CHAPTER 504: EPILOGUE EARTH DEMON (1)

Entering the office of the Supreme Pavilion, Seol-Hwi was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

It was a place that evoked many feelings.

There were times he faced humiliation here, and times he acquired unexpected items.

It was also the place where he once died, and where he killed him.

“Are you perhaps looking for something…?”

As Seol-Hwi silently surveyed the room, the Supreme Pavilion Lord, feeling uneasy, cautiously spoke up.

“No, the atmosphere is quite serene and tranquil.”

“You flatter me.”

He bowed his head in respect, but it was clear that this situation was unfamiliar to him.

So, Seol-Hwi decided to lighten the mood by asking a diverting question.

“Now that I’m in charge, I can speak informally, right?”

“Of course. Please feel free to do so anytime.”

“Alright, I shall.”

Seol-Hwi continued with a slight smile.

“But, you see, although I killed Goo Jong-myung, there are still remnants of the Mount Hua Sect. How should we deal with them?”

“There’s no need for you to take any action.”

“Why is that?”

“They have no one to step forward. There might be some leaders who followed Goo Jong-myung, but they’re not on the same level now. Moreover, they’ve lost their channel of communication.”

The channel of communication referred to the Supreme Pavilion Lord himself.

“In the unlikely event they bring this issue to the End Demon, couldn’t they hold us accountable?”

“No, that would be a suicidal move. Without a focal point, it’s easy to silence them with murder.”

He was right.

The presence of the Mount Hua Sect near their sect.

This fact alone provided a perfect pretext to hunt them down, claiming they were targeting the Demonic Cult.

Above all, it was an opportunity to make this achievement a public matter.

‘Just by the death of Goo Jong-myung, everything is shaken.’

It was a situation where they couldn’t fight or even protest against the Demon Cult.

Conducted secretly, they found themselves in a dilemma, unable to receive official support.

“Supreme Pavilion Lord.”

Seol-Hwi called him again as he sat down in the chair.

He still maintained a polite posture.

“Command me.”

“Listening to you, I suddenly became curious about a couple things.”

“What is it?”

“I was wondering what strategic assessment you had in mind when you decided to cooperate with me.”

While conversing with him, Seol-Hwi wanted to hear the blueprint he envisioned.

Regarding the handling of the Mount Hua Sect and such, Seol-Hwi felt that this mantis-like fellow had an astonishingly accurate grasp of the situation. ℝ𝘈ＮօＢÊŝ

“Hmm…”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord stroked his beard for a moment.

Seol-Hwi waited.

If it were a question that could be rushed, Seol-Hwi wouldn’t have asked in the first place.

After a brief pause, the Supreme Pavilion Lord, having organized his thoughts, spoke to him.

“To enumerate the forces of the disciple, there are the Hidden Troops, the Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion known as the information center within the main cult, and about ten skilled individuals selected from the main cult’s 7th Division.”

The forces and groups assigned to him upon becoming a disciple—referring to the core warriors, secret warriors, and bodyguards.

“That’s right.”

“And you have recruited me this time. With this level of force, it seems to be about 20% of the power compared to the First Disciple.”

“Power that could be toppled at any time if one sets their mind to it. But before that, isn’t your safety at risk?”

“There’s no need to worry about that.”

“……?”

“Everyone knows that putting a bell around a cat’s neck is the solution, but no one actually steps up to do it.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord gave a meaningful look.

“Now that what I know has been passed on to the Earth Demon, even if I were killed in the future, it wouldn’t silence things. The First Disciple isn’t someone who would choose to expose his own weaknesses.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord spoke with determination in his eyes.

Seol-Hwi looked at him and smiled broadly.

“You’ve got quite a sharp mind, more than I expected.”

His words were genuine.

While Seol-Hwi anticipated his quick judgment of the situation, it seemed he had nearly sketched out the entire plan.

Of course, it was possible because Seol-Hwi held such power.

“May I ask you a question?”

Seol-Hwi nodded at the Supreme Pavilion Lord’s question.

“Do you have any plans for the future?”

“Of course.”

Seol-Hwi sensed it was time.

It was his turn to show him the ideal vision for taking over this Demonic Cult.

“First, we’ll bring the Five Pavilion Lords over to our side.”

“…All of them?”

“Yes.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord seemed puzzled.

While there was a clear advantage in the number of forces under the Pavilion Lords, it was a decision bound to raise questions.

“May I ask why?”

“If we can persuade them through dialogue, what we gain later will be greater.”

“And what is it that we gain?”

“It means we’ll have the opportunity to recruit even more significant figures among the senior disciples.”

“Who is this figure?”

“You know him too. Yu-pae.”

“…!”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord looked genuinely shocked.

Yu-pae—He hadn’t expected the mention of the core force and Blood Commander of the Demon Lord’s faction.

“He doesn’t just value strength; he appreciates those with a broad perspective. That’s likely why he chose the First Disciple. To engage with him, you must show the capacity to include those with differing views.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord finally seemed to understand, nodding his head.

He realized it wasn’t a bad idea.

He likely knew well the character of someone like Yu-pae.

If he could be recruited, it could completely turn the tide—If only it were possible.

“With his recruitment, we might stand a chance against the First Disciple.”

“Indeed. So, I have a suggestion to make…”

“Please, say anything.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord knelt before him.

His reaction was so earnest that it made Seol-Hwi feel awkward.

“About that kid, Heuk Bi, do you really need to use her as your personal guard?”

“Well, that… No, she can be replaced at any time.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Do you really need a guard? Isn’t she less skilled than you?”

“That is…”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord hesitated to answer. After a brief pause, he spoke.

“While she’s used for miscellaneous tasks and errands, it’s mainly to assess the opponent’s skills. If you wish, I can dismiss her forever.”

“No, don’t do that to her. Send her back.”

Seol-Hwi organized the things he needed to accomplish in this life, and the things he wanted to do.

The priority was on things he couldn’t do or failed at in his previous life.

“If it’s your order, she’ll follow it with her life. Let her live a normal life. She’s lived without purpose until now, so let the rest of her life be peaceful.”

“…Ah, if that’s what you want, I’ll do so.”

“Alright. And…”

Seol-Hwi approached the Supreme Pavilion Lord and patted his shoulder.

“In my plan, your role is crucial.”

“…I understand.”

“So, tell me, how far have you mastered the Flame Full Body Demonic Arts?”

At that moment, the Supreme Pavilion Lord’s eyes widened. He seemed to have some idea why Seol-Hwi was asking.

“I’ve reached the Peak Realm, but I haven’t obtained the concept of it.”

“That makes sense. Only those who have reached the pinnacle of Peak Realm can obtain the concept of it.”

He was trembling all over.

Achieving martial prowess—It was something that anyone from the Cult would prioritize above all else.

“First, arrange a meeting with the Five Pavilion Lords. And let me know their inclinations. When you have time, come to his office. Then…”

Seol-Hwi leaned in closer to his ear and spoke softly.

“I’ll help you obtain the true power of Flame Full Body Demonic Arts, the understanding along with it.”

The Supreme Pavilion Lord was shaking, not just his body but even his face.

Perhaps overwhelmed by emotions beyond shock, but regardless, he didn’t try to hide his reaction.

‘When he’s an enemy, he’s a troublesome figure, but in my hands, he seems like he could be quite useful. Though, it does mean I’ll have to manage him carefully.’

Watching him overwhelmed with emotion, Seol-Hwi decided to step away for now.

There was still much to be done.

And Seol-Hwi still needed to see Sa Yu-kang.

----------------------------------------

The man opened his eyes and looked around. And his gaze naturally fell on him.

“Are you Sa Yu-kang?”

It was a face that seemed a bit youthful.

The firm lips and the stubborn-looking wrinkles between his brows matched the image Seol-Hwi had occasionally imagined of him.

“Yes, I am. And you are…?”

“I’m the Earth Demon.”

“Earth… What?!”

Startled, Sa Yu-kang jumped up from his seat.

And soon, he seemed to realize that this was the Earth Demon’s office.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful…”

“Nevermind that nonsense. Go sit over there.”

Seol-Hwi pointed to the chair opposite, and he rose from the makeshift bed to sit in the chair.

Seol-Hwi looked at Sa Yu-kang, who seemed extremely tense, and spoke.

“Why do you think I saved you?”

“…I don’t really know.”

“There’s a certain romance to it.”

“…”

“Like when you shouted, ‘Even if it’s just you, go!’”

Sa Yu-kang still wore a puzzled expression, not understanding his words.

“Actually, what I said earlier weren’t my own words.”

“…Really? Then whose were they?”

“There’s someone with a really troublesome personality.”

Seol-Hwi stood up and handed him some books he had prepared in advance.

When a dozen books suddenly fell in front of him, Sa Yu-kang asked.

“What is this…?”

“I’ll give you two and a half years.”

“…?”

“Within that time, take the position of leader of the Hidden Troops.”

Sa Yu-kang picked up the martial arts books.

He then seemed to realize these books were not ordinary.

“Simply being strong in martial arts isn’t enough to take the leader position of the Hidden Troops. It will take time to gain people’s recognition. But you must walk the righteous path.”

“I’m truly grateful, but why are you giving me such important martial arts books…?”

“Because of that guy.”

“What?”

“You know, the one with that troublesome personality I mentioned earlier. I’m giving these because of him.”

Seol-Hwi remembered—When facing Wang Mo-ryeok, in a moment of life and death, AI Sa Yu-kang had learned a new martial art on his own to escape the crisis.

‘As much as he has done for me, now it’s my turn to do something for this Sa Yu-kang.’

“If you have questions, come see me once in a while. Just know that I’m a busy man, so I can’t see you often.”

“Ah, understood.”

“By the way, since you’re now with the Hidden Troops, go there tomorrow and they’ll assign you a position.”

“Thank you!”

Sa Yu-kang looked at him with eyes full of light.

He appeared both youthful and innocent.

‘To think such a person had changed so much over time.’

Just as Seol-Hwi was reminiscing about him, a cough from outside the door signaled someone’s arrival.

As soon as Sa Yu-kang left, a familiar figure, the Supreme Pavilion Lord, appeared.

“The seat is ready.”

Seol-Hwi nodded.

It was time to proceed with the second plan: recruiting the leaders of the Five Pavilions.