Chapter 355: I Told You I Could Use My Internal Energy, Didn't I?
Chapter 355: I Told You I Could Use My Internal Energy, Didn't I?
“The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”
Gwang Seom and Goe Ak recognized Geom Mu-geuk at the same instant.
He was a man one could never forget, having left an indelible impression during their first encounter.
“Why are you here?”
They were profoundly shaken. Neither had expected Geom Mu-geuk to be present in this place.
The expressions of Gwang Seom and Goe Ak shifted in opposite directions. A spark of hope ignited in Goe Ak’s chest. In a situation where death seemed certain, an unpredictable variable had appeared.
Gwang Seom, on the other hand, looked utterly dismayed. He had been moments away from framing Goe Ak and murdering the Young Alliance Leader. Now, the situation demanded he kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult as well. The current plot was already a massive undertaking, but if the Young Cult Leader died here, the entire Murim would be turned upside down.
Burning with anxiety over this unforeseen complication, Gwang Seom strode over and poured himself a drink.
‘How should I handle this?’
He debated whether to report this to Hwang Seok-gyeong immediately or handle it on his own. Reporting and waiting for an answer would take too much time. The bigger problem was that his plan had been exposed to the Young Cult Leader.
Gwang Seom looked at Geom Mu-geuk. The man’s gaze was relaxed, as if he were certain he couldn't be killed.
‘Young Cult Leader, you’ve met the wrong opponent this time.’
He made his decision on how to handle this headache. Gwang Seom looked at Goe Ak and spoke.
“At least you won't have to bear the sin of killing the Young Alliance Leader.”
Goe Ak, sensing Gwang Seom’s intent, responded coldly.
“You crazy bastard.”
Both he and Gwang Seom were villains among villains. Goe Ak had lived his life never trusting anyone, yet he had harbored a shred of faith in Gwang Seom, whom he had associated with for years. He had even liked the man’s taciturn nature. Now, he realized he had been deceived by that very silence. He was angrier at himself for being fooled than at the one who had betrayed him.
His martial art, the Slashing Iron Man Technique, was a body-tempering art that utilized the entire physical form. Without internal energy, he couldn't even attempt a surprise attack.
What if the three of them—the Young Cult Leader, the Young Alliance Leader, and himself—attacked together? Could they do something even without internal energy?
But he knew better than anyone how fast Gwang Seom’s sword was. Without internal energy, his body technique would be nothing more than a massage, and the other two’s attacks would be like children playing with sticks.
Gwang Seom’s decision was exactly as Goe Ak expected.
“It will be framed as the Young Cult Leader and the Young Alliance Leader killing each other in mutual destruction.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to Bi Sa-in.
“It seems the very thing you worried about is happening. Us fighting and dying together.”
“Can you really joke in this situation?”
“If friends die on the same day at the same hour, isn't that a meaningful thing in its own way?”
Bi Sa-in was in no mood to play along with Geom Mu-geuk’s banter.
‘Is this how I die?’
He had trusted Gwang Seom and Goe Ak. That was why he had drunk the wine without suspicion. He thought that because they followed the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader, they were naturally trustworthy. Come to think of it, they were people he had no real personal connection to.
Suddenly, Geom Mu-geuk’s words about looking at people clearly and deeply came to mind. Yes, this was the result of failing to see people for who they truly were.
What would happen to the Unorthodox Path Alliance after he died? And the Alliance Leader? Those who had managed to pull Gwang Seom to their side would not be easy to deal with.
In the face of death, his final worry was not for himself.
“You must not kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Even if you kill us, let him go.”
To ask for another’s life while facing his own end? Bi Sa-in felt like a stranger to himself.
“The Young Cult Leader will promise. He will never speak of what happened here. A man of his stature won't break his word lightly.”
When Gwang Seom showed no reaction, Bi Sa-in tried even harder to persuade him.
“Think of it from his perspective. These are matters within the Unorthodox Path Alliance. They have nothing to do with him. He has no reason to reveal today’s events and tarnish his own honor. If you kill him, the Demonic Cult will find you and kill you all.”
Bi Sa-in turned to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Isn't that right? You tell him.”
To which Geom Mu-geuk replied:
“I’m going to tell.”
“What?”
“You’re the man who killed him right in front of my eyes; I can't just let that slide. Not only will I tell everything, I’ll have my revenge.”
Bi Sa-in felt stifled. You fool of a Young Cult Leader, this isn't the time for jokes. Please, just play along with me this once.
Hiding his inner frustration, Bi Sa-in calmly continued to persuade Gwang Seom.
“The Young Cult Leader often says things he doesn't mean. Don't make this bigger than it needs to be. Just let him go.”
As he spoke, Bi Sa-in looked at Geom Mu-geuk, his eyes pleading.
—I’m not joking. So don't you joke either.
Of course, he wouldn't be Geom Mu-geuk if he simply followed those wishes.
“You’re looking more impressive right now than at any other time I’ve met you.”
For heaven's sake! Bi Sa-in almost snapped in anger but stopped himself. Fine, it had already come to this. Whether Gwang Seom spared him or killed him wouldn't depend on his begging anyway.
“If a man trying to save my life didn't look impressive, wouldn't that be the real problem?”
After saying that, Bi Sa-in gave a bitter smile. In the end, he was bantering even in this moment. Fine, he might as well die laughing and joking with this man. Thinking that way made his heart feel lighter.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Gwang Seom.
“Look at his eyes.”
Bi Sa-in followed Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze and looked into Gwang Seom’s eyes. They were cold, devoid of any emotion.
“He has absolutely no intention of letting me live.”
How could Bi Sa-in not have known? He just didn't want Geom Mu-geuk to die like this because of him. Bi Sa-in let out a long sigh.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn't have dragged you into this.”
Geom Mu-geuk noted, “That’s your second sigh.”
Bi Sa-in had wanted to show him a tenth, a hundredth sigh. But their relationship was ending after only two. He had felt that with Geom Mu-geuk, he could overcome any crisis. Even this time, though Geom Mu-geuk had pushed him to take the lead, a part of him had relied on the man.
But he had forgotten. While marveling at Geom Mu-geuk’s incredible abilities and laughing at his banter, he had forgotten that the man was also human.
“I am truly sorry.”
At the apology uttered like a lament, Geom Mu-geuk smiled.
“There’s no need to be sorry.”
Watching this, Goe Ak spoke to Gwang Seom.
“Look at that. Even their short-lived, half-baked friendship is so poignant. What does that make us?”
Gwang Seom ignored him and said nothing. This time, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Gwang Seom.
“You’re going to become a protagonist who will be remembered forever in the history of the Murim. After all, you’re about to kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path, and one of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path all in one place.”
Goe Ak added a comment.
“Make sure to record that you killed us with Energy-Scattering Poison!”
Gwang Seom reached for his sword, as if he would waste no more time. Geom Mu-geuk quickly asked, “Let me ask one thing before I die. Where are the kidnapped children?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“I got caught up in this mess because of that matter. Shouldn't I know before I die?”
But that was something even Gwang Seom didn't know.
“I don't know.”
“Then, who within the Unorthodox Path Alliance did that person you respect join hands with?”
Geom Mu-geuk tried to glean whatever information he could. But again, Gwang Seom shook his head. He truly didn't seem to know.
“You’re nothing more than a blade used by Hwang Seok-gyeong.”
Geom Mu-geuk added, turning to Bi Sa-in, “Later, this man would have been used as the sword to kill the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.”
It seemed entirely plausible. He would have continued to build trust, and then at a decisive moment, he would have played the role of the assassin. Using poison, hidden weapons, and every means at his disposal, he might have even been able to assassinate the Alliance Leader. And if the Combat King stepped in as well?
The even more worrying scenario was this: with the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult dead, the relationship between the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance would deteriorate rapidly. If misunderstandings piled up, a war could break out. In such a situation, would the truth behind these deaths ever be revealed? Meanwhile, those villains would simply wait to reap the spoils.
Bi Sa-in shared his desperate thoughts with Geom Mu-geuk.
“I wish you would say this: ‘Actually, I can use my internal energy.’ I wish you’d say it with a smile, like one of your usual jokes. If only we could survive that way…”
“If we survive?”
“I’ll gather people and dance for them.”
He was a man who had never danced in his life. He was the type who would rather die than dance in front of others. To make such a ridiculous promise—how much did he want to live?
He wanted to live. He didn't want to die like this. He still had so much to do. He hadn't even sat in the Grand Tutor’s chair in the Alliance Leader’s hall yet. He hadn't established his own Unorthodox Path. He hadn't met the woman he would love. He hadn't shared a drink at the tavern in front of his friend’s house… and he hadn't even greeted his friend’s father yet.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Bi Sa-in and said with a bright smile:
“Actually, I can use my internal energy.”
Bi Sa-in smiled back. His rough, scarred face brightened. Yes, it felt right to die smiling like this with Geom Mu-geuk.
‘I’m glad I was your friend.’
Gwang Seom drew his sword and spoke to Goe Ak.
“Out of respect for our bond, I’ll kill you last.”
“We’ve known each other for twenty years and traveled together for seven or eight. That’s some incredible ‘respect.’”
Gwang Seom ignored him and walked toward Bi Sa-in.
“I have no personal ill will toward the Young Alliance Leader.”
His heart raced, but Bi Sa-in remained dignified. He stared at Gwang Seom calmly, unafraid of death.
‘Heavens, please protect the Unorthodox Path Alliance!’
Gwang Seom’s sword lunged forward.
Screeeech!
Clang!
Bi Sa-in’s eyes snapped wide open.
Blocking his view was Geom Mu-geuk’s back. He had crossed the space in an instant and parried the incoming blade with his Black Demonic Sword.
“You!”
There was no time for words. Gwang Seom, his blade still locked with the other’s, immediately unleashed his unique martial art, the Chasing Thunder Three Swords.
From that single parry, Gwang Seom knew. If he tried any shallow tricks, he would simply die. He poured all his internal energy into his signature technique.
‘Even if you have internal energy, the result won't change!’
How could a human dodge a falling bolt of lightning? He was confident that at this distance, the Chasing Thunder Three Swords would surely kill Geom Mu-geuk.
Flash!
Swoosh!
The attack was so fast it was nearly invisible. But there was a human who could dodge lightning.
‘Even if you dodge one!’
The second strike followed immediately. Sword light flashed, and in an instant, a dozen lines of sword energy poured toward Geom Mu-geuk.
Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!
But Geom Mu-geuk’s Black Demonic Sword blocked every single one. If one side was lightning, the other was lightning as well.
Gwang Seom was shocked and bewildered. Until now, only one person had ever blocked the second strike of his technique at this range. Fine, he was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, so perhaps he could block it. But he wouldn't be able to stop the final, third strike.
Just as the third strike, which would sweep away everyone in the room, was about to be unleashed—
Thuck!
The sound of tearing flesh replaced the sound of clashing steel. The sudden silence signaled that the battle had ended in a single move.
Gwang Seom’s gaze slowly drifted down to his chest. The Black Demonic Sword had pierced straight through his heart. He couldn't believe he had missed this attack.
“…Faster… than me?”
Gwang Seom slowly raised his head to look at Geom Mu-geuk. Those clear, deep eyes belonged to a different person than the one who had been bantering with Bi Sa-in moments ago.
Looking into Gwang Seom’s fading eyes, Geom Mu-geuk spoke coldly.
“The moment you put Energy-Scattering Poison in that wine bottle, everything you ever achieved as a martial artist vanished. Now, you are nothing.”
Gwang Seom’s lips quivered as if to say something.
Swoosh! Slice!
There was no exception for him. The Black Demonic Sword, pulled from his chest, severed his head in a single stroke.
Thud.
Gwang Seom, one of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path and a master of the fast sword, died without leaving a single word behind.
Geom Mu-geuk flicked the blood off the Black Demonic Sword with a sharp snap and turned toward Bi Sa-in with a grin.
“I told you I could use my internal energy, didn't I?”
Along with the joy of being alive, a shiver ran through Bi Sa-in’s entire body. It was the moment the gates of hell had opened and then slammed shut again.
“How on earth…?”
“I guess Energy-Scattering Poison just doesn't agree with my constitution.”
Ah! Just how long did this man intend to keep surprising people like this?
“Just how far do you plan on dragging me along?”
“I told you, didn't I? Just let yourself be dragged along comfortably and look at the stars and the clouds. Someday, a day will come when you’ll think, ‘Those were the good times.’ And when I get tired, you can drag me for a bit.”
Their gazes met in the air. Bi Sa-in didn't say thank you. They had agreed to settle all debts at the very end. Now, the debt of his life had been added to the tally. Could all of this ever truly be settled?
Bi Sa-in wasn't the only one shocked. Goe Ak was staring at Gwang Seom’s corpse with a dazed expression. He was stunned by Geom Mu-geuk’s skill. Setting aside the fact that the poison didn't work, he had blocked all of Gwang Seom’s attacks at point-blank range. And then he had killed him with an even faster sword technique.
Fast sword wasn't even Geom Mu-geuk’s specialty; he had essentially defeated Gwang Seom using basic fundamentals.
‘He is far stronger than us!’
He knew the Young Cult Leader was special, but he hadn't realized he was this powerful. He offered a respectful fist salute, expressing his gratitude to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Young Cult Leader, I owe you my life. If you ever need help with anything in the future, just contact me.”
“I’ll do that. Please take good care of my friend from now on.”
As he spoke, he looked at Bi Sa-in. It sounded like a polite request, but it was a warning to Goe Ak. A warning not to treat Bi Sa-in lightly.
Goe Ak looked at Bi Sa-in. The two exchanged a silent conversation with their eyes.
—How on earth did you become friends with a man like this?
—I don't know either. I just woke up one day and found myself his friend.
The three of them walked out of the building.
“By the way, when are you going to keep your promise?”
“What promise?”
“The promise to dance in front of people if you survived. I’m reserving a front-row seat.”
“When did I ever make such a promise?” Bi Sa-in denied it flatly.
“I’m sorry, but I have a witness.” Geom Mu-geuk looked at Goe Ak. “You heard the promise the Young Alliance Leader made, didn't you?”
Goe Ak looked back and forth between Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in. It was already decided whose side he should take.
“What promise? I didn't hear anything.”
“I suppose you’ll be seeing the Young Alliance Leader more often than me in the future?”
Goe Ak laughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
“A mere instructor dared to covet the position of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader? Come, let’s go. We can't just stand by and watch others succeed, can we?”