Episode 280: Return to the Demonic Sect
There was no warm welcome.
From the start, Eungcheon Branch Leader had been displeased with Sabigang’s visit.
And the newcomers accompanying him? They were notorious troublemakers, even by the standards of the Blood Alliance.
Sure, they had requested reinforcements due to the Celestial Sect, but they hadn’t expected the Heavenly Palace to send such a problematic group.
“Could it be that the Heavenly Palace is indirectly holding us accountable?” mused Jang Cheonsu, the branch’s chief officer.
Branch Leader Noh Hoegun considered this possibility. Not long ago, during a clash with the Celestial Sect, many of their warriors had suffered casualties. To the Heavenly Palace, unaware of the local circumstances, this would seem disgraceful.
Though Sabigang had come for entirely different reasons, they had jumped to their own conclusions.
Thus, when Sabigang arrived, Noh Hoegun’s demeanor remained cold.
Not that Sabigang cared about such treatment.
After being shown to his quarters, he gathered the newcomers and appointed a leader.
“The one to lead you will be Maeng Gasuk.”
Maeng Gasuk frowned in protest, but defying Sabigang’s orders was not an option.
From a distance, Noh Hoegun watched with a dissatisfied expression, muttering to himself.
“That Sabigang… Wasn’t he the head of the Inspection Bureau in the Justice League?”
“Yes, his achievements there seem quite impressive.”
“He’s younger than I expected.”
“There’s a rumor that the General Commander of the Justice League had a hand in his appointment.”
“Indeed. Otherwise, how could someone so young become the head of the Inspection Bureau?”
Noh Hoegun shook his head, feeling uneasy.
He doubted that this young instructor and his unruly group could defeat the Celestial Sect.
“Have you found out why they’re here?”
“Yes, it seems they caused some trouble at the Heavenly Palace.”
“Trouble?”
Jang Cheonsu shared what he knew about the newcomers’ clash with the Silent Ghost Brigade and the resulting disciplinary actions.
Noh Hoegun clicked his tongue, unsurprised.
“The Lord was too harsh this time. Does he even understand our situation?”
He had hoped for a more experienced leader or a larger group. Instead, they sent a handful of troublemakers.
The real concern was if they failed to defeat the Celestial Sect, the blame might fall on the Eungcheon Branch.
“I can’t trust them. I’m worried they’ll end up as fodder for the Celestial Sect.”
“I agree. Sabigang may have made a name for himself in the Justice League, but wasn’t that due to the General Commander’s influence? If they get wiped out, the Heavenly Palace will surely blame us.”
“We need another plan. As it stands, they’re just moths flying into the fire.”
“Perhaps we shouldn’t send them at all?”
“And how would we do that?”
Jang Cheonsu glanced around before whispering his idea to Noh Hoegun.
After a moment, Noh Hoegun nodded slowly.
“That might work.”
**
Shiiing!
Jeok Murin’s sword sliced through the air with precision.
A trail of light lingered where the blade had passed.
His swordsmanship was aggressive and raw, as if daring anyone to challenge him.
Clang!
Jeok Murin sheathed his sword and assumed a stance.
Drawing upon his inner strength, he prepared for another strike.
Shiiing!
The sword cut through the air, moving like an arrow.
Whoosh!
A fierce wind followed the blade’s path.
Yet, Jeok Murin’s expression remained unsatisfied.
‘Still lacking.’
A bead of sweat dripped from his chin.
Clang.
He sheathed his sword again.
‘Damn it!’
Frustration gnawed at him.
The memory of that day still haunted him.
The day Sabigang clashed with the Ten Thousand Lives Sword.
Sabigang had killed him with a single strike.
Could he have done the same?
The first strike is always the most crucial in any battle.
Jeok Murin had spent countless hours honing his draw technique, aiming to overwhelm his opponent with a single, decisive blow.
But…
‘He’s on a different level.’
Sabigang’s strike that day had been nothing short of shocking.
Jeok Murin doubted he could have defeated the Ten Thousand Lives Sword, let alone with a single blow.
The aura the Ten Thousand Lives Sword exuded was formidable.
Yet Sabigang had ended it with a single, mocking strike.
Whether the Ten Thousand Lives Sword truly shattered into a thousand pieces was uncertain, but Sabigang’s intent from the start was terrifying.
‘Just how strong is he?’
A sigh escaped him, filled with self-doubt.
He had always prided himself on his ability to dominate any confrontation.
But against Sabigang, he might not even get the chance to draw his sword.
Just then, he sensed someone approaching and turned to see Maeng Gasuk walking over.
“Instructor Sabigang appointed me as the leader.”
“And?”
Jeok Murin asked, his expression impassive, as Maeng Gasuk grumbled.
“I don’t want to be the leader.”
“Then tell him yourself. Complaining here won’t change anything.”
“As an instructor, can’t you at least suggest it?”
Maeng Gasuk glared, but Jeok Murin merely chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“I just realized how much you’ve softened, Maeng.”
Maeng Gasuk scowled. It was a comment he particularly disliked.
Jeok Murin began to walk away, speaking over his shoulder.
“Do you think the instructor will listen to me?”
“Well…”
Maeng Gasuk hesitated.
He knew Sabigang wouldn’t budge.
So why was he here, complaining?
Jeok Murin continued in a detached tone.
“It’s hard not to acknowledge it. Sabigang has managed to turn even you into a complainer. He’s truly formidable.”
“A complainer…? Are you done talking?”
Maeng Gasuk growled, but then they noticed a group approaching.
Jeok Murin and Maeng Gasuk turned to see Branch Leader Noh Hoegun leading a group of warriors toward Sabigang’s quarters.
Maeng Gasuk frowned and muttered.
“What are they up to?”
“Let’s find out. And if you have any complaints, tell the instructor directly.”
“Hmph!”
The two headed toward Sabigang’s quarters.
**
Sabigang narrowed his eyes as he looked at Noh Hoegun.
Behind Noh Hoegun, a group of warriors glared menacingly.
Though they maintained a facade of respect, their hostile intent and rigid expressions were anything but friendly.
Churyang stepped forward to speak first.
“What brings the Branch Leader to our quarters…?”
“I’ve heard much about Instructor Sabigang and am honored to meet you.”
Noh Hoegun ignored Churyang and approached Sabigang, offering a formal greeting.
Sabigang replied with narrowed eyes.
“I doubt you’re here to welcome me now.”
“Haha, I’m just a bit reserved by nature. I never intended to slight you, so please, if there’s any misunderstanding, let it go.”
The unexpected visit drew the attention of Jeok Murin and the newcomers.
“So, are you here to welcome us now?”
“Haha, not quite. I’ve heard you’re quite skilled at training warriors. You’ve guided many students before coming here, and now you’ve even prepared the newcomers for the subjugation team. How could I not respect that? So, I have a request…”
He glanced at the warriors behind him before continuing.
“These men are from the Gale Force Unit, part of our branch. Originally fifty strong, but twenty fell in battle against the Celestial Sect, so I brought thirty. As you know, those twenty were casualties of that conflict.”
“And what do you want?”
Sabigang’s curt response caught Noh Hoegun off guard.
He hadn’t expected such a straightforward refusal.
He thought flattery would make Sabigang eager to accept.
Clearing his throat, he pressed on.
“Please, just one lesson. These men are quite hopeless. How else could they have been beaten by the Celestial Sect?”
In truth, the Gale Force Unit was among the branch’s elite.
Noh Hoegun had planned to use this opportunity to put Sabigang in his place, but being dismissed so easily made him anxious.
Gale Force Leader Bae Seungmok stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
“Please, teach us! Your guidance would greatly benefit our unit!”
“Please!”
Thirty warriors shouted in unison, their voices echoing as they saluted.
But Sabigang was not one to be easily swayed.
“I believe I’ve already declined,” he replied coolly, taking a step forward.
Yet, as if on cue, the thirty warriors moved in unison, blocking his path. They closed in, cutting off any retreat, effectively surrounding him.
In an instant, Churyang, who had been separated from Sabigang, realized that they had used a formation to isolate him.
Baeseungmok stepped forward again. “Instructor, please don’t avoid us. We would appreciate a lesson.”
His tone had shifted, carrying a subtle pressure. The warriors surrounding them exuded a palpable menace.
Sabigang’s eyes sharpened.
Meanwhile, Maeng Gasuk, observing the scene, recognized the ploy and bristled with anger. “This is beyond disrespectful. They’re treating us like we’re nothing!”
He was about to step forward when Jeokmurin gently held him back. “Let’s watch.”
“Can’t you see they’re provoking the instructor?”
“Exactly. Let’s see how he handles it. If he can’t prove himself here, the campaign against the Cheonsin Cult is doomed. And you won’t be leading any squads.”
“Ugh,” Maeng Gasuk grumbled, clenching his teeth.
Sabigang surveyed the warriors with a cold gaze and murmured, “If your thirst for learning is this intense, it’s hard for an instructor to ignore. After all, I am a proper instructor.”
A sardonic smile played on his lips. “Shall we begin the lesson, then?”