Chapter 310: Just Take Me to That Damned Bitch
Chapter 310: Just Take Me to That Damned Bitch
Geom Mu-geuk was genuinely struck by the sheer weight of the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s aura.
He could feel the man’s fury radiating through the illusions of pouncing beasts. If the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art hadn't activated instinctively, his blood would have boiled under the pressure, and he would have struggled to suppress the urge to draw his sword in self-defense.
This was the presence of a true master—one who had reached the ultimate principle of his martial path.
Now, it was time to soothe that rage.
Geom Mu-geuk dodged the lunging spectral monsters, waving his hands dismissively as he offered a playful grin.
“It’s not like I’m the one who messed with your disciple! Aigoo, you’re going to kill me!”
At those words, the Pungcheon Cult Leader withdrew his aura.
The rampaging beasts vanished in an instant. The dark clouds dissipated, and the surroundings brightened. The tolling of the bell, which had hammered against Mu-geuk's heart like the opening of Hell’s Gate, faded into the distance. As the long, lingering resonance finally died out, Mu-geuk felt the Cult Leader’s emotions subside.
The murderous light in the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s eyes returned to a calm simmer.
“Where is Cheong-seon now?”
The question was quiet, laced with genuine concern.
This was why one had to look closely at people. Even though Mu-geuk thought he had a good handle on the man’s character, he’d had no idea the Pungcheon Cult Leader possessed such a protective side until now.
It was a moment that made him realize once again how difficult it was to truly know a person—to understand the many layers hidden beneath the surface.
“The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord is doing well,” Mu-geuk replied.
Only then did the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s expression fully relax.
“She’ll be very happy to know you were so worried about her, Cult Leader. Though I almost died just to deliver the news.”
“Stop exaggerating! You held your ground just fine.”
“I even had to use the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art!”
Mu-geuk intentionally mentioned the technique to save the Cult Leader’s face. As expected, the older man’s mood brightened immediately. After all, he acknowledged Mu-geuk’s father as the strongest man under heaven; forcing his son to use a defensive art was a point of pride.
Go Wol, standing behind the Cult Leader, chimed in with a dry tone.
“Cult Leader, did you really care about your disciple this much? You usually don't act like you cherish her at all.”
“I don’t! Who says I cherish her?”
Feeling embarrassed for no reason, the Pungcheon Cult Leader huffed and offered a different excuse.
“It’s not because of Cheong-seon; it’s a matter of pride! Someone dared to lay a finger on my disciple? That’s a direct insult to me. There’s no way they didn't know who she was. Or did they? Did they do it because they were ignorant?”
Geom Mu-geuk shook his head firmly.
“Not a chance. Someone plotting something of this scale wouldn't have skipped that level of investigation.”
“Exactly what kind of person are they?”
“A woman.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader tilted his head. Among the women he knew who practiced Soul-Seizing techniques, he couldn't think of anyone bold enough to pull this off. In truth, the same went for the men. To dare touch a Demon Lord of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was to invite the slaughter of one's entire clan. Who could it be?
“Who is this woman?”
“A woman disguised as a flower garden owner in Ma Clan Village.”
“I’ll have to see for myself to be sure. But first, let’s see Cheong-seon.”
“I’ll go bring her. Oh, by the way, your disciple doesn't know she’s been hit by a Soul-Seizing technique.”
“I figured as much.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader’s gaze deepened. He never took matters involving the manipulation of the soul lightly.
As Geom Mu-geuk headed out, Go Wol spoke softly to the Cult Leader.
“Cult Leader.”
After calling his name, Go Wol said nothing more.
They were always together; the Cult Leader knew exactly what was on Go Wol’s mind. It was a silent warning not to let his emotions cloud his judgment just because his disciple was involved.
“What are you worried about? You know exactly how nasty I can be.”
Go Wol nodded with a look that said, I know all too well.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader barked a laugh. Until his disciple arrived, he had momentarily set aside his dignity.
“You’re supposed to deny it! You’re supposed to say you’re worried because the Cult Leader is secretly soft-hearted! At least say it for appearances!”
*
Black energy bloomed from Cheong-seon’s fingertips, wrapping around her arm.
The dark smoke transformed into armor shaped like shimmering fish scales. It seemed the Armor Transformation Art was succeeding as it encased her limb, but then—
Clang!
The sound of splitting metal rang out. The scales shattered with a dull thud, exploding in all directions before dissolving into smoke.
Cheong-seon clutched her arm, her face contorted in pain. She had almost seriously injured herself because she had misrecited the oral formula.
Ever since she killed Sa U-jong, she hadn't been able to focus on her training.
Was it guilt? Not at all. She wasn't that weak-hearted. It was her fierce, perfectionist personality that tormented her—she regretted failing to control her own emotions.
The events of that day kept flashing back, and she found herself imagining a version of herself that had handled it with composure. I should have answered like this. I should have reacted like that. I should have endured it.
Perhaps it was also because of the Young Cult Leader. She wanted to show him her best side.
She was the only one destined to be the next generation’s Demon Lord. Even if the other Demon Lords grew old and died, she would remain to serve Geom Mu-geuk once he ascended. The thought that she had marred the beginning of such an important relationship left her with lingering bitterness.
Just then, she heard a subordinate’s voice from outside.
“The Young Cult Leader has arrived.”
“Bring him in.”
Since she had been thinking about Geom Mu-geuk, she was inwardly startled. His timing was impeccable.
A moment later, Geom Mu-geuk entered.
“Young Cult Leader.”
“Demon Lord.”
The two exchanged a formal fist salute. Cheong-seon was secretly terrified that the issue with Sa U-jong had escalated into a diplomatic disaster.
However, contrary to her fears, Geom Mu-geuk brought incredibly good news.
“The One Flower Sword Venerable has agreed to let this matter slide quietly.”
Cheong-seon felt a massive wave of relief wash over her. She felt so light that she had to force herself to maintain her composure; she couldn't exactly jump for joy in front of him.
“The Sword Venerable made a concession for your sake, Demon Lord.”
Cheong-seon wasn't a fool. She knew this result was only possible because Geom Mu-geuk had mediated the situation with extreme skill.
“I will not forget this favor,” she said earnestly.
And then, the second piece of news.
“The Pungcheon Cult Leader has returned.”
“Ah! Master is back?”
“He asked for you the moment he arrived.”
Mu-geuk wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her how furious her master had been upon hearing she was under the influence of a Soul-Seizing technique. He wanted to tell her that even if the old man didn't express it, he cherished her deeply. But he decided to wait until everything was resolved, hoping their bond would grow naturally.
“Where is he?”
“He’s waiting for you at my residence right now.”
This time, Cheong-seon did not hide her joy.
*
Geom Mu-geuk and Cheong-seon returned to the residence.
“Master.”
Cheong-seon tried to appear confident, but she always struggled with a certain internal pressure when facing him.
When will my Soul-Seizing arts become strong enough to match the other Demon Lords?
No one said it out loud, but the question followed her like a shadow.
To her, the Pungcheon Cult Leader was like a sturdy fence. Perhaps because she had been so depressed lately, she was even happier to see him than usual.
“Have you been well, Master?”
Cheong-seon knelt and performed a formal bow.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader gauged her progress just by sensing the flow of her aura.
“You’ve been training hard!”
Cheong-seon beamed. She trained harder than anyone to catch up to her peers. Having her master acknowledge that effort made all her past hardships feel worthwhile.
“Thank you, Master.”
“Stand up.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader stared intently into her eyes. It was the first time he had looked at her with such piercing intensity, and Cheong-seon was inwardly flustered. As she tried to lower her head—
“Look me straight in the eye.”
“Yes, Master.”
Cheong-seon raised her head and met his gaze.
Geom Mu-geuk and Go Wol watched the scene tensely. They hoped it was a technique the Pungcheon Cult Leader could unravel.
“Now, perform the Heart-Soul Technique.”
As the Pungcheon Cult Leader continued his examination, Geom Mu-geuk and Go Wol stepped away to give them space. They knew this was a delicate process to determine the nature of the curse, and it was impolite to linger while a Demon Lord performed her secret arts.
The two men strolled through the inner court.
“You’ve worked hard, haven't you?” Mu-geuk asked.
“Not at all. I enjoy my work. Please don't give it a second thought.”
“Don’t say that. If you do, I’ll think you really love labor and give you even more to do.”
Go Wol smiled thinly.
Geom Mu-geuk felt he should give Go Wol a bit more information.
“Keep in mind the possibility that the people behind this are the same group that caused the incident at the Murim Alliance.”
Even though it was a heavy revelation, Go Wol wasn't as surprised as expected.
“Did you suspect as much?” Mu-geuk asked.
“Given that both sides targeted the highest levels of leadership for their plots, I suspected they might share a mastermind. If your hunch is correct, Young Cult Leader, I expect there are similar plots unfolding within the Unorthodox Path Alliance as well.”
As expected, Go Wol’s grasp of the situation was razor-sharp.
“It doesn't hurt to be careful. Keep that possibility in mind while you gather information.”
“Understood.”
“And stay at the Cult Leader’s and my residence for the time being. Soon, I’ll get permission from my father to establish a small-scale Eun-wol headquarters.”
However, Go Wol politely declined the favor.
“I ask that you postpone that matter.”
“Why?”
“If you do that, Eun-wol will become an official organization of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Please make Eun-wol official only when you become the Cult Leader.”
He meant that for now, he wanted to remain an entity that existed solely for Geom Mu-geuk, executing only his personal orders.
Mu-geuk’s smile brightened at Go Wol’s unwavering loyalty. Your loyalty makes me this happy. His eyes said it all: Thank you, Go Wol.
“Strategist Go.”
“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”
“As you know, we have a long way to go. Take breaks. I’m worried you’ll burn yourself out.”
“A person doesn't collapse because the work is hard, but because no one recognizes their labor, wouldn't you agree? Since you acknowledge it so well, Young Cult Leader, I have no worries.”
Go Wol added with a rare, small smile.
“And despite the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s exaggerations, I don’t work hard enough to collapse.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed out loud.
The two continued their walk. Since they didn't know when they would be busy again, this rare stroll was a precious moment of peace.
*
When they returned to the residence, Cheong-seon was already gone.
“How was it?” Mu-geuk asked.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader had figured out exactly what had been done to her.
“She was hit by the Yin-Yang Soul Reversal Technique.”
It was a name neither Mu-geuk nor Go Wol recognized. That was because it wasn't a martial art of the Central Plains; it had been lost to time.
“It’s an Outer Rim martial art that was thought to have vanished long ago.”
The reason the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s expression was so grim was the specific origin of the art.
“It’s a Blood Cult technique. One that should have stayed dead.”
The predecessor of the Pungcheon Cult was the Blood Cult. It was clear he was unsettled that a technique never passed down to his lineage had suddenly resurfaced.
In every era, rumors of the ‘Blood Cult’s Resurrection’ floated around like ghosts. Naturally, the Pungcheon Cult Leader was sensitive to such things.
But Mu-geuk knew the truth: Hwa Mu-gi had absolutely nothing to do with the Blood Cult. Even when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled the Central Plains after Hwa Mu-gi sealed the gates of the three major factions, there was never any mention of a Blood Cult resurrection.
Regardless, the priority was clear.
“Can you undo the Yin-Yang Soul Reversal Technique cast on the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked back and forth between Go Wol and Mu-geuk with a serious expression. He tried to act like it was a monumental task, but his desire to show off sabotaged his performance. In the end, he couldn't help himself.
“Of course. I am the Pungcheon Cult Leader.”
Go Wol and Mu-geuk immediately played along.
“As expected! You’re the best, Cult Leader!”
“You’re amazing, Cult Leader!”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader puffed out his chest and continued.
“The one who served as the medium is dead, right?”
He already knew about Sa U-jong’s death.
“How did you know?”
“The Yin-Yang Soul Reversal Technique can only be cast in reverse when the opponent tries to use a Soul-Seizing technique during... intimacy. The conditions are very strict. But why would someone use a Soul-Seizing technique during intimacy?”
“When they’re trying to kill the other person,” Mu-geuk answered.
“Exactly. If she had tried to kill Cheong-seon, that guy would be dead. Since you said the mastermind is a woman, she wouldn't have stepped forward herself; she would have used a man as a medium. And she would have let the pawn be killed by Cheong-seon to leave no loose ends.”
“You really seem like a different person right now! Exactly who are you? Are you sure you aren't the one under a Soul-Seizing technique?”
“That’s an insult, isn't it? Not a compliment?”
Mu-geuk wasn't just flattering him. When the Pungcheon Cult Leader was actually focused on his craft, he possessed a terrifying competence.
“The dead man was just a medium. The woman who taught him the oral formula will have a Spirit-Suppressing Seal engraved on her body. If I extract and destroy it using a Great Regression Art, the Red Soul planted in Cheong-seon will naturally vanish.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader’s eyes turned cold, and a chilling blue light emanated from them.
“I will take responsibility for my disciple’s life. So, just take me to that damned bitch.”
Mu-geuk trusted the Pungcheon Cult Leader. He believed the man could suppress Hwan-yeo and succeed with the ritual. If he couldn't trust the master of Soul-Seizing arts, who could he trust? However, there was one problem.
“What happens to that woman once the ritual is performed?”
“She won't survive the Spirit-Suppressing Seal being forcibly extracted. If she planned to use others as puppets, she should have been prepared for this.”
“There’s something I need to find out before she dies.”
Specifically, the location of the Illusion King.
If Hwan-yeo died, the Illusion King would definitely seek revenge. Mu-geuk knew all too well how much those twins cared for each other.
The Illusion King sharpening his blade of revenge from the shadows, with the Pungcheon Cult Leader as his target?
That was a situation Mu-geuk refused to allow. If Hwan-yeo was going to die, the Illusion King had to die with her.
“I’ll let you know when it’s time for the ritual. Please endure until then.”
The blue light faded from the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s eyes.
“I was straining my eyes too much; it’s exhausting.”
After rubbing his eyes and making a fuss, the Pungcheon Cult Leader looked at Mu-geuk.
“What exactly are you thinking?”
I’m thinking of saving your life. So you don’t have to spend the rest of it being hunted by the Illusion King.
“I’m just thinking about how to make our Cult Leader’s performance look as cool as possible,” Mu-geuk replied with a smirk.