Chapter 265: I’m a Demonic Cultist, So What if I Kill a Few People?
Chapter 265: I’m a Demonic Cultist, So What if I Kill a Few People?
Geom Mu-geuk reclaimed his place in the seat of honor.
When Yeo So-gwang moved to sit beside him, Geom Mu-geuk gestured for Yak-ran to take that spot instead.
Despite being displaced from his seat, Yeo So-gwang wasn't offended in the least. On the contrary, he looked at Geom Mu-geuk with newfound admiration.
To dash off to a private room with a woman in his arms while so many eyes are watching? And then to openly seat her right next to him? It was a level of audacity Yeo So-gwang could never have imagined for himself.
Regardless, things were unfolding exactly as he had intended.
He’s completely fallen for the bait.
If the Young Cult Leader was truly this eccentric and impulsive, there was a real chance to secure a high-ranking position at the Main Headquarters this time. Fueled by that expectation, Yeo So-gwang attempted to butter up Geom Mu-geuk with even more honeyed words.
"Look at the dancer’s expression. She is drowning in happiness. Indeed, what woman could fail to be captivated by our Young Cult Leader’s sheer masculinity?"
Yeo So-gwang’s gaze shifted toward Yak-ran.
Her expression was different than usual. She had always looked at him with trembling fear, but now, she seemed strangely dignified.
Stupid bitch. She thinks she’s won the Young Cult Leader’s heart just because they shared a bed once.
She didn't realize that getting involved with the Young Cult Leader only shortened her lifespan. When he eventually grew bored of her, there was no way he would just let her walk away. Even if he didn't do the deed himself, one of those guards would surely dispose of her.
Just then, Geom Mu-geuk turned to Yeo So-gwang.
"Tell me, Unit Leader Yeo, what do you hate most in this world?"
Yeo So-gwang’s mind raced, trying to decipher why the Young Cult Leader was asking such a question.
However, he couldn't fathom the intent. While the man seemed straightforward at times, he also possessed a dangerously unpredictable side.
"I..."
Things he hated? Of course, they existed. He hated anything that hindered his career advancement. He hated anything that interfered with his accumulation of wealth. He hated it even more when someone saw through his duplicity.
But those were truths he could never utter aloud.
"I hate the hypocrites of the Orthodox Faction who seek to destroy our Divine Cult. I despise their hollow sanctimony above all else."
"As expected! Having Unit Leader Yeo here makes me feel truly reassured. Now, in that spirit, have a drink with me."
"I am honored, Young Cult Leader."
As Geom Mu-geuk poured the wine for Yeo So-gwang, he asked casually, "Unit Leader Yeo, have you managed to save up a lot of money?"
Yeo So-gwang flinched inwardly, but he immediately adopted a pained expression.
"If only that were the case. As you can see, I have more than a few subordinates to look after. Perhaps I simply have no luck with wealth, for it leaks away as fast as it comes in."
"Unit Leader Yeo, don't play coy with me. Lend me some money."
Suddenly asking for a loan? Is he demanding a bribe? Or is this just a drunken joke?
Yeo So-gwang tried to grasp the true meaning, but he simply couldn't read the Young Cult Leader’s mind.
With a practiced smile, Yeo So-gwang pulled a silk pouch from his robes.
"If our Young Cult Leader needs money, I must open my own pocket, even if it’s just a small sum."
He peeked inside the pouch and spoke.
"I have eighty taels here. I shall lend you at least this much."
Geom Mu-geuk took the money, then shook his head.
"This isn't enough."
Does he really want a bribe?
Yeo So-gwang had climbed to his current position by offering countless bribes. Usually, he could tell exactly how much someone wanted just by the way they spoke—often, he could calculate the necessary amount without them saying a word.
But the Young Cult Leader wanted a bribe? And in such a public setting?
It defied common sense. No matter how hard he tried to parse the intent, he couldn't see the hidden motive.
Fine, let’s see where this goes.
Yeo So-gwang stood up with a smile.
"Please wait just a moment."
Yeo So-gwang stepped out of the main hall.
Yak-ran, sitting beside Geom Mu-geuk, looked at him with a puzzled expression, but he offered no explanation. The guards also exchanged glances, but none of them could guess their master's intentions either.
A short while later, Yeo So-gwang returned carrying a small box.
"Here it is."
The conclusion Yeo So-gwang had reached while he was away was this: the business of running off with Yak-ran, and now this blatant request for money...
The Young Cult Leader enjoys the attention. He’s a man who likes to stand out far more than I thought.
He was the Young Cult Leader, so what did he have to fear? Look at me, I’m taking bribes right out in the open. He probably thought it looked "cool" or "demonic."
You foolish boy. You’re leaving behind a weakness. If this becomes a problem later, do you intend to kill everyone here to silence the witnesses?
Geom Mu-geuk peered inside the box.
"Oh, you’ve saved up quite a bit."
"I am giving you all the money I have saved in this life."
Geom Mu-geuk closed the box and spoke again.
"Unit Leader Yeo."
"Yes, Young Cult Leader."
"Give me more."
For a split second, Yeo So-gwang’s face contorted. But faster than the scowl could form, he replaced it with his usual genial smile. It was a talent in itself to be able to fix his expression so quickly.
"Did I not say that this is my entire life's savings?"
"I know you have a separate stash."
"I do not, I assure you."
Just as Yeo So-gwang smiled and waved his hand in denial...
"What about the money you made by holding hands with the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader?"
Yeo So-gwang was struck with absolute horror. He was so shocked that the words 'How do you know that?' almost tumbled out of his mouth.
Of course, the seasoned Yeo So-gwang managed to react without showing his shock.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Why act like this between us? I understand completely. With such a meager salary, you have to find a side income to take care of your subordinates. Isn't that right?"
To agree would be suicide. The amount he had gained from the Heavenly Flower Sect affair was enormous. Furthermore, he had killed over twenty people to keep that secret buried. It was something that could never be revealed.
How much does he actually know?
Yeo So-gwang decided to stick to a flat denial for now.
"I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I certainly had dealings with the Heavenly Flower Sect, but that was solely to handle the official affairs of this branch."
He had a set of fake ledgers prepared for just such an occasion—ledgers doctored to make it look like the incoming funds were used for the branch's benefit.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk gestured for him to bring his face closer. Yeo So-gwang leaned in, his heart pounding with tension. He feared a fist might fly at him at any moment.
Fortunately, that didn't happen. Instead, something far scarier than a fist was delivered.
"Then how much did you pocket from the Soya Guild Master?"
"!"
"Don't remember? Then do you recall the money you received from the Vice Leader of the West Spear Sect?"
Several more names followed in a steady, cold stream.
Listening to this, Yak-ran was inwardly stunned. These were the names she had written down. When she had given him the paper, he had seemed to barely glance at it, yet he had memorized every single one perfectly.
Yeo So-gwang’s eyes shook. He was a man who rarely lost his cool, but this time, his composure was shattered.
What? How on earth did he find out?
No, that wasn't the important part. The question was how to escape this situation.
"Our Unit Leader Yeo’s face has gone stiff. I much preferred your smiling face."
Yeo So-gwang forced a smile. He needed to improvise, but with so many names being brought up, his mind was a chaotic mess. The greatest crisis of his life had suddenly lunged at his throat.
"Now I see. I know what our Unit Leader Yeo hates most. It’s giving up his own money. Am I right?"
Yeo So-gwang’s wandering gaze landed on Yak-ran, who was sitting beside Geom Mu-geuk.
In that moment, his eyes met hers. The second he saw the dignified look in her eyes...
Damn it! That wretched bitch spilled everything!
Because she had been so obedient for so many years, he had never dreamed she would dare to betray him.
"Did that dancer say something to slander me?"
"Why bring that up all of a sudden? Does Unit Leader Yeo have some sort of connection with this woman?"
Yeo So-gwang realized instantly that he had made a slip of the tongue. He should have stuck to a total denial. Above all, he should never have let himself be linked to Yak-ran.
But the tightening noose didn't stop there.
"Where are the goods from the Hunan First Escort Agency?"
The world went dark before Yeo So-gwang’s eyes. The Young Cult Leader knew every single one of his corrupt dealings.
"This is slander! This is a plot by someone trying to bring me down!"
"By whom?"
Yeo So-gwang’s gaze shifted back to Yak-ran.
"Was it this dancer’s doing?"
He couldn't answer yes. If he did, the fact that he had forced her to entertain others would be revealed, and more importantly, the fact that he had introduced such a woman to the Young Cult Leader would be an even bigger problem. He had a better chance of survival being seen as a corrupt martial artist.
He already knew before he came here. He came to catch me. In that case...
Yeo So-gwang dropped to his knees on the spot. He bowed his head low.
The music that had been echoing through the hall stopped, and everyone held their breath. The sight of Yeo So-gwang, who had wielded absolute power here in Hunan, kneeling was utterly surreal.
"Please, show mercy and forgive me. I was momentarily blinded by greed."
He prayed that the Young Cult Leader’s impulsiveness would manifest. He hoped the man would laugh it off, saying such things were nothing. Isn't he the type who wants to stand out? Please! Stand out by forgiving me! Show off!
But in the moment where he should have been flashy, Geom Mu-geuk became calm and cold.
"Where is the money you’ve been hoarding?"
"...It is in the bank."
"Not that. Not the money you kept for show to pass the Huangquan Pavilion audits. I’m talking about the money you scraped together with your own claws."
Yeo So-gwang said nothing. He couldn't. To live, he had to give up the money immediately, but did he have any idea what it took to amass that wealth?
Geom Mu-geuk gestured for Hwang Pyo, who was standing in the distance, to come forward.
Hwang Pyo ran over, his face pale with tension, and knelt beside Yeo So-gwang.
"You know where he hid the money, don't you?"
Geom Mu-geuk released his killing intent. Every hair on Hwang Pyo’s body stood on end. He felt as if the blood were draining from his body. The chilling realization that he could truly die here gripped him.
"Tell the truth, and I will let you live."
Hwang Pyo’s heart hammered against his ribs. He had always thought he could die for Yeo So-gwang. But when faced with actual death, he was terrified. Had the man really treated him well enough to justify dying in his place?
Geom Mu-geuk read his wavering heart perfectly.
"You watched your master amass a fortune. What did he ever give you?"
He had given him crumbs. And even then, he had acted as if he were being incredibly generous.
Hwang Pyo looked at Yeo So-gwang kneeling beside him. Seeing the man looking so haggard, unlike his usual self, Hwang Pyo realized something. His loyalty was only valid as long as Yeo So-gwang held the power over his life and death.
"...The assets are hidden at a temple called Yangho-sa."
Geom Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission to Jeok-yeon.
— Notify the Tongcheon Pavilion immediately and have them recover everything!
— Yes, I understand.
Hwang Pyo pleaded desperately.
"I have confessed everything, so please spare my life!"
In that exact moment!
Squelch!
Yeo So-gwang drew his sword and slashed the man’s throat. Blood sprayed across Yeo So-gwang’s body and face.
Yeo So-gwang wiped the blood from his eyes. Regret preceded his resentment toward Hwang Pyo. He shouldn't have trusted him. He should never have trusted anyone. This guy, that bitch... he should have disposed of them years ago and found new ones.
Yeo So-gwang spat on Hwang Pyo’s corpse and spoke coldly.
"Who do you take me for, some kind of idiot? Did you think you could spout that shit right next to me and live?"
The smile he always wore was gone, as if a mask had been ripped away. This was his true face. He hadn't expected his disguise to be removed so easily.
And it was all because of this strange Young Cult Leader.
"Young Cult Leader, you never had any intention of letting this man live from the start, did you?"
"You must have spent your whole life flattering others and walking on eggshells. Are you still trying to read others' thoughts even in your final moments?"
The sword in Yeo So-gwang’s grip trembled. He spoke with a sigh of lament.
"It’s unfair. I haven't even had a chance to spend the money I spent my whole life gathering."
"You were addicted to the act of making money. You should have looked at people and the world while spending it. But you only ever looked at the gold."
Yeo So-gwang thought that might be true. He had felt a much greater thrill when making money than when spending it.
"I..."
He wanted to argue, but the words wouldn't come. He was a man famous for his eloquence, yet in front of this damned Young Cult Leader, he couldn't think of a thing. To think the life I built for so long could crumble in an instant like this? It felt like a nightmare.
Yeo So-gwang shrieked in a frenzy.
"So what if I did! I’m a Demonic Cultist, so what if I kill a few of those insignificant bastards?"
They were words he would never have normally said. They were the words of a low-life thug.
If Geom Mu-geuk had countered with, 'Right, I’m a Demonic Cultist too. So what if I kill a bastard like you?' it wouldn't have felt so pathetic. But Geom Mu-geuk simply watched him with indifferent eyes.
Yeo So-gwang screamed in desperation.
"Aaaaaaaah!"
Just as Yak-ran couldn't handle him, he couldn't handle Geom Mu-geuk.
Yeo So-gwang lunged. His sword, which had been flying toward Geom Mu-geuk as if to kill him, suddenly changed direction. The blade pointed toward Yak-ran’s heart. He blamed her for everything.
Thwack!
The sound of flesh tearing echoed through the hall.
Yeo So-gwang’s sword stopped just inches from Yak-ran’s heart. Instead, Geom Mu-geuk’s Black Demonic Sword was buried deep in Yeo So-gwang's own chest.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Yak-ran.
"The phantom that tormented you has now vanished from this world."
As he withdrew the sword, Yeo So-gwang collapsed backward and died.
"Send the phantom in your heart away with him."
Yak-ran understood why Geom Mu-geuk was saying this. He was telling her not to spend the rest of her life suffering from the wounds Yeo So-gwang had inflicted.
Looking down at Yeo So-gwang’s corpse, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"I will dance."
She had been waiting for this moment.
Then Geom Mu-geuk said, "Don't dance here. Dance on a stage later. A dance should be performed on a stage, not in a place where filthy blood is flowing."
"But you promised?"
From the clear, deep eyes of Geom Mu-geuk as he looked at her silently, Yak-ran realized the truth. He had made that promise just so he could tell her this.
"There is no need to perform a dance of vengeance. He isn't worth it. Perform your best dance on your own stage."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Why are you being so kind to someone as insignificant as me?"
Geom Mu-geuk stood before her.
"Because the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult did you wrong."
Geom Mu-geuk gazed at her and spoke with solemn sincerity.
"I apologize on their behalf. I am sorry."
The tears Yak-ran had been holding back finally spilled over. The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult was apologizing. To an insignificant life he could snuff out with a flick of his finger. How could she continue to dwell on past wounds after this?
She performed a deep kowtow to Geom Mu-geuk.
"I will never forget this grace. Please, come to see my dance one day."
The other dancers and musicians present also bowed their heads.
Watching this, Jeok-yeon could feel it. The Demonic Path of Geom Mu-geuk, which had once lingered on the meal prepared by No. 3’s mother, had today lingered on this woman’s dance.
And now, he felt he could see it, just a little. What it was they were meant to protect. His eyes, which had been so painful they felt like they would burst, hurt a little less.