Chapter 344: Because I Do Not Permit It
Chapter 344: Because I Do Not Permit It
The approaching carriage ground to a halt about thirty paces away.
The fifteen warriors escorting the carriage dismounted in unison. Among them were Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-gun.
However, the Black Snake Unit Leader’s eyes were fixed solely on the carriage. He was tense at the thought of meeting the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path. He had heard many rumors, but today marked the first time he would see the man in person.
What kind of man is he?
The carriage door swung open, and Bi Sa-in stepped out.
In this moment, Bi Sa-in was not the man Geom Mu-geuk teased, nor was he the one who joked about being a picky eater. He was the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, radiating a cold, dispassionate aura and a powerful presence that reeked of blood.
As expected! A successor is indeed a successor!
Those watching couldn't help but feel a sense of instinctive awe.
Bi Sa-in walked slowly toward the Black Snake Unit Leader. The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path—now fifteen—followed closely behind him.
The Black Snake Unit Leader’s first impression upon seeing Bi Sa-in’s face up close was simple:
He is terrifyingly intimidating!
He had heard rumors that the Young Alliance Leader possessed a fierce countenance, but he hadn't expected it to be this severe. Not only that, but the warriors guarding him appeared far stronger than he had anticipated.
Then, the Black Snake Unit Leader’s gaze naturally drifted toward one person. Even though the man displayed no particular aura, his eyes were drawn to the youngest warrior standing at the end of the line.
When their eyes met, the young man gave a smirk.
Is he insane?
It was the first time in his life he had seen an escort warrior smile so casually in such a high-stakes situation.
But now was not the time to worry about a subordinate.
"I greet the Young Alliance Leader."
The Black Snake Unit Leader bowed politely, but Bi Sa-in merely gave a slight, dismissive nod.
"I have heard much of your reputation, Unit Leader."
The cold reaction confirmed the Black Snake Unit Leader’s suspicions.
I knew it. Trying to establish dominance, are we?
In truth, Bi Sa-in’s coldness wasn't a power play. He simply felt no goodwill toward people notorious for such filthy deeds, especially after learning they kidnapped and sold children.
"I have prepared fine wine and delicacies in the village below. Shall we go together?"
"That won't be necessary. Let us speak here."
"Very well. Even the weather is splendid today, as if it knows a precious guest has arrived."
The Black Snake Unit Leader signaled to Caterpillar with his eyes. Caterpillar immediately brought forward a box containing the Sun and Moon Sword.
"This is a small token of my sincerity."
He held out the box to Bi Sa-in.
Can he still act so stiff after receiving this?
This gift would surely turn that stiff boar’s bristle into soft lamb’s wool.
The 1st Wolf stepped forward to receive the box on Bi Sa-in's behalf, checking for hidden weapons. Once confirmed safe, he drew the sword and handed it to Bi Sa-in.
Bi Sa-in unsheathed the Sun and Moon Sword.
As the sharp blade was revealed, the weapon instantly captured the attention of every swordsman present.
"It is a magnificent sword."
While it couldn't compare to the Black Demonic Sword held by Geom Mu-geuk, it was still a masterpiece among famous blades. It was a gift the Black Snake Unit Leader had truly exerted himself to procure.
"It suits the Young Alliance Leader perfectly."
Right then, Geom Mu-geuk’s voice transmission reached Bi Sa-in.
— Give that sword to me.
He wasn't the type to ask for a weapon out of greed.
— What are you planning now?
— You should at least give a gift of that caliber to the youngest, the 15th Wolf.
Bi Sa-in glanced at Geom Mu-geuk. He wondered what the man was up to, but how could he possibly fathom those abyss-like intentions just by looking?
"15th Wolf!"
"Yes."
As Geom Mu-geuk stepped forward, Bi Sa-in bestowed the sword upon him.
"This is a welcoming gift for becoming the 15th Wolf of the Unorthodox Path."
"I accept it with gratitude, Young Alliance Leader!"
Geom Mu-geuk accepted the sword without a moment's hesitation.
Seeing this, Jin Ha-gun understood immediately. There was no way Bi Sa-in would give a sword received from the Black Snake Unit to Geom Mu-geuk unless it was Mu-geuk’s own idea.
Turning back with the sword in hand, Geom Mu-geuk joked to Jin Ha-gun via voice transmission.
— Didn't I tell you to be the 15th Wolf? He gave it to me because I'm the youngest and I'm cute.
— If you're 'cute' twice more, he'll probably give you the whole Unorthodox Path Alliance.
— Then half the wish I made on the shooting star would come true.
When the Sun and Moon Sword was handed over to a subordinate, not only the Black Snake Unit Leader but all the warriors he brought were stunned.
The Black Snake Unit Leader, in particular, was in shock. He had given away a sword he cherished deeply, only to see it handed to a mere subordinate right in front of his eyes.
This is an insult.
Unbearable rage surged within him, but he forced himself to suppress it.
The one who couldn't hold back was Black Dog. He let out a sudden shout.
"Young Alliance Leader!"
Having lived his whole life as an arrogant man who looked down on everyone, even the title of the Unorthodox Path Alliance's successor couldn't stop him. Rather, he was looking for an opportunity—a chance to show his loyalty to the Unit Leader and demonstrate his guts to the others.
Specifically, it was a chance to firmly suppress Caterpillar, who was currently fawning over the Unit Leader.
"That sword was a gift our Unit Leader gave to you, Young Alliance Leader. Isn't it a breach of etiquette to simply hand it over to a subordinate?"
Bi Sa-in merely looked at him with a terrifying expression, as if the man were pathetic.
The Black Snake Unit Leader quickly intervened.
"A breach of etiquette? How dare you speak such nonsense to the Young Alliance Leader! Apologize at once!"
Of course, the Black Snake Unit Leader felt the same as Black Dog. Black Dog had said exactly what he wanted to say. In fact, that was why he had brought him along.
At the Unit Leader's scolding, Black Dog lowered his head. "My apologies. I committed an impoliteness because I believed that sword was not something just anyone should hold."
However, there was no sincerity in his apology, only lingering dissatisfaction. If the opponent hadn't been the Young Alliance Leader, profanities would have already been flying.
Not just Black Dog, but the other Black Snake warriors standing behind him felt the same. Naturally, the atmosphere turned cold and rigid.
Bi Sa-in sent a voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Is this what you wanted?
Then came an unexpected reply.
— It’s still lukewarm. We need to bring it to a boil.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke up, addressing Black Dog.
"Did you say not just anyone can hold it? I am not 'just anyone.'"
As Geom Mu-geuk spoke overbearingly, Black Dog’s face hardened. He was barely holding back because of the Young Alliance Leader, but now this brat was speaking down to him.
"The Young Alliance Leader cherishes me more than a mere sword like this. Isn't that right, Young Alliance Leader?"
When Geom Mu-geuk asked him directly, Bi Sa-in looked troubled. Watching this, Jin Ha-gun felt fortunate that he wasn't the one in that position.
Eventually, Bi Sa-in gave a slight nod.
"See? He says he cherishes me more."
Seeing Geom Mu-geuk’s triumphant expression, Bi Sa-in sighed inwardly. He could already hear Mu-geuk’s voice in his ear: You said you cherished me, so why are you acting like this? Didn't you say you cherished me?
He’s going to tease me with this for a long time.
Meanwhile, the Black Snake Unit Leader couldn't fathom the situation. Giving the sword to a subordinate was one thing, but then that subordinate stepping forward to ask the Young Alliance Leader if he cherished him?
What kind of game are they playing?
But the real show was just beginning. Geom Mu-geuk pulled out something new to heat up the atmosphere even further. He reached into his robe and produced several sheets of paper.
"Actually, I did some prior investigation on you all. I received this before arriving here."
The papers contained information about the Black Snake Unit sent by Eun-wol. It detailed who had committed what crimes and how they had conducted their business until now.
The Black Snake Unit Leader looked at Bi Sa-in, his expression demanding an explanation.
However, Bi Sa-in was staring at Geom Mu-geuk with a similar look of confusion. It seemed he hadn't read the contents held in the young man's hand either.
Judging by this reaction alone, it didn't seem like a coordinated act.
What are these people doing?
And if he had done an investigation, he should have shown it to the Young Alliance Leader; why was he keeping it in his robe? No matter how much the Black Snake Unit Leader thought about it, it was bizarre.
Geom Mu-geuk pushed one person into the growing flames.
"Which one of you is Black Dog? Let me see your face."
Suddenly being called out, Black Dog was startled. Moreover, the person calling him was the youngest brat who had been annoying him this entire time.
"It's me."
The dissatisfaction he couldn't express toward the Young Alliance Leader turned into pure rage directed at Geom Mu-geuk.
"You've got eyes, a nose, and a mouth. You look like a human being no matter how I see it, so how could you commit such acts?"
Black Dog flared up. If it weren't for the Young Alliance Leader, he would have already drawn his sword and charged.
Seeing Black Dog on the verge of exploding, the Black Snake Unit Leader stepped in. If he didn't stop it now, there would be bloodshed.
"He is someone who serves a precious guest. Do not act recklessly!"
He then asked Bi Sa-in, "But for what reason did you call for me?"
With the series of unexpected events, he only now asked the reason for the summons. Bi Sa-in’s answer was equally unexpected.
"I called you because I have an order to give."
An order? He used the word 'order' instead of a 'request.'
The Black Snake Unit Leader felt inwardly displeased, but he spoke with an even brighter smile.
"Please, give your command."
Words the leader never expected flowed from Bi Sa-in’s lips.
"I hear you are kidnapping and selling children?"
The Black Snake Unit Leader was so shocked that he was momentarily speechless.
What is this now?
Since it seemed Bi Sa-in already knew, he couldn't lie. More importantly, there was no need to lie. Why would this be a problem?
"That is correct."
Then, Bi Sa-in issued a stern command.
"Cease it immediately."
Not only the Black Snake Unit Leader but all the Black Snake warriors were stunned.
"May I ask the reason?"
In this moment, Bi Sa-in could feel that he had changed. If he hadn't met Geom Mu-geuk, this was something that would never have happened in his life—words he would never have spoken.
And Bi Sa-in asked himself: Is this something you truly want to do? Or are you doing it because you have no choice because of Geom Mu-geuk?
At the very least, he could find the answer to that question.
"Because I do not permit it."
The cause might have been Geom Mu-geuk, but he himself could not tolerate this. An Unorthodox Path that kidnapped and sold children was not his Unorthodox Path.
"If you kidnap even a single child from this moment on, your Black Snake Unit will vanish from the Murim."
Since stepping out of the carriage, Bi Sa-in hadn't released even a small amount of aura. He spoke these words calmly, yet a terrifying and heavy silence filled the air.
The Black Snake Unit Leader had reached his limit. His pride was wounded beyond repair, and his rage had reached its peak.
"Do you understand?"
Since the Black Snake Unit had established itself, no one had dared to tell him what to do. Those who opposed him had their eyes gouged out and their limbs severed to be fed to pigs. That was the life he had led.
The Black Snake Unit Leader eventually lowered his head and replied, "I understand."
Just as Bi Sa-in turned to walk back to the carriage, someone shouted from behind.
"Give back the sword before you go!"
The one who shouted was Black Dog. Even if the Black Snake Unit Leader could endure it, Black Dog could not. He had already used up a lifetime's worth of patience just to hold back until now.
Geom Mu-geuk turned back to look at him.
"Try and take it if you can."
As if he truly intended to do so, Black Dog walked forward.
The people whose expressions were now hardened were not Geom Mu-geuk, Bi Sa-in, or Jin Ha-gun. It was the warriors of the 13 Wolves. Even if Geom Mu-geuk wasn't a real member, he was wearing the same uniform as them.
Yet a Black Snake bastard dared to challenge him. It was a clear sign of looking down on them.
The Black Snake Unit Leader quickly shouted, "You'll face retaliation if you do that! Fall back!"
Geom Mu-geuk moved exactly as the Black Snake Unit Leader intended. He looked at Bi Sa-in and said, "Let's agree that even if I die, you will never seek revenge."
How could the Black Snake Unit Leader or Black Dog know that all of this was Geom Mu-geuk’s intention?
Bi Sa-in nodded.
"I promise on the name of the Young Alliance Leader. This duel ends as a duel between two men."
Black Dog drew his sword and stepped forward. Although he didn't reach the level of Black Night, he was still the third strongest in the Black Snake Unit.
Geom Mu-geuk drew the Sun and Moon Sword.
"Shall we test how good this sword is?"
Knowing that Black Dog would fight regardless out of pride, the Black Snake Unit Leader intervened instead.
"That is unfair. Use your own sword."
Geom Mu-geuk looked down at his Black Demonic Sword.
"Then it would be far too unfair, wouldn't it?"
The Black Snake Unit Leader had no way of knowing what that meant.
"Well, if you wish. So be it."
Geom Mu-geuk walked forward.
Black Dog was only thinking of winning against his opponent to gain merit. He would reclaim the Sun and Moon Sword and take his place by the Unit Leader's side once again.
"I'll show you the skills forged in real combat from the bottom up!"
Black Dog charged, thrusting his sword.
Thwack!
Before anyone knew it, Geom Mu-geuk’s Black Demonic Sword was embedded in his left shoulder.
"Huh?"
It was so fast he didn't even know how he had been stabbed. He wondered if it was a dream.
Then, thwack!
This time, it pierced his right shoulder. Only then did the horrific pain from the previously stabbed left shoulder rush in. The moment Black Dog let out a scream, the Black Demonic Sword repeatedly pierced his elbows in succession.
Geom Mu-geuk usually finished things with a single strike, but today was different. He systematically severed the joints at the most painful points.
"Aaaaaaaagh!"
Horrific screams erupted, but Geom Mu-geuk’s sword did not stop. With every thrust, the points of maximum human agony were sliced away.
Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun looked at each other. It was the first time they had seen Geom Mu-geuk kill someone so painfully. Since he wasn't a man to act without reason, the two simply watched his actions in silence.
The Black Snake Unit Leader didn't dare to stop it. No, it was already too late to stop. Black Dog was already a mangled mess after being stabbed dozens of times. What was more surprising was that he was still breathing. It meant the one doing the stabbing was that much of a master.
When there were no more places to stab, a single sword line crossed the last remaining spot.
His head, severed from his body, rolled to the side of the Black Snake Unit Leader. It was the moment his dream of staying by the Unit Leader's side was realized.
The Black Snake Unit Leader looked down at Black Dog’s head, which was staring up at him with wide eyes.
The martial arts of a mere escort were at this level? And the youngest at that?
Had he been blustering about showing them how dirty their hands would have to get to erase them, when they had people like this? His body trembled involuntarily.
Bi Sa-in’s voice transmission flew to Geom Mu-geuk.
— This was your intention all along, wasn't it?
He hadn't intended to just give a warning to the Black Snake Unit and leave from the start.
— Correct. By my standards, these people belong to the category of absolute evil.
After a brief pause, Bi Sa-in asked.
— What if I also belong to that absolute evil later on?
Geom Mu-geuk walked over and handed him the missive he had received earlier.
— There's no way you'd become such a person, is there?
Bi Sa-in’s expression grew increasingly distorted as he read the contents. The deeds committed by these men, led by Black Dog, were not simple acts of malice. Their atrocities were so cruel and inhuman that even a demon would turn away. Raping a young daughter in front of her parents was a common occurrence, and they had once locked an entire family who knew no martial arts in a room and burned them alive.
He now understood why Geom Mu-geuk had asked for the Sun and Moon Sword to manipulate the atmosphere. He also understood why he had killed Black Dog so painfully.
Normally, Geom Mu-geuk would have just wiped them all out, but considering Bi Sa-in's position and authority, he had deliberately set the stage to kill them while showing as much restraint as possible.
Bi Sa-in’s face flushed with heat. After all, these people also belonged to the same Unorthodox Faction.
Bi Sa-in strode toward the Black Snake Unit Leader. He held out the missive and asked calmly.
"Was all of this your doing?"
While the Black Snake Unit Leader hesitated on how to answer, a chilling, deep blue killing intent flowed from Bi Sa-in’s eyes.
"I'm asking if you're the one who ordered this."