Chapter 323: If You Must Compare, Do It Like This
Chapter 323: If You Must Compare, Do It Like This
Geom Mu-geuk and So Baek-ta stood within the Cult Leader’s Hall.
The illusory world—that hellish landscape where rising blood had threatened to drown them—vanished in an instant.
So Baek-ta stared at Geom Mu-geuk, his expression dazed. Just moments ago, blood had been flooding his nose and mouth. He had been in the depths of despair, certain that his end had finally come.
Are we dead?
But the present moment felt far too vivid for the afterlife. So Baek-ta touched his face before looking around again. He wasn't dead. Geom Mu-geuk, standing calmly before him, was also very much alive.
“…How did this happen?”
Earlier, when So Baek-ta had collapsed the domain created by his Sky-Shattering Blood Spirit Technique and returned to the hall, Geom Mu-geuk had immediately activated the Space-Time Displacement Technique. He had created a space nearly identical to the one they had just left.
Since So Baek-ta didn't know Geom Mu-geuk was capable of using the Space-Time Displacement Technique, he had naturally assumed he had simply returned to the space he himself had created.
From the moment the technique was activated, everything Geom Mu-geuk said and did had been an act. It was all a ruse to uncover a single truth—and now, he finally knew the identity of the Illusion King.
Unaware of these maneuvers, So Baek-ta found the situation utterly incomprehensible.
“I’m asking you what you did.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s mission wasn't over yet. Resolving the conflict between So Baek-ta and the Pungcheon Cult Leader was just as important as killing the Illusion King. In fact, to Geom Mu-geuk, it was more important.
“I am the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
He didn't mention that he had learned the Space-Time Displacement Technique from the Pungcheon Cult Leader. So Baek-ta already harbored enough resentment toward his master; revealing that would only worsen his mood.
“Are you saying you dispelled it?”
Since he didn't realize Geom Mu-geuk’s goal had been to unmask the Illusion King, So Baek-ta didn't pay much mind to the mention of the strategist. Right now, he was only curious about how they had escaped that bloody nightmare.
“You said we’ve grown complacent, relying only on the Nine Calamities Demonic Art? Who on earth told you that? Whoever said that has likely never met me or my father, and probably hasn't even stepped foot in the Main Cult. Why do you believe such a person?”
The words hit a nerve, leaving So Baek-ta speechless.
“For now, come with me.”
“Where are we going?”
“Don't you have things to settle with your master?”
In the moment he thought he was drowning in blood, So Baek-ta had poured out his true feelings regarding his master. However, the thought of actually meeting him and saying those things made his chest tighten. He had only spoken of his master because he faced death; he lacked the confidence to reveal his heart in person.
“I have nothing to settle with him.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't push. He knew that when the parties involved actually met, their feelings might change. The important thing was to get him there.
“Fine. It’s between the two of you, so I won’t interfere. But let’s go anyway. I have something to say while everyone is gathered.”
Still curious about how they had escaped the illusion, So Baek-ta nodded.
“Very well.”
With that, he followed Geom Mu-geuk out of the Cult Leader’s Hall.
*
“Your Young Cult Leader bought these swords for you.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader distributed the swords purchased from the Sinung Iron Workshop to the guards. He didn't take the credit for himself. Instead, he claimed Geom Mu-geuk had bought them for the guards who had traveled all this way for him.
“Where is the Young Cult Leader?”
“He’s stopping by the Cult Leader’s Hall. He told me to bring these to you first.”
The guards were overjoyed as they inspected the blades. What gift could be better for a martial artist than a weapon? Moreover, the swords they received were of much higher quality than their current ones.
“Famous blades and treasured swords are all well and good, but a weapon you’re accustomed to is always best. The problem is, there will come a time in your life when that 'best' weapon breaks, and you’ll have to fight with something else. So, until you reach the level of your Young Cult Leader—who can fight with a fallen branch from the side of the road—practice with a variety of swords. A martial artist is one who prepares in advance. A cautious martial artist is the one who lives a long life.”
Though phrased as words of encouragement, they were insights born from the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s own enlightenment. The guards performed a simultaneous fist salute to express their gratitude.
Leaving them behind, the Pungcheon Cult Leader entered his quarters.
The Demon Buddha was drinking tea while studying a drawing of a poisonous herb given to him by the Poison King.
“Do you truly intend to dig that up?”
“I plan to try when I return after finishing our business here. There are quite a few that can’t be harvested once the weather gets colder.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader, who knew the Demon Buddha’s original personality well, found this new side of him difficult to get used to.
“I didn't know you were so close with the Poison King.”
“It’s not because of that,” the Demon Buddha said unexpectedly. “Have you ever tried something entirely new? Not the repetitive tasks you’ve done while living as the Pungcheon Cult Leader, but something completely fresh.”
Of course he had. Personally selecting people to hire, buying secret orders… most of what he did while traveling the Central Plains to establish Go Wol and Eun-wol had been new.
“For me, it was digging up medicinal herbs. The joy I felt when I discovered the herb I was looking for was something I’d never experienced before.”
Furthermore, the Poison King had been genuinely happy because of the poisonous herb he had harvested. Had anyone ever been that happy because of his actions?
Surprisingly, it was a first. He had never seen such a reaction from his family, nor during his life as a martial artist. It was the same even when he became a Demon Lord. Who would have had reason to be so happy because of him?
“I’ve spent my entire life making people fear me…”
That was why he hadn't known—what it felt like to make someone happy. To feel a greater joy from someone else’s happiness than from gaining something for himself.
For a moment, both men were lost in thought. The Pungcheon Cult Leader felt that he was perhaps the person who could best understand the Demon Buddha’s heart.
“How did things go while you were out?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader recounted the events at the Sinung Iron Workshop.
“Your disciple has been quite busy in the meantime.”
“Who can I blame?”
“Weren't you always the type to blame others?”
“True. And you were always the type to say such unpleasant things.”
The two men looked at each other and smiled. Such sharp remarks no longer felt foreign. If only one of them had changed, they wouldn't be able to laugh like this. But both had changed, and both were satisfied with that transformation.
And the person who had exerted the most decisive influence on their change was the same man.
“Where is the Young Cult Leader?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked out the window toward the distant Cult Leader’s Hall and replied, “He went to see my disciple. He went there with a firm resolve, so by now, he’s likely peering into the dark void within that boy’s heart.”
*
Geom Mu-geuk and So Baek-ta entered the quarters.
Seeing his disciple arrive with him, the Pungcheon Cult Leader instinctively knew that Geom Mu-geuk had discovered something.
“Master.”
“Welcome, Cult Leader.”
Unlike their last meeting, So Baek-ta acted awkwardly. Sensing that something had definitely happened, the Pungcheon Cult Leader sent a voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Did you find out what hidden card my disciple was holding?
— I even found out who is behind him.
As expected of the Young Cult Leader, the Pungcheon Cult Leader thought, unable to hide his admiration. After all, if even he had been left helpless, how could his disciple have stood a chance?
— Why did you bring the boy here?
— I believe there are things he needs to settle with you, Cult Leader. However, he won’t open his heart easily.
The Demon Buddha moved to give them space. “I’ll step out for a moment.”
But Geom Mu-geuk stopped him. “Please stay, Lord Demon Buddha.”
Right now, So Baek-ta wanted someone to acknowledge the pain he had endured. Since he had already told Geom Mu-geuk, he believed having the Demon Buddha present would help the boy open up. Sometimes, a third party to witness the conversation is more necessary than just the people involved.
Thus, Geom Mu-geuk, So Baek-ta, the Pungcheon Cult Leader, and the Demon Buddha sat around the table.
“What exactly did you bring me here to say?”
“I believe you should tell your master what you told me.”
So Baek-ta’s expression hardened instantly. “I clearly told you I have nothing to settle with my master.”
“Then your master will live his entire life never knowing how you feel. Is that what you want?”
Of course, it wasn't what So Baek-ta wanted. But even so, he was reluctant to tell his master about his feelings from back then. He didn't want to look like a child throwing a tantrum, nor did he have any lingering desire to impress him.
It was the Pungcheon Cult Leader who spoke first.
“Did you resent me?”
“No. I don't resent you. What is there to resent? If anything, I should be grateful you chose me as the Cult Leader.”
Everyone could feel it. So Baek-ta’s words were steeped in deep resentment. What he was actually saying was: I have resented you all along.
Geom Mu-geuk was curious to see how the Pungcheon Cult Leader would react. The Pungcheon Cult Leader had resolved never to forgive his disciple if he had killed Elder Seong. In this situation, where the elder's fate was still unknown, could he truly treat the boy with kindness?
After staring at So Baek-ta in silence for a long time, the Pungcheon Cult Leader spoke softly.
“I’m sorry, my disciple.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader apologized sincerely. This caught So Baek-ta off guard. He hadn't expected his master to apologize like this.
“Why are you apologizing? I told you, I don't resent you.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader simply looked at him without a word. The moment their eyes met, a surge of emotion welled up inside So Baek-ta. That look that seemed to say, I know exactly what’s in your heart! It was that kind of look that irritated people the most.
“Aren't we all just living our own lives?”
In the past, the Pungcheon Cult Leader would have exploded. He would have shouted, What kind of pathetic whining is this? You were given the position of the Supreme Master of the Outer Regions! It’s not a position obtained easily without pain or sacrifice!
But the Pungcheon Cult Leader apologized again.
“I’m sorry.”
Geom Mu-geuk could feel how much the Pungcheon Cult Leader had grown. So Baek-ta didn't realize how difficult it was to offer such an apology at this moment. Regardless of what had happened to Elder Seong, he was apologizing for what needed to be apologized for.
“Why do you keep saying you’re sorry? I told you I’m fine!”
So Baek-ta jumped to his feet, about to storm out. That was when the Pungcheon Cult Leader spoke.
“I never truly intended to advance into the Central Plains. I liked the Outer Regions.”
“Then why did you always talk about it like that?”
“Yes, I sang the praises of advancing into the Central Plains. That was because my heart and my mouth were acting separately.” The Pungcheon Cult Leader let out a sigh. “Because I grew up hearing nothing but that, just like you. My master, and his master before him—they all lived with the unification of the Murim as their dying wish. Over time, it became a 'wish' that wasn't truly a wish.”
“So that’s it? It’s always like this. You only ever thought of yourself, Master. You liked the Outer Regions after you already left for the Central Plains? Do you even hear yourself right now?”
Geom Mu-geuk sensed it. At this moment, So Baek-ta was thinking of the Illusion King. He was comparing his master to that man. It was time for him to step in. Unless the truth about the Illusion King was revealed, this reconciliation would never happen.
“That strategist intentionally approached you, Cult Leader.”
So Baek-ta flinched at Geom Mu-geuk’s words, but he quickly reacted coldly.
“Don't talk nonsense.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't try to persuade him with emotion. He delivered the facts.
“These people have infiltrated not only your cult, but the Main Cult and the Murim Alliance as well.”
“!”
The shocking revelation left So Baek-ta stunned.
“This is a matter of fact that can be verified.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“On our side, they targeted the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord. In the Murim Alliance, they targeted the Alliance Leader’s grandson. I will have the facts officially delivered to you through the Main Cult’s Tongcheon Pavilion.”
As specific details were mentioned, So Baek-ta grew flustered.
“Why do you think I came here? As you said, the Heavenly Demon or the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult has never officially visited the Pungcheon Cult. Why would I personally travel this long distance?”
At the end of the unfolding truth, Geom Mu-geuk asked, “Have you ever doubted him, even once?”
Of course he hadn't. His heart sank. Come to think of it, he had never once doubted that man. He had met him naturally, come to trust him, and followed him to this point. So Baek-ta desperately tried to deny Geom Mu-geuk’s words.
“What kind of trick are you trying to pull now?”
He was someone who defaulted to suspicion like this—so why hadn't he doubted him?
“The trick was pulled by that man. He exploited your resentment toward your master to win your heart. If my words are false, I will use my authority as the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to permit your unification of the Outer Regions. No, we will actively support it.”
So Baek-ta was shocked. “Are you serious?”
“I am.” Geom Mu-geuk stated his honest feelings. “Do you know why I’m going through all this trouble? I could have simply pressed your acupoints to put you to sleep and then dealt with him.”
It was true. His internal energy was still suppressed. If they put him to sleep and the three of them went together, that man wouldn't be able to handle them.
“Then why are you doing this?”
“Your master said that even if he went back to the past, he would still choose you as his successor. That it could only be you.”
“!”
“I’m not doing this for you. I want to prove that this man chose his disciple well. I don't want him to suffer a lasting emotional wound from this incident. For his sake, I am willing to endure even greater trouble.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader felt a lump in his throat at Geom Mu-geuk’s words. It was more moving than anything Geom Mu-geuk had ever said to him. It was a moment where the distance between the two of them closed by another step.
So Baek-ta, for his part, looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader with a subtle and complex mix of emotions.
“You said that man told you how you should live and how great of a person you are?”
Geom Mu-geuk remembered exactly what he had said within the Space-Time Displacement Technique.
“You shouldn't compare that man to your master like that. It’s not hard to be a hero to someone who is desperate for someone to lean on. If you must compare, compare what that man is willing to give up for you. Your master gave up his position as Cult Leader. He rushed all the way here the moment he heard you were in danger. Now, you test for yourself what that man is willing to give up and what he can do for you.”
Only then did So Baek-ta understand Geom Mu-geuk’s intention. He wanted So Baek-ta to uncover the man’s identity himself—out of a desire for the disciple to reconcile with his master.
“What if I pretend to test him but use voice transmission to tell him everything you’ve said?”
Then you’ll die by my hand along with that villain.
Instead of delivering that cold reality, Geom Mu-geuk looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader and said calmly, “The one I trust isn't you, but your master. I believe he wouldn't have passed the position of Cult Leader to someone who would remain a fool until the very end.”