragon seemed to coil around the case as if ascending to the heavens.
“This is…!”
Deung Buhyung’s eyes widened.
Wi Sang-tak stroked his rough beard and continued.
“I acquired it with great difficulty long ago. I heard you recently lost your sword.”
“This is… the Ascending Dragon Sword, isn’t it?”
“Indeed. Does it not please you?”
“No! How could it not? How could you give me such a precious sword…!”
“Hahaha, a precious sword must find its rightful owner. It seems it has finally found its master.”
Deung Buhyung swallowed hard.
The Ascending Dragon Sword.
A blade rivaling the Jaharakindo.
In fact, many considered it a tier above the Jaharakindo.
While the Jaharakindo exuded a calm and elegant aura, the Ascending Dragon Sword was grand and majestic.
Wearing it at one’s side would surely draw all eyes.
“May I hold it?”
“Haha. It’s already yours, why ask me?”
Deung Buhyung carefully drew the Ascending Dragon Sword.
Ssshhh.
The sound of the blade being unsheathed resonated in the room.
“Ah, it’s beautiful!”
Gazing at the shimmering blade, Deung Buhyung couldn’t help but admire it.
“I’m glad it pleases you.”
“Who wouldn’t be captivated by the Ascending Dragon Sword? I’ll accept this precious gift with gratitude.”
“It may be lacking, but I hope you understand my intentions.”
“Of course. If you ever need anything, feel free to contact me.”
“Hahaha! Truly reassuring….”
At that moment, the door burst open, and a man rushed in, breathless.
Wi Sang-tak frowned, displeased.
“What is the meaning of this? I’m with Instructor Deung….”
“There’s trouble, Leader!”
The man shouted urgently.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Wi Sang-tak glanced at Deung Buhyung before turning back.
“What is it?”
“A man has come and is wreaking havoc in the hall.”
“A man? Who is he?”
“Well, we’re not exactly sure. But he’s causing a ruckus, demanding repayment….”
“Repayment? What are you talking about?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but it seems the sub-leader borrowed money from him….”
“What?”
Wi Sang-tak’s expression twisted in anger.
“Why would someone with plenty of money do such a thing?”
“I don’t know….”
“Enough! How many are there?”
“Two… just two.”
Bang!
Wi Sang-tak slammed the table.
“You’re telling me you can’t handle two debt collectors?”
“They’re using some strange martial arts… we can’t….”
“Useless fools! Where are they? I’ll handle this myself!”
“I’m sorry, Leader.”
Wi Sang-tak stood abruptly and bowed to Deung Buhyung.
“I apologize, Instructor Deung. It seems there’s trouble at home.”
“No need to apologize. Your troubles are mine as well. I’ll come with you.”
“That would be too much….”
“Don’t say that. Aren’t we like brothers now?”
Deung Buhyung replied, gripping the Ascending Dragon Sword tightly.
“Thank you, Instructor Deung. You’re a great help.”
**
“What on earth is going on?”
The Black Serpent Sect’s chief officer, Man Haeryeok, strode down the corridor, his voice sharp with irritation.
His subordinate, walking beside him, explained the situation.
“We can’t do anything. They’re moving so swiftly….”
“How can you not subdue a single person and cause such chaos?”
“The Black Mark Hall Master confronted him directly but couldn’t even draw his sword before falling.”
Man Haeryeok paused, turning back.
“The Black Mark Hall Master himself?”
“Y-yes.”
Then this was no ordinary matter.
The opponent was at least a master of the highest order.
“Where is the leader?”
“At the brothel, but he should have received the report by now.”
“And the sub-leader?”
“He just arrived and is confronting the intruder.”
Man Haeryeok quickened his pace.
As he rounded the corner, the courtyard came into view.
Man Haeryeok stopped, swallowing hard.
Everywhere, injured men lay sprawled, all members of the Black Serpent Sect.
And in the center of the courtyard stood two men.
The one standing with arms crossed, facing the sub-leader, was surely the culprit.
“Sub-leader!”
Man Haeryeok hurried to Wi Deokcheon.
“Chief, you’re here?”
“I’m sorry. I should have been more vigilant….”
“It’s fine. It seems he has business with me.”
Following Wi Deokcheon’s gaze, Man Haeryeok looked at the man.
He raised his voice sternly.
“You! Who are you to cause such havoc?”
“My name is Sabi Kang. I’ve come to collect a debt from that man, as I’ve said for the fourth time.”
Sabi Kang stood firm, glaring at Wi Deokcheon.
Wi Deokcheon shouted back, incensed.
“I told you, I’ve never borrowed money from you!”
“Think carefully. Do you really not recognize this face?”
Sabi Kang patted Yeom Jaryang on the shoulder.
Wi Deokcheon’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
‘How did they find me? But there’s no evidence!’
As if reading his thoughts, Sabi Kang tossed two injured men at Wi Deokcheon’s feet.
Thud! Thump!
“Ugh.”
The two martial artists groaned, sprawled on the ground.
“The wound on that one’s hand and the stab on that one’s thigh. They’re all his doing.”
Yeom Jaryang puffed out his chest, feigning confidence.
But Wi Deokcheon refused to acknowledge it.
“Hmph! I don’t know what nonsense you’re spouting. They were injured while sparring with each other.”
“This is why you should never lend money carelessly. Got it, Jaryang?”
“Yeah, well…”
Yeom Jaryang nodded in agreement, prompting Wi Deokcheon to shout again.
“Look, I’ve never borrowed money…!”
“We charge interest daily. But don’t worry, it’s not compounded.”
“What? What kind of nonsense is this…?”
“It’s been two days since you borrowed it, so you owe four percent interest. Oh, what time is it now?”
“It’s just past midnight,” Yeom Jaryang replied.
Sabi Kang nodded and said nonchalantly, “Then, since another day has passed, you’ll need to pay six percent interest.”
“What the hell is this guy babbling about…?”
“Ah, see? This is what happens when you refuse to acknowledge it and keep stalling. The interest just piles up. Such a waste of money.”
“You crazy bastard! I can’t take this anymore!”
Finally, Wi Deokcheon kicked off the ground and lunged at Sabi Kang.
But just then—
“Stop!”
A booming voice rang out.
“The Master is here!”
“It’s the Master!”
The warriors of the Black Serpent Sect turned with excitement.
Sure enough, Wi Sangtak, the leader of the Black Serpent Sect, strode confidently into the courtyard through the main gate.
Mindful of the presence of the accompanying Deng Bu-hyung, he asked with a semblance of formality, “Who might you be, honored guest?”
Sabi Kang turned around.
Deng Bu-hyung, who had come along, widened his eyes in surprise.
“Wh… what…? Instructor Sa… why are you here?”
Sabi Kang furrowed his brow. “That’s what I’d like to know. Why are you here, Instructor Deng?”