Episode 650: Return of the Demon Sect
A thunderous roar echoed through the valley as a massive water dragon surged forward, twisting and turning with a ferocious might.
“Ugh!”
“Aaah!”
Masked figures screamed as they were swept away by the overwhelming torrent. Yet, it seemed they were using the water’s force to escape the current predicament rather than being helplessly carried away.
The black-hatted man and the leader of the masked figures were also caught in the deluge, disappearing into the unknown. No one knew why the valley’s waters had suddenly swelled so dramatically. It was only after Deung Gahui fired a signal into the sky that the torrent, as if on cue, cascaded down like a waterfall.
Yeon Woo-kyung and Seok Tan-gang attempted to pursue the mysterious enemies, but the waterfall pouring down the valley was too fierce. No matter how skilled they were in martial arts, overcoming the raw power of nature was a different matter entirely. Crossing the sea with water-walking techniques was one thing, but being swept away by such a deluge was another, and survival was not guaranteed.
The rapids were that strong.
Sabi-ran also advised against the pursuit. Yeon Woo-kyung and Seok Tan-gang reluctantly agreed. It was a perfect opportunity to escape, but a challenging one to chase.
The colossal water dragon continued to wreak havoc around the valley, as if expressing the mountain god’s fury at the violence within its domain.
Perched on a high branch, Sabi-ran watched as Deung Gahui landed beside her, whistling in admiration.
“Impressive. I didn’t expect it to be this powerful.”
“Blood doesn’t lie,” Sabi-ran replied calmly, though she was inwardly surprised. She hadn’t anticipated that Ong Su-ryeong could conjure such a massive water dragon. Spirit magic was always difficult to get used to, no matter how many times she saw it.
Still, everything was going according to plan.
As the water dragon receded, the valley returned to its usual state, the water flowing peacefully once more.
Yeon Woo-kyung landed on the ground, frowning as he looked toward the end of the valley.
“We should’ve uncovered their identities. What a missed opportunity.”
“Those scoundrels deserve to be torn apart!”
Seok Tan-gang, who had landed beside him, ground his teeth in frustration. The two men, who had been growling moments before, exchanged awkward glances and turned away from each other.
Just then, Yu Song-ryeong’s voice cut through the air.
“Explain yourself. How do you know the secret techniques of our clan?”
“Ah… well, I’ve sparred with Master Seok a few times.”
“With my son?”
Yu Song-ryeong’s eyebrows shot up, and Yeon Seol-yeon nodded with an awkward smile.
Yu Song-ryeong’s voice rose in anger.
“Have you been meeting my son in secret?”
At that moment, Mok Dan-hwa approached, her voice sharp.
“Hey! Who do you think you’re yelling at?”
“Hmph! Can’t you see? I’m just educating a poorly raised daughter from some household.”
“What are you implying? Is your son so well-mannered that he seduces other people’s precious daughters?”
“Who seduced whom? Your daughter must’ve made the first move!”
“Ha! Unbelievable. Did you see it happen? Did you?”
“Hmph, it’s obvious even without seeing.”
“Fine, today I’ll deal with you first!”
“Bring it on! I’ll show you what I’m made of!”
The two middle-aged women began to raise their energy, ready to clash.
Sabi-ran sighed and stepped in.
“Please, both of you, let’s stop this.”
“No way!”
“Absolutely not!”
Mok Dan-hwa and Yu Song-ryeong shouted in unison.
Sabi-ran sighed again and turned to Deung Gahui.
Loud enough for the others to hear, she said, “Deputy Leader, I don’t think I can handle this on my own. Could you send a message to my father?”
“Understood! I’ll inform the Lord immediately!”
Yeon Woo-kyung and Seok Tan-gang intervened to calm the situation.
“Now, now, there’s no need to report such trivial matters. It’s just a personal squabble…”
“Exactly. Let’s not make a scene. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Bi-ran, and this isn’t the impression we want to leave.”
Finally, Mok Dan-hwa and Yu Song-ryeong calmed down, albeit grudgingly.
Yu Song-ryeong turned to Sabi-ran and asked, “But why is the Baekhwadan here?”
“Indeed. You mentioned you had another purpose for coming here,” Seok Tan-gang added, puzzled.
Sabi-ran smiled and replied, “Let’s move to a different place. I have something to discuss with all of you.”
The four exchanged uneasy glances but followed her lead.
**
“Absolutely not!”
“No way!”
Yeon Woo-kyung and Seok Tan-gang shouted in unison.
But Sabi-ran, having anticipated their reaction, continued calmly.
“Why not?”
“Because Seok Geom-yeong is involved in that mission.”
“I can’t let my child mingle with the offspring of the Yeon family!”
Sabi-ran narrowed her eyes.
“I’m part of that group too, Master Seok.”
“Ahem! Even so, it’s not possible.”
“You all joined forces to fight earlier, didn’t you? Thanks to that, you managed to fend off those mysterious enemies.”
“That was an unavoidable situation.”
“Indeed, we had no choice.”
Yeon Woo-kyung and Seok Tan-gang took turns speaking.
Mok Dan-hwa and Yu Song-ryeong chimed in as well.
“Bi-ran, we understand your intentions, but it’s hard for us to accept.”
“Yes, we’ve built walls over the years. They won’t come down overnight.”
Sabi-ran looked around at the four of them.
“Why do you hate each other so much? You were once closer than anyone.”
“Well…”
Yeon Woo-kyung trailed off, unable to find the words.
How had they come to despise each other so?
The four exchanged glances, as if searching for answers in each other’s eyes.
No one spoke.
Finally, Yu Song-ryeong broke the silence.
“Time often leaves only emotions behind. We don’t know why, but the resentment and pain linger. Perhaps that’s our case.”
“Then there must be some good feelings left too, right?”
“Who knows.”
Yu Song-ryeong shrugged, her fingers unconsciously tracing the handle of the sword resting beside her.
Sabi-ran spoke up.
“For this mission, we need both Seok Geom-yeong and Yeon Seol-yeon.”
“If Seok Geom-yeong is out, I’ll send my daughter.”
Yu Song-ryeong quickly countered Yeon Woo-kyung’s offer.
“Who are you to decide? If Yeon’s daughter stays home, I’ll send my son.”
“Song-ryeong…! Watch your words, or you won’t live to see another day.”
Mok Dan-hwa growled, her eyes fierce.
“Want to test how long your life will last?”
Yu Song-ryeong glared back, her brow furrowed.
Now they were arguing over whose child to send.
“Bi-ran, don’t rely on the dark arts of the Black Heaven Sect! My daughter will surely be an asset to the mission.”
“Bi-ran, don’t listen to that. The swordsmanship of the Seomgeom Clan is worthless. You shouldn’t have learned it in the first place. It only hinders your martial arts training. Take my son instead.”
Yeon Woo-kyung and Mok Dan-hwa belittled the Black Heaven Sect’s martial arts, while Seok Tan-gang and Yu Song-ryeong dismissed the Seomgeom Clan as stagnant and outdated.
Sabi-ran watched her four masters in silence.
It might seem like her efforts were in vain, but she remained composed.
She never expected the walls built over decades to crumble overnight, as Yu Song-ryeong had said.
All she wanted was a tiny crack.
Just as a small crack in the tower of friendship they once built had led to this state.
Surely, this incident had created a small crack in the walls between them.
Now, she needed a powerful strike to bring those walls down completely.
And that strike would be…
‘In times like this, Dad’s way is the best.’
With that thought, Sabi-ran spoke up.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
“Do what?”
The four turned to her.
Sabi-ran smiled.
“A wager.”
“A wager?”
“Yes. A martial arts duel. The winner’s opinion will be followed. Isn’t that fitting for martial artists?”
“Hmm…”
The four masters exchanged uncertain glances.
They had belittled and criticized each other, but the thought of actually crossing swords was daunting.
“So, you’re saying we should duel, and the winner’s child will go?”
Sabi-ran shook her head with a sly grin.
“No. The opponent is different.”
“What do you mean?”
The four looked at her, puzzled.
Sabi-ran spoke with clear determination.
“You’ll duel me. All four of you.”
“What?”
“If any of you defeat me, I’ll concede. And I’ll follow the opinion of the first to best me.”
As Sabi-ran repeated her challenge, the four exchanged bewildered looks.
Yeon Woo-kyung frowned.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. But if I win, you must follow my decision.”
“Hah!”
Yeon Woo-kyung let out a disbelieving laugh.
It was only natural, after all, that Sabiran was a student he had taught since she was very young.
Though there’s a saying that the student surpasses the master, this wasn’t the time for that.
Of course, the fact that she was the daughter of Sabigang did weigh on his mind a bit.
Even so…
Sabiran added, “And one more thing. I will only use the martial arts of the Seomgeom family and the Heukcheon clan.”
“What?”
“So, what do you think? Are you willing to try? If you don’t like my proposal, I’ll take both of your children with me. It’s the order of the palace lord, after all. I’m giving you both a chance.”
“Well, aren’t you bold,” Seok Tangang said, shaking his head in disbelief.
After a moment of contemplation, Yeon Woo-gyeong nodded. “Alright. It wouldn’t hurt to see how much my student has achieved. It’s been a while since I’ve sparred with you.”
“I’ll accept as well. Take this opportunity to watch and learn. The Seomgeom family is no match for the Heukcheon clan,” Yu Song-ryeong said, raising his sword.
Sabiran stood up. “Then I’ll take it that you’ve all agreed. Just to remind you, I’ll only be using the martial arts of the Seomgeom family and the Heukcheon clan.”
**
Whoosh!
The wind blew.
Five people stood in a wide clearing.
It looked as if four of them were surrounding one person.
The one standing in the center was none other than Sabiran.
Yeon Woo-gyeong cleared his throat and spoke. “Think of this more as a part of your training than a duel.”
“Understood. Don’t worry.”
“Alright. Then how about we let Ran make the first move?” Yeon Woo-gyeong suggested, glancing at Seok Tangang.
Seok Tangang nodded. “Naturally.”
“Then I won’t hold back,” Sabiran said with a faint smile, slowly assuming a stance.
At that moment, the same thought crossed the minds of the four onlookers.
‘That’s… not the martial arts of her family, is it?’
As if reading their thoughts, Sabiran added, “Just to reiterate, I’ll only be using the martial arts I learned from my four masters.”