Episode 482: Return of the Demon Sect Leader

Though he didn’t show it outwardly, Sabikang was inwardly taken aback.

He recalled a past life where the righteous alliance had dealings with the merchant Manyaksang when they were up against the demon clans.

In those memories, the alliance had purchased two roots of the ten-thousand-year-old snow ginseng and seven roots of the thousand-year-old snow ginseng from Manyaksang.

However, he had never heard of them acquiring the rare elixir, Gongcheongseokyu.

Back then, the alliance had spent an enormous sum, nearly driving themselves into financial ruin.

Sabikang had expected a similar situation this time when he sought out Manyaksang.

But this…

“Did they not sell everything back then?”

A sudden disillusionment with humanity washed over him.

Even on the brink of destruction, they were still driven by greed, leading to their own downfall.

How laughable and pathetic it must have seemed from the demons’ perspective.

“Hongyeom.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Hongyeom’s voice echoed from the void.

“I’ll take care of these. Move everything outside to the alliance.”

“Understood.”

Just as Sabikang reached for the ten-thousand-year-old snow ginseng, an old woman spoke up cautiously.

“May I have a word, if I may be so bold?”

She had been deferential ever since Sabikang had saved her life.

“What is it?”

Sabikang asked, and the old woman smiled gently as she replied.

“I heard these items are the price of our lives.”

“And I spared you, didn’t I?”

Suddenly, the old woman dropped to her knees, bowing her head to the ground.

Sabikang frowned and asked, “What are you doing?”

“There are two more roots of the ten-thousand-year-old snow ginseng and five more of the thousand-year-old snow ginseng. I will offer them to you as well.”

Both Sabikang and Maesellan were visibly shocked.

The amount already presented was staggering, and now there was more hidden away?

Sabikang masked his surprise and asked, “Is that everything?”

“I swear on my life, it’s all I have.”

Her demeanor suggested she wasn’t lying.

“Why are you so willing to give it all to me?”

“I wish to serve you as my lord from now on.”

Maesellan was taken aback by the sudden change in attitude.

The old woman was making a gamble, trusting her instincts honed over decades of reading people.

She knew it was time to align herself with Sabikang for the future.

In these chaotic times, this too shall pass.

If the demons won the war, there would be no future for the people of the Central Plains.

But if the martial world triumphed, Sabikang’s influence would be immense.

In such uncertain times, she knew from experience that a gamble was necessary.

“I’ll stake everything on him.”

She had seen Sabikang fight Ailid and was convinced.

He was worth the risk.

And she knew someone like him wouldn’t be swayed by mere bargaining.

She had to give first.

She had to show her desperation.

Sure enough, Sabikang asked with a calm expression, “You must want something in return?”

“When this chaos ends, I ask for just one promise.”

“What is it?”

“After the war, ensure that we can claim some of the demon remains.”

In other words, she wanted a share of the spoils.

Maesellan was impressed.

The old woman had smoothly transitioned into a second negotiation.

She had been on the verge of giving everything away for free, but now it was an investment.

And she had sprinkled the word “loyalty” like seasoning.

But Maesellan knew.

Her loyalty was absolute.

People like her were merchants to the core.

They knew exactly what to offer to get what they wanted.

Meanwhile, the old woman bowed her head, waiting for Sabikang’s response.

There had been voices within Manyaksang suggesting they should focus on subjugating the summoning grounds rather than relying solely on elixirs.

Unlike the complex and hard-to-digest elixirs of the Central Plains, the demonic tools from the summoning grounds were easy to consume and digest.

Moreover, the remains of the demonic beasts could yield various useful tools.

When this chaos ended, whoever claimed those spoils would shape the future of the martial world.

In that light, offering seven roots of the ten-thousand-year-old snow ginseng was not an excessive investment.

Sabikang smirked and said, “So loyalty isn’t free, is it?”

The old woman mirrored his smile and replied, “I’m a merchant. I calculate thoroughly. If the terms are right, my loyalty is assured. I promise.”

After a moment, Sabikang spoke.

“Very well. I’ll accept your loyalty.”

**

Baritan watched the setting sun through the window.

The golden glow bathed him entirely.

Jonya gazed at his silhouette, entranced.

“What do you think happened?”

Baritan asked casually, snapping Jonya back to reality.

‘I’m getting sentimental in my old age.’

But truly, Baritan was beautiful.

So much so that she lost herself in the sight.

Jonya cleared her throat and replied, “Sabikang is not an easy opponent.”

“Do you think Viscount Ailid failed?”

”…I mean no disrespect to the great one, but if you ask my humble opinion, I believe he would have struggled.”

Baritan turned slightly, a faint smile on his lips.

“I agree with you.”

The information had come from the righteous alliance.

Sabikang must have been involved.

And with that, it would have been difficult for Viscount Ailid to complete his mission.

Even Baritan found Sabikang a formidable opponent.

He had decided to use him rather than eliminate him.

But Duke Aranius was simpler than expected.

“He’s eager to prove his loyalty to the Demon King.”

Exploiting that eagerness would surely present an opportunity.

Baritan rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought, before speaking again.

“That Sabikang is a peculiar being. How does a mere human possess such abilities? Fascinating.”

For a brief moment, a hint of bitterness flickered in Jonya’s eyes.

Surprisingly, it was jealousy.

She was envious that Baritan found Sabikang so intriguing.

The very fact that she felt such pure jealousy startled her.

Whether Baritan noticed or not, he approached with his usual enchanting smile.

“Let’s go. It’s time to meet the Duke.”

**

“Your true form suits you well.”

Aranius offered a meaningless compliment to Baritan, who sat across from him.

“Thanks to you.”

Baritan maintained a respectful demeanor.

“Thanks to me? I did nothing. It was all by His Majesty’s will. Congratulations, nonetheless.”

In truth, Aranius had been one of the demons who strongly opposed Baritan regaining his physical form.

He had no fondness for Baritan’s true appearance.

But now that it was done, there was no need to reveal his true feelings.

Besides, the mission he was overseeing was essentially taking credit for Baritan’s achievements, so he had no intention of pushing further.

Instead, he decided it was better to thoroughly utilize Baritan, who had been in the Central Plains and understood the situation.

Baritan chuckled and joked, “Thank you for the congratulations. I thought you disliked me, Duke.”

“Why would I dislike you? Ah, I regret your past mistakes, but that was three hundred years ago. For humans, three hundred years is long enough to promise the afterlife.”

Aranius smirked slightly as he finished speaking.

‘If I can use you well, my loyalty to the Demon King will be even more recognized, so there’s no reason to dislike you.’

Meanwhile, Baritan felt he could see through Aranius’s intentions.

‘Use me. To your heart’s content.’

Baritan composed himself and spoke.

“Is there any news yet?”

“Not yet. But there shouldn’t be any issues. Thanks to you, things seem to be resolving well.”

Baritan replied with a mysterious smile.

“That’s a relief.”

Aranius had no doubts.

How difficult could it be to retrieve elixirs from mere humans?

But then, a voice cut through the air.

“Duke.”

A raspy voice echoed, already tinged with foreboding.

Baritan suppressed a smile that threatened to curl his lips.

“What is it?”

Aranius asked with a displeased expression, and the raspy voice delivered unexpected news.

“We’ve lost contact with Viscount Ailid. It seems he was defeated by someone.”

“What?”

Aranius shot to his feet, utterly unprepared for this outcome.

For a brief moment, he suspected Baritan, but quickly dismissed the thought.

Baritan hadn’t left the dark fortress since that day.

Only Count Adler had been outside.

‘Could it be Count Adler…?’

The suspicion quickly turned into a question.

“Where is Count Adler?”

“He’s currently near the main base of the righteous alliance.”

“Hmm.”

So it wasn’t Count Adler either.

But then who had taken down Ailid?

“Have you identified the culprit?”

“I’m sorry. We’ll find out as soon as possible.”

“And the elixirs?”

“They haven’t been retrieved.”

“Damn it!”

Crash!

With a thunderous crash, Aranius slammed his fist down, shattering the table into splinters.

Grinding his teeth, he muttered under his breath, “Who the hell would dare…?”

It was then that Baritan spoke up. “It might be someone named Sabigang.”

“Sabigang…?” Aranius froze, his head turning stiffly toward Baritan.

Meeting his gaze with a serious expression, Baritan continued, “He’s the one who constantly interfered with the descent ritual. Not someone to be underestimated. Despite being human, he possesses formidable martial skills.”

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Aranius shouted, his voice booming, before regaining his composure and asking in a more controlled tone.

“I didn’t expect him to get involved to this extent. Besides, it was a task beyond my control, so I thought it best not to meddle further and risk offending you, my lord.”

Aranius bit his lip in frustration. “Then we must eliminate this Sabigang first!”

“That won’t be easy. You must be cautious.”

“He’s just a mere human, isn’t he?”

“Even so…”

Baritan’s expression grew heavier as he looked at Aranius. “What is it?” Aranius asked.

“I have one crucial piece of information to share,” Baritan said, a faint smile playing on his lips.