Chapter 82: Those Shackles from Back Then, That Cult Leader from Back Then.
Chapter 82: Those Shackles from Back Then, That Cult Leader from Back Then.
When I arrived at the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s residence, his first question was blunt.
“If I were to join hands with you, what would change?”
His directness felt more like sincerity than impatience. He was serious. I could tell Go Wol had nearly finished persuading him. It would have been nice to give him a confident, reassuring answer, but I told him the truth instead.
“Nothing will change.”
“Nothing?”
“Of course. What did you expect? I don’t have my father’s permission, so it’s not like I can open a Pungcheon Cult branch. It’s not like we’re going to announce our alliance to the world, either. It’s just a promise between us.”
“That’s it?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader looked bewildered. He glanced at Go Wol, his eyes screaming a question: What is this? Is this why you wanted me to go with him? Go Wol remained silent, waiting for me to continue.
“However, there is this: if I truly consider you one of my people and you fall into danger, I will set everything else aside and come running to save you.”
“I’ve never really been in a crisis. One doesn’t encounter life-threatening danger that often, does one?”
“That just means you’ve lived a smooth life until now.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader stole a glance at Go Wol. Much of that smooth life had likely been possible because Go Wol was by his side.
“On the other hand, if you join hands with me, you will fall into danger. People will say, ‘What? The Second Young Master and the Pungcheon Cult Leader have teamed up? Kill the Pungcheon Cult Leader first!’ There’s no guarantee such enemies won’t appear.”
“Then why on earth would I be crazy enough to join you?”
“Joining hands with you wasn’t my idea. To be honest, I find you quite burdensome.”
“Stop speaking in riddles. Speak plainly.”
“You’re aware that my father doesn’t think highly of you or the Pungcheon Cult, right?”
“Of course.”
“Even knowing that, I’ve interacted with you. And now, even Go Wol has become one of my people. Do you really think my father is unaware of this?”
“He likely knows.”
“It means I chose this relationship even at the risk of defying my father’s will. Of course, I was greedy for the sacred relic, but…”
I held out my left hand. The Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread was wrapped around my wrist.
“No matter how precious this scrap of fabric is, it’s not worth incurring my father’s wrath.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader couldn’t argue. He knew well enough that once one became the Heavenly Demon, they would possess everything they could ever desire.
“Then why all this fuss? Why do you two take turns coming here to shake my resolve?”
“I told you, it wasn’t my idea. It was Strategist Go’s.”
Go Wol sat with his eyes half-lidded, lost in thought.
“The idea of bringing you into my inner circle was entirely Strategist Go’s. So, I shall ask him myself.” I turned to Go Wol and asked seriously, “Why should I accept the Cult Leader as an ally, even if it means risking conflict with my father?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader waited for the answer with an expression even more curious than mine. After a moment, Go Wol spoke calmly.
“Forgive me, but this decision was not made for you, Young Master. It was for my former master.” Go Wol gazed at the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “I want to gift the Cult Leader a new life. I want to share that new life with him. Please, leave the position of Cult Leader to a successor and come with us.”
“You’re telling me to abandon my position?”
“Yes. I do not want the Pungcheon Cult. I want you, personally.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader’s eyes wavered.
In truth, he was not a man suited to leading a massive organization. His selfishness and greed weren’t the kind of deep-seated malice that could deceive everyone. This ruler of the Outer Regions, who had been content with the status quo, was now standing on a precarious tightrope—a rope stretched over a pit of countless spears and blades.
Yet, the man himself didn't realize just how dangerous his situation was.
Would he really abandon his seat as the Pungcheon Cult Leader and come to me just for the sake of a relationship with one person? Could such a bond truly exist in this world?
“If I’m gone, the Cult…”
“It will run even better. Don’t worry and just come.”
“Let me think! Just… please!”
At that moment, I told one of the Pungcheon Cult Leader’s subordinates outside to go to the Huangquan Pavilion and bring Seo Dae-ryong. Both the Cult Leader and Go Wol looked puzzled by my actions.
A short while later, Seo Dae-ryong arrived like the wind.
“Did you call for me?”
Having been summoned so suddenly to the Cult Leader’s residence, he was visibly tense. Skipping any playful greetings, I asked him a serious question.
“Where did you make the decision that recently changed your life?”
Given the heavy atmosphere, Seo Dae-ryong answered honestly.
“In a tavern.”
“How long did it take you to decide?”
“It probably took less than fifteen minutes.”
“Do you regret that decision?”
“No.”
“What if you hadn’t decided there that day?”
“I never would have been able to.”
“Tell us more about that moment.”
Seo Dae-ryong was someone who naturally hated the spotlight. However, he was also a clever man who knew exactly what to say once he was in it.
“In my experience, life-changing decisions happen in an instant. It was the same when I left home and when I joined the Huangquan Pavilion. I didn’t deliberate for long. I might spend days agonizing over buying a single outfit, but I changed my entire life in fifteen minutes. If I delay? I can’t decide. By the next day, I wake up as a different person.”
I looked at the Pungcheon Cult Leader. “What do you think?”
The Cult Leader looked at me with an incredulous expression. “You planned this, didn’t you? You two coordinated your stories before coming here? Did you practice all night?”
Then, Seo Dae-ryong added one last cautious remark.
“If I may be so bold as to say one thing to the Cult Leader… after meeting the Second Young Master, I’ve had similar experiences many times. Situations where it feels like everyone is playing a prank on me. While I’m wondering what this is or what that is, the situation is already over. While I’m being shuffled here and there, doing as I’m told, it’s over again. It’s the same right now. Me, giving an answer like this in front of the Pungcheon Cult Leader? Why? Even now, it feels like a big setup just to tease me.”
Seo Dae-ryong looked at me as if demanding an explanation.
“Right? You’re doing this to mess with me, aren’t you? I’ll have you know I was the top admittee to the Huangquan Pavilion. I can see right through this!”
I gave him a broad grin.
“As expected of my right-hand man! I like everything about you, from start to finish. A true right-hand man doesn't need a script. That’s why you’re the one.”
Seo Dae-ryong laughed along with me.
“Lately, there’s been a surge of people eyeing the position of right-hand man, so I’m glad I scored some points. Now that I’ve confirmed my right arm is still firmly attached, I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait a moment. This could be a historic occasion.”
“It’s not going to turn into a bloodbath, is it? I still haven't moved past the basics of martial arts training.”
“There might be a bloodbath raging inside the Cult Leader’s heart, though.”
Everyone’s eyes fixed on the Pungcheon Cult Leader.
“What? You really want me to decide right now? You want me to decide to give up the position of Pungcheon Cult Leader in fifteen minutes? Not just any position, but the leadership of the Pungcheon Cult?”
At that moment, Seo Dae-ryong gasped in shock. He had been explaining his philosophy with such gusto, but he hadn't dreamed that this was the decision the Cult Leader was facing.
“Good heavens! If it were me, I would have agonized over it for a hundred years. Don’t decide now!”
His honest outburst actually served as a provocation to the Cult Leader.
“Do you truly not regret it?”
“You will regret it, Cult Leader! Go back and think about it for a year! At least a hundred days!”
“Insolent brat! Just answer what you’re asked.”
“Yes, I don’t regret it. My lifespan might have shortened since meeting the Young Master, but I am very happy right now.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader stood up. He walked slowly, looking at the sacred relics displayed in the room. Then, for some reason, he began to strike the Sound Thunder Bell.
Dong—!
The deep resonance spread in all directions. As the sound faded, he struck it again. And again, and again.
He was deliberating as he listened to the bell. Was the evil ghost engraved on the Sound Thunder Bell offering him some kind of advice?
After the bell had tolled several times, the Pungcheon Cult Leader suddenly turned to me and asked, “If I go, will you give me the position of your right-hand man?”
Seo Dae-ryong was so shocked he covered his mouth with his hands. It wasn't because he was worried about his position, but because he was genuinely stunned that the Pungcheon Cult Leader was actually considering stepping down.
I went one step further with the man who was about to give up his entire cult.
“I can’t do that. My right-hand man is Investigator Seo here. You’ll have to get in line behind Commander Jang and fight for it.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes grew even wider as he shook his head desperately.
*
After Geom Mu-geuk and Seo Dae-ryong left the residence, only the Pungcheon Cult Leader and Go Wol remained. They sat side-by-side in front of the Sound Thunder Bell.
“What does the ghost say?”
“He says I’m a madman.”
“I agree. Are you really coming?”
“Are you the madman? You’ve been trying to persuade me all this time, and now you’re asking that?”
“I just didn't think you’d actually do it. I didn't expect you to tell the Second Young Master you’d go with him so resolutely and coolly.”
“I might change my mind tomorrow. Or the day after. Or next year. I’ve always been a bit indecisive, haven't I? Since things have turned out this way, let me ask you one thing.”
“Yes.”
“Why do you want to be with me? Is it just out of loyalty?”
Go Wol stared at the Sound Thunder Bell for a long time before speaking abruptly.
“I suppose I was afraid to go alone.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader was startled by the unexpected confession. Go Wol kept his gaze on the bell.
“I was afraid I’d go alone and do something stupid. I was scared that if I went to the Second Young Master, his people would look down on me. But I felt like if you were with me, I’d have strength. After all, haven't I always been the smartest person when I’m in front of you?”
Go Wol slowly turned to look at the Cult Leader.
“I’m the narrow-minded, selfish one. I’m the one making you step down from your position just for my sake.”
It was the first time since they met that Go Wol had bared his inner thoughts. Because of that, the Pungcheon Cult Leader didn't get angry. Instead, a smile played on his lips.
“I like that reason better than any other.”
“Why?”
“Because it means I’m going so that I can protect you.”
This time, Go Wol let out a short laugh.
“You can still think about it more. The Second Young Master is destined to stir up storms, so there’s no telling how our lives will be swept away. We might end up like those shackles from back then, or that cult leader from back then—cast aside in some corner. We might lose everything and end up selling medicine in the marketplace.”
“As long as we survive, that’s enough. And you said we’d sell that medicine together, didn't you? Then that’s fine.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader also revealed his true thoughts.
“Do you think I’m not selfish? Do you think I’d just go because you told me to? I’ve done my own thinking and finished my calculations. I’ll appoint a new leader and say I’m leaving to oversee the Cult’s expansion into the Central Plains. I won’t just step down; I’ll make it look like a sacrifice for the Cult’s grand ambition. That way, if I ever change my mind, I can come back. How long will it take to properly establish the Pungcheon Cult in the Central Plains? A long time, right? While the next Cult Leader is suffering in the sandstorms of the Outer Regions, I’ll be the one having all the fun in the Central Plains. The kind of fun that’s tense, thrilling, and heart-stopping.”
“You thought of all that in such a short time? You really are clever, Cult Leader.”
“You can be honest. You can say I’m selfish, too.”
“Cult Leader.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s make this work.”
“I’m nervous.”
“What does the Supreme Master of the Outer Regions have to be nervous about?”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader cracked an unexpected joke.
“I’m worried I won’t be able to become the right-hand man.”
“What?”
“When I get obsessed with something, I really commit, don’t I? I’m definitely going to take that spot.”
Looking at his eyes, it didn't seem like he was entirely joking. The two men laughed together, their hearts finally open.
“You said it yourself. That I’d be a pretty cool person if I laid down the mantle of Cult Leader. Let’s see if you were right. Ah, I suppose I won’t be seeing this Sound Thunder Bell anymore.”
The Pungcheon Cult Leader, who had been stroking the bell with affection, suddenly barked, “Shut up, you damn ghost!”
Perhaps the ghost had said something like this: I’m truly looking forward to the breathtaking battle for the right-hand man position against a mere investigator from the Huangquan Pavilion.