Chapter 667: I Wanted to Run Away
Chapter 667: I Wanted to Run Away
“Brother! I’ve returned in one piece!”
Geom Mu-yang was standing by the window when Geom Mu-geuk entered the room with a boisterous greeting. Without turning around, Mu-yang spoke.
“I heard everything.”
“Heard what?”
“You badmouthing me.”
“Ah, I forgot to mention that. My brother has such sharp ears he can hear a whisper from across the province. If you’re going to curse him, you’d better do it from a different mountain range.”
A faint smile played on Geom Mu-yang’s lips, though his back remained turned.
Geom Mu-geuk collapsed into a chair like a pile of limp laundry.
“Ah, it’s finally over! Now, I’m going to do nothing but rest! Don’t even think about stopping me from having fun. I’m going to hang out with my friends, lounge with the Demon Lords, and spend time with Father. I’m serious! Don’t you dare mention words like ‘conspiracy,’ ‘mastermind,’ or ‘scheme.’ Brother, you should play with me too!”
Geom Mu-yang finally turned around, his eyes scanning Mu-geuk’s body.
“For someone who just finished a massive battle, there isn’t a single drop of blood on your clothes.”
“Refined people like us fight with grace and dignity.”
Just then, the door swung open and another voice joined the conversation.
“Is that really why? Or is it because you made everyone else fight while you just stood back with your arms crossed?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s face lit up instantly. It was a welcome voice he hadn't heard in far too long.
“And of course, while others were bleeding, that mouth of yours certainly wasn't resting.”
Geom Mu-geuk sprang up to see the Pungcheon Cult Leader and the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord entering the room.
“I missed you so much, Cult Leader!”
Mu-geuk lunged toward the Pungcheon Cult Leader with his arms wide open, but the Cult Leader used a subtle footwork technique to lightly dodge the embrace.
“Stop pretending to be glad to see me. I know you forgot all about me. You probably saw my face just now and thought, ‘Who is this? Oh! It’s that Cult Leader from back then!’”
Geom Mu-geuk shouted back, undeterred.
“And I’m that Second Young Master from back then!”
As Mu-geuk lunged again, the Pungcheon Cult Leader dodged him once more.
“Enough! You’re being creepy!”
Despite his protests, the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s face was full of genuine joy. Being able to joke and play around so comfortably after so long felt like a massive weight being lifted from his chest.
While he was teaching his disciple back at the Outer Region Pungcheon Cult, had there been anyone he could treat with such ease? He had missed this camaraderie.
Yes, this is it. This is why I threw everything away to come here.
He wanted to be with people to whom he could speak his heart—people who would accept him and correct him even if there were misunderstandings along the way. Finding even one such person would be a stroke of incredible luck, yet he had found several.
At that moment, another person entered the room, clicking his tongue.
“You’ve fallen hook, line, and sinker for his antics.”
The newcomer was the Demon Buddha.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader and the Demon Buddha acknowledged each other with a brief look. Their relationship had fluctuated wildly over the years, but they had recently reached a point of mutual respect.
“Aren’t these antics worth falling for?”
The Demon Buddha couldn't bring himself to say no.
Once he finished greeting Geom Mu-yang and the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord, Geom Mu-geuk asked, “What about the Poison King?”
“He went to his room.”
The Poison King was likely already obsessively organizing the poisonous herbs he had unearthed.
“I tried to bring the Chief Manager back alive, but it didn't work out,” Mu-geuk added.
“You did well. He probably wouldn't have known anything useful anyway.”
Geom Mu-geuk then straightened his posture and formally expressed his gratitude.
“Thanks to all of you, I was able to handle this matter easily. Thank you.”
“I didn't come here for you,” the Demon Buddha grunted, his gaze shifting toward Geom Mu-yang.
Geom Mu-geuk felt like he finally understood the nature of the Demon Buddha’s unwavering loyalty toward his brother. The Demon Buddha had lived a life lonelier than anyone else since childhood. He knew exactly what isolation did to a person. Because he had once shut himself away in a small cave, he likely understood the loneliness of an older brother who had been pushed aside in a succession struggle.
“That’s fine. I have two other people here who came just for me.”
When Geom Mu-geuk looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader, the man shook his head firmly.
“Sorry, but I came to see Strategist Go.”
“That’s cold!”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward the last remaining person, the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord. She smiled. He expected her to say she had come because of him, but—
“I wanted to see my Master after such a long time.”
Even you, Soul-Seizing Demon Lord! At Mu-geuk’s betrayed expression, she finally let out a genuine laugh.
“I’m joking.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader wasn't about to miss this golden opportunity to tease him.
“A joke? You mean you didn't come to see me?”
“No. I came to see my Master.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader turned back to Mu-geuk. “Life is a solitary journey, after all.”
Geom Mu-geuk walked over to the window. “Brother, let me borrow the window for a second.”
He stared out at the horizon, pretending to be a lonely, misunderstood soul. Watching him, the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord felt a strange pang. Mu-geuk’s back actually looked truly lonely for a moment. It was a feeling similar to when she had seen the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon standing alone on a roof. It occurred to her that perhaps that was why the two of them were so close.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader asked, “Where is Strategist Go?”
“I don’t know. Am I not a man walking the path of life alone?”
“Leave the Strategist out of your solitary walk.”
At those words, Geom Mu-geuk turned back with a laugh.
“We agreed to meet at the Main Cult. He said he’d come after finishing up some business.”
The hidden contributor who allowed this matter to end smoothly was indeed Go Wol. He had shared all of Eun-wol’s information with Tongcheon Pavilion and relayed it to Geom Mu-geuk.
“He’s still being overworked by a heartless leader, I see.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't deny it. “That’s why we need you, Cult Leader. No matter how much I tell him to slack off, he doesn't listen to me.”
“Does that stubborn man ever listen to me?”
“Still, he listens to you better than he listens to me.”
After finishing his greetings with the Pungcheon Cult Leader, Mu-geuk looked at the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord. He could feel that her aura was significantly different from before. She was no longer the woman she used to be.
“Thanks to you, we resolved this matter well. Thank you.”
The Soul-Seizing Demon Lord thought Geom Mu-geuk was remarkably meticulous. He never forgot to acknowledge every single person. Even after the dust had settled, he never overlooked the details that others might ignore.
“I believe it was possible because you were here, Young Cult Leader.”
She knew. She knew that the person who had commanded this entire operation and ultimately thwarted every conspiracy was Geom Mu-geuk. In the first place, she was someone who shouldn't have even been here in Wuhan. And was it just her? The Poison King, the Demon Buddha, the Pungcheon Cult Leader, the First Young Master, and even the successor of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult were all gathered here.
The one who made this possible was this Young Cult Leader—the future Cult Leader she would serve for the rest of her life.
Geom Mu-geuk beamed at her words. “I knew it! You’re the only one who truly recognizes my worth, Soul-Seizing Demon Lord!”
Once the chaotic reunion settled down, the Pungcheon Cult Leader asked casually, “How was it over there?”
He was curious about the Murim Alliance Leader’s skill. “The Alliance Leader’s strength is no joke, right?”
Everyone focused on Geom Mu-geuk, waiting for his answer.
“I’ll have to tell Father to put the unification of the Murim on hold for now.”
It was a stark testament to just how strong the man was. The Pungcheon Cult Leader immediately shook his head.
“Your father is even scarier.”
“You haven't fought my father or the Murim Alliance Leader, have you?”
“Do I need to fight them to know? If I have to face the Alliance Leader, I’d worry and agonize over how to fight him. But if I have to face your father… ah, I don’t even want to think about it. That’s the difference.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader feared the Demonic Cult Leader far more than the Murim Alliance Leader.
“Now, let’s head back. I need to see my poor, overworked strategist.”
The Demonic Cult masters couldn't stay in Wuhan for long. Geom Mu-geuk sent the Cult Leader and the Demon Lords off first.
“You all head back first. My brother and I have something left to do here.”
When Geom Mu-yang gave him a questioning look, Mu-geuk replied with a mysterious smile.
“Good news will be coming from the Murim Alliance soon. Since we’ve come all this way, let’s give them a proper celebration before we leave.”
*
Jin Ha-gun returned to the Murim Alliance.
Seeing the blood-soaked Jin Ha-gun and the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad, the Murim Alliance martial artists offered respectful fist salutes. They knew well that the blood had been shed to protect innocent lives.
Lately, Jin Ha-gun had been striving to change himself. As a result, his bond with the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad had deepened, and that change had reborn the squad into an even stronger organization. Naturally, the way people within the Murim Alliance looked at the Demon Extermination Squad had changed as well.
Upon entering the inner court, he dismissed his subordinates.
“Go get your wounds treated and get some rest! You all worked incredibly hard.”
“You worked hard as well, Captain!”
Jin Ha-gun headed toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall alone. The whole way back, he thought of his grandfather. He didn't know what kind of battle had taken place with Hwa Yul-cheong, but considering the fight on his own end, his grandfather’s battle must not have been easy.
In particular, Jin Hyu had said they intended to use him as a hostage to blackmail his grandfather. What if his grandfather had been hurt because of that? That was why, this time, he had trusted Geom Mu-geuk even more. He believed Mu-geuk would have protected his grandfather so he wouldn't waver.
Jin Ha-gun entered the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
Creeeeeak.
The moment the door opened, he instinctively felt that the air inside was different. His heart began to race. His stomach sank at the sight inside the hall.
The Grand Tutor’s Chair was empty.
If that had been all, he would have thought his grandfather had just stepped out for a moment. However, dozens of martial artists were lined up on both sides below the chair. They weren't ordinary martial artists; they were the heads of every major organization within the Murim Alliance.
First, the leaders of the four elite units: the commanders of the Blue Dragon, White Dragon, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird units were all present. They weren't the only ones. The Pavilion Masters of the elite secret organizations, the Heavenly Wind Pavilion and the Secret Pavilion, were also there. Furthermore, the captains of the Iron Cavalry Squad and the Secret Shadow Squad, along with the heads of all other factions, were gathered in silence.
And in front of them stood the Chief Strategist of the Murim Alliance, Jegal Hyeon.
Jin Ha-gun’s heart hammered against his ribs. He was even more shocked to see his younger sister, Jin Ha-ryeong, standing among them.
Could it be?
Had something happened to his grandfather?
His pace quickened as he walked toward them. The leaders of the Murim Alliance watched Jin Ha-gun in heavy silence. When he reached the base of the Grand Tutor’s Chair, the door used by the Alliance Leader opened, and Jin Pae-cheon walked out.
The moment he saw his grandfather, Jin Ha-gun let out a long sigh of relief. The short walk from the entrance to this spot had been the most nerve-wracking moment of his life.
“Alliance Leader!”
Jin Ha-gun looked at Jin Pae-cheon with trembling eyes. Seeing him in good health, the face of one person came to mind.
Thank you, Mu-geuk. This time, feel free to brag all you want. I’ll accept it all.
Jin Ha-gun bowed respectfully.
“Demon Extermination Squad Leader Jin Ha-gun, reporting back after completing the mission.”
Jin Pae-cheon looked down at his grandson in silence. Jin Ha-gun grew tense at the unusual look in his eyes and the heavy atmosphere. His grandfather was safe, so why were they all gathered like this?
Soon, shocking words flowed from Jin Pae-cheon’s mouth. Jin Pae-cheon was not a man to delay what he had set his mind to.
“From this moment on, I name Demon Extermination Squad Leader Jin Ha-gun as the next Murim Alliance Leader!”
Because it was so unexpected, Jin Ha-gun’s eyes widened in shock. His grandfather’s words meant he was being officially named the successor to the Alliance Leader. The moment he had longed for arrived so suddenly that he was stunned.
Jin Ha-ryeong sent him a sharp voice transmission.
— What are you doing, Brother! Answer him!
Only then did Jin Ha-gun snap out of it. He bowed formally and shouted.
“I, Demon Extermination Squad Leader Jin Ha-gun, accept this solemn command! I will protect the Alliance, uphold righteousness and chivalry, and defend justice!”
At that, the leaders gathered there shouted in unison.
“The Path of Chivalry! The Righteous Path under Heaven!”
Their voices, filled with martial spirit, thundered through the hall.
Jin Ha-gun was happy. He was so incredibly happy. He didn't know how long he had waited for this moment. Becoming the Murim Alliance Leader after his grandfather had been his dream since he was a child.
Originally, the position of Murim Alliance Leader was not something that could be inherited or decided solely by the previous leader. According to the laws of the Alliance, the nominee had to be approved by more than eighty percent of the leaders, including the Chief Strategist, to become the successor. Since the votes were strictly confidential, the selection process was extremely rigorous.
Jin Pae-cheon’s decision to delay the selection of a successor had proven to be a wise judgment. During that time, Jin Ha-gun had steadily built his fame and reputation while serving as the Demon Extermination Squad Leader. Furthermore, his character had been recognized through his acts of chivalry. Thus, everyone had already made up their minds.
“Captain Jin, please come up.”
At Chief Strategist Jegal Hyeon’s words, Jin Ha-gun climbed the stairs and stood beside Jin Pae-cheon. The assembled leaders all bowed in unison.
“We greet the next Alliance Leader!”
Jin Ha-gun bowed back to them. “I sincerely thank you for thinking so highly of my lacking self.”
Jin Ha-ryeong also offered her congratulations. Normally, she would have had to show formal respect as well, but in this moment, she wanted to congratulate him as a sister. She knew better than anyone how much her brother had looked forward to this.
“Congratulations, Brother!”
Jin Ha-gun smiled brightly at her.
The leaders each offered their congratulations. Jin Ha-gun went down and greeted each of them individually, expressing his gratitude. With this, the three successors of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic paths were all confirmed. Soon, an official announcement would be made, and the entire Murim would know.
A great festival would soon be held at the Murim Alliance.
*
After everyone had withdrawn, only Jin Pae-cheon and Jin Ha-gun remained in the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
“Ha-gun, I have something to tell you.”
“I will take your words to heart, Grandfather.”
He expected his grandfather to speak about the sense of duty and attitude an Alliance Leader should possess, or perhaps about Geom Mu-geuk and the peace of the Murim. However, his grandfather said something completely unexpected.
“Part of me hoped you wouldn't sit in this chair. My heart was split in half.”
Jin Pae-cheon shared his honest feelings about the position of Alliance Leader for the first time.
“This seat carries an immense weight of responsibility. It’s a place where you must restrain your desires to the extreme and carry the burden of protecting countless lives. Even if something isn't your fault, the responsibility will fall on you, and you must endure all kinds of resentment.”
Jin Pae-cheon spoke to his grandson with deep affection.
“It might seem exciting and grand, but that only lasts a day or two. You have to live your entire life conscious of others' gazes. You have to be careful even when you eat, and you can’t even let out a good curse. Because of all the tangled relationships, you can’t even show your dislike for someone you hate.”
And then, a surprising revelation.
“I wanted to run away so many times.”
Jin Ha-gun couldn't believe his grandfather had ever thought such a thing.
“Those people who were congratulating you earlier—if you offered them this seat, more of them would run away than take it. The more you know about this position, the more you want to flee from it; it’s not a seat one should covet.”
Jin Ha-gun understood what he meant. Even the position of Demon Extermination Squad Leader was incredibly difficult at times; how much more so for the Alliance Leader?
“Do you know how I overcame it?”
“How did you overcome it?”
Jin Pae-cheon’s gaze became intense.
“Through strength.”
Jin Pae-cheon wasn't just giving his grandson this difficult and taxing position. He was also giving him the power to protect it.
“I will pass down the Imperial Sword Arts to you!”