Chapter 626: When Will the Person You Called Arrive?
Chapter 626: When Will the Person You Called Arrive?
“I can’t believe it.”
Gwak Yeong was profoundly shocked to learn that the White Dragon Unit Leader was involved in this matter.
She could accept that the merchant who supplied materials to the iron workshop was a traitor. But the White Dragon Unit Leader? To think he was in league with the mastermind behind everything?
‘Could this man be deceiving me?’
The thought crossed her mind only because the truth was so difficult to swallow. However, Gwak Yeong chose to trust the man standing before her. In fact, another realization followed immediately after.
‘If he wanted to deceive me, I would be utterly helpless against him anyway.’
They had only met a few times, yet she found herself trusting this stranger over the White Dragon Unit Leader, whom she had known for years.
“If anyone else had told me this, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Geom Mu-yang, who usually remained silent, surprisingly offered a response.
“If you trust just anyone like that, it will be difficult for you to survive in this Murim.”
After a brief pause, Gwak Yeong spoke firmly.
“You aren’t just ‘anyone.’ You’re the benefactor who is going to save my brother, aren’t you? I have to trust you. Even if I can’t trust others, I must trust you. Even if the whole world curses you, I alone will not.”
When Geom Mu-yang stared at her intently, Gwak Yeong added, “I know I’m putting a burden on you. It’s just that this is the only thing I can do right now.”
Geom Mu-yang looked at her for a moment before turning his gaze out the window. Just then, Ho-myeong entered the room.
“This is the data sent from Tongcheon Pavilion regarding the White Dragon Unit Leader.”
Geom Mu-yang took the few sheets of paper from Ho-myeong and scanned them. They contained personal information about the White Dragon Unit Leader—his personality, his history, and the process by which he rose to his current position.
“His wife died early, and he has one daughter.”
At that, Gwak Yeong cried out, “His daughter must have been kidnapped!”
She naturally assumed everyone would think the same—that he was being coerced.
“Why do you think that?”
“Pardon?”
“Could it not be a choice he made for himself?”
Gwak Yeong was left speechless by Geom Mu-yang’s question. She had always thought the White Dragon Unit Leader was a good man. Whenever he saw her, he treated her kindly with a warm smile.
But thinking back, she realized she knew almost nothing about him. Coldly speaking, the man currently reading those documents likely knew more about the Unit Leader than she did, despite her having known him for over a decade.
Was it truly his own choice, rather than the result of blackmail?
“What are you going to do now?” she asked.
“I am going to meet the White Dragon Unit Leader.”
“Will he even agree to meet you?”
There was no reason for the White Dragon Unit Leader to meet him. Even if he did, he would surely have countless experts lying in ambush.
Then, Geom Mu-yang said something she never expected.
“The one meeting the White Dragon Unit Leader isn’t me. It’s you.”
Gwak Yeong was startled. She could tell he was being serious; since she had met him, this man had never once made a joke.
“You were the one who said I should use you to catch them, weren’t you?”
“That’s true, but…”
She knew it as well. Hiding like a fugitive wouldn’t solve the problem. To find her brother’s whereabouts, she had to follow this lead. Currently, the White Dragon Unit Leader was their only link to the enemy.
But that wasn't the important part.
“Didn’t you say my brother would die if I went out?”
Geom Mu-yang nodded.
“And you’re still telling me to go?”
Again, he nodded. Rather than resentment, she felt a sense of wonder. She knew well that he wasn't the type of person to break a promise so easily.
“You promised you would save my brother.”
“It is to keep that promise.”
Gwak Yeong stared directly into Geom Mu-yang’s eyes. His gaze seemed to say—or rather, she hoped it said: If you’ve trusted me once, trust me until the end.
Previously, she had begged and screamed for him not to let her out even if she died. She had said she would stay buried in the dirt breathing through a straw if she had to. But this time, those words didn't come out. Since he was the one telling her to do this despite what he’d said before, it was something that had to be done.
“Fine. But make me one more promise,” she spoke honestly. “Since you’re saving him anyway, please make sure to save me too.”
*
“Bring me some porridge.”
The restaurant owner was about to say they didn't sell porridge when he flinched. The customer was a martial artist with graying hair and a square jaw, and his face was contorted with rage. Through long experience, the owner knew better than to provoke a customer in such a state.
“Yes, sir. I’ll have it ready right away.”
The martial artist was none other than Hanwolgaek. He had been in and out of the outhouse all day and had only just managed to settle down. This was the first time in his life he had suffered such a severe upset stomach.
‘To think I couldn't control it with my internal energy. Am I finally getting old?’
It didn't even occur to him that someone might have intentionally caused his illness. Since he had fallen ill after consuming food and drinks at the Red Flower Pavilion, he should have turned that place upside down. The only reason he restrained himself was simple.
“I heard Hanwolgaek got a stomach bug and spent the whole day in the outhouse.”
He absolutely could not tolerate such a rumor spreading through the Murim.
A moment later, the owner brought the porridge. After finishing a bowl, Hanwolgaek finally felt like he might live. He couldn't believe he felt this famished after skipping only a single day of meals.
Just then, a young boy entered the restaurant and handed a note to Hanwolgaek.
“A martial artist told me to give this to you.”
The boy then scurried away. After checking the contents, Hanwolgaek burned the note with his Heat Yang True Qi.
Whoosh.
The Demonic Cultists he failed to kill yesterday—he would slaughter them all today. He had merely shown mercy by letting those pathetic lives linger for one more day.
Hanwolgaek stood up and left the restaurant. As he walked toward the entrance, he saw a familiar young man eating a meal.
‘Where have I seen him?’
Then, the collection box and herb pouch beside the youth caught his eye.
‘Ah! It’s that brat from before!’
The fellow he’d seen crouching by the roadside staring at grass, whom he’d advised to swing a sword instead of wasting time. Of course, that "brat" was the Poison King.
Hanwolgaek was about to pass by, but he turned back and walked toward the Poison King. This was the person he had met right before his stomach troubles began. Driven by a lingering suspicion, he looked down at him. If the boy had pulled something, he wouldn't be showing his face like this again.
As if unaware that someone was standing before him and glaring, the Poison King kept his head down and focused on his food.
“Hey.”
Only when Hanwolgaek called out did the Poison King look up.
“Why are you loitering around me?”
The Poison King wore an expression of complete confusion, as if he had no idea what the man was talking about. He didn't even seem to remember Hanwolgaek.
I remember him, but he doesn't remember me? It was subtly irritating and a blow to his pride. How dare he not remember me?
He felt offended, but he couldn't exactly get angry over such a thing.
“Fine. If you’re that dim-witted, I suppose you have to work hard picking herbs just to make a living.”
Hanwolgaek turned away. He was in a foul mood for various reasons. Was it really necessary to snap at him just because he didn't remember a face? How petty of me.
The thought crossed his mind, but he didn't go back to apologize.
He had only walked a short distance from the restaurant when he began to scratch his arm. It was an itch like a mosquito bite, but no matter how much he scratched, it brought no relief. The itching started on his arms and then spread to his back.
‘Damn it, why am I suddenly so itchy?’
He rolled up his sleeves and was shocked to see his arms covered in tiny, millet-like hives.
‘Could it be? Did the porridge disagree with me too?’
It wasn't just his arms. His back, stomach, legs, and even his buttocks—his entire body was so itchy he couldn't stand it. Casting aside all dignity, he stood in the middle of the street and began scratching himself furiously. Passersby gave him a wide berth, avoiding him. He was too busy itching to even get angry at them.
He tried to circulate his internal energy to suppress it, but nothing he knew could stop this maddening sensation. Just then, an old man telling fortunes on the street spoke to him. The words were enough to make him momentarily forget the itch.
“Sir, you have come to a place you should never have entered.”
Scratching himself, Hanwolgaek looked at the old fortune teller. The man’s eyes were deep, suggesting he possessed a genuine spiritual spark.
“What are you talking about?”
The old fortune teller said to Hanwolgaek, “You came to hunt a devil, only to be possessed by one yourself.”
Hanwolgaek stood dazed for a moment, staring at the old man. The reason he didn't immediately bark at him for talking nonsense was that the man had correctly guessed he was there to hunt a "devil."
“Leave the land of Wuhan immediately before a greater calamity befalls you.”
In the end, Hanwolgaek couldn't hold back and roared, “Stop talking nonsense!”
He was going crazy from the itching, and now this old man was spouting riddles. What was wrong with everyone today? He should have questioned the old man further, but Hanwolgaek could endure it no longer. He unleashed his Lightness Skill and began sprinting toward a physician’s clinic.
Once Hanwolgaek had vanished, the Poison King came over and sat down beside the old man. The fortune teller was actually Sangseon, the Poison King’s aide.
“It seems that man won't be able to do anything today either.”
If a simple physician could solve the problem, why would he be called the Poison King? Unless the Divine Doctor of the Murim Alliance himself showed up, the man would spend the rest of his day doing nothing but scratching.
“I was originally going to use something less painful,” the Poison King muttered.
This was the result of Hanwolgaek running his mouth. Sangseon smiled as he looked at the Poison King. Despite how much the Poison King hated coming out into the world, he excelled at everything once he did.
“Still, he won't leave just because of this.”
At Sangseon’s words, the Poison King spoke meaningfully.
“He’ll believe your fortune once he starts seeing ghosts.”
*
“Master Gwak has returned.”
The White Dragon Unit Leader was stunned by his subordinate’s report. Indeed, Gwak Yeong was walking in, following the subordinate.
“What on earth happened?”
“That’s what I want to ask. I stepped out for a moment to handle some personal business, and when I came back, I heard I’d been kidnapped.”
At her words, not only the White Dragon Unit Leader but all the surrounding martial artists were shocked.
“Then you weren't kidnapped?”
“As you can see.”
The White Dragon Unit Leader examined her. Since she didn't have a single scratch on her, her story seemed plausible.
“Who said that? Who said I was kidnapped?”
“We received an anonymous tip from someone who claimed to have witnessed your abduction. When we checked your residence, you were gone.”
“It was a false report.”
The White Dragon Unit Leader stared at her for a moment before breaking into a wide smile.
“It’s a relief that you’ve returned safely.” The Unit Leader turned to his subordinates. “Cease the search and return to the Alliance. Prepare a carriage for Master Gwak.”
The subordinates moved busily to carry out the orders. Messengers were sent to those searching other areas to relay the command.
The White Dragon Unit Leader said to Gwak Yeong, “Come, let us return together.”
“You all went through so much trouble because of me.”
“It’s fine, as long as you are safe.”
The two boarded the carriage, and the subordinates escorted them. No matter how much she looked, Gwak Yeong couldn't find anything suspicious about the White Dragon Unit Leader. He even asked her several times if she felt unwell anywhere.
‘This man is a villain?’
It seemed that, for once, Geom Mu-yang had been wrong. Seeing him again, she felt certain. The White Dragon Unit Leader was a good person.
As they were heading back, the White Dragon Unit Leader ordered the carriage to stop. He said to his subordinates, “You all go on ahead.”
With that, he sent the carriage and the subordinates back first.
“You and I need to have a little chat.”
The place where the carriage had stopped was the very manor where Geom Mu-yang had first hidden. The two entered the manor. Traces of the ongoing construction were scattered everywhere.
“What is this place?”
The White Dragon Unit Leader’s voice turned cold. “You already know, don't you?”
“What do you mean?”
“This is the place where those bastards first brought you.”
He seemed certain that she had been kidnapped.
“Why are you lying?”
“I’m not lying.”
The White Dragon Unit Leader’s expression shifted. It was a look she had never seen before—one that made her realize he was capable of such chilling coldness.
“Where are they now?”
Under his interrogation, a question arose in her mind. “Why didn't you ask this in front of everyone? Why wait until we’re alone in a place like this?”
“For your sake.”
Gwak Yeong’s expression also grew calm and somber. “You think I’m in league with them.”
“Are you not?”
Gwak Yeong replied with a meaningful look. “I am on your side, Unit Leader.”
For a split second, the White Dragon Unit Leader’s expression faltered. “I know as well. That you are on my side.”
The White Dragon Unit Leader stared at Gwak Yeong in silence. In that gaze, Gwak Yeong saw the truth. This man had indeed joined hands with the enemy.
“If you suspected me, isn't it dangerous for you to be here alone like this?”
Just then, a voice drifted from behind.
“He must have something to rely on.”
Geom Mu-yang emerged from behind a building. Ho-myeong and the branch warriors followed behind him. However, the White Dragon Unit Leader showed no sign of surprise or fear at their appearance. Instead, a flash of relief crossed his face.
“You probably thought you could use this woman to lure me out, but I already anticipated this.”
Hearing this, Gwak Yeong looked at Geom Mu-yang in alarm. They had set a trap, but they were the ones who had fallen into one. Geom Mu-yang’s face remained stoic, betraying no emotion.
The White Dragon Unit Leader shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Come out now and eliminate these demons!”
The person he was relying on was Hanwolgaek. If it were him, not a single Demonic Cultist here would leave alive. To his knowledge, Hanwolgaek was an Absolute Master representing the Orthodox Faction.
“Please, come out!”
But Hanwolgaek did not appear. The White Dragon Unit Leader’s face stiffened. He had proceeded with this plan believing the man would surely come. He had been told he would definitely be here.
“It seems whoever it was isn't coming,” Geom Mu-yang said calmly.
Right then! The gates of the manor slowly began to open.
‘He’s here!’
The White Dragon Unit Leader’s joy was instantly replaced by sheer terror. The person who entered was not Hanwolgaek. Someone entirely unexpected had appeared.
‘Why is he here?’
He was so shocked he was momentarily lost for words. But soon, a thought occurred to him. There was no way this man was on the side of those Demonic Cultists.
‘He sent this man instead of Hanwolgaek!’
The White Dragon Unit Leader was inwardly stunned. To think the other's influence could move even this person. Surprisingly, the man who appeared was the Demon Extermination Squad Leader, Jin Ha-gun.
Martial artists lined the walls of the manor, surrounding the area. They were the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad. Ho-myeong and the branch warriors drew their swords in unison, forming a perimeter around Geom Mu-yang.
A smile spread across the White Dragon Unit Leader’s lips.
“Captain Jin! Quickly, eliminate these villains of the Demonic Cult!”
Jin Ha-gun and Geom Mu-yang’s gazes met in mid-air. A tension so thick it felt ready to explode rippled through the gathered warriors.
Geom Mu-yang shifted his gaze from Jin Ha-gun to the White Dragon Unit Leader.
“When will the person you called arrive?”
At the absurd question, the White Dragon Unit Leader looked at Jin Ha-gun with an incredulous expression and shouted.
“What kind of crazy talk is that? He is standing right here!”
Then, a shocking statement fell from Geom Mu-yang’s lips.
“That man is the one I called.”