Episode 413: Return to the Demonic Cult
“Amazing…”
Cha Jae-gang couldn’t help but acknowledge it.
The seemingly simple formation was, in reality, intricately and meticulously constructed.
At first, he thought it was just a straightforward strategy of dividing roles into three parts for combat.
But now, he could see that their movements were nothing short of precise.
Especially the defense team, which was blocking Park’s attacks with a new concept of defensive techniques.
While Gok Bo-ok was an exception due to his exceptionally trained body, the other cadets were enhancing each other’s energy, optimizing their bodies for defense.
In essence, after scattering to attack, they would quickly regroup in pairs or trios, channeling energy into a specific person.
The one whose energy surged could effortlessly block Park’s attacks.
Meanwhile, the attack team would launch a surprise assault, moving as if they were a single organism.
Even the defense team’s movements required perfect synchronization to succeed.
Yet, when the attack team joined in, there was not a single misstep, despite the potential for chaos.
And what about the healing team?
If they suddenly intervened when injuries occurred, it could disrupt the flow of those already engaged.
But they, too, moved along predetermined paths with precision.
“They’re not moving randomly. They’re following a set path with a set footwork.”
On the surface, it seemed simple.
But a closer look revealed that the Murang Formation was incredibly complex and precise.
Swoosh! Swish, swish, swish!
Swords clashed, and arrows rained down like a storm.
It was a chaotic battle.
Yet, viewed from above, the Murang Formation moved organically and systematically.
“It’s not just a different arrangement!”
Typically, when one thinks of a formation, they imagine how warriors line up and move.
But the Murang Formation was far more intricate and complex.
Each person had a designated footwork and path, with different energy operations based on their roles and missions.
All of this was directed by the instructors or trainers, who communicated more through actions than words.
For instance, when Gok Bo-ok raised his energy to a certain level, the cadets would instinctively adjust their internal energy accordingly.
The attack team’s movements would change based on these shifts.
If they attacked too fiercely, it would draw Park’s attention, so they had to maintain a balanced level.
Depending on how Gok Bo-ok’s defense team moved, Ong Gi-seung and Dan Li-jeong would adjust their energy and approach from different paths.
Finally, the healing team wouldn’t just rush in; they would enter when the defense and attack teams naturally opened a path.
As a result, the subjugation team led by Sa Bi-gang moved like a single, massive organism.
“Simple on the outside, but rich on the inside. That’s the common trait of all things.”
That was what Murang had said.
He also mentioned, “The more complex the formation, the more it must be understood with the body rather than the mind. But… I wonder how quickly the cadets can master such precision.”
Sa Bi-gang assured him there was no need to worry.
Amazingly, the cadets quickly understood and mastered the formation, just as Sa Bi-gang had predicted.
This was thanks to the daily, indiscriminate survival sparring.
What seemed meaningless at first helped them adapt to the Murang Formation.
In situations where they had to fight their classmates to the brink of death, their senses became incredibly sharp.
They had no choice.
To survive, they had to quickly grasp the energy and changes of others.
In other words, those who were quick-witted lasted longer.
Thus, they could swiftly adapt to the Murang Formation.
Park’s roar snapped Sa Bi-gang out of his thoughts.
Park was struggling, trapped within the Murang Formation.
As time passed, he was visibly tiring.
The Heavenly Dao disciples, who had been watching, were left speechless, their mouths agape.
“Incredible…”
“Indeed. At first, I thought it was a simple formation, but now I see how incredibly precise it is.”
“How much training does it take to move like that?”
“No wonder it’s the Demonic Cult…”
They felt embarrassed for having underestimated the Demonic Cult.
Jang Gi-tak and Cha Jae-gang felt the same.
Their pride was thoroughly bruised, but they had to acknowledge the Demonic Cult’s exceptional skills.
Finally, Park let out a scream and began to fall.
Thud!
With a heavy crash, Park went down.
The subjugation team showed no reaction.
The defense team remained tense, ready for Park’s attacks, while the attack team delivered the final blow.
Slash! Slash!
Park’s belly was split open, and his neck was severed.
A complete victory at last.
A red aura rose from Park’s body, signaling the end of his life as it gradually faded away.
Sa Bi-gang looked at Cha Jae-gang, who sat in a daze.
“I’ll handle the distribution of the spoils according to contribution.”
“Very well.”
Cha Jae-gang managed to reply.
Sa Bi-gang approached the subjugation team and spoke.
“Pluck the claws and feathers.”
Park’s claws were excellent for making weapons, and the feathers had a special effect of dispelling fear.
Though not a demon from the demonic realm, Sa Bi-gang had learned much about mythical creatures from Murang.
The subjugation team responded in unison and began collecting Park’s feathers.
**
“Hah!”
“Hi-yah!”
The loud shouts echoed through the grand training ground.
The first-class and second-class cadets, not selected for the subjugation team, were gathered, letting out sharp cries as they trained.
While the indiscriminate sparring continued, today was the joint training held once every full moon.
Though the Demonic Cult was established to subjugate summoning sites, its ultimate goal was to create an army capable of waging war against the demons.
Thus, joint training was an essential process.
And today, the instructor in charge of the joint training was none other than Muk Yang-je.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind.
“The atmosphere is different here.”
Muk Yang-je turned to see Lee Chung, the leader of the Black Mist Group, whom he knew well from the Justice Alliance, smiling warmly.
Muk Yang-je greeted him with a surprised expression.
“What brings the leader of the Black Mist Group here?”
“The Elder Council sent me.”
Though the Black Mist Group was independent, it was often close to the Elder Council.
Hearing that the Elder Council had sent him, Muk Yang-je’s expression brightened.
“The Elder Council?”
“The council still has high hopes for you.”
Muk Yang-je’s eyes sparkled.
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you see? Your presence here as an instructor means there’s still an opportunity for you.”
“That means…”
“Think of it as a form of disguise. No one is perfect, right? Even Sa Bi-gang is human, so you should watch closely and seize the moment.”
Muk Yang-je gave a wry smile.
“It’s not that I haven’t thought about it.”
“But…?”
“I’ve been looking for an opportunity, but it’s not easy.”
Muk Yang-je recalled the time he was bitten by Ban Myeo.
Just thinking about it made his neck tingle.
Lee Chung chuckled and replied.
“There will be more opportunities if you look for them. If not, you can create them.”
“Create them?”
Lee Chung gave a meaningful smile and turned his gaze.
In the distance, Mae Seol-ran was approaching.
She wore light armor, and though not flashy, her elegant appearance seemed to shine.
“She’s truly a beautiful woman.”
Lee Chung murmured with a somewhat lecherous smile, causing Muk Yang-je to frown slightly.
He was annoyed that the conversation had suddenly shifted away from their discussion.
Muk Yang-je was about to say something when Lee Chung continued.
“Don’t you want to pluck a beautiful flower?”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Meanwhile, Mae Seol-ran reached the platform where the two were standing.
She addressed Lee Chung.
“There you are. I heard a guest from the alliance had arrived, so I went to the guest hall, but you weren’t there, and I had to search for you.”
“Oh, I wandered off on my own. My apologies. I wanted to see the cadets training, so I came out here.”
“I see.”
“Truly impressive. It’s amazing. Where does such determination and passion come from…?”
Then, he suddenly turned to Mae Seol-ran and continued.
“To teach the cadets so well, the chief and instructors must be incredibly skilled, right?”
“You’re too kind.”
“The chief is humble. Since we’re on the topic, could I also receive some instruction?”
Mae Seol-ran briefly furrowed her brow but then relaxed her expression and replied.
“I’ll mention it to the chief when he arrives.”
“No, I’m asking for your instruction right now. I’m a bit impatient, you see. Haha.”
At this point, Mae Seol-ran’s expression hardened.
Though he called it seeking instruction, it was essentially a challenge to a sparring match.
Mae Seol-ran was about to politely decline when Lee Chung quickly interjected.
“Please, Director Mae, I implore you not to dismiss my earnest request. If you would share your wisdom with me, it would surely be an enlightening experience for all the cadets here, wouldn’t it?”
With his head bowed deeply, Lee Chung’s lips curled into a smile.
By now, Mu Yangje had a clear grasp of Lee Chung’s intentions.
‘So, he plans to embarrass Director Mae in front of everyone.’
After all, not much was known about Mae Seollan’s martial prowess. The focus of all discussions had always been on Sabi River.
Even before, just as Mae Seollan was about to engage in a duel with Nam Unpyeong, Sabi River had intervened, leaving the matter unresolved.
As a result, many were curious about Mae Seollan’s martial skills, though no one dared to voice their doubts openly due to her position as Director.
But if Mae Seollan were to be easily defeated by Lee Chung without putting up a fight, it would undoubtedly spark controversy about her abilities.
‘Lee Chung is truly cunning, cornering Director Mae so blatantly.’
Lee Chung, with a hint of mockery, asked, “Are you perhaps feeling pressured because the cadets are watching?”
Mu Yangje realized it was time for him to step in.
“Haha, come now, Leader Lee. Why would Director Mae feel pressured? Her skills aren’t inferior to yours.”
“Ha, indeed. In that case, I humbly ask for your guidance.”
Lee Chung smirked inwardly.
‘What will you do? Suffer humiliation at my hands or be branded a coward for avoiding the duel? Make your choice.’
Then, unexpectedly, Mae Seollan spoke up.
“Very well. If that’s what you wish.”
“Pardon?”
Lee Chung looked up, surprised, and Mae Seollan replied with a gentle smile.
“If that’s what you want, I’ll be happy to teach you a thing or two.”
Mae Seollan grinned, thinking to herself, ‘I seem to be becoming more like that person.’