Chapter 352: Even After a Brush with Death, One Must Still Banter
Chapter 352: Even After a Brush with Death, One Must Still Banter
Amidst the heavy silence, a single thought surfaced in Bi Sa-in’s mind.
‘If you were that man, I would surely be dead by now.’
No matter how strong or terrifying Hwang Seok-gyeong might be, he could never compare to the man standing before him. Just imagining Geom Mu-geuk as an enemy was enough to instill true, bone-chilling fear.
“If I’m fated to die anyway, will wearing two or three layers of armor really save me?” Bi Sa-in asked.
“If you were fated to die, you wouldn't have met me,” Geom Mu-geuk countered. “So, wear as much as you can.”
Their gazes locked. Bi Sa-in could feel it—Geom Mu-geuk was genuinely worried about his survival.
“Wouldn’t it be better for you if I died? The Unorthodox Path Alliance would fall into chaos.”
Geom Mu-geuk dismissed the half-hearted remark, bringing him back to reality.
“I hate to break it to you, but the Alliance won’t fall into chaos just because you die. The same goes for me, or even our friend in the Murim Alliance.”
It was the cold truth. Perhaps if the Cult Leader or the Alliance Leader fell, things would be different, but the death of a successor wouldn't be enough to destabilize the entire Unorthodox Path Alliance.
“If anything, they’d unite under the banner of revenge, becoming even stronger than before. So, what do you think? Care to make a sacrifice for the sake of the Alliance?”
“I’ll pass.”
Bi Sa-in briefly imagined the aftermath of his death. The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path would be grief-stricken; the 1st Wolf would likely be devastated. But what about the Alliance Leader? How much would he mourn? The fact that he couldn't easily picture the Leader's reaction made Bi Sa-in realize he still didn't truly know the man.
Then, his thoughts turned to the man in front of him.
‘Would this man mourn me if I died?’
Just as he was wondering why he was entertaining such useless thoughts, Geom Mu-geuk spoke up abruptly.
“If you die, I’ll avenge you. I’ll hunt them to the ends of the Central Plains and kill every single person involved, leaving not a soul behind.”
It was uncanny how well he could read a person’s inner thoughts.
“I appreciate the sentiment,” Bi Sa-in replied.
A faint smile brushed across Bi Sa-in’s scarred face. Somehow, he felt that if it were Geom Mu-geuk, he really would dig until the bitter end to exact revenge.
“You look best when you smile like that. If you ever find a woman you like, try smiling for her once in a while.”
“There you go with the nonsense again!”
They were exchanging jokes while his life was on the line. Truly, this was something that could only happen with Geom Mu-geuk.
‘Could I actually die?’
It would be a lie to say he hadn't considered it. However, since becoming the Young Alliance Leader, he had unconsciously let his guard down.
Who would dare try to kill me?
It was time to change that mindset. How could a martial artist be so careless? Moreover, if Geom Mu-geuk hadn't warned him directly, he would have remained completely oblivious to the looming threat.
“I understand. I’ll be prepared for an ambush.”
“Make sure you wear that armor.”
“I’ll wear two layers.”
Geom Mu-geuk felt relieved, knowing Bi Sa-in had taken his words to heart. His prediction might be wrong, of course, but there was no harm in being cautious.
“Does the official uniform of the 13 Wolves include a masked version?”
“It does.”
Most escort warriors belonging to large organizations had masked uniforms. Their role often required them to protect their charge discreetly while concealing their identities.
“Have them wear those from now on, and give one to me. Also, pull one of the 13 Wolves out. I’ll take his place.”
“Are you really going this far?”
“I am. Why? You don't like it?”
“It’s fine with me, but I feel bad.”
“Don't worry. I’ll make sure to collect the interest on this later.”
There was one thing Bi Sa-in felt compelled to ask.
“You are the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. It won't look good if word gets out that you acted as my subordinate.”
This was different from when he had been with Jin Ha-gun or the 14th and 15th Wolves. Now, he was actively moving to protect him.
“Right now, it’s not the Young Cult Leader serving under the Young Alliance Leader,” Geom Mu-geuk said firmly. “It’s Geom Mu-geuk going to Bi Sa-in.”
“...!”
Bi Sa-in had a premonition. He wouldn't forget those words for a very long time.
“I haven't done anything for you to deserve this much.”
“If you start weighing things on a scale, you’re a merchant dealing with a client, not a friend. In any relationship, one person always likes the other more. In this case, that’s me.”
Bi Sa-in felt a surge of gratitude and affection for the man speaking so plainly. From the moment he was born until he became the successor of the Alliance, he had never imagined he would have a friend. He hadn't thought it was possible.
Geom Mu-geuk added with a grin.
“Actually, it’s for my own sake. If someone else becomes the Alliance Leader instead of you, I might die of frustration. My happiness will be much higher if someone like you is in charge. So don't worry about it. Just assume I’m doing it because I want to.”
This was why Bi Sa-in liked him even more. Geom Mu-geuk acted like he was making a big show of things, but in reality, he was the type who hated taking credit for his kindness.
‘I give up.’
Bi Sa-in conceded. Even if the man was technically serving under him, Bi Sa-in had lost the battle of wills. Accepting that made his heart feel lighter.
The two of them stood in silence for a long time on the wind-swept cliff.
* * *
The next day, two things had changed.
The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path guarding him were now dressed in masked uniforms, and one of those masked men was Geom Mu-geuk.
“Isn’t the mask a bit uncomfortable? I think it would be better if the inner fabric were a bit softer,” Geom Mu-geuk whispered.
The 7th Wolf nodded as if in agreement, only to quickly look away when he caught the 1st Wolf’s reprimanding glare.
The 1st Wolf, Baek Cheol-gi, was not pleased that Geom Mu-geuk had entered the Inner Court of the Alliance. Had it not been for Bi Sa-in’s direct orders, he would never have allowed it.
Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in exchanged Voice Transmissions whenever they had a spare moment.
— Surely you aren't needed inside the Alliance headquarters?
— On the contrary, I think this place is the most dangerous. Assassinations usually happen in the place one deems safest, don't they?
Bi Sa-in looked out the window. The thought that people trying to kill him were right here made the familiar scenery of the Alliance feel strangely alien.
The 1st Wolf spoke to Bi Sa-in. “Let us go. There is a meeting with the Unit Leaders.”
As they left the quarters, Bi Sa-in sent a Voice Transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Are you really going to follow me all the way to the meeting room?
— Of course.
— For all I know, you’re just doing this to steal our secrets.
— You’re only realizing that now?
Geom Mu-geuk truly intended to follow him all day. He wouldn't have gone this far if the opponent weren't the Combat King. The Combat King he knew loved fighting, and he hated losing just as much as he loved the fray.
The conspiracy within the Unorthodox Path Alliance was likely just another battle to him. He would never allow himself to lose, and to ensure victory, he had to eliminate Bi Sa-in—the most direct threat to his plans. Killing Bi Sa-in before the fire spread to the Alliance Leader would be the most certain path to victory.
The 1st Wolf sent a Voice Transmission to Bi Sa-in.
— I understand your trust in the Young Cult Leader, but you must not show him the inner workings of our Alliance so thoroughly. It will be a problem if the Alliance Leader finds out later.
— I know what you’re worried about, 1st Wolf. But please, trust my judgment just this once.
The 1st Wolf looked at Bi Sa-in. Seeing that his eyes weren't those of someone being manipulated, the 1st Wolf nodded. He decided he would just have to be more vigilant. There was nothing more foolish than fully trusting a demonic practitioner.
With that, Bi Sa-in entered the meeting.
When the 13 Wolves were stationed outside the meeting hall, the 1st Wolf placed Geom Mu-geuk as far away as possible to ensure he couldn't overhear the conversation. Geom Mu-geuk complied without a word.
When Bi Sa-in emerged after the meeting, he saw Geom Mu-geuk standing at the end of the hallway. He didn't need an explanation to know what had happened.
— Please understand. The 1st Wolf is a very rigid man.
— I understand.
Bi Sa-in proceeded with his usual routine. He always ate one meal a day at a certain inn. Today was no different. While eating, he sent a Voice Transmission to the 1st Wolf.
— What is the status of Hwang Seok-gyeong?
— Nothing out of the ordinary. If anything, he is training even more intensely than usual.
If Bi Sa-in didn't trust Geom Mu-geuk, he would have thought Hwang Seok-gyeong was being framed, so normal was his behavior. Bi Sa-in stole a glance at Geom Mu-geuk. Standing near the entrance of the inn, Geom Mu-geuk was intently watching the street.
— There you go with that suspicious look again. I told you to trust me.
— How can I not be suspicious when I have a subordinate who has eyes in the back of his head?
Geom Mu-geuk turned around. The eyes above his mask were smiling.
— Aren't you tired?
— I’m dying. I had to grab a quick bite while standing earlier. I’ll have to be nicer to my own guards from now on.
— Come over here and eat with us.
— No. I’m going to keep suffering so I can hold it over your head forever. I’ll bring this up every time we meet.
They finished their meal and returned. Nothing happened that day. Nothing happened the next day, either. Hwang Seok-gyeong continued his routine as usual.
It was on the third day. Bi Sa-in was eating at his usual inn once again.
— The Young Cult Leader might have misjudged the situation.
Bi Sa-in didn't respond to the 1st Wolf’s transmission. Today, too, Geom Mu-geuk was standing by the entrance, watching the street. Beyond Geom Mu-geuk’s shoulder, pedestrians passed by, merchants called out to customers, and children ran about.
‘Well, he’s only human. He can't be perfect.’
Having finished their meal, Bi Sa-in and the 13 Wolves left the inn. As they were heading back to the Alliance, a young girl carrying a flower basket approached. She wasn't someone they usually saw.
“Buy some flowers! I’ll give you a good price!”
The 13 Wolves were instantly on guard. One of the warriors stepped forward to inspect her. On the surface, she showed no signs of martial arts training. The basket she held contained nothing but flowers. She appeared to be a perfectly ordinary flower girl.
As Bi Sa-in passed by, the girl held out a single flower. He intended to walk past, but then he turned back toward her.
“How much for one?”
“For someone as noble as you, I’ll give it to you for free.”
“Do you know who I am?”
“You’re the Young Alliance Leader, aren't you? My father told me to be polite if I ever saw you.”
“Where is your father?”
“He’s sick. He’s lying in bed at home.”
“I’ll take all the flowers you have.”
“Really?” The girl’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’ll buy them as a special gift to commemorate our meeting today.”
Just as he was pulling out money to hand to her—
“I’ll give you this flower too.”
The moment the girl took a flower from her hair to put it into the basket—
Snap.
The 1st Wolf moved like lightning, striking the girl’s demonic acupoints to paralyze her and snatching the flower from her hand.
“It is the Yin-Yang Absolute Poison Herb,” the 1st Wolf hissed. “When the Yin Poison Herb in this child’s hair and the Yang Poison Herb in the basket are brought together, they instantly emit a scent laden with extreme poison.”
Everyone stared at the girl. Before they knew it, her face had turned black, and she collapsed to the ground. The 1st Wolf inspected the already deceased girl and reported with a grim expression.
“It seems she was rigged to be poisoned the moment the flower was removed from her hair.”
Whether she was a willing participant or forced, it was a ruthless assassination attempt that discarded a life like trash. Just as everyone’s attention was focused on the girl—
“Watch your back!” Geom Mu-geuk roared.
In that split second when everyone’s eyes were on the girl, a pedestrian standing behind Bi Sa-in launched an attack.
BOOM!
With a thunderous explosion, dozens of steel needle-like projectiles erupted from a cylinder-shaped hidden weapon in his hand.
Swish-swish-swish-swish!
Geom Mu-geuk crossed the space with Blink Step, swinging his sword to deflect the needles. But that wasn't the only attack. A man who had been browsing a street stall across the road turned and unleashed another hidden weapon. Again, an explosion echoed as the projectiles were fired.
The 13 Wolves threw themselves forward, swinging their blades. Another man appeared on the opposite roof, preparing to fire his hidden weapon—!
Slice!
The arm holding the hidden weapon canister was severed and fell. Geom Mu-geuk’s sword, having already taken flight, had sliced through his limb.
Geom Mu-geuk had deflected the first volley of needles, killed the first attacker, and immediately surged onto the roof. His movements were so fast that onlookers mistakenly thought someone else had intercepted the threat.
The maimed assassin tried to pull out another weapon with his remaining hand, but he couldn't accomplish with one arm what he had failed to do with two.
Thuck!
The Black Demonic Sword pierced his throat.
By the time Geom Mu-geuk landed back on the ground, all the assassins had been neutralized. The 13 Wolves were surrounding Bi Sa-in, and in the center, the 1st Wolf was shouting.
“Young Alliance Leader!”
A needle was embedded in Bi Sa-in's chest. All the projectiles had been concentrated on him, and because they had been fired from such close range, not all of them could be deflected.
“I’m alright,” Bi Sa-in gasped.
When Bi Sa-in pulled open his robes, he revealed the body protection armor underneath. He wasn't just wearing one layer, but two. The needle was stuck, unable to pierce through the double layer of armor. Three of the 13 Wolves who had blocked the needles were injured, but all had avoided fatal wounds. They, too, had been wearing armor.
Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in’s eyes met.
— Well done.
— Because of your nagging, I borrowed armor from the Alliance treasury and had the 13 Wolves wear it too.
In the end, it had been the right choice.
— What about me? You gave it to everyone but me? You should have given me some too!
— I figured you’d be fine on your own. Besides, we were short on armor.
— Even though you were wearing two layers yourself?
— You’re the one who told me to wear two!
The two of them bantered back and forth. Even after a brush with death, Geom Mu-geuk couldn't help but joke. Soon, however, he dropped the playfulness and spoke calmly.
“The flower girl was a decoy to draw our attention. They intended to attack when our focus was divided.”
“How did you know?”
Because the opponent was the Combat King. The men under his command wouldn't have been so clumsy.
“I had a bad feeling.”
Bi Sa-in realized Geom Mu-geuk was right. The enemy truly intended to kill him.
‘That lunatic! He really tried to kill me? And right in front of the Alliance headquarters?’
If not for Geom Mu-geuk, he might have been done for. Even if he had survived, the casualties among the 13 Wolves would have been severe. The 13 Wolves, realizing this, bowed their heads to Geom Mu-geuk in gratitude. Even the 1st Wolf, who had been so displeased with him, joined in.
Bi Sa-in revised his earlier thought. He’s only human and not perfect? Nonsense.
‘This man is perfect. He’s not human.’
The 1st Wolf recovered the hidden weapons used by the attackers.
“The hidden weapon they used is the Blood Heaven Rain. It is designated as a Forbidden Hidden Weapon throughout the Murim.”
Not only was it impossible to obtain through normal channels, but three Blood Heaven Rains—which cost a fortune—had been deployed. To kill him, they didn't just use any means; they used Forbidden Hidden Weapons. The opponent was someone who lacked even a shred of pride or honor as a martial artist. Someone who cared only for the result of the slaughter.
Bi Sa-in looked at Geom Mu-geuk with a furious expression. Geom Mu-geuk silently signaled that he would follow Bi Sa-in’s lead. Bi Sa-in didn't thank him for saving his life; he intended to settle all his debts once this was over.
“Using Forbidden Hidden Weapons... they lack the basic decency of a martial artist.”
Bi Sa-in began walking toward the Alliance. Since he had received a greeting from the other side, it was only right that he returned the favor.
“Let’s go see if they teach the basics properly at our West Lake Hall.”