Chapter 337: Because My Sword Might Hurt Less
Chapter 337: Because My Sword Might Hurt Less
How could Woo So-chu not be bewildered?
There was only one reason for his hesitation—the very same dilemma Gong Chan had faced.
Is this man truly the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?
Fine. He was willing to concede, for the sake of argument, that the Young Cult Leader might have come alone. He could even accept that the man looked like a disheveled mess.
But to claim he had rushed here just to save an innkeeper and his family? To remain standing while seating those lowly peasants in chairs? To go as far as brushing the snow off an escort worker’s shoulders?
In Woo So-chu’s world, such things were utterly inconceivable.
He isn't the Young Cult Leader. There’s no way.
He was certain of it.
And yet, he could not refuse the man’s demand. The martial arts displayed during the suppression of Gong Chan were undeniably real. Though he hadn't seen everything clearly from inside the building, he had witnessed Gong Chan being defeated without being able to lift a finger. This was no ordinary skill.
“If the Young Cult Leader tells me to come down, then down I shall go.”
As Woo So-chu slowly descended the stairs, Geom Mu-geuk spoke coldly.
“You shouldn't be coming down because I told you to. You should be coming down because your subordinate’s life is hanging in the balance. You shouldn't be strolling down so leisurely; you should be leaping down to check on your man.”
Irritation flared within Woo So-chu.
First, the man had summoned him by name, and now, he had delivered a rebuke that Woo So-chu couldn't even argue against. It was humiliating. With his own escorts and the village residents watching, his rage began to simmer.
In his current state of mind, the five people sitting behind Geom Mu-geuk were an eyesore.
Lowly wretches!
This was the first time he had ever been humiliated by underlings. Once this matter was settled, he would not let them off easily.
Except for Jo Chun-bae and Yang-in, the other three didn't dare meet Woo So-chu’s gaze.
The Head of the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency was the most powerful man in the region. Yet here they were, sitting, while the Head himself was forced to stand.
“It hurts.”
Yang-seon whispered to her sister. In her terror of Woo So-chu’s gaze, she had gripped her older sister’s hand too tightly.
“I’m sorry.”
“Seon-ah, it’s okay now.”
Yang-in spoke up boldly, even though Woo So-chu was listening. She might have been unsure before, but now that she was certain this man was the Young Cult Leader, she truly believed they would be fine.
Yang-in looked at Jo Chun-bae, her eyes asking a silent question.
We’re really going to be okay, right?
Jo Chun-bae nodded vigorously, reinforcing his wife’s comfort.
“Don’t worry, sister-in-law.”
“Brother-in-law!”
“This is a moment that will never happen again in your lifetime, so you might as well enjoy it.”
Jo Chun-bae knew. He knew what kind of man was currently standing before them like a fortress wall. Even if a stone wall were to crumble, that man’s back would never break.
This was the man who had brought the Demon Lords to his humble Pungryu Tavern and had them leave inscriptions on the walls. This was the man who had brought the Heavenly Demon himself to his inn.
It was a strength entirely different from mere martial prowess. He was the one and only Young Cult Leader—the likes of whom had never existed before and would never exist again.
In that moment, Jo Chun-bae felt a sudden greed to live a long life. What would the Young Cult Leader look like when he became the Heavenly Demon? What would the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult be like under his leadership? What would become of the Murim when he reigned as the Heavenly Demon? He wanted to see it all.
Yang-in watched her husband quietly.
He was a man who never spoke a word about the business at the tavern. How could she not know how difficult it was to deal with rowdy drunks?
But he had changed ever since the Young Cult Leader first visited. On days when Geom Mu-geuk or the Demon Lords stopped by, her husband’s eyes would sparkle like stars as he excitedly recounted the day’s events. He had that same look in his eyes now as he watched Geom Mu-geuk. Today, his eyes shone brighter than any star.
Geom Mu-geuk returned to a polite and calm demeanor. His primary goal today, before any retribution, was to clear Jong-hak’s name.
“Now, since you’ve come down, let us listen together. Aren't you curious, Agency Leader? Why Escort Leader Gong tried to kill this innocent worker to silence him.”
Woo So-chu immediately countered.
“He wasn't trying to kill him; he was going to cut off the hand that committed theft. And silencing a witness? One doesn't die from losing a hand.”
Geom Mu-geuk was certain that Gong Chan had intended to kill Jong-hak.
“Do you think he could have made it to a physician alive after having both hands severed in this weather? Let’s say I cut off both of your hands. Are you confident you could run to a doctor without using lightness skills and survive? A person who hasn't trained in martial arts would faint the moment their hands were severed.”
Woo So-chu could not refute him. With such severe bleeding, even he would find it difficult to survive without proper help.
The watching villagers began to whisper among themselves. They had been summoned here thinking a thief was being punished with the loss of a hand, but an unexpected truth was being unveiled.
The escorts, too, were beginning to suspect a conspiracy based on the reactions of Gong Chan and Woo So-chu. For now, they simply watched. Their opponent was a very special kind of demonic practitioner, after all.
Geom Mu-geuk addressed Gong Chan and Woo So-chu.
“You were trying to kill not just a man’s life, but his honor as well.”
Jong-hak let out a long sigh. Hearing Geom Mu-geuk say those words in front of everyone felt like a blockage in his chest had finally cleared. What had tormented him most was the false accusation of theft. Having lived a life where he never once coveted what belonged to others, the stigma had been unbearable.
Geom Mu-geuk approached and once more brushed the snow from Jong-hak’s shoulder.
Madam Yun watched this in silence before whispering to her eldest daughter.
“He is young, but he carries himself like a true elder.”
There was something visible only to the eyes of an old woman who had weathered all the storms of the world.
Meanwhile, Geom Mu-geuk raised a question to Woo So-chu.
“Agency Leader Woo. I find myself curious about one thing. Looking at this Escort Leader Gong, he seems impatient and cruel. Why didn't he kill this man during the journey? He certainly seems the type who would have.”
Gong Chan, his face filled with dread, glanced nervously between Geom Mu-geuk and Woo So-chu.
Geom Mu-geuk stared directly into Gong Chan’s eyes and asked, “Was it perhaps because you had to return and report to someone first?”
Who would an escort leader have to report to? Naturally, everyone’s gaze shifted toward Woo So-chu.
“Was that person you, Agency Leader Woo?”
Gong Chan did not answer. His reaction alone was enough.
“You aren't exactly quick to deny it.”
Woo So-chu spoke up rapidly.
“He hasn't confirmed it either! How can he give a proper answer when you are threatening him with death?”
Geom Mu-geuk could feel it. The moment Gong Chan had been about to speak, Woo So-chu had sent him a Voice Transmission.
“What did your leader say to you just now? Did he threaten your life? Did he promise a fortune if you get through this? Did he offer to make you the Head Escort? Or was it all three?”
Gong Chan stared at Geom Mu-geuk in shock.
Who is this man?
Amazingly, it had been all three.
The person Gong Chan had reported to upon his return was indeed Woo So-chu. This entire affair had been carried out strictly under the Agency Leader’s orders.
It was also true that the recent Voice Transmission had been a threat. Woo So-chu had used the whip, warning that Gong Chan would die by his hand if he confessed, while simultaneously offering the carrots of wealth and a promotion.
Of course, against someone like Geom Mu-geuk, such tactics were useless.
“I’m sorry to say this, but even if he offered you ten million gold, it wouldn't matter. If you don’t speak the truth here and now, you will die by my hand.”
Woo So-chu then tried to persuade Gong Chan.
“If that man truly is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, he won't dare kill you. A demonic practitioner killing an escort leader of an Orthodox agency? And the Young Cult Leader at that? The Murim would be in an uproar. Trust me.”
In the end, Gong Chan kept his mouth shut. If he could just get past this crisis, he would gain immense wealth and the position of Head Escort. Woo So-chu would have to save him, if only to save himself.
Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes turned cold as he released his demonic energy.
“I suppose if you were the type to listen to reason, you wouldn't have done this in the first place.”
The demonic energy did not touch the others; it surged solely toward Gong Chan.
Gong Chan looked around. Suddenly, he was standing in the middle of the ocean. The thought of its beauty lasted only a moment before he began to be dragged beneath the surface.
A pitch-black abyss awaited him, and he could see nothing. It wasn't a mere illusion. He truly felt as if he were drowning, unable to draw a single breath. How could a mere aura do this?
The agony was excruciating. He wished he could lose consciousness, but Geom Mu-geuk’s aura reflected his intent perfectly.
The horrific torture continued. Just as he reached the brink of death, he was allowed a few gasps of air to regain consciousness, only to be dragged back into the suffocating torment.
Please! Please! Just kill me!
The pain was so great that his plea for death came before his plea for life.
Then, he heard Geom Mu-geuk’s voice.
— Do you want to live?
Willpower? Loyalty? He would have traded his soul just to be able to breathe.
Yes, please save me!
— Then tell the truth.
Gasping for air, Gong Chan snapped his eyes open and screamed.
“The one who gave the order was the Agency Leader!”
Woo So-chu said nothing. It looked as though he were silently admitting it.
But he wasn't admitting anything. Without anyone noticing, Geom Mu-geuk had struck his Mute and Demonic Acupoints.
It was a repetition of the same situation from earlier, when Jong-hak had been framed—his acupoints had been seized to make it look as though he were admitting guilt.
Woo So-chu was horrified. No matter how strong the opponent’s martial arts were, his acupoints shouldn't have been seized without him even noticing.
He really is the Young Cult Leader!
Meanwhile, Geom Mu-geuk’s questioning of Gong Chan continued.
“Then who is the man with the mole on his forehead?”
“I don’t know! The Agency Leader told me to meet him, so I did. I went to hear from him when and where we would receive the next shipment.”
“Do you know what the shipment is?”
“I don’t know.”
“When were you supposed to receive the next one?”
“In three days, at the Clear Water Forest.”
Geom Mu-geuk then asked the most important question.
“Why did you try to cut off Jong-hak’s hands?”
“When I reported that Jong-hak had seen our meeting, the Agency Leader told me to handle it by cutting off his hands.”
It was the moment Jong-hak was completely exonerated.
The gazes of the escorts and the villagers turned toward the Agency Leader. His face flushed bright red, but he remained silent.
“Which other escorts were involved in this?”
“Only me. The others just follow orders. No, I’m the same! I only did what the Agency Leader commanded!”
He shifted all the blame onto Woo So-chu.
“I’ve told you everything, so you’ll let me live, right?”
Gong Chan wasn't the only one tense about the answer. Jo Chun-bae’s family, standing behind Geom Mu-geuk, were even more anxious.
Jong-hak, in particular, prayed in his heart, Please, do not let that man live! He feared that if Gong Chan were spared, he would eventually come back for revenge.
“Why should I?”
When Geom Mu-geuk asked back, Gong Chan raised his voice.
“Didn't you say you’d save me if I told the truth?”
“You didn't speak when I told you to. You only spoke because you had no choice after I pressured you with my demonic energy. Isn't that right?”
Gong Chan realized then. The man had never intended to let him live from the start. Just as he was about to hurl curses and insults at Geom Mu-geuk, his Mute Acupoint was seized. It was a skill so divine it was as if a ghost had done it—no, a skill that would leave even a ghost paralyzed.
There was no advice to be born a better person in the next life. Geom Mu-geuk utterly rejected the value of Gong Chan’s existence.
Whoosh!
Geom Mu-geuk’s merciless fist flew toward him.
Rumble!
Simultaneously, a sound like a divine thunderclap erupted.
Thwack.
With a single strike, Gong Chan’s ribs were shattered, and he was sent flying into the wall of a distant building. He was dead before he even hit the wall.
“You tried to sever the hands of an innocent man, and further, you tried to cut out the tongue of my friend. Your life was already forfeit.”
He spoke loudly enough for the villagers and escorts to hear. They needed to understand exactly what these deaths meant. Only then could Jong-hak’s family continue to live here in peace.
The watching escorts and villagers felt the outcome was just.
Jong-hak let out a sigh of relief.
Understanding his feelings, Yang-seon gave her husband a tight squeeze.
Yang-in noticed it too. The moment Geom Mu-geuk used the word "friend," her husband’s hand, which she was holding, tightened.
Jo Chun-bae spoke in a trembling voice.
“I am a friend far beneath your station.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned back and smiled at him.
“Of course. Am I not the man who will become the Heavenly Demon? I am a friend far beneath anyone’s station.”
Jo Chun-bae felt heartened by Geom Mu-geuk’s lighthearted remark, which was intended to put them at ease.
“You have no idea how grateful I am.”
Jo Chun-bae would live the rest of his life with that gratitude.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk said something unexpected.
“I am the one who should be grateful.”
“Pardon?”
“In fact, you were the one who saved me, Innkeeper.”
As Jo Chun-bae widened his eyes in confusion, Geom Mu-geuk gave a faint smile and turned away.
Thank you for allowing me to protect my Demonic Path, Innkeeper.
Geom Mu-geuk walked over to Woo So-chu.
“Fortunately, it seems the right and wrong we sought to settle has been cleared up.”
That wasn't the only thing that had been cleared. Woo So-chu’s Mute Acupoint had also been released.
“You! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You just killed an escort leader of the Yellow Dragon Escort Agency!”
He shouted, looking toward his escorts.
“This is a separate matter from Gong Chan’s crimes! A demonic practitioner has killed an Orthodox martial artist! This is an attack on the Orthodox faction by the Demonic Cult!”
His cries echoed hollowly. No one moved to support him. The moment it was revealed that he had ordered Jong-hak’s hands to be severed, the authority of the Yellow Dragon Agency Leader had vanished. He was nothing more than a hypocrite who had tried to kill an innocent man for his own gain.
“If you touch me, a Great Demonic-Orthodox War will break out! Countless lives will be lost because of you!”
Compared to the agitated man, Geom Mu-geuk was calm.
“It’s already been proven that you’re someone who can’t grasp the situation and won’t listen to reason, so I’ll do things my way. Or rather, I’ll do things your way.”
As Woo So-chu wondered what that meant—
Slide.
His left hand reached forward of its own accord. Since his Demonic Acupoints were already seized, he couldn't resist.
“What are you trying to do?”
“Exactly what you were trying to do. Didn't you gather all these people here to show them that crimes are met with punishment?”
Geom Mu-geuk reached out his hand, and the sword at the waist of Gong Chan’s corpse unsheathed itself. The blade flew through the air and landed in Geom Mu-geuk’s grip.
“Because my sword is too sharp, I thought it might hurt less.”
Realizing Geom Mu-geuk’s intention, Woo So-chu was overcome with terror.
“Stop! Don’t do it! Stop!”
“It’s fine. Didn't you say so yourself? One doesn't die from losing a hand.”
“Why are you doing this, Young Cult Leader? Young Cult Leader! Please!”
“Fine, then I’ll give you a chance.”
Words as terrifying as his cold gaze flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s lips.
“I will ask you a question. If you don’t answer by the count of three, I will start by cutting off your left hand and then ask again.”
Holding the sword high as if to strike at any moment, Geom Mu-geuk asked:
“Who is that man with the mole on his forehead? One, two...”