Chapter 360: The Young Alliance Leader Has Been Bewitched
Chapter 360: The Young Alliance Leader Has Been Bewitched
“It’s a trap.”
Bi Sa-in’s expression turned icy. He was more furious with Hyeok Sa-gun than he had been with the Scorching Heaven Twin Swords who had just tried to take his life.
“This is a trap set by Hyeok Sa-gun. He’s trying to lure you in to kill you.”
Geom Mu-geuk acknowledged that Bi Sa-in had read the situation accurately, but he believed one crucial detail was off.
“It is a trap, but I doubt he intends to kill me. He wouldn’t want to turn the Main Cult into an enemy under the current circumstances. Right now, their sole focus is killing you.”
The Combat King was a clever man, and Hyeok Sa-gun operated beneath him. Because they were intelligent, some of their moves were actually easier to predict. At the very least, this wasn't a plot to take Mu-geuk's life.
“He likely intends to force me back to the Main Cult.”
The goal was simple: separate him from Bi Sa-in, then finish Bi Sa-in off.
“Knowing that, do you still intend to meet the Alliance Leader?”
“I must.”
“The Alliance Leader will not be fond of you,” Bi Sa-in said, his expression darkening. He was already worried about how the Leader would react once he learned of these events. To make matters worse, Hyeok Sa-gun, the man who served directly by the Leader’s side, was the traitor.
“He has likely driven an irreparable wedge between the Alliance Leader and me.”
He didn't even want to imagine the poison Hyeok Sa-gun had been whispering in the Leader's ear.
However, Geom Mu-geuk speculated differently.
“He probably didn't do that.”
Geom Mu-geuk was anticipating a move that Bi Sa-in hadn't considered.
“On the contrary, he likely maintained an attitude of looking out for you the entire time. Hyeok Sa-gun probably kept taking your side, suggesting that you were only associating with me to dig for information.”
Bi Sa-in blinked, not quite following, until Mu-geuk delivered the finishing blow.
“That way, when you finally call him a traitor, it will have the perfect backfire effect.”
The realization hit Bi Sa-in like a physical blow.
“Then... he truly won't believe me.”
“He’ll think you’ve been bewitched by the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult and are now framing the Chief Strategist.”
A chill ran down Bi Sa-in’s spine. Hearing it laid out like that, the scheme seemed incredibly plausible. The machinations of the brilliant always exceeded his expectations.
“Sometimes, praise can be a more powerful way to drive a wedge between people than slander.”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s words, not only Bi Sa-in but even Goe Ak, who had been listening in, was struck with admiration.
A truly terrifying man has become the Young Cult Leader.
Even the current Heavenly Demon was known to possess talent that ranked among the greatest in history. But could even that Heavenly Demon have shown such insight at such a young age? Goe Ak was certain he could not have.
“What do you plan to do?”
“I have to meet the Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path. Currently, I am the only one who knows that Hyeok Sa-gun has joined forces with the hidden faction. My testimony is the only evidence. If I cannot persuade the Alliance Leader, not only your life but your position as the Young Alliance Leader will be in jeopardy.”
Having narrowly survived one crisis, another had already arrived. Geom Mu-geuk turned to Bi Sa-in.
“Can you send a missive to the Alliance Leader without Hyeok Sa-gun knowing?”
After a moment of thought, Bi Sa-in mentioned a name.
“I can send it through the 1st Wolf.”
He was the person Bi Sa-in trusted most.
“He must not be caught.”
“You can trust him.”
Geom Mu-geuk immediately penned two missives.
One was a formal reply to the missive that had just arrived from the Unorthodox Path Alliance. It stated that he would personally visit the Alliance headquarters to meet the Leader. He gave that missive to a demonic practitioner at the safe house and told him to send it through official channels.
The other was a secret missive intended only for the Leader’s eyes.
“This missive must reach the Alliance Leader without Hyeok Sa-gun’s knowledge.”
“What did you write in this one?”
“I asked to meet him alone somewhere outside the Alliance. I wrote that if he doesn't meet me, I’ll kill you.”
“You! Seriously?!”
“It’s a joke, a joke.”
“Don't even joke about that. If you play around with the Alliance Leader the way you do with me, you might actually die.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
While he doubted it would come to that, the Leader wouldn't believe him if he didn't handle this properly. The Leader would try to send him back to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to separate him from Bi Sa-in. If that happened, Bi Sa-in’s situation would become untenable.
“Do you... have a plan?”
At Bi Sa-in’s worried question, Geom Mu-geuk shook his head.
“I’m going to start thinking of one now.”
Bi Sa-in was about to snap at him for that answer, but then he suddenly realized something. If it were him, he would still be agonizing over whether or not to meet the man. But Geom Mu-geuk had already made the decision to meet him and was now contemplating the how. This was why Bi Sa-in kept finding himself trusting the man. It felt as though Mu-geuk already had every move mapped out.
Geom Mu-geuk approached the bed.
“Are you alright?”
Bi Sa-in knew he wasn't asking about his physical injuries. He was asking if his spirit was holding up amidst the chaos. What would have happened if Geom Mu-geuk hadn't been there? Would he have been able to endure? As a martial artist and the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, he didn't want to admit it, but...
I’m alright because you’re here.
Those were the inner thoughts Bi Sa-in couldn't bring himself to voice.
The Alliance Leader might not believe you. He probably thinks he’s being deceived by you. He might even scold me for being a fool.
Anyone in the Unorthodox Path Alliance would think the same. No one would believe the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult had approached him with good intentions. That was why this battle was so difficult.
Even so, I will not doubt you.
Because as long as he doubted, he couldn't move forward. Ultimately, doubting Mu-geuk would mean doubting himself—it would lead to the self-reproach of being unable to judge a person’s character.
That was why Bi Sa-in could answer as he did.
“I’m fine.”
Of course, there was someone in the room who was not fine. Goe Ak, who had been listening to their conversation, cut in.
“Being grateful for you saving my life is one thing. But don't forget that I’m keeping an eye on you.”
Normally, those were words Bi Sa-in should have been saying—telling Mu-geuk to watch his step.
“Both of you, tend to your wounds first,” Mu-geuk said. “The time to fight again is approaching.”
*
Hyeok Sa-gun’s expression was set in a grim mask as he walked toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall. It was unexpected that the Scorching Heaven Twin Swords had failed to kill Bi Sa-in during the raid on the safe house.
So it’s come to this.
If Bi Sa-in had died at the safe house, the Alliance Leader would have undoubtedly suspected Geom Mu-geuk. How could he not, when they had been associating right up until the moment of death? While the crisis with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would have escalated and relations would have frozen, he and Hwang Seok-gyeong could have naturally slipped away into the background.
But now, he had to ensure the Alliance Leader sent Geom Mu-geuk back to the Demonic Cult. In that process, even his own loyalty would be tested.
Of course, he was confident he could handle it. This whole affair would be framed as Bi Sa-in falling into Geom Mu-geuk’s plot.
Young Alliance Leader, you’re finished either way.
Before entering the Hall, Hyeok Sa-gun paused in the corridor and looked at the Steel Wolves. The legend that these statues would stop intruders was nothing more than a myth. He had come and gone from this place countless times, and these wolves had done nothing but watch.
Hyeok Sa-gun decided that once the Combat King became the new Leader, these hunks of metal would be the first things he’d clear away.
Hyeok Sa-gun entered the Hall.
The Alliance Leader, Baek Ja-gang, stood with his hands behind his back in front of a window behind the Grand Tutor’s Chair, looking out over the headquarters.
“The Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult has sent word that he wishes to see you, Alliance Leader.”
Baek Ja-gang did not respond to Hyeok Sa-gun’s report.
“It appears the Young Alliance Leader is with him.”
A cold aura began to emanate from Baek Ja-gang.
“He’s been doing useless things again.”
He hadn't liked it from the moment Bi Sa-in sent word that he would associate with the Young Cult Leader to fake his own death. If Hyeok Sa-gun hadn't told him to trust the Young Alliance Leader and leave it to him, he never would have permitted it.
“Could it be...?”
Hyeok Sa-gun guessed what the Alliance Leader was worried about.
“If the Young Alliance Leader had been killed, the Young Cult Leader wouldn't have dared to reply saying he would visit you.”
Baek Ja-gang nodded slowly, and Hyeok Sa-gun continued his report.
“The raid on the safe house is still under investigation. Every single person who knew the location of the safe house is undergoing a thorough internal investigation. We will soon discover who leaked the information.”
He intended to use this to eliminate his political rivals. Fabricated evidence was already prepared.
Though he didn't show his emotions on the surface, Baek Ja-gang was deeply enraged. Security had been breached, and someone had tried to kill the Young Alliance Leader. Someone had dared to draw a sword against the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
But there was a worse possibility.
“What are the chances this was the Young Cult Leader’s doing?”
If that were the case, it meant Bi Sa-in was being used by Geom Mu-geuk.
“The Young Alliance Leader is a brilliant man. He would never be easily manipulated by the Young Cult Leader.”
Just as Geom Mu-geuk had predicted, Hyeok Sa-gun was defending himself by appearing to have absolute faith in Bi Sa-in. Baek Ja-gang interpreted Hyeok Sa-gun’s behavior politically—as the young Chief Strategist securing his future. He likely wanted to remain Chief Strategist once Bi Sa-in became the Leader.
“The Young Alliance Leader is likely using the Young Cult Leader to gain something.”
“And not the other way around?”
After a brief pause, Hyeok Sa-gun spoke.
“Please trust the Young Alliance Leader.”
Bi Sa-in might swing an axe to kill him, but in the end, he would only be hacking at his own feet. He would be accusing the very person who supported him so staunchly of being a traitor.
“Keep a close eye on things.”
“Do not worry, Alliance Leader. I shall take my leave now.”
After Hyeok Sa-gun withdrew, the report of a hidden guard was heard.
“The 1st Wolf is requesting an audience.”
It was In Gung, the Guard Captain of the Alliance Leader.
“The 1st Wolf? Let him in.”
“He is requesting a private audience, kept secret from everyone.”
The situation was taking an unusual turn. Anyone else would have been suspicious of such a sudden request, but Baek Ja-gang knew how deep the 1st Wolf’s loyalty to the Alliance ran.
“Bring him to the training ground.”
*
The 1st Wolf entered the Alliance Leader’s private training ground. No outsider was allowed here without permission; other than Baek Ja-gang, only In Gung, the Guard Captain, could enter.
Baek Ja-gang was wiping an Iron Human Figure with a cloth. It wasn't made of ordinary iron. Mixed with Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron, it was a special creation made only for the Alliance Leader, one that could not be cut even by Sword Qi or Sword Force.
Countless sword marks were etched into it—from faint, shallow scratches to deep, dark scars. Baek Ja-gang knew exactly when and how each of those marks had been made. He remembered which technique he had used and what was in his heart when they were carved. The fact that he remembered every single one was a testament to the depth of his training.
He could have sliced the Iron Human Figure in half with a single stroke now, but he didn't. He wanted to pass it down to Bi Sa-in just as it was.
“I greet the Alliance Leader.”
“It’s been a while. Have you been well?” Baek Ja-gang greeted him warmly. He was a man of clear likes and dislikes, and the 1st Wolf was firmly in the 'like' category. “You asked to see me privately?”
“Yes. The Young Alliance Leader has sent a missive that he insisted be delivered only to you.”
The 1st Wolf was tense. He could feel it—if he made one wrong move today, he wouldn't just fall out of favor; he might lose his life.
“Does that mean it was not to be shared with Strategist Hyeok?”
This was significant, as all missives entering the Alliance usually passed through the Chief Strategist.
“He specifically said to deliver it without Strategist Hyeok’s knowledge.”
Baek Ja-gang’s expression became subtle. When the request for a secret meeting came, he had wondered, and it truly was because of Hyeok Sa-gun.
“Did he give a reason?”
“No, he only said it must be delivered to you personally.”
The 1st Wolf took the missive from his robes and presented it to the Leader. As Baek Ja-gang confirmed the contents, he was visibly startled. It was the first time the 1st Wolf had ever seen the Leader look so shocked.
Baek Ja-gang looked up and stared at the 1st Wolf.
“Do you know what is written here? It says Strategist Hyeok is involved in this affair—that the attack on the safe house was his doing. It says the Young Cult Leader will meet me personally to explain.”
“...!”
The 1st Wolf was also stunned. He hadn't imagined the missive he delivered would contain such a claim.
“Do you believe it to be true?”
Baek Ja-gang watched the 1st Wolf intently. The 1st Wolf knew how well those small eyes could read a person’s heart. The Leader was uncannily good at discerning truth from lies. Should he deny the words of the master he served, or deny the Chief Strategist who served the Alliance Leader?
“I believe that if a subordinate begins to judge the one he serves, he can no longer protect them properly.”
It was the best answer the 1st Wolf could come up with. At that, Baek Ja-gang asked another question.
“What kind of man is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult in your eyes?”
Having avoided the first question, he couldn't dodge this one. The 1st Wolf answered honestly.
“He was a remarkable individual.”
“Do you think the Young Alliance Leader has been bewitched by him?”
The 1st Wolf hesitated for a moment. He wanted to say no, but...
“Yes. The Young Alliance Leader has been bewitched.”
He wanted to add something for Bi Sa-in’s sake, but he couldn't think of the right words. That the Young Cult Leader didn't seem so bad? That he could be trusted because he saved Bi Sa-in? No. To the Alliance Leader he knew, such answers would only cause harm.
“And I... I can understand why the Young Alliance Leader was bewitched.”
He had answered the question honestly; the judgment was now up to the Alliance Leader.
“You may leave.”
After bowing respectfully, the 1st Wolf departed. He wasn't sure if he had answered correctly or if he had inadvertently harmed Bi Sa-in.
Once the 1st Wolf had withdrawn, the Alliance Leader spoke to the empty air.
“What do you think?”
In Gung’s voice responded.
“There are many incomprehensible parts. It would likely be best if you did not meet him.”
“Then should I inform Strategist Hyeok of this?”
In Gung couldn't answer easily. It was a matter of whom to trust more.
“I find it hard to believe Strategist Hyeok is a traitor.”
To think he had even tried to kill the Young Alliance Leader? It was unbelievable no matter how much he thought about it. On the other hand, that the young Bi Sa-in had been swayed by the Young Cult Leader? That was also hard to believe, but perhaps more plausible.
Meanwhile, Baek Ja-gang had yet to reach a conclusion. A sharp light gleamed in his small eyes.
“Aren't you curious? He wants to meet me even though he knows I won't believe a word of it. I wonder what the boy is thinking.”
Having served the Alliance Leader for a long time, In Gung could tell. Baek Ja-gang’s interest had been piqued by Geom Mu-geuk. The 1st Wolf’s comment about understanding why Bi Sa-in was bewitched had been the deciding factor.
If Baek Ja-gang had made up his mind to meet him, then In Gung’s job was clear.
“I will choose a new meeting location and send word.”
They had to be the ones controlling the situation, not the other party. Baek Ja-gang nodded silently and looked at the Iron Human Figure in the training ground.
A certain person’s image overlapped with the dummy. The person who best matched this expressionless iron figure was none other than the Heavenly Demon, Geom Wu-jin. He was the person Baek Ja-gang respected most, yet also the one he hated most. Above all, he loathed those arrogant eyes that seemed to look down on everyone.
Let’s see how well you’ve raised your son.