Chapter 102: I’d Rather You Survive
Chapter 102: I’d Rather You Survive
Bi Sa-in, Seo Jeong-tae, and the seven members of the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path stood frozen, stunned by my claim that I was the son of the Heavenly Demon.
“Are you truly Geom Mu-geuk?”
Bi Sa-in’s face contorted further, his voice sinking into a low, dangerous rasp.
“I am.”
Bi Sa-in turned to the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon for confirmation.
“I ask the Demon Lord. Is this the truth?”
“What kind of fool would dare impersonate the Cult Leader’s own flesh and blood in my presence?” the Smiling Demon countered.
That was all the proof they needed. Unless the Smiling Demon had lost his mind, he would never acknowledge a fake as the real thing.
“Why are you here?” Bi Sa-in demanded.
The Unorthodox Path Alliance knew the Smiling Demon had left the Cult, but they hadn't discovered that I was accompanying him.
“For the same reason you are. To resolve this matter without unnecessary bloodshed. Isn't that why you came out personally?”
Instead of answering, Bi Sa-in threw another question back at me.
“How did you know it was me?”
Because it happened in the past.
But I couldn't give him that answer.
“It is well known that two of the 13 Wolves are enough to match a single Demon Lord. Yet, eight of them came to face one? No matter how vital this matter is, don't you think that’s a bit excessive, even by your standards?”
“I don't think that alone is enough to identify me.”
“Of course not. That’s why I observed your group. People usually place the most important person in the center, so I looked closely at the man in the middle. There were several inconsistencies.”
“Such as?”
“You all wore the same clothes, but you overlooked your footwear. Your boots are of a quality rarely found in the Central Plains. The sword you carry is no ordinary blade, either. Furthermore, when you released your aura earlier, the way yours harmonized with the others was off. Since you rarely release your aura in unison with them, the lack of synchronization was bound to stand out.”
“You truly sensed such a minute difference?”
I nodded, and Bi Sa-in’s expression hardened. While reading someone’s aura didn't necessarily mean there was a vast gap in skill, it was an unsettling realization for him.
I continued, feigning ignorance of his discomfort.
“There is another reason. I noticed the Merchant Group Leader sending a telepathic message. Sending such a message at a critical moment means he was deferring to someone else for a decision. A man who can command a Merchant Group Leader while guarded by seven of the 13 Wolves, all while wearing expensive boots and carrying a masterwork sword... Who else could I assume it was but you?”
With a stiff face, Bi Sa-in slowly nodded.
At that moment, the Smiling Demon and Lee An sent me the same telepathic message almost simultaneously.
— The Second Young Master is a genius.
— Young Master, you’re a genius.
I sent a reply to Lee An.
— You just sent the exact same message as the Smiling Demon.
— It seems both good and evil have acknowledged you, Young Master.
— And which side are you on?
— Young Master!
If we had been alone, I would have laughed and continued the banter, but I maintained my composure and stood calmly.
While those two were pleasantly surprised, Bi Sa-in’s mood had darkened.
Bi Sa-in, now is not the time to be upset. You’ve just encountered the only chance to change your fate.
“I am envious,” Bi Sa-in muttered.
“Of what?”
“You have already been confirmed as the successor, haven't you? I am still in the middle of a struggle.”
The corner of Bi Sa-in’s mouth twisted. Even a slight, bitter smile made his entire mouth look crooked, giving him a striking, almost grotesque expression.
I knew exactly why he looked like that despite being in a position that should be a source of pride. Though he had been named the successor, fierce internal power struggles plagued the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
He had already survived three assassination attempts, one of which was truly life-threatening. Because so many factions were eyeing his position, he hadn't been able to uncover the true culprits. That was the reason he was currently traveling with seven of the 13 Wolves.
However, in my life before the regression, he was eventually assassinated.
Would his fate change now that he had met me? Even I didn't know. Would what was meant to happen still come to pass, or would he forge a new destiny?
Then, one of the 13 Wolves guarding Bi Sa-in took off his bamboo hat and stepped forward. He was an old master with hair as white as snow.
“This old man is the leader of the 13 Wolves.”
1st Wolf Baek Cheol-gi.
He was the head of the 13 Wolves and the most trusted confidant of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. He had lived his life burdened by the guilt of failing to prevent the injury to Bi Sa-in’s face when the boy was young. And when Bi Sa-in was eventually killed by the hidden factions, Baek Cheol-gi died trying to protect him.
Perhaps that was why I felt a sense of goodwill toward him. In his loyalty unto death, I saw a reflection of Lee An.
“I had heard rumors that the Second Young Master of the Divine Cult has been distinguishing himself lately, but you truly live up to your reputation,” Baek Cheol-gi said.
“I merely made an educated guess based on my observations.”
“For a martial artist, observation is a talent more vital than any other skill.”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
After exchanging these pleasantries, the 1st Wolf got to the point.
“The reason the Young Alliance Leader has come personally today is not merely to resolve the merchant group’s problem.”
“Then what is it?”
“Someone wishes for the Smiling Demon to cause another bloodbath.”
Hearing himself mentioned, the Smiling Demon stepped forward and asked, “And who might they be?”
Baek Cheol-gi shook his head. “We do not know either.”
The Smiling Demon looked at me as if seeking an answer. I met his expectations.
“They are likely those who covet the position of the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s successor.”
“What do they have to do with me?”
“Suppose the Smiling Demon had slaughtered everyone in the Hundred Precepts Merchant Group today. It would have caused another massive uproar, wouldn't it? The masterminds behind this likely intend to use the conflict between our Cult and the Alliance to further their own schemes.”
Both Baek Cheol-gi and Bi Sa-in were shocked by how quickly I grasped the situation. I had identified the core of the issue they were grappling with in an instant.
Bi Sa-in spoke up again. “How did you know that?”
“As you said, because Young Master Bi stepped forward personally today. If this weren't directly linked to your own problems, you would have sent a subordinate instead of coming here yourself.”
“Since you are so intelligent, I suppose I don't need to explain why you must leave. Please return to your Cult. That would be best for everyone.”
“We also have a demand for Young Master Bi.”
“A demand?”
“Withdraw the Hundred Precepts Merchant Group from Guizhou immediately. And compensate the Smiling Demon for all the losses he has suffered over the past two years.”
Everyone was stunned by my unexpected words. Even the Smiling Demon seemed surprised by the proposal.
The first to react with outrage was Seo Jeong-tae, the leader of the Hundred Precepts Merchant Group.
“What on earth are you talking about? Withdraw immediately? Compensation? Does that even make sense?”
I looked coldly at Seo Jeong-tae.
“It seems there is no hierarchy here. A subordinate dares to interrupt while the Young Alliance Leader is speaking.”
I felt a bit hypocritical saying that, considering the chaotic state of our own Cult.
Bi Sa-in spoke coldly on behalf of the bristling Seo Jeong-tae. “I gave you a warning out of courtesy, so you should be grateful and ask for more time. What is this nonsense?”
“The only one speaking nonsense is you, Young Master Bi.”
“Me?”
“How long has it been since you were officially named the successor?”
“Two years.”
“Those who plotted this must have been working to usurp you since the moment you were named—or even before that. Is that not so?”
“Let’s say that’s true.”
“Then do you have proof that they weren't involved in the bloodbath the Smiling Demon caused two years ago?”
“What?” Bi Sa-in looked bewildered. He likely hadn't considered that possibility.
“You saw how the Smiling Demon handled things today. You saw him struggle to control himself even in a situation that made him furious. Why do you think he acted differently two years ago?”
I looked at the Smiling Demon. He spoke with a look of dawning realization.
“Could it be? Are you saying there was a mastermind behind that incident as well? That they used me? Me, the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon? That those bastards who threw themselves at me like they were suicidal back then did it for a reason?”
With every word, his cold demonic energy grew denser. Soon, the Smiling Demon began to chuckle like a madman. It was the laugh he gave when he was truly enraged.
“Second Young Master, I joked about slaughtering everyone and spending ten years in confinement, but it seems I might have to stay locked up for twenty.”
Sensing that the Smiling Demon’s reaction was genuine, Bi Sa-in remained silent for a moment. He, too, was beginning to suspect that the bloodbath two years ago might have been a conspiracy.
“Even so, I have no intention of withdrawing the Hundred Precepts Merchant Group.”
“Fine. Then I will add one more condition.”
“What condition?”
“The Smiling Demon and I will help you uncover the masterminds behind this.”
It was one surprise after another. Bi Sa-in had probably never been this shocked so many times in a single day.
“You told us to go back, but we won't. The Smiling Demon isn't the type to leave just because you tell him to, is he?”
The Smiling Demon chimed in to support me. “I’m the type who stays specifically because I’m told to leave.”
I continued with a faint smile. “As you can see, that’s the kind of person he is. So, we will help. If those bastards are trying to drag the Smiling Demon into this, we cannot simply stand by.”
“Are you confident you can uncover them?”
“It might be impossible to fully expose those who have been operating in the shadows for years, but I will find a definitive clue that leads to them. If I provide that clue, will you grant the demands I made earlier?”
The reason I made such an offer was simple. I already knew who the masterminds were.
Bi Sa-in would eventually accept. He had seen my extraordinary insight today, and more importantly, the profits in Guizhou or punishing the Smiling Demon were nothing compared to finding and eliminating the masterminds who were trying to kill him.
Bi Sa-in, Baek Cheol-gi, and Seo Jeong-tae exchanged telepathic messages. I gave them time. During that interval, the Smiling Demon sent me a message.
— Will they accept? The financial loss will be immense.
— They will definitely accept. Want to bet? The loser buys dinner! How about it?
— You’re obsessed with food and my mask again. I decline.
I chuckled inwardly, while he remained expressionless. Eventually, Bi Sa-in finished his consultation.
“Very well. I accept. However, we will only withdraw once you provide the clue.”
“Fine. Let’s do that.”
I drew the Black Demonic Sword and held it out to him. Bi Sa-in drew his own sword and lightly tapped it against mine.
Clang.
The clear ring of clashing steel served as the seal on our promise. We looked at each other through the crossed blades. My gaze was perfectly calm as I looked at his mangled, distorted face.
While I didn't have any particular fondness for him, I did have a grudge against the man who was supposed to be the next successor. A truly wretched piece of trash was destined to take his place if Bi Sa-in fell.
Of course, if this life followed the same path as the past, it wouldn't matter. That man would also be killed by Hwa Mu-gi. But what if we all survived? Then it would matter.
I’d rather you survive.
Your scarred face will be far more beneficial to the Murim than the handsome face of that slippery piece of trash.
“Then, until we meet again.”
“Indeed.”
And so, we left the Hundred Precepts Merchant Group without shedding a single drop of blood. In the carriage on the way back, the Smiling Demon asked me, “Was it dull?”
“Meeting the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance guarded by seven of the 13 Wolves? Discussing the masterminds trying to kill him? Which part of that was dull?”
The Smiling Demon laughed. It was his habitual laugh, but I felt it had changed slightly.
“How did you know he would accept?”
“His life and his position as the Alliance Leader are at stake. I figured he would accept any condition.”
“Are you confident you can catch them?”
“That is a question I should ask you, Lord Smiling Demon. Are you confident? They are the ones who will be attacking you, not me.”
The Smiling Demon laughed even louder. “My dull world is becoming quite interesting.”
“It was never dull to begin with. The Murim is this exciting; perhaps you and I have just spent too much time within the Cult.”
“But where shall we find them?”
“We won't need to find them. They will come to us. We just need to go about our business.”
The Smiling Demon looked at me with genuine admiration. They were going to be attacked anyway, and if they could obtain a clue in the process, all the troublesome issues in Guizhou would be resolved at once—while also recouping all past losses.
I added one more thing to his admiration.
“I don't care whether the successor of the Alliance lives or dies. My only interest is the Smiling Demon’s world. I am simply here to observe it.”
This journey was about observing the Smiling Demon’s world, and by the time it ended, we would know much more about each other.
The Smiling Demon, who had been staring at me intently, spoke with an intrigued glint in his eyes.
“Then I suppose I should go and show you why an ugly heart is truly ugly.”
The carriage began to race once more toward another corner of his world.