Divorced Heavenly Demon - Chapter 6

**Grand Strategist Sama Geuk.**

For the past thirty years, since the unexpected disappearance of the previous Heavenly Demon and the absence of a leader, Sama Geuk has effectively overseen the affairs of the Heavenly Demon Sect. Even though his martial skills were not among the top in the sect, his intellect, wisdom, and strategic mind were unparalleled, challenging any comparison even within the entire world.

If there were a rival, it might be someone as distant as the Zhuge family of Central Plains. Nonetheless, within the sect, there was no one who could be compared to him. Facing Sama Geuk, Hyuk Mu-rin raised his chin and began to speak with eyes half-open.

“Let’s have a conversation.”

Meeting his gaze, Sama Geuk clasped his hands together politely and bowed his head following the formalities.

“I request to step down from my position in the sect and return to my family home. Please grant me this permission.”

Sama Geuk had sent several letters with the same request, but they were rejected. Now, he expressed his resignation directly in front of Hyuk Mu-rin. However, the response remained unchanged.

“Impossible. I cannot grant that.”

“……!”

Despite making the request face-to-face, he was firmly rejected, causing Sama Geuk to pause briefly before speaking again.

“May I ask why?”

“Who in the sect could possibly rise to the position of Grand Strategist if you step down? No one else but you can fulfill that crucial role, so I simply cannot allow it.”

“You’re mistaken. The Deputy Strategist, Mo Seol, possesses wisdom equal to mine and is fully capable of fulfilling the responsibilities.”

“Even if I had a hundred Deputy Strategists, I wouldn’t trade them for you. It seems you are greatly underestimating your own capabilities.”

Sama Geuk attempted to elevate the Deputy Strategist so he could gracefully bow out, but Hyuk Mu-rin casually dismissed this, praising Sama Geuk’s abilities.

Nevertheless, Sama Geuk continued to push for his resignation.

“My workload has increased recently to the point where I’ve been unable to get any sleep. I wish to return home for a while, rest, and restore my health…”

“You should have informed me sooner. I will immediately approve an increase in manpower for Ma Seo-gak.”

“I’ve been feeling physically exhausted recently, experiencing intermittent tremors in my limbs. I believe I might need at least a year’s worth of extended rest…”

“Is that so? I will promptly open up the Heavenly Demon Vault and grant you an elixir that is effective for recovery!”

No matter how wise and eloquent Sama Geuk was, ultimately, the final decision lay with Hyuk Mu-rin in this situation where Sama Geuk was seeking to resign. In a scenario where Hyuk Mu-rin held the power, countering Sama Geuk’s points was not too challenging.

‘His expression is deteriorating.’

As Sama Geuk’s face gradually turned red, Hyuk Mu-rin quietly observed him through half-open eyes. From the beginning, Sama Geuk had not favored him, even maintaining a stern expression during the succession ceremony. However, Hyuk Mu-rin did not particularly dislike him in return. His feelings towards the sect were not jealousy or envy but rather concern for it.

Given the absence of a Heavenly Demon for thirty years, there must have been great anticipation for the next leader. But what happened? Due to a political marriage, a young Heavenly Demon ascended politically, so his disappointment was understandable.

‘But even so, I can’t let him resign.’

The position of Grand Strategist is a pillar of the sect. The influence Sama Geuk wielded in maintaining that position for decades could not be ignored. In fact, in a previous life, after Sama Geuk retired and returned to his family, pressure and interference from the Seven Great Demonic Families had greatly increased. Sama Geuk’s resignation was essentially the starting point where Hyuk Mu-rin lost power and became a puppet.

‘The request for resignation came much earlier.’

The first time he received a resignation letter, compared to his previous life, was a month or two earlier. It was likely a consequence of his recent divorce notice.

‘Is the future already changing?’

Information he originally knew could potentially alter. Nonetheless, Hyuk Mu-rin found himself further intrigued by such changes, the changes implying that his actions could alter the future. It was also evidence that the path he had taken since returning to the past wasn’t wrong.

“Sigh.”

A battle between spear and shield. Confronted with an impregnable shield, Sama Geuk sighed deeply. He understood now. The leader had no intention of letting him go, no matter what excuse he made. With no option to resign without his permission, the only remaining path was to stay.

Sama Geuk, closing his eyes tightly, requested sincerely with a voice filled with resignation.

“In that case, I have one final request.”

“Speak.”

“Please retract your declaration of divorce.”

Given the current situation, escaping was near impossible. In that case, shouldn’t he at least remove the root cause that could shake the sect?

“At this point, divorce is the worst choice. The Cheon family, who previously stood behind you as supporters, will withdraw, and your own Hyuk family may be overpowered by other families. You might even be expelled from the Seven Great Demonic Families.”

The current leader, being young, lacks experience. While his courage to declare divorce is commendable, the claims of the powerless are ultimately trampled upon. It seemed he was unaware of the broader impact his every action and decision could catalyze. Especially since he assumed leadership politically rather than through traditional means, the weight of the word “divorce” held far more significance.

Casting a glance at Hyuk Mu-rin, Sama Geuk continued his speech.

“But that’s not all. As time passes and your allies vanish, your range of action will narrow, and you will find yourself isolated. This would not be a favorable outcome for you or your family, wouldn’t it?”

He believed he had explained enough for him to understand. Sama Geuk met his gaze. However, Hyuk Mu-rin continued to observe him silently without responding. An uncomfortable silence ensued, and just as Sama Geuk was about to speak out of impatience…

“Have you said all you wanted to?”

Hyuk Mu-rin spoke first.

“Yes.”

Nodding, Sama Geuk waited for Hyuk Mu-rin’s response, which followed in a detached voice.

“I’m aware of all that.”

“What do you mean?”

“The things you worry about. I’ve anticipated all the situations the sect may face in the future.”

At his words, Sama Geuk’s voice heightened.

“If you knew, then you should retract the divorce immediately!”

“But I cannot do that.”

“……!”

For a moment, Sama Geuk’s eyes quivered. Hyuk Mu-rin, hands behind his back, began to pace slowly.

“It’s understandable that it’s difficult to comprehend.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Didn’t you just say earlier? If I divorce, both the sect and my family will fall apart.”

“That’s right. It’s not a mere guess; I can assure you of it with my life and honor.”

“But you know better than anyone that withdrawing the divorce won’t restore them to normal either.”

Confronted with the truth from Hyuk Mu-rin, Sama Geuk found himself speechless.

He was right. With the current political climate, the sect would inevitably plunge into chaos under the eyes of rapacious predators. Moreover, the Hyuk family, already semi-subservient to the Cheon family, would steadily crumble into decline.

‘He knew about it already.’

Despite this, an unresolved question lingered.

“But proceeding with the divorce will expedite the arrival of that calamity. Within a month, they might attempt to forcibly usurp your position as leader.”

“Yes, but won’t that provide me with an opportunity?”

Pausing his steps, Hyuk Mu-rin turned his head to gaze at Sama Geuk.

“The last chance to restore all of this to its rightful state.”

“……!”

“You spoke moments ago about how both the sect and my family would fall apart.”

With a slight shake of his head, Hyuk Mu-rin clenched his fist.

“That statement is wrong. I will ensure that my sect and my family bloom brightly under my guidance.”

The resolute declaration from Hyuk Mu-rin sharpened Sama Geuk’s gaze.

‘To think I regarded him merely as an ordinary man,’

Sama Geuk was impressed by the insight and determination Hyuk Mu-rin had shown in their conversation. However, this only deepened the sorrow swelling within his heart.

‘What a waste.’

Hyuk Mu-rin bore the lineage of the Hyuk family. Following the Great War of Righteousness and Demons, the Hyuk family had lost its head and martial heritage. As a result, his martial prowess was evidently lacking compared to other families within the Seven Great Demonic Families.

No matter how often he passed through the Heavenly Demon Vaults to hone his martial skills, it would take decades to fully grasp it. By then, his place within the sect would likely have vanished.

Just as Sama Geuk was mourning the unfortunate loss, Hyuk Mu-rin spoke.

“Very well. I will grant you permission to resign.”

“Are you serious?”

“In return, I will have your child brought to the sect. After all, the position of Grand Strategist has long been reserved for the Sama family.”

“In that case, I will not resign.”

Sama Geuk firmly rejected his proposal. With the sect’s future undeniably turning into a battlefield, no father would send their child into the fray unprepared. Rather than his inexperienced child assuming the role of Grand Strategist, it was better for him to continue bearing the responsibility.

“Hmm.”

Touching his chin in thought, Hyuk Mu-rin contemplated before speaking.

“Then, a fortnight.”

“……?”

“I will borrow you for exactly a fortnight. During that time, return to your family for recovery. Afterward, both you and your children will be granted freedom.”

As Sama Geuk eyed him suspiciously, Hyuk Mu-rin replied nonchalantly.

“You know well that my pending workload is immense. With the talent evident in the Sama family’s bloodline, you can prove your capabilities sufficiently. I plan to enlist your help for a fortnight to manage those burdens.”

Hearing this, Sama Geuk slowly nodded. According to reports, documentation had piled up like a mountain within the sect’s administrative headquarters. From his perspective, it was a necessary decision to navigate the immediate challenges he faced.

‘A fortnight.’

Within a fortnight, both he and his child would be liberated, as promised. There was no rational reason not to seize this opportunity.

“Understood. I will abide by the leader’s word.”

“A wise decision.”

“Then, whom among my children should be brought to the sect?”

Asking, Sama Geuk pondered his sons.

‘I suppose the eldest is the most likely candidate.’

He was regarded as the most probable candidate to succeed as the next head of the Sama family, having grown earnestly and earned the support of key figures. Given their desire to establish connections and foster ties with the Sama family, it was reasonable they would choose him.

‘If it’s purely about handling work, it could be the third son.’

The third son bore similarities to him. He exhibited remarkable efficiency and adeptness in handling tasks.

‘The fourth is clever but too young.’

The wide-eyed fourth son, intrigued by ledgers and numbers, was indeed a promising talent even the Sama family held high expectations for. However, being not even ten years old made him unsuitable for taking on responsibilities just yet.

‘The eldest or maybe the third.’

Speculating which son might be chosen, Sama Geuk fixed his eyes on Hyuk Mu-rin’s mouth as it prepared to speak.

And soon enough, it opened to reveal an answer Sama Geuk had not predicted in the slightest.

“The one I choose is.”

However, the response left Sama Geuk in shock.

“The second son.”

“……!”

“Send the second son.”

Hearing this, Sama Geuk’s eyes widened in disbelief, freezing him in place.

Momentarily overcome by shock, he quickly responded.

“You must have chosen incorrectly. My second son is naturally dim and lacks insight, insufficient to meet your expectations, so please consider choosing another…”

“No. The one I have chosen is indeed the second son of the Sama family, Sama Jin,”

Interrupting Sama Geuk, Hyuk Mu-rin confirmed once more. In his eyes, there was unmistakable certainty.