Chapter 341: Do You Trust Me? Or Do You Trust the Young Cult Leader?
Chapter 341: Do You Trust Me? Or Do You Trust the Young Cult Leader?
The warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad carefully lifted the children from the crates, transferring them to the carriages waiting outside.
Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-gun stood side by side, watching the scene unfold.
“What exactly is your plan?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking why you went out of your way to summon the Unorthodox Path Alliance.”
With the momentum Geom Mu-geuk had displayed earlier—even forcing the Blue and White Dual Swords to back down—he could have simply taken Tae Jo away by force. Yet, he had insisted on calling for the Alliance.
“Since he claims to be so wronged, I’m just trying to handle things fairly.”
“As if you’re the type to care about a villain’s feelings.”
Jin Ha-gun could sense it. There was definitely another reason why Geom Mu-geuk had called for the Alliance.
Is it because he wants to see Bi Sa-in?
It was merely a guess; Geom Mu-geuk’s exact intentions remained a mystery.
This time, it was Geom Mu-geuk who posed a question.
“What do you plan to do about the Black Snake Unit?”
The ones who had kidnapped the children were the Black Snake Unit. Since they had clearly made a fortune from this trade, they would likely continue their abductions even without the Flowing Sword Sect.
“Once we secure evidence through the Flowing Sword Sect Leader, I will ensure they are wiped out.”
Jin Ha-gun stated his resolve firmly, but it was no easy task.
The Black Snake Unit was a vast organization with roots planted all over the Central Plains. They had recruited many experts using the massive wealth gained from various illicit interests, and they were known to provide significant financial support to the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
“It won’t be easy.”
“Even so, we can’t just leave people who kidnap children alone, can we?”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled at Jin Ha-gun’s spirit. Sensing that it was a smile of acknowledgment, Jin Ha-gun felt inwardly pleased.
There was a certain thrill in being recognized by an enemy—especially when that enemy was Geom Mu-geuk.
“Let’s start by changing the name of the Demon Extermination Squad. How about the Evil Slaying Squad or the Wickedness Eradication Squad? Is there really a need to ‘exterminate demons’ when we’re being so well-behaved lately?”
Jin Ha-gun looked at him with an incredulous expression at the banter. However, he secretly agreed with the sentiment. He felt that if the Demonic Cult was led by someone like Geom Mu-geuk, the term ‘Demon Extermination’ might indeed become unnecessary. Of course, he didn’t let that thought show.
“You’re only well-behaved lately. Who knows when you’ll start causing trouble again?”
“Don’t you know? I’m a great lover of peace.”
“I don’t. All I know is that blood follows in your wake.”
“That’s only because villains tend to swarm wherever I go.”
As they talked, Jin Ha-gun found himself thinking that they really might have to change the squad’s name eventually. The current Demonic Cult was certainly different from the past.
While the Demon Extermination Squad warriors were leading the children out, only three or four remained by Jin Ha-gun’s side.
In contrast, the experts of the Flowing Sword Sect were still numerous. An invisible war of nerves played out between them and the Demon Extermination Squad, but despite being outnumbered, the squad warriors showed no sign of fear. It was clear how well-trained they were.
Tae Jo walked over to the two men.
“I have sent an urgent missive to the Unorthodox Path Alliance, so someone should arrive as quickly as possible.”
Unlike his earlier pleading, Tae Jo’s attitude now carried a sense of composure.
Jin Ha-gun said to him, “Until then, it seems you’ll have to stay with us, Sect Leader.”
“I wouldn’t leave even if you tried to chase me off.”
His demeanor had completely shifted from when he was begging them to call the Alliance.
“It will take a while for them to arrive, so I shall host you comfortably in the meantime. Please, come inside and have a drink.”
He was certain that this problem would be resolved once someone from the Alliance arrived. Since he had explained the situation, they would send someone at least at the rank of Unit Leader or higher.
The Unorthodox Path Alliance would never allow him to be dragged away by these people.
“It’s stuffy in here, so let’s head out first.”
Geom Mu-geuk walked out of the warehouse.
The Flowing Sword Sect warriors gathered at the entrance parted to the left and right, creating a path.
Among them were the Blue and White Dual Swords. They were the ones who had rebuked Tae Jo for making them step forward without realizing the man was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. One might have expected them to leave in anger, but they remained near Tae Jo.
Whether it was for money or some other reason, Geom Mu-geuk guessed they were deeply involved with the Flowing Sword Sect.
The Blue and White Dual Swords still couldn’t believe that Geom Mu-geuk had overwhelmed them with nothing but his aura. Had they fallen for some trick? Or had they just been momentarily mistaken?
As he walked past, Geom Mu-geuk glanced at the two of them. The moment their eyes met, all their doubts vanished. Their survival instincts scolded them: For experts of your caliber, shouldn't feeling it once be enough?!
Jin Ha-gun followed him outside. In the meantime, the carriages carrying the children departed, escorted by some of the Demon Extermination Squad warriors.
Tae Jo asked Geom Mu-geuk tentatively, “Why hasn’t the Young Cult Leader summoned any of his own people?”
“That’s because of you, Sect Leader Tae.”
“Because of me?”
“The fewer people there are, the more options you have, don’t you think?”
“Options?”
“The option to kill us.”
“No matter how bold I may be, how could I dare commit such an act?”
Tae Jo was inwardly startled. Geom Mu-geuk’s words contained at least a small portion of the intent behind his question about why the Demonic Cultists hadn't arrived. He had to be prepared for any eventuality.
“It seems like the perfect opportunity. Most of the Demon Extermination Squad is gone to escort the children. What do you think? You could kill us all and claim the Young Cult Leader and the Demon Extermination Squad Leader destroyed each other. You seemed quite talented at making up shameless excuses earlier.”
If the Blue and White Dual Swords hadn't been suppressed by Geom Mu-geuk’s aura, that might have indeed been his final choice.
“How could I possibly do that? Come, the weather is cold, so let us go inside.”
Jin Ha-gun spoke up. “We will stay here.”
“It is cold. Please, come in.”
“It’s fine.”
The Demon Extermination Squad set up tents in the Flowing Sword Sect’s training ground to prepare their quarters.
They had no desire to be hosted by members of the Unorthodox Faction, and it was safer to stay in an open area like this rather than going deep into enemy territory.
“Then the Young Cult Leader should at least come inside.”
“I’ll stay here as well.”
Jin Ha-gun nodded to his subordinate and ordered, “Prepare a place for the Young Cult Leader to rest as well.”
The Demon Extermination Squad warriors lit a campfire in the training ground.
Even though he had given the order himself, Jin Ha-gun found the sight incredibly strange. Camping out and lighting a fire in the training ground of an Unorthodox sect? He felt like he was experiencing all sorts of bizarre things since meeting Geom Mu-geuk.
The more he got to know Geom Mu-geuk, the more surprising his experiences became. That was likely why he felt at ease even in a situation where he would normally be on edge and unable to sleep a wink.
And through this camping trip, Jin Ha-gun learned one fact for certain.
Geom Mu-geuk did not waste a single moment. Based on his usual behavior, one would expect him to wander around mocking the Flowing Sword Sect warriors or pestering Jin Ha-gun for a drink, but instead, Geom Mu-geuk stayed inside his tent, quietly immersing himself in cultivation and Qi circulation.
His composure and confidence must stem from this effort. This man is truly something else.
* * *
Finally, news reached Tae Jo that someone from the Unorthodox Path Alliance had arrived.
“Who is it?”
His right-hand man, Man Hong, reported with a shocked face.
“The Young Alliance Leader has come.”
“What?”
Tae Jo was stunned. He had asked them to send someone high-ranking, but he never expected the Young Alliance Leader to come in person.
“Why did the Young Alliance Leader come himself?”
“It seems he stepped forward personally after hearing that the successors are here.”
“But why?”
Since he didn't know the relationship between the three, it was a natural question.
Originally, if a Unit Leader-level official had come, he intended to escape this crisis even if it meant bribing them heavily.
Is he planning to abandon me?
An inexplicable doubt began to bloom in Tae Jo’s heart.
“Let’s go out for now.”
Tae Jo hurriedly stepped outside with Man Hong.
A group of warriors entered the Flowing Sword Sect.
Leading them was Bi Sa-in, the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, followed by the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path.
The scars on Bi Sa-in’s face—cut, crushed, and distorted—were terrifying, making it difficult to even look him in the eye. His aura was equally dark and cold. He looked the same as ever, yet his eyes had changed since the last time he met Geom Mu-geuk. They were far more mature now.
“We greet the Young Alliance Leader!”
The Flowing Sword Sect warriors prostrated themselves in unison to show their respect. The Blue and White Dual Swords were no exception. To Unorthodox martial artists, the successor of the Alliance held absolute authority.
Tae Jo prostrated himself along with them to welcome him.
“It is truly an honor to meet you, Young Alliance Leader.”
“It is good to see you. Rise.”
Tae Jo and the Flowing Sword Sect warriors all stood up.
“I don’t know if you remember me, but I saw you at the Alliance headquarters when you became the successor.”
“I remember.”
“It is such an honor for someone as precious as you to come here personally.”
Tae Jo bowed deeply once more. Although an unexpected person had arrived, his life or death now rested in Bi Sa-in’s hands.
Bi Sa-in’s gaze turned toward Geom Mu-geuk.
Geom Mu-geuk was crouching in the yard, warming himself by the campfire.
Bi Sa-in had come knowing Geom Mu-geuk was here. If it hadn't been for him, he wouldn't have come personally. Even though he knew, he couldn't stop his heart from racing the moment he saw Geom Mu-geuk.
“It’s cold out. Come over here and warm yourself by the fire.”
Geom Mu-geuk waved his hand with a bright smile.
Tae Jo, unaware of their relationship, raised his voice.
“This is the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance. Show some respect!”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Bi Sa-in and said, “It’s not just their Young Alliance Leader who’s precious; we’re precious people too.”
Seeing the sparkle in his eyes that signaled a desire to play around, Bi Sa-in realized he had indeed met Geom Mu-geuk again.
Geom Mu-geuk stood up abruptly and offered an exaggerated salute.
“It is an honor to meet you, Young Alliance Leader!”
Seeing him bow deeply in jest, Tae Jo made a huge assumption.
That’s it! He’s scared! The Young Alliance Leader’s terrifying appearance worked.
He couldn't have imagined that the two were exchanging Voice Transmissions like this:
—Are you eating a balanced diet? Not being a picky eater, I hope.
—The first thing he asks is about my eating habits? I’m definitely going to push him off a cliff one of these days.
—Seeing as your tedious nagging is the same as ever, you must not be a fake.
—You’ve become more handsome than before.
—What are you going to ask for this time, laying the groundwork like this?
—You and Captain Jin both... you know me too well now!
Just then, Jin Ha-gun walked out from the tent. Of course, Bi Sa-in knew Jin Ha-gun was here as well. However, he hadn't expected them to be camping out in tents.
Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun exchanged silent fist salutes. They weren't close enough to be casual like Geom Mu-geuk. Of course, they exchanged a conversation through their eyes.
—Are you caught up in this man’s pace again?
—You know as well as I do, don't you? This isn't something you can avoid just because you want to.
—True. If it were, I wouldn't be here either.
After finishing their silent greeting, Bi Sa-in walked toward the campfire.
He then took a seat in front of it.
“Sect Leader, you come here as well.”
“Yes.”
Tae Jo headed toward the fire with a dazed heart. Why the campfire? He had a bad feeling.
And so, they all sat around the campfire. The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path lined up behind Bi Sa-in, and the Demon Extermination Squad lined up behind Jin Ha-gun. A thick tension flowed between them. Regardless of the relationship between their leaders, they were like mortal enemies.
“What happened?”
At Bi Sa-in’s question, Tae Jo explained the situation. Naturally, it was an explanation biased in his favor.
“There was a mistake while my subordinates were rescuing children with martial talent. They failed to verify that the children handed over by the Black Snake Unit were kidnapped. I knew nothing of it. Yet, they are trying to pin that crime on me and drag me away.”
Bi Sa-in looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
“That’s a lie. I personally heard the Flowing Sword Sect Leader talking to his subordinate. He knew the children were kidnapped.”
Tae Jo flatly denied it.
“That is a lie. I knew nothing. This is a conspiracy by the Orthodox Path and the Demonic Cult to eliminate my sect.”
He tried his best to escalate the issue into a conflict between the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions.
“Young Alliance Leader, do you trust me? Or do you trust the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?”
“Naturally, I trust our Sect Leader.”
However, Bi Sa-in’s gaze remained on Geom Mu-geuk. He trusted Geom Mu-geuk.
—What exactly do you want?
There must be a reason why Geom Mu-geuk had called him.
Then, instead of an answer, Geom Mu-geuk threw a question at Tae Jo that he hadn't asked until now.
“Why did you ‘rescue’ children with martial talent?”
“I intended to raise them as the elite of my sect from a young age.”
“Then let’s see the children you bought previously.”
At that moment, Tae Jo flinched.
“This is the first time I have ever bought children.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared at him intently and said, “It’s not the first time, is it?”
“It is the first time. Why do you think otherwise?”
“Because I heard the Sect Leader talking with his subordinate.”
Their conversation hadn't sounded like one between people buying a child for the first time. It was undoubtedly a frequent occurrence.
“The children you bought before—where are they now?”
“I told you, this was the first time!”
Then, words that were truly unexpected flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth.
“The truth will be revealed once we cross-examine the Black Snake Unit Leader.”
Tae Jo was startled by the mention of summoning the Black Snake Unit Leader. Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun were also surprised.
“Would the Black Snake Unit Leader even come here?”
Even Jin Ha-gun, who asked the question, didn't think he would.
“He certainly wouldn't come if we called. But someone who can summon him just arrived, didn't he?”
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Bi Sa-in.
“If the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance tells him to come, could he really ignore it?”
Only now did Jin Ha-gun understand why Geom Mu-geuk had summoned Bi Sa-in here. He intended to make him call the Black Snake Unit Leader personally.
He wanted to call him directly and stop the kidnapping of children. He was trying to handle not just the Flowing Sword Sect, but the Black Snake Unit as well, all at once.
If he could persuade just one person, he could stop both the seller and the buyer.
Truly, this man...
Jin Ha-gun felt that Geom Mu-geuk was someone who thought of things that never even crossed his own mind.
Meanwhile, Bi Sa-in’s expression grew serious.
—Do you realize how much trouble that would cause me?
—Isn't it more troublesome that your people are kidnapping and trading children?
There was no longer any trace of playfulness in Geom Mu-geuk’s expression or voice.
Bi Sa-in remembered. That look in his eyes was the same one he had when he asked this question in the past:
What is your Path?
He was waiting for the answer now. He was asking if Bi Sa-in’s Path was one that allowed the kidnapping and trading of children.
As the atmosphere shifted toward summoning the Black Snake Unit Leader, Tae Jo became desperate. If the Unit Leader came and revealed that they had sold children multiple times, his guilt would be confirmed. And there was an even more serious problem.
Tae Jo’s urgent Voice Transmission reached Bi Sa-in.
—You absolutely cannot do that.
To Bi Sa-in’s questioning gaze, an unexpected Voice Transmission was added.
—Those children... I was sending them to the Unorthodox Path Alliance.