The Demonic Supreme Sword Novel - Chapter 100

Chapter 100
Chapter: 100

Chapter Title: Nightmare (3)

—

“I’ve spent some time processing the intelligence and have come to a few conclusions.”

Gahyu paused for a moment to organize his thoughts. Just as Yuak seemed ready to demand more information, Gahyu resumed his explanation.

“The initial moment Sima Geon’s reputation began to spread was during the crisis at the Living Immortal Medical House. He saved the establishment from destruction and vanished shortly after rescuing a subordinate who was being pursued while carrying a sacred relic belonging to the Heavenly Demon.”

“Right. That story is familiar.”

“Following that, he made a reappearance at Sungmyeong Island a few months back. The various slave trading syndicates that had convened there for business were utterly decimated. By chance, the successor of the Red Dragon Gang happened to be present and was killed in the fray.”

“I recall that as well. There was a massive uproar where people tried to pin the death of the Red Dragon heir on the Ha Hu Clan. Anyone with a bit of sense knew that was a fabrication.”

“While the specific motivation for his rampage at Sungmyeong Island remains unclear, rumors suggested it was directed at the human traffickers. That is my personal belief as well.”

“What leads you to that conclusion?”

“It provides a logical link to his reasons for assaulting Hongik Hall.”

“That sounds like a stretch. Clarify your point,” Yuak demanded, his patience thinning.

“Human traffickers from across the land met at Sungmyeong Island. Do you truly think Hongik Hall stayed away? They are the undisputed masters of that trade; they definitely had a presence.”

“Perhaps, but there were no reports of Hongik Hall suffering losses there.”

“They likely suppressed the information.”

Upon hearing Gahyu’s theory, Wihaegum expressed his blatant irritation.

“They hardly ever disclose anything to us anyway. We know exactly whose fault that is.”

The high-ranking members of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance harbored deep resentment toward Yu Han. His arrogance was bolstered by his connection to the Alliance Leader’s own brother and the influence of Hongik Hall. Wihaegum, who had frequently argued with him during Yu Han’s tenure at the main office, was particularly bitter.

“Hmph, that’s in the past. So, you’re suggesting the events at Sungmyeong Island were the catalyst for the raid on Hongik Hall?”

“It is a theory. We will obtain the facts once the Hall Leader arrives here.”

He presented it as a mere hypothesis, yet those familiar with Gahyu’s calculated nature knew he was likely certain of his deduction.

“But why wait so long? The chaos at Sungmyeong Island was two months ago. If there was a grudge, why did they stay quiet until now instead of striking immediately?”

Yuak looked at him with a sharp gaze, clearly harboring the same suspicions as Wihaegum.

“Wasn’t there another major event where Sima Geon’s name resurfaced?”

“The Heavenly Demon Cult…?”

“Precisely. It was a monumental clash—even Ju Yu Geol Gwi met his end there. They likely understood that the Heavenly Demon Cult was hunting them and spent the intervening time preparing their defenses.”

“Yes. That would explain the gap.”

Both Yuak and Wihaegum nodded, finding the logic sound.

“The true concern begins at this moment,” Gahyu said, his tone shifting to one of extreme gravity.

“Hongik Hall has been dismantled, but the Hall Leader managed to get away. If their objective is to take his life at any cost…”

Gahyu turned his eyes toward Yuak.

“You think they might target us as well?”

“I do.”

“Regardless, we are obligated to provide him sanctuary.”

“Alliance Leader!”

Wihaegum’s protest was cut short by Yuak’s stern tone.

“This isn’t merely about family ties. I may find it distasteful, but Hongik Hall remains a vital component that supports the Yangtze Waterway Alliance.”

“A component that has gone completely rotten,” Wihaegum muttered under his breath. Yuak chose to ignore the comment.

“Whether it is decayed or failing, it is still our support. It is up to us to decide if we should excise it or attempt to fix it. We cannot let a stranger make that choice for us.”

“The Alliance Leader is correct.”

The elder with the piercing eyes, who had been quietly sipping his drink, finally entered the conversation.

“Brother!”

As Wihaegum raised his voice in disagreement, the elder—Chosu of the Dongting Poison Claw, who had worked alongside Yuak to build the Yangtze Waterway Alliance into its current powerhouse—gave him a look of disappointment.

“How can an elder of this Alliance possess such a limited perspective?”

Wihaegum opened his mouth to argue, but fell silent when he saw Chosu’s white brows knit together in a stern expression.

“No matter how much we dislike them, Hongik Hall exists under our protection. If we allow an outside force to attack them without a response, what message does that send to the other water gangs?”

“You’re aware of their standing. The other gangs won’t be bothered by their downfall.”

“Can you be certain of that?”

“Well…” Wihaegum’s voice trailed off as he looked away, unable to answer.

“The strongest fortifications can fail because of a single small crack. We must also consider our reputation. If the world perceives us as weak, our era is over.”

“Fine, let’s assume you’re right.”

As Chosu began to grow annoyed with the dismissive reply, Yuak stepped in to de-escalate.

“The matter is decided. Let’s move on.”

With a look that signaled Chosu to calm down, Yuak addressed Gahyu, who had remained composed despite the bickering.

“What about the Hall Leader? What is his current status?”

“He is likely making his way directly to this location.”

“Hmph! He’s running like a coward. The fact that he’s fleeing straight to us without attempting to regroup with the local water gangs suggests that Sima Geon’s abilities exceed the tales we’ve heard.”

“It isn’t just Sima Geon—his traveling companions are reportedly just as dangerous.”

“So, what is our plan of action?”

Yuak asked as he raised his cup. His tone suggested he expected Gahyu to have a strategy ready despite the suddenness of the news. Gahyu, unruffled as always, answered steadily.

“Initially, we must monitor their path. I have already alerted all of Chueodang to be on high alert.”

“Why wait? Dispatch them immediately.”

“It is more than just scouting. The members of Chueodang must also deliver the Alliance Leader’s specific directives to every branch gang.”

“My directives?” Yuak asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“They will pursue the Hall Leader either by land or by the river. There is a high probability they will encounter our affiliated gangs. On the water, we can simply pause all traffic. However, on land, some of our groups will inevitably cross their path, and I fear they will not let the intruders pass without a fight.”

“Then tell them to stand down—it’s simple.”

“They are our enemies now. If you were in their shoes, would you just watch them walk by?”

Wihaegum, who had been drinking in silence, suddenly chimed in.

“Of course I’d try to kill them. Hmm, yes—that is a significant problem.”

Yuak considered this and nodded. He spoke firmly.

“First, pinpoint their location. Order every gang along their land route to stay out of their way. No one is to attempt any foolish heroics, or they will be slaughtered.”

As soon as Yuak gave the order, a sharp clicking of a tongue was heard.

“Tsk. What a mess. You certainly have a difficult job serving a master like this.”

Chosu shook his head at Gahyu.

“What was that?” Yuak barked, looking as if he were ready to trade blows.

“You called them a pillar, right? And said it was our job to choose whether to heal or cut it?”

“And?”

“You have to actually protect it, not just tell everyone to hide. How many of our gangs do you think will be leveled while they make their way here?”

“If they just provide passage and stay out of sight…”

“Then the very foundation of our power erodes. No gang leader wants to see the main house’s pride shattered, regardless of orders.”

“Then what is your proposal?”

As Yuak’s temper flared, Gahyu spoke up with his usual calm.

“If they travel by water, we stop all movement and wait for them here. If they come by land, the Alliance Leader must take action.”

“Me personally?”

“I mean we should send out the elite forces from headquarters to intercept. If a confrontation is unavoidable, we should ensure the losses are kept to a minimum.”

“I am concerned that the damage won’t be minimal. With Yu Wol involved, and the Hall Leader of Hongik Hall—a man who is notoriously arrogant about his strength—running away like this, the opposition must be truly formidable,” Chosu noted solemnly.

Then, a thought seemed to strike Wihaegum.

“Is there any news regarding that Gungwi brat?”

“Nothing,” Gahyu replied with a shake of his head.

“Who is Gungwi?” Chosu inquired.

Wihaegum dismissed the question with a wave of his hand.

“Just a fellow I used to keep around.”

“Oh, you mean that clever little fox?”

“The very one.”

“Don’t fret. He didn’t seem like the type to die young.”

“Fret? Why would I? He’s out there making a mockery of my teachings.”

Wihaegum scowled, still bitter that Gungwi had taken up a post at Hongik Hall.

“I didn’t say you were worried. I was just making an observation.”

“Whatever. In any case, why are we assuming they will just march straight toward us?”

“What are you implying?”

“If I were in their position, and my target was hiding behind a giant like the Yangtze Waterway Alliance, I wouldn’t take the front door. I’d look for vulnerabilities, wait for an opening, and if that didn’t work, I’d strike at the flanks…”

“Enough!” Yuak shouted, cutting him off.

“Purely as a ‘what if.’ If the situation develops as you described, what is the result?” Yuak asked Gahyu, his expression becoming terrifyingly grim.

“A total nightmare. The worst-case scenario. The destruction would be beyond calculation.”

“Isn’t that an exaggeration? I know they are skilled, but that powerful?” Chosu looked doubtful. Wihaegum, despite having raised the point, laughed it off, questioning Gahyu’s assessment.

Gahyu sighed softly and revealed one final piece of intelligence.

“From Hongik Hall—specifically, the report from the Deputy Hall Leader. The final lines stated: Sima Geon’s martial power is incomprehensible. To stand a chance, we must strike with our combined strength. And that means…”

Gahyu looked directly at Yuak before finishing.

“Even the Alliance Leader cannot be excluded from that count.”

The moment Gahyu stopped speaking, the room erupted with the voices of the other executives who had been quiet until now.

“Those arrogant fools!”

“This is ridiculous!”

“They are just trying to blame their failure on someone else.”

The chaos only stopped when Yuak bellowed a command.

“All of you, be silent.”

The room went still, and he turned back to Gahyu.

“Do you believe what he wrote?”

“The words came from Deputy Hall Leader Yu Wol himself.”

Gahyu turned to face the angry officials.

“How many of you here can honestly say you could defeat him?”

No one answered. Even if a few believed they could, the tension in the room kept them quiet.

“The Yu Wol I remember doesn’t make empty claims,” Wihaegum added, supporting Gahyu.

“Alliance Leader, do not underestimate them—you will live to regret it,” Chosu warned, looking at Yuak with concern.

“A nightmare, indeed,” Yuak whispered. He fell into a deep silence for a long time before finally speaking again.

“If we are facing a nightmare, then the best course of action is to wake up immediately. Gahyu.”

“I am listening, Alliance Leader.”

“Send the orders to the water gangs. If the enemy comes by land, they are to retreat as we planned. The headquarters will reimburse them for all property damage.”

“Understood.”

“The same applies if they take the river. No one is to engage.”

“Yes.”

“Ensure we do not lose sight of them for even a second. We cannot allow this to become the disaster you described.”

“I will ensure it.” Gahyu accepted the task with a heavy expression.

“We will be the ones to end this. Myself, and all of us. Whether they come by land or by sea, we will use our full might to crush them.”

At the vow of the Army Mountain Light Dragon Yuak, every person in the room bowed their head in acknowledgement.

“We follow your command.”