A tense atmosphere filled the emergency assembly convened exclusively for elders and higher-ranked officials.
The reason for their unease was the attendance of the Vice-Sect Leader.
Normally, he would not participate unless the matter was of grave importance.
After listening to the mission report from Red-Browed Killing Smile (赤眉殺笑) Hyuk Musang (赫武相), the attendees remained momentarily silent.
It was the sect leader who broke the silence.
“What do you believe was the cause of our failure? Two of our elite Shadow Agents (秘影隊) have perished. We must determine the cause before devising a countermeasure, must we not?”
Hyuk Musang responded with a solemn expression.
“My lord, according to the latest intelligence, the Asura Blood Sect has established a sub-stronghold in Mount Daemang (大網山), heavily fortified with barriers and elite warriors. Given the level of security, relying solely on intelligence agents proved insufficient.”
At these words, the sect leader’s expression darkened.
A faint murderous aura (魔氣) seeped from his body, sending an invisible chill through the room.
It was a clear sign that he was displeased.
Only warriors of the Extreme Demon Realm (極魔) could fully suppress their demonic aura, and yet he was allowing it to leak.
“Then what do you propose?”
“Our specialized agents excel in espionage and infiltration but lack martial prowess. This time, we plan to deploy a three-man unit—one skilled in stealth and pursuit, another specialized in infiltration and formations, but we lack a warrior strong enough to protect them in battle. Of course, this individual must also be proficient in infiltration.”
The sect leader pondered for a moment before turning his gaze toward the Vice-Sect Leader.
“What is your opinion, Vice-Sect Leader?”
The Vice-Sect Leader, Azure-Eyed Venom Lord (碧眼毒君) Neung Bi-gye (凌非癸), was a formidable presence within the sect.
He was one of the few martial artists who had reached the realm of Extreme Demon.
However, unlike the sect leader, he made no effort to suppress his demonic aura.
His presence alone was suffocating, as if a venomous fog had settled over the room.
“If the mission requires both stealth and combat prowess, why not deploy an assassin?”
The Chief Elder, Heavenly Blade King (天刀王) Ye Ji-go (黎志高), immediately followed up.
“Indeed. Assigning one or two elite assassins would be ideal.”
At this, Great Guardian (大護法) Black Wind Phantom (黑風魔靈) Hwang No-gak (黃老角) objected.
“I disagree. Assassins are effective in ambushes, but they lack adaptability against unconventional attacks. Instead, we should send two of my elite Grand Guardians (護法員)—their martial prowess far surpasses that of assassins.”
Then, breaking the prolonged silence, another voice spoke.
It was Phantom Shadow Demon (幻影飛魔) Gu Yang-un (丘陽雲), a senior elder.
“I must oppose the Great Guardian’s suggestion. The Grand Guardians excel in direct combat but have no expertise in stealth or covert operations. They are unsuitable for this mission. Instead, we should deploy warriors from the Heavenly Blood Sword Division (天魔血劍隊). These men are battle-hardened veterans, trained on the frontlines.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than another elder, Extinction Palm God (滅絶神掌) Zhuge Tian (諸葛天), interjected.
“How do you expect to conduct espionage with sword demons who only know how to kill? My Shadowless Division (無影隊) would be far more suited for this task.”
At this, the sect leader’s lips curled slightly, seemingly pleased.
“That would be ideal. The Shadowless Division specializes in covert surveillance, excelling in both stealth and infiltration, and their combat skills are formidable as well.”
Then, Blood God of Asura (修羅血神) Buk Gung-rae (北宮雷), commander of the Black Killing Squad (黑殺隊), spoke.
“I would like to nominate one of my Black Killing Squad assassins. To ensure success, we should include two Shadowless Division warriors and one elite assassin.”
The sect leader nodded before asking.
“Which assassin do you recommend?”
“My lord, I previously mentioned a warrior by the name of Mukhyang (墨香). He is not yet a Special-Grade Assassin (特級殺手), but his swordsmanship surpasses even that of elite assassins. Not only is he highly skilled in stealth and infiltration, but he also possesses exceptional talent in direct combat. His mastery of the blade is something I personally vouch for.”
“Very well. Then let us proceed as follows: the unit will consist of two elite Shadowless Division warriors, two top-tier Shadow Agents, and one assassin. Does anyone object?”
“No objections, my lord.”
With a satisfied nod, the sect leader rose to his feet.
“The team is larger than originally planned, but each member has their own strengths. Ensure that this mission reveals what the Asura Blood Sect is scheming.”
At once, the elders stood and clasped their fists.
“By your command!”
After the meeting adjourned, the Vice-Sect Leader approached the Great Guardian.
“How fares His Eminence, the Grand Elder?”
The Grand Elder referred to was Poison Hand Demon Emperor (毒手魔帝) Han Seok-young (韓夕英), the retired former Sect Leader and father of the current leader.
At thirty-five years his senior, he was an Extreme Demon Realm (極魔) martial artist known for his merciless executions, earning him the title Poison Hand (毒手).
He was also one of the Four Demon Emperors (四魔帝).
“He remains in good health.”
“I have not seen him in some time. Would you pass along my regards? Please encourage him to visit the Elder Hall when convenient. And… continue to look after him.”
“Understood. I already do my utmost, but as you know, he has distanced himself from worldly affairs. These days, he spends most of his time in the gardens, admiring the plum blossoms (梅花). He has always been fond of plum blossoms.”
The Vice-Sect Leader chuckled.
“Hah! I still find it difficult to believe that a man titled Poison Hand Demon Emperor enjoys something as delicate as plum blossoms.”
“For those of us who serve him, it is actually a relief. He rarely leaves his training chamber or the garden, making our duties much simpler.”
“Does he still seek greater heights in martial cultivation?”
“Who knows? Perhaps if he continues his training, he may become the first to reach the Transcendent Demon Realm (脫魔境).”
The Vice-Sect Leader sighed in nostalgia.
“Ah… I miss the old days, when the Four Demon Emperors stood together…”
The Great Guardian nodded.
“We cannot change fate. His Eminence seemed deeply affected by those events, did he not?”
“Perhaps… Jang In-geol (張仁傑), that wretched traitor… his Black Slaughter Demon Palm (黑殺魔掌) was truly terrifying…”
Jang In-geol, known as the Black Slaughter Demon Emperor (黑殺魔帝), was once a member of the Four Demon Emperors before he betrayed the sect and founded the Dark Demon Sect.
“Well then, until next time.”
“Farewell.”