Chapter 364: This is the First Lie.
Chapter 364: This is the First Lie.
Two men walked down the long corridor.
Leading the way was In Gung, the Escort Captain, followed closely by Geom Mu-geuk.
As they neared the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Geom Mu-geuk paused for a moment, looking up at the statue of the Steel Wolf.
“So this is the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s famous wolf. I heard that in times of crisis, this wolf comes to life to stop intruders. Is that actually true?”
In Gung did not answer. He hadn't uttered a single word since he began escorting Geom Mu-geuk. He was a man who rarely showed himself to begin with, but today was a special case.
“Hey, wolf. If you ever do come to life later, don’t bite me.”
With those words, Geom Mu-geuk thrust his hand deep into the wolf’s mouth.
Then, suddenly—
“Aaaaaargh!”
Geom Mu-geuk let out a scream of agonizing pain.
Despite the realistic acting, In Gung merely stared at him in silence.
Geom Mu-geuk smacked his lips and pulled his hand out of the wolf’s mouth.
“You were so quiet, I thought I’d play a little prank.”
With a stoic expression, In Gung resumed walking, and Geom Mu-geuk followed. What he had felt inside the wolf’s mouth was a strange energy that only a master of his caliber could perceive.
The massive doors swung open, and the two entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
In Gung slipped behind Geom Mu-geuk and vanished before anyone could blink. It was a high-level stealth technique comparable to that of Hwi, his father’s personal guard.
In the distance, seated upon the Grand Tutor’s Chair, was Baek Ja-gang, the Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
As Geom Mu-geuk walked toward him, he spoke.
“In our Cult’s Leader’s Hall, this path is covered with a red carpet. Everyone calls it the Path of Blood. I’m not sure if they call it that because the road to becoming the Heavenly Demon is so treacherous, or because the lives of so many are decided by those who walk upon it.”
From across the hall, Baek Ja-gang replied.
“Have you ever looked beneath that carpet?”
“No.”
“There are likely hidden mechanisms beneath it that even masters cannot evade.”
At that, Geom Mu-geuk stopped, crouched down, and carefully examined the floor.
“There are some here, too!”
The floor was riddled with tiny, densely packed holes for firing poison needles. If needles were discharged from these holes all at once, it seemed unlikely that any master could survive. This was the poison guarding the Alliance Leader’s Hall; it wasn't something that could be solved with a mere sip of an antidote.
“They are more trustworthy than people.”
Indeed, Mu-geuk thought. It would be stranger if the Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance actually trusted people.
“I’ll be sure to lift the carpet when I go back.”
Geom Mu-geuk stood up and continued walking.
Upon reaching the foot of the Grand Tutor’s Chair, he bowed politely.
“I never imagined I would have a reason to enter the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s main hall.”
“The feeling is mutual. I did not expect to receive you here, either.”
“As expected, Alliance Leaders look their best when they are seated in that chair.”
He acted as comfortably as if he were standing in the Heavenly Demon’s own hall.
“Are you not afraid of me?”
“I am. You’re the scariest person I know, second only to my father.”
“Then why do you act as if you aren't?”
“In my experience, the people who felt scary never actually harmed me. The ones who tried to hurt me always had kind, smiling faces.”
Baek Ja-gang smiled pointedly. His eyes curved into thin crescents.
“Did they smile like this?”
“That makes me feel even more at ease.”
“Why?”
“Because when you smile, you look even scarier, Alliance Leader.”
How could anyone win a war of words against Geom Mu-geuk?
How did a man as taciturn as Geom Wu-jin produce a son like this? Baek Ja-gang wondered.
Once the greetings were over, Geom Mu-geuk asked with a serious expression, “Who did Hyeok Sa-gun point his finger at?”
“He named the person who follows me most faithfully.”
The betrayal of Beon Cheon, the Leader of the Extreme Blade Corps, had been a greater shock to Baek Ja-gang than hearing that Bi Sa-in had been 'bewitched' by Geom Mu-geuk.
“Evidence has even surfaced proving that you all orchestrated this from behind the scenes. Despite that, why should I believe you?”
“Don’t believe me. Believe your disciple.”
Geom Mu-geuk relayed Bi Sa-in’s words to the Leader.
“He said he will live exactly as you told him to. He must have cried a lot at your words; his eyes were quite swollen. His face is already... well, and with the swelling on top of that, I had to try very hard to resist the urge to tease him for being ugly.”
Baek Ja-gang stared intently into Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes.
“I trust Sa-in. It is you I do not trust.”
“If I had plotted to take over the Unorthodox Path Alliance, I wouldn't have chosen to drive a wedge between a master and his disciple to achieve it.”
“And why is that?”
Geom Mu-geuk could have given many reasons, but he chose the most emotional one.
“Because it lacks style.”
Baek Ja-gang had expected an eccentric answer, but because it lacks style? One corner of his mouth curled upward.
Geom Mu-geuk continued.
“If it were me, I would have sent a challenge. I would have asked for a fair fight as martial artists on that field where you first summoned me. The winner takes the Murim! That’s my way. That’s why I don’t dream of things like the Unification of the Murim. It’s a dream that can never be achieved with a naive heart like mine.”
After a brief pause, Baek Ja-gang asked, “Is that not why it is a dream that can be achieved?”
Geom Mu-geuk saw it. For a fleeting moment, a certain heat flared within Baek Ja-gang’s small eyes.
He was thinking the same thing. To have a duel and let the winner take all—he was that kind of man, too.
“I thought you viewed the Murim with extreme coldness and pragmatism, but it seems you have an emotional side as well.”
Baek Ja-gang did not answer. In truth, it was something he had never considered. No one had ever dared to speak of the duality within him.
“If that’s the case, you should give up on the Unification of the Murim as well!”
A thunderous shout erupted from Baek Ja-gang.
“You brat!”
His voice echoed through the hall.
“How dare you say such things in my presence!”
Though he appeared angry on the surface, Baek Ja-gang wasn't angry at all. When was the last time someone had told him to 'give up on his dream'? It had never happened before, and it likely never would again.
“I have spoken out of turn! Please forgive me.”
What was even more interesting was the relaxed look in Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes even as he apologized. Just as the Leader wasn't truly angry, the boy wasn't truly sorry.
He was reading the Leader’s heart perfectly. This was only their second meeting, yet he spoke as if they had known each other for a long time.
“The reason it’s hard to believe my words is likely this: Could someone really have tried to swallow the Unorthodox Path Alliance? Even pushing out the Chief Strategist? Isn't that right?”
Now, Geom Mu-geuk played the card he had been saving.
“Did you know? Our Cult, the Murim Alliance, and even the Outer Region Pungcheon Cult have all suffered similar incidents.”
Baek Ja-gang, who had been maintaining his composure, bolted upright from his chair. This time, he could not hide his shock. The emotion of What on earth are you talking about? was written clearly across his face.
“There is a force acting in the shadows. An organization plotting against the entire Murim simultaneously.”
As Baek Ja-gang stared in disbelief, Geom Mu-geuk pointed out an even greater problem.
“Your problem, Alliance Leader, isn't the existence of such a shadow group.”
“Then what is it?”
“The bigger problem is that you haven't received a single report regarding them. Why do you think Hyeok Sa-gun didn't report this to you?”
“...!”
“There must be spies who reported it, so you will surely be able to verify the contents. If they were thorough enough to eliminate all the spies and subordinate strategists who reported it, then seek secret cooperation from our Cult and the Murim Alliance. They will officially confirm the facts for you.”
If that turned out to be true, it would be undeniable proof that Hyeok Sa-gun was the mastermind behind this. The fact that a strategist had withheld such vital information was a capital offense in itself.
Baek Ja-gang immediately summoned In Gung and gave him instructions via Voice Transmission. Upon receiving the order, In Gung vanished instantly. The Alliance Leader did not hesitate for a single second in his handling of the matter.
Though he had ordered an investigation based on Geom Mu-geuk’s words, it didn't mean he fully trusted him yet. This matter would decide not only his own fate but the fate of the entire Unorthodox Path Alliance.
“If we assume your words are true, and Hyeok Sa-gun is the head, then who is the body?”
“It is Hwang Seok-gyeong, an instructor at the Unorthodox Alliance Hall.”
Baek Ja-gang knew who Hwang Seok-gyeong was. For him to know the name of a mere instructor meant the man had been performing his duties exceptionally well.
“Then why didn't you say this when we first met?”
“Because it was a problem that had to be unraveled one step at a time.”
“And now is the time?”
“At least now you’re giving me the benefit of the doubt.”
Their gazes locked in mid-air.
“This is why I have no choice but to suspect you.”
“And this is why you must trust me. Would someone like me plot something so conspicuously?”
Though it was only their second meeting, Baek Ja-gang found himself agreeing. He felt that if Geom Mu-geuk were to plot something, it would be far more meticulous than this.
“Strategist Hyeok will arrive shortly.”
The time for the three-way confrontation had finally come. The fact that the two of them hadn't been waiting here from the start suggested that Baek Ja-gang’s trust in Bi Sa-in was not insignificant.
“Ah! I want to call my strategist, too! I might look smart because I’m a good talker, but I’m actually more of a physical type.”
He tapped the Black Demonic Sword at his waist.
Baek Ja-gang dismissed it as idle chatter, but Geom Mu-geuk was genuinely thinking of Go Wol. He would now have to win a verbal battle against the Deputy Strategist of the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
A moment later, Hyeok Sa-gun entered.
Walking in calmly, Hyeok Sa-gun paid his respects to Baek Ja-gang before greeting Geom Mu-geuk first.
“I am Hyeok Sa-gun, the Deputy Strategist.”
“I am Geom Mu-geuk of the Divine Cult.”
Hyeok Sa-gun observed Geom Mu-geuk closely, but it was impossible to discern anything from the outward appearance of someone who had reached the state of Return to the Natural State.
“I have heard many rumors of the Young Cult Leader’s outstanding talent.”
“Rumors tend to be exaggerated.”
“It doesn't seem so. You certainly have the gall to visit this Alliance even after plotting such a thing.”
“And what exactly did I plot?”
“Did you not bewitch the Young Alliance Leader?”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded with a smile.
“I admit it. He was quite to my liking.”
“Then you admit that the Divine Cult is behind this entire affair?”
“What does it matter if I do or don't? However, wouldn't that be terribly unfair to the Young Alliance Leader, who barely escaped death?”
“I am aware that the raid on the safe house was a self-staged act.”
“If the Young Alliance Leader and I had joined forces as you claim, why would we do such a thing? We would have quietly targeted the person sitting over there.”
“You tell me. Why did you do it?”
Baek Ja-gang sat in the middle like a judge, watching the two trade barbs.
“There is clear evidence of your involvement.”
“I have evidence, too.”
“What evidence?”
“That 'clear evidence' you mentioned—that is my evidence.”
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“If we had plotted this, there’s no way such clear evidence would have been found.”
Hyeok Sa-gun snorted.
“Do you think such ridiculous sophistry will work? Produce your own evidence.”
“Fine, I’ll give you evidence.”
At those words, Hyeok Sa-gun grew inwardly tense. Could he actually have evidence?
After letting the tension build to its peak, Geom Mu-geuk spoke abruptly.
“I saw it.”
“What?”
“I saw you plotting this whole thing.”
Hyeok Sa-gun was deeply startled; he hadn't expected Geom Mu-geuk to point the finger directly at him.
“Are you trying to frame me now?”
“I’m not framing you. I’m saying I saw you plotting this.”
Hyeok Sa-gun smiled and looked at Baek Ja-gang.
“As you can see, the Young Cult Leader is being unreasonable.”
At that moment, Geom Mu-geuk struck at his blind spot.
“Why aren't you asking? Normally, shouldn't you ask when and where I saw you plotting? Doesn't an innocent person usually start with that? Or did you skip it because you already know exactly what I’m talking about?”
Hyeok Sa-gun momentarily faltered. He should have reacted as Geom Mu-geuk described, but he had been too hasty.
“That’s because it isn't even worth addressing.”
Baek Ja-gang, who had been watching, spoke in a low voice.
“Your testimony cannot serve as evidence.”
Seeing Baek Ja-gang take his side, Hyeok Sa-gun smiled faintly with a sense of triumph. As long as there was clear evidence, Baek Ja-gang would eventually have to believe him. The more this Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult used his silver tongue, the more suspicion would grow.
“You should leave now. The only reason you are being allowed to live is because you are the Young Cult Leader. If you push any further, even that title will no longer protect you.”
“Fine, I’ll go.”
Hyeok Sa-gun wondered why he was giving up so easily, but then—
“But even if I leave, I’ll wait to meet the people who are on their way.”
“Who is supposed to be coming?”
Then, shocking words flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth.
“The Demon Doctor and the Poison King of our Cult are on their way.”
Hyeok Sa-gun flinched. The Demon Doctor was known to possess medical skills superior to the Divine Doctors of the Unorthodox Path Alliance or the Murim Alliance. And the Poison King as well?
“Your Chief Strategist is said to have retired due to old age, but I believe he fell ill due to poison. The Poison King and the Demon Doctor will confirm that.”
“...!”
For the first time, Hyeok Sa-gun was visibly shaken. Mu-geuk had struck a point he had never anticipated.
“They are on your side. How can we trust them?”
“They are of our Cult, certainly. However, they are men who value their own honor above all else.”
“If they received an order from their Cult Leader, they could easily lie.”
“That is for the Alliance Leader to judge.”
Both of their gazes turned toward Baek Ja-gang.
The person most surprised in this room was not Hyeok Sa-gun, but Baek Ja-gang.
When Geom Mu-geuk said the Poison King and the Demon Doctor were coming, the hair on the back of Baek Ja-gang’s neck stood up. He had detected Geom Mu-geuk’s lie.
As it turned out, Baek Ja-gang was someone whose senses could perceive the truth. He could guess why the boy was lying now—to corner Hyeok Sa-gun using the names of the Demon Doctor and the Poison King.
What shocked Baek Ja-gang was the fact that this was his first lie. Which meant...
— I think of the Young Alliance Leader as a true friend. I hope he safely inherits the position of Alliance Leader.
— I’m going to wake my father up, too. I’ll ask him to dream a different dream.
— Our Murim won't fight or hate each other. We’ll just hang out at the beach and flirt with girls.
— There’s a regular spot in front of our Cult. If there’s a chance next time, I’d really like to bring you there, Alliance Leader.
The words Geom Mu-geuk had spoken flashed through his mind.
Everything he said until now... was the truth?