Chapter 613: Can You Handle the Awakened Cult Leader?
Chapter 613: Can You Handle the Awakened Cult Leader?
While the Poison King had spent his time staring up at a tree, the Demon Buddha remained inside the Dharma Hall, gazing up at a fearsome golden statue of the Buddha.
It was then that a calm greeting drifted from behind him.
"It’s been a long time."
As Geom Mu-geuk entered the hall, the Demon Buddha asked without turning around, "What brings you here?"
"I came because I wanted to see you, Lord Demon Buddha. It’s been a while since I last saw your face."
Seeing even the back of the Demon Buddha’s ill-tempered head brought Mu-geuk genuine joy; it really had been a long time.
"Have you been well?"
The Demon Buddha turned toward Geom Mu-geuk, putting his back to the statue. The massive golden Buddha loomed behind the Demon Buddha’s short stature, creating a strange, imposing contrast.
Whenever Mu-geuk looked at the Demon Buddha, he was reminded that appearances could be deceiving. He knew well that the "Little Giant" was a far greater man than that hollow golden statue.
"Is the role of Acting Cult Leader manageable?"
"Ugh, don't even get me started."
Geom Mu-geuk waved his hand dismissively, exaggerating his hardship.
"I used to think my father didn't have much interest in the internal affairs of the Cult. I thought he just made a decision or two on major issues and left it at that. But I was wrong. He was personally managing every single troop movement."
"The Cult Leader looked into the Cult's affairs more meticulously than any leader in history."
Mu-geuk could tell that the Demon Buddha was well-acquainted with his father’s work ethic. Since the man had always been deeply interested in politics, he likely knew the situation within the Heavenly Demon Hall better than anyone.
"Do you know why the Cult Leader was so attentive? Because he has a meticulous personality? Far from it."
"Then why did he do it?"
A surprising answer flowed from the Demon Buddha’s lips.
"For the unification of the Murim."
"!"
"The Cult Leader believed that only one who can rule the Cult with absolute authority is fit to rule the world."
Perhaps he had heard his father speak of it at some point.
His father showed different sides of himself to each of the Demon Lords. Because of that, Mu-geuk felt that the facets of his father seen by each Demon Lord were all unique.
"In the end, five years from now, you will stand at the vanguard of the unification of the Murim."
He had said it before—that his father would not go easy on him. There was a reason for the Demon Buddha’s assertion, one he hadn't shared back then.
"It is certainly not because he intends to ignore your will."
If he intended to ignore it, there would be no reason for the Demon Buddha to be standing here, explaining this to him.
"Then what makes you so certain?"
The reason he held Geom Mu-geuk in such high regard yet still believed he could not win was simple.
"Because the Cult Leader is also awakening because of you."
The Demon Buddha stared intently at Geom Mu-geuk and asked, "Can you handle the awakened Cult Leader?"
Mu-geuk understood. The "awakening" the Demon Buddha spoke of wasn't merely the martial arts that would grow stronger through closed-door training. It meant that the man known as Geom Wu-jin himself was becoming even more powerful.
"That’s why there are nine of us, isn't it?"
At the joke that all Eight Demon Lords were on his side, the Demon Buddha countered, "Last I checked, there were only two?"
On the day they made their promise for five years later, the only Demon Lord who had remained by Geom Mu-geuk’s side until the very end was the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon.
"Then I suppose I’ll have to work even harder."
With an expression that seemed to ask if hard work would be enough, the Demon Buddha walked out of the Dharma Hall.
Geom Mu-geuk quietly followed, walking through the temple grounds with him. Passing Mad Monks pressed their palms together and bowed in greeting.
"Have you stopped making statues?"
"I stopped."
In a corner of the yard, the statues he had been working on remained. Seeing the dust-covered tools, it was clear some time had passed since he had laid them down.
Mu-geuk had intended to tease him for his lack of persistence, but instead, he said, "It’s good that you stopped."
"Good that I stopped?"
"To be honest, it didn't suit you, Lord Demon Buddha. Governing one's mind while carving stone? You aren't that kind of person."
The Demon Buddha stopped in his tracks. "Then what kind of person am I?"
"You are someone who moves among people, reading their hearts, persuading them with passion, and fighting with all your might for a goal. You’re the type who governs your mind only for a brief moment to catch your breath after a fierce struggle with others."
"Is that an insult? Or a compliment?"
"If it makes you feel bad, it's an insult; if it makes you feel good, it's a compliment." Mu-geuk smiled and added, "Right now, I'm just telling the truth."
Always has an answer for everything, the Demon Buddha’s expression seemed to say as he resumed walking.
"What did you come for? A busy man wouldn't come just to play. Do you have a task for me as the Acting Cult Leader?"
"No. I came to report something I didn't order."
The Demon Buddha looked at Geom Mu-geuk, his expression asking what that was supposed to mean.
Mu-geuk knew. Not ordering something was far more difficult than giving an order. Just as asking someone to leave was much harder than asking them to come.
That was why this meeting with the Demon Buddha was even more delicate than his meeting with the Poison King.
"My brother is leaving the Cult, and I secretly asked the Poison King for a favor. I asked him to watch over my brother."
As if reflecting his emotional agitation, the golden light emanating from the Demon Buddha’s body glowed a bit more intensely.
"Why are you reporting that to me?"
"I felt I should let you know."
After a brief pause, the Demon Buddha asked, "Why the Poison King, of all people?"
"The counterfeit hidden weapons my brother is investigating were coated in extreme poison. I was worried there might be someone who handles poison involved, so I asked the Poison King."
"And the reason you're telling me this?"
"In case you misunderstand later. I didn't want you to think my brother took the Poison King along because he asked."
In other words, he was worried about a misunderstanding arising between Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha. Given his brother’s personality, he wasn't the type to make excuses, and the Poison King wasn't the type to give long-winded explanations either.
"What does it matter if I misunderstand a little?"
"What do you mean? It would be hurtful. If it were me, I’d be so upset I’d probably start cursing. 'I cherished you so much, and you take the Poison King instead of me?'"
"Only a narrow-minded person like you would curse. I wouldn't."
"You should. Because if you don't, my brother will be the one who's hurt this time."
Finally, the Demon Buddha burst into laughter.
"Do you really live your life worrying about such trivial things?"
"Because I believe it's those trivial things that cause people to grow apart and hate each other. Doesn't a grand dream like the unification of the world ultimately begin from these small hearts?"
Geom Mu-geuk’s sincerity continued.
"So please, do not step back; instead, be more proactive. Even if it's not about the succession struggle, aren't there countless matters in the Cult that need your help? Please move for the sake of the Cult."
A golden brilliance flickered in the Demon Buddha’s eyes as he looked at Geom Mu-geuk, and then the intense radiance softened.
Lately, the Demon Buddha had been feeling a lethargy for which he had no answer. That was why he had taken up carving statues.
But to not retreat, to move forward, to face things as himself—perhaps Geom Mu-geuk’s words were the way to overcome that lethargy.
"I refuse. I'm going back to carving statues."
"Then even if you carve them, sell them. Carve statues that can be sold. I will be your first customer."
It was a plea for him not to sink into gloom, no matter what he did. In that moment, a thought he wanted to convey to Geom Wu-jin crossed the Demon Buddha’s mind.
‘You’ll have to truly awaken if you want to beat your son.’
Geom Mu-geuk bowed politely and turned around.
"Phew, I'm so busy I don't know when I'll be able to visit again."
Behind the retreating Mu-geuk, the Demon Buddha spoke.
"Your brother is a strong man."
The Demon Buddha was someone who believed in Mu-yang more than anyone. He was also the man who had staked his life on him.
"So you don't need to worry too much. The same blood that flows through your father and you flows through the First Young Master as well."
Seeing the brightly shining golden radiance, Geom Mu-geuk bowed his head respectfully.
"Yes, I believe so too."
However, Mu-geuk’s words and actions were different. Believing was one thing. Worrying was another.
‘It’s because we share the same blood that I’m even more worried.’
After leaving the Demon Buddha’s residence, he spoke to Jeok-yeon, who was attending him.
"Contact Eun-wol and tell them to focus all possible intelligence networks on my brother and the Poison King. And one more thing."
Geom Mu-geuk added one more command he had been holding back for Eun-wol.
*
Several days had passed since Geom Mu-yang left the Cult.
During those days, Geom Mu-geuk’s work speed had grown increasingly faster. And today, his pace was even swifter.
It wasn't just that he had become proficient at the work. He was processing tasks exceptionally fast today, like someone with a busy schedule. Usually, Mu-geuk would crack a silly joke after finishing a task, but today, he hadn't said a single word in jest.
"Is something the matter today?"
"Isn't it better to finish early? It gives us more time to rest."
But today, there was another reason. Having finished his work earlier than usual, Geom Mu-geuk followed Sama Myeong.
"Do you have something to say?"
"No, I just finished early and thought I’d take a look around Tongcheon Pavilion for the first time in a while. Would that be alright?"
Who would say no to him?
"Yes, let us go."
Thus, Geom Mu-geuk followed Sama Myeong into Tongcheon Pavilion.
After passing through security even tighter than that of the Heavenly Demon Hall, they entered a vast space filled with numerous strategists and personnel.
The place was chaotic. It was so hectic that Mu-geuk thought if he ever needed to define the word "busy," he could just show someone this place.
Shook, shoook, shook!
Cylinders containing missives arrived continuously from chutes installed in the wall. Strategists categorized the arriving reports according to their importance. Depending on the content, flags pinned to a massive map of the Central Plains were moved to different locations.
Sama Myeong could tell. Geom Mu-geuk had come here because he was curious about news of Geom Mu-yang. Even though he acted nonchalant on the outside, he was deeply worried about his brother.
"Since you're already here, why don't you hear some news about your brother before you go?"
Sama Myeong spoke to a subordinate strategist. "Bring the latest information regarding the First Young Master."
The strategist immediately brought a document and reported.
"The First Young Master has arrived at his destination, Changsha. During the journey, he stopped at only two inns and headed toward his destination without rest, except for time spent eating and sleeping."
How can I not worry? Brother, I told you not to take it to heart that you almost killed me! I wouldn't have died even if I’d been hit!
"If I stay here, I might even find out what my brother had for dinner."
The strategist then flipped through the documents he had brought. "I have a record of what he ate at the inns here. Shall I tell you?"
"It’s fine."
He could truly see how thoroughly Tongcheon Pavilion was monitoring his brother. The role of Eun-wol, who was cooperating with them, was likely significant as well.
"My brother might even have a hidden woman in the Central Plains. This would be the chance to find out."
At Mu-geuk’s idle remark, Sama Myeong asked pointedly, "Are you worried about your brother?"
Mu-geuk replied with a smile. "You have no idea how mean my brother is. If anything, I'm worried about the Murim."
But contrary to his words, Mu-geuk’s gaze was fixed on the flag labeled 'Mu-yang.' The flag was placed in the Changsha region, and next to his brother’s flag sat the flag of the Changsha Escort Agency.
And a short distance away from those two flags, a brilliant green flag was pinned.
*
Geom Mu-yang was striding through the marketplace of Changsha.
He passed by all sorts of taverns and attractions that he would have stopped at had he been with Geom Mu-geuk. He ran toward his goal and nothing else.
Only by capturing the one who made those counterfeit hidden weapons—the ones that almost killed his brother and almost caused him to make an irreversible mistake—could he enjoy the leisure of this long-awaited excursion.
Of course, he didn't move recklessly.
Geom Mu-yang knew exactly how to handle such matters. He didn't solve this by blindly revealing himself as the First Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult or by using brute force. He was not a man who let his haste in heart dictate a hasty handling of affairs.
A middle-aged martial artist was waiting for him in front of the Changsha Escort Agency. He was Ho-myeong, the Changsha Branch Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, who had come out after receiving advance notice.
"It is an honor to meet you, First Young Master."
"Branch Leader Ho, thank you for coming out."
"The elites of the branch are all on standby nearby."
Ho-myeong had been truly shocked upon receiving the First Young Master’s message. No matter that he had lost the succession struggle, the man before him was the eldest son of the Heavenly Demon. A single slip of the tongue could cost him his head.
"Just give the word, and I can have everyone in the Changsha Escort Agency on their knees within half an hour."
"There is no need for that. Let us meet the Agency Leader with just the two of us. Do not reveal my identity."
"Understood! Please wait a moment."
Ho-myeong spoke a few words to the martial artist guarding the entrance of the Changsha Escort Agency. The guard turned pale and ran inside, while another martial artist guided Geom Mu-yang and Ho-myeong into the building.
As they waited in the main hall, the Agency Leader, Ji Dae-hyeong, appeared accompanied by his escort leaders. One of the escort leaders recognized Ho-myeong’s face and sent a voice transmission to Ji Dae-hyeong, confirming that he was indeed the Branch Leader.
Geom Mu-yang had used the Changsha Branch Leader to meet the Agency Leader as quickly as possible. It wasn't a case of a fox borrowing the tiger's authority, but rather a tiger borrowing the fox's.
"What brings the Branch Leader of the Divine Cult to our agency?"
Ji Dae-hyeong had eyes only for Ho-myeong. A visit from the Changsha Branch Leader of the Demonic Cult, with whom they usually had no dealings, was a serious matter indeed.
"I have come to ask about the cargo you delivered to the Black Hand Sect recently."
At Ho-myeong’s words, Ji Dae-hyeong’s expression instantly stiffened.
"We do not disclose information about our cargo to outsiders."
In response, Branch Leader Ho-myeong released a cold demonic energy.
The escort leaders were not easily intimidated either. They circulated their internal energy, ready to draw their swords at any moment. This was what they relied on:
"No matter who you are, if you touch us, the Central Plains Escort Agency Union will not stand idly by."
They were one of the largest interest groups in the Murim, so even the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions did not treat them lightly.
It was then that Geom Mu-yang, who had been silent, stepped forward.
"We did not come to threaten you or cause trouble."
The moment Geom Mu-yang spoke, Ji Dae-hyeong felt it. He had naturally assumed this young man was merely an attending martial artist for the Branch Leader.
‘This man didn't come escorting the Branch Leader. The Branch Leader came escorting him.’
From the moment he spoke, the grace and pressure emanating from Geom Mu-yang were extraordinary.
"The items you delivered were counterfeits of my Cult’s weapons."
Ji Dae-hyeong was startled. Judging by his expression, he seemed to have been completely unaware of that fact.
"An agency as large as the Changsha Escort Agency wouldn't have delivered cargo to the Black Path without checking its contents."
Geom Mu-yang looked around at the escort leaders with a cold gaze and asked, "Who is the one who deceived the Agency Leader?"