Episode 508: Return to the Demonic Sect
The cold night breeze brushed against Maeseollan’s cheek.
She glanced up at the stars before turning to the man beside her, Sabigang, and spoke.
“When did you manage to get this far?”
The more she thought about it, the more she realized how extraordinary he was.
Time had flown by in a blur since the battle at Ganglimji, yet Sabigang was already preparing for the establishment of Myeolmagung. Even she, who had been watching him closely, hadn’t noticed.
Sabigang chuckled as he replied.
“I started thinking about it on the way back from Ganglimji.”
“Was there a reason for such a sudden thought?”
“A reason…”
Sabigang murmured softly, his gaze drifting to the distant hill where the leader’s hall stood.
After a moment, he looked back at her and said, “I just felt like I needed to be free in the path ahead.”
Maeseollan was about to ask if he wasn’t already free here, but she caught his meaning and closed her mouth.
Come to think of it, the leader’s attitude and behavior had been a bit strange lately. It used to feel like having a reliable ally at her back, but now she found herself watching the leader’s reactions.
It seemed the leader’s change in demeanor had started after the Ganglimji battle.
Maeseollan turned to Sabigang and asked, “Did the leader suffer some kind of mental blow during the Ganglimji battle?”
“Perhaps.”
Sabigang answered vaguely.
This was a delicate matter. The leader’s position was the most respected in the martial world. Any careless words could easily lead to misunderstandings, especially for someone like Sabigang, whose reputation was rapidly rising.
Maeseollan furrowed her brow slightly.
“Do you think the leader might interfere with what you plan to do?”
“I’m not sure yet. But… it’s a possibility.”
Change was clearly in the air.
Sabigang looked at Maeseollan’s worried expression and smiled gently.
“Once we go down, things will get busy. The demons have started their invasion in earnest, so Myeolmagung will need to prepare.”
“We’ll need to reorganize and establish a system.”
“Exactly. We might even need to come up with new names for each group.”
Maeseollan flinched and said, “I won’t ask for much else. Just promise me one thing. You don’t have to give it to me, just don’t do it yourself.”
“What is it?”
“At least don’t name the groups yourself.”
Sabigang’s face fell at Maeseollan’s serious expression.
“But…! I was thinking of naming the first group of Myeolmagung as ‘The Supreme, Unrivaled, and Unique on Earth’…”
“Stop! Promise me quickly. Leave it all to me!”
“Fine… if you insist.”
Only then did Maeseollan breathe a sigh of relief.
“Thank you. Now we’ll have proper names for the groups.”
“What? So until now…”
“More importantly, once you start gathering people, the leader might show discomfort. Will that be okay?”
Maeseollan’s expression turned serious.
Sabigang, too, dropped his playful tone.
“It can’t be helped.”
“You’re not aiming for the leader’s position, are you?”
Sabigang chuckled.
“The position doesn’t matter to me. But… if the martial world needs me, I won’t refuse.”
With those final words, Sabigang’s gaze lingered on the leader’s hall in the distance.
**
At the same time.
In the dimly lit leader’s chamber, Neungunpa stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window.
His gaze was fixed on the temporary Myeolmagwan below.
“Sabigang plans to leave within three days?”
“Yes, sir.”
Ija-jun, standing behind Neungunpa, bowed his head in response.
Neungunpa stroked his beard and continued in a musing tone.
“I heard there was a martial arts contest at Myeolmagwan’s training ground today?”
“Yes, the leaders of Cheongseong, Amipa, and Sacheondangga sparred with Sabigang.”
“I heard he faced all three at once.”
“That’s correct. The result was…”
Neungunpa laughed coldly.
“I know. The rumors have already spread throughout the main branch. I have ears too. It seems he’s gained quite the popularity again.”
”…”
“Now the martial world will be even more attentive to Sabigang’s actions. More people will follow him. Eventually, the martial world will split into two factions.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those who follow Sabigang and those who follow the demons. Eventually, the leader’s position will…”
Fade away.
A position in name only.
The name of the Justice Alliance is already losing its meaning.
And even maintaining that will become difficult.
Meanwhile, Sabigang has built Myeolmagung.
It all happened without my knowledge.
‘In the end, he’s trying to erase me.’
Neungunpa’s expression turned icy.
But it doesn’t matter.
Any situation that goes beyond expectations becomes a problem.
So far, everything is happening within the expected range.
I always thought the day would come when Sabigang would threaten me.
And that day is drawing closer.
A known threat is not a true threat.
With proper planning, it can be managed.
In fact, if Sabigang continues to act so conspicuously, it might even help my cause.
“Ija-jun, head of the unit.”
“Yes, leader.”
Ija-jun responded with a respectful demeanor, and Neungunpa turned to him with a deep gaze.
“Recently, I’ve come to realize that you’re the only one who truly understands me.”
“I will do my utmost.”
“Good. I want you to form a punitive force with the chief military officer to deal with the traitors. Gather the most capable and outstanding talents.”
“I will follow your orders.”
“Especially… those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the right cause.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
Neungunpa nodded with a satisfied expression.
“While he deals with the demons, we will handle the martial world.”
A meaningful smile crossed Ija-jun’s face.
“Of course.”
**
In the darkness, a shadow appeared silently, like a ghost.
It was none other than Akcheongoe, the head of the assassination unit.
He glanced at the pile of packed belongings on the desk and clicked his tongue.
“Tsk tsk. You’ve got the wanderlust. Why do you move around so often?”
Naturally, he was referring to Sabigang.
How many times has it been now?
From Yongcheongwan to the Justice Alliance, then to the Blood Alliance, and now to Myeolmagwan, only to return to the Justice Alliance and leave again.
Sitting at his desk, Sabigang chuckled.
“I didn’t expect you to worry about my wanderlust, old man.”
“Hmph! Worry? As if I’d waste my time worrying about a monster.”
“A monster, huh… I suppose you haven’t seen a real monster yet.”
“Enough with the chatter. Why did you call me this time?”
“If you’re busy, you didn’t have to come.”
“Damn it… why call me and then complain?”
“Because you keep complaining after coming, old man.”
“Ahem!”
“As I said, I’ve given the assassination unit freedom. I can’t kill you just by chanting a spell. I keep my promises.”
“Damn it. Freedom or not, with the demons threatening the martial world, what good is freedom? We should deal with the demons first, then enjoy freedom or whatever.”
“Seems like your brain still works.”
“So why do you keep calling me if you’ve given me freedom?”
“I need you to keep an eye on someone.”
Akcheongoe furrowed his brow and glared at Sabigang.
“Keep an eye on who?”
The next moment, Sabigang mentioned an unexpected name.
“The leader.”
Akcheongoe’s eyes widened.
He tilted his head and asked, “You mean the leader… not the Justice Alliance leader Neungunpa, right?”
“Is there another leader?”
“Wow! You really want me to keep an eye on the leader?”
“Yes.”
Akcheongoe asked again, clearly baffled.
“When did you two become so close, and now this?”
“All human relationships are subject to change.”
“Even so… what do you want me to do by keeping an eye on the leader?”
“Just keep an eye on him. Eventually, there will be something worth reporting to me.”
Sabigang’s eyes deepened.
**
“You’re handing over the assassination unit to me?”
In the conference hall, Neungunpa furrowed his brow slightly as he looked down at Sabigang.
Akcheongoe stood beside Sabigang.
The leaders lined up on either side murmured among themselves.
Sabigang smiled gently as he spoke.
“Yes, leader. As you know, the assassination unit has been dedicated to my cause. They specialize in stealth, surveillance, and assassination. There’s no better group to handle traitors in the martial world. I believe they are more needed by you than by me, who is dealing with the demons.”
Neungunpa looked at Sabigang for a moment before smiling.
“Haha, even as you leave, you leave me with such a generous gift.”
“You’re too kind. Now, Akcheongoe, formally greet the leader.”
At Sabigang’s words, Akcheongoe stepped forward with a reluctant expression and bowed.
“I am Akcheongoe, head of the assassination unit. Don’t expect too much loyalty from me. But if there’s someone who needs to be eliminated, I’ll do it without a trace. I won’t ask for reasons.”
Neungunpa watched him quietly before smiling slightly.
“Anyone… you say?”
“Yes.”
“For instance, if I asked you to kill someone here?”
Akeon-gwe’s expression hardened as he glanced up at Neung-unpa.
The unexpected question caused a stir among the leaders, who seemed taken aback.
Neung-unpa continued to gaze at Akeon-gwe with a faint smile, as if waiting for an answer.
“Of course. Anyone.”
Akeon-gwe reaffirmed his stance.
At this, Neung-unpa burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Why the serious faces, everyone? It was just a jest. I merely wondered if we could handle it if a traitor emerged among us.”
The leaders finally relaxed, chuckling in relief.
Only Sabigang remained silent, quietly observing Neung-unpa.
Neung-unpa looked at Akeon-gwe with a satisfied smile.
“Indeed, reassuring. Then, Akeon-gwe, I hope you will be my strength moving forward.”
“Agreed.”
Neung-unpa nodded, his usual amiable smile directed at Sabigang.
“I’ve grown fond of you, and today feels particularly bittersweet. I have a feeling that if I let you go now, we might not meet again. But you have a path to follow, and hesitation won’t do. Take care on your journey. May your path be smooth.”
“Thank you. Please take care of yourself as well, Leader.”
Sabigang bowed and turned away without hesitation.
His steps were resolute.
Meanwhile, the leader’s smile slowly turned into a smirk as he watched Sabigang’s retreating figure.
“Hmm, you plan to keep an eye on me…?”