Chapter 500: If You Knew Who Was Coming

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Demon Slaying Brigade, led by Jin Hagun, entered the Murim Alliance Chongqing Branch.

This was the scene that met the eyes of Ju Gwol, who had rushed out upon hearing the news. Eight martial artists from the Demon Slaying Brigade were entering the training grounds, forming a circle around one person in the center.

Ju Gwol recognized the man being brought in as the man from the portrait.

"They caught him!"

The Murim Alliance martial artists who were watching all shouted with joy. Immediately, a torrent of killing intent poured toward Seo Daeryong. If it weren't for Jin Hagun and the Demon Slaying Brigade, they would have hurled insults and jeers.

Ju Gwol ran to Jin Hagun. His gaze toward Jin Hagun had softened considerably.

"Well done."

He had been worried that Jin Hagun might go easy on the demonic practitioners because he was friends with Geom Mugeuk, but Jin Hagun had captured Seo Daeryong.

This is how you must separate public and private matters.

In truth, Ju Gwol was just as incapable of separating public and private affairs. These incidents had occurred in Chongqing, the territory he was responsible for, and he was naturally acquainted with the masters of the Anonymous Manor and the Great Justice Sect. Because of that, this case was also heavily influenced by his personal feelings.

Ju Gwol glared at Seo Daeryong with a terrifying look in his eyes.

However, Seo Daeryong pretended not to notice the stare and just looked at the back of the head of the martial artist walking in front of him.

Young Cult Leader, I'm really going through all sorts of experiences in my life.

He had heard the cheers of celebration for winning the Murim Alliance's Young Dragon Tournament, and now he was receiving such intense, ultimate technique killing intent.

The place they entered was the Chongqing Branch's investigation room. The man who used to interrogate criminals in the Sanzu River Hall's investigation rooms was now sitting here as a criminal himself.

Seo Daeryong let out a light sigh and looked around. Although he was acting as bait for their operation, he felt tense and afraid now that he was actually inside a Murim Alliance investigation room. He had to keep his wits about him from now on. The Demon Slaying Brigade was protecting him like a fortress for now, but there was no telling when someone might exploit an opening to try and kill him.

The first person to enter was Jin Hagun.

"Aren't you thirsty?"

"I'm fine."

Seo Daeryong answered Jin Hagun's question politely. Director and Commander. In terms of title alone, Seo Daeryong's was actually higher. The reason he was still showing such courtesy was that Jin Hagun was a strong candidate for the next Chairman, and more importantly, he was the Young Cult Leader's friend.

"Thank you for your concern."

It was Jin Hagun who should have been grateful. The rumor that he had caught the heinous criminal would spread, and that would greatly enhance his own reputation.

"Are you not afraid?"

"The Young Cult Leader made a promise. He promised he'd pull me out even if I were swallowed by a monster. So, all I have to do is play the part of being deliciously swallowed."

If he had heard such words before getting to know a man like Geom Mugeuk, he would have scoffed inwardly.

You're being used.

But now, he found himself feeling envious of Seo Daeryong. And he came to a conclusion. No matter how he looked at it, this gaze was not that of a mere seven-pointer.

"The investigators will be here soon. They will try to get a confession from you by any means necessary."

"I'm prepared for it."

Instead, Seo Daeryong worried about Jin Hagun.

"Commander, you should avoid being with me as much as possible."

"Are you worried about me?"

"There's no need for you to be in a potentially dangerous situation, is there?"

Seo Daeryong wasn't worried about Jin Hagun. He was worried for the Young Cult Leader. He knew how deeply his friend would grieve if he lost a friend.

Just then, the investigators entered the room.

Jin Hagun spoke to them.

"Thoroughly uncover the truth."

"Understood."

Jin Hagun glanced at Seo Daeryong once before leaving the room.

Branch Manager Ju Gwol was waiting outside the door.

"This man is a disciple of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. The Demon Supreme might come to rescue him, so ensure the Branch's defenses are airtight."

"He wouldn't dare think of entering this Branch."

Starting with the Shanxi Branch, supporting martial artists were steadily arriving from nearby branches.

"And because of that, aren't you being complacent right now, Commander?"

Ju Gwol's expression faltered for a moment before he spoke respectfully.

"I will not be complacent and will guard it well."

However, he was still confident that no one could attack this place.

Jin Hagun exited the building. He had joined hands with Geom Mugeuk and made a move that defied the enemy's expectations.

Now, how will you respond?

An old fortune teller sat in a corner of Chongqing's marketplace. The old man's face was full of wrinkles that spoke of the tempests of time, and he watched the passersby with eyes that seemed to know all the secrets of life.

On the mat spread before him were various items used for fortune-telling. A lit candle and incense, a turtle shell painted with strange colors, specially made coins for divination, talismans with red inscriptions, and a wooden container full of divination sticks. Truly, all sorts of objects were laid out.

Many pedestrians passed by, but no one paid him any mind. The old fortune teller, too, had a relaxed demeanor, as if it didn't matter whether he did business or not.

Then, a customer finally arrived. A man who was passing by squatted down. He was a man with an ordinary impression and attire.

The old fortune teller examined the man's face and remarked, "Your face is full of troubles."

"I could've guessed that myself. Would a man whose affairs are going well even look this way?"

Passersby who overheard the exchange laughed.

"Let's see just how badly things are going for you."

The old fortune teller shook the container of sticks and gently closed his eyes. The moment his eyes closed, the fates of the two men changed.

The customer's telepathy reached the old man.

[The Blood Heaven Blade Demon's disciple has been captured by the Demon Slaying Brigade.]

The report was unexpected, but the old man with his eyes closed showed no sign of agitation.

[The Young Cult Leader gave up his right-hand man? Impressive.]

The old man knew that Seo Daeryong was Geom Mugeuk's right-hand man, and he also knew that he had been intentionally captured.

The old man opened his eyes and held out the container full of bamboo sticks.

"Your future is in here, so pick one."

The man chose one from the container. One of the bamboo sticks was sticking out slightly, and the man pulled it out.

[Write a new history in blood.]

Surprisingly, the old man had anticipated the possibility of Seo Daeryong's capture and had already planned his response.

The man understood the meaning of this command. It meant to attack the Chongqing Branch and create a sea of blood. If such a situation were to actually occur, the animosity of the orthodox sects' martial artists toward the Demonic Cult would reach its peak.

[Reinforcements have gathered at the Chongqing Branch. They'll be complacent, so a surprise attack will be very effective.]

The large number of martial artists from outside would allow them to sow even greater chaos.

The man's concern was this.

[But the Demon Slaying Brigade is there, so our losses will be heavy.]

The level of ordinary martial artists and the Demon Slaying Brigade were worlds apart. The experienced martial artists of the Demon Slaying Brigade would bring a chaotic situation under control in an instant.

At that, the old man offered the container again.

"Was the first fortune not enough? Then pick one more."

As if this too had been prepared, one of the bamboo sticks was sticking out slightly. Once again, the man pulled it out.

[Those who have disappeared will help those who remain.]

The man instantly understood what this command meant.

"How is it? Is this enough for you to find a way to live?"

The moment their eyes met, the two returned to being a fortune teller and a customer.

"It seems well worth a try. Thank you!"

The man tossed a few coins and stood up from his spot.

"Leave more for your fortune!"

"If I succeed, I'll come back to pay what I owe."

"I've never seen a single one of them come back to pay!"

The old fortune teller shouted at the top of his lungs, but the man pretended not to hear and disappeared into the crowd. People watching from across the street laughed at the scene.

The old fortune teller picked up the bamboo sticks the man had drawn and placed them back in the container. Whether from the customer's fingertips or the old man's, the words written on the sticks had already vanished. The old man yawned repeatedly while watching the people come and go, then soon began to nod off.

Geom Mugeuk and Jin Hagun stood side by side. They were standing on a hill that overlooked the Chongqing Branch.

"That fellow must be having a hard time."

"He's mentally stronger than he looks."

Seo Daeryong was being interrogated all day, except for when he was eating and sleeping. Yet he was holding up well.

"He was originally an investigator for the Sanzu River Hall, so he's probably reading the minds of the opposing investigators."

Though he said that, Geom Mugeuk's eyes were filled with worry.

"Do you think he knows you're watching over him without taking your eyes off him for a single moment?"

"He knows."

"How?"

"Because he would have done the same."

"I guess I need to find a right-hand man myself."

Geom Mugeuk laughed along with Jin Hagun's joke.

It was then. A martial artist from the Demon Slaying Brigade ran up and reported quickly. He reported via telepathy because Geom Mugeuk was next to them.

[We've found a trace of the Anonymous Manor's master.]

Jin Hagun was startled by his subordinate's report. At the Anonymous Manor, there had only been pools of blood, not a single body.

[He's alive?]

[Yes, we've discovered he's being held captive by a group of martial artists.]

Jin Hagun commanded his subordinate.

"Prepare the Demon Slaying Brigade for immediate deployment."

"Yes!"

After the subordinate left, Jin Hagun relayed the information to Geom Mugeuk.

"The master of the Anonymous Manor is alive."

Geom Mugeuk's gaze intensified. Since their bodies were missing, he had expected it to some extent. But for his whereabouts to be revealed at this particular time?

"I'll take the Demon Slaying Brigade and rescue him."

Jin Hagun was also suspicious, but he had to go. If the master of the Anonymous Manor was alive, he had to be saved.

Geom Mugeuk thought of three possibilities. Jin Hagun, going to rescue them, dies. The Chongqing Branch martial artists guarding Seo Daeryong die. Seo Daeryong dies.

Every scenario was the worst-case. They would surely cause one of these three things to happen.

Geom Mugeuk had something in mind for this moment.

"I have two requests."

"What are they?"

"First, let them enter the Chongqing Branch."

Jin Hagun knew who "they" were, the ones Geom Mugeuk was referring to. He had already received the report from the Alliance.

When Jin Hagun hesitated to answer, Geom Mugeuk persuaded him.

"I know. I know how much of a burden it is for you to allow it. But please permit it. I'll have them move as secretly as possible."

Considering the problems that could arise if he didn't, Jin Hagun's deliberation was not long.

"Alright, I'll do it. But only until I and the Demon Slaying Brigade return."

"Of course. They will withdraw quietly once this matter is handled."

Truly, it was a request he would never have granted if it weren't for Geom Mugeuk.

"What is the other request?"

"Let me go with you."

Jin Hagun could see Geom Mugeuk's worry. He believed a major incident would erupt on one of the two fronts.

"Why do you want to follow me?"

"Because I can't lose you."

The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult was going to follow and protect the leader of the Demon Slaying Brigade? Who in the murim would believe such a thing? Normally, he would have refused out of pride, but his relationship with Geom Mugeuk had already surpassed that stage. He wasn't foolish enough to let pride get in the way after all they had been through together.

In any case, if Geom Mugeuk felt this sense of crisis, then the situation was truly dangerous.

"Your right-hand man will be disappointed to hear this."

Geom Mugeuk replied with a meaningful smile.

"If he knew who was coming, he definitely wouldn't be."

When Jin Hagun came down from the hill, Ju Gwol was waiting in his office.

"I will go with you to the rescue."

Jin Hagun stopped him.

"I understand your feelings well, Commander Ju, but I will lead the Demon Slaying Brigade and go myself. The enemy might be employing a feint. Shouldn't the Branch Manager stay to protect the Branch?"

Ju Gwol did not insist. He had to protect the Branch, but more than that, an enemy capable of kidnapping the master of the Anonymous Manor should be handled by the elites.

"Please return safely."

"Thank you."

After parting with Ju Gwol and before leaving the Branch, Jin Hagun's last stop was a temporary prison set up in the basement. The security there was so tight that the word "temporary" seemed unfitting.

Jin Hagun briefly dismissed the martial artists guarding Seo Daeryong.

"Is something the matter?"

Seo Daeryong was surprised because Jin Hagun was holding his giant dao in his hand.

"Something has come up, and I must leave the Branch urgently with the Demon Slaying Brigade."

Seo Daeryong's expression hardened. How could a situation arise where he had to suddenly leave his post?

If his opponent had been Geom Mugeuk, Seo Daeryong would have made a joke like this.

[Ah! So you're abandoning me after all! Thank you for everything… what thank you! I'm going to die! Save me!]

But to Jin Hagun, Seo Daeryong maintained a dignified appearance.

"Please take care of yourself."

Jin Hagun's gaze deepened as he looked at Seo Daeryong. Both Geom Mugeuk and this Seo Daeryong made him forget that he was dealing with demonic practitioners.

"Come closer."

Jin Hagun released Seo Daeryong's suppressed inner arts and handed him the giant dao.

"Hide the sword where the guards of this place cannot see it."

"Thank you."

As he accepted his sword, Seo Daeryong's heart pounded. He had an ominous premonition that something big was about to happen. It truly felt like death was drawing near.

"There is a reason I am leaving you at a time like this."

Jin Hagun delivered some surprising news.

"Your All-Knowing Hall has sent reinforcements for you."

"From the All-Knowing Hall?"

He had reported the situation to the All-Knowing Hall when he arrived in Chongqing. That was how he had been able to go to the special safehouse. It seemed Sama Myeong, judging that the Blood Heaven Blade Demon might be in trouble, had sent support. That was before Geom Mugeuk and Geom Woojin had even arrived in Chongqing.

"The support sent by the All-Knowing Hall was waiting on the outskirts of Chongqing."

The atmosphere in the Chongqing murim had soured as rumors spread that the Great Justice Sect's tragedy was the work of the Demonic Cult. That was why they had been waiting on the outskirts.

"The Young Cult Leader asked a favor of me. To let them enter this Branch."

Seo Daeryong could tell that he had accepted the request. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought it up in the first place.

"My subordinate from the Demon Slaying Brigade will remain to let them in secretly. Of course, they won't enter as members of the Divine Cult, but as external martial artists the Demon Slaying Brigade has requested help from. Well then, I hope we can see each other again safely."

Leaving those words behind, Jin Hagun left the place. The situation was so urgent that he couldn't ask for more details.

Seo Daeryong was curious.

Who on earth did they send?

DUDUDUDUDUDU.

Carriages were racing. They were large transport carriages used for moving heavy cargo. The carriages had only very small windows, so it was impossible to see what was loaded inside from the outside.

What was loaded in the carriages were martial artists. They wore plain martial arts uniforms, so their affiliation was unknown, but their appearances were unforgettable once seen. Every one of them had a fierce and frightening face, sharp eyes that had seen countless battles, and a physique twice the size of an ordinary person.

The carriages, packed to the brim with them, were racing in a line toward the Chongqing Branch.