Chapter 92: The Terrifying Power of Words
Chapter 92: The Terrifying Power of Words
When I returned to my quarters after finishing my martial arts training, Go Wol was inside reading a book, while the Pungcheon Cult Leader stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the night sky.
His aura had changed significantly since our first meeting. He had grown calmer in a way that was hard to define, yet clearly palpable.
"When did you arrive?" I asked.
"I came to see that precious strategist of yours, so you needn't worry that I’ve been waiting long."
"And did you enjoy your time with him?"
"I only received a scolding."
"Oh dear. That won't do. How dare he scold a Cult Leader? I shall have to give that strategist a piece of my mind."
"Stop saying things you don't mean," the Cult Leader grumbled. "Those words of yours are even more irritating."
I gave a broad grin, and he returned a pleasant smile.
"I waited specifically to see you before I left," he added.
"Is something the matter?"
"The First Young Master came to see me. I waited because I wanted to tell you personally that I did not waver in the slightest."
"Ah, I am truly moved."
"Yes, you should be. You have no idea what wonderful conditions the First Young Master offered. I rejected them all."
"Thank you, Cult Leader."
I didn't bother asking what those conditions were.
"Well then, I’m off. I was told that one shouldn't linger at times like this. It supposedly halves the emotional impact."
"Yes, that’s true. It would have been perfect if you hadn't mentioned that part."
"Is that so?"
The Pungcheon Cult Leader laughed awkwardly. I shared a deep bond with this man, and I had a feeling our connection would only grow deeper in the future.
Snap!
With a flick of my fingers, the Pungcheon Cult Leader and I were suddenly standing in the middle of a lush green field.
The Cult Leader gasped in surprise. "You’ve perfected the Space-Time Displacement Technique!"
He looked around in awe. Tall, straight trees reached for the sky, grass swayed in the breeze, and a winding country road led toward distant mountains.
"It’s perfect."
"It is all thanks to you passing down such a magnificent martial art," I replied.
"In all the history of the Space-Time Displacement Technique, you are likely the first to master it so quickly. You have no idea how many years I spent training just to manifest this space..."
"I was simply lucky."
"Do not be humble. This is one matter where humility is truly unnecessary."
The Pungcheon Cult Leader showed how much he had grown through his recent trials. He reached out and firmly grasped my hand.
"Congratulations."
Faced with his sincere praise, I offered my own sincerity in return. "Thank you. At least within this space, you are my teacher."
"You really are..." The Pungcheon Cult Leader was momentarily speechless.
"Ah, and there is one thing I wish to ask."
"Speak."
"Is it possible to make time flow differently within the Space-Time Displacement than in reality? I mean, can it be made to flow slower than the time outside?"
The Pungcheon Cult Leader stared at me with wide eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.
"In the past, I would have surely said this: 'You rascal, does that even make sense?'"
"And now?"
"You rascal, does that even make sense!"
I laughed, and the Pungcheon Cult Leader laughed along with me before explaining.
"Actually, I’ve had such thoughts myself. I even researched it. However, it proved impossible. I only began to consider it years after I had perfected the space, yet you think of it the moment you master it."
It meant there were no existing secret methods passed down. To achieve this, I would have to research and ponder it again once my realm of martial arts had ascended further.
"I understand. Well then, I shall release the space."
"Wait, just a moment! Were you serious earlier? About considering me your teacher within this place?"
"I was."
"Then please open this space occasionally. When else in my life would I have the chance to act as your teacher?"
"Yes, I will do so."
Seeing the Cult Leader’s face brighten, I flicked my fingers again. Snap! We returned to reality.
"Then, please travel safely."
The Pungcheon Cult Leader, who had walked some distance away, suddenly turned back and shouted, "I’m with the Second Young Master until the end!"
I chuckled as I watched him hurry away into the darkness, looking embarrassed by his own outburst.
To think the Pungcheon Cult Leader had such a cute side. Then again, it was likely because he possessed such a heart that he was able to cast everything aside and leave.
*
The Demon Buddha was incensed.
He could understand Geom Mu-yang visiting the Blood Heaven Blade Demon earlier. After all, there were matters between them that needed to be resolved.
However, he could not tolerate the visit to the Pungcheon Cult Leader. Mu-yang had visited him despite clearly seeing the psychological warfare between the Demon Buddha and the Cult Leader.
"First Young Master."
"Yes, Elder."
"I heard you met with the Pungcheon Cult Leader?"
"Yes. I met him to try and bring him over to our side."
He answered so calmly that the Demon Buddha found it difficult to vent his anger. Furthermore, there was a clear justification.
"If we bring the Pungcheon Cult Leader in, wouldn't the Soul-Seizing Demon Lord naturally follow? That is why I met him."
"And what did the Pungcheon Cult Leader say?"
"He said he would think about it."
Geom Mu-yang said no more on the matter.
The Demon Buddha agonized over how to broach the subject and convey his feelings without offending Mu-yang. Eventually, he took a step back and started with an apology.
"It was my mistake to summon the Yunnan Twin Eccentrics."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I suppose I was short-sighted. I should not have involved such people in your affairs, Young Master."
"I am well aware that it stemmed from your concern for me."
"I am grateful you see it that way. As expected, you are broad-minded, Young Master."
"However, one thing must be set straight."
"What might that be?"
"You said you involved the Yunnan Twin Eccentrics in my affairs, but strictly speaking, it was your affair, not mine."
Geom Mu-yang drew a clear line. He was walking the path to becoming the successor. He did not want even a hair’s breadth of association with trash like the Yunnan Twin Eccentrics.
The Demon Buddha wondered if he really had to go that far, but he hid his reaction.
"Ah, I misspoke for a moment. You are right. The matter of the Yunnan Twin Eccentrics is entirely my own business."
"Of course, I know you summoned them for my sake. So, do not dwell on it too much."
Geom Mu-yang was the first to smile, and the Demon Buddha smiled with him.
Though the conversation ended with smiles, the Demon Buddha’s heart did not feel light. He felt there was a problem, and it bothered him even more because he couldn't tell if the issue lay with himself or with Geom Mu-yang.
As the Demon Buddha left Mu-yang’s quarters and returned to his own, someone was waiting for him.
To his surprise, it was Geom Mu-geuk.
"Second Young Master?"
"I was waiting to see you, Elder."
"Me? Why?"
The Demon Buddha was inwardly tense. Fearing an assassination attempt in this secluded spot, he secretly circulated his internal energy. However, the reason for Geom Mu-geuk’s visit was entirely unexpected.
"Would you care to go to the market and have a drink with me?"
"A drink with me? And at the market?"
On any other day, he would have refused instantly, fearing rumors of them conspiring. But today, the Demon Buddha was not his usual self.
"Very well. Why not?"
If Geom Mu-yang was going around meeting the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Pungcheon Cult Leader, then he could certainly meet Geom Mu-geuk. In fact, he hoped word of this would reach Mu-yang’s ears.
Second Young Master, you are a truly lucky man.
To think he would visit on a day like this.
"I believe this is the first time I’ve walked side-by-side with you, Elder," Mu-geuk remarked.
"Don't try to act close to me for no reason."
An ordinary person would have walked in silence out of embarrassment, but Geom Mu-geuk did not.
"I rarely get the chance to walk with you like this. If I don't act close now, when will I? Please understand if I act a bit overexcited today."
"I see you lured the Blade Demon in this same manner."
"Yes, that’s right. I knocked on his door incessantly."
"His door?"
"The door to his heart."
The Demon Buddha snorted, but then he suddenly wondered if Geom Mu-yang had ever knocked on his own door. He quickly regained his composure.
Second Young Master, no matter what you do, I am not some simpleton who will fall for your tricks just because you shake the tree.
The place they arrived at was the Pungryu Tavern in Ma Clan Village.
Even without an introduction from Geom Mu-geuk, Jo Chun-bae recognized the Demon Buddha at a glance. He did not panic. He had changed since hosting the Heavenly Demon as a guest. Even if the Murim Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader arrived together, he was confident he could serve them.
"Welcome, Pavilion Master."
"A precious guest has arrived, so I ask for your best service again today."
"Yes, I will serve you with all my heart."
Thus, Geom Mu-geuk and the Demon Buddha sat facing each other on the second floor.
"This is my regular spot," Mu-geuk said.
"I didn't ask. Why did you want to see me?"
"There are many reasons, but you wouldn't believe them anyway. If I were to give a believable reason, it’s a form of check."
"A check?"
"My brother has started meeting my people. So, I wanted to show him that I can meet his people as well. You are the first, Elder."
"Will meeting me change anything?"
"I know your loyalty to my brother is steadfast."
"What do you know?"
"Didn't you show it the day my brother returned? I felt your deep care for him then."
When Geom Mu-geuk tried to pour the wine, the Demon Buddha snatched the bottle and poured it himself.
"Don't speak as if you know me."
The Demon Buddha emptied his cup, and Geom Mu-geuk followed suit. Again, Mu-geuk tried to pour, but the Demon Buddha filled his own cup.
"My brother can be selfish, so there will be times when things are difficult for you. Please look after him and advise him well, Demon Lord."
"You are a truly hypocritical man. Did you think I would be moved by such words?"
"I didn't say it for that reason. I was badmouthing my brother behind his back. Calling him a selfish man."
The Demon Buddha praised Geom Mu-yang as if to show that such sowing of discord wouldn't work. "Your brother is a brilliant man."
"He lacks a bit of human touch, though."
"That is fine. A man destined for great things must not be swayed by private sentiments."
"He might even ignore you at times."
"That is fine. He is the one who will one day become the Heavenly Demon; what does it matter if he ignores me?"
"He might even break important promises."
"The words and actions of the Heavenly Demon are the law. What is important or not, what is a promise or not—all of that is decided by the Heavenly Demon."
"You are truly impregnable. I envy my brother for having you on his side. I shall drink this cup out of respect for you."
Geom Mu-geuk emptied his glass. The Demon Buddha curled one side of his mouth into a sneer.
"I admit the Second Young Master has a talent for handling people. However, you will not be able to win me over. I am a different man from the Blade Demon or the Pungcheon Cult Leader."
"I know. As I said before, I never intended to make you one of my people in the first place."
"Then why do this?"
"Because I wanted to know what kind of person you are. I was curious about the man guarding my brother’s side. And I have reached a conclusion."
"What is it?" The Demon Buddha was curious about how the Second Young Master would evaluate him.
"If my brother ever hurts your feelings, he will be the greatest fool in this Cult."
The Demon Buddha snorted and emptied his cup. Geom Mu-geuk tried to pour the wine again. This time, the Demon Buddha did not snatch the bottle away.
As he poured, Mu-geuk said, "Looking at you, Elder, I think of a 'Small Giant.' You are greater than anyone else."
The power of words is truly terrifying. Even though he knew it was blatant flattery, the Demon Buddha couldn't stop himself from feeling good. The expression "Small Giant" particularly pleased him. He had thought of himself that way before, but no one had ever called him that.
Lest his inner thoughts be discovered, the Demon Buddha glared at Geom Mu-geuk with an even more displeased expression.
Whether he noticed that feeling or not, Geom Mu-geuk threw out an unexpected remark. "Please take good care of my brother."
"Take care of the First Young Master? What do you mean by that?"
"I intend to end the cycle of siblings killing each other in the succession struggle with this generation. To do that, we must not treat each other emotionally, but my brother has strong pride and will find it difficult to control himself. Please help him from his side. If it is you, Elder, you will be able to stop him even if he runs wild."
The Demon Buddha, who had been glaring at Mu-geuk, spoke coldly.
"You know nothing about me. If the First Young Master runs wild, I will pour oil on the fire. Since one cannot become the successor with a small explosion, I will urge him to blow everything away. So, if you are looking for a way to survive through me, I suggest you stop dreaming."
The Demon Buddha stood up. Just as he was about to leave, he said one last thing.
"If you believe the successor can be chosen peacefully, you are either a fool or a madman."
"Seeing as all the elders who know me call me a madman, I suppose I must be a madman."
The Demon Buddha stared at Geom Mu-geuk and said firmly, "I despise madmen."
He then headed down to the first floor.
Geom Mu-geuk looked down at Jo Chun-bae, who was sitting at the counter. He was nodding off, even as the Demon Buddha passed right by him—one wondered how terrified he would be later. Then again, even if it weren't the Demon Buddha but his grandfather, one couldn't help but doze off when tired.
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze shifted from Jo Chun-bae to the outside of the tavern.
In the distance, a golden radiance was walking toward the horizon. The figure's height was half that of an ordinary person, but the shadow cast by the sunset was vast and long.