Chapter 328: Live Hard, Then Run Away
Chapter 328: Live Hard, Then Run Away
The Illusion King stared at Geom Mu-geuk, his face a mask of pure disbelief.
‘He broke through all those gates?’
The Pungcheon Cult Leader turned his gaze toward the Illusion King. “Didn’t I tell you? You simply do not know the measure of this man.”
The Demon Buddha’s gate had been a trial in itself, but the Cult Leader had been certain that the gate blocking Geom Mu-geuk was impassable—especially the one guarded by the Blood Poison Python.
“One cannot pass that trial without being completely immune to all poisons,” the Illusion King muttered.
He had assumed Geom Mu-geuk wouldn’t even attempt it because of the lethal toxins. That was why he believed he could keep the Young Cult Leader’s companion bound as a hostage without having to kill him.
Geom Mu-geuk stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “I happen to be quite close with the Poison King.”
The Demon Buddha took his place on the Cult Leader’s other side. “I, too, am quite close with the Poison King.”
Watching the two men stand reliably to his left and right, the Pungcheon Cult Leader felt a surge of joy unlike anything he had ever experienced. Until moments ago, he had been prepared for death. In that desperate hour, the ones who had rushed to his side were Geom Mu-geuk and the Demon Buddha; he couldn't find the words to describe the overwhelming emotion swelling in his chest.
But following the whirlwind of relief, another realization hit him.
‘The Young Cult Leader is here!’
He held a firm belief that if it were Geom Mu-geuk, he might actually be able to save So Baek-ta. Was that not why he had been chanting "Second Young Master" and "Young Cult Leader" like a prayer in his moments of frantic despair?
‘Young Cult Leader, I beg of you.’
As if to prove the Cult Leader’s faith was not in vain, Geom Mu-geuk’s next action sent a fresh jolt of admiration through him. Geom Mu-geuk discreetly placed a hand on the Cult Leader’s back, infusing him with a steady stream of internal energy to treat his internal injuries.
‘You truly are...!’
The Pungcheon Cult Leader saw it clearly now. Geom Mu-geuk was cut from a different cloth. To worry about another’s injuries at a moment like this, and to boldly inject internal energy while standing in the heat of a confrontation—it was a level of composure an ordinary master wouldn't even dream of.
Thanks to him, the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s internal state stabilized, and the color returned to his face.
Finally, a voice transmission from Geom Mu-geuk reached his ears.
— It is fine if we lose the enemy, so please do not overexert yourself.
To Geom Mu-geuk, chasing the Illusion King and saving So Baek-ta were important, but the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s safety was the highest priority.
The Illusion King kept his body completely shielded behind So Baek-ta. Though the disciple was still a hostage, his expression was brighter than it had been all day.
‘Since those two have arrived, Master will be safe.’
As relieved as he was, So Baek-ta’s heart remained heavy. How could the Illusion King possibly withstand a combined attack from these three? The only problem was himself—he was the dead weight.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke up, comforting the young man whose face was flushed with shame. “In our Cult, even the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord fell for these tricks, as did the grandson of the Murim Alliance Leader. There is no need for shame. They only succeeded because they approached with such meticulous planning.”
The Illusion King tightened his grip, pressing a finger against So Baek-ta’s throat. “Leave now. Unless you want to see your disciple die.”
His finger looked ready to pierce the boy's neck at any second.
Geom Mu-geuk turned to the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “We have plenty of other disciples back at the Cult, so losing one shouldn't matter much, right?”
Before the Pungcheon Cult Leader could answer, the Illusion King snarled. “Bluffing won’t work. I already know how much the Cult Leader cherishes this boy.”
Despite his words, the Illusion King was growing anxious. The three men standing before him were opponents he couldn't afford to underestimate even in a one-on-one fight.
If there was any silver lining, it was that the Pungcheon Cult Leader was injured, and the other two must have consumed a great deal of internal energy to get here. Having rushed through the gates in such haste, they wouldn't have had time to recover.
Even so, facing all three alone was a nightmare. Even if their combined internal energy was depleted, they were absolute masters; there was no telling what they could do with even a handful of Qi.
To the Illusion King’s threat, the Pungcheon Cult Leader gave an unexpected response.
“Since the opponent is who he is, let us say our final goodbyes now. I am sorry I could not save you, my disciple.”
Geom Mu-geuk and the Demon Buddha looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader. They sensed this wasn't a ploy. He was truly saying goodbye.
So Baek-ta felt his master’s heart through that gaze. It was enough to give him the courage to say what he needed to. “Even if I were to be born again, I would choose to become Master’s disciple once more.”
As the two shared their final moment, the Illusion King’s expression hardened. The more So Baek-ta’s value as a hostage diminished, the higher the probability of his own death became.
If the Pungcheon Cult Leader weren't here, he might have been able to escape using illusion arts. But with the Cult Leader present, even that was difficult. He couldn't afford to leave this space recklessly; his martial arts were far more powerful here than they would be outside. He relied on the legacy of the Blood Cult—this very domain.
“Are you going to cowardly attack three-on-one?” the Illusion King spat.
It was So Baek-ta who answered. “You cowardly bastard! How can you say that while hiding behind me? Just kill me and then kill yourself. Both our lives are pathetic anyway, so let’s die together!”
Ignoring the boy, the Illusion King looked at Geom Mu-geuk. He sensed the decision rested with him, but Geom Mu-geuk merely shook his head.
“Don’t look at me. To be honest, the person you’re holding isn’t that important to me. If you wanted a real hostage, you should have taken one of these two...”
He turned his head toward the Pungcheon Cult Leader. Just as the Illusion King’s gaze naturally followed the movement—
Geom Mu-geuk’s form blurred as he lunged.
Swoooosh!
It was a surprise attack aimed at the exact heartbeat the enemy thought he wouldn't strike. It was a cold, ruthless move that suggested he truly didn't care if So Baek-ta died in the crossfire.
Caught off guard, the Illusion King instinctively tried to kill So Baek-ta but hesitated. Geom Mu-geuk’s movement was so incredibly fast that he felt he would lose an arm before he could finish the boy. If his instincts had been working perfectly, he should have used So Baek-ta as a shield, but the sheer pressure forced him to dodge instead.
The moment the Illusion King vanished, Geom Mu-geuk grabbed So Baek-ta and lunged backward.
Swish, swish!
He thrust his sword toward the spot where he was about to land, anticipating that the Illusion King might be lying in wait there.
At that moment, the Pungcheon Cult Leader shouted, “It’s a trap!”
The Cult Leader unleashed a palm strike, directing his force at So Baek-ta’s shadow. The Illusion King, who had hidden within the shadow, had been rising to launch a surprise attack on Geom Mu-geuk’s back.
Boom!
The shadow vanished, and So Baek-ta’s shadow returned to normal. Geom Mu-geuk quickly unsealed the boy's internal energy, allowing him to use his power again. Through Geom Mu-geuk’s bold judgment, they had successfully rescued the hostage.
However, there was no time to celebrate. The Pungcheon Cult Leader signaled that the Illusion King was still hiding within the chamber.
The Illusion King’s stealth was at its peak. The Blood Wind Shadow Concealment he was using was the pinnacle of the Blood Cult’s stealth techniques. In terms of pure concealment, his skill was not inferior to Hwi, the guard of Geom Mu-geuk's father.
Geom Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission to the Demon Buddha.
— I need light!
The Demon Buddha quickly formed a hand seal.
Dharma Light Seal!
Radiant light erupted from the Demon Buddha’s body, illuminating every corner of the space. In that split second, Geom Mu-geuk activated his New Eye Technique. He saw it—a ripple in the air where the light reflected differently from the surroundings.
Swoosh.
Splat!
Blood splattered in mid-air as the Illusion King was forced to reveal himself. The Pungcheon Cult Leader lunged to drag him out, but the Illusion King vanished again by a hair’s breadth. However, the Cult Leader reached into the void once more and hauled him out by force.
Bang, bang, bang!
The revealed Illusion King and the Pungcheon Cult Leader exchanged palm strikes in mid-air. The Illusion King was not losing; since the Cult Leader was still suffering from internal injuries, he was actually at a disadvantage in a direct clash of Qi.
Geom Mu-geuk threw himself forward to assist. The Demon Buddha moved in front of So Baek-ta to protect him, fearing the Illusion King might target the weakest link again.
The Illusion King unleashed a double palm strike with all his might.
Boom! Boom!
Having pushed Geom Mu-geuk and the Pungcheon Cult Leader back, the Illusion King unleashed his trump card. If he saved his secret technique now, he would die without ever using it.
Whirrrrrrr.
A blood-red mist enveloped the Illusion King’s body. When it vanished, his appearance had transformed. His skin had turned the color of red steel, and his eyes glowed with a foul, murderous blood energy.
Recognizing the martial art, the Pungcheon Cult Leader shouted a warning. “Be careful! It’s the Iron Blood Heaven Breaking Technique!”
The Blood Cult’s demonic arts had many branches. The Illusion King had inherited the Blood Spirit Technique lineage, and the Iron Blood Heaven Breaking Technique was its ultimate secret. It consumed the user's internal energy and blood essence to turn their body into indestructible steel while multiplying their strength several times over. Within this specific domain, its power was even more formidable.
Swooooosh!
The Illusion King lunged toward Geom Mu-geuk without hesitation.
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
He charged with a succession of punches, moving with such speed and violence that there was no room for Geom Mu-geuk to swing his sword. Geom Mu-geuk raised his Body Protection Qi and met the assault with fist techniques.
As it was a final secret technique, the impact surging through Geom Mu-geuk's body with every clash was immense. He utilized Vajra Asura, the defensive form of the Thunder Asura Fist, and activated the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art. He was struggling just to block, let alone counterattack.
A bolt of Formless Qi fired from the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s hand struck the Illusion King squarely in the back. The Illusion King staggered for a moment but did not stop. He poured everything he had into crushing Geom Mu-geuk.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
The Demon Buddha joined the fray.
Killing Art Repentance Seal!
Gang Qi swirled violently. Just before it hit, the Illusion King dodged to the side, causing the blast to fly straight toward Geom Mu-geuk. Geom Mu-geuk threw himself in the opposite direction.
K-boom!
The ground where they had been standing was obliterated.
The Illusion King immediately targeted Geom Mu-geuk again. Under the influence of the Iron Blood Heaven Breaking Technique, he was now keeping pace with the movements of the Wind God Four Steps.
He was targeting only Geom Mu-geuk, knowing that among the four, he was the most dangerous. If the Nine Calamities Demonic Art was unleashed, no Blood Cult art could block it. He had to kill Geom Mu-geuk first at any cost.
So Baek-ta looked for an opening, but the two were so entangled in high-speed combat that he couldn't strike without hitting his ally.
The Demon Buddha looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader. Their eyes met, and an understanding passed between them.
The moment the Pungcheon Cult Leader recited an oral formula, the Illusion King tried to sink into the ground, then bounced back up. A pitch-black hole had appeared beneath his feet. It wasn't a trap meant to swallow him; its purpose was to halt his momentum for a mere heartbeat.
That split second was all they needed.
As Geom Mu-geuk threw himself backward to create distance, the Demon Buddha’s hand seal was completed.
Demonic Palm Destruction!
A massive palm of energy struck down upon the Illusion King.
K-booooom!
The Illusion King raised both hands to block it. Both the Demon Buddha and the Illusion King poured their internal energy into the struggle. As they locked in a tense stalemate, the situation the Illusion King feared most unfolded.
Geom Mu-geuk, having gained both distance and time, unleashed the first form of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art: Annihilation Form.
Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash!
Four ghostly apparitions appeared from the cardinal directions, slashing at the Illusion King simultaneously.
Creeeeeak!
The sound of breaking ice rang out. The red, metallic skin on the Illusion King's body began to crumble away like shards of rusted iron.
The man revealed beneath was pale, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. The combined attack of Geom Mu-geuk, the Pungcheon Cult Leader, and the Demon Buddha had been perfect—a feat of instantaneous wit and coordination. Against such masters, the Illusion King never stood a chance.
Swish!
Despite his heavy injuries, he suddenly vanished, and three doors appeared in his place. Even in defeat, the level of illusion art he had reached was admirable.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “You must not go alone this time.”
“I wouldn't go even if you pushed me,” the Cult Leader replied grimly.
“Which door?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader thought for a moment, then pointed to the third door. “That way.”
The four of them lunged into the door side-by-side. As they disappeared, the Illusion King reappeared in the empty room. He quickly dispelled the three doors he had summoned and vomited a mouthful of blood. He had suffered massive internal damage when his Iron Blood technique was shattered.
However, a triumphant smile etched itself onto his face.
“No matter which door you enter, you are headed toward the final gate of this realm. It will take you at least two hours to find your way out.”
It was his final trick. He hadn't escaped through the doors; he had used the illusion of choice to trap them. Now, he would escape this place and flee far away. Next time, he would have his revenge.
Just as he began to recite the formula to leave the painting—
Thuck!
A sword pierced through his heart from behind.
The Illusion King looked up to see Geom Mu-geuk standing before him. Beside him were the Pungcheon Cult Leader, the Demon Buddha, and So Baek-ta.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked down at him. “I saw through your trick.”
While pretending to enter the door, the Pungcheon Cult Leader had pulled the group into the Space-Time Displacement Technique. Just as Geom Mu-geuk had once deceived So Baek-ta with the same technique, the Cult Leader had deceived the Illusion King.
The Illusion King’s lips trembled as if to speak, but Geom Mu-geuk had no interest in a villain's last words.
Swoosh!
Slash!
Without hesitation, Geom Mu-geuk pulled his sword from the man's heart and took his head in one clean sweep. The head of the Illusion King, eyes wide with shock, rolled across the floor. The threat was finally eliminated.
“Let us leave this place,” the Pungcheon Cult Leader said.
As he recited the exit formula, the four of them suddenly found themselves standing back in the real world, in front of the physical painting. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. They had finally escaped that wretched canvas.
So Baek-ta immediately prostrated himself before the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “Master.”
He was flooded with emotion. He truly hadn't expected to survive. He was deeply grateful to his master, who had risked everything for him, and to Geom Mu-geuk and the Demon Buddha.
“I made a vow while trapped in that illusion,” So Baek-ta said, his voice thick. “If I survived, I would live only for you, Master. Just say the word. I will live the rest of my life according to your will.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked down at him with a gentle, calm gaze. “Do you think that is what I want? If I were that kind of person, would I have abandoned the position of Cult Leader and fled?”
“...Master.”
“You must live for yourself. If you live as the Pungcheon Cult Leader, do it for yourself; if you run away like I did, do it for yourself.”
The Cult Leader paused, offering one final piece of wisdom—perhaps as much for himself as for his disciple.
“Even if you plan to run away, live hard before you do.”
So Baek-ta could not bring himself to raise his head. The Pungcheon Cult Leader reached down and helped his disciple up.
Watching them, Geom Mu-geuk crumpled the painting of the Illusion King in his hand.
Whoosh!
He watched the ashes rise, consumed by the Samadhi True Fire.
“Do not believe in secret societies or the resurrection of the Blood Cult anymore,” Geom Mu-geuk said firmly. “From today on, they are nothing but conspiracy theories and ghost stories.”