Chapter 783: The Demonic Cult is a Demonic Cult! |
“Damn these orthodox sect bastards! They’re worse than trash!”
The man’s eyes were filled with resentment and killing intent, and a strange energy was surging out from his body. He looked as though he had gone mad after practicing demonic arts.
Standing in front of him was Jin Hagun. Behind him, the warriors of the Demon-Slaying Brigade surrounded the area.
Though he had officially become the Young Leader, Jin Hagun still led the Demon-Slaying Brigade, continuing their missions across the land. He never once thought of avoiding these perilous tasks simply because of his new position. He intended to keep doing it until the day before he ascended to the position of Alliance Leader.
“Calm down. You’ve got nowhere to run anyway.”
Jin Hagun tried to pacify the man. The man before him had launched an attack on a righteous sect and committed a massacre. According to the investigation so far, he had no personal grudge or connection with that sect.
“You people will soon be annihilated.”
Then came a shocking cry.
“Divine Cult Eternal, Heavenly Demon Invincible!”
“Everyone, fall back!”
Kwaaaang!
A violent explosion swept through the area. The man had used the Self-Destruction Art.
Rumble—
Amidst the debris and dust raining down from all directions, Jin Hagun hurriedly checked on his subordinates.
“Is anyone injured?”
“No, sir!”
Fortunately, thanks to Jin Hagun’s swift warning, no one was hurt.
Over the past several days, a series of massacres committed by demonic practitioners had taken place throughout the Hubei region. They attacked righteous sects, slaughtering everyone, and even went as far as ambushing ordinary merchants with no martial training.
When women and children began to fall victim as well, the righteous factions’ rage toward the demonic ones reached its peak.
Naturally, Jin Hagun believed that this was the work of the forces behind the scenes.
‘They’re scheming something again.’
Jin Hagun was furious. He was enraged at those who would so readily take lives to achieve their vile goals.
When people like the man just now slaughtered others at will and then killed themselves, how could the grievances of the dead ever be resolved?
Once he became the Alliance Leader, he would dedicate his entire life to minimizing such unjust deaths. Those who committed evil acts would live in endless torment and regret before dying miserably.
At that moment, a warrior of the Demon-Slaying Brigade, who was in charge of communications, came running to report.
“The Alliance Leader has sent an urgent message for you to return immediately.”
Jin Hagun turned to his surrounding subordinates and said,
“Let’s head back!”
As he launched himself into the air, the warriors of the Demon-Slaying Brigade followed closely behind him.
* * *
When Jin Hagun returned, the Martial Alliance was in a state of emergency.
The White Tiger Order.
The Martial Alliance’s emergency orders were divided into four levels.
From the lowest, the Black Tortoise Order, to the Vermilion Bird Order, the White Tiger Order, and finally, the Azure Dragon Order.
The White Tiger Order was the emergency level just below the Azure Dragon Order, which was invoked only during times of war.
In other words, the Martial Alliance was now in a state of emergency that signified the brink of war.
It was the first time such an order had been issued since Jin Hagun became the commander of the Demon-Slaying Brigade.
Although several incidents had occurred in succession recently, he hadn’t thought things were severe enough to warrant a White Tiger Order.
‘Has another incident occurred?’
With tense anticipation, Jin Hagun stepped into the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
Inside were Martial Alliance Leader Jin Paecheon and Chief Strategist Jeogal Hyeon.
“Commander of the Demon-Slaying Brigade, returning by the Alliance Leader’s order.”
After giving a formal bow to Jin Paecheon, Jin Hagun also greeted Jeogal Hyeon.
“How did the matter you went to handle turn out?”
At Jin Paecheon’s question, Jin Hagun answered with a remorseful expression.
“I failed to capture him alive. And though he declared himself a follower of the Divine Cult right before using the Self-Destruction Art to kill himself, I judge that this incident was not an order from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
Jin Paecheon thought the same. The Geom Woojin he knew wasn’t the type of man who would carry out such deeds in this manner.
“That’s not the important part. The problem is that the righteous factions believe otherwise.”
It was in moments like this that Jin Hagun felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Just a few madmen could stir chaos, and the public opinion among the righteous factions would surge and waver uncontrollably.
Jin Hagun carefully asked,
“Then… why has the White Tiger Order been issued?”
Jeogal Hyeon answered in Jin Paecheon’s stead.
“The Young Cult Leader has left the cult, leading with Four Demon Supremes and the Demonic Army.”
Since Jin Hagun had been handling the recent incidents outside, he hadn’t yet heard this news.
“After entering Hunan, the Young Cult Leader has continued advancing north.”
From the word “north,” Jin Hagun could infer how Jeogal Hyeon was interpreting the situation.
Hunan was a territory belonging to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—but if they continued heading north, they would soon cross into Hubei, where the Martial Alliance’s main headquarters was located.
And there was a decisive reason the matter was being treated with such gravity.
“When we inquired about the reason for their departure, the Divine Cult gave no response whatsoever.”
At that, Jin Hagun finally understood the reason for the emergency and the heavy tension that hung over the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had led out the Four Demon Supremes and the Demonic Army, yet hadn’t given a single explanation?
That alone was more than enough reason for a White Tiger Order to be declared.
Jin Paecheon then turned to his grandson and asked,
“Did you receive any word from him separately?”
“No, I did not.”
Jin Paecheon’s expression stiffened slightly. He had assumed Geom Mugeuk would have at least sent some message to his grandson.
But Jin Hagun appeared completely unconcerned that Geom Mugeuk hadn’t contacted him personally.
“I think I now understand why all these incidents have been happening recently. Those bastards have been plotting to keep us from aiding the Young Cult Leader. If public opinion against the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult worsens, our Alliance would no longer be able to support them.”
Jin Hagun felt uneasy.
The fact that the enemy was trying to sever his connection with Geom Mugeuk could only mean one thing—something might have happened to Geom Mugeuk himself.
Of course, Jin Paecheon and Jeogal Hyeon had also considered that possibility.
But even so, they couldn’t simply take that for granted. After all, the other side was the Demonic Cult.
Could it be that all the goodwill the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had shown them until now had been for this very moment?
They had to always be prepared for such a possibility—especially now, when Jin Hagun was showing such unwavering faith in Geom Mugeuk.
“If he didn’t send me any word, then that in itself is a message,” Jin Hagun said firmly.
“What do you mean?” asked Jin Paecheon.
“If he didn’t trust me completely, he would have contacted me. He would have sent a long letter explaining everything in detail. The fact that he didn’t means he believes I already understand—without needing to say anything. The Young Cult Leader trusts me as a true friend.”
By now, Jin Hagun had gone beyond the stage of blind trust.
“I won’t be resentful that the Young Cult Leader didn’t send me a message. Instead, I’ll be the one to send him one first.”
“And what will you say?”
With not a trace of doubt on his face, Jin Hagun replied,
“I understand your will, my friend.”
Jin Paecheon fell silent at his grandson’s words.
He had been worried about this from the very beginning—his grandson’s unshakable faith in Geom Mugeuk. That same worry still lingered now.
“I know well what concerns you, Grandfather. You can worry about me all you like, and you can even issue an emergency order if you must. But please, don’t limit your vigilance only to the Young Cult Leader. Think also of whoever forced him to bring such a large army and leave in such haste.”
Even while he continued to worry, Jin Paecheon couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy.
In all his long years, had he ever trusted anyone so completely?
“So? Are you planning to go and help the Young Cult Leader?”
He half-expected his grandson to ask for permission to go.
But Jin Hagun’s reply was unexpected.
“No, I will not go.”
“Why not?”
Jin Hagun recalled what Geom Mugeuk had told him the day they met to celebrate his appointment as Young Leader.
—If something strange happens, you must contact me immediately, got it? Never try to handle it alone!
Those were his exact words.
“If he needed my help, he would have asked for it.”
Had he done so, Jin Hagun would have gone—no matter the cost.
Even if it meant giving up his position as Young Leader, even if it meant staking his life, he would have gone to help him.
If he had said only that, Jin Paecheon would have continued to worry about his grandson.
But there was another reason Jin Hagun had no intention of going.
It was something just as important to him as helping Geom Mugeuk—something that defined his own path in life.
“And right now, there’s something far more important that I must deal with. Those behind all this may try to stage yet another massacre to drive a deeper wedge between us and the Divine Cult.”
Innocent people could once again become victims of their schemes.
“Preventing that must take priority. Even if it is part of their plan, saving lives is what matters most.”
Jin Paecheon nodded with satisfaction.
“Please raise the emergency level to the Azure Dragon Order. That way, we can respond swiftly and stop them from committing another slaughter. And inform the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult that we’ve issued the Azure Dragon Order for these specific reasons. There’s no need for us to play this childish game of ‘they didn’t contact us, so we won’t contact them.’”
With firm conviction in his eyes, Jin Hagun added,
“We must act according to our own principles. That, I believe, is the true path of righteousness you have always taught me, Grandfather.”
The worry disappeared from Jin Paecheon’s face.
He had feared that his grandson had lost all sense of judgment because of his devotion to Geom Mugeuk.
But hearing these words, he realized there was nothing to worry about.
Jin Paecheon gave an order to Jeogal Hyeon.
“Raise the emergency to the Azure Dragon Order and inform the Divine Cult of our decision.”
“Yes, understood.”
Then he turned back to his grandson.
“Go and do what you must.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
After bowing respectfully, Jin Hagun left the hall.
Every step he took carried the weight of his trust in Geom Mugeuk.
‘I’ll trust you, and I’ll do my part, my friend.’
* * *
The growing tension between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Martial Alliance soon reached the Unorthodox Alliance as well.
“Alliance Leader Jin has no choice but to be cautious. He’s not afraid of the Young Cult Leader—he’s afraid of the Cult Leader.”
The Unorthodox Alliance Leader, Baek Jagang, turned to Bih Sa-in for his opinion.
“What do you think?”
Bih Sa-in replied confidently.
“I’m certain this is the work of those behind the scenes.”
“And why are you so sure of that?”
At that, Bih Sa-in recalled a past incident.
“Do you remember the day we received the report about the Sword Sphere incident?”
At his words, Baek Jagang nodded, recalling that very day.
The subordinate’s report had been difficult to believe.
—They summoned even the souls of the dead. I saw it with my own eyes.
Even as he had heard that unbelievable report, he hadn’t dismissed it as nonsense. That was when he had realised just how terrifying and deranged their enemies truly were.
“The enemy we’re facing now is capable of that sort of thing. They are not beings that ordinary people, bound by fate, could ever stop. Which is why I believe this.”
What came next was a statement that sounded almost absurd.
“I believe the Young Cult Leader was born from the martial world’s instinct for survival.”
“So you’re saying the Young Cult Leader is a being created by the martial world itself—to survive destruction?”
“Yes.”
Baek Jagang laughed, a look of disbelief on his face.
He laughed not out of mockery, but because his disciple’s words sent no chill down his spine—it was clear that the young man truly believed what he said.
“I’m not trying to deify him,” Bih Sa-in continued. “If anything, I just feel sorry for him.”
“Sorry for him?” Baek Jagang asked.
“He’s done everything so perfectly that even the slightest mistake will make everyone disappointed in him—and they’ll point fingers at him.”
It was thanks to Geom Mugeuk that he could now speak so comfortably with his master.
Because he had learned to face him directly, to truly see him for who he was, something that once felt unbearably heavy and difficult had now become almost natural.
At times, he even found conversations with his master to be the most comfortable moments of all.
Baek Jagang looked at his disciple with an intrigued expression.
“And what will you do if the Young Cult Leader makes a mistake?”
A faint smile crossed Bih Sa-in’s usually grim face.
“I was once teased by him, so I’ll be the first to point at him and laugh.”
Hearing that, Baek Jagang actually felt a chill down his spine.
It meant that no matter how great a mistake Geom Mugeuk might make, his disciple would protect him—without hesitation.
And the young man wasn’t even trying to hide that fact.
“I want to go and help the Young Cult Leader.”
Bih Sa-in wanted to rush to Geom Mugeuk’s side immediately—not for any political reason, but simply as a friend.
Baek Jagang then explained why he couldn’t allow it.
“As you know, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult of this generation possesses greater power than ever before. Geom Woojin will never let that power rot away. If he expends some of it while fighting the enemy, then that’s something we should welcome.”
Baek Jagang wished for the Demonic Cult’s strength to decline, and he made no attempt to hide that feeling from his disciple.
“If that doesn’t happen, then we’ll be standing before enemies far more terrifying than the ones we face now.”
Baek Jagang turned his gaze toward the entrance of the Alliance Leader’s Hall, imagining a certain scene.
“The Demonic Cult Leader I know will one day come to open those very doors and step into this hall. When that happens, will you be able to face it?”
Bih Sa-in said nothing.
Because he knew—it was something he would not be able to endure.
“Years from now, can you still swear that the Young Cult Leader you believe in so much won’t be the one to open that door?”
Again, Bih Sa-in gave no answer.
He thought his master would forbid him from going to help entirely—but instead, Baek Jagang gave his consent with surprising ease.
“Well, that’s a problem for the future. For now, you should go and help your friend. Go on.”
He expected his disciple to be overjoyed by the unexpected permission.
But instead—
“I won’t go.”
He had changed his mind.
Baek Jagang studied him quietly.
“Why not?”
“Because even without my help, that friend will survive.”
“Because he’s the one born from the martial world’s instinct for survival?”
“No. Because this time, he took his bodyguards and the warriors of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps with him.”
He didn’t know everything about Geom Mugeuk, but there was one thing he was absolutely certain of.
“If he wasn’t confident he could protect them, he never would have brought them with him. That’s the kind of man he is.”
“Then why did you say earlier that you wanted to go and help him?”
Bih Sa-in hesitated for a moment, then spoke honestly.
“It wasn’t really for his sake—it was for mine. I wanted to be able to say, ‘I came to save you in your time of need.’ I wanted to have that to my name. I’ve owed him far too much already, and I just wanted to repay a little of it.”
Bih Sa-in’s gaze turned toward the entrance of the Alliance Leader’s Hall—the same spot Baek Jagang had looked at earlier.
“After hearing your words, Alliance Leader, I realized now isn’t the time to boast about what I’ve done for him. It’s the time to reinforce those doors.”
Determination burned in Bih Sa-in’s eyes. He would use every moment to train harder and strengthen the Unorthodox Alliance.
“I’ll make sure the Cult Leader never sits in your seat, Alliance Leader.”
At those words, Baek Jagang finally spoke the words he had long wanted to say to his disciple.
“Don’t forget, Sa-in. Just as we cannot hide the fact that the blood of the unorthodox runs in our veins, no matter what…”
From Baek Jagang’s small eyes, a sharp light flared.
“The Demonic Cult is still the Demonic Cult!”