Chapter 493: Next Time, with the Character for Fate
Chapter 493: Next Time, with the Character for Fate
We returned together after a night of martial arts training that had kept us awake until dawn.
My father led the way, while Hwi and I walked a step behind him on either side. I had instructed Hwi not to hide himself during this journey if possible, so he walked openly with us. Although he had defeated the Murder King through stealth, living a life in the light was also a necessary part of Hwi’s growth.
“By the way, Father. I think I should settle things with the Golden Dragon Clan before we head back.”
Father knew I intended to give them a chance. He also knew I was considering the third child, Geum A-rin, as the successor.
“To be honest, this feels much harder than dealing with assassins, but if you give me a few days, I’ll wrap it up.”
Father looked at me with a questioning gaze. “Is that possible in just a few days?”
“It would be impossible through normal persuasion.”
The family head and his three children—it was a matter of untangling the conflicting hearts and greed of four different people.
“So, I plan to use a different method instead of persuasion.”
A flicker of interest crossed Father’s eyes before vanishing. He didn’t ask what the method was; he would find out soon enough anyway.
Upon returning to our quarters, Father immediately began tending to his fishing rod again. He inspected it from every angle, replaced the line, and even shaved down the wood with a dagger to perfect the balance.
“If a spy from the Murim Alliance or the Unorthodox Path Alliance saw this, they’d send a report like this: ‘The Heavenly Demon is pouring his heart and soul into the creation of an unknown artifact. Judging by his intense focus, it is believed to be a highly dangerous weapon disguised as a fishing rod.’”
Despite my joke, Father didn’t respond, his focus remaining entirely on the rod. He looked even more serious now than when he was teaching me martial arts earlier. His cautious touch contained a silent will that refused to accept defeat.
‘But I’m still not losing to you on purpose!’
In fact, I had to win. Only then would I have another excuse to drag him out fishing.
*
A few days later, Geum A-rin and Geom Mu-geuk entered the Family Head’s Hall of the Golden Dragon Clan.
They had rushed there at her father’s urgent summons, only to find Geum A-hyeok and Geum A-jong already present. Not only them, but all the clan’s senior experts were gathered. Everyone looked visibly tense, as if they were on the verge of a major battle.
Seeing that Geum A-rin had been told to bring everyone, including Geom Mu-geuk and her guard Im Hyeok, it was clear that a crisis had erupted within the clan.
As she arrived, the voice of a Golden Dragon Clan warrior echoed from outside.
“The guests have arrived!”
Upon hearing those words, Geum Cheon-bang’s face stiffened. A-rin had never seen her father look this nervous before.
A moment later, four martial artists entered the hall. The moment Geum A-rin saw them, she understood the source of her father’s dread.
‘Demonic practitioners!’
The aura radiating from them was unmistakable Demonic Qi. Furthermore, they made no effort to hide it. The pressure emanating from the man walking in the center was particularly extraordinary.
‘An elite expert!’
As she suspected, he was no ordinary man. The middle-aged man introduced himself in a cold, biting tone.
“I am Dae Yang, the Shaanxi Branch Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
Geum A-rin was stunned. It wasn’t just any cultist; the Branch Leader responsible for the entire Shaanxi region had visited them in person. Only three experts followed behind Dae Yang as escorts, but their presence felt more intimidating than if they had brought an entire army.
Geum Cheon-bang stepped forward and bowed politely. A Branch Leader of the Demonic Cult was not someone to be trifled with.
“I am Geum Cheon-bang, head of the Golden Dragon Clan.”
Though Geum Cheon-bang was a master of the Golden Dragon Divine Art, he had harbored a primal fear of demonic martial artists since his youth. Facing these men now, that fear resurfaced with a vengeance. However, he struggled to maintain a composed front.
“My clan usually has no dealings with your esteemed Cult. May I ask what brings you here?”
An urgent message had arrived from the Shaanxi Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult this morning. It was a command for the family head and all successors to gather and wait. The delivery was typical of the Demonic Cult—they had provided the time of the visit without stating a single reason.
Immediately upon receiving the message, Geum Cheon-bang had requested help from the Shaanxi Branch of the Murim Alliance. However, the Demonic Cult had arrived long before the Alliance experts could get there.
Dae Yang scanned the people in the hall. Those who met his gaze felt an internal chill. Regardless of their martial prowess, they knew that offending the Demonic Cult could lead to the total annihilation of their clan.
Dae Yang’s gaze stopped on Geum A-hyeok. One of the accompanying warriors had informed him via Voice Transmission that this was the target.
“Are you Geum A-hyeok?”
“I am.”
Though he had been rebellious and prickly toward his father lately, A-hyeok didn’t dare act out against the demonic practitioners.
“Do you know a man named Myeong Sin?”
“Who is that?”
“Don’t bother denying it. We have evidence that you visited his iron workshop frequently to meet him.”
Only then did A-hyeok realize that the man he had followed and called 'Elder' was named Myeong Sin.
“We also have evidence that vast amounts of the Golden Dragon Clan’s funds flowed to him.”
Geum A-hyeok explained calmly, “That is correct. That gentleman helped our clan with various matters.”
Dae Yang spoke coldly. “He was an assassin of the Underworld—a man for whom our Cult issued a Pursuit and Kill Order.”
Not only Geum A-hyeok but also Geum Cheon-bang was stunned. They were shocked to learn he was an assassin of the Underworld, but even more so that they had unknowingly harbored an enemy of the Demonic Cult.
Geum Cheon-bang hurriedly stepped in for his son. “We were entirely unaware of such facts.”
Dae Yang stared at Geum Cheon-bang with icy eyes. “An investigation will reveal the truth. We will be taking Geum A-hyeok with us.”
Geum Cheon-bang turned pale. There was no telling what would happen to his son if he were dragged off to the Demonic Cult’s dungeons.
On the other hand, Geum A-hyeok only cared about Myeong Sin. “Where is that gentleman now?”
“That gentleman?” Dae Yang’s expression hardened. Even after being told the man was a target of a Pursuit and Kill Order, Geum A-hyeok still referred to him with respect.
Just as Geum Cheon-bang was about to intervene again, Dae Yang delivered the final blow.
“Myeong Sin, as well as all the assassins of the Underworld, have been eliminated by our Cult.”
Geum A-hyeok’s expression froze. Conversely, Geum Cheon-bang was secretly relieved. His son had been obsessed with that man to the point of employing assassins. Now, the man who had been a corrupting influence was dead. In that regard, the Demonic Cult was almost a benefactor.
“You killed him?” Geum A-hyeok raised his voice, agitated. Myeong Sin had taught him more than anyone else; he truly liked and respected the man.
Geum Cheon-bang quickly stepped in to silence his son. “You! Be quiet!”
But Geum A-hyeok blurted out words he shouldn’t have. “The Demonic Cult must have slandered and murdered him!”
“I told you to shut up!”
“He wasn’t that kind of person! This is a plot by you Demonic Cult bastards—!”
Geum Cheon-bang quickly struck his son’s Mute and Paralysis Acupoints to suppress him. Even then, Geum A-hyeok glared with fierce, hateful eyes. The clan experts present frowned at the eldest son's suicidal recklessness.
“Please forgive my son’s discourtesy,” Geum Cheon-bang pleaded.
Dae Yang merely responded with a cold stare. Now that things had come to this, Geum Cheon-bang couldn't possibly send his son with them. If he went in such an agitated state, he would be dead within a day.
Right then, the people Geum Cheon-bang had been waiting for arrived. The warriors from the Shaanxi Branch of the Murim Alliance appeared.
“Welcome!” Geum Cheon-bang greeted them warmly. However, the Branch Leader he was close with hadn't come personally; only a few subordinates had arrived.
“We have come to deliver a message from the Branch Leader.”
Surprisingly, the Murim Alliance already knew about the situation. And the words they spoke were like a bolt from the blue.
“The assassins of the Underworld are individuals who have been designated as Public Enemies of the Murim by the Alliance as well.”
The fact that the Shaanxi Branch Leader had only sent subordinates to deliver this message meant they would not intervene. They were washing their hands of the matter.
Dae Yang pressured Geum Cheon-bang, radiating cold Demonic Qi. “Can we take him now?”
Geum Cheon-bang couldn't argue. They had formed a relationship with someone who was an enemy of the Demonic Cult and a Public Enemy of the Murim. If he wasn't careful, the entire Golden Dragon Clan would be purged.
“Since the situation is like this, Father, you should send Brother with them first,” the second son, Geum A-jong, stepped forward.
Geum Cheon-bang glared at him. Geum A-jong backed off without another word, but he was secretly thrilled. This was the moment his older brother was finished.
At that moment, Geum A-rin felt the gaze of Geom Mu-geuk standing beside her. He was looking at her with calm eyes, as if he had expected this to happen. His eyes asked: Are you just going to stand there?
— What should I do? she sent via Voice Transmission.
— What do you want to do? Do you want to step forward and save your brother?
— Honestly, no.
— Even so, you must prevent him from being taken. That is, if you want to become the successor.
It was advice from Geom Mu-geuk, who seemed to see through the entire situation. There was no time for long deliberation. The demonic practitioners were already approaching to seize Geum A-hyeok.
Though she was terrified, she mustered her courage. She trusted Geom Mu-geuk’s judgment.
“I have a request for the Branch Leader!”
Everyone’s attention snapped to her. Geum A-rin spoke clearly to Dae Yang.
“Even if you must investigate this matter, I ask that you conduct it within our clan.”
“Do you know who we are and still dare to say such a thing?”
“I say it because I know. We are not a martial sect, but a clan belonging to the merchant world. For the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to barge in and forcibly take a blood relative of this clan would incite public resentment from the entire merchant world, as well as other martial artists. Furthermore, I am not saying we won't undergo an investigation. I am asking that it be conducted here.”
Her voice trembled, but she said everything she needed to say.
“And if I refuse?”
If she was going to act weak, she shouldn't have stepped forward in the first place.
“I will do my best to make this a public issue within the Murim. Though I may not know much, it could also bring dishonor to your reputation, Branch Leader.”
A thick tension flowed between the two. Geum A-rin was certain the Demonic Cult wouldn't attack recklessly. With Murim Alliance warriors present, they wouldn't start a fight. If they did, it would escalate into a massive diplomatic incident.
“This is a matter involving the Family Head’s flesh and blood. I ask that you handle it with a bit more caution.”
She bowed her head politely. The clan members watched her with surprise. In a succession struggle, one would usually try to throw their rival to the wolves, just as the second son had tried to do.
Dae Yang also knew their situation well. “I understand you are in a succession struggle with your brothers. Why did you step forward?”
Geum A-rin answered calmly. “The succession struggle is important, but the honor of this clan is more important than that.”
Geum Cheon-bang and the clan experts looked at her with shock. The Family Head, in particular, was deeply moved. His daughter was trying to save her brother while simultaneously protecting the clan’s honor. In this moment, she was more of a leader than anyone else present.
After staring at her for a moment, Dae Yang stepped back.
“You are the best among the children.” He offered an unexpected compliment. “Fine. We shall conduct the investigation here. We will withdraw for now and send an investigator tomorrow.”
Geum A-rin bowed politely with a Fist Salute. “Thank you for your consideration.”
Dae Yang looked at Geum A-hyeok and gave a cold warning. “Do not leave this place. If you do, a Pursuit and Kill Order will be issued against you personally.”
With those words, the demonic practitioners withdrew. The Murim Alliance warriors left shortly after, clearly wanting no part of the mess.
Geum Cheon-bang nodded at Geum A-rin with a look of profound approval. The clan experts also looked at her with softened expressions. Conversely, the looks directed at Geum A-hyeok were cold. He had nearly destroyed the Golden Dragon Clan.
As the situation in the hall settled, Geom Mu-geuk and Geum A-rin spoke privately outside.
“I will be leaving now,” Mu-geuk said.
“What?”
“I’ve done what I came to do, so I must leave.”
Done what he came to do? A thought suddenly occurred to Geum A-rin. “Could it be? The things that just happened... did you orchestrate them?”
“If not me, who? Do you think the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would have backed down so easily? Or given you a compliment?”
“...!” She was stunned. “Just how...?”
He moved the Demonic Cult? And the Shaanxi Branch Leader at that? How?
Is this man a demonic practitioner? But I didn't feel a single ounce of Demonic Qi from him. Or did he move the Murim Alliance to pressure the Cult? Does the Murim Alliance Leader’s granddaughter really like this man? All sorts of theories flashed through her mind.
“With this incident, your brother, who was the frontrunner, has been disqualified. Conversely, your position has become favorable. You collected debts from various Shaanxi merchant groups and helped people in need. And today, you stepped forward to save your brother and protect the clan’s honor.”
“But there’s still my second brother.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared at her. “Are you really asking me to do that much for you as well?”
Geum A-rin flinched. Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes said: Shouldn't you handle that yourself? Show everyone your capabilities as a successor directly.
“No. I should be the one to do it.”
What weighed on her mind now wasn't Geum A-jong. “Even so, bringing in the Demonic Cult was a mistake.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked up at the sky. His gaze deepened as he finally spoke the words he intended to say before leaving.
“Neither you, nor your father, nor your brothers are good people. You tried to increase your wealth by holding hands with evil. You tried to force places like the Ju Clan Sword House into unfair contracts. You’ve likely committed other wrongs as well.”
Geum A-rin couldn't make an excuse. It was the truth.
“Do you know why I’m giving you a chance anyway?”
Geum A-rin asked in a trembling voice, “Why?”
“Because the assassins of the Underworld targeted you intentionally. Those bastards are so wicked that they would have pulled you in one way or another. Of course, that doesn't absolve you of the sin of falling for it.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward her. Unlike the eyes she had seen until now, his gaze was stern.
“Correct all the wrongs you committed while running your secret organization. That’s not the end of it. After you become the successor, and even after you become the family head, you must live your life with the intent of atoning for past mistakes. I chose you because I believed you were someone capable of doing at least that much.”
Only now did Geum A-rin realize. His promise of the succession wasn't a reward—it was a responsibility. He had chosen her because she seemed like the person who would accept that burden best.
“I asked you before. Could you kill your brothers? At the time, you said you weren't sure. Now, answer me again. Can you kill them?”
After a moment of thought, she shook her head. “I don't think I can.”
Geom Mu-geuk eased her worries. “That’s why the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult will actually be a help to you. As long as they are watching, your brothers won't dare target your life. Build your strength in the meantime. So that you can protect yourself even without external management.”
Geum A-rin felt she finally understood how she should live from now on. This man, who had been a complete mystery, was a much greater person than she had imagined. A person who wiped out the Underworld, moved the Demonic Cult, and gave her this opportunity.
“Then, I’ll be going.”
Geom Mu-geuk began walking away with long strides. Realizing he was leaving just like that, she panicked.
“Thank you so much!”
Geom Mu-geuk, who had already walked quite a distance, turned back and shouted.
“Continue to live as a woman blessed with plenty of food!”
Geum A-rin laughed. She had jokingly introduced herself to the Silver River Merchant Group Leader as a woman blessed with plenty of food, and he had used those words as his final farewell.
“Just who are you?”
“I am Geom Yeon.”
He had said his name used the character for 'smoke' (Yeon), not 'fate' (Yeon). Indeed, he was disappearing like smoke. Geum A-rin couldn't leave that spot until Geom Mu-geuk vanished from her sight.
‘Next time, let’s meet with the character for fate, not smoke.’