Chapter 283: Whose Place Is This?
Chapter 283: Whose Place Is This?
Moonlight settled over the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s safe house.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had thrust his Heaven Extermination Great Blade into the ground of the courtyard. He leaned against the massive weapon, drinking quietly. After all, wine always tasted best when enjoyed while leaning against that blade.
Just then, a welcome voice called out from behind him.
“You used to always have a book in your hand. Why is it a wine cup today?”
A smile played on the lips of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon as he took a sip.
Geom Mu-geuk came to sit beside him. At first, they had always sat facing each other, but now, sitting side by side felt more natural.
“Give me a cup as well.”
Geom Mu-geuk downed the wine the Blood Heaven Blade Demon handed him.
“Ah, that hits the spot.”
“Don’t you have a lot on your plate?”
“No matter how busy I am, I have to make time for the people I want to see. You were bored without me, weren't you?”
“When I’m bored, I read. When I’m still bored, I drink.”
“What about Master?”
“He is training in the backyard.”
Since he couldn't attend the late-night training group, it seemed he was practicing alone. Come to think of it, Cheon So-hui was likely training alone as well—or perhaps she was enjoying her freedom and playing around.
“What’s weighing on your mind?”
The old man was as sharp as ever.
“Are you reading the heavens now, Elder?”
“An old man ought to have at least some intuition. Why? Has the Orthodox Murim mobilized its entire force to catch you? Are they spreading a Heavenly Net?”
“If it were that, I wouldn't even be worried. I’d just say, ‘Let’s run for it, Elder!’ and that would be that.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was the person Mu-geuk sought out whenever his mind became clouded. It wasn't necessarily to find an answer; simply being in his presence brought peace of mind. And often, while talking like this, the answer would present itself.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon poured him another drink.
“Don’t try too hard to do everything perfectly.”
“Do I look like I am?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon nodded. Mu-geuk must have become stiff without realizing it. Since this involved Hwa Mu-gi, he was being exceptionally cautious.
“When you’re on your deathbed later, do you think you’ll die thinking, ‘I should have worked harder’? Not a chance. You’ll die thinking, ‘I should have seen that person one more time. I should have said one more kind word.’ That is what life is.”
The more Mu-geuk learned about the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, the more unexpected sides of him he saw.
When they first met, could he have ever imagined this man saying such things? Part of it was because the man had changed after meeting him, but Mu-geuk suspected such wisdom came from the countless books he read.
“Then I’m doing well. I came to see you like this so I wouldn't have any regrets.”
Though he was pleased inwardly, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't forget his usual retort.
“As if you’re actually thinking of me. You’re probably thinking of that mask-wearer, the drunkard, the brawler, or your sparring friends.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed and looked up at the moon.
“You might not see it because you’re hidden behind this giant blade, but you’re always at the very top of that list, Elder.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon laughed as well, joining him in watching the moon.
“Elder, what do you think you’ll regret the most?”
The old man’s gaze deepened. Was he thinking of his youth, when things might have worked out with the One Flower Sword Venerable? Or was he recalling some other unspoken, lingering regret?
“I have neither regrets nor lingering attachments.”
A faint smile appeared on Geom Mu-geuk’s face. Yes, he hoped the man would live a life without regrets. Not just saying the words, but truly living a life that left nothing behind.
“I met Captain Jin’s master today.”
At those words, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s eyes sharpened. He knew that Baek Cheon-gyeong was the key to this entire affair.
“How was he?”
“He was no ordinary man. Both in his schemes and his martial arts.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon nodded. “If he weren't, there would be no reason for us to be here.”
“No matter how we handle him, we must be cautious.”
“It won't be easy. Even if you are cautious, your opponent won't be.”
“What do you mean by that?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon then said something unexpected.
“If someone makes an enemy of you, they can't help but become anxious and afraid.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard a compliment from you. It feels good. Keep them coming! And don't worry, I won't get conceited.”
“You should try being a little conceited.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed loudly, and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon followed suit.
The two of them drank in silence for a moment. It would have been nice to just enjoy the night, but there was a reason Geom Mu-geuk had come today.
He pulled something from his robe.
“Have you ever seen this before?”
It was the doll he had taken from Baek Cheon-gyeong’s workshop.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head. “It’s a foul-looking thing.”
The body was perfectly carved, but the face was blank, making it look even more unsettling.
“Do you happen to know about the Wood Form Thousand Soul Technique?”
Upon hearing the name, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked startled. His gaze immediately snapped to the wooden doll.
“Surely this doll isn't used for that martial art?”
As expected, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon knew of the Wood Form Thousand Soul Technique. His knowledge regarding the various sects and martial arts of the Murim was peerless.
“Baek Cheon-gyeong was practicing it. He carved this doll himself.”
“That’s impossible!”
There was a reason for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s shock.
“The Wood Form Thousand Soul Technique was the martial art of a mysterious clan called the Mokcheon Family. But that family was annihilated long ago. You’re saying someone who mastered that art is still alive?”
“They were annihilated?”
Geom Mu-geuk knew of the technique, but he hadn't known that the clan behind it had been wiped out.
“Over a decade ago.”
“How did it happen?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head. “Almost nothing is known about it. Befitting a mysterious clan, their end was shrouded in secrecy.”
Baek Cheon-gyeong is a descendant of the annihilated Mokcheon Family? An unexpected truth was coming to light.
“The master of the Murim Alliance Leader’s grandson is a descendant of the fallen Mokcheon Family? This is certainly ominous.”
“Captain Jin has no idea. I suspect the Alliance Leader doesn't know either.”
“I’ve heard the secret arts of the Mokcheon Family are as subtle and secretive as the energy of a forest. If he intended to hide it, they might never have known. But how did you find out?”
“My Nine Calamities Demonic Art reacted to it. It seems the martial roots of the Wood Form Thousand Soul Technique originated from a demonic art.”
The Nine Calamities Demonic Art was the absolute demonic art that took precedence over all others, standing at the very pinnacle of the demonic path.
A descendant of a fallen mysterious clan had infiltrated the Murim Alliance. He wasn't just anyone, but the master of the Alliance Leader’s grandson—and Hwa Mu-gi was behind him.
“What should I do? Give me an answer, Elder!”
No matter how much Mu-geuk feigned distress, there was no easy answer the Blood Heaven Blade Demon could give.
“I wouldn't know. I’ve lived my life killing everyone without a thought for the consequences.” The Blood Heaven Blade Demon tilted his cup and added, “That is why it is difficult for a novice to kill, and difficult for a master to let live.”
*
At the same time, Jin Ha-ryeong was meeting with Jin Ha-gun.
“How did it go?”
At his sister’s question, Jin Ha-gun hesitated. He couldn't easily bring himself to say that his master didn't even consider him a disciple. So, he only shared a part of what Geom Mu-geuk had said.
“He said it was only the first meeting, so he doesn't know yet.”
Jin Ha-ryeong sensed two emotions simultaneously from her brother’s expression: anger and hope. She could guess who each was directed toward.
“Brother.”
“Yes?”
She wanted to tell him that she believed in him. To tell him to believe in himself. But she knew his personality. In this situation, such words would only wound his pride.
“I suppose you really are a martial artist after all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your eyes are sparkling now that a crisis has arrived.”
Jin Ha-gun gave a bitter smile. It was his sister’s eyes that were sparkling. Even without looking in a mirror, he knew what kind of look he must have.
“Just don't try to shoulder that crisis all by yourself. People think it’s cool to do everything alone, but I think that’s just empty posturing.”
The little kid who used to cry and ask for piggybacks had already grown this much. Now, she was the one comforting him.
“If you’re having a hard time, Brother, maybe it’s because your trust is only halfway there?”
“What do you mean?”
“If you’re going to trust Geom Mu-geuk, you should trust him completely. But you haven't been able to. Why not just trust him fully? You asked for his help because you trust him anyway, right?”
“What if I lose everything because of that?”
“If you’re going to lose it anyway, would not trusting him change that?”
“...!”
“When I look at Geom Mu-geuk, I’ve never felt like his door was closed. It’s so wide open that it actually makes me feel like I shouldn't just barge in. If the other person is willing to open up, wouldn't it be better to just throw away the clumsy lock? Ah, I’ve talked too much. Get some rest.”
As she was about to leave, Jin Ha-gun spoke. “Thank you.”
Jin Ha-ryeong felt that her brother was growing. He didn't flare up, nor did he feel his pride was wounded. In the past... well, in the past, the atmosphere wouldn't have even allowed for such a conversation.
Jin Ha-ryeong gestured as if she were holding a massive ball against her chest—much larger than the one Jin Ha-gun had used when comparing himself to Geom Mu-geuk.
“To me, you’re a man this big, Brother!”
*
The next day, I went to see Baek Cheon-gyeong.
He didn't seem surprised at all, as if he had expected my visit.
“The Young Cult Leader seems to have a lot of free time.”
Knowing that he was a descendant of the annihilated Mokcheon Family made him feel different than he had yesterday.
Baek Cheon-gyeong, what are you doing here?
Even the same question felt different now. And I wouldn't be hearing the answer from him. Last night, after leaving the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s residence, I had immediately sent an urgent missive to Go Wol. I told him to work with Tongcheon Pavilion to find every scrap of information regarding the Mokcheon Family and send it to me. I would get my answer from Go Wol.
“Unless a war breaks out with your lot, why would I be busy?”
“Do you have time to see me? I thought you’d be too busy meeting Ha-ryeong.”
“Captain Jin was desperately blocking me. He said I could never meet his sister until her master gave permission. He claimed a war would break out the moment I made contact with her.”
“I suppose you’re afraid of a war starting while you’re roaming the Murim Alliance as the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.”
“I wasn't afraid of that obvious threat. I was simply empathizing, man to man, with Captain Jin’s desire to protect his sister.”
Baek Cheon-gyeong turned and went inside. Since he left the door open, it was an invitation to follow. I walked in while grumbling idly.
“Even so, this isn't right. It was his sister who invited me in the first place.”
Baek Cheon-gyeong ignored me, sat down, and began carving wood. Since I arrived, the only thing he had shown me was himself carving.
But now I knew. I knew how terrifying this moment was. Every time we met, he was creating more subordinates.
As he carved, he asked, “If I tell you not to meet her, will you go back?”
I strolled around the workshop, asking back nonchalantly, “Would you do that?”
I didn't think he would. He would try to use me in whatever way benefited him most.
“Of course. I must respect my disciple’s wishes.”
“You seem to cherish your disciple very much.”
Baek Cheon-gyeong neither confirmed nor denied it. I wondered what he truly thought of Jin Ha-gun deep down. Was he planning to use him and throw him away? Or did he truly view him as a disciple?
“I won't back down until you let me meet her. I’m a man of my word, you see.”
As I spoke, I pulled back the cloth covering the display stand. The positions of the dolls had changed again since yesterday.
All the dolls were standing in a formation, encircling someone. With weapons drawn and poised to strike, they were clearly intended to attack an opponent.
However, there was no doll in the center.
“Whose place is this?”
“That depends on how you act. It could be yours, or it could be Ha-gun’s.”
“Why are you leaving yourself out?”
Baek Cheon-gyeong looked up and stared at me. “Didn't you say yesterday? That you didn't come here to kill me.”
“Right. I did.”
“Then the likelihood of it being you is quite high.”
I pulled a doll from my robe. It was the faceless doll I had taken yesterday.
“Or it could be this person.”
He didn't comment on it, as if he already knew I had taken it.
“I’d like to try carving a face onto this doll.”
He reacted immediately to those words. Baek Cheon-gyeong looked at me and asked, “Whose face will you carve?”
“Since you’re the one who made it, you should know who it is.”
Our gazes locked in midair.
“It could be anyone.”
“Would you teach me how to carve? I’d like to finish it myself.”
As if I weren't even worth answering, he went back to his carving.
Scrape, scrape.
I tucked the faceless doll back into my robe. Then, I picked up another carving knife and a piece of wood from the workbench and began to mimic his movements.
“A carving knife is still a blade, isn't it? And I happen to be quite skilled with blades.”
I roughly followed his lead. Would he be able to move something I made? Probably. It was made of wood, after all. Or perhaps, since he didn't make it himself, it wouldn't move according to his commands.
“This is harder than it looks.”
I spent a long time carving the doll. Once it roughly resembled a human shape, I showed it to him.
“How is it? Doesn't it look fairly decent?”
Baek Cheon-gyeong seemed utterly unable to understand me. “What is your true objective?”
“To win Miss Jin’s heart.”
He was doubting me. He couldn't bring himself to believe it, but if he didn't, he couldn't fathom why I was acting this way.
“If you allow me to meet her, I will repay you.”
“Repay me?”
“Shouldn't there be some give and take?”
“I wouldn't take anything from a demonic cultist, even for a thousand gold pieces.”
“What if I give you something more important than a thousand gold pieces?”
A flash of curiosity crossed Baek Cheon-gyeong’s face.
“For instance... the Heavenly Flower Sect?”
Surprise flickered in his eyes at the unexpected mention.
“I know you were the one who connected the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader with Captain Jin. Why did you move for the sake of the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader?”
I watched his reaction, having brought up the Heavenly Flower Sect at an unexpected moment.
“I only sought to save the Sect Leader’s son from your clutches.”
“You must have known that son was a villain. Aren't you a member of the Orthodox path?”
“Good and evil are relative concepts. Honestly, aren't you the greater villain?”
“True. It must be relative. Because I get the feeling you’re a much greater villain than I am.”
A faint smile appeared on his lips. It could have been a sneer of denial, or a smile of admission. With that, Baek Cheon-gyeong’s gaze returned to the wooden doll he was carving.
Scrape, scrape.
He was endlessly creating subordinates. What did he intend to do with so many dolls? What on earth was he planning to unleash?
“I’ll come back to learn more tomorrow.”
*
After Geom Mu-geuk left, Baek Cheon-gyeong finally finished the doll he had been carving.
He toyed with it for a moment, looking down at it, before standing up and walking slowly toward the display stand.
“That doll can be anyone...”
Baek Cheon-gyeong placed the doll he had made in the center of the encirclement and spoke in a tone as heavy as his gaze.
“And anyone can end up here.”
The finished doll was that of a young woman.