Chapter 379: Is Your Gaze Still the Same?
Chapter 379: Is Your Gaze Still the Same?
Instead of answering, Geom Mu-geuk posed a question of his own to Jin Ha-ryeong.
"Which do you think will be harder? Getting permission, or inviting the Murim Alliance Leader himself?"
She couldn't offer a comparison, but one thing was certain.
"Both are impossible. There is absolutely no way Grandfather would ever sit down to drink with the Demonic Cult Leader or the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader."
Geom Mu-geuk lowered his head, his shoulders sagging.
"Right. I suppose I should go see the Alliance Leader to carry out this impossible mission all by myself. Lonely, forsaken, and solitary."
When neither of them tried to stop him even as he walked all the way to the entrance, Geom Mu-geuk turned back toward them.
"You guys are too much. Is this how you treat a friend?"
It was then that Jin Ha-gun finally spoke up.
"Why did you invite the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader? Surely you didn't call him all the way to the Demonic Cult just to serve him drinks. Even if that were your intention, he never would have agreed. How did you persuade him?"
Geom Mu-geuk answered honestly.
"Out of a desire for there to be no war."
Of course, the two of them couldn't possibly grasp the deep meaning behind those words. He couldn't exactly tell them that his father and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader were both dreaming of the Unification of the Murim.
"You believe that if the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader drinks in front of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the threat of war will vanish?"
"I believe so."
Jin Ha-ryeong believed him—even this nonsensical answer. It wasn't because Geom Mu-geuk’s response was firm. The reason was simple: if he hadn't saved her life, she wouldn't even be in this world.
"Was what you said earlier true? That you'd take me in if I got kicked out of the Alliance?"
"I’d even throw you a welcoming feast."
Jin Ha-ryeong briefly imagined the scene. Herself, expelled from the Alliance, carrying a bundle of belongings and standing in the rain at the main gate of the Demonic Cult with her guard, Chu Ho. Then, Geom Mu-geuk would walk out and tease her with a smirk.
— From now on, you're my maidservant.
He was exactly the kind of person who would play such a prank. Her trust in Geom Mu-geuk wasn't just because of a life debt; it was because of the man himself.
"Fine, I'll help."
The fact that her heart felt lighter told her this was the right decision.
"Brother, don't get involved. If you do, your position as successor really will fly out the window."
Jin Ha-gun looked at his younger sister.
How can she be so carefree?
In his own heart, there were clear boundaries. Lines of limitation were drawn all around him—lines he had never dared to cross. He had never imagined a life where he wasn't the successor, nor a life spent rebelling against his grandfather.
But his sister hopped over those lines with ease. In that regard, Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-ryeong shared a certain resemblance.
Jin Ha-gun looked quietly into his own heart, searching for what he truly wanted. Would crossing that line be mere bravado? Or would it be a new challenge? Because he wouldn't know until he crossed it, Jin Ha-gun hesitated.
"I told you not to worry, Brother. You understand his situation, don't you?"
Instead of saying he understood, Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jin Ha-gun. His gaze seemed to beckon him across that line.
Why do you look at me with those eyes when you aren't even going to take responsibility for my life?
Jin Ha-gun’s gaze shifted back to Jin Ha-ryeong.
"You can't do it alone."
"What?"
"If you step forward alone, you really will be kicked out. If we both step forward, at least they won't be able to expel us both."
"You're going to help too, Brother?"
Jin Ha-gun nodded. She hadn't expected her brother to make such a decision.
"Have you really given up your ambition for power?"
"It's the opposite. It's to protect my power."
Jin Ha-gun’s reason for helping was also simple.
"War is not something I desire either."
Ultimately, it meant he also believed Geom Mu-geuk’s words—that there was a deeper reason for the invitation.
Geom Mu-geuk knew how significant a decision Jin Ha-gun had made. He had put his entire future on the line.
"If you get kicked out, I'll protest in front of the Murim Alliance until they reinstate you."
While Jin Ha-ryeong had imagined the gates of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Jin Ha-gun now imagined the gates of the Murim Alliance. He saw a vision of Geom Mu-geuk standing there, unfurling a banner that read: 'Reinstate my friend Jin Ha-gun as successor!' It was an embarrassing thought just to imagine.
This man would actually do it.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Jin Ha-gun.
"Thank you. I won't ever forget what you've staked on this."
This was what Jin Ha-gun had learned from him. While others might say, 'What need is there for words between us?', Geom Mu-geuk said it plainly: Thank you. I won't forget.
Once they resolved to help, the siblings' gazes naturally turned toward Geom Mu-geuk.
"So? What's the plan?"
*
Jin Ha-ryeong was the first to visit Jin Pae-cheon.
"What brings you here?"
"I came because I wanted to see you, Grandfather."
Though he had a domineering personality, Jin Pae-cheon’s love for his granddaughter was absolute. Moreover, while she used to be quite prickly, she had certainly seemed more mature lately.
"Wasn't there a meeting of the Rising Stars today?"
"Yes, it ended well."
"Are there still young talents who say they like you?"
"Of course. There were some today as well."
"Is there no one among them who catches your eye?"
"It's hard to find a man as cool as you, Grandfather. You must have been very popular with the heroines when you were young, right?"
A bright smile spread across Jin Pae-cheon’s face. It was a smile reserved only for his granddaughter, one rarely seen by others.
"Seeing as your words are so sweet today, it seems you have a favor to ask."
"You misunderstand. I'm being entirely sincere."
"As long as you are happy, I have no intention of being greedy. You know that, don't you? I'm the kind of man who would even accept a servant as a grandson-in-law."
Jin Pae-cheon watched his granddaughter’s reaction as he mentioned Geom Mu-geuk. He was worried that she might not be able to settle her heart because of him.
"I should have held onto that man back then," she said with a regretful tone.
Jin Pae-cheon stared intently at her.
"I'm joking, Grandfather."
"It had better be a joke."
Was Jin Pae-cheon not regretful himself? If the boy had at least been of ordinary demonic origin, he might have tried to force something through. No, what was he thinking? How could he marry his granddaughter off to a demonic practitioner? It was merely a lingering attachment because the boy named Geom Mu-geuk was so exceptional.
Just then, Jin Ha-gun entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall. After offering a polite greeting to Jin Pae-cheon, Jin Ha-ryeong asked, "Brother, I haven't seen your face much lately."
The two acted as if they had met by chance.
"There are rumors everywhere that you're immersed in training."
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Grandfather. What about you?"
Jin Ha-gun then spoke to Jin Pae-cheon.
"The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult is outside. He says he has come to ask a favor of the Alliance Leader."
They had gathered separately like this because arriving all at once would have looked like a conspiracy.
Jin Ha-ryeong acted out her surprise convincingly. Her heart fluttered at the thought of Geom Mu-geuk standing outside that door. She didn't even need to act.
"Before you let him in, I have a favor to ask of you, Grandfather," Jin Ha-gun said.
"Speak."
"I don't know what the Young Cult Leader’s request will be, but if it's something acceptable, please lend him your support."
There was a reason for him making a request he usually wouldn't.
"You know about the kidnapping case we handled during the Demon Extermination Squad operation. I asked the Young Cult Leader on the way here, and he said he broke the mind control on those children and sent them all back to their homes. Did you know that?"
Jin Pae-cheon nodded. He had already received a report on the matter and had been greatly pleased by the news. Because of that, he was inwardly glad to hear that Geom Mu-geuk had arrived.
"Since that was a mission for the Demon Extermination Squad, I've ended up owing the Young Cult Leader a debt. I'd like to repay it this time."
Jin Pae-cheon readily accepted his grandson’s request.
"I shall do so."
A moment later, Geom Mu-geuk entered the room. He bowed politely from the waist.
"Alliance Leader, have you been well?"
"Come in."
Jin Pae-cheon observed Geom Mu-geuk with a calm gaze. His eyes were clearer and deeper than when they had last met.
His realm of martial arts has risen even further since then.
The more he saw him, the more he coveted his talent, which only made the situation more regrettable.
Geom Mu-geuk greeted Jin Ha-ryeong as if they were meeting for the first time as well.
"Miss Jin, it has been a long time. Have you been well?"
"It's inconvenient without a servant."
At her joke, Geom Mu-geuk replied with a smile.
"If it's for you, Miss Jin, I can play the servant anytime."
Even though she knew it was banter, his words made her heart race.
"I heard of your exploits in the Unorthodox Path Alliance," she said, praising his achievement once more. "I heard you rescued all the children. That was truly wonderful."
Today was not about getting her grandfather’s permission; it was about winning his heart.
"I was merely lucky. The Unorthodox Path Alliance provided active assistance as well."
After exchanging greetings, Geom Mu-geuk stated the purpose of his visit in a calm tone.
"While handling the matters of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, I became indebted to their Leader. Therefore, I have invited the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader to my regular tavern in front of the Main Cult."
Jin Pae-cheon said nothing. His aura began to settle. The surroundings grew cold in an instant, as if a window had been flung open in the dead of winter. While the Alliance Leader’s soft gaze turned as sharp as an ice pick, Geom Mu-geuk continued.
"The Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader said he did not wish to be misunderstood by you, Alliance Leader. So I told him I would come and speak to you myself to ensure no misunderstandings arise. That is why I am here. It is nothing major, so please do not take it the wrong way."
Jin Pae-cheon’s expression hardened. To him, this sounded like the Demonic Cult was joining hands with the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong thought this was going well so far. If the person standing there hadn't been Geom Mu-geuk, a thunderous scolding would have already broken out.
Jin Ha-ryeong spoke coldly in her grandfather’s stead.
"So you're saying you're going to have a secret meeting with the Unorthodox Path Alliance? Since you'll get caught anyway, are you trying to strike first with a confession?"
"It's true that I would be found out eventually. However, this is not a secret summit; it is a personal matter between the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader and myself. We will meet in a tavern where everyone can see, so the entire Murim will know."
Geom Mu-geuk emphasized that it wasn't a secret meeting.
"If I really wanted to meet in secret, would I choose a tavern in Ma Clan Village?"
"Why did you choose that place?"
This was an unplanned question, born out of her personal curiosity. It was the place he had mentioned wanting to invite her to before.
"The place where I intend to host the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader is called the Pungryu Tavern. The owner’s name is Jo Chun-bae. He's a good man, skilled, and the atmosphere is excellent. If you sit on the second floor with a drink and look outside, you can understand the reason why you live."
Jin Ha-ryeong was curious. What did he see there?
"The tables there are sturdy, so they won't break even if martial artists visit. The customers who go there might be surprised if the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader shows up, but they won't be afraid."
"How is that possible?"
Geom Mu-geuk gave a sincere answer.
"Because my Demonic Path is there."
A brief silence followed. Who could know the deep meaning contained in those words? But because they were mysterious, Jin Ha-ryeong wanted to go there even more.
She returned to the original plan, showing a coldness that differed from her true feelings.
"You try to dazzle us with plausible words, but this is something we cannot allow."
There was a reason Jin Ha-ryeong stepped forward to oppose him. If she showed even a hint of agreeing with Geom Mu-geuk, her grandfather would only become more worried and enraged. On the other hand, Jin Ha-gun stood silently. Having already mentioned that he had a debt to repay, he merely showed a slight look of being in a difficult position.
"Whether you join hands with the Unorthodox Path Alliance or not is your business, but at least do not deceive us!" Her sharp voice echoed through the hall.
"Deceive you?"
"You say it's a personal meeting, but there's no way the Cult Leader wouldn't come to meet the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader, is there?"
Jin Pae-cheon was worried about that as well. Ultimately, it would become a meeting between the Heavenly Demon and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.
"If they meet, they'll exchange voice transmissions, won't they? Their martial arts are so high that the only person who could notice that is Grandfather. In the end, you and the Unorthodox Path Alliance could be plotting something in secret."
She subtly emphasized that her grandfather needed to be there to prevent any conspiracies.
"You misunderstand," Mu-geuk said.
Jin Ha-ryeong spoke to Jin Pae-cheon.
"Grandfather, you must absolutely not give your permission."
Because Jin Ha-ryeong got agitated and angry first, Jin Pae-cheon lost his chance to explode. Her anger, when he expected her to take Geom Mu-geuk’s side, was highly effective.
"Ryeong-ah, calm yourself for a moment."
"This is an act of deception against you and this Alliance, Grandfather!"
"I told you to stop!"
"I'm sorry, Grandfather."
Jin Pae-cheon turned to Jin Ha-gun, who had been watching the situation silently.
"What are your thoughts?"
Jin Ha-gun presented an entirely new perspective.
"What is your scheme? Do you intend to lure the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader there and kill him?"
For a moment, Jin Pae-cheon was inwardly startled. He had been so focused on the idea of the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance joining hands that he hadn't considered the possibility of the Cult killing the Alliance Leader. Since it was a plausible question, Jin Pae-cheon focused on Geom Mu-geuk’s reaction.
For a moment, Geom Mu-geuk seemed flustered and couldn't answer.
"Are you asking if I intend to strike the Unorthodox Path Alliance using this opportunity?"
"Do not make such ridiculous assumptions."
"If the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader dies in some unfortunate accident during this meeting, the Young Alliance Leader will take his place. Aren't you close with him?"
Jin Ha-ryeong picked up where Jin Ha-gun left off. This was the most important moment of the plan.
"Then you'll have the Unorthodox Path Alliance in the palm of your hand! I think I finally understand why you tried so hard to become friends with their Young Alliance Leader."
Jin Pae-cheon thought it was a plausible deduction. There was no guarantee it wouldn't happen. Moreover, Geom Mu-geuk, who was always so confident, seemed somewhat cowed, like a man whose secret had been discovered.
"Am I wrong?"
"I merely came to ask for permission. If you don't want to give it, just say so. Do not resort to such wild speculation."
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jin Pae-cheon.
"If your will is the same as your granddaughter's, Alliance Leader, then I shall take my leave."
Seeing him try to withdraw without further dispute made Jin Pae-cheon suspicious. He became convinced that there was definitely some scheme behind this unusual event.
The balance between the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic will be broken?
Suddenly, Jin Pae-cheon thought of the Heavenly Demon, Geom Wu-jin. Whenever he thought of him, the first thing that came to mind was always his cold, arrogant gaze—a gaze full of ambition, suggesting he would never be satisfied with just being the Cult Leader.
Is your gaze still the same?
Geom Mu-geuk turned around, offering a polite fist salute.
"I shall take my leave now."
Just as Geom Mu-geuk was hurriedly turning away...
"Wait."
Then came Jin Pae-cheon’s shocking declaration.
"I shall attend this meeting as well."
A startled Geom Mu-geuk spoke urgently.
"No, you don't have to come. You just need to not misunderstand the meeting between the Main Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance. There's no need for you to come!"
At Geom Mu-geuk’s attempt to dissuade him, Jin Pae-cheon spoke firmly, as if issuing a decree.
"I said I am going!"