Episode 322: Return to the Demon Sect
“Haah!”
Seoraehyang let out a fierce battle cry as she charged forward with lightning speed.
Clang!
Her slender sword rained down mercilessly upon Jeokmurin.
Jeokmurin calmly defended himself, stepping back with each strike.
‘Incredible. I never imagined she would become this strong…!’
Indeed, the Asura Elixir was no ordinary potion.
After consuming it, Seoraehyang had transformed into a completely different person.
Jeokmurin gritted his teeth and shifted his stance.
It was a signal for a counterattack.
Swish!
His sword shot forward like an arrow, aiming for Seoraehyang’s core.
But Seoraehyang didn’t even think of defending herself.
Instead, she wore a faint smile and raised her sword, leaving her core exposed.
Her audacity nearly made Jeokmurin hesitate and withdraw his attack.
But he shook his head inwardly.
Who was he to hold back now?
Seoraehyang had always been his superior.
Even at his best, he could barely graze her sleeve.
And now, to withdraw his sword?
That would be sheer folly.
Just as his blade was about to touch her core—
Thud!
A dull impact and a grating sound erupted as Jeokmurin was flung back.
‘Body Protection Technique!’
To think she blocked his direct attack with just her protective aura, without any defense!
This was no mere difference in skill; it was like comparing an adult to a child.
Swish!
In the meantime, Seoraehyang’s sword sliced through the air.
Thud!
The cold blade touched Jeokmurin’s neck.
“Move, and I’ll cut you down.”
Her playful threat made Jeokmurin chuckle.
He adjusted his stance and saluted her.
“I can’t possibly match you.”
“Giving up so soon?”
“Not at all. There’s no point in continuing this duel.”
“I can feel the difference too.”
Seoraehyang sheathed her sword, muttering to herself.
Her face was flushed with excitement.
And why wouldn’t it be?
Every martial artist dreams of breaking through the barrier of life and death.
Of course, breaking through doesn’t mean reaching the ultimate level instantly.
But with the influence of the Asura Elixir, Seoraehyang had become incomparably stronger.
How could she not be overjoyed at this moment?
It would be strange if her happiness didn’t show on her face.
Jeokmurin watched her with a satisfied expression.
When was the last time he saw her so delighted, like a child?
Perhaps not since the day she laid out obsidian stones in the garden at the Heavenly Palace.
“Let’s go again.”
Seoraehyang extended her sword.
Jeokmurin couldn’t help but laugh at her audacity.
“Isn’t that a bit much?”
“Why?”
“You’ve already humbled me with just one hand. Isn’t that enough?”
“You noticed?”
“I’m not that dull.”
Seoraehyang chuckled softly.
“But I want to keep testing this power.”
“You don’t consider my position at all.”
Seoraehyang hesitated for a moment, then tossed her sword aside.
The sword flew through the air and landed perfectly on the weapon rack.
“This time, barehanded. And with one hand.”
“You really want to humiliate me, don’t you?”
Jeokmurin joked, and Seoraehyang smiled brightly.
“If I lose, I’ll treat you to some delicious soup. I know a great place nearby.”
It was a casual offer, but Jeokmurin felt a pang of sympathy.
‘She’s been here long enough to know the local eateries?’
Jeokmurin smiled wryly and readied himself.
“You must keep that promise.”
“Of course. I’ll let you make the first move.”
“Then I won’t hold back!”
With a swift motion, Jeokmurin launched himself forward.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
His sword gleamed as it flew toward her.
But Seoraehyang dodged gracefully, like a fish swimming in a pond.
Though she was barehanded and using only one hand, she seemed more focused than usual.
White mist puffed from her lips as she breathed.
Jeokmurin found her appearance unexpectedly endearing.
Whether she knew his thoughts or not, Seoraehyang quickly struck when she saw an opening.
‘Damn! I let my guard down…!’
Jeokmurin hastily gathered his inner strength to protect his chest.
Boom!
“Ugh!”
Jeokmurin groaned as he quickly retreated.
Seoraehyang smiled sweetly.
“You just died.”
“I know. But using poison in a duel is cheating.”
“You make it sound like you left an opening on purpose.”
“Of course. In a real fight, you’d never see such an opening.”
“So, you have a knack for teasing people too?”
Seoraehyang playfully furrowed her brow, and Jeokmurin couldn’t help but laugh.
For some reason, he felt happy.
Even the cold winter wind brushing against his cheek felt pleasant.
It was like returning to the past, when he used to guard her, and his heart felt at ease.
The white breath escaping his lips felt good.
‘Yes, this is enough.’
Just watching her like this.
Seeing her bask in happiness was enough.
Being able to spar with her, to meet her gaze, to read her breath—this was all he needed.
“Here I come!”
With a shout, Jeokmurin charged forward once more.
**
The door swung open, and Ryu Yeojoong entered.
His eyes were sharper than ever.
“Finally, a response from the Justice Alliance.”
“Is that so?”
Heomuguk turned slowly from the window to face Ryu Yeojoong.
Ryu Yeojoong approached, holding a letter.
“They’ve agreed to cooperate.”
“Just as you predicted, Ryu.”
“We sent someone on purpose. Plus, the gifts sent through Jeok were quite valuable.”
“But the leader won’t participate directly, will he?”
“Of course not. To maintain their dignity as victors, the leader won’t join the subjugation.”
“Then who do you think will participate?”
“The second-in-command of the Justice Alliance, Cheongpung’s leader, Eunhui. I suspect he’ll be involved.”
“What about the scale?”
“We’ll have to wait and see, but I estimate about thirty percent of their main force.”
“Thirty percent… That’s the minimum, right?”
“Yes, at least thirty percent.”
That meant there was a strong possibility of more.
Heomuguk nodded.
Not bad.
If they could draw that many from the Justice Alliance’s main force…
‘It’s worth a try.’
Heomuguk narrowed his eyes, lost in thought, as he gazed out the window.
It was time to make a decision.
Ryu Yeojoong, who had been silent, spoke cautiously.
“Master, if you’re not inclined, there’s no need to push yourself.”
Heomuguk chuckled softly.
“You are quite cunning.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Truly, you’re unbeatable.”
”…”
“Proceed.”
”…Are you sure?”
“Don’t ask further. It would be impolite.”
Ryu Yeojoong bowed his head, sensing the tension.
He knew that pressing further would be a grave mistake.
“I understand.”
“What about the state of the Demon Sect?”
“Currently, Black Dog is working behind the scenes. It should be wrapped up soon. Once that’s settled, the Justice Alliance and our forces will gather at Dangyang County.”
“Your plan… I hope it becomes a masterpiece this time.”
“I’ll make it a masterpiece.”
“It must be. Given the irreversible sacrifices.”
“Then I’ll prepare for the expedition soon.”
Ryu Yeojoong replied with a cold, composed expression.
**
Things had taken a turn.
The Blood Sect was abuzz inside and out.
Everyone was united under the banner of subjugating the Demon Sect.
Moreover, forming an alliance with the Justice Alliance added a sense of competition.
But the higher-ups and a few others knew it was just a facade.
Behind the pretense of forming an alliance to subjugate the Demon Sect lay another conspiracy.
And another person had learned of this plot.
“He’s worse than I thought.”
It was Sabigang.
He hid in the shadows, carefully observing the Myungri Pavilion.
Thanks to his infravision magic, he could see the pavilion clearly even in the dark.
‘This is troublesome.’
Sabigang clicked his tongue inwardly as he examined the blueprint in his hand.
It was a detailed plan of the Myungri Pavilion’s structure, given to him by Baekhodang’s leader, Chuhuiryong.
‘They’ve installed quite a complex mechanism.’
It made sense.
The Myungri Pavilion was a place where all sorts of medicines and poisons were made.
It was likely the place with the most rare medicinal ingredients in the martial world.
Naturally, its security had to be top-notch.
Chuhuiryong had handed over the blueprint with a grim expression.
“Things have gone awry. It seems the master has no intention of subjugating the Demon Sect.”
When Sabigang first heard this, he was puzzled.
“Then why is the master personally going to Dangyang County?”
“It seems the master plans to use the Demon Sect to attack the Justice Alliance.”
“The Justice Alliance?”
The revelation left Sabigang utterly bewildered.
No matter how much they involved the Maeryeong Sect, wasn’t this plan recklessly foolish?
The current Jeongdo Alliance had purged its corrupt elements and was now quite stable. Toppling them wouldn’t be an easy feat.
Moreover, the leader of the Jeongdo Alliance wasn’t even participating in this campaign. At most, it would be the second-in-command, the head of Cheongpung Hall, or perhaps the head of the Elder Council.
But did they really think that eliminating those figures would bring down the entire alliance?
As if reading Sabigang’s doubts, Chuhui-ryong spoke with a grave expression.
“The plan is not just to target them. The goal is to kill the leader as well.”
“The leader? How? He never leaves the main headquarters…”
Sabigang trailed off, staring intently at Chuhui-ryong, who nodded in response.
“Yes. We plan to use Hongmyo.”
“Do you really believe Hongmyo can take on the leader?”
“It’s entirely possible.”
Sabigang couldn’t help but let out a small, incredulous laugh. How much faith did they have in Hongmyo?
Chuhui-ryong continued, “You must have heard that the enemy’s leader delivered a gift from the master to Hongmyo.”
“I heard. The Asudae Elixir. But even if Hongmyo fully absorbs its power, to think he could rival the leader is…”
“Do you really think the Asudae Elixir is all there is to it?”
Sabigang frowned, scrutinizing Chuhui-ryong, who sighed lightly before speaking again.
“It seems there’s more to the Asudae Elixir than meets the eye. Otherwise, not only the master but also Commander Ryu wouldn’t be so confident.”
Only then did Sabigang’s expression turn gravely serious.