Episode 359: Return of the Demon Sect Leader
“Are you planning to establish a sect?”
“Well, in a way, yes. But it’s more like an academy. Everyone’s ignorant about the Demon Realm, so we’ll have to start from scratch, won’t we?”
“When exactly is this invasion from the Demon Realm supposed to happen?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but it seems likely within the next five years.”
Even as Sabigang spoke, he wasn’t completely certain. Originally, there were about seven years left until the full-scale invasion of the Demon Realm. However, after witnessing the demon soldiers and creatures like Baold in the recent war, he suspected the timeline might have accelerated.
Creatures like Baold weren’t supposed to appear for another two years. Something had triggered an earlier arrival. The root cause likely lay with Sabigang himself. His return had set off a series of events, altering the future.
The key to understanding these changes was the ‘Demon Spirit Sect.’ What had Jung Ryugwang sold to them? It was likely that whatever it was had hastened the invasion.
Regardless, preparations had to be made before the invasion began in earnest. Sabigang used the recent war as an opportunity. Apologies to the victims, but without such sacrifices, the Justice Alliance, which held the martial world in its grip, would never have moved. They would have continued to live in complacency, enjoying their power.
In that sense, Eunhui’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain. The leaders of the Justice Alliance couldn’t refute Sabigang’s actions. In fact, they thought it might be easier to keep an eye on him if he formed a separate faction outside the alliance. At least he wouldn’t be close to the leader, giving them more opportunities.
Mook Yangje stepped forward and asked, “You said you wouldn’t distinguish between factions. Does that mean you’ll accept the Demon Spirit Sect as well?”
“Absolutely not. They worship demons, making them our ultimate enemy.”
A few leaders sighed in relief. “Where do you plan to establish this academy?”
“I was thinking of Wuhan, on the border between the Justice Alliance and the Blood Sect.”
“Wuhan is indeed a central location in the martial world, perfect for gathering heroes,” said Seopcheong, the head of the Sword Shadow Pavilion, nodding in agreement.
Mook Yangje asked again, “Have you decided on a name for the academy?”
“Of course.”
As Sabigang answered confidently, everyone looked at him with curiosity. His eyes grew serious.
“I’ve thought long and hard about the name. It mustn’t be taken lightly, as we aim to eradicate the demon race. After much deliberation, I’ve decided.”
“And what is it?”
“The Supreme Invincible Sabigang Demon Eradication Academy.”
A collective sigh echoed through the room, though most had anticipated it. Standing beside Taesa, Gu Yoon shook his head internally. ‘He even included his name this time.’
Sabigang, however, seemed quite pleased with the name. He surveyed the room and said, “I thought you’d all be impressed. It took me a long time to come up with it.”
‘How is that impressive?’ Mook Yangje suppressed his rising frustration with an awkward smile. “So, the name is final?”
“Yes. I’m sorry, but I can’t give it up, even if you want it. If you insist, I can come up with a name for your organization, Mook.”
Mook Yangje quickly waved his hands in refusal. Sabigang continued, “The Supreme Invincible Sabigang Demon Eradication Academy will soon begin recruiting students.”
“Does that mean you’ll officially announce the demon invasion to the martial world?” asked Bang Cheol with concern.
Sabigang shook his head. “That would only lead to chaos.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. An official announcement from the Justice Alliance would indeed throw the martial world into disarray.
“We’ll present it as a special organization to counter the demons summoned by the Demon Spirit Sect. So, I ask everyone here to keep today’s discussion confidential. Even if rumors spread, we’ll avoid an official declaration for as long as possible.”
“In other words, a secret organization to counter the demon race,” someone summarized.
“That’s one way to see it. I’ll teach in my own way, possibly even magic. We’ll select applicants based on ability, not background. Not everyone will be accepted; only the elite will be trained to fight the demons.”
The room buzzed with conversation. Though the recent battle had hinted at the situation, the idea of a demon invasion was still hard to grasp.
How long did they murmur among themselves? Finally, Neung Unpa, who had been silent, spoke up. “I fought the demons in the recent war and know their strength firsthand. I support Sabigang’s proposal. If anyone disagrees, speak now.”
No one dared to oppose. With the leader’s endorsement, dissent seemed futile.
Bang Cheol, still curious, asked, “With so many applicants, can you teach them all alone?”
“I plan to bring the martial artists from the Inspection Bureau, including Maeseollan. The new recruits from the Blood Sect will handle the unorthodox applicants. We’ll recruit more if needed.”
The room buzzed again, surprised by the plan to take all the Inspection Bureau’s martial artists. What would happen to the bureau?
All eyes turned to Gu Yoon, the chief military officer. He nodded calmly. “The leader is inclined to approve, barring any objections.”
Gu Yoon spoke with a hint of regret. He had initially opposed Sabigang’s plan, fearing corruption if someone else took over the bureau. But Sabigang had a different perspective.
“If the bureau is left vacant, all eyes will be on it. That way, no one will care what organization I build outside. I’ll have the freedom to prepare.”
Sabigang’s prediction was nearly spot-on. The vacant bureau was indeed the focus of the leaders’ attention. Their eyes had already shifted.
Gu Yoon muttered coldly to himself, ‘Hmph, no use coveting it. This position won’t be given to just anyone!’
The leader had already chosen Seopcheong, the head of the Sword Shadow Pavilion, as the next chief. But appointing a pavilion head as the bureau chief would face significant opposition. Sabigang had faced many hurdles to become the bureau chief despite his achievements.
This transition would need to be gradual. Bang Cheol asked one last question. “How large will the academy be?”
“It could be quite large. However, if graduates wish to establish their own sects to fight the demons, I won’t stop them. My sole aim is to stop the demons. The more who can fight them, the better.”
“That’s a good approach. If we proceed that way, the martial world will gradually prepare,” Seopcheong interjected in support.
No one else objected. There was no reason to oppose a special organization to combat the Demon Spirit Sect and the demons. Their real interest lay not in the distant academy but in the vacant bureau chief position.
With the situation settled, Gu Yoon stepped forward. “Very well. The main alliance will fully support Sabigang in establishing the academy.”
**
The establishment of the academy in Wuhan proceeded swiftly. Sabigang, with his vast resources, constructed a sizable academy. This naturally drew subtle resistance from the smaller sects and groups already established in Wuhan.
Nevertheless, Sabigang paid no mind to the resistance and continued with the construction. Watching the buildings rise, he turned to Maeseollan beside him.
“Until the academy is complete, I’ll entrust you with full authority.”
“You’re passing the work to me again?”
Maeseollan frowned slightly, and Sabigang chuckled. “Sorry, but I have something else to do.”
“Where are you going this time?”
“There’s someone essential for fighting the demons. I plan to bring them to the academy.”
“How long will it take?”
“That, I can’t say. They’re not someone who’ll come willingly.”
“Alright. Take care.”
Maeseollan replied nonchalantly, though she felt a twinge of disappointment. She had been looking forward to spending more time together.
Sensing her feelings, Sabigang gently kissed her forehead. “I’ll treat you to something delicious when I return.”
Maesolan let out a small chuckle and spoke in a bright voice.
“Promise you’ll keep it.”
“Of course.”
An old, weathered house stood at the foot of the mountain.
In its courtyard, an elderly man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing up at the night sky.
His long, white eyebrows were so thick they nearly covered his eyes, giving him the appearance of an ancient sage.
He stroked his flowing white beard thoughtfully as he studied the stars with great concentration.
How much time had passed as he stood there, unmoving like a statue?
If anyone had seen him, they might have thought he had turned to stone, so long did he remain still.
Finally, he spoke, a deep sigh escaping his lips.
“This is troubling.”
His face, visible beneath his snowy eyebrows, was etched with worry.
“Things not of this world have begun to appear.”
Clicking his tongue in disapproval, he shook his head slowly.
Then, he muttered to himself again.
“Annoying guests are on their way. Tonight, I must visit Ryukwang in his dreams and give him a stern warning.”
Even as he considered that it might already be too late, the old man mumbled to himself and began to move.
He circled the persimmon tree planted in one corner of the courtyard exactly twelve times before heading inside.