AR Chapter 32

The next day, I opened an Underworld Pavilion branch in Demon Family Village.

It was located across from the Flowing Wind Tavern. It was truly a small-scale branch, with only one new investigator and one enforcement warrior stationed there.

As the necessary furniture was being moved in and the signboard was being hung, Flowing Wind Tavern owner Jo Chun-bae cautiously asked me while observing my reaction:

“Pavilion Master, why did you set up a branch here?”

“Let’s say you were wronged by our cult’s warriors. What would you have done until now?”

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

Jo Chun-bae’s question contained everything. What could I have done? I just had to swallow the injustice.

“If it involves our cult’s warriors, you can come to Underworld Pavilion and report it. Do you know anyone who has done that?”

“No, not that I know of.”

Of course not. To reach Underworld Pavilion, one had to report their purpose of visit at the cult’s front gate, go through identity verification, and even a body search. They had to go through this process several times before reaching Underworld Pavilion.

So who would go to report? In the end, Underworld Pavilion had essentially abandoned the residents of Demon Family Village.

“Innkeeper, please spread the word. Tell the Demon Family Village residents that if they suffer harm from our cult’s warriors, they can come to this branch and report it.”

“But… everyone will hesitate out of fear of retaliation.”

“I’m sure they will. That’s why I’m going to announce soon that anyone who retaliates against an informant related to an Underworld Pavilion investigation will be executed.”

“Execution? Ah, you’re really opening this branch for us.”

Jo Chun-bae was deeply moved.

Ordinarily, he would have dismissed this as mere formality, not believing it. He would have thought it would eventually become nominal.

But this time, having directly seen and heard how I dealt with the Hundred Demonic Blade Yang Tae father and son, Jo Chun-bae was excited.

“Hey, you all! Come here and listen!”

He began to inform the people in the marketplace about the existence of the branch.

I didn’t know how many people would come to report their grievances in the future.

But no matter how many, this attempt would play a big role in establishing discipline in the cult. Now that it’s so easy to report, there will be fewer incidents of the strong bullying the weak.

As we finished setting up the branch and were returning, Seo Daeryong seemed to be in a good mood.

“We should have done this long ago… You’ve done really well.”

“It’s a matter of where you place the center of gravity.”

“What do you mean?”

“Until now, Underworld Pavilion’s center of gravity was in its head. We’ve been solving problems of various organizations within the cult while being mindful of the Eight Demon Supremes. We’ve deviated from our original purpose of establishment and degenerated into a servant of power. From now on, I’m going to place Underworld Pavilion’s center in its legs. We’ll start by protecting the residents of Demon Family Village, lower-ranking warriors, and those who suffer injustice because they’re relatively weak. In this process, we just need to remember one principle.”

“What’s that?”

“That the weight of a life is the same for everyone. A low-ranking warrior’s life weighs the same as a Supreme Demon’s. That’s why we handle matters by the same standard for everyone.”

Emotion flashed across Seo Daeryong’s face.

“If someone else had said this, I would have thought it was nonsense. Just pathetic idealism that ignores reality. But coming from you, Pavilion Master, I believe it.”

“Is that an insult or a compliment? You just insulted me, didn’t you?”

“If you approach any more menacingly, I’ll be the first to file a complaint.”

I smirked as I watched him scurry away.

And to maintain the impact of Underworld Pavilion that I had told him about, there was one thing I needed to do.

***

I summoned all the enforcement warriors.

“We greet you, Pavilion Master!”

They greeted me loudly. After imprisoning even the Hundred Demonic Blade in the Internal Prison, my popularity had risen even higher than when I first took office.

Not only my popularity but also my authority had increased. Even those who had subtly disrespected me, thinking I was losing in the succession race to my brother, had changed their attitude. When they encountered me while walking, they lowered their eyes first.

“I thank you all for your dedication to our Pavilion until now.”

I came to the side of the platform and cupped my hands in gratitude to them. The enforcement warriors also cupped their hands in unison to receive my greeting.

“This is the first time we’ve gathered without the investigators, isn’t it?”

“Yes!”

“On a good day like today, I should share good news, but I’m going to tell you something a bit uncomfortable.”

The enforcement warriors tensed at my words.

“As you know, there are those in our cult who defy and challenge the authority of our Pavilion. The Demonic Army did, and so did the Demonic Bladesmen. The reason is simple. They think they’re stronger than you.”

It was a statement that might hurt their pride, but I didn’t mince words. There are things to say to investigators, and things to say to enforcement warriors. For these people, speaking directly would be more effective than beating around the bush.

“Any of the Eight Demon Supremes will do. Can you take my arrest warrant and bring in a high-ranking official of Hundred Demonic Blade’s level?”

No one could answer confidently. This was the reality.

“Why can’t you do it? Because they believe their fists are stronger than our Pavilion’s laws. How do we change this? It’s simple. Your fists need to become stronger than theirs. If they fear you, they won’t even think of defying us.”

Everyone’s expressions became eager. They must have experienced at least once their authority not being respected.

“I want you to become stronger than you are now.”

Of course, the current enforcement warriors are strong. But they’re not strong enough to overwhelm the warriors of elite organizations. They’re similar or even slightly weaker.

“So from today, we’re canceling all schedules and entering special training.”

There were various reactions to the words “special training.” Some were happy, while others frowned.

“If you think this change doesn’t suit you, it’s better to quit now. I’ll send you to another department, so step forward.”

After a moment’s hesitation, two people stepped forward. They honestly said they wanted to go to other departments.

I promised to assign those two to the departments they wanted and sent them back.

“Don’t be shy. Not everyone needs to fight in Underworld Pavilion. It’s fine to support the cult from a position that suits you. Anyone else?”

No one else stepped forward.

“Good.”

I beckoned to someone waiting far away.

It was Jang Ho, the Third Squad Leader of the Demonic Army. The strongest man among the Demonic Army Commanders.

Since I had avenged his friend’s grudge by killing the Demonic Army Commander last time, he had developed a great liking for me.

“From today, this person will give you special training.”

Since a new Demonic Army Commander hadn’t been decided yet, all the Demonic Army were on standby. That’s why this request was possible.

Jang Ho stepped in front of them. With his huge build and the scar on his face, he overwhelmed the enforcement warriors.

“I’m Jang Ho, in charge of your training for the time being. I took on this task out of personal respect for Pavilion Master here. The training will be harsh. But I promise one thing. Those who endure will definitely become stronger than before. Understand?”

“Yes!”

The enforcement warriors answered loudly.

“Training starts in half a shichen. Everyone prepare and gather again. Dismissed.”

After all the enforcement warriors dispersed, only Jang Ho and I remained.

“How’s the atmosphere in the Demonic Army these days?”

“It’s unsettled. Things will stabilize once the next Demonic Army Commander is decided.”

I had heard various rumors about the next Demonic Army Commander too. I’d heard that Father and Sima Myeong were deliberating carefully on the appointment because it’s such an important position, and I’d also heard rumors that the Supreme Demons had started moving to pull strings for themselves.

“I’m sorry for asking for help at a time like this.”

“Not at all. Please call me anytime. If it’s an order from you, Young Master… no, Pavilion Master, I’ll come running anytime.”

“Thank you.”

As even Jang Ho was leaving and I was about to turn around, I heard a voice from somewhere.

“Two days left now.”

When I turned my head, Blood Heavens Saber Demon was sitting on the wall behind me.

“You seem to have a lot of free time.”

“When you’re a Supreme Demon, time is one thing you have in abundance.”

“If I become the Cult Leader, the Supreme Demons will have more than enough to do.”

“Then take my hand.”

Blood Heavens Saber Demon is pressuring me to accept his proposal no matter what.

“My brother will be disappointed if he knows about this.”

“He’ll understand. Isn’t it human nature to go with the one who does better? Do you know why I hate those righteous faction guys? They package this feeling too much. They should just say ‘I like that guy because he’s rich’ or ‘I like that guy because he’s stronger,’ but they talk about cooperation and morality. They think they’ll go crazy if they’re honest.”

“Isn’t it the same for me?”

“What?”

“That human nature of going with the one who does better. Other Supreme Demons might want to join hands with me too. Among them, there might be someone who does better than you.”

He could have been at a loss for words, but Blood Heavens Saber Demon handled it calmly.

“Listen, young master. Do you believe in your abilities and potential?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re confident you can become a Heavenly Demon.”

“I am.”

“I’m the one who recognized that first. Just looking at the ability to discern someone’s true value, isn’t it obvious who will do the best?”

“Even a smooth talker like me is no match for you.”

“Hahaha. I’ll see you in two days.”

Laughing loudly, Blood Heavens Saber Demon leapt away and disappeared.

‘How persuasively this old man speaks.’

At first glance, everything he says seems right. But if you think about it coldly, it’s close to nonsense.

I’ve only recently started to attract attention within the cult. Everyone will be watching my changes.

Blood Heavens Saber Demon just made his move first by getting involved with me. He’s claiming ownership just because he spat first.

Join hands with Blood Heavens Saber Demon? It’s not impossible. If he truly becomes my ally, he would certainly be a great force.

But I can’t join hands with him like this. Blood Heavens Saber Demon still holds the initiative.

***

The next day, I was watching the enforcement warriors train from a hill overlooking the training ground.

Jang Ho was ruthless. It was truly training that cut into their blood and bones, but the enforcement warriors were gritting their teeth and applying themselves to the training.

Before starting, Jang Ho provoked everyone with just one sentence:

“This is the training we do in the Demonic Army.”

This one sentence was enough. If they couldn’t endure the training that the Demonic Army does, it would be admitting that they look down on Underworld Pavilion.

I thought Jang Ho was truly a clever person. There’s nothing more effective than stimulating a warrior’s pride.

From afar, I heard Jang Ho’s shout.

“Endure it! Your wife, your children, your friends, anyone might betray you. But this sweat you’re shedding now will never betray you!”

I smirked as I heard Jang Ho’s shout. It was funny to hear Jang Ho, who had never even been married, mention wives and children.

‘Well, you’ve found the right man.’

Just as I was thinking how reassuring it would be to have a warrior like Jang Ho under my command…

‘Ah!’

A good idea regarding Blood Heavens Saber Demon crossed my mind.

***

On the third day, Blood Heavens Saber Demon was waiting for me at the same place where he first proposed to join hands.

Like before, he was drinking alcohol, leaning against the blade of his Heaven-Destroying Great Saber stuck in the ground.

“Are you ready to drink my alcohol now?”

I sat across from him.

“I’m ready.”

Blood Heavens Saber Demon poured me a drink with a satisfied face and a big laugh.

We toasted vigorously, but I didn’t drink the alcohol.

“Why aren’t you drinking? Why did you put it down?”

“I need some side dishes.”

“Side dishes? What kind of man talks about side dishes?”

A displeased look appeared on Blood Heavens Saber Demon’s face. He realized that the side dishes I mentioned weren’t actual side dishes, but some kind of condition.

“What kind of side dishes do you need?”

In the tense atmosphere, I answered.

“The Demonic Army.”

Blood Heavens Saber Demon’s eyes widened at these unexpected words.

“Put the Demonic Army in my mouth.”