The Demonic Supreme Sword Novel - Chapter 87

Chapter 87
## Chapter 87

### Chapter Title: The Beggars (2)

—

“I have to depart for a while.”

The quiet declaration caused a sharp divide in the room’s atmosphere.

Cheol Woo squeezed his hand into a tight knot as if he had anticipated this moment, and the swift warrior appeared largely unbothered. However, the mood of the others darkened instantly. Sima Ho, still grappling with his physical recovery, and Sima Hyeon, who had been tirelessly caring for his siblings, looked particularly distressed.

“Is this journey truly necessary?”

Sima Hyeon’s voice trembled with clear apprehension.

“It is. If anything, I have waited too long already.”

“But his recovery isn’t complete, and Jin-a has only just begun to find her footing again.”

Sima Hyeon cast a sorrowful look toward Sima Ho’s vacant sleeve.

Sima Ho had been maimed by the Hongikbang criminals. While his flesh had knit back together, the trauma to his spirit remained heavy. His once boisterous and lively nature had retreated into a shell of silence and introspection.

The director of the Clear Heart Clinic, who had worked tirelessly to pull Sima Ho back from the brink of the grave, suggested the change was a passing phase. Nevertheless, witnessing his brother in such a diminished state was a constant source of pain.

“Too many lives were extinguished. The healers who sacrificed everything for those in their care, the young students just beginning their medical journey—they were all slaughtered. Countless patients who sought sanctuary at Clear Heart Clinic and fought for their lives were cut down. The relatives who stayed by their bedsides, dreaming of a day of health… they are gone as well.”

A heavy silence descended upon the group as Sima Geon spoke.

“They were our friends and neighbors. Old Man Hwang from Uga Village, who was so optimistic about this year’s crops. Brother Cheon-nam, who remained cheerful for his sick child despite his constant visits to Clear Heart Clinic. Old Man Wang, the salt merchant next to the butchery—he was taken, along with the young girl who worked the markets by day and tended to her father by night. Each time I see her younger brother smile through his tears and say she has gone to the heavens… I am overwhelmed by my own shame.”

Sima Geon gave a tired shake of his head and swallowed several cups of alcohol in rapid succession.

“Do not carry this burden alone. This was never your intention,” Hahu Gok offered gently.

Sima Geon met Hahu Gok’s gaze with a cynical twist of his lips.

“Intended or not, the reality is that our presence brought this disaster upon them.”

“Nevertheless, the wealth you provided has aided many. Even the Clear Heart Clinic is being reconstructed.”

“Currency cannot restore breath to the fallen.”

Sima Geon reached out and touched the empty fabric of Sima Ho’s sleeve.

“There are simply too many things that gold cannot replace.”

“I am alright,” Sima Ho said, forcing a faint grin.

“You will be. You’ll be back to yourself before you know it.”

Sima Geon ruffled Sima Ho’s hair with affection before looking toward a sighing Sima Hyeon.

“We cannot let those villains go unpunished—for the sake of the dead, if for nothing else. We must settle this to secure our future.”

“What are your plans?”

“It began with the Green Forest outlaws. The heir of their supreme leader, the man who rules over the Eighteen Green Forest Strongholds, perished because of us. Though it occurred during their own criminal raid, those people are not governed by logic. They harbor a deep vendetta now, and they will strike again if left to their devices.”

“So your target isn’t just Hongikbang, but the Green Forest as well?”

Hahu Gok looked on in shock, having assumed the vengeance would stop at Hongikbang.

“Hongikbang is the immediate priority, but I intend to conclude our business with the Green Forest during this trip as well.”

“That is madness! The Green Forest is no minor obstacle. Even Hongikbang is a formidable foe. Are you unaware of the power that stands behind them?”

“Are you referring to the Yangtze River Water Alliance?”

“Precisely. Do not dismiss the river pirates. The might of the Yangtze rivals any major power in the land.”

“It makes no difference.”

“Listen to me! Do not be so reckless!” Hahu Gok’s voice rose in frustration.

“Elder, ease your mind. There is no one more skilled at hit-and-run tactics than us. Ha! We could even face them head-on without breaking a sweat. Stop worrying and have a drink. This food is excellent.”

Cheol Woo smirked confidently and extended his vessel.

“You believe you can simply walk over the Green Forest? Their strength is legendary. They may even surpass your own.”

Cheol Woo looked toward his companions and gave a knowing smile.

“Do you imagine bringing the Demonic Cult under one banner was an easy feat? This task is trivial compared to that war.”

Hahu Gok’s eyes widened at the mention of the Demonic Cult’s unification. The news that the fractured cults had finally merged under the banner of the Heavenly Demon Cult was common knowledge.

However, Cheol Woo’s statement suggested that they had been instrumental in that historic conflict.

‘Given their prowess, it is entirely possible.’

Even though Hahu Gok had reached a new level of power with Sima Geon’s guidance, he still wasn’t certain he could best Cheol Woo. And Sima Geon himself treated Cheol Woo’s strength as if it were a game; the man was a force of nature.

“I suppose you won’t be swayed, will you?”

Sima Geon merely offered his cup in silence to Hahu Gok.

“Is there no way for us to assist? Our family was pulled into this conflict regardless of our wishes.”

“It isn’t necessary. Elder, your task is to protect my siblings here. We cannot allow a repeat of the previous tragedy.”

“That goes without saying.”

“That is all I ask. I understand you are already dealing with difficulties regarding Songmyeong Province.”

“Did he tell you that?”

Hahu Gok gave Hahu Yeon a sharp, annoyed look for being loose-lipped.

“He did. The Heavenly Demon Cult has demanded reparations and a formal apology from the Hahu Clan regarding the events in Songmyeong Province, correct?”

“Yes. It’s an absurdity.”

“What is this? Why is the Heavenly Demon Cult targeting the Hahu Clan?”

Cheol Woo asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Hahu Yeon glanced at Hahu Gok for approval before answering.

“The successor of the Red Dragon Group was killed in Songmyeong Province.”

“The successor? Ah, that fellow. The master crushed him—so what?”

“They are holding me accountable because I was present at the scene.”

“Are they fools? That isn’t something to boast about,” Cheol Woo scoffed.

“The problem is that their pressure is actually working.”

“What sort of nonsense is that?”

“The specifics are murky, but the situation is escalating. The Martial Alliance is debating it now. Some support us, while others are using it as leverage.”

“The Martial Alliance? Bah! It seems the whole world is rotting this year.”

“I am sorry our troubles have spilled over onto you,” Sima Geon said, lowering his head.

“There is no need for apologies. Even after we clarified that the Red Dragon Group was not involved, the Martial Alliance remained indecisive. Honestly, I don’t even blame the cult. It’s just opportunists looking for a way to weaken our clan.”

Sima Geon wondered briefly who was plotting against the Hahu Clan, but he didn’t ask. He assumed it was the same type of internal power-seeking he had seen within the Heavenly Demon Cult.

“So, you are truly leaving,” Sima Hyeon said with a look of resignation.

“Yes. As I mentioned, I have delayed long enough. Had it not been for Jin-a, I would have departed Songmyeong Province days ago.”

“Have you informed her?”

“I will do so tomorrow.”

“She will be devastated. And terrified for you.”

“She will worry, certainly, but she will endure. Her spirit is more resilient than any of ours.”

As Sima Hyeon looked doubtful, Sima Geon continued to reassure him.

“She has survived her Heavenly Punishment for years. The pain must have been unimaginable, yet she rarely complained. Overcoming the constant shadow of death is no small thing. Why else do you think she is throwing herself into medical studies even before she is fully well?”

Sima Hyeon simply shook his head.

“She wishes to help restore the Clear Heart Clinic.”

“Restored? But the building is nearly finished.”

“A building is just wood and stone. A clinic is truly restored when it has patients to heal and doctors to care for them.”

“So the girl is carrying the guilt as well,” Hahu Gok sighed.

“Indeed. She is trying to make amends for the innocent in her own way. It is different from my path, but no less vital.”

“She is a remarkable child.”

Hahu Gok nodded in respect and finished his drink with a look of satisfaction.

“When do you depart?” Sima Ho inquired.

“In a few days. I have to manage the affairs of the butchery first.”

When Sima Geon looked toward him, Hahu Gok shook his head emphatically.

“Not a chance.”

“Haha! I will leave the business to my second brother. But I would appreciate it if you kept an eye on things, Elder.”

“That, I can do.”

Relieved he wasn’t being forced to run the shop again, Hahu Gok agreed.

“Phew. The house is going to feel like a tomb once you all leave.”

Sima Ho and Sima Hyeon both let out heavy sighs. Cheol Woo laughed and slapped Sima Ho on the back.

“You think you’ll miss us that much? Well, I do take up a lot of space. Don’t be too miserable; think of how much more room you’ll have to stretch out.”

“Those two are also departing.”

Cheol Woo followed Sima Hyeon’s gaze toward Gwa Yu and Yong Jung, who were quietly drinking together in the corner.

“What? You too?”

“We cannot stay indefinitely. Our recovery is complete, and our orders for return arrived just in time.”

Gwa Yu spoke with his usual composure, though his eyes betrayed his sadness.

“Back to the Blood Shadow Forest?”

“Yes.”

“And back to a life of assassination…”

“Be quiet.”

Sima Geon reached out and silenced Cheol Woo.

“I am grateful for everything. Come back and visit when you are able. You are always welcome here.”

“I will, Big Brother,” Gwa Yu answered, his face brightening.

“Just don’t come at midnight. Visit during the day.”

Gwa Yu’s face twitched slightly at Cheol Woo’s joke.

“And try to smile more. A young man with such a stern face looks ten years older than he is.”

Cheol Woo placed a heavy hand on Gwa Yu’s head.

“Do you really think this face looks like it belongs to the youngest member of the group?”

The room erupted in laughter, causing Gwa Yu’s face to turn bright red.

He shot a glare at Hahu Yeon, who was doubled over with laughter, and muttered under his breath.

“That’s a bold claim coming from you, Brother Cheol Woo.”

“Haha! You little brat.”

Cheol Woo playfully ruffled Gwa Yu’s hair.

“And what about you? I thought you wanted to stay here. Have you changed your mind?” Sima Geon asked Yong Jung.

“No. But I feel it is necessary to return at least once.”

“Are you certain? Walking away from an organization you are bound to is never as easy as it seems.”

“I have sent a summary of the situation. I have been granted leave.”

“Even so…”

Yong Jung acted as if it were no concern, but Sima Geon—who knew the agony of leaving the Heavenly Demon Cult—couldn’t suppress his worry.

“I sent word through the Beggar Clan earlier, so do not fret, both of you. For the sake of our clan’s reputation, they won’t cause you significant trouble.”

Sima Geon felt a sense of relief at Hahu Gok’s intervention, and Yong Jung, who had been unaware of the help, bowed deeply with a look of gratitude.

“Thank you, Elder.”

“Don’t thank me. It seems we’ve settled the heavy talk, so let’s get back to—”

Hahu Gok stopped mid-sentence and snapped his head toward the entrance.

“It seems we have a visitor.”

At Sima Geon’s remark, Cheol Woo leaped to his feet.

“An urgent one, by the sounds of it.”

Cheol Woo pulled the door open with a crash.

“Brothers…!”

With a choked cry, Manchu stumbled into the room, his strength failing as he collapsed. In that same heartbeat, Cheol Woo’s massive body moved like a blur.

Intercepting five throwing knives intended for Manchu’s back in a single sweep, Cheol Woo fixed his gaze on the startled attackers outside and roared.

“Who the hell do you think you are?!”