Chapter 354: Leave Him Be, and He Shall Die
Chapter 354: Leave Him Be, and He Shall Die
After Bi Sa-in departed, his subordinate, Sa Hon, approached the Combat King while pulling a cart.
“I will move the luggage for you.”
As Sa Hon loaded the gifts presented by the warriors onto the cart, the Combat King perched himself atop the pile. As they left the training grounds, the two began a conversation via Voice Transmission.
— Did the Young Alliance Leader notice after all?
The Combat King nodded slightly. He had already expected as much the moment the assassins failed to kill Pyo Gi-gwang.
— Then why did he come to see you?
— To declare war. To boast. To show me that the likes of the assassins you sent won't work on him.
— He is still young.
A sneer played on Sa Hon’s lips. On the other hand, a lingering doubt remained in the Combat King’s mind.
— He has definitely changed.
He just couldn't put his finger on exactly what it was.
— Did you find out how he survived the ambush today?
At Sa Hon’s question, the Combat King shook his head.
— Could the Alliance Leader be helping him?
— It’s not the Alliance Leader. If he had intervened, he wouldn't have handled things this way.
— In that case, the Young Alliance Leader will undoubtedly ask Goe Ak and Gwang Seom for help.
Goe Ak and Gwang Seom. They were members of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path—experts whom Bi Sa-in had brought along to flaunt his power during a past meeting between the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions.
— Likely so.
— If we give them time, we will be at a disadvantage. I will lead my subordinates and deal with them personally before they can meet.
— There is no need for that.
The Combat King lay back among the luggage on the cart and sent a cryptic reply.
— Only by leaving him be will the Young Alliance Leader die.
*
After descending from the cliff, Bi Sa-in immediately sent a missive and hired a carriage. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, he left the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path behind and headed toward his destination accompanied only by Geom Mu-geuk.
Bi Sa-in stared at the passing scenery in silence.
He composed his mind ahead of the great battle to come. He was prepared for death; this was more dangerous than any fight he had faced before. Of course, a part of him wanted to avoid it. A corner of his mind constantly whispered for him to run to the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.
— Have you forgotten already? You regretted the decision you made in anger earlier, didn't you? It’s the same now. Once this passes, you’ll regret this choice. Go now, inform the Alliance Leader, and resolve this.
With a heavy heart, Bi Sa-in looked at Geom Mu-geuk. As always, Geom Mu-geuk sat perfectly still with his eyes closed.
Suddenly, Mu-geuk spoke.
“Are you regretting it again?”
“It seems you have eyes in the back of your head—and on your eyelids as well.”
“Doesn't that make me sound like a monster? Just say I see with my heart.”
Geom Mu-geuk slowly opened his eyes.
“Every time we get in a carriage, you close your eyes and seem to be reciting something. What exactly are you practicing?”
“I am practicing the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art.”
Bi Sa-in was inwardly flustered. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Demon’s unique martial art to be mentioned so casually.
“Is it alright to reveal such a secret?”
“What does it matter? It’s not like I’m giving you the oral formula. What’s the harm in sharing the name of a martial art?”
There are realms that cannot be imitated no matter how much one learns through words. Eventually, a single sentence slipped out of Bi Sa-in’s mouth.
“I surrender. You win.”
“I think it’s fine to admit it like that.”
“And then what? I should just let myself be dragged around by you?”
“Why not? While being dragged along, you get to see the stars, the birds, and the clouds. The person doing the dragging might act all high and mighty at first, but as time passes, they’ll get tired too. They’ll start wishing someone would drag them for a change.”
Bi Sa-in wore an expression that suggested Mu-geuk was truly hopeless.
“You speak so easily for someone who has never lost to an opponent.”
“There’s my father, isn't there? He reads me so perfectly that I don't even try to hide anything from him. Ugh, you really should see the way he smirks at me.”
Bi Sa-in found it hard to believe that there was someone who could put even Geom Mu-geuk on the defensive. Then again, he supposed it made sense, given the man was Geom Mu-geuk’s father.
“What kind of person is your father?”
“You people probably have more information on him than I do.”
At the half-joking, half-serious remark, Bi Sa-in gave a faint smile.
“I’ll introduce you next time. Meet him yourself and judge.”
Will the day ever come when I actually greet the Heavenly Demon?
“You’re getting serious again. It’s not the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance greeting the Heavenly Demon. It’s just greeting a friend’s father.”
A friend’s father.
It was a phrase as foreign to his life as the word 'friend' itself.
“But why don't you ask who I’m going to meet?”
Because he already knew. Geom Mu-geuk had guessed exactly who Bi Sa-in was going to for help.
“Which of the two are you going to meet first?”
Bi Sa-in shook his head.
“You know what? At times like this, you really lack a human touch.”
He felt a pang of regret as soon as he said it. He wondered if a person truly lacking a human touch would be helping him like this.
“Let me ask one more thing.”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you believe that even Senior Goe or Senior Gwang will not be enough?”
When Bi Sa-in had seen Instructor Hwang, his skill seemed to be on the level of an instructor at the Unorthodox Alliance Hall. That meant his skill was overwhelming.
Geom Mu-geuk answered honestly.
“Unless the two of them launch a combined attack, there is absolutely no chance of winning individually.”
Bi Sa-in had expected it to some extent, but he couldn't help but be shocked. An opponent who required two of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path to attack together?
Then, an even more surprising statement was added.
“Even then, it will be difficult if the two of them aren't perfectly in sync.”
*
The carriage arrived at the meeting place.
“Young Alliance Leader, welcome.”
“Thank you so much for making this trip.”
“Gwang Seom is waiting inside. Come, let us enter.”
These were the two among the Seven Great Masters who shared a deep friendship with the Unorthodox Path Alliance. More accurately, they were followers of the Alliance Leader.
Goe Ak glanced over, noting that Bi Sa-in had brought only a single attendant.
“You came quietly.”
He had met Geom Mu-geuk before, but he did not recognize him now. Mu-geuk was wearing a mask and kept his head down, avoiding eye contact. Furthermore, he only projected an aura roughly equivalent to that of the 13 Wolves.
Since Goe Ak never imagined the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult would be acting as Bi Sa-in’s guard under the guise of the 13 Wolves, he failed to notice Mu-geuk’s true identity.
Geom Mu-geuk entered the room as well. Since the 13 Wolves always moved with the Young Alliance Leader, no one gave it a second thought.
A table with drinks was set in the room, and Gwang Seom was waiting.
“Senior, thank you for coming.”
Being a man of few words, Gwang Seom simply bowed his head slightly in greeting. As Bi Sa-in sat at the table, he sent a Voice Transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Would you like to reveal your identity and sit with us?
— It’s fine. I’ll stay here.
Geom Mu-geuk stood at attention a short distance behind Bi Sa-in.
“I was having a drink while waiting. Here, Young Alliance Leader, have a glass.”
Light conversation flowed over the drinks. They discussed everything from recent well-being and the Alliance Leader to various incidents that had occurred in the Murim lately. Eventually, Gwang Seom even offered a drink to Geom Mu-geuk. Mu-geuk turned his head and drank it beneath his mask.
Bi Sa-in was inwardly impressed.
The Young Cult Leader’s skill is enough to hide his presence even before these men.
After several rounds of drinks, the real conversation began.
“So, Young Alliance Leader, what brings you to see us?”
“I have a favor to ask of you two seniors.”
Bi Sa-in was cautious. Even Goe Ak, who was treating him with a pleasant face now, was an absolute master whose notoriety rang through the Murim for his eccentric and cruel personality. Gwang Seom was merely less sinister because of his taciturn nature, but his blade was faster than his words.
The respect they showed him was out of respect for the Alliance Leader. Bi Sa-in had not yet built personal friendship or trust with them.
“I have recently identified a certain hidden force threatening our Alliance.”
At those words, the eyes of Goe Ak and Gwang Seom sharpened.
“Who are they?”
“The leader is Hwang Seok-gyeong, an instructor at the Unorthodox Alliance Hall.”
When Hwang Seok-gyeong’s name was revealed, the two wore expressions of disbelief. They seemed more shocked by the identity of the man than by the existence of a hidden force.
“If you know who the opponent is, you can just eliminate him. Why did you ask to meet us?”
“He is hiding his true strength.”
“To the point that we are needed?”
“Yes. I need both of you to go.”
A moment of silence followed. Bi Sa-in did not hide the opponent's strength. He did not make the foolish mistake of downplaying Hwang Seok-gyeong’s power just to save their faces.
Goe Ak asked with a skeptical heart.
“Does the Alliance Leader know about this?”
“He does not know yet.”
“Why haven't you told him?”
This was the crucial part of the persuasion.
“He was entangled with me from the start, and he even tried to kill me.”
“He tried to assassinate you?”
“Yes. That is why I want to finish him with my own hands.”
Goe Ak stared at Bi Sa-in.
“You want to handle this yourself and be recognized by the Alliance Leader.”
Bi Sa-in answered honestly.
“That is correct.”
Goe Ak looked back at Gwang Seom. Gwang Seom merely drank his wine in silence. Goe Ak did not readily step forward to help.
“If what you say is true, it’s a fairly dangerous task. Why should we help?”
Bi Sa-in didn't say it would be an opportunity to perform a great service for the Alliance or a chance to bestow a favor upon the next Alliance Leader. He didn't say that a mere instructor was dreaming of becoming the leader.
“I won't beat around the bush. When I become the Alliance Leader, I will give you both what you desire.”
“Do you know what I want?”
“On the day I ascend to the position of Alliance Leader, I will give you the manual for the Slashing Ghost Shadow Step kept in the secret vault.”
A light flashed in Goe Ak’s eyes.
The Slashing Ghost Shadow Step was a manual Goe Ak desperately desired. When practiced in tandem with his unique martial art, the Slashing Iron Man Technique, it produced a much stronger effect. Unfortunately, he had never been able to obtain it. The reason he had performed various tasks for the Alliance Leader all this time was precisely to earn that manual.
It was a promise like a double-edged sword. If he accepted this condition, he would help with all his heart, wishing for Bi Sa-in to become the Alliance Leader as soon as possible. However, after the manual was given, Bi Sa-in would no longer be able to use him.
“Is there a guarantee you will keep your promise?”
“If you wish, I will put it in writing.”
Only then did Goe Ak nod.
“Fine, I accept on those terms.”
Bi Sa-in then looked at Gwang Seom.
“Senior, I do not yet know what you desire. Please tell me what you want.”
Finally, Gwang Seom opened his mouth.
“I want your life.”
A sudden silence fell over the room. Immediately after, Goe Ak burst into laughter.
“A joke like that only works because you usually save your words!”
Bi Sa-in laughed along. But Gwang Seom did not laugh. Words he usually withheld poured out all at once.
“When you went out to greet the Young Alliance Leader earlier, I spiked the wine with Energy-Scattering Poison. They said it was a special refinement of the Black Concubine, and indeed, even you didn't notice. Unless you possess a Body Immune to All Poisons, you won't be able to use your internal energy for the next hour. Of course, I took the antidote in advance.”
Goe Ak instantly checked his internal energy. His expression froze. His energy was indeed scattered.
“What is the meaning of this? Why are you playing such an uncharacteristic prank?”
Instead of answering, Gwang Seom continued.
“The person who kills the Young Alliance Leader in this room today will be you. After killing him, it will be arranged as if you vanished from the Murim. A large sum of money will be deposited into your account at the bank, and circumstantial evidence that you were commissioned to kill the Young Alliance Leader will be discovered.”
Gwang Seom spoke words that were nothing short of horrific to Goe Ak without even blinking an eye.
“You crazy bastard! You’re itching to die, aren't you? Do you think I’ll just take this because I have no internal energy?”
Contrary to his shouting confidence, Goe Ak was in despair. Fighting Gwang Seom without internal energy? It was a fight between a warrior and a child.
“I apologize for using the Energy-Scattering Poison. I didn't underestimate your skill, so do not be too angry. I will bury your body in a place with plenty of sunlight.”
Bi Sa-in was equally shocked and flustered. He was an opponent Bi Sa-in couldn't handle even with his internal energy intact, but the problem was that Geom Mu-geuk had also drunk the wine. Come to think of it, the person who gave the drink to Geom Mu-geuk was Gwang Seom. He should have been suspicious when that silent man went out of his way to serve a subordinate.
“Have you joined hands with Hwang Seok-gyeong?”
Gwang Seom gave no answer, but his silence was an affirmation.
“Why did you side with him?”
Gwang Seom stared out the window for a moment and said softly, “I fought him and lost. I promised to become his subordinate if I was defeated.”
A sense of respect could be felt in the way he spoke of 'him.' Bi Sa-in realized that Hwang Seok-gyeong was truly a powerful man, just as Geom Mu-geuk had said. It probably wasn't just because of the promise; it seemed he had become a subordinate out of genuine fascination with Hwang Seok-gyeong’s strength.
It was then that Geom Mu-geuk, who had been watching all of this from behind, finally spoke.
“The human heart is truly an unpredictable thing, isn't it? Between the two of you, I expected the traitor to be Goe Ak.”
At Mu-geuk’s words, everyone’s eyes turned toward him. As he suddenly stepped forward, not only Goe Ak but also Gwang Seom wore puzzled expressions. Their exchange was not that of a leader and a subordinate.
“Did you perhaps expect this situation?”
“Hwang Seok-gyeong surely expected you to come meet these men. Yet he didn't stop you. He didn't stop two of the Seven Great Masters from potentially becoming his enemies? Isn't that suspicious?”
Hearing that, Bi Sa-in realized it was true. Why hadn't these thoughts occurred to him?
“Then why didn't you prepare for it?”
“What kind of preparation?”
“You shouldn't have drunk the wine.”
“How could I not drink it when he was offering it right before my eyes? Should I have spat it out in front of him?”
Sshhh!
Gwang Seom’s fast sword sliced through the air.
Thud.
The mask, cut by the sword, fell away. Knowing that the strike wasn't meant to kill him, Geom Mu-geuk didn't dodge. In fact, reading the opponent's intention accurately and refusing to flinch required even greater courage and skill than avoiding the blade.
Revealing his face, Geom Mu-geuk rubbed his chin and mouth.
“I was having a hard time because the mask was uncomfortable anyway, so thank you for cutting it off. I really need to change the inner fabric of these things.”