Episode 316: Return to the Demon Sect
“You called for me?”
Jeok Mulin bowed respectfully as he entered the room.
Heomuguk, who had been admiring the snowy landscape from the window, turned with a gentle smile.
“Ah, you’ve arrived. How have you been?”
“Very well, thank you.”
“Come, have a seat.”
Heomuguk gestured to a chair, and Jeok Mulin approached the table by the window and sat down.
A maid came over and filled Jeok Mulin’s teacup.
‘Someone was here before me.’
The seat, though empty, still held a trace of warmth.
“Please, drink.”
“Thank you.”
Jeok Mulin bowed again and took a sip of the fragrant tea, feeling a wave of calm wash over him.
Heomuguk, gazing out the window, began to speak.
“How is Sabi Kang doing these days?”
“He’s the same as ever, conducting his lessons in his own unique way.”
“Remarkable, isn’t it? To think he saved Gu Gangryong, who was thought to be beyond saving.”
“He’s certainly no ordinary man.”
“Indeed. It’s no wonder there are so many rumors about him. What do you think about Instructor Sabi Kang staying with us?”
Heomuguk’s gaze deepened as he looked at Jeok Mulin.
Jeok Mulin met his eyes without flinching and replied.
“At first, I was quite resistant. But now…”
“You see it as beneficial for the new recruits?”
“I can’t deny it.”
“I’ve heard his martial arts are quite unique. You’ve spent a lot of time with him. What do you think?”
“I can’t deny that either. It’s definitely different from the conventional martial arts.”
“Is that so? Then…”
Heomuguk took a sip of tea before continuing.
“…what do you think are the chances of him staying with us permanently?”
“Pardon?”
“Exactly as I said. I’ve heard his martial arts lean more towards the unorthodox. What do you think about making him one of our own?”
Jeok Mulin was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected question but soon composed himself.
“Certainly, if we could make him one of our own, it would be a great asset. However…”
“However…?”
“He’s as strong-willed as his martial arts are unique. He won’t be easily persuaded to be tied down.”
Heomuguk nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jeok Mulin’s words.
Sabi Kang was indeed formidable, unlike the self-righteous members of the Justice Alliance.
They preach fairness and justice, but Sabi Kang…
‘He does as he pleases.’
Yes, he isn’t bound by notions of fairness. If something displeases him, he acts.
In that sense, he’s closer to the unorthodox sects.
But… he has an invisible code.
What could it be?
If I had to define it…
‘It’s his humanity. He never compromises when dealing with those who’ve lost theirs.’
It’s as if Sabi Kang has long dealt with something inhuman yet intelligent.
Why did the leader suddenly call me to discuss this?
Just then, Heomuguk chuckled softly.
He turned his gaze back to the window and spoke.
“Indeed. So, having Instructor Sabi Kang here is both an opportunity and a risk.”
Jeok Mulin nodded in agreement.
“Yes, if he stays, the new recruits will surely grow…”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Excuse me?”
“I wasn’t speaking about us, but from the perspective of the Justice Alliance.”
From the Justice Alliance’s perspective?
An opportunity and a risk?
As if reading his thoughts, Heomuguk continued with a calm gaze.
“For the Justice Alliance, having a talented individual here to monitor us is an opportunity. But having such a talent held here is also a risk, wouldn’t you say?”
“Isn’t that the same for both sides?”
Jeok Mulin thought of Hongmyo as he spoke.
Heomuguk nodded.
“Exactly. In such cases, it becomes a game of wits. On our side, Hongmyo is doing her best in the enemy’s midst.”
“Indeed.”
“So, I plan to send Hongmyo a small gift for her efforts.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I heard you once served as Hongmyo’s bodyguard.”
“We crossed paths briefly.”
“Crossed paths… That’s an interesting way to describe an assignment from above.”
Heomuguk chuckled, and Jeok Mulin quickly bowed his head in apology.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it lightly.”
“No need to apologize. I don’t mind such things. Anyway, considering that, I think you’re the right person for this task.”
“What…?”
“I want you to personally deliver my gift to Hongmyo.”
”…Understood!”
As Jeok Mulin bowed in acknowledgment, Heomuguk gestured to the side.
A maid approached, carrying a small, ornate wooden box.
The box itself looked valuable at a glance.
“This is…”
“It’s the Ashura Elixir.”
Heomuguk opened the box, revealing a round pill resting on luxurious golden fabric, emitting a sharp fragrance.
The scent was somewhat unsettling, yet it seemed to stir the energy within just by inhaling it.
The Ashura Elixir was a rare medicine crafted by the Blood Lotus Sect for ages.
Made from a blend of precious herbs, it could be absorbed without issue when practiced with the sect’s techniques.
In certain situations, it could instantly boost one’s power to near-superhuman levels.
Gu Gangryong, who recently returned to the new recruits, had taken this elixir in the past.
“I will ensure your intentions are conveyed.”
“You’ll have a bit of a journey ahead.”
Jeok Mulin wrapped the box in silk, lost in thought.
‘To gift the Ashura Elixir… The leader truly values Hongmyo.’
He had known for a long time, but it was still a bit confusing.
Was he using her, or did he genuinely care?
This time, it seemed clearer.
‘Indeed. She suits someone like him.’
He felt a bit embarrassed for having such presumptuous thoughts.
“When should I leave?”
Jeok Mulin asked, looking at the snow falling outside.
“The first snow is late this year. The sooner, the better.”
“I’ll leave immediately.”
Jeok Mulin stood up as he answered.
**
On the third floor of an inn near Cheonsang Palace.
Alone at a table laden with a feast, Baekho Party Leader Chu Heeryong downed his drink with a rough gesture.
Thud!
He slammed the cup down, muttering to himself in irritation.
“How long has it been, and still no sign of him?”
As he refilled his cup with a scowl, a voice came from outside the door.
“Leader, he’s arrived.”
“Show him in.”
Soon, the door opened, and a man entered.
It was Sabi Kang.
Chu Heeryong looked at him with a sour expression.
“You must be quite busy.”
“As you know, there’s been much going on.”
“I suppose so.”
“You seem displeased.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you were in my position?”
Chu Heeryong didn’t mince words.
He had cooperated extensively, yet Sabi Kang had only promised to deal with the leader, showing no results so far.
Sabi Kang nodded silently.
“Yes, I can see that.”
“I’m not asking for sympathy. I’m confronting you.”
“Go ahead.”
“First, let me ask about the favor you requested.”
“Favor?”
“You asked me to delay the leader’s departure.”
“Ah, that.”
Sabi Kang nodded, recalling the request he made before leaving for Heukwun Fortress.
Chu Heeryong set his cup down and asked.
“What was that about? Can you tell me now? I thought we were in this together.”
Sabi Kang chuckled.
“No, we’re not in the same boat.”
“What?”
“With different destinations, how can we be in the same boat?”
“Then…”
“I’m just offering to tow your boat with mine. Since we’re headed in the same direction, I’ll help you reach your destination. But your load must be light for me to tow it easily. That’s why I asked you to hand it over to me.”
It was a clever analogy, but Chu Heeryong couldn’t help feeling slighted.
He frowned and spoke.
“What’s the result of my cooperation with you? If you intend to use me like this, I must warn you…”
“I’ll show you the result.”
Sabi Kang took a sip of his drink and casually picked at the food with his chopsticks.
“Come in.”
“Come in? What…”
Chu Heeryong’s eyebrows twitched as the door opened, and a man entered.
Seeing the man standing behind Sabi Kang, Chu Heeryong narrowed his eyes.
“Gu… Gangryong?”
“Well, he’s not a leader anymore, but he’s still Gu Gangryong.”
Sabi Kang’s words made Chu Heeryong tilt his head in confusion.
“How is this a result? What does Gu Gangryong’s return to the new recruits have to do with me?”
“The more swords aimed at the leader, the better, don’t you think?”
“What…!”
The sudden mention of rebellion caught Chu Heeryong off guard, making him flinch.
However, his expression quickly soured as he noticed the reaction of Gu Gangryong standing behind Sabigang.
“So, you’re saying… Gu Daeju…”
“He’s not a Daeju anymore, but yes.”
“Are you telling me Gu Gangryong is going to help kill the Lianju?”
Sabigang nodded, still munching on his snack. He then took a swig from his bottle, wiped his mouth, and let out a long belch.
“That’s right. This guy is obsessed with killing Lianju himself. His brother’s no different.”
Chu Huiryong gradually masked his initial surprise, fixing a cold, steady gaze on Gu Gangryong.
Sensing the weight of that stare, Gu Gangryong spoke up.
“I want nothing. I’ve only sworn to take Lianju’s head. No one forced me, no one hired me. It’s my own desire.”
“And after Lianju is dead…?”
“I couldn’t care less.”
Gu Gangryong replied in a flat, emotionless tone.
Chu Huiryong locked eyes with him for a long moment.
Gu Gangryong didn’t flinch or look away.
Finally, Chu Huiryong burst into laughter and poured more wine into Sabigang’s glass.
“I must admit, Sabigang, your knack for recruiting talent is impressive. How did you manage to bring someone like him on board?”
“When people share the same purpose, they naturally come together, don’t they?”
“True enough. So, how do you plan to proceed with the operation?”
Sabigang downed his drink in one go before answering.
“You know there’s been some friction between Heuk Unseong and the Demon Sect recently.”
“Yes, Lianju is planning a campaign against the Demon Sect because of it.”
“But finding the Demon Sect won’t be easy, especially now that they’re lying low.”
“However, it seems the military’s intelligence network has caught wind of them.”
“Are you referring to Military Strategist Ryu Yeojoong?”
“Exactly. It looks like Lianju will personally lead a large-scale operation soon.”
“Lianju… personally?”
Sabigang’s eyes widened in surprise as he paused from eating.
This was unexpected.
“Yes, given the current climate, it’s entirely possible.”
“Lianju personally…”
At this point, Chu Huiryong glanced around cautiously and lowered his voice.
“Then… wouldn’t that be the perfect time to strike?”
“There’s some logic to that.”
Sabigang nodded in agreement.
If a war with the Demon Sect breaks out, it would be much harder to carry out their plan afterward. The best opportunity would be during the movement to confront the Demon Sect or just before the operation begins.
Sabigang set his glass down and spoke with determination.
“Then let’s start sketching out the plan. A plan to capture the dragon.”