Episode 444: Return to the Demon Sect
When Gu Yoon asked again in shock, Suha continued his report with a somber expression, bowing his head deeply.
“It appears there are no survivors from the Dark Shadow Unit.”
“What…!”
As Gu Yoon staggered, Neung Unpa stepped forward and asked, “Is that true?”
“Yes, it’s confirmed.”
“How could this happen…!”
“Their defenses are much tighter than we anticipated.”
“The Dark Shadow Unit couldn’t break through? Does that mean there’s truly no way to save them?”
Neung Unpa muttered with a heavy heart. The Dark Shadow Unit was renowned for its infiltration skills, even among the elite of the Justice Alliance. If they failed, who could possibly succeed?
A reckless assault wouldn’t solve everything. It could lead to the death of the injured captives in the Demon Sect’s stronghold. Even if the ambush succeeded, the Justice Alliance would be criticized for its rash actions, weakening its political standing and control over the martial world.
In short, even if they managed to eliminate the Demon Sect, the scars would run deep. Regardless, Neung Unpa was determined to rescue the captives.
He looked around at the leaders and asked, “Is there any group that can infiltrate the Demon Sect in place of the Dark Shadow Unit?”
Silence. No one volunteered. It was an absurd question. Who would willingly walk into such danger after the Dark Shadow Unit’s failure? Most of the captives were warriors of the righteous sects, so there was little incentive for the unorthodox sects to intervene.
Neung Unpa took a deep breath and declared, “If anyone succeeds in this mission, the Alliance will reward them generously.”
This wasn’t just talk. It was a matter of pride for Neung Unpa and crucial for the Justice Alliance’s survival and political influence. He was willing to offer substantial rewards to anyone brave enough to step forward. But no matter how great the reward, it meant nothing if one didn’t survive.
The warriors of the Justice Alliance exchanged glances, but no one stepped forward. Neung Unpa sighed deeply.
“Is there truly no one capable?”
Despite efforts to renew the ranks after removing Elder Seol Baek, the Justice Alliance still hadn’t learned its lesson. Organizations tend to stagnate and rot over time, but this was too much.
Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Neung Unpa spoke heavily, “I’ll go myself.”
Gu Yoon and the other warriors were taken aback, staring at their leader in shock.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re going yourself?”
Neung Unpa looked around at Gu Yoon and the warriors. “Since no one else is willing, I’ll lead the Guardians and the Dragon Squad to infiltrate the Demon Sect. Once I signal, launch the ambush.”
“This is unacceptable!”
“The position of leader is not to be taken lightly! How can you act so recklessly?”
“Indeed. If something happens to you, the morale of the warriors will plummet. We must find another way…”
“What other way is there? If no one else will step up, should we just watch as the captives die? Would that make the position of leader any heavier?”
His final words carried a sharp edge. Would they not blame the leader if everyone perished? Would they not fight over the leadership once more?
As the Justice Alliance fell into discord, Ak Cheong Gwi watched from the sidelines, amused.
“These righteous fools are beyond comprehension.”
To him, this was a pointless conversation. Why were they so eager to rescue the captives in the first place? Sure, it made sense for those with personal ties to the captives. But why would warriors with no connection risk their lives out of mere pity?
Even those with blood ties to the captives hesitated, as reason outweighed emotion. No matter how noble the cause, was it worth more than one’s life?
“Just leave them to their fate and charge in to crush the enemy.”
At that moment, a voice interrupted.
“I’ll go.”
All eyes turned to the source. It was Sa Bi Kang. A glimmer of hope appeared in Neung Unpa’s eyes.
“You’ll go yourself?”
“Yes, I will.”
“But then who will lead the Demon Extermination Squad?”
“Tang Yi Hyup will take over. Or rather, we should call him Leader Tang now.”
The squad dispatched from the Demon Extermination Hall was temporarily named the Demon Extermination Unit. During the war, Sa Bi Kang held the position of unit leader, but he intended to pass it to Tang Yi Hyup.
Sa Bi Kang continued, “He’s one of the few subordinates I trust. He’ll lead the unit well.”
Gu Yoon spoke cautiously, “I have no doubt about your martial prowess, Master Sa. But sneaking in is different from breaking through. Going alone is too dangerous. Even if you reach the stronghold, you can’t protect all the captives by yourself.”
It was a valid point. Sa Bi Kang was indeed powerful, and his martial skills made him adept at infiltration. But he couldn’t compare to those who had dedicated their lives to stealth and infiltration. Even the greatest masters feared assassins.
“Going alone, you say?”
Sa Bi Kang smirked. “I don’t plan to go alone.”
“What do you mean…?”
“I have a group to accompany me.”
“What group…”
“Ak, step forward.”
Ak Cheong Gwi looked at Sa Bi Kang with a startled expression, pointing at himself as if to ask, “Me?” Hadn’t he just been mocking the idea of rescuing the captives?
Before Ak Cheong Gwi could protest, Sa Bi Kang continued, “The Assassination Hall has skills rivaling the Dark Shadow Unit. Perhaps even superior.”
“Indeed! That makes sense,” Gu Yoon nodded, finally understanding. Until now, he had been too flustered to consider the Assassination Hall.
It was understandable. No matter how brilliant he was, how often had he thought of using the Assassination Hall in operations while serving the Justice Alliance? Ten times? Three times? Not even once.
So when he heard of the Dark Shadow Unit’s failure, the thought of the Assassination Hall hadn’t crossed his mind. He had only recently learned that Ak Cheong Gwi was the head of the Assassination Hall.
Just then, Ak Cheong Gwi raised his hand and shouted, “Wait a minute!”
“What is it?”
As Sa Bi Kang turned, Ak Cheong Gwi spoke with a disgruntled expression, “Who decided this without consulting me? You want us to rescue and protect the captives?”
“Well, at least you weren’t dozing off.”
“Damn it! Is that something you say to an assassin? Our job is to kill, not save!”
As Ak Cheong Gwi shouted, Sa Bi Kang furrowed his brow slightly and replied, “I don’t think that’s something to boast about.”
“Anyway! You made this decision without even discussing it with me…”
“Ak.”
“What…?”
Sa Bi Kang fixed him with a penetrating gaze, and Ak Cheong Gwi involuntarily flinched.
Sa Bi Kang’s eyes held an undeniable authority that was impossible to refuse.
“Damn it… When did he become this powerful?”
Ak Cheong Gwi had once planned to find an opportunity to kill Sa Bi Kang. But if Sa Bi Kang recited the incantation, Ak Cheong Gwi would die, making it a tricky situation.
He had thought of beating Sa Bi Kang half to death and cutting out his tongue. That way, Sa Bi Kang couldn’t recite the incantation, and Ak Cheong Gwi could live out his days. At least, he hoped the incantation couldn’t be cast with mere thoughts.
He had even fantasized about imprisoning Sa Bi Kang in a place no one knew, keeping him barely alive.
But now…
Sa Bi Kang had become too strong. He was truly formidable. Even without crossing swords, it was clear. No one stronger came to mind. Even Neung Unpa, who ruled here, seemed no match for Sa Bi Kang.
“Damn it… I can’t even touch him, let alone cut out his tongue. Am I destined to be his lackey forever?”
As he muttered to himself, Sa Bi Kang suddenly leaned in, his face close.
“What are you mumbling about?”
“Hey! Can’t a person talk without you butting in?”
“Ak, are you tired of living? You’ve had your fun, so maybe it’s time.”
Sa Bi Kang didn’t smile this time. In truth, he wasn’t in a good mood. A subtle killing intent emanated from him. Participating in this mission wasn’t entirely his choice. He joined with a sense of unease.
Goo Yoon’s first plan had ended in failure.
Things weren’t looking promising.
And now, with Akcheon-gwe acting out of character, his true nature was beginning to show.
Akcheon-gwe, who had spent years reading the room, wasn’t foolish enough to miss the signs.
Yet, he couldn’t help but grumble.
“Doesn’t this seem a bit off? I mean, we’re talking about the main operation here. If it were about sneaking in and taking someone out, that’d be one thing. But saving and protecting people? Really?”
“Not too long ago, you were the Phoenix of the Blood Alliance. Now, you’re fully embracing the role of the head of the Living Pavilion.”
“Better to be the head of a snake than the tail of a dragon.”
Akcheon-gwe spoke without hesitation, even with the Blood Alliance experts watching him.
In truth, he didn’t even notice them.
A lion doesn’t concern itself with the opinions of deer, whether they see it as vile or pitiful.
To him, they were just prey, something to hunt or practice on whenever he felt like it.
Sabi-gang ended the argument with a firm tone.
“If you want to keep being the head of a snake, listen to me. I’ll make sure you truly become one.”
Akcheon-gwe frowned.
He looked at Sabi-gang, puzzled by the remark, and Sabi-gang sent him a private message.
[I’ll lift the curse I placed on you. I’m offering you freedom from my control.]
Akcheon-gwe shuddered and asked, [Is that true?]
[Of course. I don’t lie.]
Akcheon-gwe pressed his lips together, then finally replied.
“Fine, whatever. I’ll take the lead and infiltrate Sungmagak. Being assigned to guard duty for the Living Pavilion, of all things… unbelievable.”
Despite his grumbling, Akcheon-gwe walked over to Sabi-gang.