Episode 402: Return to the Demon Sect
“Take a look at this.”
Jo Kang-min carefully placed an arrow on the table.
Hyesung Sect’s leader, Jeong Gyu-hong, and Elder Im Cheon-baek frowned deeply as they examined the arrow.
At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary arrow.
However, the arrowhead was an unusual dark color, and its material was difficult to identify.
Jo Kang-min continued, “It looks ordinary, but look at the arrowhead.”
“Indeed, it’s a peculiar shade. A deep black… What is it made of?” Jeong Gyu-hong asked, curiosity piqued.
Jo Kang-min responded with a knowing smile. “It’s said to be made from the wing bone of a demon beast.”
“The wing bone of a demon beast!”
“Is that true?”
Both Jeong Gyu-hong and Im Cheon-baek were taken aback, staring at Jo Kang-min in disbelief.
For men who had dedicated their lives to the righteous path, anything related to demon cults or creatures was considered vile and untouchable.
Im Cheon-baek muttered in distaste, “No wonder it feels ominous.”
“Get rid of that wretched thing immediately. Why did you bring it here?” Jeong Gyu-hong added, his expression souring.
Jo Kang-min was a promising young talent in the Hyesung Sect. After completing his training at Yongcheon Hall, he was now working as a squad leader at the Su-shin Pavilion of the Justice Alliance.
Although Hyesung Sect was well-regarded in the martial world, it had struggled to produce new talents for some time. Jo Kang-min’s connection with the Justice Alliance was seen as a chance for the sect to rise again.
But why had he returned with an arrow made from a demon’s bone?
Despite the elders’ reactions, Jo Kang-min maintained a faint smile, handling the arrow as if it were a precious treasure.
“Leader, Elder, this is no ordinary item. This arrowhead has a unique property—it heats up upon contact with blood.”
“It heats up? So, if it pierces someone, it causes a burn?”
“Exactly. Anyone hit by this arrow will suffer burns. As you know, burning pain is one of the most excruciating types of pain.”
Im Cheon-baek narrowed his eyes, asking, “Where did you get this?”
“It was made at the Demon Slayer Hall.”
“The Demon Slayer Hall?”
“Yes, by a man named Jo Shin-ryang. He was connected to the Hall Master Sa Bi-gang during his time with the Blood Alliance. He’s a skilled craftsman and now serves as the head of the Divine Beast Pavilion.”
“So, it’s the work of those from the unorthodox sects?”
“Not exactly. Jo Shin-ryang isn’t a martial artist, so it’s hard to categorize him as orthodox or unorthodox. He’s simply a blacksmith.”
“The world has changed. A mere blacksmith can become a pavilion head.”
“Hall Master Sa Bi-gang is known for valuing skill over background.”
Im Cheon-baek crossed his arms, recalling his past encounter with Sa Bi-gang when he had visited to entrust Jo Kang-min to him. He had known Sa Bi-gang was unconventional, but he hadn’t expected him to rise so high.
Jo Kang-min’s eyes gleamed as he spoke, “The world is changing, Leader. We can’t just sit and meditate anymore. For Hyesung Sect to stand tall, we must move faster than others. In fact, we’re already a few steps behind.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“You know the Demon Slayer Hall was established to locate and destroy the summoning sites of the Demon Sect, right?”
“That’s common knowledge.”
“Exactly. This arrowhead was found at one of those sites. Do you see where I’m going with this?”
“Hmm.”
Jeong Gyu-hong pondered before speaking heavily, “Are you suggesting we join the hunt for these summoning sites?”
“Precisely. The creatures from these sites will soon become valuable assets. A new era is upon us. Leader, Elder, the proof is right before your eyes.”
Jeong Gyu-hong and Im Cheon-baek’s gazes returned to the arrow on the table. Im Cheon-baek picked it up and pricked his forearm. As the arrowhead pierced his skin, a searing heat spread.
“Ugh.”
Even with his deep internal energy, Im Cheon-baek couldn’t suppress a faint groan from the intense heat. He set the arrow down, examining his burned arm.
“But there’s no guarantee this will work on demon beasts.”
“It depends on the type of creature. Some are affected, others aren’t.”
“Hmm.”
“And look at this.”
Jo Kang-min produced a small vial from his pocket.
“What is that?”
“A healing potion used by the Demon Slayer Hall. Allow me, Elder.”
Jo Kang-min applied a few drops to Im Cheon-baek’s arm. Miraculously, the bubbling liquid healed the burn completely.
“It’s far superior to any ordinary medicine.”
“Impressive…”
“This, too, is from the demon realm.”
Jo Kang-min turned back to the leader, his voice firm. “Leader, it’s time for us to join the hunt for demon beasts. The summoning sites are treasure troves waiting to be claimed!”
“But… I’ve heard they’re extremely dangerous. Even Hall Master Sa Bi-gang suffered casualties on his expedition.”
“High risk, high reward, Leader. We must take risks to reap the benefits!”
“The Alliance is aware of the dangers, which is why they established the Demon Slayer Hall. If we act independently without their approval…”
“With all due respect, this is a matter of strategy. We don’t need the Alliance’s permission to deal with bandits, do we? The same applies to demon beasts. If the Alliance tries to stop us, it would only be to monopolize the profits from the summoning sites.”
“Hmm.”
Jeong Gyu-hong fell silent, as did Im Cheon-baek. The Alliance hadn’t officially announced anything yet. Moving first might be advantageous.
But…
“If we end up like the Northern Sect…”
“How can you compare us to a small rural sect? Other sects have already begun their search. We must find the summoning sites too!”
Jo Kang-min’s voice was resolute. Jeong Gyu-hong exchanged a glance with Im Cheon-baek, who slowly nodded. Jeong Gyu-hong, having made up his mind, nodded as well.
“Very well. We will search for the summoning sites. Keep us informed of any developments from the Alliance.”
“Understood, Leader.”
Jo Kang-min bowed respectfully.
**
The martial world was entering a new phase.
Initially, only a few major sects declared their intent to cleanse the summoning sites. Now, even regional mid-sized and small sects were clamoring to join the hunt.
After the Great War between the righteous and unorthodox, chaos was once again descending upon the martial world.
Sa Bi-gang, having entrusted the Demon Slayer Hall to Mae Seol-ran, headed to the main headquarters of the Justice Alliance.
Upon his arrival, the Alliance convened an emergency meeting with the leaders of the most influential sects.
Sa Bi-gang got straight to the point.
“We must halt the summoning site hunts immediately.”
“And why is that?”
The question came from Pae Wol-dang’s leader, Jo Jeok-sang, who had once fallen victim to Sa Bi-gang’s sleep spell and harbored a grudge.
Sa Bi-gang explained, “The place I led the Demon Slayer trainees into wasn’t an ordinary dungeon… It was a site with an altar.”
“An altar?”
Alliance Leader Neung Un-pa prompted him to continue.
“Sites with altars are particularly dangerous. Those sacrificed there become offerings. Such sites have a stone chamber at their deepest point, where the leader demon resides.”
“So, the leader demon controls the site?”
“Exactly. The problem is, if we recklessly enter and become sacrifices, the victims become offerings. This strengthens the demon, making it a more formidable foe. That’s why our first mission at the Demon Slayer Hall was so challenging.”
Neung Un-pa nodded in understanding. “The Northern Sect’s destruction was due to feeding the altar’s master.”
“Precisely.”
Jo Jeok-sang scoffed, “Hmph! Every grave has its excuse. Even if that’s true, isn’t it better for martial artists to handle the sites than for ordinary people to become sacrifices?”
“Indeed. The Demon Slayer Hall’s first mission was essentially a failure. We can’t rely on them indefinitely.”
The agreement came from Elder Council Head Wook Cheong-pung.
At that moment, Nam Un-pyeong, the head of the Sinwol Clan from the Infinite Mountains, chimed in with agreement.
“If the Myeolma Hall continues to monopolize the summoning grounds like this, people will start to question their true intentions.”
“I feel the same way.”
Voices of agreement echoed from all around.
Many of the leaders within the Alliance had already been influenced by the various sects and influential figures from different regions.
As a result, they were eager to support Jo Jeok-sang’s stance on this matter.
In truth, they didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation.
Their minds were clouded with the dismissive thought, “It’s just some demons, after all.”
Moreover, the prospect of hunting these creatures for profit and power was too tempting to resist.
Watching the crowd shout and argue, Gu Yun let out a quiet sigh.
They truly didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation.
With the threat of a demon invasion looming, they were only concerned with their sects’ immediate gains.
Their supposed reasons for opposing the demons and the Demon Cult were nothing more than a convenient facade.
Their real aim was to gain an advantage over rival sects.
In essence, they were still trapped by human competitiveness and the thirst for authority.
Sabi-gang silently observed the boisterous leaders.
“This is humanity. Until the fire is at their feet, they drool over immediate gains. That’s what humans are.”
Sabi-gang had witnessed the downfall of such people in a past life.
He had been one of them, too.
This time, he was determined not to repeat the same mistakes.
His gaze shifted to Jo Jeok-sang, the most powerful and loudest among them.
“Are you confident?”
Sabi-gang suddenly asked, causing Jo Jeok-sang to frown.
The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention between Sabi-gang and Jo Jeok-sang.
Sabi-gang’s eyes grew cold.
“I asked if you’re confident.”
“What… what do you mean?”
“If you were to enter the summoning grounds, are you confident you’d come back alive?”
“Hmph! At least I wouldn’t end up missing or unconscious like some people.”
Everyone knew the jab was aimed at Sabi-gang.
He twisted his lips into a smirk.
“Well, it’s easier to deal with someone who provokes so openly.”