Chapter 737: The Only One Who Can
Chapter 737: The Only One Who Can
“Have you by any chance met my father?”
To hear the exact same words his father had once spoken! Was it a mere coincidence? Or did this man actually know him?
Geom Mu-geuk shook his head.
“I haven't.”
At least, he hadn't met the man in this lifetime.
“I’ve simply heard that he is a man of firm principles.”
Tae-su’s expression stiffened slightly at the mention of principles.
“I heard he only steals from the corrupt. And that he gives a portion of the stolen goods to the poor?”
Tae-su nodded silently.
His father had taught him, his only son, never to violate those principles. But Tae-su had always resented those teachings.
If you want to do good deeds so badly, you should have lived as a chivalrous hero. Why does a thief care about a conscience? If you’re going to be called a thief anyway, you might as well steal everything without discrimination.
He had harbored those feelings until the day he finally exploded.
— Are your principles for the sake of doing good, Father? Or are they just to justify your thievery?
His father hadn't said a word. But in that moment, Tae-su had seen it—the anger, the disappointment, and the bewilderment etched onto his father’s face.
He hadn't seen his father since that day.
“My father is…”
He had intended to say, is a great man. After all, when Geom Mu-geuk had pointed his sword at him earlier, the person Tae-su had used as a shield was his own father.
But the words caught in his throat, choked by a sudden surge of emotion.
It was Geom Mu-geuk who finished the hesitant sentence.
“Fathers are difficult. Especially for sons like us.”
Tae-su’s rigid expression softened despite himself. In that moment, he saw that same peculiar look in Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes again.
He’s looking at me with those eyes again.
It was a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand words left unsaid.
“Well, now that we’ve eaten, shall we head out?”
Geom Mu-geuk led the way, and the two Demon Lords followed behind him. After walking a short distance, Mu-geuk turned back to find Tae-su still standing in the same spot.
“What are you doing? Aren't you coming?”
“You have to release my demonic acupoints before I can move.”
“They’ve been unsealed for quite some time.”
The demonic acupoints that had suppressed him were indeed open. His internal energy was still sealed, but his body was free to move.
Since when?
He hadn't even felt the flick of a finger wind hitting him. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable understood the sheer brilliance of this feat far better than the boy himself.
Descending from the mountain, Geom Mu-geuk’s party retrieved the carriage they had left at a private residence and set out. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable sat inside the carriage, while Geom Mu-geuk and Tae-su sat on the driver’s bench.
As Geom Mu-geuk started the carriage without a word, Tae-su asked with a puzzled look, “Do you even know where we’re going?”
He had expected to be asked. At the very least, the man should have checked if they were heading in the right direction.
“Until you tell me otherwise, I’m going wherever I feel like. If it looks like I’m heading too far in the wrong direction, just give the reins a little tug.”
Looking at the man’s face—which looked like it might poke him in the ribs at any moment—Tae-su realized that figuring out who this young man was would be no easy task.
“Come to think of it, I don’t even know your name.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze deepened slightly. After staring at the open road ahead for a moment, he spoke his name.
“It’s Geom Mu-geuk.”
Inside the carriage, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable glanced at each other. They knew that Geom Mu-geuk usually used the name Geom Yeon when he left the Cult. Revealing his real name meant he was willing to reveal his identity.
Of course, Tae-su had no idea that the name of the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was Geom Mu-geuk. Even if he had known, he would have assumed it was a different person with the same name. There was no way the Young Cult Leader would be carrying luggage and cooking mushroom dishes for him.
Tae-su stole a glance at Mu-geuk.
“Can you tell me which sect you belong to?”
“I could, but you’re better off not knowing.”
“Why is that?”
“Because once you know, it’ll be much harder for you to steal my heart. Just move as your own heart dictates.”
Tae-su misinterpreted Mu-geuk’s refusal to name his sect.
He’s from the Orthodox Faction.
If they were from the Demonic Cult or the Unorthodox Faction, they would have announced their identities already, if only to intimidate him.
He must be from a prestigious noble family.
If that was the case, he needed to find out who the leader of these three was. At first glance, it seemed to be the elders, but watching them eat suggested otherwise. Despite carrying the luggage and doing the cooking, this young man seemed to be the one in control.
“Then may I ask what your relationship is to those two?”
Family elders? Masters? But Geom Mu-geuk’s answer was entirely unexpected.
“They are my two wings.”
Inside the carriage, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable chuckled. After all, the two of them had once vied over who was the left wing and who was the right.
“With just those two, I could conquer the Central Plains.”
“The three of you?”
“You’re going to be on our side now, too. So, the four of us.”
Tae-su turned his head away, looking in the opposite direction.
I’m supposed to steal the heart of this unpredictable man?
The most difficult theft of his life was just beginning.
*
The carriage came to a halt by the shore of a lake.
“Get out and take a look at that.”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s words, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable stepped down from the carriage.
The setting sun was casting its glow over the vast lake beside the road. The light stretching across the sky bled into the water, creating a magnificent spectacle. Geom Mu-geuk hopped onto the roof of the carriage and sat down.
“It’s truly stunning.”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable nodded in unison. This was the first time the two of them had watched such a beautiful sunset together. Geom Mu-geuk had stopped the carriage specifically for them.
Take in as much of this moment as you can.
While the three of them gazed at the spectacle, Tae-su remained on the driver’s seat, looking toward the other side of the road. He could understand the two experts, but why was this young man so absorbed in the beauty of a sunset?
It all felt like hypocrisy and pretense to him. He assumed it was just flattery to get on the good side of the two masters in the carriage.
How do I get away?
If things continued like this, he would die at their hands. He would have to lead them to the Sword Tomb and then use the mechanical formations there to either escape or eliminate them.
It was then.
Whoosh.
His body was suddenly pulled by an invisible force, and he landed right next to Geom Mu-geuk on the carriage roof. Mu-geuk had used Telekinesis to bring him up.
“You were just thinking something wicked, weren't you? Plotting how to kill us and get away? Were you planning to use mechanisms in the Sword Tomb?”
“I was not!”
Tae-su’s voice trembled because the man had hit the nail on the head. It was so accurate that he couldn't even prepare a defense.
“You can save the wicked thoughts for later, but this is a scene you won't be able to see later. Watch it while you can. There is no such thing as 'later'.”
Why is there no later? I’m risking my life right now for the sake of that 'later'.
Tae-su swallowed the words rising in his throat and looked toward the sunset. Just then, birds flying low over the lake brushed against the surface, sending up droplets of water that sparkled like bursts of red light. It was, admittedly, beautiful.
It suddenly occurred to Tae-su that this was the first time he had ever seen such a sight. He had never once stood by a lake at sunset. His life had always been too busy—either being chased or doing the chasing.
“If I pretend to find the scenery beautiful while sitting next to you, will that steal your heart?”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled and nodded.
“Yes. Because then I’ll think, at least this fellow is trying.”
Tae-su looked at him.
“Even if it’s just me deceiving you?”
“Isn't it more of a deception to do nothing at all?”
Tae-su bit his lip slightly, his resolve hardening.
“Fine. If that’s what you want, I can play the hypocrite quite convincingly.”
A smile played on Geom Mu-geuk’s lips.
“Go ahead, then. Let’s see it.”
Mu-geuk waited, looking at the sunset. But now that the stage was set, Tae-su found he couldn't open his mouth.
“It’s not that hard, is it? Just smile and say, it’s truly beautiful. That’s all it takes. It’s even better if you add, thank you for letting me sit here with you.”
Even though Geom Mu-geuk had given him a demonstration, the words wouldn't come. When they first met, he had tried to deceive the man with tears in his eyes. He prided himself on being an actor second to none. Was it his pride? Or was it something else?
“I’ll do it later.”
“Suit yourself, then.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't push him at all.
Standing side by side below the carriage, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon sent a message via Voice Transmission to the One Flower Sword Venerable.
— That thief is going to have a hard time. He’s been told to steal the hardest thing in the world to steal.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon knew. Geom Mu-geuk might seem like he gave his affection away easily, but that wasn't the case at all. He knew better than anyone how difficult it was to truly win that heart.
— Only one person has ever succeeded in stealing it.
— Who?
The One Flower Sword Venerable looked at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
— Me?
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head as if that were absurd.
— Not me. Maybe the one in the mask?
— Is that so? I thought it was you, Brother.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon flinched at the word "Brother." It had been a long time since he’d heard her call him that. It was a title she only used when she was in a particularly good mood.
You’re just as happy as I am, aren't you?
It was at that moment.
Thud, thud, thud, thud.
A group of martial artists came galloping toward them. There were dozens of them. In an instant, they surrounded the carriage, their momentum far from ordinary. A familiar face stepped out from among them.
“Hey, porter.”
The woman who stepped forward was none other than Chu Yeon, the daughter of the Flying Dragon Guild Master. Behind her stood the Ten Heroes of the Flying Dragon—though now there were only four. Six had been lost in that cave.
“I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find your corpses.”
Not only were there no corpses, but the treasure map was missing as well. Her gaze shifted to Tae-su.
“So you’re taking him with you.”
“We’re going together to save his younger sister,” Mu-geuk replied.
Chu Yeon scoffed.
“You take me for a fool. Experts like you moving for the sake of someone like him?”
She didn't believe it for a second. There were too many suspicious points. Her eyes moved to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable. They weren't even looking her way; they were still staring at the lake.
The two of them were the same as they had been in the cave. They still paid her no mind whatsoever.
Let’s see how long you can keep ignoring me.
Then, a white-haired man stepped out from behind Chu Yeon. It was Jong-baek, an elder of the Flying Dragon Guild. He was the person the Guild Master trusted most—a master of high-level martial arts and a man with vast knowledge of the Murim. He had a fearsome, fiery temperament, making him the person Chu Yeon feared most.
“Are you sure it’s them?”
“Yes. They must have the treasure map.”
Jong-baek infused his voice with internal energy as he spoke.
“I am Jong-baek, an elder of the Flying Dragon Guild. Might I ask which noble house or sect you gentlemen hail from?”
Though he spoke politely, Jong-baek was mentally sharpening his blade. No matter who they were, he intended to secure the treasure map. The Flying Dragon Guild had staked its very survival on obtaining it. Having already suffered immense losses in the Ten Thousand Holes Cave, they couldn't afford to back down now.
Jong-baek’s gaze fell on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable, who still had their backs turned.
They are certainly no ordinary men.
He couldn't gauge their strength just by looking at them. But it was fine. His side’s strength wouldn't fall behind anyone’s in a fight. His gaze shifted back to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Well? Answer me.”
“We don’t belong to a grand organization like the Flying Dragon Guild. Why would we reveal ourselves in the middle of a struggle for a treasure map? I hope you understand.”
Jong-baek studied Geom Mu-geuk. Chu Yeon stepped forward and said dismissively, “He’s just a porter. You don’t need to pay him much mind.”
However, Jong-baek could tell that Chu Yeon was misjudging the man. The young man showed no signs of having trained in martial arts, yet he possessed a presence more commanding than anyone else there.
“Fine. I’ve heard you have the treasure map. Is that true?”
“The young lady has misunderstood,” Mu-geuk replied.
Chu Yeon interjected, “If you’re so confident, then let us search your luggage.”
“You’re welcome to search my person or my luggage, but you cannot search those two over there. There is only one person in this world permitted to do that.”
When Geom Mu-geuk refused, a heavy tension filled the air. It was then that a calm, elegant voice rang out.
“It’s been a long time, Elder Jong.”
The One Flower Sword Venerable slowly turned around to face them. Jong-baek finally saw her face. It was a face he had definitely seen before, but he couldn't quite place it. The voice, too, was familiar.
Who is she?
His survival instincts flared. He had to remember, and quickly. The One Flower Sword Venerable walked slowly toward Jong-baek.
“I’ve changed quite a bit, so I suppose I’m not easy to recognize.”
Then, Jong-baek’s eyes fell upon her scabbard. A red camellia, engraved as vividly as a splash of blood.
Jong-baek’s gaze snapped back to her face. Recognition struck him like a physical blow, and he recoiled in horror.
“You are—!”
He finally realized she was the One Flower Sword Venerable. As she said, she looked completely different from before. Back then, she had worn heavy makeup and flamboyant clothes. He had never imagined he would encounter the One Flower Sword Venerable in a place like this.
Before he could say another word, the One Flower Sword Venerable looked back at Geom Mu-geuk and said calmly, “I am currently traveling in the service of a most esteemed individual.”
Jong-baek trembled as if struck by lightning. For a Demon Lord to use the words "esteemed individual"...?
He looked at the One Flower Sword Venerable and spoke with forced calm.
“Our guild has committed a grave error. This old man will cut off his own arm to beg for your forgiveness. Please, accept it.”
Chu Yeon gasped in shock. The terrifyingly powerful Elder Jong was going to cut off his own arm without even fighting? The other martial artists were equally stunned. Jong-baek didn't hesitate. He drew his sword.
“I beg for your mercy.”
Swish!
Before anyone could stop him, he swung his sword down toward his own arm. Chu Yeon screamed.
Thud!
In the next instant, Jong-baek was more shocked than if his arm had actually been severed. Somehow, Geom Mu-geuk had reached him and grabbed his wrist. He hadn't perceived the young man’s movement for even a single second until his wrist was caught.
It had happened in a flash. If the man had aimed for his throat instead of his wrist, he would be dead.
...I am not even a match for a single move from him.
It was unbelievable. This wasn't just any master; this was the Young Cult Leader.
To the man frozen in shock, Geom Mu-geuk said with a smile, “Elder Jong, I have a use for that precious arm of yours.”