Episode 367: Return of the Demon Sect Leader

“Maesellan, the former head of the Inspection Bureau…!”

Nam Unpyeong glared at her with a stern expression. Despite the tension, he couldn’t treat her disrespectfully, given her past position.

Sitting quietly until now, Shim Jihwang finally spoke up, breaking the silence. “If we let this matter slide, rumors will spread like wildfire, causing endless trouble. Especially with the involvement of the unorthodox sects, people will be all the more interested. We might even see malicious gossip.”

“So, Elder Shim, do you have a plan?” Maesellan asked coldly.

Shim Jihwang responded with a sly smile. “This is a matter between martial artists. Why not settle it with a duel?”

“A duel?” Nam Unpyeong echoed, and Shim Jihwang nodded.

In the martial world, it wasn’t uncommon to resolve disputes through combat. It was a simple yet fitting method, as strength often equated to justice.

Nam Unpyeong nodded in agreement. “That might not be a bad idea. It’s best to settle this here and now to prevent future issues.”

Nam Weseong stepped forward eagerly. “Father, let me fight on behalf of Yeonah!”

But Shim Jihwang shook his head. “This has grown beyond a personal matter. It’s now between the Shinwolmun and the Myeolmagwan.”

“Then…”

“Shouldn’t the leaders of both factions face each other?”

Nam Unpyeong smirked inwardly at Shim Jihwang’s suggestion. ‘So that’s his game.’

He glanced at Maesellan with a meaningful smile. Though she had been the head of the Inspection Bureau, he was confident in his martial prowess. Known as the “New Moon Conqueror Sword,” his reputation was well-established.

Maesellan, on the other hand, felt the weight of the situation. Her skills had improved significantly after meeting Sabigang, but she knew she wasn’t yet a match for Nam Unpyeong.

Shim Jihwang had orchestrated this scenario perfectly, hoping to diminish the Myeolmagwan’s influence in the region.

‘This is turning out easier than expected.’

If word spread that Maesellan was defeated by the Shinwolmun leader, who would want to join the Myeolmagwan? Even if they did, they’d be of little consequence.

Shim Jihwang turned to Nam Unpyeong. “What do you think? A duel between the two of you would be a valuable lesson for the younger generation.”

Nam Unpyeong saw no downside. It could even enhance his reputation. He nodded enthusiastically. “Very well! I’ll take on the challenge as you suggest, Elder.”

As Nam Unpyeong stepped forward, the crowd buzzed with excitement.

“Wow, the New Moon Conqueror Sword is dueling the former head of the Inspection Bureau!”

“I never thought I’d witness such a spectacle!”

“There’s always something to see when the Myeolmagwan is involved!”

Maesellan bit her lip, gauging the atmosphere. Retreating now would be unseemly, despite the pressure.

Just as she was about to speak, a voice cut through the crowd.

“That’s a fine idea. But let’s make sure the loser accepts the outcome without complaint.”

All eyes turned to the source of the voice. Sabigang stood with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face.

Shim Jihwang’s eyes twitched. “Sa… Sabigang?”

He looked at Nam Unpyeong in confusion. Hadn’t Nam Unpyeong said Sabigang had left everything to Maesellan and disappeared?

Yet here he was.

Sabigang approached, speaking confidently. “For the record, I’m the current leader of the Myeolmagwan, not Maesellan.”

His grin widened, and Nam Unpyeong frowned slightly. ‘So this is Sabigang?’

He’d heard much about him, but Sabigang seemed younger than expected. Still, the aura he exuded was anything but ordinary.

Realizing the situation was more complicated than anticipated, Shim Jihwang discreetly communicated with Nam Unpyeong.

[Perhaps it’s best to end this here. He’s not to be underestimated.]

Though it could have been a blow to his pride, Nam Unpyeong was cautious. He wasn’t reckless enough to challenge Sabigang directly.

Feigning a broad smile, he stepped forward. “Upon reflection, it seems there have been misunderstandings…”

But before he could finish, Nam Hwayun, oblivious to the tension, shouted, “Father! Show them what true justice is!”

The crowd’s excitement grew.

“Wow! A duel between the famous Sabigang and the New Moon Conqueror Sword!”

“I can’t believe I’m witnessing this!”

With the crowd’s anticipation at its peak, Nam Unpyeong realized there was no backing out now.

‘Perhaps it’s best to put on a show.’

Even if Sabigang’s reputation was formidable, Nam Unpyeong believed he could hold his own for a while. After a few exchanges, he could acknowledge Sabigang’s skills and gracefully withdraw.

Resolving himself, Nam Unpyeong assumed a fighting stance.

Sabigang chuckled. “Looks like you’ve made up your mind.”

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” Nam Unpyeong replied, his expression serious.

Sabigang shrugged, ready for the challenge.

“Well, I’m not sure if I can even learn this.”

Nam Un-pyeong’s brow furrowed deeply.

‘How arrogant…!’

Yet, the opponent’s overconfidence was an opportunity in disguise.

Nam Un-pyeong chose not to point out the opponent’s complacency. Instead, as always, he decided to exploit that gap.

“Then let’s see!”

With a swift movement, he launched himself forward. Despite being older, he never hesitated to strike first. Winning was all that mattered, and he wasn’t picky about the means.

He saw it clearly: Sa Bi-gang standing there, arms crossed, looking utterly indifferent even as Nam Un-pyeong charged at him.

‘Hah! Just an empty reputation! Take this!’

With a sharp whoosh, the first form of the Divine Moon Celestial Sword, Crescent Moon Slash, descended in a graceful arc toward Sa Bi-gang’s head.

In that fleeting moment, Sa Bi-gang lazily extended his left hand and muttered in a bored tone, “Flame Cannon.”

In an instant, a blazing beam shot from his palm, sending Nam Un-pyeong flying backward.

Whoosh! Boom!

“Aaargh!”

It happened in the blink of an eye. Nam Un-pyeong, who had been rushing forward with his sword, was now sprawled on the ground, his body charred black. Thanks to his deep inner strength, he narrowly escaped death, but he was gravely injured.

Staggering to his feet with a look of disbelief, he collapsed again. The crowd fell silent, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. Especially the martial artists from the Divine Moon Sect, who stood with their mouths agape, speechless at the abrupt and anticlimactic end to the duel.

“What… what was that just now?”

“Could it be… some supreme technique?”

As murmurs spread through the crowd, Sa Bi-gang spoke up.

“I believe that settles the matter.”

With that, he used levitation magic to effortlessly ascend to the rooftop. To the onlookers, it appeared as nothing more than a miraculous step through the air.

Surveying the crowd, Sa Bi-gang announced, “Let me make something clear. Our academy was established to counter the demons and various dark arts summoned by the Demon Sect.”

His voice, imbued with power, resonated clearly in everyone’s ears.

“Anyone who wishes to join our ranks, regardless of background or gender, is welcome to apply, provided they have the ability. We look forward to your interest.”

With those words, Sa Bi-gang glanced at his team, the Celestial Extermination Squad and the Newborn Division, and casually said, “Let’s go, everyone.”

“Yes, sir!”

They responded with enthusiasm, following him as he departed.

It was only after Sa Bi-gang had left that the crowd began to buzz with excitement.

“Incredible!”

“If there’s an academy like that, the Demon Sect won’t stand a chance!”

“I’m going to apply to the academy!”

“Me too!”

The martial artists shouted eagerly, caught up in the moment.

Meanwhile, standing quietly amidst the crowd, Mu-rang grumbled, “He just leaves me here and goes off on his own?”

Next to him, Chu-ryang, looking apologetic, replied, “I’m sorry. It seems Master got a bit carried away. It happens sometimes… Let me guide you. Shall we?”

Mu-rang clicked his tongue in annoyance but followed Chu-ryang nonetheless.