The Demonic Supreme Sword Novel - Chapter 95

Chapter 95
Chapter: 95

Chapter Title: Drawing the Big Picture (1)

—

The standard assembly of the Hao Gate, the venue where they deliberated on every matter of significance, was nearly finished when a lone missive arrived.

The countenance of Sect Master Eun Se-chung grew heavy as his eyes swept over the written words.

“Has a problem arisen, Sect Master?”

Elder Mong Yang inquired with a tone of caution.

“They have departed.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Mong Yang was unable to grasp the meaning behind Eun Se-chung’s brief statement, but Pyongwang grasped the situation at once.

“What is their destination?”

“They appear to be moving toward the West for the moment.”

“The West presents complications. Do you suspect Hongik Hall is their primary target?”

“Considering they abducted my sibling and launched a strike against Clear Heart Clinic, it is highly probable. Reports indicate they have publicly proclaimed their intent for vengeance as well.”

At the mention of Hongik Hall and Clear Heart Clinic, Mong Yang and the rest of the gathered authorities finally understood the nature of the talk.

“What is your intended course of action? Shall we step in once more?”

Before Mong Yang could finish his thought, Jowoe broke in.

“We must proceed with extreme care. Given the accounts of how they dealt with the Heavenly Demon Cult…”

Jowoe’s voice trailed off as a shiver ran through him. The mere concept of that terrifying strength being aimed at them made him hesitant to even utter another word.

“Hmm. I am uncertain of the path. Ah, that reminds me, did I tell you we offered our assistance whenever it was needed?”

“Indeed. We sent the message via the Beggar Clan, but it was turned down. It seems they believe the Beggar Clan’s support is sufficient without our involvement.”

The faces of everyone in the room dimmed at Mong Yang’s report. Most felt a sense of anxiety regarding the fractured relationship with Sima Geon, though a few wore expressions of blatant bitterness.

“So, we are simply abandoning our pursuit of retribution against them?”

Elder Jeok Insul questioned, his gaze narrowing into a sharp glint.

“And if we do not? You witnessed the fate of the Heavenly Demon Cult, yet you persist with that line of thinking? Simply being linked to them resulted in the death of the Wanderer Demon. The Sword Demon is now essentially an invalid. Have you any conception of the terror we felt, wondering if the Heavenly Demon Cult would discover we were feeding them intelligence through the Beggar Clan?”

No one present, not even Jeok Insul, found the courage to speak after Mong Yang’s heated outburst.

While raising one’s voice in the presence of the sect master could be viewed as an act of insolence, the majority of the room shared his perspective. The sect master gave a slow nod of silent concurrence.

“Let it be known: there is to be absolutely no contact with Hongik Hall. Not a single shred of information from our side is to be leaked.”

“We understand.”

They chanted their agreement in unison and offered a collective bow. However, shortly after the gathering broke up, conversations that stood in defiance of the sect master’s decree began to take shape.

“The sect master is being far too timid.”

Jeok Insul, who had failed to offer even a single counterpoint to Mong Yang’s rage earlier, now spoke up with a raised voice.

“Lower your volume. You are well aware that the sect master has ears in every corner.”

Pyongwang rebuked him with a piercing look, causing Jeok Insul to turn a deep shade of red as he dipped his head.

“I offer my humble apologies.”

“Even so, Elder Jeok is not entirely mistaken. To simply turn away from seeking justice for our fallen disciples who met such a wretched end? That is hardly the conduct of a true sect master.”

Pyongwang gave a silent nod to the words of Ju Hang, the protector who served as his closest confidant.

“If we allow things to proceed as they are, Hongik Hall will inevitably fall to them—it is merely a question of when. We must provide them with a tip regarding their movements, if only to pull the Yangtze Waterway Alliance into the fray.”

“I concur. The outcome is obvious—we only need to provide the fuel, and the fire will consume everything. It would be a tragedy to let this opportunity fade away. Find a subtle method to notify Hongik Hall of their trajectory.”

“I have already set the wheels in motion.”

“Already?”

“Yes. After the beating they sustained, Hongik Hall is in a state of extreme paranoia. Provide them with a few breadcrumbs, and those fools will take care of the rest on their own.”

Pyongwang allowed a smirk of contentment to cross his face at Ju Hang’s self-assured response.

“Splendid.”

Pyongwang looked at the cup Jeok Insul had filled for him, then finished it in a single gulp.

That very night, a lone carrier pigeon flapped its wings with vigor and ascended into the dark sky.

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“This marks the dividing point.”

Manchu, who had been guiding the group, came to a halt.

“The left fork leads to the difficult mountain terrain. The right path is relatively smoother.”

“What is the time difference?”

Cheol Woo looked back and forth between the two trails as he posed the question.

“Given our current speed, it would save three to four days.”

“What is your verdict, boss? The schedule is a bit tight.”

Sima Geon made his choice without a moment’s hesitation.

“The mountains. If we intend to deal with the Green Forest Eighteen Strongholds on our return trip, every day we can save is vital.”

“That works for me. Scaling peaks like these is nothing new for us.”

Cheol Woo turned his attention toward Manchu.

“The real issue is whether this fellow can maintain the pace.”

“I may look thin, but I have great confidence in my endurance on foot.”

Manchu tensed his leg muscles as a display of his fitness.

“Let’s have a look.”

Cheol Woo gave them a sharp poke.

“Ow!”

“And you call those muscles.”

Cheol Woo clicked his tongue as Manchu jumped away with a yelp, though his joking demeanor quickly faded.

“This isn’t just a casual stroll. It is going to be grueling. So, consider your answer carefully and speak honestly. If you want to go back now, nobody will think less of you.”

“I am fine. I can endure it.”

“Why go to such lengths? There is no genuine reason for you to assist us this way. Let’s be frank—the death of the Wanderer Demon elder is linked to us, in a manner of speaking.”

“The Sword Demon elder gave me explicit instructions.”

“The elder did? What were his words?”

“To learn everything I possibly can.”

“Learn what exactly? There is no common ground between the Beggar Clan and us. Our fighting styles are completely different. We have nothing particular to instruct you in.”

“I do not know. He simply told me to watch everything and gain knowledge. He said it would make me powerful. So please, do not send me away.”

Cheol Woo looked conflicted at Manchu’s firm attitude. Noejeon let out a snicker while observing the exchange.

“You find this amusing?”

“Aren’t you overthinking the situation?”

“What?”

Cheol Woo glared at him, baring his teeth.

“It is obvious the elder gave us a task to complete, isn’t it? And a certain level of responsibility.”

“A task? What responsibility?”

“This isn’t a vacation. It could turn lethal. By facing these trials together, he stands to gain a great deal.”

Noejeon placed a friendly arm around Manchu’s shoulder.

“Where else is a kid like this going to find that kind of experience? The skirmishes he’s seen are child’s play at best. The elder is hoping he develops some real-world toughness.”

“Fine, but what did you mean about responsibility?”

Noejeon looked at Cheol Woo with a look of disbelief.

“I just explained—the Wanderer Demon elder who recognized his potential and took him under his wing is gone now.”

“T-taken under his wing? He only instructed me in some basic martial arts.”

Manchu shook his head quickly in disagreement.

“Same thing. Oh, is the hierarchy bothering you? Regardless—since he perished because of our situation, it is our duty to step up and ensure the boy becomes strong in his stead.”

“That… actually makes sense.”

Cheol Woo knit his brows tightly but gave a nod, looking slightly annoyed at being out-argued.

“What do you think, boss? Does that interpretation sound right? Did the elder leave this guy with us on purpose?”

“I cannot say what the elder intended. If Manchu wishes to join us, he stays.”

“Th-thank you!”

Manchu smiled broadly and gave a profound bow.

“Listen, Chuya.”

“Yes, brother.”

“Did you actually study any martial arts under the Wanderer Demon elder?”

“Yes. I learned the fundamental forms, though I am still quite inexperienced.”

“I see. Your time together was far too brief.”

“Even so, the Supreme Elder left me this.”

Manchu reached into his robes and pulled out a substantial book. It showed very little wear—it had clearly been produced recently.

“What is that?”

Cheol Woo could not suppress his inquisitive nature.

“He told me it was the core essence of his lifelong martial arts journey.”

“Impressive. He wasn’t a seer, yet he knew… Ow!”

Noejeon, in the middle of expressing his awe, grabbed his head after Cheol Woo struck him.

“Pay attention to the mood before you start talking nonsense.”

Cheol Woo gave Noejeon a stern look, then turned back with a serious tone.

“Does the leadership of the Beggar Clan know about this volume? From their perspective, it would be a priceless artifact.”

“I brought it up, but he insisted it was meant for me. He told me to treasure it, master it thoroughly, and ensure I did not bring shame to the Supreme Elder’s kindness.”

“Hah!”

Cheol Woo’s face brightened with astonishment.

“The high-ranking members rarely make the sensible choice there. A good decision.”

“And…”

Manchu hesitated, looking over at Sima Geon.

“Out with it.”

“The Sword Demon elder told me to give it to you, brother.”

Manchu held out the manual left by the Wanderer Demon toward Sima Geon.

“…”

Sima Geon scowled and made no move to take the book, his stare demanding an explanation.

“Well…”

When Sima Geon didn’t accept it, Manchu’s expression crumbled, leaving him at a loss.

Sima Geon let out a quiet sigh and spoke softly.

“This is the martial arts guide of the Beggar Clan’s most prominent elder. Do you realize what it signifies to show such a thing to an outsider?”

“Yes. I am aware.”

“And you still offer it?”

“The Sword Demon elder said this: It is a treasure to any other person, but it is of no use to you, brother. Just keep it for a time…”

Manchu paused, still looking anxious. Cheol Woo shouted out of impatience.

“Keep it, and then what?”

“Absorb every bit of its knowledge…”

Sima Geon, looking completely stunned, finally let out a burst of laughter.

“Haha! Noejeon is right—the elder really did leave us a difficult assignment. When I requested that he look after Hyun and Ho at the Hahu Clan, he gave his word easily, even making a joke about trying to cultivate an unrefined seedling. I assumed he was referring to Ha Hu Yeon, but I was mistaken. He was entrusting you to me.”

“Incredible, the elder was planning far ahead. I thought it was Ha Hu Yeon too. It makes sense why he forced that guy to stay behind even though he wanted to come along.”

Cheol Woo struck his hands together in respect, then gripped Manchu’s shoulder while grinning broadly.

“Are you pleased?”

“Yes!”

“Heh heh heh! Do you want to make a wager then?”

“A wager? About what…”

“That your smile turns into sobbing. A month’s worth of drinks on it.”

Noejeon moved in with a devious look.

“I’ll take that bet. Let’s make it two months.”

Manchu felt a sense of impending dread from the overly confident expressions of Cheol Woo and Noejeon.