Episode 278: Return to the Demon Sect
From the start, Sabikang’s rudeness was a strategic move—a battle of wills. Although the Hao Clan had reached out first, they were, after all, a sect that thrived on information. They gathered people from society’s fringes—thieves, courtesans, pickpockets, con artists—and maintained their existence with modest martial skills, thanks to their intelligence network rivaling even the Beggar Sect.
Naturally, they wielded information like a weapon, often withholding crucial details while presenting plausible but irrelevant ones. Sabikang intended to minimize this possibility by applying pressure from the outset.
It seemed he succeeded in intimidating them, as Wang Yi, despite twitching his cheek, sat quietly. Sabikang glanced at Wang Yi and Jeong Ryugwang before speaking in a flat tone.
“You have two choices: answer my questions truthfully or volunteer all the information you have. Which will it be?”
Wang Yi’s cheek twitched with irritation at Sabikang’s audacity, but he could feel the man’s formidable presence. Ever since Sabikang had revealed his aura, Wang Yi knew he was dealing with someone extraordinary.
Trying to maintain his dignity, Wang Yi replied curtly, “Ask your questions.”
“Good. Let’s start with the attack on the Soha Pavilion. When I arrived, I found that your branch had been ambushed with significant casualties. Who was behind it?”
Wang Yi hesitated, then spoke, “That’s valuable information.”
“I know. As valuable as your life,” Sabikang replied, his intent clear: any attempt to haggle over information would be met with force.
Wang Yi regretted his decision to test Sabikang with a formation. No, he shouldn’t have come to meet this man at all. He had hoped to sell information at a high price and use Sabikang to the Hao Clan’s advantage. Now, he was just hoping to leave alive.
As the situation spiraled out of his control, Wang Yi sighed deeply. “This is a long story.”
“Naturally, the more detailed, the longer it gets.”
“May I ask one thing first?”
“What is it?”
“Why did you come to the Soha Pavilion? How did you find out about Chief Jeong?”
“I thought you’d have figured it out by now. Perhaps the Hao Clan’s intelligence isn’t as impressive as I thought,” Sabikang taunted, watching Wang Yi’s expression harden.
The more they talked, the more Wang Yi felt he was being ensnared. Sabikang continued, “I was tracking Seol Baek’s movements and discovered he was dealing with a certain merchant. Following that lead brought me to the Soha Pavilion.”
Wang Yi and Jeong Ryugwang were taken aback. Sabikang’s explanation was simple, but they knew it masked a remarkable skill.
“Truly worthy of a former Chief Inspector,” Wang Yi remarked.
“I’m not here for your evaluation.”
“Do you know who that merchant is?”
“I have a good idea now,” Sabikang said, his gaze shifting to Jeong Ryugwang.
Wang Yi and Jeong Ryugwang were once again impressed by Sabikang’s keen insight. Sabikang continued, “You’ve mastered the art of Qi Men Dun Jia. Your ability to manipulate formations is impressive, which is how you’ve managed to stay hidden while dealing in peculiar items.”
“Exactly as you said,” Jeong Ryugwang admitted.
Sabikang nodded and turned back to Wang Yi. “I’ve answered your questions. Now it’s your turn. I won’t ask again.”
Wang Yi exhaled heavily. “Very well. Do you know about the Great Demon War?”
“I wasn’t there, but I know the basics.”
“And what about the Demon Spirits?”
Sabikang frowned slightly. He had braced himself for a long story, but he couldn’t understand why Wang Yi was bringing up the Great Demon War.
“I know a bit.”
Sabikang recounted what he knew: During the height of the Demon Sect’s power, they attempted a terrifying ritual to create Demon Spirits. They kidnapped children from across the land, infusing them with demonic energy to make them masters of dark arts. This ritual transformed their innate energy into demonic energy, and the sect planned to use brainwashing and sorcery to turn them into loyal followers.
However, after the Great Demon War, the sect fell, and the Demon Spirits scattered. The righteous alliance hunted them down, fearing the immense demonic energy within them. Even as children, they posed a threat, and if left unchecked, they could grow into formidable demons rivaling the sect’s leader.
Wang Yi shook his head slowly. “But not all the Demon Spirits were eliminated.”
“That’s impossible.”
“It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. The group that attacked our branch serves a surviving Demon Spirit.”
“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely.”
Sabikang scrutinized Wang Yi’s eyes, searching for deceit. The Hao Clan’s information was a double-edged sword, often mixed with falsehoods. But this time, it seemed genuine.
“I don’t understand. Even if a Demon Spirit survived, why target the Hao Clan?”
“Why did you come to the Hao Clan?”
“As I said, Seol Baek was dealing with…!”
Sabikang paused, realizing the parallel. Wang Yi nodded. “The Demon Spirit sought something the Hao Clan possessed.”
“Did you feel their presence?”
“We did, long ago.”
“When exactly?”
“During the height of the Great Demon War.”
Sabikang pondered. Something was amiss. In his previous life, the Demon Spirits hadn’t been so active. But now, they had emerged. His actions had altered the course of history, affecting even the Demon Spirits.
Wang Yi spoke calmly, “Our branch was attacked by the Demon Sect.”
“The Demon Sect…”
“They call themselves that.”
“Alright. Next question.”
Wang Yi anticipated the question and raised his hand. “The main sect began collecting mysterious items nearly a decade ago. It started when one of our disciples found a box deep in a canyon, filled with strange artifacts.”
Sabikang suspected these were demonic tools from a broken barrier. Wang Yi continued, “More of these artifacts were discovered, not by us, but by a merchant who got lost in the mountains.”
“And then?”
“We conned the merchant and took them.”
“You say that so easily.”
“Coming from someone who takes what they want by force, it’s rich.”
“Continue.”
“Since then, we realized these weren’t ordinary relics. We mobilized our disciples to find more.”
“You gathered a significant amount and sold them at high prices, posing as a merchant.”
Sabikang’s gaze shifted to Jeong Ryugwang.
“Yes,” Jeong Ryugwang admitted again.
This wasn’t surprising. They likely engaged in similar activities in his previous life. The righteous alliance’s awareness of demonic tools scattered across the land stemmed from the Hao Clan’s intelligence.
However…
“My return has altered history, and somehow, the Demon Spirits acquired demonic tools.”
This could lead to serious consequences. Demon Spirits were engineered beings. If any retained their consciousness, they posed a greater threat than a living sect leader. The Demon Sect had many ties to the demonic realm.
“One last question. How did the Demon Spirits know you had those artifacts?”
“I don’t know. But they found out less than two years ago. We felt their pressure about a year ago.”
“When was the Demon Sect formed?”
“About five years ago. But they were weak, so we didn’t pay much attention.”
“Why were they weak?”
“The Demon Spirit hadn’t awakened.”
“Explain.”
“They revered the Demon Spirit, but it lacked consciousness, like serving a mindless master.”
“Then one day, the Demon Spirit awoke, and the sect grew stronger.”
“Exactly.”
“And coincidentally, they began targeting your artifacts.”
Wang Yi nodded with a bitter expression.
“To be honest, I was terrified. The chaos that would ensue in the martial world once the demon spirit awakened. That’s why I wanted to inform you. I figured if you were meticulous enough to find the original text, you’d believe what I had to say.”
“Heh. Let’s be clear. You were scared the demon spirit would wipe you all out. And you thought you could use that information to manipulate me somehow.”
”…!”
“But don’t worry. I’ll make sure the Demon Sect can’t touch you anymore.”
“Really?” Wang Yi asked, his face lighting up.
Sabi Kang nodded. “Of course. But there’s a condition that must be met first.”
“And what is that?”
“Hand over all the artifacts you possess.”
“But…!”
“That way, the Demon Sect will have no reason to bother you.”
“Hmm. But if we do that, they might come after you directly.”
“That’s exactly what I want.”
Sabi Kang grinned, a chilling smile that made Wang Yi shiver.
“Who are you, really…?”
“Enough talk. Are we making this deal or not?” Sabi Kang’s voice carried a dangerous edge.
Wang Yi realized he had no other choice. He was beginning to doubt whether this meeting had been the right decision.
“You must protect the original text.”
“Don’t worry. Once you hand over all the artifacts, the Demon Sect won’t have any interest in a minor group like yours.”
Sabi Kang maintained his arrogant demeanor, but somehow, that very attitude reassured Wang Yi and Jung Ryukwang.
Finally, Wang Yi nodded. “Alright. We’ll give you everything we’ve collected. But what do you plan to do with it?”
“What else? I’m going to build an invincible army.”
Sabi Kang’s smile widened.