Episode 356: The Return of the Demon Instructor

The fierce war had officially ended with the righteous alliance’s victory.

Yet, unsettling rumors began to circulate throughout the martial world.

These whispers were fueled by the appearance of demonic creatures at the Battle of the Western Plains.

Moreover, the legion summoned by Sabikang became an unavoidable topic of discussion.

In the history of the martial world, such a massive emergence of demonic entities was unprecedented.

As a result, chaos reigned.

Some cried that the end was near, while others formed cults, claiming demons would soon rule the world.

Even those with deep spiritual training found their resolve shaken, so one could only imagine the state of ordinary warriors.

In every inn and tavern, people gathered in groups, endlessly discussing the Battle of the Western Plains.

Meanwhile, the headquarters of the righteous alliance was bustling with efforts to clean up the aftermath.

The first matter to address was the fate of the Blood Sect.

For a time, a treaty had maintained a fragile peace between the righteous and the demonic, but with the Blood Sect’s betrayal, the consensus was that they could no longer be tolerated.

However, some questioned the wisdom of such a hardline stance.

The main issue was the impracticality of suppressing all the demonic warriors scattered across the land.

Eradicating the Blood Sect would only lead to chaos, with rogue factions running rampant, and no means to control them.

Thus, some argued it was better to keep the Blood Sect under stricter regulation rather than eliminate them entirely.

With such stark divisions between the hardliners and moderates, the meetings at the alliance’s headquarters were at a standstill.

Voices were raised, fingers pointed, and some even exuded a subtle killing intent.

The alliance leader, Neung Unpa, leaned back in his chair, pressing his temples as if the situation was giving him a headache.

Watching him, Gu Yoon asked quietly, “Are you alright, Leader?”

“Ending the war only seems to have started another one here.”

Gu Yoon gave a wry smile. “It’ll get even noisier once Sabikang shows up.”

“Indeed. I can’t even predict how they’ll react then.”

“It’ll be chaos, no doubt.”

“You seem to be looking forward to it.”

“Honestly, it’s a mix of anticipation and worry. You know how unpredictable Sabikang can be.”

“Haha, calling that eccentric nature ‘unpredictable’ is putting it mildly, isn’t it?”

“Is it?”

Gu Yoon chuckled softly.

Sabikang had confided everything to Neung Unpa and Gu Yoon.

A great crisis was looming over the martial world.

Having known Sabikang for so long, Gu Yoon believed him without question.

It was surprising, even to himself, how easily he accepted such an incredible claim.

He, who prided himself on his rationality, found himself believing what seemed like a wild tale.

Neung Unpa felt the same.

He still thought of himself as living on borrowed time, thanks to Sabikang.

It wasn’t a weak mindset.

In fact, it made him stronger.

Letting go of obsession and ambition often made a warrior stronger.

Besides, Neung Unpa had faced the demon ‘Baold’ and various demonic soldiers in the Battle of the Western Plains.

And then there were the entities summoned by Sabikang.

With such compelling evidence, disbelief was not an option.

However, the personal beliefs of two individuals were bound to differ from the crowd’s mentality.

The alliance’s headquarters was a complex and delicate place.

A web of psychological battles.

Such is politics.

What you see is never the whole story.

Thus, it was uncertain how they would receive Sabikang.

Neung Unpa and Gu Yoon pondered quietly.

‘The stage is set, regardless.’

From now on, Sabikang would have to navigate it.

“Is there still no word from Sabikang?”

“Should we send someone to find him?”

Neung Unpa shook his head. “No. He must be exhausted. Let him rest a bit longer.”

Today’s meeting was essentially convened because of Sabikang.

Of course, the other leaders were unaware of this.

Yet, Sabikang had not appeared at the headquarters.

Given his significant contribution to the victory, Neung Unpa allowed him ample rest.

He didn’t send anyone to rush him.

Perhaps Sabikang was contemplating or preparing his speech for the headquarters.

How much time had passed in the noisy hall?

Suddenly, a figure entered, silencing the room.

The one both the leader and the chief strategist had been waiting for.

Sabikang.

As he appeared, the warriors began to murmur.

“Ah, the infamous Sabikang has arrived.”

“Indeed. But judging by his appearance, it seems he just woke up. Unbelievable.”

“Sleeping at a time like this? Ridiculous.”

These were the voices of those who viewed Sabikang unfavorably.

Conversely, there were those who saw him as a war hero.

“Oh, Sabikang has finally arrived.”

“If he hadn’t intervened that day, we would have faced annihilation.”

“True. Though his methods were unfamiliar, he undeniably saved the alliance.”

Sabikang, seemingly indifferent to the chatter, walked steadily to the center of the hall.

Stretching and yawning, he offered a respectful bow.

“Thanks to the leader’s kindness, I was able to rest well.”

“Haha, are you feeling refreshed?”

“Yes, I feel much lighter. Thank you for the elixirs as well.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Neung Unpa waved a hand dismissively.

Meanwhile, those envious of Sabikang visibly stiffened.

Particularly, Elder Yuk Cheongpung and Thousand Hall Master Muk Yangje frowned deeply, casting disdainful glances.

Exchanging looks, Muk Yangje stepped forward, bowing.

“Leader, while his contributions to the war are undeniable, there are numerous issues with his methods.”

“Indeed, Sabikang saved us, but his techniques were far from the righteous martial arts we uphold.”

Yuk Cheongpung chimed in.

Another figure stepped forward, bowing.

It was Jo Jeoksang, the head of the Overcoming Hall, second only to Eun Hwi in rank.

With Eun Hwi’s passing, he was now the most powerful figure after the leader.

“I share the same concerns. Sabikang’s sorcery has caused quite a stir across the martial world. Many righteous sects are uneasy, and a thorough explanation is necessary.”

As prominent leaders voiced their concerns, those who quietly supported Sabikang hesitated to speak.

Muk Yangje inwardly smiled.

In such contentious meetings, setting the tone early was crucial.

Thus, he had deliberately stirred up criticism against Sabikang.

The powerful Elder Council and the influential Overcoming Hall wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.

To them, Sabikang’s sudden rise was a thorn in their side.

With many echoing their sentiments, Yuk Cheongpung raised his voice further.

“And to think, he slept through such an important meeting! What on earth is Sabikang thinking…!”

“Sleep.”

It happened in an instant.

As Yuk Cheongpung’s voice rose, Sabikang casually extended a hand, uttering a single word: “Sleep.”

Suddenly, Yuk Cheongpung lost strength and collapsed.

The hall fell silent, then erupted.

“What! Sorcery! Sabikang used sorcery! He killed the Elder…!”

“Sleep.”

Once more, Sabikang cast his spell, this time at the shouting Jo Jeoksang.

Similarly, Jo Jeoksang crumpled as if drained of energy.

By now, not only the warriors but also Leader Neung Unpa and Chief Strategist Gu Yoon were visibly startled.

Neung Unpa couldn’t remain silent any longer.

“Sabikang, what are you doing?”

“Don’t worry. They’re just asleep.”

At Sabikang’s words, people rushed to check on Yuk Cheongpung and Jo Jeoksang.

Indeed, they were breathing evenly, merely in a deep slumber.

Muk Yangje, incensed, stepped forward.

“What kind of sorcery is this? Using such dark arts at the Western Plains wasn’t enough, now you flaunt them here…!”

Mid-sentence, Muk Yangje recoiled as Sabikang turned to him, raising a hand.

But Sabikang merely placed a finger to his lips.

“Shh. I’ll explain now, so listen carefully. Leader, may I address the assembly?”

Sabikang asked respectfully, and Neung Unpa nodded.

As Sabikang ascended the platform, the hall fell silent.

He surveyed the room before speaking.

“What you just witnessed is a technique called ‘magic.’ Originally, it was used by dragons, but the demons residing in the Demon Realm have also mastered it.”

“W-What on earth are you talking about?”

“Demons in the Demon Realm…?”

The crowd murmured in confusion, but Sabigang continued unfazed.

“Originally, the Demon Realm was set to invade our lands in about seven years. However, given recent events, it seems that timeline might be accelerated.”

“Wait a minute! What are you saying? An invasion from the Demon Realm? What exactly is magic, and who are these demons?”

Sabigang explained the situation in broad strokes.

He warned that soon, demons from the Demon Realm would cross over and begin to ravage the land, and that preparations must be made to stop them. He also mentioned that the demons were deeply interested in the abilities of the martial artists and would abduct many to experiment on them.

As the lengthy explanation unfolded, the room filled with a mix of gasps and sighs. Yet, it seemed the people struggled to fully grasp Sabigang’s words. It was hard enough to believe what they had just seen, let alone the existence of a Demon Realm and its inhabitants.

Still, they couldn’t outright dismiss it. After all, hadn’t they witnessed the Baold and the demon soldiers firsthand during the recent battle at the Western Plains?

“Hmm…”

The leaders, having heard the entire story, exchanged uneasy glances and shifted uncomfortably. A murmur spread through the room, growing louder until the entire hall was buzzing with anxious whispers.

This time, Sabigang didn’t try to stop it. He understood their confusion. Their world had suddenly been turned upside down, and it was difficult to accept. But if he didn’t speak now, there might not be another chance. He needed to convey this while the shock of the Baold and the demon soldiers was still fresh in their minds, hoping that some would listen.

Just then, someone stepped forward cautiously. It was Seopcheong, the head of the Sword Pavilion. He had unwavering trust in the leader, and thus, he didn’t take Sabigang’s words lightly.

“So, are you saying that strange martial art you used is a technique from the Demon Realm?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Once again, sighs erupted throughout the hall. And then, suddenly—

“Hahaha!”

Laughter rang out from somewhere in the room.