Chapter 719: It’s Probably Because You Haven’t Tried My Cooking
Chapter 719: It’s Probably Because You Haven’t Tried My Cooking
Geom Mu-geuk called her by her name for the first time.
Cha Yi-ran looked at him, startled. As if he had never intended to speak so familiarly, Geom Mu-geuk immediately reverted to his usual formal demeanor.
“From now on, you’ll have to get used to those demonic statues.”
Cha Yi-ran recalled the words he had uttered just moments ago.
Cha Yi-ran, welcome home.
Until now, she had never known the comfort of protection. From the moment she was old enough to understand the world, her life had been a solitary struggle for survival.
Yet, hearing those words from Geom Mu-geuk stirred a strange sensation within her. For some reason, she felt shielded—as if a true elder had patted her on the head and told her she had done well to return.
“Since you’ve become the Young Cult Leader’s subordinate, please speak comfortably,” she said.
“Let’s not. Let’s keep things as they’ve been.”
“Why?”
“Shouldn’t there be at least one subordinate who isn't 'easy' to keep the leaders from getting complacent?”
Geom Mu-geuk spoke while glancing at Lee An.
“If there are subordinates who are unconditionally on my side, there should also be someone like you.”
In truth, his hesitation was because of Ak Gun-hak. Since one never knew how the future would unfold, there was a possibility she might end up with Ak Gun-hak later. Out of consideration for him, Mu-geuk couldn't bring himself to speak to her too casually.
Taking her in as a subordinate was also his way of ensuring she received the most absolute protection possible.
“Do as you wish, then.”
Cha Yi-ran turned to look at her subordinates.
Unlike their usual composed selves, they looked tense and intimidated. It was only natural. No matter how experienced an assassin might be, how could they not be overwhelmed by the sheer pressure exuded by the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?
The endless rows of massive buildings, the terrifying demonic statues erected between them, and the fierce-looking cultists moving with purpose in every direction.
And then there were the numerous Faceless Guests standing before them.
“You heard the Young Cult Leader, didn't you? This is our home now.”
“Yes, ma'am!” the assassins answered vigorously.
Cha Yi-ran had come here trusting Geom Mu-geuk, but her subordinates had come here trusting her. She was the one who had to protect them.
Just then, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to her.
“Now that we’re home, we should greet my father. Miss Cha, come with us.”
Cha Yi-ran flinched. Go to meet the Cult Leader? The Heavenly Demon himself?
“Why me?”
“It’s customary to pay one’s respects upon returning to the Cult. You’ve become my subordinate, so shouldn't you introduce yourself?”
Since his logic was sound, Cha Yi-ran couldn't refuse.
Leaving her subordinates to wait, she followed Geom Mu-geuk, the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon, and Lee An toward the Heavenly Demon Hall.
The closer they got to the hall, the faster Cha Yi-ran’s heart pounded. Even when embarking on the most perilous assassinations, she had never been this nervous.
As they walked, Cha Yi-ran asked cautiously, “What does the Cult Leader think of assassins?”
“He hates them.”
He answered so resolutely that she thought she had misheard him.
“How much?”
“He hates them very, very much.”
“Could you be more specific?”
The answer that followed made her wish she hadn't asked.
“I’m not entirely sure, but probably the second most in the world?”
The Heavenly Demon hated her kind the second most in the world, and she was currently walking right into his lair? Even in her distress, she couldn't help but ask one more thing.
“Then who does he hate the most?”
“Martial artists who use poison. Our poor Poison King.”
Since he was so specific about the top spot, it was clear he truly did hate assassins the second most.
Seeing her flustered state, Geom Mu-geuk added fuel to the fire.
“Doesn't it actually make you feel more at ease?”
She was worried and uncomfortable, yet he claimed it should make her feel at ease?
“No matter how hard you try to look good, he’s going to hate you anyway. So, you can just give up and be comfortable. Is there anything more exhausting than trying to win someone over?”
Cha Yi-ran shook her head in disbelief. On the other hand, his words were strangely persuasive.
“If anything, Lee An is the one who should feel uncomfortable. Father has been doting on her lately.”
Ever since she became the Fist Demon’s adopted daughter, his father had become much softer toward Lee An.
Hearing this, Lee An let out a sigh.
“I wasn't thinking about anything until just now, but hearing that makes me feel uneasy.”
After teasing Cha Yi-ran and Lee An, Geom Mu-geuk dragged the Smiling Demon into it.
“Lord Smiling Demon, you’re comfortable, aren't you? Since you’re already firmly on Father’s bad side.”
After all, he was the one who had stood alone on Geom Mu-geuk’s side in front of his father.
To that, the Smiling Demon offered an unexpected reply.
“I am not comfortable either.” He added with total sincerity, “Regardless of being on his bad side, I am always striving to look good in the Cult Leader’s eyes.”
Geom Mu-geuk and the Smiling Demon shared a knowing look.
Mu-geuk knew. His father liked people with deep loyalty like the Smiling Demon. He was not the type of person to hate someone simply because that loyalty wasn't directed at him. That was why Mu-geuk could comfortably joke about him being on his father's bad side.
Knowing this, the Smiling Demon was likely putting in his own effort as well.
In the meantime, they arrived at the Heavenly Demon Hall.
No one was guarding the entrance. Only pillars shaped like demons supporting the high ceiling lined the path, leading to a massive door at the end.
However, Cha Yi-ran could feel it instinctively. This space was by no means empty. Extreme danger lurked everywhere, something one would only realize the moment an uninvited guest stepped inside.
As the four of them arrived, the doors opened on their own. It was a sign that someone was watching.
Stepping into the Heavenly Demon Hall, the first thing Cha Yi-ran saw was a red carpet. And at the end of that path of blood, she saw a man sitting upon the Grandmaster's Chair.
So that man is the Cult Leader.
His presence could be felt even from a distance. It was an intense aura, unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Usually, when one’s martial arts reach the ultimate principle, they hide their very presence. But the Cult Leader seemed to be saying: Why should I hide?
The four of them walked down the path of blood and arrived before the chair.
Geom Mu-geuk greeted his father, who remained seated as always, with a clear voice.
“Father, have you been well? I have returned.”
Their gazes locked in midair. Geom Wu-jin recognized his son’s achievement at a single glance.
“You’ve made progress.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to the Smiling Demon and said, “I gained a great fated encounter thanks to Lord Smiling Demon.”
He hadn't yet given a detailed report regarding the Blood Severing Silk. He figured that even his father would be shocked to hear his son’s heart had been pierced, so he intended to tell him in person.
When Mu-geuk credited him for the fated encounter, the Smiling Demon spoke calmly.
“I merely assisted briefly as instructed.”
After speaking humbly, the Smiling Demon bowed respectfully.
“I have returned, Cult Leader.”
“You worked hard.”
Indeed, what was reflected in Geom Wu-jin’s eyes toward the Smiling Demon was trust. If he hadn't trusted him, he wouldn't have sent him out alone with the Young Cult Leader.
Next, Lee An gave her greeting.
“Lee An has returned from her mission.”
Just as Geom Mu-geuk had said, Geom Wu-jin’s gaze toward Lee An was soft.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“I returned safely thanks to your concern.”
Finally, Geom Mu-geuk introduced Cha Yi-ran.
“This is the person who became my subordinate during this trip.”
Cha Yi-ran bowed politely.
“My name is Cha Yi-ran. It is truly an honor to meet such a distinguished personage.”
Of course, Geom Wu-jin had already received a report about her from Tongcheon Pavilion.
Cha Yi-ran spoke with a trembling voice. “Though I was once an assassin, I intend to live a new life from now on.”
However, Geom Wu-jin’s expression held no hint of a welcome. He didn't even bother to hide his disapproval.
At that cold gaze, Geom Mu-geuk whispered to Cha Yi-ran, “Perhaps you’re not second on Father’s hate list, but first.”
Geom Wu-jin’s gaze shifted from Cha Yi-ran to his son. There was a clear reason for his coldness.
“What if that woman’s goal was to infiltrate the Cult?”
The Smiling Demon looked at Geom Mu-geuk, and Lee An did the same from the other side.
The moment she heard Geom Wu-jin’s words, Lee An’s heart sank. What he meant was that the assassination plot might still be ongoing. It was a possibility Lee An hadn't even considered.
“What if she exploited your cheap sentimentality, which is practically begging for death?”
Lately, his father had stopped using the word 'cheap' when referring to his sentimentality. Now, he was using it again while questioning him. It was a reprimand.
Cha Yi-ran turned her head to look at Geom Mu-geuk.
In fact, she agreed with Geom Wu-jin. An assassin was someone who would use any means necessary to kill their target. If she had truly been commissioned to kill Geom Wu-jin, she might have approached him exactly like this—by gaining Geom Mu-geuk’s trust.
While everyone wondered how he would explain himself, an irresponsible answer flowed from Geom Mu-geuk’s lips.
“I didn't think that far. If that were the case, I’m sure Uncle Hwi would protect you, Father.”
In truth, he had thought about it. How could he not, when bringing an assassin into the Cult?
But this time, he knew for certain that her target was the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. Because there had been a prophecy.
The fact that his father was saying this even after being reported to about the whole process meant this wasn't just about this specific incident, but a warning to be careful in the future.
He was worried that Mu-geuk’s lack of cold-bloodedness would lead to failure. Since the person in question happened to be an assassin, he was taking this opportunity to emphasize the point.
Normally, even if he disapproved of Cha Yi-ran, he would have just given a single nod and been done with it. That was his father’s way of dealing with people he disliked.
The fact that he was asking such questions was proof of his concern for his son.
“Why did you choose the Young Cult Leader?”
After a moment of thought, she gave an unexpected answer.
“Because of the chopsticks.”
At Geom Wu-jin’s questioning gaze, Cha Yi-ran explained.
“While we were camping, the Young Cult Leader carved a pair of chopsticks from a log for me. Looking at those chopsticks, I felt that he was someone I could trust and follow.”
She did not shy away from Geom Wu-jin’s gaze, which seemed capable of piercing through her very soul.
“And the food the Young Cult Leader made, which I ate with those chopsticks, was delicious.”
Cha Yi-ran said no more, as if that reason was everything. Perhaps the fact that she didn't offer a long-winded explanation appealed to his father.
An unexpected remark came from his father’s mouth, which had been cold this entire time.
“It’s probably because you haven't tried my cooking.”
Cha Yi-ran’s eyes widened in surprise.
Geom Mu-geuk smiled and spoke for his father’s feelings.
“If you had truly come as an assassin, you wouldn't have given such a ridiculous reason.”
Then he added one more thing.
“You must never eat my father’s cooking. If you do, you’ll end up swearing loyalty to him instead of me.”
At his son’s rare flattery, one corner of Geom Wu-jin’s mouth curled up. He didn't say much more to Cha Yi-ran.
“Welcome.”
*
As Geom Mu-geuk and the Smiling Demon headed toward the Heavenly Demon Hall, the Faceless Guests began to mingle.
The Faceless Guests who had come to meet them greeted those who had returned. Since the ten returning Faceless Guests were elites ranked from first to tenth, they had many followers.
The 17th Gyo glanced at the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest. Several others had approached him to offer their greetings. At times, they seemed bizarrely strange, but at times like this, they appeared to be perfectly normal martial artists with proper senior-junior relationships.
Watching this, the 17th Gyo’s heart grew heavy.
Until she arrived here, she had held onto a sliver of hope. While assisting the Young Cult Leader and washing vegetables together, her feelings for the man had only grown.
But now that they were back at the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and she saw him among the other Faceless Guests, she had an ominous feeling that their relationship might be over.
Just then, someone beside her spoke softly.
“It was just a coincidence.”
Turning around, she saw it was the 5th Gyo. Having recovered significantly from her injuries, she was now able to walk on her own.
“It was just a fleeting emotion.”
The 5th Gyo sighed at the memory of the 17th Gyo being chosen as an assistant alongside the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest. He was someone she should have stayed away from, yet they had become entangled.
She didn't know that Geom Mu-geuk had intentionally paired the two of them together. No, even if she had known, she would have said the same thing.
“Getting involved with a man like that will only bring you misery.”
“It’s not like our own fates are anything grand.”
“You’re different.”
The 5th Gyo was sincerely worried about the 17th Gyo. It would be strange to describe an assassin as 'pure,' but in her eyes, the 17th Gyo was exactly that.
How could she not worry when such a girl was losing her heart to a cultist—and one from Villain Valley, at that?
Just then, Geom Mu-geuk, the Smiling Demon, Cha Yi-ran, and Lee An returned. The scattered Faceless Guests instantly snapped into formation.
“Then please get some rest, Young Cult Leader.”
“Yes, thank you for everything, Lord Smiling Demon.”
The two bid each other farewell.
As the Smiling Demon walked away, all the Faceless Guests followed behind him.
Geom Mu-geuk said to Lee An, “You show Miss Cha to her quarters.”
“Yes, I will.”
Since word had been sent ahead, their accommodations were already prepared. He had instructed that everyone be given separate rooms so they could rest comfortably.
As soon as he finished speaking, Geom Mu-geuk leaped into the air and flew off.
“I wonder who he’s so busy to see?”
At Lee An’s words, Cha Yi-ran recalled what Geom Mu-geuk had said—that he would be too busy to see her often. It seemed that 'abandonment' had already begun.
Lee An led Cha Yi-ran and the assassins toward their quarters.
The 17th Gyo couldn't bring herself to leave, staring at the Faceless Guests walking away in the distance. Having lost sight of him for a moment, she could no longer tell where the Crescent-Moon man was.
The 17th Gyo let out an involuntary sigh. The 5th Gyo, standing behind her, said, “Let’s go. This place is so vast, we’ll get lost if we’re not careful.”
Getting lost among cultists was a thought she didn't even want to entertain.
It was just as the 17th Gyo was about to turn around and follow the 5th Gyo.
From among the Faceless Guests walking in the opposite direction, one man pushed his way through his comrades.
To her surprise, it was the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest.
He pulled out the dagger the 17th Gyo had given him as a gift. The 17th Gyo felt a pang of despair. She was certain he was trying to return the dagger, signaling the end of their relationship now that they were back at the Cult.
But that wasn't it.
The Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest sliced his finger with the dagger and used the blood to draw a long, diagonal line across his mask.
A wave of emotion swept over the 17th Gyo’s face. She understood. He had marked his mask so that she could easily recognize him.
The mask with this line is me.
After drawing the line, the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest turned back and ran toward the other Faceless Guests.
As the 17th Gyo watched him with trembling eyes, the 5th Gyo spoke from behind her.
“Seventeen, no. He’s a total madman!”
It was the moment when a new life began for some, and a new love truly took root for others.