Chapter 66: Win It All, or Lose It All
Chapter 66: Win It All, or Lose It All
Regret was written all over the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s face.
Given the circumstances, it was clear the Shackled Man had sent him a voice transmission, instructing him to simply hand over the sacred relic I had chosen.
To think that man would interfere in the Cult Leader’s decision at such a critical moment.
It was a truly unexpected turn of events.
“Do you even know what it is you’ve chosen?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I felt a strong pull toward it.”
What I had picked was a small, egg-shaped iron sphere.
Of course, I knew exactly what it was. It wasn't a weapon, nor was it a gemstone. What mattered was what lay inside this metallic shell.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader lifted the sphere and fiddled with the bottom. With a metallic click, the egg popped open.
Instantly, a potent, heavy medicinal fragrance wafted out. Inside lay a crimson spirit pill.
The Blood God Pill.
It was a spirit medicine renowned as the finest not only within the Pungcheon Cult but throughout the entirety of the Outer Regions.
“It is the Blood God Pill. Have you heard of it?”
“Yes. I know it to be a truly precious elixir.”
“‘Precious’ doesn't even begin to describe it.”
“If it is so valuable, why haven't you consumed it yourself?”
“I was saving it for the future.”
“It seems I am that future.”
He likely never imagined that out of all these sacred relics, I would pick this specific one.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader glanced back at the Shackled Man. At that moment, I noticed the Shackled Man’s shoulders trembling slightly as he sat with his head bowed. Thanks to the improved vision granted by my New Eye Technique, I could see it clearly.
He’s definitely sending a voice transmission.
In other words, the Pungcheon Cult Leader was undoubtedly following that man’s instructions. Or, at the very least, he was consulting him.
Just who is he?
My curiosity about the man piqued, but I feigned ignorance. For now, the Blood God Pill was the priority.
To give them some space, I turned away and pretended to browse the other relics. I spotted a few other items I wanted besides the Blood God Pill. Whether I could obtain them would depend on the Cult Leader’s future choices and actions.
A moment later, having finished his consultation, the Pungcheon Cult Leader made a difficult decision. His face looked ten years older.
“Very well. I shall give you the Blood God Pill.”
“Thank you.”
Still holding the pill in his hand, the Cult Leader added, “I cannot give this to you first this time. Tell me the method for us to remain in the Divine Cult.”
It seemed he couldn't bring himself to hand over something as significant as the Blood God Pill so easily.
“The method is this.”
Before the Pungcheon Cult Leader could even think to stop me, I snatched the Blood God Pill from his hand and tossed it into my mouth. His eyes widened in shock; he never expected me to just swallow it then and there.
“You! What do you think you’re doing?!”
He roared belatedly, but I had already dropped into a cross-legged position.
“Please stand guard while I dissolve the medicine.”
I closed my eyes and began to refine the medicinal effects of the Blood God Pill. Thus, I did not see the utterly bewildered expression on the Cult Leader’s face.
*
Geom Mu-geuk’s meditation lasted for an hour.
During that time, the Pungcheon Cult Leader and the Shackled Man conversed via voice transmission.
The Shackled Man had managed to calm the Cult Leader, who had been jumping in rage, threatening to kill the boy immediately. It was also the Shackled Man who insisted they speak only through voice transmission so as not to disturb the boy’s internal circulation.
— Hahahaha!
— Dammit! Curse it all!
The Shackled Man continued to chuckle through the transmission. In contrast, the Pungcheon Cult Leader vented his frustration incessantly.
— Blast it! Should I just kill this brat right now?
— Go ahead. Kill him and start a nice, refreshing war with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. I’d love to see the Heavenly Demon tear you into little pieces.
— Dammit! To hell with this! What the hell was he thinking?
He truly hadn't imagined the boy would swallow it right in front of him.
— The method he’s going to suggest must be absolute nonsense. That’s why he took the pill first, isn't it?
— I told you, kill him! Kill him! Smash his skull with a single palm strike!
The Pungcheon Cult Leader approached Geom Mu-geuk and raised his hand high. However, he couldn't bring himself to strike.
— Ugh, dammit!
Lowering his hand, the Cult Leader slumped down next to the Sound Thunder Bell. The Shackled Man watched the scene with amusement.
— Curse it!
— I don't think you’re going to die, Cult Leader.
— Why? Because I’m a coward? Is that it?!
— No. The Second Young Master is far more brilliant than I thought.
— Based on what?
— He was certain that you wouldn't be able to kill him. It means he’s already finished analyzing you. A man like that will give you a proper answer.
— Do you have an inkling of what it is?
— I didn't at first, but seeing him take the Blood God Pill, I think I know what method he’ll propose.
— What is it?
— Listen to it yourself once he finishes his meditation.
— Tell me!
— I can't. Your face is an open book, Cult Leader.
— In my younger days, I never lost a bet!
— That’s because no gambler would dare show their true skill in front of the successor of the Pungcheon Cult.
— Hmph!
The Pungcheon Cult Leader felt a slight sense of relief.
The Shackled Man called out to the Cult Leader casually, like an old friend.
— Hey, Cult Leader.
— Ugh, here we go again. I’m not your friend!
— Just give him everything. You might as well give him it all.
— Are you serious?
— Until now, we judged the Second Young Master based only on the information that flew our way. But seeing him in person today, I realize those reports underestimated him.
— You can see that?
— I can.
— Then why can't I?
— Because you’re too greedy.
— Dammit! Fine, let’s say that’s true. Let’s say my greed has blinded me. So? If I give him everything, what about me?
— You’ll get to live in the Central Plains. Wasn't that your dream?
— Did he say he’d let me live in the Central Plains?
— He’s gobbling everything up like that because he intends to let you stay.
— And if he doesn't keep his word? We’ll be wandering around like beggars with broken bowls.
— Don't worry. I’ll feed you.
— What?
— I’ll peddle medicine, clanking these shackles along.
— …….
The Pungcheon Cult Leader let out a long sigh.
— What if the Second Young Master loses the succession struggle and dies?
— Isn't that what it means to invest in someone with your fate on the line? You either win it all, or you lose it all.
— You’re doing this just to ruin me, aren't you?
— You’re only realizing that now?
The Shackled Man wore a mysterious smile. It was an expression that made it hard to tell if he was being serious or joking.
— Hey, Cult Leader.
— Stop talking down to me. You’ve done it more than five times today.
— I understand you.
— …….
— You have to let go to gain. Neither you nor I are blessed enough to have everything without giving anything up. That kind of luck belongs to people like the Second Young Master sitting over there.
— ……Dammit.
Eventually, Geom Mu-geuk finished his meditation.
When he opened his eyes, his expression was bright. His already clear eyes seemed even deeper now, making it difficult to gauge the extent of his internal power.
However, those deep eyes soon returned to looking like those of an ordinary person. The Pungcheon Cult Leader was startled by how naturally he masked his gaze.
Just how deep is his internal power?
Geom Mu-geuk hid nothing from him. It was as if he were saying: I am this strong, so you can trust me and follow me.
Despite the power he displayed, Geom Mu-geuk remained polite. He bowed and offered a fist salute to express his gratitude.
“Thank you.”
“You certainly have nerves of steel. To steal an elixir and then meditate right in front of its owner!”
“Steal? I received this elixir as payment.”
“Payment? What do you mean?”
“I told you before I took the Blood God Pill, didn't I? The way for you to stay here is for me to eat this.”
“And what does that mean?”
“Go to the Huangquan Pavilion tomorrow and report it. Tell them your sacred relic has been stolen.”
“!”
“You should be able to stay here until the relic is found.”
Only then did the Pungcheon Cult Leader realize Geom Mu-geuk’s intention.
“But if they investigate, it might be revealed that no thief ever entered.”
“The place conducting that investigation is the Huangquan Pavilion, which I lead. I will ensure the investigation proceeds as slowly as possible until you have achieved your goal.”
“Ah!”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader’s face brightened instantly.
Since a theft had occurred within the Inner Court of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, he now had a valid excuse not to leave.
Furthermore, since Geom Mu-geuk would be in charge of the case, there was no risk of the staged incident being exposed, nor would there be any unnecessary friction during the search for the culprit.
“The date of your departure will also be decided between you and me.”
“Ah! So that’s what you meant.”
“Then, I shall take my leave. Thank you once again for the Blood God Pill.”
As Geom Mu-geuk departed, the Pungcheon Cult Leader turned to the Shackled Man.
“Did you know?”
“I knew the moment the Second Young Master ate the pill.”
The Shackled Man’s tone had returned to being respectful.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked down at the empty shell that had held the Blood God Pill.
“But did the Second Young Master know it was the Blood God Pill beforehand?”
“Of course.”
“He knew?”
“Do you really think he picked it up just because the container looked pretty? Did you actually believe that?”
“No.”
But for a moment, the Pungcheon Cult Leader had believed it. He hadn't thought the boy could possibly know the details of his private collection.
“How did he know?”
“Because he is a man of that caliber, which is why you are giving him these gifts.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader nodded. He felt fortunate to have the Shackled Man by his side. Yet, on the other hand, he felt resentful because it was the Shackled Man who had led him into this situation.
“……Still, that Blood God Pill is such a waste.”
The Cult Leader began to lament his loss once again. He wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.
“I am telling you for the hundredth time, he didn't give you the method because you gave him the pill.”
“If things don't work out after giving away so much, you’re dead, and I’m dead too.”
From behind his tangled hair, the man grinned.
“That’s a promise, then. Kill me and then yourself.”
“Shut up!”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader sank into his own brooding over the empty container, while the Shackled Man did the same beside the Sound Thunder Bell.
*
The next day, shocking news swept through the Cult.
A thief had broken into the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s quarters and stolen a sacred relic.
It was the talk of the town. While the fact that a thief had infiltrated the Inner Court was surprising enough, everyone was curious about which relic had been taken. However, the identity of the stolen item was not disclosed.
While the Cult was in an uproar, the atmosphere in the Heavenly Demon Hall remained calm.
This was because Chief Strategist Sama Myeong had already seen through the situation.
“It appears the Pungcheon Cult Leader is staging an incident. According to our surveillance, no one entered his residence. Furthermore, to steal one of his relics, one would need to be at least at the level of a Demon Lord. As far as I am aware, there is no one of that caliber currently present who would target his belongings.”
Heavenly Demon Geom Wu-jin accepted Sama Myeong’s report without question.
“And the reason for this charade?”
“He likely wishes to remain in our Cult longer. He will probably insist on not leaving until the relic is found.”
“Why is he so intent on staying? Is it because of that matter?”
“Correct. It seems he wants to use this opportunity to reach a final agreement regarding the Pungcheon Cult’s advance into the Central Plains.”
“The second one is involved in this, isn't he?”
“Yes. It appears the Pungcheon Cult Leader asked the Second Young Master for a way to stay. Since the Huangquan Pavilion will handle the investigation, the Cult Leader will be able to remain here for quite some time.”
“He’s quite the clever schemer.”
A faint smile played on Geom Wu-jin’s lips.
“What is the relationship between the Pungcheon Cult Leader and the Demon Lords?”
“Not particularly good. Since their initial meeting upon his arrival, they haven't met a single time. His only contact has been with the Demon Buddha, with whom he is somewhat acquainted.”
“How should we handle this?”
Sama Myeong replied calmly.
“It would be best to feign ignorance and observe for the time being.”
Geom Wu-jin reflected for a moment, and Sama Myeong waited for his decision.
Sama Myeong could guess the Cult Leader’s thoughts.
The reason a decision wasn't immediate was because it involved the Pungcheon Cult. The Cult Leader was not fond of the idea of the Pungcheon Cult entering the Central Plains. Yet, the reason he hesitated was likely because the Second Young Master was involved.
Eventually, Geom Wu-jin gave his order.
“Let it be so.”
“Yes, Sire.”
Sama Myeong bowed respectfully and was about to turn away when he added, “If the Pungcheon Cult Leader and the Second Young Master join forces, the Demon Buddha will not sit idly by. He will likely begin to draw the First Young Master into the fray in earnest.”
In Sama Myeong’s estimation, the reason the First Young Master had remained patient despite the Second Young Master’s recent rise was partly out of deference to the Cult Leader, but mostly because he was still confident that he would be the successor.
However, if Geom Mu-geuk aligned himself with the Pungcheon Cult Leader—following his alliances with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable—the First Young Master would no longer be able to just watch.
Geom Wu-jin nodded silently, acknowledging the point.
Leaving the Heavenly Demon alone in his thoughts, Sama Myeong slowly walked out onto the Path of Blood.
He was curious.
What decision would the Cult Leader ultimately make? Would he allow the First Young Master to return and jump into the struggle? Or would he find a way to stop the brothers from fighting?
Everything depended on the will of the Heavenly Demon.