Chapter 156

Chapter 156
## Chapter 156: Variables (3)

The landscape of the Jiangnan martial world had dissolved into complete instability. With the Heavenly Demon Cult’s onslaught making any future predictions impossible, a peculiar tension began to vibrate throughout the wider murim.

The initial tremors originated from the Murim Alliance.

Having proven themselves incapable of countering the Heavenly Demon Cult’s advances, the Alliance was already drowning in a sea of scandals. The situation worsened when the controversy involving the Tang Clan and the Hyeongsan Sect came to light, dragging what little remained of their honor through the mud. Even as Jiangnan stood on the precipice of ruin, the Alliance’s leadership remained locked in petty internal disputes, trading accusations rather than forming a unified front. This spectacle left the public in a state of profound hopelessness.

Eventually, the pressure reached a breaking point.

In a final, desperate attempt to take responsibility for the Alliance’s ruined status, Alliance Leader Jwa Ikseon abruptly stepped down from his post.

“The Murim Alliance is no longer a vessel for righteousness or the spirit of chivalry.”

Jwa Ikseon’s parting words reverberated like a thunderclap across the martial world.

While the high-ranking officials and representatives of various sects scrambled to control the resulting chaos, the rift of mutual suspicion between them had become a permanent canyon. They issued public statements claiming their internal friction had been resolved, but it was a transparent lie. With Jwa Ikseon refusing to return to the organization he had forsaken, the Murim Alliance—once the self-proclaimed guardian of order—shriveled into a powerless, decorative entity.

As the Murim Alliance spiraled toward insignificance, a different power began to rise.

The Yeongho Clan stood at the epicenter of this shift.

Following the sudden passing of the previous patriarch, Yeongho Jung had claimed leadership against all internal predictions. Despite whispers of impending instability, he proved himself a master of governance, rapidly tightening his grip on the family’s reins.

Once his authority was absolute, Yeongho Jung began a public campaign criticizing the Murim Alliance’s toothless leadership while magnifying his own clan’s stature. He systematically absorbed neighboring sects, assembling a formidable coalition in an incredibly short span of time.

The final catalyst was Jwa Ikseon’s resignation.

Seizing the perfect moment, Yeongho Jung announced the birth of the Righteous Heaven Alliance, instantly becoming the focal point of global attention.

The Murim Alliance fought back with words, dismissing the Righteous Heaven Alliance as nothing more than a local coalition. However, the hearts of the people were with the newcomers. The public preferred a group that promised immediate action in Jiangnan over an Alliance that had stuttered in the face of the Heavenly Demon Cult and focused only on its own internal wars.

Carried by this wave of public favor, the Righteous Heaven Alliance continued to integrate sects desperate for strong leadership. They enlisted legendary independent masters to fill their upper ranks, and their sphere of influence continued to swell by the day.

“Is it true that the Jincheon Fist House and the Seoju Clan House have joined our side?”

Sima Sang, the Left Palace Master of the Blood Sacrifice Cult, asked with a look of genuine surprise.

“It is, Master. They cited a total loss of faith in the Murim Alliance and have fully committed to us.”

Chu Dangyeong, who commanded the Myriad Eyes Hall—the cult’s extensive spy network—offered his report with a bow.

Sima Sang hummed with approval as he looked over the documents.

“Incredible. I find myself wondering if this is the sheer weight of the Yeongho Clan’s name or the individual genius of Yeongho Jung.”

Standing nearby, Yagul Soseong, the Chairman of the Dogwang Merchant Association, chuckled as he also examined the intelligence.

“The Yeongho Clan is currently whispered to be more potent than the Five Great Clans, and Yeongho Jung is steering that power with surgical precision. Both factors are at play.”

“We were aware of the clan’s resources, but Yeongho Jung’s personal capability has surpassed my guesses.”

“His hunger for power has always been his defining trait, has it not?”

“Ambition is common; the ability to manifest it is rare. Regardless, bringing him into our orbit is a victory.”

Sima Sang looked up and asked,

“Who is our primary contact with him?”

“The Lord of the East Spirit.”

“Ah, Gam Chuk?”

“Correct.”

Sima Sang paused to reflect before giving instructions.

“Advise him to lead without being oppressive. Remind him that we must apply the painful lessons of our past failures as our new standard. A man like Yeongho Jung isn’t a simple tool to be barked at; give him the stature he deserves.”

“I will relay the message.”

“Naturally, ensure there are failsafes in place for every possible scenario.”

“We have already established multiple layers of security.”

“Excellent. I trust your competence. Truly, aging only seems to increase the number of useless anxieties I carry.”

Yagul Soseong laughed at the Left Palace Master’s self-deprecation.

“If you keep speaking like that, you’ll start feeling your years. You should have more faith in the Twelve Spirit Lords you spent so much effort cultivating.”

“I want to, but I can’t help it. Anyway, let us move on.”

Sima Sang returned his attention to the report from Chu Dangyeong.

“The Ten Thousand Poison Sect Leader is behaving like a frantic beast. This Poison Blood Demon must be a truly terrifying creation.”

“Indeed. Our data suggest it exceeds our initial benchmarks. It possesses a frame that ignores blades and is as tough as adamantine, and it can rot its surroundings just by existing due to its toxic aura.”

“What a waste. Had the plan succeeded, that power would be in our hands. Even the Branch Elder, who has a perfect record, stumbled this time.”

Sima Sang’s voice was heavy with regret. He had provided massive resources to the Immortal Demon Physician Hwanong, who had long ago recognized the potential within the Immortal Myriad Poison Emperor Spirit Art of Myeondok Valley.

“We have our own internal projects within the cult, so do not let this one loss weigh on you.”

“I don’t doubt our own creations, but the gap between having a weapon like that and not having it is significant.”

Sima Sang tapped his temple and looked at Chu Dangyeong.

“Regardless, we are successfully destabilizing the Heavenly Demon Cult as planned. But to let such a prize remain out of reach is unacceptable. Find a way to seize it for the cult.”

“As you command.”

“And what of the new Sword Empress? Where is she now?”

Yagul Soseong chimed in.

“She has departed from the Jeon-gak Clan and is reportedly traveling toward the Wudang Sect.”

“Seeking the Sword Immortal of Wudang?”

“That is our assessment.”

“The Sword Empress begins her move. The entire world is falling into ruin, yet she travels as if she has all the time in the world.”

Yagul Soseong gave a cynical laugh.

“I’ve been contemplating who actually poses the greatest threat to our ultimate objective,” Sima Sang remarked, pouring steaming water into his cup.

“The most obvious obstacle—or rather, the most massive force—is the imperial court.”

“Which is why the Azure Orchid Lord had to be removed, regardless of the cost.”

Yagul Soseong tightened his grip, still haunted by that particular failure.

“The Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, who commands the dark path, and the Sword Empress, who represents the light, are also significant problems.”

“Quite. The Sword Empress in particular—even when she does nothing, her very existence as a symbol is a massive irritation.”

“Precisely why killing her when she is vulnerable is the most logical path.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Directly attacking the imperial court right now is suicide, and facing the Heavenly Demon Cult’s Leader is equally impossible. But the Sword Empress is a different matter. When she undergoes her Sword Empress Journey to Sword Corner, she is practically exposed.”

“The Sword Corner’s protectors are following her from the shadows, however,” Chu Dangyeong noted.

Sima Sang gave a dry, mocking laugh.

“You compare those guards to the might of the throne or the Demon Cult? If we cannot overcome a few escorts, we have no business pursuing our goals.”

“I spoke out of turn.”

“Don’t apologize—plan. We will use this window to erase a future problem for the cult.”

As Chu Dangyeong bowed, Yagul Soseong voiced a lingering doubt.

“Taking her out is fine, but won’t that galvanize the righteous factions? Even in their current state of infighting, it might snap them out of it.”

“It won’t matter. They are stumbling over themselves even with the Heavenly Demon Cult breathing down their necks. Besides, the Sword Empress and the Jeon-gak Clan have already caught wind of us. If you’re truly concerned about the backlash, we’ll simply make it look like the Heavenly Demon Cult did the deed. There is nothing to worry about.”

“I see your point.”

Yagul Soseong conceded. He was cautious by nature, but he didn’t disagree with the necessity of the Sword Empress’s death.

“Wait, what about that other one?”

“To whom are you referring?”

“The Divine Demon Leader. He seems like a growing complication as well.”

Sima Sang set his tea down with a soft click.

“He is a variable. One that might be more dangerous than all the others I’ve named.”

—

“This is madness.”

Gwan Ung barked a joyless laugh and threw the report provided by Hyeong Mu-gang onto the table.

Faced with Gwan Ung’s simmering rage, Hyeong Mu-gang, Sima Ryu of the Dark Fragrance, and Heukcha of the Secret Guard kept their eyes strictly on the floor. Mokroe-gang, who was present, picked up the discarded scroll and began to read.

His eyes widened in shock as he processed the information.

Though he didn’t dare react as loudly as Gwan Ung, a low, involuntary groan escaped him.

The scroll listed the factions that the Shadow Nest had either annihilated or forced into service. The alarming reality was that the number of sects that had surrendered to the Shadow Nest far outweighed those that had fought back.

“I never suspected Myeondok Valley was capable of a plot this large. They are trying to seize the world while their own backyard is in shambles—it’s a pathetic joke.”

Gwan Ung’s piercing eyes landed on Sima Ryu.

“While the Shadow Nest is orchestrating this insanity, what exactly was Dark Fragrance doing?”

“I have no excuse. Please, punish me.”

Sima Ryu pressed his head to the floor, accepting the blame.

“Myeondok Valley has always been isolated and secretive. Their influence was thought to be a fading ember. Furthermore, with the majority of Dark Fragrance’s assets focused on the war in Jiangnan, we couldn’t spare the resources for a close watch.”

Hyeong Mu-gang spoke up, trying to mitigate the heat on Sima Ryu. Gwan Ung knew the reality of their deployment even without the explanation.

“I am aware of that. I know, but still…”

His anger boiled over, and Gwan Ung struck the table with his palm.

“The elders are currently drafting a response, so this should be contained shortly. It might look like they are stalling, but Your Excellency knows they are working.”

“Perhaps, but the momentum behind Myeondok Valley is too great for us to be complacent. Especially with that Poison Blood Demon creature in play.”

Gwan Ung’s face remained a mask of tension.

“Your Excellency.”

Heukcha, who had been studying the report Mokroe-gang passed him, spoke up.

“Speak.”

“There is an inconsistency in this data.”

“What are you talking about?” Gwan Ung snapped back.

“This Poison Blood Demon that the Shadow Nest has deployed. The report claims the base materials came from the Divine Demon Division.”

“Yes, members of the Divine Demon Division. What of it?”

Gwan Ung suddenly stopped mid-sentence. The realization hit him as well.

“The Divine Demon Division is supposed to be sealed within the Thunder Prison. I cannot comprehend how they ended up as the foundation for the Poison Blood Demon.”

“Wait, you’re right…”

Hyeong Mu-gang grabbed the report and looked closer. With Heukcha’s lead, he saw the glaring detail he had missed earlier.

“This is a massive oversight on my part. As the Secret Guard Leader pointed out, this is highly suspicious. There were no orders regarding the movement of the Divine Demon Division. For them to surface as the Poison Blood Demon implies…”

“That someone moved them to Myeondok Valley under our noses.”

Gwan Ung’s face twisted into a grimace as he rubbed his forehead, the absurdity of the situation giving him a physical ache.

“Even a struggling Myeondok Valley couldn’t have made the Poison Blood Demon alone. The wealth and resources required are astronomical.”

At Heukcha’s comment, Sima Ryu offered a cautious theory.

“It appears there is a hidden hand moving within our own cult. Most likely…”

“Either those Blood Sacrifice Cult rats or traitors looking to stage a coup.”

Gwan Ung stood up, his presence filling the room with menace.

“Expose them. I don’t care who they are or where they hide—find them immediately. You can do that, can’t you?”

Sima Ryu and Heukcha bowed until their foreheads touched the ground.

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“We will not fail!”