The Demonic Supreme Sword Novel - Chapter 94

Chapter 94
## Chapter: 94

### Chapter Title: Dark Currents (2)

—

Simultaneous to the grand council taking place within the Gunrim Pavilion, a surreptitious meeting was unfolding in one of the secluded chambers of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

“Hmph.”

A man let out a brief, sharp breath as he retrieved a letter stained with dried blood.

The quality of the parchment and the formal style mirrored the missive Gwan Woong had inspected, yet this version was saturated with gore, and more importantly, the text held a distinct variation. The version Gwan Woong had received lacked the specific ultimatum and offer sent by Sima Geon.

“‘Attempt to harm my kin again, and I shall eliminate even your distant relatives by marriage.’ Ha! Truly bold. Only the Divine Demon Division Leader would possess the audacity to hurl such threats at the Heavenly Demon Cult. Moreover, he isn’t suggesting an open war, but a campaign of assassination—who could possibly defend against that? It is a total checkmate. I certainly didn’t anticipate him proposing a trade: the Heavenly Demon Ring in exchange for the captured remnants of the Divine Demon Division. When he deserted them and vanished on his own, I assumed he had burned every bridge. What is your assessment?”

Answering the man’s inquiry, a middle-aged figure kneeling a short distance away tilted his head upward slightly.

“The members of the Divine Demon Division always maintained a deeper devotion to their Division Leader than to the Cult Leader himself. There was undoubtedly a powerful bond behind such conviction.”

“I can only imagine what the late Cult Leader, who originally entrusted him with the Heavenly Demon Ring, would think of such a statement.”

The man chuckled darkly, his voice laced with malice, before his features suddenly turned stone-cold.

“This offer must never be allowed to circulate here. If the Cult Leader develops a curiosity regarding those Divine Demon Division dogs and starts investigating, it will result in a massive disaster for us. It could potentially unmask our very existence.”

“I understand.”

“Did I invite unnecessary chaos just to occupy the collapsing ruins of the Ten Thousand Poison Valley?”

“No, sir. The acquisition of the Immortal Ten Thousand Poison Spirit Subduing Art alone justifies the cost.”

“That is true, though the decision to hand the Ten Thousand Poison Valley over to the men of the Divine Demon Division required more foresight.”

“Had we not done so, we would never have been able to seize the valley in the first place.”

“A fair point. I suppose my vision was clouded by my desire for retribution against the Divine Demon Division and its commander.”

The man shook his head in frustration, then unexpectedly broke into a fit of laughter.

“Heh heh heh! That rabid dog. Once he hears the news that his sister has perished this time, he will lose his mind in a quest for vengeance. I have heard his recent movements have been stagnant—this could be the very catalyst he needs. If he seeks it, provide him with whatever resources or backing he requires.”

“I shall see that the orders are delivered.”

“On another note, who was responsible for sending that messenger pigeon?”

“It was Pyo Yeong.”

“Then dispose of him as well.”

The middle-aged man’s eyes wavered for a fraction of a second. The man noticed the hesitation and flashed a frigid smirk.

“Do you find it a waste to kill him?”

“To some extent.”

The man dismissed the thought immediately.

“No. I will personally oversee the execution.”

“Ensure it is done with the utmost secrecy and speed.”

“I hear and obey.”

“I will provide the explanation to the North Heaven Sword Demon… actually, I will take care of the matter myself. You are dismissed.”

Receiving the command to depart, the middle-aged man offered a respectful bow and exited the room.

‘Divine Demon Division Leader. I am told he has already interfered in our cult’s business once before. One wrong move, and the resulting fire could burn us all.’

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, the man began to circulate his internal power. Suddenly, flames licked across the letter in his palm, reducing it to cinders. The sharp, bitter scent of the burnt paper was quickly swallowed by a subtle aroma of medicinal herbs.

—

Cheol Woo sat on a wooden bench, tearing at a piece of dried jerky before holding some out toward Ha Hu Yeon.

“So, the demand is for the Heavenly Demon Cult to offer a public confession and pay out a fair settlement?”

“That’s the gist of it.”

“And that is the official stance of the Martial Alliance?”

“That is what I’ve been told.”

Ha Hu Yeon collapsed onto the bench, looking completely drained, and let out a heavy sigh.

“Are they completely brainless? They refuse to support the Ha Hu Clan, yet they are essentially playing into the hands of the Heavenly Demon Cult?”

Noe Jeon walked over, clutching a bottle of spirits, and sat down heavily on the ground.

More than three weeks had passed since the assault by the Heavenly Demon Cult. Noe Jeon, who had been the most severely wounded among them, finally seemed to be regaining his strength.

“It looks like those medicines actually did their job.”

“Even with the best medicine, it’s been a rough recovery.”

“Based on the chase I went through to find you last time, it was no joke. But why is this jerky so incredibly tough?”

Noe Jeon made a face, pulling a half-chewed piece of meat from his mouth.

“If it’s not to your liking, don’t eat it.”

Cheol Woo shot a glare at Noe Jeon before turning his attention back to Ha Hu Yeon.

“What is their logic, anyway? The Martial Alliance must have some sort of excuse for favoring the Heavenly Demon Cult.”

“They claim there isn’t enough evidence or legal ground to back the main family. They are also bringing up the previous conflict with the Red Dragon Gang.”

Frustration boiling over, Ha Hu Yeon grabbed the bottle of liquor from Noe Jeon’s hand.

“That’s complete nonsense. You didn’t even actually fight the Red Dragon Gang.”

“Simply being present at the scene and associating with your brothers was enough for them to make it an issue.”

“What a load of crap.”

“Furthermore, the Five Great Clans that hold sway over the Martial Alliance and their supporters are using every possible pretext to turn the tide of public opinion against the main house. Well, with the exception of the Nangong Clan.”

“Why are they staying out of it?”

“As I mentioned previously, there was a major falling out during the election of the Martial Alliance Leader. Their preferred choice wasn’t selected.”

“Ha! What a disaster.”

“Hey, what is the word from the Beggars’ Sect?”

Noe Jeon directed his question to Man Chu, who had approached to check if there was anything left in the bottle.

“It’s a mess. The Sect Leader personally visited the Alliance to demand justice, but honestly, nobody is standing with us. To make matters worse, those cunning bastards from the Heavenly Demon Cult have promised a formal apology and a massive financial payout…”

Cheol Woo tilted his head in confusion.

“A payout? For the Beggars’ Sect?”

“No. For the Martial Alliance.”

Both Cheol Woo and Noe Jeon stared at Man Chu in disbelief.

“Why on earth would the Alliance receive the compensation?”

“Technically, we fall under their jurisdiction. On paper, the Beggars’ Sect should get the bulk of it, but our Sect Leader naturally turned it down. The Alliance, however, acts as if they never heard his refusal. Other groups that ought to be supporting us are being lured by the money and are staying quiet. They’re all a bunch of snakes.”

Cheol Woo shook his head and began to clap slowly in mock admiration.

“Man, that is pure genius. Absolutely brilliant. Noe Jeon, you hit the nail on the head—they played this perfectly.”

“Right? They don’t have to lift a finger, and the rewards just fall into their laps. It’s over.”

Noe Jeon offered a sympathetic pat to Ha Hu Yeon’s shoulder.

“So, what happens if you dig your heels in and refuse to apologize until the bitter end?”

Ha Hu Yeon hesitated at Cheol Woo’s question. Even he found it difficult to foresee the outcome.

“I’m not sure. Perhaps the whole thing will just lose momentum? It’s not like they could actually launch an invasion of the main house.”

“Are you sure you aren’t being too optimistic?”

“What do you mean?”

“What’s stopping them?”

As Ha Hu Yeon struggled for an answer, Man Chu, still chewing on jerky, spoke up.

“Launching an attack on the Ha Hu Clan is a completely different beast than chasing Brother Noe Jeon like they did before. Regardless of any internal feuds, the Martial Alliance cannot simply stand by and watch. Most importantly, the Southern Alliance Leader would never permit it.”

“The Southern Alliance Leader? Who is that?”

“The Nangong Clan.”

“Ah! The Nangong Clan.”

Cheol Woo thought back to Nangong Gyeong, whom he had briefly met before the incidents at the Golden Fox Bandit Lair and the Living Immortal Medical House.

“Within the Martial Alliance, only the Nangong Clan maintains a neutral stance while quietly supporting the Ha Hu Clan and the Beggars’ Sect. The current Sword Saint is especially renowned for his unwavering sense of justice. He also shares a very close history with our Supreme Elder.”

Man Chu’s expression grew somber, likely remembering their previous drunken troubles.

“He is connected to our Great Ancestor as well. As long as he is a factor, the Heavenly Demon Cult cannot simply waltz into the South. Unlike the chase for Brother Noe Jeon, which had a clear justification, they won’t turn a blind eye if they know it’s a direct assault on the main family. If Nangong moves, the entire Southern Martial World follows suit.”

“Is he really that significant?”

Cheol Woo asked, his interest piqued.

“Yes. He is a monumental figure.”

“Is he powerful?”

“Without a doubt.”

“As powerful as I am?”

“That is hard to say.”

Cheol Woo’s eyes narrowed at Ha Hu Yeon’s non-committal response.

“Be straight with me. If I were to duel this Sword Saint, who comes out on top?”

Ha Hu Yeon looked conflicted as he recalled the words of Ha Hu Gok.

“You can only know the truth in battle. But the stories say that twenty years ago, he was already a match for our Great Ancestor—and he was still in his twenties then.”

“Hey, I’m still in my twenties too,” Cheol Woo snapped back.

At that moment, Sima Geon arrived back at the house with his brothers and asked with a dismissive tone, “What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”

“Have you heard of the Sword Saint?”

“Yeah.”

“This kid thinks the Sword Saint might be stronger than me.”

Ha Hu Yeon held up his hands defensively. “I never said that.”

“You didn’t say it out loud, but you meant it.”

“If you listen to the elders, it doesn’t seem like an exaggeration.”

“Boss!”

“The elders said the Sword Saint’s progress is beyond comprehension. Right?”

Sima Geon looked past Cheol Woo.

Ha Hu Gok was slowly stepping out from his quarters. Having sustained a devastating injury to his dantian in the last conflict, he had barely survived but was left without his martial abilities. He appeared much older now, his face pale from his long recovery.

“It is true. But that is from a conventional perspective—not necessarily for the two of you. I haven’t crossed paths with him recently, so I cannot speak to his current level, but even so, I do not believe you would be defeated.”

“See? Naturally. Compare him to me, not the Boss.”

Cheol Woo continued to grumble.

“Combat involves too many unknowns—you only find the answer when blades clash. To be perfectly honest, it would be a difficult fight.”

“For me?”

“Yes.”

Ha Hu Gok shook his head firmly, leaving no room for argument, which caused Cheol Woo’s face to turn shades of red and purple.

“That’s cold.”

The group shared a laugh as Cheol Woo turned away, pouting.

“Anyway, you’re back already? Is everything settled?”

“Yes. The previous owner of the ranch who lived there before agreed to take over management for the time being. The operation is smaller now, and since he had no ranch work to do, he was quite bored. He accepted the job happily.”

“You’ll probably miss that place.”

Sima Hyeon shook his head dismissively at Ha Hu Gok’s remark.

“It’s fine. We will be heading back soon enough.”

“Whew! I’ve had enough of that smell of livestock waste. It’s time for a proper rest. My body needs to recover as well.”

Sima Ho laughed, though he subconsciously adjusted his empty sleeve. He looked relieved, yet there were still dark circles of exhaustion under his eyes.

“What about the butcher shop?”

“We’re closing it for now. I couldn’t find anyone who fit the role.”

“It can’t be helped. Is Jin-a all set for the Living Immortal Medical House?”

“Yes.”

“It will be difficult for the little one in a place she doesn’t know.”

“No. The physician is traveling with her.”

“The owner of the Clear Heart Clinic?”

Ha Hu Gok looked surprised by this news.

“Yes.”

“That is a stroke of luck, but what will happen to the Clear Heart Clinic?”

Thanks to the carpenters who had worked day and night, the building had been fully restored just two days ago.

“The Living Immortal Medical House is sending their own doctors to staff it.”

“That is good.”

“But Boss. Is all of this really necessary?” Cheol Woo asked, sounding annoyed.

“What do you mean?”

“We gave them plenty of warning through that snitch Pyo Yeong.”

“It’s better to be cautious. Their arrogance might lead them to ignore the terms.”

“I doubt they would be foolish enough to attack after receiving your message. Besides, we are returning the Heavenly Demon Ring soon—albeit with conditions. I can’t wait to see the look on old man Gwan Hyo’s face. Heh heh, he might just drop dead from the shock.”

“But is it truly safe?” Noe Jeon asked, his voice a mix of hope and anxiety.

“We have to trust the word of the informant—he says they are still being kept alive in the dungeons, even if they are in chains.”

“Hah! Only twenty of them…”

“Twenty is a significant number. That’s a stubborn group—they aren’t easily broken. I had feared none of them made it; I am just grateful they are alive.”

“True. They are fanatics—virtually impossible to turn to our side.” Noe Jeon chuckled.

“Well, obviously. If they could be swayed, they wouldn’t be sitting in a cell. At any rate, to ensure the safe return of the Heavenly Demon Ring, they will be given proper food and shelter for now.”

Sima Geon felt a pang of self-reproach at Cheol Woo’s words.

“I should have looked into their status much sooner. I was too preoccupied with Jin-a.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. Those ties were severed the moment we walked away from the Heavenly Demon Cult. You gave everyone a choice, Boss. Some moved on to start new lives. Those who stayed behind did so by their own volition. To put it bluntly? they are responsible for the results—whether they live or die. We, and you specifically, can’t keep cleaning up after them forever.”

“I have to agree. For once, Cheol Woo is making a lot of sense.”

“For once?”

Ha Hu Gok ignored Cheol Woo’s protest.

“Regardless, those kinds of bonds are difficult to truly break. In any case, trading the Heavenly Demon Ring for the lives of your subordinates is the right move. We have no use for that object anyway.”

Ha Hu Gok spoke with a certain weight—whether he actually knew the object’s secret or simply sensed it.

“Well, that’s true enough.” Sima Geon gave a somewhat forced smile.

“All right, it is time to set off. My body is still frail—even a carriage ride will be taxing. We will take it slow, but we need to move quickly enough to reach the main house as soon as possible. There is much work ahead of us.”

Despite having lost his martial arts, Ha Hu Gok had attained a new level of understanding regarding martial principles.

For the sake of the Ha Hu Clan and the generations to follow, Ha Hu Gok’s determination to solidify these new insights burned as brightly as a roaring fire.