Chapter 503: Even So, Nothing Changes.
Chapter 503: Even So, Nothing Changes.
What if Geom Mu-geuk’s prediction was correct?
It would mean he was going to die today—along with the elite Demon Extermination Squad of the Murim Alliance.
If anyone other than Geom Mu-geuk had said it, would he have believed them? The claim that someone had set a trap to wipe out both him and the Demon Extermination Squad in a single stroke?
‘I wouldn't have believed it for a second.’
But now, he believed.
In all the time he had known Geom Mu-geuk, had the man ever been wrong? No, never. His words always became reality.
His prediction that the Chongqing Branch might be attacked had also been spot on. If the Demon Monarch hadn't arrived to help, the previous report would have been far more gruesome.
Because of that, Jin Ha-gun’s expression naturally hardened.
‘These people are even more vicious than the enemies we faced last time.’
Jin Ha-gun looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
“It’s a relief, then. They probably didn't account for a variable like you.”
However, Geom Mu-geuk did not let his guard down.
“You never know.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was involved, and they had even drawn in Seo Dae-ryong. How could he be certain that he himself was an exception?
“What do you plan to do now?”
At that question, Geom Mu-geuk left the decision to Jin Ha-gun.
“You decide. The matter of Yumyeong Manor is your responsibility.”
He wanted Jin Ha-gun to take the lead in this operation.
Jin Ha-gun’s gaze turned toward the manor.
If danger lurked there, one option was to withdraw for now and return after mobilizing all the branch warriors.
But doing so could lead to heavy casualties among the rank-and-file warriors. If the enemies were waiting specifically to kill the Demon Extermination Squad, the sacrifice of ordinary warriors would be immense.
Alternatively, he could request reinforcements from the Alliance headquarters.
But that would take time. Could they really afford to delay this matter?
Neither option appealed to him.
Thus, he reached a conclusion.
“I want to perform a frontal breakthrough right now.”
He wanted to rescue the Yumyeong Manor Lord and his family in time.
If he hadn't known they were there, it would be one thing, but now that he knew, he had to save them.
That was the very reason for the Demon Extermination Squad’s existence.
Sensing his resolve, Geom Mu-geuk smiled.
“I’ll watch your back, so lead the way.”
At those words, which were more reassuring than anything else in the world, Jin Ha-gun nodded.
Jin Ha-gun gathered the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad.
“There is a very high probability that those targeting us are inside that villa. Stay sharp!”
They might have fallen for it if they were ignorant, but if they prepared in advance, they wouldn't be taken down easily. Even if there was an Absolute Master present who could overwhelm them.
Jin Ha-gun’s gaze shifted toward Geom Mu-geuk.
‘We have an Absolute Master on our side, too.’
With Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-gun in the lead, the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad followed.
In this situation, Jin Ha-gun felt a strange sense of novelty as he walked toward what might be a trap alongside the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
The inner turmoil he had experienced from not fully trusting Geom Mu-geuk had completely vanished. He had decided that even ninety percent trust was more than enough.
Perhaps that was why he felt comfortable enough to say this.
“I have a favor to ask.”
The request was truly unexpected.
“If I should happen to die, please look after my younger sister.”
Jin Ha-gun never imagined he would make such a request of Geom Mu-geuk. But he wanted to say it while he had the chance. Whether as a friend’s brother, as one martial artist to another, or as a man to a woman—Geom Mu-geuk was the only person he could trust with his sister.
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk replied.
“I cannot grant that favor.”
“Why not?”
“If you die here and only I survive, it will look as if I killed you. Even if she doesn't think I did it, your sister and the Alliance Leader will never forgive me for failing to save you. So, you must not die under any circumstances.”
Jin Ha-gun nodded. Come to think of it, he was right. His death would be the signal fire that ignited the Great Demonic-Orthodox War.
Soon, the two arrived at the front of the manor.
“Are we just going in through the front gate?”
“They probably won't expect us to just knock and walk in. We’re catching them off guard.”
Having said that, Geom Mu-geuk pounded on the door.
The person who opened the door immediately was a middle-aged martial artist. He looked like a warrior belonging to the villa, and three or four other warriors in the same uniform stood behind him.
The middle-aged warrior was startled to see the Demon Extermination Squad lined up behind Jin Ha-gun. It felt as if dozens of sharpened swords were pointed directly at him.
One of the Demon Extermination Squad warriors stepped forward.
“We have come to see the Manor Lord. Is he in?”
The middle-aged warrior asked in a trembling voice.
“Where... where are you from?”
“Tell him the Captain of the Murim Alliance’s Demon Extermination Squad has arrived.”
The middle-aged warrior gasped. His gaze shifted to Jin Ha-gun.
“Are you truly the Captain of the Demon Extermination Squad?”
Jin Ha-gun asked him back.
“Impersonating the Captain of the Demon Extermination Squad would earn someone a very long stay in the dungeon. Do I look like such a foolish person to you?”
Even without Jin Ha-gun revealing his aura, the sheer presence of the Demon Extermination Squad warriors behind him was enough to prove his identity.
“No, sir.”
The middle-aged warrior ordered one of the men behind him to announce the Captain’s arrival, and the man ran inside.
By the looks of it, they certainly hadn't expected this visit.
Seeing their reaction, Jin Ha-gun sent a Voice Transmission.
— It doesn't look like a trap.
They were clearly flustered and surprised by the sudden visit of the Demon Extermination Squad Captain.
— The better the trap, the more it seems that way, doesn't it?
Geom Mu-geuk was still suspicious.
— This man’s martial arts are no joke. He likely holds a fairly high position in this villa. Yet, he greeted us personally. Isn't that strange?
Jin Ha-gun understood what Geom Mu-geuk’s Voice Transmission implied.
— You mean they were prepared for an outside intrusion?
— Exactly.
A moment later, the warrior who had run inside returned.
“He says to bring you in at once.”
The middle-aged warrior spoke politely to Jin Ha-gun.
“This way, please.”
Jin Ha-gun followed him, and the Demon Extermination Squad warriors fanned out, staying alert as they walked. As they entered the inner court, they saw warriors stationed everywhere.
Jin Ha-gun asked the middle-aged warrior, testing him.
“The defenses are quite heavy for a simple manor.”
The middle-aged warrior replied calmly.
“With the gruesome incidents occurring in Chongqing lately, we have tightened our security.”
Eventually, Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-gun arrived at the main hall. There, Yu Beom, the Lord of Hyangsu Villa, greeted Jin Ha-gun.
“Welcome. What brings such an esteemed guest to this humble place?”
Geom Mu-geuk stood a few paces behind Jin Ha-gun among the Demon Extermination Squad, observing the Manor Lord’s reaction. Yu Beom was of an advanced age and looked like he had weathered many storms, but his reaction suggested this visit was entirely unforeseen.
“I have something to discuss with the Manor Lord.”
“Please, speak.”
Yu Beom was exceedingly courteous. His guest was a powerful candidate for the next Alliance Leader and the head of the Murim Alliance’s most elite unit.
“Are you aware of the incident that occurred at Yumyeong Manor?”
“Of course.”
“A warrior who was at Yumyeong Manor was spotted at this villa.”
“At this villa? That’s impossible. You must have seen someone who looks like him.”
Based on his startled reaction and expression alone, it truly felt as if he knew nothing. Whether he was feigning ignorance or truly didn't know, this wasn't a situation that could be resolved with words alone.
“Would you mind if we looked around the manor?”
He looked reluctant but couldn't bring himself to refuse.
“Of course. I shall guide you myself.”
Yu Beom took the lead and showed them around. He guided them through various parts of the villa. Aside from the heavy security, they couldn't find anything particularly strange. There were no signs of hidden warriors waiting for an ambush or any traps.
Geom Mu-geuk sent a Voice Transmission to Jin Ha-gun.
— Ask to see the infirmary.
Jin Ha-gun understood Geom Mu-geuk’s intent.
“Does the villa have an infirmary?”
For a split second, Geom Mu-geuk saw a flash of panic cross Yu Beom’s face.
“We have a small one, yes.”
“I would like to see that as well.”
And so, he led them to the infirmary. There were several beds, but they were all empty.
“Do you have a physician belonging to the villa?”
“Yes, we have one.”
“Where is he now?”
“He seems to be out at the moment.”
Just then, a Demon Extermination Squad warrior discovered something.
“Please, look at this.”
Piles of grass were stacked behind the infirmary building; they were the scraps left over after the useful parts of medicinal herbs had been extracted. The amount was substantial, as if they hadn't had the chance to dispose of it yet.
Jin Ha-gun said to Yu Beom.
“I know that a large quantity of herbs was purchased from a nearby clinic recently. Most of them were for treating external and internal injuries. Who were you planning to treat?”
Once again, Yu Beom feigned ignorance.
“My subordinates were injured during training.”
“And where are these injured subordinates?”
“I sent them back to their hometowns to rest for a while.”
When Jin Ha-gun’s expression turned cold and he released a sharp aura, Yu Beom flinched. The middle-aged warrior who had guided them earlier stepped forward to protect his leader, but the Demon Extermination Squad warriors also released their auras in unison.
Overwhelmed by the pressure, the middle-aged warrior backed away.
“Manor Lord Yu.”
“Please, speak.”
“I am someone who wishes to save the Yumyeong Manor Lord and his family. Why are you trying to hide things from me?”
Yu Beom held his ground until the end.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
“If I give the order, my subordinates will search this villa from top to bottom. Given the gravity of the situation, if you are hiding something, you will have to pay for your crimes.”
Sensing Yu Beom’s wavering, Jin Ha-gun persuaded him gently.
“We are the Demon Extermination Squad. I don't know what you're worried about, but trust us.”
Finally, Yu Beom let out a sigh.
“Follow me.”
Yu Beom left his subordinates behind and led only Jin Ha-gun and the Demon Extermination Squad to the rear garden. There was a secret passage leading underground.
“This villa has had a secret refuge passed down since long ago.”
Descending the stairs led to an underground tunnel, and at the end of that tunnel was a large room. As they opened the door and entered, an unfamiliar medicinal scent wafted out. Dozens of beds were laid out, and people were lying on all of them.
Yu Beom sighed and delivered the news.
“These are the warriors who survived Yumyeong Manor. The Yumyeong Manor Lord brought the survivors and sought out our villa.”
Jin Ha-gun was overjoyed that they were alive.
“Where is the Yumyeong Manor Lord?”
Yu Beom let out a sorrowful sigh.
“The Yumyeong Manor Lord died the day after they hid here. His wounds were too deep; there was nothing we could do.”
Jin Ha-gun sighed along with him.
“Why didn't you inform us sooner?”
“The Yumyeong Manor Lord pleaded with me before he died. He asked me not to tell anyone until his family’s wounds were treated.”
“Did he say why?”
Yu Beom nodded.
“He said that if it became known they were alive, the killers would come for them again. And soon after, news arrived that the Daejeong Sect had been annihilated. That’s when I realized this wasn't just a problem for Yumyeong Manor.”
Jin Ha-gun could roughly piece together what had happened. That was why they were afraid. They feared their own clan would be annihilated if they got involved. He didn't blame the man. At least he had been treating the people.
“Did he say who did it?”
After hesitating for a moment, Yu Beom answered in a low voice.
“He said it was a young man who uses a massive great blade.”
Looking at it this way, the culprit was undoubtedly Seo Dae-ryong.
“I apologize for not telling you from the beginning.”
“No, I understand your feelings, Manor Lord Yu. For now, we will take these people with us.”
“Please do. In exchange, please keep the fact that they were hiding here a secret.”
“I will.”
If anything, he looked relieved. Jin Ha-gun spoke to the Demon Extermination Squad warriors.
“Carefully move the Yumyeong Manor warriors to the branch.”
The Demon Extermination Squad warriors were all highly skilled, so they would be able to move the patients safely. They were more suited for this task than ordinary warriors.
Just as the Demon Extermination Squad warriors were about to step forward, Geom Mu-geuk, who had been listening silently, suddenly spoke up.
“Coincidentally, the number of injured people is almost the same as the number of Demon Extermination Squad warriors.”
In an instant, everyone’s gaze turned toward Geom Mu-geuk.
“Now I see.”
“What do you mean?”
Yu Beom looked at Geom Mu-geuk with a surprised expression. He had thought the man was a subordinate, but the two were speaking like equals.
Shocking words flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s lips.
“I finally understand how they planned to kill you and the Demon Extermination Squad.”
At the sudden statement, Jin Ha-gun was speechless. The Demon Extermination Squad warriors also looked at Geom Mu-geuk in shock.
“You and the Demon Extermination Squad would have all been dead before you even left this place.”
“!”
Jin Ha-gun stared at Geom Mu-geuk without a word. Geom Mu-geuk loved to play all sorts of pranks, but he had never joked with people’s lives. He wasn't that kind of person.
“What do you mean?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward the patients on the beds.
“You would have been ambushed while carrying them out.”
That meant all of them were enemies!
Everyone was stunned. Not just Jin Ha-gun, but none of the Demon Extermination Squad warriors present had imagined those patients were enemies.
“Of course, no one would suspect them. These aren't people you just happened to meet on the street.”
The Yumyeong Manor and Daejeong Sect incidents had occurred, they had searched for survivors, looked for evidence, and finally found these people. It was the moment they were finally rescuing them.
“Those aren't Yumyeong Manor warriors. They likely all died that day. They were simply reported as missing specifically for this moment.”
A chill ran down Jin Ha-gun’s spine. If that were true, it was a meticulously planned conspiracy to kill him and the Demon Extermination Squad.
Yu Beom spoke with an expression of disbelief.
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
Ignoring his reaction, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Jin Ha-gun.
“The medicinal scent that filled this place when we entered is the scent of burning West Spirit Herb.”
Geom Mu-geuk walked toward the beds.
“And over here, I smell the Herb of Unnatural Death. Individually, these scents are harmless to humans, but when the two are combined, they momentarily produce an effect similar to consuming Energy-Scattering Poison. It’s only for a very brief moment, but it’s more than enough time to subdue an opponent.”
When it came to poisonous and medicinal herbs, Geom Mu-geuk possessed insight deeper than almost anyone else.
Geom Mu-geuk said to Jin Ha-gun.
“Everyone else was injured, yet the man caught in the Murim Alliance’s surveillance was perfectly fine. Isn't that strange? And they left traces of medicinal herbs behind the infirmary as if wanting them to be found?”
Jin Ha-gun nodded.
“It was to lure us here.”
The Demon Extermination Squad warriors drew their swords in unison.
At that, the people lying on the beds slowly sat up. One look at their eyes was enough to tell. They, too, were highly trained elite warriors.
Yu Beom’s eyes and voice, which had been flustered and fearful throughout, changed. His aura shifted as if he were a different person.
“Even so, nothing changes.”
He looked behind him.
Rumble.
A hidden door in the back opened, and a man walked out.
It was none other than the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, with the Heaven Extermination Great Blade strapped to his back.