Chapter 738: Do You Know Whose Tomb It Is?
Chapter 738: Do You Know Whose Tomb It Is?
Jong-baek had heard all sorts of rumors regarding the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
That he was great, brilliant, and eccentric.
If he had to describe his impression of the man now that he was facing him in person, it would be one word:
Overwhelming.
It was to the point where he could barely breathe.
"Haa..."
When a suppressed breath finally escaped Jong-baek’s lips, Geom Mu-geuk released the wrist he had been holding.
He had snatched the arm mid-swing with lightning speed, yet there was no bruise or mark left behind. It was as if the wrist had never been grabbed in the first place.
This is the difference!
What distinguished a master who had reached the final realms of martial arts wasn't who could strike harder or destroy more. It wasn't about who could fly higher or move faster.
Jong-baek knew well that the true gap in skill was revealed through these small, subtle details.
Jong-baek’s gaze shifted from his own wrist to Geom Mu-geuk.
This man is the current Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
Jong-baek felt no malice in the soft gaze Geom Mu-geuk directed at him. That made it even more terrifying. His opponent was the Young Cult Leader, after all.
What could he possibly want? What if he demanded something more precious than an arm?
"What is it that you desire?"
On the other hand, Chu Yeon and the other martial artists watching the scene did not realize how incredible Geom Mu-geuk’s single move had been. They had been preoccupied with the sight of Jong-baek about to sever his own arm, so they simply assumed the porter had stepped in at the last second.
Normally, Chu Yeon would have stepped forward to snap at him.
How dare you lay a hand on him!
However, the atmosphere was inexplicable, and his intervention had saved Jong-baek’s arm.
She couldn't understand the situation. Since her childhood, Jong-baek had been an invincible master to her. There was nothing he couldn't resolve, and whenever the Flying Dragon Guild faced a crisis, he was always at the forefront.
But why? Who on earth is that porter?
Was Jong-baek really going to offer his arm and grant a favor to such a person?
Finally, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
"Since you have two arms, I have two requests."
Jong-baek flinched inwardly at those words.
I only intended to cut off one...
Of course, it was a joke on Geom Mu-geuk’s part; he simply had two things to ask. But because everyone was so tense and shocked, the only ones who let out even a faint chuckle were the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable.
"The first request is..."
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Chu Yeon. Jong-baek immediately understood the implication. She had treated the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult like a mere porter and ignored him; even if he killed her now, they would have no grounds for complaint.
Furthermore, since he mentioned meeting her in the cave three times, her rudeness must not have been a one-time occurrence.
"What are you doing? Apologize this instant!"
At Jong-baek’s thunderous shout, Chu Yeon prostrated herself on the spot.
"I failed to recognize your noble presence! I have committed a mortal sin!"
Chu Yeon had known Jong-baek since she was a child. He had doted on her and cherished her more than anyone. This was the first time she had ever seen him this angry.
Jong-baek made a polite plea to Geom Mu-geuk.
"It was a mistake made by an immature child. I beg you to show mercy."
He worried that the Young Cult Leader might demand Chu Yeon’s arm instead of his own. If the Young Cult Leader insisted on punishing her, Jong-baek was prepared to offer his own life to stop it. If he couldn't protect the girl he had watched grow up, he would have no face to show the Flying Dragon Guild Master.
Geom Mu-geuk walked over to Chu Yeon and helped her up.
"It is only natural that you didn't recognize me, as I never introduced myself."
Chu Yeon was dazed by his gentle treatment. She had expected a harsh rebuke for her ignorance.
"Do you remember? I said we should meet for a fourth time and stay alive."
"Yes, of course."
Geom Mu-geuk conveyed his point to the terrified woman.
"But it’s not the 'fourth' meeting that matters, but those 'four' over there."
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze shifted to the Ten Heroes of the Flying Dragon standing behind her. Out of the ten, only four had survived.
He was telling her that meeting him for a fourth time wasn't the issue; the fact that only four of her subordinates remained was the far more serious matter. He was implying that she shouldn't have let her greed for the treasure map blind her until her men were all dead.
Even now, the treasure map likely held more weight in her heart than the lives of her subordinates.
"If you don't understand the difference, you won't be alive to meet me a fifth time."
"Yes... I will keep that in mind."
Though she answered readily, Chu Yeon didn't truly understand what he meant. Why were those four so important?
Geom Mu-geuk looked back at Jong-baek.
"Do you understand what you should do with that arm now?"
He meant that instead of cutting the arm off, Jong-baek should use his hand to pick up a switch and properly discipline this reckless, arrogant girl.
Realizing Geom Mu-geuk’s intent, Jong-baek let out a long sigh.
"I have neglected the most important thing in our guild, using my busy life as an excuse."
He should have paid attention even if the Guild Master was busy. The problem was that he had spoiled her too much. Because she was always polite to him, he had assumed she behaved that way with everyone.
"I will educate her properly."
Chu Yeon, who was standing with her head bowed, was in for a very difficult life ahead.
For the sake of your own life, endure it and work hard, you spoiled young miss.
Geom Mu-geuk turned back to Jong-baek. Jong-baek grew tense. Now would be the real demand. He expected Mu-geuk to demand something massive in exchange for forgiving Chu Yeon.
However, the second request was also entirely unexpected.
"Persuade the Flying Dragon Guild Master not to get involved in this matter any further. At the very least, you must not cross paths with me again regarding the treasure map."
Geom Mu-geuk spoke firmly on purpose. For the sake of the Flying Dragon Guild, they had to stay out of this.
Jong-baek did not hesitate to answer.
"I will keep that in mind. This old man will take responsibility and follow your words."
"Thank you, Elder Jong."
Jong-baek asked cautiously.
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Yes. After all, you only have two arms, don't you?"
Even without being told, it was obvious the Flying Dragon Guild had to withdraw. Having become entangled with the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult like this, how could they possibly continue to pursue the treasure map?
Seeing Geom Mu-geuk bow politely, Jong-baek finally realized that both requests had been made for the sake of the Flying Dragon Guild. He was a man who didn't need to go to such lengths.
The Young Cult Leader alone could annihilate our entire guild.
He was someone who could have beaten Chu Yeon half to death and threatened to kill anyone who interfered again.
Jong-baek’s gaze shifted to the One Flower Sword Venerable standing nearby. The Sword Venerable had changed significantly since their last meeting. And that change wasn't just in his appearance.
He’s grown stronger! Incomparably so.
Jong-baek couldn't match him before, but now, even standing before him felt like a heavy burden.
Finally, Jong-baek looked at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who still had his back turned. The great blade on his back was wrapped in cloth. Though the man didn't look back, Jong-baek now knew who he was.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon!
If it were the Blood Heaven Blade Demon of the rumors, he would have already stepped forward and swept everything away.
The Demonic Cult has changed!
Jong-baek offered a silent fist salute to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon as well. It wasn't out of fear or blind submission. He was expressing sincere gratitude for the mercy shown by Geom Mu-geuk and the two Demon Lords.
"Thank you truly for showing mercy."
"Thank you for readily accepting my wishes."
Geom Mu-geuk also returned a polite fist salute, upholding Jong-baek’s dignity in front of his subordinates.
Jong-baek then departed with Chu Yeon and the survivors. Chu Yeon stole a glance at Geom Mu-geuk before lowering her head and leaving.
The day would come when she would grow older and look back on today. He only hoped she would live a life where today remained a shameful memory.
*
In the meantime, the lake, which had been reflecting the sunset, grew dark.
"Let's stay here for the night."
Geom Mu-geuk drove the carriage to a field near the lakeshore. After unhitching the horses to let them rest, he started a campfire.
The two Demon Lords went off together and caught something for dinner. Geom Mu-geuk prepared it with practiced skill and served an excellent meal.
Tae-su hadn't eaten the food offered before, but this time, he silently finished everything Geom Mu-geuk gave him. He now knew that these were not the kind of people to spike food with poison or truth serum.
After the meal, the two Demon Lords went for a walk along the lake, leaving only the two of them.
"That thing you refused to eat last time... it really was Stalactite Immortal Moss."
"I know."
The thought had crossed his mind while he was eating just now. If it’s these people, then that must have been real too.
"If I had said I’d eat it, would you really have given it to me?"
"I would have given you a bit of mine."
Instead of thinking, There's no way he would have given it to me, Tae-su found himself wondering, Would he really have?
Tae-su quickly scolded himself.
Give it to me? Something that precious? Don't get confused by this man.
"Why don't you ask? About who we are?"
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Tae-su stared into the flickering fire and replied.
"I'm not curious."
Actually, he was. He had been shocked to see an elder of the Flying Dragon Guild so terrified. At first, he had even suspected these people were from the Flying Dragon Guild themselves—that they were on the same side and acting out a play to scare him.
But he soon dismissed the idea. If they wanted to, they could have just tortured him; there was no reason to go through such a complicated charade.
"If I ask who you are, will you answer?"
"No."
Tae-su curled one side of his mouth as if he had expected that.
"Do you know why I can't tell you?"
"Why?"
"Your way of speaking has changed."
"!"
Now that he mentioned it, it was true. Before meeting Elder Jong of the Flying Dragon Guild, Tae-su had spoken with a certain level of casualness, but now he was addressing him with extreme politeness.
"I... didn't notice."
"It’s fine if you didn't notice that, but you should know this. If you find out I belong to a powerful and famous family, you'll give up on trying to steal my heart."
"Why do you think that?"
"Because you're the type who can't even bring yourself to say 'the scenery is beautiful' while standing next to me. You have an immense amount of pride."
Tae-su couldn't refute those words.
"Pride is important. But don't forget this: if your pride is too high, you will eventually be forced to surrender at the lowest point."
Those words stung his chest, likely because he knew he wasn't someone who could protect even that measly bit of pride until the end.
Staring quietly at the wavering campfire, Tae-su asked Geom Mu-geuk.
"A man like you could find out everything you want from me through threats or torture. Why are you giving me so many chances?"
An unexpected answer followed.
"I once owed a debt to a thief."
This man? Who on earth could he have owed a debt to? He doesn't seem like the type.
"Who was it?"
Tae-su knew the lineage of almost every significant thief in the Central Plains. If the man just gave a name, he would know who it was. But Geom Mu-geuk didn't tell him.
"Then answer me this. Why are you trying to repay it to me when I'm not even that person?"
Geom Mu-geuk flopped down onto his back and looked up at the stars in the night sky.
"I don't think I'll ever encounter a thief with such a deep connection again in my life. So just take it! Didn't I tell you? You used up all your lifetime's gambling luck by meeting me. You should get something out of it."
Tae-su looked at Geom Mu-geuk in silence, then back at the campfire, and then up at the night sky where small sparks were drifting. After being lost in thought for a long time, Tae-su suddenly brought up the past.
"Forty years ago, a single treasure map appeared in the world."
Geom Mu-geuk turned his head while lying down to look at him. Tae-su continued speaking from across the campfire.
"The Murim was thrown into an uproar by rumors that it was a map to a tomb filled with enough treasure to live as a wealthy man for generations. However, it wasn't revealed whose tomb it was."
"Just like now?"
"Yes, just like now."
As always, the history of the Murim was repeating itself.
"That tomb is the very Sword Tomb we are looking for. Back then, peerless masters entered it, and not a single one came out alive. Setting aside the treasures, if one could just obtain the weapons of those masters... or perhaps a martial arts manual... it would be worth risking one's life for."
Then, a fact that even Geom Mu-geuk didn't know spilled from Tae-su’s lips.
"Do you know whose tomb it actually is?"
When Geom Mu-geuk shook his head, Tae-su mentioned a name. It was a fact unknown to the world.
"It is the tomb of Ju Ga-sin, the First Sword of the Unorthodox Path."
Ju Ga-sin, the First Sword of the Unorthodox Path. He was a figure who had gained fame three hundred years ago as the Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance and the greatest master of the Unorthodox Faction.
"The Sword Tomb is his grave."
Geom Mu-geuk sat up.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Why did you tell me you were indebted to a thief?"
Silence fell as their gazes locked in the air for a moment. Tae-su had revealed the secret because he had made up his mind.
"I don't care who you are. Until we reach the Sword Tomb, I will steal your heart and survive. I will obtain not just my life, but the treasure I want from that place. I’m going to bet everything on you."
He would show his father. That he had survived by stealing the heart of a truly incredible person.
"The Sword Tomb is in Zhejiang Province."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable, who were returning from their walk, also heard his words.
"I will tell you the exact location once we arrive."
Knowing that Tae-su’s words were not a lie, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to the two Demon Lords.
"Starting tomorrow, we head to Zhejiang."
Now that the destination was set, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon felt a twinge of regret.
What’s the rush!
He could have taken his time telling them. They could have wandered a bit more, following wherever their feet led. Then again, who could keep a secret when caught by this man?
And who was this man, if not someone who could sense the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s regret?
"Since we have to give our friend here a chance, we'll take our time getting there!"