Naturally, I expected that Blood Heaven Butcher and the Demon Ghosts would be the first to come after me.

However, the initial resistance to the arrest of Yang Ho came from within the organization itself.

Around thirty investigators from the Yellow Spring Division gathered in the main hall and called for me.

The one leading this group was the senior special investigator, Geum Myeong.

"I should have come directly to your office, but with so many of us, I must apologize for this rudeness," he said.

"You don’t seem to have something to say, but it feels like you’ve come here just to pick a fight," I replied.

"Absolutely not, please don’t misunderstand," he quickly corrected.

They hadn’t come here united with one mind. Just by looking into their eyes, I could easily tell who was truly dissatisfied and who was merely moving along reluctantly.

Geum Myeong stepped forward to represent the group.

"I heard that you have re-investigated a case that had already been closed by the main division."

"That’s right," I replied.

"That undermines the credibility and authority of the division’s investigators," he continued.

I looked toward the investigators standing behind Geum Myeong.

"Do you all feel the same way?" I asked.

"Yes, we do," they responded in unison.

"I see things a bit differently," I said. "I believe that this case involving Yang Ho actually undermined the authority of the division. And quite severely at that."

"What do you mean by that?" Geum Myeong asked, clearly confused.

"Is it really necessary to explain something so basic? This is disappointing."

At that, Geum Myeong’s face hardened, and he attempted to refute my statement.

"Unreasonable actions have already been carried out by the head of the division."

"Did you hear that when I arrested Yang Ho, he confessed everything in front of everyone?"

"Yes, I heard."

"So then what’s the deal? Why are you all gathered here?"

"We are speaking about the re-investigation of a case that has already been closed," he explained.

"A matter of principle?" I asked.

"Yes, that’s correct. It’s unprecedented," he answered.

"Geum Investigator," I said, "an innocent child was nearly beaten to death, and the guilty party was caught and confessed. Of course, it must be re-investigated, don’t you think? How do you think you look, standing on principle in this situation?"

"Even if it seems outdated, I can’t help it. Principles are that important in an organization."

Was it due to his stubbornness, or was he trying to pressure me? He didn’t take even a single step back.

"Fine, then. Let’s find out what everyone thinks. Those who believe the re-investigation is the right thing to do, come to this side!"

I raised my hand as I looked around the room, wondering if anyone would step forward.

To my surprise, one person walked toward me.

It was Seo Daeryong, my absolute supporter. Everyone knew of the close relationship we shared, so there were no ripples in the room when he made his move.

"My loyal follower and one-man army, Seo Investigator," I said.

"If you say that, it sounds like I’m moving based on personal friendship," he replied.

"Wasn’t it?"

"No, it wasn’t. Regardless of personal ties, I believe this case must be re-investigated."

"Why?"

"The investigation was insufficient," Seo Daeryong answered calmly.

"Also, there’s a possibility of external pressure that we cannot rule out," he added.

"Alright. Anyone else agree with this?" I asked, looking at the investigators again.

Surprisingly, one more person stepped forward.

"I think so too."

It was the martial artist who had been injured by Go Dang during the last Demon Corps investigation. I not only avenged him but also had the best treatment arranged through the Demon.

"It’s Ikho. I didn’t get to thank you properly back then. I’m really grateful."

"How’s your injury?" I asked.

"I’m fine," he replied.

"Good to hear."

No other investigator moved. It seemed they were wary of Geum Myeong’s influence. Although I had only met them a few days ago, Geum Myeong had worked with them for years, even decades.

At that moment, another investigator stepped forward.

"It’s Yanggun. I’m Ikho’s peer. I truly thank you for avenging him."

Yanggun’s appearance encouraged a few others to follow. They weren’t moving because of personal friendships but because they too believed the investigation had been mishandled.

However, there were still far more standing with Geum Myeong.

I called on one of them, the person at the center of today’s issue.

"Investigator Jonghwa!"

"Yes," Jonghwa replied.

Jonghwa was the investigator responsible for declaring Baek Do-gwi’s son innocent in this case.

"What do you think?"

"I conducted the investigation properly," he answered, avoiding my gaze.

I stepped closer to him, staring into his eyes.

"Did you take a bribe from the Demon Ghosts?" I asked coldly.

Jonghwa’s expression stiffened instantly. It was Geum Myeong who spoke up for him.

"What kind of nonsense is that?" Geum Myeong said, his voice sharp.

I directed my icy gaze at Geum Myeong and asked, "Then did you take one?"

"No," Geum Myeong replied quickly.

"Then why did you step in? Why make reckless statements about your superior?"

"It’s my subordinate’s matter," Geum Myeong said, standing firm.

"It’s also my subordinate’s matter. Or not?" I shot back.

In that instant, Geum Myeong realized he had made a mistake and lowered his head.

"No, I’m sorry."

"Don’t step in without permission," I said sternly.

"Yes," Geum Myeong answered.

After silencing him, I turned back to Jonghwa.

"Did you take money from Baek Do-gwi?"

"No," he answered.

"Swear it."

"I swear it on my life," Jonghwa said without avoiding my gaze.

"If you don’t believe me, investigate."

"I already did. He didn’t take any money," I said, surprising everyone.

The implication of "I already investigated" meant I had already completed an internal investigation.

Geum Myeong, unable to hold back, interrupted again.

"Only special investigators can conduct internal investigations."

"I proceeded with a special investigation. I even got a direct order from the sect leader for an external investigation," I responded sharply.

Geum Myeong flinched at my words.

"Did you think I wouldn’t get such support when the sect leader appointed me as the head of the Yellow Spring Division?"

"No," Geum Myeong said.

I addressed the room calmly.

"I was curious. If you didn’t take money, then why did you try to cover up the case?"

"I didn’t cover it up. According to my investigation..." Jonghwa started, but I cut him off.

"Didn’t he threaten to kill your little sister?" I asked.

In an instant, Jonghwa froze, his face saying, "How did you know?"

"I did some digging into you. You are an exceptionally clean person. I didn’t believe it at first. I had them look deeper. There’s no one who doesn’t like money, after all. But surprisingly, you really are an honest person. So why would such an honest person cover up the case? I found one major weakness—your only family, your little sister."

Jonghwa’s eyes trembled.

Geum Myeong, shocked, asked, "Did he really threaten you?"

Jonghwa couldn’t answer.

"Tell me, did he threaten you?"

Geum Myeong pressured him, but Jonghwa remained silent, his head bowed. I knew why Geum Myeong had been so proactive in this. Jonghwa was his most cherished junior, and he had stepped in to help him avoid the consequences of this issue.

I turned to Jonghwa and said, "If you’re worried about your sister, don’t worry. I’ve already sent executioners to protect her at the An-ga estate. She’ll be safe until this case is fully resolved."

At those words, relief washed over Jonghwa’s face. He knelt before me, as if acknowledging everything.

"I’ve committed a grave sin."

Geum Myeong, watching from the side, sighed heavily.

"Ah."

He had worked with Jonghwa for a long time, so he knew how much Jonghwa cared for his sister. But it seemed even he had no idea about this situation.

I spoke to the bowed Jonghwa.

"You know that even if you were threatened, you shouldn’t have done this, right?"

"Yes, I will accept my punishment."

The expressions of the other investigators varied, but all of them were filled with anger. This wasn’t just someone else’s problem—it could happen to any of them.

"Get up."

"Yes," Jonghwa said, standing.

"If this had happened after I became the head, I wouldn’t have forgiven you. But since it happened before I came, I’ll forgive you this time."

"Will you really forgive me?"

"I’m not forgiving you. Your past life, your honesty, is forgiving you. But now that honesty has been erased by this incident. You’ll have to rebuild from scratch."

Jonghwa was deeply moved, not knowing whether he would be forgiven.

"Thank you. Truly, thank you."

But what truly moved him was the next thing I said.

"From now on, as the head of the Yellow Spring Division, your families are my families. Anyone who touches my family will be destroyed. Why? Don’t believe me? I’ve killed a Demon Lord. Do you think I’m scared of the Demon Ghosts?"

I could feel the gazes of the investigators growing hotter.

"From this moment on, the Yellow Spring Division will not tolerate any external influence. If anyone takes even a single coin, they will face severe punishment. Anyone who defies this will be imprisoned just like the criminals we’ve put away. If you can’t live by this, leave the division now."

Various reactions were displayed. Joy, excitement, resentment, distrust... they all showed on their faces.

"But, I won’t let anyone who messes with «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» you off the hook. If you’re threatened, report it to me, and I will protect your family. Even if they’ve already been kidnapped, I will rescue them. You can trust me. If you don’t trust me, trust the sect leader. I’ll beg him to save them. So, when there’s external pressure, report it to me immediately."

I was speaking from the heart. When I’m sure my family and I are safe, the Yellow Spring Division will function properly.

"I believe that anyone who commits evil must be punished. Even if it’s the Heavenly Demon, if they commit a mistake in the battle, I won’t let it slide. If the sect leader commits a crime, I’ll arrest him too!"

In that moment, everyone held their breath. Saying I’d arrest the Heavenly Demon was a statement that could easily lead to my own death.

"I fear no one—not the sect leader, not the Palma Zone. What I fear is becoming fools. I fear not being able to protect those I need to protect, and I fear letting the ones who should be punished slip away unharmed. When I caught that bastard yesterday, the people in the inn were so happy they clapped. I like attention, so I’ll keep getting applause."

As my sincerity hit them, their expressions changed. Jonghwa, in particular, had tears welling up in his eyes.

Then, an investigator standing behind Geum Myeong walked toward me. She was Jo Hyang, someone Seo Daeryong held in high regard.

"I also want to receive applause with you, Head."

That was the beginning. One by one, investigators walked over to my side. Some did so from the heart, while others did so reluctantly, influenced by the atmosphere. But it didn’t matter. What mattered was that they were all moving in the same direction.

The only ones left were Geum Myeong and his supporters.

"Do you not like the new principles I’ve established?" I asked.

"No," he replied.

"Then why are you still standing over there?"

"..."

"Is it your pride that’s hurt?"

"No. I don’t know if what you said is sincere."

Far from it. His pride was hurt. He had come with good intentions to protect his junior, but now, the justification and momentum he had lost were gone. He had stepped forward only to be humiliated. That’s why these few steps were so difficult for him.

I needed to soothe his wounded pride. That’s the leader’s role. This was a time for unity, not division, and while he was stubborn, he wasn’t a bad person. In fact, when I dealt with Jonghwa, he was also subtly involved.

"The words I spoke earlier were all sincere. To make my sincerity a reality, I need your experience and help."

I reached out to Geum Myeong.

"Help me."

"Thank you, Head."

Geum Myeong took my hand, his grip shaking. This moment was more than just comforting him. It was a sign for the investigators watching.

I immediately turned to Seo Daeryong.

"Seo Investigator."

"Yes."

"Go with the executioners and arrest Yang Ho’s father, Baek Do-gwi, right now. Charge him with special threats."

At that moment, Geum Myeong cautiously spoke up.

"He won’t comply with the arrest voluntarily."

I raised my voice for everyone to hear.

"Let him try. If he does, I’ll wipe out the entire Demon Ghost faction."

They must have been wondering what I was basing this confidence on, but one thing was clear.

The investigators of the Yellow Spring Division, since the time they were appointed, had never heard anyone say they would wipe out the entire Demon Ghost faction. They were excited now. Their hearts must have been racing. I could feel the heat in the air.

With this heat, I could be certain. Today was the highest morale the Yellow Spring Division had ever had since its establishment.