Chapter 380: Even When I Was Alone, I Blocked It All.
Chapter 380: Even When I Was Alone, I Blocked It All.
Jin Pae-cheon declared his firm resolve to attend.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke in a weak, trembling voice, his face a mask of mock bewilderment.
“Then I shall invite the Alliance Leader to this meeting as well.”
He stayed committed to the act until the very end.
Jin Ha-ryeong was beyond surprised; she was in awe of the result. Although she had played a significant role in achieving this outcome, she hadn't truly expected it to happen.
In the end, everything went exactly as he planned.
What if this man were an enemy? Would she or her brother ever be able to handle him?
The faint dread she’d felt before struck her again, sharper than ever.
Regardless, the plan they had built together was a success. The Murim Alliance Leader’s visit to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was now a reality.
Jin Ha-ryeong stepped back from her role as the vanguard of the tactical trio and returned to being the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader.
“How will you guarantee the Alliance Leader’s safety?”
This was the procession of the Murim Alliance Leader; surely more than a few peerless masters would follow him. However, since the invitation had been extended, the responsibility for his safety lay with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
“The Cult will take responsibility. We have invited a precious guest; how could we possibly be negligent?”
“And who will protect him from you?”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed, taking it as a joke. But Jin Ha-ryeong was serious.
“Promise me that you will protect him. Take responsibility to ensure that nothing happens.”
Her eyes said it all.
You know, don’t you? I only did this because I trust you.
She trusted Geom Mu-geuk more than she trusted the Demonic Cult itself. She truly did. After all, she had started this whole affair prepared to be disowned and left standing in the rain in front of the Demonic Cult’s main gate.
Geom Mu-geuk stared into her eyes and replied.
“I promise.”
Only after sensing the sincerity in those clear, deep eyes did Jin Ha-ryeong finally feel at ease.
Grandfather, I’m sorry for deceiving you. But I believe this is right.
She believed Geom Mu-geuk’s words that war could be prevented. She believed that this choice would ultimately be the right path for her grandfather.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke politely to Jin Pae-cheon.
“I will speak with our Cult’s Chief Strategist to coordinate the schedule. Thank you for making such a grand decision.”
At the thought of the three of them meeting, the image of Baek Ja-gang also came to Jin Pae-cheon’s mind.
Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him as well.
Though he considered the man a step below Geom Wu-jin, he knew well that Baek Ja-gang was no ordinary figure. Naturally, a concern arose.
“But won’t the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader change his mind when he hears I am coming?”
“I must go and speak with him.”
“You’re going yourself?”
“I cannot convey such a significant change through a mere missive.”
He was bringing the Murim Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader to sit before the Demonic Cult’s headquarters. If necessary, he would travel back and forth ten times, or even a hundred.
Geom Mu-geuk bowed politely in farewell.
“Then, I shall take my leave. I will see you at the tavern in front of the Cult.”
“Very well. Let us see what this Demonic Path of yours looks like.”
Jin Pae-cheon sent Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong out to see Geom Mu-geuk off.
Left alone, Jin Pae-cheon spoke to the empty air.
“The Strategist is going to give me an earful.”
Then, a thick male voice echoed from the void.
“Do you truly believe the Demonic Cult Leader intends to kill the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader?”
“I don’t know. How could I know what is in that man’s heart? The Geom Wu-jin I saw over a decade ago was at least not the type to play such shallow tricks. But how can I know what kind of man he has become now that the world has changed?”
Jin Pae-cheon walked slowly to the window and looked out.
He could see Geom Mu-geuk, Jin Ha-gun, and Jin Ha-ryeong standing side by side in front of the Alliance Hall.
There were several reasons why he had decided to attend this meeting.
Part of it was the concern that the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Path Alliance might be plotting something together, and part of it was curiosity about the young martial artist named Geom Mu-geuk. How on earth had he managed to drag that stubborn Baek Ja-gang all the way to the front of the Demonic Cult?
Furthermore, it was already a known fact that Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong held a great deal of affection for Geom Mu-geuk. He felt he needed to personally observe the boy more closely.
However, if these were the only reasons, he wouldn't have made the decision without consulting his Strategist. The biggest reason Jin Pae-cheon felt he had to go was this:
He felt it was time to meet the Heavenly Demon, Geom Wu-jin, once again.
When they met in the past, Jin Pae-cheon had read an ambition for the unification of the Murim in Geom Wu-jin’s eyes, and he had suspected that the man might start a war one day.
That was why he had devoted all his strength to protecting the Orthodox Murim.
Now, he felt he had to confirm it before he grew any older.
If he still has those eyes...
He couldn't let those eyes look upon Jin Ha-gun. They were eyes his grandson could not yet handle.
*
As soon as they left the Alliance Hall, Jin Ha-gun let out a long sigh.
“Why are you sighing? This is a moment to shout for joy.”
Jin Ha-gun ignored Geom Mu-geuk’s words and spoke to his sister.
“We might have just put the Alliance Leader in danger with our own hands.”
It felt like the morning after a wild night, still caught in the lingering heat of the moment. He always felt this way when dealing with Geom Mu-geuk.
“Aren't you worried?”
Jin Ha-ryeong, on the other hand, was nonchalant.
“Worried about what?”
“Worried that we might have been deceived by this man.”
Geom Mu-geuk cut in.
“Please, use Voice Transmission if you're going to talk about me!”
But ignoring even that, Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong continued their conversation.
“He could have tricked us.”
“Right?”
“It might be a conspiracy to eliminate Grandfather and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader in one place.”
“But you don't look worried at all?”
“Because you're doing enough worrying for both of us, Brother. If you weren't, knowing my personality, I wouldn't be able to sleep a wink starting tonight. In that sense, thank you for being born first.”
Jin Ha-gun shook his head as if he were helpless and glanced at Geom Mu-geuk.
Geom Mu-geuk was looking up at the sky.
“How does the sky look from in front of the Murim Alliance Hall?”
“It’s the same. Whether you look at it from here or there, the sky is the sky. That’s why I have no greed for this place.”
Those were words carrying Geom Mu-geuk’s true feelings. He was constantly letting them know, whenever he had the chance, that he was not greedy. He was telling them not to doubt him.
Again and again. Even if it was tedious, he would keep telling them. Doubt was inevitable, but being annoyed by it was a choice.
“Still, it’s better looking at it with you two.”
Jin Ha-gun recalled the look in Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes earlier. That provocative gaze that told him to cross the limit drawn in his heart.
I crossed it, just as you intended. Everything went exactly as you planned.
That was why he kept making these jokes.
“Is your plan to kill us all finally complete now?”
A slight smile played on the lips of Geom Mu-geuk, who was still looking up at the sky.
“I told the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader the same thing in a similar situation. That it’s not my style. My style is to send a challenge. To have a fight, and the loser steps down cleanly. I’m not the type to plot conspiracies just to take something...”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't finish his sentence.
Looking back at himself before his regression, these words would have been fitting:
I have no attachment to people or the world.
Perhaps that was why he was the way he was now. Because of the regret and longing for that empty life where he lived only for revenge, assigning no meaning to people, the world, or even himself.
Having seen the absolute end of loneliness, he intended to run as far as possible in the opposite direction now. Even if a greater longing awaited him, he would walk toward it willingly.
“I prefer playing. I like a seat on the second floor of a tavern more than sitting in that high Grand Tutor’s Chair.”
Now, both Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong believed those words. That was why they had plotted together today.
Before leaving, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to the two of them.
“Do you know why I was able to proceed with this matter so confidently?”
“Why?”
“Because I trust my father. I trust that no matter what situation I set up, he won't let it turn into the worst-case scenario. So, if you can't trust me, trust your Alliance Leader.”
“!”
Geom Mu-geuk gave them a cheerful fist salute.
“I won't forget your help this time. And you must come to the Cult together.”
Jin Ha-ryeong intended to follow even if she were ordered not to, even if she had to hide in the luggage compartment of a carriage. She really wanted to visit that tavern.
That was why this parting felt so regrettable.
“Are you going back to the Divine Cult?”
“No. I told you, I’m going to the Unorthodox Path Alliance.”
“Ah, right. You certainly live a busy life.”
The moment Geom Mu-geuk gave a faint smile, he vanished before their eyes in a flash. Just as when he arrived, he disappeared like smoke.
“He just leaves like that?”
Jin Ha-ryeong stood there for a long time, staring at the spot where Geom Mu-geuk had vanished.
I miss him already.
*
As Jin Ha-ryeong said, it was a busy life.
He ran without rest, even sacrificing sleep, and arrived at the Unorthodox Path Alliance headquarters. He was certainly getting his practice in with the Rapid Speed Step.
Geom Mu-geuk first stopped by the inn Bi Sa-in frequently visited. Today, he was there having a meal as usual.
— You’ll get fat if you keep eating noodles.
Bi Sa-in’s chopsticks paused for a moment at the incoming Voice Transmission. A reflexive smile formed at the only voice in the world that would nag the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path about his picky eating. As always, Geom Mu-geuk was visible in the alley across the street.
— What brings you here? I thought I’d see you at your tavern.
— Something urgent came up that I must report to the Alliance Leader.
— Then why don't you go and report it directly?
— How cold! You should be by my side.
— Isn't it just because it takes too long to get to the Alliance Leader without me?
Waiting, standing by, getting permission. One had to pass through all sorts of security networks to finally reach the Alliance Hall. It was the same in the Murim Alliance. In that regard, Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in were also shortcuts to the Alliance Halls.
— You noticed?
Geom Mu-geuk’s laughter echoed through the Voice Transmission.
Of course, Bi Sa-in knew that wasn't the only reason. He knew Mu-geuk came to find him first to keep him at the center of things.
— What is it?
— Listen to it together with the Alliance Leader.
— How much are you going to surprise people this time?
— It’s not like that.
— Understood.
Geom Mu-geuk stopped Bi Sa-in as he was about to stand up.
— Finish your meal slowly before you get up.
— How can I swallow my food when you're waiting there?
— All the more reason to eat well. Isn't a martial artist’s strength rooted in their meals? Think of it this way: 'Wait all you want, I'm not getting up until I'm done eating. No matter how big of a mess you've made, I'm not getting up until I'm done.'
Bi Sa-in jumped up and shouted.
“Did you make a mess?!”
*
Geom Mu-geuk was now in the Alliance Hall with Bi Sa-in.
“So, you're saying the Murim Alliance Leader has also decided to come to this meeting?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“The stakes have grown.”
“You can just think of it as having one more drinking buddy.”
“And that drinking buddy is Jin Pae-cheon.”
Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader Baek Ja-gang disliked Geom Wu-jin, but he hated Jin Pae-cheon even more.
“Three people who loathe the very sight of each other are gathering?”
What was supposed to be a private drinking session between two people had turned into a three-party summit of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions.
Since he had become the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader, the three of them had never once met in a single place.
“Was this your plan all along?”
“No. Initially, I only intended for my father and you to meet. But I changed my mind halfway through.”
“Because an invitation was easier than seeking the Murim Alliance Leader’s understanding?”
“That was part of it, but a more important reason emerged.”
“What reason?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
“I realized that if not for this opportunity, there might never be a chance for the three of you to meet together in this generation.”
“!”
Seeing as no goosebumps rose on his arms, Geom Mu-geuk was telling the truth.
“What’s so bad about not meeting?”
“Looking back later, I thought I would feel regret. Thinking that we dominated an era, yet the three of us never once gathered in one place.”
Baek Ja-gang realized that he had never deeply considered a three-party summit. He had always assumed that the next time they met, it would be the day someone died.
Bi Sa-in, who had been listening silently, suddenly had a thought.
Is that why you run to me like this whenever you get the chance?
In that regard, in their generation, there was no need to worry about the three of them not seeing each other. This Geom Mu-geuk would probably call them out to meet at every opportunity.
“Did you come all this way just to tell me this?”
“This meeting started thanks to you, Alliance Leader, so of course I had to come and tell you personally.”
“What if I say no? What if I say I refuse because that old man from the Murim Alliance is too stuffy?”
“I would still have to try and persuade you. Whatever you desire, just say the word. I will take responsibility and make it happen.”
What did he desire?
What he desired was to raise Bi Sa-in to be even more impressive than the Geom Mu-geuk before him. To fill Geom Wu-jin’s arrogant eyes with envy.
“I’ll attend. See you at the tavern.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled broadly and bowed.
“Thank you so much for understanding. As expected, you are a man of great spirit, Alliance Leader.”
As Geom Mu-geuk bowed politely and turned to leave, Baek Ja-gang asked one last question.
“What is your ultimate goal for this meeting?”
Geom Mu-geuk turned back to him and said,
“When the three of us—Sa-in, Captain Jin of the Murim Alliance, and I—get together, it’s quite fun.”
Bi Sa-in’s lips twitched as he listened.
Shouldn't you ask us if it's fun or not?
He wanted to joke like that, but he couldn't bring himself to speak up in front of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader.
“Wouldn't it be fun if the three of you gathered as well? My goal is for this meeting to be an enjoyable one.”
“An enjoyable meeting? We’ll be lucky if the atmosphere isn't murderous.”
“That would be fun in its own way.”
Baek Ja-gang warned him of one danger.
“You said those who targeted us this time have a mastermind behind them, right?”
“Yes.”
“What if they target this opportunity?”
Geom Mu-geuk replied calmly.
“It will be fine.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I held them all back even when I was alone. This time, the three of you will be together, won't you?”
A strange smile formed on Baek Ja-gang’s lips.
For now, I’ll have to be satisfied with winning this round of raising successors.
Those words also reflected Baek Ja-gang’s resolve to at least make sure his successor beat the Murim Alliance’s successor.
Bi Sa-in had no way of knowing the meaning behind the burning gaze his master directed at him.
“Then, I shall see you that day.”
Bi Sa-in followed Geom Mu-geuk out to see him off.
“You really don't worry, do you?”
“Why should I worry? Now that I have the permission of all three, it’s out of my hands.”
Despite the look that said he was being far too shameless, Geom Mu-geuk did not falter.
“Let us live in our own Murim.”
When he first heard those words, they felt like a floating cloud, but now he could feel a bit of their substance. That there was a Murim belonging to their young selves.
“With the escort issues and coordinating the schedule, it will take some time. What will you do until then?”
“I’ll play with the Demon Lords during the day and train at night. That’s how I’ll spend my time. Don't you dare stop me from playing!”
“Must be nice. Having people to play with.”
“Don't you have five more people to play with than I do?”
“!”
Bi Sa-in was momentarily startled. Five more than the Eight Demon Lords would be thirteen—he must be referring to the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path. Bi Sa-in had never once thought about 'playing' with the 13 Wolves.
“Well then, see you later.”
In a flash, Geom Mu-geuk became a dot in the distant sky and vanished.
Beneath the sky where he had disappeared, the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path were standing some distance away.
A thought suddenly occurred to him. Geom Mu-geuk must have started with the Demon Lords in a similar state. No, the 13 Wolves at least had loyalty. Geom Mu-geuk must have become close to the Demon Lords in a much more difficult and awkward situation.
Right, if he was going to imitate him, he should do it properly.
“Let’s set aside our escort duties for today. Buy some liquor and let’s go play somewhere with a good view. We can catch up on things. Oh, by the way, can any of you dance?”
As startled gazes focused on him, Bi Sa-in looked up at the sky.
“The weather is too good to play alone.”