Episode 505: Return of the Demon Sect
In the distance, a horde of demon knights and monsters gathered, their dark energy so intense it reached the hilltop.
Liu Ziyang, the master of the Qingcheng Sect and wielder of the Divine Sword of Heaven and Earth, stroked his graying beard, narrowing his eyes.
“This is dire. I had only heard rumors of demons and monsters, but to see them appear like this…”
“They seem to target martial artists specifically. Whether it’s out of curiosity about our skills or something else, if this continues, we might have to abandon Sichuan entirely.”
As Master Hyehyeon of the Emei Sect murmured, Tang Wulie, the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, nodded in agreement.
“As much as it pains us, we must retreat. We can’t win here.”
His gaze swept over the battlefield on the hill. Despite the combined efforts of Sichuan’s martial sects, the battle had been more costly than beneficial. Without reinforcements from the Demon-Slaying Hall, they would have lost over eighty percent of their forces.
Just then, they noticed Chulyang emerging from a distant tent, and the three of them bowed in gratitude.
“Thanks to your intervention, we avoided greater losses.”
“Thank you!”
“We’ve heard you’re from the Demon-Slaying Hall. We won’t forget this aid.”
Chulyang waved off their thanks modestly.
“Please, I was just following my master’s orders. I’m relieved we could prevent further damage.”
“Your master… you mean Master Sabikang?”
“Haha! Yes, I’m Chulyang, his foremost disciple.”
“Ah, that explains your extraordinary skills. I was particularly impressed by that mysterious energy you wielded.”
“Ah… the energy… haha! Thank you.”
In truth, it was a mana blade, but Chulyang saw no need to explain further. Instead, he continued with a serious expression.
“Our main sect is taking this matter very seriously. The Grand Commander will devise a strategy soon, but for now, we must withdraw from Sichuan.”
“We were thinking the same. It’s frustrating to retreat without even time to mourn the fallen, but we have no choice. With the Demon Sect uprooted, now we face demons… what a mess.”
Tang Wulie added to Liu Ziyang’s lament.
“The rocky mountains of Chongqing should serve as a buffer, so we should fall back to Hubei. With the New Moon Sect and the Ten Thousand Swords Clan in Wuchang, and the Wudang Sect still strong, the demons won’t easily advance.”
“Even if we retreat to Hubei, we can’t rely on temporary camps forever. We need to discuss a more permanent solution.”
Liu Ziyang nodded at Master Hyehyeon’s words.
“Indeed. Perhaps we should go to the main sect and discuss strategies with the leader.”
“That’s a good idea. But before that, how about forming a unified response group for the Sichuan sects? Like the Shaanxi Association, we could call it the Sichuan Association.”
Master Hyehyeon nodded at Tang Wulie’s suggestion.
“Simple and effective. I agree.”
“I agree as well. In these circumstances, we must unite.”
“Great. If the three of us agree, I’m sure the other sects will join us.”
Master Hyehyeon spoke, and Tang Wulie continued.
“Then we should appoint a leader for the Sichuan Association.”
“Indeed. I propose Master Liu, with his experience, to lead us.”
Tang Wulie accepted the suggestion without much objection.
“I thought the same. Master Liu, would you lead the Sichuan Association?”
“If you trust me, I’ll do my utmost to drive out the demons and reclaim Sichuan.”
With Liu Ziyang’s acceptance, the two exchanged nods and bowed.
“Leader, we look forward to your guidance.”
“I, too, am in your hands.”
Liu Ziyang quickly returned the bow.
**
Thud!
“Gah…!”
A warrior, impaled deeply by a sword, glared at Neung Unpa.
“Leader…?”
”…”
“Why…?”
Swoosh!
Splash!
The warrior, blood gushing like a fountain, collapsed by the lakeside, his blood spreading across the water’s surface.
“Huff, huff, huff…!”
Neung Unpa panted heavily, surveying the scene.
Corpses littered the lakeside.
He looked down, seeing his reflection in the blood-stained water.
An emotionless face.
But then, another face emerged from the reflection.
“Leader! Why did you kill me?”
With hair streaming, Yuk Cheongpung burst from the water, his ghostly visage lunging forward, skeletal hands gripping Neung Unpa’s throat.
“Leader! I can’t die alone, not with this injustice!”
“Ugh…! Aaaah!”
Neung Unpa screamed, bolting upright.
“Hah, hah, hah…!”
Sweat poured down his face and neck like rain.
He gathered his wits, glancing around.
A dark bedroom.
No blood-soaked lake filled with the warriors he had slain, just the dry air of the room.
‘A dream…?’
Neung Unpa furrowed his brow, sitting on the edge of the bed.
He touched his neck, feeling the necklace.
A star-shaped pendant.
A soft whisper emanated from it.
Neung Unpa spoke quietly.
“Who are you?”
“What?”
Startled, Neung Unpa asked again.
He had always sensed something, but this was the first time it spoke so clearly.
“You mean…”
A deep voice echoed in his mind.
Moments later,
A brilliant light burst from the pendant.
Neung Unpa squinted, then opened his eyes to see a dark figure standing before him.
Astonishingly, it was himself.
But dressed entirely in black, with eyes devoid of whites, and skin so dark it seemed to merge with the shadows.
Yet his eyes shone like obsidian, their gaze unmistakable.
“Second only to the greatest demon…?”
“Transcend…”
In the next moment, the dark Neung Unpa’s form began to dissolve like smoke, merging into Neung Unpa’s body.
“Gah…!”
Suddenly, Neung Unpa’s eyes snapped open.
Concepts flooded his mind relentlessly.
How much time passed, he couldn’t tell.
Once he absorbed all the dark smoke, Neung Unpa’s eyes turned completely black.
Moments later, he smiled faintly.
“So that’s it. Second only to the greatest demon…”
The pendant on his chest gleamed briefly.
**
“You’re creating the Demon-Slaying Palace?”
Neung Unpa asked, narrowing his eyes.
Sabikang smiled faintly as he replied.
“Yes.”
“How is it different from the Demon-Slaying Hall?”
“It’s a more comprehensive concept.”
“Comprehensive…?”
“The Demon-Slaying Hall will exist within the Demon-Slaying Palace. The Hall will train talents, while the Palace will consist of warriors to fight the demons.”
“In other words, you’re expanding your influence.”
Neung Unpa chuckled, and the room’s atmosphere turned icy.
Gu Yun, standing nearby, glanced nervously between the two.
He had noticed Neung Unpa’s growing discontent, especially since the last expedition.
After rescuing Neung Unpa, Sabikang’s reputation had soared, which wasn’t entirely welcome from the leader’s perspective.
Sabikang continued.
“The demons have taken Sichuan. As they advance, we must prepare thoroughly.”
“Indeed. So you’ll lead, given your knowledge of the demons and the followers you’ve gained.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Sabikang’s smile widened, while Gu Yun felt his anxiety deepen.
‘Master Sabikang, now is not the time. Can’t you see the leader’s true intentions?’
It was clear now.
The leader was wary of Sabikang!
Initially, he thought it was grief over Yuk Cheongpung’s death.
But now he knew for sure.
The leader was keeping Sabikang in check!
Yet Sabikang seemed oblivious, only provoking the leader further.
“What building do you plan to use for the Demon-Slaying Palace?”
“I don’t intend to stay at the main sect.”
“Then where?”
“I’m planning to move to Hubei.”
“Back to Wuchang?”
“No, we’re already constructing the Demon-Slaying Palace in Jingzhou.”
The room buzzed with murmurs once more at Sabigang’s words.
Gu Yoon closed his eyes, letting out a silent sigh. He had been pushing forward with such a grand plan without the knowledge of the Meng’s main faction. Even the most open-minded leader would find it hard to remain unperturbed.
Especially in these turbulent times, it was unlikely to be seen in a favorable light.
Sure enough, Neung Unpa frowned and asked, “Why didn’t you mention anything to me while you were working on this?”
“I thought it was a natural step and didn’t see the need to report it. The Myeolma Hall is only temporarily stationed at the Meng’s headquarters, so it will have to leave eventually, won’t it?”
Finally, Gu Yoon spoke up gently. “Leader, given the current chaos, we should proceed with caution. Perhaps it would be wise to remain at the headquarters for now…”
“No.”
Neung Unpa abruptly cut him off, stepping forward. All eyes turned to him as he stroked his beard and smiled slightly.
“I’ve been thinking along the same lines. No one knows the demons as well as you do. It’s only natural for you to lead an organization dedicated to them. Besides, staying at the headquarters comes with its own set of inconveniences. It’s unfortunate to send you off so suddenly, but for the safety of the martial world, it must be done.”
The unexpected ease with which the conversation unfolded left Gu Yoon bewildered.
“Leader, in times of crisis, we might need his assistance…”
“General.”
“Yes, Leader.”
“I have you, don’t I?”
Neung Unpa’s gaze settled on Gu Yoon, who sensed an inexplicable unease in those eyes. Internally, he wondered, ‘What are you really thinking?’
He swallowed his thoughts and replied calmly, “It’s an honor to have your trust, but…”
“After the recent expedition, I’ve come to a decision.”
“A decision?”
“I propose we bifurcate the Meng.”
The room erupted in murmurs once more.
Gu Yoon, taken aback, asked, “Are you suggesting we split the Meng into two?”