Chapter 81: Let’s Live a Different Life
Chapter 81: Let’s Live a Different Life
The Pungcheon Cult Leader did not look surprised to see Go Wol and me.
“May we join you?” I asked.
Despite clearly having waited for us, he couldn't resist a sharp retort. “Have you come to flaunt your new prize?”
“Weren’t you eating here specifically so I could brag?”
Go Wol and I took the seats across from him.
The Pungcheon Cult Leader stole a glance at Go Wol. He seemed unable to adjust to the sight of the man, who had filled out and looked much healthier after a few days of rest.
“It seems your new master is treating you well,” the Cult Leader remarked.
“I am eating well and sleeping well,” Go Wol replied simply.
“You probably don't realize he’s just fattening you up to slaughter you for a feast.”
“I’d prefer it to be a grand feast, then.”
I believed that time would eventually resolve the tension between these two. One day, the Pungcheon Cult Leader would think to himself: Why was I so obsessed back then? Looking back, it wasn't even that big of a deal.
Or perhaps this incident would remain an unhealable wound—a lifelong grudge. Even though I had lived a long life, I still couldn't be certain about the intricacies of other people's hearts, especially regarding things I hadn't personally experienced.
Regardless, I changed the subject before he could sink further into gloom.
“Did you meet with my father?”
“I did.”
“Did you tell him? That you intend to raise the new Soul-Seizing Demon Lord to be even stronger?”
“I did. Just as you said, he seemed quite pleased.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“He did. He asked how long Cheong-seon’s martial arts training would take. He seemed to be hinting that he wanted me to leave as soon as possible.”
“And how did you respond?”
“I told him I still have to find the sacred relic and that I have much left to teach her.”
“You did well.”
“What should I do now?”
“I will look for a way.”
“You’re not going to demand another sacred relic as payment, are you?”
“I’ll have to discuss that part with my strategist.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader’s expression instantly hardened. “Is that something you should be saying to me right now?”
I spoke to him calmly. “Cult Leader.”
“I’m listening.”
“You lost one person upon coming to our Cult, but didn't you gain another? If you spend your life looking backward like this, you’ll end up losing her too.”
His expression grew even more rigid, but he couldn't bring himself to get angry. Cheong-seon, now the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord, was not someone to be treated lightly.
“Miss Cho, whom you’ve taken as your disciple, is a woman of great ambition. Focus on her.”
Perhaps piqued by my advice, the Pungcheon Cult Leader took his frustration out on Go Wol.
“If this Second Young Master is the peerless hero you claim he is, countless people will flock to him in the future. Many will be far smarter than you. You’ll eventually be relegated to just another face in the crowd. Who was it again? Ah, that man in shackles! You’ll end up exactly like him.”
I could feel it. Those words weren't really directed at Go Wol; they were meant for me. It was a warning from the Pungcheon Cult Leader not to treat Go Wol that way. This man truly cared for him.
Then, Go Wol suddenly spoke up. “The Second Young Master gave me a million taels.”
I was inwardly shocked. I never expected him to brag about the money I gave him to the Pungcheon Cult Leader in a situation like this.
“You said the Second Young Master was putting on an act, didn't you?” Go Wol continued. “If one is going to play a part, it should be on this grand a scale.”
If I was surprised, the Pungcheon Cult Leader was naturally stunned. Of course, that shock quickly turned to fury.
“Save your advice for your precious new master!” the Pungcheon Cult Leader barked, kicking back his chair and storming out.
Knowing Go Wol wasn't the type to be so reckless, I asked him calmly, “Why did you do that?”
As expected, there was an intention behind his actions.
“As your strategist, I would like to make my first proposal.”
“What is it?”
Go Wol stared at me and said, “I want to recruit the Pungcheon Cult Leader.”
I was taken aback by the unexpected suggestion. “Are you saying we should bring the Pungcheon Cult Leader over to our side?”
Go Wol nodded. “Yes.”
“Is that even possible?”
“I cannot be certain, but there is a possibility.”
“Then why did you provoke him?”
“I have a plan.”
It seemed to be a preliminary move to draw him in.
“May I ask why you want to recruit him?”
After a brief pause, Go Wol spoke. His reason was something I hadn't considered.
“Because I want to save his life.”
“Will he die if he doesn't join hands with me?”
“Yes, that is what I anticipate.”
“And why do you think that?”
“Because of the Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
“Because of my father? Why?”
Since he was mentioning the Heavenly Demon, Go Wol lowered his voice.
“The difference in the caliber of the two leaders is too great. Your father possesses a talent for martial arts that ranks among the greatest of all Heavenly Demons. He is also a man of immense ambition. Eventually, the Pungcheon Cult will be swallowed by the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
I agreed with Go Wol’s assessment. If the Pungcheon Cult, now lacking Go Wol’s guidance, failed to find a proper new strategist, there was no telling what disaster might befall them.
“So, you want to save the Pungcheon Cult Leader?”
“Yes. If he becomes your man, he might be able to avoid that fate.”
Recruiting the Pungcheon Cult Leader? While it would certainly cause various problems, I felt it was a choice where the gains outweighed the losses. More than anything...
“It’s my strategist’s first proposal; I have to accept it. Fine, let’s bring the Pungcheon Cult Leader over to our side.”
“Thank you.” Go Wol bowed politely in a gesture of respect.
I intended to treat him as a proper strategist, just as my father treated Sama Myeong.
“Are you not worried that I might ruin it?” Go Wol asked.
“Ruin what?”
“You know that the Pungcheon Cult Leader and I are deeply entangled emotionally. If I handle him poorly, the Pungcheon Cult could become our enemy.”
“I suppose that could happen.”
“Then why did you give your permission?”
“Does ignoring a problem make it go away? I believe that hatred and resentment only grow when you don't face them. I’d rather you two hash it out and reach a conclusion. Whether he becomes our ally or our enemy, let’s settle it one way or another.”
Just like the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable. At my words, Go Wol’s expression brightened significantly.
I reached out my hand to him. “Let’s shake on it.”
As Go Wol took my hand, he said, “This hand feels firmer than any shackle.”
“Is it a hand that will shatter Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron? Or a hand that will act as a shackle to keep you bound?”
“Which one is it?”
“I think it’s both.”
“I like both.”
We gripped each other's hands firmly. Finally, I had a strategist.
* * *
The next day, I went to see the Pungcheon Cult Leader.
“This is a fine tea from the Central Plains,” I said, offering it.
Instead of a thank you, the Pungcheon Cult Leader let out a snort. “Did you come here to brag about giving your strategist a million taels? Must be nice to have so much money.”
“I simply came because I wanted to see you. And besides, don't you have a hundred times more money than I do?”
“A hundred times? More like a thousand.”
“Of course. I’m the type of person who looks before he leaps. Why would I brag about money in front of you?”
“Then why are you here?”
“I thought we could have a chat over some tea.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader gave me a suspicious look. It was a natural reaction, considering his victim complex toward me was piled higher than the sacred relics sitting behind him.
“Actually, I have a concern regarding Go Wol.”
“What concern?”
“You saw it yesterday, didn't you? How frivolously he bragged about money in front of you.”
“Are you saying you’re disappointed in him?”
I didn't say it outright, but I let a hint of disappointment show on my face. Of course, this was Go Wol’s idea. He had bragged about the money yesterday specifically to create this situation.
“I don't know Go Wol very well.”
“Then why did you show him such devotion?”
“I’ve been thinking about that, and...”
“And?”
“I wonder if he was perhaps meant to be a stepping stone to forge a connection between you and me.”
“Does he know? That you’re stabbing him in the back like this?”
“It’s not slander or betrayal. It’s just the plain truth.”
“So, what is it you’re trying to say?”
“I’m curious if Go Wol is someone who can be trusted.”
A look of displeasure crossed the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s face. “Listen here, Young Master Geom.”
“Yes.”
“I’m telling you nicely: leave for today.”
At his cold dismissal, I simply bowed and stood up. “Then I shall see you next time.”
Being kicked out like this was also part of Go Wol’s prediction.
* * *
The following day, Go Wol went to see the Pungcheon Cult Leader.
“You people! What kind of scheme is this?!” the Cult Leader roared. Even so, he seemed more pleased to see Go Wol than he had been when I visited.
“I’ve come as a guest, so please show some courtesy.”
“Bullshit.” The Pungcheon Cult Leader turned his back.
Go Wol walked over to the side table and prepared the tea himself. Since the Pungcheon Cult Leader rarely allowed servants into his quarters when they were alone, Go Wol was the one who usually made the tea.
“Are you trying to poison me?”
“What would I gain by poisoning you?”
“You could live happily with the Second Young Master in a world without me.”
“I need you alive so I can brag to you. Like I did with the money yesterday.”
“You crazy bastard.”
Go Wol brought the tea over. “Drink. Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve made tea for you with my own hands.”
Though he looked displeased, the Pungcheon Cult Leader blew on the tea and drank it.
“How is it?”
“It tastes terrible.”
“I’ll leave after this one cup.”
“Suit yourself.”
The two drank their tea in silence. Then, the Pungcheon Cult Leader spoke abruptly. “The Second Young Master doesn't fully trust you.”
Normally, he would never have told him. His honest feeling was that he wanted Go Wol to suffer a bit under me. But facing him in person, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
“Are you trying to drive a wedge between us?” Go Wol asked.
After he’d gone out of his way to warn him! The Pungcheon Cult Leader, about to snap, let out a snort. “Think whatever you want.”
Only then did Go Wol smile. “I’m touched. To think you’d tell me something like that.”
“I thought you said I was driving a wedge?”
“I know you aren't.”
“How?”
“Because it’s a tactic.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader was startled. “A tactic? What tactic?”
“A tactic to recruit you. The Second Young Master pretends to doubt me to drive me into a corner, and then he uses your soft heart to draw you over to our side.”
“What?” The Pungcheon Cult Leader sat dazed for a moment before raising his voice. “You think I’d fall for such a pathetic tactic?”
“If I were driven into a corner, would you just stand by and watch?”
“Of course! You’ve already left me, so why should I care?”
“Then why are you so worked up right now?”
“I’m not worked up! I’m not!”
But he clearly was.
“Then why are you telling me this?” the Cult Leader asked.
“Because I don't want to bring you over by deceiving you.”
“...!”
While the Pungcheon Cult Leader hesitated, unsure of what to say, Go Wol spoke again.
“Even telling you this is part of the tactic. A tactic to make you trust me even more.”
“What on earth are you talking about? You ghost of a man, you haunt me even after you’ve left! Shoo! Get out!”
“Now you sound like yourself, Cult Leader.”
“Shouting is like me? Are you mocking me? Fine! I’ll shout until my lungs burst, so mock me all you want!”
After a bout of shouting, the Pungcheon Cult Leader felt a sense of relief. “Why go to such lengths to take me with you?”
“Because I feel like you’ll be destroyed by the Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult if things continue as they are.” Go Wol was being honest with him from start to finish.
“I won't be! I’m going to find a new strategist as soon as I return.”
“I know exactly who within the Pungcheon Cult would take my place. They aren't up to the task.”
“I’ll find someone else then. Just like I found you.”
“Do you think such luck will strike twice?”
“Damn it! To hell with this! You arrogant brat!”
“I’ve shown all my cards,” Go Wol said. “Now it’s your turn to show yours.”
“...You already know my cards anyway.” The Pungcheon Cult Leader let out a long sigh. “The Second Young Master will strip me of everything I have.”
“Then make sure you get everything you want from him in return. If you lose one thing, gain another to fill the void.”
“I don't have the brains for that.”
“I will help you.”
“Go help yourself. Don't end up losing everything and getting shackled again. No matter how much people pretend to be kind or superior, they’re all the same in the end.”
“That’s exactly why. Since we’re all the same, let’s all mingle together.”
“Can I really trust you?”
“Are you nervous?”
“Wouldn't you be?”
At that moment, Go Wol’s expression shifted, and his tone suddenly became informal and blunt.
“Hey, Cult Leader.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked at him with a face that was both pleased and startled.
“Stop lying. You haven't felt nervous once in your entire life. Not even once, right? Because nothing has ever truly threatened you. You say you get nervous just thinking about advancing into the Central Plains? Don't lie. You’ve been singing that song forever, but you’ve never once thought about it seriously, have you? What it truly means, what the consequences would be. Honestly, it was just a chore to you, wasn't it?”
“...!”
He couldn't deny it. His grandfather, his father—it was their lifelong wish, so it had become his by default. He only wanted to advance into the Central Plains because he felt like a traitor to the Pungcheon Cult if he didn't.
“A life where you can kill a man with a single word, embrace any beauty you desire, and eat delicacies every day is nice. It’s the life everyone dreams of. But Cult Leader, you’ve lived that life to the fullest, haven't you? There’s no stimulation or happiness left in it for you. Old man, let’s try living a different life. A life that’s tense, thrilling, and makes your heart drop. Your martial arts are rusting away in the desert sands; you should show the world what a real bloodbath looks like. A life where, if luck isn't on your side, you might just drop dead. Fortunately, we at least have someone who would bring a flower to the other’s grave, don't we?”
Their gazes locked in the air. Finally, the Pungcheon Cult Leader spoke in a low voice.
“Call the Second Young Master.”