Chapter 558: Return to the Demonic Sect
Gu Yoon climbed into the carriage with Bi-ryeong, setting off towards the headquarters of the Justice Alliance.
Throughout the journey, Gu Yoon remained silent, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. His expression shifted from serious to sorrowful, and at times, even angry. Yet, the thoughts behind those expressions remained a mystery.
Bi-ryeong refrained from asking questions. She understood that Gu Yoon was more serious than ever. The Gu Yoon she knew was endlessly sensitive, yet capable of becoming ruthlessly decisive in the face of crisis. And now, he was facing a crisis unlike any before.
“Ryeong-ah,” Gu Yoon finally spoke.
“Yes, sir?”
“What do you think of me?”
“To me, you are always someone precious to protect…”
“I see,” he interrupted with a nod and a smile that seemed different from before.
Bi-ryeong hesitated, sensing the change. “Sir…?”
“I intend to change.”
“What do you mean?”
“For too long, I’ve pursued ideals,” he murmured, still looking out the window. “Perhaps it’s time to be different.”
“Even if you change, you’ll always be the same to me,” Bi-ryeong assured him.
Gu Yoon smiled warmly at her, and in that moment, Bi-ryeong felt it—something had indeed changed. It was hard to describe, but Gu Yoon seemed more mature, or perhaps, more rugged.
“You might find me unfamiliar now,” he said.
Bi-ryeong didn’t argue; she had already sensed it. Instead, she bowed her head slightly. “Even if you change, my duty to protect you remains the same.”
“Thank you.”
Gu Yoon didn’t say more, turning his gaze back to the window, recalling the words of Sabi-gang. He remembered kneeling, desperate, as Sabi-gang’s calm voice asked him:
“Did you ask what you should do?”
“Yes, I feel powerless.”
“First, dismantle the Justice Alliance and come to the Demonic Palace.”
“Is it necessary to dismantle the Alliance? The leader has already abandoned the martial world for the demonic path…”
“No. How you dismantle the Alliance will greatly affect the martial world.”
“But…”
“Remember, you must change. I don’t need a kind strategist; I need a clever one.”
”…!”
“I’ll go ahead. You return to the Alliance headquarters, settle everything, and then come to the Demonic Palace.”
With those words, Sabi-gang vanished, leaving Gu Yoon to ponder how to dismantle the Alliance. He had finally reached a conclusion.
“Yes, I must change. I can’t always cling to the righteous path.”
With his thoughts settled, Gu Yoon leaned back and closed his eyes. “I should rest for a bit.”
“I’ll wake you when we arrive,” Bi-ryeong said softly.
The martial world was in an uproar. Gu Yoon, the chief strategist of the Justice Alliance, had officially announced its dissolution. Everywhere, people gathered to discuss the fall of the Alliance and the rise of the Demonic Palace.
Even in the inns near the Demonic Palace, the shock was palpable. Ordinary people, not just martial artists, were stunned by the news. For those who wielded swords, the impact was even greater.
“Did you hear? The Justice Alliance is no more!”
“Indeed, it’s a disaster. The demonic forces are rampant, and now the Alliance is gone. We have no choice but to rely on the Demonic Palace.”
“They say there’s a funeral tomorrow.”
“A funeral? For whom?”
“You don’t know? For the leader of the Cloud Sect!”
“Ah, yes. Such a loss. I wish we could crush those demonic bastards.”
“And what about the ten thousand warriors who vanished like dew?”
“Damn it! If only the leader hadn’t been betrayed by the assassin chief, he wouldn’t have died so meaninglessly!”
“True, but at least the Cloud Sect leader killed the assassin chief.”
“Yes, the martial world has lost a great talent.”
“Damn it, let’s drink! It’s hard to stay sane in this world!”
In a corner of the bustling inn, two people quietly ate. One was a woman with a stunning figure, her face hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat, and the other was a strong, upright young man. They were Maeseol-ran and Sabi-gang.
Maeseol-ran smirked. “So, the strategist has changed.”
“Indeed, beyond expectations.”
“But the assassin chief might feel wronged.”
“It can’t be helped. If we tried to preserve the honor of the dead, the story would become too convoluted.”
“This rumor will spread quickly, won’t it?”
“By tomorrow, everyone will know.”
“People will flock to the Demonic Palace.”
“It’ll get busy.”
“That’s fine. I prefer being busy.”
Sabi-gang chuckled, taking a bite of meat. Gu Yoon had certainly changed. In the past, he might have insisted on revealing the truth to the martial world. But now, he chose deception over truth. This lie would have a significant impact. At least, Gu Yoon had changed as much as Sabi-gang had hoped.
Gu Yoon sank into a chair with a long sigh. It had been a day since he announced the dissolution of the Justice Alliance. By dawn, he planned to pack and head to the Demonic Palace.
“Ryeong-ah, shall we have a drink for old times’ sake?”
Just then, a chilling voice interrupted, “I’ll pour it on your grave.”
A blade of energy sliced through the air.
Shiiing!
Clang!
In an instant, Bi-ryeong blocked the attack, standing protectively in front of Gu Yoon.
“Are you alright?”
Gu Yoon nodded. “I’m fine.”
He addressed the darkness, “I expected you’d come. Show yourselves.”
Shadows emerged from the darkness, moving as naturally and stealthily as smoke.
‘As expected of the assassin’s guild. Their stealth is remarkable.’
He realized their stealth might surpass even Bi-ryeong’s. If they had intended to kill him secretly, he would likely be dead by now. But they had come for an explanation, and Gu Yoon understood this.
Clang!
Ten assassins appeared, each exuding a menacing aura. Even Gu Yoon and Bi-ryeong felt a chill.
“Explain yourself,” the lead assassin demanded.
Gu Yoon replied calmly, “I apologize to you all.”
But his expression showed little remorse, which only fueled the lead assassin’s anger.
“You don’t seem sorry at all.”
“I’m more resigned than sorry.”
“What do you mean?”
Gu Yoon continued with a steely expression, “You know well that the Cloud Sect leader was a pillar of the martial world, a symbol of justice. If it were revealed that he sacrificed ten thousand warriors to become demonic, what do you think would happen?”
”…”
“The martial world would fracture. Who would they trust to fight? But if the assassin chief is blamed instead, if he betrayed the leader and the warriors perished fighting him?”
“Then the martial world would unite?”
“That’s already happening.”
“But why the assassin chief? He fought against the leader and died! You could have blamed the demon cult leader instead!”
Gu Yoon shook his head. “If it were said that the Cloud Sect leader was betrayed by the demon cult leader, people would criticize the leader’s recklessness. They’d question why he tried to reason with the cult leader in the first place.”
It was a valid point.
Gu Yoon continued, “The assassin chief saved my life and fought the leader. But someone had to be the scapegoat. It was better than letting the symbol of justice crumble.”
The lead assassin gritted his teeth.
Gu Yoon met his gaze. “I will lead the charge against the demonic forces, using any means necessary. If you hate me enough to kill me, do it now. I will use you as tools to destroy the demons.”
“Hmph! You talk big.”
“It’s no lie. I will treat you as expendable. I won’t publicize your sacrifices for the martial world. If you can’t accept that, kill me now.”
Their eyes locked in a tense standoff.
Finally, the lead assassin sheathed his sword, and the others followed suit.
“We’ll see how you wield your sword.”
“I’ll wield it mercilessly.”
“Then… we’ll become a merciless sword for you.”
With that, the lead assassin vanished into the shadows.
The nine assassins vanished as if they had never been there in the first place.
Only then did Biryung sheathe his sword and turn around.
Guyu twisted his lips into a wry smile and spoke.
“From now on, you’ll have to guard me diligently. There are those who might resent me, and they could appear at any time, anywhere. I’m no longer the benevolent general I once was.”
“I will protect you with my life, General.”
Biryung, who had been bowing his head, furrowed his brow slightly and spoke into the air.
“Who’s there?”
This time, a figure emerged smoothly from the center of the room.
Guyu chuckled softly.
“Seems like we have quite a few visitors today.”
The one who appeared was none other than Hongyeom, a member of the Guiyeongdan.
“I’ve been sent by Lady Sabigang.”
Guyu nodded and asked.
“What business do you have?”
“I’ve been instructed to provide you with all the information you need.”
Guyu nodded again.
“Then please give me a detailed report on the current situation with the demons.”
“Of course.”
**
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking made Baritan turn around.
“Come in.”
Creak.
The door opened, and someone stepped inside.
A captivating smile spread across Baritan’s face.
“Welcome.”
“It’s an honor to see you again, Marquis Baritan.”
“It’s been a while, Hount.”
Hount lifted his gaze, meeting Baritan’s eyes.