Episode 296: Return to the Demonic Sect
Gu Gangryong’s eyes were cold as he gave his order to his subordinate.
“Take care of it.”
The subordinate nodded slightly and extended his hand.
The head of the sect frowned at the unexpected gesture.
“What is this…?”
“A fireball.”
With a whoosh and a bang, the fireball that had formed in the subordinate’s palm shot out, obliterating the head of the sect’s head in an instant.
The head of the sect collapsed to the ground without even a scream, his head charred beyond recognition.
”…!”
Gwak Il-do could only gape at the sight of the head of the sect losing his life so abruptly. He had never seen such martial arts in his life. Shooting fire from one’s hand? What kind of martial arts was this?
His trusted aide was equally shocked, but unlike Gwak Il-do, he couldn’t afford to remain stunned.
“Ugh…!”
A groan escaped the aide’s lips as Gu Gangryong tightened his grip on the man’s wrist, slowly increasing the pressure. The aide tried to muster his inner strength to resist, but it was no match for Gu Gangryong’s power.
“Damn…!”
The aide’s hands trembled as he gripped the hilt of his sword with both hands. In contrast, Gu Gangryong remained calm and composed, a sinister smile playing on his lips as he spoke to the aide.
“I despise people who stab others in the back. Don’t think you’ll die easily.”
“Argh!”
The aide let out a battle cry, but his hands wouldn’t budge. Instead, the direction of his sword began to twist, pointing back at himself as if he were about to commit suicide.
The aide’s eyes widened in horror as the blade neared his throat. The cold steel began to cut into his skin.
“Ugh…!”
“I’ll slice you slowly.”
A cruel glint appeared in Gu Gangryong’s eyes as he continued to press the blade into the aide’s neck, blood beginning to flow. He used his inner strength to ensure the aide couldn’t release his grip on the sword.
When the blade had cut about a third of the way into the aide’s neck, he collapsed to his knees, trembling. Only then did Gu Gangryong release his grip. The aide’s wrist, once held in a vice-like grip, was withered and lifeless. He convulsed on the ground for a while before finally succumbing to his injuries.
Meanwhile, Gwak Il-do was in shock, having lost two of his best subordinates in an instant.
‘How… how could this happen?’
He looked at Gu Gangryong with bewildered eyes.
“Why… why are you doing this to me? Have I wronged you in some way?”
“If you want to talk about wrongs… you just did.”
“Ugh!”
A murderous aura exploded from Gu Gangryong, as if a blade aimed at Gwak Il-do’s neck was about to strike.
“You have quite the adventurous spirit, my lord. But as they say, every thrilling adventure comes with a price.”
“W-wait! Please, spare me!”
Gwak Il-do suddenly dropped to his knees, pleading. Gu Gangryong smirked, as if he had expected this.
Yes, this was the kind of man Gwak Il-do was. Not one to risk his life for pride. That’s probably why he had built such high walls around himself.
Gwak Il-do continued to plead from his knees.
“I’ll do whatever you say. I’ll open the gates and withdraw all my forces. Just spare my life!”
“You won’t stab me in the back again, will you?”
“Of course not! I’m not fond of adventures!”
“I see.”
Gu Gangryong’s lips curled into a twisted smile.
**
Ryu Yeo-jung followed Nang Ha with determined strides. They finally stopped in front of an imposing door, and Ryu Yeo-jung announced himself.
“Master, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
At Heo Mu-geuk’s response, Ryu Yeo-jung quickly opened the door and entered. Heo Mu-geuk, who had been reclining on a bed, slowly rose and began to dress, while the attendants who had been serving him scattered like butterflies.
Ryu Yeo-jung waited patiently until Heo Mu-geuk was fully dressed before speaking.
“I apologize for the sudden intrusion.”
“There must be a reason. What is it?”
Ryu Yeo-jung took a deep breath and spoke with a serious expression.
“Gu Gangryong of the Salpungdan has returned.”
“Is that so? Where is he?”
“He’s currently occupying Black Cloud Fortress.”
“Black Cloud Fortress?”
Heo Mu-geuk looked surprised, prompting Ryu Yeo-jung to continue with a grave expression.
“He killed the head of the fortress and the lord’s trusted aide. The martial artists stationed there have been expelled and have taken refuge at the main palace.”
“And the lord?”
“He is reportedly imprisoned within the fortress. Fortunately, there are no other casualties.”
“He’s certainly making a scene.”
Ryu Yeo-jung furrowed his brow at Heo Mu-geuk’s reaction. This wasn’t something to be brushed off with a mere comment. It was an invasion of a sect under the Blood Alliance, a chaotic incident. Gu Gangryong should be captured and executed immediately. Yet, Heo Mu-geuk seemed to be calmly admiring the situation.
“Shouldn’t we take action?”
“Isn’t Gu Gangryong currently part of the Newborn Division?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Then it falls under Instructor Sa Bi-gang’s jurisdiction. Perhaps we should hold him accountable and have him ensure Gu Gangryong’s peaceful return.”
“He used his status as a Blood Alliance martial artist to easily take over Black Cloud Fortress. There are now numerous unidentified followers stationed there.”
“Well, it seems he has leadership skills wherever he goes. To have built such a following so quickly.”
“This isn’t the time for admiration, is it?”
Frustrated, Ryu Yeo-jung blurted out words that could be considered disrespectful. But Heo Mu-geuk merely chuckled and replied calmly.
“Weren’t there only two casualties?”
“That’s true, but…”
“Then let’s leave this matter to Instructor Sa Bi-gang. It’s a good opportunity to test his leadership.”
Ryu Yeo-jung shook his head in disbelief.
“Why have you always been so lenient with Gu Gangryong? He’s a reckless troublemaker, incomparable to other members of the Newborn Division.”
Heo Mu-geuk gave a mysterious smile and glanced at Ryu Yeo-jung.
“There are two types of people in this world: those who use others and those who are used. But one must be lenient with those they intend to use, don’t you think?”
“Use him for what…?”
Ryu Yeo-jung began to speak but then fell silent. He realized he wouldn’t get any more answers from Heo Mu-geuk’s expression. Instead, he pondered quietly to himself.
‘What exactly do you hope to gain by using him?’
**
Thud! Crash!
“Ugh!”
“Oof!”
Seok Tan-gang and Ong Gi-seung were knocked back, groaning in pain. Sa Bi-gang walked toward them with steady steps.
“Your ambush earlier was a bit of a waste. If you could let go of your impatience, it would have been a better attack. Of course, that’s easier said than done.”
Seok Tan-gang and Ong Gi-seung got up with sullen faces. Another failure. They had attacked with the determination to at least graze his clothes this time. After waiting half a day for Sa Bi-gang to leave his quarters, they attempted an ambush, only to be knocked back once again.
Sa Bi-gang looked at Ong Gi-seung and said, “When you’re too sensitive to sleep, there’s no need to overexert yourself. Sometimes, fully waking up and facing reality is the best option. After all, humans can’t live in dreams forever.”
Just as Sa Bi-gang was about to walk away, a masked figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
Seok Tan-gang and Ong Gi-seung flinched at the unexpected appearance. Especially Ong Gi-seung, who had been ambushed by masked figures a few days ago, instinctively leaped forward.
Swoosh!
As he charged forward, his body seemed to follow the trajectory of his sword, but Sa Bi-gang stepped in front of him.
Clang!
With a metallic sound, Sa Bi-gang pushed Ong Gi-seung back by his chest. The movement was so smooth that even though Ong Gi-seung’s ambush failed, he wasn’t hurt at all.
“Calm down. This one’s one of mine.”
At Sa Bi-gang’s words, Ong Gi-seung finally lowered his guard and sheathed his sword. The masked figure was none other than Hong Yeom.
Sa Bi-gang turned to Hong Yeom and spoke nonchalantly.
“Report.”
“The man you were looking for, Gu Gangryong, has appeared.”
Hong Yeom’s report elicited an unexpected reaction from Ong Gi-seung, who froze in place.
Sa Bi-gang asked Hong Yeom, “Really? Where is he now?”
“He’s taken over Black Cloud Fortress. It seems the Blood Alliance is at a loss on how to handle the situation. I suspect they’ll soon hold you accountable.”
“Black Cloud Fortress, huh… He’s certainly causing trouble.”
“Perhaps it’s a demonstration aimed at you?”
“A demonstration…”
At that moment, Ong Gi-seung suddenly interjected, asking Hong Yeom, “Did you just say Gu Gangryong is at Black Cloud Fortress?”
Hong Yeom glanced at Sa Bi-gang, who nodded, allowing him to respond to Ong Gi-seung.
“Indeed. They’ve imprisoned the lord and replaced all the guards with their own men.”
“Hmm. Understood.”
Ong Gi-seung bit his lip, spun on his heel, and walked off purposefully.
Seok Tan-gang, who had been standing awkwardly, hesitated for a moment before quickly following Ong Gi-seung.
Watching their retreating figures, Hong Yeom turned to Sabi-gang and asked quietly, “Do you think this plan will work?”
“We’ll find out soon enough.”
Sabi-gang watched Ong Gi-seung’s back intently, then turned to Hong Yeom with a question of his own.
“Are you sure about the information on Ong Gi-seung?”
“The Haomun has verified it, so it should be accurate.”
“Hmm. I see the picture coming together.”
Sabi-gang allowed himself a mysterious smile. Ever since he heard from Neung So-so about a peculiar scent, he’d been investigating Ong Gi-seung. The scent wasn’t something humans could detect; it was a unique aura sensed by spirits. This led him to suspect there was more to Ong Gi-seung than met the eye. His suspicions had uncovered an unexpected truth.
Sabi-gang nodded slowly, murmuring to himself, “Ong Gi-seung… so he’s actually Gu? Interesting. I should also meet with Baek Ho-dang.”
“Why are you going there?” Seok Tan-gang frowned.
Ong Gi-seung glanced back at him, his eyes narrowing slightly. “He’s back because of me.”
“Even so, you don’t have to go there yourself.”
“It’s something that needs to be resolved eventually. I have to meet him.”
“Do you really have to go?”
“It’s a family matter. It needs to be settled.”
Ong Gi-seung gave a faint smile and continued walking.
“Guess there’s no stopping you,” Seok Tan-gang muttered, trudging after him.
Ong Gi-seung looked back at him. “You don’t need to get involved.”
“Shut up. It’s my choice.”
Ong Gi-seung paused, then chuckled softly. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Get some more sleep. You’re unusually awake today,” Seok Tan-gang retorted, taking the lead.
And so, the two of them headed towards Heuk Un-seong.