Episode 634: Return to the Demonic Sect
“If I startled you, I apologize.”
The voice was somewhat gruff, but one of the bamboo-hatted men offered a sincere apology.
However, Gu Gangryong wasn’t the type to let go of his irritation with just a few words. In fact, he was known for being more irritable and combative than most martial artists. So, the men who had already gotten on his nerves weren’t going to get off easily.
“You shouldn’t have done anything to apologize for in the first place,” he retorted sarcastically.
One of the bamboo-hatted men twitched his lips slightly but maintained his composure. “I apologize once more.”
Gu Gangryong eyed the two men before asking, “So, what’s your business?”
“We’d like to make a deal with you.”
“A deal, just like that? What if I refuse?”
“I think you’ll find it hard to refuse.”
With that, the man pulled out a pouch from his robe and tossed it over.
Thud!
The heavy sound it made as it hit the ground suggested a substantial sum of money. Gu Gangryong opened the pouch and counted the banknotes inside.
A total of one hundred thousand nyang.
An amount so large it would leave most people speechless. Anyone else might have been blinded by the sight of such wealth, immediately wondering if they possessed anything of equal value. And if nothing came to mind, fear would start to creep in—because nothing in this world comes for free. Perhaps they wanted his life, or something he could never fulfill.
The reason the bamboo-hatted men showed the money first was to unsettle him psychologically. If one thought a bit deeper, they would realize these men desperately wanted something. But most people wouldn’t think that far.
Gu Gangryong, however, was not most people.
“That’s quite a sum. So, what do you want to trade?”
“I heard you bought magic stones for ten thousand nyang each. I’ll buy one for a hundred thousand nyang. And I’ll come back with two hundred thousand for the other two.”
It was a polite offer. They weren’t even asking for all three stones.
Gu Gangryong smirked. “I like your approach. Let’s make a deal. But we’ll need to adjust the terms.”
The two men exchanged glances. “What do you mean?”
“Ten thousand per stone is too low. I’ll sell them for ten million each.”
“What?”
One of the men shouted, his voice tinged with anger. But Gu Gangryong remained unfazed.
“To me, the magic stones are worth that much. Are they worth that much to you?”
“Do you think we’re a joke?” the man growled.
This time, the other man didn’t stop him. Ten million per stone was outrageous. If words wouldn’t work, they’d have to resort to force.
The other man sighed and slowly drew his sword. “I hoped we could resolve this peacefully, but it seems we can’t.”
“That’s too bad. I never intended to resolve this peacefully,” Gu Gangryong replied, drawing his own sword.
Suddenly, shadows descended around him like a torrential rain. They were masked men, about thirty in total. But Gu Gangryong wasn’t surprised; he had already sensed their presence.
His eyes turned cold. “Are you the ones who’ve been hoarding all the magic stones lately?”
“If you’re curious, find out in the afterlife,” the man replied, signaling his men.
Just as they were about to charge at Gu Gangryong, a clear voice interrupted.
“Master Gu!”
The sudden voice made the masked men flinch and turn around. The leader frowned, turning toward the voice. He was uneasy, having not sensed anyone approaching until they spoke.
To his surprise, the voice belonged to a stunningly beautiful woman, so captivating it was hard to look away. Yet, the aura emanating from her was anything but ordinary.
Recognizing her, Gu Gangryong broke into a wide smile. “Well, if it isn’t Biran! How have you been? What brings you here?”
“Master, I was on my way to see Master Ong, but I found you here instead.”
“Ah, so you wanted to see Seung-ah but not me?”
“Of course not. I was actually on my way to see Ong Suryong. But you seem quite busy.”
“Indeed, I’ve got some guests today. Must be a special occasion.”
“Looks like you could use some help with the hospitality. Shall I lend a hand?”
“Haha, you rascal. I’m not dead yet. I can handle this much on my own!”
At this point, the masked men exchanged glances.
“Let’s retreat for now. Consider our offer,” the leader said, turning to leave.
But before they could take a step,
Whoosh!
Another group of martial artists, clad in white, descended around them. They were the Baekhwa Group, led by Sabi Ran.
The masked man flinched and turned to Sabi Ran. “Leaving so soon? I was taught never to turn away guests.”
“That’s my disciple for you,” Gu Gangryong chuckled.
The masked men’s expressions twisted. The leader turned to Gu Gangryong, his voice low and steady. “Is this really how you want to play it?”
“Weren’t you the ones who wanted a grand reception?”
The masked man’s face hardened. In the next moment,
“Attack!”
His sharp command rang out.
Immediately,
Slash! Slash!
The masked men charged at Gu Gangryong and the Baekhwa Group, their intent clear. But with the Baekhwa Group’s arrival, the outcome was already decided. They were the most formidable organization in the martial world, led by Sabi Ran, daughter of Sabi Kang and Maeseol Ran, and disciple of Cheonmyeoldae and Shinsaengjo.
And with Gu Gangryong, a master of the highest order, on their side, the masked men knew they were at a disadvantage. They fought with all their might, ready to die if necessary.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Gu Gangryong reached out, grabbing a charging masked man by the head and slamming him into the ground.
Sabi Ran moved like the wind through the enemies.
Clang! Clang!
Dozens of blades narrowly missed her, as if they were avoiding her rather than the other way around.
Swish! Slash!
With a chilling sound, screams erupted.
“Argh!”
“Ugh!”
The blades aimed at her missed, but her sword cut through the enemies’ vital points with precision.
The leader of the masked men gritted his teeth. It was a hopeless fight. He realized that today’s events were a series of coincidences—or perhaps inevitabilities brought about by their own choices. But the presence of the Baekhwa Group made him uneasy. He wondered if they had fallen into a trap set by the Demonic Sect.
‘I must inform the higher-ups that they’ve started moving.’
With that thought, he searched for an opening to escape. When a path cleared,
Whoosh!
He darted away like lightning.
“That one!”
Gu Gangryong shouted, startled.
“I’ll get him!”
Sabi Ran leaped into action.
Whoosh!
Gu Gangryong watched in awe as she moved like a flash of light, catching up to the fleeing man in the blink of an eye. She soared into the air, reaching her peak.
“Gasp!”
The masked man turned, realizing he had no escape. He was on the brink of death. If he couldn’t avoid it, he’d at least take his enemy with him.
Whoosh!
He abandoned his escape, charging with his sword.
Clang! Slash!
“Ugh!”
Crash!
The sound of metal clashing was followed by a thud as the masked man fell, shaking the forest. He lay dead, his chest slashed diagonally.
Gu Gangryong, having cut down an enemy, rushed over. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Your speed is incredible. I never taught you that.”
“Master Mun Tak taught me.”
“Ah, that explains it.”
Gu Gangryong nodded, understanding. There was no one faster in the martial world.
“And the sword technique just now was Master Yeon’s Stone-Crushing Dragon Strike.”
“Haha, you’ve even mastered the Paeryongdancheon Sword?”
“I’m still not at Master Yeon’s level.”
“Why didn’t you use what I taught you?” Gu Gangryong asked, feigning disappointment.
Sabi Ran smiled warmly.
“Isn’t it common sense to save your trump card for the right moment?”
“What did you say? Hahaha! You really have a way with words.”
Gu Gangryong chuckled heartily, but their laughter was short-lived. Both of them sensed a sudden shift in their enemies’ demeanor.
The truth was, after witnessing their leader’s demise, the adversaries had been preparing for a second assault. While Sabiran and Gu Gangryong exchanged a few words, the enemy had completely altered their strategy.
A shadow dropped beside Sabiran. It was Deputy Leader Deung Gahui.
“Their eyes are turning red. They’re about to use the Self-Destruct Technique!”
Gu Gangryong clicked his tongue in frustration. “These damn bastards!”
Sabiran quickly issued a command. “Form the Defensive Formation!”
“Yes, sir!”
With Deung Gahui’s signal, the members of the Baekhwa Group swiftly gathered in front of Sabiran and Gu Gangryong, forming a tight formation.
In the next instant.
“Uwaaah!”
Masked figures with blood-red eyes charged at the Baekhwa Group, ready to unleash chaos.
In a split second.
“Now!”
At Sabiran’s shout, a powerful sound erupted.
Whoosh!
Dozens of shields merged into one massive barrier, resembling a protective aura safeguarding the group.
Simultaneously.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The bodies of over twenty masked attackers exploded, creating a massive blast. Yet, the force of the explosion couldn’t penetrate the enormous shield.
As the storm of blood and debris subsided, Sabiran turned to Gu Gangryong.
“This is a formation I devised.”
“Impressive. Using shields like this is ingenious.”
Sabiran had taught the Baekhwa members basic magic, one of which was the shield spell. It proved more efficient than traditional protective techniques.
Gu Gangryong surveyed the scattered remains around them and shook his head.
“These guys are truly relentless. It’ll be tough to find any clues now.”