Chapter 350: I Have a Knack for Being Silenced.
Chapter 350: I Have a Knack for Being Silenced.
Pyo Gi-gwang knew the moment had come. The time to reveal the name had arrived.
Finally, the identity of the mastermind escaped his lips.
“The man who came to see me was Hwang Seok-gyeong.”
“Who is Hwang Seok-gyeong?”
“An instructor at the Unorthodox Alliance Hall.”
It was a truly unexpected name.
When a warrior joins the Unorthodox Path Alliance, they enter the Unorthodox Alliance Hall for a period of basic training and evaluation before being assigned to a specific organization. There, they undergo rigorous testing; naturally, those with superior skills are funneled into elite units. Hwang Seok-gyeong was an instructor at that very place.
The revelation caught Geom Mu-geuk off guard. He had assumed the mastermind would be, at the very least, a unit leader, a pavilion master, or an elder. But an instructor who merely tests and assigns warriors?
The realization made the situation feel even more dangerous.
“You trusted the word of a mere instructor?”
“He isn’t just any instructor. His skills are so exceptional that everyone in the Alliance knows the name ‘Instructor Hwang.’ That is why I trusted him.”
In truth, his position at the Unorthodox Alliance Hall made him more credible. Pyo Gi-gwang had felt that an instructor was the perfect fit for the task of forming a secret organization. Furthermore, because he was an official of the Hall, Pyo Gi-gwang had naturally assumed the Alliance itself had sanctioned his actions.
Pyo Gi-gwang looked at Geom Mu-geuk, his heart feeling a fraction lighter.
“Now that you have the name, slip out of this net. Go and tell the Young Alliance Leader who is behind this. And tell him… that I will accept my punishment gladly.”
If found guilty of treason, he would likely spend the rest of his life rotting in a dungeon.
Pyo Gi-gwang looked up at the sky. The torrential rain was finally beginning to subside.
It’s finally over.
He felt a sense of relief, yet a lingering anger remained. He should have been the master of his own life, yet he had been played like a puppet. Even so, he couldn't seek revenge himself. He wasn't strong enough to take down Instructor Hwang with his own hands.
Then, Geom Mu-geuk spoke unexpectedly.
“He is likely nothing more than a henchman as well.”
“A henchman?”
“The Flowing Sword Sect Leader said he received business interests from the Alliance. Instructor Hwang may be skilled and famous, but he isn't a power player capable of handing out the Flowing Sword Sect’s territory and profits.”
When he put it that way, it made perfect sense. Pyo Gi-gwang wondered how this young warrior could grasp points he hadn't even considered so quickly.
“We must use him to find out who the real mastermind is.”
Pyo Gi-gwang had lived thinking that knowing Instructor Hwang’s involvement was a monumental secret, but was the man truly just a disposable tool acting on someone else's orders? If that were the case, would an assassin be sent for the instructor as well, now that his identity was compromised?
“There is another problem,” Geom Mu-geuk noted, addressing a point he had been considering. “Do you have any proof that Instructor Hwang gave you these orders? A secret letter in his handwriting, or perhaps a command given in the presence of witnesses?”
Pyo Gi-gwang shook his head. How could such a thing exist?
“Then Instructor Hwang will simply deny everything. He’ll claim he never ordered such a thing.”
It seemed likely. They had already sent assassins to kill him. Having already abandoned all pretenses, what conscience would lead the man to speak the truth now? On the other hand, Pyo Gi-gwang was a man who had been living like a cripple. Whose word would they believe? Instructor Hwang’s or his? The outcome was obvious.
“Then… will we never catch him?”
“No, we have to catch him.”
“How?”
“We have to make the words come out of his own mouth—that he ordered this. And we have to find out who is behind him.”
“I’m asking how.”
Geom Mu-geuk pondered for a moment. “If he is dragged before the Young Alliance Leader, he will never open his mouth.”
That was true. If he had raised a private organization without the Alliance’s permission, he would face execution. He had no reason to speak.
Geom Mu-geuk stared at Pyo Gi-gwang in silence.
“You don’t mean…? You’re not suggesting the two of us go together?”
“No.”
Startling words flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s lips. “You must meet him alone, Unit Leader.”
Pyo Gi-gwang gasped. “If you don’t meet him alone, he will never confess the truth.”
“But he’ll try to kill me!”
“I will be hiding nearby to protect you.”
Pyo Gi-gwang never expected such a proposal. This young warrior truly never acted according to his expectations.
“So, you mean you’ll hide from Instructor Hwang’s sight, and when he tries to kill me, you’ll appear and save me?”
“Exactly. You must make him admit that he ordered this. It would be even better if you could get him to reveal the mastermind.”
Pyo Gi-gwang felt a deep sense of worry. To avoid being detected by Instructor Hwang, the boy would have to stay quite far away. Could he really protect him if the instructor suddenly moved to kill?
But then, a thought occurred to him. So what if I die by Instructor Hwang’s hand? I was supposed to die today anyway.
Yes, this was a chance to confront the man. He would make him confess somehow and ensure he paid for his crimes. He wouldn't go down alone.
Pyo Gi-gwang stared at Geom Mu-geuk for a long moment. When they first met yesterday, he never imagined he would reveal the mastermind to this boy. He never imagined the boy would save his life multiple times. And more than anything, he was grateful that someone had actually listened to his story.
“Fine. Let’s do it.”
As if the heavens recognized his resolve, the rain stopped, and sunlight began to peek through the clouds.
“Now, let’s go.”
As Pyo Gi-gwang began to stride away, Geom Mu-geuk called out. “The way down is this way.”
Pyo Gi-gwang changed direction and walked back toward him, looking sheepish. Geom Mu-geuk gave him a bright smile.
Don’t smile so brightly. It makes me stop fearing death.
*
Hwang Seok-gyeong was walking toward them from a distance.
Pyo Gi-gwang waited in front of the man’s residence, his heart pounding. This was the first time he had sought the instructor out first. The man would surely be surprised to see him.
Whoosh.
Before he could even register the sound of the wind, he was up in a tree. Someone had snatched him and leaped into the air. In that brief moment, his mute acupoint had been struck.
The person who had subdued him and taken him up the tree was Geom Mu-geuk. The boy put a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.
Why is he doing this?
Until they arrived here, the boy had been full of confidence. He had told him not to worry, promising to protect him no matter what. So why the sudden change?
A moment later, Hwang Seok-gyeong leaped up to that very spot. There was no one in the tree where the two had been. Hwang Seok-gyeong jumped back down and walked into his residence.
Geom Mu-geuk and Pyo Gi-gwang were already far away from the site. Only after they were a safe distance from Hwang Seok-gyeong’s residence did Geom Mu-geuk release Pyo Gi-gwang’s mute acupoint.
“What in the world was that for?”
Mu-geuk didn't answer immediately. He had observed Hwang Seok-gyeong from afar using his New Eye Technique, and he had realized exactly who Hwang Seok-gyeong was. He was no mere henchman.
He was one of the Three Kings among the Twelve Zodiac Kings.
Combat King Cheon-ya.
During the era when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled the Murim, the Combat King was called the God of Fighting. He loved to fight and hated to lose. Countless masters had lost their lives at his hands. He was a man who had staked his entire life on combat. It was said his martial arts skills ranked within the top three of the Twelve Zodiac Kings. Some said he was the first, others the third. There were even rumors that his ultimate dream was to defeat Hwa Mu-gi.
That Combat King was living as a mere instructor in the Unorthodox Path Alliance under the name Hwang Seok-gyeong. A conspiracy was unfolding with him at its center.
“That man is not a fish that can be caught with a simple net.”
Pyo Gi-gwang’s attention was no longer on Hwang Seok-gyeong. “You… you aren’t the 13th Wolf, are you?”
Geom Mu-geuk gave a faint smile.
“I’ve become more curious about who you are than who that man is,” Pyo Gi-gwang added.
“If I reveal my identity, I’ll have to kill you to silence the witness. Are you okay with that?”
“Don’t worry. I have a knack for being silenced.”
After exchanging a bit of banter, Geom Mu-geuk revealed his true identity.
“I am Geom Mu-geuk, the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.”
Pyo Gi-gwang froze instantly. Normally, he should have scoffed and dismissed it as nonsense. But he just knew. He could feel that this man was indeed the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. All the extraordinary things he had witnessed were explained by that single introduction. It explained why he hadn't died.
Then, a wave of shock followed. The person who had listened so intently to his story was the Young Cult Leader? The person who had saved him was the Young Cult Leader?
“Why is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult here?” his voice trembled.
“I am handling this matter together with your Young Alliance Leader.”
Despite revealing his status, Geom Mu-geuk continued to treat him with respect.
“What… what will happen to me now?” Pyo Gi-gwang asked. Was he being dragged off to the Demonic Cult? Was the threat of being silenced for knowing his identity not a joke?
“What would you like to happen?”
Pyo Gi-gwang had only thought about dying; he had never once considered life afterward.
“Take a moment to think about it now.”
The first thing that came to Pyo Gi-gwang’s mind was this: “I want to live a new life.” He wanted to leave everything behind and start anew. “But my sins are too great…”
He had, after all, aided those who committed treason against the Alliance.
Geom Mu-geuk stared at him intently before saying something cryptic. “By any chance, are you good at massaging shoulders?”
*
“Aaaaaaaah!”
After screaming while being carried on Geom Mu-geuk’s back, Pyo Gi-gwang suddenly found himself at their destination.
It was the Rapid Speed Step of Geom Mu-geuk, who had surpassed the Ten-Star stage and reached the Eleven-Star stage. He ran so fast that the surrounding scenery was a blur, and the constant tension felt like falling off a cliff.
This must be a dream.
That was his only thought. No matter how great a master one was, they couldn't possibly run this fast—especially while carrying a person. There was one thing he didn't know: even while running, Mu-geuk had emitted internal energy to ensure the man on his back remained comfortable. Otherwise, an ordinary person wouldn't have been able to withstand the speed.
The place they arrived at was a manor. The name written on the plaque was Paradise Vow. It used the character for 'vow' or 'wish' rather than the one for 'manor.'
This was the very place where Seo Dae-ryong had been brought when he was injured. It was here that Geom Mu-geuk had become immune to all poisons.
As they entered the courtyard, an old woman walked out of the building and asked, “Who have you brought on your back this time?”
It was the owner of the place, Chung-ui. Her arm was still wrapped in bandages, and she was massaging her shoulder as if it were aching.
“Doctor! I missed you!” Geom Mu-geuk ran over and gave her a big hug.
“What do you think you’re doing? Have you no shame?”
“What do you mean? I’m just happy to see you.”
He was truly delighted to see her after so long.
“Your skills have improved since I last saw you.” Being well-versed in martial arts herself, she recognized Geom Mu-geuk’s growth at a glance.
“It’s all thanks to you, big sister.”
She shook her head at his playful 'big sister' comment, but she was secretly thrilled that he had visited. Though she didn't show it, her joy at seeing him was even greater than his.
“And who is this gloomy soul?”
It seemed she could see Pyo Gi-gwang’s entire life just by looking at his face.
Geom Mu-geuk introduced him. “This is Pyo Gi-gwang, the former Black Dragon Unit Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance. Come, pay your respects. This beautiful lady is Chung-ui.”
Pyo Gi-gwang knew of her as well. “Chung-ui? Are you the Divine Doctor who commands insects? I’ve heard your medical skills are so great you can cure any disease and even bring the dead back to life.”
He had thought she was a figure of legend, so the fact that the real Chung-ui stood before him was astonishing. But why had Geom Mu-geuk brought him here?
“I’m sure you’ve heard other rumors as well?” Mu-geuk asked.
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Pyo Gi-gwang glanced at Chung-ui and couldn't bring himself to speak.
The one who answered was Chung-ui herself. “That I’m called a money grub because I love gold too much?”
Geom Mu-geuk told him the truth. “She used that money to support abandoned children. She sent them food, put them through school, and enrolled them in martial arts halls. She provided them with a way to live and sent them out into the world. She has lived her entire life for orphans.”
“I… I had no idea you were such a noble person.” Pyo Gi-gwang bowed deeply with a fist salute.
“But why did you bring me here?”
“Didn't you say you were good at massaging shoulders? Elder Chung-ui’s arms and legs are always aching, so she needs someone to rub her shoulders.”
He was telling Pyo Gi-gwang to become her disciple and start a new life here.
“Put him through a probationary period, and if he’s no good, feed him to the bugs.”
“You couldn't bring me a younger one?” Chung-ui grumbled.
“Would young people these days stay in a backwater place like this? Besides, he’s younger than he looks.”
Pyo Gi-gwang couldn't bring himself to argue, What’s wrong with my face! He had been told he looked old for his age several times in his life.
Chung-ui sat down on a rock. “Come here and rub my shoulders.”
With a dazed heart, Pyo Gi-gwang went over and began to massage her shoulders. He could feel her bones, which were so small and frail it was heartbreaking.
“Ah, that’s the spot,” Chung-ui said, then turned to Geom Mu-geuk. “So, you didn't forget me.”
“How could I ever forget you, Doctor?”
She felt a surge of emotion. She had thought they were just a passing connection, but Geom Mu-geuk had not forgotten her. He had even brought a disciple for her. Lately, she had been feeling a bit sorrowful about being forgotten by the world.
“I think I should be going now.”
“Stay for a meal at least.”
“My current opponent is quite formidable. I might be the one being carried back here next time.”
Their gazes met in the air. Don’t get hurt. Chung-ui’s concern was conveyed through her eyes.
“If someone like you says that, your opponent must already be on their way to the afterlife.”
“Exactly! You’re the only one who truly recognizes my worth, Divine Doctor!”
Listening to their conversation, Pyo Gi-gwang was lost in his own thoughts. In a single day, he had confessed the mastermind’s name and suddenly become the disciple of the Divine Doctor. Could a life really change this abruptly?
Then, his eyes met Geom Mu-geuk’s. The Young Cult Leader spoke with clear, deep eyes.
“Whether it be the Demonic Path or the Unorthodox Path, we must at least protect the children.”
The moment he heard those words, Pyo Gi-gwang understood. He realized why the boy had brought him here. It wasn't for Chung-ui; it was for him.
Chung-ui was someone who had lived her life for orphans. Conversely, Pyo Gi-gwang was the man who had been in charge of sending children kidnapped by the Black Snake Unit to the Alliance. Though he hadn't committed the kidnappings himself, he couldn't say he was innocent.
That was why he had been brought here. To serve Chung-ui and atone for his sins. To live a second life in this place.
The boy had gifted a new life to a man who should have spent his remaining days in a dark, deep dungeon. If it weren't for him, Pyo Gi-gwang would already be dead.
Apology and gratitude mingled within him. A complex, indescribable emotion swirled in his heart. A single result of that emotion escaped and fell.
Drip.
A tear fell. Pyo Gi-gwang was flustered, as he had never shed a tear in his life. He hadn't cried even when he was told he could no longer use martial arts due to his injuries. He hadn't cried even in the face of death.
But now, the tears came. Who am I that he would give me such a chance? A fool who was used by others… who am I?
By the time he wiped his eyes with his sleeve in surprise, Geom Mu-geuk was already a mere dot against the horizon. He had vanished before Pyo Gi-gwang could even say thank you.
The words the boy had said when they first met came back to him in this final moment.
Once our meeting is over, I will vanish like smoke.
“Thank you, Young Cult Leader.”
The single tear he had shed earlier landed on the back of Chung-ui’s neck. Feeling the warmth, Chung-ui shouted loudly, “Hey, you! If you don't want to be bug food, rub harder!”