Chapter 273: The Great War of the Three Factions
Chapter 273: The Great War of the Three Factions
Geom Mu-geuk’s arrival added a volatile new dimension to the standoff.
Bi Sa-in wasn't particularly surprised, as he had expected the man to show up eventually, but Jin Ha-gun was caught completely off guard.
So, that man is Geom Mu-geuk!
The warriors who entered first bore the insignia of a shield and a demon on their chests—the Heavenly Demon Hall Guards. If they were here, the two demonic practitioners following them with such overwhelming auras were undoubtedly Demon Lords.
The elder carrying a massive blade, its length exceeding his own height, was likely the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. The man beside him, who looked as if he were forged from cold steel, had to be the Fist Demon. The moment Jin Ha-gun saw the Fist Demon’s face, his heart sank. He had truly never seen a more terrifying countenance in his life.
The Demonic Cult has shown up too?
Jin Ha-gun was flustered, but on some level, it made sense. Since the Demonic Cult was the one originally trying to swallow the Cheonyang Sect, they weren't about to back down quietly.
However, the person most horrified by Geom Mu-geuk’s appearance was Seo Baek-jung. Having used the Murim Alliance’s power to extract his son, he knew the Young Cult Leader would be furious. And now, that very man had appeared in the flesh, flanked by Demon Lords.
Though Seo Baek-jung was a veteran who had survived countless trials, his heart shriveled in his chest.
One wrong move and I’m a dead man.
If the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path or the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult decided to kill him right here, would Jin Ha-gun truly risk his life to stop them? The Alliance might make it a public issue and seek redress later, but that would only happen after he was already cold in the ground.
He had walked the tightrope between the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions well until now, but today, he had to be perfect. That rope was his only lifeline.
Meanwhile, Seo Cheong was in a state of utter confusion. He had been paralyzed with fear when Bi Sa-in first entered, but with Geom Mu-geuk’s arrival, his mind became a chaotic mess.
Then, his eyes met Geom Mu-geuk’s. The Young Cult Leader’s expression seemed to say:
I told you we’d see each other again soon, didn't I? Stay right there.
At that, Seo Cheong felt a surge of irrational indignation.
Don’t make me laugh!
Seo Cheong, who had been cowering in a corner, actually stepped forward.
No matter who they are, they won't be able to touch me!
He failed to grasp the gravity of the situation. His entire life had been built on the complacent delusion that "things will work out somehow" whenever a crisis arose. In fact, seeing the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions all gathered in one place actually made him feel relieved. His instincts told him that with so many powerful people present, surely someone would protect him.
He did not realize that every single person here had come to devour the Cheonyang Sect. He did not realize that this time, things would not just "work out."
Geom Mu-geuk walked toward Jin Ha-gun. The Demon Extermination Squad leveled their swords at him, their bodies taut with tension. The Heavenly Demon Hall Guards immediately drew their blades in response. The subordinates were more on edge than the leaders themselves.
Geom Mu-geuk parted the ranks of his guards and stepped forward.
"I am Geom Mu-geuk, the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."
Jin Ha-gun stepped through the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad to meet him.
"I am Jin Ha-gun, the Demon Extermination Squad Leader of the Murim Alliance."
With only a few paces between them, their gazes locked. It was a historic meeting between the definitive next Heavenly Demon and the man most likely to become the next Murim Alliance Leader.
Jin Ha-gun was inwardly surprised. Geom Mu-geuk was different from what he had imagined. Setting aside his youth and handsome features, his eyes were clear and deep. There wasn't a hint of the expected demonic malice in them. Suddenly, his sister’s words flashed through his mind.
— What if he’s a Demonic Hero?
Jin Ha-gun immediately dismissed the thought. It was just a prejudice born of the man's appearance. He could not afford to be deceived by looks.
Geom Mu-geuk noted that Jin Ha-gun bore a striking resemblance to Jin Ha-ryeong. Despite his youth, his eyes held the unmistakable spirit of chivalry and righteousness. If one cared for the Murim, they would hope for Jin Ha-gun to become the next Alliance Leader; if one dreamed of the Unification of the Murim, they would hope he never attained that position.
The psychological warfare between the Demon Extermination Squad and the guards behind them was fierce. Their glares held not an inch of retreat.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Jin Ha-gun.
"Instead of standing around like this, shall we sit and discuss the matter of territories in earnest?"
Jin Ha-gun turned and walked toward the drinking table. He sat at the head as if he owned the place and gestured for the others to sit to his left and right.
Geom Mu-geuk gave a thin smile at the sight. Not bad. Jin Ha-gun’s first impression had passed the test. If he had met the grandson of the Murim Alliance Leader and found someone like Seo Cheong, he would have been in a foul mood. But Jin Ha-gun had good eyes and a strong spirit.
Bi Sa-in was the first to move. He strode forward, but instead of sitting where Jin Ha-gun had gestured, he sat directly across from him.
He stared at Jin Ha-gun in silence. A quiet battle of wills began between the two.
Geom Mu-geuk’s smile deepened. Indeed, there’s no way Bi Sa-in would submissively do as Jin Ha-gun wants.
Jin Ha-gun might have lived his whole life as the protagonist, but here, he would learn how easily he could become a supporting character.
Geom Mu-geuk took the seat Jin Ha-gun had offered. This naturally placed him between the confronting Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in.
"They say watching a fight is the most entertaining thing in the world, and here we have a clash between the successors of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions. I’ve secured the best seat in the house."
Despite Geom Mu-geuk’s banter, the tension in the room did not dissipate. If anything, the proximity of the three men sparked a volatile psychological battle.
The Demon Extermination Squad, the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path, and the Heavenly Demon Hall Guards all stood behind their respective masters, glaring at one another. Though they were overshadowed by the absolute masters who had accompanied them, these men were elite warriors in their own right. If a fight broke out, the room would become a bloodbath in an instant.
Jeok-yeon was sending Voice Transmissions to the guards lined up with him.
— Do not be nervous!
— No matter what happens, we must ensure the Young Cult Leader’s safety.
— Do not be afraid.
He continued to soothe them, though in truth, he was also talking to himself. He had never imagined he would have to escort Geom Mu-geuk in a situation like this. He realized once again that Mu-geuk was truly the most difficult leader in the Murim to protect.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, the Fist Demon, the Sword Line, Goe Ak, and Gwang Seom stood a short distance away. The tension, now that the Demon Lords had joined the mix, was on a completely different level. Though they didn't show it, they were all ready to strike at a moment's notice.
The gazes of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Sword Line met.
"It has been a long time," the Blood Heaven Blade Demon greeted the Sword Line first.
The Sword Line accepted the greeting. "Has it been ten years?"
"I believe it has been longer."
The Sword Line usually loathed the Unorthodox Faction and the Demonic Cult, but his gaze toward the Blood Heaven Blade Demon wasn't particularly cold. It seemed there was some past connection between them.
"To think we would meet in a place like this," the Sword Line remarked.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon replied, "I am glad to see you look healthy."
"And you’ve grown even thinner."
At that, Goe Ak stepped in. "Why are you two acting so friendly when you aren't even close?"
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon glanced at him. "Your habit of meddling recklessly remains unchanged."
"And your habit of looking down on people remains unchanged as well, Senior."
Goe Ak addressed the Blood Heaven Blade Demon as "Senior."
"Now that you know I haven't changed, you’d best keep your mouth shut."
Goe Ak snorted, but he didn't press the issue. Regardless of martial prowess, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was a more difficult person to deal with than even the Sword Line. Indeed, the "Bitter Ginger of the Murim" was showing exactly why he had been summoned.
Meanwhile, the Fist Demon stood with his hands at his sides, his face expressionless. His mere presence made everyone in the room nervous. It wasn't just his face; his aura was immense. The Fist Demon when simply observed and the Fist Demon when facing enemies felt like two completely different beings.
Jin Ha-gun picked up a bottle and filled the cups. He acted as the host in Seo Baek-jung’s stead. He had to deal with both the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance, and he was striving not to be overwhelmed by their momentum.
"I have heard many rumors about the Young Cult Leader."
Jin Ha-gun was particularly wary of Geom Mu-geuk. His opponent was a demonic practitioner—the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, rumored to be the greatest successor in history, having already brought the Demon Lords under his command. Jin Ha-gun was extremely tense, watching for any trickery.
"What kind of rumors?"
"Mostly rumors that were hard to believe."
"And now that you see me in person, what do you think?"
To be honest, Jin Ha-gun couldn't get a read on the man at all. Instead of answering, he raised his cup high. He knew better than anyone that silence was the wisest choice when one was uncertain.
"Let us have a drink!"
The three men toasted and emptied their cups. It was the first drinking session of these three, a moment that would be talked about in the history of the Jianghu for ages to come.
As he refilled the second round, Jin Ha-gun asked, "It seems you two are not meeting for the first time."
He could tell by the way Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in hadn't formally introduced themselves.
"Correct. We are old acquaintances." Geom Mu-geuk greeted Bi Sa-in with a look. "Have you been well?"
He wouldn't reveal that they had plotted this together, but he saw no need to pretend they were strangers.
Bi Sa-in replied bluntly, "I was doing fine until you showed up."
He responded curtly because Jin Ha-gun was watching, but he was actually grateful to Geom Mu-geuk. Thanks to him, Bi Sa-in had been able to absorb fifteen small-to-medium sects in Hunan into the Unorthodox Path Alliance. Of course, that didn't mean he intended to yield the Cheonyang Sect. They had agreed to a fair competition, after all.
— I have no intention of yielding, Bi Sa-in sent via Voice Transmission.
Geom Mu-geuk replied, — And I was planning to yield.
— How can you lie with such a straight face?
— Was it that obvious?
Bi Sa-in turned his head away, his expression saying Mu-geuk was hopeless. The taut tension he had felt with Jin Ha-gun dissipated the moment he exchanged messages with Geom Mu-geuk. If he hadn't known what kind of person Geom Mu-geuk was, he might have dismissed such behavior as frivolous. But now he knew. Of all the masters gathered here, the most difficult person to deal with was Geom Mu-geuk.
In the meantime, Voice Transmissions were also being exchanged between Jin Ha-gun and Seo Baek-jung. Everything today would be decided by the words left unsaid.
— Do not lose your nerve, Jin Ha-gun urged.
— I am counting on you, Captain, Seo Baek-jung replied.
But despite his words, Seo Baek-jung was inwardly anxious. Now that the Unorthodox Faction and the Demonic Cult had charged in with full intent, he was even considering the possibility of switching sides depending on how the wind blew.
And then, the moment finally came.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Seo Baek-jung, who was standing nearby, and said, "Now, Sect Leader Seo, why don't you join us for a drink?"
Seo Baek-jung sat beside Jin Ha-gun and accepted a cup. Bi Sa-in picked up where he had left off before Geom Mu-geuk’s arrival.
"Sect Leader Seo, do you truly intend to walk the same path as the Murim Alliance?"
Seo Baek-jung still hesitated to answer. He had chosen the Murim Alliance because of Baek Cheon-gyeong, the man in the bamboo hat and Jin Ha-gun’s master. It was a relationship he couldn't easily betray, but the other side was the same. He couldn't exactly tell the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, "Yes, we betrayed you."
Seo Baek-jung glanced at his savior, Jin Ha-gun. Jin Ha-gun’s eyes told him: You don't need to worry about those people. Speak with confidence.
Geom Mu-geuk, observing the reactions of both men, asked Jin Ha-gun, "Is this your first time meeting Sect Leader Seo?"
"It is."
Jin Ha-gun wanted to show Seo Baek-jung that he could stand tall before Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in. However, his answer gave Geom Mu-geuk an opening.
"That is quite strange. If it's your first time meeting, what on earth did Sect Leader Seo trust in to ask for your help?"
The gazes of both Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in turned toward Seo Baek-jung. Normally, he should have said something like, "I have always admired the Orthodox Faction."
But he couldn't predict how this situation would unfold. He was being careful with his words in case he needed to side with the Demonic Cult or the Unorthodox Faction. What if Jin Ha-gun got angry? It didn't matter. All three parties wanted the Cheonyang Sect anyway. It was a precarious position, but he still held the handle of the sword.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk asked point-blank, "Who was the person who acted as the bridge between you two?"
This was the very point Geom Mu-geuk was most interested in: who had orchestrated this entire affair?
At Geom Mu-geuk’s piercing question, both Seo Baek-jung and Jin Ha-gun remained silent. They should have said there was no such person, but the suddenness of the question caught them off guard.
There is definitely someone.
Geom Mu-geuk’s suspicion turned into certainty.
Someone who knows both Jin Ha-gun and Seo Baek-jung connected them.
He had to find out who that person was. Not just because they had connected the two, but because they possessed the sheer audacity to stand against the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Just who could it be?
Jin Ha-gun, sensing that Seo Baek-jung was wavering, immediately sent a Voice Transmission.
— Sect Leader, you must trust us.
— I do trust you. But as you can see, those people don't look like they'll give up easily.
— We won't give up either.
— Give me some certainty, Seo Baek-jung demanded.
Since Jin Ha-gun could not afford to lose the Cheonyang Sect, he spoke with a firm declaration.
"Now that the Cheonyang Sect and our Alliance have joined hands, we will surely protect you. Any intimidation toward the Cheonyang Sect will be considered an attack on the Alliance itself."
As if in response to his words, the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad surged with aura.
Bi Sa-in spoke coldly. "That is your opinion. I have yet to hear the answer from the Cheonyang Sect Leader himself."
As if waiting for the signal, the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path also surged with aura. Bi Sa-in sent a Voice Transmission to Seo Baek-jung.
— The sects that followed you have all turned their backs. If trouble arises in Hunan now, who will help the Cheonyang Sect? Do you think that Demon Extermination Squad Leader will stay here to protect you forever? This isn't a threat; I am stating reality.
How could Seo Baek-jung not know that reality?
— Walking with us is your best option.
Seo Baek-jung looked at Geom Mu-geuk, thinking that might indeed be the wisest choice realistically. There were three ropes, and two of them were dangling in front of him, begging to be caught. But the last rope was far away.
Why aren't you offering me anything?
As if reading his mind, Geom Mu-geuk said with a smile, "I’ve started to find this 'Great War' at the drinking table quite amusing. So, please, don't say you'll follow the Cult just yet."
At those words, everyone’s eyes turned toward Geom Mu-geuk. They all knew he wouldn't give up on the Cheonyang Sect so easily. Faint, mocking smiles appeared on the lips of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon.
Bi Sa-in felt an inward sense of unease. Could it be?
He had an ominous feeling that by the time they left this table, Seo Baek-jung would announce he was choosing the Demonic Cult. A premonition that he would follow the Cult even if they said they didn't want him.
And to turn that premonition into reality, Geom Mu-geuk’s first secret move began. He sent a Voice Transmission to Jin Ha-gun.
— Captain Jin, let me ask you one thing.
Jin Ha-gun stared at Geom Mu-geuk with a gaze that said no trickery would work on him. But the words that flew his way were completely unexpected.
— Do you want to become the Murim Alliance Leader?
Jin Ha-gun was stunned. He had never expected such a question. To the wide-eyed Jin Ha-gun, words even more powerful than before were sent to shake him to his core.
— Do you realize? Right now, by your own hand, you are giving up on becoming the Murim Alliance Leader.