Chapter 32: I Need a Side Dish
Chapter 32: I Need a Side Dish
The following day, a branch of the Huangquan Pavilion opened in Ma Clan Village.
It was situated directly across from the Pungryu Tavern. Since it was a small-scale operation, only one junior investigator and one enforcement martial artist were stationed there.
As the furniture was moved in and the signboard was hung, Jo Chun-bae, the owner of the Pungryu Tavern, watched the process while stealing glances at me. Eventually, he approached and asked cautiously, "Pavilion Master, why have you set up a branch here?"
"Suppose you were wronged by one of our Cult's warriors. What would you have done in the past?"
"…What do you mean, what would I have done?"
Jo Chun-bae’s question said it all. What could he do? He would have simply swallowed his resentment and moved on.
"If it involves the warriors of this Cult, you can now come to the Huangquan Pavilion and report it. Do you know anyone around here who has ever done that?"
"No. As far as I know, no one."
It was only natural. To reach the main Huangquan Pavilion, a civilian had to state their purpose at the Cult’s main gate, undergo identity verification, and even submit to a body search. These procedures were repeated several times before one could finally set foot in the Pavilion.
Who would go through all that just to file a complaint? In the end, the Huangquan Pavilion had essentially abandoned the residents of Ma Clan Village.
"Spread the word, Innkeeper. Tell the residents of Ma Clan Village that if they suffer any harm at the hands of the Cult's warriors, they can come to this branch and report it."
"But… everyone will hesitate for fear of retaliation."
"I expect as much. That is why I will be making an announcement soon. Anyone who retaliates against a whistleblower involved in a Huangquan Pavilion investigation will be executed."
"Executed? Ah, so you really are opening this branch for our sake."
Jo Chun-bae was visibly moved.
Normally, he would have dismissed such a move as a mere formality—a useless institution meant for show. However, having personally witnessed how I handled the White Blade Ghost Yang Tae and his son, Jo Chun-bae was genuinely excited.
"Hey, everyone! Come over here and listen to this!"
He immediately began shouting to the people in the marketplace, announcing the existence of the branch.
I didn't know how many people would actually come forward to voice their grievances. However, regardless of the number, this attempt would play a vital role in establishing discipline within the Cult. Now that reporting was accessible, the instances of the strong preying on the weak would surely decrease.
As we headed back after finishing the setup, Seo Dae-ryong seemed to be in high spirits.
"We should have done this a long time ago… You’ve done a truly wonderful thing, Pavilion Master."
"It’s a matter of where you place the center of gravity."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Until now, the Huangquan Pavilion’s center of gravity was in its head. It resolved internal issues while walking on eggshells around the Eight Demon Lords. It strayed from its original purpose and became nothing more than a servant of the powerful. From now on, I will place the Pavilion’s center of gravity in its feet. I will start by protecting the residents of Ma Clan Village, the low-ranking martial artists, and those who suffer injustice because they are weak. In this process, there is only one principle we must never forget."
"What is that?"
"That every life carries the same weight. The life of a low-ranking warrior weighs the same as a Demon Lord’s. Therefore, we will handle all matters by the same standard."
A surge of emotion crossed Seo Dae-ryong’s face.
"If anyone else had said that, I would have dismissed it as nonsense—nothing more than a pathetic, idealistic theory that ignores reality. But since it is you, Pavilion Master, I believe it."
"Is that an insult or a compliment? You just insulted me, didn't you?"
"If you become any more intimidating, I’ll be the first one to file a report against you."
I chuckled as I watched him hurry away.
To maintain the momentum I had built for the Huangquan Pavilion, there was one more thing I needed to do.
*
I summoned all the enforcement martial artists.
"We greet the Pavilion Master!"
They greeted me at the top of their lungs. After I had imprisoned the White Blade Ghost in the dungeon, my popularity had soared even higher than when I first took office.
It wasn't just popularity; my authority had grown as well. The attitudes of those who had subtly ignored me—thinking I had been discarded in the succession race—had shifted. Now, when we crossed paths, they were the first to lower their gaze.
"I thank you all for your dedication to this Pavilion."
I stepped to the side of the platform and offered a fist salute to show my gratitude. The enforcement martial artists returned the salute in unison.
"This is the first time we’ve gathered like this without the investigators, isn't it?"
"Yes!"
"On a good day like today, I should be sharing good news, but today I intend to speak of something a bit uncomfortable."
The enforcement martial artists tensed at my words.
"As you know, there are those in this Cult who defy and challenge the authority of this Pavilion. The Demon Army did so, and the Blade Ghosts did as well. The reason is simple: they believe they are stronger than you."
It was a blow to their pride, but I didn't mince words. There are things to say to investigators and things to say to enforcement martial artists. For the latter, being direct is far more effective than being subtle.
"Take any of the Eight Demon Lords. Could you take my warrant and go arrest a high-ranking official of the White Blade Ghost's caliber?"
No one answered. They couldn't. This was the reality.
"Why can't you? It’s because they believe their fists are stronger than the laws of this Pavilion. What must we do to change this? It’s simple. Your fists must become stronger than theirs. If they fear you, they won't even dream of defying you."
The atmosphere grew heated. They had all likely experienced moments where their authority carried no weight because of their lack of strength.
"I want you all to become stronger than you are now."
The current enforcement martial artists were strong, of course. However, they weren't strong enough to overwhelm the warriors of the elite organizations. They were either on par or slightly weaker.
"Therefore, starting today, all schedules are canceled. We begin special training."
The mention of special training elicited various reactions. Some looked determined, while others' faces hardened.
"If you feel this change does not suit you, it would be best to quit now. I will have you transferred to another department, so step forward."
After a moment of hesitation, two men walked out. They honestly stated that they wished to move to a different department.
I promised to assign them to the departments they desired and sent them on their way.
"Don't worry about what others think. Not everyone needs to fight in the Huangquan Pavilion. Each person should support the Cult from a position that suits them. Anyone else?"
No one else stepped forward.
"Good."
I gestured to a man who had been waiting in the distance.
It was Jang Ho, the Captain of the 3rd Division of the Demon Army—the strongest man among the Demon Army captains.
Ever since I had killed the previous Demon Monarch to avenge his friend, he had held a great deal of goodwill toward me.
"This is the man who will lead your special training starting today."
Since a new Demon Monarch had not yet been appointed, the Demon Army was currently on standby. That was why such a request was possible.
Jang Ho stepped before them. With his massive frame and the jagged scar across his face, his mere presence completely overwhelmed the enforcement martial artists.
"I am Jang Ho, and I will be in charge of your training for the time being. I accepted this task because of my personal respect for the Pavilion Master. The training will be grueling. However, I promise you one thing: those who endure it will undoubtedly be stronger than before. Is that understood?"
"Yes!" the enforcement martial artists roared in response.
"Training begins in half an hour. Everyone, prepare yourselves and gather back here. Dismissed."
Once the martial artists had dispersed, only Jang Ho and I remained.
"How is the atmosphere in the Demon Army lately?"
"It’s restless. Stability will only return once the next Demon Monarch is decided."
I had heard various rumors regarding the next Demon Monarch as well. Since it was such a vital position, my father and Sama Myeong were agonizing over the appointment, and the other Demon Lords had already begun maneuvering to place their own people in the slot.
"I’m sorry to ask for your help at a time like this."
"Not at all. Please call on me anytime. Whether you are the Second Young Master or the Pavilion Master, I will come running at your command."
"Thank you."
As Jang Ho departed and I was about to turn away, a voice drifted from the shadows.
"Only two days left."
I turned my head to see the Blood Heaven Blade Demon perched on the back wall.
"You really have nothing better to do, Elder."
"When one reaches the level of a Demon Lord, time is the one thing they have in abundance."
"Once I become the Cult Leader, the Demon Lords will have more work than they can handle."
"Then take my hand."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was continuing to apply pressure, trying to get his way.
"My brother will be disappointed if he finds out you're doing this."
"He’ll understand. Isn't it only human nature to want to side with the more capable party? Do you know why I hate those Orthodox bastards? They dress up their feelings too much. They should just say they like someone because they have money or because they're stronger, but instead, they prattle on about chivalry and morality. You’d think they’d suffer a Qi Deviation if they were ever honest."
"Wouldn't the same apply to me?"
"What would?"
"That 'human nature' to go with the more capable side. Another Demon Lord might want to join hands with me, after all. And among them, there might be someone even more capable than you, Elder."
It was a response that could have left him speechless, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon handled it with a smirk.
"Tell me, Young Master. Do you believe in your own ability and potential?"
"I do."
"And you have the confidence to become the Heavenly Demon?"
"I do."
"I was the very first person to recognize that. Just looking at the ability to discern someone’s true worth, isn't it obvious who is the most capable?"
"Even as a man of many words, I can't seem to win against you, Elder."
"Hahahaha! I’ll see you in two days."
Letting out a boisterous laugh, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon leaped away and vanished.
That old man certainly has a way with words.
At a glance, everything he said sounded correct. But if I thought about it coldly, it was little more than forced logic.
It was only recently that I had begun to draw attention within the Cult. Everyone would be watching my transformation. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had simply been the first to step forward because he was already entangled with me. It was like he was claiming ownership just because he’d managed to spit on it first.
Joining hands with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon? It wasn't an unthinkable idea. If he truly became my ally, he would undoubtedly be a great source of strength.
However, I couldn't join hands with him like this. Not while the Blood Heaven Blade Demon still held the initiative.
*
The next day, I watched the enforcement martial artists training from a hill overlooking the practice grounds.
Jang Ho was merciless. It was truly a training regimen that ground down flesh and bone, yet the enforcement martial artists were gritting their teeth and enduring it.
Jang Ho had provoked them all with a single sentence before they began.
— This is the training our Demon Army does.
That one sentence was enough. If they couldn't endure the training of the Demon Army, they would be admitting that the Demon Army had every right to look down on the Huangquan Pavilion.
I thought Jang Ho was a very clever man. Nothing was more effective for a martial artist than provoking their pride.
Jang Ho’s shout echoed from a distance.
"Endure! Your wife, your children, your friends—anyone can betray you. But the sweat you shed right now will never betray you!"
I chuckled as I heard his roar. It was funny hearing Jang Ho mention a wife and children when he hadn't even been married.
Anyway, they’ve certainly met their match.
The thought crossed my mind that having a warrior like Jang Ho under my command would be truly reassuring. At that moment—
Ah!
A brilliant idea regarding the Blood Heaven Blade Demon came to me.
*
On the third day, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was waiting for me at the same spot where he had first proposed our alliance.
Just like before, he had his Heaven Extermination Great Blade thrust into the ground and was leaning against the blade while drinking.
"Are you ready to drink my wine now?"
I sat down across from him.
"I am ready."
With a satisfied look, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon laughed loudly and poured me a drink.
We toasted vigorously, but I set my cup down without drinking.
"Why do you set it down?"
"I need a side dish."
"A side dish? What kind of great man fusses over side dishes?"
A look of displeasure flickered across the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s face. He had realized that the "side dish" I spoke of wasn't actual food, but a set of conditions.
"What kind of side dish do you need?"
Amidst the thick tension, I answered.
"The Demon Army."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s eyes widened at the unexpected words.
"Serve the Demon Army to me."