Heavenly Inquisition Sword

**C321ª. The Sword and the Scales**

The leader of the Heaven and Earth Alliance, Mu Geuk, regarded the Commander General with a complex expression.

On the one hand, he understood his feelings.  He himself, if he had such a face, wouldn’t want to present himself before the heroes of this world.

“Hmm, we will discuss that matter again after observing how it evolves. For now, I will withdraw so you can rest.”

If the scars weren’t on his face, even the renowned master Jegal Seun might change his mind.

Mu Geuk sincerely hoped his wounds were minor. For the sake of the future Justice Alliance, it was something that had to happen.

——————-

Jeongju’s Premier Pavilion.

In the dead of night, the sixth floor of the pavilion was filled with experts from the Heavenly Mansion.

Among them, the Bangju Cheonmun Gwang, known as the Silent Asura Slayer, and the second-in-command Geum Wonsung, master of the Venomous Triple Swords, guarded the entrance to the seventh floor like sentinels.

They repeatedly glanced towards the seventh floor, but dared not ascend.

On the spacious seventh floor, only six men and two women were seated.

They were Seok Muhae, Grand Chaeju of Nokrim, known as the Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord, along with seven of his subordinates, the Demon Generals.

“…Because of that incident, the Grand Inspector dismembered the Commander General’s body. Once his treatment is complete, negotiations will resume.”

After reporting, Guiyeong Ja furtively looked at the Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord.

The Demon Lord, with an inscrutable face, simply continued drinking from his cup.

“Master, because of Yeon Jeokha , Nokrim’s space within the Heaven and Earth Alliance is shrinking. Until when do you plan to let him act freely?”

Hearing Yeon Jeokha’s name, the Demon Lord looked up at Guiyeong Ja. It was a statement implying a lack of recognition for the Grand Inspector.

“Do you know the proverb ‘Ju Ma Ga Pyeon (주마가편)’?”

“No, I don’t.”

“It means ‘to whip the horse that is already running,’ so that it runs even better. And you suggest the opposite? That we stop the horse with a rein?”

“When the war against the Yoomyung Cult is over, the Heaven and Earth Alliance will dissolve. There’s no need to continue using Yeon Jeokha; he only provokes resistance among the righteous sects.”

“In Nokrim, that’s normal. It’s better than trying to curry favor with the righteous sects.”

“Master, the elders of the Heaven and Earth Alliance criticize Nokrim daily. Yeon Jeokha is like a wild colt out of control. Once the Justice Alliance is formed, the first thing they’ll do is attack Nokrim, and he’s giving them the perfect excuse…”

“Haven’t the righteous sects always been controlling Nokrim?”

“The Demon Warriors of the Yoomyung Cult were difficult to face even for our disciples. However, the Seven Great Sects  and the Four Great Families  are manageable for them and the fortress bosses.”

The Demon Lord nodded his head. Before the Yoomyung Cult grew stronger, that had been true.

“You’re right. Yeon Jeokha was appointed Grand Inspector to eliminate the Demon Warriors.”

“Now is the perfect time to dismiss Yeon Jeokha. He is called the ‘Little Demon’ and acts recklessly. For the sake of Nokrim’s order, you must make a decisive decision.”

The Demon Lord let out a sigh that denoted doubt. He knew Guiyeong Ja’s words were to curb Yeon Jeokha, but ignoring him didn’t leave him at ease.

Yeon Jeokha was someone unpredictable, even by Nokrim’s already chaotic standards. There were times when a “sword” was needed, and others when a “scale” was required. Yeon Jeokha was a sword, but an uncontrolled one.

Noticing the Demon Lord’s hesitation, Guiyeong Ja exchanged glances with the other Demon Generals.

Gyeonghonsagun (경혼사군) intervened:

“Master, except for the Ten Masters of the World, there is no rival for the Twelve Demon Generals. We can handle Nokrim’s seventy-two fortresses ourselves.”

“That’s right. Yeon Jeokha is impulsive and acts according to his temperament; he’s not fit to be Grand Inspector.”

“Such a young Grand Inspector shouldn’t behave as if he were a Grand Chaeju.”

“Yeon Jeokha only brings harm to Nokrim with his careless behavior.”

Those comments, filled with resentment towards Yeon Jeokha, finally led the Demon Lord to make a decision:

“I will dismiss Yeon Jeokha as Grand Inspector. Guiyeong Ja, go and convey my decision, and collect his emblem.”

“Understood!”

But just as Guiyeong Ja showed a victorious smile, the Demon Lord added:

“However, due to his merits, I will appoint him Grand Protector.”

The Demon Generals were dumbfounded but dared not question him.

Hearing this, Guiyeong Ja was bewildered. He received the Black Iron Emblem (흑철패) from the Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord with an expression of disbelief.

“Grand Protector? Master, the position of Grand Protector is not for someone like Yeon Jeokha (연적하). It’s a position reserved for the Grand Chaeju or, at least, someone with more experience. Appointing him, so young, makes no sense.”

The Demon Lord’s eyes lit up with an icy gleam.

“Do you dare to imply that my decision is wrong?”

“No, master! But the position of Grand Protector has always been purely honorary. Granting it to Yeon Jeokha places him almost on par with Nokrim’s leaders. Wouldn’t it be better to reconsider this?”

With a firm voice, the Demon Lord replied:

“Silence! My decision is final. Grand Protector is just a symbolic title, a position without real power. What difference does it make if he has it?”

The Demon Generals looked at each other, unable to refute the Demon Lord’s words. Although the title granted no practical authority, the designation of Yeon Jeokha as Grand Protector was a slap in the face to their attempts to completely dismiss him.

“Withdraw now. I have nothing more to discuss.”

With these words, the Demon Lord ordered them to leave the seventh floor. The Demon Generals, though dissatisfied, dared not linger.

————————

Later, on the seventh floor…

The Lady of the Black Lotus, daughter of the Demon Lord, ascended to the floor and sat unceremoniously in front of her father. She took a bottle of liquor and began to drink without asking permission.

The Demon Lord looked at her disapprovingly.

“Why aren’t you in Chillihwa Village supervising as I asked? What are you doing wandering around here?”

“It’s boring.”

“Boring? You yourself asked to go there. Why the sudden change?”

“Yeon Jeokha doesn’t pay me any attention. He seems more interested in another woman. I’m starting to think I should give up.”

The Demon Lord raised an eyebrow, incredulous.

“Another woman? Are you sure?”

“Yes, it seems he’s interested in the Incomparable Among Ten (십전무후).”

Hearing that name, even the Demon Lord fell silent for a moment.

“Incomparable Among Ten, you say… She’s a cold and distant woman. I highly doubt she’s interested in anyone.”

“Really? Because in the village, I saw them talking animatedly and even laughing together. She didn’t seem cold at all.”

“Laughing? That woman? It’s hard to believe.”

The Lady of the Black Lotus nodded firmly.

“Yes, I even saw her smile several times while talking to him.”

The Demon Lord became thoughtful. If the Incomparable Among Ten truly had some kind of relationship with Yeon Jeokha, it could be complicated. She was known not only for her coldness but also for her unparalleled martial ability, making her a difficult figure to face.

“It doesn’t matter. The world changes quickly, but you shouldn’t be distracted. Is there anyone else among the Twelve Demon Generals who interests you?”

“They’re all too old for me. I like younger men.”

“In Nokrim, it’s difficult to find someone who meets your expectations. Lower your standards a bit.”

“Why should I? If Namgung Yeon can be with someone like Yeon Jeokha, why can’t I choose someone from the righteous sects?”

“What? Are you saying you want to get involved with someone from the righteous sects? Who do you have in mind?”

“Namgung Cheon, also known as the Blue Cloud Swordsman.”

The Demon Lord almost spat out his drink.

“The Blue Cloud Swordsman? Are you serious? Why would someone like you want to be with a righteous man?”

“Because he’s the only one who compares to Yeon Jeokha. Besides, he’s still unattached.”

The Demon Lord sighed deeply and, after a moment of reflection, conceded.

“Do what you want. If it’s Namgung Cheon, I have no objections. In fact, it could be beneficial to Nokrim if you two unite.”

—————————-

In the morning, after quickly finishing his breakfast, Yeon Jeokha was conversing on the porch with Shim Tong, the Old Dao of Nine Heavens.

At that moment, Guiyeong Ja appeared, crossing the low fence near the place.

“You again? What do you want now?” Yeon Jeokha asked, frowning.

“I come to deliver a message from the Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord.”

“Go ahead.”

With some caution, Guiyeong Ja entered and, standing before Yeon Jeokha, spoke respectfully.

“The Grand Chaeju has ordered your dismissal as Grand Inspector, due to the crimes committed against the Heaven and Earth Alliance.  Also, he asked me to retrieve your emblem.”

Without showing emotion, Yeon Jeokha took the emblem from his robe and tossed it to Guiyeong Ja.

“Take it. That stupid emblem has only caused me trouble.”

After putting away the emblem, Guiyeong Ja continued:

“I must also inform you that, due to your achievements, you have been appointed Grand Protector (태상호법).”

Hearing this, Yeon Jeokha immediately replied, with disdain:

“I won’t accept it.”