Chapter 460: Now Is the Time to Ask Yourself
Chapter 460: Now Is the Time to Ask Yourself
Geom Wu-jin was practicing his martial arts alone in the rear garden.
Hwi stood outside the wall, listening to the sounds of the Cult Leader’s training. Because he was always by the Cult Leader’s side, he alone knew the truth: lately, the Cult Leader was training harder than ever before. He also knew that the catalyst for this change was Geom Mu-geuk.
The rhythm of the Cult Leader’s breathing, the weight of his footsteps, the grace of his leaps, the sharp whistle of his sword, and the way he effortlessly emitted and retracted his aura...
These were sounds Hwi had heard for many years. Yet, in all that time, Hwi had never once directly watched the Cult Leader practice. Though the Cult Leader had told him it was fine to watch, Hwi followed his own principles and merely listened from the shadows.
Through sound alone, Hwi could tell. Or perhaps, it was because he only listened that he could understand even better.
The Cult Leader’s realm had changed. He was a man thought to have no higher peaks to climb, yet could there truly be another realm beyond the summit? The sounds the Cult Leader made had definitely changed.
Just as the training session came to an end, a visitor arrived at the manor. When Hwi went out to check, he found it was Hwang In, the merchant who had visited once before.
“What brings you here?” Hwi asked.
Hwang In spoke with a terrified expression. “May I speak with the Cult Leader directly?”
Hwi led him to the backyard.
“The leader of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group has arrived,” Geom Wu-jin’s voice drifted from over the wall. “Bring him in.”
Throughout the journey here, Hwang In had been repeating Geom Mu-geuk’s instructions in his head.
Don’t make eye contact. Be polite.
“I greet the Cult Leader,” Hwang In said, bowing deeply and keeping his head lowered. “Your son has been taken captive. It was by the person who came down to investigate this matter. Your son said he would cook for them, but they wouldn’t listen, so he said he’d do it himself... No, that’s not it.”
As the man rambled incoherently, Hwi interrupted. “Where is the location?”
“If you go about ten li west of the market, there is an old manor.”
This was the information Geum A-rin had told him to relay. But then Geom Mu-geuk had chimed in.
— Won’t it be confusing if you only explain it like that? You need to tell him in detail: ten li from where in the market, whether there are any forks in the road, and if there are other similar manors nearby.
— I thought you said your father wouldn't come?
At Geum A-rin’s remark, Geom Mu-geuk had put on a look of feigned distress.
— Because he is a heartless man.
Hwang In could tell. Geom Mu-geuk was secretly hoping his father would come.
But your hunch was right.
Just as Geom Mu-geuk had predicted, Geom Wu-jin showed no sign of concern—in fact, he seemed entirely uninterested.
“He told me to tell you to come there. And to come alone,” Hwang In added.
Hwi spoke as if dismissing him. “Understood. You may leave now.”
Hwang In turned to leave but then stopped in his tracks. He felt that Geom Mu-geuk would only survive if he somehow managed to bring Geom Wu-jin along. And only if Geom Mu-geuk lived would he live as well.
“Your son’s internal energy has been suppressed...”
Even that didn't work.
“Your son told me several times to explain the manor’s location clearly so you wouldn't get lost. He was truly earnest and pathetic about it!”
Even his exaggerated pleas failed to move the man. Faced with the same blunt lack of reaction, Hwang In bowed his head and turned around.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Hwi knew the Cult Leader better than anyone. He was not the type of person to personally grace an event that the Young Cult Leader could handle on his own.
However, Geom Wu-jin chose this moment to show Hwi once more that it wasn't just the sound of his martial arts that had changed. He called out to the retreating Hwang In.
“Did he finish the grocery shopping?”
Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Hwang In blanked for a moment before quickly replying. “Yes! Even with his internal energy suppressed, he bought enough to fill both hands. Vegetables, meat, and even fruit for dessert.”
Was he picturing the scene? A faint smile played on Geom Wu-jin’s lips.
“Lead the way.”
In truth, the person most surprised wasn't Hwang In, but Hwi. As he silently followed behind Geom Wu-jin, Hwi had a premonition that his duties as a guard were about to become much more difficult.
If the Cult Leader was changing, Hwi would have to change as well to protect him. And yet, this change seemed to be a welcome one. A rare smile, as difficult to catch as the Cult Leader’s own, touched the corners of Hwi's mouth as he followed.
*
The meeting place was an old manor in a secluded area. As soon as Geum A-rin had returned, she planted ambushes throughout the grounds.
These were the people she had brought with her on this trip. Though they weren't many, they were experts skilled in surprise attacks. They lay in wait everywhere—in the trees, on the roofs, and behind the buildings. Being highly experienced, they positioned themselves perfectly.
Even if the target managed to fend off their surprise attack, he wouldn't be able to block her own follow-up strike in that opening. The opponent would not leave this place alive.
Whether he was aware of the gravity of the situation or not, Geom Mu-geuk emerged from the kitchen carrying tableware.
Is he really going to cook in this situation?
Defying expectations just as he had by grocery shopping, Geom Mu-geuk prepared to cook right in the middle of the ambush. He started a fire in the yard, brought out bowls and utensils, and washed them in clean water.
Then, with practiced skill, he began to prep the ingredients. Geum A-rin watched him, wondering just how far he would take this.
As he peeled an onion, Geom Mu-geuk spoke. “Every time I cook, I feel like I’m practicing martial arts. Lighting the fire, washing the dishes, researching which ingredients to use, trying out this seasoning and that ingredient... and when the optimal recipe is found, repeating it. What do you think? Isn't it similar to our martial arts?”
“If you stretch it that far, what wouldn't be?” Geum A-rin replied coldly.
Geom Mu-geuk laughed and conceded. “You’re right. Playing an instrument, painting, or even going out to work every day—it’s all similar.”
Geom Mu-geuk closed his eyes, perhaps because the onion was stinging them. Seeing the tears leak out, Geum A-rin felt certain of at least one thing.
A martial artist crying over an onion? I’ve truly never seen someone like this.
Most martial artists were like that onion—people whose true nature was hidden beneath layers. They either hid their exterior or their interior. They pretended to be strong when they were weak, or weak when they were strong.
But this man was a new type altogether. He didn't seem weak, yet he didn't seem strong either. That was why she couldn't make a decision. That was why she was standing here, watching this absurd display that defied all common sense.
“To be honest, I’m a better cook than my father. Consider yourself lucky to be eating a more delicious meal because of it.”
It was at that exact moment.
Geum A-rin’s gaze instinctively shifted toward the entrance. She wasn't the only one. The eyes of those lying in ambush also naturally turned toward the main gate.
How long had he been there? A man stood outside the wide-open gate with his hands behind his back.
It was Geom Wu-jin.
A sudden silence fell. Geum A-rin’s heart began to pound so violently she could hear it in her ears. The opponent hadn't released any aura, nor was he glaring coldly, yet her entire body felt frozen stiff.
Why am I like this? He hasn't even done anything.
She could sense that the attention of everyone in hiding was also focused on that one spot. The presence of that man, standing there leisurely with his hands behind his back, set everyone’s nerves on edge.
The person who broke the breathless silence was Geom Mu-geuk.
“Father! You came to save your son! I knew it! I knew you weren't a cold-hearted father who would abandon his child!”
The corner of Geom Wu-jin’s mouth curled into a smirk. That smirk said to his son: Save you? I’m here to save the people you’re toying with.
Geom Wu-jin walked slowly inside. Hwang In followed cautiously behind him. As Geom Wu-jin entered the yard, someone appeared between him and Geum A-rin. The white-haired masked man was none other than Im Hyeok, the personal bodyguard who had protected Geum A-rin since she was a child.
“Go, Miss. Quickly,” Im Hyeok whispered.
In his long life as a martial artist, Im Hyeok had encountered many warriors. This was the first time he had faced an opponent who made him feel such primal danger. The fact that the opponent hadn't even revealed a hint of aura was even more terrifying.
Shhh!
Hidden weapons flew toward Geom Wu-jin. Normally, the situation would have called for a shout of "Attack together!" but...
Clang!
The person who leaped forward to deflect the hidden weapons was, surprisingly, Im Hyeok. He intercepted the second and third volleys as well.
“Cease fire! Stop!” he roared.
He halted the surprise attack. He had realized that their ambushes would not work against this opponent. It was an instinctive judgment that they must not provoke the man’s ire.
If we touch him, we’ll all be slaughtered!
He proved with his excellent judgment that his white hair was indeed a symbol of his years and experience.
“Everyone, fall back!”
At Im Hyeok’s command, all those in ambush retreated. Geum A-rin moved, but she didn't flee as he had suggested. Instead, she moved behind Geom Mu-geuk and pressed her sword to his throat. It was a declaration that she would kill Geom Mu-geuk if they touched Im Hyeok.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to her calmly. “There’s a reason you’ve survived this long.”
He meant that Im Hyeok had protected her well. In the midst of that suffocating tension...
“Sheathe your sword.”
Geom Wu-jin’s low words carried an absolute majesty that none dared to defy. Im Hyeok’s judgment remained sound until the end. He did not hesitate to sheathe his sword. Sometimes, one could protect someone by putting a sword back into its scabbard.
Then he looked at Geum A-rin. His eyes told her: Do as he says, quickly.
Geum A-rin retracted her sword. However, she did not move away from Geom Mu-geuk.
As if nothing had happened, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to his father. “I will cook for you today.”
“Did you buy enough?”
“Yes, I bought plenty, just in case.”
The phrase "just in case" carried the meaning that he had anticipated his father might come. It was also a reflection of his hope that he would.
It was then that Geom Wu-jin rolled up his sleeves and approached Geom Mu-geuk. Then, he quietly began to prep the vegetables. He was going to help his son cook.
Geom Mu-geuk stared at his father with a look of shock before quietly immersing himself in the task. He was so surprised and moved that he couldn't even think of making a joke.
Cooking with his father. It was something he was doing for the first time since his regression. There were many things he wanted to do with his father, but he hadn't expected a moment where they would prepare a meal together. He was even more moved because this wasn't a moment he had manufactured, but one his father had created.
Father, thank you.
Geum A-rin watched the scene with a frozen expression. The fact that Im Hyeok had stepped forward like that meant he had sensed a level of strength in the opponent that she had failed to perceive.
Just who are these people?
She had never heard of such a father and son in the Jianghu.
— You must not act rashly under any circumstances.
It was a voice transmission from Im Hyeok. This was the first time she had seen him so frightened and tense. She herself hadn't felt that much danger.
A short while later, Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Wu-jin finished the meal. Finally, Geom Mu-geuk called out to Hwi.
“Uncle.”
Then, Hwi deactivated his stealth and appeared between Im Hyeok and Geom Wu-jin.
“Gasp!”
Im Hyeok let out a sharp cry. It was the first time Geum A-rin had seen him so startled by someone’s appearance. He wasn't shocked because he recognized Hwi, but because of the sheer level of his stealth technique. Im Hyeok hadn't realized that the man had been hiding just a few steps away from him.
Others might just think it was impressive, but he alone knew. He knew just how incredible that single display of stealth was. It was a feat that would evoke greater shock the higher one’s own level was; Hwi’s stealth had been that perfect.
The surprises didn't end there. The aura of a master radiated from Hwi. He was clearly a bodyguard. It took a guard to recognize a guard.
I have never seen such a powerful bodyguard in my entire life.
Just who was he protecting? His skill was a perfect match for the presence of the man who had appeared earlier. His gaze naturally drifted toward Geom Wu-jin. One thing was certain: no matter who that man was, he was someone whose name everyone would know the moment they heard it.
Then, Hwi looked at Im Hyeok. There is a silent understanding between guards who have devoted their lives to loyalty and service. They can tell what kind of guard the other is and what kind of life they have led.
That was likely why Hwi sent this voice transmission.
— Do you wish to protect your master? Then stop. Your thoughts, your actions. And keep your mouth shut.
Im Hyeok understood it was advice to leave everything to them. It wasn't advice given to just anyone.
And so, everyone sat around the table. Hwi, Im Hyeok, and even Hwang In took a seat.
“Now, let’s eat,” Geom Wu-jin said.
“How does it taste?” Geom Mu-geuk asked nervously.
He had been the head cook today, and his father had only assisted. The Young Cult Leader cooking and the Heavenly Demon assisting... it was truly an unforgettable day in the history of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
“It’s not bad,” his father replied.
From him, such an evaluation was equivalent to praising it as a delicacy. This time, Mu-geuk asked Geum A-rin.
“Why aren't you eating, Miss? Go ahead. I told you, a dish made by my father and me is something you won't get to eat again in your lifetime.”
Geum A-rin had not yet picked up her chopsticks. She was in a state of total confusion. The situation had ended before she could even try anything. It was now completely out of her control. She was someone who knew how to maintain composure, but this...
“Just what is this?” she sighed despite herself.
Im Hyeok’s eyes told her she had to endure. Of course, she trusted his judgment. However, while she could refrain from drawing her sword, she could not hold back this question.
“What is your true identity?”
It was a question she had asked and pondered several times, yet she still hadn't found an answer. Geom Mu-geuk looked at her with clear, deep eyes.
“I happened to see someone being forced into an unreasonable contract and helped them. When the plan went awry, the ones doing the forcing tried to kill us. So I killed them. Did some great men die that you had to come all this way to seek revenge?”
Because he spoke in a calm and steady tone—and because he had mostly said nonsensical things until now—Geom Mu-geuk’s words carried a heavy weight.
“Why do you ask who we are? Isn't now the time to ask yourself who you are? Are you a person who deserves to die like those men? Or are you someone worth living?”
Geum A-rin could not offer a single word in response. Fury surged within her, but she couldn't show it. Because there was another emotion, intertwined with her anger, holding it back from bursting out: fear.
Geom Mu-geuk was asking her now: Are you a person worth living?
In the midst of the heavy silence, only the sound of food being chewed could be heard. The pouring of water, the clicking of chopsticks. Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Wu-jin ate naturally, as they always did. Hwi and Hwang In ate cautiously, while Geum A-rin and Im Hyeok could hardly eat at all.
It was then that a sound drifted in from the distance. The sound grew louder and louder.
Thud-thud-thud-thud.
It was the sound of a carriage racing toward them. The manor was in a secluded area where no one should be coming. And yet, as if by fate, the carriage arrived outside the gate.