Chapter 250: In the Midst of the Heat
Chapter 250: In the Midst of the Heat
The eight Demon Lords stood in a perfect line, their gazes fixed intently on Geom Mu-geuk. Every demonic practitioner gathered in the square followed his every move with bated breath.
Geom Mu-geuk walked toward the Blood Heaven Blade Demon first.
“Lord Blade Demon.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes shone with genuine warmth as he looked at the elder.
“It is entirely thanks to your guidance, Elder, that I was able to become the successor.”
In front of the entire gathered Cult, Geom Mu-geuk loudly credited the Blood Heaven Blade Demon for his achievements.
At his words, the Blade Ghosts standing behind the Demon Lord erupted in a thunderous cheer, their demonic energy surging outward in a wild display. Had the Heavenly Demon himself not been present, they likely would have started chanting, ‘Blood Heaven! Blood Heaven!’
Geom Mu-geuk looked at them with a satisfied expression. It was thanks to these aggressive, rough bastards that he had completed the final stage of the Thousand Meridian Strengthening Technique, which in turn had allowed him to achieve Immunity to All Poisons.
Thank you, Blade Ghosts!
It was a sentiment that would have shocked anyone else, but to Geom Mu-geuk, they actually seemed quite endearing.
Geom Mu-geuk bowed his head to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, conveying his deepest gratitude.
“I respect you, Elder!”
He meant it from the bottom of his heart. This was the first Demon Lord to become his ally—a man who had given everything to support him without a moment's hesitation.
“It is only because the Young Cult Leader possesses such exceptional talent. What could an old man like me have possibly done?”
“Please continue to lead me well in the future.”
Since it was an official occasion, the two maintained proper etiquette. However, Geom Mu-geuk wasn't about to let it end on such a stiff note. He sent a voice transmission in his usual cheeky tone, a stark contrast to his current solemn demeanor.
— Elder, let’s get a drink later! We need to have a massive celebration! Oh, and as the Young Cult Leader, is it okay if I crash in bed without washing up?
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was delighted by Geom Mu-geuk’s unchanging attitude.
The Blade Demon knew that even if this man became the Heavenly Demon himself rather than just the Young Cult Leader, he would remain exactly the same. It was that very personality that had caused him to fall so deeply for the man known as Geom Mu-geuk.
— Keep acting up and you’ll get scolded by the Cult Leader. Focus!
Next, Mu-geuk walked over to the One Flower Sword Venerable standing beside him.
“Lord Sword Venerable.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
“I ask for your continued guidance. My swordsmanship has improved greatly thanks to you.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable was inwardly flustered. Their past sparring sessions weren't exactly something that deserved such high praise—in truth, he had lost those duels. Mu-geuk was intentionally saving his face in front of his subordinates.
Sure enough, the expressions of the Demon Sword Squad brightened, and they too erupted in cheers, releasing their demonic energy.
They tried to shout louder and release more energy than the Blade Ghosts had. Even on a day like this, the Blade Ghosts and the Demon Sword Squad were engaged in their petty rivalry.
The One Flower Sword Venerable spoke with a thin smile.
“The Young Cult Leader’s talent for the martial arts is a gift from the heavens; my help was negligible.”
“You are far too humble. Please continue to lead me well.”
“I shall.”
Next, he stood before the Fist Demon.
Geom Mu-geuk knew the deep affection hidden behind that terrifying, scarred face. Because of that, he also knew how powerful that man’s honest, singular strike truly was.
While it was true that Geom Mu-geuk wanted to be able to crush a cliff himself, he also sincerely wanted to help the Fist Demon crush one. He wanted to help the man achieve his lifelong dream.
“Master.”
“Young Cult Leader, now that you have attained such a precious status, I believe I should step down as your master.”
“I learned about life from your fists. No matter what position I hold, you will always be my master.”
Since he was declaring that he would treat him as a master even if he became the Heavenly Demon, a pleasant smile finally touched the Fist Demon’s fearsome face.
At that, the Iron Fists let out a roar. They were the ones who had practiced fist techniques alongside Geom Mu-geuk.
Having grown fond of him during their training, they sincerely congratulated Geom Mu-geuk on his ascension. Among the Black Fists standing at the very front was Cheon So-hui.
This time, he stood before the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord.
Between looking after the other Demon Lords and dealing with enemies outside the Cult, he felt a pang of guilt for not having taken better care of Cheong-seon.
“Demon Lord.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
Fortunately, there was no resentment in her expression. If anything, she was more supportive than anyone.
She knew well that she wouldn't have reached the position of Demon Lord if not for Geom Mu-geuk. Furthermore, her connection with the Pungcheon Cult Leader, who had taught her martial arts, was also thanks to him. Thus, she was determined to grow stronger as quickly as possible to repay that debt.
Geom Mu-geuk showed her the same proper etiquette as he had the others.
“The people of the Murim say that the most terrifying person in our Cult is the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord. Please continue to be our Cult’s most fearsome blade!”
“I ask for the Young Cult Leader’s great assistance!”
The Ghost Practitioners released their ghostly qi all at once. The torches held by the demonic practitioners flickered as if a gale were blowing through the spreading mist. A sinister aura hung in the air, making it feel as though spirits might manifest at any moment.
Next, he stood before the Drunken Demon.
The Drunken Demon looked at Geom Mu-geuk with a flushed, boozy face.
“Lord Drunken Demon.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
“Learning about wine and the Jianghu from you has been a great help. I look forward to your continued support.”
At the same time, Geom Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission.
— I want to call you 'Brother.'
— And I want to call you 'Little Brother.'
— Should I just go for it?
— Don't you dare. If you do that, I'll be marked for death by the Cult Leader.
Contrary to the playful transmission they were exchanging, the Drunken Demon spoke in a calm and solemn voice.
“Come visit anytime. The wine for the Young Cult Leader is always ready. Now, let us drink this to celebrate your ascension.”
As the Drunken Demon drank from the flask at his waist, the drinkers standing behind him followed suit. The scent of alcohol they exhaled swirled around, mixing with the demonic and ghostly energies. The atmosphere grew increasingly heated.
Next was the Demon Buddha.
He was the Demon Lord Mu-geuk felt most apologetic toward today.
“Congratulations, Young Cult Leader.”
The monk was calm. He wasn't foolish enough to blame Geom Mu-geuk for the First Young Master’s failure to become the successor.
“Thank you.”
“The future of our Cult rests on your shoulders, so I hope you never forget that.”
“I will keep it in mind.”
The Demon Buddha’s gaze drifted past Geom Mu-geuk’s shoulder toward Geom Mu-yang in the distance. His concern for Mu-yang was palpable.
“We monks shall pray for the Young Cult Leader’s future.”
As soon as the Demon Buddha finished speaking, the Mad Monks began chanting in unison, praying for Geom Mu-geuk’s future.
Geom Mu-geuk knew. He knew that at the very least, the Demon Buddha was praying for Geom Mu-yang.
Please protect my brother until the end, Demon Buddha.
That was Geom Mu-geuk’s honest wish.
Geom Mu-geuk then stood before the Poison King. Seeing the Poison King made him feel at ease, and a smile formed on his lips. Before he knew it, the Poison King had become someone who gave him a sense of comfort.
“Lord Poison King.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
“Thanks to your teachings in the Thousand Poison Forest, I am now largely free from the danger of assassination by poison. Thank you.”
“You were born with a constitution resistant to poison anyway. As long as you keep my words in mind, you won't die from it.”
A voice transmission immediately flew to the Poison King.
— It’s thanks to you playing with me that day that I was able to become the Young Cult Leader.
— If you’re grateful, let’s have another bet on finding poisonous herbs.
Geom Mu-geuk intentionally lowered his voice.
— I am the Young Cult Leader now. I am a different person from the Second Young Master who was a mere gatherer.
— Then come over and do some cleaning.
Naturally, his new status didn't work on the Poison King.
The Poison King’s eyes sparkled with clarity as he looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
With this, you have taken another step toward the person you must face.
Finally, Geom Mu-geuk stood before the last Demon Lord.
The Extreme Evil Smiling Demon was wearing a brilliantly multicolored mask.
“Lord Smiling Demon.”
“Young Cult Leader.”
The two stared at each other in silence. Even through the mask, one could tell how happy the Smiling Demon was just by his eyes.
Geom Mu-geuk felt incredibly lucky to have met someone he could trust so deeply in this life.
“The mask is magnificent.”
“It is a mask I wear when attending celebrations. It is perfectly suited for today.”
The Smiling Demon’s eyes were crinkled in a smile behind the eyeholes.
Geom Mu-geuk no longer needed to look for the true meaning behind his smile. At least toward him, what he saw was everything.
“I look forward to the day we go out to fight again.”
“I shall be waiting as well.”
Having finished speaking, the Smiling Demon laughed loudly. At that, the Faceless Guests standing behind him laughed along in unison. It was an eerie, haunting laughter—the Faceless Guests' unique way of celebrating his ascension.
The laughter of the Faceless Guests spread, the ghostly qi of the practitioners swirled about, and the sound of chanting echoed alongside the fierce demonic energy.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't just acknowledge the Demon Lords.
His gaze moved past the practitioners of the Eight Demons toward the warriors belonging to the Heavenly Demon Hall.
In the distance, he saw Demon Monarch Jang Ho. As those directly under the Heavenly Demon, they would be the first to throw themselves into the fray if anything happened.
He gave Jang Ho a respectful fist salute. The heat intensified with the cheers of the Demon Army.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Huangquan Pavilion investigators and the enforcement martial artists with a fist salute. They too congratulated him with loud cheers. Among the investigators, Seo Dae-ryong stood with a bright smile.
— Congratulations, Pavilion Master! No, Young Cult Leader!
— I’m putting all my trust in my right-hand man!
— Please, put some trust in your other body parts too!
Laughing pleasantly, he also gave respectful fist salutes to the heads of other organizations. The cheering reached its peak.
And finally, Geom Mu-geuk looked for one person. The one person who couldn't be hidden no matter how many people were around. His eyes met Lee An’s, who was standing among the demonic practitioners.
— You look even more beautiful than usual today.
— Since all the demonic practitioners are gathered here, I was thinking of trying to seduce someone young and handsome.
— Even if you combined everyone here, they wouldn't stand a chance.
— Don't say that. I'm nothing special.
— No, not you. I meant they wouldn't stand a chance against me.
She laughed. She loved that Geom Mu-geuk remained unchanged even after becoming the Young Cult Leader.
— Congratulations, Young Cult Leader.
— It’s thanks to you protecting me.
She would never know. She would never know that it was because she had truly sacrificed herself for him in the past that this moment today even existed.
Receiving everyone’s congratulations, Geom Mu-geuk ascended the platform. There were still people he needed to thank.
This time, Geom Mu-geuk went to greet Chief Strategist Sama Myeong.
“Strategist.”
“Congratulations, Young Cult Leader.”
Sama Myeong had watched Geom Mu-geuk’s journey to this position more closely than anyone. Because the boy was so brilliant, there were things to worry about. And because he was unpredictable, there was also a sense of unease. Even now, he never imagined Mu-geuk would say such a thing.
“Now that I’ve become the Young Cult Leader, please teach me Go in secret from my father.”
Sama Myeong smiled at his words.
“That would be difficult.”
“You just don't want me to win, Strategist!”
“I simply wish for the peace of our Cult. As long as it isn't Go, Tongcheon Pavilion will always assist the Young Cult Leader.”
After sharing a pleasant greeting with Sama Myeong, Geom Mu-geuk went to Geom Mu-yang, who was standing alone.
Was he not the most uncomfortable person here? Everything in sight could have been his. How much regret must he feel?
“Brother, I’m counting on you.”
Had they been alone, Mu-yang would have shouted, ‘You crazy bastard, stop it!’ but he couldn't do that now.
“I leave the Cult in your hands.”
Geom Mu-geuk suddenly pulled Geom Mu-yang into a fierce hug.
— Are you crazy?
— You’re the crazy one, Brother. For giving up such a great position to me.
— You crazy bastard, get off me!
Cheers erupted at the sight of the two. They had kept the promise to settle the succession without bloodshed.
Finally, Geom Mu-geuk stood before his father.
“Father.”
Geom Wu-jin took Geom Mu-geuk’s hand and walked forward.
As the two stood side by side, a roar of cheers broke out.
Just standing together like this gave Geom Mu-geuk immense power. He was now the Young Cult Leader explicitly recognized by the Heavenly Demon.
Amidst the cheers that felt as though they would last forever, the late-night announcement of the successor came to an end.
*
Geom Mu-yang was walking alone.
The atmosphere throughout the Cult was boisterous, nothing short of a festival. He wanted to blend in with a pleasant face, but it wasn't easy.
His role ended here. The role of a supporting actor who embraces the protagonist on stage.
He was walking slowly, looking down at the ground, when someone called from behind.
“Mu-yang.”
He turned around to see his father.
“…Father.”
Geom Wu-jin spoke to him in a gentle tone.
“Let’s eat together.”
The moment he heard those words, Geom Mu-yang felt a surge of emotion. Before he could even process his feelings, his vision blurred. He grit his teeth and forced himself to hold it back. He didn't want to show his father his tears on a day like today.
“I was actually getting hungry.”
“Let’s go. The cooks won't be sleeping tonight anyway, so let’s have them make something you like.”
The two walked side by side toward the Heavenly Demon Hall.
Walking with his father like this brought back memories of the past for Geom Mu-yang. The days he had spent trying to look good in his father’s eyes.
He had done his best to fulfill his role as the eldest son. He wanted to look good to his father. He wanted his father’s praise, and he wanted his father’s recognition.
The most certain way to achieve that was to become the successor. He had thought that if he failed to become the successor, he would be miserably discarded…
“Are you disappointed?”
“No, I feel relieved, if anything.”
Now, Geom Wu-jin wasn't looking at his eldest son, but simply at his son. To Geom Mu-yang, Geom Wu-jin wasn't the Cult Leader, but his father.
Geom Wu-jin didn't offer any words of comfort. However, his father’s simple invitation to eat together was a greater comfort to Geom Mu-yang than any words could have been. He was so grateful.
Geom Wu-jin walked ahead, and Geom Mu-yang followed a few steps behind.
The moonlight gently illuminated the path of the father and son walking in silence.
*
I was watching my father and brother walk from a distant rooftop.
Originally, I had planned to have a drink with my brother. But seeing my father taking care of him, I backed off. We can always drink another time, but a meal with Father on a day like today will be something my brother will never forget.
As I regressed, perhaps my brother became the child who weighed most on my father's heart.
I was grateful to my father for looking after him. A father is a father, after all.
I leaped into the air and landed on the very top of the tallest spire in the Cult.
Standing there with my arms crossed, I looked over the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. The Cult, in its festive mood, was full of life. It had been a long time since the atmosphere was this joyful and exciting.
In the midst of that heat, I thought about the things I had to do. My mind was calm, and I was confident in my ability to handle the future.
I stood alone on that peak until the heat subsided and the dawn began to break.