Chapter 720: You Don’t Have to Come Anymore
Chapter 720: You Don’t Have to Come Anymore
“No matter what anyone says, I came to see you first, Elder! Even if my heart were pierced, I’d come to you first. Even if my father scolds me, I’m here! ‘Is it the Blade Demon again? Aren’t you tired of him? What about the other Demon Lords?’ No matter how much they nag, you’re always number one in my book, Elder!”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon sat reading a book while Geom Mu-geuk raised his voice outside the window.
After parting ways with the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon, Geom Mu-geuk had run straight to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s residence.
“I know you’re pretending to read, but I also know not a single word is actually entering your head. I know you’re so happy to see me that you want to give me a hug, but you’re holding back because you’re shy. Don’t hold back—just express it! Life is unpredictable; who knows what tomorrow brings?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who had been staring intently at his book, finally looked up.
“Are you finished?”
When Geom Mu-geuk nodded, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon pulled out the cotton plugs he had stuffed in his ears.
“That’s cold! I’m telling you, I practically came back from the dead after being stabbed in the heart.”
When the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked skeptical, Geom Mu-geuk bared his chest.
“Look at this!”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s eyes widened as he glanced over. The playfulness that had lingered in his gaze just a moment ago was instantly replaced by cold shock.
“That wound… what happened?”
Startled by the elder’s intense reaction, Geom Mu-geuk quickly covered the wound with his clothes.
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Just a scratch.”
In an instant, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s aura exploded.
“That masked bastard!”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon surged to his feet. He looked ready to hunt down the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon that very second, intending to hold him responsible for failing to protect Geom Mu-geuk properly.
If Mu-geuk admitted the Smiling Demon was the one who had actually stabbed him, the elder would surely fly off to kill him before hearing the full explanation.
“I would have died if it weren’t for Lord Smiling Demon,” Mu-geuk interjected quickly.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon glared at Geom Mu-geuk. It had been a long time since Mu-geuk had seen him this angry. Right, this is who he really is. He had simply forgotten because the elder had treated him so gently lately.
“Lord Smiling Demon wiped out all the enemies this time! Truly!”
Only then did the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s rage begin to subside. He sat back down.
“Pathetic! Haven’t you reached a level where you should stop getting stabbed by swords?”
“There were too many beauties; I got distracted.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon returned to his book. Perhaps because he had seen the wound, he was the first to speak this time.
“Have you already lost interest in reading?”
“I’ve been too busy to find the time.”
“Excuses. If you set your mind to it, you can read even while fighting.”
After reading for a while, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked up again. He wondered what the boy was doing in the silence, only to find Geom Mu-geuk leaning against the wall by the window, gazing up at the sky.
After a long silence, Geom Mu-geuk spoke abruptly.
“I’m entering closed-door training starting tomorrow.”
As the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked up, Geom Mu-geuk turned his gaze away from the sky to meet his.
“It might take quite a while.”
Geom Mu-geuk felt the Twelve-Star Great Achievement within his reach. It was shimmering right before his eyes.
He planned to greet his father and then head straight into seclusion. Once inside, he didn’t intend to come out until he achieved that peak.
In his heart, he felt like he could achieve it and emerge in just a few days, but that was merely a wish. It could take a month, or it could take years. His only hope was that the Time Heaven Secret Technique would prevent it from taking an absurdly long time.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon accurately grasped Geom Mu-geuk’s current state.
“Are you on the verge of Great Achievement?”
“Yes.”
Even though he was the one who had asked, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was inwardly stunned by the confirmation.
To be on the verge of the Great Achievement of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art at such a young age? Had any of the previous Cult Leaders achieved it this quickly? If it were anyone other than Geom Mu-geuk, he wouldn’t have believed it.
“I have a feeling it’s not far off.”
For some reason, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn’t offer congratulations or words of encouragement. He simply stared at Geom Mu-geuk in silence.
Just then, someone else entered the area.
“Young Cult Leader!”
The person running toward them with a bright face was Seo Dae-ryong, who had come to train after finishing his daily duties.
“When did you get back?”
“Just a moment ago.”
“I missed you!”
Seo Dae-ryong rushed to hug Geom Mu-geuk.
Mu-geuk lightly dodged him and peered into the basket in Dae-ryong’s hand. It was filled with alcohol and food.
“What’s this? Looks delicious!”
“You can’t have this!”
Seo Dae-ryong hurriedly turned away to protect the basket and brought it to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
“This is a dish Miss Jin prepared for the Master.”
It was food made by Dan-ah. She often cooked for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who was Seo Dae-ryong’s master. Made with healthy ingredients, her dishes were filled with a level of care that couldn't be found at any inn.
“I told her she didn’t need to send anything.”
“She said she just made a little extra while preparing our meal. Please, enjoy it.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon knew that wasn't true. Most of the dishes she brought were things he specifically liked.
“Tell her I’ll enjoy it.”
“Yes, Master.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon took the food and went inside. Since Dan-ah’s cooking never failed to satisfy him, a contented smile played on his lips.
Once the two of them were alone in the yard, Geom Mu-geuk asked casually, “How are Miss Jin and her siblings?”
“Yes, they’re doing well thanks to you.”
Not only Dan-ah, but her two younger siblings, Dan-bi and Dan-yeon, had adjusted well to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Dan-bi was performing her duties as an Enforcement Martial Artist, and Dan-yeon was doing his part as a warrior in the Ghost Shadow Squad.
Dan-ah was focusing on her martial arts training while taking care of Seo Dae-ryong. She was someone who would willingly do any task in the Cult, even shoveling horse manure, but for now, she judged that looking after Seo Dae-ryong and her siblings was more important.
In particular, Seo Dae-ryong was juggling his duties at the Huangquan Pavilion with his martial arts training. Because his schedule was so grueling, she was looking after his health. Thanks to her, people often told Dae-ryong he looked much better lately.
“Do you like Miss Jin that much? Do you just smile thinking about her?”
A wide grin spread across Seo Dae-ryong’s face. That smile was his answer.
“Aren’t you going to get married?”
“I can only go after you do, Young Cult Leader. Please, open the path! Let the carriage behind you pass!”
“There are plenty of other roads. Why do you insist on taking the blocked one and shouting at me to move?”
“The only path I take is the one you walk, Young Cult Leader. I will follow that path for the rest of my life.”
“What a nice excuse.”
Geom Mu-geuk narrowed his eyes, looking at Seo Dae-ryong with suspicion.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’re just not confident, are you?”
“Good grief, what do you take me for? I am Seo Dae-ryong, your right-hand man! Seo Dae-ryong!”
“Right, my right-hand man who’s never properly dated a woman.”
Seo Dae-ryong finally let out a sigh and revealed his honest feelings.
“To be honest, I’m not sure. If I’m even allowed to get married. If I can provide for her.”
“If the Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Huangquan Pavilion says that, then no one can get married. And why are you worried about providing for her? If you marry Miss Jin, she’s the one who’ll be providing for you.”
Given Dan-ah’s refreshing and decisive personality, that was a very likely scenario.
“Stop that and tell me the real reason you’re hesitating.”
How could he hide anything from Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes? Eventually, Seo Dae-ryong confessed the truth.
“I’m afraid… of whether I can be a good father.”
Geom Mu-geuk hadn't expected this kind of worry. No matter how close people were, the depths of a person's heart were always profound.
“Worrying about that before you’re even married?”
However, Mu-geuk couldn't bring himself to say, That’s so like you. He wasn't confident about it himself, either.
“I never experienced a good father, you see. I don’t know what it takes to be one.”
Seo Dae-ryong truly wanted to know.
“Should I just do the opposite of what my father did?”
“Do you think it’s that simple?”
“I suppose not.”
Seo Dae-ryong sighed. Geom Mu-geuk let him sigh as much as he needed. Since long-suppressed emotions were coming out, it was fine if the ground sank a little.
“Even if you had a good father, I think being a good father yourself is a separate matter.”
“Why is that?”
“Just as you are different from your father, the child who is born will be different from you. The methods a good father used might not work the same way for them. I don’t think this is something you learn by watching; you have to look at your child and find the way that fits them.”
“...!”
“It’s like stepping onto a sparring arena without knowing who your opponent is. You just step up, knowing it’s going to be deathly difficult no matter who it is.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s expression softened.
“So in the end, it’s hard for everyone?”
“Look at you, and look at me. Do you think raising children like us was easy?”
At those words, Seo Dae-ryong’s dejected face relaxed.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who was sitting by the window drinking, chimed in.
“If family is your enemy, why would a child be any different?”
Geom Mu-geuk and Seo Dae-ryong laughed together.
Mu-geuk pointed out one more fact.
“And you don’t even need to worry about that in the first place.”
“Why not?”
“Miss Jin will make sure you become a good father.”
Seo Dae-ryong beamed at that.
“How do you know so much when you haven’t experienced it yourself, Young Cult Leader?”
“It’s me. Your Young Cult Leader.”
“Of course! Our Young Cult Leader, who knows everything under the sun!”
The two laughed together again.
“It’s all thanks to you that I can even have such happy worries.”
“As long as you know. Repay me with money later.”
“I’ll continue to repay you with my heart for the rest of my life.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to leave.
“Are you leaving already? You just got here, stay and play a bit longer!”
To the disappointed Seo Dae-ryong, Geom Mu-geuk said, “You won’t be seeing me for a while.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke while emptying his cup by the window.
“Come out tomorrow.”
It was unexpected. Even though Mu-geuk had clearly stated he was entering closed-door training, the elder told him to come out.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't ask why and simply replied, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He would find out when tomorrow came.
* * *
However, when tomorrow came, he still didn't know the reason.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't explain why he had called him. He just sat in the same spot as yesterday, reading his book.
“Is there something you want me to do?”
“No.”
“Something you want to say?”
“No.”
“Are you feeling lonely lately?”
“This room is full of friends.”
He meant the books were his friends.
“Do you perhaps feel inexplicably annoyed lately, or feel like you want to bully someone?”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon snorted.
“Then why did you call me!”
No matter how much he asked, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon wouldn't say.
Of course, Mu-geuk couldn't just say, If you have nothing for me, I’m leaving, and walk away. This was the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, after all.
That afternoon, Seo Dae-ryong dropped a bombshell.
“I told Miss Jin.”
“Told her what?”
“That I want to marry her.”
Both Geom Mu-geuk and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon were startled.
“Really?”
“You told me to do it.”
“I didn't tell you to do it. And even if I did, you went and did it the very next day?”
“What’s the point of agonizing over it? You’re smarter than me, so you must be right. And I decided I wanted to step onto that sparring arena.”
“I thought you said you’d follow only my path for the rest of your life? My carriage hasn't moved yet.”
Seo Dae-ryong lowered his head as if ashamed, but he said what he had to say.
“I’m much older than you, aren't I? I’m the carriage blocking the road. A cart full of manure, at that.”
“So, what did Miss Jin say?”
“She said she was flustered to hear that while eating.”
Geom Mu-geuk asked with an incredulous expression, “You said that while you were eating?”
“I’m regretting it enough as it is, so don't scold me for that part. The words just came out of my mouth while we were eating. I told her I wanted to sit across from her and eat like this for the rest of my life.”
Seo Dae-ryong clutched his head.
“Ah! I should have recited a poem or something.”
Geom Mu-geuk laughed and said, “No. You actually did well.”
“I really did? Please tell me I did.”
To the worried Seo Dae-ryong, who feared he had messed up, Geom Mu-geuk said with a smile, “You did well. And that cart isn't full of manure; it’s a cart full of jewels. You’ll be a good father.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes welled up. He had thought marriage would never be a part of his life.
“Since you’re doing it, we should make it the best wedding possible. I’ll even ask my father to officiate.”
“The Cult Leader?”
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes went wide with shock.
“You’d be the first warrior to get married with the Heavenly Demon officiating.”
Normally, Seo Dae-ryong would have made a fuss and joked around, but now he spoke cautiously.
“If I do get married, the officiating…”
Seo Dae-ryong looked at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and said, “I would like to ask my Master.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon flinched. He hadn't expected Dae-ryong to decline the Cult Leader’s officiating and ask him instead.
“Master, please.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon snorted and said, “You’re doing a fine job, asking a master who isn't even married himself.”
He turned abruptly and went inside the house.
Seo Dae-ryong turned pale at the sight.
“Did I make a mistake?”
Even though he had grown closer to his master, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was still a difficult and intimidating figure to him.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the elder’s retreating back and imagined his expression. Isn't there a smile on his lips?
“No, he’s probably feeling good right now.”
He likely went inside because he couldn't control his expression.
Just then, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s voice drifted out from inside.
“If you want something too desperately, it tends to move further away.”
Geom Mu-geuk flinched. The one even more surprised was Seo Dae-ryong. He hung his head in dismay.
“Ah! I made the decision too impulsively. I was too hasty! What should I do?”
Dae-ryong naturally thought the words were directed at him. But Geom Mu-geuk, his eyes deepening, said, “No, those words were for me.”
The moment he heard the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s words, Mu-geuk realized.
He realized why the elder had told him to come to his residence.
His heart had been too hurried—so much so that the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had sensed it and worried.
Indeed, if it had been the transition from Seven Stars to Eight, or Eight to Nine, he wouldn't have been this desperate.
The Great Achievement of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
Because he was facing the realm he had dreamed of even in his sleep, Geom Mu-geuk’s heart had become impatient without him realizing it.
When you feel something, you have to grab it! His heart was filled with the desire to enter seclusion immediately and achieve that peak.
Normally, he would have visited the other Demon Lords, seen Jang Ho, and met Jo Chun-bae. But now, consumed by the thought of the Great Achievement, he only wanted to run to the training grounds.
He hadn't reached the Nine-Star stage through closed-door training. It wasn't a result achieved through such impatience. It was something he had achieved while being among people.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had reined in that hurried heart and given him a lesson.
The greater the greed, the more an illusion looks like reality.
Geom Mu-geuk smiled brightly and shouted, “I’ll come out tomorrow as well!”
At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon appeared at the window. As if confirming that Mu-geuk’s realization was correct, he said with a smile, “You don’t have to come anymore.”
Looking at that warm smile, a thought naturally occurred to Mu-geuk.
Could I have really come this far if it weren't for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon? Because he was the first button among the Demon Lords, perhaps Mu-geuk had been able to come this far safely.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Seo Dae-ryong, who was standing beside him blinking his eyes, and said, “No, I’m coming. I have to come and set up the ‘Great Marriage Operation’ for my right-hand man.”
Seo Dae-ryong asked with a start, “Is this something that requires a ‘Great Operation’?”
Geom Mu-geuk nodded firmly, his eyes serious and intimidating, though hiding a hint of playfulness.
“I can’t just send you off to that fierce and endless battlefield without proper preparation, can I?”