Chapter 280: I Must See Him for Myself
Chapter 280: I Must See Him for Myself
Jin Ha-ryeong was physically present at the banquet hall, but her mind was miles away.
Even as she greeted the other Rising Stars and engaged in polite conversation, her thoughts kept drifting back to Geom Mu-geuk and Lee An. She couldn't forget Lee An’s breathtaking beauty or the formidable aura the woman exuded. She also vividly recalled the sight of Geom Mu-geuk standing right beside her.
I wonder if Brother is doing alright.
Given the circumstances, she couldn't bring herself to care about the Rising Stars currently trying to curry favor with her.
Among them were handsome men and powerful martial artists, yet compared to Geom Mu-geuk, they all seemed like mere children. It was a side effect of getting to know a man like him.
When the gathering—which felt exceptionally long today—finally ended and she returned to her quarters, Jin Ha-gun was already there waiting for her.
“Brother!”
She had never been so glad to see him.
“I was just about to go looking for you. How did it go?”
Judging by the fact that Jin Ha-gun’s expression wasn't too grim, the conversation seemed to have ended well. Instead of answering, Jin Ha-gun posed a question of his own.
“How was the gathering?”
“The usual. Memorizing names and faces, listening to everyone brag, pretending to be friendly, and then shouting, ‘Down with the Demonic Cult! Defeat the Unorthodox Path Alliance!’ It’s always the same tiresome routine.”
“That tiresome routine will one day protect the Orthodox Murim.”
“You protect the Murim, Brother. I’ve done my part.”
“Do you think there will be anywhere left to hide if the Demonic Cult takes over the world?”
Her brother was suffering from a side effect of his own—one born from living his life as the grandson of the Alliance Leader. The fear that the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance might invade had been rooted deep in his heart since childhood.
“Brother, do you really think Geom Mu-geuk is the kind of person who dreams of unifying the Murim by slaughtering us all?”
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't imagine it. She couldn't see Geom Mu-geuk standing atop a mountain of corpses.
“I don’t know what kind of person he is. But one thing is certain: if he ever decides to unify the Murim, stopping him won't be easy.”
It wasn't a task for their grandfather to handle. It was a burden for Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong’s generation.
“You can never truly know if you can trust someone while you're still in the middle of the process. Trust is only proven by the final result. We are still in the middle of that process.”
This applied to his relationship with his master as much as it did to Geom Mu-geuk. What did it matter if someone treated you well a hundred times? If they revealed their true colors at the final moment, it would all end in catastrophe.
“Oh, look at you talking all sophisticated. Impressive, Brother!”
After a brief pause, Jin Ha-gun spoke.
“Those were Geom Mu-geuk’s words.”
“Ah!”
She looked solemn for a moment, then burst into a loud laugh.
“My high-and-mighty brother has finally met his match.”
Jin Ha-gun didn't get angry or offended by her remark. She was the only person he could truly open up to—the only one with whom he could comfortably discuss such sensitive topics.
“What do you think of him, Brother?” Jin Ha-ryeong asked, curious about his perspective.
Jin Ha-gun had just as much to say about him as she did. Geom Mu-geuk was clearly a man who seemed trustworthy, yet one never knew exactly how far that trust should go. Nevertheless, Jin Ha-gun acknowledged his counterpart.
“He is a man of a different scale than I am.”
Jin Ha-gun held out one hand and curled his fingers as if holding a small ball.
“If I am a person of this size...”
He then gestured with both hands as if holding a massive sphere in front of his chest.
“Geom Mu-geuk is a person of this size. If I want to face him and win, I have to start by acknowledging that.”
Her brother had certainly changed after meeting Geom Mu-geuk. The fact that the prideful Jin Ha-gun would even say such a thing was proof of that transformation. Jin Ha-ryeong liked the change, but she was also worried. She feared he might become too enthralled by the man.
“Can you handle it?”
“I have to try. If I can’t handle it now, I never will.”
Jin Ha-gun’s gaze was resolute. Though he was receiving help for now, he was determined not to be swayed by Geom Mu-geuk.
“Just watch. Watch how I surpass him.”
Jin Ha-ryeong pumped her fist in a show of support. Then, it was Jin Ha-gun’s turn to ask.
“What about you? It’s been a while since you saw him, hasn't it?”
Her clenched fist went limp.
“It was more of the same. Constant surprises and confusion. But today, he wasn't the main issue.”
This time, Jin Ha-ryeong mimicked Jin Ha-gun’s gesture.
“If I am this beautiful, I met someone today who is this beautiful.”
Seeing her brother’s confused expression, Jin Ha-ryeong smiled.
“I realized that Hubei was just a very wide well.”
*
Jin Ha-gun arrived at Baek Cheon-gyeong’s workshop. Standing before the door, he recalled the advice Geom Mu-geuk had given him.
— Don’t walk on eggshells; act as you usually do. Instead of trying to look good, subtly hint that you’re dissatisfied with how things turned out. That way, he won’t be suspicious.
However, Baek Cheon-gyeong was not in the workshop.
As Jin Ha-gun was about to leave, his eyes fell on the display stand. The area where the dolls usually sat was covered with a black cloth. He had seen it covered like this occasionally, but now, the cloth looked different.
Just as Jin Ha-gun walked over and reached out to pull back the fabric, he sensed a presence behind him. He turned around to find Baek Cheon-gyeong standing at the door.
“Master.”
“You’ve come?”
Though he was curious about what was under the cloth, Jin Ha-gun left it alone and walked toward his master. Baek Cheon-gyeong walked past him, sat in his usual spot, and began carving.
Scritch, scratch.
Lately, his master had been spending much more time carving. In the past, it had seemed like nothing more than a hobby. Why was he carving so much when he had covered the display stand with a cloth?
“So, have you thought of a way to reclaim the Heavenly Flower Sect?”
Baek Cheon-gyeong’s eyes remained fixed on the figure he was carving.
“I am thinking of persuading the experts within the Heavenly Flower Sect who support the Orthodox faction. Since the sect has maintained neutrality for a long time, their loyalty to the Demonic Cult isn't particularly strong. Of course, the same goes for our Alliance and the Unorthodox Path Alliance. Since the atmosphere of a sect changes depending on its leader and top brass, it will take time, but if we can win over the Orthodox-leaning experts...”
As Jin Ha-gun spoke, he carefully observed Baek Cheon-gyeong’s every move. He could tell that his master wasn't really listening. Was his master truly waiting for him to find a solution?
As if to prove he wasn't, Baek Cheon-gyeong cut him off.
“Does your pride not sting?” He provoked Jin Ha-gun in a calm, level tone. “The three successors of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions gathered in one place. Two of them returned with lavish gifts, yet you alone returned empty-handed.”
Comparing him to the other successors and attacking his pride? Jin Ha-gun felt a surge of anger but struggled to remain calm.
“I don’t believe it’s a matter of pride. Hunan was originally their territory. The son of the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader was a monster in human skin. There was never a gift for me there to begin with.”
Jin Ha-gun followed Geom Mu-geuk’s advice faithfully. He did not simply apologize and defer to his master’s opinion.
“Master, why is the Heavenly Flower Sect so important to you?”
“Do you think I’m acting this way because of the Heavenly Flower Sect?”
“Is that not it?”
“It is not.”
“Then what is the reason?”
A shocking answer flowed from Baek Cheon-gyeong’s lips.
“It is to prevent war.”
Jin Ha-gun froze at the mention of war. “What do you mean by that?”
“Hunan borders Hubei, where the Murim Alliance headquarters is located. It has been a strategic stronghold for generations. But now, a major sect that maintained neutrality there has fallen into the hands of the Demonic Cult. This means the balance has been shattered.”
“Isn't saying that a war will break out a bit of a leap in logic?”
“Why does this Alliance exist? It exists to eliminate even the slightest probability of such a thing. Wars are often triggered by small, trivial incidents. This time, you have significantly increased the probability of war—all because of your greed to become the Alliance Leader.”
For a moment, Jin Ha-gun couldn't find the words to respond. If this had been before he met Geom Mu-geuk, he would have fully accepted his master’s words. He would have even blamed himself for being greedy.
But not now. No matter how plausible it sounded, he would judge it later. Hiding his true thoughts, Jin Ha-gun asked with a feigned look of panic.
“Then what should I do now?”
His master’s response was cold.
“Why are you asking me? You are the one who caused this, so you must find the answer yourself.”
Scritch, scratch.
Baek Cheon-gyeong resumed his carving. Knowing this was a silent dismissal, Jin Ha-gun bowed quietly and left the room, thinking that he still didn't truly understand his master.
*
“Lower your arm a bit more, and put more strength into your left leg.”
Geom Mu-geuk was reviewing Lee An’s forms.
It had been a while since he’d seen her Flying Heaven Sword Technique, and it had improved significantly. Of course, she still needed more time and effort to reach Great Achievement. She had to train and refine her skills at the Nine-Star stage until they were ripe. Then, when the time was right, she would reach Great Achievement like a flower bud suddenly bursting into bloom.
“Put more strength into your waist. If your center of gravity shifts, the entire posture collapses.”
Their training was taking place at the safe house Jin Ha-gun had provided.
“Focus! Why are you so distracted today?”
“I’m sorry.”
For some reason, she couldn't focus on her martial arts training today. She didn't know why.
This isn't an opportunity that comes often. Focus!
Lee An swung her sword with all her might. When the session finally ended, she apologized again.
“I’m sorry, Young Master.”
She expected a scolding, but Geom Mu-geuk’s reaction was unexpected.
“Actually, I prefer it this way. Sometimes you don't seem human. It’s better this way—seeing you lose focus or make mistakes. It makes you seem more real.”
“I appreciate you saying that, but I’m still disappointed in myself. It’s been so long since you personally taught me.”
“I’ll be teaching you often until you reach Great Achievement, so don't worry.”
Lee An swayed her body happily, almost as if she were dancing. Compared to the rigid girl she had been when he first regressed, she felt much more free now.
Yes, change like that, bit by bit. These changes will accumulate and one day lead to a different life. Lee An, in this life, you won't die in a pool of blood. I will make sure you can live your life dancing, just like this.
As Lee An hovered around him like a child, she asked, “By the way, Young Master... did you really bring me here just to introduce me to Miss Jin?”
“No.”
“Then why did you bring me?”
“Why else? I just wanted an excuse to come out and play with you after so long.”
Lee An glanced back at her own backside. “A few of my tails are missing. You took them, didn't you?”
Knowing she meant he was being as sly as a fox, Geom Mu-geuk mimicked the motion of stroking his own tail.
“Actually, I had more tails than you from the start.”
As they were laughing together, Jin Ha-gun arrived. He had expected to find Geom Mu-geuk alone, but seeing a woman with him, he kept his distance and waited.
“Come on over.”
Only after Geom Mu-geuk called out did Jin Ha-gun approach. In the meantime, Lee An had put on her mask. Of course, even a mask couldn't hide her beauty.
“I am Lee An, servant to the Young Cult Leader.”
“I am Jin Ha-gun, the Demon Extermination Squad Leader.”
“I’ll leave you two to talk.”
“I’ll see you later.”
Lee An bowed politely and headed inside. Jin Ha-gun realized instantly who his sister had been talking about when she mentioned a "great beauty."
He walked up to Geom Mu-geuk and asked pointedly, “Are you smitten?”
Geom Mu-geuk stared at him with a look that said, What are you talking about?
“There’s no need to be shy. It’s only natural for a man to be smitten by a beautiful woman, isn't it? I understand completely.”
“Are you the type to fall for a woman the moment you meet her?” Geom Mu-geuk countered. He couldn't let that slide. It was like drawing a sword in front of him.
“One can fall in love at first sight.”
“Not me. I don't give my heart to someone I don't even know.”
Since he was likely being sincere, Geom Mu-geuk attacked from a different angle.
“Ah, Lee An. You’ll have to work harder. It seems you weren't beautiful enough to move this man’s iron-clad heart. I’ll be sure to tell her—that she wasn't beautiful enough to move you.”
Jin Ha-gun panicked. “What! Don't you dare tell her that!”
“But it’s true, isn't it? 'How dare she try to move me with mere beauty! Her beauty is insufficient to sway me!'”
“No! She is plenty beautiful.”
“Then are you smitten?”
Finally, Jin Ha-gun shook his head in defeat. “Think whatever you want.”
Geom Mu-geuk flashed a winner’s smile. After their playful banter, Jin Ha-gun brought up his visit to his master.
“I went to see my master.”
Jin Ha-gun recounted the conversation exactly as it had happened. Geom Mu-geuk fell into deep thought. Watching him, Jin Ha-gun felt a strange tension. Geom Mu-geuk’s face was now completely different from when he was joking around just moments ago.
Soon, the words that should come from my own mouth will come from his. I need to learn to think like that. Only then will I be able to face him.
“Did his words make you waver?”
“Is it not possible that my master truly did it for the sake of Murim’s peace?”
“Nonsense. If he truly cared about peace, he shouldn't have tried to save the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader’s son in the first place. Think about it. The Murim Alliance pressured the Demonic Cult to release a man the Young Cult Leader had captured for punishment. My father only let it slide because he was testing me, but what if we had reacted violently? That would have been the moment we took a step closer to war.”
Jin Ha-gun nodded. He regretted not being able to say those words to his master on the spot.
“I must see your master for myself.”
“Are you serious?”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded. He judged that it wouldn't be easy to draw out the man’s true nature through Jin Ha-gun. The opponent was moving far too cautiously.
“But how? My master will never agree to meet you.”
The man had lived a life of secrecy until now. He didn't think even Geom Mu-geuk could find a way to see him. Just then, another person entered the area. It was Jin Ha-ryeong.
“Oh, Brother, you’re here too.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m not here for either of you. I came to see that martial artist.”
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to her. “Lee An is in her room. The one at the end of the hallway. Oh, and tell her this: she hasn't quite moved your brother’s heart yet...”
“Stop!” Jin Ha-gun cut him off urgently.
Jin Ha-ryeong, who could guess the situation well enough, said to Geom Mu-geuk, “Even if you play with him, make sure to put him back where you found him.”
“Of course. He’s the most dangerous toy in the Murim, after all.”
As Jin Ha-ryeong looked on, confused by his meaning, Jin Ha-gun gestured for her to ignore him and go inside. Once she was gone, Jin Ha-gun spoke sternly.
“Are you going to keep joking at a time like this?”
“I’ve thought of a way to meet your master.”
As Jin Ha-gun looked on in surprise and confusion, Geom Mu-geuk spoke meaningfully.
“I thought of it thanks to your sister.”