Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Setting Out on the Road (2)
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"It's me, Brother."
The voice from outside the door made Namgoong Hu, who had been meditating in a cross-legged position, slowly open his eyes.
"Come in."
Namgoong Seon quietly opened the door and entered.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"It's fine. I was just about to call for you anyway. You're here about the Heavenly Demon Cult, right?"
"Yes. We just received a report that they've passed Yeochun."
"They're fast. Weren't they moving with a pretty large group? Over a hundred, I think you said."
"Excluding the scouts, it's about that number."
"How strong are they? Didn't the Azure Wind Unit Leader make contact personally?"
"We haven't clashed with them directly, so I can't gauge their strength precisely, but he said frankly they're no weaker than the Azure Wind Unit."
Namgoong Hu chuckled softly.
"If a guy whose pride pierces the heavens says that, it means they're stronger than the Azure Wind Unit."
"I wouldn't conclude that so definitively."
"No. It's been ages since the Demonic path was unified under the Heavenly Demon Cult, and now they've reemerged in the martial world. They wouldn't send weaklings. I should've gone myself to test the caliber of the Heavenly Demon Cult's elites."
Namgoong Hu expressed his regret and shifted the topic.
"Oh, and what was that about a clash with the Haecheon Sect? The Murim Alliance requested cooperation, so they shouldn't be stirring up trouble lightly."
"No casualties were reported, so it doesn't seem like a major conflict. They probably just got offended seeing them strut around what feels like their own turf. You know how rigid the Haecheon Sect's sect leader is."
"Rigid is one thing—more like narrow-minded. Even so, he's not one to start trouble recklessly."
"It seems to have resolved more smoothly than expected. According to the report, the Heavenly Demon Cult yielded to the point of humiliation. The Haecheon Sect ended up feeling awkward instead because their opponents were so deferential."
Namgoong Hu's eyes widened in surprise.
"That's astonishing. Not an easy feat. Honestly, their pride is far stronger than ours, who call ourselves the orthodox sects."
"Well, it just means they're that desperate."
Namgoong Seon wore a meaningful expression.
"So, what about the whereabouts of the traitor they're pursuing?"
"The Clear Cloud Unit Leader discreetly scoured the area but found no trace."
"Looks like he's capable. But how did they track him down?"
"They claim the traitor carries a special scent on his body. They're following that."
"Something like Thousand-Li Tracking Scent, huh. Interesting bunch..."
Namgoong Hu trailed off, his gaze darkening suddenly as the atmosphere shifted.
"Brother?"
"Just suppose, hypothetically. What if they're not actually after the traitor?"
"What do you...?"
"It just occurred to me. What if they're not simply pursuing a traitor but have some other agenda?"
Before Namgoong Seon could respond, Namgoong Hu pressed on rapidly.
"What if they're testing the waters? Before launching anything major."
"Major...?"
Namgoong Seon furrowed his brow.
"Think about it. They've got the Murim Alliance's approval, and so far, they've been groveling, casting aside all pride. In this atmosphere, even if they rampaged through the martial world, no one could stop them. They could freely scout the surrounding sects and clans too."
"You suspect they have ambitions on the martial world? Using a plausible excuse to reconnoiter in advance?"
"Is it just speculation?"
"I doubt the likelihood is high. Even unified under the Heavenly Demon Cult, these are the same Demonic folk who've been fragmented for over two hundred years. There must be internal chaos. They won't have the capacity to target the martial world right now."
Unlike the skeptical Namgoong Seon, Namgoong Hu grew more convinced with each word.
"That's exactly why. To quell that chaos, they might turn their gaze outward. More importantly, looking back at martial world history, a unified Demonic path has never been content to stay in their own territory. Not even once."
Namgoong Seon's expression hardened at Namgoong Hu's assertion.
"Pass the order to the Clear Cloud Unit Leader—no, the Azure Wind Unit Leader too. Tell them to use full resources to track down this so-called traitor. We must confirm if they're truly after him or aiming for something more."
Namgoong Hu's eyes, issuing the command, sank heavier than ever.
"What? It's not just a rumor—that's really true?"
"I'm telling you, it happened over a month ago. They say the Cult bastards are tearing through the place like it's their own home."
"Damn! What the hell is the Murim Alliance doing while those scum run wild?"
"Even the Nangong family of Gangnam is just watching, so what do you expect from the Alliance?"
"Never thought the Nangong family would back down."
"Not exactly. I heard the Murim Alliance requested they just observe from the start."
"No way. The Alliance, who should be leading the charge against them?"
"Who knows. Some say the Cult approached politely. Others claim they prepared a massive bribe."
"Nah, no way they'd stoop that low."
"Hmph! You never know what people are capable of."
"Still, it's not something to just curse about blindly."
"What do you mean?"
"Word is, several sects have bumped into the Cultists. Can't blame them for being pissed at outsiders prowling their turf."
"Who wouldn't be? I'd be the same."
"Each time, the Cult folded completely. So deferential it was embarrassing to push further."
Suddenly, everyone around, deep in conversation, gaped in shock.
"The Cult did?"
"Those vicious bastards?"
"Swear to god. That's why the Nangong family and Murim Alliance are just watching."
"What the hell are they scheming, going that far?"
"Beats me. It's got nothing to do with us anyway."
"Nothing? If the martial world falls into chaos, we'll get dragged in too."
"True. Bad luck, and even tripping could break your nose. Better not get involved."
As the escorts of Jeongju's most famous Dragon Victory Escort Bureau chatted endlessly, a man at the next table, who had been listening intently, tossed in a casual remark.
"So, what's got the Cult causing such a fuss? They wouldn't stray from their territory without reason."
The man, Cheol Woo, who drew all eyes from the escorts, grinned and plunked down a large jar of liquor on their table.
"Overheard your talk unintentionally. Fascinating stuff, but I can't figure out the cause."
One escort slyly pulled the jar closer with a laugh.
"Haha! Nothing much—they're chasing some traitor, I think. Right?"
The man turned to his colleague for confirmation.
"That's what I heard too. The Demon Cult—no, more precisely..."
"Heavenly Demon Cult, right?"
Cheol Woo's words made the man nod.
"Spot on. Heavenly Demon Cult. Apparently, some guy caused a huge incident and bolted. Rumors say he tried assassinating their leader or stole a treasured item. No one knows the exact truth."
"Heard the Murim Alliance told everyone not to clash since they're pursuing a traitor."
"Yeah, same here."
"Thought something big went down. Anyway, pointless gossip. Thanks for the drink."
Having gauged the mood, Cheol Woo gave a light bow and returned to his seat.
"Hear that? Seems like no big deal."
Sima Geon set down his cup, brow deeply furrowed at Cheol Woo's words.
"Traitor? They crushed every major faction. Who's got the guts?"
"Who knows. In a world where sons kill fathers for power. Maybe that bastard Gwan Pae started something?"
As Cheol Woo swirled his cup and asked, Sima Geon shook his head.
"Gwan Pae lacks the caliber. And the skill. Gwan Jong controls the strategy department and has some talent, but without force to back it, impossible."
"True. The rest of the bloodline are all trash. From the start, only Gwan Ung was worth anything on that side."
"Gwan Ung?"
Sima Geon tilted his head.
"Don't remember? The leader's nephew."
"Vaguely from childhood, but no clear memory. No real overlap with us. Plus, the leader's side shunned him thoroughly, so he didn't stand out during the unification."
"Right. But unlike you, big bro, I worked with him once. Remember? Fighting the Phantom Ghost Divine Cult at Dragon Blood Mountain, when the Black Heaven Demons jumped in unexpectedly."
Sima Geon nodded vigorously after a moment's recollection.
"Yeah, we split forces in a hurry."
"Yep. Allied with Gwan Ung then. We handled most, but his group held up decently."
"So, how was Gwan Ung's skill?"
"Eh. Finished everything before he could shine. Heh heh."
Sima Geon gave him an exasperated look.
"Then how do you know he was decent?"
"You get a feel. His men followed him well. Didn't think much then, but now... his personality and temperament resemble the boss somehow."
"..."
Cheol Woo drained his cup slowly and continued.
"Checked later—he had loyal followers, and some elders quietly supported him without showing it."
"So Gwan Ung's a suspect?"
"More than the others. Highest chance if it's internal."
"If Gwan Ung pulled it off, it makes sense. The leader would have to kill him to secure legitimacy."
"But who's leading the hunt? Our guys? Given the stakes, Divine Demon Division seems likely."
"Nah. They fold every clash. Can you imagine?"
Cheol Woo shook his head firmly at Sima Geon's question.
"Absolutely not! Even on the leader's orders, no way. We didn't raise them like that. Maybe if it was the boss's command."
"Drop it. None of our business anyway."
"Yeah. Not our priority now."
Cheol Woo glanced at the Dragon Victory Escort Bureau folk rising to leave, then lifted his cup.
"Shaolin Temple's right around the corner."