Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 34

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 34
“Did you say Baek Myun Valley?”
“Yes, he’s there. Read it.”
Sa Ma-ryang quickly grasped the contents of the letter that appeared to be from Kang Hyun.
“If it’s the Blade Emperor Sect….”
“You know something about it?”
“Yes, when I investigated Yi Ma-je previously, I also examined records of other masters.”
“What kind of person is he?”
“First, you should understand that Baek Myun Valley, where the Blade Emperor Sect master resides, is a place where all manner of indulgences gather. Gambling dens, auction houses, fighting arenas, and main halls are densely packed together.”
Cheon So-hyun answered briefly.
“Then the Blade Emperor must have an alias related to gambling.”
Indeed, it was a place where deranged demons congregated. It was peculiar that I had searched there first, as it seemed wholly unsuited to someone like Yi Ma-je.
Sa Ma-ryang nodded.
“Given the weapons he wields and his reputation since youth as a gambling fiend, that seems likely. However, as one of the most formidable warriors in the Sect, the meaning of ‘Emperor of the Blade’ is equally fitting.”
It was hardly surprising that aliases changed meaning as they circulated through rumor mills.
“In any case, he has the complete opposite temperament from Yi Ma-je, doesn’t he?”
“That’s correct. The prevailing assessment is that he’s addicted to stimulation, so I didn’t expect them to have any connection… but the public information is limited, so I couldn’t determine the details precisely.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Cheon So-hyun tapped the dining table lightly.
I had an intuition that the Blade Emperor and I were fundamentally incompatible.
How could a Buddhist of such profound cultivation possibly get along with a degenerate who indulged in stimulation and fiddled with cards?
“Will you depart immediately?”
“No.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m not someone who comes when called or goes when ordered.”
Sa Ma-ryang swallowed hard. At his bewildered reaction, Cheon So-hyun chuckled softly.
“Don’t be surprised. I mean not right away. For now, I need to consolidate my martial arts. A revelation has just come to me.”
Revelations scatter like smoke if not firmly grasped when they arrive. I had to consolidate them before it was too late.
That would be the fastest and most certain path to achieving my goals.
“Ah… I understand.”
Sa Ma-ryang slowly rose from his seat.
“Then I shall prepare for the investigation. If we show results, we’ll gain not only clues about Heuk Si but also greater authority, which should prove invaluable for our future endeavors.”
“You’re confident?”
Sa Ma-ryang answered with a subtle smile.
“Even if I’m not, I must succeed. I will ensure results so that the achievements you’ve made don’t go to waste.”
* * *
The next evening.
In the Commercial District of the Inner Fortress, where the cool night air had settled, vitality brimmed from early on.
“Young folks, stop by for a moment!”
“Over here! Here! Take a look at our goods! We’ve just received new silk!”
“We’ve just received a shipment of premium Baek Hwa Wine today. Only five bottles left, so hurry!”
No matter how notorious a religious organization might be, human nature flows along similar patterns wherever people gather.
The streets brimmed with boisterous chatter, merchants conducting business and carriage drivers moving briskly about their tasks.
Then.
“Huh?!”
“Stop your chattering and look over there!”
“Wow… Who are those people? They’re amazing!”
The cult members’ gazes turned in unison toward the Main Street.
Thump!
A procession of figures cut through the crowd with measured, disciplined steps.
Over martial robes embroidered with classical patterns, they wore pristine white cloaks, and golden thread embroidered on their shoulders gleamed brilliantly, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Let me see. An Association, you say… Ah! These must be the scholars from the Military Council. They say martial and scholarly excellence are their foundation, but it seems there’s more to it than that.”
“Indeed, you’re right. All four of them shine with an unmistakable radiance.”
For cult members who yearned for strength, it was quite an impressive sight.
But.
‘Is this right? Is this actually right? Am I the only one who thinks something’s off? Is this really the best approach?’
Sa Ma-chang, the object of their admiration, was quite confused in his heart.
He couldn’t fathom Sa Ma-ryang’s decision upon his appointment as Inspector.
‘Why rush into this so hastily?’
Not even a full day had passed since the inspection permit was granted.
By convention, at least a week of investigation should precede this, with organizational charts, personal records, and peculiarities thoroughly examined….
Moving to the field this quickly was unprecedented.
‘Did the burden of the Inspector position drive him to make a reckless move?’
Given his woefully limited experience, it was entirely possible.
When they entered a sparsely populated narrow alley, Sa Ma-chang vented his frustration.
“Am I the only one who feels like we’re wolfing down rice before it’s even cooked? The inspection seems far too premature. Is there a particular reason you’re moving this quickly?”
To Sa Ma-chang’s sharp words, Sa Ma-ryang, walking ahead, answered calmly.
“Preparations are already complete. Further delay would only waste time.”
“Ha, your answer flows like water. You seem unusually tense compared to your usual self—or am I imagining that too?”
Sa Ma-chang pulled a thick document from his robes.
“This was lying around your desk. Leaving behind the Law Enforcement Hall’s personnel records—what kind of disgrace is this for someone calling himself an Inspector?”
Sa Ma-ryang turned his head and accepted the document, placing it in his robes.
“I hadn’t thought to bring it separately. I’ll take it just in case.”
Sa Ma-chang eyed the back of Sa Ma-ryang’s head as he walked ahead.
‘Did you memorize it all already?’
It was a back of the head where annoyance and reliability coexisted in peculiar harmony.
“There’s a vast difference between thinking at a desk and actual fieldwork.”
“Isn’t this an opportunity to work alongside experienced seniors? As the junior here, I simply trust and move forward. I’m confident my shortcomings won’t be apparent.”
A middle-aged man of quite refined appearance to Sa Ma-ryang’s right burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha! That’s all we need. Even if an inspection is like charging into enemy territory, if we rely on each other, there’s nothing we can’t overcome!”
“That is quite right.”
Sa Ma-chang spoke.
“This is not a matter to be resolved with honeyed words. The practical realities are far more complex than you imagine.”
“Enough!”
The Woman, who had remained silent until now, suddenly burst out.
“Enough with this talk of practicalities! Sa Ma-chang, please, just stop. Why must you become such a rigid pedant, constantly finding fault with everything?”
“What… rigid…?”
“Yes, rigid. I understand Sa Ma-ryang’s appointment as Inspector troubles you, but since you’re being so disruptive, please exercise some restraint.”
The barbs struck deep into Sa Ma-chang’s pride, and he bristled.
“What do you mean! And you harbor doubts as well. Let’s be honest—does this make sense? Can someone at his level truly serve as Inspector?”
Seo Rin, her long hair bound neatly, shrugged her shoulders.
“I have no complaints. It’s not as though the position comes with a salary increase. It’s better to have a capable person handle it and finish quickly!”
“But how can we know whether he’ll actually succeed or…”
“Ah, I don’t care. If you’re dissatisfied, go complain to the Chief Military Commander instead. Why come here and cause such a fuss?”
Sa Ma-chang shook his head.
“Sigh. Let us speak no more of this.”
“A wise decision. Now, please let it rest.”
“Fine! In any case, these juniors never know when to hold their tongues.”
“Haha! Quite spirited for broad daylight, I must say. The whispers among the Cult members grow louder, yet you pay no heed. Is this the vigor of youth?”
Hyung Baek, a middle-aged man who had been chuckling, turned his gaze toward Sa Ma-ryang.
“Still, Sa Ma-chang’s concerns have merit. He didn’t interject merely to be contrary. From what I observe, this inspection does seem rather hasty—as though you had some ulterior motive in mind.”
Hyung Baek’s eyes grew grave and penetrating.
“Are you truly prepared for all contingencies?”
This time, even Seo Rin remained silent. Though she had observed Sa Ma-ryang for a time and recognized his considerable abilities, she could not dismiss her doubts.
His extraordinary decisiveness seemed to suggest a miscalculation of time—a recklessness that troubled her.
‘Sa Ma-chang likely feels the same.’
His narrow-minded remarks may have stemmed partly from an innate pettiness, but the desire to resolve these doubts was surely the greater motivation.
Sa Ma-ryang answered quietly.
“As I have stated, I am fully prepared. I shall take your concern about appearing hasty to heart.”
“If the Inspector assures us, then we must trust. Very well.”
“Then I shall proceed without delay.”
Hyung Baek burst into cheerful laughter.
“Haha! This too is the mark of youth! Such resolve.”
* * *
The Military Council delegation soon reached the main gate of the Law Enforcement Hall.
“What brings you here?”
Two Gate Keepers with stern, forbidding expressions blocked the way, spears in hand. Being an organization that dealt with dangerous criminals, their physiques were remarkably imposing.
Sa Ma-chang replied.
“We have come to conduct an inspection.”
“An inspection?”
The Gate Keeper’s gaze lingered briefly on Sa Ma-chang’s shoulder before he turned to his colleague beside him.
“Has there been talk of this? Have you heard anything?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard anything particular.”
“Are there cases where they announce their visit before beginning an inspection?”
Sa Ma-chang produced a document stamped with the Military Council’s official seal.
“Step aside. This is an inspection authorization granting full authority.”
The Gate Keeper scratched his head as he replied.
“Even if you suddenly tell me to step aside, there’s nothing I can do about it. Our job is to guard the entrance. Well, what should I do about this… I’ll need to check with the higher-ups first, so please wait a moment.”
As he turned his head and gestured with his eyes, the other Gatekeeper’s expression darkened.
“Me? You want me to go?”
“Keep quiet and hurry back.”
“Ugh, what a nuisance.”
The Gatekeeper muttered under his breath and turned away.
“Looking at how they’re all dressed up, they seem like important folks. They seem eager to peek into someone else’s inner chambers, so I’d better hurry.”
It was a small but distinctly articulated voice.
Though he expressed hostility through his sarcastic tone, the inspectors paid it no mind.
It was a reaction they had grown accustomed to.
Who would welcome those who came to expose an organization’s secrets?
There was a saying that no one was without flaws. Moreover, those from the Military Council were all skilled in handling documents.
It meant they possessed the ability to magnify even the smallest speck of dust into a mountain.
There was room for understanding given their position of resentment, but…
“This is absurd.”
Sa Ma-chang furrowed his brow and called the Gate Keeper to a halt.
“You there.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“What did you just say? Important folks?”
“I did say that, but what’s the matter?”
“What’s the matter? Your manner of speaking lacks all decorum.”
There was nothing to gain from entering with one’s head bowed from the start. Knowing this keenly, Sa Ma-chang pressed harder.
“…What?”
“Wait, just a moment. Please calm down.”
As the atmosphere grew tense, the Other Gatekeeper hastily stepped forward.
“I apologize on behalf of his rudeness. He doesn’t seem to pay attention no matter how many times we warn him. Perhaps it’s because he hasn’t been working long, or he doesn’t know where you gentlemen are from. You should apologize too. These are gentlemen from the Military Council.”
“Ah, you’re scholars from the Council. I’m truly sorry…”
Sa Ma-chang let out a derisive laugh.
“Ha, is there an organization that employs illiterates who can’t even read as gatekeepers?”
“…”
“It seems like you’re trying to stall by playing games, so don’t embarrass yourself further and step aside at once. What are you doing detaining busy people like this?”
The Gate Keeper, who had been about to offer an apology, hardened his expression and let out a long sigh.
“I see, so that’s how it is. Wait a moment. I’ll go get the authorization first…”
“Wait?”
Sa Ma-ryang, who had been silently observing the situation, spoke for the first time.
Since this was my first inspection, I had intended to monitor the situation initially, but I had already seen someone rushing into the building. They could destroy evidence by dragging out time, so I couldn’t afford further delay.
The Gate Keeper glared at Sa Ma-ryang, who appeared almost like a pale scholar at first glance.
‘What is this? This scrawny bastard.’
He spoke as if offering unsolicited advice.
“Listen here, there are proper procedures for everything. Barging in like this without regard….”
Crack!
Sa Ma-ryang stomped down hard on the Gate Keeper’s foot, and the sound of bones cracking echoed through the air.
“Ahhhhh!”
The Gate Keeper shrieked, clutching his foot, and at the commotion, the Discipline Hall Members came rushing from the Inner Courtyard.
“What’s that noise?!”
The Gate Keeper gripped his spear tightly, raising his voice.
“What are you doing now! How dare you assault the Law Enforcement Hall’s gate guard….”
“I’ll ask instead. What are you doing now?”
Sa Ma-ryang’s pupils began to deepen into ashen gray.
“…!”
Whoooosh—!
The energy of the Sa Ma Heart Technique flowed outward, instantly dominating the entire area and emanating a strange, oppressive force that seemed to constrict one’s limbs.
‘How can this mere boy…!’
The Gate Keeper’s eyes filled with shock. The momentum far exceeded his expectations.
Sa Ma-ryang infused his inner strength into his words.
“Do you not understand the meaning of an inspection? I didn’t come here to plead for entry. Get out of my way.”

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