Chapter 636: Even Though You Don’t Even Like Women
Chapter 636: Even Though You Don’t Even Like Women
The Demon Extermination Squad led the charge, with the warriors of Wuhan, headed by the One Sword Sect Leader, hot on their heels.
The One Sword Sect Leader was desperate in his pursuit, fueled by the conviction that the demonic cultists ahead were the ones who had attacked Heaven’s End Recluse.
“We must not let them escape!”
Jin Ha-gun’s expression darkened at the shouts echoing from behind. If it were just Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha, the pursuers would never have stood a chance of catching them. However, the group included branch warriors and Gwak Yeong, making it impossible to shake the pursuit easily.
Just then, a fork in the road appeared. One of the Demon Extermination Squad warriors leading the pack examined the ground and the surrounding foliage before glancing toward the left path. As the squad’s most skilled tracker, he had already discerned which way Geom Mu-yang’s group had gone.
Soon after, the One Sword Sect Leader and the Wuhan warriors arrived at the junction.
Jin Ha-gun spoke urgently to the Sect Leader.
“Let’s split up here! We’ll take the left path. Please, take the right!”
“Captain Jin, be careful!”
Fortunately, the One Sword Sect Leader didn't hesitate, immediately leading his warriors down the right path. He didn't suspect for a second that the Demon Extermination Squad Leader was intentionally leading him astray.
Once they were separated, Jin Ha-gun and his squad accelerated. Until now, they had been holding back their full strength.
As they sprinted, they soon spotted Geom Mu-yang’s group ahead. The difference in skill between the branch warriors and the elite Demon Extermination Squad was evident just by the grace of their lightness skills.
The Demon Buddha, who was leading the retreat, glanced back.
Seeing that only the Demon Extermination Squad was following them, he slowed his pace, and the entire group came to a halt. The branch warriors, who had been running without rest, gasped for breath.
Geom Mu-yang gently set down Gwak Yeong, whom he had been carrying on his back.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Are you okay?”
She hadn't been uncomfortable at all, merely being carried. If anything, she was worried about Geom Mu-yang, who had sprinted all this way with her weight on his shoulders.
Geom Mu-yang nodded, his expression blunt. His breathing was perfectly calm, showing no signs of exertion.
To think she had actually been carried by the First Young Master of the Demonic Cult. It was a story no one would ever believe.
Gwak Yeong expressed her sincere gratitude.
“Thank you, truly.”
If the Demon Extermination Squad hadn't arrived just then, she might have added a joke.
Thank you for taking me with you instead of abandoning me to the Orthodox Faction.
In truth, it wouldn't have been a joke. Surprisingly, she felt more at ease among these demonic cultists than her own kind.
The Demon Extermination Squad arrived and secured the perimeter. Jin Ha-gun approached Geom Mu-yang.
Geom Mu-yang offered his thanks first.
“I appreciate it.”
He knew well that Jin Ha-gun had controlled the speed of the pursuit and intentionally misled the other warriors just to meet him.
Jin Ha-gun also expressed his relief.
“Thank you for coming this far without shedding blood.”
They had managed to escape without killing a single member of the Orthodox Faction during the chaos.
In reality, Geom Mu-yang was the one who should be more grateful. He knew Jin Ha-gun was overextending himself significantly. If the Murim ever learned of this meeting, it would spark a massive scandal. The Leader of the Demon Extermination Squad was holding a secret meeting with the First Young Master of the Demonic Cult, having intentionally let his targets go free. He was gambling his entire future as a successor on this moment.
“But how did you know where our hideout was?”
At Geom Mu-yang’s question, Jin Ha-gun shook his head.
“I don’t know either. One of the One Sword Sect Leader’s subordinates informed us of the location.”
Before they could even ask how that subordinate had found it, the One Sword Sect Leader had already rallied his warriors and charged out.
“Do you think the One Sword Sect is in league with them?”
That couldn't be confirmed yet. The One Sword Sect was a long-standing pillar of Wuhan. The reason the Sect Leader was acting so aggressively was likely because he had lost an arm to a demonic cultist in the past. They couldn't conclude they were part of the mastermind organization based on this incident alone.
“The Wuhan warriors are currently in a state of frenzy. You must be careful.”
Jin Ha-gun hurriedly bid his farewell. He couldn't afford to linger when the One Sword Sect Leader might return at any moment.
“If you go around that ridge over there and head down, you can slip back into Wuhan unnoticed.”
Jin Ha-gun pointed out a path that would allow them to return to the city covertly.
Geom Mu-yang and Jin Ha-gun exchanged a formal fist salute.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you later.”
Jin Ha-gun gave a polite greeting to the Demon Buddha before finally looking at Gwak Yeong. He didn't say a word, simply giving her a single nod before leading the Demon Extermination Squad away.
Gwak Yeong understood. It was a silent promise—he hadn't forgotten about saving her brother.
Once they left, Geom Mu-yang looked at the Demon Buddha. Meeting his gaze, the Demon Buddha spoke calmly.
“First, send the woman and the subordinates to the safe house.”
With the Wuhan warriors searching for demonic cultists with fire in their eyes, moving as a large group was too risky. While they had been staying in a general hideout until now, he intended to move them to a more secure location.
Geom Mu-yang spoke to Ho-myeong.
“Go to the safe house with Master Gwak.”
Ho-myeong would have insisted on staying if the Demon Buddha hadn't been there, but since a Demon Lord was protecting his master, there was no need to worry.
Gwak Yeong was grateful to Geom Mu-yang for looking after her until the end. She was even more thankful that he addressed her as "Master Gwak" instead of "that woman."
Yes, she believed this connection would turn out well. It was a bond that had begun on the day that high-quality iron arrived. She didn't feel the need to beg him to take care of her brother instead of leaving it to Jin Ha-gun.
Having observed this man, she realized he wasn't the type who needed to be told such things. He was someone who wouldn't brag about a rescue, nor would he outwardly apologize for a failure.
For a man like this, words were unnecessary. She bowed politely. “Please, be careful.”
With that, Ho-myeong and the branch warriors escorted her toward the safe house.
As Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha rounded the ridge and stepped onto the path back to Wuhan, a man appeared before them. It was the Tongcheon Pavilion warrior who had been relaying information to Geom Mu-yang.
“There is a message requesting an immediate meeting with both of you.”
“From whom?”
“It is an order from the Acting Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-yang told the warrior, “Tell him we cannot return to the headquarters right now.”
He had expected the summons, but he had no intention of leaving yet. He was determined to resolve this matter personally.
“No, he did not say to meet at the Main Headquarters.”
“Then where?”
A truly unimaginable location came out of the Tongcheon Pavilion warrior’s mouth.
“He said to meet at the tavern with the best crowd in Wuhan.”
Ah. It was definitely a message from his younger brother.
*
“Those young heroines over there are staring at us. Don’t look! Oh, do you see the woman in the pale pink martial robes on the other side? She’s been eyeing us—no, specifically me—for a while now. As expected! This face works regardless of the region. Regardless of age! It works everywhere.”
The Poison King, who was staring out the tavern window, replied indifferently.
“She was probably looking at me.”
“I might deny it if it were anyone else, but I can’t argue with that. I’ll give you half the credit.”
The Poison King continued to stare outside. The bustling tavern was chaotic, filled with the din of customers. If he hadn't come with Geom Mu-geuk, he would never have set foot in such a place in his entire life.
“And yet, you don't even like women.”
At the Poison King’s remark, Geom Mu-geuk feigned shock. “What a misunderstanding! I like women.”
The Poison King snorted.
“I really do!”
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk knew he wasn't being convincing. As long as he remained indifferent to the beautiful Lee An, his claims of liking women would never hold weight.
Geom Mu-geuk naturally changed the subject.
“You’ve never been to Wuhan before, have you?”
The Poison King was someone who loathed leaving his domain. Mu-geuk had assumed he would never have ventured near the Murim Alliance headquarters.
“I have.”
“When?”
“A long time ago.”
“With whom?”
Then, a truly unexpected name was mentioned.
“With the Cult Leader.”
“My father?”
The Poison King nodded, his gaze still fixed on the street.
“When was this?”
“Right after I ascended to the position of Demon Lord.”
He had come to Wuhan with his father? It was something Mu-geuk had never imagined.
“Even though he doesn't seem like it, my father is surprisingly diligent. For what reason? Tell me the story.”
But the Poison King remained silent.
Geom Mu-geuk tried to picture his father and the Poison King walking the streets of Wuhan. Since he thought his father held the Poison King in low regard, he had assumed they were an ill-matched pair. But as he pictured the two of them walking together, he realized they might have actually suited each other quite well. After all, they were two men who had even picked poisonous herbs together.
Just then, a group of warriors sprinted past the front of the inn.
“Out of the way!”
People on the street scrambled to the sides.
“The demonic cultists have appeared!”
They looked like reinforcements joining the pursuit of his brother. Warriors on the street followed after them blindly. Wuhan was gradually reaching a boiling point. Rumors spread with terrifying speed, and the enemies were using those rumors to exert pressure. It was a weapon stronger than any blade.
At that moment, two people entered the tavern. Wearing bamboo hats pulled low, they were Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha. Since their faces were hidden, they looked like a simple father and son at a glance.
As he took a seat, Geom Mu-yang greeted the Poison King politely.
“You’ve arrived?”
“It’s been a while.”
The Poison King nodded in acknowledgment.
“I heard the story about Hanwolgaek from the Demon Buddha on the way. Thank you for your concern.”
“Don’t mention it.”
After exchanging greetings, Geom Mu-yang poured a drink for the Demon Buddha sitting next to him. He didn't even acknowledge Geom Mu-geuk.
“Brother, I’m here too!”
Geom Mu-geuk waved his hand in front of Geom Mu-yang’s face, looking offended.
“I said I’m right here. Is that bamboo hat blocking your peripheral vision?”
But Geom Mu-yang simply emptied his cup, pretending his brother didn't exist.
Geom Mu-geuk lowered his voice, leaning in.
“Insolence! The Acting Cult Leader has graced you with his presence!”
At that, Geom Mu-yang looked around with an exasperated expression, worried about who might have overheard.
“No one cares even if you shout that you’re the Cult Leader. It’s so noisy they can’t hear a thing. Besides, who would ever imagine we’d be sitting here drinking?”
“Is that why you’re showing your face so openly?”
“If the four of us gathered and all of us had our faces covered, that would stand out even more. If anything, the two handsome ones should show their faces.”
“Then you should have asked to meet in a more discreet place!”
Mu-yang didn't need to ask why his younger brother had come. Since Heaven’s End Recluse had appeared, the Cult had to be on high alert.
The real question was this:
“Did you run away from home?”
Strategist Sama would never have let him go willingly.
“What do you mean, run away? I came with the Strategist’s permission.”
He wouldn't have given permission easily. Geom Mu-geuk must have used some serious persuasion. In any case, the fact that he had ultimately sent Geom Mu-geuk meant that Sama Myeong also viewed this matter with equal gravity.
“What on earth is going on?”
At his brother’s question, Geom Mu-yang emptied his cup and stated his thoughts.
“It seems they intentionally lured us into Wuhan.”
It was what he had told the Murim Alliance Leader as well. After pursuing the one who forged the hidden weapons, he had ended up standing before the Alliance Leader. He was certain there was an ulterior motive.
A faint smile played on Geom Mu-geuk’s lips, pleased that his brother was reading the board correctly.
“Then Wuhan has become a giant trap.”
The eyes of the two Demon Lords grew sharp. There was a massive difference between getting caught in a situation and being lured into one by design.
“Is that why you came too?”
At Geom Mu-yang’s question, Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward the Poison King.
“No. I came to see the Poison King. I wanted to give the women of Wuhan some eye candy by standing next to him.”
Then, the Poison King struck home.
“You probably came to keep an eye on me in case I caused trouble.”
The Demon Buddha, listening from the side, couldn't refute those words. That was certainly one of the objectives.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't deny it either.
“You are the final bastion of our Cult; I have to be by your side to stop you.”
He emphasized his point further.
“As you know, I’m someone who even wants to stop my father’s unification of the Murim. Would I just stand by and watch the destruction of the Murim?”
At the mention of the "destruction of the Murim," the Poison King’s expression shifted subtly. It was a remark that could be offensive depending on the listener, but the Poison King didn't take it poorly.
Geom Mu-yang, listening, could tell. Even though the sentiment was the same, those words made the Poison King feel much better than saying, ‘The Poison King will do fine on his own, so why stop him?’
It was a way of restraining the Poison King while naturally stroking his ego. Mu-geuk made it sound like he was just tossing words out casually, but they were never spoken without purpose.
“What are you going to do now?”
“I’ve only just arrived. You should be the one telling me what to do next, Brother.”
The situation was currently stifling and deadlocked. In the past, relying on someone else in such a situation would have wounded Mu-yang's pride. But he had changed enough to offer a dry joke.
“I await the orders of the August Acting Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled. He loved this change in his brother. Brother, you can change more. You can keep changing.
“Then it seems it’s time for this Acting Cult Leader to step up.”
Geom Mu-geuk spoke calmly.
“Heaven’s End Recluse is a man who has lived frugally his entire life. He never kept subordinates of his own. But could he really be alone? Not when he’s playing such a crucial role.”
Geom Mu-yang shook his head.
“There’s no way.”
Someone had to be guarding him.
The Demon Buddha spoke cautiously.
“If so, it must be one of the sects in Wuhan.”
Geom Mu-yang pointed to one possibility.
“The One Sword Sect knew where our hideout was.”
“They even pursued us.”
Just as the Demon Buddha was about to be certain it was them, Geom Mu-geuk shook his head.
“It’s probably not them. The masterminds are in a position where they can freely use the Orthodox sects of Wuhan. There’s no reason for them to expose their own blade to us so early. They would save that blade for the very end.”
Since it made sense, Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha nodded.
“Then it must be a sect among those following Heaven’s End Recluse that hasn't stepped forward much.”
The Demon Buddha added to the speculation.
“It would be a sect that established itself here in Wuhan around the same time he did.”
There wouldn't be many sects that fit that description.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the two of them with admiration.
“As expected, my brother and the Demon Buddha are perfectly in sync. Poison King, let’s head back now. It seems we can leave this to these two.”
He gave the credit to them, but Geom Mu-yang and the Demon Buddha knew better. It was because Geom Mu-geuk was with them that they had reached this conclusion so quickly.
“I have a place I need to visit for a moment,” Geom Mu-geuk added, looking toward the Murim Alliance headquarters in the distance.
“When visiting a friend's home, it's only polite to greet the elders first.”