Chapter 553: If You’re Late, You’re the Youngest
Chapter 553: If You’re Late, You’re the Youngest
Geom Mu-geuk suddenly recalled that day.
It was the moment they had finished two days of training within the Space-Time Displacement Technique. At the end of that bloody struggle, Mu-geuk had altered their surroundings to a snowy landscape out of consideration for the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon.
— You must go on a trip with me next time.
— At that time…
The Smiling Demon had hesitated then. It was unlike him to falter, and Mu-geuk had wondered what he had intended to say.
Now, he felt he finally understood. That hesitation had been the prelude to this—the moment he would finally remove his mask.
Geom Mu-geuk did not stop him.
In his life before the regression, the man had eventually shown his face. In this life, he was removing the mask of his own accord. It seemed they were destined to live while looking at each other's true faces.
Sssst.
The Extreme Evil Smiling Demon’s hand trembled slightly as he reached for the edge of the wood. Then, the mask came away.
His face was revealed.
When Mu-geuk had seen his face before the regression, it was the face of a man who had aged significantly. It had been during their quest to find the final materials for the Great Regression Art. He had been handsome then, but the Smiling Demon of this much younger era was something else entirely.
The Extreme Evil Smiling Demon was truly, strikingly handsome. If the Poison King possessed the beauty of a pretty boy, and the Drunken Demon had a ruggedly handsome face with a unique aura, the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon possessed a sense of perfect harmony.
His features were flawlessly balanced, and his gaze was clear yet impossibly deep. Who in the world could look at this face and think of the "Extreme Evil Smiling Demon"?
"How did you endure it?" Mu-geuk asked. "The urge to brag about such a handsome face, I mean."
The Smiling Demon laughed. Until now, Mu-geuk had only seen his eyes crinkle behind the eye-slits, but now he saw his entire face light up.
"I took it off because I wanted to drink comfortably with the Young Cult Leader. Drinking beneath a mask lacks flavor."
Mu-geuk knew that wasn't the real reason. The Smiling Demon was offering him the ultimate sign of trust.
The Smiling Demon looked down at the mask in silence. The painted face seemed to be smiling back at him. What was he thinking in this moment? Mu-geuk couldn't know for sure, but he was certain of one thing.
The moment he took off the mask, the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon had become even stronger.
Until now, the mask had protected him. It was his symbol, his identity, and his pride. The mask had made him strong, and the mask had made him evil.
"From now on, I will wear it when I want to, and take it off when I want to."
He was finally free from the mask’s weight.
Sssssss.
The surrounding environment began to blur and shift. As their internal energy was completely depleted, the Space-Time Displacement Technique began to unravel.
"Do you remember? I said I’d treat you to an incredible meal if you took off your mask."
The Smiling Demon nodded.
"When we return to the Main Cult, I shall treat you to fine wine and food."
The Smiling Demon spoke as he slid the mask back into place.
"I shall look forward to that day."
*
Han Seol had not expected to experience such chaos upon her arrival.
Could she have imagined that as soon as she reached the meeting place with Geom Mu-geuk, she would have to freeze dark energy flying toward the Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path? How could she have known she would see martial artists drenched in blood breaking out of a formation?
— Seol-yi, this is unusual. How about we withdraw for now?
Even the Twin Frost Swords guarding her had sent such a voice transmission.
Young Cult Leader, just what kind of meeting did you invite me to?
She thought it was very much like him. Of course, she had no intention of retreating.
Bi Sa-in ran to Jin Ha-gun, who had just emerged from the formation, and asked, "Are you alright?"
Jin Ha-gun looked back and checked on the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad first. Fortunately, every single one of them had made it out of the formation safely. Only then did Jin Ha-gun nod.
"We’re fine."
"That’s a relief."
At this moment, the two men were feeling a similar emotion.
To think the day would come when I’m this glad to see this man.
When Jin Ha-gun had looked back earlier, Bi Sa-in saw the look in their eyes as they faced each other. That gaze was much tighter and more bonded than before they had entered the formation. He could tell that they, too, had fought a desperate battle between life and death.
"And you?" Jin Ha-gun asked.
"It wasn't easy on this side either, but we settled it. Miss Han’s help was significant."
Bi Sa-in introduced Han Seol to Jin Ha-gun.
"This is the Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace. And this friend here is the Leader of the Murim Alliance’s Demon Extermination Squad."
Han Seol was inwardly surprised. How could she not know that he was the likely successor to the Murim Alliance Leader?
So, the friends the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult wanted to introduce were the successors of the Murim Alliance and the Unorthodox Path. She knew Geom Mu-geuk was an extraordinary person, but to think he associated with these people as peers.
"Brother!"
Just then, Jin Ha-ryeong and the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master emerged from the secret room. When the sounds of fighting outside ceased, Jin Ha-ryeong had cautiously come out to check, realizing the battle was over.
Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong were relieved to see each other safe. Jin Ha-ryeong looked around, her brow furrowing.
"Where is the Young Cult Leader?"
At her question, Jin Ha-gun looked at Bi Sa-in. Bi Sa-in stared at the carriage without a word. It meant he was still fighting.
Jin Ha-gun answered his sister.
"He’ll be coming."
The exact same words Bi Sa-in had said earlier flowed from his mouth. The magnitude of their faith was equal.
Thus, everyone formed a defensive perimeter around the carriage. On one side were Bi Sa-in and the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path; opposite them were Jin Ha-gun and the Demon Extermination Squad; on another side were the Faceless Guests and Jin Ha-ryeong; and opposite them were Han Seol and the Twin Frost Swords.
How much time passed like that?
Woooong.
The carriage began to vibrate. At the moment everyone stepped back and drew their weapons in tension—
Light erupted from the carriage. The radiance pouring from every crack in the wood spread through the darkness, stretching out as if to reach the heavens. That intense light vanished in an instant with a sharp whoosh.
Ssssss.
The carriage began to disintegrate, turning into ash. Everyone watched the scene with startled hearts.
"Where are you looking? We’re over here."
Turning around, they saw two men standing side by side. They were Geom Mu-geuk and the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon, both covered in blood. One could tell what kind of hell they had been through just by looking at their battered appearance.
Geom Mu-geuk quickly scanned the surroundings. Everyone who was supposed to be there was present. A sense of relief spread across his face—an emotion that could neither be faked nor disguised.
Only then did Geom Mu-geuk slump to the ground and start grumbling.
"Ow! My arms, my legs... My whole body hurts like I’ve been beaten to a pulp. No, wait, I actually was beaten to a pulp."
Only then did everyone’s faces relax into smiles. This banter was the true signal that the fight was over.
Still sitting on the ground, Geom Mu-geuk asked Han Seol, "How do you like the Central Plains so far?"
To invite someone and then greet them like that while covered in blood? Still, seeing that he was safe, she felt inwardly welcomed.
"I don't believe you mentioned that this banquet would be a bloodbath."
It was a rare joke from her, someone who didn't joke often.
"Shouldn't a festival have some surprises to keep things interesting?"
Once he finished greeting her, Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in approached him. Geom Mu-geuk looked more haggard than they had ever seen him. It was clear he had returned after exhausting every ounce of his strength.
"Now is the perfect opportunity to kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult," Mu-geuk joked.
Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun looked at each other. When they exchanged glances as if to say, 'Should we really?' Mu-geuk quickly added:
"It’s a joke! A joke made because I trust the people behind me!"
A smile formed on Bi Sa-in’s rugged face. "Then it really is an opportunity."
When Mu-geuk looked back, the Smiling Demon was no longer there. He had already gone over to Yeo-jeong and was talking to her.
"Hey! You’re abandoning me as soon as we get out?!"
The Smiling Demon pretended not to hear Mu-geuk’s shout. Seeing Yeo-jeong smiling brightly in front of the Smiling Demon, Mu-geuk truly felt that they had returned safely. Yeo-jeong looked at Mu-geuk and quietly bowed her head. He could tell what kind of gratitude was in her heart without a word being said.
Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun, who had been standing over him, also crouched down next to Mu-geuk. Since these were two people who seemed unlikely to ever do such a thing, the sight of the two successors crouching on the ground with Mu-geuk between them was a rare spectacle.
Geom Mu-geuk expressed his gratitude to Bi Sa-in.
"If you hadn't cut off the internal energy, I would have died."
Bi Sa-in looked surprised. "How did you know I was the one who cut it?"
"I guessed when I saw that you didn't come to help me even though the line connected to the carriage was severed. I fought while waiting for the exact moment you would cut off that infinite internal energy."
Bi Sa-in was pleased to know his efforts hadn't been in vain. Originally, he had intended to tease Mu-geuk, asking what he would have done without him, but in this situation, the joke didn't come easily. He realized once again that only those used to playing around should try to do so.
Like Geom Mu-geuk was doing right now. His target was Jin Ha-gun.
"You’re feeling regretful right now, aren't you? If this guy had gone into the formation and you had stayed outside, you would have been the one to save my life."
Jin Ha-gun shook his head. "If that had happened, we would have lost a friend."
"Are you saying Sa-in wouldn't have been able to escape the Heavenly Freak’s formation? Are you looking down on our Young Alliance Leader right now?"
"No. I’m saying I wouldn't have thought to cut that energy off."
It was an honest admission that Mu-geuk would have died, and also a statement of high regard for Bi Sa-in. Jin Ha-gun, who used to value face and pride above all else, now had the relaxed air of a man who had let things go.
"You guys can't keep getting cooler like this! Being the cool one is my job."
At Mu-geuk’s words, Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in supported him from both sides and helped him stand up. This time, Geom Mu-geuk expressed his thanks to Jin Ha-ryeong.
"Thanks for keeping your promise."
"I was just hiding in the secret room."
"That’s why I’m even more grateful." Mu-geuk’s gaze toward her deepened. "Be honest. How many times did you want to rush out?"
Jin Ha-ryeong smiled. This was why she liked Geom Mu-geuk. He was someone who understood her heart without her having to speak. Someone who knew that hiding in a secret room was harder than coming out to fight.
"About ten times?"
"Less than me, then."
"What was?"
Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward Bi Sa-in. "The number of times I pleaded because of this slowpoke friend. 'Please, cut the internal energy!' I pleaded while getting beaten to death."
"Stop exaggerating! If you were beaten that much, your opponent would have been turned to dust."
"Ha! How did you know? He really did turn to dust and blow away."
Finally, the three of them looked at each other and laughed. Then, Mu-geuk’s gaze fixed on one spot.
"Ah, look!"
Everyone turned their heads to look where Mu-geuk was pointing. Far off on the horizon, light was spreading and pushing back the darkness. While the sun had been setting within the Space-Time Displacement Technique, in reality, the desperate night had passed, and morning was dawning.
Everyone watched the sunrise, more majestic than ever, in silence.
The Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master stepped forward and said in a bright voice, "Thanks to all of you, everyone in this pavilion has been saved. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The courtesans, cooks, and workers who had been hiding nearby all came out to bow.
"Please, everyone, rest. We will prepare tonight’s banquet with all our hearts."
Thus, another battle that had begun with the escape of a single courtesan came to an end.
*
Returning to his room, Geom Mu-geuk replenished his internal energy through meditation. He had used it so completely that he couldn't remember the last time he had been this drained. He circulated his True Qi for one complete circulation, then two, then three. He repeated it until his dantian was full.
After filling his energy, Mu-geuk took out the Secret Casket and placed it on the table. Looking at the smiling casket, he expressed his thanks.
"If it weren't for you, I would have been in big trouble. Thanks."
But as if nothing had happened, the power of the Black Essence that had swallowed the Dark King’s energy lay dormant deep within his body.
"Just what are you?"
The Secret Casket merely kept smiling. Well, the day would come when he would find out. Putting the casket back into his robes, he lay down on the bed. Meditation relieved fatigue, but no rest was better for a human than sleep. Mu-geuk fell into a deep slumber the moment his head hit the pillow.
In his dream, he walked through the darkness.
It wasn't the tedious darkness of the Dark King. It was the darkness that had been with him in his life before the regression. Darkness had its merits; it could hide one's loneliness.
How long had he walked? At the end of that darkness, he met a being.
Was it because the seventh stage of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art had failed several times? Or was it because his subconscious wanted to see him?
The being waiting for him was the Heavenly Demon Soul.
Geom Mu-geuk looked up at the massive Heavenly Demon Soul in silence. Today, the contours of the face were a bit clearer than the last time he had seen it. Perhaps it was because he had made an achievement in the Nine Calamities Demonic Art through this fight.
— Are you offended, by any chance?
Even when he spoke like this, the Heavenly Demon Soul usually just looked down with a haughty gaze, but today’s reaction was different. The Heavenly Demon Soul’s head gave a slight, perceptible nod.
— Can you hear me?
Mu-geuk woke up from his sleep shouting that. He had actually shouted the last words out loud.
"…He definitely nodded."
Even though it was a dream, Mu-geuk’s heart pounded.
*
He thought he had only slept for a moment, but when he went outside, it was already evening. The Heavenly Flower Pavilion was in the middle of preparing for the banquet. The walls were broken and there were holes everywhere, but they actually added to the atmosphere.
"We’re drinking all night tonight! Please prepare plenty of alcohol!"
The person who answered Mu-geuk’s words wasn't the Pavilion Master, but Jin Ha-gun, who had arrived first.
"You haven't been to the liquor storehouse, have you? You don't need to worry about that."
Come to think of it, Jin Ha-gun and the Demon Extermination Squad had worked as laborers carrying alcohol while disguised as workers.
Geom Mu-geuk sat across from Jin Ha-gun and grinned. "Ah! An Alliance Leader who even has experience working in a brothel! How am I supposed to deal with you in the future?"
"For all I know, you’ve probably done worse."
"Of course. I’ve even played the role of an attendant."
Jin Ha-gun laughed. He felt comfortable sitting across from Mu-geuk now. He found himself making jokes, perhaps because they were becoming more alike.
"Have a drink carried by me, attendant!"
"You’ll have to carry it many times today, elder!"
As the two were tilting their glasses, Jin Ha-ryeong and Han Seol arrived. Bi Sa-in was usually never late, but he was missing.
"The older brothers are gathered, so why is the youngest so late?"
At Mu-geuk’s words, Jin Ha-gun said, "Young Alliance Leader Bi is probably much older than you, isn't he?"
"If you’re late, you’re the youngest."
Just then, Mu-geuk looked toward the entrance with a mysterious smile. The others also looked with surprised eyes.
Bi Sa-in, dressed neatly in white robes—which he never usually wore—was walking in.