Chapter 389: Where is the Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path?
Chapter 389: Where is the Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path?
It was the moment the alliance between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths dissolved.
What did he just say? That I’ve been talking with them a lot lately?
I hadn't stared at him expecting that kind of answer. Yet, he looked me straight in the eye and stabbed me in the back like this?
Baek Ja-gang’s expression brightened as he fired the metaphorical signal flare announcing the birth of a new alliance between the Unorthodox Path and the Demonic Cult.
‘These Unorthodox and Demonic bastards!’
Regardless of the reaction, Geom Wu-jin spoke again, his tone entirely sincere.
“We hunt together, fish together, and even play Go.”
Geom Mu-geuk was startled. “Huh? Father, we’ve never gone fishing, have we?”
In an instant, Jin Pae-cheon’s eyes flashed coldly. Did he just make up a story? Without even coordinating with his children?
Despite the suspicious glares directed at him, Geom Wu-jin remained composed. “Do you think you are my only son?”
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk realized his father was implying he had gone fishing with his older brother. His father wasn't one to tell lies. He simply wanted to show everyone here that he was taking good care of his other son as well.
“That’s too much! Please take me fishing too!”
Geom Wu-jin ignored him and looked directly at Jin Pae-cheon. “Spending time with my sons was good, but it was also time I needed for myself.”
Their gazes met in mid-air.
It was an arrogant, haughty look that made people feel uneasy just by witnessing it. That was how Jin Pae-cheon knew—it wasn't a lie. A man with those eyes wouldn't feel the need to lie in the first place.
“Right. Children are good, and time for oneself is precious as well.” Jin Pae-cheon’s gaze sank coldly. “Then what about the rest of you?”
The festive atmosphere in the room vanished in an instant.
This wasn't a grandfather bragging about his children anymore; it was a question from Jin Pae-cheon, the Murim Alliance Leader.
Baek Ja-gang also watched silently, waiting to see how Geom Wu-jin would respond.
Geom Wu-jin stared at the wine bottle in front of him. Depending on his answer, not even the first glass might be poured before blood was spilled.
“Do you think you can stop us just because we cherish such moments?”
The moment he finished speaking, the air changed. It grew cold and heavy.
Bi Sa-in looked at Geom Mu-geuk. Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong also turned their gaze toward him.
But instead of looking at them, Geom Mu-geuk looked at his father’s back. These were men who did not look back—not at their sons, nor at the Heavenly Demon Soul engraved on their backs. They were men who only moved forward.
His father, who had briefly looked back for his son’s sake, was now looking forward again. He was looking at the entirety of the Murim.
He had just asked the Murim Alliance Leader: Can you stop us?
The first to react were the Orthodox masters on the first floor. They simultaneously released their momentum, preparing to strike at any moment. What the Demonic Cult Leader had just said was a blatant provocation.
The Unorthodox masters also made full preparations. They exchanged Voice Transmissions, devising strategies on how to move if the Demonic Cult and the Orthodox Faction began to clash.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon remained standing with his arms crossed, staring at the Orthodox masters in front of him. He wore a serious expression, as if contemplating whom to cut down first if a fight broke out.
But in truth, his mind was elsewhere. He had faith that as long as Geom Wu-jin and Geom Mu-geuk were up there, a fight wouldn't happen.
He was currently thinking of Seo Dae-ryong. Hearing the conversation on the second floor, he realized that he, too, had never had a deep conversation with his disciple.
‘I should see him separately soon.’
He was surprised by his own thoughts. And he didn't hate the feeling. In the past, he would have been disgusted. He used to believe that such soft emotions only hastened one's death.
Suddenly, a phrase Geom Mu-geuk said he’d heard from the Cult Leader came to mind.
It’s a cheap sentiment, perfect for dying.
Yes, that’s likely what he would have thought. He had lived his life thinking exactly like the Cult Leader. But lately, he often thought that among all the emotions he possessed, that one might be the most precious.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned his head at the heat radiating from beside him.
The One Flower Sword Venerable had already picked her target. If a melee broke out, she intended to kill the Taiyi Divine Sword.
The Taiyi Divine Sword had also sensed her killing intent, and he secretly hoped a fight would start.
‘Every last one of those Demonic Cult bastards must be wiped out.’
That had always been his unwavering conviction.
As the atmosphere turned lethal, the Drunken Demon uncorked a bottle and took a long swig. The faint scent of wine heightened the tension in the room even further.
Of course, there was someone who remained relaxed even in this situation.
The Poison King had opened a window and was leaning his chin on the sill, looking outside. Someone might have sent a cold aura his way for being so arrogant, but no one dared to pick a fight with the Poison King. You might be able to kill him, but you’d have to die with him. The Poison King was always that kind of existence.
While the taut tension persisted, Geom Mu-geuk sent a Voice Transmission to Baek Ja-gang.
— Please stop them.
— Me?
Baek Ja-gang was surprised to be asked for help, but on the other hand, it didn't feel bad.
— Then who else is going to stop them?
— We’d be more than happy if the Orthodox Faction and the Demonic Cult fought.
— What if they grow fond of each other while fighting?
— Now that would be a problem.
Among the three men here, Baek Ja-gang was the most flexible.
“Sa-in, pour me a drink.”
“Yes, Master.”
Bi Sa-in filled Baek Ja-gang’s cup. Both Geom Wu-jin and Jin Pae-cheon understood the intent—unless they truly intended to have a life-and-death bloody battle right here and now.
“Mu-geuk, pour me a drink.”
“Yes, Father.”
Jin Pae-cheon, not to be outdone, spoke as well. “Ha-gun, pour me a drink.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
And so, the three men each drank a cup.
Setting down his cup, Jin Pae-cheon asked Geom Mu-geuk, “You said your Demonic Path is here?”
“That is correct.”
“Where is that Demonic Path?”
At Jin Pae-cheon’s question, everyone’s eyes turned toward Geom Mu-geuk. Not just Jin Pae-cheon, but Baek Ja-gang was curious as well. Where in this tavern could his Demonic Path possibly be?
An unexpected answer flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s lips.
“You are looking at it right now, are you not?”
“What do you mean?”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jo Chun-bae, who was standing awkwardly, unable to go back downstairs. Only then did Jin Pae-cheon realize that Geom Mu-geuk’s Demonic Path was Jo Chun-bae.
“That innkeeper is your Demonic Path?”
“He is.”
Jo Chun-bae, the man in question, was the most shocked of all. He was getting used to being surprised lately, but this was a new record.
Young man, have you ever been a Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path? This man is drunk. And he’s saying this in front of the Demonic Cult Leader, the Murim Alliance Leader, and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. Haha, he’s very drunk.
This time, Jin Pae-cheon asked Jo Chun-bae directly. “Are you the Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path?”
“How could I possibly be...” Jo Chun-bae was flustered and didn't know what to say.
“Tell me what you think. I want to hear the thoughts of the person involved. I’m not threatening you, so answer comfortably.”
How could any seat be comfortable when told to be?
The flustered Jo Chun-bae didn't know what to do, then suddenly looked at Geom Mu-geuk. Geom Mu-geuk was looking at him with a smile. As always, his eyes said: I am here, so do not be afraid.
How could he ever repay the grace of this man who gave such great meaning to someone as insignificant as himself? Repaying it with his life wouldn't even come close to being enough.
“I...”
As he began to speak, the surroundings became so quiet that not even the sound of breathing could be heard. He felt everyone’s focus on him.
‘Oh, my heart! Stop beating so fast!’
Jin Pae-cheon said with a smile, “Think of me as the man you saw this morning and speak. You spoke quite well then, didn't you?”
He hadn't just spoken well; he had practically scolded the Alliance Leader.
After taking a deep breath, Jo Chun-bae began to speak. In truth, these were words he wanted to say not to Jin Pae-cheon, but to the Heavenly Demon Geom Wu-jin. Since this might be his only chance to speak to him, Jo Chun-bae summoned his courage.
“The Young Cult Leader opened a branch of the Huangquan Pavilion across from our tavern. He told us to go there and report any injustices. All our lives, we’ve lived being oppressed by martial artists, but we’ve seen the Huangquan Pavilion warriors with our own eyes and even filed reports there. Lately, we’ve become friends with them. When we have delicious food, we bring it to the people at the branch to eat.”
Because his voice was trembling, it felt all the more sincere.
“The Young Cult Leader often comes to my tavern to drink, and he told me this: My Demonic Path does not break tables.”
The masters on the first floor, hearing this for the first time, looked at each other in confusion. Did we hear that right? He doesn't break what?
“Since then, the people who used to get drunk and beat people up have disappeared. The martial artists who treated the merchants here like servants have also disappeared. Fewer people die in accidents, and fewer people go missing. I don't know what the Demonic Path is, or what the Orthodox Path or the Unorthodox Path are.”
Jo Chun-bae was speaking with his eyes squeezed shut. The only thing giving him the strength to overcome his fear was his heart for Geom Mu-geuk.
“However, if I had the choice to pick only one ‘Path’ out of all the paths in the world, I would choose the Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path without hesitation. I would choose it even if I didn't know what it was. I guarantee that everyone living in Ma Clan Village would do the same. Because while everyone else was far away, only the Young Cult Leader stayed by our side.”
Since he was already speaking, Jo Chun-bae revealed a sincerity he had never once voiced until now.
“I hope the Young Cult Leader doesn't do anything big in the future. Because he will undoubtedly be considerate of the people he meets and move for the sake of everyone. I’m worried those tasks will be too difficult for him. I’m worried he’ll grow exhausted.”
Having finished his words as if possessed, Jo Chun-bae bowed his head deeply.
“I, a lowly man, have overstepped my bounds. Please forgive me.”
His body trembled violently. Now that he had finished speaking, fear came rushing in. He couldn't remember what he had said. Had he committed an unforgivable rudeness?
Geom Mu-geuk approached him and spoke softly. “Thank you, Innkeeper. What other innkeeper in the world would represent me in a place like this?”
“It’s the opposite. What other Young Cult Leader in the world would represent an innkeeper? I would have no regrets even if I died right here for your sake, Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Wu-jin, Jin Pae-cheon, and Baek Ja-gang all watched Jo Chun-bae’s burning gaze in silence. It was the same for Geom Mu-yang, Bi Sa-in, Jin Ha-gun, and Jin Ha-ryeong, as well as the Demon Lords and the Orthodox and Unorthodox masters on the first floor.
Some deeply understood the relationship between the two, while others couldn't understand it at all. Some thought it was a trick or an act. Others found it pathetic.
It was then.
Glug, glug, glug.
With a clear sound, Geom Wu-jin poured wine into the cup in front of him.
“Innkeeper, come and receive a drink from me.”
“!”
At Geom Wu-jin’s words, Jo Chun-bae turned pale. “How could I dare!”
He was trembling, but whose command was it? How could he refuse? Jo Chun-bae ran over and respectfully received the drink.
“Drink it, then pour one for me.”
After Jo Chun-bae drank, he poured wine into Geom Wu-jin’s cup. His hands were trembling so much that the wine overflowed.
But miraculously, the wine flowed back into the cup. Geom Wu-jin had used high-level Telekinesis to return the overflowing liquid. Not a single drop fell to the floor.
That was the first time Jo Chun-bae met Geom Wu-jin’s eyes. It was a very brief moment, but it was a gaze Jo Chun-bae would never forget.
It was then.
“Receive a drink from me as well.”
Surprisingly, the one who spoke was Jin Pae-cheon. Jo Chun-bae’s sincere heart for Geom Mu-geuk had reached the Alliance Leader’s heart.
“I still don't quite understand the Young Cult Leader’s Demonic Path, but at least I think I know for sure why it’s here.”
Jin Pae-cheon poured a drink for Jo Chun-bae. Baek Ja-gang didn't just sit by either. He silently gestured for Jo Chun-bae to come closer.
Baek Ja-gang said nothing. He simply poured a drink for Jo Chun-bae, then lightly clinked his cup against the man's.
Clink.
The clear sound of the cups colliding echoed softly through the tavern. That sound served as a signal, and the taut atmosphere relaxed once more.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke loudly. “Father, Alliance Leader, we’ll have a drink as well.”
When Geom Wu-jin and the two leaders nodded their permission, Geom Mu-geuk took the other three youths and settled into a corner on the second floor.
“Innkeeper, bring us some wine first!”
“Yes, coming right up!”
Jo Chun-bae brought the wine and cups first. Just as they were all sitting around, about to have a drink and introduce themselves...
Something suddenly took flight from behind and flew slowly toward the table where they were sitting. The object, moved by Telekinesis, was a stir-fried mushroom dish, and it landed precisely in front of Bi Sa-in.
Then came a word from Baek Ja-gang behind them. “Those are the mushrooms our Sa-in likes.”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes widened. It was the most flustered he had looked since meeting his master.
Then, a duck dish on Jin Pae-cheon’s table took flight. The dish sent by Jin Pae-cheon cut through the air and landed in front of Jin Ha-gun.
“Ha-gun, it’s the duck you like. Don't drink on an empty stomach.”
Then, a dish rose from the table where it seemed nothing would ever float. The dish that flew from Geom Wu-jin’s table landed in front of Geom Mu-geuk.
“But this is a dish I hate?”
To which Geom Wu-jin replied, “I sent it because it’s a dish I hate.”
From where Geom Mu-geuk sat, he could only see his father’s back. It felt as if the Heavenly Demon Soul was laughing.
“As expected! Blood doesn't lie; our tastes are exactly the same! Still, the dish Father sent is the best.”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s shout, Jin Ha-gun cried out, “No! The dish the Alliance Leader sent is the best!”
Bi Sa-in, not to be outdone, shouted even louder, “No! The dish my Master sent is the best!”
At this new competition, Jin Ha-ryeong laughed with an expression that said they were hopeless. They say men are just children no matter how old they get, and that if you want to study men, you should study children—and yet, these were the men protecting the Murim.
“Why are you laughing like that?”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, she raised her glass high and said, “Because I feel so reassured. Come on, let’s all have a drink together!”