Jinha-gun, walking toward the carriage, was stopped by someone — his younger sister, Jinha-ryeong.

“You’re attending the banquet?”

“What’s it to you?”

“What do you mean what’s it to me? I came to see my brother off properly.”

“Why are you doing something you never do?”

Having lost their parents early, the two had grown up relying on each other. So their care for one another ran deep. But this was the first time Jinha-ryeong had come to send him off.

“Is it because of Geom Mugeuk?”

“What do you mean?”

“You came out because you’re worried about him?”

Jinha-gun knew from the recent Small Dragon War that his sister had somehow connected with Geom Mugeuk. He also knew that with Geom Mugeuk’s help, she had remained unharmed.

Jinha-ryeong couldn’t say yes or no.

If she said she was worried about her brother, her pride would be hurt; if she said she worried about Geom Mugeuk, it would cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

“He’s not an easy opponent. I came to tell you to never let your guard down.”

“I’m aware of his exceptional skill. I’ll be cautious.”

Jinha-ryeong grabbed her brother’s arm as he tried to board the carriage.

“When dealing with him, you must let go of preconceptions. Don’t think, ‘He’s a demon, so he must be like this.’ He’s not the person you imagine.”

Jinha-gun couldn’t precisely tell what his sister worried about, having never met Geom Mugeuk himself.

“Geom Mugeuk is too formidable. If you can’t break his momentum now, later it might be impossible to counter.”

Jinha-ryeong had also heard about Geom Mugeuk’s rising reputation. She recalled the first time he introduced himself under a pseudonym.

—I am Geomyeon. Not the ‘fate’ character, but the ‘smoke’ character. I will vanish like smoke.

Perhaps to her, he was not Geom Mugeuk but Geomyeon. When all was done, he truly disappeared like smoke. That was probably why she sometimes thought of him — hearing he became Little Pill Master, wanting to say congratulations, but never quite able to.

Unaware of her feelings, Jinha-gun regarded Geom Mugeuk as an enemy.

“I believe no evil can overcome the alliance. So don’t worry.”

Then Jinha-ryeong spoke cautiously.

“What if he is a demon knight?”

A demon who abides by the code of knights. She hadn’t thought this when she saw Geom Mugeuk, but after parting and recalling him, the thought of a demon knight occasionally came to mind. One who neither clings to outdated customs nor hesitates over what must be protected. Unlike the frustrating knights who falter over this or that, this demon knight destroys obstacles without hesitation.

“Is there such a person? That’s just gossip fabricated by amateurs. To truly uphold the knight’s code is no easy feat. Demons obsessed with survival would never accomplish it.”

With that, the carriage carrying Jinha-gun set off. Warriors escorting him followed on horseback.

Watching them leave, Jinha-ryeong sighed softly.

“That’s what I meant about letting go of prejudice.”

She trusted both her brother and Geom Mugeuk.

But Jinha-gun’s path today was a contest for Murim’s supremacy. When ambition clashes and desire runs wild, who knew what might happen?

That was why her eyes were full of worry watching the carriage speed away. Seeing her worry — something she had never done before — made her realize she had grown up, and Murim was heading toward a turbulent new era.

“Why us of all people?”

Hyeol Cheon Doma asked sharply upon meeting.

But I sensed he was excited. This was the first time the Majons had been summoned when their help was truly needed.

“To create an atmosphere of fear. To make it seem as if Honam branch is on high alert even though nothing has happened.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma glanced at Gwon Ma, nodded with an expression that said, “Good choice.” Few could show such a reaction before Gwon Ma like Hyeol Cheon Doma could.

“Then why me?”

Hyeol Cheon Doma naturally assumed Gwon Ma was in charge of fear.

“You’re the elder who handles fear.”

“What?”

Surprised, Hyeol Cheon Doma looked back at Gwon Ma.

“Then why was this person summoned?”

“A smart person is needed too.”

“You scoundrel!”

Before Hyeol Cheon Doma could shout, I rushed in to hug him.

“Elder! I’ve missed you.”

Actually, Gwon Ma was the face guy, and Hyeol Cheon Doma was the spicy ginger guy.

Hyeol Cheon Doma used footwork to evade my hug.

“I was utterly humiliated here in Honam! How much I hoped for you two to come!”

“You deserved it. Who were you tormenting?”

“You misunderstand!”

After that lively reunion with Hyeol Cheon Doma, I greeted Gwon Ma.

“Master, I’ve wanted to see you.”

Gwon Ma replied gruffly.

“What help do you need?”

Honestly, Gwon Ma seemed like the kind who would say “Let’s go!” without further words if you said, “I want to conquer Murim!” That was how reliable he was. The warmth beneath his gruffness was all the more pleasant.

Seeing them again felt like gaining an army a thousand times over.

“Now that you two have arrived, shall we take on the whole Murim?”

I explained the current situation to them.

“...Since the Satan Alliance has entered, we have ample justification to move.”

“Surely they’ve already decided which sects to absorb.”

As expected, the experienced Hyeol Cheon Doma grasped the core of this cooperation without needing explanation.

“As expected! You truly are the elder.”

The sects supporting Satan Alliance and those backing our sect were clearly divided. There was no need to argue this point with Bisa-in.

“What about the Satan Alliance?”

“They’re currently absorbing sects.”

Then Gwon Ma stood abruptly.

“Let’s go. No need to waste time.”

Just showing Gwon Ma’s face was enough; this matter was already settled.

The banquet at Tianhe Sect was prepared.

It was held at night, staffed by trusted warriors.

Seo Cheong was excited to meet the future Murim Alliance leader.

“The heir is young, so I’ll try to persuade him well. This might be a good chance to expand into the Murim Alliance.”

Hadn’t he had experience mingling with and leading young post-heirs of Honam? He was confident with young men.

Meanwhile, Seobaekjung nervously kept watching the entrance.

The scheduled time had passed, yet no sect leaders loyal to Tianhe had arrived. It would be a disaster if Jinha-gun came first.

Growing anxious, Seobaekjung pressed his subordinate Yumaeng.

“Why hasn’t anyone arrived?”

How could Yumaeng know the reason?

When Yumaeng stammered, Seobaekjung pressed further.

“Did you properly notify them?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure the date was correct?”

“Yes. Would I be careless with such a matter?”

“Then why haven’t they come? Go and check immediately.”

“Yes.”

Even after sending Yumaeng, Seobaekjung was restless. Something felt wrong. It would be normal for them to arrive earlier, if only sensing his presence.

Just then a subordinate ran in to report.

“The Demon Exterminator Lord has arrived.”

Seobaekjung was shocked. Jinha-gun had arrived earlier than promised.

The door opened, and Demon Exterminator warriors flooded in, taking control of the area.

Seo Cheong, watching, was startled. When the first Demon Exterminator warrior entered, Seo Cheong mistook him for the lord himself. The Demon Exterminator warriors’ presence was extraordinary.

When Seo Cheong’s eyes met those of a nearby Demon Exterminator warrior, he quickly looked away. Their aura far surpassed that of the young heirs he had been mingling with.

Soon after, Jinha-gun entered. His presence was different from the Demon Exterminator warriors. He bore an aura of majesty that commanded respect.

Seo Cheong’s original plan was to approach casually, saying, “Let’s get along well as young warriors,” then “I’ll guide you to a nice place.” But he couldn’t even meet Jinha-gun’s eyes and bowed his head.

An old man followed behind Jinha-gun.

Dressed in pure white robes, holding a sword close to his chest like a sacred treasure, his presence was truly otherworldly.

Seobaekjung immediately recognized him.

“A Sword Immortal!”

He had seen him once from afar before. Surrounded by numerous masters and honored, he was an unparalleled sword master with a presence impossible to forget.

Sword Immortal Lee Hakshin.

A supreme righteous master and one of Murim’s top swordmasters, he was also a friend of the Murim Alliance leader Jin Paecheon, who had asked him to assist Jinha-gun’s visit to Honam.

Seobaekjung hurried out to greet Jinha-gun.

“Welcome, Lord.”

“Glad to see you, Sect Leader.”

“Thanks to your help, my son was able to survive. I will never forget this favor.”

Jinha-gun simply nodded without speaking further. Instead, he introduced Lee Hakshin.

“This time, Sword Immortal elder has specially come out with me.”

Seobaekjung bowed so low he nearly touched the floor.

“It is an honor to meet Sword Immortal elder.”

“Pleasure.”

Lee Hakshin’s single word sufficed. He disapproved of Tianhe Sect absorbing others for political reasons, but came out of friendship to help.

“Please, have a seat here.”

Jinha-gun took the seat of honor, and Lee Hakshin stood a little aside. By rank, Lee Hakshin should have taken the seat, but this time he focused solely on guarding Jinha-gun. They had already agreed on this, so Jinha-gun concentrated on the purpose of his visit.

The Demon Exterminator warriors checked the food and drinks for poison with hidden needles.

“No one has arrived yet.”

Jinha-gun’s words struck Seobaekjung. Normally, everyone would have come and been waiting, but this was impossible.

Seobaekjung forced a calm tone as he poured drinks.

“I invited them a bit late, hoping to spend some private time with the lord.”

He then changed the topic to show off his influence.

“There are over thirty sects loyal to Tianhe. If we absorb them all, the Murim Alliance could seize Honam’s hegemony.”

Though indebted for his son’s rescue, the reality was different. The power still lay firmly in his hands.

The rescue should be seen as proof of how much Tianhe was willing to risk confrontation with the Demon ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) Sect. And not only Tianhe itself — over thirty sects loyal to Tianhe came as a bonus.

“I must lead negotiations to our advantage.”

Meanwhile, Jinha-gun remained reserved. The other party was a seasoned sly fox. When dealing with such a person, one must speak sparingly and only say what’s necessary. Excess words give a crafty opponent an opening.

“As you can guess, most of them follow Cheonma Sin Gyo and the Satan Alliance. To absorb them into the Murim Alliance, you will need to show strong power, lord.”

Jinha-gun was determined to win their hearts. Without gaining them, his use of inherent authority would be only a partial success.

“They don’t come even if I want to show power.”

Jinha-gun smiled, and Seobaekjung joked back.

“Seems they fear meeting the Demon Exterminator Lord.”

Seobaekjung tried to stall with small talk, but no matter how long they waited, no one else appeared.

Growing desperate, Seobaekjung’s hands trembled. He was gambling his family’s fate on this lifetime bet, yet those who must come were absent. Something was wrong.

Jinha-gun initially thought Seobaekjung was playing a power game but soon sensed trouble. Then, finally, the banquet hall door opened.

“They’re here!”

Seobaekjung called out happily, looking toward the door. He had expected a crowd but only one person entered.

All eyes fixed on that moment.

The Demon Exterminator warriors lunged to protect Jinha-gun and block the newcomer.

Swords drawn with a sharp chaeng sound.

The person who entered confidently was Bisa-in.

The Satan Thirteen Rangers drew swords simultaneously and stepped forward.

Demon Exterminator and Satan Thirteen Rangers faced off, swords pointed at each other.

Behind Bisa-in entered Goeak and Gwangseom. The Demon Exterminator warriors’ expressions hardened. These masters far surpassed their level, and the killing aura they radiated was suffocating.

Then—

A cool breath of pure energy swept in like wind, pushing back the rising killing aura. It was the aura from Sword Immortal. As the pressure eased, the Demon Exterminator warriors relaxed.

Goeak and Gwangseom increased their internal energy and released killing intent, but Sword Immortal held firm.

An invisible contest of wills unfolded, creating a tense standoff where one wrong move could spark a bloody battle.

As tensions worsened, Bisa-in turned and politely spoke to Goeak and Gwangseom.

“I need to talk briefly with the lord over there. Shall we postpone our reunion, seniors?”

The killing aura from Goeak and Gwangseom dissipated. Whether willing or not, they obeyed the young lord’s command. Sword Immortal withdrew his aura and gave the two heretic masters a sharp look. They knew each other well. Their eyes exchanged silent messages.

—Still alive?

—There’s too much evil in the world to die now.

But since they had escorted precious guests, they no longer fought.

Bisa-in stepped forward.

“I am Bisa-in, young lord of the Satan Alliance.”

His declaration froze the room.

Especially Seobaekjung trembled in fear. Someone who should never appear had arrived.

And then it became clear why the sect leaders had not come.

“They’ve all turned their backs!”

Seo Cheong backed away, ready to flee at any moment.

Jinha-gun stepped forward and greeted.

“I am Jinha-gun, Demon Exterminator Lord of the Murim Alliance.”

It was their first meeting, eyes locked like rivals feeling out each other. They would become lifelong foes if Jinha-gun became Murim Alliance leader and Bisa-in Satan Alliance lord.

“How did you become an uninvited guest?”

Jinha-gun’s reproach was met with a gentle response.

“That’s why I came to ask. Why did the invitation that should have come to us go to your side? I assume it was a mistake.”

“Unfortunately for you, it was no mistake. Sect Leader Seo has already aligned with the Murim Alliance.”

Bisa-in stared at Seobaekjung and asked,

“Is that true?”

How could Seobaekjung dare answer yes?

Jinha-gun stepped in for the embarrassed man.

“Tell me, what do you think you’re doing in another’s territory?”

Tension thickened between them.

Neither Jinha-gun nor Bisa-in showed any sign of backing down.

Both Demon Exterminator and Satan Thirteen Rangers were tense. A chaotic battle could cause heavy casualties.

Then—

The door slowly opened and another person appeared.

Everyone’s gaze turned there.

Seobaekjung was stunned. Bisa-in’s arrival was already a disaster, but now someone who absolutely should not have come appeared.

Geom Mugeuk entered, emanating strong demonic energy.

Twelve bodyguards followed him.

The Demon Exterminator and Satan Thirteen Rangers divided to confront the Cheonma Sin Gyo guards.

Behind Geom Mugeuk came Hyeol Cheon Doma and Gwon Ma.

Sword Immortal, Goeak, and Gwangseom flinched at the two Majons’ appearance—they all knew each other.

As demonic energy blanketed the place, Geom Mugeuk spoke coldly.

“Since you brought up territory, let’s speak plainly. This is our territory.”