Chapter 165

Chapter 165
## Chapter 165: Crossroads (2)

Precisely when the Heavenly Demon Cult Leader and the former Sword Empress were concluding their dialogue at the Snow Pine Pavilion, a separate, clandestine meeting was unfolding in another location.

As a middle-aged figure entered the room, the two individuals who had been waiting rose in acknowledgment.

“You have arrived?”

Yang Guk-chung, the Deputy Leader of the Vanguard Demon Division, bowed with deep formality.

“Take your seats.”

The newcomer, Jeo Su-ryang, signaled with a sharp motion of his hand as he occupied the seat of authority.

“I assume you have been briefed on the situation?”

“Indeed. It was beyond my anticipation that the Sword Empress would personally seek us out.”

Jeo Su-ryang moved his head in a slow nod, echoing the sentiment of Yang Guk-chung.

“You are hardly the only one surprised. It caught everyone off guard. That is precisely why chaos is spreading like wildfire.”

A mocking grin touched Jeo Su-ryang’s face as he envisioned the various captains huddling in fragmented groups, waiting with bated breath for the private audience between the Cult Leader and the Sword Empress to conclude.

“Haeng Cho.”

“At your command.”

The individual positioned next to Yang Guk-chung lowered his head respectfully.

“What is your assessment of their discussion?”

Haeng Cho, who appeared to have analyzed the matter thoroughly, provided an immediate response.

“It is highly probable she has come to act as a peacemaker.”

“To stand between us and the Nangong Clan?”

“Yes. No other motive explains her presence. She likely intends to use the weight of her reputation to convince our cult to abandon the conflict.”

“Hmm.”

A low, guttural sound escaped Jeo Su-ryang’s throat.

The exposures brought about by the Jeon Gal Clan and the Sword Empress had revealed an immense network of puppets manipulated through the Marriage Soul Hex over many years. In a matter of days, more than thirty percent of the influence they had painstakingly established had been dismantled.

The only saving grace was their ability to eliminate these assets using the internal parasites before they could divulge secrets. Had they been even slightly slower, even the deep-cover agents cultivated under the long-term strategies of the Heavenly Demon Cult would have been compromised.

“Do you believe the Leader will concede to the Sword Empress’s terms?”

“The probability is low, yet it remains a possibility.”

“Unlikely, you say.”

Haeng Cho spoke with measured caution as Jeo Su-ryang pondered the thought.

“Even if the chance is slim, we must be prepared for that outcome.”

“And what preparation do you suggest?”

Following Yang Guk-chung’s inquiry, Haeng Cho’s expression turned predatory and cold.

“We must remove the one attempting to mediate.”

“You mean to assassinate the Sword Empress?”

Yang Guk-chung asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

“Precisely.”

“That is madness. She is the Sword Empress.”

While Yang Guk-chung shook his head in adamant refusal, Haeng Cho maintained a different perspective. As a prominent figure within the Strategy Division, he was privy to much deeper intelligence.

“You are aware of the lineage of the Sword Empress.”

“I am.”

“When a new Sword Empress arises, the predecessor relinquishes her role. It is not merely a retirement—she transfers the entirety of her internal cultivation to her heir. Such is the ancient rite of the Sword Pavilion.”

“Truly? Such a custom exists?”

Yang Guk-chung asked, appearing slightly chagrined at his own ignorance.

“It does.”

“Sacrificing one’s life force for the sake of the next generation is no small feat. It is quite a legacy. However, even if we assume her assassination is feasible, the Heavenly Demon Cult will simply deny any part in it. They will likely point the finger at our organization. The Nangong Clan is far from foolish—they will suspect foul play regarding her demise.”

Yang Guk-chung remained deeply dubious of Haeng Cho’s proposal.

“And do you think they will trust the word of the Heavenly Demon Cult?”

Haeng Cho asked, his eyes glinting with a sharp intensity.

“What are you implying?”

“Have you not heard the reports from Peerless Pavilion? They flatly rejected the assistance of the Divine Demon Division Leader simply because of his ties to the Heavenly Demon Cult. To a rational person, such a choice is idiocy, but to them, it is the only path. You know that arrogant, self-righteous moralism that defines the orthodox sects. Furthermore, it won’t just be the Nangong Clan. Given the stature of the Sword Empress, powers from every corner of the land will demand justice for her death. No explanation from the Heavenly Demon Cult will suffice. That alone would be enough, but if further assurance is required…”

Haeng Cho shifted his focus toward Jeo Su-ryang.

“We have assets embedded within the Nangong Clan’s own ranks. Utilizing them to manipulate the narrative will make our objective even easier to achieve.”

“I concur. Moving our agents within the Nangong camp will certainly be effective. At this juncture, ensuring a direct confrontation between the Heavenly Demon Cult and the Nangong Clan is our highest priority. I believe your instincts are correct, Haeng Cho. Yang Guk-chung.”

“Yes.”

“What is our available strength?”

“Only five operatives can be deployed without drawing unwanted attention.”

Jeo Su-ryang pressed his eyebrows together in a frown.

“The number is insufficient. Ready them regardless.”

“As you command.”

“Haeng Cho.”

“Yes.”

“If the Leader issues an order to cease hostilities or pull back, notify the Blood Command immediately. I am uncertain of their exact numbers in this vicinity, but they should possess the necessary power to complete the task. The objective is the Sword Empress. She must be eliminated before she can return to the safety of the Nangong Clan.”

“I shall make the arrangements.”

As Jeo Su-ryang shut his eyes, signaling the end of the council, Yang Guk-chung and Haeng Cho traded a silent look and departed.

—

Gwan Ung, who had spent the night in restless agitation before finally falling into a light slumber at daybreak, called for the Strategist, the Shadow Squad, and the heads of the Secret Guard the moment he woke.

Hyeong Mu-gang, having not slept at all, arrived looking exhausted with eyes streaked with red, while Sima Ryu and Heuk Cha also showed signs of significant weariness.

“Did you find rest, Leader?”

Gwan Ung cracked his neck audibly in response to Hyeong Mu-gang’s inquiry.

“You know that was out of the question. Is there news?”

“No significant shifts have been observed. We noted a few instances of questionable conduct, but they did not exceed the threshold of concern.”

Gwan Ung’s brow furrowed at Heuk Cha’s assessment.

“Questionable, yet acceptable? Clarify.”

“A few members of the Vanguard Demon Division exited the camp stealthily. However, investigations revealed they were merely out for sport and drink…”

“Are you certain of this?”

“I am.”

“Very well. Nevertheless, I find myself in agreement with the Sword Empress—operatives of the Blood Fiend Cult are buried within our numbers. Those we purged previously were merely low-level pawns. We failed to expose the architects.”

Heuk Cha clenched his jaw, thinking of the informants who had perished abruptly before they could be coerced into speaking.

“It is a frustration. we set the snare just as she advised, yet no one took the bait. I expected at least a few to reveal themselves.”

“I accept full responsibility.”

Heuk Cha lowered his head as if the failure were his alone.

“We will hunt them down systematically once this campaign concludes. Engaging in war while knowing saboteurs are in our midst is a bitter reality.”

“I will track them to the furthest reaches of the world and eradicate them.”

Observing Heuk Cha’s fierce determination, Gwan Ung considered that he ought to grant the Secret Guard more expansive authority.

“What of the situation outside our camp?”

Gwan Ung addressed Sima Ryu.

“The state of affairs remains turbulent. Spies from the Nangong Clan and the Beggars’ Sect are everywhere—it is becoming difficult to distinguish allies from enemies.”

“No movements that raise suspicion?”

“Small contingents were spotted, though… nothing that appeared threatening.”

“You are sure?”

After a moment of hesitation, Sima Ryu spoke with less confidence.

“We were unable to gauge their individual combat prowess, so I cannot provide a definitive answer. I apologize.”

Gwan Ung, fully aware of the limitations of the Shadow Squad’s reach, could only nod in resignation.

“It cannot be helped. You are maintaining a strict watch on the Sword Empress’s party, correct?”

“That is…”

As Sima Ryu’s voice trailed off, Gwan Ung’s eyes grew cold and sharp.

“I gave specific orders to monitor them.”

“Forgive me. They became entangled with members of the Beggars’ Sect and she was lost to our sight.”

“So the Sky Guard Unit has lost track of her as well? Have you received word?”

Gwan Ung turned to ask the others.

The Leader of the Sky Guard Unit, Hyeon Nok, shook his head in a stiff gesture.

“No reports have come in.”

“They are currently conducting a joint search.”

Gwan Ung’s eyes thinned at Sima Ryu’s explanation. A sense of impending disaster began to take root in his mind.

“Locate her immediately.”

“Do not be overly concerned. Information should arrive shortly.”

Gwan Ung looked upon the bowing Sima Ryu with clear irritation before speaking to Hyeong Mu-gang.

“What is the mood among the elders?”

“They are restless. The majority continue to protest any notion of a retreat.”

Gwan Ung let out a dry, mirthless laugh at Hyeong Mu-gang’s update.

“They would be quite annoyed if they realized I never intended to pull back. Inform them soon—the offensive proceeds as planned.”

“Understood.”

“And when the fighting is done…”

Gwan Ung’s sentence was cut short.

The second-in-command of the Strategy Division, Deputy Strategist Yuk Yu-so, burst into the room, his face drained of color.

“St-Strategist.”

“How dare you intrude upon the Leader in such a manner?”

Hyeong Mu-gang’s eyes flashed with anger.

“M-My deepest apologies.”

“What has caused this state of panic?”

At Gwan Ung’s demand, Yuk Yu-so dropped to his knees.

“We have just received a message from Jang Gon.”

“Jang Gon?”

Gwan Ung looked to Hyeong Mu-gang, who clarified the name instantly.

“A member of our Strategy Division. He is currently serving the Supreme Elder.”

Gwan Ung’s features darkened at the mention of the “Supreme Elder.”

“I have been expecting news. According to the strategy, they were to strike Peerless Pavilion last night. What is the status?”

“The assault failed, and they have been forced to retreat.”

“Hmm.”

A sharp exhale of breath escaped Gwan Ung. He had suspected as much from Yuk Yu-so’s entrance, but the reality was still a blow.

“How is failure possible? Peerless Pavilion had defenses, but nothing that should have halted the Supreme Elder. What was the unforeseen factor?”

“As you noted, our forces held the advantage initially. However…”

“However?”

“The… The Divine Demon Division Leader and Diamond Yaksha intervened in the battle…”

Yuk Yu-so pressed his forehead to the ground, unable to finish.

No further details were required. Those two names explained the outcome entirely.

“Did the Divine Demon Leader and his retinue not depart Peerless Pavilion after their rejection? Why would they return?”

Hyeong Mu-gang turned a fierce glare toward Sima Ryu.

“That… that is…”

Sima Ryu, who had not yet been informed that the Shadow Squad members tracking Sima Geon near Peerless Pavilion had been annihilated, was left speechless.

“We are well aware of their strength. But for the Supreme Elder to retreat without a decisive end? That is difficult to reconcile.”

“He sustained grievous wounds in a duel with the leader of the Hahuu Clan.”

“Wounds? Does the Hahuu Clan possess a warrior capable of harming the Supreme Elder?”

Gwan Ung asked, his voice filled with shock.

“It was Hahuu Hyo, recognized as their premier expert and the successor to the Sword Ghost.”

“Regardless of that.”

Gwan Ung nodded at Hyeong Mu-gang’s clarification, but he was visibly displeased that a pinnacle expert of the Heavenly Demon Cult had been incapacitated by someone from the Hahuu Clan.

“Then we must consider the possibility that they are moving toward the Nangong Clan.”

“Abandoning Peerless Pavilion entirely would be a risky move. No one believes the conflict is over just because the Supreme Elder withdrew. However, your concern is valid; we cannot ignore the possibility.”

Gwan Ung signaled his agreement with Hyeong Mu-gang’s point.

“Sima Ryu.”

“Yes, Leader.”

“Ensure their movements are monitored with absolute precision. There is no room for further errors.”

“I shall see to it personally.”

Sima Ryu bowed, his skin glistening with a cold sweat.

Suddenly—

“L-Leader!”

With a frantic cry, the third-in-command of the Shadow Squad, Yu Seop-pung, sprinted into the chamber looking utterly distraught.

Seeing him in the same panicked state as Deputy Strategist Yuk Yu-so had been, Gwan Ung offered a grim, weary smile and gestured for him to speak.

Yu Seop-pung threw himself to the floor in terror.

“L-Leader, I…”

“Silence. What has happened now?”

Under the weight of that irritable tone, Yu Seop-pung spoke without daring to look up.

“The… The Sword Empress has been killed.”

Gwan Ung surged to his feet instantly.

“What was that? The Sword Empress is dead?”

A suffocating, murderous aura began to radiate from Gwan Ung’s frame.

“Reports indicate that she and her entire escort were slaughtered. Several members of the Sky Guard Unit have been confirmed as casualties as well.”

Yu Seop-pung struggled to speak under the crushing pressure.

“The Sky Guard Unit as well! Is this information verified?”

“That… is…”

“I asked if it is certain!”

“The reports suggest so. I will seek immediate verification.”

Yu Seop-pung’s voice shook violently.

“Curse it all!”

Gwan Ung struck the table in a fit of rage; the furniture shattered under the blow.

“Hyeong Mu-gang.”

“Yes.”

“Call an emergency session of the council at once.”

“At once.”

Hyeong Mu-gang turned and hurried out.

“Heuk Cha.”

“Yes, Leader.”

“Your claim that there were no suspicious movements—do you stand by it?”

Heuk Cha paused for a moment of reflection before nodding.

“I stake my life upon it.”

“Very well. But something feels wrong—those hunters. Investigate them again. Do it now.”

“Immediately!”

Heuk Cha vanished from the room like a fading shadow.

“Sima Ryu.”

“Yes, Leader.”

“If Heuk Cha has not missed anything, then it is the work of outsiders. You mentioned those unidentified small groups. It is likely them. Track them down. Use every resource we have.”

“Yes, sir!”

Sima Ryu retreated with a look of immense burden.

Left alone, Gwan Ung thought back to the words the Sword Empress had spoken as they parted at the Snow Pine Pavilion.

*I will demonstrate the true threat posed by the Blood Fiend Cult. If I depart and you signal a halt to the Nangong offensive, those who thrive on chaos will not remain passive. They will hatch plots from within the Heavenly Demon Cult or the Nangong Clan. They may even come for me directly.*

The scenario was entirely logical. He had declined her a direct guard but had used the Shadow Squad to track her every move, while secretly ordering the Sky Guard Unit to act as a hidden shield. Yet, she had been reached and killed.

“Blood Fiend Cult.”

A predatory, frozen smile pulled at Gwan Ung’s lips as he whispered the name.