Chapter 375: No Ignoring Me Once the Mystery Is Gone
Chapter 375: No Ignoring Me Once the Mystery Is Gone
It was the first time Geom Mu-geuk had ever seen it.
Baek Ja-gang’s eyes actually widened. Of course, even wide, they were still quite small.
Is that the best you can do, Alliance Leader?
Bi Sa-in was the same, as was the Leader of the Murim Alliance. Each possessed a distinct, striking personality. To Mu-geuk, those small eyes became more charming the more he looked at them.
“You said that regular tavern of yours is in front of the Cult?”
“It’s in the Ma Clan Village.”
“And you want to take me there?”
“Yes.”
Baek Ja-gang stared at Geom Mu-geuk for a long moment before shifting his gaze to Bi Sa-in.
Before the Alliance Leader could even speak, Bi Sa-in let out a heavy sigh.
“He’s likely serious. He’s always been this crazy.”
Still, Mu-geuk noted that Bi Sa-in had used the word ‘person’ instead of ‘bastard’ to describe him this time.
Baek Ja-gang asked again.
“Was this your intention from the very beginning?”
“It was.”
“Is this your goal? To lure me to the Divine Cult and kill me?”
Geom Mu-geuk chuckled. It seemed Baek Ja-gang was already imagining himself surrounded and attacked by the Eight Demon Lords at a tavern right outside the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
“No. I have absolutely no intention of harming you, Alliance Leader.”
Baek Ja-gang didn’t feel a chill down his spine. Indeed, if that had been the goal, the Poison King wouldn’t have neutralized the Yellow Springs poison earlier.
“Then why do you want to take me to the Cult?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I want to treat you to a drink there.”
“Can’t we just buy the alcohol here?”
“The owner’s cooking is superb. The atmosphere of the tavern is excellent as well.”
“Be honest. What is the real reason?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk answered.
“I want you to meet my father.”
No matter how unofficial the visit might be, if the Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance arrived at the gates of the Main Cult, the Heavenly Demon couldn’t simply sit still. His father would undoubtedly come out to the tavern to meet him.
“With your father? Why?”
“There are two reasons. First, because of this conspiracy. They targeted the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path, the grandson of the Murim Alliance Leader, and the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord of our Cult. Since such people are active in the shadows, I believe it would be meaningful for the two of you to hold a meeting at least once.”
Baek Ja-gang nodded. It made sense, but it wasn’t a compelling enough reason to meet in person. They could exchange missives or share information through their strategists. He had a feeling the real reason was the second one.
“And the second reason?”
Geom Mu-geuk revealed his true feelings.
“I want the two of you to meet and become friends. I have a feeling you’d get along well.”
He hoped his father and the Alliance Leader would drift further away from their dreams of the Unification of the Murim. Countless lives depended on a single toast between these two men.
Baek Ja-gang looked at Geom Mu-geuk with an expression of utter incomprehension.
“You’re saying that reason is better than a Murim treasure or an ancient elixir?”
“Yes, it is. Of course, I am well aware that this isn’t a decision to be made lightly.”
Mu-geuk had brought it up casually, but the matter was anything but. The Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance moving toward the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was a massive event. Just considering the escort—should he take a few elite masters or a large-scale force?
“Are you saying this with your father’s permission?”
“To be honest, I haven’t received it yet. However, this isn’t something that requires permission. It’s a personal matter of me hosting you for a drink.”
If this were handled officially, his father would never agree. He disliked the Unorthodox Path Alliance and its leader. Then again, it wasn't as if he liked the Murim Alliance Leader either.
Regardless, even without permission, he could make the meeting happen.
Baek Ja-gang began to walk again. After walking in deep thought for a while, he stopped.
“Fine. Let’s say I go. Do you think the Murim Alliance will just sit by? They’ll think the Cult and our Alliance are plotting something together.”
“I will take responsibility for ensuring there are no misunderstandings on that front.”
“How?”
“I’ll go to the Murim Alliance Leader and tell him directly. I’ll say, ‘This and that happened, so I arranged a meeting. Do not misunderstand.’”
Baek Ja-gang could tell Geom Mu-geuk was speaking sincerely.
Perhaps if it’s this kid…
He felt that Mu-geuk might actually be able to appease the Murim Alliance. He found himself even considering the possibility. He was a man who prided himself on not being easily swayed, yet here he was, being captivated by a young man.
Just then, the carriage for the Alliance Leader arrived.
“I shall see you at the Alliance later.”
Perhaps needing time to think alone, Baek Ja-gang left first with his guards without taking the other two. The warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps followed behind, escorting the children, and Goe Ak also departed, promising to meet again.
Now, only Geom Mu-geuk, Bi Sa-in, and the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path remained.
The two men walked slowly, while the 13 Wolves scattered at a distance to escort them. To Bi Sa-in, everything that had happened—including the fight with the Combat King—felt like a dream. But Geom Mu-geuk threw out a new problem as if telling him not to even think about those past villains.
Having known Geom Mu-geuk for more than a day or two, Bi Sa-in didn't find it strange that he had made such a request to the Alliance Leader. However, he did have one concern.
“What if the two of them meet and a fight breaks out? No one would be able to stop them. Aren’t you afraid?”
Instead of answering, Geom Mu-geuk asked a question.
“Do you trust your master?”
“Of course I do.”
“I trust my father as well. So, a fight won’t happen.”
He was telling him to trust the adults. And what kind of adults were they? Even if a fight did break out, it was fine. In fact, Mu-geuk secretly hoped they would trade blows. One couldn't ignore the bond that often formed between warriors after a good fight.
As Bi Sa-in nodded silently, Geom Mu-geuk looked at him suspiciously.
“Why are you agreeing with me so easily? It’s making me nervous.”
“I’m in the acceptance phase.”
“There’s such a thing?”
“There is. I learned it all from you. That it’s not not knowing something that’s a blow to one’s pride, but not making an effort to fix it.”
Seeing him admit it so readily showed how much Bi Sa-in had changed. Perhaps because he was still young, Bi Sa-in had a stronger desire for learning and change than anyone Mu-geuk had met so far.
As if suddenly remembering, Bi Sa-in asked again.
“By the way, what is the favor you wanted to ask of me? Do you want me to go to the tavern with you?”
“No. If the Alliance Leader agrees, you’ll follow along anyway. Why would I bother asking for that?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s request was just as unexpected as the one he’d made to Baek Ja-gang.
“Let me take just one thing I want from the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s Treasure Vault.”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes widened as he came to a halt.
“Why so surprised? Surely I can demand that much as the price for your lives, can’t I?”
“Of course you can.”
“Are you disappointed? Thinking, ‘Why is he being so greedy? He should have asked for something to deepen our friendship!’”
“It’s not that.”
“I’d rather be the incarnation of greed for a moment now than live with regrets later.”
Bi Sa-in walked in silence for a while. Then, he stopped and revealed his inner thoughts.
“Rather than disappointed, I’m honestly flustered. I thought you’d ask for something else. If you were in my position, how would you react?”
Geom Mu-geuk thought for a moment with a mysterious smile before giving his answer.
“If it were me, I’d say this: ‘Fine, I’ll give you a gift from the secret vault. Is there anything else you want?’”
He’d offer to grant even more wishes?
“And if I said I wanted more treasure?”
“Fine, I’d give you that too. Then I’d ask again, ‘Is there anything else you want?’ I’d keep asking until I got the answer I wanted. If you have a conscience, you’ll eventually say it. Until then, I’d give you even ten treasures.”
“Is there a reason you’d do that?”
“Because we’re friends.”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes narrowed as he asked suspiciously.
“Are you currently aiming for ten treasures from our Alliance?”
“You caught on?”
Bi Sa-in’s rugged face, which had been wearing an incredulous expression, relaxed slightly.
“I told you, didn’t I? I’m not that great of a person. I’m greedy and I look out for myself first. So don’t have any prejudices or fantasies about me.”
Bi Sa-in could feel it. It was as if Geom Mu-geuk was telling him: Break the illusions between people, friend. That’s how a relationship lasts.
In truth, though Bi Sa-in couldn't have known, Mu-geuk had a specific reason for wanting to enter the vault. It was because of the Secret Casket. He was hoping there might be some object in the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s vault that the Secret Casket could absorb. If he didn't take this chance now, he might never get another opportunity to enter their vault.
“You truly are an enigmatic man.”
“You’ll realize soon enough. That I’m an easier person to understand than you. Don’t go ignoring me once the mystery is gone.”
A gust of wind blew past, not cold, but warm.
“The weather has softened quite a bit. Spring will be here before we know it.”
As he spoke, Geom Mu-geuk looked up at the sky. Bi Sa-in followed his gaze. Even when one tried to look often, it was easy to forget to look up.
“What kind of place is your regular spot?”
“A place with good wine, a good owner, and good customers. You’ll like it when you go. You might even end up coming there every day to drink.”
“Isn’t it too far to go just for a drink?”
“Then practice your light body technique harder.”
The two of them, along with the 13 Wolves, stood there for a long time, looking up at the sky.
*
After returning to the Unorthodox Path Alliance, the two went straight to the Alliance Leader’s Palace.
“Wait here. I’ll go get permission from the Alliance Leader.”
Even as the Young Alliance Leader, he couldn't enter the Treasure Vault at will.
“Make sure you get permission, even if you have to push for it.”
Bi Sa-in replied as he walked toward the palace.
“In times like this, you’re supposed to say, ‘Don’t overdo it.’”
“I really want to go in! I really want to have something! Please! Use every bit of your friendship!”
Bi Sa-in made a gesture of plugging his ears as he walked away.
After seeing Bi Sa-in off, Geom Mu-geuk looked at a steel wolf statue standing in the hallway. It looked exactly like the Blue Wolf that appeared when Baek Ja-gang exerted his martial arts.
As he was looking at it, someone deactivated their stealth and revealed themselves.
“You’re looking at the wolf again.”
It was In Gung, the Escort Captain of the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
“Strangely, I’m drawn to this thing.”
He was drawn to it enough that he wanted to say the wolf statue was what he wanted. Of course, he couldn't actually do that.
“Thank you for everything this time.”
In Gung expressed his gratitude to Geom Mu-geuk. He had revealed himself specifically to offer his thanks.
“Don’t mention it. You worked hard as well, Captain.”
Though it wasn't visible on the surface, they were the ones who had fought the most difficult battle this time. They had been ready to throw their lives away the moment the Alliance Leader fell into danger while remaining hidden. The mental strain was immense.
That was why In Gung and the guards felt the most gratitude toward Geom Mu-geuk and the Poison King. They existed solely to keep the Alliance Leader alive.
Just then, the doors to the Alliance Leader’s Palace opened at the far end of the hallway, and Bi Sa-in walked out. He had come out sooner than expected. It meant either a ready approval or an immediate rejection.
“Well then, I shall take my leave.”
In Gung vanished without a sound. Bi Sa-in walked up to Geom Mu-geuk and spoke confidently.
“Let’s go. I got permission.”
“I knew it!”
“If you say one more word, I’m canceling it.”
Geom Mu-geuk covered his mouth and laughed.
The two left the palace. As they walked through the Inner Court side by side, Mu-geuk asked cautiously.
“Did you get scolded?”
“I did.”
“Give me a blindfold. I’ll go with my eyes tightly shut.”
“What if I push you into a trap while you’re like that?”
“Would you?”
“If I push you, it’ll be off a cliff. A ten-thousand-foot drop.”
They arrived at the Treasure Vault. On the way, they passed through several heavily guarded checkpoints. Only after passing hidden masters, perilous mechanisms, and mysterious formations did they finally reach the vault.
He hadn't been blindfolded. Bi Sa-in knew well that for a master of Geom Mu-geuk’s caliber, a blindfold was meaningless.
“I’m not trying to brag, but even I haven’t been allowed to just pick whatever I want here.”
“I’m truly grateful. I know I’ve gained this opportunity because you value me. I probably won’t forget this kindness for the rest of my life. I won’t even be able to sleep for a while. When I have children later, I’ll be sure to tell them. ‘You know my friend, Alliance Leader Bi? Back when he was young…’”
“Enough! I’m sorry. I was just bragging a bit.”
With an expression that said I shouldn't have said anything, Bi Sa-in stepped inside first.
Every kind of treasure was there. Peerless martial manuals that would cause a bloodbath in the Murim, famous swords known to all, and protective armor nearly equal to the Immortal Divine Armor. It was truly a place filled with dazzling treasures.
The two walked together, slowly looking at the items on display.
“When you become the Alliance Leader, this will all be yours, won’t it? I should be even nicer to you from now on.”
“Anyone listening would think the Cult doesn’t have a vault. You probably have an even bigger one. If I asked to trade ours for yours, would you do it?”
“…I wouldn’t.”
“And yet you’re complaining!”
As he looked around, Geom Mu-geuk felt a hot, surging energy.
This place is also preparing for war.
It was the same as the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Weapons, protective robes, and elixirs to be distributed to warriors if war broke out were all well-organized. The Unorthodox Path Alliance was clearly preparing for that day as well.
“The Alliance Leader must have been truly grateful to you. He’s not the type to ever let an outsider in here.”
“It’s probably because of you.”
“Why me?”
“Because he wanted to help you keep the promise you made to me.”
Was that really it? Bi Sa-in couldn't be sure. He didn't yet fully understand the Alliance Leader’s heart. Still, he hoped that was the reason. Geom Mu-geuk was the only person who considered such feelings. He no longer doubted him. He knew these words were Mu-geuk’s way of being considerate.
Geom Mu-geuk passed by all the manuals, swords, armor, and elixirs. He didn't focus on his own greed. He focused on the desire of the Secret Casket.
Secret Casket, this is your one chance, so hurry up and choose.
However, even as they passed by all sorts of rare items, the Secret Casket did not react.
“Is there anywhere else?”
“There’s a section where less precious items are kept.”
“Let’s look there too.”
“Is there something specific you’re looking for?”
“I’m looking for something that really pulls at my heart. It’s not here.”
They looked through the other section as well. The items were certainly less precious compared to the first vault they’d seen.
“If it were me, I would have only shown you this place,” Bi Sa-in joked.
Geom Mu-geuk calmly looked around the second section. This area had more common gems and ornaments than weapons, robes, or elixirs. The further they went into the corner, the more items of relatively low value were stored. The two walked almost to the very end.
Just as he was about to give up, thinking the Unorthodox Path Alliance didn't have it—
Woooong!
The Secret Casket reacted.