The Manma Assembly
The Ten Thousand Demon Assembly. A massive grand hall. At the highest seat of honor sat two chairs, and beneath them, ten more. Below those, dozens of others were arranged in tiers.
Creak.
With the sound of the door opening, a man dressed in black entered, gently waving a black fan. Inside the hall, key figures of the Cult were already seated, engaged in various conversations. The man headed toward the lowest tier, specifically to the seat on the far left.
As he sat down, a familiar voice drifted from behind him.
"It’s been a while, Pavilion Master. How is your body? Are you alright? Your face looks terrible."
The man in black, the Dark Cloud Scholar (Am-un-seo-saeng), stood up as soon as he sat down and bowed to the old man in the seat above him.
"It has been a while, Sword Holy Sovereign. Thank you for your help last time."
He recalled the incident during the recent attack on the Gyomaguan by the Murim Alliance, where the Sword Holy Sovereign had suddenly scooped up a familiar-looking maid and dealt with the attackers.
'I could have handled it myself. What a shame.'
The Dark Cloud Scholar was convinced—truly, deeply convinced—that he could have dealt with the attackers with his own hands. But even if it was unwanted help, help was help, so he bowed his head willingly.
The Sword Holy Sovereign waved his hand as if it were nothing.
"It was nothing. We of the 'same' moderate faction should help each other out, shouldn't we?"
"You are right, sir."
"By the way, do you still have aftereffects from your internal injuries? Your face looks quite haggard."
"Ha... haha..."
The Dark Cloud Scholar laughed awkwardly. Because the Sword Holy Sovereign’s words... were not the truth. It was true that he had suffered a major internal injury after being hit by a Byeok-ryeok-tan (Thunderbolt Bomb) and forcing his internal energy to rise. However, his haggard face was not due to the aftereffects of that time.
'Master, the Captain isn't replying to my letters. Has he abandoned me? Shouldn't I go find him? Can't you check for me? I want to see him even a day sooner. He said I only had to endure a little longer, but he isn't replying to my letters. Has he forgotten our promise? No, it's my fault. I should have emphasized it more. I'm so stupid, the Captain...'
It was because he had been busy soothing and coaxing his disciple, who had been having intermittent seizures less than a week after meeting Seo-ah. But how could he speak of his disciple's disgraceful behavior? All the Dark Cloud Scholar could do was laugh awkwardly and change the subject.
"Ah. Come to think of it, I haven't thanked you for protecting my disciple."
"Hmm... never mind that. But, that fellow... his ego seems a bit... very strong. Shouldn't we do something about that?"
"I am trying, but..."
"Well, he certainly has a strong spirit. When I told him to go back, he hardened his expression and even talked back to me."
The Dark Cloud Scholar’s expression stiffened while still wearing a smile. He had never heard of such a thing. Fortunately, the Sword Holy Sovereign didn't seem to be scolding him or his disciple, as he smiled and patted the Dark Cloud Scholar’s shoulder.
"Come now, relax your face. I’m not scolding you... I just felt a sense of pity, being in the position of having a disciple myself."
The Dark Cloud Scholar’s eyes widened. This was it! If it was this, he could escape the topic of his disciple, who was like a golden treasure but made him endlessly ashamed whenever the subject of personality came up.
"You were always so reluctant to take on a disciple, saying there wasn't a child who caught your eye. It seems you've found one you like."
"Haha. It’s a child you wouldn't believe even if you heard it. A prodigy who challenged my sword, created a Dantian in a single day, and began imbuing intent into the sword in just one week..."
The Dark Cloud Scholar blinked as he listened to the Sword Holy Sovereign. Did I hear that correctly? The Sword Holy Sovereign continued to boast about his disciple without a care. He wanted to scold him for that ridiculous lie and boast about his own disciple, who possessed the Geuk-ma-ji-che (Extreme Demonic Body), but the Dark Cloud Scholar barely suppressed the urge. Now that he had completely turned against the radical faction that had attacked the Gyomaguan under the guise of the Murim Alliance, there was no benefit in getting on the bad side of the Sword Holy Sovereign, who was of the moderate faction. The Dark Cloud Scholar responded to the Sword Holy Sovereign, who was praising his mysterious disciple to the skies, with a business smile, repeating, "Oh! That's amazing!" over and over.
The Sword Holy Sovereign smiled as if satisfied, then suddenly said, "Ah. Come to think of it, it might be a face you know, too."
"Oh. Who is it, and where are they?"
"To say where they are... hmm. If I had to say, it would be the Inner Hall."
"The Inner Hall... you say?"
That place, which was far removed from martial arts?
"You might know them, too. The name is Seo..."
Creak.
With the sound of the door opening, everyone’s gaze turned toward it. The person who opened the door and entered was an old man with a gentle impression, dressed in flashy golden robes. The Sword Holy Sovereign said with a stiff expression, "He’s here. Let’s continue this later."
The Dark Cloud Scholar also nodded with a stiff expression. The old man in golden robes walked toward the right side, the exact opposite of where the Sword Holy Sovereign and the Scholar were seated. And he ascended to the ten high seats, just like the Sword Holy Sovereign.
The old man in golden robes said, "My, my. I suppose I’m a bit late. Is everyone who is supposed to be here, here?"
"..."
"Good. Good. Then... now, shall we begin the Ten Thousand Demon Assembly? Who was the chair for this time..."
The Sword Holy Sovereign snorted. "Hmph. Don't be sly. Isn't it you, Geum-jin? It’s you."
"Hehe... you’re as prickly as ever today. Was it already my turn? My, I’m sorry for being late."
The old man in golden robes, Geum-jin-seong-jon (The Golden Tremor Holy Sovereign), lightly brushed off the Sword Holy Sovereign’s words and continued, "Well... then... I suppose everyone who should be here is here? Good. I shall begin the 54th Ten Thousand Demon Assembly."
With the two highest seats empty, one of the ten high seats empty, and everyone present in the lowest seats, this assembly began.
The Ten Thousand Demon Assembly. Before the Sun Moon Demonic Cult was a single entity called a "Cult," it was a coalition of demonic sects. The Cult Leader, the Divine Maiden, and the Ten Holy Sovereigns did not decide everything. Because it was a coalition. All the core members of the Cult gathered in one place to decide on major and minor matters, thereby determining the future path of the Cult. That was the Ten Thousand Demon Assembly.
Originally, the Cult Leader and the Divine Maiden would take turns as chairs, but with both positions currently vacant, the Ten Holy Sovereigns were taking turns as chairs of the assembly.
The chair for this session, Geum-jin, opened his mouth. "The first item on the agenda. Hehe... what should we do about the hypocrites of the Murim Alliance who dared to look down on our Cult and attack the Gyomaguan?"
The Dark Cloud Scholar rose from his seat. "The Pavilion Master of the Gyomaguan, the Dark Cloud Scholar. May I have the floor?"
"Of course. Hehe..."
"The recent attack on the Gyomaguan was not the work of the Murim Alliance."
"Hmm... are you certain?"
Geum-jin and the Dark Cloud Scholar locked eyes. The two absolute masters exchanged their intentions through their gazes.
[Everyone who needs to know already knows that you orchestrated this attack. You money-crazed old monster.]
[So, do you have the evidence?]
The Dark Cloud Scholar gave a faint smile. "Yes, I am certain. The investigation results show that among the attackers this time, there were those who had mastered not only the martial arts of the Righteous Faction but also the demonic arts of our Cult."
At those words, Geum-jin’s eyebrows twitched slightly, so subtly that even the other Holy Sovereigns could not have noticed.
"Is that true? Pavilion Master."
The Master of the Saengsa-won (Medical Hall), who had been lying back in his chair as if in a world apart, staring blankly at the ceiling, rose with a look of annoyance. "Y... yes... c... certain. Heh... hehe..."
The gloomy-faced Master of the Medical Hall stuttered. However, no one paid much attention to his behavior. He had always been that way.
"Really?"
In an instant, Geum-jin’s energy surged toward the Master of the Medical Hall. Under the pressure of an absolute master who had reached the Realm of Creation, the Master of the Medical Hall began to tremble, rolling his eyes toward the high seats as if begging to be saved.
"Th... that... it is... about two-tenths...?"
Bang!
"Geum-jin, you bastard! What are you doing right now!"
A man of massive build rose from his seat, letting out a roar. At that, Geum-jin’s energy, which had been directed at the Master of the Medical Hall, scattered in vain.
"Hehe... my apologies. Master of the Medical Hall. It wasn't the Murim Alliance... I was just wondering who on earth could have done such a thing. I suppose I got a little excited."
Geum-jin bowed his head slightly toward the Master of the Medical Hall. The Master of the Medical Hall lay back down in his seat with a bright expression, as if liberated. Geum-jin looked at the massive man.
"Hehe... Domajon (The Blade Demon Sovereign). I understand, but... you must wait for your turn... before speaking."
"Hmph! Infidel. It is not Doma (Blade Demon), but Doseong (Blade Saint) that is correct!"
"Hehe... an infidel, you say. Aren't we all members of the same Cult? And whether it is 'Saint' or 'Demon'... as long as the meaning is conveyed, does it matter?"
"That is exactly why you are an infidel."
As the Blade Sovereign’s words ended, roars of anger poured out toward Geum-jin from the left.
— That’s right! That’s right!
— Tainting the name of the Holy Sovereign by attaching the name 'Demon' is something only the infidels of the Central Plains would do!
— Geum-jin-seong-jon, apologize!
Then, roars of anger poured out from the right as if to respond.
— You lot, tied to old-fashioned customs!
— How dare you raise your voice to the Demon Sovereign!
— The Cult does not belong solely to the Holy Cult! It is for the Ten Thousand Demons!
These were the voices pouring out from the moderate and radical factions, respectively. In an instant, roars erupted from the lowest seats, and the meeting hall became a scene of chaos. Of course, when Geum-jin raised his right hand, the voices pouring out from the left and right vanished as if they had been a lie. It was because the radical faction had to follow the orders of their leader, Geum-jin, and the moderate faction, even if they didn't like it, valued the tradition of respecting the authority of the Holy Sovereign. That was why.
In the quieted meeting hall, Geum-jin opened his mouth again. "But tell me... whether it's the Murim Alliance or not... for us, the warriors of the demonic path, does the truth matter? What matters is that our pride has been wounded."
As soon as Geum-jin’s words came out, voices poured out from the seats, incomparable to before. Even the Holy Sovereigns of the moderate faction began to rebuke Geum-jin, a problem that had previously ended in a fight between the subordinates. Of course, because they had to respect his authority as chair, they could not openly roar except for the Blade Sovereign, but Seolhwa-seong-jon (The Snow Flower Holy Sovereign) rebuked him via telepathy.
[Geum-jin. Are you crazy?]
Gwon-seong-jon (The Fist Holy Sovereign) expressed his concern.
[Understanding... not possible. Truly... with the Murim Alliance... are you trying to start a war?]
Geom-seong-jon (The Sword Holy Sovereign) delivered a final warning.
[Geum-jin. You are finally trying to cross the line. Stop it immediately.]
The Blade Sovereign was jumping up and down, shouting to the Holy Sovereigns around him, "Does the truth not matter?! Are you saying that with your mouth?! Brothers and sisters! We must cut off the head of that infidel immediately!"
In this chaos, the Holy Sovereigns of the radical faction were all looking at Geum-jin, keeping their words to themselves. Geum-jin opened his mouth. "Hehe... it seems it is time to vote. Now, those who want a war with the Murim Alliance, please rise from your seats."
Then, the radical faction members on the right rose in a swarm. Five to five. Those in favor and those opposed stood in exact opposition. Geum-jin scanned the meeting hall with a look of satisfaction.
"Hmm... unfortunately, this agenda will be postponed to the next meeting, it seems?"
Since it did not exceed sixty percent, this agenda would be pushed to the next. Continuously. Whether the opposition exceeded sixty percent or the support exceeded sixty percent, this agenda would continue to emerge as an item for the Ten Thousand Demon Assembly in the future.
The Sword Holy Sovereign gnashed his teeth. 'If only Gwang-seong-jon (The Mad Holy Sovereign) had sided with us!'
If he had, perhaps a valid card might not have entered the hands of those infidels who always wanted war. Geum-jin also seemed satisfied with this situation, as if he knew he couldn't start a war right now. Every meeting from now on, the talk of war with the Murim Alliance would come up, and the anxiety of the ordinary cultists, the support base of the moderate faction, would only grow, while the voices calling for war from the radical faction would grow even louder. If this situation continued, the balance that had been tight until now would eventually tilt toward the radical faction.
However, even knowing Geum-jin’s intentions, the moderate faction had no appropriate measures to take. It was because they were already using every move they could. They had been digging into the backgrounds of all the radical faction Holy Sovereigns, including Geum-jin, and were also investigating their close associates. Everyone within the moderate faction, and even the Cult’s Enforcement Hall, had been doing so. Unfortunately, they had not found evidence that Geum-jin and his radical faction gang were attacking them, but in the end, even if there were circumstantial evidence, there was no physical evidence.
'The fact that they mastered the Cult's martial arts alone cannot convince everyone...'
He wanted to push forward with force like the radical faction, but unlike those shameless people who gathered under the name of demonic warriors rather than cultists and would do anything for profit, there were those in the moderate faction who would not budge unless it was the order of a legitimate 'orthodox' Cult Leader or Divine Maiden. The few figures on the left who had not risen from their seats now were like that, and Gwang-seong-jon, who said he wouldn't even look at the Ten Thousand Demon Assembly unless it was presided over by the Cult Leader and the Divine Maiden, was like that. Even if he begged Gwang-seong-jon to punish those who had crossed the line as soon as possible, it was obvious what kind of answer would return.
[The evidence isn't certain, is it? I don't know. Attacking the radical faction on mere suspicion. Without the decision of the Sun Moon, we cannot decide such major matters among ourselves.]
Even if they wanted to punish the radical faction among those who remained, they could not take a gamble with insufficient strength. If an all-out war broke out, they would surely lose. Because the vacancy of one absolute master of the Realm of Creation was too great.
'If that happens... the Cult is theirs. I must not fall for their provocation. Those guys know that fact, too, which is why they messed with us in such a ridiculous, shameless way.'
As if to say, 'Come at us if you dare.'
In the end, the Sword Holy Sovereign could do nothing but resent Gwang-seong-jon inwardly and glare at Geum-jin as if to tear him to death. Except for the simple-minded Blade Sovereign, the remaining moderate Holy Sovereigns were thinking the same thing as the Sword Holy Sovereign. In the end, as Geum-jin intended, this agenda was postponed to the next. Geum-jin opened his mouth again with a joyful expression.
"The next agenda. It is the agenda regarding the selection of the vacant Cult Leader and... the Divine Maiden."
Roars of anger, incomparable to before, engulfed the hall.
The Eight Demonic Families (Pal-dae-ma-ga). The eight great families that support the Cult. In front of the main gate of the Extreme Demonic Sword Family (Geuk-ma-geom-ga), which occupied one of those seats, a girl and the gatekeeper of the sword family were arguing.
"Ugh. I told you to go back, kid?"
"No, I really am a person from here!"
"What did you say your name was?"
"Seo-ah."
"Who did you say your master was?"
"Sword Holy Sovereign..."
"Tsk tsk. I’ve worked as a gatekeeper here for twenty years, but I’ve never heard that the Sword Holy Sovereign had a disciple, nor have I heard that a child named Seo-ah is in the sword family."
For Seo-ah, it was a situation that would drive her crazy. Thinking about it, it was because she had no proper way to prove that she was the disciple of the old man.