Chapter 601: The Best Person is the One Who Buys You Meat
Chapter 601: The Best Person is the One Who Buys You Meat
After his meeting with the Divine Maiden, Geom Mu-geuk returned to the Murim Alliance camp.
Throughout the journey back, he ruminated on her parting words.
I’ve already repaid it all, so there’s no need to be thankful.
What could that possibly mean? It sounded as if her connection with him originated from his own time—his original world.
Suddenly, a certain person came to mind—someone who had exuded a mysterious aura just like hers. However, he couldn't be certain they were the same person based on a feeling alone.
Right, I’ll confirm it later.
The task at hand was deciphering the prophecy she had given him.
Darkness will lead you to Heaven’s Will.
What exactly did "darkness" refer to? And what was the "Heaven’s Will" mentioned in the prophecy?
Everything was shrouded in uncertainty, but he had one strong premonition: he had to uncover the meaning of those words before the duel between the Heavenly Will Palace Master and the Martial Emperor Divine Sword took place.
He didn't believe the Secret Casket would leave him here once that fight concluded. Just as it had sucked him in without warning, there was no telling when it might suddenly spit him back out.
‘I don’t have much time.’
By the time he returned to the Murim Alliance barracks, dawn was just beginning to break. Despite the early hour, the team leader, Jeong Dae, was already awake.
“Where have you been?” he asked, his expression clouded with worry.
It wasn't that he didn't find Geom Mu-geuk suspicious for vanishing and reappearing like a ghost, but the young man was, after all, his savior.
“I just went out for some fresh air.”
“Jo Ung is keeping an eye on you. You should keep a low profile at a time like this.”
“Yes, I’ll be careful.”
“Have you eaten?”
“I’m fine.”
“Here, take this. It’s a bit cold, but it’s still edible.”
He handed over a portion of meat he had set aside. As the war dragged on, meat had become a rare delicacy. He had specifically saved it for the youth.
When Geom Mu-geuk took the meat and offered a bright smile, Jeong Dae looked at him as if he were seeing something absurd. It was the first time he had seen the youth smile so radiantly.
“Is it really that good?”
“Isn't the person who buys you meat the best person in the world?”
He wasn't smiling because of the food. He was simply touched by Jeong Dae’s kindness.
To think that such good people lived in the Murim even three hundred years ago. If the world had been nothing but the law of the jungle and endless bloodshed, perhaps the Murim would never have survived until his own era.
“Team Leader, what are you going to do once this war is over?”
“I’m definitely getting married this time. It’s my elderly mother’s wish.”
“Is there a prospective bride?”
Jeong Dae nodded.
“You might not believe it looking at this face, but there is.” He let out a sigh and added, “She’s far too kind. She’s waited for me until she’s almost past the age of marriage.”
Yes, this was the reason the war had to end as soon as possible. Not because of some grand conspiracy, but for simple reasons like this.
“If the wedding happens, I’ll invite you too.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled silently. If he truly could go, he wanted to.
‘The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult has arrived!’
At that shout, the groom, the bride, and all the guests would probably faint from shock.
“You’re not coming, are you?”
“I’ll congratulate you, even if it’s from afar.”
It would be very far indeed.
Jeong Dae stared at Geom Mu-geuk as he happily chewed on the meat, then shook his head.
“You’re definitely a strange fellow.”
*
Geom Mu-geuk went out on patrol with his teammates. His heart felt rushed whenever he thought of the prophecy.
Is this really the time to be leisurely patrolling?
The thought occurred to him naturally, but he silently carried out his assigned duties. He had learned through many experiences in his life before regression that obsessing over an answer all day didn't necessarily bring it to light. Rather, the anxiety of not finding an answer despite the time spent only led to worse results.
In times like these, it was more helpful to focus on daily life. Sometimes, an answer wasn't found by digging deep into one spot, but was discovered hanging on a branch like a shoe thrown by chance.
Of course, he didn't find that "shoe" today.
While he learned nothing about the prophecy during the patrol, it wasn't a total waste. By casually asking Jeong Dae about various locations, he had confirmed the position of White Yang Peak.
After returning from patrol, they were eating when a cheer erupted from a distance. Looking over, he saw the Martial Emperor Divine Sword inspecting the warriors. He still commanded the absolute support of the Murim Alliance.
When the Martial Emperor Divine Sword first arrived, he had asked for the names of every person in front of him and greeted them individually. From what he had seen, he was an Alliance Leader who truly respected and cared for his subordinates.
Soon, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword passed by Geom Mu-geuk and his teammates, who were lined up at the dining tables.
“Are you in the middle of a meal? Please, eat comfortably.”
As he greeted them and moved to pass, a vigorous voice rang out from behind!
“If you haven't eaten yet, why don't you join us!”
Naturally, the voice belonged to Geom Mu-geuk.
The teammates widened their eyes and stared at him. Their expressions clearly said: Even if you’re our savior, this is too much.
Is this guy insane?
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword turned his head and looked at Geom Mu-geuk. He recognized him.
“You’re that fellow from before, aren't you?”
The youth who had asked him that audacious question on the first day. He had found him somewhat impressive, so he remembered him.
“You remember me. I consider it the honor of my family.”
Among the warriors following the Martial Emperor Divine Sword, Jo Ung scowled openly. He had gone out of his way to warn him, yet Geom Mu-geuk was stepping forward again.
Geom Mu-geuk ignored him. If he wanted to reveal Jo Ung’s collusion with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, he could have found a way to tell the Alliance Leader, but he chose not to. It wasn't because the party he colluded with was the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. It was because he didn't want to interfere with the major flow of events. While some things had changed because of his presence, and this moment would cause further ripples, it wouldn't change the overall tide.
“If I join you, wouldn't it be uncomfortable for your comrades?”
“We’re perfectly fine.”
Of course, his teammates were screaming in their hearts. We are NOT fine!
Geom Mu-geuk had a reason for inviting him to eat. He couldn't just let the Alliance Leader pass by—a reason separate from his efforts to find clues about the prophecy.
“Very well.”
For some reason, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword sat down with them. Before his followers could protest, he waved them away to a distance. He knew the warriors wouldn't be able to eat in peace otherwise.
From this gesture, Geom Mu-geuk could feel that the Alliance Leader was a good man. One could sit down just for show, to appear humble. But taking care of small details like sending subordinates away wasn't easy. It was something easily missed if it wasn't ingrained in one's character.
It was a simple truth: one can fake greatness, but true character is revealed in the smallest details.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Jeong Dae scrambled to bring a meal for the Martial Emperor Divine Sword. What kind of madness was this?
“I don’t know if these humble side dishes will suit your palate, Alliance Leader.”
“It’s fine.”
The only reason the Martial Emperor Divine Sword had sat down was because of Geom Mu-geuk. He was a strangely attractive fellow. Those clear, deep eyes that didn't match his age, and the sheer unpredictability of asking the Alliance Leader to share a meal.
He wondered if a master was hiding his skills, but the internal energy he sensed was only a few years' worth. If he were a master capable of deceiving his eyes, he would have to be stronger than himself, which was impossible.
It was a moment where starting over with only a few years of internal energy proved useful.
Thus, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword ate with the White Tiger 17th Team. Watching him silently use his chopsticks, Geom Mu-geuk suddenly thought that perhaps the man was nervous about the upcoming duel with the Heavenly Will Palace Master. Nervous enough to want to share a meal with his subordinates like this.
“When I go back home, I’m going to brag to my friends that I ate with the Alliance Leader.”
Jin Ha-gun, I might not have traded blows with the most famous Alliance Leader from three hundred years ago, but I did trade chopstick movements with him.
Of course, it was a boast he would only keep to himself.
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword finished his meal, emptying his bowl completely. Before standing up, he spoke to Geom Mu-geuk, who was sitting beside him. He spoke in a low voice that others couldn't easily hear.
“You asked me before, didn't you? If there was a way to defeat them.”
“Yes. At that time, you said you had a way but couldn't speak of it where there were many people.”
Then, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword said something unexpected.
“There is no special way. We just have to fight and win.”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded silently.
“Why aren't you surprised?”
It was surprising enough for the Murim Alliance Leader to speak so honestly to a mere warrior, and even more so to admit he had lied. He had expected a much more shocked reaction.
“I figured as much.”
“You figured as much?”
“If there had been a way to win, you would have won already, Alliance Leader. I believe you are not the kind of person who would stand by and watch your warriors die if you had another choice.”
“...!”
“So, please make sure to win, for our sake as well.”
A strange light flickered in the Martial Emperor Divine Sword’s eyes as he looked at Geom Mu-geuk. Where else could there be a warrior, especially such a young man, who could speak such words to the Murim Alliance Leader? And those words truly gave him strength.
“I have one request.”
“What is it?”
The request was truly something he hadn't anticipated.
“When this war is over, our team leader here is going back to his hometown to get married.”
What? Why are you bringing that up? Jeong Dae was internally shocked to hear himself mentioned. Why would he bring that up now?
“Please give a congratulatory speech at that wedding, Alliance Leader.”
A gasp of horror escaped Jeong Dae’s mouth.
“No, Alliance Leader! It’s not like that!”
He even waved his hands in denial, but Geom Mu-geuk added, ignoring him, “Our team of thirteen has been reduced to five. He’s been protecting the battlefield while steadfastly looking after us, overcoming all that sorrow. I believe he is more than worthy of your congratulations.”
Jeong Dae belatedly rushed over to cover Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth.
“He must have gone mad from the war. I’m sorry, Alliance Leader.”
At that moment, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword nodded silently and gave his consent.
“I will. I’ll give the speech.”
Everyone was stunned by his agreement. Jeong Dae, in particular, looked like he was about to faint. Geom Mu-geuk could tell from the man's eyes that he spoke with sincerity.
“Then, finish your meal.”
The Martial Emperor Divine Sword departed.
Jeong Dae stood there with a dazed face, reliving the moment. The Murim Alliance Leader giving a speech at his wedding? Just imagining it was incredible. His elderly mother would brag about it to everyone she met.
“I did well, didn't I?”
When Geom Mu-geuk asked suggestively, Jeong Dae shouted, though he was secretly pleased, “You really are a madman!”
He was being called a madman by Jeong Dae three hundred years in the past. That meant he was doing quite well as himself.
Geom Mu-geuk smiled and said to him, “I had to repay the person who gave me meat at least this much.”
*
Geom Mu-geuk had taken care of Jeong Dae’s wedding, but he still hadn't found a clue to the prophecy.
That night, Geom Mu-geuk climbed White Yang Peak.
Since it was the site of the duel, someone might have been guarding it. Therefore, he climbed with extreme caution. Setting aside the fact that he couldn't use the Nine Calamities Demonic Art due to his lack of internal energy, his senses remained intact.
He moved carefully, utilizing his instincts. Fortunately, he encountered no one on the way.
He reached the summit of White Yang Peak without meeting a soul. Then again, they probably couldn't just send people to a place designated for a duel. If the opponent found out, it would lead to rumors of foul play even before the fight began.
Looking around after reaching the top, he understood why White Yang Peak had been chosen. The summit had a space wide enough for two absolute masters to engage in a magnificent battle. There were trees, rocks, and a certain poetic atmosphere.
Geom Mu-geuk looked around under the bright moonlight.
Could this place be related to the prophecy?
However, he couldn't find anything unusual. The moon was exceptionally bright tonight, making it feel even further removed from "darkness."
‘Secret Casket, where am I supposed to find a clue to the prophecy?’
Just then, he sensed a presence from far behind.
In that instant, Geom Mu-geuk vanished. He had disappeared into the Space-Time Displacement Technique in a flash. Because he had reacted so quickly, the other party didn't realize anyone had been standing there.
From within the darkness of the Space-Time Displacement Technique—a space only large enough for one person—Geom Mu-geuk watched the person walking toward the spot.
After a moment, a man arrived. He was a young man wearing a black robe with ornate patterns, someone he hadn't seen since arriving here. Despite his youth, the aura he exuded was extraordinary. It wasn't the aura of the Orthodox faction, but it also felt different from Wi Mu-cheon or the Guardian Palace Master.
‘Who is he?’
The man’s eyes, reflecting the moonlight, shone intensely. They were eyes filled with a burning desire.
How long did he stand there alone? Another person appeared at the site.
To his surprise, the second arrival was someone Geom Mu-geuk had seen before. It was the masked man from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult who had secretly met with Jo Ung.
The man’s identity was revealed through the masked man’s mouth.
“Dark Palace Master.”
The moment he heard those words, Geom Mu-geuk knew who the man was. He was the master of the Dark Palace, the last of the Three Great Divine Palaces of the Heavenly Will Palace.
He didn't know why the man was meeting a cultist from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult here, but he knew one thing. The prophecy the Divine Maiden had told him flashed through his mind.
Darkness will lead you to Heaven’s Will.
He knew instinctively. That "darkness" referred to the Dark Palace Master, the final master of the Heavenly Will Palace.
‘This is the man who will lead me to Heaven’s Will.’