Chapter 32: I Need a Side Dish

TL: FoodieMonster007

The next day, the Demon Cult opened a branch of the Sanzu River Hall in the Demon Village.

It was located directly across from the Alluring Inn. The branch was very small, so only one new investigator and one enforcement martial artist were stationed there.

As they moved in the necessary furniture and hung the sign, the owner of the Alluring Inn, Jo Cheonbae, watched me cautiously.

"Director, why did you place the branch here?" he asked.

"Let's say you were wronged by one of our cult's martial artists. What would you have done until now?"

"…What do you mean, what would I have done?"

Jo Cheonbae's question said everything. What could he have done? He would have just suffered the injustice.

"If it's a matter involving our cult's martial artists, you can report it to the Sanzu River Hall. Do you know anyone around here who has done that?"

"No, not that I know of."

Of course, there were none. To even reach the Sanzu River Hall, a person had to state their purpose at the cult's main gate, then undergo an identity check and a body search. Someone had to pass through several such procedures just to arrive at the Sanzu River Hall.

So who would bother to file a report? In the end, the Sanzu River Hall had effectively abandoned the residents of the Demon Village.

"Innkeeper, please spread the word. Tell the residents of the Demon Village that if our cult's martial artists harm them, they can come to this branch and file a report."

"But… everyone will hesitate. They'll fear retaliation."

"That's true. That's why I'll be making an announcement soon. Anyone who retaliates against an accuser in a Sanzu River Hall investigation will be sentenced to execution by beheading."

"Execution by beheading? Ah, you're really opening this branch for us."

Jo Cheonbae was deeply moved. Normally, he would have dismissed it as a mere formality, a meaningless gesture that would eventually fade.

However, Jo Cheonbae had seen and heard for himself how I dealt with Yang Tae and his son from the Hundred Blade Ghosts. He was ecstatic.

"Hey everyone, come over here and listen!"

He immediately began telling people in the marketplace about the new branch.

It was impossible to know how many people would come forward to report their grievances.

However, the number did not matter. This attempt would play a significant role in establishing discipline within our cult. Now that reporting was so easy, incidents of recklessly bullying the weak would surely decrease.

As we returned after setting up the branch, Seo Daeryong looked to be in a good mood.

"We should have done this a long time ago… You've done a truly great thing."

"It's a matter of where you place your center of gravity."

"What do you mean?"

"Until now, the Sanzu River Hall's center of gravity was in its head. It solved problems among the various organizations within the cult while being mindful of the Eight Demon Supremes. It strayed from its original founding purpose and was reduced to a handmaiden of power. From now on, I will place the Sanzu River Hall's center of gravity in its legs. I'll start by protecting the residents of this Demon Village, the low-ranking martial artists, and those who suffer injustice because they are relatively weak. In this process, we just need to remember one single principle."

"What is that?"

"That the weight of a life is the same for everyone. A low-ranking martial artist, a Demon Supreme, the weight of their lives is the same. Therefore, we will handle matters with the same standard."

A wave of intense emotion washed over Seo Daeryong's face.

"If anyone else had said this, I would've thought it was bullshit. Just pathetic idealism that ignores reality, but if it's you, Director, I believe you."

"Is that an insult or a compliment? You just insulted me, didn't you?"

"If you get any scarier, I'll be the first one to file a report."

I watched the back of the man as he scurried away and let out a small laugh.

To maintain the power of the Sanzu River Hall I had described to him, there was one thing I had to do.

I summoned all the enforcement martial artists.

"We greet the Director!"

They greeted me at the top of their lungs. After I imprisoned the Hundred Blade Ghosts, my popularity had soared even higher than when I was first appointed.

It was not just popularity. My authority had grown as well. The attitudes of those who had subtly looked down on me, thinking my brother had pushed me aside in the succession race, had changed. If we passed each other, they now lowered their eyes first.

"I thank you all for your dedication to this hall."

I stepped to the side of the platform and expressed my gratitude with a clasped hands greeting. The enforcement martial artists returned my greeting in unison.

"This is the first time we've gathered like this, without the investigators, isn't it?"

"……"

"On a good day like today, we should be having a pleasant conversation, but today, I intend to talk to you about something a little uncomfortable."

My words made the enforcement martial artists tense up.

"As you all know, there are those in our cult who defy and challenge this hall's authority. The Demonic Army was like that, and so were the blade ghosts. The reason is simple. It's because they believe they are stronger than you."

It was a statement that could wound their pride, but I did not beat around the bush. There are things to say to investigators, and things to say to enforcement martial artists. For these men, being direct was more effective than being roundabout.

"Take any of the Eight Demon Supremes. Could you take my warrant and arrest their high-ranking leadership, someone on the level of the Hundred Blade Ghosts?"

No one could answer with confidence. This was their reality.

"Why can't you? Because they believe their fists are stronger than the laws of this hall. What must we do to change this? It's simple. Your fists must become stronger than theirs. If they fear you, they won't even dare to defy you."

Everyone's expression grew heated. They had all likely experienced at least one instance where others did not respect their authority.

"I want you all to become stronger than you are now."

Of course, the current enforcement martial artists were strong. However, they were not strong enough to overwhelm the martial artists of the elite organizations. Their strength was similar, or perhaps even a little lower.

"Therefore, starting today, we will cancel all schedules and begin special training."

The words 'special training' elicited various reactions. Some looked pleased, while others hardened their expressions.

"If you feel this change doesn't suit you, it would be best to quit now. I will have you transferred to another department, so please step forward."

After a moment's hesitation, two men stepped forward. They honestly said they wanted to go to another department.

I promised to reassign those two to the departments they desired and sent them on their way.

"Don't worry about what others think. Not everyone needs to fight in the Sanzu River Hall. It is enough to support our cult from a position that suits you. Anyone else?"

No one else stepped forward.

"Good."

I beckoned to a man who was waiting in the distance.

He was none other than the Third Captain of the Demonic Army, Jang Ho. He was the strongest man among the Demonic Army's Captains.

Ever since I killed the Demonic Army General and avenged his friend, he had developed a great fondness for me.

"This is the man who will conduct your special training starting today."

A new Demonic Army General had not yet been appointed, so the entire Demonic Army was on standby. That was why such a request was possible.

Jang Ho stepped before them. His large build and the scar on his face overwhelmed the enforcement martial artists.

"I am Jang Ho, and I will be in charge of your training for the time being. I took on this job out of personal respect for the Director here. The training will be harsh, but I promise you one thing. Those who endure it will definitely be stronger than before. Understood?"

"……"

The enforcement martial artists answered loudly.

"Training begins in one hour. Everyone, get ready and reassemble. Dismissed."

The enforcement martial artists all dispersed, leaving only Jang Ho and me.

"How is the atmosphere in the Demonic Army these days?"

"It's unsettled. Things will only stabilize once the next Demonic Army General is decided."

I had also heard various rumors about the next Demonic Army General. I heard that because it was such an important position, my father and Sama Myeong were deliberating carefully over the appointment. The Demon Supremes had also begun to move to install their own people.

"I'm sorry to ask for your help at a time like this."

"Not at all. Please call on me anytime. Second Young Lord, no, Director, if it's your command, I will come running anytime."

"Thank you."

Just as Jang Ho also left and I was about to turn away, a voice came from somewhere.

"Two days left now."

I turned my head and saw the Blood Heaven Blade Demon perched on the wall behind me.

"You must have nothing better to do."

"When you become a Demon Supreme, time is something you have in abundance."

"When I become the Cult Leader, the Demon Supremes will have more work than they can handle."

"If you want that, then take my hand."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was applying pressure, trying to get his way no matter what.

"My brother will be disappointed if he finds out you're doing this."

"He'll understand. Isn't it human nature to side with the more competent one? Do you know why I hate those orthodox sect bastards? They wrap up these feelings too much. They could just say, 'I like that guy because he's rich,' or 'I like that guy because he's stronger,' but instead they go on about righteousness and morality. You'd think they'd get qi deviation if they were honest."

"Wouldn't it be the same for me?"

"What would?"

"That human nature to side with the more competent one. Other Demon Supremes might want to join hands with me, right? And among them, there might be someone more competent than you, Elder."

It was a response that could have left him speechless, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon handled it with ease.

"Look here, Second Young Lord. Do you believe in your own abilities and potential?"

"……"

"And you're confident you'll become the Heavenly Demon."

"I am."

"And I was the very first person to recognize that. Just by looking at the ability to discern someone's true worth, isn't it already clear who is the most competent?"

"Even I, a smooth talker, am no match for you, Elder."

"Hahahaha. See you in two days."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon let out a loud laugh, then leaped away and vanished.

That old man is so damn good with his words.

At a glance, it all sounded correct. However, thinking about it calmly, it was closer to being unreasonable.

I had only recently begun to attract attention within the cult. Everyone must be watching my changes.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon simply stepped forward first because he got involved with me. It was like him claiming something was his just because he drooled on it a bit.

Joining hands with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon? It was not an impossible notion. If he truly became my ally, he would certainly be a great source of strength.

However, I could not join hands with him like this. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon still held the upper hand.

The next day, I stood on a hill overlooking the training grounds and watched the enforcement martial artists train.

Jang Ho was harsh. It was truly a training of blood and bone, but the enforcement martial artists gritted their teeth and endured it.

Jang Ho had motivated them all with a single sentence before they began.

"This is the training we in the Demonic Army do."

That one sentence was enough. If they could not endure the training that the Demonic Army did, it would be the same as admitting that the Sanzu River Hall was a joke to them.

I thought that Jang Ho was a truly clever man. Nothing was more effective for a martial artist than provoking their pride.

Jang Ho's shout carried from the distance.

"Endure it! Your wife, your children, your friends, anyone can betray you, but the sweat you're shedding right now will never betray you!"

Hearing Jang Ho's roar, I chuckled. It was funny that Jang Ho, who had never even been married, was mentioning wives and children.

Anyway, they've really met their match.

The thought that it would be truly reassuring to have a martial artist like Jang Ho under my command flashed through my mind.

Ah!

A good idea regarding the Blood Heaven Blade Demon came to me.

On the third day, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was waiting for me at the same place where he had first proposed we join hands.

Just like before, he had the Heaven Destroying Dao stuck in the ground and was leaning against the blade, drinking.

"Are you ready to drink my liquor now?"

I sat down across from him.

"I'm ready."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon smiled with satisfaction and poured me a drink.

We toasted vigorously, but I did not drink.

"Why did you put it down without drinking?"

"I need a side dish."

"A side dish? What kind of Commander whines about a side dish?"

A look of displeasure appeared on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon's face. He had realized that the side dish I mentioned was not actual food, but a demand.

"What kind of side dish do you need?"

Amidst the taut tension, I answered, "The Demonic Army."

At the unexpected words, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon's eyes widened.

"Serve me the Demonic Army."