Chapter 272: Why Us of All People?
Chapter 272: Why Us of All People?
Someone stepped forward to block Jin Ha-gun as he walked toward his carriage. It was his younger sister, Jin Ha-ryeong.
“You’re actually attending the banquet?”
“What brings you here?”
“What do you mean? I came to see my brother off.”
“Since when have you been so attentive?”
Having lost their parents at a young age, the two had grown up relying on each other. Consequently, they cared for one another deeply. However, this was the first time Jin Ha-ryeong had ever come out to see him off like this.
“Is it because of that man, Geom Mu-geuk?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Did you come out because you’re worried about him?”
Jin Ha-gun was well aware that his sister had formed a connection with Geom Mu-geuk during the recent Young Dragon Tournament. He also knew she had remained safe back then thanks to Geom Mu-geuk’s intervention.
Jin Ha-ryeong couldn't say no, but she couldn't exactly say yes either. If she said she was worried about her brother, his pride would be wounded; if she said she was worried about Geom Mu-geuk, it would cause unnecessary misunderstanding.
“He is not an easy opponent. Do not let your guard down, not even for a second. I came to tell you that.”
“I am well aware of his extraordinary nature. I will be careful.”
Jin Ha-ryeong grabbed her brother’s arm as he prepared to board the carriage.
“When you deal with him, you must cast aside your prejudices. Don’t think, ‘He’s a demonic cultist, so he must be like this.’ He isn’t the kind of person you think he is.”
Jin Ha-gun couldn't quite grasp what his sister was worried about. After all, he had never met Geom Mu-geuk in person.
“Geom Mu-geuk has grown too powerful. If we don’t break his momentum now, we won’t be able to do anything about him later.”
Jin Ha-ryeong had also been hearing news of Geom Mu-geuk. The reports reaching her ears were nothing short of astonishing. She recalled the time he first introduced himself using a pseudonym.
— I am Geom Yeon. Not the character for ‘connection,’ but the one for ‘smoke.’ I’ll be here for a while, then vanish like smoke.
Perhaps to her, he wasn't the Young Cult Leader Geom Mu-geuk, but simply Geom Yeon. When everything ended, he really had vanished like smoke. That was likely why he crossed her mind from time to time. She heard he had become the Young Cult Leader; she wanted to at least offer him a word of congratulations.
Unaware of her feelings, Jin Ha-gun viewed Geom Mu-geuk strictly as an enemy.
“I believe that righteousness can overcome any malice. So, do not worry.”
At that, Jin Ha-ryeong spoke cautiously.
“What if the other side is a Demonic Hero?”
A martial artist who practiced demonic arts but possessed the heart of a hero. She hadn't realized it when she was with Geom Mu-geuk, but whenever she thought of him after they parted, the term 'Demonic Hero' would flicker in her mind. A hero who wasn't bound by old conventions or formalities but strictly protected what needed to be protected—not a stifling sort of chivalry that hesitated because of this or that, but a Demonic Hero who ruthlessly crushed anything in his way.
“How could such a person exist? That is nothing more than a term made up by idle gossips. Upholding chivalry is not such an easy task. It is something demonic cultists, who are obsessed with the law of the jungle, can never achieve.”
With that, the carriage carrying Jin Ha-gun departed. The warriors escorting him followed on horseback. Watching them go, Jin Ha-ryeong let out a soft sigh.
“I was telling you to drop those very prejudices.”
She trusted her brother, but she also had faith in Geom Mu-geuk.
However, Jin Ha-gun’s actions today were part of a struggle for hegemony over the Murim. There was no telling what would happen when ambitions clashed and desires ran wild. Her eyes were filled with worry as she watched the carriage disappear into the distance. Realizing she was worrying in a way she never had before, she felt she had truly become an adult, and that the Murim was undergoing a cataclysmic shift toward a new era.
* * *
“Why must it be us, of all people?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked as soon as we met, his tone sounding like a protest.
But I could feel it. The Blade Demon was excited. This was the first time he had been called upon when the help of the Demon Lords was needed.
“Because I need to create an atmosphere of terror. Just like how the Hunan Branch went into a state of emergency even though you didn't actually do anything.”
At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon glanced at the Fist Demon and nodded with an expression that said, Well, you chose the right person then. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was one of the few people in the world who could act that way in front of the Fist Demon.
“Then why me?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had naturally assumed the role of terror-inducer belonged to the Fist Demon.
“You’re the one in charge of terror, Elder.”
“What?”
Startled, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked back at the Fist Demon.
“Then why did you call this man?”
“Because I also needed someone smart.”
“You little—!”
I lunged forward to hug the Blood Heaven Blade Demon before he could explode in anger.
“Elder! I missed you.”
In truth, the Fist Demon was the 'face' of the operation, while the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was the 'sharp edge.'
The Blade Demon used a footwork technique to dodge my hug.
“I’ve been suffering all sorts of humiliations since I came to Hunan! You have no idea how much I wished for the two of you to come!”
“As if you’d ever let yourself be humiliated. Who were you bullying this time?”
“That’s a misunderstanding!”
After a boisterous reunion with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, I turned to greet the Fist Demon.
“Master, I missed you.”
The Fist Demon spoke bluntly.
“What kind of help do you need?”
Truly, the Fist Demon was the kind of man who, even if I said, ‘I want to conquer the Murim!’, would simply say, ‘Let’s go,’ without another word. That was how reliable he was. The warmth I felt beneath that bluntness made me feel even better.
It’s so good to see you again, Master.
With the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon here, it truly felt like I had gained an army of thousands.
“Now that you two have arrived, shall we pick a fight with the entire Murim?”
I explained the current situation to them.
“...Since the Unorthodox Path Alliance has moved in, we have more than enough justification to act.”
“I suppose you’ve already decided with the Unorthodox Path Alliance which sects each side will absorb.”
As expected of the veteran Blood Heaven Blade Demon; he grasped the core of this collaboration without me even having to say it.
“As expected of you, Elder!”
The sects that supported the Unorthodox Path Alliance and those that supported the Main Cult were clearly divided. There was no need to argue with Bi Sa-in over this.
“What about the Unorthodox Path Alliance?”
“They are currently in the process of absorbing sects.”
At that, the Fist Demon stood up abruptly.
“Let us go as well. There is no need to delay.”
Just showing the Fist Demon’s face would be enough to end this matter.
* * *
A banquet was prepared at the Heavenly Flower Sect.
The event was held at night, and the area was secured with trusted warriors. Seo Cheong was excited at the thought of meeting the man who would become the Murim Alliance Leader.
They said the successor is young, so I should try to curry favor. It wouldn't be bad to use this chance to advance into the Murim Alliance.
Didn't he have experience leading the young Rising Stars of Hunan? He was confident in his ability to handle young men.
On the other hand, Seo Baek-jung was staring at the entrance, looking anxious. The time for the arrival had passed, yet none of the leaders of the sub-sects following the Heavenly Flower Sect had shown up. It would be a disaster if Jin Ha-gun arrived before them.
Growing impatient, Seo Baek-jung badgered his confidant, Yu Maeng.
“Why has no one arrived yet?”
How could Yu Maeng possibly know the reason? When he hesitated to answer, Seo Baek-jung pressed him.
“Are you sure you notified them properly?”
“I am certain, sir.”
“Could you have given them the wrong date?”
“No, sir. How could I be so careless with a matter of this importance?”
“Then why aren't they here? Go and check immediately.”
“Yes, sir.”
Even after sending Yu Maeng away, Seo Baek-jung couldn't sit still. He had a bad feeling. Normally, they should have arrived earlier than the scheduled time, if only to stay in his good graces.
Just then, a subordinate ran in to report.
“The Demon Extermination Squad Leader has arrived.”
Seo Baek-jung was startled. Jin Ha-gun had arrived earlier than the appointed time. The doors opened, and the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad poured in, taking control of the surroundings.
Watching this, Seo Cheong was stunned. When the first warrior entered, he thought that man was the Squad Leader. The momentum of the Demon Extermination warriors was so extraordinary that it invited such a mistake. When his eyes met those of a nearby warrior, Seo Cheong was the first to look away. Their aura was incomparable to the Rising Stars he usually associated with.
Soon after, Jin Ha-gun entered. His presence as the Captain was on a different level from his warriors. Jin Ha-gun possessed a certain majesty that made it difficult for anyone to treat him lightly.
Seo Cheong’s original plan had been to approach him slyly, say something like, ‘Shall we young martial artists get along well from now on?’, and then lead him to, ‘Let me show you a great place,’ but he couldn't even meet Jin Ha-gun’s eyes and instead lowered his head.
An old man followed behind Jin Ha-gun. Dressed in pure white robes and holding a sword to his chest as if embracing it, he had an aura that made it seem as if an immortal had descended from the heavens.
It was a presence that overwhelmed everyone. Seo Baek-jung recognized him at a glance.
It’s the Sword Line!
He had seen him once before from a distance. He was a man who had been surrounded and welcomed by countless masters—a peerless expert with an aura that one could never forget.
The Sword Line, Lee Hak-sin.
An Absolute Master of the Orthodox Faction and one of the top swordsmen in the Murim, he was also a close friend of the Murim Alliance Leader, Jin Pae-cheon. Jin Pae-cheon had asked him to assist his grandson on this trip to Hunan.
Seo Baek-jung rushed forward to greet Jin Ha-gun.
“Welcome, Captain.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Sect Leader.”
“Thanks to your help, my son was able to return safely. I will never forget this debt of gratitude.”
Jin Ha-gun merely nodded and said nothing more on the matter. Instead, he introduced Lee Hak-sin.
“The Elder Sword Line has specially come out of seclusion to join us.”
Seo Baek-jung bowed so low his waist almost touched the floor.
“It is the honor of my family to meet the Elder Sword Line.”
“A pleasure.”
The Sword Line offered that single phrase as his greeting. He wasn't particularly pleased with the task of absorbing the Heavenly Flower Sect. It meant accepting those who had not walked the path of righteousness until now for purely political reasons. It went against his convictions, but he had come to fulfill a friend’s request.
“Please, come this way and be seated.”
Jin Ha-gun took the seat of honor, while the Sword Line stood a short distance away. By seniority, the Sword Line should have taken the head seat, but for this occasion, he focused strictly on protecting Jin Ha-gun. Since this had already been discussed, the young man focused on the purpose of today’s visit.
The Demon Extermination warriors used silver needles to check the wine and food on the banquet tables for poison.
“It seems no one else has arrived yet.”
Seo Baek-jung flinched at Jin Ha-gun’s remark. Normally, everyone should have been waiting, but something impossible was happening. Seo Baek-jung tried to act composed as he poured the wine.
“I invited them a bit later out of a selfish desire to spend some time alone with you, Captain.”
He then shifted the topic to flaunt his influence.
“There are over thirty sects that follow my sect. If we absorb them all, the Murim Alliance will be able to seize hegemony over Hunan.”
It seemed like he should be in a subservient position since his son had been saved, but the essence of this matter was different. He was still the one holding the handle of the blade. The rescue of his son should be interpreted this way: the Murim Alliance must have needed the Heavenly Flower Sect desperately to intervene even at the risk of a clash with the Demonic Cult. Furthermore, it wasn't just the Heavenly Flower Sect being absorbed; thirty or so sub-sects were being handed over as a bonus.
I must lead the negotiations to my advantage.
Jin Ha-gun, on the other hand, was sparing with his words. His opponent was a man as slippery as an old snake who had seen it all. When dealing with such a person, one must be cautious and only say what is absolutely necessary. If one talks too much, a seasoned opponent will surely find a weakness.
“As you might guess, most of them are followers of the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance. To absorb them into the Murim Alliance, you will need to show them powerful strength, Captain.”
Jin Ha-gun was determined to change their minds. If he couldn't win them over, using his special authority would only result in a half-baked achievement.
“I would like to show them my strength, but they aren't coming.”
When Jin Ha-gun spoke with a smile, Seo Baek-jung responded with a joke.
“It seems they are too afraid to face the Demon Extermination Squad Leader.”
Seo Baek-jung continued to stall with small talk, but no matter how long they waited, the others did not appear. Seo Baek-jung grew anxious, and his hands began to tremble. He was gambling his entire family on the bet of a lifetime, yet the people who were supposed to show up were missing. Something had happened.
At first, Jin Ha-gun thought Seo Baek-jung was playing a game of nerves. But he soon sensed that something was wrong. Just then, the doors to the banquet hall finally opened.
“They’re here!”
Seo Baek-jung shouted with a delighted face and looked toward the door. He had hoped for a crowd to pour in, but only one person stepped through the open doors.
At that moment, the Demon Extermination warriors lunged forward to protect Jin Ha-gun.
Clang!
They drew their swords in unison.
The person who entered without hiding his killing intent was Bi Sa-in. The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path also drew their swords and stepped forward. The Demon Extermination Squad and the 13 Wolves faced off, pointing their blades at each other.
Behind Bi Sa-in, Goe Ak and Gwang Seom entered. The expressions of the Demon Extermination warriors hardened. Even at a glance, these were masters who surpassed their own skills, and the killing intent they radiated was so thick it was suffocating.
Right then.
Whirrrrrrr!
A stream of refreshing energy blew in like a breeze, pushing back the encroaching killing intent. It was the aura released by the Sword Line. As the killing intent was pushed back, the expressions of the Demon Extermination warriors relaxed.
In response, Goe Ak and Gwang Seom pushed their internal energy even further, releasing their killing intent. The Sword Line did not budge even under their combined pressure. As an invisible battle of wills unfolded between them, a taut tension filled the air. It was a situation where a single accidental drop of a dagger could trigger a bloodbath.
As the atmosphere grew increasingly grim, Bi Sa-in turned and spoke politely to Goe Ak and Gwang Seom.
“I need to speak with the Captain over there for a moment, so why don't you seniors save your reunion for a little later?”
At his words, the killing intent radiating from Goe Ak and Gwang Seom vanished. Whether they liked it or not, they strictly followed the orders of the Young Alliance Leader. The Sword Line also withdrew his aura and stared intently at the two Unorthodox masters. They knew each other well. Their eyes exchanged a silent conversation.
— Are you still alive?
— The world is so full of evil that I have no time to die.
However, since they were escorting important individuals, they did not engage in further emotional conflict. Bi Sa-in stepped forward and spoke.
“I am Bi Sa-in, the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance.”
As he revealed his identity, the atmosphere in the room froze. Seo Baek-jung, in particular, trembled with fear. The one person who absolutely should not have appeared was here. And finally, he understood why the sub-sect leaders hadn't come.
Those bastards have all switched sides!
At Bi Sa-in’s appearance, Seo Cheong retreated far back, ready to flee at any moment. Jin Ha-gun stepped forward and introduced himself.
“I am Jin Ha-gun, the Demon Extermination Squad Leader of the Murim Alliance.”
It was the first meeting between the two. They looked at each other as if sizing one another up. They were destined to be lifelong rivals once they became the Murim Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.
“How is it that you have become an uninvited guest?”
Bi Sa-in smoothly deflected Jin Ha-gun’s reproach.
“That is why I came to ask. Why the invitation that was meant for us went to you instead. I assume it was a mistake.”
“Unfortunately for you, it was no mistake. Sect Leader Seo has already decided to join forces with the Murim Alliance.”
Bi Sa-in turned to Seo Baek-jung and asked.
“Is that true?”
How could Seo Baek-jung possibly dare to say yes? Jin Ha-gun stepped in for the distressed man.
“Look here, what do you think you’re doing, coming into someone else’s territory?”
A taut tension flowed between the two. Jin Ha-gun had no intention of backing down an inch. The same was true for Bi Sa-in. Both the Demon Extermination Squad and the 13 Wolves were on edge. If a chaotic battle broke out, it could result in heavy casualties.
Right then.
Creeeeeak.
The door slowly opened, and a new person appeared. Everyone’s eyes turned toward the entrance.
Seo Baek-jung was utterly aghast. Bi Sa-in’s appearance was already a disaster, but now another person who absolutely should not have come had arrived.
Geom Mu-geuk walked inside, his demonic energy billowing out. Behind him, all twelve of his guards followed. The Demon Extermination Squad and the 13 Wolves, who had been facing off, split their attention to also face the Heavenly Demon Hall guards.
Following Geom Mu-geuk were the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon. At the appearance of the two Demon Lords, the Sword Line, Goe Ak, and Gwang Seom were all startled. They were all acquaintances.
Instantly shrouding the area in demonic energy, Geom Mu-geuk spoke coldly.
“Since we’re talking about territory, let’s get our facts straight. This is our territory.”