Chapter 388: Didn't We Form a United Front?
Chapter 388: Didn't We Form a United Front?
It was an unexpected joint operation between the Orthodox Faction and the Demonic Cult.
Baek Ja-gang looked at the beaming Jin Pae-cheon, then turned his gaze back to Geom Wu-jin.
The one who had drawn his sword first—metaphorically speaking—was Geom Wu-jin. After all, he was the one who had summoned Geom Mu-yang to the second floor. The Heavenly Demon, bragging about his children?
It seems it wasn't just his appearance that changed.
Baek Ja-gang wondered if perhaps this very change was what had allowed Geom Mu-geuk to grow so much.
In truth, the person more flustered than Baek Ja-gang at this moment was Bi Sa-in. Everyone else was part of a pair, while he stood alone; it made him feel as though he had done something wrong. He felt a pang of guilt toward his master and wanted to shout on his behalf.
You two! You’re being incredibly childish!
He glanced at Geom Mu-geuk with eyes that said, You think so too, don't you?
As if he had been waiting for that look, Geom Mu-geuk sent a Voice Transmission.
— You should have many children later! Have about seven and line them up! That’s how you can get your revenge.
— Are you even hearing yourself?!
Bi Sa-in immediately regretted looking at him. He should have known Mu-geuk was just waiting for a chance to tease him.
In reality, Geom Mu-geuk was the only one present who truly understood his father’s underlying motive for calling his older brother up.
His father wanted to show them off. He wanted to display his two sons, who had ended the succession struggle without shedding blood. He wanted to brag about the sons standing proudly to his left and right. This was both a boast and a compliment.
Right? The joy of letting someone live is greater than the joy of killing, isn't it? Even if no one else knows, you do, Father. You know how much harder this path is. Because you are a man who could kill anyone if you set your mind to it.
Regardless, Geom Mu-geuk could feel it. This moment, standing side-by-side with his brother, was his father’s first and likely last time bragging about his children.
Father, I won’t let this be the last time. I’ll make sure you can keep bragging.
Meanwhile, Baek Ja-gang began his counterattack.
“A tree with many branches never knows a day of peace, as they say.”
Had his years of living alone been filled only with loneliness? No, he had lived a life of absolute freedom. How could anyone brag about such a grueling path in front of his wonderful life?
A shadow flickered across Jin Pae-cheon’s proud face. Having lost his own son years ago, Jin Pae-cheon was someone who had felt the full force of that "wind." One of his branches had broken, after all.
That was why he had tried so hard to raise Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong with such care. They were the only private greed allowed to a man who had lived his life solely for the Murim Alliance and the martial world.
Just as the atmosphere threatened to turn heavy, Geom Wu-jin spoke.
“It is on those branches that flowers bloom and birds sing.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't miss the opportunity to jump in.
“My brother is the flower, and I’m the bird doing the singing.”
Geom Wu-jin looked at Geom Mu-yang and added, “The flowers bloom...”
Then, looking at Geom Mu-geuk, he corrected him. “...and the wind blows. That is how it goes.”
Geom Mu-geuk made a face that said, That’s a bit much, Father.
Jin Ha-ryeong smiled at the sight.
In a different sense, she thought Geom Mu-geuk really was like the wind. He would suddenly blow in, stir up a gale, and then vanish like a breeze. That was why she had come here herself—to find that wind.
True to form, a wind was blowing relentlessly at today’s meeting as well.
Things I never could have imagined are happening.
She had never dreamed she would be summoned to a place where these three giants were gathered. She certainly hadn't expected the conversation to open with bragging about grandchildren and children.
This was the first time she had seen the Heavenly Demon from such a close distance. Surprisingly, before the thought That man is the Heavenly Demon could take hold, another thought preceded it.
He is that man’s father.
They looked alike, yet they didn't.
Geom Wu-jin exuded an intimidating pressure that made it difficult to even strike up a conversation. It would have been the same even if she hadn't known he was the Heavenly Demon. It wasn't just the dignity of his position; it was an intense presence emanating from the man named Geom Wu-jin himself.
Normally, she should have felt fear and repulsion. But she didn't dislike it. In fact, she wanted to speak to him.
I’ve wanted to meet you at least once.
Was it because he was Geom Mu-geuk’s father? Even though it was her first time seeing him, he felt familiar, and she felt a strange sense of intimacy.
Her gaze then shifted to Geom Mu-yang. It was the same for him. Rather than seeing the First Young Master of the Demonic Cult...
So, that’s his older brother.
He felt completely different from Geom Mu-geuk. He seemed calm and composed, the type who wouldn't easily reveal his emotions. If anything, he resembled her own brother more than he did Mu-geuk.
Her eyes met Geom Mu-yang’s, and she gave a slight bow. Geom Mu-yang returned the gesture with a small nod.
He and I do have something in common.
They were both blood relatives who had been pushed aside in the succession. Though, in her case, she had never had any ambition for the position to begin with.
I don't know who will marry you two, but the world’s scariest father-in-law is waiting for them.
She imagined a prospective father-in-law asking: “What does your father do for a living?” and the answer being: “He’s the Heavenly Demon.”
The mere thought of such a situation was hilarious. Regardless, anything related to Geom Mu-geuk always made her tense, excited, and laugh.
Her gaze then moved to Bi Sa-in. Normally, his face would have been difficult to look at, but strangely, it didn't feel that hideous to her.
It’s probably because he hangs around with my brother and Mu-geuk.
Jin Ha-ryeong then took a closer look at Baek Ja-gang. He felt entirely different from the Heavenly Demon. He was different from her grandfather, too. In fact, based solely on outward appearance, he was the hardest of the three to read.
However, his black martial robes told a story. To wear such an outfit to a meeting like this? Normally, it would give off the impression of: I am not a man who cares for outward appearances.
But she didn't get that vibe at all. Instead, she felt a different intent: If trouble breaks out here, I will fight in the clothes most comfortable for fighting.
It felt as though all other intentions had been swallowed by that singular will, and it felt incredibly natural. He was a man who focused entirely on himself rather than on justification or face. Because of that, he, too, looked immensely powerful.
After scanning everyone on the second floor, she let out a soft, unconscious sigh. It was still amazing to be in such a place.
Had Jin Pae-cheon, standing nearby, heard her sigh?
“Are you aware that my granddaughter is known as the Beauty of Hubei?”
Or perhaps he was thinking of his deceased son and daughter-in-law?
Jin Pae-cheon had never bragged about his grandchildren to the warriors of the Murim Alliance or other members of the Orthodox Path.
“The Alliance Leader was bragging about his grandkids like a fool.”
That was something the prideful and honor-bound Jin Pae-cheon could never allow. Therefore, this boast today was one he had held back for a very long time. It was a boast directed at the two men before him, and also at the Orthodox masters on the first floor who were pretending not to listen.
Jin Pae-cheon turned to Jin Ha-ryeong.
“This grandfather of yours thinks you are the world’s most beautiful woman.”
As he said this in front of everyone, Jin Ha-ryeong’s face turned beet red.
No! Grandfather! Please!
She answered as calmly as she could. “There are so many beautiful people in the world. Others will tease me.”
“Who would dare tease my granddaughter?”
At that, the gazes of Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun turned toward one person as if they had been waiting for the cue. Even Geom Mu-yang, who was meeting Jin Pae-cheon for the first time today, looked at Geom Mu-geuk standing next to him with an expression that said, Who else would tease her but this guy?
Jin Pae-cheon asked the subject of those gazes. “What do you think, Young Master?”
Jin Ha-ryeong was inwardly tense, wondering what would come out of Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth. It was obvious he would tease her with some witty remark.
“I am of the same opinion. If a World’s Most Beautiful Woman contest were held, Miss Jin would undoubtedly win. Even if you weren't the judge, Alliance Leader, she would still take first place!”
Jin Pae-cheon gave a satisfied smile.
The successors chuckled softly at Mu-geuk’s answer. He could have just said she was the most beautiful, but to mention a contest and the judging... Geom Mu-geuk was likely the only person in the world who would answer the Murim Alliance Leader like that.
Jin Ha-ryeong found his answer funny, but it also made her feel good. Even though she knew the even more beautiful Lee An existed, she was grateful he said that in front of her grandfather.
“Thank you for the kind words.”
Of course, her internal thoughts were different.
— And here I thought you considered Lee An the world’s most beautiful.
When she sent the Voice Transmission, an answer came back immediately.
— Even if your grandfather were the judge, Lee An would still probably win.
Grandfather, this man is teasing me! I should tell on him.
Jin Pae-cheon was busy today. He had made up his mind. This time, he began bragging about Jin Ha-gun.
“They say raising a son is useless, but it depends on the son, doesn't it?” He looked back at Jin Ha-gun. “Full of chivalry and a sense of responsibility. Where else could one find such a fine son? I am proud of you.”
Though Ha-gun was his grandson, he used the term "son" to compare him with the other successors.
Jin Ha-gun was flustered. Normally, Jin Pae-cheon wasn't one to dote on him like this. If anything, he treated him more strictly, fearing that Ha-gun might use his status as the Leader's grandson for vanity. Hearing that his grandfather was proud of him for the first time in so long moved him deeply.
Today, his points of comparison were Geom Mu-geuk and Bi Sa-in; how could he possibly say he was better than those two? But for this moment, he skipped the humility.
“It is all thanks to your great teachings and guidance, Grandfather.”
As he said it, he realized he couldn't remember the last time he had said such words. Had he ever? Surprisingly, he couldn't even recall. It had been a long time since he’d been told he was a source of pride, but he realized he hadn't properly expressed his gratitude either.
Jin Ha-gun sent a Voice Transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— Do you know? I can't even remember the last time I thanked my grandfather.
Before he knew it, Geom Mu-geuk had become someone he could comfortably share his honest feelings with.
— Aren't we those 'sons' we mentioned earlier? The ones who are useless even after being raised.
This was likely why. Mu-geuk was someone who could read his heart and offer comfort. On top of that, he was someone who pointed the way forward.
— Still, when we finally grow up, we do it properly, don't we?
Jin Ha-gun felt that this meeting was meaningful just for the sake of rediscovering his relationship with his grandfather.
Baek Ja-gang felt that Bi Sa-in was still lacking compared to Geom Mu-geuk, but he never once thought his disciple was inferior to Jin Ha-gun. He might concede second place, but third place was absolutely unacceptable.
No matter how much you brag, you’re no match for my Sa-in.
He resolved to make that point clear before the day was over.
In any case, the atmosphere on the second floor changed after the three successors joined them. At the very least, conversation began to flow actively. The Demon Lords all shared a similar thought regarding Geom Mu-geuk.
As expected! Things only get settled when the Young Cult Leader steps in.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't miss this positive momentum. He shouted toward the first floor.
“Innkeeper, some wine and food, please!”
“Coming right up!”
Jo Chun-bae headed upstairs with wine and snacks. He had gone up and down to the second floor countless times, but he had never been as nervous as he was at this moment.
If I spill this, I’m spilling my life!
His hands were literally trembling, but he summoned every ounce of courage he possessed. He placed the wine and snacks at each seat. It was the most tense, suffocating moment of his life.
“Please, enjoy.”
As he was about to turn away, Jin Pae-cheon asked him a question.
“Do you know? Why the Young Cult Leader chose to hold this meeting at your inn?”
Jo Chun-bae hadn't expected such a question from the Murim Alliance Leader. “I... I am not sure myself.”
Jin Pae-cheon believed there was a specific reason for hosting the meeting at this particular inn. No matter how good the wine or the owner’s character was, why here?
Then, an unexpected person answered for him.
“My son’s Demonic Path is here.”
The person most shocked by those words was Geom Mu-geuk. He had never dreamed his father would say such a thing.
My son’s Demonic Path.
Geom Mu-geuk was overwhelmed with emotion. He was so happy he felt dazed.
Jin Pae-cheon stared at Geom Wu-jin in silence for a moment. He, too, hadn't expected Geom Wu-jin to answer. If it had been about anything else, he wouldn't have continued the conversation, but since it concerned children, he asked out of courtesy.
“Does the Cult Leader know what kind of Demonic Path his son’s is?”
Everyone’s attention focused on Geom Wu-jin. Those on the first floor were also straining to hear. The Demon Lords, in particular, were curious about the answer.
After a brief pause, Geom Wu-jin spoke. “I am trying to understand it.”
The word "trying" sounded different to everyone who heard it. Most understood it as a roundabout way of saying he didn't acknowledge it, but it was different for Geom Mu-geuk.
He is trying to understand me.
The fact that he had answered on his behalf in the first place allowed Mu-geuk to feel his father’s heart. It wasn't an answer meant for the Murim Alliance Leader. It was an answer meant for him.
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze fixed on his father’s back.
Thank you, Father.
Perhaps out of courtesy for the previous question, Geom Wu-jin asked Jin Pae-cheon.
“And how much does the Alliance Leader understand his grandchildren?”
Since he hadn't expected such a question, Jin Pae-cheon pondered his answer. He answered honestly. He might be different regarding other matters, but he took talk of blood relatives seriously.
“I, too, am trying.”
It felt as though a common ground was being formed for the first time since they had sat down. Then, Baek Ja-gang abruptly asked Jin Pae-cheon.
“Then, does the Alliance Leader know what kind of Orthodox Path his grandson dreams of?”
Jin Pae-cheon was momentarily flustered. He had never had a conversation with Ha-gun regarding that.
“You said you were trying, but I wonder if those were just empty words.”
It was a polite counter-attack from Baek Ja-gang. He wasn't the type to just sit back after being made to feel so absurd. Bragging about children? He was just getting started.
Jin Pae-cheon was about to make an excuse when he glanced at Geom Wu-jin. Since Wu-jin was the one who had brought up his son’s Demonic Path, he hoped the man would chime in. Rather than making a pathetic excuse himself, it would be enough if Geom Wu-jin said just one thing to back him up.
Didn't we form an Orthodox-Demonic united front? Didn't we just form a bond over our bloodlines?
Looking at Jin Pae-cheon’s expectant eyes, Geom Wu-jin spoke calmly.
“I have been talking with mine quite often lately.”