Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 115

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 115
Do Je tucked the letter into his robes with a smile.
“It must have been quite the spectacle to witness, though it’s a shame I missed it.”
Defeating the Namgung Eldest Son was indeed a feat worthy of admiration. After all, the Namgung Family was a house that could never be omitted when discussing the greatest swordmasters of any era.
But what truly captured Do Je’s interest lay elsewhere.
“I heard the Yuyun Daejoo was involved, yet you managed to shake off someone like Byeok Chang-ho. Impressive.”
“It wasn’t easy. He’ll catch up before long.”
Yi Ma-je was equally astonished. The Seven Dharma Protection Teams ranked just below the Gwangmyeong Messengers within the Dharma Protection Institute.
They were the elite among the elite who guarded the Cheon Family, so the fact that the Third Prince had slipped away from them to move alone was remarkable.
“When you arrived, I noticed Ma Gun’s building had burned to the ground. Do you intend to maintain contact with the Baekryeon Demon Sect going forward?”
“Of course. They claimed neutrality and indifference, saying they’d merely provide funds, but their eyes betrayed genuine curiosity. They seemed convinced that the Third Prince would return with a trump card capable of delaying the Central Plains advance.”
Yi Ma-je nodded slowly.
“So the path has been paved quite smoothly.”
“For now, at least.”
Like a ship with sails unfurled in a favorable wind, Ma Gun’s growth proceeded without hindrance.
The Third Prince, called the Benevolent Heaven, drew immense attention. With the full backing of the Two Demon Lords and the vast financial resources of the Baekryeon Demon Sect added to the mix, there was nothing to impede their progress.
Moreover, they had brought even the Wuzhong Sect, one of the Three Demon Sects, under their command.
If these forces were utilized effectively, Do Je was certain they would become a power that no one would dare underestimate.
“I’ve instructed the Third Prince to return as late as possible, so until then, we must expand our strength as much as we can. Both my senior and I must continue honing ourselves so our faces won’t be shamed later.”
Yi Ma-je paused before responding.
“True. I was worried we’d abandoned everything else and burdened you alone with excessive duties, but you’ve exceeded expectations. You’ve worked hard.”
“Hard work is nothing.”
Do Je’s gaze swept lightly over Yi Ma-je, who sat beside him. His eyes dimmed as they fell upon the sword at his waist.
“But why are you carrying a sword, of all things? It doesn’t suit you. Are you going somewhere?”
“As you said, this is a time to hone myself continuously, so I’m planning to embark on a journey of cultivation for a while.”
“…A journey?”
Do Je’s eyes narrowed.
“Ma Gun’s recruitment is still in full swing, and external interference is bound to be intense. How can you speak of a journey? Has your wanderlust flared up again?”
“It seems to have indeed.”
Yi Ma-je wore a serene smile.
“I’ve been bound for quite some time caring for my disciples and meddling in various matters. It’s been far too long since I’ve looked after myself.”
“….”
“It shouldn’t take long, though.”
Yi Ma-je rose from his seat, offered a nod, and turned to leave. His bearing was resolute, as though his decision was already set in stone.
Do Je watched his receding figure in silence.
‘Hmm.’
Now that the Third Prince was absent, this was indeed the last opportunity for Yi Ma-je to attend to personal matters alone. So Do Je did not try to stop him, yet he could not shake the ominous feeling that rose from deep within his chest.
* * *
The Military Council’s office.
Sa Ma-ryang examined documents piled high like a mountain before him.
Of late, my workload had become murderous in its intensity. My reputation had soared thanks to the considerable achievements I’d garnered as Inspector Chief.
Once my competence was proven, the guild’s executives began foisting troublesome matters upon me as if they’d been waiting for precisely this moment.
“They kept praising me, singing my praises, and now I see their true intentions.”
At the familiar voice from behind, Sa Ma-ryang turned his head.
It was Sa Ma-chang, who had conducted that first inspection with me. He clicked his tongue while folding his arms.
“They’re desperate to work you to the bone. It doesn’t look like you’ll be leaving early today either, does it?”
“Indeed, that seems to be the case.”
Sa Ma-ryang smiled faintly.
“What brings you here?”
Sa Ma-chang dragged over a chair and plopped down beside me.
“My work’s all finished, and I had something to tell you, so I stopped by on the way.”
“Is it perhaps about the family estate?”
The Sa Ma Family had made several attempts at contact recently. Without difficulty, I surmised as much, and Sa Ma-chang nodded.
“Yes. You’re an Inspector now. Working so close to the center, they’re pestering you from all sides about returning.”
Sa Ma-chang shook his head as if weary, then asked in a measured tone.
“Why don’t you call it quits and come back? Living alone out there must be quite the burden, wouldn’t you say?”
Ever since I’d left the family estate to become a Physician, I had lived independently.
Now that I’d returned to the Military Council and achieved remarkable results, adapting completely, the Sa Ma Family hoped I would return to the fold.
Of course, my thoughts were different.
“I think it’s still too early.”
“Too early?”
Sa Ma-chang’s eyes narrowed.
“Do you even intend to return?”
….
“I understand your feelings, but consider the family’s position too. A man who abandoned the family saying he’d become a Physician, then joined the guild, yet still won’t show his face to the family—how do you think that looks to outsiders?”
“I’ll give it consideration.”
Sa Ma-chang exhaled deeply.
‘He has no intention of returning. Tsk.’
Finding his response so obstinate, Sa Ma-chang changed the subject.
“Then what about marriage? You’re not planning to live alone forever, are you? Shouldn’t you start looking around?”
“Pardon?”
My brush halted mid-stroke. At this unexpected remark, I turned to find Sa Ma-chang wearing a mischievous smile.
“Will you or won’t you? It seems people everywhere are trying to arrange for you to become their son-in-law. If you’re willing, finding a suitable match shouldn’t be difficult. I hear there are daughters among the Four Great Demon Families?”
Sa Ma-ryang regarded him with a puzzled expression.
Did they wish to bind him to the family through a strategic marriage?
“I haven’t the leisure to concern myself with such matters. I’m already overwhelmed with my own affairs, and marriage seems premature.”
“Yes, I suppose so. You’re certainly busy enough. It does seem absurd to be telling a grown man what to do.”
Sa Ma-chang rose from his seat.
“In any case, know that many people worry about you. I’m not asking you to return just to be bothersome. Whether you like it or not, we’re family bound by blood. Show your face occasionally, for your own sake if nothing else. Consider too what I endure in the middle of all this.”
At those words, Sa Ma-ryang smiled softly.
Unlike when I first joined the Association, my relationship with Sa Ma-chang had grown considerably closer. Knowing that his words stemmed from genuine concern rather than mere admonishment, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to give his advice some consideration.
“Yes, I will keep it in mind.”
“You certainly know how to respond well. Wrap things up and get on your feet. The Chief Military Commander is calling for you.”
“The Chief Military Commander is asking for me?”
“That’s right. Don’t dawdle—go now.”
* * *
The General Commander’s Office.
Sa Ma-hyuk was composing a letter with a grave expression on his face.
Though his workload hadn’t increased, his frequent absences on external business of late had reduced the time he could spend on administrative duties. His brush moved with hurried purpose.
At that moment, sensing a presence beyond the door, he spoke softly.
“Enter.”
Sa Ma-ryang bowed his head.
“You called for me?”
“Sit.”
“Yes.”
Sa Ma-hyuk quickly scanned the documents before addressing Sa Ma-ryang, who had taken a seat across from him.
“This inspection also yielded results. Three criminals apprehended. Given Hyun Yu-won’s insular nature, it must have been difficult to unearth such matters. You’ve accomplished something noteworthy.”
“Many senior colleagues worked tirelessly. I merely did what was expected of me.”
“Results are results nonetheless. Hyun Yu-won has also sent word expressing gratitude for excising the rot from their roots. A letter will arrive soon—prepare an appropriate response.”
“I shall do so.”
Sa Ma-ryang observed Sa Ma-hyuk as he continued his work.
It didn’t seem he’d been summoned merely for pleasantries. The silence that followed was longer than necessary, uncharacteristic of the usual exchange.
“Is there perhaps another reason you’ve called me here?”
“Have you heard news regarding the Third Prince?”
“Yes, I heard he achieved victory against the Namgung Eldest Son.”
“That’s secondary. I’m asking about his whereabouts.”
Sa Ma-ryang’s brow furrowed slightly.
“His whereabouts? What specifically are you referring to?”
Sa Ma-hyuk continued speaking without pausing in his letter-writing.
“It’s not particularly unusual that the Third Prince shook off his escort. Separate from questions about how he managed it, he would have viewed them as surveillance and planned their removal from the start. The problem lies in his subsequent movements.”
He left the Ten Thousand Great Mountains for Gangseong Province, disappeared without trace, then suddenly reappeared at the Namgung Family estate.
Sa Ma-hyuk lifted his gaze, meeting Sa Ma-ryang’s eyes directly.
“Doesn’t that strike you as odd? He traveled northward as though he’d mapped every blind spot beyond the Sect’s reach, heading straight for Hefei. How is that not suspicious?”
“The Namgung Family is counted foremost among the Five Great Families of the Central Plains. It’s only natural that an ambitious warrior would take interest in——”
“Nonsense.”
Sa Ma-hyuk cut him off decisively.
“The northern route is populated by countless powers and influences. That someone who left the Sect under the guise of martial training ignored everywhere else and went directly to the Namgung Family—surely you see the implication?”
Sa Ma-hyuk’s eyes flickered with ashen light. The oppressive aura he emanated made Sa Ma-ryang’s breathing grow labored.
In that same moment, he realized this was not a commendation—it was a trial.
“Sa Ma-ryang. Did you use the Association’s intelligence for personal purposes?”
Under that piercing gaze, Sa Ma-ryang felt the illusion that his inner thoughts were being laid bare.
Even a hasty reaction could become dangerous in this moment. Sa Ma-ryang desperately maintained his composure and gathered his thoughts. Then, seeking to discern his intentions, he posed a question as if ignorant.
“Are you suggesting… disciplinary measures?”
“That’s the natural course, of course. We should first discuss the severity of the offense.”
“Severity?”
“Yes. Whether one is a scholar or a warrior, in any circumstance, we must conduct merit evaluations thoroughly for efficiency to improve—do you remember those words?”
“Yes, you spoke thus after the Law Enforcement Hall’s investigation concluded.”
“The same applies to reward and punishment. We grant rewards to those who achieve merit and punish crimes severely to prevent future troubles. But then, what should be done when someone both achieves merit and commits a crime?”
Sa Ma-ryang met his gaze in silent contemplation.
‘Discussing severity doesn’t mean he’s merely pursuing the crime.’
The fact that he had requested a conversation rather than simply announcing punishment meant he had something he desired.
“…You must weigh them on a scale. Compare the weight of merit against the transgression—if the merit outweighs the crime, grant a reward; if the crime is heavier, administer punishment.”
“So, which way does it seem to lean?”
“May I speak honestly?”
“You must be honest.”
Sa Ma-ryang paused before answering.
“I believe there are many factors that mitigate the crime. The achievements I have accumulated as a member of the Council are hardly insignificant—the Chief Military Commander himself must recognize this, which is why he has summoned me.”
“So, it’s difficult to determine which outweighs the other?”
“That is correct.”
The corners of Sa Ma-hyuk’s mouth rose faintly.
It was hardly an exaggeration. Through his abilities, he had apprehended criminals from the Law Enforcement Hall and those involved in human trafficking, and through the Hyun Yu Won incident and subsequent duties, he had demonstrated capabilities beyond expectations.
However, Sa Ma-hyuk believed that alone was insufficient.
“That’s merely the calculus of someone still belonging to the Council. It’s hardly the kind of remark you should casually make while hedging your bets, is it?”
At the sharp tone, Sa Ma-ryang’s expression hardened coldly. Only then did he grasp what the man truly wanted.
“…You wish for me to sever my ties with Ma Gun.”
“Well. As a military strategist of the Sect, would there be reason to obstruct the birth of an outstanding force? As a staff officer preparing for war, Ma Gun’s growth is a positive factor. What troubles me, however, is that you seem intent on defying your master’s will.”
At the word “master,” Sa Ma-ryang’s hands clenched into fists.
Ma Gun was a force created through cooperation between the Cheon Family’s heir and The Demon Master. With support from the Sect’s followers, it was a delicate matter even for the Council to handle carelessly.
That is precisely why he sought to use Sa Ma-ryang.
‘He intends to control me through leverage.’
Gradually, yet certainly, to maintain control and wield him like a blade hidden within his sleeve.
What struck Sa Ma-ryang as both puzzling and chilling was that even if he were captured, complete authority over Ma Gun could not be obtained.
Because he was not the true core of Ma Gun.
Yet the Chief Military Commander’s demeanor remained unyielding. It was a response suggesting absolute confidence that matters would proceed according to his design.
‘This is no mere warning. He has already made his move.’
It was ominous. Anxiety surged at the premonition that irreversible events were unfolding.
Sweat trickled down his spine.
‘If I attempt to verify, it will be too late.’
From the Chief Military Commander’s perspective, what would be the most effective and fatal approach to seizing control of Ma Gun?
Arriving at the answer was not difficult.
‘…Baek Myun Valley.’
The dwelling of the Demon Masters, the very roots and pillars of the Ma Gun. I couldn’t shake the thought that the Chief Military Commander’s hidden blade was trained upon them.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————