Episode 440: The Return of the Demon Sect Leader
“The Golden Mask is dead now.”
The Demon Sect Leader, seated on the grand throne, spoke in a deep, resonant voice.
The White Mask, standing before him, bowed his head in acknowledgment.
“Wasn’t it something we anticipated?”
“Indeed.”
Had the Golden Mask been present, he would have been utterly shocked. To think that his death was foreseen and yet no measures were taken to prevent it? It was enough to make anyone’s face flush with indignation. But the dead, as they say, are silent.
The leader’s calm voice echoed softly in the air.
“How far along is the Descent Ritual?”
“We’ve surpassed eighty percent. Soon, it will reach ninety.”
“Everything is proceeding as planned.”
“I am in awe of your foresight, my lord. The Golden Mask acted precisely as you intended.”
“It’s not about foresight. More important than martial arts is understanding people.”
“I will remember that.”
“The betrayal of the Silver Mask was already foreseen. If he couldn’t be kept, he had to be deceived and used. The key was the Golden Mask.”
The leader narrowed his eyes, recalling a conversation he once had with Jonya.
“Are you suggesting we use the Demon Sect?”
The leader asked, his voice tinged with surprise. Jonya furrowed his brow slightly and replied.
“Do you find it wasteful?”
“Oh, I apologize. That’s not what I meant…”
The leader quickly bowed in apology. Jonya, with an indifferent expression, turned his gaze to a flower.
“Do not harbor affection for even the most insignificant life. Affection is humanity’s greatest weakness. For the sake of the grand cause, everything can be used. Even yourself.”
“I will keep that in mind!”
“You mentioned Sabikang, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“He’s not someone easily handled. You need to think bigger.”
“What do you mean…”
“You must use every weapon at your disposal. Confronting him head-on, even you won’t be able to defeat him.”
“To that extent…!”
It wasn’t disbelief. It was Jonya’s words. He had unwavering faith in Jonya. He was simply surprised.
Jonya nodded, inhaling the scent of the flowers before continuing.
“He knows the Demon Realm. I don’t know exactly why, but it’s certain. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to use magic without going through me.”
The leader knew well that the magic Jonya referred to was the Demon Arts he had taught.
The leader bowed even lower and spoke.
“I will eliminate him at all costs!”
“No, you won’t eliminate him.”
“Then…?”
“Delay him. Your task is to hinder him until the grand cause is achieved.”
“I understand.”
The leader prostrated himself, pressing his forehead to the ground.
From that day on, the leader devised a rather intricate plan. Sending the Silver Mask as a spy was part of his strategy. He also granted significant authority to the Golden Mask, who was adept at reading human psychology. He trusted that the Golden Mask would skillfully manipulate the Silver and Jade Masks.
Some aspects proceeded independently of the leader’s intentions. Yet, he said nothing. The more freedom he gave the Golden Mask, the more naturally he would become a tool.
The only one who truly understood the leader’s intentions was the White Mask. The reason the leader chose him was simple: he was the most loyal.
“The Jade Mask isn’t dead, so Sabikang will move soon.”
“Won’t he be suspicious?”
“He will be. But he has no choice but to act. That’s why we attacked the Heavenly Valley.”
“Then the grand cause will soon be complete.”
“Summon the Four New Demons for a smooth conclusion.”
”…!”
The White Mask flinched and looked at the leader. The Four New Demons were the leader’s disciples, each surpassing the Golden Mask in martial prowess. Summoning them meant the grand cause was truly nearing completion.
Suppressing his excitement, the White Mask replied.
“Understood!”
“Is the information reliable?”
Nung Unpa’s eyes wavered.
“It’s certain. All verification processes are complete.”
Sabikang responded with a calm expression. The leaders of the righteous alliance and the heads of various sects gathered in the hall, shouting in indignation.
“Those bastards! Now that we know their location, we must form a punitive force and wipe them out!”
“Indeed! We can’t stand by and watch the Demon Sect’s atrocities any longer! Let’s eradicate them while we have the chance!”
“Despicable scum attacking the Heavenly Valley! And kidnapping the wounded to use as sacrifices! It’s intolerable!”
Voices of anger erupted from all sides, turning the hall into chaos.
Today, Sabikang had come to the main headquarters of the righteous alliance to report his findings. Most of the information was extracted through the interrogation of Ye Gon and verified through the Ghost Shadow Squad.
Nung Unpa closed his eyes and spoke.
“So, according to you… while our main force is tied up with the fake Descent Site, the Demon Sect attacked the Heavenly Valley, kidnapped martial artists to use as sacrifices, and now they’re held at the Descent Site?”
“That’s the current understanding. It’s what we heard from Ye Gon, and the Ghost Shadow Squad confirmed the kidnapped martial artists are indeed there.”
“Why attack the Heavenly Valley instead of civilian areas?”
“Perhaps because the effect is maximized when martial artists are used as sacrifices.”
“If that’s true, it’s a serious issue.”
Nung Unpa murmured, lost in thought.
General Gu Yoon narrowed his eyes, observing Sabikang. Something about Sabikang’s demeanor seemed uncharacteristic. Normally, Sabikang would have already demanded support to storm the Descent Site.
But today…
‘Why is he stopping at just reporting?’
Curious, Gu Yoon subtly asked Sabikang.
“Is there something troubling you, Lord Sabikang? Perhaps doubts about the reliability of the information…”
Sabikang shook his head.
“At the very least, it’s certain that the kidnapped martial artists are held there.”
“Then what’s the issue? As everyone here suggests, we should plan an operation and attack immediately.”
“I never said there was an issue.”
“True. It’s just that your reaction seems different from usual.”
Sabikang smiled. Indeed, the general was perceptive. Sabikang spoke candidly.
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure that place is the Descent Site.”
“But didn’t we see the fake Descent Site, made to resemble the real one?”
“Yes, we did. But there’s no problem if there’s another place like that. The Demon Sect is putting everything into this.”
“So, there’s a possibility it’s another trap?”
“Yes. Although the presence of the kidnapped martial artists there is genuine.”
“The chance it’s fake?”
“Fifty percent. It’s a toss-up.”
In other words, it’s entirely unpredictable. The unexpected response caused a stir in the hall.
Normally, Sabikang would have advocated for immediate action. Just then, the head of the Ankang Sect, Jung Wook-jin, raised his eyebrows and spoke.
“Even if it’s not the Descent Site, it’s true that martial artists receiving treatment at the Heavenly Valley were captured. We must plan an operation to rescue them!”
His strong insistence was driven by personal reasons—his son, Jung Wi-hak, was among those kidnapped while receiving treatment at the Heavenly Valley.
Most of the sect leaders present had similar personal stakes.
“I also agree with Lord Jung! There are times for caution and times for swift action! Now is the time for speed, not caution!”
“Indeed! Our alliance is dedicated to protecting the weak and vanquishing evil. With the weak captured and evil forces rampant, there’s no reason to delay!”
“Despicable bastards! Targeting the wounded!”
Once again, voices filled with determination echoed throughout the hall.
This time, Sabikang remained silent. The reason he couldn’t make a definitive decision was simply a feeling. A vague sense of unease. But he couldn’t pinpoint its source.
It was a first for him, feeling so unfamiliar with himself.
What was clear was that the patients from the Heavenly Valley were indeed captured there.
An elderly sect leader raised his voice, mocking Sabikang.
“I’ve heard that the martial prowess of the Demon Slayer Lord is unmatched. So what are you afraid of? Are you scared of falling into a trap and dying, even if it’s the right thing to do?”
Sabikang stared at him, then drew Berthas from his waist.
With a swift motion,
Shwack!
He hurled Berthas vertically, embedding it deep into the solid floor, handle and all.
The sheer force left everyone around gaping in awe.
Sabikang spoke with a cold, detached gaze.
“I won’t die anywhere. I’m that strong. But the problem is you. Shall we consider the worst-case scenario? If things go wrong, everyone but me might end up dead.”
“What…!”
The old martial artist’s cheek twitched, and he trembled slightly.
It was an audacious statement.
But his trembling wasn’t from anger. Listening to Sabikang’s cold words and seeing his icy eyes, an unbidden fear crept over him.
Sabikang nodded inwardly.
‘Yes, the problem isn’t me. It’s you.’
What meaning would there be if only he survived and everyone else perished?
It would just be another cycle of his past life.
Could this feeling be because of Jonya?
Is it because he’s going to take the lead this time?
I don’t know.
Gu Yoon asked quietly, “What if we attack Bonmaeng, and it turns out not to be the real site of the descent?”
“We probably won’t be able to stop the descent ritual in time.”
Exactly.
This was part of the problem.
According to Yeogon, the descent ritual was already more than eighty percent complete.
It meant it would soon be finished.
I checked through Murang, and he wasn’t lying.
But…
‘What if the Maeryeong Cult has even distorted the truth to someone as high-ranking as Yeogon?’
In that case, we couldn’t fully trust Yeogon’s testimony.
At this point, some began to voice caution in the assembly.
As the heated debate dragged on, it turned into an emotional exchange.
Srrrng!
Finally, Jeong Wook-jin, unable to contain his anger, drew his sword and stepped forward.
The faces of those advocating caution were filled with shock.
“What are you doing, Lord Jeong?”
“Calm down! How can you draw a sword in a place like this?”
Jeong Wook-jin shouted, his eyes red with emotion.
“Enough! Could you remain so cautious if your own child were kidnapped while ill?”
“But this is…!”
“If sacrificing my life could bring back the injured, then so be it! I will lay down my life here to show my resolve!”
“Lord Jeong! Stop…!”
Cries of shock filled the room, but no one could stop Jeong Wook-jin’s swift action.
Thunk!
He committed seppuku.
Jeong Wook-jin plunged his sword into his own abdomen and began to cut upward in a crescent shape.
Everyone was so stunned they froze like statues.
Thud!
A man approached like the wind and grabbed his wrist.
“Let go…!”
“Stop this reckless act.”
It was Sabi Kang.
He quickly pressed on Jeong Wook-jin’s pressure points to stop the bleeding.
Thwack, thwack, thwack!
He then swiftly pulled the sword from Jeong Wook-jin’s stomach and poured a healing potion from his pouch.
“Get a doctor, quickly!”
At Sabi Kang’s shout, several doctors rushed into the hall.
“If we act now, it won’t be too late. Hurry.”
“Understood!”
The doctors lifted Jeong Wook-jin and quickly carried him out of the hall.
After the commotion, the atmosphere in the hall turned icy cold.
Naturally, the call to immediately dispatch a rescue and strike team gained momentum.
Finally, Neung Un-pa spoke up.
“I will make a decision.”
The hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to the leader.
Neung Un-pa continued in a solemn voice.
“There was an unexpected incident. I do not intend to defend or support Lord An’s reckless actions. However, if his desperation did not move me, that too would be a lie. The injured in Cheongang Valley could be any of our children, parents, or siblings. As the leader, I feel an immense responsibility.”
After a brief pause, Neung Un-pa took a deep breath and spoke again.
“If we fail to stop the descent ritual, a greater crisis will surely befall the martial world. However, our sect cannot ignore visible injustice out of fear of unseen dangers. We cannot waste time while the injured kidnapped by the Maeryeong Cult remain in peril. The notion that sacrifice is necessary for the greater good has always been the excuse of the vile and cowardly. Our sect is different. Therefore, from this moment, we will form a rescue and strike team to save the kidnapped injured and eradicate the vile and ruthless enemies!”
“An absolutely right decision!”
“We support the leader’s decision!”
The leaders and heads of the factions shouted in unison.
Neung Un-pa looked at Sabi Kang with an expression seeking understanding.
“I believe this is the best decision for now. So, please have the Myeolma Hall prepare a strike team to join the operation as soon as possible.”
The Myeolma Hall, with its deep knowledge of the Maeryeong Cult, couldn’t be left out of the operation.
“Understood.”
Sabi Kang replied, though a part of him still felt uneasy.
Perhaps it was just a feeling, but something about this operation seemed dangerously off.
‘Before returning to Myeolma Hall, I should make a stop. I need to prepare as much as possible.’