Chapter 298: You Bastards! This Man Here Is...
Chapter 298: You Bastards! This Man Here Is...
Ho-gyeong, the Jiangxi Branch Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, worked his way through the mountain of documents piled on his desk.
The task Ho-gyeong spent the most time on each day was meticulously examining the reports sent up from various sub-branches. It was during this routine that Jung Ak, the Demon Sword Squad Leader, paid an unannounced visit to his office.
"Are you busy?"
"Come in. What brings you here without a word?"
"I just stopped by because I wanted to see you, Branch Leader."
"You’ve come at a good time."
One was digging into the other’s secrets, and the other was well aware of it, yet they greeted each other with more warmth than usual.
Jung Ak looked at the stack of papers on the desk and remarked, "So this is why there’s so much grumbling."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You handle your work so meticulously, Branch Leader, that the subordinates doing the practical work are complaining. They say it's exhausting. You should look after the morale of your men a bit."
Jung Ak spoke with a smirk as if joking, and Ho-gyeong replied calmly.
"Is it not true that most disasters stem from failing to mind the small details?"
"As long as our Branch Leader is here, those bastards from the Unorthodox Path Alliance won't even dream of provoking us."
"How could that be because of me? It is thanks to you, Squad Leader, and the Demon Sword Squad."
Their gazes locked in mid-air. Both had smiles on their lips, but their eyes remained cold.
"By the way, have you heard the rumors about the person going around impersonating the Main Cult lately?"
"I have. I’ve already issued orders to investigate the matter."
"I’ve sent my own people to look into it as well," Jung Ak said. "It seems it’s not just a rumor, but a fact."
Ho-gyeong’s expression grew serious. Impersonating the Divine Cult was a capital offense, taken very seriously even at the Main Headquarters.
"Do you happen to know who it is?"
"I don't know his identity, but there is someone who can get close to him."
"If you give me the information, I will send my men to capture him."
"You shouldn't take it so lightly. I hear the fellow is quite a master."
Ho-gyeong wore a look of feigned incomprehension. "Such a master is impersonating the Main Cult? How strange."
"We’ll find out once we bring him in for questioning. However... can the branch handle it?"
It was a subtle provocation aimed at Ho-gyeong’s pride. If you can't handle it, my squad will.
"We will take care of it," Ho-gyeong replied firmly.
It wasn't just because he fell for the provocation; as the Jiangxi Branch Leader, it was a matter he was duty-bound to resolve. Only if the branch failed would he need to request help from the elite Demon Sword Squad.
"Your subordinates might be in danger."
This was the real reason Jung Ak had visited personally—to ensure Ho-gyeong wouldn't just send his men, but would go himself.
"I will lead the men and move personally."
"Ah, if the Branch Leader is moving personally, then I am relieved."
Jung Ak thought to himself: That’s your weakness. That vain pride of yours.
If it had been him, he would have answered: Isn't that why the Demon Sword Squad exists? To handle such dangerous tasks?
"Then I will use my private contacts to lure the fellow in."
"I would appreciate that."
As Jung Ak was about to leave, he added with a smile, "Let’s have a drink once this business is over."
"Sounds good."
Ho-gyeong bid Jung Ak farewell with a pleasant face.
That drink will be your last.
Ho-gyeong had obtained information that Jung Ak was taking bribes. If it had been once or twice, he might have turned a blind eye; the Demon Sword Squad was an essential elite unit for the Jiangxi Branch.
However, the corruption had become blatant. There were too many regular kickbacks, and the amounts were far too large. It was as if Jung Ak was daring him: I’ve committed corruption. So? What are you going to do about it? Are you going to fire me?
I’ll be the one to cut your throat, Ho-gyeong thought.
Jung Ak, walking away, was thinking the exact same thing. The only difference was that he intended to literally take the other's head.
*
"The Demonic Cult has finally decided to move."
Ju Yang flinched at Jeokpae’s words. Since Geom Mu-geuk was going to die, he should have felt relieved, but he didn't.
"Tomorrow, you bring the fellow to the abandoned temple in the west. Can you do it?"
"I can. But... will I be alright?"
"I’ve put in a good word for you," Jeokpae lied smoothly. "Once you arrive, they will take care of you."
"Understood."
"If you mess up, we all die. Keep that in mind!"
That night, Ju Yang had a dream. He was floating in the sea, drifting happily under the warm sunlight. But the moment he imagined Geom Mu-geuk being hacked to pieces by demonic practitioners, his body tensed up and he began to sink.
He thrashed about until he fell off his bed, unable to fall back asleep until morning.
*
When Ju Yang went to find Geom Mu-geuk, the man was meeting someone at the inn.
It was the first time Ju Yang had seen him with someone else, so he watched them closely. The stranger handed Geom Mu-geuk a letter. Geom Mu-geuk examined the contents carefully and exchanged a few words with the man. At that moment, he looked so serious that he truly seemed like the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
The messenger left the inn. Standing at the entrance, Ju Yang watched the man pass by. He looked like an ordinary person one could find anywhere.
Ju Yang approached Geom Mu-geuk and asked, "Who was that?"
"Someone from Tongcheon Pavilion."
"Tongcheon Pavilion?"
"The finest intelligence organization of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."
"You start with the tall tales the moment we meet!" Ju Yang shook his head, but he couldn't help asking, "So? What kind of conversation did you have with this 'finest' informant?"
"I was looking into the Jiangxi Branch. The Branch Leader, and the Demon Sword Squad Leader as well."
Ju Yang flinched at the mention of those two. "If that's true, let me see that letter."
Geom Mu-geuk held out the hand holding the letter. Just as Ju Yang was about to take it—
Whoosh!
Flames erupted from Geom Mu-geuk’s palm, and the letter turned to ash instantly.
"You wouldn't be able to survive if you saw the Cult's secrets," Geom Mu-geuk said casually.
Startled, Ju Yang stared blankly at the ash fluttering away. He had heard of this—that true masters could ignite objects using Samadhi True Fire.
"Do you believe in my true identity now?"
Ju Yang stared at him. "If you're such a master, why are you so crazy?"
Geom Mu-geuk laughed, waving his hand through the rising ashes. "I suppose I’ll have to line up the Demon Lords behind me to make you believe."
Ju Yang stared at him in silence. You won't get the chance. Because you’re going to die today.
Geom Mu-geuk stared back and asked, "You look like you didn't sleep well. Is something troubling you?"
By now, Ju Yang wasn't even surprised by the man's uncanny intuition. "There’s a place I need you to go with me today."
"Let’s go."
When Geom Mu-geuk readily agreed, Ju Yang was the one who became flustered. "Do you even know where we're going before you say yes?"
"I’ll find out when I get there."
"What if I’ve set a trap? Are you looking down on me? Thinking my trap is nothing?"
"It’s not because of that. If you kill me, you won't get your interest, will you? You’re a man who collects money, not lives."
At the unexpected answer, Ju Yang could only shake his head. "You really have a way with words."
Ju Yang led the way, and Geom Mu-geuk followed. Ju Yang’s mind was a mess. His relationship with this strange man would be over in a little while. He would never have to see this madman again.
Ju Yang stole a glance back. Unaware that he was walking to his death, Geom Mu-geuk was leisurely following along, watching the street merchants.
"That outfit over there—I think it would look good on you. Shall I buy you a set?"
"Just use that money to pay your interest! Dammit! Stop talking nonsense and just follow me."
Why was he feeling so irritable? The reason was simple: he didn't want to kill Geom Mu-geuk. Why did he feel pity for this guy who was just smiling foolishly?
Ju Yang suddenly thought of the coin—the coin the man had placed in his palm. Yes, this feeling probably stemmed from gratitude that the man hadn't ruined his hand when they first met.
Once they left the marketplace and reached a fork in the road, Ju Yang stopped and sat on a rock by the wayside.
"Let’s rest a bit."
"You need to work on your stamina," Geom Mu-geuk teased. "You spend all your time sitting and counting money; that’s why your body is in that state."
Geom Mu-geuk sat down beside him. After a moment of silence, Ju Yang abruptly asked, "If you really are the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult... what on earth are you doing here?"
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
"As you can see, I’m meeting people. I meet a coachman who is bound to you for life because of ten taels he borrowed for his child’s medical bills; I meet you, who sticks a straw in that man to suck his blood; and I meet an anonymous hero who jumps over a wall to save that man."
As he listened, Ju Yang’s heart began to race. These weren't words that should move him, but he often had such experiences when he was with Geom Mu-geuk.
"Why would a demonic practitioner try to set the King Yama’s Debt right? Even the people of the Orthodox Faction just look the other way. You’re a demonic practitioner!"
"There can be people with the hearts of beasts among the Orthodox, and there can be demonic practitioners who can't stand to see such things. Isn't that how it goes? And besides, the matter of the King Yama’s Debt isn't for me to handle—it's for you to do from now on."
"How could someone like me do such a thing? Like you said, I’ve spent my whole life sitting and counting money, enjoying the sight of others becoming miserable. How could I do something so grand?"
"It’s not a grand thing. It’s just the normal thing to do." Geom Mu-geuk gazed at him calmly. "If you’ve lived your life as a caterpillar, try living one where you fly free. Even if you can't become a butterfly, couldn't you at least be a moth?"
In this moment, Ju Yang found himself wishing the man really was the Young Cult Leader. He felt that even if the task was a punishment, he wanted to try living a new life. It was a chance that came only once in a lifetime.
That was why he felt even angrier. Because the man wasn't the Young Cult Leader. The real Young Cult Leader wouldn't be saying such things to a mere loan shark.
"I don't want to hear any more of your crazy talk! Leave this place right now!" Ju Yang’s voice trembled. "Leave this way and never come back to Jiangxi Province. If you come back, you’ll die."
Ju Yang had made up his mind to save this "crazy master." In his entire life, he had never lived for anyone else. He had lived selfishly, only for himself. He didn't know why the object of his one and only act of kindness had to be this madman, but his heart had moved.
"There are people waiting to kill you. So go. I’ll tell them you realized it was a trap and fled. I don't know if they'll believe me, but..."
Had he ever taken such a risk for someone else? Absolutely not.
"Why are you telling me this?" Geom Mu-geuk asked.
"I think it’s because I’ve never seen someone as strangely mad as you."
Then, Geom Mu-geuk spoke as if he knew the truth. "That’s probably not why." He looked deep into Ju Yang’s eyes. "It’s because you are a person who is truly selfish yet has a strong will to survive. Your instincts know. They know that you must do this to live."
"You really...! Even when I’m doing you a favor! Real demonic practitioners are waiting for you!"
"I know."
"You know?"
"Didn't you see me receiving a report earlier? I can see the current movements of the Jiangxi Branch clearly."
Ju Yang finally threw up his hands in defeat. "Right. This is what a real madman is like. You’re perfect."
"And if you go back alone, you’ll die."
Geom Mu-geuk stood up and started walking. For some reason, those words sounded chilling, so Ju Yang followed behind him in silence.
I don't care anymore, Ju Yang thought. He had already extended more kindness than he could afford. Someday, he would look back on today and remember this madman as the only person he ever wanted to save.
Thus, the two arrived at the abandoned temple.
As they entered the courtyard, dozens of demonic practitioners from the Jiangxi Branch, who had been lying in ambush, revealed themselves. They drew their swords in unison, unleashing a wave of oppressive demonic energy.
Branch Leader Ho-gyeong stepped out from the crowd. "For what reason have you been going around impersonating a member of the Cult?"
Ho-gyeong did not recognize Geom Mu-geuk. They had met before, but it was a long time ago when Geom Mu-geuk was a child. Since then, Ho-gyeong had rotated through various branches in the Central Plains, never seeing the boy again.
"I have never impersonated anyone," Geom Mu-geuk said calmly.
Ho-gyeong’s expression hardened. "There is already a witness." He looked at Ju Yang and asked, "Did this man impersonate the Main Cult?"
Ju Yang was paralyzed. This wasn't the situation he had expected. Jeokpae had said they would take care of him. But looking at the demonic energy flying his way, there was no consideration for him at all. They viewed him as nothing more than an accomplice to be purged.
Damn it!
The object of his rage was Jeokpae. The man hadn't looked out for him at all. Perhaps, seeing him getting so close to Geom Mu-geuk, Jeokpae had hoped they would just die together.
"Stay right behind me," Geom Mu-geuk whispered. "It would be a shame if you got hit by a stray blade, wouldn't it?"
The only person here who cared about him was the "impersonator."
"I asked if this is the man who impersonated the Main Cult!" Ho-gyeong demanded again.
Ju Yang ignored him, speaking to Geom Mu-geuk instead. "The demonic practitioner who conspired with the Message Center isn't that man."
At those words, even Ho-gyeong grew tense.
"The person who conspired with the Message Center is..."
Right then, someone leaped over the roof and landed in the courtyard. It was Jung Ak, the Demon Sword Squad Leader. His warriors appeared atop the building's roof and the surrounding walls. Even Ho-gyeong was surprised by his sudden appearance, but Jung Ak ignored him, focusing on Ju Yang while radiating a cold, murderous energy.
"Who is the demonic practitioner who conspired with the Message Center?" Jung Ak asked, his voice a low threat.
Ju Yang knew that the moment he identified Jung Ak, he would die. No, he sensed that he would die here regardless of whether he spoke or not.
As he stood paralyzed with fear, Geom Mu-geuk pulled two coins from his robe and held them out.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't given you today’s interest. Take it."
Two coins were placed in Ju Yang’s palm. Ju Yang looked down at them in silence, then handed them back.
"The interest is too much. The interest I’ve already paid is more than enough to cover the principal."
Geom Mu-geuk gave him a bright smile.
Ju Yang took all the courage he had carefully hoarded throughout his life and added to it every bit of courage he would ever possess until the day he died.
"The person who took bribes from Jeokpae, the head of the Message Center, and promised to kill you is that man right there—the Demon Sword Squad Leader!"
Cold demonic energy erupted from Jung Ak’s body. Simultaneously, the Demon Sword Squad practitioners surrounding the area unleashed their killing intent.
He was going to die anyway! Ju Yang screamed at the top of his lungs like a runaway carriage.
"You bastards! This man here is the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult! Everyone, get on your knees and worship him!"
Ah, so I’m dying as a madman!