Episode 506: The Return of the Demon Sect Leader

Nung Un-pa surveyed the silent hall with a calm demeanor before continuing his speech.

“Indeed. While we must maintain the official name of the ‘Orthodox Alliance,’ I believe it would be wise to divide our missions.”

“Divide the missions, you say…?”

“As Sa Bi-gang mentioned—or should I say ‘Palace Lord’ now?—the Demon Extermination Palace will focus on battling the demon clans. However, for the main alliance, which lacks knowledge about these demons, it would be more prudent to first bring order to the martial world.”

“By bringing order, do you mean dealing with the traitors?”

At the military advisor’s question, Nung Un-pa nodded.

“Exactly. I’ve heard that factions supporting the demons are emerging everywhere. It’s only natural that there would be such scum, but we can’t just sit back and let it happen.”

Though the leader’s tone was harsh, Gu Yoon nodded in agreement. This time, he couldn’t help but concur with the leader’s perspective. He, too, recognized the gravity of the situation.

“Dividing the Orthodox Alliance as you suggested seems like a sound strategy.”

“I agree with the leader. We can’t rely solely on the Demon Extermination Palace; the main alliance must find its own path.”

“I’ve also heard rumors of those aligning with the demons. Such people must be dealt with!”

Voices of agreement echoed throughout the hall. Once the room quieted down, Nung Un-pa turned his gaze to Sa Bi-gang.

“What do you think? You handle the demons, and I’ll manage the martial world.”

“Sounds like a good plan.”

Sa Bi-gang grinned.

**

“This is our request.”

Sa Bi-gang sat silently, observing the three people across the table. Yu Ja-yang, Dang Mu-yeol, and Hye Hyun-sa-tae looked at him with gentle smiles.

It was hard to tell if they were naive from a life devoted to martial arts or just shameless. They had suddenly appeared, asking him to build a manor in Hubei.

Of course, they weren’t asking for it for free. They promised to repay the costs once they returned to Sichuan, with all three sects working together. But in these times, even a written agreement was just a piece of paper.

Frankly, by the end of the war, none of the three sects might survive.

Sa Bi-gang took a sip of tea and spoke.

“Why not make an official request to the Orthodox Alliance?”

“We already sent a letter on our way here, but…”

Their expressions darkened. They had indeed sent a letter to the main alliance, but General Gu Yoon had politely declined their request.

It was understandable. If they built a manor for the Sichuan Association, other sects suffering losses might make similar demands. Building a manor for every retreating sect during the war would drain their resources.

Repayment was a secondary concern. During wartime, funds were needed everywhere, and they had to save every penny. Moreover, the leader opposed it, believing there was no need to be lenient with those who were essentially defeated.

Despite his usually gentle nature, the leader’s stance was surprisingly firm.

With nowhere else to turn, the Sichuan Association had come to Sa Bi-gang. Rumor had it he was wealthy enough to build a new palace in Hubei, and he was known as a hero who despised the demons.

However, Chu Ryung, who had guided them, felt uneasy under Sa Bi-gang’s gaze.

Sa Bi-gang finally spoke up.

“Very well. Coincidentally, I’m already constructing a sizable manor there.”

“We heard as much.”

Yu Ja-yang replied with a broad smile, hoping that perhaps the manor might be for them. But Sa Bi-gang’s next words dashed those hopes.

“Yes, but it’s not for the Sichuan Association.”

“Then what is it for?”

“It’s for the Demon Extermination Palace.”

“The Demon Extermination Palace?”

When Yu Ja-yang feigned ignorance, Sa Bi-gang smiled and explained.

“To be blunt, if you agree to remain under the Demon Extermination Palace until the demons are eradicated, you’re welcome to stay there.”

In other words, he was inviting them to join under his command. Yu Ja-yang’s expression hardened at the unexpected proposal. He had hoped for a different outcome, given Sa Bi-gang’s reputation as a hero and his known hatred for demons. Plus, he had heard that Dang Yi-hyeop, Dang Mu-yeol’s son, was one of Sa Bi-gang’s subordinates, which had given him some hope.

But to be asked to serve under him?

For Yu Ja-yang, revered as the “Heavenly Sword” in the martial world, it was a blow to his pride.

However, Dang Mu-yeol, who knew Sa Bi-gang well, had no complaints.

“If the two of you agree, I have no objections.”

“Are you serious, Dang Leader?”

Yu Ja-yang asked in surprise, and Dang Mu-yeol nodded.

“Yes, I’ve heard from Yi-hyeop about what kind of person Sa Bi-gang is. I trust him with the fate of the Dang family.”

Yu Ja-yang, Hye Hyun-sa-tae, and even Chu Ryung were taken aback by Dang Mu-yeol’s response. The Sichuan Dang family was still a respected major sect in the martial world. They hadn’t expected him to accept Sa Bi-gang’s proposal so readily.

Of course, part of his willingness came from the fact that Sa Bi-gang had cured his son’s chronic illness.

But Yu Ja-yang and Hye Hyun-sa-tae, who had no such personal ties, were not easily swayed.

Hye Hyun-sa-tae smiled gently and said, “The proposal isn’t bad, but…”

“Palace Lord.”

Hye Hyun-sa-tae’s brow furrowed slightly.

“What did you say?”

“Not ‘Leader,’ but ‘Palace Lord’ from now on.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Her voice had turned cold. Rumors about Sa Bi-gang were abundant. Some praised him as a hero who could vanquish demons with a single stroke, while others called him an eccentric or even a fool. But Hye Hyun-sa-tae had chosen to believe the positive ones, thinking that someone so revered couldn’t possibly be a fool.

But now…

“Is he a fool…?”

Her brow furrowed deeper.

“Anyway, while the Palace Lord’s proposal isn’t bad, we must consider it carefully.”

“Why is it such a careful decision? You asked for a manor as if it were a trivial request.”

“That was merely a request, not a demand. You could refuse…”

“I’m not demanding either. It’s just a proposal. You can refuse if you wish.”

Hye Hyun-sa-tae’s expression hardened. After a moment of thought, she stood up.

“Very well. We’ll accept the proposal.”

“Master…!”

Yu Ja-yang quickly interjected, but Hye Hyun-sa-tae raised her hand to continue.

“However, there are conditions.”

“Name them.”

“I want to see if the Palace Lord has the ability to lead us.”

“How?”

“Face both me and Master Yu here simultaneously and withstand a hundred moves each, a total of two hundred moves, and we’ll follow you without question.”

“Can I add one more condition?”

“Add one more?”

“All three of you attack me at once.”

“All three?”

Yu Ja-yang, Hye Hyun-sa-tae, and even Dang Mu-yeol looked bewildered.

Sa Bi-gang nodded and continued.

“If the three of you can withstand fifty moves against me, I’ll hand over the Demon Extermination Palace to you and follow your orders. And it’s not fifty moves each, just a total of fifty moves.”

“Hah!”

Yu Ja-yang let out a disbelieving laugh. Even if the Nine Great Sects’ reputation had waned, they still considered themselves representatives of the martial world. Three of the Nine Great Sects were present here. Yet, such an arrogant challenge!

“Does he really think so little of us…?”

Whether Sa Bi-gang understood Yu Ja-yang’s thoughts or not, he continued.

“But if you fail to withstand, you must obey my orders unconditionally. Not just as a cooperative group, but in a clear superior-subordinate relationship. Of course, once the demons are defeated, that relationship will end.”

Sa Bi-gang’s eyes gleamed. If he could subdue them and have them at his command, recruiting other martial sects would be much easier.

Yu Ja-yang slammed the table and stood up.

“Fine! I accept those terms! Do you agree, Dang Leader?”

“Hmm…”

Dang Mu-yeol looked at Sa Bi-gang with a slightly troubled expression. When Sa Bi-gang nodded, indicating he should join, Dang Mu-yeol made up his mind.

“Alright. Let’s do it. We’ll do our best to endure.”

“Hmph! It might be Sa Bi-gang who has to endure, not us!”

Yu Ja-yang scoffed and strode out.

“What are you all waiting for? Let’s go! Let’s have a proper match!”

**

The temporary training ground of the Demon Extermination Palace was packed with people. Somehow, word had spread, and many martial artists from the main alliance had gathered.

The edges of the training ground, as well as the rooftops of nearby buildings, were crowded with onlookers.

“What on earth is happening here?”

“Hey, did you hear? Lord Sabigang is establishing a new sect called the Myeolma Palace.”

“So what?”

“Rumor has it that Lord Sabigang will face off against those three masters, and whoever wins will become the head of the Myeolma Palace. Apparently, if the three of them can hold out for fifty moves, they win.”

“Really? Then it’s pretty much a given that those three will win, right?”

“Exactly. No matter how strong Lord Sabigang is, taking on all three at once seems impossible.”

“Of course. Surely, the three of them can withstand fifty moves together.”

“It seems like Lord Sabigang might have bitten off more than he can chew this time.”

The arena buzzed with chatter as people discussed the upcoming duel.

Yu Jayang and Hyehyeon Satae, who had arrived early, couldn’t help but feel uneasy under the scrutiny of the crowd.

After all, even if they won, it wouldn’t be much of a victory, would it?

If the three of them couldn’t last fifty moves, they’d become a laughingstock.

Not that such a thing would ever happen, of course.

In truth, the rumor had been spread by Churyang under Sabigang’s orders.

The goal was to draw as many spectators as possible and spread the tale across the martial world.

It was a strategy to consolidate power and influence.

As Sabigang stepped into the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers.

“It’s Lord Sabigang!”

“Hooray! Long live the Lord!”

The overwhelming enthusiasm left Yu Jayang, Hyehyeon Satae, and Dang Muyeol glancing around in surprise.

‘Is Lord Sabigang really this popular?’

Sabigang strode confidently toward the three and offered a respectful bow.

“Then, I humbly ask for your guidance.”